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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.
Urgent. Thousands of Soldiers may go unloved this Christmas!
It is absolutely critical that we raise $150,000 in the next three days to send out the remaining 40,000 care packages for our soldiers so they arrive in time for Christmas!
Calm for the holidays -- [Armed and Curious - in Iraq]
Progress is a many splendored thing it seems. Its funny how the absence of violence in your life is something to celebrate but this is the life that most Iraqi's face. It's nice to read the story below and compare it to past holiday's. This follows reports last week that violence is not at its lowest level for the entire duration of our efforts in Iraq. I am also hearing rumors of a compromise timeline being hammered out between the military and the incoming administration that satisfies both sides.
Transition -- [S4 ar War - in Iraq]
A General Officer in our area commented recently that 2009 will be all about transitions. My Battalion has been leaning forward pretty agressively to take our partnership with the ISF a step further and really begin the transition to put things in their control. As I mentioned in a previous post I’ve been putting together plans to start closing our FOB and hand it over to the ISF.
I Marine Expeditionary Force - 11 Dec 2008 Al Asad IQ -- [DVIDS]
Talks to a military reporter about his multiple deployments to Iraq, the differences between them, his educational background, his family and sends greetings to his family.
Father! The Sleeper Has Awakened!!! -- [The Gun Line - in Iraq]
I’m here. In Iraq.
Four years ago, you could have told me that I would be sitting in the middle of Iraq, where so many stories of valor, of sacrifice, of grit, and of fighting prowess have been written in the annals of military history in the blood, sweat, and tears of those who have gone before, and I would have looked at you like you had grown a second head.
Four years later, I am here, and I am content to be here.
Two Camps In Iraq -- [Zen Traveler - in iraq]
I got involved in a discussion the other day with one of the correspondents about her views of the state-of-play here in Iraq. She divides the country's political landscape into two camps; those of the pragmatist and the ideologues.
Why I'm not allowed to go anywhere fun -- [Bad Dogs and Such - in Iraq]
It's Eid right now (the week of feasting after Ramadan), so there's not much going on in the Civil Affairs world. We could go out and annoy the locals during their holiday, but decided that would be unsmart. Instead, we packed up our MRAP and headed out on a two-day vacation to Camp Comfy - where our company headquarters is located.
K9s take a bite out of insurgents -- [The Fighting Fifth Marines Blog - in Iraq]
The uses for dogs in combat, though, have since evolved from armored beasts to fine-tuned tools capable of seeking out bomb-making materials, running down fleeing insurgents or tracking bad guys miles away.
Their extraordinary bite and keen senses make dogs a valuable resource when searching for improvised explosive devices and tracking down the insurgents who made them.
MPs: Pull out agreement came into force -- [Alsumaria Iraqi Satellite TV Network]
Members of the parliament affirmed that the agreement regarding the withdrawal agreement came into force and started being implemented. The MPs said that specialized committees headed by the Prime Minister and monitored by the parliament were established and that the same started international action in order to explain the agreement and to exert pressure on the second party in order to accelerate the implementation thereof
MP: No need for British troops in Basra -- [Alsumaria Iraqi Satellite TV Network]
Coalition MP Haidar Al Ubadi said that there is no justification for preserving British troops in Al Basra pointing out that the same stayed isolated inside their base for more than a year and that the withdrawal thereof will not affect the security situation in the city.
Centers opened in Basra to gather signatures -- [Alsumaria Iraqi Satellite TV Network]
Director of Basra election commission, Hazem Al Rubaii announced it will launch a petition drive to see whether there is enough support for a referendum to decide whether Basra province will become a self-ruled region.
Centers will be established across Basra where voters can sign the petition asking for a self-rule referendum.
All Before 0800 -- [AFGHANISTAN SHRUGGED - in Afghanistan]
Beep...Beep, Beep...Beep, Beep...Beep I look at the green face of my watch; 5 AM stares back at me. It's quite and pitch black in the room; nice that it's quiet; this it last time today that it will. The rest of the day will be filled with radio calls, reports, yelling. I lay there in the dark with my watch still beeping.
Via con Dios, my Friends -- [AFGHANISTAN SHRUGGED - in Afghanistan]
Some great Americans left here today, warriors and statesmen. They've reached the end of their tour and it's time to head home, their debt to democracy and freedom marked paid in full.
Leaving here doesn't end like a western where you ride off into the sunset. It comes with an urgent call, "Birds are inbound". They've known for several days and tried several times to get on a flight out of here, every time the effort comes crashing to a stop with the flights being canceled or too full to take them. Not today though.
We've said goodbye several times, up until now it's all been for naught. Soldiers aren't the best at communicating things emotional. We're trained to talk in short terse phrases that match the staccato of the weapons we employ. It's get the point across but any deeper meaning is lost.
We say things like,"It's been an honor serving with you"; " Stay safe and see you on the high ground". But how do you tell someone goodbye that you were prepared to fight and die with if the need arose. We tell ourselves that we won't get attached to each other just in case something happened, but we do.
The moment is now upon us and we're at a loss for words.
NATO : Poles in Position in Ghazni Province
The NATO/ISAF Polish contingent in Afghanistan are concentrating their efforts on the crucial province of Ghazni.
The end is near -- [Staying in Touch - in Afghanistan]
...Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix is fully 85 percent of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, with the mission to mentor and train the Afghan National Army and Police, and provide assistance to the government of Afghanistan and its people.
“I am extremely proud of every service member in the task force and the contributions they made to the Afghan National Security Forces,” said Col. Balfe. “We have made a significant difference in the lives of the Afghan people and their government.
NATO : Security in Musa Qala
NATO TV recently followed a patrol through the town of Musa Qala to see how things were progressing a year on from it being re-captured by the Taliban. In 2007, Musa Qala was the scene of intensive fighting as British, American and Afghan security forces sought to regain control of the area from the Taliban. British and American forces have been here ever since and with the insurgents on their do More..orstep, it is crucial they carry out regular foot patrols.
Coin of the Covenant -- [Staying in Touch - in Afghanistan]
Due to the work level on my section during this mission, neither my deputy or I took leave. We served straight through without a break, a pass or even a day off. We made a pact with each other early on, when we saw how much responsibility and work confronted us, that we just couldn't take time off and leave each others' work for the other to assume.
The key moment came when we started suffering so many casualties and there was so much for us to do in this public affairs section. My comrade, Maj. Kathy Oliver, and I knew that we couldn't possibly take a break and be home on leave when the next tragedy struck. So we stuck it out and worked through.
With friends like these... -- [The Gouge - Troy Steward]
...who needs enemies.
Back on July13th , one of our US outposts was nearly overrun by Taliban fighters. We as a country, lost 9 brave souls (listed HERE) who fought off and killed what is estimated to be dozens if not over a hundred enemy fighters (Read about the battle via HERE). The battle itself received a lot of attention and was in all the press. A day or two after we saw reports that the US forces in that area decided to withdraw from that outpost.
Now we are hearing via [Seattle Times] that the Village Police Chief helped the enemy out and allowed them to move to and get into position in order to launch such a brazen attack.
Bamyan School Supplies
Coalition forces, including Singapore and New Zealand troops, building schools and giving school supplies to children to foster trust between civilians and military.
Waiting -- [The Left Captain - in Afghanistan]
This last mission was a short notice response to a request by the commander of some guys who have been plagued by a streak of run-ins with IEDs. The Army regulations allow for fairly intrusive interventions by commanders (using assets like me) when they have identified significant stressors for certain groups of Soldiers. The name of game is prevention: keeping guys talking about stressors and helping each other cope.
Done -- [Cheese's Milblog - in Afghanistan]
Today was my last patrol. Ever. I didn't even realize it until I was carrying my guns to the weapon locker. It was definitely fitting that I end my career in the turret, as that's where I've spent my best time as a soldier. It feels great...but not nearly as good as American soil(read: snow) will feel under my feet.
Mole Funerals, MRE Bombs, And Queens For A Year... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
...Moving on, something I found funny. So I was sitting around our Hummers today. We were on stand by for a mission that never came. But after sitting out there a while I got hungry. I searched my truck and myself but turned up nothing worth eating, but I did find some stuff that was worthwhile in other ways but we'll get to that next. Now I was pissed, normally I can pull skittles, and snickers bars out of a million different places. So I asked Pigpen for something to eat, he immediately went into one of his ammo pouches and pulled out a Three Musketeers bar and gave it to me. Now while I was enjoying this wholesome, chocolaty treat I started to think about this.
Another Anthrax Hoax -- [ThreatsWatch]
It starts with a rather brief and almost innocuous news release from the FBI. Eight governors received envelopes containing a white powder. All of the letters were postmarked Dallas, Texas. This started yesterday with only seven, and as of ...
UN declares Jamaat-ud-Dawa a terrorist front group -- [Bill Roggio]
Hafiz Saeed and three other leaders have been named as terrorists. Pakistan has vowed to act.
NEFA Foundation: Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri and "The Lions of Al-Azhar" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The NEFA Foundation has obtained a new video interview of Al-Qaida Deputy Commander Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri produced by Al-Qaida's As-Sahaab Media Foundation and titled "The Lions of Al-Azhar." During the interview, al-Zawahiri called upon fellow Egyptians to
Decadent Western Musicians For Jihad -- [Jules Crittenden]
Protest the use of bad music at Guantanamo to torment Islamic extremists who would ban their music and probably saw their heads off if they had a chance. Radio Free Europe seems like a good place to pluck that irony-packed news from:
Video: "Once A Marine" -- [Jawa Report]
The awe-inspiring story of Nick Popaditch, a 15-year Marine trigger-puller tank commander who won the Silver Star. His tanks surrounded Firdos "Saddam" Square in April 2003 and pulled down the hated statue.
An AP photo put Nick on the front pages of newspapers around the world as "The Cigar Marine." Nick was critically wounded in Fallujah one year later by an RPG to the head
Children Send Cards and Letters to the Team -- [Notes from Iraq - in Iraq]
Today, my team received a stack of letters of appreciation from children of a Texas elementary school. Some were
Letters, packages to Airmen increases during holiday season -- [AF Link]
Postal workers of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here doubled their workload for this holiday season and expect to double it yet again in the coming weeks.
Four Receive Presidential Citizens Medals for Troop Support Work -- [Defense Link]
Four individuals who have supported America's military, including two retired officers and a television star, were among 23 people who received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony today.
Retired Army General Wayne A. Downing
Arnold Fisher
Gary Sinise
Retired Navy Adm. James D. Watkins
Imperial killer drones come closer to reality (Very Cool Video). -- [Castle Argghhh!!!]
You were warned.
Oh, sure, they *say* it's for missile defense. But we know the truth. It's all for the founding of the Imperium! You only *think* Mr. Obama is going to assume the reins of power next month. in fact, these 'droids will flood the streets and keep us in our place, when the overthrow occurs!
Uncle J on G. Gordon Liddy talking ROE -- [BlackFive - Uncle Jimbo]
I spent some time on G. Gordon Liddy’s show today discussing the increasing politicization of the Rules of Engagment our troops operate under. We also discuss the Blackwater indictments.
A 21st Century Military -- [Abu Muqawama]
The left-leaning Center for American Progress has a new report out -- which co-author and fan of the blog Sean Duggan valiantly attempted to send us a few days ago -- outlining suggestions for the incoming Obama Administration with respect to military spending and policy.
18th MP Brigade returns home to Germany -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
... The 18th MP Bde. accomplished a great deal with its IP counterparts and in support of its four battalions, which were strategically placed all throughout Iraq, with their mission focus being IP expansion, development and legitimacy.
The brigade expanded the IP force by training over 20,000 IP throughout Iraq, of which 13,000 were trained to protect the streets of Baghdad.
...The Ever Vigilant 18th MP Bde. will return home to Mannheim in the upcoming weeks as it concludes its third deployment in five years.
PACAF looks to blogging to tell Air Force story -- [Pacific Air Forces]
Newspapers, magazines, network television--all are losing audiences, according to recent news stories. So where do people get information about the world around them?
"Many of the people we're trying to reach no longer read the New York Times or watch "Meet the Press" on Sunday morning," said Col. Ed Thomas, PACAF director of public affairs. "Younger generations, both in and out of uniform, are far more likely to be texting, chatting, blogging or Twittering."
So in September the command created its own blog called "PACAF Pixels."
Pentagon launches TroopTube -- [The Times]
US soldiers are still allowed to write online journals, or “milblogs,” using Department of Defense networks as long as they adhere to requirements not to...
American Special Forces in Afghanistan Accidentally Defend Themselves -- [Big Lizards]
This is rich. First read AP's headline:
US Special Forces mistakenly kill 6 Afghan police
...Anybody reading just the headline (which is all that is shown in some news feeds), or even just the headline plus the beginning of the lede (which might be all that is shown on most other feeds), is bound to come away with the impression -- as I did -- that once again, those vicious, violent, bloodthirsty American soldiers were firing indiscriminately, wildly shooting at anything that moves, and they killed a bunch of innocent victims. Again.
But the reality is...
Name That Party Parade: ABC's 'Faces of Political Scandal' Labels Most GOP Faces, Few Dems -- [NewsBusters]
A collection of "The Faces of Political Scandal," assembled by ABC News yesterday (HT to an e-mailer), once again demonstrates the media's relative reluctance to identify the membership of Democrats involved in scandal.
Of the 14 politicians identified, seven are Democrats and seven are Republicans. Five of the seven GOP members are identified as such, while only two of the seven Democrats were flagged.
Steady Hand at Defense -- [WaPo]
..."I actually think," Gates says, "there is a reasonable chance" some combination of diplomatic and economic carrots and sticks can deter Iran, with its ramshackle economy and restive citizenry, from acquiring nuclear weapons, even though its nuclear quest began under the shah. Will other nations assist U.S. nonproliferation efforts? Gates answers obliquely, noting that Vladimir Putin told him that Iran is Russia's biggest security threat. And, he says, Iran might yet recognize that acquiring nuclear weapons would be a net subtraction from its security, if that acquisition provoked nearby nations to become nuclear powers.
Regarding Iraq, Gates is ...
Has Obama Come to Terms With a Nuclear Iran? -- [PJM]
He appears to be talking about retaliation, not pre-emption.
President George W. Bush has liberated 50 million Muslims from two of the most brutal regimes in history. -- [Gateway Pundit]
He filled the marshes in Iraq with water and brought democracy to the Middle East.
He saved the Iraqi people from these evil thugs:
(WARNING: Very graphic)
Claim from No Quarter: Michelle Obama is "Specifically Named Individual" on Page 64 of Indictment -- [Ace]
Before you get excited, this "specifically named individual" is not being named as part of a crime. Well, not a chargeable crime, anyway. The gist here, according to No Quarter's interpretation of Blagojevich's statements, is that Michelle Obama profited from the same sort of legal political back-scratching that Blagojevich sought for his own wife.
NASA has become a transition problem for Obama -- [The Write Stuff]
CAPE CANAVERAL - NASA administrator Mike Griffin is not cooperating with President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, is obstructing its efforts to get information and has told its leader that she is “not qualified” to judge his rocket program, the Orlando Sentinel has learned.
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