Army North prepares for nuclear disaster aftermath during Vibrant Response

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Almost twenty-four hours after a notional nuclear blast exploded in Indianapolis, planes began arriving in the early morning hours to transport critical assets needed to support recovery efforts.

Army releases new video to combat suicides

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Army released a candid suicide prevention training video July 15 in an effort to deter the increasing number of suicides amongst troops.

Task Force Smith honored at 60th anniversary ceremony in Korea

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The 60th anniversary of the first U.S. battle of the Korean War was commemorated July 16 in a ceremony at the Jukmiryeong War Monument here.

Military support to mitigate oil spill continues

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Military efforts along the Gulf Coast continue today as part of the federal response force to clean up the oil spill.

Acquisition reform plays key role in Pentagon's cost savings

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Defense Department has the opportunity to save billions of taxpayer dollars through acquisitions reform, but only if it grows its workforce with the right federal workers in place to oversee contracts.

Fort Drum marks 25 years as 10th Mountain Division home

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Fort Drum celebrated 25 years as home to the 10th Mountain Division during the post's annual Mountainfest open house July 1.

Munitions turn-in program shows promise in Kandahar

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

In Afghanistan's Kandahar province, residents living in the districts to the north are taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Defense's Small Rewards Program, and as a result, countless lives are being saved.

West Point welcomes new superintendent

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Lt. Gen. Buster Hagenbeck relinquished command as superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy today to Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon Jr. today and he said there is no one better to guide West Point forward during this era of persistent conflict.

Bouncing back: Mobile Master Resilience Trainer Course tried at Fort Meade

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

FORT MEADE, Md. -- Faced with challenges, how does a Soldier cope and bounce back from adversity?

New scanners reduce customs wait leaving Kuwait

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Soldiers traveling from Kuwait do not have to wait as long to clear customs at Camp Virginia and Ali Al Salem. New scanners reduce 'baggage dump' by about 80 percent.

DLA expeditionary supply depot sets up in Afghanistan

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A team from the Defense Logistics Agency will open a distribution facility in Afghanistan to receive, store and issue material needed by U.S. military forces there.

NATO overcoming obstacles to build Afghan security forces

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The campaign to build the Afghan National Security Force to 305,000 members is ahead of schedule and many advances have been made, but a senior officer said there are still obstacles to overcome by October 2011.

Some 'Stop Loss' Soldiers to return from Iraq early

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of Soldiers will leave their units in Iraq and return home early over the next two months to help meet the president's mandated troop strength of 50,000 in the country by Sept. 1.

NATO developing education to 'cross-fertilize' Afghan forces

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Ultimately to be successful, Afghanistan will need to develop strong, experienced leaders from within and NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan is creating a system that will help do just that.

Innovation aims to reduce collateral damage in Afghanistan

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

While some commands severely restrict artillery fires, one task force in Afghanistan has taken active steps to reduce collateral damage by developing an alternative method.

Desk-bound helo pilot provides critical skills during drawdown

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Two-wheel landings on snowy Afghan ridgetops are more exciting, but managing the exodus of a 4,000-strong brigade during the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq provides its own challenges for one desk-bound helicopter pilot with 82nd Airborne Division.

Jill Biden celebrates 4th of July with Soldiers in Iraq

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, met with members of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, and other deployed servicemembers and civilians at Camp Liberty Sunday as part of a visit to Iraq during the 4th of July weekend.

Servicemembers become citizens during Fourth of July ceremony in Iraq

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

One hundred fifty-six service members from 56 different countries recited the Oath of Citizenship in the rotunda of Al Faw Palace and marked the Fourth of July as the day they became American citizens.

U.S. Army, Iraqi Air Force pilots conduct historic joint mission

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The air was clear over Contingency Operating Base Basra June 27, 2010, as the Iraqi commanders of the Basra Air Base and the 70th Squadron prepped their CH 2000 reconnaissance airplane for a first-ever joint mission with U.S. AH-64 Apaches.

Soldiers deliver new low-cost means of supply for Iraqis

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Soldiers at Al Asad Air Base not only have an inexpensive way to deliver small items like ammunition, food and water, they have trained Iraqi special operations forces how to do it themselves.

Petraeus calls Afghanistan a test of wills

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Afghanistan is a test of wills, and the enemy has to know the United States and its allies have the will to prevail, Gen. David H. Petraeus said before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday.

3rd Infantry Division headquarters Iraq deployment extended by 30 days

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense decided June 25, that the Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, a 700-plus Soldier unit that comprises the headquarters of U.S. Division-North, is being extended in northern Iraq for 30 days.

Afghanistan still crucial to U.S. interests, Obama says

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Afghanistan remains crucial to American national interests, and the United States will need to provide assistance to that nation for years.

Wanat Review

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced Wednesday that the Army has completed action on the U.S. Central Command's independent investigation of the July 13, 2008, battle fought by soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Wanat Village, Afghanistan.

Army, Air Force, Iraqis team to conduct fires exercise

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Soldiers from the 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and Air Force F-16 fighters teamed for four days with the 17th Iraqi Army Division conducting a full-scale defensive fires exercise at the Besmaya Range Complex outside Baghdad.

Acquisition reform plays key role in Pentagon's cost savings

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Defense Department has the opportunity to save billions of taxpayer dollars through acquisitions reform, but only if it grows its workforce with the right federal workers in place to oversee contracts.

Lack of supplemental funding poses problems for Pentagon

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Because Congress has yet to pass a supplemental funding bill, the Defense Department must start taking measures to ensure uninterrupted war operations.

iWatch promotes community awareness

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

With August recognized as Antiterrorism Awareness Month, the Army is promoting a campaign encouraging and training communities to become extensions of the service's overall force protection plan.

Course marks 45 years of turning students into leaders

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Waves of college students striving to become U.S. Army officers are spending an intense month at Fort Knox this summer with the annual Leader's Training Course, which marks its 45th anniversary this year.

Indiana farm creates training realism for Soldiers, agriculture teams

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The goats are being milked, the horse is waiting to be fed and the barn cats are rolling around with each other in the afternoon heat.

Obama announces return of the SAVE award

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama wants federal employees to submit their ideas for eliminating government waste and saving American taxpayers' money as part of the 2010 SAVE Award program.

Army's largest command welcomes new Command Sergeant Major

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Guns fired in salute as the Army's largest command welcomed its 16th Command Sergeant Major during a Change of Responsibility ceremony in front of U.S. Army Forces Command's headquarters, July 12.

Survey will permit informed decisions, official says

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Survey responses on the possible repeal of the law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military will allow leaders to make informed decisions.

Second phase of security guard conversion begins in August

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Next month, the Army will begin the second phase of converting almost 3,100 installation access control point security guard positions from contractor to federal employee status at 46 locations in the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska.

Leaders urge participation in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' survey

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Noting the importance of getting the opinions of those who would be most affected by a possible repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Thursday urged servicemembers to provide their input.

Future Army officers get early introduction to special operations at Fort Bragg

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School has opened three special operations forces courses to senior U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Army Cadet Command cadets over the summer: Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course at Fort Bragg, and the Combat Diver Qualification Course in Key West.

Recruiters become drill sergeants

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Keven Parr's way of life is about to change substantially. This month, he starts his new assignment at Fort Sill, Okla., as a drill sergeant.

Fort Jackson NCO awarded Soldier's Medal after life-saving reaction on grenade range

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Three to five seconds. That is how long it takes for an M67 hand grenade to explode after the last of three safety features has been disabled.

America's museums answer call to serve

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

After nearly a decade of war, America's military families continue to receive support from sundry sources of finance, entertainment and education -- including now a burgeoning network of more than 800 museums across the country.

Dual ceremony highlights family military tradition

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Col. Benjamin D. Lukefahr, U.S. Army, Pacific Contingency Command Post deputy director, promoted his son, David, to the rank of captain, who then performed his first action as a captain and retired his father.

Camp helps youth cope with challenges of military family life

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Challenges such as a parent deploying can cause overwhelming stress for a child and some family readiness groups have found a way to provide support with fun -- summer camp.

Task Force Smith veterans reflect on war experiences

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Retired Col. Jack Doody said a person has about three very memorable events in his or her life and being part of Task Force Smith 60 years ago this month is one of his.

Restoration complete for Vietnam War memorial statue

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The newly refurbished Three Servicemen Statue at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled today after six weeks of restoration, July 8, 2010.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' surveys hit servicemembers' inboxes

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

At noon Wednesday, Defense Department officials e-mailed surveys to 400,000 servicemembers as part of a special review to prepare the military for a potential repeal of the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans gays and lesbians from openly serving.

U.S. Army, Schumacher Racing still perfect fit after 10 years

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

When Tony Schumacher heard the Army was looking for a Top Fuel driver, he shaved his head and walked into the meeting looking like a Soldier. The Sarge, as he is called by Soldiers and race fans alike, knew then that he and his team would be a perfect fit with the Army, and he still believes it today, 10 years later.

Army officer, author selected as White House Fellow

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Out of more than 700 applicants, an active-duty Army lieutenant colonel's name rose to the top of the 2010-2011 White House Fellows program list-a program designed to give participants hands-on experience with the inner workings of the government.

Eyewitness to history: Grafenwoehr Training Area reenacts historic first shot

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

On June 30, 2010, at precisely 8 a.m. on Range 114 more than 25 German officials from the city of Grafenwoehr, The Bundes Forest Office and the state of Bavaria, delegations from the German Bundeswehr and the Joint Multinational Training Command gathered to commemorate the reenactment of the historic first artillery shot fired at the Grafenwoehr Training Area.

VA announces new option for marking veterans' graves in private cemeteries

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a veteran.

NCO wins 20K race-walk national championship

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Staff Sgt. John Nunn won the 20-kilometer race walk on June 27 at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

Berlin Airlift: Remembering those who fell to feed a hungry city during massive humanitarian mission

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

For those who lived through the humanitarian effort to deliver supplies to the citizens of Berlin in 1948 and 1949, remembering is the easy part.

New site provides best safety practices for privately owned weapons

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A new interactive site, called Firearms Safety Techniques, was developed by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center to help reduce off-duty accidental firearms incidents and is now available online.

Security changes impact some AKO users

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Recent security changes for Army Knowledge Online prevented a small number of users with older browsers from accessing the web-based portal.

Trashcan-like UAS useful tool for Stryker team

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Short and squat in stature, with spindly legs sticking out underneath and a loud, whiny engine like a leaf-blower on steroids, the gasoline-powered Micro Air Vehicle, or gMAV, won't be winning beauty contests anytime soon.

JRTC roleplay props: Ultimate in special effects

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Prior to deployment, units from throughout the Army participate in a rotation, a series of immersive training exercises conducted at the JRTC over the course of several days or weeks.

First wind turbine in Army begins generating energy at Tooele Army Depot

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

All eyes were on the sky at Tooele Army Depot Wednesday, as the members of the workforce waited to see the blades of their first wind turbine spinning.

AKO security changes block access for some; users urged to take action

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A recent series of beind-the-scenes security changes at Army Knowledge Online has caused some users to no longer be able to access the web-based portal.

Fort Bliss moving toward 'net-zero' energy compliance

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Power consumption at Fort Bliss, Texas, has dropped by three megawatts, and the post is looking to shed even more in its quest to become a "net zero" energy installation.

Army plans network integration exercise

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army is planning a brigade combat team integration exercise at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., July 12-16, which will connect Soldiers, sensors, UAVs, networked vehicles on-the-move, command posts and other nodes over long distances through satellite and software-programmable radio as part of an effort to evaluate the progress of its battlefield network, service officials said.

Army builds early foundations of NASA space program

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

This was like a base realignment and closure move - only it all happened within the confines of Redstone Arsenal.

THAAD nails lowest target, seventh of seven in testing

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Army launched a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile, June 28, from Kauai, Hawaii, which successfully intercepted and destroyed another missile launched just minutes earlier.

Beneficial suggestion wins big with Army, employee

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A Crane Army Ammunition Activity employee is enjoying a nice cash bonus for his ingenuity thanks to his suggestion for the Beneficial Suggestion Program.

Panel discusses technological opportunities, challenges for Army

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, moderated the panel discussion and asked the scientists from the Army and academia to ask tough questions during the research and development process.

Agency to launch online voter registration assistant to ease registration process

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Federal Voting Assistance Program, commonly referrer to as FVAP, will launch an online voter registration assistant in conjunction with Armed Forces Voters Week and Overseas Citizens' Voters Week June 28-July 7, to help more than 6 million military, their voting age dependents, and overseas voters better navigate the registration process.

Army awards scholarships to eCYBERMISSION national winners

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Sixteen teams of regional eCYBERMISSION winners were on edge as they waited for the national winners to be announced June 25.

Double amputee takes charge of Wounded Warrior Program

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program gained a new director Tuesday-one who has a lot in common with those he'll be leading. Lt. Col. Gregory D. Gadson, a West Point graduate, lost both of his legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007.

VA eases claims process for veterans with PTSD

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Veterans Affairs Department will publish a final regulation today intended to ease the claims process and improve access to health care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mobile training team aims to bring resilience to Soldiers

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program reached a milestone July 12, when it kicked off another iteration of its Master Resilience Training course at Fort Meade, Md. -- this time using a mobile training team.

Army nursing students save patient's life in Madigan parking lot

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Two practical nursing course students used Army medical skills and quick instincts to save the life of a patient suffering from a heart attack June 25, outside Madigan Army Medical Center.

Wounded warriors bike 'Sea to Shining Sea'

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Dedicated combat survivors and their supporters are demonstrating their physical prowess and determination as they travel from San Francisco to Virginia Beach during the Sea to Shining Sea cross-country cycling event.

Obama: Veterans with post-traumatic stress deserve best care

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Veterans Affairs Department will begin making it easier for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder to obtain the benefits and treatment they need starting next week, President Barack Obama said in his weekly message, calling veteran care the nation's "solemn responsibility."

Like 'running on the moon': Brigade uses new technology to advance Soldiers' rehab

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Fort Jackson Soldiers who are injured during Basic Combat Training have a new weapon at their disposal to get up and running again.

AW2 Symposium puts GI Bill transferability among top issues

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Being able to transfer GI Bill benefits to dependents if medically retired rates high among concerns for wounded warriors, as identified at the Army Wounded Warrior Program Symposium, June 21-25, in San Antonio, Texas.

USDS Psychologist fights battle of minds

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Soldiers are known for performing under pressure, but even the hard chargers need someplace to turn when the going gets tough.

New program brings holistic approach to health, wellness

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Commanders charged with addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of Soldiers and families have a new "tool" that focuses all available installation resources on those needs.

Army looking at yoga, acupuncture to treat pain

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Army's healthcare system may soon see changes in how Soldiers are treated for pain, according to a report released by the Army's surgeon general Wednesday which recommends 109 changes.

Chiarelli: suicides down, but not enough

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

While the number of suicides among active-duty Soldiers has fallen, the Army's vice chief told lawmakers that it's not enough.