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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.
Support Our Troops, Read Their Stories
Daughters of Iraq Help Thwart Female Suicide Bombings -- [Amy Proctor]
The first Daughters of Iraq group is forming in Baghdad within the Sons of Iraq, the highly successful group of Iraqi men that is helping maintain security throughout Iraq at the grass-roots level.
The newly formed Daughters of Iraq, comprised of Iraqi women, have been credited with increased security.
The Army Times:
The female group will be in the city of Yusafiyah, which had long been an insurgent stronghold and scene of battles with U.S. forces. The “DOI,” as the military referred to them, “would be able to search other females at security checkpoints,” which Iraqi cultural norms do not allow men to do.
Officials with the 3rd ID said this was necessary because of “insurgents utilizing females to carry out suicide attacks,” according to a Friday news release. The release also said the “Daughters of Iraq” would facilitate “female empowerment” and a “step toward a properly functioning democratic society.”
Through A Heat Stroke Darkly -- [Iraq: The Purgatorium - in Iraq]
The boys all strap on their fancy high tech super soldier gear, oppressive body armor and an assortment of pads and doohickeys, and plop down on the benches in the Stryker. Prepare your nightvision. Click. Good to go.
The truck transports us to another nowhere neighborhood in a nowhere town of a nowhere country that makes big news and the ramp drops, and all of it is very familiar. Very.
Boots hit the dirt and good God is it hot tonight. Flip the NODs (nightvision) down over the eye and dart your focus in all directions, scanning through a green lens in search of that evil bastard that probably isn't out there.
...Boots hit the dirt and good God is it hot tonight. Flip the NODs (nightvision) down over the eye and dart your focus in all directions, scanning through a green lens in search of that evil bastard that probably isn't out there.
The men in black vanish and Basra comes to life -- [Times Online]
The first Western journalist to enter the city since Operation Charge of the Knights was launched a month ago
Reconstruction In Basra
Rebuilding in Basra, while Sadr takes his city back to the 7th Century.
The Battle For Basra -- [Greyhawk]
A look back at media coverage of the British capture of Basra in the spring of 2003. This post is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional expansion will occur as time permits.
The day before the invasion, the British role was explained in general terms:
At that point in time, few would risk stating anything for the record other than the obvious regarding the pending assault
A Dissertation on Getting It Right -- [Castle Argghhh! - CW4BillT - in Iraq]
"I thought you might like to know that there was one part of the Basra op that was planned *right* and went according to plan from Day One all the way through. I'll let Ali tell it -- it was his story, after all.
"So, on the first day, we knew the troops will be needing the ammunition, the food, the medicine for casualties. The C-130 [an IqAF Herky, BTW] lands and offloads the ammunition first. We put the ammunition into the Huey IIs and fly resupply. The Bad Guys shoot to drive us off, but we shoot back and continue into the area to land because the troops, our troops, need ammunition."
Mahdi Army Fades Away -- [Strategy Page]
April 28 , 2008: After a month of fighting, the Mahdi Army has disappeared from the streets of Basra, the largest city in the south. The army and police are everywhere, and people are providing information on where Mahdi Army personnel are hiding out, and the locations of their weapons caches.
Evansville veterans have unique approaches to the deployment -- [IN Iraq - in Iraq]
...Sergeant James Eckerty, 41, of Evansville walked Iraqi roadways looking for IEDs and cleared houses in Kasul, Iraq in 2003, now he’s serving in the operations unit for the 1/151 convoy security mission.
“I’m one of the crazy ones,” Eckerty said. “I got out and came back in. I missed the thought of them going with out me.”
Sergeant Josh Auxier, 27, of Evansville, who was in the Kasul with Eckerty and also deployed to Bosnia said, “Back then we had no classes on IEDs. Now that’s over 90 percent of our training.”
Women in Action -- [Lt Nixon - in Iraq]
No all you male pervs! Don't let the title of the post fool you. This is about female soldiers in Iraq in the Lioness program. Traditional Muslim culture prevents male soldiers from searching women, so it has been necessary to have all-female units deal with these situations. There's a documentary coming out about it, which the Fayetteville Observer has an extensive article well worth the read. One thing I've been flabbergasted with is the prominent feminist movement giving women serving our country very little attention.
Clashes ongoing in Sadr City -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
Seven Mahdi fighters killed in airstrikes. Mahdi Army attacks a police patrol and mortars the International Zone. Iraqi general links weapons back to Iran.
Fighting Continues Between Sadr Followers And Iraqi Forces.
Clashes between Sadr followers and Iraqi forces continues in north of Basra
Iraq News (28 April) -- [Lt Nixon - in Iraq]
The Good: U.S. forces are seriously pushing utilities, services, and humanitarian aid in Sadr City in an effort to wrest the district of Baghdad from militia control. This coincides with the offensive to take out militia thugs, 38 of whom were killed in fierce fighting yesterday amidst a Hades-like sandstorm that resulted in steel rain on the Green Zone. Vice President Hashimi and Prime Minister Maliki are finalizing political arrangements for the Iraqi Accordance Front's return to the Iraqi cabinet. Three members of the dangerous insurgent group, Ansar al-Sunnah, have been detained in Western Mosul by Iraqi Security Forces.
Iraqi Army Takes Control of Sa’id Abdullah Corridor -- [MNF-I]
FOB MAHMUDIYAH — In an effort to deal a blow to al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) west of Mahmudiyah, the 2nd battalion, 25th brigade, 6th Iraqi Army (IA) Division established permanent battle positions in the Sa’id Abdullah Corridor
...“I wouldn’t have expected to be setting up out here,” said 2nd Lt. Mohammed Shakur, 2/25/6 IA Div. “I find it amazing how much safer this area has become, and only in a few weeks time.”
Britons kidnapped in Iraq are ‘held by Iran’ -- [Times Online]
Five British hostages who were kidnapped in Iraq almost a year ago are being held inside Iran by Revolutionary Guards, according to two separate sources in the Middle East and London.
The hostages were handed over to the Revolutionary Guards by their Iraqi kidnappers last November, the sources believe. One of the sources said they were being held in the western Iranian city of Hamadan.
If confirmed, the involvement of Revolutionary Guards would be seen as evidence that senior figures in the Iranian government had backed the decision to hold them in the country.
MNF-I Commander visits Island Warriors, tours battlefield -- [Fearless 1st Marines’ blog - in Iraq]
KARMA, Iraq (April 23, 2008) – Gen. David H. Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, visited Marines and Iraqi Police at the police headquarters here, April, 23, to survey progress in the area.
Petraeus met with Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, that conduct operations out of the IP station and presented them each with a coin.
Basra Iraqi Army School Supply (Mature) Leaked: 15 hours ago
Supplies being handed out to Iraqi school kids by the Iraqi army. Scenes include the unloading of supplies, the handing out of supplies to the children and interview.
Uday's House -- [Sarah Hostetler - MNF-I DCSINT C2SUPT - in Iraq]
Uday was one of Saddam's sons. We bombed his house out. TODAY I got a
tour!
VIDEO: British EOD teams help destroy weapons found in Basra surge -- [Ministry of Defence]
British bomb disposal teams have been helping their Iraqi counterparts destroy hundreds of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other munitions recovered from Basra City during the recent Iraqi led surge into the city.
The amount of weaponry and munitions captured is a measure of the success of Operation Charge of the Knights, and with so much being recovered the Iraqi Security Forces' asked the Coalition Forces to assist them in its disposal.
Managing Deployment Stress -- [Sergeant Grumpy - in Iraq]
I meant to write about this topic for some time, but always had something better to write, or was not feeling like writing anything. Before I get into this, I want to share some of the things that can cause deployment stress, just to give ya'll an idea. Grumpy may or may not have experienced any of these.
COMBAT COMICS, help survive a deployment... -- [THE CI-ROLLER DUDE ]
From the Soldier side: SGT Grumpy (at: http://sgtgrumpy.blogspot.com/) was talking about his tips to survive a deployment. He's asking for good practical jokes that can be used. I have a few simple rules about particle jokes in combat zones:
1.) You don't want any good guys to be injured or killed (no explosive devices!)
2.) You don't want to get an Article 15 or some other punishment
3.) You shouldn't play one on someone of lower rank unless they really deserve it
4.) You want to involve as many people as possible in the "Delivery" for more enjoyment
5.) You have to survive to be able to tell about it, so if someone bigger than you kicks your ass, you failed.
Hundreds of Looted Artifacts Returned to Iraq Museum -- [Fox News]
BAGHDAD — Iraq's National Museum recovered on Sunday 701 artifacts stolen in the wake of Saddam Hussein's ouster, raising hopes of restoring the nation's rich cultural heritage after five years of war.
Syrian authorities, who seized the looted treasures smuggled across the border, turned them over to the Iraqis, who carefully packed them in 17 boxes and flew them back to Baghdad on Saturday
The Big Dog -- [From the Halls to the Shores - in Iraq]
Toby Keith played Baghdad tonight and your truly was there. This finally puts me even with the Wif, who saw him in 2006 in San Diego without me. Now if we could only see a show together!
TF Saber and COIN in Afghanistan: “Where the road stops is where the insurgency starts.” -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
More top-notch reporting and photography from Drew Brown of S&S about operations of the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment in Nuristan Province. Operation Mountain Highway II is Task Force Saber’s largest operation to date.
U.S., Afghan troops retake key bridge
NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — U.S. and Afghan troops have secured a key bridge in volatile northeastern Afghanistan, a move U.S. military officers say will allow Afghan border police to return to the area and help quell the insurgency there.
Taliban Confirms 3 Of Its Fighters Killed By Afghan Forces In Attack On Karzai.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has escaped unharmed after militants attacked a military parade with rockets and gunfire, killing three people, including an MP, and wounding a dozen others.
Al-Qaeda and Taliban totally pwned -- [Michelle Malkin]
Fascinating story in the Asia Times about Al-Qaeda’s and the Taliban’s successes and failures in Afghanistan. They were having a great deal of success raiding NATO’s supply lines in the Khyber area. They’d even managed to secure the loyalty of the local sheikh, Namdar, who was providing them with cover and safe houses. They knew they had to be careful, but Namdar was a Salafist Muslim, just like Al-Qaeda:
A propaganda coup for the Taliban: Analysis -- [Telegraph]
In a war where perceptions are crucial, the attack in Kabul was a huge propaganda coup for the Taliban.
Hamid Karzai survives assassination attempt
They claim six of their fighters breached the security of the most high profile military parade in the Afghan calendar, and were able to put machine gun rounds within a few yards of the Afghan president.
In doing so they captured headlines and demonstrated to the Afghan people and the wider world that the country's government and its Western backers are incapable of securing even the capital city.
Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the Taliban attack in Kabul -- [ISAF]
27 Apr. - On behalf of NATO, I condemn in the strongest terms the Taliban attack in Kabul this morning. The Taliban has demonstrated once again that they will use the most extreme violence to oppose Afghanistan's freedom and democratic development.
Paved Roads part II -- [The Satirist at War - in Afghanistan]
When my Commander told me I’d have an opportunity to do a bit of traveling with a Platoon, I was very enthusiastic. Going on patrols, no matter how limited (and the patrols I lead are very limited, owing to local circumstances I’m not at liberty to disclose due to OPSEC), is great fun, and helps move the time along nicely.
...The first leg landed us a bit to the North, in one of the largest FOBs in Afghanistan, and which I’ve made mention of in previous posts. The 1SG of the Company I was previously a part of (before I moved to the “Band of Brothers” Company) took us to this FOB in November, and assured us that it was connected to other areas of Afghanistan via a developed network of paved roads—these assurances, sadly, were all for naught at the time. When our patrol arrived there recently, I was surprised to see that since November they’d laid a good 10km (at least) of paved roads. Driving those ten short kilometers was a short but surreal experience (locals would still pull off to the side of the two-lane road and stop while our convoy passed… but instead of dirt roads, we were on paved roads,
Road march in Afghanistan -- [baltimoresun.com - Military Watch - journalist embed in Iraq]
A journalist goes on a mission carrying 18 bottles of water and four MREs, stripped of cardboard and packaging. Poncho liner. Laptop and satellite transmitter, nestled in hard foam panels. Spare note books and pens, one T-shirt, three pairs of socks, razor, toothbrush, malaria pills. Satellite phone.
All that goes in the pack. Sleeping pad lashed to the outside. Flak vest with attachments: two first-aid pouches, one on each side, with two tourniquets, gauze, QuikClot, compression bandage, burn dressing. Far left side pouch for camera, spare batteries; right side for gloves, headlamp. Full Camelbak strapped to back of flak. Pens clipped to chest beside infrared blinker. Notebook in side pocket in plastic bag to keep dry. Kevlar helmet with mounted night vision device. Shaded and clear goggles. On shins, thick knee pads to be yanked up for kneeling.
...My inspiration to keep going is a Marine named Jesse Bosnak (right). A 20-year-old, 5-foot-6 Alpha Company radio operator from Lancaster, Calif., Cpl. Bosnak carries a 115-pound pack. His own weight: 110 pounds. Add on his flak vest, Kevlar, ammo, etc., and he’s carrying 145 easy (not eas-ily).
Afghanistan - "Tribal Trickery" (April 2008)
"Coalition troops have set up outposts in Afghanistan's least accessible regions, taking the battle for hearts and minds right to the Taliban's doorstep. But with deployments both short and rare are they doing any good?" journeymanpictures
Karzai wants US to stop arresting Taliban suspects: report -- [AFP]
WASHINGTON (AFP) — Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged US forces Saturday to stop arresting suspected Taliban and their sympathizers, arguing that these arrests and past mistreatment were discouraging Taliban from laying down their arms.
The New York Times said the Afghan president, in an interview, also criticized the allied conduct of the war and demanded that his government be given the lead in policy decisions.
Karzai said the real terrorist threat lay in sanctuaries of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Pakistan. He argued that civilian casualties needed to end completely.
The Taliban......If your not with em your gonna pay.
Talibans methods on the people of Afghanistan. Destroy your house, belongings and most likely take your life if you aren't on their side.
A dozen insurgents killed, dozen more wounded in failed Kunar attack -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101 - in Afghanistan]
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (April 28. 2008) – A dozen insurgents were killed and a dozen more were wounded during a failed attack, Sunday, on Afghan National Army and U.S. bases in Kunar province’s Korengal Valley. An estimated 30 to 40 insurgents attacked five bases in the Korengal valley with small-arms fire, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and indirect fire.
ANSF, CF disrupt suicide bomb, IED cell in Bati Kowt -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101 - in Afghanistan]
ALALABAD, Afghanistan (April 28, 2008) – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, conducted an operation in Bati Kowt District, Nangarhar province, April 27.
The target of the operation was a known suicide bomb and IED facilitator.
The combined force came under machine-gun fire as they cleared the objective, and was able to eliminate the threat. Two insurgents were killed during the operation and four others were detained.
One ANSF member was killed during the operation.
Coalition forces reported no casualties as a result of this operation.
Taliban Hillside IED house taken out, 2. a few camera angles
Various angles of a planned take down of hillside Taliban IED bomb and IED making house.
ISAF train Afghan Police in Logar Province -- [ISAF]
28 Apr. - A new group of Afghan National Police soldiers start basic training at Forward Operations Base Shank in Logar province. The training is given jointly by ISAF and Afghan instructors.
Seoul Invaded by “The Ugly Chinese” -- [OneFreeKorea]
The most disastrous Olympic torch run in history has ended with a new low:
On Sunday, clashes broke out in Seoul near the relay start between a group of 500 Chinese supporters and about 50 demonstrators criticizing Beijing’s policies, carrying a banner reading, “Free North Korean refugees in China.” The students threw stones and water bottles as some 2,500 police tried to keep the two sides apart. [AP]
And so we add another excellent reason, if any more were needed to avoid Beijing 2008: your safety. Our State Department is both powerless and unprepared to protect the safety of Americans in Beijing, but hey, at least you’re still safe in your own damn country. That’s more than they can say in Seoul today, where the Chinese government went to its population of visiting students in South Korea and recruited a highly disciplined force of ambassadors to show you that the transcendental brotherhood that is The Olympic Spirit must never, ever be contaminated by politics
Videos of Chinese Protesters” Violence in Seoul -- [GI Korea]
I just got home from work and had a chance to look at all the videos of the violence that took place on the streets of Seoul as the Olympic torch passed through the city. The first videos I watched were the ones linked to on the Marmot’s Hole that were on the Chosun Ilbo website that were quite shocking. I then went on to YouTube and searched for some more videos there. I posted the ones I found below:
Chinese demonstrators severely bash a Free Tibet protester in the lobby of the high end Plaza Hotel in downtown Seoul:
Women's Rights: Kuwaiti women hope to enter parliament despite obstacles -- [Live Leak]
Kuwaiti women show optimism of winning seats in legislative elections next month.
KUWAIT CITY - Kuwaiti women are optimistic of winning seats next month when they contest legislative elections for only the second time, but analysts believe their chances are slim for lack of political support.
None of 27 female candidates who contested the previous general elections in June 2006 was successful, but a number did make an unexpectedly strong showing despite having little time to prepare for the polls.
"I am really very optimistic about the chances of women winning seats in this election as political awareness has increased," Salwa al-Jassar said after registering to contest the May 17 elections for the 50-seat parliament.
"My optimism is based on facts, not illusions," said the activist who heads the Centre for Enabling Women and who is standing for the first time.
U.S. Weighing Readiness for Military Action Against Iran -- [WaPo]
The nation's top military officer said yesterday that the Pentagon is planning for "potential military courses of action" as one of several options against Iran, criticizing what he called the Tehran government's "increasingly lethal and malign influence" in Iraq.
Iran demands Russian nuclear shipment -- [AP]
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran demanded Sunday that Azerbaijan deliver a Russian shipment of nuclear equipment blocked at its border with Iran for the past three weeks.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said in his weekly briefing that his country has asked the Azerbaijani ambassador in Iran to get his government "to deliver the shipment as soon as possible."
Iran Friday Sermon: Hillary's Comment – "Psychological Attack" -- [MEMRI Blog]
In his Friday sermon, Tehran Interim Friday Prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani responded to U.S. senator and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton's recent comment on eliminating Iran from the world map if she is elected.
U.S., Allies See Progress in Selling Al-Qaeda As an Enemy to the Muslim World -- [WaPo]
The top White House terrorism expert thinks some gains are being made in the worldwide public relations battle against al-Qaeda, as the administration and its overseas allies press efforts to show that Osama bin Laden's network is killing Muslim civilians rather than defending its interests.
"More and more Muslim and Arab populations -- [including] clerics and scholars -- are questioning the value of al-Qaeda's program," Juan Carlos Zarate, deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for combating terrorism, said Wednesday at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Discussing War and Decision With Douglas Feith (Audio) -- [Gateway Pundit]
I had the privilege this weekend to talk with Former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith who served the Bush Administration from July 2001 until he resigned from his position effective August 8, 2005.
Douglas recently completed:
War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism
It is being described as the best account to date of how the Bush Administration debated, decided, organized and executed its military responses to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. And, it is said to be the most balanced, detailed, and lucid account of this story that’s come out yet.
Britain's first Jihadi 'Lone Wolf' bomber? -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Big time terrorism plots are always big news whereas more subtle and interesting trends are often recorded as footnotes. One such footnote occurred over Christmas 2007 in the British city of Birmingham. A 38-year-old man, Hassan Muhammed Sabri Al Tabbakh of Syrian origin was arrested by local police on terrorism charges. He is accused of stockpiling chemicals and information on how to construct a bomb. He appears to have acted alone and this continues to be a conspiracy of one. Further, details may be forthcoming during the trial (now scheduled for May 16 at Birmingham Crown Court) but this little noted case has a number of features, which are -- noteworthy.
Early Season Log Rolling -- [Lumberjack in a Desert - injured in Iraq]
Yes, there is ice on the lake. Yes, it is snowing out. No, I do not care. Dust off your spikes, it's log rolling season.
Walter Reed Medical Team Honored in Staff Appreciation Day -- [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2008 - Walter Reed Army Medical Center today honored its 4,000-person team during Staff Appreciation Day, citing efforts to improve wounded warrior care.
“Over the past year, we’ve looked very carefully and honestly at every aspect of health care delivery. And where we found room for improvement, the staff moved out, busted through any bureaucratic challenges, and set a new standard for care, for compassion and for healing,” Army Col. Patricia Horoho, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, told the crowd.
"Warriors...in their own words" -- [View from the 8th Floor]
I hadn't seen anything about this yet.
The trailer for the documentary is powerful. Go have a look **HERE**.
Why did they make it? From their website:
"Help build our project to change the way America sees our Warriors - not as victims, but as intelligent, honorable, and brave people they are, standing in the way of the free worlds demise. Help us help our wounded warriors."
...P.P.S Wouldn't you like to be an Angel to a warrior like this?
Louisiana Needs You -- [Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana - Greta]
Looking for 2 Louisiana groups to host care package drives. One drive to send to a Louisiana National guard unit and one for Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home
Pentagon suspends program for military 'media analysts' -- [AFP]
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Pentagon has suspended a public affairs program that has come under fire for using retired military "media analysts" as surrogates to get out its messages on the Iraq war, a spokesman confirmed Monday.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the program was undergoing an internal review following criticism that the retired officers offered Pentagon talking points as their own during the run-up to the Iraq invasion and thereafter.
"It's temporarily suspended so we can take at look at some of the concerns," said Whitman
DoD Announces New Relocation Tool for Families -- [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 – It’s almost peak moving season again for military families, and Defense Department leaders want families to know new resources are available to help.
“Plan My Move,” soft-launched in late summer, is the next generation of DoD’s MilitaryHomefront tools to provide an integrated “e-moving” solution, officials said.
Moving to a new community can be a stressful event for all service and family members,” Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, said. “This tool helps to ease that burden. It will put our servicemembers and their families in direct contact with those who can help every step of the way, from their current home and community to the new one.”
Carrier: Life Aboard the USS Nimitz -- [ HT: OPFOR ]
Navy Re-Establishes U.S. Fourth Fleet -- [Defense Link]
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the re-establishment of the U.S. Fourth Fleet and assigned Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, currently serving as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, as its new commander. Fourth Fleet will be responsible for U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and submarines operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
“Re-establishing the Fourth Fleet recognizes the immense importance of maritime security in the southern part of the Western Hemisphere, and signals our support and interest in the civil and military maritime services in Central and South America,” said Roughead. “Our maritime strategy raises the importance of working with international partners as the basis for global maritime security. This change increases our emphasis in the region on employing naval forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. “
McGinnis to receive Medal of Honor -- [Army Times]
Spc. Ross McGinnis, who was killed Dec. 4, 2006, in Iraq when he smothered a grenade with his body, will receive the Medal of Honor, sources told Army Times.
McGinnis, 19, is the second soldier to receive the nation’s highest valor award for actions while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was killed April 4, 2003, fighting off insurgents in a fierce firefight south of Baghdad, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor two years after he died.
Thousands Honor Matt Maupin -- [BlackFive - Laughing_Wolf ]
Soldier's Mom wrote me this weekend about the funeral of SSG Matt Maupin, letting me know that more than 4,000 people filled the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for his funeral. He is home, he is honored, and his family knows that people truly care about him and -- most of all -- about them.
WLWT has a story and video here, the Enquirer an article here (and actually notes why the missing are important)
A Father Keeps the Faith -- [GOE]
PFC Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Michigan and Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts both of the 10th Mountain Division have been listed as POW/MIA since their patrol was ambushed on 12 May, 2007. In Michigan, Byron’s stepdad has refused to accept anything but that Byron and Alex will one day come home. I have spoken to him on numerous occasions. He is a salt of the earth type. To honor and remember these men a Ride and Rally will be held 17 May, 2008. We can only keep the faith that we will, eventually, get to welcome these brave warriors home. Brothers Byron and Alex, you are not forgotten.
Back In The USA -- [Bill and Bob's Excellent Afghan Adventure - home from Afghanistan]
Coming home is an adventure all its own.
The final flight out of Afghanistan, for us, was on a C-130. The C-130, a four-engine turboprop whale, is a slow and torturous ride to go the distance from Kabul to Qatar, where we boarded a C-17 for the short hop to Kuwait, from where we embarked on a civilian charter that took us through Germany and then to New Jersey and finally Kansas. In Kansas the whirlwind of out processing started in earnest. There were briefings followed by a welcome home ceremony in a gymnasium attended by a few officers and NCO's who had been responsible for training us to go to Afghanistan and the few families who had been able to make the trip to Ft Riley
Welcome home New Orleans Marines -- [Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana - Greta]
We are glad to have you back. Let Soldiers’ Angels know if you need anything!
Obama's Connection to Terrorist Deeper than Once Thought -- [Jawa Report]
I'm not sure if all of the points made in this post by Larry Johnson hit the mark, but I did learn a few things about Barack Obama's relationship with Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers.
Obama Says Petraeus Did Good Job But Will Pull Troops Anyway -- [Gateway Pundit]
Figure this one out--
Senator Barack Obama says that General Petraeus did a good job in Iraq and that he will back Petraeus for his new command post.
Senator Barack Obama also says he will withdraw troops from Iraq immediately if he becomes president even if his generals in the field believe it is a bad idea.
Reuters reported:
Jeremiah Wright Spouts Off KKK Propaganda to Detroit NAACP & Gets Standing Ovation -- [Gateway Pundit]
AmeriKKKa Indeed...
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright spouted off KKK propaganda to his audience in Detroit last night at the Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner.
Last night at the 53rd Annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright described to his audience of 10,000 that the very structure of the brains of Africans differ from that of European-descent brains:
Rev. Wright Takes His Message Directly to the Media -- [Fox News]
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright took dead aim at the U.S. government Monday — saying American soldiers in Iraq have died “over a lie” and called the war “unjust” — as he called for reconciliation and understanding between blacks and whites.
Wright, the controversial former pastor of Barack Obama’s church, was speaking Monday to members of the national media at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. as he continues a series of nationwide appearances following an uproar over remarks he made in some of his sermons delivered from the pulpit.
Wright says criticism is attack on black church -- [The Associated Press]
Wright spoke at the National Press Club before the Washington media and a supportive audience of black church leaders beginning a two-day symposium. ...
The Wright Stuff: McCain goes after Wright -- [Hot Air - Ed Morrissey]
Send to a Friend | printer-friendly Barack Obama has a rhetorical gift that allows him to convince audiences to believe in him and in his arguments, a blend of charisma, intelligence, and argument. It certainly worked on John McCain. Shortly after Obama declared that Jeremiah Wright was a “legitimate political issue,” McCain started criticizing Wright’s equation between Roman armies in Jerusalem and US Marines in Iraq
2008 GI Film Festival - [Andi - MilBlogs]
The second annual GI Film Festival will take place in Washington, DC from May 14-18. In addition to film screenings and other fun happenings, the festival will present a series of panel discussions.
The festival has added a panel on milblogging to this year's agenda.
The nation’s military blogging community (Milblogs) prides itself on providing military news and context that you won’t often find in the mainstream media. Join some of the nation’s most popular milbloggers in a spirited discussion on how GIs and military families are portrayed in the media and on film. For more information about Milblogging, see www.milblogging.com, the world’s largest index of military blogs.
We should stop fooling ourselves. Our armed forces are no longer world class -- [THE GUARDIAN]
Max Hastings The Guardian, Monday April 28 2008
Public distaste for Blair's unpopular wars, coupled with the unfitness of our teenagers, has left Britain woefully short of soldiers
...Everybody knows that a major defence programme must be cancelled. The navy's cherished aircraft carriers? These would be the first choices of most soldiers, but because the ships mean jobs in Labour constituencies, they are almost certainly safe. Some frigates and destroyers? At least two planned escorts are likely to be axed. The army is fearful about its next-generation armoured vehicle. Several headquarters will have to go. General Sir Richard Dannatt, chief of the general staff, has failed in his attempt to persuade ministers to increase the army's numbers.
Dannatt's case is founded on the fact that his soldiers are attempting to fight one major war, in Afghanistan, with inadequate resources, while 4,000 troops are in another theatre, Iraq, to appease American sensitivities. The army also maintains a significant peacekeeping presence in the Balkans. It was announced last week that another infantry battalion is to be sent to Kosovo.
US making PR gains in Muslim world — but apparently not in US media -- [Hot Air - Ed Morrissey]
Would progress in public opinion against al-Qaeda in Muslim nations constitute important news? One might think so, considering the lengthy and difficult war we fight against the radical Islamist terrorists of the AQ network, especially in recruitment. The Washington Post took four days to report this progress, however, and stuck it on page A13, where Walter Pincus briefs us on some real progress
Former NBC Analyst Confirms He Quit Due to Network's Move to the Left -- [NewsBusters]
Last February, NewsBusters reported the resignation of retired Col. Ken Allard from NBC News as a result of the military analyst's view the network was undergoing a "precipitous retreat from journalistic and ethical standards."
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
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.
Iraqi forces see victory in Basra -- [Times Online]
Iraqi soldiers are standing proud in Basra one month after launching a surprise offensive to wipe out murderous gangs of Shia militants that had been allowed to flourish under Britain’s watch.
Many of them say the operation has boosted their confidence, but the militiamen warn that the only reason the fledgling Iraqi army had any success was because they continue to observe a ceasefire order by the radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
The men in black vanish and Basra comes to life -- [Times Online]
Young women are daring to wear jeans, soldiers listen to pop music on their mobile phones and bands are performing at wedding parties again.
All across Iraq’s second city life is improving, a month after Iraqi troops began a surprise crackdown on the black-clad gangs who were allowed to flourish under the British military. The gunmen’s reign had enforced a strict set of religious codes.
Report: New U.S. Military Discovery Shows Iran Still Sending Arms to Iraq-- [FOX News]
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military says it has found caches of newly made Iranian weapons in Iraq, leading senior officials to conclude Tehran is continuing to funnel armaments into Iraq despite its pledges to the contrary, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
Officials in Washington and Baghdad said the purported Iranian mortars, rockets and explosives had date stamps indicating they were manufactured in the past two months. The U.S. plans to publicize the weapons caches in coming days.
Iraq News (25 April) -- [LT Nixon - in Iraq]
The Good: More excellent embedded reporting from Michael R. Gordon of the NY Times. This one's about our military providing medical aid to residents of the southern portion of Sadr City. On the political front, the Iraqi Accordance Front (Sunni bloc) will return their ministers to the government, since they see the Prime Minister being tough on Shia militias and not just out to marginalize Sunnis. The reconstruction of the Al-Askari mosque in Samarra is helping with reconciliation. This was the mosque bombed by terrorists in February 2006 that caused a disastrous increase in ethnic reprisal killings throughout Iraq. Oh yeah, for our Aussie allies and drinking buddies, it's Anzac Day.
Someone You Should Know - Staff Sergeant Carletta Davis, Combat Medic. -- [Castle Argghhh! - CW4BillT - in Iraq]
Davis was worried about returning to Iraq and made sure to spend more time with her family, including her husband and three sons before her most recent deployment.
“I think she was concerned particularly for her children,” [her mother] said. “She knew the danger of going back a third time.”
Yet she went. She died in Tal Al-Dahab, a few miles from here, on 5 November, 2007, along with four other soldiers when an IED detonated near their Humvee. They were enroute to set up a combat aid station.
Coaltion Forces Aim to Boost Fish-farming Industry in Mahmudiyah -- [MNF-I]
A Task Force Marne initiative to revitalize Iraq’s fish farms is in full swing in the Rakkasans’ area of operations.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began a comprehensive assessment in February of hundreds of fish farms throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada.
“Fish farming was one of the top three agricultural businesses in Iraq,” said Maj. Robert Bertrand, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), civil military operations officer. “Right now the farming has diminished significantly due to the war, but as capacity building is increasing, fish farming is becoming more and more important.”
Moment of Truth in Iraq’ author Michael Yon -- [9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America]
Syndicated talk radio host Mark Levin interviewed former Special Forces soldier and now author Michael Yon about his book ‘Moment of Truth in Iraq: How a New ‘Greatest Generation’ of American Soldiers is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope.’ Having spent much of the past three years as a self-embedded journalist there, Michael talked about Iraq and the situation now: (Audio)
Iraq War Is Everyone Else's Fault, Feith Explains -- [WaPo]
Feith Explains — Mistakes were made. But not by him. — Doug Feith, the No. 3 man at the Pentagon before, during and after the invasion of Iraq, has come in for his share of blame for the failures there — in large part because he led the Pentagon policy shop
Sadr City – Reconciliation or bloody fight -- [OPFOR - Richard S. Lowry]
Last Tuesday evening an Apache helicopter crew noticed three criminals loading a mortar into the trunk of their car in Sadr City. After insuring there were no civilians nearby, the American soldiers fired a Hellfire missile which obliterated the front end of the vehicle. The criminals rushed to the mangled auto and grabbed the mortar, tossed it into a second vehicle and sped away.
Events like these have become commonplace as neither American nor Iraqi Security Forces have been patrolling the streets of Sadr City. Even though Muqtada al Sadr has declared a cease-fire, the Sadr City District has been a very dangerous place for Coalition forces.
Musings and Memories -- [Acute Politics]
...I never understood the guys who complained about the mess, saying that "no one here cares enough to pick up the trash" (I would have a hard time caring, too, if the trash in my neighborhood covered IEDs), and then use the trash as an excuse to toss old water bottles-turned bathroom breaks out of the trucks.
An old favorite pit stop was Saddam's Mosque, the grandest structure in Ramadi, and oddly (I thought) named for the primarily secular former leader. Every night there was an IED on the corner next to the mosque- often, the wires ran inside the wall. Every night, the Explosives Ordnance Disposal techs blew up a little more of the mosque wall. No sense, after all, in moving the bomb too far from the site in the interest of preserving architecture. Every night, piss bottles sailed over the broken wall in a barrage directed at the IED triggerman.
Major Ryan talks about Iraqi Army, Police and Coalition
the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces are working together in Eastern Baghdad!...Iraq Baghdad Iraqi Police Army Soldiers Ft Carson Talking with Heroes
To the Principles! Office -- [Kaboom - in Iraq]
There are moments in this war – albeit more sporadic than the movies of the future will show and almost always spontaneous – when we’re conducting the combat operations I envisioned us executing prior to our arrival to Iraq. Running through side streets in the midnight black to storm known insurgent safe-houses. Digging up caches of homemade RPG launchers and warheads while the local leaders stammer that they have no idea how those things got in the ground in the first place. Penetrating deep into the unknown through a hail of flying bullets, effectively ending a firefight simply because we’re the biggest dog on the block - if said big dog had a long-barreled 50-caliber machine gun mounted on top of it. Still being over here doesn't negate the ability to already recognize that these are the times that will stick to my psyche like quicksand for the succeeding ever after. I’m no adrenaline junkie, but these lethal operations make getting up in the morning worth it.
One step closer; MWSS-172 provides key step in mission-accomplishment -- [3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) - in Iraq]
...Using heavy equipment, the Marines level the area, compact the dirt and lay down a coat of “rhino snot,” a soil-stabilizing substance which hardens the ground, preventing excessive dirt and sand clouds, or “brownouts,” when aircraft land on site.
Limiting brownouts increases visibility, allowing pilots to land their aircraft safely.
“Having these Marines improve this LZ will allow us to continue to conduct operations out here and sustain a safe and smooth command post,” said Maj. Paul D. Mackenzie, the future-operations planner with Multi National Force – West. “We’re heavily dependent on the air wing for resupplies, close-air support and aerial reconnaissance missions.”
VMU-2 CO talks about their mission and transfering authority from VMU-1 [3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) - in Iraq]
Citizenship Ceremony -- [Something on the staff - in Iraq]
Two of my interpreters are now American citizens. I’ve never been to a citizenship ceremony, so I had to go.
Fatima, side-kicking interpreter, had to pass a test before she took the oath. The test shouldn’t be a challenge to any high school graduate, but I doubt most Americans can find Iraq on a map. She had some trouble understanding the Judicial branch, so I directed her to the world famous “How a Bill Becomes a Law” video, presented by YouTube. She didn’t get it. Anyway, she passed the test.
There were over 250 soldiers there to swear the citizenship oath. A big part of the oath is about ‘picking up arms’ to defend America.
Time is Shorter than You Think -- [Badgers Forward - in Iraq]
In March 2006 our Operations officer (S3) and I were sitting around the office having a conversation. Both of us were already on active duty orders, preparing to take the 321st Engineers to war. We had a daunting schedule ahead of us; an NTC rotation at Fort Irwin, work in Boise, two to three months mobilizing at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Kuwait, and then Ramadi, Iraq.
Taliban IED operations disrupted in Khowst provinc... -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101- in Afghansitan]
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – A suspected Taliban militant was detained April 22 during an Afghan National Security and Coalition forces’ joint operation to disrupt militant IED activities in the Jaberi District, Khowst province.
ANS and Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in Jaberi District targeting a Taliban militant known to have facilitated IED attacks against Afghan government and Coalition forces.
During the course of their search, ANS and Coalition forces detained a suspected militant.
Special Forces Finding Weapons Cache
Special Forces troops in Afghanistan finding a weapons cache near the Pesch Valley. Scenes include a group of U.S. service members and Afghan security forces recovering a weapons cache. Interview with a U.S. Special Operations officer.
Pesch Valley
Taliban operations disrupted in Paktya province -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101- in Afghansitan]
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Five suspected Taliban militants were detained, April 24, during an Afghan National Security and Coalition forces joint operation to disrupt Haqqani Network financing activities in Zadran District, Paktia province.
ANS and Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in Zadran District targeting a Taliban militant, suspected of both financing and facilitating attacks on Afghan government and Coalition forces.
During the course of their search, five suspected militants were detained and several weapons were discovered on the compounds and removed or destroyed.
New Terror Tactics For a New Year -- [Strategy Page]
April 25, 2008: This year's Taliban "Spring Offensive" has gotten off to a slow start. This is largely because Taliban recruiting efforts have not produced as many recruits as last year. Most Pushtun tribesmen many be illiterate, but they can count. And over the Winter they counted far fewer of their friends who had joined the Taliban last year. The smart bombs and UAVs, plus better trained Afghan troops, has made it very difficult for groups of armed Taliban to survive.
Freedom Watch Afghanistan
Road-Building in Afghanistan -- [SWJ- Dave Kilcullen]
Part 1 of a Series on Political Maneuver in Counterinsurgency
...A few weeks ago I was out on the ground with coalition and Afghan units in Eastern and Southern Afghanistan, and spent a short time with a Provincial Reconstruction Team and its associated Brigade Combat Team in the Kunar River Valley.
I last worked this area in summer and fall of 2006, supporting General Karl Eikenberry, then commanding Combined Forces Command Afghanistan. He was about to wind up his headquarters and hand over to the NATO International Security Assistance Force; at his invitation I took a small inter-agency field team into Afghanistan to study and record U.S. counterinsurgency techniques. Incidentally, this produced a body of knowledge on best-practice counterinsurgency which informed our efforts to execute the “surge” strategy in Iraq a few months later, so that some of the techniques we ended up applying in Iraq were first developed in Afghanistan.
ANZAC Day 2008 -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Half mast ... the Australia flag in Sydney's Darling Harbour flies at half mast as a mark of respect to the nation's fallen. Picture: Charlie Brewer
Lest we forget ... Hobart's Cenotaph was the venue for many to remember the contribution of Australias servicemen and women. Picture: Kim Eiszele
S. Cargo Ship Fires on Iranians -- [Jawa report]
Breaking from Reuters:A cargo ship contracted by the US Military Sealift Command has fired at least one shot toward an Iranian boat, a US defense official said on Friday. "It was an MSC vessel," the official said, confirming the ship...
Wallet stolen from 18-year-old ROTC cadet having a seizure and convulsions -- [Live Leak]
Dallas police arrested yesterday a man accused of mugging a teenage ROTC cadet who had collapsed in a seizure outside the downtown Greyhound bus station.
...The security video shows the victim standing outside minding his own business when a homeless man strikes up a conversation and the cadet digs deep in his pockets for some spare change to help the man out.
But when the cadet collapsed a few minutes later the man who rushed to the cadet's side was only interested in helping himself.
The video shows the 18-year-old ROTC cadet, who was on his way home to Mississippi, flailing on the ground from a seizure as a man digs into his pocket to steal his wallet.
"He sees an individual that can't fight back. Can't call for help. Can't flee," said Dallas Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse. "This guy's down on the ground having a seizure and he knows he's got an easy target."
Photographs of the Syrian Nuclear Reactor Released -- [ROK Drop]
More and more information briefed to Congress in regards to the Syrian-North Korean nuclear connection is making its way into the media to include many of the photographs to include one of the nuclear reactor itself: (PICS)
It is nice to see what the nuclear facility looks like from ground level instead of from all the satellite imagery:
...It is pretty clear from this picture that this facility is much more then just the box like shape that it appeared to be in the satellite imagery. The new information also has answered one of the questions I have been thinking about, which is whether the reactor was about to be operational or not:
US accuses Syria of building weapons reactor
The Last of America’s Army in Vietnam -- [PJM - Richard Fernandez]
..After the abandonment of South Vietnam, about two million Vietnamese fled the country, half a million of whom eventually found their way to America. Two million Cambodians died from the “re-education” efforts of the communist Khmer Rouge. But while these catastrophes are well known, the genocide in Cambodia even having been made into a Hollywood movie, the tragedy that befell the Hmong was forgotten with the 1960s. Unlike Tony Poe, who believed in keeping faith with peoples who joined America’s cause, the Hmong who stayed behind were forgotten by their “friends”; but they were remembered by their enemies. In the years following the Vietnam War, the Hmong were “hunted like animals.” And they still may be. The Center for Public Policy analysis reported that the Laotian and Vietnamese governments have begun a campaign to wipe out the last holdouts against their regimes.
The War on Terror Is Not a Crime -- [WSJ - DAVID B. RIVKIN JR. and LEE A. CASEY]
...Many positions taken by these attorneys, laying the fundamental legal architecture of the war on terror, outrage international activists and legal specialists. Nevertheless, in a series of cases beginning with Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (2004), the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld many of their key positions: that the country is engaged in an armed conflict; that captured enemy combatants can be detained without criminal trial during these hostilities; and that (when the time comes) they may be punished through the military, rather than the civilian, justice system.
Who is America Fighting - Jihadists or Extremists? -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Jeffrey Imm]
Now we officially know the answer - the U.S. Government states that America is definitely not fighting "jihadists", based on new guidelines directing federal agencies not to even use the term "jihadist". So who is America fighting? Defense Secretary Robert Gates tells us: "the enemy is extremism".
White House to Lighthouse Challenge - April 23-27, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis, Maryland SOLDIER RIDE returns TO THE white house!
On Thursday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m., President George W. Bush will welcome a group of wounded warriors to the White House as they kick off Wounded Warrior Project’s second annual “Soldier Ride: White House to Light House Challenge”.
-On Thursday, April 24th, Soldier Ride will start at the White House, stop at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and continue to Baltimore. This day of riding is by invitation only.
-On Friday, the ride will begin with a "support the troops" rally at Baltimore Maryland's Inner Harbor Harborplace Ampitheater at 10 am and proceed to Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The kickoff event will honor the wounded veterans and the recently redeployed 58th Infantry Brigade of the Maryland Army National Guard.
SoldierRide/Wounded Warrior Project
Kinard, other Wounded Warriors show drive in bicycle benefit -- [GoUpstate.com]
WASHINGTON - Eighteen months after a roadside bomb in Iraq left Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard of Spartanburg a double amputee, he embarked on a journey Thursday that would challenge many with both legs.
...Bush describe the event as "one of the most inspiring athletic events in our nation's history" during his brief remarks on the South Lawnbefore the ride.
"The three-day bike ride that you're starting today at the White House says a lot," Bush said. "It says that you're showing that even when you are wounded, you're not done fighting."
...Bush's statements centered largely on Marine Cpl. Chad Watson, who lost his right leg after the vehicle he was in was hit by a bomb. Watson is cycling with a prosthetic leg.
"The technology you are witnessing today is helping our troops regain their lives, and it's state of the art," Bush said. Thursday marked Kinard's fifth meeting with the president.
President Bush Welcomes Members of Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride to White House -- [Whitehouse.gov]
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. Doocy, thanks for the introduction. This has got to be one of the most inspiring athletic events in our nation's history. At least it is for me, and I hope it is for you.
I was going to ride with the guys today, but Laura told me I probably wouldn't be able to keep up. (Laughter.) There is no doubt in my mind the people behind me are some of the most bravest people in our country's history. I admire their courage; I admire their determination. (Applause.) We're honored to have you here.
...One of the riders today is Marine Corporal Chad Watson. I've gotten to know Chad. I met him when I was at Walter Reed three weeks after his Humvee was hit with an IED on patrol in Fallujah. He lost his right leg, he shattered his left ankle and foot, he took shrapnel to his face. And when I went into his room, he wanted to stand at attention and shake hands with the Commander-in-Chief, as well as salute.
He got up to his walker. His daddy helped him and so did his brother. He held himself upright with his arm strength while a fellow Marine read his accommodation, and I had the honor of giving him the Purple Heart.
I told him to sit down. He didn't want to. He was a Marine. (Applause.) And now he's here. He's got a new leg, and thanks to that leg, Chad will be able to start on even a greater journey than the one he begins today -- this summer he's going to walk down the aisle to get married to his beautiful bride. (Applause.) We're glad you're here.
What the heck are we fighting for? -- [MilBlogs - Badger 6]
Since at least the pin-up era of World War II, service members have somewhat half-jest referenced those pretty girls as what we were fighting for. Now maybe we were not really fighting for Betty Grable, Raquel Welch, or Jessica Simpson specifically, but surely we were fighting for the right to express ourselves by adorning our barracks, lockers, and personal space with pictures of pretty women. And in this day and age, sometimes those women have no clothes on.
That is why this story is so outrageous.
Plainfield soldier stuck in Iraq as airline bringing troops home goes bankrupt -- [Times Argus]
PLAINFIELD – Waneta Mayhew has waited 12 long months for her son to come home from Iraq. She found out Tuesday she'll have to wait a little longer.
Mayhew's son is one of at least two Vermont soldiers stranded in Baghdad due a transportation snafu that has delayed the return of hundreds of American servicemen.
ATA Airlines, the private company contracted by the Department of Defense to ferry servicemen from Iraq to the United States, went bankrupt earlier this month, leaving soldiers in the lurch after their tours had expired.
..."I'm pissed," Mayhew said from her Plainfield home Wednesday. "He's done his year. Bring him home."
Mayhew's son, Spc. Clinton Holt, deployed to Iraq last May. He was the subject of statewide media interest last month when Congressman Peter Welch credited him as the driver behind a new Vermont law that sets aside five moose hunting permits for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mayhew, who lost two brothers in the Korean War, said she has worried long enough.
"I know it's only a couple weeks. But tragic things happens in the last few days of a tour," Mayhew said. "Don't we have some army planes? Why do we have to depend on commercial airlines to get our men to and from Iraq?"
Community Puts Out Welcome Mat for Maupin -- [WKRC-TV Cincinnati]
As the Tri-State prepares for to say a final goodbye to Matt Maupin this weekend, an army of volunteers is cranking into high gear. Many of them are members of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Eastgate. Men, women, even children, all dedicated to doing their part to support our community, the Maupin family, and our troops.
Local 12's Rich Jaffe visits Eastgate with a look at a few of our dedicated neighbors.
The path from Lunken Airport, where the memorial procession will begin, all the way to the Union Township Civic Center, where the visitation will take place Saturday, is lined with yellow ribbons. These, the signs along the way, and much more have all been done by people who felt a need to do something. Julie Holcomb's dad was in the Army. So was her grandfather. Up until the wee small hours of the morning making yellow ribbons, today... she was out tying them on the guardrail along State Route 32.
Raging Bush-Basher Pummels Disabled Girl in Wheelchair! -- [Gateway Pundit]
"He began yelling about Iraq and Iran at Jenna Bush. She was waving at the crowd. I told the guy, 'What are you doing? Shut up. This is about a child and books,' " said John Lovetro. "He was unperturbed. I said, 'Get out of here! You're being a moron!' "
The next thing he knew, Talis was allegedly punching Maureen - a fan of the first lady since meeting her in 2004.
"I heard my daughter hysterical yelling, 'He's hitting me!' " said Wendy Lovetro.
"He punched her on the shoulder blades, but that wasn't enough," she said.
"My husband pushed the wheelchair away from him and he reached beyond my husband and began pounding my daughter in the thigh."
German Talis is reportedly a member of "We Are Change" a Truther organization.
Rev. Wright Steps In It Again -- [Flopping Aces]
The mentor of Obama who said the following:
Now says that it was unfair to air his statements...
This doesn’t shock me in the least. I never thought the man would back away from his statements because he IS a racist fanatic. What is surprising, and very welcome is this statement from him:
BILL MOYERS JOURNAL | Rev. Jeremiah Wright | PBS | Clip #3
Bill Moyers interviews the Reverend Jeremiah Wright in his first broadcast interview with a journalist since he became embroiled in a controversy for his remarks and his relationship with Barack Obama. Wright, who retired in early 2008 as pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Senator Obama is a member, has been at the center of controversy for comments he made during sermons, which surfaced in the press in March.
Has the Press Failed in Iraq: War Torture and Accountability
A conversation with Robert Silvers, co-editor, New York Review of Books; Michael Massing, contributing editor of Columbia Journalism review, writer and author of "Now They Tell Us," and UC Berkeley...
Abu Ghraib gone to Hollywood
A new movie gives the stories behind the shocking pictures from the Abu Ghraib scandal.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
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.
Return of a Season -- [False Motivation - in Iraq]
...The security situation in Baqouba has changed drastically since I arrived. My first time on the streets of Baqouba was met with fearful residents who refused to speak or be loosely associated with Americans, a Muqtar (a neighborhood leader) had been murdered for working with Americans to better the lives of his neighbors, and House Born IEDs (HBIEDS) were a normal thing.
...Now if you walk the streets of my platoon’s area, people will wave and greet you in the street, children run and try and shake your hands, Muqtars greet us in the streets to discuss business, and we now have double the Muqtars than we started with. Electricity runs to almost all of the houses, trash gets picked up, water runs, and the markets are bustling. Even school is packed with eager young students, whom we surprised with 500 lbs of school supplies donated by Mead.
I can’t affirm to you that the surge has been a complete success all over Iraq, but I can assure you that where I work, and from what I have seen, it has changed the lives of these Iraqi Citizens here in Baqouba. I have seen this city move from an Al-Qaeda stronghold of fear and oppression, into a blossoming community.
Nothing Improves Morale Like Victory -- [Miserable Donuts - in Iraq]
They did well in Basrah. And they are happy about it. They are the men of the Iraqi Army. Good job guys!
Ultimatum issued to Mahdi Army in Basrah; 15 Mahdi fighters killed in Sadr City -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The senior-most Iraqi general in charge of the security operation in Basrah has issued an ultimatum for wanted Mahdi Army leaders and fighters to surrender in the next 24 hours as the Iraqi and US military ignore Muqtada al Sadr's threat to conduct a third uprising. US troops killed 15 Mahdi Army fighters in Baghdad yesterday and have killed 56 fighters since Sadr issued his threat last weekend.
Embedded Reporter gets more than he wanted when on Patrol in Baghdad -- [HT: The Last of the Few]
The Real Surge Continues: Iraqi Army Corps Formation -- [LWJ - DJ Elliott]
In the "Iraqi Security Forces Order of Battle: April 2008 Update," the additional elements forming in the Iraqi Army were projected as probable indicators of additional divisions. Additional information and reappraisal indicates that was incorrect. While the Iraqi Army plans to add divisions, they will not be stood up this year. Other formations have priority.
Iraqis Displaced from Homes Now Returning in Droves -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD — With security improving, local economies flourishing and community reconstruction underway, Iraqis who once fled their South Baghdad homes in fear are now returning to the villages they deserted.
This is a good sign, said Maj. Mark Bailey, the officer in charge of the Multi-National Division – Center governance cell.
“Once people are convinced that security is good in their area, they come back,” said Bailey, who is with 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 3rd Infantry Division. “If they own a business, they re-open their business, which helps the economy.”
Out of the approximate 18,700 Iraqis who left their homes, it is estimated that 10,450 have returned, according to MND-C records.
Al Qaeda Decapitated in Iraq -- [Strategy Page]
April 22, 2008: Between mid-March and mid-April, al Qaeda suffered major losses in Iraq. American and Iraqi troops killed or captured 53 al Qaeda leaders. These include men in charge of entire cities (or portions of large cities like Mosul or Baghdad), as well as men in charge of various aspects of terror operations (making bombs, placing them or minding the bombers). Most important, nine of the ten most senior men involved, were captured, and interrogated. This led to locating more al Qaeda staff, and assets. Hundreds of weapons and explosives caches have been discovered this year, as a result of interrogating captured terrorists. The result has been a sharp fall in suicide bomber attacks,
Criminals attempt to assassinate Iraqi Army commander, injure innocent Iraqis citizens (Baghdad) -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD – Criminals attempting to assassinate an Iraqi Army commander with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, wounded numerous Iraqi civilians, including five Iraqi Army soldiers, in the Al Mansour district of Baghdad April 22.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device struck an Iraqi Army brigade commander’s patrol. Initial reports indicate 16 innocent Iraqi citizens were injured in the attack.
“In cowardly attacks, innocent civilians continuously are the victims,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “With the Iraqi Security Forces in the lead, U.S. Soldiers remain committed to protecting the people of Baghdad.”
Iraq News (23 April) -- [LT Nixon - in Iraq]
The Good: Depending on where you get your news, the conference with Maliki and countries in the region could either be a smashing success or a total bust. This Saudi newspaper seems stoked that Maliki is finally taking on the Shi'ite militias that have their mitts all over the place in Iraq, but if you get your news from the WaPo, you're going to get the impression that it was a big waste of time. Only time will tell, but even Iran is pleased with the crackdown on Shi'ite militias. It's looking like Sadr is becoming more and more isolated diplomatically.
Security Over Watch in Sadr City
U.S. Army Soldiers working with the Iraqi Army to bring security back to the district of Sadr City from criminals
Kamikaze Kelly -- [Iraq: The Purgatorium - in Iraq]
After my last day of tower guard, I was afforded a day off. When the boys got back for the day, [StanMarsh] popped his head into my living area and sat down on my bunk to enlighten me on what I missed.
He pulled his camera out. On the screen, he showed me what looked like a black mop head lay on the ground, covered in dust.
"Oh, damn, is that a head?" I asked.
Rucksacks, Rugs and Rain -- [Courage without Fear - in Kuwait]
...One of the things I did before the rest of the unit got here, was go on a convoy up into Iraq. You might think that's not a very safe thing to do since I'm living life down here in nice cozy Kuwait. But you're wrong. It's the right thing to do. oh, maybe I haven't put this out there yet, my soldiers will be escorting convoys into Iraq. So that's why I went. So i could see the dangers they'd be facing. That's what leaders do. It's a military thing.
Baghdad 360 Episode 2
A Few Good Women, II -- [BlackFive - Grim]
Since we're on the subject, meet the Daughters of Iraq and the Sisters of Fallujah.
Did anyone think, in November of 2004, that there would be a group of native Fallujah women who volunteered to help the Marines find terrorists? There is, and the movement is spreading across Iraq, to Sunni and to Shia areas.
'Disneyland' comes to Baghdad with multi-million pound entertainment park -- [Times Online]
Llewellyn Werner, a California investor, admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with. Such as insurgent attacks and looting.
But when the amusement park you’re building lies in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.
Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing The Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum. It is being designed by the same firm that developed Disneyland.
“The people of Iraq need this kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,” Mr Werner said.
The Case of Bilal Hussein -- [Michael Totten - in Iraq]
...Iraq is full of such sketchy characters, as everyone knows, and large media companies require an enormous staff and network of locals to produce daily news coverage. They can’t cover breaking news every day in a low-intensity war zone without them, especially if violent activity—car bombs, fire fights, assassinations, and the like—are the bulk of what makes up the news. Someone is killed almost every day in Iraq, but the chances that an individual writer or photographer will happen to be present as an eyewitness are minuscule. Reporters who cover breaking daily news spend much of their time on the phone with stringers and sources. They don’t personally investigate every incident in the field. It just isn’t physically possible if they're required to write every day about what happens in a country the size of California, especially when it can take literally days to travel from one part of Baghdad to another.
Soldiers of the 1st/151st prove themselves under attack -- [IN Iraq - in Iraq]
...The driver of the 5-ton, Sergeant First Class Spencer Kohlheim, 37, of LaGrange, was most concerned about getting them out of the kill zone quickly. “We had a mine plow on the front of our truck and after the smoke cleared," Kohlheim said, "I just remember dropping it in first gear and pushing it as hard as I could.”
But the truck was smoking and losing fluids.
“I was in shock,” said Sgt. Chenault who got out to set up perimeter security. “It all happened so fast all you had time for was just to react. After things had settled down, I just kept looking for suspicious people and there were cars coming up from our nine o’clock down a little alley. I wasn’t going to let anyone around us.” He raised his M-4 rifle until they backed away.
Down the convoy line, the Indiana Humvees moved into defensive positions. Gunners scanned the second story buildings. They knew the very real risks of a secondary blast or sniper attack. For some, it was the first real test of their National Guard training.
Update #2 from Joe, the Castle's Sailor in Iraq. -- [Castle Argghhh! - dispatches from Iraq]
...A few days ago I find out from the provincial team that the Marine Brigadier General in charge of civil affairs wants a briefing on a sheep feed program I inherited from the previous Ramadi area agriculture rep. Now it’s not the first time I’ve spoken to general officers but the provincial agricultural rep said he would do it. So several layers of agricultural experts get together and I used my experience as a planner and came up with some planning assumptions, courses of action and a way ahead for what we were trying to do. Everyone is nodding their heads, and the staff rep says the general is coming by at 1300. The provincial rep says “I can’t be here at 1300!” and all eyes tuned towards me.
A New Oasis for Al Asad
Though Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province draws plenty of water from wells and nearby Euphrates Rives, water storage is insufficient to supply the base in high-demand months. USACE is overseeing an $8 Million Project to install water tanks with a combined capacity of 5 million gallons.
Dust -- ["Because We're Here Boy, No One Else; Just Us." - in Iraq]
We had a dust storm here recently, a lot of dust storms recently. The images above and below were taken at around noon and 4:00 p.m. respectively. It wasn't that windy. For some reason parts of the world turn yellow.
New Map of Iraq -- [Sergeant Grumpy - in Iraq]
Quick update here is that we have relocated somewhere where we wait before catching the freedom bird to Kuwait, where we will promptly wait again. And that is how it goes in Army these days, we go from busting-your-ass busy to nothing to do. I don't think I will be posting much more, as I shouldn't have to many stories of interest - "there we were building our pallets, when out of no where one of the Conticos flew off and hit Johnson in the head..." Of course there is a lot idiocy around here, and far to many REMFs who have nothing better to do than look for uniform violations on troops returning for combat.
Severely burned JTAC continues his recovery -- [Air Force Times]
Airman hopes to stay in service, wants another chance at presidential visit
A message to President Bush: There is an extremely courageous joint terminal attack controller in Texas who really, really wants to meet you.
This time, he promises, he’ll remember it.
That was Dec. 4, 2005. In the weeks that followed, as Del Toro lay comatose in a San Antonio burn ward, the president found time to visit the unconscious airman and whisper a blessing the JTAC never heard.
Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro, one of the Air Force’s most severely injured airmen, continues to recover from the roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan that melted his features and sent him limping into a nearby creek.
...Surgeons are still reconstructing Del Toro’s face and cutting away flesh seared around his fingers, which fused to his palm during the blast. Though improving at public s
