tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191160022011-12-14T21:57:11.299-05:00Stay up to date with the latest news from the US Armed Forces.US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1166055385958482882006-12-13T19:16:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:06:05.013-05:00

By John J. KruzelAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2006 - Clutching a camo-clad teddy bear named "Hero" that she received from a soldier in Iraq, fifth-grader Bailey Reese stood out among the troop-support organization leaders who gathered at the Pentagon today for the second annual America Supports You Community Group Summit. America Supports You is a Defense Department program

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1166054693312494722006-12-13T19:04:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:06:28.990-05:00

By Margaret McBrideSpecial to American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2006 - Soldiers and families can now communicate by video e-mail through the Army Knowledge Online intranet portal. On the first day, more than 3,500 video e-mails were transmitted. "Thank you, that's all I can say," Pvt. Brenden Teetsell of the 44th Signal Battalion e-mailed on Dec. 6. "Thank you for allowing me to

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1166053041603156282006-12-13T18:37:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:06:47.816-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceFORT BLISS, Texas, Dec. 12, 2006 - A new brigade here will test some of the most revolutionary concepts and systems being developed for future warfighters, report how they operate under field conditions, and ultimately speed their fielding to troops on the battlefield. The new Evaluation Brigade Combat Team being stood up here will test 18 major systems

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1166052656366438882006-12-13T18:30:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:07:05.233-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2006 - Iraqi police responded to several explosions at both Sunni and Shiite mosques in Baghdad today. A car bomb exploded across the street from the Kamalia mosque, a Shiite mosque in the New Baghdad section of eastern Baghdad, around 9:45 a.m. Forces from 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, supported by coalition forces, were on the scene

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1166049562200851752006-12-13T17:39:00.000-05:002007-01-08T17:07:37.220-05:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2006 - Discussions on Iraq between President Bush and military and civilian leaders at the Pentagon today were "candid and fruitful," Bush said after the meeting. Outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, his successor Robert M. Gates, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney in "the Tank

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160951912060407022006-10-15T18:38:00.001-04:002006-10-15T23:48:23.320-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2006 - Iraqi security forces teamed up with American GIs to defeat two nearly simultaneously launched enemy attacks in the Mosul area Oct. 12.U.S. soldiers from Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, attacked and destroyed a terrorist mortar cell after Forward Operating

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160951884936799832006-10-15T18:38:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:47:57.663-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2006 - U.S. soldiers detained 15 suspected insurgents, discovered two vehicles being fitted as suicide bombs, and found a big weapons cache Oct. 12 as part of "Operation Dealer" conducted in the Tameen area in western Ramadi, Iraq.Based on a tip from a local resident, soldiers from Task Force 1-35 detained 15 individuals who were identified as

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160951473483882602006-10-15T18:31:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:47:34.613-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2006 - Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers worked together to kill three terrorists and detain 14 suspected terrorists over two days this week.U.S. soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, seized a large weapons and munitions cache while conducting a combat patrol

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160942401666679862006-10-15T16:00:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:47:00.913-04:00

By Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie, USASpecial to American Forces Press ServiceBAGHDAD, Oct. 15, 2006 - U.S. soldiers continue to find multiple weapons caches, some with improvised explosive devices, for a seventh day as part of Operation Commando Hunter.The soldiers from 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized 21 caches Oct. 13, bringing the

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160941971016277872006-10-15T15:52:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:46:26.070-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2006 - Special Iraqi security forces and U.S. soldiers captured several terrorists involved in murders and bomb attacks, as well as contraband weapons, during recent raids in Baghdad and Taji.Iraqi forces, with coalition advisors, conducted an Oct. 14 air assault mission at a site in Taji and detained one suspect without incident. The suspect

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160941919217736562006-10-15T15:51:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:45:54.490-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2006 - Five soldiers, a Marine and an airman were killed in various operations in Iraq Oct. 12 through yesterday, and the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers and 10 Marines killed recently supporting Operation Iraq Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.-- Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160762351463720842006-10-13T13:59:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:44:39.813-04:00

By Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2006 - The U.S. military's health care community is transforming its approach to capturing, archiving and accessing servicemembers' medical records, a senior Defense Department official said here yesterday."We are working to bring about some pretty amazing things in the way we're changing and revolutionizing the delivery of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160759502523575322006-10-13T13:11:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:43:58.946-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2006 - The Hillah, Iraq, special weapons and tactics police chief and his deputy were killed today in an explosion at the Hillah Iraqi police headquarters in southern Babil province around 10:00 a.m.Soldiers from Multinational Division Baghdad and the 8th Iraqi Army Division quickly responded to the blast, providing a cordon around the attack site

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160677966505956162006-10-12T14:32:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:43:32.173-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 - A recent spike in Baghdad violence is the insurgents' response to Iraqi, U.S. and coalition efforts to rein in sectarian murder squads and gangs that operate in some sectors of the city, a senior U.S. military officer said today.For example, in Baghdad's violence-prone Dora neighborhood, "there's no question that the

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160672296930109372006-10-12T12:58:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:42:15.810-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 - Irregular, unconventional conflicts like those under way in Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to dominate U.S. military operations for the foreseeable future, Army officials agreed this week at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual convention here."I don't see conventional challenges to be dominant for a long time," said

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160672109419435382006-10-12T12:55:00.000-04:002006-10-15T23:45:14.130-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 - When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating first heard that a plane had hit a high-rise building in New York yesterday, his first thought was: "Let us get busy as quickly as we know how to make sure it's not another 9-11," the admiral said in a news conference later that day.Keating, the commander of North American Aerospace Defense

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160616453577096342006-10-11T21:27:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:19:20.906-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - Army officials have a plan to maintain the current number of troops in Iraq through 2010, but it is only a plan and has off-ramps for troop reductions along the way, Army officials said today.Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, told reporters this morning that the Army has formed plans to maintain the current level

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160606770395444722006-10-11T18:46:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:21:06.106-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - The real danger of North Korea having nuclear arms is the danger that the regime will sell those weapons to non-state actors, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today.During a Pentagon news conference, Rumsfeld said the threat from North Korea "would be amplified geometrically should terrorists obtain weapons of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160605310987401602006-10-11T18:21:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:22:27.130-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - American soldiers in Iraq accomplish wonders during their tours in Iraq, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said here today.At a Pentagon news conference with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. used the 101st Airborne Division as an example of what a division can do.The 101st

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160605045647412192006-10-11T18:17:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:20:25.966-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - The coalition military leader in Iraq disagrees with critics who say Iraq is in a civil war."I don't believe so, and the Iraqis I speak with don't believe so either," said Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq.Casey and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld spoke during a Pentagon news conference

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160598854779479892006-10-11T16:34:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:18:44.240-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - Fighter planes from North American Aerospace Defense Command are airborne over numerous U.S. cities in response to a small plane crashing into an apartment building in New York City today, NORAD officials reported.Officials stressed that the crash, which happened on Manhattan's East Side, does not appear to be an act of terrorism."While

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160598584145538982006-10-11T16:29:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:21:45.360-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - Women have served in the Air Force for years, making valuable contributions, but gender and race differences have never been an important factor in accomplishing the Air Force mission, the first woman pilot on the Air Force Thunderbirds said here today."What we need to concentrate on is what we have in common, which is

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160594234834154032006-10-11T15:17:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:17:22.470-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - The United States is working with regional powers to find a diplomatic solution to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program, President Bush told reporters at a White House news conference today.The North Korean government announced over the weekend it had test-exploded a nuclear weapon. U.S. and other

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160594143044387872006-10-11T15:15:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:18:07.943-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2006 - An 82mm mortar round fired by militia forces from a nearby residential area caused yesterday's fire at a Baghdad ammunition holding area around 10:40 p.m., officials with Multinational Division Baghdad announced today.The fire ignited tank, artillery and small-arms ammunition at a forward operating base in the central Rasheed district of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160593971661286872006-10-11T15:12:00.001-04:002006-10-15T23:43:06.096-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceBAGHDAD, Oct. 10, 2006 - An ammunition holding area caught fire today at a Multinational Division Baghdad forward operating base in the central Rasheed district of Baghdad, igniting tank and artillery ordnance as well as small-arms ammunition, military officials here reported.Emergency first responders contained the fire within the base, officials said, adding that

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160593977303693812006-10-11T15:12:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:23:21.006-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2006 - Violence and progress co-exist in Iraq, and those who focus exclusively on the violence miss the larger picture, the coalition commander in Iraq said in an interview today.Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said the situation in Iraq is more complex today than at any time in his more

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160429947578199552006-10-09T17:39:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:16:35.973-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2006 - Soldiers from Multinational Division Baghdad's 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized a total of 30 weapons caches last week in the southern Baghdad area, U.S. military officials reported.The caches comprised large quantities of assault rifles, machine guns, ammunition and a wide

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160408364937494112006-10-09T11:39:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:15:44.436-04:00

By Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2006 - North Korea's claim that it conducted its first-ever nuclear test today constitutes a threat to international peace and security, President Bush said this morning at the White House."The United States condemns this provocative act," he said. Bush said the U.S. is still working to confirm the North Korean claim.South

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160343224858108682006-10-08T17:33:00.000-04:002006-10-11T22:14:59.156-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2006 - Iraqi and U.S. soldiers killed about 30 terrorists and detained a high-value target after an attack in Diwaniyah today, U.S. military officials reported.Iraqi Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, supported by Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160154847179701392006-10-06T13:14:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:32:59.510-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2006 - An Iraqi police chief survived an insurgent ambush Oct. 3, urging his troops to continue the mission, and Iraqi and U.S. soldiers captured three high-value terrorists and 25 others in Baghdad Oct. 3, military officials in Iraq reported today.The Iraqi police chief was wounded when his patrol was ambushed while in pursuit of suspected

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160079805433572132006-10-05T16:23:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:36:26.226-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2006 - North Korea is a known weapon proliferator, and there is a danger that the rogue state may sell nuclear technology to non-state entities, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today.Rumsfeld spoke during an impromptu Pentagon news conference following meetings with Croatian Defense Minister Berislav Roncevic.The secretary

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160074635913172072006-10-05T14:57:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:38:15.596-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2006 - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit to Baghdad today to discuss progress being made and challenges ahead and to reaffirm that the United States remains "a committed friend for Iraq."Rice praised Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for his "excellent leadership" during a critical period in his country's

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160074581590835852006-10-05T14:56:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:38:58.963-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2006 - Powerful drug lords constitute a growing threat to security and stability efforts in Afghanistan, NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe said here yesterday.NATO forces pummeled Taliban insurgents in recent stand-up fighting in southern Afghanistan, Marine Gen. James L. Jones said yesterday at a Council on Foreign

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160067361040912692006-10-05T12:56:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:39:39.830-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2006 - As NATO forces assumed security, stability and reconstruction duties across all of Afghanistan today, they also brought about "a renewed sense of commitment" in securing that country against terrorism, NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe said here yesterday.After previously taking responsibility for the northern,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1160060734894943302006-10-05T11:05:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:40:28.913-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2006 - NATO took the lead for international military operations throughout Afghanistan today, assuming authority from the coalition for 14 eastern provinces at a ceremony in the Afghan capital of Kabul.Regional Command East is the last of four regional NATO commands in its International Security Assistance Force to assume

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159991675853108492006-10-04T15:54:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:41:06.016-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2006 - More than half of the U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan will become part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force during a transfer-of-authority ceremony tomorrow morning in the Afghan capital of Kabul.Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, commander of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, will transfer command of Regional

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159991515037555692006-10-04T15:51:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:41:53.416-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2006 - President George W. Bush will deliver the principal address at the christening ceremony of the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, named for his father, former President George H. W. Bush, Oct. 7 at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Va.The last of the Nimitz-class carriers is named in honor of World War II naval aviator and

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159982835307147532006-10-04T13:27:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:42:31.933-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2006 - The reconciliation plan announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Oct. 2 enables Iraqi citizens from all political groups to hold their security forces responsible and to take responsibility for creating peace and tolerance within their own neighborhoods, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad said today.The plan,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159977838132941132006-10-04T12:03:00.000-04:002006-10-06T21:43:07.880-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2006 - Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, prevented a large-scale sectarian attack in Iraq's Obiedi region, south of Baghdad Sept. 30 after receiving reports that local residents had been driven out of their homes.Soldiers from 2nd Brigade linked up with soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, and

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159897673813987052006-10-03T13:47:00.000-04:002006-10-03T16:46:19.303-04:00

By Kathleen T. RhemAmerican Forces Press ServiceMANAGUA, Nicaragua, Oct. 3, 2006 - Nations in this region are concerned over recent arms sales by Venezuela, several officials attending a security conference here said yesterday.Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, along with defense ministers from 32 other Western Hemisphere nations, are meeting here this week to discuss issues of mutual concern.

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159896293728318262006-10-03T13:24:00.000-04:002006-10-03T16:45:33.466-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2006 - A North Korean announcement that the rogue nation will conduct nuclear weapons tests is "troubling," a senior Defense Department official said here today.Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said that if North Korea were to conduct such a test, "it would only further isolate them from the international community."President Bush

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159890010561461472006-10-03T11:40:00.000-04:002006-10-03T16:44:59.880-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2006 - Iraqi army and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents and captured a sizable cache Sept. 29 in a combined operation in Khan Bani Saad, Iraq, south of Baqubah, military officials reported.Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, and 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159889515428468852006-10-03T11:31:00.000-04:002006-10-03T16:44:17.433-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2006 - Senior U.S. officials in Iraq are calling a four-point plan released yesterday by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to halt sectarian violence "a significant step in the right direction."Maliki's plan, released yesterday, aims at uniting Shiite and Sunni parties to reduce and ultimately stop growing sectarian violence that

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159823135198254582006-10-02T17:05:00.000-04:002006-10-02T19:17:20.156-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006 - Specially trained Iraqi security forces captured a terrorist suspected of attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces during an early-morning raid yesterday near Taji, U.S. military officials reported.Iraqi forces, along with coalition advisors, conducted an air-assault near their objective, and quickly secured secondary objectives while

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159822869567226602006-10-02T17:01:00.000-04:002006-10-02T19:16:36.990-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006 - Speaking and gesturing like a fired-up preacher selling salvation, Kelvin Boston is known for telling television audiences how they can realize their dreams of financial stability - or even become rich."Everyone can become a millionaire," Boston told some 200 military and family members attending a Sept. 30 Defense

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159820447677000032006-10-02T16:20:00.000-04:002006-10-02T19:15:46.460-04:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006 - In just a few short months, the Phoenix-based Packages From Home organization has found a new home and a new sponsor, the group's director of marketing and media relations said.Packages From Home began as a mother's labor of love in March 2004, with sending 20 to 30 care packages a month to her son in Iraq. Since then

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159818025523482912006-10-02T15:40:00.000-04:002006-10-02T19:13:57.243-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006 - President Bush continued to shore up coalition support in the war on terror, meeting here today with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the two leaders reaffirmed their cooperation in overcoming extremism that threatens the Middle East.The two leaders talked to reporters in the Oval Office following an "extensive

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159799841867775672006-10-02T10:37:00.000-04:002006-10-02T11:56:42.773-04:00

Special to American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006 - Iraq's army took a leap toward greater independent responsibility yesterday when the 1st Iraqi Army Division assumed operational control of another brigade.Marines and soldiers of Regimental Combat Team 5, based in Fallujah, turned over operational control of Iraqi soldiers assigned to 4th Brigade to the 1st Iraqi Army Division in

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159729792792032252006-10-01T15:09:00.000-04:002006-10-01T21:48:39.856-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2006 - Two U.S. soldiers were killed yesterday during fighting in Anbar province, Iraq, while another soldier died yesterday from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident near Mosul, U.S. military officials said.Two U.S. soldiers with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were killed by enemy small-arms fire during operations in Anbar

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159726165010240822006-10-01T14:09:00.000-04:002006-10-01T21:48:07.876-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2006 - Iraqi soldiers today captured a person suspected of complicity in recent murders and kidnappings during a raid in northeastern Baghdad, while another Iraqi operation conducted yesterday near Mahmudiyah netted two suspected terrorists, according to Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.The person caught in today's Iraqi military operation is

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159724716424203922006-10-01T13:45:00.000-04:002006-10-01T21:45:11.153-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2006 - More than 140 Afghan laborers are currently working to complete local dam and building construction projects worth a total of nearly half a million dollars, according to Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.More than 90 Afghan workers are helping to build a water-retention dam on a natural waterway near the village of Rawza in

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159724455377553232006-10-01T13:40:00.000-04:002006-10-01T21:46:00.790-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceBOSTON, Oct. 1, 2006 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff turned an honor to him into a tribute to the families of American servicemembers during the Patriot Dinner of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society here yesterday.The society presented Marine Gen. Peter Pace the Patriot Award. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is made up of the

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159662933378173942006-09-30T20:35:00.000-04:002006-10-01T21:47:26.296-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2006 - President Bush yesterday signed into law H.R. 5631, the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007," which appropriates the funds needed to fight the war on terror, advance other U.S. interests abroad, and support the armed forces.The bill includes an additional $70 billion in emergency funds to pay for the wars

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159561637619075332006-09-29T16:27:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:48:01.903-04:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The presidents of the United States and Kazakhstan today reaffirmed their commitment to working together to defeat terrorism and promote peace and stability in Central Asia and elsewhere in the world.Speaking in the Oval Office after his meeting with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, President Bush said the two discussed "our

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159561322963724162006-09-29T16:22:00.000-04:002006-09-30T20:31:19.643-04:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The Army will soon power up a faster, computerized readiness-assessment system that commanders will use to monitor and gauge their units' fitness for deployment to perform combat and other missions, a senior Army official said here today.The Defense Readiness Reporting System-Army will be implemented Armywide Oct. 15,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159559851169436382006-09-29T15:57:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:52:34.116-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - In addition to filling its traditional maritime security role, the U.S. Navy has been performing different missions on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, shouldering a larger part of the burden in the war on terror.Currently, more than 11,000 sailors are deployed at sea in the Middle East, and 12,000 sailors are

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159559709629528282006-09-29T15:55:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:51:51.073-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The battle for Ramadi has "tipped" in favor of the government of Iraq and the coalition, the commander of 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, said today.Army Col. Sean MacFarland told the Pentagon press corps in a video teleconference call that attacks are down 25 percent over the past couple of months, and coalition forces,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159555413600127332006-09-29T14:43:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:53:25.613-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The soldiers of 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, greeted news of their extension in Iraq with "a collective shrug," the unit's commander said during a Pentagon teleconference today."Nobody is very happy about it," said Army Col. Sean MacFarland, the commander of the Ramadi-based unit. "I'm not particularly happy about it

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159555203240780102006-09-29T14:40:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:49:07.796-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - Iraqi national police detained eight suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache in western Baghdad Sept. 26, U.S. military officials reported.Policemen from 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, were attacked by terrorists using small-arms fire from the Al Kur Mosque and requested assistance from Multinational

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159550212600832512006-09-29T13:16:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:51:00.960-04:00

By Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The killing of al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in June severely disrupted the terrorist organization's capability, but foreign fighters entering Iraq continue to cause problems, a senior Multinational Force Iraq spokesman told reporters in Baghdad yesterday."What the al Qaeda in Iraq could do in May and

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159547537970139142006-09-29T12:32:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:54:23.093-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - The United Service Organizations celebrated its 65th anniversary last night and honored troops from each branch of the military for heroism."We are thankful that we are defended by men and women of character and courage, and we are grateful to all the USO volunteers to work to entertain them," President Bush said in a

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159544480322920202006-09-29T11:41:00.000-04:002006-09-29T21:49:58.040-04:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2006 - Military spouses facing a permanent change of station into or out of the Fort Riley, Kan., area can relax about at least one aspect of their pending move.A $500,000 Workforce Investment Act grant through the Department of Labor will help them with job training and placement, Lesa Crockett, a career counselor with

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159479309083826792006-09-28T17:35:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:20:51.146-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServicePORTOROZ, Slovenia, Sept. 28, 2006 - Some 12,000 U.S. troops in 14 eastern provinces of Afghanistan will come under NATO control in the near future following a decision today by the alliance's defense ministers meeting here.The transfer of authority from the coalition to NATO's International Security Assistance Force will take place "very soon,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159476510036810352006-09-28T16:48:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:21:17.790-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2006 - A 65-year segment of history ends Sept. 30, when the last American servicemember based in the country leaves Iceland.U.S. servicemembers will continue to work with, train with and operate with their NATO ally, but troops will not be based in the island nation, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant defense secretary for reserve

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159476347348941312006-09-28T16:45:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:21:42.136-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServicePORTOROZ, Slovenia, Sept. 28, 2006 - The enemy in Afghanistan underestimated NATO's will and ability to bring security and stability to the country, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today."The enemy obviously decided that once NATO came in, NATO would be a soft touch," Rumsfeld said at a news conference during an informal meeting of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159466998724432722006-09-28T14:09:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:22:12.676-04:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2006 - The Iranian government is behind shipping components used to make improvised explosive devices to Iraqi insurgents, a senior intelligence official in Iraq said yesterday.Labels on weapons stocks seized inside and outside Iraq point to Iranian government complicity in arming Shiite militias in Iraq, Army Maj. Gen. Richard

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159463205927758962006-09-28T13:06:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:23:05.743-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServicePORTOROZ, Slovenia, Sept. 28, 2006 - NATO defense ministers meeting in Portoroz, Slovenia, have approved the expansion of responsibility for the alliance's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan to include the eastern portion of the country. ISAF already exercises opertional control in the country's other three regions.James

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159462876627910762006-09-28T13:01:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:22:40.506-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServicePORTOROZ, Slovenia, Sept. 28, 2006 - Military equipment, availability of troops and the alliance's willingness to use them are on the table here as NATO defense ministers meet today and tomorrow, Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said here today."Over the next two days we have a chance to address the real political issues -- of resources,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159455381469300072006-09-28T10:56:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:24:50.390-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2006 - Stryker Brigade soldiers killed a terrorist and wounded another after spotting them attempting to place an anti-tank mine near Muqdadiya, in Iraq's Diyala province, yesterday, U.S. military officials said.The patrol from Comanche Troop, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, investigated the scene

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159452351586952472006-09-28T10:05:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:20:20.300-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2006 - Air Force officials have convened a Safety Investigation Board to determine the cause of a ground collision between a Kyrgyz TU-154 passenger plane and a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker at Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan around 8 p.m. Sept. 26."Our primary concern was for the safety of the passengers and crew of both aircraft,"

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159390009226958882006-09-27T16:46:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:19:43.473-04:00

By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press ServiceTIRANA, Albania, Sept. 27, 2006 - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today gave voice to U.S. support for NATO enlargement at a news conference wrapping up a conference of southeastern European defense ministers here.Many of the countries represented at the Southeastern European Defense Ministerial conference aspire to join NATO."Our country

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159385137636920482006-09-27T15:25:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:23:43.356-04:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2006 - Afghan and coalition forces captured a known makeshift bomb expert and terrorist cell leader today during an operation south of Asadabad, U.S. military officials reported.The terrorist was the leader of a cell that planned bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Konar region. He was also responsible for placing bombs in

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159373247270128222006-09-27T12:07:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:25:22.186-04:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2006 - As coalition and Iraqi forces continue security operations in Baghdad, the Iraqi government and security forces are making significant progress and moving closer to an independent future, a U.S. military spokesman in Iraq said today.More than 60,000 Iraqi and coalition forces are in Baghdad as part of Operation

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1159372304650686962006-09-27T11:51:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:24:19.950-04:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2006 - USA Cares recently received a $2.5 million grant to further its mission of assisting servicemembers and their families, organization officials said."I can't explain how happy we are about it. We're just beyond thrilled," Barbara Yaw, USA Cares' director of communications, said. "We're very blessed."The grant came from

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140228346405106812006-02-17T21:05:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:10:00.183-05:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceNEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2006 - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and his wife, Joyce, met here today with representatives of nonprofit organizations that support U.S. servicemembers.Prior to speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations, the secretary talked with participants attending a summit meeting of the Defense Department's America Supports You

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140225054951609542006-02-17T20:10:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:11:02.706-05:00

By Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2006 - Noting "incredible" strides for democracy in Afghanistan and pointing out continued progress in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today told a National Press Club audience here that U.S. efforts in those countries are bearing fruit."The progress in Afghanistan has been incredible," Marine Gen. Peter Pace

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140221564487699662006-02-17T19:12:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:11:38.536-05:00

By Rudi WilliamsAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2006 - The reserve components' top family readiness programs for 2005 were honored today during the Defense Department's 5th annual awards ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes."The DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each Reserve component that demonstrates outstanding

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140220301412488712006-02-17T18:51:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:12:18.380-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2006 - Two crewmembers have been rescued and the search continues for 10 others after two U.S. H-53 military helicopters crashed in waters off Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, a Defense Department spokeswoman reported today.Though some initial reports say both were U.S. Marine Corps helicopters, the spokeswoman could confirm only that they were U.S

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140217709085886042006-02-17T18:08:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:12:47.710-05:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2006 - The chance to "lay the foundation of peace for generations to come is not without obstacles," President Bush told an audience in Tampa, Fla., today.The president had arrived in town earlier in the day to meet with senior leaders at nearby headquarters for U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, both

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1140215811827187592006-02-17T17:36:00.000-05:002006-02-18T00:14:27.336-05:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2006 - The level of U.S. forces in Iraq must be balanced so as not to create an occupying force, but to still be effective and able to maintain a secure environment, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told a House of Representatives committee here yesterday."No country wants foreign forces permanently in their country; we

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1139525607610752062006-02-09T17:53:00.000-05:002006-02-09T21:36:49.293-05:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2006 - The Defense Department's new National Security Personnel System is on track for initial implementation, the system's program executive officer told the human resources specialists attending the a symposium here yesterday."Were still on track to deploy folks into Spiral 1.1 in April," Mary Lacey told attendees. "We've

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1139524029261605002006-02-09T17:27:00.000-05:002006-02-09T21:37:28.020-05:00

By Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2006 - The United States and Poland are friends in liberty, President Bush said while hosting Polish President Lech Kaczynski at the White House today."I thank the president and the Polish people for their support of the democracy movement in Iraq," Bush said. "We're strong allies and friends. We're friends in liberty, and we

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1139523619947011722006-02-09T17:20:00.000-05:002006-02-09T21:38:16.043-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2006 - The Defense Department is applying lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina to build its capabilities to respond to similar or even bigger catastrophes within the United States, defense and military leaders who oversaw the military response told Congress today.U.S. military forces executed "the largest, fastest, most

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1139522538986740862006-02-09T17:02:00.000-05:002006-02-09T21:39:14.480-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2006 - American and Iraqi soldiers found multiple roadside bombs and weapons caches during anti-terrorist operations in Iraq over the past several days.In fact, Iraqi army and coalition soldiers discovered three separate roadside bombs without incident over the past 24 hours.Iraqi soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Army Division, along

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1137950136401226612006-01-22T12:15:00.000-05:002006-01-22T22:01:58.856-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 - A Latvian soldier and Iraqi civilians were injured in Iraq in separate incidents and Iraqi security forces found a bomb in Fallujah, U.S. military officials reported.The Latvian guard was injured by small-arms fire today in al Kut when unidentified gunmen fired at an observation post in the Multinational Division Central South area of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1137948900207847662006-01-22T11:55:00.000-05:002006-01-22T22:02:42.146-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 - U.S. soldiers detained five suspected terrorists and found several weapons caches and improvised explosive devices throughout Iraq this week, U.S. military officials reported.Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained three suspected terrorists and discovered a weapons cache south of Baghdad today.The soldiers from 1st Battalion, 67th

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135199645805923082005-12-21T16:14:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:17:25.856-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld both made separate surprise visits to U.S. forces in Pakistan to thank them for their ongoing disaster support in that earthquake-devastated area.Cheney arrived in Pakistan Dec. 20 and toured the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Muzaffarabad, praising

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135199471582576702005-12-21T16:11:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:18:05.393-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to helping Afghanistan continue its road toward security and freedom during a joint news conference today with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan.Rumsfeld, who made a surprise visit to Afghanistan today after touring hurricane-devastated areas of

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135198773997979672005-12-21T15:59:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:18:32.376-05:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - A South Carolina woman who has been sending cookies to servicemembers overseas since 1990 said she's been flooded with e-mails from people wanting to help since she appeared recently on "Martha," the TV show hosted by Martha Stewart.Jeanette Cram, affectionately dubbed "the Cookie Lady," said this surge in support

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135187058394809512005-12-21T12:44:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:19:07.680-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - President Bush traveled today to the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., near here to thank an "incredible team of healers" whom he said bring comfort, aid and solace to those who have been hurt on the battlefield, as well as their families.The president recognized the military medical caregivers' "decency and

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135186742195995542005-12-21T12:39:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:19:38.376-05:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceBAGHDAD, Dec. 21, 2005 - Mosul is a microcosm of Iraq.It's the second-largest city in the country, and contains all kinds of people who make up the ethnic stew that is this nation.Shiia Arab, Sunni Arab, Kurds, Turkomen, ethnic Iranians, Assyrians and many other ethnicities settled in Mosul, taking advantage of its location astride ancient trading

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135186733700209962005-12-21T12:38:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:20:05.323-05:00

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - Those who question why it seems to be taking so long to build Iraq's security forces don't fully understand the magnitude of the challenge, a general who recently returned from training them explained during a recent interview with the Pentagon Channel and the American Forces Press Service.Creating highly trained Iraqi

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135182780158310982005-12-21T11:33:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:20:34.803-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2005 - A Task Force Baghdad soldier was killed by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad Dec. 19, military officials reported today.The name of the soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.Task Force Baghdad soldiers on patrol today discovered a large cache of munitions in northeastern Baghdad.The soldiers -- from A Troop, 1st

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135111726041855322005-12-20T15:48:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:21:14.426-05:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 - President Bush's national security adviser today dismissed critics who demand an immediate or early withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq."The advocates of these policies share a core belief that the war in Iraq is unwinnable and that America and the world will be better off by abandoning Iraq," Stephen J. Hadley said

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135109298705067392005-12-20T15:08:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:21:47.576-05:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 - A Dallas-based band has looked to the Civil War to honor today's servicemembers fighting in the global war on terrorism.TrueHeart, an adult contemporary/urban folk band, was invited to perform at a Christmas benefit for a local hospital last year. But the band's trio of siblings disagreed on what carols to play.Ross

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135106085286674992005-12-20T14:14:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:22:22.786-05:00

American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 - The staff of the 8th Iraqi Army Division was certified today in counterterrorism operations and tactics, which means the Iraqis can plan and conduct operations against enemy forces with limited support of coalition forces, military officials reported today.Division units now are striving to achieve full combat readiness, officials said,

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135104923974719742005-12-20T13:55:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:23:01.433-05:00

- During World War II, my father spent more than one Christmas thousands of miles from home on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific theater. My family and I missed him, but we took comfort in the knowledge that his service was important and that he was fighting for us and for our country.Many of you today are stationed in foreign lands and combat theaters far from friends and family. Over the

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135104167475873902005-12-20T13:42:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:23:33.146-05:00

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 - The number of American troops serving in Afghanistan, currently about 19,000, is slated to decline by about 2,500 next year, a senior U.S. military officer said here Dec. 19.Improved Afghan National Army and police forces and an expanded NATO contingent are enabling the reduced American military presence, Air Force Lt.

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135102970083722632005-12-20T13:22:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:24:09.586-05:00

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2005 - American servicemembers are doing a superb job in Iraq, and the only place the war can be lost is in the United States, where people don't have a clear understanding of what's happening on the ground and can lose patience, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld said Dec. 19."The work that they're doing overseas is so

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19116002.post-1135102336287319582005-12-20T13:12:00.000-05:002005-12-21T21:24:47.083-05:00

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press ServiceBAGHDAD, Dec. 20, 2005 - 2006 will be the 'Year of the Police' in Iraq, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq said here today.At a news conference, Zalmay Khalilzhad charted Iraqi political progress over the past year, and talked about the road ahead for the country.The ambassador, who arrived in Iraq in July after serving as U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, said

US Military Newsnoreply@blogger.com