DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 07/08/2004

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Jul 8, 2004

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GUNSHIP AMMO — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jim Jochum loads a 40 mm gun on an AC-130U 'Spooky' Gunship, July 7, 2004. Jochum is an aerial gunner assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Detachment at a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia. Jochum is deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Denise Boyd

Ridge: Conventions May Be Terror Targets

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2004 — Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge today warned Americans that al Qaeda is planning to attack somewhere in the United States between now and the national presidential election. Story

Gitmo Detainees to Receive Status Review

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2004 — Within 10 days, all 594 detainees held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be informed of their right to contest their status under new procedures. Story

Personnel System to Increase Efficiency

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — The new National Security Personnel System will improve the working environment within the Defense Department while creating a more satisfied, more productive workforce. Story

Leaders Discuss Troop Rotations

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Pentagon leaders today faced tough questions on Capitol Hill on issues of deployment and force structure as the military gears up for another round of troop rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Story

Iraqis Will Help Government End Violence

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — As the Iraqi people become more confident in their new interim government, more will cooperate in the government's efforts to end the violence plaguing the country, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today. Story

U.S., Australia Pledge to Work Together

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — The United States and Australia agreed here today to cooperate on a missile defense system, to improve the ability of the countries' forces to work together, and to develop a joint, combined military training capability. Story

Hassoun Update

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun is safe at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, a defense official confirmed today.

Iraqi Army Graduates First
Kurkush Enlisted Recruits

KURKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq, July 8, 2004 — The Iraqi army graduated 502 privates here July 6, the first class of enlisted soldiers to emerge from the Iraqi Basic Training Program, a school administered and run solely by Iraqi army soldiers at the base’s Iraqi Training Battalion. Story

Baghdad Police Graduate 80 Officers

Iraqi Police Service Gets Vehicles

New Iraqi Reconstruction Archive

Some Extended Guardsmen,
Reservists May Get GI Bill Boost

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Guardsmen and reservists whose active duty time is extended past the normal 12-month call-up may be eligible for active duty-level benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill under certain circumstances, according to a senior Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman. Story

Troops Raise More Than $20K
For Families of Wounded Veterans

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, July 7, 2004 — On July 4, troops serving on the front lines in the Global War on Terrorism participated in the the “Freedom Is Never Free” 10-kilometer run, raising more than $20,000 to support the families of wounded veterans staying at the Fisher Houses. Story

Military Photographers on the Frontlines Flash Slide Show

Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective

http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/archive.html

Tongans Join Marines in Al Anbar Province

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, July 4, 2004 — Approximately 45 Royal Marines from the Kingdom of Tonga have arrived in Iraq to augment the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in the Al Anbar Province. Story

Iraqi Female Cadets Part 3 (14 More Photos)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Harry Glenn, commander of the 1/501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, speaks to soldiers during an Independence Day celebration at Bagram Air Field, Salerno, Afghanistan, July 4, 2004. The soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Vernell Hall Photo Essay Archive

Second Class of Women Soldiers Graduate

ZARQA MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Jordan, July 7, 2004 —Forty female Iraqi soldiers will graduate from the Jordanian Royal Military Academy here July 9, the second of three classes of this type planned to train at the academy, according to Office of Security Transition officials. Story

Task Force Aids Local Medical School, Hospital

TIKRIT, Iraq, July 8, 2004 — Task Force Danger soldiers delivered medical supplies, textbooks and journals to the Tikrit Hospital and Tikrit University Medical School July 7, according to 1st Infantry Division officials. Story

Army Engineers Improve Electrical Stations

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — The U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division's 20th Engineer Battalion have added a second plan of attack in the battle to repair Baghdad's electrical grid, adding to their ongoing efforts to replace old, inefficient and often inoperable equipment. Story

Navy Construction Battalion Improves Infrastructure

FALLUJAH, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — A U.S. Navy construction battalion here is improving Iraq's infrastructure in this area and is training Iraqis to do the same in years ahead, improving Iraq's future stability and prosperity. Story

Navy Strike Group Takes On Gulf Duties

ABOARD USS BELLEAU WOOD, At Sea, July 7, 2004 — Expeditionary Strike Group 3 entered the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet July 2, and is scheduled to take over the duties of maritime security operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf. Story

NATO’s Flag Flies in Mazar-e Sharif

MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan, July 6, 2004 — The NATO flag was raised at the Mazar-e Sharif Provincial Reconstruction Team headquarters on 1 July, marking the assumption of NATO command of the Provincial Reconstruction Team from the Coalition forces. Story

War on Terrorism

• Transfer of Swedish Detainee Complete

• Families, Workers Must Leave Bahrain

Iraq

• Four Marines, Soldier Die in Iraq Incidents

• President Hails 'Transformation' in Iraq

• Iron Soldiers Prepare to Depart Iraq

Military News

• Finance Agency Opens New Reserve Pay Center

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Marine Casualties

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More

Girl Scouts Send Kennedy
Sailors a Sweet Treat

USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, July 7, 2004 — Sailors serving aboard USS John F. Kennedy, from Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 24 enjoyed a taste of home June 26, when Girl Scouts sent 600 boxes of the organization’s traditional treats to the crew. Story

Sisters Create Web Site to Help
Families of Deployed Troops

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 — Twin sisters Jackie and Janice know the challenges military families face. Their father served 31 years in the Navy, and as self- described "military brats," they called several places home. Story

Stars for Stripes Tour Salutes Troops

Comedian Visits USS Greeneville

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Army
Col. Roger McClellan

Col. David McLemore. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rebekah-mae Bruns

TAJI, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — The 39th Brigade Combat Team added another bird to its flock, when Roger McClellan, of Collierville, Tenn., was promoted to the rank of colonel. Story

More Profiles

In Iraq

Signal Battalion Continues
To Sharpen the Sword

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 7, 2004 — With redeployment quickly approaching and the scorching Iraqi sun pushing temperatures well over 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the 141st Signal Battalion continues training in order to keep soldiers’ warrior skills sharp. Story

Water Purifiers Keep
Lejeune Battalion Alive

CAMP MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq, July 6, 2004 — Cpl. Aaron J. Weakley's job sucks - 17,000 gallons of water every day. The 25-year old Marine turns some of the nastiest, foulest sources of water into pure, crystal-clear hydration for Marines here. Story

In Afghanistan

Taking Care of
Patients in the Air

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 6, 2004 (AFPN) — Most military aircraft are not well known for passenger comfort. But when passengers are seriously ill or injured, a team of medical experts is always on hand to ensure as comfortable a ride as possible. Story

'On The Ground' Archive