Friday, July 29, 2011
Congressmen review Reserve role, budget, mobilization
As Congress debates ways to address the federal debt ceiling, reserve component military leaders were on Capitol Hill recently to testify and answer questions about retaining operational roles, changes to mobilization and future budget challenges.
Led by chairman Joe Wilson, of S.C., and ranking member Susan Davis, of Calif., the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel met with reserve component leaders from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard July 27.
The subcommittee is responsible for military personnel policy, reserve component integration and employment issues, military health care, military education, and POW/MIA issues.
"In an increasingly limited fiscal environment, reservists remain efficient and cost-effective solutions to our nation's challenges," said Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the chief of Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon and commander of Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. "Our Airmen comprise nearly 14 percent of the total Air Force authorized end strength at only 5.3 percent of the military personnel budget.
"When Air Force Reserve Airmen are not training or performing an operational mission, they are not being paid, yet they remain ready to respond to crises around the globe within 72 hours should they be called upon," he said. "Given the resource challenges affecting our nation's security, this full-time readiness/part-time cost is the most cost efficient model for doing business."
Committee members discussed the reserve components' current role as an operational force and what potential legislative and policy changes could leverage cost-effective reserve programs threatened by downsizing budgets.
Rep. Michael Coffman, of Colo., said that in his view the Guard and Reserve are one of the solutions to the "high-priced trajectory of personnel costs."
He said the U.S. could retain its military capability, despite the current fiscal pressures, by restructuring the military around the Guard and Reserve.
Wilson said the key issue is the ability to maintain access to the operational reserve in peacetime.
He asked the reserve chiefs their opinions on the new Department of Defense proposal for more flexibility in mobilizing reservists.
All of the chiefs said they support the DOD proposal to amend U.S. law and authorize the secretary of defense to approve small mobilizations of less than 10,000 guardsmen and reservists as needed for national emergencies and surge operations.
"This would allow planners to size our forces accordingly," Stenner said. "We need to reshape our structure because today's reservists are no longer a force held back for only big surges but are used every day as full partners with their active-duty counterparts."
According to Stenner's statement to the committee, about 8,600 Air Force reservists are currently activated to support missions across the globe.
"As we speak, Air Force reservists are serving in every combatant command area of responsibility," he said. "That number includes our force's contribution to the Japanese relief effort and direct support to coalition operations in Libya."
Stenner's written statement outlined how the fiscal 2012 president's budget request would fund Air Force Reserve requirements of approximately $5 billion. It provides for the operation and training of 34 wings, funds 117,769 flying hours, maintains 344 aircraft, and provides for the readiness of 71,400 reservists and 4,157 civilian employees.
The Air Force Reserve budget request is about 4 percent of the total Air Force budget and includes $2.27 billion for operation and maintenance for air operations, service support and civilian pay; $1.7 billion for military personnel; and $34 million for military construction.
However, as Congress reviews the fiscal 2012 budget proposal, many resourcing and manning requests are subject to changes and reductions, especially during the current effort to tighten federal spending.
Zumwalt Class DDG 1000 Program Tests Integrated Power System
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) observed live tests of the DDG 1000 Integrated Power System (IPS) at the Land Based Test Site at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division - Ship Systems Engineering Station (NSWCCD-SSES) July 22.
DDG 1000 will be the first U.S. Navy surface combatant to use electric power for propulsion and ship services. An IPS generates the total ship electric power requirements, then distributes and converts it for all ship loads, including propulsion, combat systems and ship services. The first successful test of the IPS occurred May 11.
CNO Adm. Gary Roughead received an overview of the DDG 1000 program from Capt. James Downey, DDG 1000 program manager from Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, and a tour of the test site by Matthew Stauffer, NSWCCD-SSES DDG 1000 IPS LBTS program manager.
"Providing the CNO an update on the DDG 1000 Program and demonstrating the equipment in operation was a unique opportunity to highlight the significant progress the program has made," said Downey.
"It is rewarding to see the hard work of our Philadelphia engineers and industry partners being recognized by the chief of naval operations," said Patricia Woody, Machinery Research and Engineering Department head at NSWCCD-SSES. "DDG 1000 is currently under construction, and the testing being conducted on the IPS at the LBTS will greatly reduce ship activation timelines, therefore providing overall cost savings to the Navy."
The IPS is a unique design integrating the power system with fight through power to allow for automatic reconfiguration following damage to the power distribution system. The next test, scheduled for early 2012, will integrate and test portions of the DDG 1000 Engineering Control System software with the IPS to verify software and hardware compatibility.
The lead ship of the DDG 1000 class, USS Zumwalt, is more than 50 percent complete and scheduled to deliver in fiscal year 2014, with an initial operating capability in fiscal year 2016. The second ship, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), is approximately 20 percent complete.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships, an affiliated PEO of NAVSEA, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, special warfare craft, and foreign military sales.
NSWCCD-SSES provides the Navy's primary technical expertise and facilities for Naval machinery research, development and life cycle engineering.
Navy Tests LCS Minesweeping System
The Navy announced the successful completion of shore-based and at-sea integrated system tests on the prototype Unmanned Influence Sweep System, July 20, at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, in Panama City, Fla.
Designed for the LCS as part of the mine countermeasures mission package, the system provides unmanned mine sweeping capability that keeps warfighters out of the mine field. The system consists of an unmanned surface craft that carries and tows the minesweeping payload.
The test, known as Phase 1 Sweep Operational Checkout, consisted of confirming that the new sweep system can be deployed and retrieved from a surface craft and that it tows properly. The test was the first use of the prototype Sweep Power Subsystem which includes magnetic and acoustic sweep systems. The first phase of testing was completed on July 1. Phase II is currently ongoing.
"The first day of testing was executed flawlessly. The team performed very well and the system operated as expected. The data gathered during this first phase of testing will provide key performance parameters and establish benchmarks for the remainder of the test event," said Stephen Olson, Unmanned Maritime Systems assistant program manager for UISS System Integration and Test.
This summer's test program includes a full signature test and full mission profile where the entire UISS system will be tested in a series of integrated systems tests planned to demonstrate minesweeping capability in preparation for littoral combat ship mission package integration.
"This is another important step in our efforts to deliver evolutionary technology to the fleet," said Rear Adm. Jim Murdoch, program executive officer for Littoral Combat Ships.
An affiliated program executive office of Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO LCS provides a single program executive responsible for delivering the Littoral Combat Ships to include seaframe, mission modules, mission systems, fleet introduction, and life cycle maintenance and sustainment.
Navy Establishes LCS PEO
The Navy established the Program Executive Office, Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS), during a ceremony at Washington Navy Yard, July 11.
"The littoral combat ship is a critical shipbuilding program and demands the very best skill and effort from government and industry teams," said Asst. Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Sean J. Stackley in a memo establishing the new PEO. "To ensure that we deliver this program to the fleet successfully, I am establishing a new Program Executive Office, Littoral Combat Ships that will align several program offices into one consolidated PEO, focused entirely on achieving that result. This action takes efforts that are currently managed across multiple organizations, and integrates design and development and tests, trials and evaluations under one roof. PEO LCS will have authority across all aspects of the program."
Led by Rear Adm. James Murdoch, the new PEO provides a single program executive responsible for acquiring and maintaining the littoral mission capabilities of the LCS class from start to finish, beginning with procurement, and ending with fleet employment and sustainment.
"I am excited by the challenge of leading this historic effort to provide the Navy with new and highly capable warships equipped with extraordinary aviation features, large payload capacities and flexible environments for future missions - all contained within a fast, stable and efficient seaframe to support the Navy's needs today and tomorrow," said Murdoch.
E. Anne Sandel has been named as the executive director.
Acquisition and maintenance of the sea-frame and mission modules were previously overseen by two different PEOs - PEO Ships and PEO Littoral and Mine Warfare (PEO LMW), respectively. With the creation of PEO LCS, PEO LMW has been disestablished and resident LCS program functions have been transitioned to the new PEO. Non-LCS program functions from PEO LMW have been realigned within Naval Sea Systems Command and existing PEOs.
LCS and its mission modules have been developed under a different strategy for shipbuilding using modular capability, minimal manning and new sustainment concepts. That strategy and the unique aspects of LCS lend themselves to a PEO structure that takes into account the complexity of a system-of-systems approach. Realignment to co-locate the shipbuilding and mission modules programs, together with fleet introduction, is designed to optimize program communication and increased programmatic synergy.
The new PEO LCS will include the following Program Offices: LCS (PMS 501), Remote Minehunting System (PMS 403), Unmanned Maritime Systems (PMS 406), LCS Mission Modules (PMS 420), Mine Warfare (PMS 495), and essential fleet introduction program and functional offices, such as test and evaluation and aviation integration.
The LCS is an entirely new breed of U.S. Navy warship. A fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, LCS's modular, focused-mission design will provide combatant commanders the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to ensure maritime dominance and access for the joint force. LCS will operate with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions as assigned by combatant commanders.
LCS will also perform special operations forces support, high-speed transit, maritime interdiction operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and anti-terrorism/force protection. While complementing capabilities of the Navy's larger multi-mission surface combatants, LCS will also be networked to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines, and joint units.
Friday, July 22, 2011
US-European Air Defense Partnership
MIRGOROD AIR BASE, Ukraine (AFNS) -- The Western Air Defense Sector provides a critical component to the U.S. homeland defense mission.
Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., WADS members are responsible for coordinating all airborne alert aircraft in the western U.S. Its sister organization, EADS, is responsible for the Eastern Air Defense Sector.
A team of four controllers from WADS is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukrainian and Polish event where Air National Guard pilots will fly engagements with Ukrainian-piloted Su-27s and Mig-29s, as well as Polish-piloted F-16s, developing the Ukrainian and Polish air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the 2012 EUROCup and the 2014 Winter Games in Europe.
This involvement demonstrates the true strength of the National Guard's State-Partnership-Program, officials said.
During the two-week event, many airborne scenarios will be played out, where the Ukrainian air force will scramble its SU-27s and MIG-29s to intercept U.S. fighter aircraft. Ukrainian pilots flying L-39s and AN-26s will play the role of either a distressed or hijacked aircraft that is presenting a threat to the Ukrainian and Polish citizens.
The capabilities and insight provided by WADS controllers will prove instrumental when the aircraft are scrambled, officials said. In these scenarios, the WADS controllers will coordinate the U.S. fighters while the Ukrainian and Polish controllers will work with their interceptor fighters.
"Every country's military defends itself," said Maj. Dan Wrazier, the senior WADS controller and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "We are not trying to teach them how to do that. What we are doing is sharing the insight we have learned since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We want to help ensure a tragedy like that does not happen on Ukrainian soil."
On day three of the operations, the WADS controllers have assisted in coordinating nine intercept engagements. They are quickly working through the language barriers with the help of interpreters.
In the U.S., WADS controllers pass important information to alert sites around the nation, identifying potential airborne threats. Once airborne, the pilots on alert receive information on the aircraft presenting the threat or "track of interest," and pass that information to the pilots intercepting the TOI.
In Ukraine, the process is very similar, with collaboration of the Ukraine air traffic control and ground control intercept teams.
The Ukrainian controllers communicate with the air traffic controllers and the pilots on alert, coordinating the engagement and relaying critical and time-sensitive information back to the national leadership team. As the partnership continues to develop, the depth of training increases, providing mutual benefits to all the countries involved.
"From the basics, the controllers here handle the intercept and controller process very similar to us," said Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Talley, one of the WADS team members and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "What is different is our unique forms of measurement. We keep finding ourselves converting the U.S. measurement standards of nautical miles (distance), feet (altitude) and knots (speed) into kilometers, meters and kilometers per hour ... which takes some getting used to."
Despite the small challenges, officials said, the WADS team has been making an immediate positive impact, and members are learning while conducting these practice scenarios.
"Working with our Ukrainian counterparts is very fulfilling", Talley said. "They take the mission of homeland defense very seriously, and are very good at what they do. The equipment we are using is a little different, but the mission is the same, providing useful and timely information to the pilots so they can mitigate any airborne threat."
SAFE SKIES 2011 will continue through July 29, and is scheduled to conduct more than 50 intercepts.
*******************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., WADS members are responsible for coordinating all airborne alert aircraft in the western U.S. Its sister organization, EADS, is responsible for the Eastern Air Defense Sector.
A team of four controllers from WADS is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukrainian and Polish event where Air National Guard pilots will fly engagements with Ukrainian-piloted Su-27s and Mig-29s, as well as Polish-piloted F-16s, developing the Ukrainian and Polish air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the 2012 EUROCup and the 2014 Winter Games in Europe.
This involvement demonstrates the true strength of the National Guard's State-Partnership-Program, officials said.
During the two-week event, many airborne scenarios will be played out, where the Ukrainian air force will scramble its SU-27s and MIG-29s to intercept U.S. fighter aircraft. Ukrainian pilots flying L-39s and AN-26s will play the role of either a distressed or hijacked aircraft that is presenting a threat to the Ukrainian and Polish citizens.
The capabilities and insight provided by WADS controllers will prove instrumental when the aircraft are scrambled, officials said. In these scenarios, the WADS controllers will coordinate the U.S. fighters while the Ukrainian and Polish controllers will work with their interceptor fighters.
"Every country's military defends itself," said Maj. Dan Wrazier, the senior WADS controller and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "We are not trying to teach them how to do that. What we are doing is sharing the insight we have learned since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We want to help ensure a tragedy like that does not happen on Ukrainian soil."
On day three of the operations, the WADS controllers have assisted in coordinating nine intercept engagements. They are quickly working through the language barriers with the help of interpreters.
In the U.S., WADS controllers pass important information to alert sites around the nation, identifying potential airborne threats. Once airborne, the pilots on alert receive information on the aircraft presenting the threat or "track of interest," and pass that information to the pilots intercepting the TOI.
In Ukraine, the process is very similar, with collaboration of the Ukraine air traffic control and ground control intercept teams.
The Ukrainian controllers communicate with the air traffic controllers and the pilots on alert, coordinating the engagement and relaying critical and time-sensitive information back to the national leadership team. As the partnership continues to develop, the depth of training increases, providing mutual benefits to all the countries involved.
"From the basics, the controllers here handle the intercept and controller process very similar to us," said Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Talley, one of the WADS team members and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "What is different is our unique forms of measurement. We keep finding ourselves converting the U.S. measurement standards of nautical miles (distance), feet (altitude) and knots (speed) into kilometers, meters and kilometers per hour ... which takes some getting used to."
Despite the small challenges, officials said, the WADS team has been making an immediate positive impact, and members are learning while conducting these practice scenarios.
"Working with our Ukrainian counterparts is very fulfilling", Talley said. "They take the mission of homeland defense very seriously, and are very good at what they do. The equipment we are using is a little different, but the mission is the same, providing useful and timely information to the pilots so they can mitigate any airborne threat."
SAFE SKIES 2011 will continue through July 29, and is scheduled to conduct more than 50 intercepts.
*******************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
US-European Air Defense Partnership
MIRGOROD AIR BASE, Ukraine (AFNS) -- The Western Air Defense Sector provides a critical component to the U.S. homeland defense mission.
Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., WADS members are responsible for coordinating all airborne alert aircraft in the western U.S. Its sister organization, EADS, is responsible for the Eastern Air Defense Sector.
A team of four controllers from WADS is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukrainian and Polish event where Air National Guard pilots will fly engagements with Ukrainian-piloted Su-27s and Mig-29s, as well as Polish-piloted F-16s, developing the Ukrainian and Polish air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the 2012 EUROCup and the 2014 Winter Games in Europe.
This involvement demonstrates the true strength of the National Guard's State-Partnership-Program, officials said.
During the two-week event, many airborne scenarios will be played out, where the Ukrainian air force will scramble its SU-27s and MIG-29s to intercept U.S. fighter aircraft. Ukrainian pilots flying L-39s and AN-26s will play the role of either a distressed or hijacked aircraft that is presenting a threat to the Ukrainian and Polish citizens.
The capabilities and insight provided by WADS controllers will prove instrumental when the aircraft are scrambled, officials said. In these scenarios, the WADS controllers will coordinate the U.S. fighters while the Ukrainian and Polish controllers will work with their interceptor fighters.
"Every country's military defends itself," said Maj. Dan Wrazier, the senior WADS controller and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "We are not trying to teach them how to do that. What we are doing is sharing the insight we have learned since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We want to help ensure a tragedy like that does not happen on Ukrainian soil."
On day three of the operations, the WADS controllers have assisted in coordinating nine intercept engagements. They are quickly working through the language barriers with the help of interpreters.
In the U.S., WADS controllers pass important information to alert sites around the nation, identifying potential airborne threats. Once airborne, the pilots on alert receive information on the aircraft presenting the threat or "track of interest," and pass that information to the pilots intercepting the TOI.
In Ukraine, the process is very similar, with collaboration of the Ukraine air traffic control and ground control intercept teams.
The Ukrainian controllers communicate with the air traffic controllers and the pilots on alert, coordinating the engagement and relaying critical and time-sensitive information back to the national leadership team. As the partnership continues to develop, the depth of training increases, providing mutual benefits to all the countries involved.
"From the basics, the controllers here handle the intercept and controller process very similar to us," said Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Talley, one of the WADS team members and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "What is different is our unique forms of measurement. We keep finding ourselves converting the U.S. measurement standards of nautical miles (distance), feet (altitude) and knots (speed) into kilometers, meters and kilometers per hour ... which takes some getting used to."
Despite the small challenges, officials said, the WADS team has been making an immediate positive impact, and members are learning while conducting these practice scenarios.
"Working with our Ukrainian counterparts is very fulfilling", Talley said. "They take the mission of homeland defense very seriously, and are very good at what they do. The equipment we are using is a little different, but the mission is the same, providing useful and timely information to the pilots so they can mitigate any airborne threat."
SAFE SKIES 2011 will continue through July 29, and is scheduled to conduct more than 50 intercepts.
*******************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., WADS members are responsible for coordinating all airborne alert aircraft in the western U.S. Its sister organization, EADS, is responsible for the Eastern Air Defense Sector.
A team of four controllers from WADS is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint U.S., Ukrainian and Polish event where Air National Guard pilots will fly engagements with Ukrainian-piloted Su-27s and Mig-29s, as well as Polish-piloted F-16s, developing the Ukrainian and Polish air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the 2012 EUROCup and the 2014 Winter Games in Europe.
This involvement demonstrates the true strength of the National Guard's State-Partnership-Program, officials said.
During the two-week event, many airborne scenarios will be played out, where the Ukrainian air force will scramble its SU-27s and MIG-29s to intercept U.S. fighter aircraft. Ukrainian pilots flying L-39s and AN-26s will play the role of either a distressed or hijacked aircraft that is presenting a threat to the Ukrainian and Polish citizens.
The capabilities and insight provided by WADS controllers will prove instrumental when the aircraft are scrambled, officials said. In these scenarios, the WADS controllers will coordinate the U.S. fighters while the Ukrainian and Polish controllers will work with their interceptor fighters.
"Every country's military defends itself," said Maj. Dan Wrazier, the senior WADS controller and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "We are not trying to teach them how to do that. What we are doing is sharing the insight we have learned since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We want to help ensure a tragedy like that does not happen on Ukrainian soil."
On day three of the operations, the WADS controllers have assisted in coordinating nine intercept engagements. They are quickly working through the language barriers with the help of interpreters.
In the U.S., WADS controllers pass important information to alert sites around the nation, identifying potential airborne threats. Once airborne, the pilots on alert receive information on the aircraft presenting the threat or "track of interest," and pass that information to the pilots intercepting the TOI.
In Ukraine, the process is very similar, with collaboration of the Ukraine air traffic control and ground control intercept teams.
The Ukrainian controllers communicate with the air traffic controllers and the pilots on alert, coordinating the engagement and relaying critical and time-sensitive information back to the national leadership team. As the partnership continues to develop, the depth of training increases, providing mutual benefits to all the countries involved.
"From the basics, the controllers here handle the intercept and controller process very similar to us," said Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Talley, one of the WADS team members and a member of the Washington Air National Guard. "What is different is our unique forms of measurement. We keep finding ourselves converting the U.S. measurement standards of nautical miles (distance), feet (altitude) and knots (speed) into kilometers, meters and kilometers per hour ... which takes some getting used to."
Despite the small challenges, officials said, the WADS team has been making an immediate positive impact, and members are learning while conducting these practice scenarios.
"Working with our Ukrainian counterparts is very fulfilling", Talley said. "They take the mission of homeland defense very seriously, and are very good at what they do. The equipment we are using is a little different, but the mission is the same, providing useful and timely information to the pilots so they can mitigate any airborne threat."
SAFE SKIES 2011 will continue through July 29, and is scheduled to conduct more than 50 intercepts.
*******************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Air Force, Navy Talk Partnership
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove discussed the Air Force's enduring capabilities, the Air-Sea Battle concept and the Long Range Strike family of systems at a Mitchell Institute for Air Power Studies event in Arlington (VA) July 20.
Speaking to members of the Department of Defense, international community and industry leaders, General Breedlove said that in order to meet both budgetary and modernization goals, the Air Force must focus on the distinctive capabilities that the service brings to the fight.
"If we are to survive this period and come out of it with an Air Force that America's people will recognize in ten years, we're going to have to focus on those core, distinctive Air Force missions," General Breedlove said.
The general referenced Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz's 2011 CSAF Vector, outlining these distinctive capabilities as: establishing and exploiting control in air, space, and cyberspace; holding any target on the globe at risk; responsive, full-spectrum intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; rapid logistics; and superior command and control.
While the Air Force remains the world's preeminent air and space power, the U.S. military succeeds or fails as a joint team, General Breedlove said.
As such, the Departments of the Air Force and Navy are currently developing the Air-Sea Battle concept, he said. This operational concept describes a unified approach to address the evolving Anti-Access/Area Denial environment, in which adversaries seek asymmetric ways of opposing the movement of U.S. military forces into their region.
"Our nation's Air Force and our nation's Navy, with the Marines, have some very unique, global applications," General Breedlove said. "We will succeed or fail in the A2/AD environment as a joint team with our naval brethren."
One of the conclusions that emerged from the service's Air-Sea Battle discussions was the continuing need for long-range strike capability, the general said. To that end, the Air Force is working with the DOD to develop and refine its concept of a Long Range Strike family of systems.
These systems will include strike; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and electronic attack capabilities, among others, he said.
"Central to the family of systems is the acquisition of a long-range, penetrating bomber," General Breedlove said. ""The bomber will not be an exquisite, lone-wolf platform capable of accomplishing all the missions by itself. Rather, it will be a part of that entire family of systems, relying on other capabilities, as well as its own, to accomplish its mission."
The Air Force estimates it will need 80 to 100 Long Range Strike bombers to meet future needs, and affordability is a key parameter, according to General Breedlove.
"The Long Range Strike bomber will be designed and developed using proven technologies," he said. "We don't want to lean very far forward; we need to be able to afford this system."
Budgetary constraints will not only affect how the Air Force and DOD approach the bomber acquisition, but will have to be considered in all of the military activities, General Breedlove said.
"I believe that when we combine the Air Force's unique, asymmetric contributions to national defense, with the complementary capabilities of our Joint and coalition partners, we will succeed as we have in the past, but we will have to be more frugal as we move forward," he said.
*********************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Speaking to members of the Department of Defense, international community and industry leaders, General Breedlove said that in order to meet both budgetary and modernization goals, the Air Force must focus on the distinctive capabilities that the service brings to the fight.
"If we are to survive this period and come out of it with an Air Force that America's people will recognize in ten years, we're going to have to focus on those core, distinctive Air Force missions," General Breedlove said.
The general referenced Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz's 2011 CSAF Vector, outlining these distinctive capabilities as: establishing and exploiting control in air, space, and cyberspace; holding any target on the globe at risk; responsive, full-spectrum intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; rapid logistics; and superior command and control.
While the Air Force remains the world's preeminent air and space power, the U.S. military succeeds or fails as a joint team, General Breedlove said.
As such, the Departments of the Air Force and Navy are currently developing the Air-Sea Battle concept, he said. This operational concept describes a unified approach to address the evolving Anti-Access/Area Denial environment, in which adversaries seek asymmetric ways of opposing the movement of U.S. military forces into their region.
"Our nation's Air Force and our nation's Navy, with the Marines, have some very unique, global applications," General Breedlove said. "We will succeed or fail in the A2/AD environment as a joint team with our naval brethren."
One of the conclusions that emerged from the service's Air-Sea Battle discussions was the continuing need for long-range strike capability, the general said. To that end, the Air Force is working with the DOD to develop and refine its concept of a Long Range Strike family of systems.
These systems will include strike; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and electronic attack capabilities, among others, he said.
"Central to the family of systems is the acquisition of a long-range, penetrating bomber," General Breedlove said. ""The bomber will not be an exquisite, lone-wolf platform capable of accomplishing all the missions by itself. Rather, it will be a part of that entire family of systems, relying on other capabilities, as well as its own, to accomplish its mission."
The Air Force estimates it will need 80 to 100 Long Range Strike bombers to meet future needs, and affordability is a key parameter, according to General Breedlove.
"The Long Range Strike bomber will be designed and developed using proven technologies," he said. "We don't want to lean very far forward; we need to be able to afford this system."
Budgetary constraints will not only affect how the Air Force and DOD approach the bomber acquisition, but will have to be considered in all of the military activities, General Breedlove said.
"I believe that when we combine the Air Force's unique, asymmetric contributions to national defense, with the complementary capabilities of our Joint and coalition partners, we will succeed as we have in the past, but we will have to be more frugal as we move forward," he said.
*********************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
US Navy Conducts First Ever Afloat Cyber Inspection
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) passed a first-of-its-kind afloat Department of Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) command cyber readiness inspection (CCRI), July 14, while the ship was conducting training at sea.
A CCRI is an in-depth inspection and analysis of a ship or shore command's network security posture to ensure that vital information is protected from cyber attacks.
The inspection of the Lincoln networks, which began July 8, was the first time a cyber inspection of a Navy network was conducted underway, and the first DISA-led CCRI conducted aboard an aircraft carrier.
Cmdr. Michael Thibodeau, the ship's combat systems officer, said the inspection was part of a three-year training cycle, the goal is to determine which Department of Defense computer networks have low vulnerability to outside attacks from threats such as hackers, and to strengthen the defense of these networks as necessary.
"Any networks out of compliance can actually be forced to shut down and pulled from the Global Information Grid (GIG)," he said. "This success is indicative of Lincoln's high state of operational readiness."
Lincoln's inspection results set the Navy standard for afloat units by achieving a score 11 percent higher than had previously been achieved in shore-based inspections. Thibodeau added the ship's score was also 20 percent higher than the average afloat command score from the Navy's own internal cyber security inspections.
"I attribute our success on this inspection to the pride and dedication that the Information Systems team takes in maintaining the highest levels of cyber readiness," he said.
Lincoln's next CCRI is not scheduled to occur until after Lincoln's upcoming Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH), as the ship will be temporarily taken off the training cycle.
Though the inspection is complete, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Toni Robinson said personnel should continue to follow the practices that played a key role in passing the inspection.
"In order to keep prepared, all hands should remain vigilant on network security and following command security procedures for personal electronic devices," she said.
Lincoln is currently working with other afloat units to help prepare them for success with their upcoming CCRI inspections.
******************
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
A CCRI is an in-depth inspection and analysis of a ship or shore command's network security posture to ensure that vital information is protected from cyber attacks.
The inspection of the Lincoln networks, which began July 8, was the first time a cyber inspection of a Navy network was conducted underway, and the first DISA-led CCRI conducted aboard an aircraft carrier.
Cmdr. Michael Thibodeau, the ship's combat systems officer, said the inspection was part of a three-year training cycle, the goal is to determine which Department of Defense computer networks have low vulnerability to outside attacks from threats such as hackers, and to strengthen the defense of these networks as necessary.
"Any networks out of compliance can actually be forced to shut down and pulled from the Global Information Grid (GIG)," he said. "This success is indicative of Lincoln's high state of operational readiness."
Lincoln's inspection results set the Navy standard for afloat units by achieving a score 11 percent higher than had previously been achieved in shore-based inspections. Thibodeau added the ship's score was also 20 percent higher than the average afloat command score from the Navy's own internal cyber security inspections.
"I attribute our success on this inspection to the pride and dedication that the Information Systems team takes in maintaining the highest levels of cyber readiness," he said.
Lincoln's next CCRI is not scheduled to occur until after Lincoln's upcoming Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH), as the ship will be temporarily taken off the training cycle.
Though the inspection is complete, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Toni Robinson said personnel should continue to follow the practices that played a key role in passing the inspection.
"In order to keep prepared, all hands should remain vigilant on network security and following command security procedures for personal electronic devices," she said.
Lincoln is currently working with other afloat units to help prepare them for success with their upcoming CCRI inspections.
******************
Cyber Defense
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
Navy Tests Lightweight Manportable Power System
A lightweight power system developed by the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) TechSolutions Program to cut the 50 pounds of battery devices hauled by the Navy's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams was delivered July 22.
Responding to a request from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, to create a lightweight power device to charge their specialized equipment, TechSolutions partnered with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Ind., and Protonex Technology Corp. to develop the Power Management Kit (PMK).
Five units were shipped to the team for a trial.
"The PMK gives the warfighter a very significant weight reduction in batteries, chargers and adapters, while also increasing real-time awareness of power usage and availability," said Phil Robinson, Protonex's vice president and ONR's principal investigator for the PMK project.
The kit is a lightweight, portable system containing common military rechargeable batteries, a solar-powered blanket, a one-pound Soldier Power Manager (SPM) unit and "smart" cables to link the SPM with EOD equipment. The PMK is centered around the SPM, which can harness energy from a variety of sources to charge batteries and provide power to attached gear. Any new equipment added to the EOD team's arsenal can be supported by merely providing a new cable. Therefore, the SPM itself never requires an upgrade.
By enabling teams to use alternative energy sources, such as a solar cell-covered blankets and fuel cells, the PMK reduces the team's logistics footprint. Few of the Navy's EOD teams' primary tools and equipment use the same power sources, so Sailors and Marines must carry multiple single-purpose batteries to power their gear.
"Currently, if one were to collect all the battery chargers allocated to an EOD platoon, they would fill a 4-foot by 4-foot table," according to EODTEU 2 Combat Development staff. "The PMK, with all of its cables, and the SPM in a soft roll case weigh only nine pounds, replacing up to 50 pounds of specialized chargers and related equipment."
A graphical interface displays information about batteries and sources, power usage, state of charge and operational details. This data is stored and analyzed, providing EOD teams with unprecedented visibility, safety, situational awareness and readiness when planning future missions.
TechSolutions accepts recommendations and suggestions from Navy and Marine Corps personnel on ways to improve mission effectiveness through the application of new technology. The TechSolutions team provides Sailors and Marines with prototype technologies to rapidly address immediate needs. TechSolutions works closely with the fleet and force to meet specific requirements that cannot be readily satisfied with commercial off-the-shelf technologies. Typical turn-around time for a working prototype is 12-18 months.
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
New Navy Tech Locates Drug Smugglers
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced July 22 that an ONR developed software technology is being installed and used by a multi-agency task force charged with eliminating illegal drug trafficking.
Since July 1, the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South has been assembling the Command and Control Rapid Prototype Continuum (C2RPC) system, a software application designed to provide continuous rapid delivery of warfighter capability to support time-sensitive decision making.
The C2RPC prototype is being used by Pacific Command, and the 5th, 6th and 7th fleets have requested their own systems. For JIATF-South, ONR delivered a variant for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for evaluation, planning and execution in support of ISR operations. This will provide the foundation for accessing technique and strategies for integrating extremely large disparate data sets.
C2RPC is part of a broader ONR effort to combine independent systems to automate analysis of large amounts of data, reduce manpower requirements and provide technical solutions and direction to related acquisition programs.
ONR, the Navy's science and technology arm, wants to fuse combat systems, C2 and ISR data into a common information environment that is "plug-and-play," modular, and based on publicly available, or open, standards, said Dr. Bobby Junker, director of ONR's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or C4ISR, department.
"Navy and defense department systems are often point solutions with serious data and system interoperability issues," Junker said. "They tend to be proprietary, closed systems, which are costly to maintain and upgrade."
However, during the past seven years, in partnership with the Program Executive Office for C4I, ONR has developed an open, modular, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on a set of design principles used during systems development and integration as the foundation for next-generation C2 systems, Junker said.
The approach uses common commercial-off-the-shelf-solutions, open source, government developed solutions and industrial developed codes for which the government has unrestricted license. In this environment, the government can compete best-of-breed across multiple sources for upgrades and maintenance.
Initial operational use of this SOA system occurred in 2006, when a core component was installed aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to support the Maritime Domain Awareness system, Junker said.
SOA provided the infrastructure for C2RPC, a collaborative effort between ONR, PEO C4I and Commander Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT). C2RPC was initially deployed for use in Maritime Operational Center readiness analysis.
Readiness analysis, which had previously taken days to accomplish, took just hours with C2RPC. This improvement allowed for the system to be used in operational planning even though it was only a science and technology prototype, Junker said.
Continued success of C2RPC led to the Air Force's Air Operations Center Weapons/Systems also evaluating the system.
Additionally, information services developed by the Air Force were directly integrated into the open, modular SOA framework-with both the Air Force and Navy benefiting from capabilities each has developed. This effort also transitioned to the Navy's Afloat Core Services program of record under the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services.
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
US senators voice worry over radar deal with Turkey
US senators voice worry over radar deal with Turkey
Republican Senators Jon Kyl and Mark Kirk wrote Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton seeking reassurances on the possible deal, which was described in a news report last week.
The lawmakers asked for "written assurances" that data collected by a so-called X-band radar "will be made available, in real time" to staunch US ally Israel to be "fully integrated into its battlement management and control."
They also sought a guarantee that "Turkish entities are not engaged, or suspected of engaging" in activities that fall afoul of various US laws aimed at curbing suspected nuclear weapons programs in Iran and Syria and keeping sensitive know-how from North Korea.
Republican Senators Jon Kyl and Mark Kirk wrote Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton seeking reassurances on the possible deal, which was described in a news report last week.
The lawmakers asked for "written assurances" that data collected by a so-called X-band radar "will be made available, in real time" to staunch US ally Israel to be "fully integrated into its battlement management and control."
They also sought a guarantee that "Turkish entities are not engaged, or suspected of engaging" in activities that fall afoul of various US laws aimed at curbing suspected nuclear weapons programs in Iran and Syria and keeping sensitive know-how from North Korea.
Friday, July 8, 2011
U.S. ambassador to Syria heads to restive city of Hama ahead of planned protests - The Washington Post
U.S. ambassador to Syria heads to restive city of Hama ahead of planned protests - The Washington Post: "The U.S. ambassador to Syria has positioned himself in the restive city of Hama ahead of planned demonstrations this weekend, State Department officials said Thursday, in an unusual move that appears aimed at discouraging new violence against protesters.
Ambassador Robert Ford acted without official Syrian blessing in traveling to the city of 700,000 that has been at the center of the country’s four-month-old uprising, U.S. officials said. Ford met with townspeople and visited a hospital where injured protesters are being treated.
He planned to stay overnight with the intention of “seeing the activity” on Friday, when thousands were expected to take to the streets following weekly prayer services, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
“For him to go personally at this time and stand with the people of Hama expresses in physical terms, not to mention political terms, our view that the people of Hama have a right to express themselves peacefully,” Nuland said.
"
Ambassador Robert Ford acted without official Syrian blessing in traveling to the city of 700,000 that has been at the center of the country’s four-month-old uprising, U.S. officials said. Ford met with townspeople and visited a hospital where injured protesters are being treated.
He planned to stay overnight with the intention of “seeing the activity” on Friday, when thousands were expected to take to the streets following weekly prayer services, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
“For him to go personally at this time and stand with the people of Hama expresses in physical terms, not to mention political terms, our view that the people of Hama have a right to express themselves peacefully,” Nuland said.
"
Mullen accuses Iran of arming anti-U.S. forces in Iraq | McClatchy
Mullen accuses Iran of arming anti-U.S. forces in Iraq | McClatchy: "Iran is sending Shiite Muslim militias in Iraq the most lethal weapons it's ever provided them, aimed at killing American troops there, the top U.S. military officer said Thursday.
Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the accusation in a roundtable with members of the Pentagon Press Association on the same day that two American service members were killed in Baghdad, apparently the victims of a bomb known as an explosively formed penetrator, a type of weapon that U.S. officials say comes from Iran.
"Iran is very directly supporting extremist Shiite groups, which are killing our troops," Mullen said.
Mullen said the United States and Iraq were discussing whether some American troops should stay in Iraq after a Dec. 31 deadline to withdraw. But he said any extension of the U.S. troop presence past the end of the year "has to be done in conjunction with control of Iran in that regard."
Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/07/07/117227/mullen-accuses-iran-of-arming.html#ixzz1RXH1OOUC"
Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the accusation in a roundtable with members of the Pentagon Press Association on the same day that two American service members were killed in Baghdad, apparently the victims of a bomb known as an explosively formed penetrator, a type of weapon that U.S. officials say comes from Iran.
"Iran is very directly supporting extremist Shiite groups, which are killing our troops," Mullen said.
Mullen said the United States and Iraq were discussing whether some American troops should stay in Iraq after a Dec. 31 deadline to withdraw. But he said any extension of the U.S. troop presence past the end of the year "has to be done in conjunction with control of Iran in that regard."
Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/07/07/117227/mullen-accuses-iran-of-arming.html#ixzz1RXH1OOUC"
Thursday, July 7, 2011
As Pakistan Expands Nuke Arsenal, U.S. Fears Grow : NPR
As Pakistan Expands Nuke Arsenal, U.S. Fears Grow : NPR: "As Pakistan tries to add to its stockpile of nuclear bombs, domestic terrorists are launching more sophisticated attacks on the country's military bases. Together, those trends are raising fears that terrorists might target Pakistan's widening network of nuclear facilities.
The U.S. relationship with Pakistan is fraught with anxiety and danger, and there is no more perilous element than Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
'It's the proliferation of that technology, and it's the opportunity and the potential that it could fall into the hands of terrorists, many of whom are alive and well and seek that in that region,' Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a recent appearance before a Senate panel."
The U.S. relationship with Pakistan is fraught with anxiety and danger, and there is no more perilous element than Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
'It's the proliferation of that technology, and it's the opportunity and the potential that it could fall into the hands of terrorists, many of whom are alive and well and seek that in that region,' Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a recent appearance before a Senate panel."
Rodriguez outlines ISAF’s drawdown, transition plan | Article | The United States Army
Rodriguez outlines ISAF’s drawdown, transition plan | Article | The United States Army: "The drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan will begin this month with some 1,600 troops set to redeploy without replacement by fall, according to a senior U.S. commander there.
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Afghanistan, briefed Pentagon reporters here today via video link from Kabul about the drawdown and security transition, also set to start this month.
Rodriguez, who has spent 40 months in Afghanistan since 2007, also will return to the United States this month and will assume command of U.S. Forces Command, headquartered at Fort McPherson, Ga.
The Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry Regiment in Kabul and its 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment in neighboring Parwan province, both part of the Iowa National Guard, are set to redeploy with a total of 800 Soldiers this month. The Marine Corps’ 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in Regional Command Southwest is set to redeploy with 800 Marines in the fall, a Pentagon official said.
Joint Command has achieved progress, Rodriguez said, with a plan that began in summer 2009 to focus on population centers and commerce nodes. The plan is aimed at strengthening the “trinity” of good governance, capable security forces and the people’s confidence in government, he said.
“When all three work together, we know Afghans can arrive at viable local solutions,” he said. “Where we have focused our efforts, we have degraded the insurgency, built the Afghan security forces, and ultimately mobilized many of the Afghan people against those who threaten their way of life.”
Afghan forces take on greater responsibility every day for preventing attacks across the country, he said.
During a recent incident in Kabul, Rodriguez said, Afghan national security forces “prevented numerous suicide bombers from killing hundreds of civilians” in the Intercontinental Hotel.
Coalition forces and their Afghan and international civilian partners work together to ensure governmental and developmental efforts quickly follow security gains, he said.
“We are no longer clearing areas again and again and again,” he noted. “We spend the bulk of our military effort on degrading or destroying insurgent infrastructure, but we also ensure that the planning for local security and good governance begins early enough to be implemented as soon as the security conditions allow.”
Coalition and Afghan forces have taken the fight to the insurgents since winter, Rodriguez said, targeting leaders, command-and-control networks, support bases and infiltration routes.
“Together, we have captured or killed [more than] 1,000 insurgents over the last six months, approximately 250 percent more than in the same period last year,” he said.
This spring, joint forces located three times more weapon caches as during spring 2010, he noted.
Coalition forces have “begun the process of working ourselves out of a job,” Rodriguez said. “We will hand over the lead to the Afghans gradually, over time, and it’s going to begin now.”
Handover will begin this month, the general said, in the first seven areas Afghan President Hamid Karzai designated as those where his nation’s forces will assume security responsibility: Herat city, Bamiyan province, Kabul province [except Surobi], Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province, and Mehtar Lam in Laghman province.
“As we move forward with the plan, the transition will continue to be conditions-based,” Rodriguez said. “In the tougher areas, we will thin out forces and either shift [them] to other areas or send some forces home.”
The commander said he believes transition is on track, and that coalition and Afghan forces can achieve the 2014 goal of complete Afghan security responsibility along with the planned U.S. troop drawdown.
“We’ve made hard-won progress in Helmand and Kandahar, and there have been advances in a number of other areas in the east, west and north, aided by the growth of Afghan and coalition forces over the past two years,” Rodriguez said.
As the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan drops by 33,000 by the end of next summer, 70,000 more Afghan forces will enter the ranks, he noted.
“There will be over 350,000 Afghan national security forces in place to protect the people and continue the momentum,” he said.
As the “look and feel” of the international presence in Afghanistan changes, Rodriguez said, the Afghan government will need to balance the responsibilities of providing security, rule of law, essential services, and the infrastructure capacity for sustainable economic growth.
ISAF’s plan still emphasizes building Afghan forces’ capability, increasing government effectiveness in districts and provinces, and decreasing insurgent access to Afghanistan along the “porous” Pakistan border, he said.
The focus of coalition efforts in Afghanistan is likely to shift east along that border, the general said.
“We will end up thinning out [in the south] and then focusing more and more of our energy in the east,” he said. “As far as the timing of that, again, it will be conditions-based, and it’s a little bit too early to take that guess right now.”
ISAF’s Afghanistan strategy needs more help from the Pakistani military, Rodriguez said.
“We continue to coordinate and build the relationships so we can better synchronize our plans across that border, but we still need some more support in doing that,” he said.
If Pakistan’s support doesn’t improve, Rodriguez said, the alternative on the Afghan side of the border is to build strength in security forces and the government to “be able to handle the challenges they’ll see in the future.”
Provincial and district governments must ensure they’re acceptable to the people they serve, so they don’t threaten security, the general said.
“When the people become mobilized and they build a representative shura that both represents their people and holds their government accountable, then we’re on the right track,” he said. “That government of course has to first provide security, as well as justice and a representative opportunity.”
The most critical task facing the coalition, Rodriguez said, is to “support good Afghan leaders and encourage them to build depth within their ranks, and inspire other leaders to join in helping create a hopeful future.”
"
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Afghanistan, briefed Pentagon reporters here today via video link from Kabul about the drawdown and security transition, also set to start this month.
Rodriguez, who has spent 40 months in Afghanistan since 2007, also will return to the United States this month and will assume command of U.S. Forces Command, headquartered at Fort McPherson, Ga.
The Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry Regiment in Kabul and its 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment in neighboring Parwan province, both part of the Iowa National Guard, are set to redeploy with a total of 800 Soldiers this month. The Marine Corps’ 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in Regional Command Southwest is set to redeploy with 800 Marines in the fall, a Pentagon official said.
Joint Command has achieved progress, Rodriguez said, with a plan that began in summer 2009 to focus on population centers and commerce nodes. The plan is aimed at strengthening the “trinity” of good governance, capable security forces and the people’s confidence in government, he said.
“When all three work together, we know Afghans can arrive at viable local solutions,” he said. “Where we have focused our efforts, we have degraded the insurgency, built the Afghan security forces, and ultimately mobilized many of the Afghan people against those who threaten their way of life.”
Afghan forces take on greater responsibility every day for preventing attacks across the country, he said.
During a recent incident in Kabul, Rodriguez said, Afghan national security forces “prevented numerous suicide bombers from killing hundreds of civilians” in the Intercontinental Hotel.
Coalition forces and their Afghan and international civilian partners work together to ensure governmental and developmental efforts quickly follow security gains, he said.
“We are no longer clearing areas again and again and again,” he noted. “We spend the bulk of our military effort on degrading or destroying insurgent infrastructure, but we also ensure that the planning for local security and good governance begins early enough to be implemented as soon as the security conditions allow.”
Coalition and Afghan forces have taken the fight to the insurgents since winter, Rodriguez said, targeting leaders, command-and-control networks, support bases and infiltration routes.
“Together, we have captured or killed [more than] 1,000 insurgents over the last six months, approximately 250 percent more than in the same period last year,” he said.
This spring, joint forces located three times more weapon caches as during spring 2010, he noted.
Coalition forces have “begun the process of working ourselves out of a job,” Rodriguez said. “We will hand over the lead to the Afghans gradually, over time, and it’s going to begin now.”
Handover will begin this month, the general said, in the first seven areas Afghan President Hamid Karzai designated as those where his nation’s forces will assume security responsibility: Herat city, Bamiyan province, Kabul province [except Surobi], Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province, and Mehtar Lam in Laghman province.
“As we move forward with the plan, the transition will continue to be conditions-based,” Rodriguez said. “In the tougher areas, we will thin out forces and either shift [them] to other areas or send some forces home.”
The commander said he believes transition is on track, and that coalition and Afghan forces can achieve the 2014 goal of complete Afghan security responsibility along with the planned U.S. troop drawdown.
“We’ve made hard-won progress in Helmand and Kandahar, and there have been advances in a number of other areas in the east, west and north, aided by the growth of Afghan and coalition forces over the past two years,” Rodriguez said.
As the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan drops by 33,000 by the end of next summer, 70,000 more Afghan forces will enter the ranks, he noted.
“There will be over 350,000 Afghan national security forces in place to protect the people and continue the momentum,” he said.
As the “look and feel” of the international presence in Afghanistan changes, Rodriguez said, the Afghan government will need to balance the responsibilities of providing security, rule of law, essential services, and the infrastructure capacity for sustainable economic growth.
ISAF’s plan still emphasizes building Afghan forces’ capability, increasing government effectiveness in districts and provinces, and decreasing insurgent access to Afghanistan along the “porous” Pakistan border, he said.
The focus of coalition efforts in Afghanistan is likely to shift east along that border, the general said.
“We will end up thinning out [in the south] and then focusing more and more of our energy in the east,” he said. “As far as the timing of that, again, it will be conditions-based, and it’s a little bit too early to take that guess right now.”
ISAF’s Afghanistan strategy needs more help from the Pakistani military, Rodriguez said.
“We continue to coordinate and build the relationships so we can better synchronize our plans across that border, but we still need some more support in doing that,” he said.
If Pakistan’s support doesn’t improve, Rodriguez said, the alternative on the Afghan side of the border is to build strength in security forces and the government to “be able to handle the challenges they’ll see in the future.”
Provincial and district governments must ensure they’re acceptable to the people they serve, so they don’t threaten security, the general said.
“When the people become mobilized and they build a representative shura that both represents their people and holds their government accountable, then we’re on the right track,” he said. “That government of course has to first provide security, as well as justice and a representative opportunity.”
The most critical task facing the coalition, Rodriguez said, is to “support good Afghan leaders and encourage them to build depth within their ranks, and inspire other leaders to join in helping create a hopeful future.”
"
'Aerial layer' expands Army network during evaluation | Article | The United States Army
'Aerial layer' expands Army network during evaluation | Article | The United States Army: "Aerostat blimps and Shadow Unmanned Aircraft Systems configured with Joint Tactical Radio Systems, or JTRS, have been flying above the desert terrain at White Sands Missile Range, N.M, during the Army's Network Integration Evaluation.
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, are being used to extend a mobile, ad-hoc line-of-sight network able to pass voice, video, data and images across the force in real time, service officials said.
"The aerial layer is working well. It increases the range of the WNW [Wideband Networking Waveform] and SRW [Soldier Radio Waveform] waveforms and expands the overall network," said Navy Capt. Jeff Hoyle, program manager for JTRS Network Enterprise Domain.
The Aerostat blimps being used in the NIE are carrying a four-channel, software-programmable JTRS Ground Mobile Radio as well as two-channel JTRS Handheld Manpack Small radios. The Shadow UAS are engineered to carry single-channel JTRS Rifleman Radios.
The idea is to expand a terrestrial, JTRS-based communications network by adding aerial nodes designed to extend the ability to relay information across further distances through line-of-sight connections. The software-programmable JTRS radios, which can make use of encryption to safeguard information, are built to send IP packets of data, voice, video and images via multiple waveforms between static command centers, vehicles on-the-move and even dismounted individual Soldiers on patrol.
"The aerial layer allows RF [radio frequencies] to travel further and more freely. It gets you line-of-sight connections to additional nodes on the network," said Jerry Tyree, deputy for material at Brigade Modernization Command. "We're getting ranges greater than 60 kilometers with the aerial layer."
Part of the rationale for JTRS technology is to afford battlefield communications in an austere environment where satellite technology might not always be available.
Non-proprietary wideband networking waveforms such as Soldier Radio Waveform, or SRW, and Wideband Networking Waveform, known as WNW -- which use a larger portion of the available spectrum than legacy waveforms to transmit information -- are key to the development of JTRS technology.
The GMR radio can transmit information using the high bandwidth waveforms such as WNW and SRW as well as numerous legacy waveforms such as Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, or SINCGARS; UHF, VHF and Enhanced Position Location Reporting Systems.
Two-channel HMS radios can also transmit via multiple waveforms such as SINCGARS and SRW, among others.
Both SRW and WNW have the ability to seamlessly route and retransmit information, Hoyle explained. SRW is targeted for the individual Soldier, individual small units and sensors; WNW can move information longer distances and is designed for technologies such as Aerostat blimps and mobile command posts.
SRW is designed to efficiently use spectrum in 1.2 Megahertz bandwidth allotments, Hoyle said.
WNW can also support 1.2 Megahertz allotments, but it operates more efficiently and effectively at 3 or 5-Megahertz bandwidth allotments (up to 30 Megahertz when available) to deliver even higher network capacity, he added.
"
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, are being used to extend a mobile, ad-hoc line-of-sight network able to pass voice, video, data and images across the force in real time, service officials said.
"The aerial layer is working well. It increases the range of the WNW [Wideband Networking Waveform] and SRW [Soldier Radio Waveform] waveforms and expands the overall network," said Navy Capt. Jeff Hoyle, program manager for JTRS Network Enterprise Domain.
The Aerostat blimps being used in the NIE are carrying a four-channel, software-programmable JTRS Ground Mobile Radio as well as two-channel JTRS Handheld Manpack Small radios. The Shadow UAS are engineered to carry single-channel JTRS Rifleman Radios.
The idea is to expand a terrestrial, JTRS-based communications network by adding aerial nodes designed to extend the ability to relay information across further distances through line-of-sight connections. The software-programmable JTRS radios, which can make use of encryption to safeguard information, are built to send IP packets of data, voice, video and images via multiple waveforms between static command centers, vehicles on-the-move and even dismounted individual Soldiers on patrol.
"The aerial layer allows RF [radio frequencies] to travel further and more freely. It gets you line-of-sight connections to additional nodes on the network," said Jerry Tyree, deputy for material at Brigade Modernization Command. "We're getting ranges greater than 60 kilometers with the aerial layer."
Part of the rationale for JTRS technology is to afford battlefield communications in an austere environment where satellite technology might not always be available.
Non-proprietary wideband networking waveforms such as Soldier Radio Waveform, or SRW, and Wideband Networking Waveform, known as WNW -- which use a larger portion of the available spectrum than legacy waveforms to transmit information -- are key to the development of JTRS technology.
The GMR radio can transmit information using the high bandwidth waveforms such as WNW and SRW as well as numerous legacy waveforms such as Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, or SINCGARS; UHF, VHF and Enhanced Position Location Reporting Systems.
Two-channel HMS radios can also transmit via multiple waveforms such as SINCGARS and SRW, among others.
Both SRW and WNW have the ability to seamlessly route and retransmit information, Hoyle explained. SRW is targeted for the individual Soldier, individual small units and sensors; WNW can move information longer distances and is designed for technologies such as Aerostat blimps and mobile command posts.
SRW is designed to efficiently use spectrum in 1.2 Megahertz bandwidth allotments, Hoyle said.
WNW can also support 1.2 Megahertz allotments, but it operates more efficiently and effectively at 3 or 5-Megahertz bandwidth allotments (up to 30 Megahertz when available) to deliver even higher network capacity, he added.
"
Simple, fast anthrax detector described
Simple, fast anthrax detector described: "U.S. researchers say a new automatic and portable detector can signal the presence of anthrax in a sample of suspected material in 15 minutes.
Scientists at the University at Albany and Cornell University in New York said the new technology amplifies any anthrax DNA present in the sample and can reveal the presence of just 40 microscopic cells of the deadly bacteria.
The device is a so-called lab-on-a-chip device that has inputs for the sample and reagents and can carry out DNA purification and identification automatically."
Scientists at the University at Albany and Cornell University in New York said the new technology amplifies any anthrax DNA present in the sample and can reveal the presence of just 40 microscopic cells of the deadly bacteria.
The device is a so-called lab-on-a-chip device that has inputs for the sample and reagents and can carry out DNA purification and identification automatically."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
X-47B Can Operate From an Aircraft Carrier
X-47B Can Operate From an Aircraft Carrier: "The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman have completed a demonstration of the ship-based software and systems that will allow the X-47B unmanned air vehicle to operate from the deck of an aircraft carrier.
The test, conducted July 2 in the western Atlantic with the Navy carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69), culminated with several successful launches and recoveries of a manned surrogate aircraft equipped with X-47B precision navigation control software.
'This manned surrogate test event is a significant and critical step toward landing the X-47B on the carrier deck in 2013,' said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, U.S. Navy, program manager, Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS). 'It represents the first end-to-end test of the hardware and software systems that will eventually allow unmanned systems to integrate safely and successfully with all aspects of carrier operations.'"
****************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The test, conducted July 2 in the western Atlantic with the Navy carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69), culminated with several successful launches and recoveries of a manned surrogate aircraft equipped with X-47B precision navigation control software.
'This manned surrogate test event is a significant and critical step toward landing the X-47B on the carrier deck in 2013,' said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, U.S. Navy, program manager, Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS). 'It represents the first end-to-end test of the hardware and software systems that will eventually allow unmanned systems to integrate safely and successfully with all aspects of carrier operations.'"
****************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Germany, France and Poland form EU battlegroup
Germany, France and Poland form EU battlegroup: "Germany, France and Poland joined forces Tuesday to form a joint European combat group that will be ready to deploy in crisis zones from 2013.
The three European Union military powers signed an agreement in Brussels to put together a unit of 1,700 soldiers that will take part in the rotation of the EU's rapid reaction force, known as battlegroups.
The unit will be available as part of the rotation of EU battlegroups. Two battlegroups are on standby every six months to deploy in case of emergencies, but they have never been called into action."
*************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The three European Union military powers signed an agreement in Brussels to put together a unit of 1,700 soldiers that will take part in the rotation of the EU's rapid reaction force, known as battlegroups.
The unit will be available as part of the rotation of EU battlegroups. Two battlegroups are on standby every six months to deploy in case of emergencies, but they have never been called into action."
*************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Iraq open to reconciliation with anti-US fighters
Iraq open to reconciliation with anti-US fighters: "Iraq's government said Monday it would not reconcile with members of Al-Qaeda or anyone who has killed Iraqis, but suggested it was open to talks with those who had fought American forces.
Reconciliation Minister Amir al-Khuzai made the comments at a news conference after US forces, in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion, suffered their deadliest month in three years in June.
"Reconciliation will not include those whose hands are covered with Iraqi blood, Al-Qaeda, or members of the Baath party" of Saddam Hussein, the dictator ousted by the invasion.
"Reconciliation does include those who said, 'we resisted the occupiers for seven years, and today they are on their way to withdraw at the end of 2011, so we have to return to our lives,'" Khuzai added, referring to US forces as "occupiers," as many Iraqis do.
"
************************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Reconciliation Minister Amir al-Khuzai made the comments at a news conference after US forces, in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion, suffered their deadliest month in three years in June.
"Reconciliation will not include those whose hands are covered with Iraqi blood, Al-Qaeda, or members of the Baath party" of Saddam Hussein, the dictator ousted by the invasion.
"Reconciliation does include those who said, 'we resisted the occupiers for seven years, and today they are on their way to withdraw at the end of 2011, so we have to return to our lives,'" Khuzai added, referring to US forces as "occupiers," as many Iraqis do.
"
************************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
White House's New Anti-Terror Strategy: Kill the Suspects? - FoxNews.com
White House's New Anti-Terror Strategy: Kill the Suspects? - FoxNews.com: "Usama bin Laden has been killed. The U.S. is poised to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. And the Obama administration's shift in counterterrorism strategy from land wars to precision strikes and raids is raising concerns that the White House has adopted a policy of targeting killings for terror suspects.
With no new detainees at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay since March 2008, a top military commander told Congress recently that there is no clear policy for dealing with suspected terrorist leaders who are captured overseas.
In many cases, the suspects are taken to a ship offshore until a decision is approved by the White House.
Vice Adm. William McRaven, the commander of the Navy SEALs team that killed Usama bin Laden, said under questioning at a congressional testimony that the longest the U.S. can keep a suspect on the ship depends on whether the suspect can be prosecuted in a U.S. court or returned to a third-party country.
'If we can't do either one of those, then we'll release the individual,' McRaven said in response to questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., 'And that becomes the unenviable option, but it is an option.'"
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
With no new detainees at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay since March 2008, a top military commander told Congress recently that there is no clear policy for dealing with suspected terrorist leaders who are captured overseas.
In many cases, the suspects are taken to a ship offshore until a decision is approved by the White House.
Vice Adm. William McRaven, the commander of the Navy SEALs team that killed Usama bin Laden, said under questioning at a congressional testimony that the longest the U.S. can keep a suspect on the ship depends on whether the suspect can be prosecuted in a U.S. court or returned to a third-party country.
'If we can't do either one of those, then we'll release the individual,' McRaven said in response to questioning by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., 'And that becomes the unenviable option, but it is an option.'"
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
US shifts supply routes to Central Asia: report
US shifts supply routes to Central Asia: report: "The US military is expanding its Central Asian supply routes to the war in Afghanistan, fearing that the routes going through Pakistan could be endangered by deteriorating US-Pakistani relations, The Washington Post reported late Saturday.
Citing unnamed Pentagon officials, the newspaper said that in 2009, the United States moved 90 percent of its military surface cargo through the Pakistani port of Karachi and then through mountain passes into Afghanistan.
Now almost 40 percent of surface cargo arrives in Afghanistan from the north, along a patchwork of Central Asian rail and road routes that the Pentagon calls the Northern Distribution Network, the report said.
The military is pushing to raise the northern network's share to as much as 75 percent by the end of this year, the paper said.
"
Citing unnamed Pentagon officials, the newspaper said that in 2009, the United States moved 90 percent of its military surface cargo through the Pakistani port of Karachi and then through mountain passes into Afghanistan.
Now almost 40 percent of surface cargo arrives in Afghanistan from the north, along a patchwork of Central Asian rail and road routes that the Pentagon calls the Northern Distribution Network, the report said.
The military is pushing to raise the northern network's share to as much as 75 percent by the end of this year, the paper said.
"
Friday, July 1, 2011
Army Network Exercise Will Shake Up Status Quo, Says Vice Chief Gen. Chiarelli - Blog
Army Network Exercise Will Shake Up Status Quo, Says Vice Chief Gen. Chiarelli - Blog: "An unprecedented six-week field exercise at the White Sands Missile Range (New Mexico), with 3,800 soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is expected to lead to sweeping changes in the way the Army tests, uses and buys new technology.
One of the Army’s most ardent proponents of reforming the service’s procurement system, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, predicts that the exercise, known as “network integration evaluation,” will become a paragon for a new way of doing business.
The NIE has “exceeded my expectations,” Chiarelli told National Defense June 28 during a tour of operations of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, at a combat outpost in White Sands designed to replicate combat conditions.
“I think this is going to change the acquisition process,” said Chiarelli. “It has to.” One of the NIE priorities is to figure out what pieces of hardware and software will be needed to create a wireless network that can support the communications and data-sharing needs of an entire brigade -- from high headquarters down to platoons, squads and dismounted soldiers.
The Army so far has been unable to put together a cohesive network because each component is designed, developed and tested in isolation. A network, by definition, doesn’t work that way. "
***************
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
One of the Army’s most ardent proponents of reforming the service’s procurement system, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, predicts that the exercise, known as “network integration evaluation,” will become a paragon for a new way of doing business.
The NIE has “exceeded my expectations,” Chiarelli told National Defense June 28 during a tour of operations of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, at a combat outpost in White Sands designed to replicate combat conditions.
“I think this is going to change the acquisition process,” said Chiarelli. “It has to.” One of the NIE priorities is to figure out what pieces of hardware and software will be needed to create a wireless network that can support the communications and data-sharing needs of an entire brigade -- from high headquarters down to platoons, squads and dismounted soldiers.
The Army so far has been unable to put together a cohesive network because each component is designed, developed and tested in isolation. A network, by definition, doesn’t work that way. "
***************
Cyber Defense
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
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