Dawn Patrol

Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and other sources around the world. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.

IRAQ

Fascinating: The Jihadists Admit Defeat in Iraq -- [Talisman Gate - an Iraqi blog]
A prolific jihadist sympathizer has posted an ‘explosive’ study on one of the main jihadist websites in which he laments the dire situation that the mujaheddin find themselves in Iraq by citing the steep drop in the number of insurgent operations conducted by the various jihadist groups, most notably Al-Qaeda’s 94 percent decline in operational ability over the last 12 months when only a year and half ago Al-Qaeda accounted for 60 percent of all jihadist activity!
The author, writing under the pseudonym ‘Dir’a limen wehhed’ [‘A Shield for the Monotheist’], posted his ‘Brief Study on the Consequences of the Division [Among] the [Jihadist] Groups on the Cause of Jihad in Iraq’ on May 12 and it is being displayed by the administration of the Al-Ekhlaas website—one of Al-Qaeda’s chief media outlets—among its more prominent recent posts. He's considered one of Al-Ekhlaas's "esteemed" writers.

'Raqstar - (awesome video) -- [From the Halls to the Shores - in Iraq] HT: Soldiers Mom / AWTM
New posts will appear below this one until the above date... mostly because it took me awhile to put this together and I don't want it to get buried...

Lying Low in Mosul -- [Talisman Gate - an Iraqi blog]
Here’s the western media’s brand-new dodge when trying to explain why the Iraqi Army is winning across the country: the insurgents, whether Sunni or Shia, are lying low.
Never mind that hundreds of insurgents are being killed and captured. No, according to the likes of TIME’s Mark Kukis (...who claims to be reporting from Iraq but could be up to something else in NYC), it’s “all a ploy, and any day now the real Iraq, which we refuse to report on, will unravel to fit to our imagined Iraq.”
But it seems that journalists too are adopting these alleged insurgent tactics: the Iraqi Army’s operation in Mosul is basically being ignored. In a sense, reporters are also lying low for fear that their false narratives would unravel.

Iraq Hunts Al-Qaeda in Its Last Urban Stronghold -- [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi blog]
Although we haven’t written anything about the operation in Mosul which started a week ago, I’ve been closely following its developments. The reason why I waited is that we had often heard about a new operation, which would then turn out to be just a rumor. Anyway, the operation this time has actually started, and the arrival of Maliki and his defense and interior ministers in the city leaves no room for doubt about the seriousness of the government in seeing to the plan’s success.
The interesting thing about the operation is that it’s been suspiciously quiet, to the extent that one wonders if there’s actually any operation going on. In fact, Mosul has seen the calmest eight days of the last five years.

Al Qaeda “Prince” reported captured in Mosul -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
Iraqi military reports the “Prince” of Ninewa province has been captured. More than 1,100 insurgents captured as the government appears to give a green light for an Awakening to form in Mosul.

Locals Bring Security to Adhamiya -- [Alive in Baghdad - an Iraq blog]
Baghdad/Adhamiya, Iraq - After Al-Qa’eda controlled several places in Iraq such as Fallujah, Ramadi, and several neighborhoods in the west of Baghdad, there were many atrocities committed by Al-Qa’eda. This caused the people living in those areas to vehemently reject them. Some of the actions done by Al-Qa’eda were to ask the young men not to wear short trousers or colored T-shirts, or any other shirt with English writing. As for women in these regions, they demanded that they wear a headscarf, or a veil, and never go out of their houses without covering their head, and those who didn’t obey the strict instructions were facing the threat of being beheaded, killed, or otherwise assassinated by the several militias that were controlled by Al-Qa’eda.
The Sahwa Councils were first created in Anbar after some Iraqi tribes agreed to work together with the US forces against the actions of Al-Qa’eda, and in order to wipe out all the elements of Al-Qa’eda in their areas. The first Sahwa council was created under the leadership of Abu Risha. He claimed to organize the first Sahwa council in Anbar against Al-Qa’eda. After Abu Risha’s example, other Iraqi tribes were inspired by his work and created Sahwa councils in their areas in order to eliminate Al-Qa’eda cells in their neighborhoods. Some of the areas where Sahwa councils were formed are Mosul, Kirkuk, Diyala, Tikrit, Hawr Rajab, and several neighborhoods in Baghdad, such as Ameriya, Adhamiya, Al-Khadra’a, and Ghazaliya.

From “Ambush Alley” to Peaceful Ally -- [MNF-I]
RAMADI — Step after step, combat boots hit the pavement. It’s been a few hours for the Marine squad walking the Ramadi streets. Fatigued yet steady, the young men push forward on their routine foot patrol despite the mid-day desert heat; each squad member maintaining a constant alertness with eyes scanning the environment in every direction.
The squad leader passes by a familiar face; a local vender who he sees almost every day. Instantly, the look of exhaustion washes away, and a smile is brought to his face. Lifting his hand, he warmly greets the vender with, “Al salaam a’alaykum.”
Every day, Marine infantrymen like those with Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, patrol neighborhoods and actively engage the community of al-Anbar province

US Army Apologise for Using Quran for Target Practice

Soldiers Bring Hope to Urs' Last Standing Primary School for Girls -- Newsblaze]
UR, Iraq - Multi-National-Division - Baghdad Soldiers are working with a local headmaster to improve the last standing primary school for girls in a northern Baghdad neighborhood.
...Part of the mission was for Soldiers to identify needs by establishing a solid relationship with the school leadership and local residents.
As the visit and communication progressed, they discussed topics such as finding ways to receive additional help from the Iraqi government and neighborhood councils for the more than 800 students who attend the school.
For the Soldiers, the main goal is to serve as a conduit for the school leadership and the Iraqi government, said George.
A group of Iraqi boys wave to the camera through an opening in the Al Murooa School for Girls' gate during a visit by Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National-Division - Baghdad, May 12.
The Al Murooa School is the last primary school for girls standing at Ur and educates children from the ages 6 to 15. It serves the residents of Ur as well as the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Sisters of Fallujah -- [BlackFive]
An Iraqi woman, a member of "Sisters of Fallujah," practices shooting a weapon under the supervision of International Police Advisor Anna Bailey on a range in Fallujah, Iraq, April 29, 2008. Sisters of Fallujah is a security force comprised of local women that help maintain security in their neighborhoods. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin A. Kirk.

Iraq News (20 May) -- [LT Nixon - in Iraq]
The Good: The Iraqi Army has launched Operation Peace in Sadr City to take control of security and provide services to the residents of the militia-controlled district. Despite the operation's hokey name, it has not met any resistance and the Sadrists support the operation (so far so good). The Chaldean Church is opposing the execution of the thug that kidnapped and killed their Archbishop Rahho, since the church is against the death penalty. USA Today has the story of a courageous Shi'ite cleric, Sada al-Lami, promoting reconciliation in Baghdad by visiting Sunni mosques in the Adhamiya district. He continues to promote peace despite being kidnapped for a brief period and being threatened by militia goons.

Nancy Pelosi Visits Iraq, Nobody Cares -- [LT Nixon - in Iraq]
OPSEC prevents explanation of the details, but V.I.P. visits to Iraq generally require complex logistics and are very expensive to the American taxpayer. They usually serve one of three purposes: fact-finding, boosting troop morale, or diplomatic engagement. Since it doesn't look like Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca) got around the country too much, that would only mean that the reason for her recent visit was for diplomatic purposes. But if that was the case, she certainly got a pretty chilly reception.

Pelosi Now Sees Iraq Surge As Working -- [Flopping Aces]
Military progress from the change of direction to counter-insurgency strategy as well and the political change it’s bringing about is so undeniable now that even people who support the troops but not their efforts, people who want success but oppose the war can no longer ignore the fact.

Triple Digits -- [Kaboom - in Iraq]
Down goes the ramp. In comes the light. Out goes the soldier.
97...98...99...
It starts with a dry mouth. Thirst. The body is more clever than the brain, no matter what the haters say. Speaking of which … Hater-Ade is far more prevalent than water and Rip-Its over here, with flavors ranging from that old vanilla staple “Bored Colonels Make Grown Men Cry” to the newest rage “Passionless PowerPoint Punch.” No liquid is going to help you though, when you realize the source of the thirst in question. There’s that big ball of orange suck again, climbing up the horizon like a stoned sloth lost in a tree.
Diggity.
Suddenly the personal tragedy becomes less of a bitch and more of the Bitch. You remember that your 140 pounds of raw American fury carries 70 additional pounds of raw American gear. The lightest glide becomes the heaviest step.

A Soldiers Dream - Helping an Iraqi Girl injured by IED.

AFGHANISTAN

Actor wants to hear the good news stories from Afghanistan -- [Press & Journal]
Media rapped for just reporting bloodshed and violence
ACTOR Jude Law yesterday called for wider reporting of stories of hope in Afghanistan.
Law was talking after the screening in Cannes of a documentary charting a campaign for an annual global day of peace.
...Last year Law travelled to Afghanistan to promote the UN’s annual Peace Day on September 21, accompanied by Gilley.
Law said Afghanistan was dear to his heart and continued: “It stuns me and appalls me that the media in the west only report bloodshed, murder, the violence.
“Because I met people over there, reconstructing, with incredible pride and hope.
“And little girls who had been shot at by Taliban going to school the next day because they wanted to, to be teachers and doctors.
“That’s really, really moving stuff and real stuff and that should be reported.

Forward Base Afghanistan - 45 min documentary

Australia's hi-tech, lethally-equipped soldiers cut a surreal presence as they cautiously patrol the baking dustbowl of southern Afghanistan, drawing casual glances from turbaned tribesmen and nomadic herders.To the locals, they're Americans wearing a different emblem, but the Australians are trying to carve out a special identity among the 40 nations that have come to Afghanistan on a mission to suppress violence and get society functioning again. The Australians face an unseen enemy who emerges at night to lay hidden roadside bombs then melts back into the villages.

Successful Marine Operations in the Helmand Province -- [Captain's Journal]
This is the sixth in a series following the U.S. Marines through the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit try to take shelter from a sand storm at forward operating base Dwyer in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan Wednesday, May 7, 2008. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) Report The Marines are continuing their success in the Garmser area of the Helmand……

**EXCLUSIVE: Latest from British troops in Afghanistan

Soldiers from the Argyle and Southern Highlanders, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, are providing security in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand Province, in Afghanistan.

Northern Afghanistan Irrigation Rehabilitation Program -- [HOPE worldwide Afghanistan - NGO workers]
To date our engineers have written proposals for 12 projects; 10 in Jawzjan Province and 2 in Saripul Province. These first 12 "pilot" projects are ready to be implemented by the villagers themselves through what is known as the Community Development Councils (CDCs). These are locally elected village leadership groups that can receive government funding to implement locally impacting projects. Our team will train the CDCs in financial accounting methods (to account for project funds), project management, agriculture and water management, as well as conflict management

US Marine cheats death in Afghanistan -- [Telegraph]
A US Marine narrowly avoids death in this dramatic series of photos taken on the frontline of the battle against the Taliban.
The soldier ducks just in time as insurgent gunfire blasts away rock from the top of his trench, just inches from his face.

Marines Emphasize Character Building in Afghan Police Mission -- [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2008 – The 1st Marine Division’s 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines’ is focusing on Afghan people, not on fighting terrorists, the battalion commander said May 16.
“What’s unique about our mission is that we’re doing a police training and mentoring mission, as opposed to coming in here kinetically like a lot of our past exploits have been, especially in Iraq,” Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard Hall told online journalists and “bloggers” in a teleconference.

Afghanistan, Roads and Counterinsurgency -- [Captain's Journal]
Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan is at a state of development where the construction of roads is a significant player in counterinsurgency due to the creation of avenues of movement, interdiction and access to the population. David Kilcullen recently wrote about this at the Small Wars Journal Blog. It is a detailed look into this aspect of counterinsurgency and well worth the time to study it, but only a small portion is reproduced below.

In Focus Afghanistan: Failure of Expectation

Pakistan frees former Guantanamo prisoner, Afghan Taliban commander -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The government has freed a Taliban commander in Afghanistan and a former inmate at Guantanamo Bay along with scores of Taliban fighters in exchange for Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan and captive Pakistani soldiers.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

HORROR In Johannesburg-- Immigrants Beaten & Burned Alive -- [Gateway Pundit]
WARNING ON CONTENT-- VERY DISTURBING PHOTOS--
Andrew from Zimbabwe forwarded this story on the rioting this weekend in Johannesburg.
SUNDAY, BLOODY SUNDAY
Residents laugh as a foreigner burns in his own blankets
The photos in this posting are from the South Africa riots this week.
As we made our way through the Ramaphosa squatter camp in Reiger Park on Gauteng’s East Rand, a woman’s words made us freeze in horror. “They are burning people down there,” she said.
I ran to the nearest police officer and said: “The locals say they’re burning a person at the other intersection.”
Officers leapt into a Casspir and a Nyala, and drove through the debris and barricades in the road.
I ran after them, with other photographers following.
..."Is this how you South Africans are going to treat foreigners when they come here for the World Cup?” asked one irate Zimbabwean, identifying himself only as Charles.
“This is a s**t country. It’s a shame to the rest of the world that they are allowing the World Cup to take place here. South Africans seem to think that no one’s life is precious.”

USNavy Violates Venezuelan Airspace -- [Jawa Report]
(Caracas, Venezuela) A U.S. Navy S-3B Viking aircraft strayed into Venezuelan airspace over the weekend, prompting a strong denunciation by Hugo Chavez's government.

Penn and Teller Explain Flag Burning Trick

Turkish Ambassador to U.S. Calls Iran "a threat to Turkey as well as to the U.S." -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Doug Farah and I talked about his post on Hezbollah and clarified that Hezbollah might be the premier non-state terrorist threat. After all, Hezbollah's support and the extent of its direction from the current Iranian regime is massive. Two years ago, I wrote here about my discussions with a senior Western intelligence service official, who estimated Iran's direct financial support to Hezbollah at $100 million, and that was when oil was less than half of the current price. I assume that amount has not been decreased. Those ties now constitute a dagger aimed at the freedom of entire countries - Lebanon and Israel in the Middle East - as well as a threat to the U.S.
Anyone wondering whether the threat posed by Iran is "tiny" or substantial should ponder what the Ambassador from Turkey to the U.S. said today at our panel on the Turkey-U.S. relationship.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

Feared FARC Commander Surrenders -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Another FARC commander has surrendered to Colombian authorities. Nelly Avila Moreno, aka Karina, turned herself in (along with her daughter andher partner, known as Michin.) Karina was commander of the 47th Front. (She was also one of the top-ranked women in the FARC - here is some background on the women in the FARC.) This would be roughly equivalent to a Captain surrendering. At a news conference, she stated the FARC was “crumbling.” She had been out of communications with the FARC leadership for two years. Her once feared unit of 350 was down to about 50 fighters.

Secret Report on Saudi School in Virginia Must Be Released -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, DC, unanimously voted to continue leasing county property to the Islamic Saudi Academy, which is funded by the Saudi government. The school had been criticized for using textbooks which included virulently anti-Semitic and anti-Christian language and teachings. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a report last year urging the State Department to shut the school down unless it materially changed the textbooks to remove the hateful language. To quote the Commission, "Moreover, a 2006 report analyzing some Saudi textbooks from the 2005-2006 school year found that 'a ninth grade Saudi textbook on Hadith teaches teenagers in apocalyptic terms that violence towards Jews, Christians and other unbelievers is sanctioned by God.' For example, the textbook reads, 'the hour [of judgment] will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them.'" ISA's 1999 valedictorian was Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, who was convicted and sentenced to prison for joining Al Qaeda and plotting to assassinate President Bush. Apparently, the Board of Supervisors is satisfied

Unresolved U.S. Strategy on Jihad and the War of Ideas -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
An unresolved question remains who in the U.S. Government is accountable for the wartime "war of ideas" against Jihadists. Last fall, Senator Joe Lieberman questioned the FBI, the DHS, the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) about their organizations' role in the "war on ideas" against jihadists. The answer was a giant shrugging of shoulders.

Jihadists Take Recruitment Efforts Online 2/2

Google Brushes off Lieberman's Request to Remove Terrorist Content -- [LGF]
Senator Joe Lieberman sent a letter to Google/YouTube asking them to remove the video content that’s been posted at YouTube by terrorist groups and their supporters, and Google told Lieberman to take a hike.
It’s no joke; this kind of highly disturbing radical Islamic content is easy to find all over YouTube, and it’s clear that several terrorist groups feel safe about posting pretty much anything they want, up to and including videos that show murders and terrorist attacks. But at CNET, they scoff at the problem (and Lieberman):

The New al-Qaeda: Jihad.com part 2 of 6

Fidelity to Our Heros: Ali Soufan -- [Jawa Report]
When I was reading this excellent WaPo about the USS Cole bombers all being free, I was focused on this: "Diplomatic relations soured further in February, when the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa learned that Fahd al-Quso, another Cole conspirator, had been secretly freed nine months before. Like Badawi, Quso faces U.S. charges in the Cole case and has a $5 million bounty on his head."
While my head was exploding, I entirely failed to notice this quote from former US Ambassador to Yemen Barbara Bodine, who Gary (Jawa pal and father of one of the murdered sailors) and I view as an impediment to the FBI's efforts:
...If Yemen is truly an ally, it should act as an ally. Until it does, U.S. aid to Yemen should be reevaluated. It will be impossible to defeat al-Qaeda if our "allies" are freeing the convicted murderers of U.S. citizens and terrorist masterminds while receiving direct U.S. financial aid.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

938 Heroes Awaiting adoption -- [Soldiers' Angels]
There are three different ways to help Soldiers' Angels carry out its vital mission:
Donate
Join a Soldiers' Angels Team
Adopt a Soldier
Please Note: A donation is not required to join Soldiers' Angels or to adopt a soldier. The instant approval process through PayPal simply provides an expedited process for those who wish to take advantage of it. Please do not feel obligated to do so. As with all donations to Soldiers' Angels, your donation is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax adviser for further information.

When A soldier comes home -- [American Infidel]
"This is a video that I put together to show what it was like for myself and all the other
vets out there who have returned from a deployment."
When A soldier comes home

Face of Defense: Soldier Fights to Deploy Despite Medical Condition -- [Defense Link]
After he was diagnosed with a neurological disease in which his body attacks his nerves, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christian Smith waged and won a long battle to deploy with his unit.
...Every three weeks, he underwent an intravenous immunoglobulin treatment at a local hospital. By this time, Smith’s unit was on mobilization orders for deployment, but he was scheduled to stay with the rear detachment.
“Within four or five days, I started noticing a lot more strength, and by 10 days after that, I could wiggle my toes and keep my left foot up,” he said. “I went back to the unit and told them the treatment was working. At that point, it was a matter of how the Army medical system was going to handle this.”
The unit deployed. Despite his objections, Smith stayed at Fort Hood, Texas.
“The doc said when he diagnosed me that this is a legitimate medical condition that would definitely keep me from deploying,” he said. “He asked me why I’d want to deploy if I didn’t have to.
“It’s one of those things where, having grown up playing sports, you spend all that time practicing with a team; and, all of a sudden, they go to an away game, out of town, and you’re stuck at home,” he added. “It’s not a good feeling.” A year and a half later, Smith found himself facing the same situation, this time with a new team. He was newly assigned to Troop R, 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, once again on orders for Iraq.

Time Passes By -- [48th Combat Support Hospital - in Afghanistan]
...I would also like to take this time to thank the elementary school students who sent us the pillows. They are from Grand Rapids, MI. Thank you all so much for the wonderful pillows that had some great artwork on them. The students took markers and drew patriotic pictures and notes of love to us. I have one on my bed right now. I still use the memory foam that I had already, but the pillow these children sent is fantastic as well. Thank you all so very much....teachers, students, and faculty. I am still receiving messages of support from family, friends, and supporters from all across our wonderful nation. Obviously, we all know where most of it comes from.....thank you honey.....but the amount of support we receive from our fellow Americans shows why our nation is as great as it is. Sure, we have election/campaign battles going on right now, we have murder, drugs, and numerous other crimes being committed. There are some obvious flaws in some of the things that we do as a nation, but by God we're the best of the best and we stick together.

Letters from Kids -- [James Aalan Bernsen - in Iraq]
among all of the letters and packages we get, the most entertaining are those from the children. Countless schoolkids sit down and write a soldier. In poor grammar, but with heartfelt emotion, they tell us what they think. Sometimes they can make soldiers cry. Other times, we just smile. Most of the time, though, they make you laugh.
So this week, I’ll give you a taste of what the kids are saying. Here are some of the highlights of the letters to soldiers that I’ve come across. Some are touching, some are funny. Some kids are a little too gung-ho. Most letters are simple, on paper. Many more have drawings with them. Some are nothing but drawings. Some even have elaborate pop-ups.

Readers give airman some welcome assistance -- [Ohio.com]
Beacon Journal readers are directly responsible for creating a joyous homecoming for a local serviceman who has just returned from Afghanistan.
Nick Frangos of Jackson Township flew into Akron-Canton Airport last week and into the arms of his mother, brothers, niece and fiancee.
From CAK, he didn't have far to go — the family lives directly behind the airport on Wales Avenue.
By contrast, the rest of his journey home was a chore, with stops in Kyrgyzstan, Germany, Maine and, finally, his base in Raleigh, N.C.
The Air Force footed the bill to Carolina, but after that, he was on his own.
No branch of the military will pay to fly its people to their hometowns. And because service folks don't know the exact dates of their leaves until the last minute — ''My date changed four times,'' Frangos notes — they often must pay the same astronomical fares as last-minute business travelers.

He Did It Again! Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) Attacks Troops -- [Gateway Pundit]
Antiwar Liberal Democrat Attacks Troops Visiting Capital Hill
This was posted by DM at the Power Line Forum:
A class of senior Army War College officers (all of whom are either Iraq or Afghanistan combat veterans with multiple deployments) were taking part on a tour of Congress. All of this was officially approved and part of the Army War College curriculum.
The officers observing Congress hold multiple bronze stars between them; and other citations too numerous to mention.
Yesterday, while voting on the war supplemental spending bill in the House of Representatives, I couldn’t help but notice a contingent of approximately 20 flag rank Army officers sitting in the House Gallery watching the debate and vote for a couple of hours. I was looking from below so I thought they were Army, but there could have been other branches present.
It’s possible they were on leave time or vacation. If so, I obviously have no concern. However, if they were doing this on military time, I want an explanation of why they were there.

Why Harvard Harasses the Military -- [WSJ]
Benedictine held its annual commencement ceremonies this past weekend, and I happened to be there because I was the speaker. After all the degrees had been handed out, two young men in dress blue were called back on stage. Before their families, their classmates, and their teachers, these men raised their right hands and swore to "support and defend" our Constitution. And then Lt. Jeff Fetters and Lt. Michael Mundie were presented to their class as "the newest officers in the United States Army."
What a striking moment this was. Here were two young men who had stepped forward to wear the uniform in a time of war – and who had their service publicly acknowledged by their peers and institution. One retired general who graduated from this same campus in 1966 put it this way. "These young men will need every bit of encouragement in the world they have now entered," said Tom Wessels. "And by golly, it was great to see them get it."
Now, Benedictine is hardly an Army kind of place. On this campus, you are far more likely to encounter someone becoming a missionary than someone entering the military.

MILITARY

Why I Stayed Enlisted -- [VA Mortg. Blog]
...Every single Soldier has the choice to go Green to Gold - going from the enlisted to commissioned ranks - provided we were high speed Soldiers who stayed out of trouble. I’ve been hounded by many of my commanders and Warrant Officers about getting a commission or going warrant. However, I like being enlisted. Why?
The SMA contrasted the 20-year careers of enlisted and commissioned Soldiers. You take the career of an officer and, of that 20 years, the officer will spend about 5 years directly working with and leading Soldiers. The other 15 years are spent on staff and special assignments. You take the same 20-year career of an NCO and the results are opposite - 15 years directly working with and leading Soldiers and 5 years of staff and special assignments. He said that we each had to decide what we wanted to do - lead Soldiers or work on a staff keeping the Army moving.

Pentagon Improves Transitions for Troops -- [Defense Link]
The Defense Department has merged two military support programs to better address the financial and transition needs of departing troops.

MILBLOGGING

Blogging Gets Blessed Off By A Three-Star -- [Lt Nixon - in Iraq]
Lt. Gen. Caldwell, head of the Combined Armed Center and prior director of Strategic Effects in Iraq, has encouraged his soldiers to do more blogging to spread information on the internet according to Wired's Danger Room Blog. Obviously, this is a boon to military bloggers, as some in the Pentagon want us to go away, and Small Wars Journal reports that this will allow a healthy exchange of ideas.

IN MEMORY OF...

Troubled teen becomes war hero
KNOX, Pa. -- Spc. Ross McGinnis, a kid who hated school and even got expelled for buying marijuana on campus, did more than turn his life around.
He saved the lives of four fellow soldiers when he used his body to cover a grenade that an Iraqi insurgent threw from a rooftop into an Army Humvee.
McGinnis, atop the truck in its machine-gun turret, could have dived to safety. Instead, he jumped into the Humvee and pinned the grenade between his back and the vehicle's radio mount.
The grenade exploded a second or two later, killing McGinnis at age 19.

WELCOME HOME

6 May 08 -- [Afghanistan-A day in the life of a deployment - home from Afghanistan]
...Our introduction back to the States was magnificent. I can think of no better word to describe the happy outpouring of emotion that greeted us as we walked off the plane. It seemed like everyone's excitement to return was magnified by the wild relief of those receiving us, and their unbridled openness about releasing their emotions. It's humbling to be part of a large group suddenly free of longing and concern, which until minutes before had been tucked away neatly beneath the surface. When we got back we were home; nothing else mattered.
My guys have surprised me a bit this week. I expected them to be wild, acting more their age than anything else. I'm sure most bars have the recipe they're seeking, but for now, their most common behavior has been one of exhausted relaxation. I think that for most of them, they're just happy to be home.

Back in the US of A -- [Sgt Grumpy - home from Iraq]
A quick note to let everyone know that we are back in the States. As "D" will attest, we are going thru a lot of stupidity, Army style. But the key is we are home. It is so clean and green here, and people bathe - glorious

POLITICS

GI Bill -- [Outside the Wire]
In the national wires and in the my local paper there are stories about legislation to modify the GI Bill.
(I was a beneficiary of the GI Bill in the previous decade.)
In reading these stories, I can see how people are easily confused by the concept of a GI Bill that covers tuition and one that provides a monthly payment. In most cases, the monthly payment would exceed full tuition.
The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia and Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, also veterans of Vietnam, would guarantee full tuition payments to veterans at any public school in their home state."
From the same article:
"McCain says the legislation is too expensive and has proposed his own version, which would increase the monthly benefit available to most veterans to $1,500 from $1,100. It would not offer the equivalent of a full scholarship."
But does the current montly payment or the McCain plan provide the equivalent of a full scholarship? In some states, yes. Lets run the numbers.

Do Liberals Hate the Troops -- [LT Nixon - in Iraq]
Right Wing News offers up a fine list of douchebag liberals that have spoken ill of "The Troops", but is it fair to say that all liberals disdain the military? As a middle-of-the-road type supporting a gentleman who lives in his car for President, I feel compelled to over up my two-bit impartial analysis. There are some strong criticisms emanating from liberal coffers about the Pentagon being a propaganda monstrosity and the military being inherently misogynist and having a culture of rape towards women, but I've only seen hatred directed specifically at the troops from extreme fringe groups or gaffe-prone politicians. Mainstream pundits will avoid direct criticism of military personnel like the plague as evidenced by the latest Olbermann-Ingraham debacle.

Civil Rights Groups Outraged Over Child Abuse in War -- [Jules Crittenden]
No, they’re not outraged at al Qaeda, the Taliban or Iraqi insurgents for using children as terrorists. Don’t be ridiculous. They’re outraged at the United States for holding them. AP: UN reports US holding +500 kids as unlawful enemy combatants. Here’s the ACLU on the issue:

Hark, another phony soldier speaks... -- [Greyhawk]
Let's set the wayback machine for August, 2004. In the heat of a Presidential campaign pitting a Vietnam combat veteran against a former Air National Guard fighter pilot, Democrats used one of their other veterans to launch an attack on the Vice President...
...But anyhow, that was 2004, and this year the Republicans are nominating a Vietnam combat veteran. In fact, he's a Navy fighter pilot (though unlike Harkin he flew combat missions).
Since neither of his potential opponents has any military experience (though Hillary Clinton once fabricated a story about being under fire in a combat zone and has that in common with Harkin) guess which veteran Democrats called on to insult him...
I expect politicians to lie a little bit, but liars of Harkin's caliber are no better than the Jonathan Apontes of the world.

We Are America -- [Villianious Co]
...As Grim remarks (and I commented some weeks ago) it seems strange how quickly the some of our leaders turned from voicing support for the military to thinly veiled expressions of suspicion and contempt
What's even more interesting is the manner in which military service is prostituted by these politicians. On the one hand as Senator Harkin is quick to note, there is nothing inherently wrong with military service:
He said that "I just want to be very clear there's nothing wrong with a career in the military" and that he has friends who are generals and admirals who have served the country well.
"But now McCain is running for a higher office. He's running for commander in chief, and our Constitution says that should be a civilian," Harkin said. "And in some ways, I think it would be nice if that commander in chief had some military background, but I don't know if they need a whole lot."

Winter Soldier Stories -- [Dadmanly]
The malcontents and miscreants of Iraqi Veterans Against the War (IVAW) are at it again, invited to testify before a Congressional “Progressives Caucus” this week.
In perfect accord with their previous efforts, their “Winter Soldier” circus this time was a mix of pretenders with phony or hyped up resumes, exaggerated stories fuzzy of facts but overstuffed with fabulisms, or outright falsehoods.

THE MEDIA

White House Challenges NBC News to Explain Whether Iraq Is in 'Civil War' -- [Fox News]
The White House is calling on NBC News to declare whether the network still believes Iraq is mired in a “civil war,” escalating a fight that began when NBC aired an interview with President Bush that the White House called the product of “deceitful editing.”
The network rattled the White House in November 2006 when it called the conflict in Iraq a “civil war.” On Monday, White House Counselor Ed Gillespie wrote a letter to NBC News President Steve Capus, looking in part for an explanation of how NBC News now views the war.
White House press secretary Dana Perino said Tuesday the administration is “fed up” with the way NBC News is treating the Iraq war.

White House Slams NBC For "Deceitful" Reporting

The White House blasted NBC News today for purposely distorting an interview with President Bush.

Olbermann Says Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin Hate Our Troops -- [NewsBusters]
It appears the New York Post's assessment that MSNBC's Keith Olbermann is on the verge of another professional meltdown was quite prescient.
On Monday's "Countdown," answering to criticism that his Special Comment last Wednesday about President Bush's "panoramic and murderous deceit" was so over the top that he should be suspended, Olbermann had the unmitigated audacity to claim those offended were showing "their instinctive hatred for, and contempt for" America's troops.

Keith Olbermann: US Troops Are The Cold Blooded Killers??!!?

A little balance. -- [John of Argghhh!]
Just remember, for every idiot troop with discipline issues whose actions put us in this position:
U.S. General Apologizes For Desecration Of Koran
...there are dozens, if not hundreds, who are doing things like this - that rarely make the NYT...
..."Our goal is to have her keep getting better every day. She’s an amazing little girl. She has a drive I wish I had," said Daniel Izquierdo, the physician assistant for Task Force 1-35 Armor, which is the unit replacing 3-1 at Patrol Base Assassin. Izquierdo said he will carry on the therapy program started by his predecessors.
But you have to look to find those stories. Drudge doesn't link them. Most majors news outlets don't, either.
But there are a lot more soldiers like Sergeant George Sumrall out there, than that idiot with rage issues.

Correction: Iraq-US-Jailed Kids story -- [AP]
NEW YORK (AP) — In a May 19 story about the U.S. military holding approximately 500 juveniles in detention centers in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Associated Press erroneously reported that a U.S. government report said those held in Iraq were "unlawful enemy combatants." The military considers all its Iraqi detainees "civilian internees" as defined under the Geneva Conventions, terminology that does not appear in the report. The designation "unlawful enemy combatant," a term used throughout the report, confers a different legal status and is used for detainees in other facilities including Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.

Karl Rove agreed that NBC deliberately edited the president. -- [Gateway Pundit]

Rove added that NBC has a real problem, "We are starting to see the journalistic standards of MSNBC, which are really no standards at all, creep into the NBC which is a respected news organization."
Really?... Who knew?

The Lost Art of War
Hollywood has gone back to war. And this time, it’s appalling. All autumn long, the film industry released movies about America’s battle against global jihad. With one exception—the competent actioner The Kingdom—each of these movies distorted an urgent, ongoing historical enterprise through the lens of a filmmaker’s unthinking leftism. Redacted, Rendition, In the Valley of Elah, and Lions for Lambs characterize our soldiers and government agents as rapists, madmen, murderers, torturers of the innocent, or simply victims caught up in a venal and bloodthirsty American foreign policy. All this at the very moment when our real-life soldiers and agents are risking, and sometimes losing, their lives fighting the most hateful and cancerous worldview since Nazism.
But I guess that’s showbiz.
Needless to say, it wasn’t always thus. During World War II, Hollywood stars like James Stewart and directors like Frank Capra enlisted in the military to combat dictators as willingly as Sean Penn and Michael Moore now tootle down to Venezuela and Cuba to embrace them.

HUMOR / SATIRE

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