DefendAmerica 12/12/2003

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Dec 12, 2003

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LIFESAVERS — U.S. Army Major Ben Starnes from the 250th Forward Surgical Team, left, exchanges ideas with Iraqi Dr. Nadim Ibrahim after the two performed a procedure at a hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq, that saved the life of a three-hour-old Iraqi girl whose trachea and esophagus not formed properly, Dec. 9, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe

GEN. ABIZAID

Premature Departure From Iraq Would Be "Strategic Mistake"

U.S. State Department Washington File

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — During an interview today with Kuwait's Al-Qabas Arabic daily newspaper, U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, said the United States would commit a "strategic mistake" if it left Iraq prematurely.
     "What will be a strategic mistake is if we leave Iraq too soon. We must help the Iraqis become a stable and representative government to the extent that they are able to become one. When that happens, it will make a positive difference in this region. It will improve the economy in the region and it will make a huge political opportunity for people who desire to have a better life in this region," Abizaid said in the interview.
     Abizaid said most of Iraq is stable with no military threat to the success of the U.S. mission in the country. More

Iraqis Stage Widespread Rallies
To Show Support for Coalition

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — Pro-coalition demonstrators gathered throughout Iraq Dec. 10 to protest terrorist actions and urge their fellow Iraqis to take action against anti-coalition forces.
     Coalition Provisional Authority officials reported major demonstrations in as many as eight cities by a sweeping representation of the Iraqi people: Kurds, Shiites, Sunnis and Christians among them. Although the CPA estimated participation at 15,000 to 20,000 people, Iraqi police and media sources cited numbers ranging from 100,000 to 1 million.
     The demonstrations, organized by the Iraqi Reconstruction and Development Council, took place in every major Iraqi city except Tikrit and Mosul, officials said. In Baghdad, the scene of the largest demonstration, an estimated 5,000 Iraqis carried banners and chanted slogans opposing violence by Saddam Hussein loyalists and other insurgents. More

Defense Dept., Coalition Look Into Iraqi Army Resignations

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — Defense Department and coalition officials will look into why about a third of the men in the first battalion of the new Iraqi army have resigned, Pentagon officials said.
     Officials in Baghdad said the first indication is that many of the men left over pay issues. Officials said between 200 and 250 men in the 600-man battalion resigned. Many said they could make about $10 a month more if they entered other Iraqi security forces.
     Pentagon officials said they recognize there is a problem, but they downplayed its importance. "This is one small unit in a massive security effort," said Army Lt. Col. James Cassella, a Pentagon spokesman. "We will look into it, because it is important to recruit and retain personnel for the new Iraqi army." More

Iraq Weekly Progress Update (Governance, Electricity, Education, Oil, Security, Economics, Health Care)

U.S. Defense Dept. slides with facts &
figures on reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

U.S. State Dept. fact sheet on the latest developments in restoring Iraq's essential services, security, economy & governance.

Defense officials provide an update on the Coalition Provisional Authority & the Iraqi Governing Council agreement that outlines the process of restoring Iraq's sovereignty and the adoption of a permanent constitution.

Defense Auditors Investigate
Potential KBR Overcharges

     WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — Halliburton’s Kellogg, Brown and Root, a long-time supplier of logistical support for the military, may have overpriced fuel provided to the Iraqi people by as much as $61 million, according to defense contract auditors.
     Defense auditors have also discovered a $67 million billing dispute for dining facility services.
     “We have found some issues of serious concern that are worthy of immediate attention,” said Bill Reed, director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Defense officials are making sure aggressive action is taken to resolve these issues, he said, “as expediently as possible, and hopefully without interfering with the mission that is so critical.” More

No War Trophies Allowed
From Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — U.S. service members shouldn't even think about bringing back to the United States war trophies from your service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With about 140,000 American service members due to rotate out of Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command officials are very clear that service members cannot bring home weapons, ammunition and other prohibited items. Some soldiers tried to smuggle weapons back from Baghdad, and they have gone through courts martial. Story

Morale High on USS Cole’s
Maiden Voyage Since Attack

ROTA, Spain, Dec. 10, 2003 (NNS) — USS Cole made its first overseas port visit Dec. 9 at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on its “maiden” deployment since it was bombed in the port of Yemen, Oct. 12, 2000, and subsequent repair in Pascagoula, Miss., at an estimated cost of $250 million.
Despite its history, crewmembers are excited at the opportunity to return to the fight against terrorism. More

Ninth-Grade Winners
Offer Their Insights

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2003 — Elicia Cataldo of Misawa, Japan, has been taught all her life to be thankful for the freedoms she enjoys, but knows that freedom “was not truly free.” In her entry in the Weekly Reader’s Operation Tribute to Freedom essay contest, Elicia wrote about the sad separation she felt while her father and his fellow airmen in the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing deployed to Qatar. More

. More essays

Radio

Television

RUMSFELD

Space, Missile Defense Is Now ‘America’s Highest Priority’

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2003 — Defending America, its overseas military and its allies from ballistic missiles laden with weapons of mass destruction "is now America's highest priority," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld noted today.
In prepared remarks provided by video feed to attendees of an Association of the United States Army-sponsored space and missile defense symposium in El Paso, Texas, Rumsfeld noted that some rogue states that sponsor terrorism "either have or are working hard to acquire nuclear, chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction and the long-range missiles necessary to deliver them." More

. Aegis Missile Test Successful

Iraqi Reconstruction Contract Bids to be Limited to Coalition

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2003 — Only nations committed to the Operation Iraqi Freedom may bid on contracts to rebuild Iraq, Pentagon officials said today. Nations that are not part of the coalition cannot serve as prime contractors for any of the $18.6 billion in reconstruction funds provided by Congress as part of the Fiscal 2004 Defense Supplemental.
The administration had three choices: It could limit bids to only U.S. firms; it could open the bids to all nations; or it could limit bids in some fashion, said Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita. “There are countries that made a commitment to Iraq in a certain way,” Di Rita said. More

Local Tips Help U.S. Troops Capture Anti-Coalition Forces

AR RAMADI, Iraq, Dec. 11, 2003 — Assistance from the local population continues to benefit the 82nd Airborne Division and attached units, as they continue to capture anti-coalition operatives attempting to disrupt the progress established by U.S. forces and the Iraqi people, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
During the past 24 hours, the Task Force has conducted 25 offensive operations, six cordon and searches and 19 raids within the Al Anbar Province. Soldiers also conducted 178 patrols, including seven joint patrols with the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi Police. Story

. Car Bomb Explodes Near 82nd Airborne Div. Headquarters

Awaiting the Flight Home More Photo Essays

U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Ward of the 203rd Engineer Batallion catches 40 winks as waits for his departure flight from Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2003. Ward was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Verlin Levi Collins 4 More Photos

101st Airborne Division Donates Computers to Mosul City Hall

By U.S. Army Pfc. Chris Jones / 40th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 11, 2003 — A 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) program to provide computers to the employees of Mosul city hall made its final contribution here today, bringing the total number of computers donated to 233.
The project has been in effect since September, and the last of the computers were installed by Chief Warrant Officer Carrie McLeish and Master Sgt. Paul Franks, automation technicians. The team has been in charge of installing new computers and the Internet at several buildings in northern Iraq, including the University of Mosul and the Oil Ministry of Nineveh province. Coalition forces have spent more than $150,000 on the project. More

Ready First Combat Brigade Sends
Iraqi Olympic Hopeful to U.S. Marathon

By U.S. Army Sgt. Mark Bell / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detatcment

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi teenager lived out his childhood dream when he competed in a major U.S. marathon Dec. 7, thanks to the commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division and his brother.
Sponsored by the Ready First Brigade Combat Team, 16-year-old Ali Hashim Hamdan Al-Bahadly, from Amara Misan, Iraq, competed in the 21st Annual California International Marathon in Sacramento on Dec. 7, where he finished in 3 hours, 16 minutes. More

Gamble's Deployment Journal
First Few Days at Fort Bliss

Army Staff Sgt. Zeno Gamble, a Gulf War veteran, is one of the thousands of reservists who have been called to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Gamble left his civilian job at the Pentagon Dec. 7 for Fort Bliss, Texas, for training before flying out to the Persian Gulf. During his deployment, Gamble plans to share some of journal entries with the readers of DefendAmerica.mil.

Dec. 10, 2003 — Waiting to deploy is probably the worst part about being mobilized. I'd rather be on the plane en route, or getting off the plane, or actually integrating into my new unit. Instead, I am still at Fort Bliss waiting for the final word to get out of here. I should be validated for deployment some time around noon.
The last day before I left home, I cooked a nice dinner for my Mom, my girlfriend Heidi and my 7-year-old son Mackenzie. Mom and Heidi took me to the airport. They were sad and tried to prevent me from leaving. The last I saw of them was down a long corridor through the security area. I waved goodbye to them, and the security officer waved at them with me. More

Global War on Terrorism

. Myers: Transformation Vital to Fighting Global War On Terror

. Rumsfeld in Azerbaijan; Talks Include NATO, War on Terror

On Iraq

. Black Market, Hoarders & Strike Cause Gas Shortage in Iraq

. Insurgent Success Rate Down, 4th Infantry Gen. Tells Sec Def

On Afghanistan

. Rumsfeld Meets with Karzai, Notes Progress in Afghanistan

. Rumsfeld Visits Afghanistan, Praises Reconstruction Team

Military News

. Defense Logistics Agency Improves Automation, Service, Savings

. U.S. Transportation Command Addresses Supply Chain Problems

. America's Veterans Purchased Nation's Freedom, Myers Says

. Troop Rotations Won't Affect Readiness, Defense Leaders Say

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties

      WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — Defense Department officials announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     The soldiers were killed on Dec. 8 in Ad Duluiyah, Iraq, when their vehicle flipped into a canal. The soldiers are Staff Sgt. Steven H. Bridges, 33, of Tracy, Calif., Spc. Joseph M. Blickenstaff, 23, of Corvallis, Ore., and Spc. Christopher J. Rivera Wesley, 26, of Portland, Ore.
     The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. The incident is under investigation.

Send your 'Best Wishes' to the men and women in uniform supporting the global war on terror
Send your message
Read other messages

'Treasures' Program Offers
Chance to Support Troops

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2003 — The public's response to the American Red Cross "Treasures for Troops" program has been overwhelming, Gwynn Schneider, associate with Armed Forces Emergency Services, Headquarters ARC, said here Dec. 10.
Although Treasures for Troops is not a holiday program, Red Cross officials said they are committed to having the first 10,000 packages reach deployed service members during December. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

	U.S. Views — Quotes by President Bush & other U.S. leaders
	Defense Views — Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
	Maps of Iraq — Maps of the nation of Iraq and the region

Secretary of Defense
Donald H. Rumsfeld

“The coalition intends to stay in Iraq as long as it takes to finish the job. We will not be intimidated. We will not cut and run. We will stay the course, and help you secure a future of freedom for your children.”

Remarks in television address to Iraqi people,
Dec. 5, 2003

. Maps of Iraq

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2003 — More than 10 rockets landed near and in the Orgun-E firebase yesterday afternoon, according to Combined Joint Task Force 180 (Afghanistan) officials.
Shrapnel from the rockets, which appear to 107mm rockets, injured one Afghan civilian and one U.S. soldier. Both individuals were evacuated to a coalition medical facility and are recovering. The U.S. soldier is expected to be released today and to return to duty this week. More

More Afghanistan Update Details

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Marine Corps
Capt. Darius L. James

U.S. Marine Capt. Darius L. James rehearses before his Christmas performance with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sharon E. Fox

WILMINGTON, N.C. — In high school, a 14-year-old started playing the trombone. At first, it was a hobby; another extracurricular activity. But as the teenager improved and immersed himself in music, his hobby turned into a passion. Darius L. James was first chair trombone in the all-state band and orchestra in high school and was accepted to the University of South Carolina on a full music scholarship.
Sixteen years later, James – now Capt. James, a logistics officer for the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism), – still has a passion for making music. More

More Profiles

U.S. Army Sgt. Amy Abbott from the V Corps Headquarters, deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where she works in the Coalition Press Information Center, sends holiday greetings home to Crestview, Fla., and Andalusia, Ala. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyrone Walker

In Afghanistan

Paving the Way
To Bagram's Stability

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2003 — An extension of the recently completed Disney road-paving project has been initiated to make Bagram safer for troops stationed here.
The base gym area is one spot where local contract workers are hand- mixing cement that will be laid within the next few days to support this new project. More

. Rapid Equipping Force Gives Soldiers Edge

'On The Ground' Archive