War on Terrorism (Iraq & Afghanistan)
Air Defense Mission -- Operation Noble Eagle
Before 2001, 1st Air Force was charged with keeping an eye on the nation’s borders, usually looking for threats in the form of Russian aircraft skirting too close for comfort to the mainland. In those few hours, the command’s mission went from looking outward to looking inward. Now 1st Air Force watches the nation’s skies for the threat from within. Operation Noble Eagle was born.
Air Force Snipers in Iraq
They’re in a unique unit, the only one in the Air Force. The group’s job is to be the first to land at a bare base to establish airfield and aerial port operations — pronto. The 786th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, where Air Force Snipers work, provides the security. The cops keep airmen safe as they land, unload and launch aircraft around the clock.
Air Force Stop Loss
The assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs has authorized the use of Stop-Loss to retain specific skills needed to meet national security objectives. Effective May 2, (2003) 43 officer and 56 enlisted specialties will be affected by Stop-Loss.
Air Force Stop Loss Center
Latest information on the Air Force Stop Loss Program, the program which restricts certain jobs from separating or retiring during the "war on terrorism."
All Volunteer Force - Proven
The all-volunteer force took nearly a generation to come to fruition, but has since proved its worth in combat. Thirty years after then-Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird established the all- volunteer force, some politicians are again calling for resumption of a military draft. Defense leaders are crying foul; they don't want it, and they don't need it.
Anthrax 101
Well written article, explaining the basics of Anthrax.
APO Zip Codes for Iraq
The U.S. Military Postal Service has assigned new geographic zip codes for units and personnel serving in Iraq. The intent of the new zip codes is to decrease the time it takes for service members and civilian employees to receive their mail, officials said, as well as to improve postal service throughout Iraq.
Army Announces Iraq Deployment Schedule
Gen. Jack Keane (acting Army Chief of Staff) said that most units deploying to Iraq over the next few months can expect stays of up to one year when he announced the unit rotation schedule July 23 (2003).
Army Deployment Lengths
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told reporters that he is "counting on" going back to 12-month deployments for Army troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, before the end of 2008.
Army Stop-Loss (Effective Jun 04)
The Army has announced a new stoploss, effective in June 2004.
Army Stop-Loss Policy
Soldiers affected by Stop-Loss will now be allowed to request voluntary separation from the Army under a new policy released Sept. 5 (2002).
A Review of 2007 and the War on Terrorism
Before the year began, few could have predicted the gains made in Iraq in 2007. Just 10 days into the year, President Bush had replaced his commander in Iraq, announced a “surge” of U.S. forces, and admitted mistakes in prosecuting the war. Toward the end of the year, violence had fallen markedly and U.S. troop deaths — and other indicators — were at two-year lows.
Boarding Parties
Crew members aboard USS Chosin (CG 65) have learned that being prepared for anything can make the job a bit easier. When the words, 'Man the boat deck!' boom throughout the ship, the maritime interception operation (MIO) team gets set.
BX in War Zones
Even in war zones, you'll find civilian employees of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). Volunteer employees deploy to combat zones to open site exchanges to bring servicemembers a touch of home.
Calling Home from Deployment
AT&T has announced plans to construct additional calling centers in seven forward-deployed camps and bases in Kuwait to nearly triple the number of payphones available for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to use to call loved ones back home.
Coast Guard and the War on Terrorism
The U.S. Coast Guard is an active player in the war on terror, both in Southwest Asia and on the home front. The "fifth armed service" is making its largest commitment to port- security operations since World War II. At the same time, the Coast Guard has deployed its largest contingent of Coast Guard members and assets overseas since the Vietnam conflict, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Defend America
News from the Department of Defense about the War on Terrorism and our deployed troops.
Deployed Forces
This is a "best available" listing of US forces deployed to the Central Command AOR for Southwest Asia and for US forces deployed to European Command's locations in Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. It does not include forces deployed exclusively for operations in Central Asia though it may at times list units that are involved in both Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Deploying Forces
This is a best available listing of the units that have either begun deploying to Southwest Asia, have received a deployment order and have not begun to transit, or have been Alerted to the possibility of a deployment. The list is based primarily off of open-source information gathered from the news media and the military.
Deployment
The Army’s assignments branch is reaching out to soldiers who have not deployed to combat in an effort to take some of the strain off of those who have deployed more than once.
Deployment Migranes
A study has been conducted to assess the prevalence, impact and treatment of Migraine attacks among U.S. soldiers serving in combat operations in Iraq. The results of this study are not encouraging and show that the Army needs to do more to address the medical needs of our soldiers.
Deployment News
Latest news articles about the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces.
Deployment Rates - Air Force Enlisted
Average number of days deployed from the time period of September 11, 2001 to 1 October 2003 for most Air Force enlisted AFSCs (jobs).
Dolphins
With terrorist attacks like that against USS Cole (DDG 67) in October 2000 still a very real possibility, the U.S. Navy has a new ally in the global war on terrorism – the Mk 6 anti-swimmer dolphin system.
Enduring Freedom - Why a Higher Civ. Casualty Rate?
Summarizes the available data on civilian bombing casualties during the Afghanistan war. It finds that the air campaign directly claimed 1000-1300 civilians lives and asks, Why was the rate higher than in the 1999 Balkans war? It answers by examining mission objectives, the nature of the enemy, bombing methods, and technical features of the US weapons mix.
Enduring Freedom Email Group
Enduring Freedom offers an email group that individuals can join. Servicemembers can join this group to receive emails of support from individuals all over the world. Non-servicemembers can join this group to help provide emails of support to military servicemembers.
Family Member Travel
New benefits added to the per diem regulations in October 2003 allow the military to provide financial assistance for up to two non-military family members who are traveling to be with a hospitalized military member.
Homeland Defense Force
The United States needs a new, revitalized military force, at least million strong. It should be under the control of state governors, made up largely of volunteers, but with paid cadre, and would have an exclusive role of homeland defense. Special Guest Article by Jimmy Horn.
Immiment Danger & Hardship Pay Changes
DoD has expanded the areas in which service members are eligible for imminent danger pay and hardship duty pay, effective in October 2001.
International Policy Institute for Counterterrorism
News, articles, and information about international terrorism incidents.
Iraq Attacks Down
Attacks have dropped in Baghdad to levels seen in 2005.
Jessica Lynch Goes Home with Bronze Star
Former prisoner of war Pfc. Jessica Lynch waved goodbye July 22 (2003) to the medical staff that had treated her for more than three months as she boarded an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Walter Reed's Forest Glen annex.
LT Smash
Live from the Sandbox. News and tidbits from the Gulf.
Mail to/from Iraq to Speed Up
The Military Postal Service Agency has received a number of complaints about the speed of mail deliveries to and from Iraq. Military members and family members have claimed that mail to and from Iraq can sometimes take up to one month. The officials are aware of the problems and expect changes to ease some stumbling blocks.
Military Spouses Often Parent Solo
Outstanding article about single-parenting directed at military spouses when the servicemember is deployed. From the About.com Guide to Single Parenting.
Military Tribunals
Copy of the military order issued by President Bush on 13 November 2001, allowing terrorists to be tried by Military Tribunal.
National Defense Service Medal for Enduring Freedom
The National Defense Service Medal has now been authorized for wear for servicments on active dtuy on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
Operation Special Delivery
Provides free Labor Doula (Child Birth) Support to pregnant wives of the U.S. Military members that taking part in Operation Enduring Freedom. Also provides, free Labor Doula Support to the pregnant wives of the U.S. Military members that have become widowed as a direct result of September 11th or Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation TeddyCare
It's not easy being a kid whose mom or dad is deployed overseas to a combat zone. It can be confusing and lonely, and sometimes, downright scary. That's why a California-based nonprofit group wants to put into every affected military child's hands that quintessentially American yet internationally understood symbol of comfort and friendship: the teddy bear.
Overseas Mailing Deadlines for Holidays
The dates for mailing items to and from overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and Military Postal Service Agency officials have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time.
Pentagon Attack
Latest news about the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
Pentagon Photos
Photos in the aftermath of the attack on the Pentagon.
Project America Foundation
Their mission is to continue patriotic behavior by strengthening our bond through educating the American people on the need for preserving our National Security and our National Pride. One of their goals is to financially help military families.
Reader views - Should we get out of Iraq?
The U.S. plans to withdraw all military forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. Do you think this is a good idea, or should we stay until Iraq is completely stable?
Repatriating Prisoners of War
Someone asked me the other day what happens when an American POW is returned to United States Control. Interesting question....
Service Flags are Back in Style
Rarely seen since World War II, family members of United States Military members are beginning to display United States Service Flags again to honor family members who are members of the United States Military, during the "War on Terrorism."
State Department Counterterrorism
Official news, information, and policy on terrorism from the United States State Department.
Strange Victory
A critical appraisal of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Afghanistan war by Carl Conetta.
Support Your Military Members
The anthrax threat has eliminated programs where people can send mail to 'any servicemember.' Don't fear, however. There are plenty of other ways you can show your support for members of the United States Military.
Terrorism Research Center
The Terrorism Research Center is dedicated to informing the public of the phenomena of terrorism and information warfare. The site features essays and thought pieces on current issues, as well as links to other terrorism documents, research and resources.
Guard/Reserve Mobilized
Cumulative roster of National Guard and Miliary Reserve mobilized in support of Iraq and the "War on Terrosim."
Terrorism Threat Assements
Background information and threat assessments on international terrorism.
Terrorism Updates
News and articles about terrorism and counter-terrorism.
Treats, not Troops Needed in Iraq
Boxes of treats and books, not more troops, is what some are saying soldiers deployed to Iraq need.
Video Messages to Deployed Service Members
Service members and their families can send video messages to loved ones deployed overseas free of charge, thanks to the United Service Organizations, and America OnLine, Inc.
War on Terrorism Medals
A presidential executive order signed Wednesday (March 12, 2003) authorizes the Department of Defense to create two new military medals for service in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
What You Should Know About the Iraq War
Iraq has been around for a long, long time. Throughout its long history, Iraq has been the center of the Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Hellenistic, Parthian, Sassanid and Abbasid empires, and part of the Achaemenid, Roman, Rashidun, Umayyad, Mongol, Safavid, Afsharid, Ottoman and British empires.