Gates at American Legion
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Defense Secretary Robert Gates honored America's service members who were killed or wounded in the mission to bring democracy to Iraq. (MORE INFORMATION)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Veterans Affairs Works to Reduce Claims Backlog
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki today told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee.
"We intend to break the back of the backlog this year," Shinseki said.
The average time taken to process claims in VA is about 160 days. But by the end of the year no claim will take longer than 125 days, Shinseki said. VA doesn't plan to stop once the claims are processed by that mark, he added.
"Our goal is not an average," Shinseki said. "It's not just going to be faster; also better and more accurate. There's nothing magical about 125 days, especially because when we get there, we'll be looking at another target."
VA received more than 1 million claims in 2009 for the first time in the department's 80-year history. Disability claims for VA increased 75 percent between 2000 and 2010. That's an average of nearly 100,000 new claims each month, with no signs of slowing down, the secretary said.
VA health care professionals expect to treat and provide care for more than 6.1 million veterans in 2011, Shinseki said, including nearly half-a-million Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.
In order to meet those veterans' needs, he said, VA hired more than 3,500 claims workers this year in the Veterans Benefits Administration. VA also invested more than $130 million toward establishing a paperless claims process, which, Shinseki said, will be ready in 2012.
More than $110 million this year, he added, was invested in tele-health technology, which includes technology for the virtual lifetime electronic records system. VA expects to spend $163 million on these programs next year, Shinseki said.
"We see this as the way to link [the Defense Department] and VA in a seamless transition as youngsters take off the uniform," he said.
Among VA's accomplishments this year, Shinseki noted improved care for veterans who suffer from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses. Three new diseases were determined to be connected to Agent Orange, while nine new diseases were included in the Gulf War illness group, he said.
Congress last year appropriated $13.4 billion to begin benefits payments for some 2,000 veterans expected to claim Agent Orange-related diseases.
"It was the right decision," Shinseki said, "and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans, our Vietnam [War] veterans, the care and benefits they've long deserved."
Also, the claims process is now easier for those affected by post-traumatic stress, Shinseki added. Veterans no longer have to provide documentation of the event that may have caused their stress, he said.
"This decision ends decades of focusing on documenting the stressor event," Shinseki said. "Instead, we're streamlining the delivery of medical care and benefits for veterans suffering from verifiable PTS from combat.
"This is not a generational issue," he continued. "This is not Iraq or Afghanistan; it is all who have served in combat."
VA boosted its staff of mental health providers by 20,000 since Obama took office, Shinseki said.
During his address, Shinseki also noted VA's work to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. Since 2004, VA has reduced the number of homeless veterans by 90,000. At least 107,000 veterans remain on the streets today.
Shinseki also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship. He highlighted VA's successes and improvements under President Barack Obama's administration.
Obama proposed $25 billion in budget increases for the VA since 2009. Such support "underscores the president's commitment to transforming VA and fixing persistent problems that have plagued this department for decades," Shinseki said.
The president proposed $125 billion for VA's fiscal 2011 budget, Shinseki said, which will focus primarily on the ending the claims backlog and homelessness.
"VA must be without hesitation an advocate for veterans," Shinseki said. "This is part of a culture change that's under way. We need to make permanent the gains of the past 19 months.
"There will always be unfinished work," he added. "That's the nature of the mission, but for all of us, it is to continue to establish priorities, fight for resources and take care of veterans. That's what we intend to do."
Related Sites:
http://www.va.gov/
AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES, FEMA URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
Families Should Visit Ready.gov to Learn Steps to Prepare for Hurricanes and Severe Weather
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.
State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."
Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.
The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.
FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.
FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.
FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.
FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.
The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.
FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Disaster Recovery Centers Close In Observance Of Labor Day
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Tue, 31
LAREDO, Texas -- FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
Mullen Meets With Eucom, Africom Leaders
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, Aug. 31, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met today with leaders of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, both of which have their headquarters here.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited with Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of Africom, and Army Lt. Gen. John D. Gardner, Eucom's deputy commander, and members of their respective staffs.
"One of my goals as chairman is to engage the [combatant commanders] not only when they're in Washington on my turf, but out on their turf," Mullen told reporters traveling with him en route to Germany.
Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, Eucom's commander, also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and was unavailable for today's meeting, though Mullen said he'd spoken with him by phone before leaving Washington.
Eucom's area of focus includes not only all of Europe, but also large portions of Asia, parts of the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is responsible for U.S. military relations with NATO and 51 countries.
In recent years, Eucom has expanded its partnerships with U.S. agencies outside of the Defense Department to bring subject-matter experts together and facilitate the exchange of information for "whole of government" international efforts in which military and nonmilitary agencies have what Eucom officials call "a coincidence of purpose."
Mullen noted he was a strong proponent for the creation of Africom, which stood up as a full-fledged unified command in October 2008. Previously, he said, Eucom had responsibility for U.S. military relations in Africa, but with Eucom's vast area and its commander also serving in a NATO role, it wasn't physically possible for Africa to receive an appropriate level of attention and engagement.
"[Africom] gives us a 24/7 engagement in that continent that we had very little of prior to that stand-up," the chairman said, "so I'm very pleased with the leadership and the progress in what we've been able to do in Africa over a relatively short period of time."
Africom was created as an "engagement command" to help African nations build their capabilities, Mullen said, but it has had to work to overcome suspicions that the United States created the command with designs on militarizing the continent.
"A great deal of that has been dissipated," Mullen said, noting that many countries that at first were suspicious and concerned have come to recognize the command's value.
Hurricane Earl Preps
Hurricane Earl Preps (click for details)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
As powerful Hurricane Earl barrels toward the East Coast of the U.S.,
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported today.
The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Haqqani network facilitator linked to the movement of fighters throughout Khost, Paktiya and Paktika provinces. The facilitator was captured Aug. 29 during an Afghan-led security force operation in Khost province.
Afghan and coalition forces targeted a remote series of compounds north of Ziarat-e Bad in Khost district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator and four of his associates.
The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
"The Haqqani network's violent and immoral tactics will be stopped," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, the director of ISAF's Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting and dismantling this terrorist organization."
In Aug. 30 news:
-- Afghan security forces and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Bastogne conducted a major air assault in the village of Omar, in the Monogai district of Kunar province. Since the operation began, Afghan and coalition forces have killed 19 insurgents and captured five others. Two of the detained insurgents, who were wounded in the operation, were treated and released into Afghan police custody along with one insurgent who was not wounded. Two other insurgents are receiving medical care at coalition bases. During the assault, the joint force discovered numerous insurgent fighting positions, weapons caches, and stockpiles of ammunition within the village. Local villagers in the area cooperated fully with the Afghan-led forces.
"This operation shows the true strength of the Afghan National Security Forces," said Lt. Col. Joseph A. Ryan, commander, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, that's part of TF Bastogne.
-- Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province, targeting a Taliban commander responsible for directing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The commander also coordinates the movement of supplies and fighters throughout the province. Intelligence tracked three Taliban insurgents to an open, unpopulated field in Zharay district. After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft engaged the insurgents. Officials believe the air strike killed two of the insurgents and wounded the other.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network subcommander in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for the facilitation of weapons and supplies for area fighters, along with some of his associates in Khost province. He also is believed to have coordinated and conducted IED attacks. Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound south of the village of Wardagano Kelay in Sabari district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander and additional insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Kandahar province, including a Taliban commander who coordinated weapons movements and IED and direct-fire attacks on Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Jelawur in Arghandab district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force detained the commander and three of his associates for further questioning. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained two insurgents in Kunduz province in their pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist linked to several insurgent groups in the area, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al-Qaida members. The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the areas. After questioning residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents in Ghazni province, including a Taliban subcommander who led an IED attack cell. The commander recently returned from Pakistan where he was training new recruits how to make IEDs. The security force targeted a series of compounds in the village of Nuri Kala in Andar district. Afghan soldiers used a loudspeaker to call for the commander and the rest of the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After an extensive search, the commander was found hiding in an oven, breathing through a tube. After initial questioning on the scene, the assault force identified and detained the subcommander along with several of his associates for further questioning. The security force also found automatic weapons, pistols and grenades along with IED components. The security force did not fire weapons and protected the women and children during the search.
-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol came under small-arms fire from multiple firing points, one of which was a mosque, in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province. Acting in self-defense, Afghan and coalition forces returned fire at the insurgents, causing them to flee the mosque. The combined force made all efforts to avoid damaging the mosque. Following the incident, the force determined a window frame in the mosque received minor damage. Afghan and coalition forces met with the mosque owner, who will be compensated by security forces for the minor damage to the window frame. The mosque owner told Afghan and coalition forces that he understood they had no other option but to return fire in self defense. The owner also said he will tell all others who use the mosque the truth of the incident at the next prayer session. During the assessment of the damage, the Afghan and security patrol continued to receive fire from several firing points. The security force plans to return to the area to conduct a local shura, or meeting, regarding the incident.
-- A district subgovernor was killed and four of his bodyguards were wounded when a vehicle-borne IED detonated outside of the governor's palace in the Jalalabad district of Nangarhar province. Sayeed Mohamed Paliwan, the subgovernor of La'l Por district, was killed as a result of the blast, according to official reports. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the deceased and wounded during this difficult time," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Garza, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, Headquarters ISAF Joint Command. "This killing of a government official is senseless." Afghan National Police and ISAF troops immediately responded to the scene. Initial reports indicate the IED was attached to the bottom of the subgovernor's vehicle.
"This is a flagrant act, particularly in the context of religion and in the context of the normal codes of conduct," Garza said. "I can assure the enemies of Afghanistan that we will pursue those responsible and we will continue to set the conditions to protect the Afghan people and provide a secure environment for sustainable [government of Afghanistan]-led peace."
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force
Afghanistan Operations
Afghanistan Operations
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
NATO reports twelve members of its International Security Assistance Force have been killed in Afghanistan in the last four days. More Info
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS ENDORSE PALADINO FOR NY GOVERNOR
(SYRACUSE, NY) - The campaign for Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today announced that the State Board of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which represents over 700 member-companies, has overwhelmingly endorsed Carl Paladino for Governor.
ABC leaders announced the endorsement standing with Paladino at the group's Syracuse headquarters Tuesday morning. The statewide organization has committed to helping the Paladino campaign get out the vote for the September 14th Republican primary. This is the first primary endorsement for governor in the history of the organization.
"In Carl Paladino we see a like-minded compatriot who respects our core values to encourage open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on merit. We are endorsing him for Governor of New York as he is the only candidate running who will work to promote free enterprise within the construction industry," said State Board Member and general contractor David Resetarits.
"With Carl's hands-on development experience, we know he will join us in our fight to stop Wicks Law requirements that have forced almost $9 billion in additional costs on New York taxpayers over the past 30 years and increases the possibility of corruption and racketeering in the construction industry," Resetarits said.
"The Associated Builders and Contractors endorsement is important to our campaign because they represent some of the most aggrieved businesses in New York," said Carl Paladino, a successful Buffalo developer and attorney. "As someone who has been constructing buildings across the state for the last 40 years, I know first hand how debilitating and disruptive State laws and regulations can be on business. I join ABC in support of real Wicks Law reform and in opposition to project labor agreements that prevent full and open competition."
ABC has 77 chapters nationwide representing 25,000 merit shop construction-related firms with two million employees. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the construction industry and its member firms work within the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in April. He and Tom Ognibene, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and canvassed to create a Tea Party-inspired line: the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit http://www.paladinoforthepeople.com.
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Delays to United States, 30-60 Minutes Lewiston Queenston Bridge
Information Week Magazine: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Information Week
FROM THE EDITOR: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Special Thanks to : Chris Murphy
What does the U.S. government need to fight the escalating cyberthreat? Here's a hint: The Departmental of Homeland Security and the Air Force recently got the OK to hire almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years.
It's people. The federal government's travails in recruiting and keeping cybersecurity talent is the cover story of this week's issue of InformationWeek Government. The feds are trying to figure out how best to define IT security roles and vet candidates. Writes J. Nicholas Hoover:
"Attracting experienced cybersecurity pros to government work is the bigger challenge, however. Hiring backlogs for cybersecurity pros are as long as a year at the Air Force District of Washington, an Air Force Unit based at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland."
Also in this week's issue, we explain why the government is trying to create an "identity ecosystem" for trusted interactions online, and how it thinks it can get the private sector to embrace it. Also John Foley writes about the disconnect between federal CIO Vivek Kundra's vision for IT transformation and the reality that drives most agency decisions.
This week, we also bring you InformationWeek SMB, a special issue looking at a strategy for disaster recovery that small businesses can afford. The key: integrated data protection that combines backup, replication, and other features.
Closing The Cybersecurity Gap In Government
In the face of unrelenting threats to systems and networks, federal agencies must find ways to attract qualified workers and develop new skills internally.
By J. Nicholas Hoover
InformationWeek
August 28, 2010 12:00 AM (From the August 30, 2010 issue)
Download the entire September 2010 issue of InformationWeek Government, distributed in an all-digital format (registration required).
Across the federal government, agencies are grappling with a shortage of cybersecurity pros who have the skills to protect their computers and networks from relentless, and increasingly dangerous, forms of attack. The Department of Homeland Security and the Air Force received authority to expedite the hiring of almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years, but fast-track hiring is a stopgap solution. The long-term answer requires new training programs and better ways of attracting and retaining employees with the sought-after skills.
More Government InsightsWhitepapersDeveloping an Information Security and Risk Management Strategy Top Reasons to Choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux Videos
In Microsoft Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010, users can do some fine-grained image editing, including recoloring and background removal. In PowerPoint, you can also edit videos, trimming the start & finish, applying affects, & applying file compressionAt a recent cybersecurity workforce conference at the National Institute for Standards and Technology's offices in Gaithersburg, Md., chief information security officers and other government IT managers identified a range of related issues: a confusing morass of certifications; HR processes that identify candidates based on buzzwords, not bona fide experience; drawn-out hiring and security-clearance processes; federal mandates that push unqualified people to the front of the hiring line; and competition with the private sector for job candidates.
Given the scope and urgency of the challenge, cybersecurity workforce development has become a key IT initiative of the Obama administration and, government officials say, one of the top priorities of White
House cybersecurity coordinator Howard Schmidt.
Increased efficiency through converged infrastructure and modular blade servers.
Close the Technology Gap in the Public Sector
Cybersecurity education and workforce development were addressed in the Bush administration's Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, and in April that work was folded into a broader effort called the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by NIST's Dr. Ernest McDuffie. Two elements of NICE deal explicitly with the federal cybersecurity ranks, one with workforce structure and the other with training and professional development.
"We've got a problem of where the next generation of engineers are going to come from," McDuffie says. "Awareness, education, workforce, and training all have to come together." NICE is still in the early going. McDuffie and team are identifying program goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
In fact, the problem is even more fundamental. The feds have long had difficulty describing the job of cybersecurity specialists, so the Office of Personnel Management, the government's HR department, is working to provide new guidance around cybersecurity job classifications, hiring, and performance management.
Much of OPM's work so far has been gathering information and developing draft policies. OPM and its auditors have found cybersecurity pros working in as many as 18 different federal job "series," or groups of formally defined jobs. They're mulling whether the cybersecurity workforce needs its own series to help define and track the cybersecurity workforce. OPM is also assessing whether hiring authorities and practices need to change, says Maureen Higgins, OPM's assistant director for agency support and technology assistance.
FROM THE EDITOR: The U.S. Needs To Close Its Skills Gap
Special Thanks to : Chris Murphy
What does the U.S. government need to fight the escalating cyberthreat? Here's a hint: The Departmental of Homeland Security and the Air Force recently got the OK to hire almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years.
It's people. The federal government's travails in recruiting and keeping cybersecurity talent is the cover story of this week's issue of InformationWeek Government. The feds are trying to figure out how best to define IT security roles and vet candidates. Writes J. Nicholas Hoover:
"Attracting experienced cybersecurity pros to government work is the bigger challenge, however. Hiring backlogs for cybersecurity pros are as long as a year at the Air Force District of Washington, an Air Force Unit based at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland."
Also in this week's issue, we explain why the government is trying to create an "identity ecosystem" for trusted interactions online, and how it thinks it can get the private sector to embrace it. Also John Foley writes about the disconnect between federal CIO Vivek Kundra's vision for IT transformation and the reality that drives most agency decisions.
This week, we also bring you InformationWeek SMB, a special issue looking at a strategy for disaster recovery that small businesses can afford. The key: integrated data protection that combines backup, replication, and other features.
Closing The Cybersecurity Gap In Government
In the face of unrelenting threats to systems and networks, federal agencies must find ways to attract qualified workers and develop new skills internally.
By J. Nicholas Hoover
InformationWeek
August 28, 2010 12:00 AM (From the August 30, 2010 issue)
Download the entire September 2010 issue of InformationWeek Government, distributed in an all-digital format (registration required).
Across the federal government, agencies are grappling with a shortage of cybersecurity pros who have the skills to protect their computers and networks from relentless, and increasingly dangerous, forms of attack. The Department of Homeland Security and the Air Force received authority to expedite the hiring of almost 1,700 cybersecurity pros over the next two years, but fast-track hiring is a stopgap solution. The long-term answer requires new training programs and better ways of attracting and retaining employees with the sought-after skills.
More Government InsightsWhitepapersDeveloping an Information Security and Risk Management Strategy Top Reasons to Choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux Videos
In Microsoft Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010, users can do some fine-grained image editing, including recoloring and background removal. In PowerPoint, you can also edit videos, trimming the start & finish, applying affects, & applying file compressionAt a recent cybersecurity workforce conference at the National Institute for Standards and Technology's offices in Gaithersburg, Md., chief information security officers and other government IT managers identified a range of related issues: a confusing morass of certifications; HR processes that identify candidates based on buzzwords, not bona fide experience; drawn-out hiring and security-clearance processes; federal mandates that push unqualified people to the front of the hiring line; and competition with the private sector for job candidates.
Given the scope and urgency of the challenge, cybersecurity workforce development has become a key IT initiative of the Obama administration and, government officials say, one of the top priorities of White
House cybersecurity coordinator Howard Schmidt.
Increased efficiency through converged infrastructure and modular blade servers.
Close the Technology Gap in the Public Sector
Cybersecurity education and workforce development were addressed in the Bush administration's Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, and in April that work was folded into a broader effort called the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by NIST's Dr. Ernest McDuffie. Two elements of NICE deal explicitly with the federal cybersecurity ranks, one with workforce structure and the other with training and professional development.
"We've got a problem of where the next generation of engineers are going to come from," McDuffie says. "Awareness, education, workforce, and training all have to come together." NICE is still in the early going. McDuffie and team are identifying program goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
In fact, the problem is even more fundamental. The feds have long had difficulty describing the job of cybersecurity specialists, so the Office of Personnel Management, the government's HR department, is working to provide new guidance around cybersecurity job classifications, hiring, and performance management.
Much of OPM's work so far has been gathering information and developing draft policies. OPM and its auditors have found cybersecurity pros working in as many as 18 different federal job "series," or groups of formally defined jobs. They're mulling whether the cybersecurity workforce needs its own series to help define and track the cybersecurity workforce. OPM is also assessing whether hiring authorities and practices need to change, says Maureen Higgins, OPM's assistant director for agency support and technology assistance.
Hurricane Earl Preps
The Puerto Rico Air National Guard is preparing to evacuate five of its six C-130 aircraft as Hurricane Earl moves closer to the island. More Info
Military Dogs for IEDs
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Marines turn to bomb-sniffing dogs to find improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. (More Info)
Marines turn to bomb-sniffing dogs to find improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. (More Info)
FEMA Publications Help Nebraskans Plan Ahead For Emergencies
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
LINCOLN, Neb. -- September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a comprehensive selection of free publications that provide simple and effective steps individuals, homeowners and businesses can take to better prepare when disaster strikes. (more info)
LINCOLN, Neb. -- September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a comprehensive selection of free publications that provide simple and effective steps individuals, homeowners and businesses can take to better prepare when disaster strikes. (more info)
Biden Visits Iraq to Mark Operation New Dawn
Biden Visits Iraq to Mark Operation New Dawn
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - While President Barack Obama travels today to Fort Bliss, Texas, and later gives an Oval Office address marking the end of combat operations in Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq meeting with U.S. and Iraqi leaders about the new U.S. mission there.
While offering reassurance to the Iraqis as Operation New Dawn begins tomorrow that the United States remains a vigilant partner, Biden also is expected to encourage Iraq's political leaders to move forward in forming the central government considered critical to the country's long-term success.
Biden arrived in Baghdad yesterday, meeting with Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq; Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who will replace him following tomorrow's change of command ceremony; and Army Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command.
The vice president also met with Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, the former ambassador to Turkey who assumed the top diplomatic post in Iraq earlier this month.
Today, Biden is slated to meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other political leaders.
Biden will give them a preview of the speech Obama will deliver tonight from the White House, reinforcing that the United States is "making good on our commitment to end the war in Iraq responsibly and to help build a stable, self-reliant and sovereign Iraq," Antony Blinken, the vice president's national security advisor, said during a news conference yesterday at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
The vice president also will underscore the United States' commitment to an ongoing relationship with Iraq, Blinken said.
"We're not disengaging from Iraq," he said. "The nature of our engagement is changing with this change in mission from a military lead to a civilian lead."
With just under 50,000 U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq, the United States is ramping up its engagement on the diplomatic, political, economic and cultural fronts, Blinken said.
"We are determined to build a long-term partnership with the government of Iraq and with the Iraqi people," he said, emphasizing the need for Iraq to take the steps needed to form its government. "To build a partnership, you need a partner," he added.
Iraq's slowness in putting the government in place wasn't unexpected, Blinken said, particularly in light of the close election results. But he emphasized the risk of "a really dangerous vacuum developing" if the current political stalemate doesn't end soon.
"We sense some frustration among Iraqis that this process is now taking a considerable amount of time," Blinken said.
And without an elected government in place, Iraq will have difficulty dealing with the broader political, economic and security issues confronting the country, Blinken said.
"All of these big, outstanding issues require the elected government," he said.
Blinken emphasized that the United States recognizes that the Iraqis are responsible for the makeup of their government.
"This is up to the Iraqi people," he said. "It's not our decision, but we would hope that the government that results will include in its leadership positions parties and coalitions that are interested in building a long-term partnership with the United States."
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - While President Barack Obama travels today to Fort Bliss, Texas, and later gives an Oval Office address marking the end of combat operations in Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq meeting with U.S. and Iraqi leaders about the new U.S. mission there.
While offering reassurance to the Iraqis as Operation New Dawn begins tomorrow that the United States remains a vigilant partner, Biden also is expected to encourage Iraq's political leaders to move forward in forming the central government considered critical to the country's long-term success.
Biden arrived in Baghdad yesterday, meeting with Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq; Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who will replace him following tomorrow's change of command ceremony; and Army Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command.
The vice president also met with Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, the former ambassador to Turkey who assumed the top diplomatic post in Iraq earlier this month.
Today, Biden is slated to meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other political leaders.
Biden will give them a preview of the speech Obama will deliver tonight from the White House, reinforcing that the United States is "making good on our commitment to end the war in Iraq responsibly and to help build a stable, self-reliant and sovereign Iraq," Antony Blinken, the vice president's national security advisor, said during a news conference yesterday at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
The vice president also will underscore the United States' commitment to an ongoing relationship with Iraq, Blinken said.
"We're not disengaging from Iraq," he said. "The nature of our engagement is changing with this change in mission from a military lead to a civilian lead."
With just under 50,000 U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq, the United States is ramping up its engagement on the diplomatic, political, economic and cultural fronts, Blinken said.
"We are determined to build a long-term partnership with the government of Iraq and with the Iraqi people," he said, emphasizing the need for Iraq to take the steps needed to form its government. "To build a partnership, you need a partner," he added.
Iraq's slowness in putting the government in place wasn't unexpected, Blinken said, particularly in light of the close election results. But he emphasized the risk of "a really dangerous vacuum developing" if the current political stalemate doesn't end soon.
"We sense some frustration among Iraqis that this process is now taking a considerable amount of time," Blinken said.
And without an elected government in place, Iraq will have difficulty dealing with the broader political, economic and security issues confronting the country, Blinken said.
"All of these big, outstanding issues require the elected government," he said.
Blinken emphasized that the United States recognizes that the Iraqis are responsible for the makeup of their government.
"This is up to the Iraqi people," he said. "It's not our decision, but we would hope that the government that results will include in its leadership positions parties and coalitions that are interested in building a long-term partnership with the United States."
Social Media Shapes Markets, the Military and Life
By Tom Budzyna, Director of Public Affairs
USAG Schinnen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Department of Defense and all of its components maintain thousands of Facebook pages according to the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs' registry maintained on www.Defense.gov.
So to think that the Department of Defense is timid about the use of social media -- think again.
Facebook boasts more than 500 million users and may reach 700 million within the next year. Like Google, Facebook can be thought of as one of the world's largest countries, according to a July 22, 2010, social media article in the Economist magazine entitled "The Future Is Another Country."
Public relations firm Burson-Marsteller studied the largest 100 Fortune 500 companies and found that 79 percent of them use Facebook, Twitter or YouTube; and many of them have more than four Twitter accounts.
Social media is impacting new marketing approaches. There are online shopping communities where the number of participants can drive down the price of a desirable product. If the online shopping community is big enough to meet the seller's goal, bargain. If not, no sale.
The times may always have been 'a-changing', but they just seem to change faster these days. David Armano, vice president of Critical Mass, a marketing company, said in 2009 that the one thing your company will do in 2010 is have a social media policy and actually enforce it.
And in 2010 the Department of Defense did just that.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III issued a directive-type memorandum on the "Responsible and Effective Use of Internet Capabilities" on Feb. 25, 2010, and within months servicemembers discovered they had access to social media on their computers at work.
Thinking back to the introduction of email in the workplace in the late 1980's, applications like Facebook are steering computer users away from the email inbox and into exclusive online (and mobile) virtual communities where the first stop is not just email, but much more.
Social media emerged in 1997 and is more than just marketing buzz today. It's proving to be a transformation technology that is changing business practices, markets and our entire information environment.
The Department of Defense's new policy explains that if your organization has a Facebook page, then it's referred to as an 'official external presence' and must be registered with the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs on a list maintained on www.Defense.gov (linked under 'social media'). A military organization's presence on social media pages must use official logos, official website links and adhere to a list of directives and regulations.
Being registered enables users, be they soldiers, family members or the public media, to confirm that a site is an official and a reliable source of information. Recognition on the DoD Social Media registry, like USAG Schinnen's Facebook page for example, confirms that it's operating under guidance from their commanders, officers-in-charge or service component and that the information posted complies with DoD policy, existing regulations and official public affairs guidance.
Most of the regulations are not new, but what is new is how the Department of Defense is ensuring that their presence in social media is deliberate, coherent and on target.
Even the Army's Installation Management Command, who oversees Army communities worldwide makes, it clear in their terms of reference that public affairs offices are responsible for telling the Army and IMCOM story "through all communication venues inclusive of press releases, internet, newspapers, and social media."
It's important to heed the rules and the DoD isn't the only organization that monitors its official external presence. Former Home Depot operations manager Mark Pannell learned the hard way about speaking on behalf of his company without approval according to a case study reported in Fortune magazine's August 16, 2010, issue.
Pannell had over 700 Twitter followers and 35 years with Home Depot when his good intentions were not welcomed by Home Depot's management despite the approval by Pannell's immediate boss. Pannell now works part-time at a coffee shop.
To avoid an unwanted trip to a coffee shop, be sure your organization's official external presence is in synch with your public affairs office and the organizations web policy. If an individual thinks it's cool to start a Facebook page for their section and fail to obtain their chain of command's approval, well that's not good - plain and simple.
Social media has raised privacy concerns and social media platforms like Facebook have capabilities that enable users to protect privacy, on-line discussions and messages. It behooves users to learn these features so they can worry less about privacy and focus on communicating. According to one user, simply signing up to use social media services is an effective way to protect your privacy.
"One way to protect against identity theft is to sign up and register your Facebook page (or other popular social media account) before someone else does. Own your space," said Steve Dalby, an Army Europe Information Technology training specialist who teaches a Social Networking Systems and Site Awareness course.
Even though the new DoD social media policy does not require organizations to use social media, it has an entire hub dedicated to social media. The U.S. Army alone has hundreds of official Facebook pages registered. Thousands more comprise the collection of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines pages, mostly Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages that are listed on the online registry.
Social media is so pervasive now that the DoD are marching to this new drum to make sure its voice is heard. USAG Schinnen's Facebook and Twitter page are open for business and is posted on the DoD registry. Just google "USAG Schinnen, Facebook" or "USAG Schinnen, Twitter" to find them and become a 'fan' or to 'follow' them. JFC Brunssum's Community Activity Section is also on Facebook.
In a June 11, 2009, Government Computer News story, Stephen Bullock, the strategic communication director for 7th Signal Command, which oversees brigades across Europe that control government computer networks, said that allowing access to Internet capabilities like Facebook on government computers was an effort to address inconsistent and often arbitrary decisions that had been made from base to base.
"We gave guidance that made a consistent set of web filtering standards, resulting in better service for our users," Bullock said.
Now, at one's own discretion, social media sites are accessible at home or work, prompting consideration of how to manage an individual's "brand" while safeguarding privacy. To make your online experience secure and enjoyable, Dalby offered these best practices in the social networking site awareness class:
• Physical security is important. Safeguard your mobile phone, secure your computer when it's not in use, lock the computer and the door when you leave and don't keep lists of your passwords lying around.
• Keep online conversations light, unclassified and clean.
• If you don't recognize who wants to be part of your network, simply don't let them in.
• Learn and use the privacy features of your social media service.
• Social media applications can enable conversations to be private. They also don't stop you from using another means to converse. Public Internet access points may not be private or secure. Private, real life conversations are alive, well and often the safest option.
• The principle of "need to know" applies to military conversations just as much as it does to private conversations. Instead of posting comments on a friend's Facebook page, maybe a private message is better idea.
• If you need help learning how to use social media, ask a friend. That's what being social is about.
USAG Schinnen
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010 - The Department of Defense and all of its components maintain thousands of Facebook pages according to the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs' registry maintained on www.Defense.gov.
So to think that the Department of Defense is timid about the use of social media -- think again.
Facebook boasts more than 500 million users and may reach 700 million within the next year. Like Google, Facebook can be thought of as one of the world's largest countries, according to a July 22, 2010, social media article in the Economist magazine entitled "The Future Is Another Country."
Public relations firm Burson-Marsteller studied the largest 100 Fortune 500 companies and found that 79 percent of them use Facebook, Twitter or YouTube; and many of them have more than four Twitter accounts.
Social media is impacting new marketing approaches. There are online shopping communities where the number of participants can drive down the price of a desirable product. If the online shopping community is big enough to meet the seller's goal, bargain. If not, no sale.
The times may always have been 'a-changing', but they just seem to change faster these days. David Armano, vice president of Critical Mass, a marketing company, said in 2009 that the one thing your company will do in 2010 is have a social media policy and actually enforce it.
And in 2010 the Department of Defense did just that.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III issued a directive-type memorandum on the "Responsible and Effective Use of Internet Capabilities" on Feb. 25, 2010, and within months servicemembers discovered they had access to social media on their computers at work.
Thinking back to the introduction of email in the workplace in the late 1980's, applications like Facebook are steering computer users away from the email inbox and into exclusive online (and mobile) virtual communities where the first stop is not just email, but much more.
Social media emerged in 1997 and is more than just marketing buzz today. It's proving to be a transformation technology that is changing business practices, markets and our entire information environment.
The Department of Defense's new policy explains that if your organization has a Facebook page, then it's referred to as an 'official external presence' and must be registered with the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs on a list maintained on www.Defense.gov (linked under 'social media'). A military organization's presence on social media pages must use official logos, official website links and adhere to a list of directives and regulations.
Being registered enables users, be they soldiers, family members or the public media, to confirm that a site is an official and a reliable source of information. Recognition on the DoD Social Media registry, like USAG Schinnen's Facebook page for example, confirms that it's operating under guidance from their commanders, officers-in-charge or service component and that the information posted complies with DoD policy, existing regulations and official public affairs guidance.
Most of the regulations are not new, but what is new is how the Department of Defense is ensuring that their presence in social media is deliberate, coherent and on target.
Even the Army's Installation Management Command, who oversees Army communities worldwide makes, it clear in their terms of reference that public affairs offices are responsible for telling the Army and IMCOM story "through all communication venues inclusive of press releases, internet, newspapers, and social media."
It's important to heed the rules and the DoD isn't the only organization that monitors its official external presence. Former Home Depot operations manager Mark Pannell learned the hard way about speaking on behalf of his company without approval according to a case study reported in Fortune magazine's August 16, 2010, issue.
Pannell had over 700 Twitter followers and 35 years with Home Depot when his good intentions were not welcomed by Home Depot's management despite the approval by Pannell's immediate boss. Pannell now works part-time at a coffee shop.
To avoid an unwanted trip to a coffee shop, be sure your organization's official external presence is in synch with your public affairs office and the organizations web policy. If an individual thinks it's cool to start a Facebook page for their section and fail to obtain their chain of command's approval, well that's not good - plain and simple.
Social media has raised privacy concerns and social media platforms like Facebook have capabilities that enable users to protect privacy, on-line discussions and messages. It behooves users to learn these features so they can worry less about privacy and focus on communicating. According to one user, simply signing up to use social media services is an effective way to protect your privacy.
"One way to protect against identity theft is to sign up and register your Facebook page (or other popular social media account) before someone else does. Own your space," said Steve Dalby, an Army Europe Information Technology training specialist who teaches a Social Networking Systems and Site Awareness course.
Even though the new DoD social media policy does not require organizations to use social media, it has an entire hub dedicated to social media. The U.S. Army alone has hundreds of official Facebook pages registered. Thousands more comprise the collection of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines pages, mostly Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages that are listed on the online registry.
Social media is so pervasive now that the DoD are marching to this new drum to make sure its voice is heard. USAG Schinnen's Facebook and Twitter page are open for business and is posted on the DoD registry. Just google "USAG Schinnen, Facebook" or "USAG Schinnen, Twitter" to find them and become a 'fan' or to 'follow' them. JFC Brunssum's Community Activity Section is also on Facebook.
In a June 11, 2009, Government Computer News story, Stephen Bullock, the strategic communication director for 7th Signal Command, which oversees brigades across Europe that control government computer networks, said that allowing access to Internet capabilities like Facebook on government computers was an effort to address inconsistent and often arbitrary decisions that had been made from base to base.
"We gave guidance that made a consistent set of web filtering standards, resulting in better service for our users," Bullock said.
Now, at one's own discretion, social media sites are accessible at home or work, prompting consideration of how to manage an individual's "brand" while safeguarding privacy. To make your online experience secure and enjoyable, Dalby offered these best practices in the social networking site awareness class:
• Physical security is important. Safeguard your mobile phone, secure your computer when it's not in use, lock the computer and the door when you leave and don't keep lists of your passwords lying around.
• Keep online conversations light, unclassified and clean.
• If you don't recognize who wants to be part of your network, simply don't let them in.
• Learn and use the privacy features of your social media service.
• Social media applications can enable conversations to be private. They also don't stop you from using another means to converse. Public Internet access points may not be private or secure. Private, real life conversations are alive, well and often the safest option.
• The principle of "need to know" applies to military conversations just as much as it does to private conversations. Instead of posting comments on a friend's Facebook page, maybe a private message is better idea.
• If you need help learning how to use social media, ask a friend. That's what being social is about.
Gen. Petraeus on NATO TV
Gen. Petraeus on NATO TV
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
General David Petraeus talks about mission success in Afghanistan being vital to preventing trans-national extremism.
(More Information)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
General David Petraeus talks about mission success in Afghanistan being vital to preventing trans-national extremism.
(More Information)
CA Guard to the Border
CA Guard to the Border
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Hundreds of National Guard troops are now positioned along the San Diego sector of the U.S.-Mexico border. (More Information)
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Hundreds of National Guard troops are now positioned along the San Diego sector of the U.S.-Mexico border. (More Information)
Monday, August 30, 2010
President Barack Obama is urging U.S. communities and businesses across the nation to support veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jobs for Vets
Mon, 30 Aug 2010
President Barack Obama is urging U.S. communities and businesses across the nation to support veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Mon, 30 Aug 2010
President Barack Obama is urging U.S. communities and businesses across the nation to support veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen was in Cleveland Friday, the final stop in his three-day trip to the Midwest.
Travels with Mullen (click for details)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen was in Cleveland Friday, the final stop in his three-day trip to the Midwest.
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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen was in Cleveland Friday, the final stop in his three-day trip to the Midwest.
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Virtual High School Opens 'Doors' to Learning
Virtual High School Opens 'Doors' to Learning (more info click link)
Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:00 -05
Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:00 -05
By Elaine WilsonAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2010 - The Defense Department's newest high school is devoid of walls or windows, but yet has opened its "doors" this year to students scattered around the globe. The Department of Defense Education Activity's virtual high school is an accredited distance-learning program for military students, whether they're geographically separated, transitioning between schools or just dealing with a scheduling conflict. "It's a wonderful opportunity to close gaps and enhance students' educational experience in a 21st century environment," Marilee Fitzgerald, the activity's acting director, said. "I think it opens up possibilities for learning that we have yet to understand, yet to explore." The virtual school offers students 48 online courses in a wide range of disciplinary areas, including foreign language, math, science, social studies, language arts and physical education, as well as 15 advanced placement courses. The school also is equipped to offer English as a second language and special education, Patricia Riley, chief of the activity's distance learning and virtual school, said. The school primarily is designed for students eligible to attend a Defense Department school but are living in remote locations, Riley said, noting that students from as far away as Australia and Papua New Guinea already have enrolled. Most attend local schools but need courses such as U.S. history to graduate, she explained, and the virtual high school can help to fill this gap. Next up on the priority list are students currently attending Defense Department schools, Riley said. Students are asked to seek traditional in-school classes first, but can request online access when there's a scheduling conflict or if a required course isn't offered in the school. The virtual school also is useful, for instance, for students transitioning from overseas to stateside, or from a Defense Department to public school, who need to ensure they meet the requirements for their new school, she added. "This school is particularly important for military dependent students, who do move more often," Riley said, noting she's talked to parents whose children have attended up to four different schools during their high school careers. "The flexibility of scheduling is critical and speaks to the transition needs of students in military families," Riley said. Education activity officials are "well aware of the curriculum needs and planning that needs to take place to help students meet academic goals." The courses are self-paced, but students still receive support every step of the way. Teachers are located in three hubs -- Wiesbaden, Germany; Camp Humphries, South Korea; and Arlington, Va. – and offer real-time online support to students scattered worldwide in a range of time zones, Riley said. "We strategically placed them in different parts of the world to be closer to where students are," she explained. This live support enables Web conferencing, peer-to-peer data sharing and question-and-answer sessions with teachers. "They're also there to simulate the true classroom experience of a face-to-face environment," Riley said. The school has a model of 20 to 25 teachers per 1,000 students, but is far from full capacity, Riley said. Additionally, the school has a "virtual counselor" who works in concert with counselors at local schools. The counselor can help students identify possible voids and fill those requirements with virtual classes, she added. As for the road ahead, Riley said plans are in the works to make the virtual school diploma-granting, which would require the school to offer all of the courses needed to meet graduation requirements. The virtual high school currently operates as a supplemental school, she explained, meaning it's intended to fill in the gaps rather than replace the activity's brick-and-mortar schools. "The majority of students only need supplemental courses," Riley said. "However, we also want to accommodate those students who are in isolated situations and might need the ability to acquire a diploma from a distance." Officials also hope to create virtual elementary and middle schools down the road, Riley said. "But this high school is a great starting point and increases education opportunities for our students." Fitzgerald called the virtual high school a "great step forward." "It's an important contribution to the way we educate children in the 21st century DoDEA," she said. |
| Biographies: Marilee Fitzgerald Related Sites: Virtual School Program |
Toronto, Ontario Lake Street Car Fire
[GENEVA ST - LAKE ST] - Vehicle fire, 1 right lane and right shoulder
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Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Iraq to mark the end of U.S. combat operations there.
DownRange (Click for Info)
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:30:08 -0500
Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Iraq to mark the end of U.S. combat operations there.
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Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:30:08 -0500
Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Iraq to mark the end of U.S. combat operations there.
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Pakistani Flood Waters Just Beginning to Recede
Pakistani Flood Waters Just Beginning to Recede
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:14:00 -050 (click for more information)
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:14:00 -050 (click for more information)
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2010 - Flood waters are just beginning to recede in Pakistan, but it will be months before the full extent of the damage can be assessed, U.S. officials said. Between 15 million and 20 million Pakistanis have been impacted by the flooding and about 1,500 have been killed. The United States immediately pledged its support and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad began coordinating missions with the Pakistani government. American humanitarian assistance for Pakistan has come at the request of its government, officials said. Overall, the United States is providing $200 million in flood-relief aid to Pakistan – including $10 million in operations costs for aircraft. Heavy monsoon rains produced an influx of water that began overflowing the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries at the end of July. Since then, U.S. military personnel have been working continuously to provide aid and relief to Pakistanis stricken by the flood, Defense Department officials said. Six U.S. Army helicopters and crews based in Afghanistan began the aid effort in Pakistan on Aug. 3. American military aircrews flew across Khyber-Pahtunkhwa province and rescued thousands of people stranded by flood waters as unusually heavy monsoon rains pummeled the northwestern portion of Pakistan. On July 31, U.S. military began airlifting Halal - religiously permitted - meals to a Pakistani air base located near Islamabad, the country's capital city. Nineteen helicopters from the USS Peleliu began flying missions in support of Pakistani efforts soon after, allowing the Army helicopters to return to missions in Afghanistan. Air Force C-130s also began shuttling immediate humanitarian goods and U.S. Agency for International Development supplies around Pakistan. Yesterday, the Pentagon announced that 18 helicopters from Alaska – 10 Chinooks and eight Black Hawks – will deploy to Pakistan and begin operations in mid-September. The USS Kearsarge has deployed early and will relieve the Peleliu sometime at the end of September. Today, U.S. helicopters rescued 625 people and flew in 114,000 pounds of supplies. Afghanistan-based C-130s delivered about 55,000 pounds of goods. Overall, U.S. helicopters have rescued 9,433 people and flown in 1.7 million pounds of goods. C-130s have delivered 985,000 pounds of supplies since operations began, said Pentagon spokesman Marine Col. Dave Lapan. U.S. support will continue as long as the Pakistani government needs – and requests – the help. "We've responded immediately to Pakistan's requests for support as they've come in," Lapan said. "With regard to the arrival of our helicopters, it's been the plan all along to bring these aircraft into Pakistan in a phased approach to ensure base infrastructure is ready to support the additional helicopters and associated personnel." Four U.S. Marine helicopters are slated to arrive in Pakistan later in the week to assist with flood-relief operations. It's important to note that the flooding in Pakistan has been an evolving situation, Lapan said. Unlike the 2005 earthquake, he said, the impact of the current Pakistan floods "was not immediate and assessments of damage and support requirements have taken longer due to the scope and duration of the problem. "We continue to remain in close contact with the Pakistan government to be responsive to their needs," he added, "which will likely evolve over time as the flood waters recede and recovery begins." The flood waters in Pakistan spread from the northwestern part of the country down the Indus River to the more populated states of Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh. Aside from the loss of life, hundreds of thousands of buildings, miles of roads and railroad tracks, levees, dams and other infrastructure projects suffered damage. Millions of Pakistanis rendered homeless by the floods are camping along the limited high ground that exists in certain areas. Now the waters are starting to recede. But the floods that washed out bridges and roads have made whole areas of Pakistan impassible. U.S. officials said that the government of Pakistan can count on American support as it begins its long-term recovery. |
| Related Sites: Special Report: U.S. Provides Support During Pakistan Flooding |
Around the Services
Around the Services
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:41:12 -0500
As the nation marks five years after Hurricane Katrina, we update you on Army Corps of Engineers levee upgrades. Plus, the Vice President arrives in Iraq to meet with U.S. troops.
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Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:41:12 -0500
As the nation marks five years after Hurricane Katrina, we update you on Army Corps of Engineers levee upgrades. Plus, the Vice President arrives in Iraq to meet with U.S. troops.
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Copyright 2010 Group Speeddog
Media Shoots Imagery at Afghan Detention Facility
Media Shoots Imagery at Afghan Detention Facility (click for information)
| Joint Task Force 435 PARWAN, Afghanistan, Aug. 30, 2010 - News media representatives were permitted to take video and still photos Aug. 27 at the detention facility here for the first time since it became operational in December 2009.
"Joint Task Force 435 is proud of the facility and the important mission our people areresponsible for doing every day," Harward said. "We are committed to transparency at all levels of the detention operations mission and welcome the opportunity to show that we are conducting operations in accordance with international law and providing appropriate treatment and care to all detainees." The Parwan facility will transition to the Afghans beginning January 2011. Some restrictions on photography and videography remain, officials said, due to security or safety considerations. These restrictions, they added, are in place to protect detainees, the facility and its personnel by not revealing security measures or procedures. Photos or video in which detainees are recognizable are not authorized and are deleted as part of the security review. "I am exceptionally proud of the work this task force does every day, providing humane, respectful care to those in our custody," Harward said. "I welcome this opportunity to show what it is really like inside the detention facility in Parwan. These truthful, accurate images of our operations help to mitigate false accusations and perceptions that may otherwise fuel the insurgent cause." The detention facility's design allows for safe, humane and effective management of the population, and allows willing detainees to participate in group activities and educational programs, officials said. It is equipped with modern medical facilities, an on-site family visitation area, video teleconferencing capability, large recreation areas, vocational technical and education classrooms, and additional space to conduct legal proceedings. The detention facility was completed in September 2009 and became fully operational in late December 2009. The facility's design accommodates detainee reintegration efforts and enables JTF 435 to better align detainee operations with the overall strategy to defeat the extremist insurgency in Afghanistan. The facility currently is designed to house about 1,300 detainees. Three additional detainee housing units are being constructed, with an expected delivery date of March 2011. These units will be completely staffed and managed by Afghan authorities and will increase the overall capacity of the Parwan facility by nearly 1,000. The facility is operated by more than 1,200 professionals from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps with trained guards, expert medical personnel and legal support. More than 700 Afghan National Army military police soldiers are currently training to augment the guard force and more than 100 are fully trained and standing guard duty inside the facility with their American counterparts. JTF 435 is actively partnering with Afghan forces in preparation for the responsible transfer of military detention operations to the Afghanistan government . Once transferred, the detention facility will become part of a larger Afghan Justice Center in Parwan, which will become Afghanistan's central location for the pre-trial detention, prosecution and post-trial incarceration of national security suspects. This transfer is consistent with the memorandum of agreement signed by the pertinent Afghan ministries on Jan. 9. | ||
| Biographies: Navy Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward Related Sites: Joint Task Force-435 |
National Guard on Border U.S.-Mexico border security
National Guard on Border
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:30:52 -0500
The first of 532 National Guard troops are set to begin their mission in the southern Arizona desert on Monday under President Obama's plan to beef up U.S.-Mexico border security. (More Information)
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:30:52 -0500
The first of 532 National Guard troops are set to begin their mission in the southern Arizona desert on Monday under President Obama's plan to beef up U.S.-Mexico border security. (More Information)
Family Matters Blog: First Week of School Survival Guide
Family Matters Blog: First Week of School Survival Guide (click for more Info)
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:35:00 -0500
American Forces Press Service - Responsible for content (Thanks)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2010 - Tensions ran high last week as I loaded up the kids and headed out to drop them off at their new school. After a lengthy and complicated process, we had purchased a home in Maryland, which I wrote about in "Blogger Heads Out on House Hunt," and now we're tackling this next hurdle of adjustment.
I wasn't sure who was more nervous – me or them.
On that first day, we walked down the hall, bustling with kids and parents, and stepped into my son's new classroom. He unloaded his new school supplies, found his seat and sat there, arm casually draped on the back of the chair, quietly surveying the room to get the lay of the land.
"Bye Mom," he said with a cool-guy dismissive wave. I opted out of my usual hug and kiss to allow him his 2nd grade dignity.
Off to my daughter's 3rd grade classroom. She's much shyer than my son, so I stayed a while until she started chatting with another student, then beat feet for the door.
As I headed down the hall, lined with lockers adorned with brightly colored name tags, I took a huge sigh of relief. The initial entry, the hardest part in my mind, was over. It should all be downhill from here, I hoped.
The rest of the week went fairly well, with a few inevitable rough spots. Each night, I made a point of discussing the day with my children, the pros and cons, and my son invariably would draw a comparison to his old school.
"I liked Waynewood better because ...," he'd begin and then continue on with a detailed description of the better food, nicer friends, less homework, and so on.
I wanted to remind him that he did the same thing when he started at Waynewood two years earlier, but bit my tongue. It doesn't hurt to vent.
I've been learning a lot on this most recent move, the fourth for my children so far. While preparation and organization are vital for a successful first week of school, communication has become No. 1 on my priority list.
I've made it a priority to sit down one-on-one with my children to discuss their feelings and concerns these past few weeks. I let them pour out their hearts and then gently steered them toward thinking positive when they start delving too far into the negative.
And I'll continue to do so until they're firmly entrenched into their new school. It's the least I can do after their fourth move in six years.
This move has reminded me yet again of how tough adjustments can be, and given me an even deeper appreciation for military families who tackle these issues every couple of years or so. Moving isn't easy, particularly when compounded with adjustments to new schools.
I wanted to share some tips I found to help parents successfully navigate the first week of school, courtesy of the National Association of School Psychologists website.
Many of these tips will prove helpful, not only on the first week of school, but year-round.
Back-to-school tips for parents:
-- Clear your schedule. If possible, postpone business trips, volunteer meetings and extra projects. You want to be free to help your child acclimate to the school routine and overcome the confusion or anxiety that many children experience at the start of a new school year.
-- Make lunches the night before school. Older children should help or make their own. Give them the option to buy lunch in school if they prefer and finances permit.
-- Set alarm clocks. Have school-age children set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.
-- Leave plenty of extra time. Make sure your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast and get to school. For very young children taking the bus, pin to their shirt or backpack an index card with pertinent information, including their teacher's name and bus number, as well as your daytime contact information.
-- After school. Review with your children what to do if they get home after school and you're not there. Be very specific, particularly with young children. Put a note card in their backpack with the name(s) and number(s) of a neighbor who is home during the day as well as a number where you can be reached.
-- Review your child's schoolbooks. Talk about what your child will be learning during the year. Share your enthusiasm for the subjects and your confidence in your child's ability to master the content. Learning skills take time and repetition. Encourage your child to be patient, attentive and positive.
-- Send a brief note to your child's teacher. Let the teachers know that you're interested in getting regular feedback on how and what your child is doing in school. Be sure to attend back-to-school night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Convey a sincere desire to be a partner with your children's teachers to enhance their learning experience.
-- Familiarize yourself with the other school professionals. Make an effort to find out who it is in the school or district that can be a resource for you and your child. This can include the principal and front office personnel; school psychologist, counselor and social worker; the reading specialist, speech therapist and school nurse; and the after-school activities coordinator.
Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:35:00 -0500
Family Matters Blog: First Week of School Survival Guide
By Elaine WilsonAmerican Forces Press Service - Responsible for content (Thanks)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2010 - Tensions ran high last week as I loaded up the kids and headed out to drop them off at their new school. After a lengthy and complicated process, we had purchased a home in Maryland, which I wrote about in "Blogger Heads Out on House Hunt," and now we're tackling this next hurdle of adjustment.
I wasn't sure who was more nervous – me or them.
On that first day, we walked down the hall, bustling with kids and parents, and stepped into my son's new classroom. He unloaded his new school supplies, found his seat and sat there, arm casually draped on the back of the chair, quietly surveying the room to get the lay of the land.
"Bye Mom," he said with a cool-guy dismissive wave. I opted out of my usual hug and kiss to allow him his 2nd grade dignity.
Off to my daughter's 3rd grade classroom. She's much shyer than my son, so I stayed a while until she started chatting with another student, then beat feet for the door.
As I headed down the hall, lined with lockers adorned with brightly colored name tags, I took a huge sigh of relief. The initial entry, the hardest part in my mind, was over. It should all be downhill from here, I hoped.
The rest of the week went fairly well, with a few inevitable rough spots. Each night, I made a point of discussing the day with my children, the pros and cons, and my son invariably would draw a comparison to his old school.
"I liked Waynewood better because ...," he'd begin and then continue on with a detailed description of the better food, nicer friends, less homework, and so on.
I wanted to remind him that he did the same thing when he started at Waynewood two years earlier, but bit my tongue. It doesn't hurt to vent.
I've been learning a lot on this most recent move, the fourth for my children so far. While preparation and organization are vital for a successful first week of school, communication has become No. 1 on my priority list.
I've made it a priority to sit down one-on-one with my children to discuss their feelings and concerns these past few weeks. I let them pour out their hearts and then gently steered them toward thinking positive when they start delving too far into the negative.
And I'll continue to do so until they're firmly entrenched into their new school. It's the least I can do after their fourth move in six years.
This move has reminded me yet again of how tough adjustments can be, and given me an even deeper appreciation for military families who tackle these issues every couple of years or so. Moving isn't easy, particularly when compounded with adjustments to new schools.
I wanted to share some tips I found to help parents successfully navigate the first week of school, courtesy of the National Association of School Psychologists website.
Many of these tips will prove helpful, not only on the first week of school, but year-round.
Back-to-school tips for parents:
-- Clear your schedule. If possible, postpone business trips, volunteer meetings and extra projects. You want to be free to help your child acclimate to the school routine and overcome the confusion or anxiety that many children experience at the start of a new school year.
-- Make lunches the night before school. Older children should help or make their own. Give them the option to buy lunch in school if they prefer and finances permit.
-- Set alarm clocks. Have school-age children set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.
-- Leave plenty of extra time. Make sure your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast and get to school. For very young children taking the bus, pin to their shirt or backpack an index card with pertinent information, including their teacher's name and bus number, as well as your daytime contact information.
-- After school. Review with your children what to do if they get home after school and you're not there. Be very specific, particularly with young children. Put a note card in their backpack with the name(s) and number(s) of a neighbor who is home during the day as well as a number where you can be reached.
-- Review your child's schoolbooks. Talk about what your child will be learning during the year. Share your enthusiasm for the subjects and your confidence in your child's ability to master the content. Learning skills take time and repetition. Encourage your child to be patient, attentive and positive.
-- Send a brief note to your child's teacher. Let the teachers know that you're interested in getting regular feedback on how and what your child is doing in school. Be sure to attend back-to-school night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Convey a sincere desire to be a partner with your children's teachers to enhance their learning experience.
-- Familiarize yourself with the other school professionals. Make an effort to find out who it is in the school or district that can be a resource for you and your child. This can include the principal and front office personnel; school psychologist, counselor and social worker; the reading specialist, speech therapist and school nurse; and the after-school activities coordinator.
::Breaking :: TSA Secure Flight Program: Data Collection Begins Today
Effective 30 August, 2010 The travel management center, will begin collecting the Secure Flight mandated information at the time of booking for full service reservations to ensure full compliance with the Secure Flight personal data procedures and compliance with airline ticketing regulations mandated by the TSA for all airlines.The TSA mandated information consists of the passenger's ...
(More Information Click Here)
Secure Flight Program: Making Travel Safer
Secure Flight Program: Making Travel Safer
 |
How will Secure Flight affect passengers?
Under the Secure Flight program, passengers will be required to provide:
· Full name (as it appears on passenger’s identification document)
· Date of birth
· Gender
· Redress Number (if available)
Your airline will send the information you provide to TSA who will match it against terrorist watch lists. Please note that boarding passes may not always display the exact information you provided when booking your travel. This will not affect you when traveling. The name you provide when booking your travel is used to perform watch list matching before a boarding pass is ever issued.
What are the benefits of Secure Flight?
Secure Flight makes travel safer by more effectively identifying individuals that may pose a known or suspected threat to aviation. It also enables officials to address security threats sooner. Furthermore, by creating one watch list matching system, it helps prevent the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on terrorist watch lists. Lastly, Secure Flight offers an improved redress process, so that those who are mistakenly matched to the watch lists can avoid problems in the future.
Protecting passenger privacy
The privacy of individuals’ information is a cornerstone of Secure Flight. TSA collects the minimum amount of personal information necessary to conduct effective watch list matching. Furthermore, personal data is handled in accordance with stringent guidelines and all applicable privacy laws and regulations.
Redress – for passengers who feel they have been misidentified
Those who believe they have been mistakenly matched to a name on the watch list are invited to apply for redress through the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). Secure Flight uses the results of the redress process in its watch list matching process, thus preventing future misidentifications for passengers who may have a name that’s similar to an individual on the watch list. For more information on the redress process, visit www.dhs.gov/trip.
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