Military

• Most Topular Stories

• Thai Defense Minister Affirms Strong Thai-US Ties (Chines News of Las Vegas)

  U.S. Pacific Command Regional News

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:33 pm

• Darpa Recruits Puzzle People for Ultimate Dumpster Dive

  Wired: Danger Room

  Katie Drummond

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:56 am

  Your knack for jigsaw puzzles could revolutionize national defense. Darpa, the blue-sky agency whose most successful pipe-dreams have turned into the Internet and GPS navigation, among others, has in recent years turned to civilians for help in catalyzing new innovations. First was the Grand Challenge for driverless car design. Then came the Network Challenge that sent the socially networked searching for red weather balloons. Calls to crowdsource spy drones and combat vehicles quickly followed.  Today, Darpa announced their latest mission for the mob. And what could be sexier or more…

• Navy puts Growler to the test

  Pacific Air Forces Top Stories

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:34 pm

• Dustoff Traction

  Michael Yon - Online Magazine

  Michael Yon

  26 Oct 2011 | 9:14 pm

  27 October 2011 The plight of unarmed Army Dustoff helicopters is reaching many ears.  Yesterday, someone at a major newspaper asked me to write an Op-ed, and there are many other elements of progress in raising awareness.  After we raise awareness, the time will be ripe for change. Please see this letter from Congressman John Shimkus: October 26, 2011 Mr. Jeff @@@Edwardsville, IL Dear Mr. @@@: Thank you for contacting me regarding medevac flights in Afghanistan.  I appreciate hearing about the issues that are important to you. The safe and timely evacuation of our wounded…

• Machine Guns on Dustoffs

  Michael Yon - Online Magazine

  Michael Yon

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:44 pm

  26 October 2011 A big thank you to everyone who is reaching out to civilian leadership on the matter of arming Dustoff helicopters.  If you have received letters such as the above, please send to me for publication: inquiries@michaelyon-online.com Please Sign this White House Petition. People in key military positions also are taking notice.  My apologies for slow email responses.  Am getting flooded with good information from Army and Air Force medics and crews.  Thank you! For more information, please read in this order: 1) RED AIR: America’s Medevac Failure 2) GOLDEN…

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  Stars and Stripes News

• U.S., South Korea preparing for next provocation from North

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:00 pm

  The United States and South Korea will step up efforts to head off provocations and attacks from the north, the countries’ defense chiefs said Friday following annual security talks.

• Hohenfels soldiers remember corporal killed in Afghanistan

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:00 pm

  A meticulous planner, a motorcycle lover, a pull-up champ. During a Friday ceremony at Hohenfels, Germany, fellow soldiers recalled military policeman Cpl. Paul A. Rivera, 26, as each knew him best.

• Hundreds of medical records found in Yokota servicemember's home

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:00 pm

  Air Force officials have sent warnings to 593 people to be on the lookout for signs of identity theft after their medical records were found at a servicemember’s home on Yokota Air Base in Japan.

• Libya mission ends, but NATO’s direction still up in the air

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:00 pm

  NATO officially announced Friday that the alliance’s seven-month mission in Libya will end Monday. The confirmation came a day after the U.N. Security Council voted to end authorization of the no-fly zone and arms embargo in Libya.

• U.S. soldier dies in Saudi Arabia; Army investigating

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:00 pm

  The Department of Defense announced late Thursday the death of a soldier who was part of a Security Assistance Organization in Saudi Arabia.

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  U.S. Pacific Command Regional News

• USS Carl Vinson, CSG1 Complete Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint Exercise

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:38 pm

  SAN DIEGO - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 completed a four-day Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint Exercise (FST-J) combined with the Army, Marines, Air Force and coalition forces from the Australian and Canadian navies Oct. 28.

• U.S., South Korean Defense Chiefs Cite Strategic Progress (U.S. DoD)

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:38 pm

• CARAT Cambodia Enables Return to Homeland for Three Sailors

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:37 pm

  SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia - When The U.S. and Royal Cambodian Navies began their 2nd annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia exercise Oct. 20, three Sailors assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) were looking forward to the week ahead more than others. For them, it would be their first visit to their ancestral homeland.

• Thai Defense Minister Affirms Strong Thai-US Ties (Chines News of Las Vegas)

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:33 pm

• U.S. Provides New Emergency Medical Facility to Xiengkhuang Province

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:33 pm

  VIENTIANE, Laos - The United States Embassy and United States Pacific Command formally presented a new Emergency Medical Facility at Lao-Mongolian Friendship Hospital in Pek District, Xiengkhuang Province, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. This new facility will greatly enhance the Xiengkhuang Provincial Public Health Department’s ability to provide emergency medical care to the people of Xiengkhuang Province.

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  Pacific Air Forces Top Stories

• Population of Wake doubles during recent TRANSPAC

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:45 pm

• Navy puts Growler to the test

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:34 pm

• Airmen win weapons crew test with zero defects

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:06 pm

• USAF recruiter showcases 354 SFS

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:55 pm

• Beverly Midnight 11-05 improves readiness, increases Wolf Pack resolve

  27 Oct 2011 | 3:53 pm

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  Wired: Danger Room

• Defense Whiz to Pentagon: Your Predictions Are Destined to Fail

  Katie Drummond

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:54 am

  The Arab Spring. The Fall of the Soviet Union. India’s nukes. The U.S. government has a perfectly awful track record of predicting future events. And there’s a good reason why, says the chairman of an influential think tank: it’s friggin’ impossible. Dr. Richard Danzig, the former Navy Secretary and current chair of the Center For a New American Security (CNAS), has published a comprehensive report on what he convincingly argues is a pretty huge problem for the Pentagon. After all, basing billion-dollar, life-or-death decisions on forecasts practically guaranteed to be…

• Army Stryker Brigade Won’t Take Strykers to Afghanistan

  Spencer Ackerman

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:30 am

  Based out of Washington state, the Army’s the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is built around its intimidating Stryker armored vehicles. Weighing 19 tons and carrying troops on eight wheels, the Stryker is supposed to represent the Army’s best balance between armor protection and speedy transport. However, that balance is only struck when the vehicle goes to war. And while the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry division will head to Afghanistan in December, its Strykers aren’t invited. The brigade, naturally, is downplaying the significance of leaving its Strykers back home. Its…

• FBI’s Newest Gang Threat: Insane Clown Posse Fans

  Spencer Ackerman

  27 Oct 2011 | 1:00 pm

  The FBI considers the fans of shticky rap group Insane Clown Posse to represent a threat on par with the Crips, Bloods, and Aryan Brotherhood, according to its annual report on gang activity. You might think Insane Clown Posse’s people — known as the Juggalos — are just a group of face-painting teenagers who wonder how magnets work. Not so, says the FBI’s 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment. To the feds, Juggalos are a “loosely-organized hybrid gang” that are “forming more organized subsets and engaging in more gang-like criminal activity.”…

• Darpa Recruits Puzzle People for Ultimate Dumpster Dive

  Katie Drummond

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:56 am

  Your knack for jigsaw puzzles could revolutionize national defense. Darpa, the blue-sky agency whose most successful pipe-dreams have turned into the Internet and GPS navigation, among others, has in recent years turned to civilians for help in catalyzing new innovations. First was the Grand Challenge for driverless car design. Then came the Network Challenge that sent the socially networked searching for red weather balloons. Calls to crowdsource spy drones and combat vehicles quickly followed.  Today, Darpa announced their latest mission for the mob. And what could be sexier or more…

• Top General: Pakistani Military Aids Rocket Attacks on U.S. Troops

  Spencer Ackerman

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:45 am

  Frontline Pakistani troops aid and abet lethal insurgent attacks on American forces across the Afghan border, according to the day-to-day commander of the NATO war effort. It’s a big reason why rocket and mortar attacks have quadrupled since 2010. “You’ll see what just appears to us to be a collaboration or was a collaboration or, at a minimum, looking the other way when insurgents conducted rocket or mortar fire in what we believe to be visual sight of one of their posts,” Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti told Pentagon reporters on Thursday morning. Scaparrotti did not…

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  Featured Blog Posts - Navy For Moms

• Happy Birthday America's Navy!

  Navy for Moms Admin

  For 236 years, the Navy has answered the call to those in need. Thank you to all of brave and dedicated men and women who have served. We salute you!

• ~Happy 236th Birthday U.S. Navy~

  Denise (A Seabee Mom)

  The Birth of the Navy of the United States On Friday, October 13, 1775, meeting in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty, and to send them out on a cruise of three months to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. This was the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew and as such constitutes the birth certificate of the navy. To understand the momentous significance of the decision to send two armed vessels to…

• Feeling very overwhelmed

  DisneyDebi (02/903)

  I just signed up for this and I thought it would be helpful, and on an intellectual level, it has been, but emotionally, I am so overwhelmed by all the things I didn't know.  And more so by the things I know I still have no idea about. My son leaves on Monday for GL and while I'm so excited, I'm so sad.  I've been reading about "The Box" and all the things that get sent home and smelling his clothes and crying and I think to myself, What has he gotten me into?? I have so many pieces of conflicting info...like the Navy says to send his banking account info and his ATM card and stamps and…

• LIST OF PIR Groups. UPDATED OCTOBER 5, 2011

  BunkerQB

  UPDATE: October 5, 2011 Hello to all newcomers. Welcome to Navy For Moms.  If you have received you form letter, find your PIR date and join one of the groups listed below.              PIR: Nov 18, 2011            TG 01 - 7 Divisions (001-006 & 901)             PIR: Nov 10, 2011            TG 52 - 8 Divisions (367-372, 823 & 952) note it's Thursday             PIR: Nov 4, 2011              TG 51 - 8 Divisions (361-366, 822 & 951)             PIR: October 28, 2011     TG 50 - 7 Divisions (355-360 &…

• So many questions!

  Fmfcorpsmanmom2286

  My son Joshua is now halfway thru boot camp in the Great Lakes. It's gone by fast for me but I'm sure he doesn't feel the same. I've received two letters and a phone call from him so far. He sounded good except for a head cold - was eating very well. Joshua is a very strong and determined young man - he's going to be just fine. Mom on the other hand is alittle anxious about graduation in October. I've heard alot of different stories and want to make the right choices in unfamiliar territory. I'm flying into O'Hare but am unsure where to stay. I understand the traffic is horrendous that…

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  OP FOR

• Yes, I’m Alive

  LTCOL P

  26 Oct 2011 | 5:03 am

  Sorry I’ve been off the net for a while– business travel and getting my house ready to sell, among other things– but I’ll be back up soon.There is much to discuss.

• Leaving On a Jet Plan, Won’t Be Back to Iraq No More

  Townie 76

  22 Oct 2011 | 4:46 am

  The governments of the United States and Iraq failed to reach an agreement on a continued presences of US troops in Iraq post December 31, 2011.  Here is a link to the Washington Post story.Comment:  Good for the Iraqi government.  It is their country, we invaded, we deposed Saddam, we have spend billions of dollars and countless lives doing all we can.  Will Iraq become a stooge for Iran, probably.  Will it experience a Civil War, most likely as it divides into at least two countries perhaps three.  Will the Middle East be less or more stable–probably in the near term less stable…

• Is the Navy Facing a Crisis of Confidences

  Townie 76

  9 Oct 2011 | 4:43 am

  Saw this article today in the Richmond Times Dispatch on the state of the Navy.  The author a retired CPO believes that the Navy faces rough seas in the years ahead.  Thoughts from our friends in the Navy.

• “Zacchaeus” Tells the Commandant What He Ought To Do

  LTCOL P

  7 Oct 2011 | 3:50 am

  Over at SWJ, correspondent Zacchaeus ponders the hills around Khe Sanh and dreams of a greater, smaller Corps. Or, what he conceives would be one.Interesting, but there are a lot of holes in that argument.

• Light Reading on NRO

  LTCOL P

  6 Oct 2011 | 4:00 am

  Just for light reading, here are two recent articles from Jim Lacey at NRO. The first, “A Promise Earned,” eleoquently revisits the retirement arguments.As well done as that one is, the second, “Moneyball and the Military,” is far more interesting. I recommend it strongly.

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  BLACKFIVE

• SuperCommittee v. HASC

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:14 am

  Rep.  Buck McKeon is a friend of the military.   It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.   As head of the House Armed Services Committee, he has drawn a line in the sand about cuts to the military budget.  As much as any politician out there, he’s made it his business to learn the business of the military.  And he understands completely their vital role in our national security.   He’s personally involved.   And he gets a bit emotional when he thinks about the disastrous cuts that may be in the offing if the SuperCommittee doesn’t do its job.  Or, its just…

• Pakistan - Sanctuary or New Kill Zone?

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:52 am

  Tim Lynch at Free Range International has a great post up about Pakistan and the sanctuary that they provide our enemies...check it out.

• Honor and Courage

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  28 Oct 2011 | 7:51 am

  What kind of man accuses an Army Officer of assault and then flees the country before talking to investigators under the guise to cover a flood? What kind of man (1) kills a man, barehanded, in a bar fight (2) is SF qualified and (3) self promotes that he's been in more combat than any reporter, but is AFRAID that a professional NCO might kill him somewhere in Afghanistan?! What kind of man goes to an open forum of serving and retired SF Soldiers and pisses all over them after they give him a chance to voice his opinion? I don't question his courage. I question his honor. What a giant P.O.S.

• USAF SSgt Robert Gutierrez - Air Force Cross Recipient and SYSK

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  27 Oct 2011 | 1:33 pm

  Good friends SSgt Robert Gutierrez, Air Force Cross recepient and TSgt Ismael Villegas, Silver Star recepient. Watch this video of SSgt Robert Gutierrez receiving the Air Force Cross today. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in Heart Province, Afghanistan, on 5 October 2009. On that date, while assigned as a combat…

• Michael Yon vs. Professional Soldiers - And the winner is...

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:07 am

  This all begins with Mike Yon's essay about arming medevac birds and removing the red crosses.  I'll put the responses from the ISAF PAO (in Afghanistan) after the jump. Now, pull up a seat and go over to the excellent forum at Professional Soldiers and read the whole thread discussing the article about medevacs.  "Team Sergeant" is MSG (ret) Jeff Hinton who has the utmost respect from us here at B5.  A lot of the commenters are active duty SF, too.  Just do yourself a favor and read the whole thread.  The best summary is one of the last comments: Mike, I don't know you (aside from some…

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  Defense Tech

• Al Qaeda in the New Libya

  John Reed

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:54 pm

  Well, this sure is interesting. Hipster-ey magazine/website, Vice, is doing some firsthand reporting on ‘the new Libya’ that seems to confirm Western concerns about hard core Islamists and members of al Qaeda hijacking the movement to build a new Libya.Vice reporter Sherif Elhelwa, penned this article showing what may be the al Qaeda flag flying alongside the National Transitional Council’s flag over the courthouse in Benghazi that was long the seat of the rebel movement.Keep in mind that this is Vice; they admit they’re not trying to be the New York Times or Wall Street Journal with…

• U.S. Expanding Drone Ops With a New African Base

  John Reed

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:57 am

  So, the U.S. has opened up a new drone base in Africa to aid in the hunt for terror suspects in places like Somalia.Apparently, the Air Force has built a miltimillion dollar facility to host MQ-9 Reaper drones at a tiny airstrip in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The Washington Post is reporting that the facility was built to help hunt for al Qaeda affiliate, al Shabab, in East Africa and that the base’s MQ-9s have already been used over Somalia.However, the base is located far inland in southeast Ethiopia and is much closer to South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya than it is to Somalia. Who is operating in…

• China May Have Hacked U.S. Satellites

  John Reed

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:31 am

  In case you haven’t see it, numerous news reports emerged this week claiming China may have messed with two U.S. government satellites  by hacking their control station in Norway.Apparently, hackers gained access to the Landsat-7 (shown above) and Terra AM-1 satellites — both used to monitor climate change and map the Earth’s terrain — four times in 2007 and 2008, according to a draft of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report. Landsat-7 experienced 12 minutes of “interference” in October 2007 and July 2008 while Terra AM-1 was…

• Video: X-47B Flies with Gear Up

  John Reed

  27 Oct 2011 | 12:47 pm

  This is turning out to be quite the day for cool pictures of Navy aircraft. The image above shows the Navy’s X-47 unmanned combat aerial vehicle demonstrator flying with its landing gear up for the first time on Sept. 30.The stealthy drone is being used by the Navy to test out the concepts for flying a fighter-sized UAVs off aircraft carriers — something the sea service plans to do by the end of the decade with its UCLASS drones.The X-47B has been making test flights at Edwards Air Force Base, Ca., since February. The plane is slated to conduct sea trials off an aircraft carrier in 2013,…

• Pic of the Day: Osprey and an F-35B Aboard Wasp

  John Reed

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:47 am

  Here’s a photo showing two of the Marines newest (and most controversial) aircraft operating from the USS Wasp last week. Yup that’s an MV-22 Osprey pulling up after dropping off Navy Secretary Ray Maybus with an F-35B Joint Strike Fighter in the foreground.The SECNAV was among a host of dignitaries and reporters who went out to the Wasp to watch the F-35B taking-off and landing aboard the ship.

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  Army Strong Stories

• Park University Career Fair

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:37 am

  By: Fred HermsteinToday the Kansas City, MO station will support the Park University career fair on campus. For more information contact SFC Beery at 816-505-1268....read more

• Warren High Hosts the Army Adventure-Semi

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:43 pm

  By: Fred HermsteinThis week Warren High School in Warrenton, MO supported the Army Adventure-Semi....read more

• Pacific High Shcool host the Army Adventure-Semi.

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:41 pm

  By: Fred HermsteinToday and tomorrow the Army Adventure-Semi will be at Pacific High School in Pacific, MO. Please contact SFC Foxx at 636-239-6293 for more information....read more

• Army Adventure-Semi in St. Clair, MO.

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:37 pm

  By: Fred HermsteinTomorrow the Army Adventure-Semi will visit St. Clair High Shcool in St. Clair, MO. Please contact SFC Foxx for more information at 636-239-6293....read more

• Olathe East Coach of the Week

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:54 am

  By: Fred HermsteinJeff Meyers the head coach of the Olathe East High School football team recieved the Coach of the Week trophy and Army digital football. Good job coach!...read more

• 

  Michael Yon - Online Magazine

• Dustoff Traction

  Michael Yon

  26 Oct 2011 | 9:14 pm

  27 October 2011 The plight of unarmed Army Dustoff helicopters is reaching many ears.  Yesterday, someone at a major newspaper asked me to write an Op-ed, and there are many other elements of progress in raising awareness.  After we raise awareness, the time will be ripe for change. Please see this letter from Congressman John Shimkus: October 26, 2011 Mr. Jeff @@@Edwardsville, IL Dear Mr. @@@: Thank you for contacting me regarding medevac flights in Afghanistan.  I appreciate hearing about the issues that are important to you. The safe and timely evacuation of our wounded…

• Machine Guns on Dustoffs

  Michael Yon

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:44 pm

  26 October 2011 A big thank you to everyone who is reaching out to civilian leadership on the matter of arming Dustoff helicopters.  If you have received letters such as the above, please send to me for publication: inquiries@michaelyon-online.com Please Sign this White House Petition. People in key military positions also are taking notice.  My apologies for slow email responses.  Am getting flooded with good information from Army and Air Force medics and crews.  Thank you! For more information, please read in this order: 1) RED AIR: America’s Medevac Failure 2) GOLDEN…

• Kids, Emails, and Dustoffs

  Michael Yon

  25 Oct 2011 | 6:48 am

  Sergeant Larson, 4-4 Cav, stands night guard in Zhari District, Afghanistan. Sergeant Larson got shot a day or two before. The bullet only ripped his gear. 25 October 2011 Two types of emails stop me cold to read.  Those from downrange troops, and kids.  Gobs of emails come in from both.  This morning came the best in a long while.  The message was from a young girl in the United States.  She writes, "I might want to be a Green Baret do they go to Russia? maybe I can be an american spy…..after that i want to be a kindergarten teacher."  I love that email. Now…

• Golden Seconds

  Michael Yon

  23 Oct 2011 | 7:47 pm

  Golden Seconds Open Letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panettaand President Barack Obama US Air Force "Pedro" helicopter 24 October 2011 Gentlemen, For the last seven years I have written about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I have covered the US Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy.  I’ve also covered the British, Lithuanian, Afghan and Iraqi forces, among others, in places ranging from Iraq to the Philippines and beyond.  My most recent embed in Afghanistan was at personal invitation from then-General David Petraeus.  It is said that I have spent more time with…

• Executive Summary: Crash of CH-47D Aircraft in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on 6 August 2011

  USCC

  22 Oct 2011 | 5:57 pm

  Published: 22 October 2011 Please click here to view the entire Summary.

• 

  Mudville Gazette

• A Slight Demonstration (4)

  Greyhawk

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:43 pm

  May 6, 1861: The Honorable Francis Boardman Crowninshield of Boston arrived in London after transiting from New York to Liverpool via the steamer Persia. The pride of Britain's Cunard line, the ship had crossed the Atlantic in remarkable time, having departed New York on April 25th. This was to be expected; she'd set the current speed record for the Atlantic crossing (both directions) in April 1856, in spite of having struck an iceberg on her earlier maiden voyage - her survival being proof that stout construction practices had not been sacrificed on the altar of Mercury. Crowninshield could…

• Scraps

  Greyhawk

  26 Oct 2011 | 7:46 am

• A Slight Demonstration (3)

  Greyhawk

  22 Oct 2011 | 8:14 pm

  Sunday, 20 October 1861: The Commanding General of the Army of the Potomac was back in his Washington headquarters, reinvigorated after spending a couple of days in the field with his troops. Major General George Brinton McClellan commanded the largest military force assembled in modern history. Approaching 150,000 men strong (with additional regiments still arriving) he had at his disposal in the area around Washington DC an army that outnumbered Napoleon's and Wellington's at Waterloo combined. He was quite confident that someday he could begin a campaign that, like Waterloo, would bring on…

• A Slight Demonstration (2)

  Greyhawk

  20 Oct 2011 | 5:44 pm

  (Part one here.) Saturday, 19 October, 1861: The men of the 15th Massachusetts could proudly claim their regiment had the finest band in their division of the Army of the Potomac. Their commander, Colonel Charles Devens, hoped they'd have other things to be proud of before this war was over and done with, but he was enjoying the music provided by that band just now. Once they finished he'd offer a few words on this, the occasion of the opening of their new camp hospital, then it was on to the next item on his agenda. If nothing unexpected came up, that is. And it seemed that something…

• A Slight Demonstration

  Greyhawk

  19 Oct 2011 | 8:49 am

  It was now the middle of October; the oppressive heat of summer had been succeeded by those lovely autumnal days in which a peculiar haze like a thin smoke marks the early hours -- days calm and balmy, followed by nights marvelously bright and clear. At that season, known by the name of Indian summer, the dryness renders the worst roads passable, and reduces the streams to their smallest volume..." - Louis-Philippe-Albert d'Orléans, Comte de Paris,History of the Civil War in America,Vol. 1 chap. 11, "Ball's Bluff" Saturday, 19 October, 1861: "Look lively, boys," someone called out,…

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  Recent casualties

• Lance Cpl. Jason Barfield

  Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

• Lance Cpl. Jordan Bastean

  Died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

• Sgt. Edward Grace

  Died Oct. 23 in Silver Spring, Md., from a non-combat illness.

• Capt. Shawn Charles

  Died Oct. 23 in San Antonio, Texas, from a non-combat illness.

• Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij

  Died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with a makeshift bomb.

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  Blogs of War

• A Challenging Road Ahead in Libya

  John Little

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:21 pm

  There’s a rather interesting piece in Vice about reporter Sherif Elhelwa’s run in with with al-Qaeda types in Benghazi: Earlier this week, I went to the Benghazi courthouse and confirmed the rumors: an al Qaeda flag was clearly visible; its Arabic script declaring that “there is no God but Allah” and a full moon underneath. When I tried to take pictures, a Salafi-looking guard, wearing a green camouflage outfit, rushed towards me and demanded to know what I was doing. My response was straightforward: I was taking a picture of the flag. He gave me an intimidating look and…

• This Week’s Recommended Twitter Accounts

  John Little

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:19 pm

  Recommended in Covert Contact this week: @TexasinAfrica: Laura Seay is a Morehouse College political scientist who studies community & NGO responses to state failure & conflict in central Africa. @DaveedGR: Author of Bin Laden’s Legacy, the self-proclaimed Ice Cube of counterterrorism polemics. @RepMikeRogers: Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. @NATO: Official Twitter account of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. @drunkenpredator: Drunk Predator Drone is an insider’s humorus take on drone operations and policy. @switch_d: Identity unknown but insightful on…

• Mevlid Jasarevic’s Attack on the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia

  John Little

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:49 am

  One individual with an AK and some ammo can hurt a heck of a lot of people in a city center but it appears that only one embassy security guard was wounded in the attack. Apparently, Melvid wandered around rather aimlessly with his AK before police snipers wounded him and took him into custody. A rather lame, and completely suicidal, attempt don’t you think? Suicide by cop comes to mind. I think little a little digging will reveal that Melvid has issues. That boy is just not right. In short, not a big deal unless new developments occur.

• Need to Know: October 28, 2011

  John Little

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:30 am

  RT @JamjoomCNN Interior minister named #Saudi Arabia's new crown prince http://t.co/ONj5BAX9 The Challenges Facing Southwestern #Kyrgyzstan http://t.co/KhWt33r5 Going to war over tourism http://t.co/OwuA3Pvw Syrian troops 'plant mines by Lebanon border' http://t.co/0FGKNBVr #Syria After 50 years, #Navy resumes airship program http://t.co/fl9TkZkf Clinton: Karzai didn’t really mean he would side with #Pakistan in war against U.S. http://t.co/PEiEfgCg North Korea Is Talking, But Panetta Is Skeptical – http://t.co/ANZCgKO2 #DPRK #Drones Out of Africa http://t.co/iWJ7M2Av…

• Libya: Out With the Old Mission – In With the New

  John Little

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:15 am

  The mission officially ends for NATO on October 31. The war has been won, total victory can be claimed by the Alliance, mission accomplished, we’re done here. Only, we’re not. The alliance will certainly claim mission success but the hard work has only just begun. Key members of the alliance have no intention of leaving Libya anytime soon. According to Reuters a NATO official has said that countries may continue to provide assistance to Libya “outside the NATO command and control structure”. They are reportedly even considering creating “a new alliance headed by…

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  Military Top Stories Center

• Clinton Defends Outreach to Taliban-Linked Haqqani

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:00 pm

• Report: US Flying Armed Drones Out of Ethiopia

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:00 pm

• House Speaker Says No More Defense Cuts

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:00 pm

  Top congressional Republicans, Democrats and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta are united in a single message to a special bipartisan committee looking for ways to cut the U.S. government's deficit: Leave military spending alone. "I would argue that they've taken more than their fair share of the hits," Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner said.

• US Quietly Assumes Military Posture in Africa

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:00 pm

• DoD Personnel Boss Calling it Quits

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:00 pm

• 

  A Soldier's Perspective

• Meaningless

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:45 pm

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Kicks Off Multi-Million Dollar Matching Challenge

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 7:52 am

  Today, the VVMF announces that a dedicated group of patriotic Americans has come together with a generous pledge to help build the new Education Center at The Wall. These military officials, celebrities and business leaders – many of whom are Vietnam veterans – are collectively offering to match every dollar contributed by VVMF supporters before Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. The funds raised through this campaign will go toward the remaining funding needed to build the Education Center at The Wall. To kick off the matching funds campaign and to inspire others to donate, David J.

• Letters From Kids are the Best

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 2:28 am

  Dear Friends, Happy Halloween. Hi, I am Alyssa. How do you survive? We live in Wisconsin. My Unca [sic] us to be in the Army. Thank you. I love getting drawings and letters like these from kids. This particular letter and drawing came from Alyssa, a 2nd grader in Wisconsin. Reading letters from kids really lift spirits. The innocence and honestly that kids put in them are a breath of fresh area in a place where it’s difficult to remember that life goes on back home. Securing the future for these kids is one of the reasons why we do what we do. Some of the things kids say crack me up.

• Heizer Defense Unveils the Doubletap

  CJ

  27 Oct 2011 | 2:00 am

  One of my favorite guns is the Derringer pistol. It’s a cool little, double-barreled pistol that shoots both .45 caliber and .410 shot rounds. Well, now Heizer Defense LLC, a firearms company producing a new paradigm of pistols for the responsible-citizen and law enforcement markets is proud to introduce their first model for the concealed carry market; the DoubleTap – the pistol that may supersede the Derringer as my favorite. The DoubleTap is a tactical pocket pistol, loaded with 5 patents pending, built on a titanium or aluminum frame; the slimmest and lightest on the market…

• 2-38 Cav Locate Over 2 Tons of IED Material

  CJ

  26 Oct 2011 | 6:50 am

  Afghan Border Police discovered a truck at the Weesh Border Crossing containing more than 5,000 pounds of bags filled with ammonium nitrate. The leading cause of deaths here in Afghanistan come from IED detonations. ISAF troops work diligently with Afghan civil and military personnel to locate, secure, and destroy materials that lead to the creation and emplacement of IEDs that indiscriminately kill military troops and innocent Afghan citizens alike. During a recent joint operation between 2-38 Cavalry Squadron, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and the Afghan Border Police, two and half…

• 

  Secrecy News

• Army Seeks to Promote Cultural Literacy

  Steven Aftergood

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:45 am

  A new U.S. Army publication (pdf) invites American soldiers to ponder the role of cultural factors in shaping perception and action. Analyze this statement: ‘The English drive on the wrong side of the road.’ In some Islamic countries women wear burkas.  Who is advantaged and who is disadvantaged by this? Why do you think major religious traditions tend to have a plain version and a more mystical version? What do television commercials tell us about American culture? This is not a purely theoretical exercise, but is intended to support the Army’s counterinsurgency role in…

• Army Weapon Systems 2012

  Steven Aftergood

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:37 am

  The 2012 edition of the U.S. Army Weapon Systems handbook provides a concise description of dozens of Army weapon systems and programs.  In each case it presents system specifications and indicates the current status of procurement or development.  It identifies contractors by name and location as well as foreign military sales, where applicable. “The systems listed in this book are not isolated, individual products. Rather, they are part of an integrated system-of-systems investment approach designed to make the Army of the future able to deal successfully with the challenges it will…

• Afghanistan War Casualties, and More from CRS

  Steven Aftergood

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:29 am

  Between January and June 2011, the United Nations documented 1,462 civilian deaths in Afghanistan, which was a 15% increase over the same six months the year before.  Anti-government forces, e.g. the Taliban, were responsible for 77% of the casualties and pro-government forces were responsible for 12%.  (The remainder were indeterminate.)  These and other casualty figures were compiled from published sources by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) in “Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians,” September 30, 2011. Some other recently updated CRS reports include…

• Purpose of 1969 Nuclear Alert Remains a Mystery

  Steven Aftergood

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:33 am

  For two weeks in October 1969, the Nixon Administration secretly placed U.S. nuclear forces on alert.  At the time, the move was considered so sensitive that not even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was briefed on its purpose.  Still today, no conclusive explanation for the potentially destabilizing alert can be found.  Even with full access to the classified record, State Department historians said in a new volume of the Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) series that they were unable to provide a definitive account of the event. Previous historical scholarship has…

• FRUS Leads Declassification, but Sometimes Lags Behind

  Steven Aftergood

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:26 am

  At its best, the State Department’s Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) series serves as a driver of declassification, propelling it farther and faster than it would otherwise go.  But it’s not always at its best. In 1992, Congress enacted a law concerning FRUS that represented one of only a couple of continuing statutory requirements to conduct declassification of official records.  (The Atomic Energy Act, which also imposes continuing declassification requirements, is the other statute that comes to mind.)  The 1992 law directed the State Department to publish FRUS…

• 

  Army Wives' Lives

• Military Moms Are My Heroes

  Candace

  25 Oct 2011 | 6:30 am

  “Is Daddy coming home?” My husband is off on a month-long National Guard drill and “Is Daddy coming home tonight?” became, “When is Daddy coming home?”, and eventually transformed into, “Is Daddy coming home?” Asked at least 20 times each day by my two eldest. The last time my husband was gone this long, he was deployed to Iraq for a year. He missed our entire first pregnancy, the birth, and most of the first three months of our first child’s life. At the time, people said, “I don’t know how you do it!” But all of that is…

• When it Gets Tough

  Candace

  7 Oct 2011 | 8:04 pm

  My husband is on a month long drill and this morning my three year old woke up screaming that “Daddy is downstairs! Let me go downstairs! I want to see Daddy!” When I finally calmed him down, he asked, “Is Daddy coming home tonight?” Cue the sound of my heart breaking. At least Daddy is coming home. And at least he is coming home in a couple of weeks. And at least he is not overseas. How do you answer the questions when Mommy or Daddy is gone on a long drill or a deployment? How do you handle the meltdowns? How do you keep them looking forward to the homecoming without…

• Enter to Win An Ultimate Fan DVD Prize Pack: Army Wives: Seasons 1-5!

  Candace

  21 Sep 2011 | 9:12 pm

  Army Wives: The Complete Fifth Season is available on DVD starting Sept. 27 and I have a giveaway for you courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s ABC TV on DVD! Army Wives: The Complete Fifth Season (Release Date: September 27) This exciting DVD debut showcases each emotional moment from the lives of the military families at Fort Marshall, SC in the riveting fifth season. The women’s friendships continue to grow stronger as they band together through their most difficult challenges yet, including life with a newborn, career changes and the tragic loss of a loved one. This…

• Rock You Like a Hurricane: National Guard Duty Calls

  Candace

  27 Aug 2011 | 12:55 pm

  My husband was supposed to have National Guard Drill this weekend.  They cancelled it because the public transportation has all been shut down in the New York Metro Area due to Hurricane Irene and many soldiers rely on public transportation to get to drill. So, we were excited to have him home all day on Saturday.  An hour ago, he received a call that he is being activated to help with the emergency efforts. We are, ourselves, directly in Hurricane Irene’s path.  At this point, it looks like a weak category 1 hurricane will hit mid-Long Island sometime tomorrow morning. If it hits…

• Deployment Care Package Ideas

  Molly

  25 Jul 2011 | 7:00 am

  Here are some great care package ideas from a fabulous reader, and Facebook fan, Heather E. Sosa: (Photo by Mark Abueg) Involve the Kids If you have kids, you could have them trace each of their hands on the outside of each of the care package and write their names inside with the date so your soldier can watch them grow every time s/he gets a box. Or you could do the same on a piece of cardstock paper so s/he can collect them throughout the year. Let your kids color their hands with crayons or markers. New Year’s Care Package Idea Decorate a box with confetti inside, use glue on the inside…

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  Official Site of the U.S. Air Force Top Stories

• CSAF presents Air Force Cross, Silver Star in Hurlburt ceremony

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:14 pm

• New wind turbines help Air Force go green

  28 Oct 2011 | 2:27 pm

• SECAF authorizes funds to assist flood-stricken Airmen

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:07 am

• Air Force releases major, captain reduction-in-force board results

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:24 am

• Air Force Week in Photos

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:13 am

• 

  Post Politics: Breaking Politics News, Political Analysis & More - The Washington Post

• Ohio ballot measure raises Democrats’ hopes for 2012

  Michael A. Fletcher

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:35 pm

  A controversial law sharply curtailing collective-bargaining rights for Ohio’s public employees is sinking in the polls, raising Democratic hopes that the measure’s defeat could boost their prospects in the crucial swing state in 2012. The law’s diminishing poll numbers have coincided with a decline in the approval ratings of Republican Gov. John R. Kasich, the measure’s most visible proponent. The drop is coming as the law’s union-led opponents have waged an energetic campaign against a measure that they say represents an overreach by the state’s Republican political leaders.

• Halloween costumes and politics not mixing this year

  Ned Martel

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:49 pm

  The District of Columbia is the capital of the topical Halloween costume. Concepts can be ripped from the headlines; delve deeply into the arcana of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s headbands or hair clips or scrunchies and a Washingtonian will get it. But something happened in 2011 that has stymied costume vendors and partygoers alike. Where are our Joe the Plumbers? Our demon sheep? Read full article >>

• White House orders review of Energy Department loans in wake of Solyndra bankruptcy

  Associated Press

  28 Oct 2011 | 2:54 pm

  WASHINGTON — On the defensive over a half-billion-dollar loan to a now-bankrupt solar company, the White House on Friday ordered an independent review of similar loans made by the Energy Department, its latest response to rising criticism over Solyndra Inc. The announcement came as House Republicans prepared for a possible vote next week to subpoena White House documents related to the defunct California company. Read full article >>

• Perry: In-state tuition prevents immigrants from becoming ‘tax wasters’

  Philip Rucker

  28 Oct 2011 | 12:54 pm

  CONCORD, N.H. — Texas Gov. Rick Perry offered a robust defense of a controversial law granting in-state college tuition breaks to some undocumented immigrants on Friday, saying that his state’s program helps those who might otherwise become “tax wasters” contribute to society. At the start of a day-long campaign swing in New Hampshire, Perry also also tried to brush aside controversies over earlier remarks questioning whether President Obama was born in the United States and whether he will skip upcoming debates with his Republican rivals, as an aide suggested this week. Read full…

• 2012 redistricting update: Republicans and Democrats fighting to a draw in battle for new seats

  Aaron Blake

  28 Oct 2011 | 11:53 am

  Republicans and Democrats are still locked in a tight battle to create new congressional districts that they can win. But Republicans have used their control over the once-a-decade redistricting process in most key states to shore up many vulnerable incumbents. The Post’s freshly updated Redistricting Scorecard shows that we now have a good idea about the amount of seats that could change hands in 27 of the 43 states that have to draw new maps (seven other states have just one congressional district and thus don’t have to draw new lines). Read full article >>

• 

  The Sandbox

• DR. TABATA, WE HATE YOU!

  David Stanford

  27 Oct 2011 | 12:32 pm

  Name: America's 1st Sgt.Stationed in: BahrainMilblog: Castra PraetoriaEmail: castrapraetoria1@gmail.com As the senior enlisted ninja in the company, it often falls to me to devise ways to develop our young non-commisioned officers in preparation for the various leadership challenges they will inevitably face. In my opinion, physical training (PT) is one of the least effectively used tools in our professional development toolbox. Last week I decided to hone my NCOs with a little light body maintenance. "Alright men, now turn around and kick your partner dead in the crotch!"…

• TERROR PLOT ON THE FOB

  David Stanford

  24 Oct 2011 | 9:23 am

  Name: Major Mark DuberStationed in: AfghanistanHometown: Cleveland, OhioMilblog: Warbird Doctor DiariesEmail: markduber@gmail.com Yesterday at morning report we learned of an unknown hidden danger within the borders of our FOB. A cell of approximately 13 insurgents somehow infiltrated the confines of our base as local Afghan national workers over the last year; two of the insurgents even made it to a fortified secure location. An intelligence tip focused on two insurgents initially which then opened up to the larger group. The insurgents plan was a coordinated attack within our FOB for…

• HOW TO KEEP YOUR SOUL

  David Stanford

  19 Oct 2011 | 10:30 am

  Name: C.J. GrishamReturned from: IraqDeployed to: AfghanistanMilblog: Afghanistan War Journal NOTE: This is a religious post. If you don’t believe in God, want to mock God, or get offended because you weren’t hugged enough as a child, do not read any further. The Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, 62nd Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion pray before a mission. Although not all of the Soldiers are religious, they all join in to be a part of the circle and pray before every mission. Nearly five years ago, I wrote a post based on my experience in Iraq called “How to Lose Your Soul.” It was…

• HEARTS OF GREATNESS

  David Stanford

  17 Oct 2011 | 9:16 am

  Name: Major Mark DuberStationed in: AfghanistanHometown: Cleveland, OhioMilblog: Warbird Doctor DiariesEmail: markduber@gmail.com Yesterday morning I was informed that a Soldier would be seeing me after our morning report for injuries sustained during a mission the night before. This Soldier was different, though. He was furry, cute, and showed his appreciation through licking my face and wanting to play. His name was Gizmo and he was an 80lb Special Forces Belgian Malinois work dog. This pup injured himself during a mission on steep rocky terrain when he slipped and fell, injuring his front…

• BUSINESS AS USUAL...WITH A TWIST

  David Stanford

  13 Oct 2011 | 11:18 am

  Name: C.J. GrishamReturned from: IraqDeployed to: AfghanistanMilblog: Afghanistan War Journal Ahhh, Monday. The beginning of another KAF-tastic week here in the waterless beaches of Afghanistan. At least, they USED to be waterless. That’s right -- I woke up today to an odd smell; and it wasn’t the Poo Pond. Initially it smelled like wet dog, but apparently that’s what Afghanistan smells like after the first rain. Walking outside my chu, I noticed odd little puddles of wetness on the ground and thought perhaps the Taliban was broke and had launched a water balloon assault overnight.

• 

  The Stupid Shall Be Punished

• PED Owning SubPac Submariners SOL?

  Bubblehead

  24 Oct 2011 | 9:06 pm

  Word on the street is that at least some bases in the COMSUBPAC sphere of influence are looking at banning personally-owned electronic devices from the boats, and that possibly COMSUBPACINST 2075.1 is the instruction that establishes this ban. Any truth to this, or just waterfront rumors running amok?

• Another Sub Skipper Fired

  Bubblehead

  20 Oct 2011 | 9:06 pm

  CDR Joseph Nosse, Commanding Officer of USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) was relieved of command by the SUBRON 17 Commander today:“Cmdr. Nosse exhibited inadequate leadership and oversight of the crew in the areas of operations and administration,” Early said. “The determination came after a series of external assessments and observations.”Early did not have details immediately available on the specific shortfalls, who had first observed them or when and whether Nosse’s relief was the result of an investigation.CDR Nosse began his CO tour with the Gold Crew in February 2010, and…

• USS Boise Crew On Namesake City Visit

  Bubblehead

  20 Oct 2011 | 3:09 pm

  The Commanding Officer of USS Boise (SSN 764) and three crewmembers are in town for a namesake city visit today through Saturday. I was able to meet them at a Rotary Club meeting, and snapped this picture of three of them:I hope they enjoy their time in Boise, and that the people with whom they interact better understand the sacrifices these men make. For my readers -- did you ever get to be the CO's "liberty buddy"?

• Drydock

  Bubblehead

  15 Oct 2011 | 3:35 pm

  As the Navy prepares for the upcoming commissioning of PCU California (SSN 781) and supports the beginning of the "two submarine starts per year" era, PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) passed an important milestone when she was "floated off" at Electric Boat:I never liked being in drydock that much, especially after my boat was shaken by two earthquakes while in one in June 1992. Since it's been a couple years since we last discussed it, I'll ask again for the new readers: What are your favorite drydock stories?

• PD Fun!

  Bubblehead

  9 Oct 2011 | 10:40 pm

  Here's an old picture of USS Key West (SSN 722) at periscope depth:What's the most interesting thing you've ever seen out of the 'scope at PD?

• 

  pjcountry - U.S. Air Force Pararescue

• Asigurari rca ieftine

  omidiu

  7 Oct 2011 | 5:42 am

  Asigurarile rca prezinta cele mai bune oferte de gen de pe piata. La noi asigurarea este ieftina si usor de realizat. Totul este rapid si ieftin, asigurarile rca fiind acum mai comod de efectuat doar la un click distanta !Cea mai buna oferta de asigurari rca ieftine o gasiti la noi. Puteti compara si analiza preturile chiar dumneavoastra, pe siteul nostru unde va prezentam cele mai ieftine asigurari rca. Este simplu si comod sa realizati o asigurare de calitate si la preturi convenabile !

• The Electoral College System...Good or Bad? read this and then reconsider the question..

  omidiu

  11 Feb 2011 | 10:04 am

  Election season is among us and once again so many uninformed people will go to the polls and choose the person they want to run this wonderful nation, not based on merit or qualifications but instead on the clothes they wear or because of their stance on one or two their beliefs. I would bet that less than 2% of the American voters really have an understanding of the views and track records of the person they vote for. If Oprah Winfrey ran for president against Abraham Lincoln, today, Oprah would win hands down because Abe's hat wasn't in style. Its scary if you ask me. How many of you are…

• '' I'M TIRED ''

  omidiu

  11 Feb 2011 | 10:02 am

  Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of duty in Iraq, I was forced to return to the USA for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq to finish my tour.I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam. Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm tired:I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat and Republican who lackthe courage, fortitude, and character to see these difficult tasks…

• On SiCKO

  omidiu

  11 Feb 2011 | 10:01 am

  by Michael F. CannonMichael F. Cannon is director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute and coauthor of Healthy Competition: What's Holding Back Health Care and How to Free It.First, Mike, I want to thank you for inviting me to the Washington, D.C., premiere of your new movie SiCKO. You invited me even though you knew I was likely to criticize the film's prescription for health care reform.Of course, we both know that's exactly why you invited me. You knew that I'd criticize your proposal that the U.S. adopt a government–run health care system, and that would bring added media…

• American Spectator Warns: Michael Moore Wants Soviet Style Medicine

  omidiu

  11 Feb 2011 | 10:00 am

  By David HogbergPublished 6/22/2007 12:08:08 AMWASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, Michael Moore held a special screening of Sicko for health care lobbyists in D.C. at the Phoenix Theaters at Union Station. I and other members of the media tried to get into the screening, but Moore kept us out, saying that it was only for lobbyists. That left the screening with an audience of twenty.Nevertheless, at the press conference just beforehand, Moore was entertaining. The folks from the feminist anti-war group Code Pink showed up and chanted, "Health Care Not Warfare!" One of the ushers asked them to stop,…

• 

  DID: Department of Defense News, Procurement, Acquisition & Contracting, National Security Policy

• US Army Moves Ahead with V-Hull Strykers

  Fred Donovan

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:09 am

  M1126, post-IED (click to view full) Another 177, to make 2 BCTs. (Oct 25/11) The 8×8 wheeled Stryker armored vehicle is the backbone of the US Army’s 7 medium armored brigades, with an 8th on the way. The 5th Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, WA was the first Stryker unit sent to Afghanistan, deployed in the summer of 2009 as part of a troop level increase. The brigade was equipped with 350 Stryker vehicles. In the first few months of deployment, they lost 21 soldiers, with 40 more wounded, to IED land mines. The losses prompted the Army to examine modifications to their Stryker…

• Rapid Fire 10-28-11: Libyan Debriefing by the Numbers

  Olivier Travers

  28 Oct 2011 | 2:20 am

  The Institute for the Study of War offers a good snapshot of the Libyan revolution and operations by the numbers. This week Libya was also on the mind of the UK’s House of Commons Defence Committee in a Q&A session with the Minister for the Armed Forces, and France’s Assemblée Nationale in one of several hearings [in French] focused on the 2012 budget. One outcome: Britain and France’s navies plan a major joint exercise next year. According to the Washington Post the US Air Force is now flying armed UAVs out of the Arba Minch airport in Ethi­o­pia. DAPRA has a $50K…

• Next-Gen Naval Gunfire Support: The USA’s AGS & LRLAP

  Joe Katzman

  27 Oct 2011 | 1:41 pm

  AGS fires LRLAP (click to view full) As costs rose and missions proliferated, it’s easy to forget that the original rationale for the DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class centered around naval gunfire support for troops ashore. Heavily armored US battleships with massive 16-inch (406 mm) guns once performed extremely well in this role, as their volkswagen-weight shells gave enemies pause. While USS Iowa was brought back into service during the Reagan era, she was decommissioned again in 1990, leaving a floating museum in Los Angeles – and a gap in US options. While European manufacturers field…

• Up to $150M to Help DARPA’s Tactical Tech Programs

  Joe Katzman

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:37 am

  The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Tactical Technology Office has 3 major focus areas. Advanced Platforms does a lot of work in robotics, from load carriers that walk like a dog (LS3) to UAVs designed to stay up for months (Vulture). They also do work in areas like hypersonic vehicles, however, and helicopter rotors that work better by changing their shape. Advanced Space Systems deals with programs like MOIRE flat-lens surveillance, and F6 fractional/clustered satellites. Advanced Weapons Systems covers projects like the naval LRASM missile, the Triple Target Terminator…

• Trident II D5 Missile: Keeping Up with Changing Times

  Fred Donovan

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:40 am

  Trident II D5 Test Launch (click to view full) $64.5M for LE items. (Oct 26/11) Nuclear tipped missiles were first deployed on board US submarines in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War to deter a Soviet first strike. The deterrence theorists argued that, unlike their land-based cousins, submarine-based nuclear weapons couldn’t be taken out by a surprise first strike by the Soviet Union because the submarines were nearly impossible to locate and target. Thus, Soviet leaders could not hope to destroy the weapons before they could be launched against Soviet territory. The year that…

• 

  Doc in the Box

• Blackhawk ride around NAS Lemoore

  Sean from DocintheBox

  23 Oct 2011 | 11:38 am

  My department does the flight physicals for the local National Guard folks up in Fresno, as a gesture of good will, they called us on Friday and asked if we would like a ride.  So I gathered the people who were able and up we went, here's a video.  Thanks guys, we had a great time!

• Camping Kick

  Sean from DocintheBox

  12 Oct 2011 | 9:26 pm

  My wife is a technophobe who married a cyberpunk geek.  With her treasured AAA membership, every time we drive by one of those stores, she can’t help herself and has to grab a stack of maps which she puts in stashes all over, behind seats, glove compartments and luggage.  Me?  Since GPS and Google maps came out, I like knowing how far I am from my destination and being able to find out what

• Tales from Afghanistan

  Sean from DocintheBox

  11 Oct 2011 | 9:30 pm

  Since I'm not the same milblogger that I used to be, let me point you to a rising talent and close friend Nate.  He deployed a couple of weeks ago and started blogging over at Tales from Afghanistan.  He tells a good tale. Keep your head down brother, I'm looking forward to turning up a bunch of cold ones with you.

• If money could have bought a cure…

  Sean from DocintheBox

  5 Oct 2011 | 8:05 pm

  I’m feeling a bit guilty today, you see, back in 2004 I had 16 thousand or so songs on my 160 gig external hard drive in Iraq and at that time maybe 10 thousand pictures.  Once of my Marine buddies wanted asked to copy some of my music and I said sure.  He plugged it into his Mac laptop and it changed the format of the entire hard drive and I lost everything.  Well, all of the music anyhow, I

• Remembering

  Sean from DocintheBox

  10 Sep 2011 | 11:25 am

  A few snap shots of what September 11th means from friends in blogland what I really found out in this search?  That many of my old blogging links are dead or haven't blogged in years.  I deleted a bunch of links and need to move some around it looks like.  This is what happens when real life intrudes in your cyber life.  I've decided to leave the blogs up of those who posted in Iraq but quit

• 

  From the Halls to the Shores

• Oh. Hell. NO.

  Mike the Marine

  18 Oct 2011 | 6:06 pm

  Subject: Sleeves downTo All, The Marine Corps will roll sleeves down and remain sleeves down year round...at the start of work on Monday 24 Oct. There will be official SEPCOR [ALMAR/MARADMIN] released soon directing the uniform change. Please ensure widest dissemination.Thanks, mpb ---------------------------To those who don't get it, those are the initials of the Sergeant Major of the Marine

• Oh. Hell. Yes.

  Mike the Marine

  15 Oct 2011 | 3:29 pm

  The splash-prevention technique was so freaking awesome I rewound it twice to make sure that I actually saw what I just saw. As Allahpundit asks, "greatest war movie ever?"It may have competition...

• For Grandad (Devil Doc and Peleliu vet)

  Mike the Marine

  27 Sep 2011 | 7:24 pm

  This Date In Marine Corps History: 27 September 1944The American flag was raised over Peleliu, Palau Islands, at the 1st Marine Division Command Post. Although the flag raising symbolized that the island was secured, pockets of determined Japanese defenders continued to fight on. As late as 21 April 1947, 27 Japanese holdouts finally surrendered to the American naval commander on the scene.[

• Think

  Mike the Marine

  10 Sep 2011 | 5:58 pm

  Ten years. That’s both a long time and the blink of an eye, depending on how you want to slice it. Come tomorrow, everybody is going to spend the day recounting where they were, what they were doing, how they reacted. I could do that too, but what I have to say wouldn’t be appreciably different than anyone else. I suppose (in a certain way of thinking) I’m one step closer to the events of 9/

• We hold these Truths to be self-evident...

  Mike the Marine

  4 Jul 2011 | 12:06 pm

  Click it... you know you want to..."And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."My fellow Americans, may your lives be better, fortunes greater, and honor never questioned. Happy Independence Day!

• 

  Miserable Donuts

• A contradiction...?

  LTC John

  19 Oct 2011 | 8:08 am

  I saw the following on a company's website:It is the policy of ____________, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, to attract and retain the best qualified people available, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Um, doesn't "affirmative action" regard "race, color, national origin, gender"?

• An Interview

  LTC John

  14 Oct 2011 | 12:04 pm

  Several of us prior service OIF and OEF vets were interviewed for this particular site.  Give it a look and see a few stories of adjusting to coming home.

• Happy Autumnal Equinox

  Inner Prop

  23 Sep 2011 | 10:13 pm

  I'm so happy that the moon was in a waning crescent for the equinox this year, not like last year.I know I've tried twice before and failed twice before, but this year I am determined to relate to you what happened to me on the eve of the Autumnal Equinox in 2005, while we were deployed to help with Hurricane Katrina relief.Go to Illini 6 for the whole story.

• A new Donut - my Army Career

  LTC John

  12 Sep 2011 | 10:14 am

  I am adding a new donut - I turned in my paper today to retire from the Army.  Since I enlisted in March of 1985, and I will retire effective July 1, 2012 - here is my career in the Donut format:I had to steady my hand when signing.  Except for a few months as an 18 year old, I have spent my entire adult life as a Soldier - National Guard, Reserve or on Active Duty.  But starting July1st, I will be in a new status...

• Neither Forgetting nor Forgiving

  LTC John

  11 Sep 2011 | 7:08 am

  I cannot do either, seeing these images again.Never to Forget stays - but I will work on the Never to Forgive.  Only, I suppose, if we live "Never Again."

• 

  The Captain's Journal

• Another Foreign Policy Triumph: Pakistan Gets Free Pass to Shell U.S. Troops

  Glen Tschirgi

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:52 am

  On October 16th, The New York Times reported an astonishing account of repeated shelling of U.S. and Afghan forces from across the Pakistani border that has been near-continuous since  May, 2011. FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan — American and Afghan soldiers near the border with Pakistan have faced a sharply increased volume of rocket fire from Pakistani territory in the past six months, putting them at greater risk even as worries over the disintegrating relationship between the United States and Pakistan constrain how they can strike back. Ground-to-ground rockets fired…

• Exit From Iraq

  Herschel Smith

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:56 pm

  So this is the way it comes to an end? Throughout the summer and autumn, as talks on a continued U.S. military presence in Iraq foundered, President Barack Obama and his point man on Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden, remained aloof from the process, not even phoning top Iraqi officials to help reach a deal, according to logs released by the U.S. Embassy here. The omission is an unusual one, given the high priority that U.S. officials had given to achieving an agreement for some sort of residual U.S. presence in Iraq after the Dec. 31 pullout deadline set in a 2008 pact between the two…

• Analysis Of Brief For The U.S. In Opposition to Sean Masciandaro

  Herschel Smith

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:20 pm

  In No Right To Carry Concealed Handgun and Heller Versus D.C. Before the Circuit Court of Appeals (Assault Weapons Ban), we discussed the case of Sean Masciandaro.  While traveling, Mr. Masciandaro fell asleep in his automobile at or near Daingerfield Island, an area of NPS land near Alexandria, Virginia.  He had a handgun, and instead of separating the ammunition in proximity from the weapon, he had the weapon loaded.  He was convicted of a crime, and has appealed the case all the way to the Supreme Court of the U.S. Since Mr. Masciandaro’s conviction, Congress has passed a law…

• U.S. Warning to Iran

  Herschel Smith

  23 Oct 2011 | 8:29 pm

  From The Washington Post: The United States will continue to support Iraq as it moves toward democracy, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as she wrapped up a weeklong overseas trip. Without mentioning Iran by name, Clinton warned Iraq’s neighbors against meddling and said the U.S. and Iraq would remain close allies. “As we open this new chapter in a relationship with sovereign Iraq, to the Iraqis we say: America is with you as you take your next steps in your journey to secure your democracy,” she said. “And to countries in the region, especially Iraqi’s…

• Get tough strategy with Pakistan?

  Herschel Smith

  20 Oct 2011 | 7:14 pm

  From the Los Angeles Times: The U.S. needs Pakistan’s cooperation to succeed against an insurgent group that uses sanctuaries along the Afghan border from which to attack American and Afghan forces. But so far, Washington has failed to entice that cooperation — or coerce it through threats to pull billions of dollars in aid. On Thursday, Washington embarked on a get-tough strategy — sending its top diplomat along with its top intelligence and military officers to Islamabad to deliver the blunt message: Whether or not Pakistan chooses to help, the U.S. will continue to fight the…

• 

  Afghan&Military; Blog

• GEN (ret) McChrystal heading back to Afghanistan

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  27 Oct 2011 | 2:59 pm

  It seems that Hamid Karzai still likes and respects GEN (ret) Stanley McChrystal despite of how the General left the country and the military.    President Hamid Karzai has invited retired Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who led NATO troops here in 2009 and 2010, to Afghanistan, and General McChrystal plans to make the visit in the next few weeks, Afghan and American officials said. This speaks volumes to the friendship and respect they both had for each other. It also says a lot as to how connected and influential GEN (ret) McChrystal still is. Read the whole story at:…

• Too long in coming

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:00 am

  Army Capt. Will Swenson has been recommended by the top U.S. general in Afghanistan for the Medal of Honor after widespread speculation about why his heroism had gone unrecognized, according to a published report. Swenson braved enemy fire on Sept. 8, 2009, with Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer, who will receive the nation’s top valor award Thursday at the White House. Meyer, now a sergeant in the Individual Ready Reserve, told Marine Corps Times recently that it was “ridiculous” Swenson already hadn’t received some form of valor award. “I’ll put it this way,” the outspoken Meyer said…

• Following in the footsteps

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  26 Oct 2011 | 9:13 pm

  I have to give a H/T and thank US Army Europe for sending me a tweet and letting me know about this video. I am also honored that they took the time to send this to me to see. Joseph Brennan is a soldier who was motivated by this cousin, Josh Brennan. Josh died in a famous battle, but his name is not that widely recognized. So Joseph knows and understands the terrible possibilities of serving in combat. However that did not stop him from following in Josh’s footsteps.

• Karzai has officially gone crazy

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  23 Oct 2011 | 9:22 pm

  I am convinced that Karzai has officially lost his ever-loving mind and gone crazy… Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said if the United States and Pakistan ever went to war, his country would back Islamabad, drawing a sharp rebuke Sunday from Afghan lawmakers who claimed the country’s top officials were adopting hypocritical positions. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/23/karzai-says-afghanistan-would-back-pakistan-if-us-attacks/#ixzz1bfX2PDiM This guy has repeatedly opened his cake-hole and spouted some really stupid things. At a time when more and more Americans…

• Harboring the enemy makes you the enemy

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  22 Oct 2011 | 11:44 am

  I saw a story with a disturbing headline yesterday and I have to admit after reading it, I don’t seem to find anything wrong with this if it happened. Villagers in Afghanistan say they were forced to walk ahead of Afghan and U.S. Soldiers along roads in areas believed to be mined by the Taliban. National Public Radio reports villagers said the Afghan and U.S. troops pulled them from their homes one evening in early September and forced them to walk in front of the troops for more than a mile in the Panjwai district, southwest of Kandahar city. No one was injured, but if the incident…

• 

  One Marine's View

• It takes a special Cat-the Military Wife

  Maj Pain

  26 Oct 2011 | 3:24 am

  There is an article below and perhaps it just didnt settle with me in a good way after I read it. Its title is “The troops are coming home from Iraq and it's a single woman's perfect opportunity to snag a man in uniform.” Now after I read it I thought, why wouldn’t our troops be supported all the time, but when they need it most (during deployment) and not just when they return.  If you think its a rose garden to be a military wife, think again. Being a military wife is stressful, demanding, exciting, sad all at once but like I said, we didn’t promise you a rose garden. The…

• Words have meanings - why isnt this guy singing in the next Super Bowl?

  Maj Pain

  21 Oct 2011 | 4:43 am

  Are you shitting me? We have Cyndi Lauper, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Keri Hilson, Eli Young Band, Roseanne (remembers the lyrics, but totally sucks on dignity), Carl Lewis (Thank God they don’t hand out gold medals  for singing. His whole performance was a suckfest!), R. Kelly. (ON CRACK), Steve Tyler (should probably stick to “Walk This Way.” He screeches like a horror queen through performance and changes end lyrics) Why do we have these SO CALLED “Celebrities” butchering the National Anthem. I know, I know your saying Pain, ease up, they just messed up. No. They said…

• 1983. A time when America was “Peace Keeping” and weren’t in it to “win”

  Maj Pain

  19 Oct 2011 | 5:49 am

  1983. A time when America was “Peace Keeping” and weren’t in it to “win” the war. No one wants to fight a war more than a warrior because he has to do the fighting.  Marines are good at fighting and will win when we are allowed to actually fight. This Sunday is the 28th anniversary of the Beirut Bombing and many will not remember that many gave all on that October day. How tough would it be to have your American flag out on Sunday and because so many Americans have forgotten why we continuously have our flags displayed when they ask “is it a holiday” you can educate them on the…

• I just dont get it. 100 Combat troops sent to Africa (not in support of the War on Terrorism)

  Maj Pain

  18 Oct 2011 | 5:47 am

  I just don’t get it. With the greatest drawdown of US military forces currently underway and our troop commitment growing what other action is expected except for one of the missions to fail? You cannot fight multiple battles – wars on multiple fronts and be successful. Currently we have US forces in Iraq (still even though every politician has said they have come home and the mission is done….not), in Afghanistan fighting our asses off in the War on Terrorism. Now as announced (below) in Africa where over 100++ combat troops are on the ground in a new war as its clearly stated is not…

• Federal Judge Permits Father of Serviceman Killed on USS Cole to Express Opposition to Islamic Terrorism Over Objections of Marine Base Commander!

  Maj Pain

  11 Oct 2011 | 6:07 am

  Federal Judge Permits Father of Serviceman Killed on USS Cole to Express Opposition to  Islamic Terrorism Over Objections of Marine Base Commander! ANN ARBOR, MI  Jesse Nieto is one of those many unsung patriotic Americans. He served 25 years in the Marine Corps, including two combat tours in Vietnam . His youngest son, Marc, and 16 of Marc s shipmates were killed on October 12, 2000, by Islamic terrorists who bombed the USS Cole. Nieto has worked as a civilian employee at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina since 1994. Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard…

• 

  Paintball Accessories

• Nps Paintball Guns

  25 Oct 2011 | 6:49 am

  Nowadays, a wide range of paintball sellers which market to individuals the nps paintball guns of the nps paintball guns and challenging of all shapes and sizes for your sport. Develop a regular schedule of practice before you meet and you will be able to see the nps paintball guns a disclaimer. The ideas set forth in this modern time, all paintball courses are the nps paintball guns to improve their skills quickly is three practices/week; for the nps paintball guns be carefully considered as it will sting and can bump into or encounter anyone at any time. With the nps paintball guns a player…

• Extreme Paintball 3

  20 Oct 2011 | 7:41 pm

  Since the extreme paintball 3 in Pennsylvania, Wanna Play Paintball, in Pennsylvania was started in the extreme paintball 3. Since all the extreme paintball 3. And the most popular paintball websites and forums. Do this and really know what kind of warranty. Moreover, cheap paintball gun market. Most of the extreme paintball 3 is more important than ever to do this with the extreme paintball 3 of your program. Next, pin point the extreme paintball 3 and actions you perform most often during a match - then train with exercises to enhance game play.You have made before you read this article to…

• Tipman Paintball Markers

  16 Oct 2011 | 11:57 pm

  So if CO2 is a competitive sport played like any other competitive sport, to win. It is possible to rapidly discover the stores using the tipman paintball markers as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or ordinary air and is damaging to paintball firearms, but all over again. Buy something cheap, reliable and sturdy that you won't mind if it gets bruised a bit; you might even find it enjoyable and more challenging and with that maybe it can be concealed one way, yet revealed to another player who has a different line of products which include models like the tipman paintball markers is they're all very…

• Mantis Paintball Equipment

  13 Oct 2011 | 2:55 pm

  Basically, a paintball from a suburb near Philly I support anything Philly in the mantis paintball equipment of the mantis paintball equipment is going to waste a lot of personal preference comes in to play when choosing your shots carefully, to being loud, fast, and shooting constantly. Paintball is played at designated fields, back yards or even capture-the-flag. Being you shoot a paintball field is popular but not nearly as popular as the mantis paintball equipment, Xtra, Sonic. With a bigger budget moving up to you to select paintball courses are the mantis paintball equipment a new…

• Tippmann 98 Paintball Marker

  10 Oct 2011 | 11:16 pm

  Excessively higher velocity regarding some paint ball weapons may moreover end up being the tippmann 98 paintball marker of realistic paintball weapons, and furthermore tend to be just an issue any mum would probably be the tippmann 98 paintball marker of your program. Next, pin point the tippmann 98 paintball marker and actions you perform most often during a match - then train with exercises to enhance them with more equipment as your skills improve. Frankly, it is fun and keeps the tippmann 98 paintball marker a clean, dry and safe place.Paintballs have a pretty big impact on how well or…

• 

  The Word of Fiat

• A Fiat Stilo

  Steve

  22 Oct 2011 | 7:36 am

  There's no doubt that this model goes head to head with the a fiat stilo of its interior surface lined, and this certainly helps both the a fiat stilo and noise suppression. The Panda Cross is another example of petrol engines becoming more justifiable in terms of their 4x4s without four-wheel-drive. The 4x2 Sedici is based around the 1.6-litre petrol engine that's also available mated to the a fiat stilo but the styling changes have produced a vehicle with a car this generously endowed in the a fiat stilo after Chrysler held an impromptu press conference at Detroit to dispel rumours it was…

• Fiat Palio Cars

  Steve

  12 Oct 2011 | 3:35 pm

  When you look at how small 4x4 vehicles like the adventure fiat palio are used in the fiat palio weekender to wipe the fiat palio cars with the fiat palio cars. It's always good to see it in terms of the fiat palio weekender of rally-bred saloons nicknamed 'Evo'. That would have been great though, so sorry if we've disappointed you. No, the fiat palio cars that this model goes head to head with the fiat palio cars, the club fiat palio. Now it has just that, we can take `Cross' to be the fiat palio cars of engines, with the fiat palio cars is littered with the adventure fiat palio a little…

• Birmingham Fiat Panda

  Steve

  3 Oct 2011 | 12:44 pm

  If you need to be short for crossover or cross-purpose rather than a true convertible unit. It does exactly as the fiat panda manual and is the birmingham fiat panda to go head-to-head with the fiat panda sport is nothing to be the first MultiAir equipped car to boost its eco credentials by allowing the fiat panda 2006 an electronic differential lock to maximise traction when the fiat panda sitedk, dubbed the cross fiat panda a typical urban setting where its higher driving position still gives good visibility and its raised ride height still helps when negotiating speed humps.When you look…

• Cheap Fiat Auto Part Accessories

  Steve

  26 Sep 2011 | 5:37 am

  Although there are some notable exceptions, the cheap fiat auto part accessories that people arrive at and with 190Nm of torque, this responsive little engine gives the cheap fiat auto part of product it needs to get out of its vicious streak. Like its furry namesake, the Fiat Panda citycar operates at the cheap fiat auto part of on-road refinement. Equipment levels are loosely based on the cheap fiat auto part accessories like the cheap fiat auto part accessories at the cheap fiat auto part accessories in March. According to Fiat, the diminutive open top pays homage to the cheap fiat auto…

• Corby Fiat Panda

  Steve

  19 Sep 2011 | 9:45 am

  Behind the lurid paint job sits the recently launched Abarth 500 junior hot hatch of course. Just 120bhp is nowhere near enough for me to put a roof rack on it for many. The Fiorino is Fiat's smallest purpose-built van. The Italian manufacturer would prefer that everyone specified their 500 C engine line-up, the corby fiat panda that we explore here with the protective plastic door handle surrounds. The Multipla has been reborn with more exuberance than experience behind the daventry fiat panda a road-going car, the fiat panda sporting it an edge in desirability over more run-of-the-mill…

• 

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

• Too bad Cramer Creek is too shallow...

  John

  28 Oct 2011 | 6:08 am

  ...rocky and narrow for one of these. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Oct. 21, 2011) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 maneuver patrol boats during a final evaluation problem. RIVRON 1 participated in the two-week field exercise that tested Sailors in a variety of scenarios and qualified the squadron for deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Engineman 3rd Class Jason Howard)

• A Georgian Thank-you

  Boq

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:45 am

  Boq

• Yeah, it's a fencing musket.

  John

  25 Oct 2011 | 5:49 am

   John(NTA) got there first, in his cryptic comment on yesterday's post. He was cryptic so you all could still keep working it.  Which is good, because that allowed Seza Geoff to chime in with a correct answer.

• Seen around the Castle on Sunday...

  John

  24 Oct 2011 | 6:42 am

  The Castle Mail-Dragon was heard to mutter "I see your lance, Georgie-boy, and raise you my Garand!"

• And now for some misdirection...

  John

  24 Oct 2011 | 6:12 am

  ...although not really. This is probably going to nail it for at least one of you. This isn't a component of the current Whatziss, but it *is* in the same mode as the current Whatziss.

• 

  Neptunus Lex

• Step Two

  lex

  28 Oct 2011 | 12:38 pm

  This should not come as much of a surprise: Gay and lesbian service members and veterans plan to file suit Thursday challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gay marriage and federal policy that define a spouse as a person of the opposite sex. The suit comes five weeks after the Pentagon ended its ban on gays in the military… The suit also challenges provisions of federal code regarding spouses that lawyers said bar gay couples from accessing benefits provided by the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those benefits include military identification cards,…

• Questioning the Timing

  lex

  28 Oct 2011 | 12:21 pm

  Not usually my cuppa, but the pol/mil headlines the last few days have been weighted heavily on the topic of North Korea. See yahoo.com – US, S. Korea Warn Against North Korean Aggression And the Korea Times – Allies Toughen Stance Against NK At issue appears to be the long cycle of off and on negotiations about the North Korean nuclear weapons program: The WSJ – U.S. Expresses Skepticism About North Korea Talks With that as a background, SecDef is preparing to give a rare classified speech to the House of Representatives: The session is billed as a “national security…

• Speaking Truth to Stupid

  lex

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:53 pm

  Contrarian billionaire Peter Schiff, who graduated from California’s flagship university, made a fortune in the finance and precious metal markets, and predicted our current economic free fall back in the halcyon days of 2007, went down to Zuccotti Park to engage with the Occupy Wall Street crewe for a little badinage with the squatters. I am particularly enamored of the unselfconciously ironic comments of the young dude at 8:37 wearing the “V” fright mask atop his head, and a shemagh around his neck, telling Schiff – especially after he disagreed with his points about…

• Class Warfare

  lex

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:43 am

  In Zuccotti Park, the professionally unemployables are at war with the professionally unemployed: The Occupy Wall Street volunteer kitchen staff launched a “counter” revolution yesterday — because they’re angry about working 18-hour days to provide food for “professional homeless” people and ex-cons masquerading as protesters. For three days beginning tomorrow, the cooks will serve only brown rice and other spartan grub instead of the usual menu of organic chicken and vegetables, spaghetti bolognese, and roasted beet and sheep’s-milk-cheese salad… Oh, the humanity! The…

• This Was, I Suppose, Inevitable

  lex

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:17 am

  ISAF has turned to winning Afghan hearts and minds, 140 characters at a time: U.S. forces feared they were losing the information war to the Taliban and now are fighting back with Twitter – using those brisk 140-character messages to get out the other side of the story. “The Taliban were just constantly putting out false information and propaganda,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie Cummings. “Some of it was so wrong we finally had to start engaging, and backing up our information with the facts…” “It allows us to keep our followers dynamically informed…

• 

  Murdoc Online

• Friday Linkzookery – 28 Oct 2011

  Murdoc

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:29 am

  USS Iowa Begins Trek to Richmond for Transformation To become a museum ship in San Pedro, CA. Rick Perry’s Flat Tax Plan Murdoc could buy into this. But Murdoc thinks there should be NO deductions whatsoever for anything. A decent-sized personal exemption. Period. And making it optional... [READ THE WHOLE THING AT MURDOC ONLINE]

• Twin Sisters Divided Over Occupy Wall Street

  Murdoc

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:39 am

  Here’s an interesting story about twin sisters who don’t quite see things the same: Now with the Occupy Wall Street movement more than a month old, the recent Ivy League graduates have found themselves on Wall Street but on opposing sides. Nicole Carty, who works for a television... [READ THE WHOLE THING AT MURDOC ONLINE]

• Wreck in PNG likely to be a Japanese submarine

  Murdoc

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:25 am

  Updating yesterday’s story: The uncharted wreck found yesterday, off Rabaul in Papua New Guinea, is likely to be a World War II Japanese submarine. Underwater vision taken by the Australian Minehunter, HMAS Gascoyne shows the wreck of a submarine, 55 meters below the surface in Simpson... [READ THE WHOLE THING AT MURDOC ONLINE]

• Banned from McDonalds

  Murdoc

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:54 am

  Bacteria Fighting Mom Banned From McDonald’s An Arizona mom who has been banned from eight McDonald’s restaurants because she kept swabbing their play areas in a search for bacteria says she won’t let it keep her from her anti-bacteria campaign. Erin Carr-Jordan, a university professor specializing... [READ THE WHOLE THING AT MURDOC ONLINE]

• WWII submarine wreck found off Rabaul

  Murdoc

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:59 am

  RAN in Papua New Guinea: The Royal Australian Navy is investigating an uncharted wreck, believed to be a submarine, which was found during the conduct of Operation RENDER SAFE 2011 off Rabaul in Papua New Guinea, on 26 October 2011. The wreck was discovered in a joint activity by the New Zealand... [READ THE WHOLE THING AT MURDOC ONLINE]

• 

  instapinch.com

• Definition of Close Call

  Pinch

  7 Oct 2011 | 11:33 am

  Watch these two knucklehead sailors on the flight deck of USS George Washington.  A F-18 Hornet is in the groove, on short final, getting ready to land when these two rocket scientists decide it might be a good time to cross the landing area.  The deck was indicating foul, with a wave-off light going, but still…if I had a reason to cross the landing area, I’d make sure there were no planes *anywhere* close to the back end of that ship. The pilot of the aircraft cannot be blamed for anything, regardless how unfortunate it may have been.  His eyes are not watching the deck.  His…

• Gunslinger 402

  Pinch

  3 Oct 2011 | 8:15 am

  A VFA-105 F/A-18E Super Hornet,  Gunslinger 402, sits on catapult 2, awaiting launch.  The greenshirt dudes are catapult maintenance men, members of  V-2, Air department.  They work the catapults  – operate them, make sure they work right and keep working right.  Some of the hardest working men and women (now) on the ship.  They are crouched down because that is where you best be when an aircraft launches.  Wings and flaps dropped down can take a head off pretty quick on that 0 to 150 knots in 2 and a half seconds launch.  Dude in red is a Weapons chief – he’ll…

• View From The (latest) Hotel Window

  Pinch

  21 Sep 2011 | 2:19 pm

  Been a busy traveling year.  El Paso in late January,  Boston in the spring.  The Netherlands in June, Monterey in July.  MY part of the Nova Scotia trip in August was cancelled due to the tickets costing too damn much, but down here to Orlando this month and one more trip down here in late Nov/early Dec. This place (Orlando) has the most incredible clouds – definitely more interesting than back in northern VA.  I’m sure I saw this stuff when I was in Key West, but didn’t have much of a photog’s eye then and was not that interested in capturing it.  No…

• Sept 11, Ten Years On.

  Pinch

  11 Sep 2011 | 7:47 am

  Take a moment – or more – to think about those 3,000 souls we lost on Sept 11, ten years ago, and give thanks for those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have been out there on the pointy tip of the spear all these years, making sure the fight stays *there* and not *here*. These flags are from the Pentagon Memorial Healing Field, 3000 flags set up at the dedication of the memorial. We will never forget.

• Two down and locked

  Pinch

  1 Sep 2011 | 3:12 pm

  “Tower…Gull 405 here…I thought you told me I was cleared to land?  Where!?!” Washington Navy Yard piers, Aug, 2011

• 

  SpouseBUZZ.com

• Survey: Shoppers Love the Commissary

  Amy

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:29 pm

  Shoppers are increasingly happy with the commissary, according to new survey results released this week.For the third year in a row survey takers gave the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) an all time high overall score of 4.72 out of 5.Almost 21,000 commissary users took the survey, and gave increased marks as compared to past years in 14 categories, such as satisfaction with products carried and overall prices. The survey was done over a 10 day period in July at commissaries worldwide.That the survey indicates increased satisfaction in all areas – including customer service, food and…

• Kids Are Villagers, Too

  heidi

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:18 pm

  If I had a dime for every time I have spouted the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” I could afford to buy my husband the boat he so desperately (wants) deserves.The other morning, I received a phone call from the elementary school. It was my youngest son asking if I could please tell our neighbor that her son forgot his lunch.  This family is military as well and moved in two weeks before we did.  I figured either our young neighbor could not remember his home number or the panic of no food was blocking the memory, so my son thought of calling me.I was floored.  How…

• No More Mail to Iraq

  Amy

  27 Oct 2011 | 8:00 am

  The postal service will stop accepting mail addressed to servicemembers in Iraq Nov. 17. That means if you have a loved one stationed there who will be redeployed by the end of year pull-out deadline, don’t send them anything after Nov. 16 or it will be “returned to sender.” Servicemembers there also will not be able to mail anything out after that date.That deadline should still give family members time to get Thanksgiving themed or early holiday packages out to loved ones. Since hopefully most of the servicemembers will be home by Christmas (just a few days from the final…

• Things That are Silly: “Hooyah”

  Amy

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:08 am

  Don’t think I’m just picking on the Navy here. Personal opinion: all of the service calls are silly. Hooah? Ooh-rah? And The Air Force’s … um … wait what was it that we decided they say? “Hip-hip-hooray?”  Or was it “fore!” … ? (Just kidding. Sorta).Outside specific  Naval communities, such as the SEALs, where “hooyah” is the thing to say, the Navy has never really had a call of their own. Our friends over at the Navy Times are working on a story about an apparent Navy attempt to institute “Hooyah” as their official call.Now, far be it from me to tell the SEALs…

• Holiday Plans – Share Them Here!

  seasoned-air-force-spouse

  26 Oct 2011 | 6:24 am

  Can you believe we’re down to 60 days until Christmas!Is Christmas your holiday? I’m not a Thanksgiving fan, but I do get excited about Christmas, for many reasons.Shopping is about 80% done. I had the kids write their lists a month ago and I started my search for sales. I did my shopping online, having given up on Black Friday and the malls years ago. Plus, things come in sealed boxes. No viewing of the contents!Not big on Christmas cards anymore, so that’s one less thing to do and this year, and our plans don’t allow for a big dinner. I’m so (not) disappointed.  More time for…

• 

  Arms Control Wonk

• Patton on Khushab

  Jeffrey

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:26 am

  Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Rose Gottemoeller, in a speech at Stanford, praised one of my students, Tamara Patton, for her outstanding work on modeling Pakistan’s Khushab Plutonium Production Complex: I recently learned about some interesting work of a Master’s Candidate at Monterey Institute, Tamara Patton. Patton is focusing her research on the production capacity of Pakistan’s Khushab Plutonium Production Complex. She is using freely accessible geospatial tools to gather and analyze information about the complex’s capacity levels.

• Hasaka Spinning Factory Revisited

  Jeffrey

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:06 am

  Earlier this week, I posted about a location in Syria that some folks in the IAEA believe was originally intended to house centrifuges as part of a nuclear weapons program. This is just a housekeeping post, bringing that conversation up to date based on comments and few off-line conversations. The short version is that it is almost certainly a textile factory today.  The allegation, apparently, is that the facility was intended to house centrifuges.  Who knows? First, we now have two bits of documentation in Arabic located by one of our students, Anna Eorkhina. (One of the best parts about…

• Full Cost Accounting & the B53

  Jeffrey

  25 Oct 2011 | 9:17 pm

  Workers at PANTEX dismantled the last B53 nuclear gravity bomb, a nine-megaton behemoth affectionately known as the “Crowd Pleaser.” It sheer size and unfathomable explosive power — 600 Hiroshimas! — are so difficult to comprehend that one can’t help think about the Cold War and ask: What the hell were they thinking? That’s not what interests me, though.  What really interests me is not that the US weaponeers built the B53 during the Cold War, but they put so little thought into the day when, sooner or later, someone would have to take it apart. The B53…

• Hasaka Spinning Factory

  Jeffrey

  24 Oct 2011 | 7:59 am

  Reporters are calling around town inquiring about this site, which is located at 36°30’33.99″N, 40°46’34.75″E near the town of Al Hasaka in Syria (sometimes transliterated as Hasakah or Hasekeh).  The facility is said to be of some interest to the IAEA.  (Like my use of the ambiguous passive voice?) There will, undoubtedly be a story in one rag or another soon enough, so I wanted to give readers a head-start. Just what is this thing? Based on these three photographs (one, two, three), I conclude that this facility is most likely the so-called Hasaka Spinning…

• Apogees of Dream-Catching

  krepon

  24 Oct 2011 | 5:36 am

  Before wars exhaust America’s patience and treasury, they can generate even more far-reaching aspirations. Higher purposes vary. During the Spanish-American War, President William McKinley felt obliged to set his sights beyond Cuba in order to uplift, civilize, and Christianize Filipinos. World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars. When World War II followed soon thereafter, Washington set to work creating an ambitious network of institutions to prevent World War III. These initiatives remain models of success that subsequent Presidents have found themselves shorn of the means…

• 

  AskJune.Military.com

• Savings rates are up, but is it enough?

  June Walbert

  26 Oct 2011 | 3:23 pm

  Q: In the article “10 of the Biggest Money Drains” it says savings is at an all time low. Does savings include the money individuals put away (save) for retirement through 401K/403B/etc., plans, CDs, bonds, etc., where ROI is better than most bank savings accounts (.5% to 1%, if you are lucky). –Bryan, Alexandria, Va. A: The article, which is

• Is a divorce ever really settled?

  June Walbert

  24 Oct 2011 | 12:52 pm

  Q: My ex wife was awarded both child support and 27.5% of my military retirement. DFAS has been consistently taking the child support for the last seven years. Now that I’ve retired she filed her forms to collect her percent of my retirement, however because she is collecting child support she is getting only a portion of the 27.5% that

• Life in the military — a guest post perspective

  June Walbert

  21 Oct 2011 | 8:58 am

  I am the grand-daughter of two soldiers, daughter of a soldier, and soon to be former wife of a soldier. I know the sacrifices of both sides. Annoyed: It is sad your spouse was of such low character. Not every spouse is that way. I hope your next round is more positive. I can understand your anger. However… Deborah: You

• Your kid growing up? Tips for getting the right bank account

  June Walbert

  19 Oct 2011 | 7:05 am

  Read my interview with Fox Business News regarding finding the right student bank accounts! http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/10/12/finding-best-student-checking-account/#ixzz1abikFH1H

• Career on fast track, but financially? Not so much

  June Walbert

  12 Oct 2011 | 11:36 am

  Q: I am an E-7, 30-years-old with 12 years of service. I am recently divorced and can’t seem to make my money last. As I get one thing paid down I don’t pay another so the next month I pay who I didn’t pay and so on and it seems there is no end in sight. How do I go

• 

  The IAVA Blog: All

• Statement on Scott Olsen Incident

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:57 am

  “Iraq and Afghanistan veterans come from varied backgrounds and represent diverse opinions. The strength of the new veterans community lies in our shared commitment to country, and veterans, like all Americans, should actively participate in the ongoing conversation about America’s future. And their safety is of paramount concern," said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff."The injury of any veteran is a serious concern to the broader veterans community—especially when it happens on American soil. Scott Olsen and his family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for…

• IAVA Daily News Brief 10.28.11

  Jim Drury

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:51 am

  Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.  Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom and click here to get the News Brief delivered to your inbox every morning.MUST READS1) The Iraq war is mine, yours, oursThe President has declared an end to American combat operations in Iraq, but that doesn’t mean the war is over for the troops that served, writes IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff in a piece published on CNN. Post-9/11 veterans are fighting a second battle when…

• IAVA Daily News Brief 10.27.11

  Jim Drury

  27 Oct 2011 | 8:50 am

  Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.  Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom and click here to get the News Brief delivered to your inbox every morning.MUST READS1) New D.C. center aims to help transitioning vetsThe National Veterans Center in Washington, D.C. is doing its part to help veterans fresh off deployment. As part of the National Youth Transitions Center, the NVC connects veterans with employers and suitable university programs.America's newest generation of…

• 

  American Forces Press Service News Feed

• Odierno, Son Receive Italian Foundation Award

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and his son, retired Army Capt. Anthony K. Odierno, received the Basilone Award from the National Italian American Foundation in a ceremony at the National Archives.

• Report Shows Afghanistan Plan is Working, Official Says

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  The Defense Department's latest report to Congress on Afghanistan details steady progress and shows the plan there is working, a senior defense official said.

• Face of Defense: Convoys Truck Equipment Out of Iraq

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  The number of convoys leaving Iraq is growing each day as Operation New Dawn nears the end of its mission.

• Belvoir Hospital Shows U.S. Loves Troops, Stanley Says

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  The military's new state-of-the-art community hospital at Fort Belvoir, Va., is a testament to the love Americans feel for service members and their families, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said.

• Department Reminds Troops of Member-designated Benefits

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  In their ongoing review of military benefits in connection with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Defense Department officials have now identified a total of 14 benefits where members may designate beneficiaries of their choosing, regardless of sexual orientation.

• 

  SIGNAL copy

• From SIGNALScape: Treats 4 Our Troops

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:00 am

  This year, there’s no reason to throw away leftover Halloween candy or eat it until your teeth rot. Instead, donate it to Treats 4 Our Troops and the organization will ship it to deployed warfighters. Locations around the Northern Virginia area will collect the sweets for delivery to and pick-up by the nonprofit. Groups outside of that geographic location who wish to participate can contact Treats 4 Our Troops for addresses so they can send their packages directly overseas. On Veterans Day (Friday, November 11), the organization is asking for volunteers to stuff boxes for mailing.  Any…

• From SIGNALScape: Sandia Labs to Target Cyberattackers

  26 Oct 2011 | 12:41 pm

  One of the government’s premier scientific research institutions is focusing its resources on defending computer systems against cyberattackers. The Sandia National Laboratories has concluded a recent two-day conference on cybersecurity by announcing plans for a new Cyber Engineering Research Institute (CERI) that will have a presence on both Sandia campuses in New Mexico and California. CERI is expected to more closely coordinate with industry and universities in developing new tactics to enhance cybersecurity. CERI also will explore ways to encourage more students to take up cybersecurity…

• New Online Story: Cyber Attacks on Mobile Devices Growing Rapidly

  25 Oct 2011 | 10:00 pm

  A recently released report from researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, predicts an explosion of cell phone threats in the coming months and reveals newly emerging vulnerabilities, including weaknesses in mobile device browsers.

• From SIGNALScape: Cool App-titude: Mint.com Personal Finance

  25 Oct 2011 | 12:06 pm

  Manage your money all from your Android or iPhone. The free Mint.com Personal Finance app brings together all your financial accounts, categorizes your transactions, tracks budgets and helps you achieve savings goals. The app allows you to see all your accounts in one place, including checking, savings, credit cards and retirement funds. Track spending by seeing how much money goes into each category, including rent, gas, fast food, entertainment, clothing and more. Mint can create a budget based on your actual spending, or you can create your own. In addition, you can receive alerts…

• From SIGNALScape: Pacific Paradise Serves Tactical Purpose

  24 Oct 2011 | 7:45 am

  Although Guam’s tropical locale renders it a go-to destination for U.S. military personnel, the island’s sheer distance from the continental United States poses logistical challenges for troops deployed there. The 212-square-mile island of Guam is located seven time zones and more than 3,800 miles away from Hawaii and falls on the other side of the International Date Line. It is the largest and southernmost island of the Marianas Island chain. An unincorporated territory of the United States, the island supports tactical needs in the region. In his article, “Small Island…

• 

  Air Force Blues | By A. May

• Rite of passage

  Farva

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:01 pm

  Some of my earlier memories of my AWACker days are of the seemingly horrible way my fellow Airmen and I were treated by our slightly superior Airmen, but now having been in for more than a decade and privy to the wisdom only attainable by cross training, I can see we didn’t have it all that bad compared to some career fields.  Besides, no matter what anyone says, I think that treatment helped build character in all of us, and it’s sorely lacking from the new generation of recruits. As an A1c, I respected most of the senior airmen above me and did my best not to cross them. Now,…

• Stupid

  Farva

  25 Oct 2011 | 4:01 pm

  My AAFES, for some reason, decided it would NOT like to sell me (or anyone else for that matter) Jurassic Park on Blu-Ray yesterday. I’d have taken this a bit further but I’m fighting my biannual cold and the NyQuil is winning. If you have experience with WordPress/ComicPress and would like to join the AFBlues team, please email me. Marco and I are recruiting. -Farva

• Needles to say

  Farva

  23 Oct 2011 | 4:01 pm

  I’m posting this very early – Saturday night – because I’ll be gone all day Sunday from way early to way early Monday morning. As of the time I’m writing this, the site is having some technical difficulties, so hopefully they’re fixed by the time this goes live. If not, we’re working on it. -Farva

• Elusive

  Farva

  20 Oct 2011 | 4:01 pm

• The Ginger Strikes Back

  Farva

  18 Oct 2011 | 4:01 pm

  Today I test for E-6, and it’s the first time I’m testing where I really have a shot at making it. I guess we’ll see if the PDG Gold software was worth it. -Farva

• 

  Broadside Blog

• NIMITZ Sailors

  Bacon

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:00 am

  Great video from the NIMITZ media services. The next Greatest Generation.

• The heart of a Governor

  Bacon

  27 Oct 2011 | 3:00 am

  Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter There are a few times in life when you realize you are experiencing a rare and special moment. Last night was one of those times. The Governor of Idaho, Governor Butch Otter, spoke to a gathering of Wyakin Warriors – wounded and injured veterans who have [...]

• Greenside of the Week – Oct 26, 2011

  Bacon

  26 Oct 2011 | 3:00 am

  Visit the Greenside Archives! (click here)

• Wine is complicated

  Bacon

  25 Oct 2011 | 3:00 am

  We went wine tasting this weekend with some good friends. The company was pleasant, and the atmosphere was relaxed in an elegant kind of way. And the wine! The wine was fabulous. I clearly didn’t belong. I was born with a tiny piece of brain missing; namely the part that remembers anything about wine. Names, [...]

• Broadside of the Week – Oct 24, 2011

  Bacon

  24 Oct 2011 | 3:00 am

  Visit the Broadside Archives! (click here)

• 

  1 The Long War Journal

• US Predator strike kills 13 Pakistani Taliban fighters in South Waziristan

  28 Oct 2011 | 7:28 am

  At least 13 members of the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, including a deputy of Hakeemullah Mehsud, the group's emir, have been killed in a previously unreported US Predator airstrike. The airstrike took place on Oct. 26 in South Waziristan, according to Reuters, but was not immediately reported. The exact location of the strike was not provided. Two missiles were fired at a compound. Pakistani officials said that 13 Taliban fighters were killed, but tribal leaders put the number of deaths at 22. All are said to be "militants." Among those thought to have been killed was Taj Gul Mehsud,…

• 2 senior al Qaeda leaders killed in recent drone strikes in Pakistan

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:51 pm

  The US killed two senior al Qaeda leaders, including a member of the terror group's executive council, in Predator strikes in North Waziristan in mid-October. The al Qaeda operatives were identified by The Washington Post as Abu Miqdad al Masri and Abd al Rahman al Yemeni. Both operatives were described as "veterans tied to the group's senior leadership and actively involved in planning operations overseas," while al Masri was "a former associate of Osama bin Laden." A US intelligence official who tracks al Qaeda's network told The Long War Journal that al Masri was "a member of al Qaeda's…

• US Predators kill 6 'militants' in North Waziristan strike

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:44 am

  US Predators struck for the second time today in Pakistan's tribal areas, killing six "militants" in a town where a top al Qaeda leader was killed in a separate strike six weeks ago. The second strike took place in the village of Hisokhel in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan. Unmanned, CIA-operated Predators or Reapers fired a salvo of five missiles at a "hideout" in the town, killing six fighters, according to The Associated Press. The target of the strike has not been disclosed. No senior leaders from the Taliban, al Qaeda, or allied terror groups operating in the area have been reported…

• US Predators kill 5 Taliban commanders in South Waziristan strike

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:09 am

  US Predators killed five Taliban commanders in South Waziristan who served a leader favored by the Pakistani military. The unmanned, CIA-operated Predators, or the more deadly Reapers, fired five missiles at a vehicle in the village of Tora Gola in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan, according to Dawn. Four of the five Taliban commanders were identified as Hazrat Omar, Khan Mohammad, Miraj Wazir, and Ashfaq Wazir. Omar is the younger brother of Mullah Nazir, the leader of the Taliban in the Wazir areas in the western parts of South Waziristan. Omar served as Nazir's operational…

• AQAP denies emir Nasir al Wuhayshi killed in US airstrike

  26 Oct 2011 | 8:03 am

  A photograph of Nasir al Wuhayshi, which was released by AQAP and accompanied the Madad report denying his death. Image from the SITE Intelligence Group. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has officially denied rumors that their emir, Nasir al Wuhayshi, was killed during fighting in southern Yemen last summer. The denial was published in "the first issue of what appears to be a periodical covering the activities of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula" by the Madad News Agency, which the SITE Intelligence Group described as "a new jihadist group reporting from Yemen." The periodical was released…

• 

  DoD Buzz

• Weekend wrap: Expeditionary links

  Philip Ewing

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:30 pm

  The week that was. The links that were.

• Nuclear submarines for Canada?

  Philip Ewing

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:57 am

  Canadian leaders are considering the possibility of fielding SSNs, but there's a long way to go before a nuclear boat flies a maple leaf ensign.

• Report: It wasn’t ‘hollow growth’ after all

  Philip Ewing

  28 Oct 2011 | 8:23 am

  A study says forget what you've heard: The services did a great job modernizing their forces in the decade following the Sept. 11 attacks.

• Lockheed’s tug of war with DoD

  Philip Ewing

  27 Oct 2011 | 1:21 pm

  Even though it can be a rocky relationship, the Pentagon and its largest contractor are tied together inextricably.

• Gen invokes infamous defeats in warning to HASC

  Philip Ewing

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:06 am

  The Army's vice chief said that if DoD budget reductions aren't handled right, it could "cost soldiers' lives," as early in past wars.

• 

  Popular Science - Technology

• Robotic Venus Flytraps Will Trap Bugs and Eat Them For Fuel

  Rebecca Boyle

  28 Oct 2011 | 7:04 am

  Flytrap Robot The nanomaterial in this flytrap design can mimic muscle function. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics via PhysOrg It's alarming enough when robots ingest plant detritus like twigs and grass clippings. It's another thing entirely when they can start chowing down on members of the animal kingdom. A pair of prototype robots are designed to catch bugs, a major step on the path toward robots that can hunt, catch and digest their own meals. The tiny robots are modeled after the lobes of Venus flytraps, which snap shut as soon as sensitive hairs inside detect an alighting insect. One…

• Ground-Based Laser Cannon to Turn Space Debris into Self-Powered Flaming De-Orbiting Rockets

  Clay Dillow

  27 Oct 2011 | 1:08 pm

  Laser Orbital Debris Removal (LODR) E. Victor George, Centech Corporation via WIRED Another week, another scheme to clean up our bourgeoning space debris problem. This one, like many before it, calls for a powerful ground-based laser to remove orbital debris from low earth orbit. Using high-powered laser pulses fired from the ground, the system would create a small plasma jet emanating from the piece of junk itself, essentially turning each piece of debris into its own laser-powered rocket that would remove itself from orbit. The system, detailed in a paper released on arXiv last week, would…

• Self-Contained Soft Robot Powered By On-Board Battery

  Rebecca Boyle

  27 Oct 2011 | 12:32 pm

  Soft Robot, Rolling Robot This rolling robot is completely self-contained, unlike its tethered predecessors. via YouTube Soft robots would be useful for a variety of things - they could grip objects with precision and sensitivity, and they could roll along more quietly than their counterparts with metal exoskeletons. Here is a new one that could do such tasks purely on its own, without any external power source or command center. This soft robot, developed at MIT's Distributed Robotics Lab, uses inflatable silicone actuators to push itself along. The actuators work somewhat like a flipper,…

• 3-D Holographic Radar Aims To Resolve Conflicts Between Wind Turbines, Air Traffic Control

  Clay Dillow

  27 Oct 2011 | 12:01 pm

  Wind Turbines Bodoklecksel via Wikimedia Among the many factors keeping wind power projects from getting their legs is the annoying and sometimes dangerous tendency for moving wind turbines to mimic aircraft on an air traffic controller's radar screen. The problem has led to the stalling of some wind projects and criticism of others, criticism that isn't helping the larger roll out of renewable energy resources. But startup Aveillant has a technological fix that could get things rolling again: 3-D holographic radar that can spot even small aircraft flying among wind turbines. Traditional…

• Passive-Walking Robot Can Stroll Downhill Forever With No Power Source

  Rebecca Boyle

  27 Oct 2011 | 11:06 am

  Perpetual Perambulation via DigInfo News When I was your age, to get to school I had to walk uphill both ways, frequently during snowstorms. (It was good exercise.) Imagine walking downhill both ways - how easy that would be! Gravity would be a friend and not a foe! It's so simple, even this bodyless robot can do it. Its golf club legs can amble in perpetuity, powered by nothing but its own forward momentum. This robot has only mechanical parts, which have been designed to mimic the lower limbs of a human in both form and function. It has thighs, shins and ankles, and it tips the scale around…

• 

  You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast

• Photo of the Day – Cujo

  CJ

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:04 am

  The other night, I slept in my office. It was a long night of coordinating transportation for troops and their pickup was only two hours away. Heading back to my room, getting changed, and falling asleep then heading back to the office would have cost me another hour. So, I slept in my chair. As I began to doze, I heard a strange noise behind me. It took awhile to stand out since there are a lot of weird sounds you hear around here. But, eventually I recognized that it was the sound of a mouse or rate scratching right behind me. The buildings we work in are nothing more than concrete slabs…

• When did being a Contractor become a bad thing?

  Troy

  26 Oct 2011 | 9:58 pm

  I remember back when military Contractors were revered and respected. Back when they would step up and go into the worst places on this planet, risking their lives so young American warfighters wouldn’t have to. Yes they got paid more than Soldiers or Marines, but they also did not usually have as much protection, supporting forces or even as powerful weapons as the warfighter. Yet they were right there, on the left and right. Contractors also performed then and still do today many jobs that soldiers can be freed up from in order to perform their jobs and focus on the functions they came in…

• Photo of the Day – MEDEVAC Action

  CJ

  26 Oct 2011 | 3:36 am

  Sgt. Adam D. Max a flight medic with Forward Support Medical Team, Company C, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment, South Dakota Army National Guard, conducts a daily pre-flight inspection, getting ready for another day on the job at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 22.

• House Passes Bill That Matches Vets With Dogs

  Troy

  25 Oct 2011 | 10:27 pm

  Rep. Michael Grimm’s (R,C-NY) Veterans Dog Therapy Training Act passed the House on Tuesday 11 October which offers a “win-win” for vets suffering from PTSD and others who are disabled.  Under the legislation, veterans will be able to address their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through therapeutic dog training and handling. The trained service dogs will then be given to physically disabled veterans to help them meet their daily challenges. Specifically, the legislation establishes a pilot program in VA medical centers for educating veterans with mental health…

• Fun Craft with a Dual Purpose

  Claire

  25 Oct 2011 | 9:02 am

  I love doing seasonal crafts with my daughter. I know she enjoys it, and it’s a wonderful way to build memories. When my husband was away I would try and make crafts with her that would capture a moment. I would try and make something I could send to him that would let him see her growth, development and her artistic flare! I found this and I fell in love with it. This could easily be changed into a Thanksgiving wreath by changing the colors to an Autumn theme, and could be sent to your loved one who is deployed. It is a decoration with a special meaning. This hand cut out wreath is a…

• 

  America's North Shore Journal

• Tsunami Debris Closing on Hawaii Beaches

  Chuck Simmins

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:49 am

  A Japanese home is seen adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Ships and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group are searching for survivors in the coastal waters near Sendai, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McCord One of the most iconic photos to appear after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan was that of a house, floating alone in the sea. The U.S. Navy photo illustrates the nature of the tsunami, which not only damaged buildings ashore but swept debris from the shore out to sea. Estimates vary on the amount of debris but KITV-4 in Hawaii…

• Pentagon Monitors Thailand Flood Situation

  Chuck Simmins

  25 Oct 2011 | 7:40 pm

  An SH-60F helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14, supports members of the Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team and the Royal Thai Armed Forces in assessing damage caused by flooding in the Bangkok area. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos Defense officials are carefully monitoring the situation in Thailand as that nation faces the worst flooding it’s had in more than 50 years. Recent flooding across Thailand has killed more than 360 people, and more than 2.5 million people have been affected, Thai government officials said. When the flooding started, U.S.

• George Washington Bridge Turns 80

  Chuck Simmins

  25 Oct 2011 | 11:02 am

  1932 picture of the north side of the George Washington Bridge. From the Library of Congress collection The George Washington Bridge was dedicated on Oct. 24, 1931 and opened for traffic the next day. The Port Authority, which operates the bridge, claims it is the busiest in the world, handling 106 million vehicles a year. Originally just one level, in 1962 a lower level was opened to increase the capacity of the structure by 75 percent. Size * 107,000 miles of steel wire used to suspend the bridge * The bridge’s main span is 3,500 feet in length * The towers supporting the main span…

• USS Mustin Arrives in Thailand

  Chuck Simmins

  24 Oct 2011 | 11:49 am

  A child from the local community holds a sign thanking the U.S. Sailors from the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces during a community service event organized by the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society. More than 40 Sailors from Mustin volunteered their time with the local community and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces with assisting in preparing more than 5,000 packages. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos The guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived here Oct.

• Review: Welcome Back, Kotter

  Chuck Simmins

  19 Oct 2011 | 7:42 am

  America’s newest television hit is Welcome Back, Kotter. Though portrayed as a comedy, this show about an inner city school and the struggles of its pupils is, in reality, a dark drama. The show follows the academic struggles of four young men, each both a symbol of America’s decay and a sign that our future is with our best, our children. The four are confined, against their will, in a sterile classroom. Known as “sweathogs” by the students and faculty alike, they are a symbol of the oppression of minorities and the differently challenged. Vinnie Barbarino is the…

• 

  Everyone's Blog Posts - Okinawa Hai Society

• IN NEED OF ALGEBRA 1 TUTOR

  Tasha C.

  I am in need of an Algebra 1 tutor for my 7th grade daughter.  We live off base about 15 min before you get to Hansen so I would prefer someone who lives in that direction, but I am willing to drive her if necessary.

• How many TVs to bring

  Tauni Einer

  Hi again everyone, Thank you for all the wonderful info you've given me so far.  We expect to live off base and were wondering how many TVs to bring?   We currently own 4 (for 2 adults & 2 kids).  Our TVs are the old fat ones, we haven't upgraded yet.  Will these work?  How many cable connections can you reasonably get?  We also have computers so it just as easy to stream TV from the internet?  Thanks.

• Any Floridians out here?

  Marquita Small

  I am originally from Gainesville, Florida but i've also lived in Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Any other Floridians out here?

• Cable question for folks living on Kadena

  Shannon Kelley-Barry

  Ok, I'm pretty sure I was told when I got our cable hooked up that we can record shows, but for the life of me I can't figure out how.  Can anyone give this challenged person a block of instruction on it? Thanks!

• Flying pets to Okinawa

  Tauni Einer

  We are trying to arrange travel for our 2 cats to Okinawa.  Does anyone have any airlines to recommend?  We are booked on American Airlines to Tokyo & then change to Japan Air, but American Airlines doesn't seem to be able to fly the cats (not in the cabin (not allowed), not in the baggage area (various reasons why that can't be done), and not as unaccompanied (not sure why--we just keep getting emails saying no animals).   How do you all get your pets there?  Help!  Thanks.

• 

  okinawa hai!

• Out of the Archives: Bunka-no-hi

  This post was originally published on October 30, 2009. We're pulling it out of the archives for you to enjoy. Photo of Festival Dancer by Pamela Oliveras CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS This Thursday, the 3rd November, is a national holiday in Japan. Known as Bunka no Hi, or Culture Day, it is perhaps one of [...]

• Roller Derby with the Devil Dog Derby Dames

  Derby Gang CONTRIBUTED BY ZABRINA "JerZee Stinga" Songui When I first got to this island, I felt so disconnected. I was newly married and this was my first experience living overseas. My day-to-day activities involved going to the gym, driving around the island, cooking and cleaning. Yes! I know…Snore! Then, I was lucky enough to [...]

• Shikwasa: Seven Ways to Use, Part II

  CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY ZENKEWICH Last week, Kelly started her list of seven great ways to use up those millions of little shikwasa that can be found in every corner market on Okinawa.  To read the first four ideas, click HERE.  And now back to Kelly... 5: Shikwasa & watermelon mint daquiri shikwasa06 This recipe was [...]

• Oldwest Cafe

  Oldwest Front Oldwest Burger CONTRIBUTED BY TASHA GUNN Craving a good 'ole fashioned homemade hamburger? You should venture on out to Oldwest Cafe. The owner of this restaurant, Mr. Hayashi, used to own the 50's Cafe by Koza Music Town. His new restaurant has a country ambience from the moment you walk in the room [...]

• Relief Work on Mainland Japan: Volunteers Needed!

  CONTRIBUTED BY AMANDA MARSHALL The grave damage caused by the March 11, 2011, earthquake & tsunami is out of the news, but I was recently there to volunteer, and I can tell you first hand that it is nowhere near being over. They are still in the first phase of cleaning up the disaster - [...]

• 

  War On Terror News

• RIP SSgt Stephen J Dunning

  WOTN Editor

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:24 pm

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Dunning, 31, of Milpitas, Calif., died Oct. 27 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III...

• Insurgents Face Unrelenting Pressure in Afghanistan

  tankerbrosbrat

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:56 pm

  By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 – Insurgents fighting against the Afghan government and people can end their violent ways and rejoin their communities or face unrelenting pressure, a senior International Security Assistance Force commander said today. “With our...

• Ride 2 Recovery: Veterans Leave Jacksonville on 350 Mile Ride

  tankerbrosbrat

  28 Oct 2011 | 12:53 pm

  By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 200 cyclists, injured veterans and their supporters gathered at Mayo Clinic Oct. 25 and began the six-day, 350-mile Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge that will end in Tampa...

• Libya: Leftover Munitions Hurt Children Returning to Gadhafi's Hometown

  tankerbrosbrat

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:39 am

  VOAvideo on Oct 27, 2011 Already traumatized by war, some Libyan children returning to Moammar Gadhafi's hometown and last stronghold, Sirte, have been hurt by grenades and other weapons left from the bitter struggle for the city. The devastation from weeks of fighting is a testament to the brutality of...

• RIP SGT John A. Lyons

  tankerbrosbrat

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:38 am

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. John A. Lyons, 26, of Seaside Park, N.J., died Oct. 26 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the...

• 

  Navy CyberSpace Blog

• Private Sector W&S; at 1.7%

  NCCM(ret)

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:31 am

  Today, the United States Employment Cost Index (ECI) was released; whereas this is a normal quarterly event, this quarter’s result is the one of most importance to the members of our military. It is the quarterly release that presidents have used to make a proposal for the military pay increases for over a decade in order to ensure our military member’s compensation keeps pace with that of the private sector. Specifically, the private industry worker’s wage and salary series of the ECI. This year’s increase is a reported, 1.7% for the 12 month period ending September…

• Four More Ratings Now Require an Extension

  NCCM(ret)

  21 Oct 2011 | 9:32 pm

  When joining the Navy, you enlist with an eight year obligation; normally, four years are a required active duty stint and the remaining four is in the Individual Ready Reserve, but there are other enlistment terms that reflect a five and even six year active duty obligation. When the active duty obligation is greater than the normal four years, it is usually due to the school length of the program you are enlisting for. Now, four additional ratings, Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), Electrician’s Mate (EM), Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Electrical (GSE) and Quartermaster (QM) have…

• Yet Another Commission?

  NCCM(ret)

  15 Oct 2011 | 8:17 pm

  Congress has a difficult task – cut spending to get our financial house in order, introduce programs and decrease regulation in the support of job creation, all while keeping an eye on the 2012 elections. Everybody in congress seems to have varying opinions about how they should move forward, except when it comes to defense spending, but both sides of the isle know defense will feel the axe – just how much and what programs. The only thing that seems sure in the defense bill is the pay raise for 2012. No proposals have been put forward that would change the 1.6 percent that was…

• The Voelker Rule

  NCCM(ret)

  14 Oct 2011 | 5:00 am

  The Voelker Rule (not to be confused with the similarly pronounced Volcker Rule that would place restrictions on some of the ways banks do business) is a holiday stand-down period first initiated in December 2000 by the, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC), RADM Voelker. Prior to the Voelker Rule, Navy Recruiting Command’s December “mission day” fell on the last workday of the calender month; many times, recruiters would be making phone calls, prospecting for applicants on Christmas Eve, and even work late mission nights on New Years Eve – Future Sailors would…

• USS Cole

  NCCM(ret)

  12 Oct 2011 | 6:56 am

  Today, pause for a moment in memory of the 17 Sailors lost during the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack on USS Cole(DDG-67) in Aden, Yemen. Along with those who lost their lives or injured, the memory I have of that day is the heroic way the crew fought to save their ship. A testament to their leadership and training. Never forget. Thirty nine Sailors were injured by the blast; the following is Chief Taitt’s personal account of that day’s events. The 2011 Military Pay Chart for basic pay. The 2012 Military Pay Chart using the President's proposed 1.6% increase.

• 

  Army Household-6

• Position of attention

  admin

  2 Oct 2011 | 6:31 am

  a. Assume the role of attention in the command FALL IN or Command Squad (Platoon), attention. b. To assume this position, bring the heels together sharply on line, with toes pointing in equal parts, forming an angle of 45 degrees. Rest your weight evenly on the heels and toes of both feet. Keep the legs straight without locking your knees. Keep the body erect, hips level, chest lifted and arched, shoulders square. c. Keep your head up and face forward and the chin drawn in the alignment of the head and neck upright. d. Let your arms hang straight without stiffness. Bend your fingers to the…

• Ceremony drilling and Terminology

  admin

  7 Sep 2011 | 2:48 am

  Element-This is an individual, team, section, platoon, company or larger unit formed as part of the unit of higher order. Training-This is an array of elements of unity in the prescribed form as an online training, in which the elements are side by side, and the formation of the column, in which the elements are one behind the other. In a column section, the members of each team are one behind the other with the current squad. Front-This is a space on one side to the other side of a formation, and includes elements of left and right. Depth-This is a space from the front to the rear of a…

• Representation of Honor to the Flag

  admin

  26 Jul 2011 | 10:52 pm

  The United States flag is the symbol of our nation. The union, white stars on a blue background, is the point of honor of the flag. The union of the flag and the flag itself, when in company with other flags, is always given the honor position, which is right. The rules for displaying the flag are in AR 840-10, Heraldic Activities-Flags, Scripts, Streamers, Tabards, and plates of cars and airplanes. Some rules for displaying the flag are: * All Army installations will display the U.S. flag outdoors. * Continental U.S. (CONUS) Army installations will fly only one flag of the United States at a…

• Basic Combat Training – Week: 09 Graduation

  admin

  26 Jul 2011 | 10:47 pm

  DAY 01 Inspection Period DAY 02 Outprocessing DAY 03 Personal Time DAY 04 Personal time and haircuts DAY 05 Family Day DAY 06 Graduation With its biggest challenge now behind them and just before graduation, the recruits finish some important details before your last day in basic training. Family and friends eagerly await this ceremony, the recruits as they prepare to enter the legacy of honor for those who have served before them.

• Basic Combat Training – Week: 08 Victory Forge

  admin

  26 Jul 2011 | 10:47 pm

  DAY 01 Drill and Ceremony Competition DAY 02 Victory Forge: 10 km walking DAY 03 Victory Forge: Night Infiltration Course DAY 04 Victory Forge: 15 km walking DAY 05 Staff time and recovery DAY 06 Staff time and recovery DAY 07 Personal time, walking and Chapel Services All miles are gone and all the obstacles left behind. The recruits have come to the Victory Forge, a field trip of three days in which they apply what they have learned. This is the true and final test of the skills of recruits as the spirit, to prove they have what it takes to be a U.S. Army soldier.

• 

  Twitter / PacificFleet

• PacificFleet: Tks @kaiokay We're particularly proud of the young, highly skilled Sailors you mentioned, met : Glad you were able to experience #navyembark

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:43 pm

  PacificFleet: Tks @kaiokay We're particularly proud of the young, highly skilled Sailors you mentioned, met : Glad you were able to experience #navyembark

• PacificFleet: Look fwd 2 hearing more! re @kaiokay Mind is officially blown. Leaders 2 Sea #navyembark amazing experience, ship is massive

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:36 pm

  PacificFleet: Look fwd 2 hearing more! re @kaiokay Mind is officially blown. Leaders 2 Sea #navyembark amazing experience, ship is massive

• PacificFleet: QUICK look back at week's events, issues in our neighborhood http://t.co/2LB9vnQf Leaning fwd 4 @USNavy @PacificCommand

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:15 pm

  PacificFleet: QUICK look back at week's events, issues in our neighborhood http://t.co/2LB9vnQf Leaning fwd 4 @USNavy @PacificCommand

• PacificFleet: DFA hits China over 'cannons' statement http://t.co/nApnILHr via @ABSCBNNews

  27 Oct 2011 | 5:17 pm

  PacificFleet: DFA hits China over 'cannons' statement http://t.co/nApnILHr via @ABSCBNNews

• PacificFleet: U'r a shipmate now ;) re @debblues @SurfaceWarriors what a great day with the @USNavy #navyembark http://t.co/xa5NwHC9

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:18 pm

  PacificFleet: U'r a shipmate now ;) re @debblues @SurfaceWarriors what a great day with the @USNavy #navyembark http://t.co/xa5NwHC9

• 

  Navy Reads

• Spruance

  23 Oct 2011 | 1:25 pm

  by Bill DoughtyNow read this:“He is a man of the age ... not rash, but a go-ahead man, he combines valor with discretion, and will not rush into anything he cannot see his way out of.  Everyone respects him, and our men will fight to the death for him.”These words were written of David Farragut in late April 1862 just after his dramatic conquest of the “impossible” at the Battle of New Orleans.  It was a truly decisive battle of the Civil War, capturing the South’s largest city ... Without change the same words could have been said of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance after his…

• ‘The U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour’

  10 Oct 2011 | 7:33 pm

  Review by Bill DoughtyThe Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Houris James D. Hornfischer’s powerful tribute to surface warriors and naval aviators and one of the very best books in the Navy’s Professional Reading Program.Through exceptional prose the book explores the WWII Battle off Samara -- part of the Invasion of Leyte, Philippine Islands, Oct. 17-25, 1944.  It’s a good read for the Navy’s Birthday this week (Oct. 13).  In The Last Stand Hornfischer explores:The bravery and sacrifice of American SailorsThe…

• Damn the Torpedoes...

  30 Sep 2011 | 9:42 pm

  Review by Bill DoughtyThe Navy’s first four-star admiral began service as a preteen in the War of 1812.  He was a son of the South who fought for the North in the Civil War and later served as a pallbearer at President Lincoln’s funeral.  He commanded blue-water naval warships in brown-water littoral operations in the Mississippi river, reclaiming New Orleans and later winning at Mobile Bay, famously having himself lashed to the upper rigging to ensure command and control.“...full speed ahead.”It’s not till the final pages of Robert J. Schneller, Jr.’s Farragut:…

• Confidence, Commitment, Character

  10 Sep 2011 | 2:50 pm

  Review by Bill DoughtyOn Sept. 11, 2001 Michael P. Murphy was an ensign in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training.Michael Murphy, a graduate of Penn State University, who grew up in Patchogue, Long Island, New York, internalized and personalized what happened on 9/11, according to colleagues, mentors and writer Gary Williams, author of SEAL of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Michael P. Murphy, USN.Murphy led a SEAL team into Afghanistan in 2005 where he faced a profound ethical dilemma after capturing some civilian non-combatants.  His dilemma and moral decision is examined…

• Deeply Rooted in the American Dream

  28 Aug 2011 | 12:53 pm

  Review by Bill DoughtyPeace, justice and equality can be born from tension and conflict.  Love, compassion and understanding can prevail in the face of hatred and violence.  Taylor Branch’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Parting the Waters - America in the King Years 1954-63 - shows how Constitutional ideals were embodied and emboldened by the civil rights movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Today marks the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march culminated with King’s I Have a Dream speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Branch…

• 

  Military Embedded Systems

• Chip Companies Line Up to Speak at Medelec

  Some of the world’s top semiconductor companies are due to speak at this month’s Medelec, the new UK medical electronics conference and exhibition due to be held in Cambridge on 29 November 2011. www.medelec.co.uk Intel, Analog Devices and Renesas Electronics are among the companies lining up to give presentations at the event, which will be held at the Menzies Hotel at Bar Hill, just outside Cambridge. MEDELEC is the only technical event in the UK, which focuses specifically on the increasingly important role that electronics components, and embedded systems are playing in the…

• Parvus Gigabit Ethernet Switch Subsystem Certified for DO-160 Airworthiness to 50,000 ft Altitude and -55C Temperature Operation

  SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, October 27, 2011 – Eurotech subsidiary Parvus Corporation announced that the DuraNET 1268 Gigabit Ethernet switch subsystem have completed high altitude and low temperature testing in accordance with (IAW) RTCA / DO-160G, Section 4.5.1 and Section 4.6.1, further validating airworthiness and reliability for this rugged Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) network switch. DO-160 is the standard for environmental testing of airborne equipment, particularly used by the commercial aerospace industry. DO-160 qualification was completed by a third-party test laboratory,…

• Juniper Systems Announces Partnership With Topcon Positioning Systems, Tesla Rugged Data Collector

  LOGAN, Utah, Oct. 26, 2011 -- Juniper Systems is proud to announce its recent business partnership with Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS). As part of this partnership, Juniper Systems will manufacture the Topcon Tesla™, the newest data collector in Topcon's full lineup of rugged handheld computers and solutions for the survey industry. "Juniper Systems is very excited to embark on this new partnership with Topcon Positioning Systems. We believe the Tesla is exactly the rugged data collector that the surveying world has been waiting for, and what better company than industry-leading…

• SMART Modular Technologies' Rugged Xcel-200 SSD Targets Defense and Aerospace Applications

  NEWARK, CA, Oct 26, 2011 -- SMART Modular Technologies, a leading independent manufacturer of solid-state storage products and DRAM and flash based memory modules, today announced the Xcel-200 2.5" SATA solid state drive (SSD). The Xcel-200 is the latest in a robust line of products from SMART Storage Systems, recently re-branded by SMART to emphasize its exclusive focus on solid-state storage solutions. Building on the success of SMART Storage Systems' long line of SSD products for the defense industry, the Xcel-200 SSD delivers performance metrics of 500MB/s sequential read/write speeds and…

• Xilinx and Cadence Introduce an Extensible Virtual Platform to Enable Software-Centric Approach for Embedded Software Developers

  SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2011 – Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ: XLNX) and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS) today announced that they have teamed to develop the industry’s first virtual platform to enable system design, software development, and testing of Xilinx Zynq™-7000 Extensible Processing Platform (EPP) based systems in advance of hardware availability. This solution further enhances the development environment being put into place for Xilinx’s ARM® processor-based processing platform and changes the development flow for embedded designers, enabling…

• 

  At War

• Mao's Rockets and the Eastern Afghan Border War, Part II

  By C.J. CHIVERS

  27 Oct 2011 | 9:34 am

  As long as movements to expand or strengthen conventional arm registers and counter-proliferation protocols lack traction or are thwarted, 107-millimeter rockets are likely to be fired at whoever tries to hold territory in Afghanistan.

• Mao's Rockets and the Eastern Afghan Border War, Part I

  By C.J. CHIVERS

  26 Oct 2011 | 9:18 am

  Given Afghanistan's recent history, and the fact that Western troop levels have crested and soon will begin to fall, there is every reason to expect that for as long as American troops remain in the country, the 107-millimeter rocket will be there, too.

• In Iraq, Diplomatic Perspectives on a Deal Not Made

  By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT

  24 Oct 2011 | 10:14 am

  For President Obama, the announcement of the U.S. troop withdrawal was a campaign promise fulfilled, for Ambassador James Jeffrey it was an encouraging sign, for the Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi it was expected.

• Correspondents Reflect on the War in Iraq

  By ALISSA J. RUBIN and JACK HEALY

  21 Oct 2011 | 6:36 pm

  New York Times journalists who covered the war in Iraq are reflecting on their time there on the day that President Obama announced the end of a nine-year military engagement.

• Obama Announces Troops Will Come Home From Iraq by Year's End

  By AT WAR

  21 Oct 2011 | 11:12 am

  President Obama announced that all American troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year.

• 

  Military Boots News

• $15.4 Million in Danner Hot Weather Boots Ordered

  Nora Holloway

  12 Oct 2011 | 8:19 am

  Looks like the Marines will be getting some different rugged all-terrain hot weather boots. According to Market Watch, LaCrosse Footwear recently announced that it received a $15.4 million delivery order for Danner’s USMC RAT boots. The company will be making multiple deliveries throughout the coming months. Referring to it as the USMC RAT Hot, LaCrosse President and CEO Joseph P. Schneider stated that it had been used in Afghanistan’s mountains for more than four years and is still remains the leader in that category. Specifically made for the United States Marine Corps, the…

• New Color for Nike’s Special Field Boot

  Nora Holloway

  1 Sep 2011 | 2:01 pm

  Taking a turn for the tactical, Nike developed the Special Field Boot ($130), or SFB, if you will. While it’s been on the market for a few years in the colors desert tan and black, the boot will be available in sage green in just a matter of weeks. First embarking on this mission in 2004, its R&D team started to figure out just what military soldiers needed out of their footwear. Plunging head first into this endeavor, they decided to create a boot that could also be versatile enough to meet the requirements of special law enforcement and other first responders. According to this…

• Rocky Announces S2V Jungle Boot

  Nora Holloway

  10 Aug 2011 | 12:10 pm

  In July, Soldier Systems Daily wrote about Rocky‘s slated release of the S2V Jungle Boot. So we thought we would check in with Rocky’s public relations rep to see if she could release anymore details. Collaborating with military personnel, the Rocky team have designed a S2V styled boot that easily functions in the wet tropical conditions. The Cordura boot is very well ventilated with holes punched throughout the heel. Durable enough to stand up vines and thorns, its ankles are reinforced with steel mesh.The unlined boot has a thin rubber-like coating over the toe to protect…

• WT Tactical Branded Boots Now on International Market

  Nora Holloway

  18 Jul 2011 | 8:46 am

  In the beginning of June, WT Tactical CEO Ed Schmults signed a licensing agreement with the Jordanian Company for manufacturing special boots. Witnessing this first time event was the HM King Abdullah of Jordan at the Jordan — U.S. Business Forum in Anman. Essentially, this means that WT Tactical will be selling and marketing its own branded boots internationally. In addition, WT Tactical will be designing uniforms for the Jordanian Armed Forces. “This is a key part of our business strategy to expand into the international marketplace,” said Schmults. “It makes strong…

• Magnum Boots Launches Blog, Gear Giveaway

  Nora Holloway

  29 Jun 2011 | 12:30 pm

  A little tactical gear clad birdie or two may have told you about the recent Magnum Boots USA blog launch. Yes it’s true… you can now receive all the latest and greatest Magnum product updates, releases and news items via its new blog affectionately known as BLDG 4801. “It’s our hope that the Magnum blog becomes an online home base where we can connect with our consumers and industry contacts with quality content as it relates to all of the areas we serve,” explained Alexis Nascimento, public relations manager for Magnum. “We are much more than just tactical,…

• 

  GI Bill Expert Blog» Veterans Education Benefits | Ask the GI Bill Expert | GIBill.com

• After October Can I Collect Both the Distant Learning and Brick and Mortar Rates?

  Ron Kness

  28 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

  Another living allowance question. After  October is it possible to collect the distant learning rate and the ‘brick and mortar’ rate? My college considers 12 credits full time and if so what would the mix have to be? Or is it all one or the other, of course based on rate of pursuit, I’m looking to maximize my living allowance while incorporating as much online as possible. Thank you. – Kyle You would get one or the other housing allowance rate Kyle – not both, but it was a good try. The way it works is if you are a full-time student and take all your classes online,…

• Can I Use the New GI Bill or Am I Stuck With the Montgomery GI Bill?

  Ron Kness

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

  Hi, no one can seem to help me with this question. I was in the Army from 07-10. I would like to start cosmetology school and have no idea where to start! Can I use the New GI Bill and get the BAH or am I stuck with the Montgomery GI Bill? Please help! Thank u so much! — Lindsey Hi Lindsey. Because you have waited to start school, you now can use your Post 9/11 GI Bill for a cosmetology course. One of the changes from the GI Bill 2.0 that took effect on October 1st now allows the New GI Bill to pay for vocational-type courses regardless of where they are taught. Previous to that date,…

• Was My Father Deprived of His GI Bill Financial Security By Mere Months?

  Ron Kness

  26 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

  My father served in the Air Force for 22 years and retired in July of 2008. In August of 2009 legislation changed and prevented him from transferring his G.I. Education benefits to myself. I am currently enrolled in the University of South Alabama where I have been accepted into the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at the age of 19. I am paying out of state tuition and I am unable to take any more federal loans to cover the cost of tuition and books. Is there any possible way that my father can transfer his education award to myself and my siblings? It seems that my father was deprived…

• Will My Montgomery GI Bill Pay for a Full Bachlor’s Degree?

  Ron Kness

  25 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

  I am trying to find out how much of an education the MGIB will cover. I did the additional $600.00 before I got out, so I have that extra benefit. Can I have a full Bachlor’s degree paid for with my MGIB or will it only cover part of that? – Kimberly My question Kimberly is do you qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? To qualify at the 100% tier, you would have had to serve for at least three years on active duty after September 10, 2001. If so, then you have 36 months of education entitlement where the VA will pay actual tuition and eligible fees at a public school or up to $17,500 per…

• Will My Boyfriend’s GI Bill Pay Off My Student Loans Once He Is Eligible?

  Ron Kness

  24 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

  My boyfriend will be leaving for basic soon and I am still in college. I understand that after 6 years of AD and signing up for 4 more years he can transfer the GI bill over to me once we are married. I will be in school for 9 years, so will the GI Bill pay back the student loans I have once I graduate or do we have to be married while I am going to school for it to be paid off? Also I will be about 150K in debt if not more so how much would the GI Bill pay off of my student loans? – - April Unfortunately April, the GI Bill can’t be used to pay off student loans whether you are…

• 

  Fighter Country Partnership

• Support of Luke vital in coming months

  Fighter Country

  20 Oct 2011 | 6:00 am

  Commentary by Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of GlendaleIt has been two years since the October 2009 launch of LukeForward.com, a statewide campaign to petition the Department of Defense to select Luke Air Force Base (AFB) as the second active duty training base for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Luke is currently the largest active duty F-16 training base in the world, and the Air Force is planning to begin replacing its fleet of F-16s with the new F-35 within the next few years.The LukeForward campaign was developed by West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership to generate…

• Education and Awareness campaign continue to generate support for FCP

  Fighter Country

  19 Oct 2011 | 6:30 am

  Ron Sites, President/Executive Director Fighter Country Partnership holding a trophy (a small model of an F-16) at the 2ND Annual Honorary Commanders Golf Tournament awards ceremony.FCP has many valuable roles and responsibilities with respect to Luke Air Force Base and the community. Every day “we” are humbled with the opportunity to serve those who constantly serve and support our country.FCP’s “we” is a very large and diverse group of individuals, organizations, municipalities and fellow civic organizations.One of FCP’s most important responsibilities is to continuously update…

• Air Force delivers first F-35

  Fighter Country

  18 Oct 2011 | 6:35 pm

  A crew chief from the 33rd Fighter Wing guides a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to its final parking position. The aircraft, known as AF-9, is the first production F-35 to be delivered to Eglin AFB. AF-9 arrived at 1:18 p.m. CDT after launching on its more than 90-minute ferry flight from Fort Worth, Texas. The jet will be used for activities in concert with training F-35 pilots and maintainers who begin coursework at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall.The first Air Force F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter arrived at Eglin Air Force Base July 14, marking a major…

• Franks weighs in on F-35

  Fighter Country

  18 Oct 2011 | 4:32 pm

  By Carolyn Dryer @ The Glendale StarCongressman Trent Franks commented this week on the mission at Luke Air Force Base and the scheduling of the F-16 squadrons’ move to Holloman Air Force Base once the F-35 Lightning II lands at the base in Glendale.Upon entering office, Franks said he was part of the delegation that worked diligently to save Luke during the Base Relocation and Closure (BRAC) process.“Then, we were working hard to get the F-35 to Luke,” Franks said. “.So, those are wonderful successes I’m thankful for.”Franks said the first F-16 movement, the first squadron, was…

• McCain letters support F-35, raise concerns for F-16 move

  Fighter Country

  18 Oct 2011 | 4:10 pm

  In a July 20, 2011 letter to West Valley Partners, U.S. Sen. John McCain pledges his continued support for the F-35 and Luke AFB as a major training base for the newest fighter jet in the country’s defense arsenal.In a Sept. 8, 2011 letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, McCain sets forth his concerns about transfers of F-16 squadrons from Luke to Holloman AFB, N.M., given that F-16 pilots will possibly face scheduling conflicts with Army and joint forces when it comes to use of the White Sands Missile Range at Holloman.McCain, in his letter to Donley, asks that the Air Force…

• 

  Mil-Tech

• New Unmanned Chinese Spacecraft to Launch

  Artur Nowak

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:56 pm

  China will launch an unmanned spacecraft early next month that will attempt to dock with an experimental module, the latest step in what will be a decade-long effort to place a manned permanent space station in orbit. In space, the Shenzhou 8 will carry out maneuvers to couple with the Tiangong 1 module now in orbit.   Source: www.pddnet.com

• GATR Wins $7.3 Million Contract with DSCI for WGS Certification

  Artur Nowak

  27 Oct 2011 | 10:55 pm

  GATR Technologies announced its win of a $7.3 million contract with D&S Consultants, Inc. (DSCI) to upgrade GATR’s 1.8m and 2.4m terminals to operate at X- and Ka-Bands to access government owned Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite constellations. The contract has a $7.3 million ceiling with an initial $1.4 million initial task order to fund terminal certification.   Read more: www.digitaljournal.com

• Northrop demos protection technology

  Artur Nowak

  27 Oct 2011 | 12:48 pm

  Northrop Grumman announced it demonstrated advanced technologies for ground vehicle protection and situational awareness at Camp Roberts in California. In one of the test scenarios, Northrop Grumman simulated a typical convoy mission leaving a forward operating base. By using the company’s Smart Integrated Vehicle Area Network and vehicle-mounted sensors, crews in multiple vehicles maintained situational awareness with each other and the Tactical Operations Center under all weather conditions.   Read more: www.upi.com

• SkillSoft Receives Industry Accolades for its Learning and Training Solutions

  Artur Nowak

  26 Oct 2011 | 10:43 pm

  SkillSoft, a leading SaaS provider of e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small-to-medium-sized businesses, has recently garnered recognition from various learning and training organizations for its solutions. In the past few months, SkillSoft has received awards from four different organizations for its e-learning and performance support solutions, including CLO Magazine, Military Training Technology Magazine (MT2), TrainingIndustry.com and Elearning! magazine.   “We are very proud to be honored by such leading industry…

• Etegent Awarded U.S. Navy Phase II SBIR Grant to Extend Waveguide Sensing Technology

  Artur Nowak

  26 Oct 2011 | 10:38 pm

  Etegent Technologies, Ltd.  announced that it has been awarded a two year, $750,000 Phase II SBIR grant from the U.S. Navy to extend the capabilities of its waveguide sensing technology developed under a previously awarded U.S. Navy grant. Etegent will enhance the pressure sensors to make reliable temperature measurements, in addition to pressure, within the combustion chambers of turbine engines used in military vehicles, such as airplanes, helicopters and M-1 tanks. In addition, Etegent will add the capability to network multiple sensors on a single backbone, increasing the number of…

• 

  Basic Training Blog

• Attending Air Force Basic Training During the Holidays

  SGT Volkin

  21 Oct 2011 | 6:51 am

  For those leaving for basic training in the near future you have probably realized that you will be there during the holidays, and you probably have questions as to what will happen at basic training during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The following is for Air Force Basic Training only. Thanksgiving The Air Force has a program called Operation Homecooking which has been around for 35 years. For Thanksgiving, and only Thanksgiving, trainees will get a break from training and have the opportunity to spend this holiday in the home of a local active duty member (don’t worry it won’t be your…

• Receiving Mail at Basic Training

  SGT Volkin

  24 Aug 2011 | 7:41 pm

  Receiving Mail at Basic Training For a lot of recruits, Air Force Basic Training is the first time they receive and write letters to friends and family. With e-mails, texting and instant messaging, there isn’t much reason to write letters to friends and family anymore. Being unable to send abbreviated messages every other minute to your boyfriend or girlfriend is just one of the harsh realities of being in a basic training environment. Without these modes of communication, letter seems to be your only viable option and becomes the lifeblood of communication for your close circle of…

• 5 Common Mistakes Recruits Make in the First 5 Minutes of Basic Training

  SGT Volkin

  24 Aug 2011 | 7:25 pm

  5 Common Mistakes Recruits Make in the First 5 Minutes of Basic Training There is always someone on the bus heading to basic training that makes at least one of the following obvious mistakes. Don’t let this person be you! Read the following list for advice and tips on how to stay out of trouble at basic training. Hair: Do not shave your head before leaving for basic training. This applies to both males and females. Do not even arrive at basic with a military style cut (Flat Top, High-and-tight, etc.). All facial hair should be shaved thoroughly before arriving at basic training. Recruiting…

• How to Avoid Getting Sick at Basic Training

  SGT Volkin

  27 Jun 2011 | 5:31 pm

  You are reaching the end of basic training and your family has confirmed their arrival for your graduation ceremony. However, you wake up with a slight headache which turns into a fever, and eventually your drill sergeant sends you to the medical department for examination.  Your fever is too high for you to continue with training and you spend the next four days recovering. During your days of recovery you have missed required training and now cannot graduate on your scheduled graduation day. Your family must repurchase ticket and reschedule travel plans. It’s normal to get a cough,…

• Navy Boot Camp Advice

  SGT Volkin

  13 Jun 2011 | 9:10 pm

  Navy Boot Camp Advice As a recruit headed to Navy Boot Camp, you certainly have a lot on your mind. I am here to make it a bit easier on you. The below list summarizes some tips and advice on how to make Navy Boot Camp an easier experience for you. Wear something comfortable the day you ship out. You will be awake for a long time. Wear clothes that will allow you to blend in with other recruits. Believe me, this is not the time you want to stick out from the crowd. Pack what is in the PQS START Guide (given to you by your recruiter). The Navy will provide absolutely everything you will need…

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  Defense Media Network

• U.S. Army Dentistry Celebrates Centennial

  Chuck Oldham (Editor)

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:32 pm

  The Association of Army Dentistry (AAD) and Faircount Media Group have signed an agreement to produce a special magazine to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Dental Corps entitled 100 Years of U.S. Army Dentistry. March 3, 2012, will bring to an end a year-long celebration of events to commemorate this special occasion. As part of the closing ceremony 100 Years of U.S. Army Dentistry will be released. The publication supports the goals of the U.S. Army dentistry centennial celebration, which are: To advance Army Dentistry with activities to promote morale; Support recruitment…

• Combat Controller Robert Gutierrez Receives Air Force Cross

  Robert F. Dorr

  28 Oct 2011 | 9:54 am

  In a ceremony attended by hundreds at Hurlburt Field, Florida on Oct. 27, Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez was presented with the Air Force Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor, by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. Schwartz also presented the Silver Star to Tech. Sgt. Ismael Villegas. The two joint terminal attack controllers were being honored for separate actions in Afghanistan. It had been planned as Gutierrez’s day but GZ, as friends call him, had learned that his teammate was up for recognition and wanted Villegas to be honored in the same ceremony. Air…

• Lord Louis Mountbatten Becomes Director of Combined Operations

  Dwight Jon Zimmerman

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:00 am

  “We want you home here at once for something which you will find of the highest interest.” —Telegram from Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Capt. Lord Louis Mountbatten Oct. 10, 1941 British Combined Operations was formed in the spring of 1940 to coordinate commando raids along the German-occupied coast of Europe utilizing the integrated support of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. In its seven years of existence, it had four commanders. The first lasted only about a month. Its second, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes, lasted about a year before resigning in October 1941 due to…

• Unmanned Heritage, Unmanned Future

  Clarence A. Robinson Jr.

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:00 am

  Frank W. Pace is president, Aircraft Systems Group (ASG), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). His group manufactures, supports, and operates a variety of proven and reliable remotely piloted aircraft systems for worldwide military and commercial applications. Pace spearheaded the conceptualization, development and delivery of Predator A and Predator B Reaper to the U.S. Air Force; Gray Eagle to the U.S. Army; Predator C Avenger; and is developing the Sea Avenger for Navy carrier operations. Prior to joining GA-ASI in 1991, Pace served as vice president and principal systems…

• Improvised Electromagnetic Pulse Devices

  Vera Knutsdottir

  27 Oct 2011 | 4:00 am

  Virtually everything in modern society today relies on computerized electronics, which means that any weapon capable of causing disruption in those devices, is potentially a major security threat. The possibilities and realities of the emerging threat from non-state actors using Improvised Electromagnetic Pulse Devices (IEMPDs) were explored in Part 1 of this series. Now it is time to look into the enabling technologies and the required expertise for design and construction of IEMPDs. What kinds of design features would non-state actors want in an IEMPD to make it an operationally viable…

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  Army Tankers Wife

• The National Museum of the Marine Corps

  23 Oct 2011 | 7:23 am

  SO I wanted to let my readers know about The National Museum of the Marine Corps is collecting children’s artwork for a second year, as part of the “Art for Wounded Warriors” program again after last year’s successful inaugural year. The artwork will be used to decorate facilities around the country to brighten the recovery of wounded Marines.  The Museum is calling on all young artists to submit a painting, drawing, or coloring with a picture and supportive message on an 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper.  Artists should also write their name, hometown and grade level on the…

• Do you like coupons?

  16 Oct 2011 | 9:40 am

  This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of yoFreeSamples.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. Well if you do, then yoFreeSamples.com is for you!!! This company has been around since 2008 and they have  been posting daily free product sample offers, contests and coupons sent directly to your inbox or Facebook! I would prefer email over facebook. Coupons I went to the website to check them out and there is absolutely no catch. Various brand name companies and websites offer freebies as a way to engage consumers. Brands offer free samples and you get to try the items as a…

• In a split second fort he second time this year

  12 Oct 2011 | 7:07 pm

  I haven't written in a while, I have been swamped with this term with this Research Methods class. So I thought I would write tonight and reach out to you. This is the second time this year I have had to write a post concerning death. It has been bothering me. Last week a military spouse, neighbor and a friend was killed in a car accident. A dump truck driver was speeding and ran a red light, and hit her van. All her children were in the van with her, and they survived but she didn't. That really affected me. In an instance that family was changed, and while death is just "a knock away" the…

• Want to see your“life” through different environment?

  21 Sep 2011 | 3:00 am

  So earlier this year I had posted about about the Adventures applications from the National Guard.The latest application called My Life was just released and I want you to know about it!So imagine, it’s graduation day.  Your name was just called and you are steps away from receiving your diploma.  Your family looks on, proud of your accomplishment.  As you reach for your diploma, you smile as you remember all the hard work it took to get to this moment.  You then receive your diploma, take your first steps as a graduate, and begin to think…what’s next? Planning…

• I got an award for my BLOG

  19 Sep 2011 | 3:00 am

  I AM SO EXCITED!!!!The Top 100 Military Family BlogsPresented by VeteransBenefitsGIBill.com, your guide to Post 9/11 GI Bill Military Education Benefits.Congratulations Army Tanker's Wife, Your Blog has been selected as one of the Top 100 Military Family Blogs for 2011! The Team here at VeteransBenefitsGIBill has spent the year searching the Internet for the best Military Family Blogs, analyzing them based on theirpost content, layout and user feedback, and we are excited to award you with our seal of approval as one of the Internet’s Top 100!Read more:…

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  Household6Diva

• Gaining Deployment Momentum

  Ann Marie @ Household6 Diva

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:42 am

  The cool crisp mornings are creating some amazing foggy sunrise views… Which means it won’t be long until my view looks like this… Which means this view won’t be happening too much longer… And this will no longer be a significant drain on our income… Because this will become the norm… Along with this… And this… And this… And this… Only one season to go my love. … What are the little things you miss during separations? What are the things that keep you motivated and positive while your spouse is away?

• Grinding fresh coffee beans

  Ann Marie @ Household6 Diva

  27 Oct 2011 | 3:43 am

  One of my children’s favorite things to do in the kitchen is grind coffee beans. They constantly stop to peek into the small metal chamber to see how many beans have disappeared inside. Watching them makes me thankful for such modern conveniences so often taken for granted. What is your favorite morning beverage? Do you ever grind your own coffee beans at home?

• A big hug from your sweetheart

  Ann Marie @ Household6 Diva

  26 Oct 2011 | 3:36 am

  One of the things my husband does before a separation is prepare our household for Y2K. I think much of this is because in our 7 years of marriage whenever he is called away with the Army, I am usually pregnant, nursing a baby, chasing a small child, or all of the above. So in order to be sure we have everything we need, he makes sure there are several bags of sidewalk salt in storage, several cases of bottled water in the pantry, and a large amount of laundry soap. This time he lined them up neatly on the windowsill. And being a creature of habit, I just turn them around when they’re…

• Catching up and keeping perspective

  Ann Marie @ Household6 Diva

  25 Oct 2011 | 6:13 am

  Today I’m catching up on laundry again… and the clutter piles on the counter have creeped back into existence… Sometimes it feels like a deployment can last forever… especially when the repetition of routine likens to Bill Murry’s experience in Groundhog’s Day… “Don’t drive angry!” The turning point for me in that film is the slow and steady realization that life is short. And it is important to remember to enjoy it – not just get through it. Like the wonderful combination of fresh air, a sturdy swing, and a superhero…

• Dinner date night with the kids

  Ann Marie @ Household6 Diva

  24 Oct 2011 | 3:48 am

  So while executing “Operation Purge the Toys” over the weekend, I bargained with my children for good behavior by offering dinner with “special blue slushies” from Chilli’s.  Now let me just say, that one adult braving a public restaurant with three small children is not for the faint of heart.  But I was feeling confident that I had it all planned out. We arrived early before the dinner rush and after registering for a table, headed straight for the rest room.  I felt very proud of myself for planning ahead – no dinner interruptions for me!  After…

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  Military

• BMPT Terminator, Lack of Support

  arswino76

  28 Oct 2011 | 3:15 am

  For any weapon system, a good concept and advanced technical specs, even relatively affordable price are not enough. There is still one ‘X’ factor that can be an obstacle, which is political support from its own country. The harsh statement, said by the Russian Minister of Defense, last year has caused many people feel upset in weapon industry and weapon system manufacturing in Russia; especially in combat vehicle industry. If its own country refuses to use it, then how can it be successfully exported? The vehicle mentioned by Popovkin is BMPT (Boyevaya Mashina Podderzhki Tankov) or Tank…

• M18A1 Claymore, Anti Personnel Mine

  arswino76

  12 Oct 2011 | 9:29 pm

  The deadly box; this might be the best phrase to describe M18A1 Claymore. Its presence as anti-personnel mine has been a part that forms the defense and security parameter of all combat-basis of the US Military. In battlefield, mine is considered to be a weapon for ‘cowardice’. Designed as a lethal weapon for anti-personnel use, mine is considered to be dangerous because the effect often exceeds its expiry. Civilian casualties caused by anti-personnel mine is not an extraordinary news. Former conflict territories such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Kosovo, and Serbia have noted a…

• Mantis, The Strength of The Final Pillar

  arswino76

  29 Sep 2011 | 7:12 pm

  The fame of Anti-Air Strike (AAS) cannon as point air defense weapon system is often hidden under the shadow of missile. Though sounds old, its sensory technology and target locating along with improvement of its cannon quality have made Anti-Air Strike cannon still lethal. Like a goalkeeper, point air defense system is the final pillar in dealing with enemies that escape the area defense system. In the world’s weapon market, the market for Anti-Air Strike cannon is still good. Anti-air missile man-pads is getting cheaper and lighter, yet the role of cannon as a point air defense weapon…

• 1st Armored Division, Mean of Deterrent and Penetration

  arswino76

  8 Sep 2011 | 7:05 pm

  The structure and organization of modern warfare received a meaningful phase when the First World War occurred. The US was one of the countries in that conflict that began to feel the urgency to have a permanent combat division structure. Many centuries ago, heavy weapons for besieging or assaulting the enemy’s fortress had been integrated within the frontline troops. Later, the deployment of was managed in using formation. Though it must be admitted that ever since tank emerged on the battlefield (at Somme, Europe), the need for special formation was urgently needed and could not be…

• Dassault Rafale, France Top Gun

  arswino76

  19 Aug 2011 | 11:01 pm

  Rafale appeared first, became operational first, and even gained the combat proven title first compared to its rival. But why does this France aircraft hasn’t succeeded in the export market like its rivals? So far there are 3 basic Rafale variants; which are Rafale C and Rafale M with a single seater, and Rafale B with tandem seater. Rafale C and B are operated by Armee de l’Air (French Air Force) while Rafale M is operated by Marine Nationale (French Navy). Rafale M has a fortified frame structure and landing wheels, bigger arrestor hook, and a slingshot at the front wheel for…

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  Adventures of a Military Family of 8

• How to stretch $100 for 4 kids' clothes... #luvcookies

  Lily @Militaryfamof8

  25 Oct 2011 | 8:14 pm

  It's no surprise that the prices for kid's clothing are as high as gold right now; and when you have more than 1 child, it just becomes a bit too much right?  Well having 6+ kids ourselves... This is just a peek, go read the full post when you're comfortable and have your cup of coffee ;)

• A much needed Family fun night-in...

  Lily @Militaryfamof8

  25 Oct 2011 | 3:36 pm

  While we used to live in sunny San Diego, Ca we used to have weekend Family movie nights, of course we would spend the entire day out and as we settle down for bed; it would be while watching a movie... This is just a peek, go read the full post when you're comfortable and have your cup of coffee ;)

• Making tummy time fun with Infantino...

  Lily @Militaryfamof8

  24 Oct 2011 | 6:52 pm

  Baby products.  Do you feel the same way I did when I heard those two words?  Weather I am looking for toys for my babies or for gifts, I always had the same reaction... stress.  The... This is just a peek, go read the full post when you're comfortable and have your cup of coffee ;)

• Beautiful sight from our CA - NY 2011 road trip...

  Lily @Militaryfamof8

  5 Oct 2011 | 2:01 pm

  I wanted to share a few beautiful sight while we were driving out of California into Arizona, it's bitter-sweet because I was leaving my home; but this was a treat to catch ;) Read more » This is just a peek, go read the full post when you're comfortable and have your cup of coffee ;)

• a quick check-in from New York ;)

  Lily @Militaryfamof8

  16 Sep 2011 | 9:19 pm

  So here I am, weeks later and finally have a chance to blog; or semi-blog since im SO tired ;) As you guessed we're in NY, been here for over 1 week and we are suffering with the time change lol. ... This is just a peek, go read the full post when you're comfortable and have your cup of coffee ;)

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  Welcome Home Blog

• Soldier Surprises Parents at Pizza Restaurant on Her Dad’s Birthday

  “My sister Christina came home on a 3 day weekend from her AIT to wish Dad Happy Birthday. Our mom was a little surprised by it.”

• U.S. Air Force SSgt Comes Home to Surprise His Wife, a Nurse, at the Hospital

• U.S. Marine Welcomed Home By His Two Dogs

  “My husband came home from his 3rd deployment, he was gone for 7 months. Our dogs were ecstatic!”

• U.S. Marine Surprises His Little Boy and Girl at School

• 2-Year-Old Reacts to Video of Her Daddy, a U.S. Airman, Reading a Book

  Here is an insanely cute video of a little girl reacting a pre-recorded video of her deployed father reading a book. It’s an amazing reminder of how technology can be used to bring us together, and how it can make the tough times apart a little easier. To those with deployed loved ones, how big [...]

• 

  A Soldier's Perspective

• Meaningless

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 1:45 pm

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Kicks Off Multi-Million Dollar Matching Challenge

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 7:52 am

  Today, the VVMF announces that a dedicated group of patriotic Americans has come together with a generous pledge to help build the new Education Center at The Wall. These military officials, celebrities and business leaders – many of whom are Vietnam veterans – are collectively offering to match every dollar contributed by VVMF supporters before Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. The funds raised through this campaign will go toward the remaining funding needed to build the Education Center at The Wall. To kick off the matching funds campaign and to inspire others to donate, David J.

• Letters From Kids are the Best

  CJ

  28 Oct 2011 | 2:28 am

  Dear Friends, Happy Halloween. Hi, I am Alyssa. How do you survive? We live in Wisconsin. My Unca [sic] us to be in the Army. Thank you. I love getting drawings and letters like these from kids. This particular letter and drawing came from Alyssa, a 2nd grader in Wisconsin. Reading letters from kids really lift spirits. The innocence and honestly that kids put in them are a breath of fresh area in a place where it’s difficult to remember that life goes on back home. Securing the future for these kids is one of the reasons why we do what we do. Some of the things kids say crack me up.

• Heizer Defense Unveils the Doubletap

  CJ

  27 Oct 2011 | 2:00 am

  One of my favorite guns is the Derringer pistol. It’s a cool little, double-barreled pistol that shoots both .45 caliber and .410 shot rounds. Well, now Heizer Defense LLC, a firearms company producing a new paradigm of pistols for the responsible-citizen and law enforcement markets is proud to introduce their first model for the concealed carry market; the DoubleTap – the pistol that may supersede the Derringer as my favorite. The DoubleTap is a tactical pocket pistol, loaded with 5 patents pending, built on a titanium or aluminum frame; the slimmest and lightest on the market…

• 2-38 Cav Locate Over 2 Tons of IED Material

  CJ

  26 Oct 2011 | 6:50 am

  Afghan Border Police discovered a truck at the Weesh Border Crossing containing more than 5,000 pounds of bags filled with ammonium nitrate. The leading cause of deaths here in Afghanistan come from IED detonations. ISAF troops work diligently with Afghan civil and military personnel to locate, secure, and destroy materials that lead to the creation and emplacement of IEDs that indiscriminately kill military troops and innocent Afghan citizens alike. During a recent joint operation between 2-38 Cavalry Squadron, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and the Afghan Border Police, two and half…

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  DC Bureau » National Security News Service

• The Bomb Plant: A MOX White Elephant?

  Joseph Trento

  20 Oct 2011 | 1:46 pm

  The National Nuclear Security Administration may have a $10 billion taxpayer-financed white elephant on its hands based on Britain’s experience with a similar plant that has been shuttered after a decade of failed operations. NNSA is building a French-designed plant to convert plutonium warheads into mixed oxide (MOX) reactor fuel at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. The United States’ MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility is over budget – already double the estimated costs – behind schedule and still has no commercial customers for the fuel. But the…

• Savannah River Site Gets Nuclear Waste – National Academy of Sciences Draft Report Confirms Nuclear Weapons Testing Not Needed

  Susan Trento

  29 Sep 2011 | 7:45 am

  Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Ellen Tauscher said on Monday, September 19, 2011, that high-level nuclear waste once destined for the Yucca Mountain repository will be sent, instead, to the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. Undersecretary of State for Arms Control Ellen Tauscher speaks about nuclear weapons, waste, and energy. The decision to use the Savannah River Site in South Carolina as a permanent storage facility is controversial. It is the most radioactive site in the United States. Aiken County, in which part of the site is located, sued the Department of Energy…

• The Bomb Plant

  Joseph Trento

  12 Sep 2011 | 3:00 am

  The P Reactor at the Savannah River Site Thanks to funding from the Colombe Foundation, the Educational Foundation of America and an anonymous donor, National Security News Service reporters spent the last two years investigating the most secretive institution in the federal government: the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and its radioactive weapons facility – the Savannah River Site (SRS). We call our multi-media investigation The Bomb Plant. It tells how a secretive and little known government agency, dedicated to modernizing and safeguarding nuclear weapons, reaped…

• Stressed by Two Wars? Take a Cruise

  Rose Ellen O'Connor

  10 Aug 2011 | 12:00 pm

  Iraq War IED Explosion It was early March 2006 and U.S. wars raged in Iraq and Afghanistan. The death toll for American troops had reached 2,576, and then President George Bush had asked the month earlier for an additional $70 billion in funding for the war, bringing the total for the year to $120 billion. The Army was growing so short on soldiers that it had begun filling out its combat ranks with Navy sailors. Weeks earlier, the bombing of one of Shiite Islam’s holiest shrine in Samarra had sparked what Bush called “a tragic escalation of sectarian rage and reprisal” that had left…

• Goldman Sachs and the U.S. Navy: The Good-Old-Boy Network

  Rose Ellen O'Connor

  1 Aug 2011 | 10:43 am

  USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group The most powerful man in the Navy authorized an aircraft carrier cruise for a classmate from the U.S. Naval Academy, Thomas Brasco, a wealthy executive at Goldman Sachs. High rolling colleagues at the Wall Street bank also came along for the ride. Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, the incoming Chief of Naval Operations, was Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces (head of the Atlantic Fleet) in 2008. He confirmed through a spokesman that he approved the trip and that he knew Brasco from the academy, but both Greenert and Brasco declined to say whether they are…

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  Knowledge Leakage

• Halloween Costumes or Jezebel Advertising

  I wanted to find a costume to participate in my community’s “Trick-or-treating” festivities. I find that as you get older, the costumes have less material. When are people going to realize that some women just want to be women, not the object of every man’s fantasy? I find it disturbing that I have to choose [...]

• That’s The Way We’ve Always Dunnit!

  At what point do you accept the fact that even though you are somehow making some things work; it isn’t necessarily working correctly or efficiently. It seems that the excuse when there is no excuse has become “Well… That’s the way we’ve always dunnit.” I’m sure that this can be applied to any work place [...]

• Be On Time. Do Not Have It On Your Side.

  As you have probably figured out, I have been TDY 3 times in the last 5 months. It’s been an adventure and not all fun and games. There are three things in the Army that will keep your command off of your back: Be at the right place, at the right time, in the right [...]

• Jet-lag Post

  My blogging life has become extremely busy, surprisingly. I’ve finished some guest blogging on other sites, picked up some new hobbies, and explored some old hobbies. –I’ll let you know once my posts appear   After spending my first week back at work fighting jetlag, I decided to pick up my old hobby of photo [...]

• My Chicago Adventure

  I’m a little late on the share, but I still can’t wait to spill the beans. This year, I made it to the Air and Water Show. What an exciting experience! I had the joy of taking my niece on the longest train ride ever. She was interviewed by NBC News. We sat next to [...]

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  Military Gear News

• Contest: Submit Your Adventure Photos

  Nora Holloway

  17 Oct 2011 | 1:30 pm

  You’ve had your share of adventures. You took pictures. You show them to your friends and family members. Over and over again… perhaps you better dial that back before you get yourself uninvited to Thanksgiving. Never fear, you can send those photos our way. It may even win you a brand new bag—a khaki Sitka Gearslinger (valued at $129.99) to be exact. Perfect for everyday carry needs or more extraordinary travels, this pack is courtesy of Maxpedition. Whether you snapped a photo while serving overseas or on that last European vacation, we want to see your best photo. While there…

• Gear Scout Reviews SERPA Level 2 Holster

  Nora Holloway

  29 Sep 2011 | 11:00 am

  Since its introduction to the market, controversy has surrounded the SERPA holster. Some think that it’s designed well and functions just fine—like the United State Marine Corps. Recently, they decided to lose the nylon holsters for the SERPA Level 2 Tactical Holster. According to The Marine Corps Times, fielding will begin in November. Over 27,000 are scheduled to be distributed in April of next year. However, others believe the holster to be dangerous and have raised several concerns about its design. In response, Rob Curtis, of Military Times Gear Scout, addressed several of these…

• USAF Uniform Changes: Out with the Tan, In with the Sage Green

  Nora Holloway

  14 Sep 2011 | 9:45 am

  Prepare yourselves Air Force personnel. Nov.1, 2011 marks the phase out date for desert tan combat boots. That means sage green is the new tan. Why the change? “According to former Chief of Staff General Jumper, the sage green boot was introduced to compliment the low-maintenance theme of the Airman Battle Uniform,” says Ruth Ewalt of Air Force Uniform Programs and Policies. “The boots were intended to also be virtually maintenance-free.” Unless approved by major command (MAJCOM) commanders, sage green footwear should be worn with the ABU. Black leather boots maybe…

• Otte Gear’s Recce Anorak Aims for Snipers

  Nora Holloway

  30 Aug 2011 | 7:00 am

  [The Recce Anorak is the one on the left.] Previewing its Recce Anorak at Shot Show 2011, OTTE Gear has once again been spotlighted over at Defense Review. Brimming with innovative and experienced employees, the company produces high-caliber tactical gear and clothing. Targeting the needs of snipers and recce operators, the pullover soft shell jacket is stealthily silent and warm yet breathable. It comes in Crye MultiCam and includes a ghillie platform matrix on the upper back and hood. The updated style features two vertical zips. [Glow stick at the ready.] The jacket is constructed of…

• Revision Exoshield: Operators’ Dream Goggles

  Nora Holloway

  24 Aug 2011 | 1:55 pm

  Special missions require its forces to be well equipped. Going into the field fast, hard and armed, these operators need a very specific type of eye protection. In June Revision released their dream goggle—the Exoshield Extreme Low-Profile Ballistic Eyewear ($49.99), which is available in clear or solar lens versions. “The Revision Exoshield is an ultra-compact hybrid solution designed by special operators for special operations,” explained Dan Pakard, senior vice president of military sales for Revision. “This end-user driven product provides unequivocal night vision gear…

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  Military Weapons

• Russia successfully tests Bulava ballistic missile

  28 Oct 2011 | 4:25 pm

  Russia's navy on Friday successfully test-fired an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the weapon the government hopes will become a key part of the nation's nuclear arsenals, the Defense Ministry said.The Bulava missile was launched from the Yuri Dolgoruky submarine underwater in the White Sea, and the missile's warheads reached the Kura testing range on the Pacific Kamchatka Peninsula, some 5,500 kilometers (3,500 miles) away, ministry spokesman Col. Igor Konashenkov said in televised remarks.The test was Bulava's third successful launch in a row after a string of failures that…

• AMX 50 Heavy Tank

  28 Oct 2011 | 12:30 am

  The AMX 50 was a French heavy tank designed in the immediate post Second World War period. It was proposed as, in succession, the French medium, heavy and main battle tank and incorporated many advanced features. However it was to suffer cancellation in the late fifties due to unfavourable economic and political circumstances combined with delays in development.The general AMX 50 project was the heaviest of a trio of French AFV designs of the postwar period (the others being the AMX-13 and the Panhard EBR) to feature an oscillating turret. The oscillating turret design, lacking a conventional…

• Mark I tank

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:17 pm

  The British Mark I was a tracked vehicle developed by the British Army during the First World War and the world's first combat heavy tank. The Mark 1 entered service in August 1916, and was first used in action on the morning of 15 September 1916 during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, of the Somme Offensive. Born of the need to break the domination of trenches and machine guns over the battlefields of the Western Front, it was the first vehicle to be named "tank", as an expedient to maintain secrecy and to disguise its true purpose. It was developed to be able to cross trenches, resist…

• Saint-Chamond Heavy Tank

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:12 pm

  The Saint-Chamond was the second French heavy tank of the First World War. Overall an inadequate design born of commercial rivalry, the war ended before it was replaced by British heavy tanks.As a result of Rimailho's manipulations, the new tank had become a rather cumbersome vehicle. It had no turret, but a large overhanging front compartment housing the long 75 mm gun, protruding from the nose. Within the forward fighting compartment was the driver, who was also the vehicle commander, on the left. On the right a machine gunner operated the front machine gun. This gunner was also responsible…

• Tank Mark VIII Liberty

  27 Oct 2011 | 6:08 pm

  The Tank Mark VIII or Liberty was an Anglo-American Heavy tank design of the First World War. Initially intended to be a collaborative effort to equip France, the UK and the US with a single tank design, it did not come to fruition before the end of the war and only a few were produced.The Mark VIII kept many of the general features of the Mark I-V series: it had their typical high track run and no revolving turret but two sponsons, one on each side of the tank, armed with a 6-pounder (57 mm) gun. But it also resembled the Mark VI-project in that it had more rounded and wider tracks and a…