Jan 19, 2016 | by Hope Hodge Seck
A new directive from Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller announces dramatic changes to the service set to take place by the end of next year.
Continue reading "Marine Commandant Announces New Promotion, Cyber Warfar" »
Jan 13, 2016 | by Amy Bushatz
U.S. military installations are no longer allowing visitors to gain base access using official ID cards from five states -- and other installations may soon follow.
Continue reading "Military Bases No Longer Accepting IDs from Five States" »
By Thomas Gibbons-Neff January 12, 2016
The Marine Corps is set to allow women who have done the training to assume combat jobs and titles that had previously been closed to them.
Dec 29, 2015 | by Hope Hodge Seck
Starting Jan. 1, Hawaii-based Marines will have to be 21 to smoke -- or they could face state and Marine Corps penalties.
Continue reading "Marines Will Comply With Hawaii Law Raising Smoking Age to 21" »
By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer 12:52 p.m. EST December 23, 2015
Marines can expect some big fitness changes in the year ahead
Continue reading "Marine fitness review: Big changes in store for 2016" »
By Cpl. Aria Herrera
14 Dec 2015
WASHINGTON -- The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015.
Continue reading "UNIFORM BOARD DECISION UPDATES HAIR REGULATIONS" »
By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer 6 p.m. EST November 23, 2015
Due to technical difficulties with Marine Online, hundreds of officers selected for career designation were not notified of their selection. Marine officials have now created a work-around, and selected officers have until Dec. 20 to accept or decline the offer.
Continue reading "Glitch leaves hundreds of Marine officers unclear about career designation" »
U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. James R. Skelton
Date Posted:11.17.2015 10:03AM
U.S. Marine Corps commanding officer of Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, addresses his policy on hazing.
Courtesy video, (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy motion media/Released):
Date Posted:10.23.2015 6:26PM
Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller and SgtMaj of the Marine Corps Ronald Green speak to Marines and Sailors about our history, esprit de corps and "The Legacy Within."
Continue reading "Video: The 240th Marine Corps Birthday Message" »
By Sgt. Melissa Karnath, Defense Media Activity
24 Sep 2015
WASHINGTON -- General Robert Neller received the battle colors of the Marine Corps from Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. during a passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, Sept. 24, 2015, signifying his new position as the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
By Sgt. Eric Keenan, Defense Media Activity
17 Sep 2015
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. --
Employees of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency trained Marines from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab how to operate “Spot,” a quadruped prototype robot, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 16, 2015.
Continue reading "FOUR-LEGGED ROBOT RUNS TOWARD POTENTIAL FUTURE WITH MARINE INFANTRY" »
By Gretel C. Kovach | 5 p.m. Sept. 1, 2015
Will the Marine Corps fight to keep women out of the infantry? Female Marines who volunteered for research to help the commandant decide that question are eager to find out, along with many others tracking the contentious debate over women in combat.
Continue reading "Marine women look back on historic combat experiment" »
By Leo Shane III, Staff writer 11:08 a.m. EDT July 30, 2015
The Senate confirmed Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday, after a brief dispute between Pentagon leaders and the chamber's leading critic of military sexual assault policy.
Continue reading "Senate confirms Dunford as next Joint Chiefs Chairman" »
By Michele Katz (PopularMilitary.com)
July 28, 2015
It’s the weapon of choice, the “world’s gold standard” — in urban, close-quarter combat that is.
Continue reading "M4 carbine expected to replace M16 as new universal weapon for infantrymen" »
By Courtesy Story , Headquarters Marine Corps
17 Jul 2015
PENTAGON -- It is with deep regret and heartfelt sorrow that the Marine Corps can officially confirm that the following Marines were killed on July 16, 2015, at the combined Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee:
Continue reading "MARINES IDENTIFIED IN CHATTANOOGA SHOOTING" »
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No: NR-265-15July 06, 2015
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced today the 2015 recipients of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence:
By Hope Hodge Seck and Aaron Mehta, Staff writers 8:12 p.m. EDT July 1, 2015
Lt. Gen. Robert Neller is the Obama administration's choice to succeed Gen. Joseph Dunford as 37th commandant of the Marine Corps, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced Wednesday.
Continue reading "Lt. Gen. Robert Neller tapped as next commandant of the Marine Corps" »
By Dan Lamothe June 24, 2015
After years of debate, the Marine Corps’ elite Special Operations force just made a major change, adopting the name of the combat-hardened Raider units that fought in the fierce Pacific island-hopping campaign of World War II. Marine officials marked the decision Friday with a brief ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., 10 months after the decision was made.
Continue reading "How elite, newly renamed Marine Raider units will visually mark history" »
Associated Press | Jun 19, 2015 | by Jonathan Drew
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Army has the Green Berets, while the Navy is known for the SEALs. Now, an elite branch of the U.S. Marine Corps will officially be known as Raiders.
Continue reading "Rangers, SEALs, Now Raiders: Marines Resurrect Historic Name" »
By Derrick Perkins, Staff writer 11:58 a.m. EDT May 26, 2015
The Marine Corps will likely promote more than 4,000 sergeants to staff sergeants this year, the highest number since before the start of the drawdown.
Continue reading "Sergeants see best promotion outlook since drawdown began" »
By Hope Hodge Seck, Staff writer 12:47 p.m. EDT May 8, 2015
Gen. Joseph Dunford's nomination to succeed Army Gen. Martin Dempsey as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff leaves the Marine Corps in need of a new top officer for the second time in less than a year. But it also represents history in the making for the Corps: If confirmed by the Senate, Dunford will become only the second Marine general in history to hold the prestigious position.
Continue reading "Dunford's Marine background prepped him for Joint Chiefs role" »
Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker
April 5, 2015
Today has been designated as Gold Star Wives Day.
By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑAMARCH 16, 2015
The four Louisiana National Guard members who died last week in a helicopter crash near the Gulf Coast had multiple deployments to war zones and a long record of responding to hurricanes, floods and oil spills, Guard commanders said Monday.
Continue reading "Guard Says Crash Victims Were Men to Be Proud Of" »
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2015 – The Defense Department’s Warrior Games 2015 will take place June 19-28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, according to a DoD news release issued today.
Continue reading "2015 Warrior Games to be Held at Quantico" »
Story by Cpl Cuong L
Date Posted:02.20.2015 15:09
FORT GEORGE G. Meade, Md. -- The 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett relinquished his post to the 18th Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green on Feb. 20, 2015, at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Continue reading "Post of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps changes hands" »
By Hope Hodge Seck, Staff writer 3:17 p.m. EST February 20, 2015
ARLINGTON, Va. — The mercury read a bitter 6 degrees here as the post of sergeant major of the Marine Corps changed hands from Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett to Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green.
Continue reading "Green becomes Corps' new sergeant major as Barrett retires" »
Courtesy Video
Date Posted:02.20.2015 12:16PM
The relief and appointment ceremony for the Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. During the ceremony Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett turned over the office to Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green.
Continue reading "Video: Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Relief and Appointment" »
Courtesy Photos
Date Posted:02.20.2015 13:53
Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett and Sergeant Major Ronald L. Green at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Virginia, Feb. 20, 2015 in a relief and appointment ceremony. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is selected by the Commandant, and typically serves a four-year term, though his service is at the discretion of the Commandant.
Continue reading "Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Relief and Appointment Ceremony" »
James K. Sanborn 2:41 p.m. EST February 14, 2015
Quantico officials have released a Corps-wide warning about the dangers of pure caffeine powder, a teaspoon of which can contain the equivalent of about 25 cups of coffee and result in a dangerous overdose.
Continue reading "Corps, FDA: Caffeine powder can be deadly" »
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2015 – As he prepares to leave office, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today said farewell to the military and civilian men and women of the Defense Department’s workforce in a statement, noting it’s been “a tremendous privilege” to serve as the nation’s top defense official. Here is Hagel’s statement:
Continue reading "Hagel Bids Farewell to Defense Department Workforce" »
By James Rogers
Published February 11, 2015 FoxNews.com
Military spouses are the latest target of the hacking group describing itself as “CyberCaliphate,” which claims affiliation to the Islamic State.
Continue reading "Military spouses targeted in twisted ‘CyberCaliphate’ hack" »
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2015 – As tax season begins, Defense Department officials want to remind TRICARE beneficiaries of changes in the tax laws, which require all Americans to have health care insurance or potentially pay a tax penalty.
Continue reading "TRICARE Patients Must Attest to Health Care Coverage" »
Jan 15, 2015 | by Amy Bushatz
Tricare users will need to identify themselves and their families on their 2014 tax forms as having healthcare coverage, Defense Department officials said, or risk paying a fine.
Continue reading "Tricare Users Must Self Identify on 2014 Tax Forms" »
Courtesy video
Date Posted:12.22.2014 3:05PM
Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Dunford, send their holiday greetings to Marines and their families.
Continue reading "Commandant and Mrs. Dunford's 2014 Holiday Message" »
Courtesy video
Date Posted:12.22.2014 3:05PM
Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Dunford, send their holiday greetings to Marines and their families.
Continue reading "Commandant and Mrs. Dunford's 2014 Holiday Message" »
Release No: NR-627-14
December 22, 2014
Today, the Department of Defense announced the 2015 military pay and compensation rates for service members.
Continue reading "DoD Releases 2015 Military Pay and Compensation Rates" »
By Sara Fischer, CNN
updated 11:20 AM EST, Fri December 5, 2014
Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama announced Friday that Ash Carter is his pick to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.
Continue reading "Obama nominates Ash Carter to lead Defense, Hagel not at ceremony" »
Gregory Korte, Tom Vanden Brook and David Jackson, USA TODAY 7:03 p.m. EST November 24, 2014
WASHINGTON — President Obama announced the resignation of Chuck Hagel Monday, commending the secretary of Defense for his "steady hand" through a period of transition for the United States' military.
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed a policy change in new paycheck allotments to prevent unscrupulous commercial lenders from taking advantage of troops and their families, Pentagon officials said today.
Continue reading "New Allotment Rule Protects Troops From Lending Scams" »
Video by Cpl Fareeza Ali
Date Posted:11.7.2014 11:40AM
Secretary of the Navy wishes Marines a happy 239th birthday.
Continue reading "Video: SECNAV Gives Birthday Message to Marines" »
By William La Jeunesse, Dan Gallo
Published November 01, 2014
FoxNews.com
After 214 days in a Mexican prison, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi crossed the US – Mexican border Friday night, boarding a private jet for Florida shortly after 9 p.m., after a strong diplomatic push appeared to help convince a judge to release the former Marine on humanitarian grounds.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2014
Noting that the selflessness of military families “tells a story of unfailing duty and devotion,” President Barack Obama today signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.
Continue reading "Obama Designates November as Military Family Month" »
Release No: NR-553-14
October 31, 2014
The Department of Defense announced today that service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Inherent Resolve are eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright signed a memorandum authorizing award of the medal.
By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 28, 2014
The death of Marine Cpl. Jordan L. Spears has been reclassified to indicate he died in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.
Continue reading "Marine corporal is reclassified as 1st to die in Operation Inherent Resolve" »
By Jon Harper
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 17, 2014
WASHINGTON — Gen. Joseph Dunford became the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps on Friday, as Gen. James Amos closed the curtain on his controversial tenure.
Continue reading "Dunford takes over for Amos as commandant of the US Marine Corps" »
Oct. 3, 2014 - 06:00AM
Staff report
Soldiers and their families should be warned the Islamic State is calling on its followers in the United States to use social media sites to “find the addresses of service members, show up [at their homes] and slaughter them,” according to the Army Threat Integration Center.
Continue reading "Soldiers' families and homes may be IS targets, Army threat center reports" »
By Catherine HerridgePublished October 02, 2014FoxNews.com
An Army intelligence bulletin is warning U.S. military personnel to be vigilant after Islamic State militants called on supporters to scour social media for addresses of their family members – and to “show up [at their homes] and slaughter them."
Continue reading "Army warns US military personnel on ISIS threat to family members" »
By Jon Harper
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 1, 2014
WASHINGTON — With the midterm elections approaching, voting activists have developed a new online tool to make it easier for servicemembers deployed overseas to cast their votes.
Continue reading "New online tool helps troops overseas vote" »
Sep. 29, 2014 - 03:45AM |
By JOE GOULD and PAUL McLEARY
QUANTICO, VA. — The US Marine Corps is preparing to deploy about 2,100 grunts to be based out of Kuwait in a new unit configuration designed to respond to crises in the region, according to Corps officials.
Continue reading "New US Marine Corps Crisis Unit To Be Based in Kuwai" »
Story Number: NNS140915-17Release Date: 9/15/2014 3:15:00 PM
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages were released Sept. 15.
Continue reading "NAVSUP Announces 2014 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines" »
Published time: August 04, 2014 23:56
Edited time: August 05, 2014 02:13
Getting into a military base is about to get tougher even for well-credentialed individuals, as the Defense Department implements a new screening system that will subject people to FBI background checks every time they enter a facility.
Continue reading "FBI to enact tough new security procedures for military bases" »
Story by Hope Hodge Seck | Staff Writer
Jul. 28, 2014 - 04:09PM
The commandant of the Marine Corps has approved a new primary military occupational specialty that will allow Marine officers the opportunity to spend a career in the Corps’ special operations command.
Continue reading "Marines approve new primary MOS for MARSOC officers" »
By Hope Hodge Seck
Staff Writer
Jul. 24, 2014 - 06:00AM
It’s official: Gen. Joseph “Fighting Joe” Dunford will be the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps.
Continue reading "Dunford confirmed as 36th commandant of the Marine Corps" »
Published July 03, 2014 FoxNews
A hurricane warning was issued for part of North Carolina's coast late Wednesday as Tropical Storm Arthur moved northward, threatening Fourth of July plans across the eastern seaboard.
Jun. 20, 2014 - 04:35PM
By Patricia Kime
New research links Iraq dust to sick soldiers
The Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is now live.
Continue reading "Service members can now register on burn-pit list" »
By Hope Hodge Seck
Jun. 10, 2014 - 06:00AM
Think you could provide a good home to a retiring Marine Corps IED detection dog?
Continue reading "Wanted: Good home for Marine Corps working dogs" »
By NHCP Public Affairs | Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton | June 09, 2014
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --
Sometimes it is difficult to know if and when to seek medical help for health problems, so having professional help at a moment’s notice is invaluable. The Military Health System’s (MHS) new Nurse Advice Line (NAL) for TRICARE beneficiaries does just that. TRICARE beneficiaries in the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii can call the NAL toll-free twenty-four hours a day, seven days a wee
The NAL is a team of registered nurses who are available to answer a variety of urgent healthcare questions. They can help you decide whether self-care is the best option, or if it is better to see a healthcare provider. There will always be a live-person on the line to address beneficiary concerns.
Continue reading "Have medical questions? Call the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line" »
By Hope Hodge Seck
Jun. 3, 2014 - 06:50PM
Officials with the Marine Corps military working dog program are looking to find homes for all the service’s improvised explosive device-sniffing dogs as the Corps’ requirement for these highly trained animals draws to a close.
Continue reading "Marine Corps to close its IED detection dogs specialty" »
Published May 27, 2014
FoxNews.com
President Obama announced Tuesday that he aims to keep 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after the war formally ends later this year, while pledging a near-total withdrawal by the end of 2016.
Continue reading "Obama announces plan to keep 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan after 2014" »
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 24, 2014
WASHINGTON — The Defense Department announced Saturday it had canceled ongoing military exercises with Thailand as a result of the military coup in the Southeast Asian country.
Continue reading "US cancels military exercises with Thailand" »
Published May 21, 2014
Associated Press
NEW YORK – Well, hello, sailor!
Continue reading "Fleet Week returns to NYC after one-year absence" »
May 12
By RICK MONTGOMERY
The Kansas City Star
Army Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Hoard must reach potential recruits early to set them straight.
Continue reading "Military gets picky in recruiting; only 20% of applicants qualify" »
By Chris Carroll
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 12, 2014
WASHINGTON — Troops who deploy by the end of this month to nine Middle Eastern countries recently removed from the imminent danger pay location list will still qualify for R & R, according to a recent Pentagon decision.
Continue reading "Pentagon reauthorizes R & R for 9 countries" »
Apr. 6, 2014 - 01:41PM
By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS
WASHINGTON — The US Marine Corps is in a period of transition, working to reconstitute itself as a sea-based fighting force after more than a decade of fighting land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Corps is rolling out Expeditionary Force 21 (EF 21), a new construct intended to organize its forces to deploy and respond worldwide to whatever need it’s assigned to.
Continue reading "New US Marine Concept Re-establishes Maritime Roots" »
By Mark Berman
April 4 at 6:10 pm
Since the grueling Marine Corps’ Infantry Officer Course was first opened up to women in September 2012, 14 female officers have attempted and failed the test (and, of course, a lot of men have also failed; around 20 to 25 percent of Marines are typically dropped from the taxing course). And since that time, all 14 of these officers have not been allowed to take it a second time, unlike many of their male peers.
Continue reading "The Marines will let women try the Infantry Officer Course a second time" »
By Cpl. Codey Underwood | U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve | April 01, 2014
NEW ORLEANS --
Marine administrative message 148/14 announced the availability of the Marine Corps Semper Fit Program’s High Intensity Tactical Training Program through a website and mobile application.
Continue reading "Semper Fit introduces HITT Program to Marines" »
By Kristen Wong | Marine Corps Base Hawaii | March 28, 2014
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII --
The TRICARE Service Centers at five locations on Oahu will be closing April 1, 2014.
Continue reading "TRICARE Service Centers to close nationwide" »
"If we integrate it with a contact lens or other wearable electronics, it expands your vision," said researcher Zhaohui Zhong. "It provides you another way of interacting with your environment."
By Brooks Hays | March. 18, 2014 at 12:54 PM
March. 18 (UPI) -- Currently, it's mostly just cats, owls, and Navy Seals that can see in the dark, but soon, night-vision technology might be available to the masses.
Continue reading "Night-vision contact lenses could be available in the near future" »
By Tom Philpott
Published: March 13, 2014
Tricare Prime, the military’s managed care option for 5.5 million beneficiaries who enroll for a modest fee to be guaranteed timely access to primary care, would cease to exist within a few years under the “Consolidated Tricare” plan proposed in the fiscal 2015 defense budget.
Continue reading "'Consolidated' Tricare: Higher user fees, more freedom" »
By Linda McIntosh
6 a.m.Feb. 27, 2014
CAMP PENDLETON — Several hundred injured Marines are set to compete in the annual Marine Corps Trials, starting Sunday at Camp Pendleton. The trials help determine who will represent the Marine Corps at the military paralympics, known as the Warrior Games, to be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., this fall.
By Jennifer Hlad
Published: February 25, 2014
Good news, Marines and fans of Marine biceps (ahem): Rolled sleeves are coming back.
Continue reading "Rolled sleeves to make return with Marines" »
Camp Pendleton brigade replaces southwest force at war's end
By Gretel C. Kovach
4:52 p.m. Feb. 6, 2014
A Marine brigade from Camp Pendleton took command of coalition forces in southwestern Afghanistan as the 13-year campaign enters its critical final phase, the International Security Assistance Force announced Thursday
Continue reading "Last Marine takes command in Afghanistan" »
Story by Lance Cpl. Francisco Martinez | Marine Corps Recruiting Command | Date: 02.03.2014
Date Posted: 02.04.2014 16:09
QUANTICO, Va. - Exceptional work ethic, dedication to service and commitment to excellence are just a few things in which Marines take pride. Marines who put all the energy, knowledge and skills they possess into their work are recognized as the best of the best and a step above their peers.
New facility was Navy's largest project using federal stimulus funds
By Gretel C. Kovach
2:07 p.m.Jan. 31, 2014
Updated 5:38 p.m.
Navy and Marine Corps officials celebrated the recent opening of the new Camp Pendleton hospital with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday.
By Gretel C. Kovach
3:35 p.m.Jan. 27, 2014
Updated7:46 p.m.
The Miramar Air Show, grounded last year by the federal government shutdown, is a go for 2014, the Marine Corps announced Monday.
Latest warrior technology featured; feedback sought from active-duty Marines
By Linda McIntosh
6 a.m.Jan. 21, 2014
CAMP PENDLETON — The latest technology to support Marines will be showcased at the Marine West Expo Jan. 29-30 on base.
By Pauline Jelinek
The Associated Press
Jan. 3, 2014 - 09:28AM
WASHINGTON — More than half of female Marines in boot camp can’t do three pullups, the minimum standard that was supposed to take effect with the new year, prompting the Marine Corps to delay the requirement, part of the process of equalizing physical standards to integrate women into combat jobs.
Continue reading "Marines delay female fitness plan after half fail" »
Contest honors military and civilians preserving Corps history
By Gretel C. Kovach
2:32 p.m.Dec. 16, 2013
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is seeking submissions for its annual awards program. The 2014 contest recognizes work illuminating the 238-year history of Marine traditions, culture and service, from long ago battles to ones still being fought in Afghanistan today.
Continue reading "Entries sought for Marine heritage awards" »
By Gina Harkins
Staff writer
Nov. 18, 2013 - 06:20PM
Female Marines will now have more time to prepare for the pullup requirement to pass the Physical Fitness Test.
Continue reading "Corps postpones pullups for women, cites potential risks" »
By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 15, 2013
It’s official: The Marines will not be wearing “girly hats” after all.
Continue reading "Marines decide on men’s dress and service cap for everyone" »
By Hope Hodge Seck
Staff writer
Oct. 22, 2013 - 05:00PM
The Marine Corps’ representative for the Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review said a pared-down Marine Corps force of 150,000 would require significant changes across the military services, but stopped short of saying such a cut would not happen.
Continue reading "Marine Corps 2-star: Force of 150K 'unviable'" »
by American Forces Press Service
October 18, 2013 3:45PM
Military Postal Service Agency officials recommend that parcel post packages for troops stationed overseas be mailed by Nov. 12 to ensure delivery by the holidays.
Continue reading "Deadlines for Holiday Mail Delivery Announced" »
Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
6:02 p.m. EDT October 17, 2013
WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps' top officer is calling on the service to renew its focus on discipline and standards amid early signs that 12 years of combat have caused some "fraying" of the service's values.
Continue reading "Commandant calls for renewed focus on discipline" »
By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 15, 2013
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Marines have announced new alcohol restrictions for Marine Corps Exchange stores around the world aimed at curbing irresponsible drinking.
Continue reading "Marines limiting alcohol sale to curb irresponsible drinking" »
By Travis J. Tritten
Published: October 15, 2013
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps warned troops on Okinawa Tuesday that a fitness supplement banned from military exchanges in 2011 following soldier deaths might have been a factor into an outbreak of liver disease.
Continue reading "Marines warn against OxyElite Pro, citing liver damage link" »
The security measure does not prohibit fuel belts or hand-held water bottles.
By
Michelle Hamilton
Published
September 30, 2013
Runners planning to use hydration backpacks during the New York City and Marine Corps marathons this fall will need to come up with a new fueling strategy. Both events are prohibiting the use of the CamelBak-type packs.
Continue reading "NYC, Marine Corps Marathons Ban CamelBak-type Packs" »
By Rick Maze
Staff writer
Sep. 30, 2013 - 05:07PM
Congress has passed a bill exempting the military from pay delays during a government shutdown, Senate leaders said Monday.
Continue reading "Congress passes shutdown exemption for military pay" »
Courtesy Story | Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall | Date: 09.27.2013
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - The Marine Corps has announced changes to its eligibility requirements for using tuition assistance.
Continue reading "Corps announces tuition assistance changes" »
Navy and Marines name new ships for heroes, young and old
By Jeanette Steele
7:26 p.m.Sept. 20, 2013
Now their stories, tales of desperate bravery, will be forged in steel.
By The Associated Press, Greta Kreuz
August 21, 2013 - 06:49 am
WASHINGTON (AP/WJLA) - The popular Marine Corps Marathon is tweaking its route this year to give participants a flatter course and a new, longer approach to the U.S. Capitol.
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, London Daily Telegraph August 17, 2013
U.S. Marines go to war in Afghanistan with solar cells embedded in their rucksacks, efficient enough to recharge lithium-ion batteries for radios and greatly lighten loads. Field patrols will soon have almost weightless solar blankets as well. These will be able to capture a once unthinkable 35 per cent of the sun's light as energy thanks to thin membranes technology, a spinoff from satellites.
Continue reading "Forget fracking - solar is the hot ticket in energy for U.S. military" »
By Gina Harkins
Staff writer
Aug. 14, 2013 - 07:35AM
Much of Mexico is now off limits to Marines and other troops looking to travel there, and one expert said it provides a clear message that the U.S. can’t rely on Mexican authorities to protect American military personnel.
Continue reading "New rules make much of Mexico off-limits to Marines" »
By Rick Maze
Staff writer
Jun. 12, 2013 - 06:00AM
WASHINGTON — The Senate Armed Services Committee sided with the Joint Chiefs on sexual assault legislation Wednesday, gutting changes passed by a subcommittee on Tuesday that would have created an independent legal command to prosecute serious criminal offenses.
Continue reading "Senators side with Joint Chiefs on sex assault law" »
Jun. 11, 2013 - 06:00AM
By Gina Harkins
Staff writer
The Marine Corps’ presence in Australia will increase fivefold next year as military officials there look to the U.S. for guidance in developing their amphibious capabilities, a Marine general with oversight of operations in the Pacific said June 11
Continue reading "Marines' role in Australia to expand next year, general says" »
April 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps announced today the cancellation of Marine Week Seattle. Marine Week is the Corps’ annual week-long community outreach event, scheduled to be held in Seattle, Wash., from Aug. 5-11.
Sunday Apr 21, 2013
Spain has authorized the temporary deployment of US Marine forces to an airbase in the southwestern city of Moron de la Frontera, Seville Province.
Continue reading "Spain approves deployment of US Marines " »
By Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 11th Marine Regiment | April 18, 2013
It’s time to reenlist. There are more than 800 boat spaces still available this year, but first term Marines must act quickly to claim the jobs of their choice.
Continue reading " Marines: Don't Miss the Boat to Reenlist" »
POSTED: 16 Apr 2013 1:16 PM
UPDATED: 16 Apr 2013 4:09 PM
SEOUL: A US military helicopter taking part in a joint South Korea-US drill crashed Tuesday near the North Korean border with 21 personnel on board. There were no fatalities.
Continue reading "US military helicopter crashes near N Korea border" »
By Lenny Bernstein, Published: March 27
The 2013 Marine Corps Marathon sold out in a record 2 hours 27 minutes Wednesday, but not before problems with its computerized registration process led to widespread complaints from people trying to sign up for the venerable 26.2-mile footrace.
Continue reading " Marine Corps Marathon sells out in record time after computer problems" »
Posted: March 19, 2013
By: Associated Press By: Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Seven Marines from a North Carolina unit were killed when a 60mm mortar exploded unexpectedly at a Nevada military depot that's an important training facility for troops headed overseas, a Marine Corps official said.
Continue reading "Nevada training explosion kills 7 North Carolina unit Marines" »
Published March 19, 2013
FoxNews.com
An explosion at a military ammunition storage facility in Nevada during a Marine Corps training exercise killed seven U.S. Marines and wounded several others, military officials said.
Continue reading "7 Marines killed during explosion at Nevada's Hawthorne Army Depot" »
By Kevin Liptak
March 11th, 2013
02:23 PM ET
United States Marines are being told to preserve ammunition and gasoline as a deal softening the impact of automatic spending cuts continues to elude leaders in Washington.
Continue reading "Cutting costs: Marines told "save every round"" »
By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 5, 2013
WASHINGTON – Some Marines are scrambling to find ways to pay for classes after a surprise announcement that the Marine Corps has stopped new enrollments in its tuition assistance program.
By Jeanette Steele
5:44 p.m.Feb. 26, 2013
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, and two other military veterans in Congress have introduced legislation to downgrade the Pentagon’s newly announced medal for non-combat troops such as drone pilots and cyber warfare operators.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2013 – The new Distinguished Warfare Medal recognizes the changing face of conflict in the 21st century, said Juliet Beyler, the acting director of officer and enlisted personnel management in the Pentagon.
Continue reading "New Medal Recognizes Changing Face of Conflict, Official Says" »
By Linda McIntosh
9 a.m.Feb. 12, 2013
CAMP PENDLETON — Registration is open for Camp Pendleton’s World Famous Mud Run.
By Jeff Schogol - Staff writer
Posted: Tuesday Feb 12, 2013 10:44:06 EST
President Obama will announce tonight that 34,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan will return home by this time next year — halving the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, senior administration officials confirm.
Continue reading "Half of troops in Afghanistan home in 1 year" »
By Linda McIntosh6 a.m.Feb. 12, 2013
CAMP PENDLETON — Construction is being completed this month on 119,000-square foot barracks near the School of Infantry to house 860 Marines. The $44 million project is one of more than two dozen barracks/bachelors quarters totaling more than $650 million that have been built or renovated by Harper Construction since 2010 and is part of a barracks building boom on base.
Continue reading "New barracks set to open at School of Infantry" »
By Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point | February 06, 2013
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
The female dress cover may change soon, more than 11 years after Gen. James T. Conway, the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps, started an initiative to make the change.
Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Whiting | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune | Date: 01.18.2013
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Beginning Jan. 30, the Tax Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is scheduled to start filing 2012 tax returns for service members and government employees who work on the installation.
Continue reading "Don’t wait, Tax Center offers free 2012 return filing beginning Jan 30" »
New Rules Reinstate Tax Treatment for Gifts to Charity
By LAURA SAUNDERS
January 18, 2013, 2:05 p.m. ET
Better late than never.
On New Year's Day, Congress renewed the highly popular but expired individual retirement account charitable-rollover provision for people at least 70½ years old. The extension is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012, and will be in effect until year-end, when it lapses for the fourth time in a decade.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 3, 2013 18:09:54 EST
The Marine Corps will require nearly all Marines to dress up on Fridays beginning this week, following a directive issued by Commandant Gen. Jim Amos.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 29, 2012 10:30:32 EST
The Marine Corps has ended its use of female engagement teams in Afghanistan, saying their work is now performed by Afghan National Security Forces.
Peralta case an example of modern methods interfering with witness accounts, vets say
Written by
John Wilkens
12:01 a.m., Dec. 23, 2012
When it comes to the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for battlefield bravery, the standard has long been the same: Two eyewitnesses.
Continue reading "The changing process of awarding military's highest medal" »
By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER
The Associated Press
Published: December 23, 2012
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A war over, the Army heeds Congress' demands to cuts costs by paring its ranks. But the nation's economy is weak, and unemployment rates are high. It's an uncertain time for thousands of service members and their families.
Continue reading "Cuts to ranks may shock, but it's happened before " »
But troops at 1 in 5 locations will receive less
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 17, 2012 6:18:46 EST
The average Basic Allowance for Housing will rise 3.8 percent in 2013, giving troops living off base their largest average increase in four years, defense officials said.
Continue reading "Average BAH rate increases 3.8% in 2013" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 12, 2012 8:23:15 EST
By early next year, the Marine Corps plans to send a second infantry battalion to Okinawa for six months as part of the resumption of the Unit Deployment Program in Japan. A third is expected to follow later in 2013.
Continue reading "Okinawa rotations may uproot permanent troops" »
By Ina Steiner
EcommerceBytes.com
November 12, 2012
Online merchants sending electronics internationally will be pleased to learn that, after banning them in May, U.S. Post Offices will once again accept packages containing lithium batteries installed in electronic devices bound for many international destinations, as well as Army (APO), Fleet (FPO) and Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) locations.
Continue reading "USPS Lift on Lithium Ban Good for Online Merchants " »
Posted : Tuesday Oct 23, 2012 11:12:19 EDT
TRIANGLE, Va. — The most decorated Marine in the Corps’ history is getting another honor.
Continue reading "USMC museum installs statue of Chesty Puller" »
By Matthew Barakat - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Oct 22, 2012 20:39:14 EDT
WASHINGTON — Arlington National Cemetery on Monday made available to the public a massive electronic database detailing the gravesites of the roughly 400,000 people buried there.
Continue reading "Arlington Cemetery debuts new interactive map" »
By Bryan Bender | Globe Staff
October 21, 2012
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. — The rusted, twisted girder, recovered from the ashes of the World Trade Center, stands sentry outside the tunnel entrance, pointing eastward toward New York City
Continue reading "Military role on US soil a complex challenge" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 16, 2012 9:13:25 EDT
This year’s first rotational deployment of a Marine Corps infantry company to Australia proved successful, from the low-key nature of the Marines’ conduct Down Under to the improved ties with their Australian army hosts.
Continue reading "Marines pave way for larger force in Australia" »
By Gina Harkins - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 4, 2012 11:02:59 EDT
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marines are about to see a lot of changes in their training as the Corps shifts from steady combat in Afghanistan to new missions focused on U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 3, 2012 9:39:08 EDT
Nominations open today, Oct. 3, for Operation Homefront’s 2013 Military Child of the Year awards, which recognize military children who have shown resilience and strength of character and who thrive in the face of the challenges of military life.
Continue reading "Military Child of the Year nominations open" »
10/1/2012 By Terri Moon Cronk , Headquarters Marine Corps
WASHINGTON — Beginning Oct. 1, 2012, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said today.
Continue reading " Roth Contributions to Open to All Active-duty Troops " »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Sep 27, 2012 17:08:23 EDT
With little more than a month to go before the election, activity has picked up among military community voters overseas.
September 27th, 2012 | Afghanistan Camp Leatherneck Embedded journalism Infantry | Posted by Dan Lamothe
It’s that time again: Marine Corps Times is heading back to the Sandbox.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Times to embed in Afghanistan in October" »
Sep 25, 2012
Military.com| by Bryant Jordan
A decade of war has the Marine Corps implementing a change that will see collective battalion- and squadron-level training for Marines headed off to the combat theater.
Continue reading "Corps Introduces Changes to Deployment Training" »
Invitation by MCRD to take on 3-mile obstacle course
Written by
Nathan Max
12:01 a.m., Sept. 24, 2012
Anyone looking for the Marine Corps experience without the commitment of enlisting or the danger of ducking bullets will have the chance Saturday morning.
9/24/2012 By Lance Cpl. Lauren Kurkimilis , 7th Marine Regiment
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTY NINE PALMS, Calif. — Since 2001, the Combat Center has provided comprehensive and collaborative training for combat operations in the Middle East. Training exercises have evolved from the Combined Arms Exercise to what is known today as Enhanced Mojave Viper.
By Luis Martinez
@LMartinezABC
Sep 20, 2012 8:46pm
The last of the 33,000 American surge troops sent to Afghanistan two years ago have left the battlefields of Afghanistan, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said.
With the departure of the last of the surge troops, there are now 68,000 American troops in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Last of 33,000 Surge Troops Leave Afghanistan" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 15, 2012 21:46:09 EDT
WASHINGTON — Coalition military authorities in Afghanistan on Saturday said the insurgents who attacked a British airfield in southwestern Afghanistan on Friday, killing two U.S. Marines, wore U.S. Army uniforms and destroyed six Harrier fighter jets.
Continue reading "Base attackers wore U.S. camo, destroyed jets" »
By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 14, 2012 11:01:39 EDT
WASHINGTON — An elite Marine rapid response team arrived in Yemen's capital Friday in the wake of violence and protests at the U.S. Embassy, the Pentagon said.
The Associated Press
Published: September 14, 2012
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. official says an elite Marine rapid response team is headed to Sudan in the wake of violence and protests against the embassy in Khartoum.
Continue reading "Marine unit heading to Sudan in wake of violence" »
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Sep 13, 2012 15:49:59 EDT
BERLIN — U.S. embassies across the world ramped up security Thursday following an attack that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya, as Muslims angry over an anti-Islam film stormed the U.S. mission in Yemen and clashed with police near the American mission in Cairo.
Continue reading "Embassies boost security after Libya attack" »
By Jim Kuhnhenn - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Sep 12, 2012 8:38:40 EDT
WASHINGTON — President Obama on Wednesday condemned attacks on a U.S. consulate in eastern Libya that killed the U.S. ambassador and three American members of his staff. He ordered increased security at U.S. diplomatic posts around the world.
Continue reading "Pentagon boosting security at U.S. embassies" »
TALIBAN insurgents are posing as "attractive women" on Facebook to befriend coalition soldiers and gather intelligence about operations.
Anthony Deceglie, Katie Robertson
The Sunday Telegraph
September 09, 2012 12:00AM
Australian soldiers are given pre-deployment briefings about enemies creating fake profiles to spy on troops.
Continue reading "Taliban using Facebook to lure Aussie soldier " »
By Associated Press, Published: August 26
SAN DIEGO — Dozens of small to moderate earthquakes rattled Southern California on Sunday, shaking an area from rural Imperial County to the San Diego coast and north into the Coachella Valley.
By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Aug 17, 2012 14:39:17 EDT
Tricare beneficiaries who live in one of the regions served by the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan have until Monday to apply for the program if they want to stay in it when they become Medicare-eligible.
Continue reading "Sign-up deadline looms for Family Health Plan" »
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Aug 14, 2012 17:33:49 EDT
Insider attacks by Afghan troops who turn their weapons on U.S. and NATO forces have doubled compared to last year, prompting the top U.S. commander in Kabul to step up efforts to identify potential inside-the-wire threats.
Continue reading "Inside-the-wire attacks double in Afghanistan" »
By Erik Slavin
Stars and Stripes
Published: July 30, 2012
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Capital One will pay $12 million to servicemembers and their families to settle claims that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, according to documents filed in federal court Thursday.
Continue reading "Credit company to pay $12 million to troops for violating Civil Relief Act" »
By Joby Warrick, Published: July 26
Iran is rapidly gaining new capabilities to strike at U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf, amassing an arsenal of sophisticated anti-ship missiles while expanding its fleet of fast-attack boats and submarines, U.S. and Middle Eastern analysts say.
Continue reading " Iran bolsters retaliation capability in Persian Gulf, experts say" »
By Jim Michaels - USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Jul 25, 2012 18:45:04 EDT
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The surge of Marines and other forces in southwestern Afghanistan has broken the Taliban’s grip on a former stronghold, allowing coalition forces to begin turning over security to Afghans, commanders said.
Continue reading "Amos sees ‘rolling transition’ in Afghanistan" »
By Bethany Crudele - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 23, 2012 9:25:38 EDT
Marines training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., will soon battle a simulated enemy and engage in live-fire maneuvers on a new $10 million Infantry Squad Battle Course. The 82-acre range, to be completed in May 2014, is designed to expose infantry squads with II Marine Expeditionary Force to realistic battlefield situations and decision making.
Continue reading "Lejeune to get $10M battle course in May 2014" »
Monday, 02 July 2012 14:00
Written by Newsdesk
Discovery Channel’s Mighty Ships returns with six all-new episodes offering unprecedented access to today’s most extraordinary vessels.
Premiering Sunday, July 22 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT, Season 6 kicks off with a special two-hour premiere featuring the world’s most luxurious cruise ship – the fantastic Crystal Serenity – immediately followed by an action-packed voyage aboard battle-bound USS New York, the first time the massive amphibious transport has performed all her functions
Continue reading "Discovery's Worldwide Hit Mighty Ships Returns for Season 6 on July 22nd" »
Posted: 07/02/2012
By: Lindsay Shively
LATHROP, Mo. - A Lathrop, Mo., woman has not been seen in more than two weeks, when friends say she disappeared off of her boyfriend's couch, leaving behind all her belongings - including important medication.
Continue reading "Effort to 'Find Carol Thompson' ramps up as search enters third week" »
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 28, 2012 20:05:42 EDT
Military fakers scored a major victory at the U.S. Supreme Court when the justices struck down the Stolen Valor Act, the 2006 law that made it a federal crime to lie about receiving military medals.
Continue reading "Court rejects Stolen Valor, suggests rewrite" »
By Gina Harkins - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 26, 2012 17:46:38 EDT
A new hand-held, battery-operated sensor that can help detect the most serious of brain bleeds could soon make its way to Marines in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Hand-held scanner can detect brain injuries" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 21, 2012 16:00:50 EDT
About 28,000 U.S. and coalition forces who fought a thriving insurgency in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010 under the command of a Marine expeditionary brigade will receive the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Continue reading "MEB troops to get prestigious valor award" »
The drones, which U.S. officials hope will help reduce civilian casualties in war zones, pack tiny explosive warheads that can destroy targets with pinpoint accuracy.
By W.J. Hennigan, Los Angeles Times
June 11, 2012, 5:00 a.m.
Seeking to reduce civilian casualties and collateral damage, the Pentagon will soon deploy a new generation of drones the size of model planes, packing tiny explosive warheads that can be delivered with pinpoint accuracy.
Continue reading "Pentagon to soon deploy pint-sized but lethal Switchblade drones" »
By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 25, 2012
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Marine Corps soon will offer early retirement with benefits to some troops as part of force-shaping efforts aimed at cutting 20,000 jobs from the rolls over the next four years, Corps officials said this week.
Continue reading "Marines to offer early retirement, with benefits" »
Dogs and devices sniff out top killer
By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The U.S. military is on a path toward significantly fewer battlefield deaths in Afghanistan this year because it has become better at detecting the No. 1 killer of U.S. troops: the improvised explosive device (IED).
Continue reading "U.S. troops winning war against IEDs of Taliban" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 24, 2012 20:46:40 EDT
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marine commanders in Afghanistan have cracked down on war-zone photography in the wake of two international scandals this year in which U.S. troops were depicted posing with dead Taliban fighters.
By Jon Anderson and Karen Jowers - Staff writers
Posted : Friday May 11, 2012 17:49:32 EDT
Starting next week, the U.S. Postal Service will prohibit shipping of lithium or products containing lithium to international, APO, FPO and DPO addresses.
Continue reading "Overseas shipping of many electronics banned" »
By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 27, 2012 8:37:47 EDT
WASHINGTON — About 9,000 Marines stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa will be moved to the U.S. territory of Guam and other locations in the Asia-Pacific, including Hawaii, under a U.S.-Japan agreement announced Thursday.
Continue reading "U.S. to move 9,000 Marines from Okinawa" »
By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 19, 2012 16:43:22 EDT
The Veterans Affairs Department announced Thursday that it plans to hire 1,600 nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers to bolster its staff of mental health providers.
Continue reading "VA to hire 1,600 mental health care providers" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 18, 2012 15:36:36 EDT
The Marine Corps school that produces infantry combat officers will enroll its first-ever female students this year, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Continue reading "USMC 4-star: Women to attend infantry school" »
By: Kari Pugh | Inside NoVA
Published: April 08, 2012
If you were nearWashington,D.C., on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the sight of this particular F/A-18 Hornet in the sky was probably a welcome one, even as smoke billowed upwards from the Pentagon.
Continue reading "First fighter jet to respond to 9/11 attacks heads for Marine museum" »
Staff report
Posted : Monday Apr 2, 2012 11:05:06 EDT
Marine Corps manpower officials are launching an eight-week, worldwide tour to inform personnel how the service intends to shed about 20,000 from active duty over the next five years.
Continue reading "Corps to map out drawdown options for Marines" »
By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Mar 31, 2012 9:54:58 EDT
The Tricare Assistance Program for behavioral health counseling is being shut down due to lack of use, Tricare officials said Friday.
Continue reading "Tricare to close online mental health program" »
By Lolita C. Baldor and Pauline Jelinek - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Mar 29, 2012 9:19:10 EDT
WASHINGTON — U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned “guardian angels” — troops that watch over their comrades even as they sleep — and have ordered a series of other increased security measures to protect troops against possible attacks by rogue Afghans.
Continue reading "U.S. troops get new protections in Afghanistan" »
Gretel C. Kovach recognized for combat dispatches and narrative series
By U-T San Diego
5:33 p.m., March 28, 2012
Gretel C. Kovach, a U-T San Diego military affairs reporter, has been selected for two awards for “exemplary work in advancing and preserving Marine Corps history,” the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation announced Wednesday.
Continue reading "U-T reporter honored for Marine coverage" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 19, 2012 19:50:12 EDT
The Marine Corps will send a Hawaii-based infantry unit to Australia in April, marking the first rotation there for U.S. forces as part of a new military partnership between the longtime allies.
Continue reading "Corps’ new Australia tours to start in April" »
Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.18.2012
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Anyone who has ever used cash to buy something at the exchange in Afghanistan is familiar with the pogs that serve as change for a purchase.
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Mar 17, 2012 9:51:38 EDT
Throwable robots, small enough to fit in a Marine’s cargo pocket, are on their way to infantry units in Afghanistan.
By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 15, 2012
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The Marine Corps plans to trim its ranks by 20,000 over five years, but no Marines will be forced out of the service early, according to the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for combat development and integration.
Continue reading "Marine Corps cuts won’t affect current enlistments, top general says" »
By Chris Carroll
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 15, 2012
KABUL - An Afghan man who barreled onto a runway in a stolen truck and set himself on fire just as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was landing in Afghanistan has died of his injuries, the No. 2 U.S. commander in the country said Thursday.
Continue reading "Afghan who crashed truck where Panetta landed dies" »
By Rod McGuirk - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Mar 15, 2012 7:42:44 EDT
CANBERRA, Australia — Indonesian ministers said Thursday they were comfortable with a planned increase in U.S. troops in northern Australia seen as an attempt to contain China and hoped to join in training exercises focused on disaster relief.
Continue reading "Indonesia OKs Marine Corps’ Australia training" »
Active-duty ranks to be trimmed by 10 percent over five years
Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
7:23 p.m., March 14, 2012
Updated 9:12 p.m.
The Marine Corps plans to cut its active-duty ranks by about 20,000 in the next five years, because of the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq, the rapid drawdown underway in Afghanistan and national budget strains.
Continue reading "Local bases escape brunt of Marine Corps cuts" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 13, 2012 9:33:13 EDT
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. — Marine Corps aircraft will be used to support Afghan ground forces as sizeable numbers of U.S. and coalition infantry units withdraw from Helmand province throughout the coming year.
Continue reading "1-star: Corps’ aircraft to back Afghan forces" »
By David S. Cloud and Laura King
Los Angeles Times
Published: March 11, 2012
REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON AND KABUL — A U.S. serviceman who went on a house-to-house shooting rampage in a rural Kandahar hamlet, killing 16 people as they slept Sunday, is an enlisted soldier who acted alone, according to a senior U.S. military officer.
Continue reading "Afghan village shooter said to be American enlisted soldier" »
Athima Chansanchai
March 12, 2012
While the U.S. Army knows its soldiers live in the modern world and carry location-aware, socially networked smartphones, it is reiterating the dangers of broadcasting too much information, because oversharing could cost lives.
Continue reading "US Army to soldiers: 'Check-ins' can kill" »
March 7, 2012
By Cheryl Rodewig
FORT BENNING, Ga. (March 7, 2012) -- "Is a badge on Foursquare worth your life?"
Sexual assault prevention training, fitness also included in 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 5, 2012 18:46:31 EST
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK — The Navy and Marine Corps today introduced a wide-ranging wellness initiative with programs ranging from duty section Breathalyzer tests for alcohol use and reliable synthetic marijuana testing to enhanced anti-sexual assault training, greater emphasis on fitness and nutrition, increased on-base prices of tobacco products and the ability to temporarily leave the service, without penalty, to raise children.
Continue reading "Wellness initiative to test for alcohol, drugs" »
by Mike DeFranco
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tracy Della Vecchia is the founder of MarineParents.com.It's a website she started in 2003 when her son started serving in the Marines overseas.
Continue reading "Local woman receives congressional Medal of Honor award" »
BY Laura D'Angelo
Friday, March 2, 2012 | 8:02 p.m. CST; updated 9:23 p.m. CST, Friday, March 2, 2012
COLUMBIA — It's hard for Tracy Della Vecchia to grasp how deserving she is of a national award — humbling, she said.
Continue reading "Columbia woman chosen as Citizen Service Before Self Honors finalist" »
BRETT ZONGKER
Associated Press
Feb 29, 1:45 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) -- It took almost 60 years for World War II veterans to get a monument in Washington. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial opened less than a decade after their war ended. Now with the Iraq war just over, and Afghanistan continuing, there are already plans to honor those veterans in a new National Mall tribute in the works.
Continue reading "Troops from Iraq, Afghanistan to be honored in DC" »
By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 17, 2012
WASHINGTON — Troops could see their lowest pay raises in four decades — far below what their civilian peers will get — if proposed changes are made in the way military raises are calculated.
Continue reading "Military pay raise plans could pinch troops' wallets" »
By Sam Fellman - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Feb 15, 2012 15:26:21 EST
The three latest destroyers will be named for Navy and Marine Corps heroes from Pearl Harbor, Vietnam and the Iraq war, the Navy announced in a statement Wednesday.
Continue reading "Navy names destroyer for Rafael Peralta" »
By Andrew Lapin
February 3, 2012
The Army could resort to buyouts and severance packages in its recently announced effort to eliminate 80,000 soldiers over the next six years, the National Journal has reported.
By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jan 28, 2012 10:39:59 EST
WASHINGTON — The lineup of weapons the Pentagon has picked to fit President Obama’s new forward-looking defense strategy, called “Priorities for 21st Century Defense,” features relics of the past.
Continue reading "Cuts give new life to old weapons systems" »
1/27/2012 By Lance Cpl. Rubin J. Tan , Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
MCAS Beaufort, S.C. — Engineers, aircraft mechanics, data network specialists and other jobs in the Marine Corps can be turned into careers and with experience in the military, Marines may be qualified for college credit.
Continue reading "College credit earned though military experience" »
By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: January 27, 2012
WASHINGTON — Voting experts anticipate fewer problems for military and overseas absentee voters in this November’s presidential election, thanks to more online tools and more accommodating deadlines from states.
Continue reading "Absentee voting should be easier for servicemembers in 2012" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 26, 2012 13:45:08 EST
The Marine Corps will slash 20,000 Marines as part of Defense Department-wide budget cuts, reducing its end strength to about 182,000, top Pentagon officials announced Thursday.
Continue reading "20,000 Marines to be cut, Pentagon announces" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jan 25, 2012 15:16:12 EST
Federal officials have begun tracking companies and individuals who repeatedly target service members with scams, officials announced Wednesday.
Continue reading "Officials: Scam database will protect troops" »
Military unveils new eyeglass style
Written by
Jeanette Steele
2:55 p.m., Jan. 20, 2012
The U.S. military said Thursday that weak-sighted recruits will no longer be forced to wear the infamous eyeglass frames long known affectionately as “birth control glasses
By Lindsay Wise
Houston Chronicle
Published: January 16, 2012
The president of the American Psychiatric Association says he is "very open" to a request from the Army to come up with an alternative name for post-traumatic stress disorder so that troops returning from combat will feel less stigmatized and more encouraged to seek treatment.
Continue reading "Idea to take the 'D' out of PTSD being studied" »
1/11/2012 By Cpl. Isis M. Ramirez , Marine Forces Pacific
CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — Just like everyone else in the United States, Marines and Department of Defense civilians have opinions. As citizens, they have the freedom to generate and express their beliefs. However, as the 2012 presidential elections draw near, it is a good time to be reminded of the do’s and don’ts in regard to service members and civilian government employees participating in the election process, as well as how opinions can be appropriately expressed in a public forum.
Continue reading "Political activities: what every Marine and DOD civilian should know " »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 6, 2012 17:20:34 EST
A Colorado lawmaker wants the Defense Department to remind active-duty and reserve service members about the rules limiting participation in partisan political events.
Continue reading "Rep.: Troops need reminder on political events" »
Written by
Gary Robbins
5:38 p.m., Jan. 4, 2012
The three Mobile Landing Platform ships that General Dynamics NASSCO will build in San Diego have been given names that honor Marines and a historic Marine Corps training facility.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jan 3, 2012 17:21:36 EST
President Obama has signed a law that within six months could make it easier for service members and their families to get through security checkpoints at major airports.
Continue reading "Law signed to speed troops through TSA security" »
Written by
U-T Editorial Board
9 p.m., Dec. 31, 2011
Today, the U-T launches a new tradition. Each Jan. 1, we will honor the Person of the Year, an individual or category of individuals with San Diego ties.
Continue reading "U-T Person of the Year: The U.S. Marine " »
12/21/2011 By Capt. Patrick Boyce , Manpower & Reserve Affairs
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — No one steps foot into the combat zone in hopes to be wounded. But it’s a fact that some Marines in combat will be wounded or injured as a result of enemy action, with many of the Marines being eligible for award of the Purple Heart.
Continue reading "Marines with concussion, mild brain injury may qualify for Purple Heart " »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Dec 21, 2011 14:47:52 EST
The Marine Corps wants to make sure Marines and sailors who suffer concussions and other head injuries are tagged and tracked in a medical database, which officials hope will lead to better health care and treatment.
Continue reading "New database tracks Marine head injuries" »
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
The Military Wives are on course to be this year's Christmas number one and become the fastest-selling single for six years.
Continue reading "The Military Wives on course to be Christmas number one" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 20, 2011 9:48:29 EST
Grunts and amtrac crewmen assigned to the Corps’ seven Marine expeditionary units will undergo more intensive water-survival training as part of a new initiative to teach personnel how to escape a sinking amphibious assault vehicle.
Continue reading "New ground requirement: amtrac dunker training" »
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 12, 2011
NAPLES, Italy — With the 2012 presidential election campaign in full swing and the first primaries only weeks away, those living overseas who want to vote should think about registering now to cast an absentee ballot.
Continue reading "Overseas voters should check website for registration options" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 10, 2011 9:31:58 EST
Eight months after Marine Corps aviators first flew missions in Libya — including the rescue of a downed Air Force pilot — a California representative wants to know why no Marine has been honored with awards for their combat actions.
Story by Cpl. Abigail Brown | Marine Corps Air Station New River | Date: 12.07.2011
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - With many Marines accessing websites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, My Pay, Marine Online, Marines.mil and so on, the risk of leaking information vital to operational security is high. To reduce the threat, the Marine Corps offers a secure social media platform called eMarine that links a unit’s page to many pages vital for Marines.
Marine Support Group will host the commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines at the San Clemente Community Center to talk to the public about the unit's experiences in Afghanistan.
By Adam Townsend
Dec. 6, 2011
The Commander of 1st Battallion, 5th Marines will give a presentation on that unit's recent deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan, knows as the Most Dangerous Place on Earth.
Continue reading "Marine Commander to Discuss Afghan Deployment" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 3, 2011 9:06:33 EST
The Marine Corps has begun researching options for a new modular body armor system that would combine the coverage of the current plate carrier vest with additional soft armor resembling the service’s new pelvic protection system.
Continue reading "Marine Corps seeks better body armor system" »
December 02, 2011
Marine Corps News|by Lance Cpl. R.J. Driver
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Family readiness officers throughout the Marine Corps use a combination of Facebook, base-sponsored web pages and word of mouth to pass information to their units’ families.
By Ron Barnett - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Dec 1, 2011 17:30:25 EST
Carol Horner-Iacona of San Marcos, Texas, knew her father had been aboard the USS Helena on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. But it really hit home this week when she found the Navy document on the genealogy website Ancestry.com placing him there on that day.
Continue reading "Website makes WWII records available for free" »
By DEB RIECHMANN and SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press
Nov 29, 6:20 AM EST
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Drawdown plans announced by the U.S. and more than a dozen other nations will shrink the foreign military footprint in Afghanistan by 40,000 troops at the close of next year, leaving Afghan forces increasingly on the frontlines of the decade-long war.
Continue reading "40,000 troops to leave Afghanistan by end of 2012" »
By John Vandiver and Martin Kuz
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 28, 2011
STUTTGART, Germany — If Pakistan opts to keep the border crossings into Afghanistan closed to NATO resupply convoys for an extended period following an air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, the U.S. military and its allies may have to rely more heavily on the Northern Distribution Network, a key gateway for military equipment.
Continue reading "Military looks at supply routes away from Pakistan" »
By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Nov 26, 2011 9:55:07 EST
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines will march out of Afghanistan by the thousands next year, winding down combat in the Taliban heartland and testing the U.S. view that Afghan forces are capable of leading the fight against a battered but not yet beaten insurgency in the country’s southwestern reaches, senior U.S. military officers say.
Continue reading "Marines to wind down Afghan combat in 2012" »
By Megan McCloskey
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 23, 2011
WASHINGTON — A new report on civilian ties to the military puts numbers to what top military leaders have been a lamenting for years: The American public is largely disconnected from its fighting force.
Continue reading "Report shows a military and a nation disconnected" »
Published: Saturday, November 19, 2011, 4:47 PM
Navy medic from Staten Island honored for his heroics
Continue reading "Navy medic from Staten Island honored for his heroics" »
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2011 – President Barack Obama joined Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard today to announce expanded military-to-military relationships between the two countries as they commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Australia-New Zealand-U.S. alliance.
Continue reading "Obama Announces Expanded U.S. Military Presence in Australia" »
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Nov 12, 2011 9:03:34 EST
The Sand Flea looks like a laptop with four wheels. But it can leap up to 24 feet high, landing on its wheels every time.
Continue reading "Leaping Sand Flea robot heading to Afghanistan" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 11, 2011 16:27:06 EST
Crocodile Dundee, move over — there’s a new tough guy reportedly moving in Down Under. The U.S. will base 500 to 1,000 Marines in Australia as part of an expanded partnership between the two countries, according to media reports.
Continue reading "Marines to be based in Australia, report says" »
Story by Lance Cpl. Marcin Platek | Marine Forces Reserve | Date: 11.10.2011
NEW ORLEANS – As Halloween decorations come down, some stores start preparing for Christmas early. From sales to giveaways, Christmas fever is spreading. For the Marines it means something else: there are toys to be collected.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots launches as the holiday season approaches" »
By the CNN Wire Staff
November 8, 2011
(CNN) -- A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck deep under the ocean floor northwest of Okinawa, Japan, near noon Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Continue reading "Offshore earthquake hits Okinawa area, no reports of damage" »
BY JOE SWICKARD
DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
1:43 AM, Nov. 6, 2011
More than 16 million Americans answered the call to arms in World War II. Of those, 600,000 were the few, the proud, the Marines.
Continue reading "1st black Marines may soon get Congressional Gold Medal" »
By David Hodge
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 2, 2011
RAF MILDENHALL, England — The deadlines for sending gifts for the holidays are fast approaching, and postal officials caution that mail service could be busier than usual this year with U.S. troops withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan and shipping their belongings home by mail.
Continue reading "Post office warns overseas military Christmas mailing deadline is near" »
By MARK WALKER [email protected] | Posted: Friday, October 28, 2011 5:00 am
The Marine Corps has tapped a battle-tested and insurgent-savvy commander at Camp Pendleton to lead its troops on the ground in Afghanistan next year.
Continue reading "Gurganus to lead Marine Corps forces in Afghanistan next year" »
Cid Standifer - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 26, 2011 17:11:51 EDT
The Marines Corps has retreated from the tuition assistance cuts the service announced less than two weeks ago, according to a Marine Corps administrative message released Wednesday, but they are warning that TA funds will probably run out well before the end of fiscal 2012.
Continue reading "Marine Corps backs off tuition assistance cuts" »
Date Signed: 10/26/2011
MARADMIN Active Number: 639/11 2011
R 261938Z OCT 11
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 639/11
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2007/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF(UC)//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS TUITION ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY, FUNDING PROVISIONS AND RESTRICTIONS//
REF/A/MSGID:CMC WASHINGTON DC/D171625ZOCT2011/-//
AMPN/REF IS MARADMIN 616-11, MARINE CORPS TUITION ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY, FUNDING PROVISIONS AND RESTRICTIONS.//
POC/DARYL PATRICK/NF-4/UNIT:MRA MF/-/TEL:703-784-9550//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. THIS MESSAGE CANCELS REF A.
Marine Week will take place in Cleveland.
Colleen O'Neill, Newsradio WTAM 1100
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
(Cleveland)- Cleveland has been chosen to host the 4th annual Marine Week...
The announcement was made Tuesday morning at Cleveland City Hall. It's taking place June 11-17, 2012 and provides a unique experience to directly connect the public and Marines.
October 25th, 2011 | Marine Week | Posted by Dan Lamothe
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World will showcase the Marine Corps next summer.
Continue reading "Marine Week 2012 to be held in Cleveland, Ohio" »
10/25/2011
Headquarters Marine Corps Capt. Lori Miller, USMC
571-256-4177 (office)
[email protected]
CLEVELAND, OHIO —
Fourth Annual Event Celebrates Community, Country and Corps June 11-17 2012
The United States Marine Corps will partner with the city of Cleveland, Ohio, to bring Marine Week to the nation’s Rock and Roll Capital, June 11-17, 2012. Marine Week is a celebration of community, country and Corps, and provides the unique experience to directly connect the American public and Marines.
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 23, 2011 9:21:11 EDT
The Marine Corps’ first unmanned cargo helicopter is headed to Afghanistan, where it will resupply front-line troops and keep convoys off the road.
Continue reading "Unmanned cargo helos ready for war zone" »
By Travis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 18, 2011
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps announced Tuesday it has slashed tuition assistance by 75 percent for servicemembers who take classes on their off-duty time.
Continue reading "Tuition assistance slashed by 75 percent for Marines" »
A 59-year-old sergeant in Afghanistan is determined to serve any way he can. His real fear? Retirement
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
OCTOBER 15, 2011
Staff Sgt. Don Nicholas disproves the old refrain: Old soldiers do not, in fact, fade away. They re-enlist.
By Clinton Rogers BBC News
3 October 2011
It is 120 degrees in the Mojave Desert in California with no place to hide - and for the past three weeks it has been home to the Royal Marines.
Continue reading "Royal Marines train in Mojave Desert in California" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Sep 29, 2011 8:30:56 EDT
Marine forces in southwestern Afghanistan have broadly improved security there, but they must keep pushing before U.S. forces in country are reduced next year as part of a planned drawdown, the top officer in the region said.
Continue reading "General: Marines could cut 8K in Afghanistan" »
By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Tuesday Sep 27, 2011 21:18:29 EDT
Accidents are the major cause of helicopter crashes in Afghanistan, despite the recent shootdown of a Chinook that killed 30 U.S. troops, records state.
Continue reading "Review: Most Afghan helo crashes accidental" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 26, 2011 7:51:18 EDT
It takes guts to be the point man breaching a door and heading into the unknown. What’s on the other side? It could be an empty room. There could be a family huddled in the corner. Or a Marine could find himself staring down the barrel of an enemy AK-47.
Phones and other smart devices are being tested across all branches of the military. Seeing an opportunity, software firms and defense contractors are developing apps that will enable soldiers to pass along intelligence, view reconnaissance images or even pilot small drones by remote control.
By W.J. Hennigan, Los Angeles Times
September 25, 2011, 8:28 p.m.
As a Cobra attack helicopter pilot, Marine Capt. Jim "Hottie" Carlson was running support missions above Afghanistan last summer when it occurred to him that it was taking far too long to find where U.S. troops were under attack.
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Sep 25, 2011 13:42:51 EDT
WASHINGTON — A Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee said Sunday that the U.S. should consider military action against Pakistan if it continues to support terrorist attacks against American troops in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Senator: Consider ‘all options’ with Pakistan" »
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Sep 24, 2011 9:33:57 EDT
U.S. troops in Afghanistan rely more and more on the superior noses of military working dogs to sniff out deadly improvised explosive devices.
By Ishtiaq Mahsud - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 27, 2011 14:09:44 EDT
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — An American drone fired two missiles at a house in a northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border Tuesday, killing three people, Pakistani intelligence officials said.
Continue reading "Pakistanis say U.S. missile strike kills 3" »
9/17/2011 By Cpl. Katherine Keleher , II MEF (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Hundreds of service members aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, attended a memorial ceremony to reflect upon the tragic events and lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Continue reading "Deployed troops reflect on 9/11 during memorial ceremony " »
TSGLI Payments Will Be Made for Qualifying Injuries
September 16, 2011
WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to Servicemembers who suffered qualifying injuries during the period Oct. 7, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred.
Continue reading "Retroactive Traumatic Injury Benefits No Longer Just For OEF/OIF Injuries" »
by Tom Gjelten
September 16, 2011
Napoleon declared that "an army marches on its stomach." Gen. Omar Bradley said, "Amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics." Successful military commanders have long recognized that few requirements rank higher in wartime than the need to maintain reliable supply lines.
Continue reading "U.S. Now Relies On Alternate Afghan Supply Routes " »
By Tabassum Zakaria
WASHINGTON | Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:04pm EDT
(Reuters) - The U.S. agency that operates spy satellites is helping the military spot homemade bombs before they kill American troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Continue reading "U.S. "Red Dot" spy program hunts bombs in war zones" »
By Dave Majumdar - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 12, 2011 8:00:43 EDT
It doesn’t take a multibillion-dollar defense contract to design and build a state-of-the-art airborne electronic attack pod. The Marine Corps has developed its own.
Cpl. Dakota Meyer fought to save his friends on "worst day" of his life
Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
1 p.m., Aug. 27, 2011
Cpl. Dakota Meyer was the youngest on the team assigned to mentor Afghan security forces. Until that day, the 21-year-old Marine’s worst firefight had been in the video game Call of Duty.
Continue reading "Marine's uncommon valor in Afghanistan garners Medal of Honor" »
Aug. 27, 2011
On Saturday, the last patients are to be transferred from the closing Walter Reed Army Medical Center to the Bethesda National Military Medical Center. As of Monday, the Bethesda facility will be known as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Continue reading "New beginning in Bethesda as military hospitals merge" »
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 27, 2011 – Officials here at the National Naval Medical Center declared a new chapter in military health care as a procession of ambulances delivered the last 18 inpatients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center this morning, a final milestone as the two flagship hospitals consolidate.
Continue reading "Arrival of Patients Marks New Beginning at Bethesda" »
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
No. 740-11
August 26, 2011
The Department of Defense announced today that it is currently providing support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) efforts to prepare for Hurricane Irene’s expected landfall on the U.S. mainland. At this time, the support includes, but is not limited to: air and ground transportation experts and defense coordinating officers and elements who serve as DoD representatives to state, local and other federal agencies. These experts coordinate DoD resources in support of FEMA.
Continue reading "Defense Department Prepares in Advance of Hurricane Irene" »
8/25/2011 By Lance Cpl. Victor Barrera , Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The Lejeune High School aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, has opened its doors and is welcoming the new school year with an upgraded campus and high expectations from both the students and the staff.
Continue reading "Lejeune High School starts with high expectations " »
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 6, 2011 16:59:21 EDT
Fido has no bark and no bite, but it’s got a sniffer.
Its full name is the Fido XT Explosives Detector, and military police aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., are the latest Marines to put the device to use.
Continue reading "Camp Lejeune to employ better bomb detectors" »
by Gloria Hillard
August 2, 2011
The military's four-legged warriors now have a more hopeful future in store.
Continue reading "Military Dogs Enjoy Brighter Future After Service" »
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press
Jul 31, 7:45 AM EDT
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has until mid-October to submit a plan for the initial withdrawal of American troops, decisions that may hinge in part on whether the latest surge in attacks continues through the holy month of Ramadan.
Continue reading "US commanders concerned about Ramadan fighting" »
By the CNN Wire Staff
July 28, 2011 6:04 p.m. EDT
Killeen, Texas (CNN) -- An AWOL Muslim American Army private arrested near Fort Hood has told investigators that he wanted to attack fellow soldiers at the military base, the police chief in Killeen, Texas, said Thursday.
Continue reading "Soldier said he wanted to attack Fort Hood troops" »
By NICK PERRY, Associated Press – July 22, 2011
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — U.S. Marines will visit New Zealand next year for the first time in at least 25 years, a sign of continuing thawing in the countries' military relations.
Continue reading "US Marines to visit New Zealand next year" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 21, 2011 10:52:24 EDT
GI Bill 2.0 starts Aug. 1 with sweeping improvements to help thousands of current and former troops — and some of their families — earn college degrees.
By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press
Jul 18, 8:33 AM EDT
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Gen. David Petraeus handed over command of American and coalition forces to Gen. John Allen on Monday, ending a year that saw the costly counterinsurgency strategy he espoused and implemented coming under increasingly heavy criticism.
Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus hands over command in Afghanistan" »
Other allied nations have made no secret of their wish to follow suit, and the withdrawals will place a heavier burden on those troops left behind. Senior U.S. officials have been reassuring wary Afghans, who say violence is still rampant.
By Laura King, Los Angeles Times
July 16, 2011
Reporting from Kandahar, Afghanistan—
The air conditioning in the cavernous military assembly hall didn't generate enough of a breeze to flutter the long strings of plastic Canadian flags. Some in the audience squirmed in their seats during a lengthy farewell address by an Afghan general. And with that, it was over.
Continue reading "Canada's exit highlights Afghanistan challenges" »
July 8, 2011
VFW Call to Action Against S. 277:
The Marine Corps family stationed at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 is aware of some severe health issues that may have resulted from using contaminated well water that contained carcinogens. Until this week, the VFW was a strong advocate of the "Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011 (S. 277)," which the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee passed recently to provide VA healthcare to assigned Marines, their families and veterans. Now we have learned that SVAC changed the bill — without public notice or hearing — to fund the care it would provide through the elimination of federal subsidies for military commissaries, and by directing the military exchange system to consolidate with the Defense Commissary Agency. The VFW can no longer support S. 277 because the new proposal threatens the existence of the commissary and exchange systems. We ask that you urge your senators to reject S. 277. If additional funding is needed, then SVAC should request it through the traditional legislative process, and not attempt to obtain funding from a federal department over which it has no jurisdiction. Contact your senators today at http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.
-- Tony Perry in San Diego
July 6, 2011
A battalion of Marines from Twentynine Palms will be among the first units to leave Afghanistan under the drawdown ordered by President Obama, a top general told reporters today.
Continue reading "Marines from Twentynine Palms to be among first to leave Afghanistan" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 6, 2011 14:31:24 EDT
A Marine infantry battalion out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., will leave Afghanistan before the end of the year as part of the early phases of a U.S. drawdown in the war-torn country.
Continue reading "3/4 eyed as part of Afghanistan drawdown" »
Jamil Ahmad's collection of stories is a striking debut
Basharat Peer
The Guardian, Friday 24 June 2011
Jamil Ahmad, a Pakistani civil servant, began his career in Baluchistan in the 1950s. Most civil servants posted to such a remote area as Baluchistan, North Western Frontier Province, or the tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghan border would lobby hard for a posting in the bigger cities of Pakistan, but Ahmad stayed on, spending several decades working as an administrator. Unlike most officials from the plains, Ahmad learned Pashto, the language most tribes along the dreaded frontier speak. Along the way, he took notes, and by 1974 had turned his impressions into a collection of inter-linked stories.
Continue reading "The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad – review" »
6/23/2011 By Lance Cpl. Cayce Nevers , Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — OPSEC is a process to deny potential enemies information about capabilities and/ or intentions by identifying, controlling and protecting unclassified information that gives evidence of the planning and execution of sensitive activities.
Continue reading "OPSEC: National security starts with you" »
Pullout to begin with 10,000 by the end of this year
By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published 8:18 p.m., June 22, 2011, updated 7:24 a.m., June 23, 2011
President Barack Obama Wednesday announced the much-anticipated plan to begin a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, saying the first 10,000 troops will be brought home by the end of this year.
Continue reading "Obama orders rollback in troops from Afghanistan" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 18, 2011 9:22:07 EDT
Several hundred Marines whose planned separations from service or retirement were delayed by the stop-loss order have yet to collect their extra pay.
Continue reading "Stop-loss pay goes uncollected by Marines" »
By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER, Associated Press – June 17, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the first time in its 96-year history, a female general is taking charge at the famed Marine Corps training depot at South Carolina's Parris Island.
Continue reading "Historic Marine base gets 1st-ever female general" »
Written by: J.R. Wilson on June 14, 2011
When a U.S. soldier was captured by insurgents in Afghanistan, the Army quickly realized his personal Facebook page contained information his captors could use in psychological torture. When apprised of the situation, Facebook immediately responded to the Army’s request to take the page down.
Continue reading "Military Security Issues of Social Media: Army" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 13, 2011 8:42:51 EDT
The Corps will soon field heavy hauler trucks capable of pulling disabled mine-resistant vehicles and other beefy equipment over Afghanistan’s unforgiving terrain.
Amid growing doubts in Congress over the war's cost, the Obama administration begins an internal debate this week on how many troops to bring home, and when.
By Peter Nicholas and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times
June 13, 2011
Reporting from Washington—
The Obama administration opens an internal debate this week on the size of a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan amid growing doubts in Congress about the cost and purpose of the decade-long war and public pressure to bring it to a rapid end.
Continue reading "Obama weighs scale of Afghanistan pullout" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jun 12, 2011 9:25:30 EDT
The Marine Corps is extending its early release program through next fiscal year, and more than 37,000 Marines have a chance to exit the service up to 90 days ahead of schedule.
Continue reading "Thousands eligible to exit service early" »
1:29 AM, Jun. 10, 2011
Written by
CHUCK RAASCH
WASHINGTON - Debate over how to end the war in Afghanistan is escalating, and how you perceive the issue may hinge around your definition of "modest" and "real."
Continue reading "Uncertain Obama faces crossroad in Afghan war" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 6, 2011 8:13:06 EDT
SAN DIEGO — Using synthetic drugs such as spice will do more than just risk your military career — it could lead to serious and potentially long-term mental disorders.
Continue reading "Doctor: Spice could threaten mental health" »
By Travis Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 3, 2011
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps has changed its re-enlistment procedures in an attempt to improve the quality of its ranks, according to orders approved by the commandant in May.
Continue reading "Marine Corps announces changes to re-enlistment procedures" »
Story by Pfc. Daniel Valle | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 06.02.2011
OKINAWA, Japan - All social security numbers will be removed from Department of Defense identification cards and be replaced by a DOD identification number beginning June 2011.
Continue reading "DOD to remove social security numbers from ID cards" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 31, 2011 7:56:00 EDT
TAMPA, Fla. — The Marine Corps will overhaul its re-enlistment process this summer, introducing a new system that will give Marines more time to decide their future and allow the service to be more selective about who it keeps.
Continue reading "Re-enlistment changes coming this summer" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 24, 2011 6:53:41 EDT
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Ten weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, six CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters were launched from the amphibious assault ship Peleliu and traveled nearly 400 miles from the North Arabian Sea before touching down in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "New training puts distance between HQ and units" »
May 18 2011
— By CJ
The Nigerians and other scammers using images of troops to dupe women around the world out of their hard-earned money has gotten a bit more sophisticated. But, it’s still not difficult to out them.
By Gina Cavallaro and Dan Lamothe - Staff writers
Posted : Tuesday May 17, 2011 7:43:48 EDT
When Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen replaces Army Gen. David Petraeus later this year as commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, he’ll take over a complex mission that is expected to grow only more challenging in the months and years ahead.
Continue reading "Allen prepares to be next Afghan war commander" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 16, 2011 8:37:09 EDT
The Marine Corps’ search for a new standard-issue pack is complete. Officials have settled on a final design for the USMC Pack, which Marines will begin wearing downrange as early as October, according to Lt. Col. Kevin Reilly, the pack’s program manager at Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va.
Continue reading "USMC Pack could debut downrange by October" »
Wannabes lie to get free beers, to get women into bed, to further their civilian careers or to get military benefits.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
As long as there have been Navy SEALs, there have been men pumping up their resumes or thumping their chests in bars with bogus claims of being one of the Navy's elite warriors.
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: May 11, 2011
WASHINGTON — Marines were on a foot patrol last fall in the Taliban stronghold of Marja, Afghanistan, when they shot and killed a lethal threat: a local dog that made the mistake of attacking the Marines’ Labrador retriever.
Continue reading "The Dogs of War: Beloved Comrades in Afghanistan" »
By PAUL ELIAS
Associated Press
May 10, 4:47 PM EDT
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Noting that an average of 18 veterans a day commit suicide, a federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to dramatically overhaul its mental health care system.
Continue reading "Appeals court blasts VA mental health care system" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 10, 2011 5:19:01 EDT
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps has started to build two new one-star Marine expeditionary brigade headquarters that will be capable of leading joint task forces in times of crisis.
Continue reading "Corps planning new MEBs for crisis response" »
By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 8, 2011
WASHINGTON — Advocates for wounded troops are hailing major changes to the Veterans Affairs caregivers program announced last week, and military families can formally apply for the benefits starting Monday.
Continue reading "VA details new rules for program that compensates family caregivers" »
May 05, 2011 10:30 PM
SUZANNE ULBRICH
With 80 percent of combat casualties in the Middle East caused by Improvised Explosive Devices, Camp Lejeune has opened a new facility specifically for training to defeat the devices.
Continue reading "Marine Corps unveils new facility for counter IED training" »
Aggressive tactics credited with crucial role
By RICHARD S. DUNHAM
WASHINGTON BUREAU
May 2, 2011, 10:42PM
WASHINGTON — The lives and legacies of George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden have been inextricably intertwined since Sept. 11, 2001.
Continue reading "President picked up where Bush left off" »
May 2, 2011
Associated Press correspondent Hamza Hendawi reports:
Muslim clerics said Monday that Osama bin Laden's burial at sea was a violation of Islamic tradition that may further provoke militant calls for revenge attacks against American targets.
Continue reading "Islamic scholars criticize bin Laden burial at sea" »
By Richard Allen Greene, CNN
May 2, 2011 9:24 a.m. EDT
(CNN) -- The hijacked jet planes that roared out of a clear blue sky one sunny September morning ten years ago killed nearly 3,000 people, but the hurt they did spread far beyond the immediate death and destruction at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Continue reading "Bin Laden's death brings healing to old wounds" »
May 2, 2011
Photos of spontaneous celebrations after announcement Osama Bin Laden killed.
'Justice has been done,' President Obama says
3:42 AM, May. 2, 2011
WASHINGTON – Osama bin Laden, the glowering mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was slain in his luxury hideout in Pakistan early Monday in a firefight with U.S. forces, ending a manhunt that spanned a frustrating decade.
Continue reading "President Obama: Osama bin Laden is dead; U.S. dumps body at sea" »
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 2, 2011
SEOUL — Shock and awe.
Continue reading "Troops surprised, relieved over bin Laden's death" »
By Michael A. Memoli and Michael Muskal
May 1, 2011, 8:35 p.m.
Reporting from Washington and Los Angeles—
Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted terrorist, was killed in Pakistan as the result of a U.S. military operation, President Obama announced to the nation Sunday night.
Continue reading "Obama announces Osama bin Laden killed by U.S." »
By HELENE COOPER
Published: May 1, 2011
WASHINGTON — Osama bin Laden has been killed, two United States officials said. President Obama was expected to make an announcement on Sunday night, almost ten years after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 29, 2011 11:11:54 EDT
Paper checks for federal benefits are going the way of the dinosaurs, and the first step happens May 1.
Continue reading "Fed begins phase-out of paper benefit checks" »
Injured toddler still in critical condition
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Apr 17, 2011 14:55:56 EDT
A toddler remains in critical condition and several residents of a Camp Lejeune, N.C., neighborhood were injured Saturday when a highly destructive tornado cut through the area around 9 p.m. and damaged more than 100 homes.
Continue reading "Lejeune neighborhood recovering after tornado" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Apr 16, 2011 9:08:44 EDT
The Marine Corps has fielded a new full-face dive mask to its most elite troops that is safer, easier to maintain and allows Marines to talk underwater.
Continue reading "New dive mask lets Marines talk underwater" »
By Lance M. Bacon - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Apr 16, 2011 8:28:32 EDT
Connoisseurs of combat cuisine, get ready for change. Meals, Ready-to-Eat will soon have 12 new items for you to taste, trade and mix together.
Continue reading "Taste test: Panel tries 12 new items for MREs" »
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 12, 2011 16:22:01 EDT
New underwear designed to better protect Marines’ groins from improvised explosive device blasts will soon be shipped to the war zone.
By Jeanette Steele
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 8:01 a.m.
An Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran from Camp Pendleton has been named Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, the highest enlisted position in the Corps.
Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marine is named top Sgt. Major" »
By Alison St John
April 12, 2011
The Marine Corps wants to expand its base at 29 Palms. The base is already the largest Marine Corps training facility in the world.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Plans To Expand Training Area At 29 Palms" »
Julian Glover
The Guardian, Monday 11 April 2011
The army is on the Soviet occupiers' path, with less success. What follows may be worse. All we can do, perhaps, is go.
Continue reading "Few politicians say it, but most think it: our Afghan war is a disaster" »
The New York Times
By THOM SHANKER
Published: April 10, 2011
WASHINGTON — Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who was relieved of command in Afghanistan after a magazine profile quoted his subordinates as disparaging senior civilian leaders, has been invited back to public service by the Obama administration to help oversee a high-profile initiative in support of military families, White House officials said Sunday.
Continue reading "McChrystal to Lead Program for Military Families" »
By Erik Slavin
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 8, 2011
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – Navy Federal Credit Union will advance servicemembers a week’s pay if the government shuts down, according to a credit union news release.
Continue reading "Navy Federal to advance servicemembers paychecks through April 15" »
Apr 7, 2011 Issues: Congressional Issues, Defense and National Security, Economy and Jobs, Spending Cuts and Debt
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) is expressing disappointment and dismay with congressional liberals who have refused to support legislation to fully fund America’s men and women in uniform through the end of the current fiscal year. Legislation to fund our troops while cutting $12 billion in wasteful government spending over the next week was approved by House Republicans without much help from Democrats. The bill now goes to the Democrat-controlled Senate which has already made clear it will not pass the bill.
By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
Updated: 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011
Insurgents in Afghanistan have changed tactics in how they place deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs), prompting a war-veteran congressman to propose a relatively simple technique to find and detonate them.
Study shows 2010 saw at least 171 troops suffer battlefield injuries resulting in amputations; 65 of them lost two limbs or more.
By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
April 6, 2011
Reporting from Landstuhl, Germany, and Helmand— Grim combat statistics that one military doctor called "unbelievable" show U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffered an unprecedented number of catastrophic injuries last year, including a tripling of amputations of more than one limb.
Continue reading "U.S. troops in Afghanistan suffer more catastrophic injuries" »
By Steven Thomma
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Wednesday, 04.06.11
WASHINGTON — Social Security checks would still go out. So would tax payments and refunds for e-filed returns. Soldiers would remain on duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, and sailors off the coast of Libya. FBI agents would still work. Mail would be delivered.
Continue reading "If the government shuts down, here's how it would work" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 6, 2011 15:58:44 EDT
The pay freeze that would come with an extended government shutdown would severely hurt military families and require the military to organize financial help for those who don’t have savings to cover bills, a nonpartisan arm of Congress is warning lawmakers.
Continue reading "Report: Shutdown would hurt military families" »
Posted Tuesday, Apr. 05, 2011
WASHINGTON -- U.S. military troops at war in Iraq and Afghanistan would receive one week's pay instead of two in their next paycheck if the government shuts down this weekend because of the federal budget impasse, a senior defense official said Tuesday.
Continue reading "Federal shutdown would have some troops' paychecks" »
Posted on March 31, 2011
Was it just a wrong turn, or something more sinister?
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 31, 2011 20:52:19 EDT
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. — Nearly 32 years of service and history came to an end Thursday when the amphibious assault ship Nassau was decommissioned at Naval Station Norfolk.
Continue reading "Nassau decommissioned after 32 years of service" »
The New York Times
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: March 22, 2011
WASHINGTON — An American pilot and a weapons officer were safely rescued in Libya on Tuesday after their warplane crashed near Benghazi, but the United States Marine Corps dropped two 500-pound bombs during the recovery and faced questions about whether Marines had fired on villagers.
Continue reading "Marines Face Questions About Rescue of Officers in Libya" »
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – Service members and their families have a few tax advantages at their disposal, as well as a few extra days in which to complete their taxes this year, a Defense Department tax expert said.
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK, STEVEN ERLANGER and ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: March 19, 2011
TRIPOLI, Libya — American and European forces began a broad campaign of strikes against the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi on Saturday, unleashing warplanes and missiles in a new military intervention in the Arab world on a scale not seen since the Iraq war.
Continue reading "U.S. Missiles Strike Libyan Air-Defense Targets" »
Admiral outlines worst-case scenario to move U.S. citizens and military personnel amid radiation concerns
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 17, 2011 21:27:50 EDT
SAN DIEGO — The admiral in charge of all U.S. military forces in the Pacific region said on Thursday the military has developed contingency plans to evacuate 87,000 Americans — including Defense Department personnel — from Japan if the situation deteriorates.
Continue reading "PACOM could evacuate 87k Americans from Japan" »
Posted 3/17/2011
by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
3/17/2011 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing commander, and U.S. Navy Capt. James Haugen, Naval Air Facility Misawa commanding officer, addressed the Misawa Air Base community in an American Forces Network broadcast March 17.
Continue reading "Misawa Air Base authorizes voluntary departure of dependants" »
By John Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 17, 2011
SEOUL — U.S. military personnel have delivered 40 tons of supplies to the hardest-hit areas of Japan, as humanitarian aid continues in the face of an ever-increasing threat from the failing Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant.
Continue reading "U.S. military delivers 40 tons of supplies to hardest-hit areas" »
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 – In the wake of Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami, Red Cross officials are encouraging U.S. service members and families posted there to register with an online resource intended to keep family and friends back home informed of their welfare.
Continue reading "Red Cross Website Links Japan-based Troops to Home" »
Monday, March 14th 2011 6:33 PM
By GetSolar Staff.
The U.S. military has been at the forefront of solar energy research for the past few years, albeit quietly. The Department of Defense has funneled large amounts of money into solar research and has looked to utilize the technology's power to help troops, power its bases and bring about technological advances in the field.
Navy ships, Marine forces and non-governmental relief teams are being dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas of Japan to provide humanitarian assistance and to search for survivors.
By Ken Dilanian, Washington Bureau
March 12, 2011, 8:59 a.m.
Reporting from Washington --
U.S. Navy ships and aircraft were converging on disaster-stricken Japan Saturday, while the main U.S. aid agency dispatched two urban search-and-rescue teams to help look for trapped survivors.
Continue reading "U.S. military, aid teams headed for Japan" »
By Sam Fellman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Mar 11, 2011 2:55:35 EST
Eight warships are headed to Japan to render disaster relief in the wake of a catastrophic magnitude 8.9 earthquake that left hundreds dead Friday. The quake unleashed a tsunami that is tearing across the Pacific. It unmoored two subs and is forcing other ships to get underway or ease their lines as the surge waters arrive, according to updates posted on official Navy Facebook pages across the region.
Continue reading "Navy sends 8 ships to provide tsunami relief" »
U.S. Forces prepare for humanitarian relief operations
By James K. Sanborn and Gidget Fuentes - Staff writers
Posted : Friday Mar 11, 2011 11:49:11 EST
What is being called Japan’s largest earthquake in 100 years struck the country’s main island Friday afternoon, but the effect on Marine installations was minimal, according to a Headquarters Marine Corps spokesman.
Continue reading "Marine Bases Japan spared by earthquake" »
By TRAVIS J. TRITTEN
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 10, 2011
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps on Okinawa has created a crime-tips website to combat the use of designer drugs known as Spice, officials said Thursday.
Continue reading "Marine Corps opens crime-tips website to combat use of Spice" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 8, 2011 5:19:44 EST
SAN DIEGO — The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed in late February with the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft, marking the first time any MEU has taken the combat-proven drone out to sea for an operational assignment, officials said.
Continue reading "Lightweight drone set for first MEU deployment" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 26, 2011 10:12:58 EST
The Corps is rolling out a new online tool to help families of deployed Marines stay in the know.
Continue reading "Communication system eases contact with family" »
FBI Begins Process of Examining How to Prosecute 15 Captured Somali Pirates
By JIM SCIUTTO and JESSICA HOPPER
Feb. 23, 2011
The bodies of the four Americans killed after Somali pirates hijacked their yacht headed home on the USS Enterprise from the dangerous waters off the Somali coast last night, military officials said. Also on board the massive aircraft carrier were the 15 captured Somali pirates.
Continue reading "Bodies of Americans Killed By Somali Pirates Headed Home" »
By Tom Vanden Brook
USA Today
Published: 02.16.2011
The military has reduced the number of troops wounded or killed by homemade bombs in Afghanistan by 37% since August by improving its ability to find the explosives before they blow up.
Continue reading "Better IED detection reduces casualties 37% in Afghanistan" »
Suez : Egypt | Feb 11, 2011
By Dava Castillo
The arrival of U.S. naval, marine and air forces in the Suez Canal’s Greater Bitter Lake could indicate that the crisis in Egypt is swerving out of control.
Continue reading "United States Military Warships Sent To The Suez Canal" »
By Joshua Rhett Miller
Published February 11, 2011 | FoxNews.com
EXCLUSIVE: Brace yourself: Blast Boxers are coming to America.
Continue reading "Bomb-Resistant Boxers to Be Manufactured by New York Company" »
2/10/2011 By Courtesy Military Spouse magazine , Headquarters Marine Corps
Military Spouse magazine announced the five military service branch winners for its 2011 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year award, and Bianca Strzalkowski, the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Strzalkowski, is representing the Marine Corps as the top Marine spouse. PITTSBURGH — Gunnery Sgt. Strzalkowski is the staff noncommissioned officer of Recruiting Sub-Station Garner, N.C., and Bianca has been by his side since the days he was a Marine prospect preparing for recruit training in 2001.
Continue reading "Voting begins to select 2011 Military Spouse of the Year" »
By Rick Hampson, USA TODAY
02.09.11
Several landmarks in Marne, Mich., are named "Berlin," including the Baptist church, the fairgrounds and the racetrack. That's because Marne, home to many German settlers in the 19th century, was named Berlin — until the United States entered World War I.
The lifelike limb, controlled by a chip planted on the brain, is being tested as part of a program designed to speed development of medical devices.
By Andrew Zajac, Washington Bureau
February 9, 2011
Reporting from Washington —
Responding to the needs of badly wounded war veterans, federal officials said Tuesday they were accelerating reviews of a science-fiction-like robotic arm controlled by a computer chip on the brain.
Corps may create special operations career path
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Feb 7, 2011 5:45:31 EST
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marines who would like to forge a career as a MARSOC special operator may soon have their wish granted.
SWATS helps Marines zero in on enemy sniper fire
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Feb 6, 2011 8:20:00 EST
The Marine Corps is ordering several hundred gunfire detection devices for use in Afghanistan, at pre-deployment training sites and at bases throughout the Corps.
Continue reading "Gunfire detection devices heading to the fleet" »
Courtesy Story | DVIDS Hub | Date: 02.04.2011
ATLANTA - The Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) will conduct its first live, high-definition satellite feed with U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, during FOX’s coverage of Super Bowl XLV. Through the use of cutting-edge video streaming technologies combined with Ku-band ground satellite terminals, DVIDS will bring crystal-clear, HD live footage of U.S. service members in Afghanistan enjoying Sunday’s big game. FOX will air the footage of the forward-deployed Marines during their game-day coverage, taking place Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Continue reading "DVIDS premiers HD live from Afghanistan during Super Bowl XLV on FOX" »
2/2/2011
There are now more than 2,000 ground robots operating in Afghanistan, and troops are demanding more.
Continue reading "'Robot Army' in Afghanistan Surges Past 2,000 Units" »
New system will ease burden at all levels
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 31, 2011 6:10:52 EST
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. — The Corps’ Training and Education Command is introducing a new electronic system to track training requirements and completions in an effort to help ease strain on Marines across the board.
Continue reading "Electronic records to help track training" »
Defense attorney wants to present testimony about post-traumatic stress disorder.
By Sarah Millard | January 28, 2011
The defense attorney for Steven P. Osburn, 24, an Army veteran who is accused of killing his friend, 23-year-old Zachary S. Gallenberg, in a south Waukesha neighborhood said Friday that the evidence will not support a mental-based plea of not guilty in the crime.
Continue reading "Special Insanity Plea Withdrawn in Waukesha Homicide Case" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 27, 2011 5:08:40 EST
The Marine Corps is preparing to field a new mobile kitchen designed to deliver hot chow to grunts downrange.
Continue reading "Corps signs contract for mobile kitchens" »
10:18 PM PST on Wednesday, January 26, 2011
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
Leaders at the sprawling Marine base in Twentynine Palms have unveiled their latest training ground: a mock city the size of downtown San Diego with hotels, markets, a hospital, tunnels and a soccer stadium large enough to land four helicopters.
Continue reading "Marines unveil city-size urban warfare training at Twentynine Palms" »
Story by Cpl. Salvador Moreno | I Marine Expeditionary Force | Date: 01.26.2011
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A new online course has replaced the Marine Corps Institute printed version of Leading Marines. According to Marine Administrative Message 640/10, lance corporals must complete the Marine Net version, called the Leading Marines Distance Education Program, to be promotion eligible.
Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 01.26.2011
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – A United Service Organization facility opened here, Jan. 25.
Story by Lance Cpl. Damany Coleman | Camp LeJeune Base Public Affairs | Date: 01.25.2011
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- For avid athletes, routine visitors or base personnel who just want to hit the treadmill or pump some iron the old-fashioned way, the French Creek Fitness Center is open while work continues on the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Continue reading "Fitness center expand hours, keep patrons in mind" »
New York Times
By The Associated Press
Published January 25, 2011
A mock city roughly the size of downtown San Diego has risen in a remote Southern California desert to train military forces to fight in urban environments.
Continue reading "California: Another Mock City for Marines Rises in the Desert" »
Iconic memorial may be showing its age
By CAITLIN O'BRIEN
Updated 10:42 PM EST, Tue, Jan 25, 2011
One of the country’s most iconic images may be getting a makeover. The Marine Corps War Memorial -- often referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial -- is in need of a little sprucing, according to a memorial foundation.
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 24, 2011 5:52:08 EST
It’s one of the most iconic images of World War II — the flag-raising by five Marines and a sailor on Mount Suribachi in 1945 on the island of Iwo Jima.
Continue reading "Repairs considered for Iwo Jima memorial" »
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2011 – Additions to the TRICARE military health plan’s website are giving beneficiaries easier access to their personal health data, more convenient appointment scheduling and better communication with their health care providers, the top TRICARE official reported.
Continue reading "TRICARE Improves Online Communication, Access" »
Increased demand taxes current cadre
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 15, 2011 9:49:07 EST
A recent review of the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps revealed a community strained by heavy workloads and in need of more personnel.
Beyond 2014
1/13/2011 6:24 AM ET
(RTTNews) - United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has dismissed reports that American troops could stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 in a combat capacity.
Continue reading "Clinton Rules Out American Combat Mission In Afghanistan" »
by LINDA BYRON / KING 5 News
KING5.com
Posted on January 12, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Imagine fighting for your country in a war zone. It's lonely and dangerous and your computer is your only link to the outside world. The KING 5 Investigators have found that computer lifeline makes U.S. troops vulnerable to online scammers. We go inside a scam that targets military service members and find an Internet romance that reaches all the way from Western Washington to Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine in war zone becomes online scam target" »
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
11 January 2011 VOA News U.S. Vice President Joe Biden says if the Afghan people want the United States to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014, the U.S. is prepared to do so.
Continue reading "Biden: US Committed to Afghanistan Beyond 2014" »
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2011 – Vice President Joe Biden today spoke with Afghan national and local leaders as he continued what White House officials described as a visit to assess progress and reinforce the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Biden Meets Karzai, Visits Troops in Afghanistan" »
01.10.11
Photo gallery of the Iwo Jima monument depicting the work needed to be done.
Continue reading "Iwo Jima monument in dire need of a rescue mission" »
How the media inflated a minor moment in a long war.
by Peter Maass
January 10, 2011
On April 9, 2003, Lieutenant Colonel Bryan McCoy, commander of the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, awoke at a military base captured from the Iraqis a few miles from the center of Baghdad, which was still held by the enemy. It had been twenty days since the invasion of Iraq began, and McCoy had some personal chores to take care of—washing his socks, for one. Afterward, he walked over to a group of marines under his command who were defacing a mural of Saddam Hussein. As I watched, he picked up a sledgehammer and struck a few blows himself. The men cheered. Then he began preparing for the serious business of the day: leading the battalion into the heart of the city. He expected a house-to-house brawl that would last several days.
Story by Sgt. Heidi Agostini | I Marine Expeditionary Force | Date: 01.07.2011
You want to show off your new car and you take a picture with your smartphone. Then, you post it to Picasa or Flickr, both location-based social-networking services.
Veterans' Advocacy Groups Urge Families to Check Government Records
By SUSANNA KIM
Jan. 5, 2011
abc GMA
Veterans and their families may be eligible to receive unclaimed funds totaling at about $33 million, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans' advocacy groups say many veterans' families have no idea the money is there.
Continue reading "$33 Million in Unclaimed Money for Veterans Dating Back to World War I" »
January 04, 2011 5:13 PM
By Drew C. Wilson
Havelock News
Cherry Point Marines, who have been active in the War on Terror, will once again be on the frontlines in 2011 when the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) deploys to Afghanistan later this year.
Continue reading "New Year to include Cherry Point deployments, construction" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jan 4, 2011 20:34:09 EST
President Obama has signed into law a package of changes — mostly improvements — in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Continue reading "President signs into law latest GI Bill changes" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Dec 31, 2010 9:32:46 EST
Boards designed to retain exceptional noncommissioned officers who missed their window to re-up have been delayed.
Story by Pfc. David Flynn | Marine Corps Recruiting Command | Date: 12.29.2010
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.- Marine Corps Recruiting Command released “Graduate a Leader of Warriors,” a video detailing the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship, as well as the experiences of college students currently attending school through the program, Dec. 16.
Continue reading "New video shows off what NROTC has to offer" »
Just 69,000 of 145,000 Eligible Servicemen and Women Filed for Compensation for Serving Past Their Original Discharge Date
By Byron Pitts
Dec. 26, 2010
(CBS) Michael Pereira served his country with honor -- in Afghanistan. Four years ago, he looked forward to leaving the service to be with his wife and family. But he was forced to put his civilian life on hold, reports CBS News correspondent Byron Pitts.
Continue reading "$250M Unclaimed in Stop Loss Compensation Act" »
By ELENA BECATOROS
Associated Press
Dec 25, 7:57 AM EST
MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) -- The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan crisscrossed the country on Saturday, visiting coalition troops on Christmas at some of the main battle fronts in a show of appreciation and support in the tenth year of the war against the Taliban.
Continue reading "Top US general visits troops in Afghanistan" »
Marine Corps commandant visits troops, thanks them for service
December 24, 2010
News video General Amos, Marine Corps Commandant, visiting Marines in Afghanistan.
By Barbara Barrett | McClatchy Newspapers
* Posted on Monday, December 20, 2010
WASHINGTON — Responding to heightened publicity and an uneven smattering of decisions on claims, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin training a specialized cadre of workers this week to handle disability claims related to historic water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Continue reading "VA takes steps to deal with mounting Lejeune water claims" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 19, 2010 18:08:16 EST
Marine special operators are going old-school. Some have ditched their MARPAT for “NATO woodland print” which is similar to what all Marines wore more than a decade ago. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command purchased 300 sets of the uniforms for use on unspecified missions.
Continue reading "MARSOC purchases retro woodland camouflage" »
By Jeanette Steele
Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 7:31 p.m.
A much-anticipated White House report card on the Afghanistan war concludes that the Taliban are hamstrung in many regions and that al-Qaeda leaders have suffered grave losses since the American military surge began early this year.
Continue reading "White House report cites progress in Afghanistan" »
By Marine Corps Capt. Timothy Patrick
2nd Marine Expeditionary Force
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Dec. 15, 2010 – After nearly a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marine Corps has been inappropriately branded as a second land army.
By Kevin Baron
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 14, 2010
ARLINGTON, Va. — The nation’s top Marine Corps officer said he read the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” report and troop survey repeatedly, thoughtfully, and without prejudice before deciding he could not endorse a change that might bring distractions or endanger the lives of Marines in combat.
Continue reading "Marine commandant concluded DADT repeal may risk lives" »
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 12.14.10
Hoo-rah!
The U.S. Marine Corps has just bought two electric Newton trucks from Smith Electric. The photo above shows the prototype (which the USMC will repaint to their liking), which is a bit different from the Smith Electric Newton trucks that we're more used to see (see the other pic below). The trucks will be delivered to Camp Pendleton, CA, the Corps' largest West Coast training facility, and home of the First Marine Expeditionary Force.
Continue reading "U.S. Marine Corps Adds Electric Trucks to its Fleet" »
Published: Dec. 14, 2010 at 2:13 PM
ALGIERS, Algeria, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reported to be seeking "expressions of interest" in building a military airbase in a "North African country," indicating the Americans may be planning to take a more active role in the regional war against al-Qaida.
12/12/2010 By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines and family members who find themselves battling stress can talk to a trained counselor for free through the “DSTRESS” Line, a Marine Corps-sponsored phone hotline staffed 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Continue reading "New counseling hotline aims to 'DSTRESS' Marines, families" »
Susy Raybon
*Military Community Examiner
*December 11, 2010 8:17 am ET
Army snipers are training with the new XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle at an undisclosed facility in Arkansas and according to the Remington Arms Company and the Department of Defense U.S. soldiers will have it in their hands shortly after the first of the year.
Continue reading "Army to Deploy XM2010 Sniper Rifle to Afghanistan" »
Story by Kristen Wong | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 12.10.2010
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - With a clear sky and a bright morning sun, the base remembered its eighteen sailors and two civilian contractors lost on “the date which will live in infamy,” in front of the Kaneohe Klipper Monument, Dec. 7.
Continue reading "Remembering Dec. 7 at site of first attacks" »
Published: Friday, December 10, 2010, 11:22 AM
By Times-Picayune Staff
Melvin Clay, 37, and Heliana Amrine, 21, were arrested Thursday night in connection to the stabbing death of 23-year-old Marine Corps sergeant Ryan Lekosky, a Texas native who was stationed in Belle Chasse, in October.
Continue reading "2 suspects arrested in stabbing death of Marine in French Quarter" »
By Susanne M. Schafer - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Dec 9, 2010 20:33:35 EST
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The military plans to put 400 of the Marine Corps’ new vertical take-off F-35B fighter jets at four installations in North Carolina, South Carolina, California and Arizona.
By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2010 – For the past 10 years, the word “Marine” in the Marine Corps has seemed a misnomer: combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have left the majority of Marines land locked, with little or no experience in amphibious operations.
Continue reading "Navy, Marine Corps Prepare for Amphibious Training" »
By Jian DeLeon
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2010 – Following the counterinsurgency tenet of supporting civilians, the Army and Marines have deployed women-focused teams to gain insight into Afghanistan’s mostly silent female population.
Continue reading "Women-led U.S. Teams Work With Afghan Women" »
December 09, 2010 5:03 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT - SUN STAFF WRITER
In his first tour of West Coast installations since becoming the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps., Gen. James F. Amos addressed the Marines and sailors at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and toured the facility Thursday.
Marines need vertical landing jet, he says in San Diego visit
By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 7:04 p.m.
Gen. James Amos, the new commandant of the Marine Corps, said Wednesday during a visit to San Diego that impending budget constraints will likely force him to make tough trade-offs between comforts for Marines on the home front and the weapons they need in battle.
Continue reading "Commandant calls Joint Strike Fighter essential" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Dec 8, 2010 16:12:16 EST
The Marine Corps is moving forward with a plan to field at least 100,000 new packs beginning in 2012, replacing the existing Individual Load Bearing Equipment system that Marines have humped since 2004.
Story by C. Todd Lopez | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs | Date: 12.07.2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the first time, America officially recognizes the contributions and dedication of military widows with ''Gold Star Wives Day.''
Continue reading "Senate Resolution Designates Gold Star Wives Day" »
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Afghanistan today for troop visits and meetings with key U.S. leaders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
From the Scrapbook
Dec 6, 2010, Vol. 16, No. 12
What follows are excerpts from remarks by Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly to the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis on November 13. Kelly’s son, Marine 1st Lt. Robert Michael Kelly, 29, had been killed in action four days earlier in Sangin, in southern Afghanistan, while leading his platoon on a combat patrol:
"Those with less of a sense of service to the nation never understand it when men and women of character step forward to look danger and adversity straight in the eye, refusing to blink, or give ground, even to their own deaths. . . . No, they are not victims but are warriors, your warriors, and warriors are never victims regardless of how and where they fall. Death, or fear of death, has no power over them. Their paths are paved by sacrifice, sacrifices they gladly make . . . for you. . . .
By Gregg Zoroya • USA TODAY • December 6, 2010
Military servicemembers are fighting what would be their lowest pay raise in decades as the nation wages two wars, including a 10th year of combat in Afghanistan.
Susy Raybon
* Military Community Examiner
* December 5th, 2010 6:30 pm ET
Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Gunterman did the right thing when he suspected a buddy was in serious trouble. He phoned a friend and got online.
Continue reading "Deployed Airman saves stateside buddy with Internet connections" »
Operational demands in Afghanistan call for more fluency
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 5, 2010 8:44:35 EST
Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Camp Pendleton, Calif., now have the option of pursuing intermediate and advanced language study before deploying to Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Language training at major bases expanded" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 5, 2010 19:10:24 EST
Five units will soon deploy with the new M27 infantry automatic rifle, a 5.56mm weapon that may one day replace the M249 squad automatic weapon. A total of 458 rifles will be delivered by the gun’s maker, Heckler and Koch, and meted out to five battalions working up for deployments to Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Infantry automatic rifle is Afghan-bound" »
Camp Pendleton handlers tout results
By Gretel C. Kovach
Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11 p.m.
The Marine Corps is greatly expanding its experimental program that deploys infantrymen to combat zones with bomb-sniffing dogs, declaring it a successful component of the fight against the insurgents’ most lethal killer — homemade bombs dug into roads and footpaths.
Continue reading "Marine Corps expands infantry bomb dog program" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 4, 2010 8:38:13 EST
A broad assessment of the Marine Corps’ infantry training aimed at identifying and fixing shortcomings may loom on the horizon.
Continue reading "Infantry training in Corps faces scrutiny" »
By BEN FELLER
AP White House Correspondent
Dec 3, 11:38 AM EST
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (AP) -- President Barack Obama slipped unannounced into dangerous Afghanistan on Friday, one year after widening an ever deadlier war and just days before a pivotal review about the 9-year-plus conflict. Plans for a face-to-face meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai were scrapped at the last minute.
Continue reading "President Obama in Afghanistan on unannounced trip" »
by Tom Gjelten
December 3, 2010
With his doctorate from Princeton, Army Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has become the prime example of a special breed of soldier: the warrior-scholar, trained in history and politics as well as how to fight wars.
Continue reading "U.S. 'Connects The Dots' To Catch Roadside Bombers" »
By Jeff Schogol
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 3, 2010
Congress has once again extended the deadline for the retroactive-stop-loss pay program, which had been set to expire on Friday but now runs through Dec. 18.
Continue reading "Deadline extended to apply for retroactive stop-loss pay" »
Half-billion-dollar facility expected to open in 2014
By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published December 2, 2010 at 12:50 p.m., updated December 2, 2010 at 5:13 p.m.
Construction to replace Camp Pendleton’s aging hospital with a facility costing nearly half-a-billion dollars began Thursday, when military commanders and builders sunk their shovels into the ground at a ceremonial groundbreaking.
Continue reading "Camp Pendleton breaks ground on new hospital" »
By Giulia Lasagni - Medill News Service
Posted : Thursday Dec 2, 2010 15:42:00 EST
While improvised explosive devices are killing an increasing number of U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, American officials are trying to limit the flow of one the key ingredients in the bombs.
Continue reading "U.S. cracks down on IED chemical in Afghanistan" »
by Michael Mathes Michael Mathes – Wed Dec 1, 2:09 am ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – It looks and acts like something best left in the hands of Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo," but this latest dream weapon is real -- and the US Army sees it becoming the Taliban's worst nightmare.
Continue reading "US deploys 'game-changer' weapon to Afghanistan" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 29, 2010 13:57:22 EST
Uniformed military personnel are exempt from a proposed two-year freeze on government salary increases — for now.
Continue reading "Troops exempt from fed pay freeze proposal" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 29, 2010 5:41:20 EST
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Recruiting Command is riding a high and meeting all major goals, but it faces obstacles in coming years, including potential budget cuts and projected increases in the number of recruits needed in future years, said the two-star officer overseeing the command.
Continue reading "Despite hitting 202K, Corps needs recruits" »
By PATRICK QUINN
Associated Press
Nov 26, 2:29 AM EST
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The Soviet Union couldn't win in Afghanistan, and now the United States is about to have something in common with that futile campaign: nine years, 50 days.
Continue reading "US presence in Afghanistan as long as Soviet slog" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 21, 2010 9:27:55 EST
The Corps’ effort to groom Marines for tours as special operators continues to benefit from a new prep course that helps candidates achieve peak conditioning before going through Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command’s Assessment and Selection process.
Continue reading "MARSOC hopefuls aided by new prep course" »
By The Associated Press,
Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10:01 a.m.
LISBON, Portugal — President Barack Obama says it's "hard to anticipate" the exact U.S. role in Afghanistan beyond 2014.
Continue reading "Obama: US role in Afghanistan unclear past 2014" »
By John Vandiver
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 20, 2010
LISBON, Portugal — NATO leaders formally agreed Saturday on a plan to end combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and laid the groundwork for an “enduring partnership” with the Afghan government after the fighting stops.
Continue reading "NATO endorses 2014 handover of Afghan security, OKs long-term partnership" »
Nov 20, 2010
President Obama and NATO allies endorsed what they hope will be the beginning of the end of the Afghanistan war on Saturday, agreeing to start reducing troop levels next year and to hand over security of the Afghans themselves by 2014.
Continue reading "Obama, NATO discuss 2014 Afghanistan exit strategy" »
By PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press
Nov 19, 12:27 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ratcheting up U.S. combat power in Afghanistan, the Pentagon is sending Abrams tanks into the battle against insurgents at a time when the U.S. and European publics are anxious to see progress in the 9-year-old war.
Continue reading "US sending tanks to southern Afghan fight" »
11/19/2010 By Cpl. Jose O. Nava , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The hallways of the Branch Medical Clinic here bustle with bodies moving to-and-fro. Both recruits and Marines are treated every day by U.S. Navy hospital corpsman, or as most Marines refer to as, ‘Doc’, who work arduously behind the scenes.
Continue reading "Navy ‘Docs’, important part of warrior care" »
Examining the life of Marine Lt. Gen. Victor H. 'Brute' Krulak, who was instrumental in shaping the modern Marine Corps.
By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times
November 19, 2010
"Brute" examines the life and career of U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Victor H. "Brute" Krulak, the complex and controversial officer whose role in shaping the modern Marine Corps was as large as his stature — 5-foot-4 — was short.
Story by Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date11.18.2010
Date Posted:11.19.2010 03:58
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen of Regional Command Southwest recently got "a delicious taste of home" courtesy of Outback Steakhouse Inc. Restaurant Partners LLC, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
By Dianna Cahn and Kevin Baron
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 17, 2010
KABUL, Afghanistan — NATO leaders gathering for a summit in Portugal this weekend will announce plans for the gradual handover of Afghanistan to fledgling Afghan forces by 2014 and a partnership that will endure for far longer.
Continue reading "Unveiling of Afghan plan will tout transition, not conclusion" »
By Robert Seidman
– November 17, 2010
Posted in: Network TV Press Releases
“A Walk in My Shoes” Set to Air on Friday, December 3 at 8/7C on NBC
CINCINNATI (Nov. 17, 2010) – Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) and Walmart (NYSE:WMT) will premiere their third made-for-TV family movie, “A Walk in My Shoes,” starring Nancy Travis, Philip Winchester and Yara Martinez on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 at 8/7C on NBC.
Continue reading "Made-for-TV Movie 'A Walk In My Shoes' Set to Air on Friday, December 3 on NBC" »
As NATO leaders meet in Lisbon this weekend, the U.S. is expected to endorse a plan for slow withdrawal and gradually handing over security responsibility by 2014.
By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
November 17, 2010|7:34 p.m.
Reporting from Washington —
President Obama built his Afghanistan strategy around the bet that he could quickly turn around a "must win" war by narrowing his goals and sending more troops. This weekend he will make his clearest acknowledgment yet that doing so will actually take years.
Continue reading "U.S. appears ready to acknowledge a long haul in Afghanistan" »
Marine Corps general speaks at chamber's military affairs council gathering
Date published: 11/16/2010
By RUSTY DENNEN
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Marine Corps has been preparing to meet evolving threats far beyond its traditional roles, Brig. Gen. John W. Bullard Jr. says.
Continue reading "Marines stay prepared on five areas of threats" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 15, 2010 6:03:20 EST
Operators with Marine Forces Special Operations Command could soon be packing .45-caliber semi-automatic pistols, rather than the standard 9mm pistols now used by most Marines.
Continue reading "MARSOC to purchase more powerful pistols" »
Mixed reality simulator mimics chaos of war
By Gretel C. Kovach
Monday, November 15, 2010 at 2:16 p.m.
The Marine Corps plans to unveil a $30 million expansion of its Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Pendleton on Tuesday.
Continue reading "Camp Pendleton expands Infantry Immersion Trainer" »
By PETER BAKER and ROD NORDLAND
Published: November 14, 2010
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has developed a plan to begin transferring security duties in select areas of Afghanistan to that country’s forces over the next 18 to 24 months, with an eye toward ending the American combat mission there by 2014, officials said Sunday.
Continue reading "U.S. Plan Envisions Path to Ending Afghan Combat" »
November 11, 2010
Stars and Stripes|by Jeff Schogol
A presidential commission on reducing the deficit has recommended freezing basic military pay and housing allowances for three years starting in 2011, according to a draft report of the commission’s recommendations posted online Wednesday.
Continue reading "Presidential Panel: Freeze Military Pay" »
Third Annual Event Celebrates Country and Corps June 20-26
11/11/2010, Headquarters Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps will partner with the City of St. Louis to bring Marine Week to the Gateway City, June 20-26, 2011. The week-long celebration will showcase the unique characteristics of America's Corps through more than two dozen events where attendees can watch combat demonstrations; climb aboard aircraft and ground equipment, to include helicopters, the V-22 Osprey and amphibious vehicles; and participate in community service projects alongside Marines.
11/4/2010 By Lance Cpl. Jennifer J. Pirante , Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — In a message from the U.S. Postal Service to Americans in 2001, John E. Potter, postmaster general with USPS, stated the USPS places the highest priority on the safety of customers, employees and the security of the mail.
Continue reading "Signed, sealed, delivered: What to if it looks suspicious" »
Nov 3, 2010 | 9:59 AM ET | By Matt Liebowitz, SecurityNewsDaily Staff Writer
A new phishing scam is currently targeting members of the United States Military and their families.
Continue reading "U.S. Military Targeted by Phishing Scam" »
By Kevin Baron
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 3, 2010
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Two weeks after becoming the new top Marine, Commandant Gen. James Amos laid out his vision for a “middleweight” expeditionary force responding to global hotspots and coastal cities rendered unstable by poverty, competition for resources, and ideological extremism.
Continue reading "Amos offers vision for U.S. Marine Corps' future at town hall" »
By Associated Press
Story Published: Nov 3, 2010 at 5:27 PM PDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — In honor of Veterans Day, national parks will not be charging any entrance fees on Nov. 11.
Continue reading "National parks will be free on Veterans Day" »
Drone could give Marines instant air support
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 1, 2010 15:06:36 EDT
The Air Force is working to develop a small unmanned bomber that can fit in a backpack and be deployed by infantry in seconds to annihilate enemy forces. It’s a tool that could prove useful for Marines and special operators on the frontlines of the war on terror where critical air support isn’t always moments away.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 – President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation designating this month as Military Family Month.
Continue reading "President Proclaims November as Military Family Month" »
10/31/2010 By Lance Cpl. Jacob D. Osborne , Headquarters Marine Corps
ARLINGTON, Va. — This year 80 charities have partnered with the 35th Marine Corps Marathon to raise approximately six million dollars from more than 6,000 runners. This year’s race will be held in the National Capital Region.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Marathon partners with charities" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 30, 2010 10:47:51 EDT
Navy hospital corpsmen will now train on advanced medical mannequins that can cost up to $240,000 before heading downrange.
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 – Defense Department officials are working to remind veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called “Stop Loss” program to apply for special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.
Continue reading "‘Stop Loss’ Special Pay Application Deadline Approaches" »
By Brett Zongker - Associated Press
Published : Friday, 29 Oct 2010
VIDEO STORY BY BOB BARNARD/myfoxdc
WASHINGTON - Military officials in charge of the Marine Corps Marathon say this year's race will be safe, despite four recent shootings at military-related buildings in northern Virginia.
Continue reading "Marines Boost Marathon Security After DC Shootings" »
BRETT ZONGKER
Associated Press
October 29, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) — A gunman who fired shots at a Washington-area Marine Corps museum and is believed to be responsible for three similar incidents may have a grievance against the U.S. Marine Corps, the FBI said Friday.
By Jeff Schogol
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 29, 2010
WASHINGTON — More shots were fired overnight at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va., marking the second time the museum has been targeted and the fourth time a military building has been shot in the last two weeks, police said.
Continue reading "Another shooting at Marine museum, but marathon will go on" »
10/29/2010 By Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea , Headquarters Marine Corps
WASHINGTON — The 35th commandant, Gen. James F. Amos, tells Marines to prepare for what the future holds – a transformed, flexible and lighter force ready to respond to any contingency.
10/29/2010 By Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate , Marine Corps Bases Japan
OKINAWA, Japan — Halloween is just around the corner and the December holiday season is not far behind as evidenced by the wrapping paper and ornaments already on sale in stores.
Continue reading "Postal Service offers tips for safe, timely holiday gift mailing" »
By Leo Shane III
Published: October 28, 2010
Department of Justice officials this week announced that eight states and the District of Columbia will accept military overseas ballots arriving after the Nov. 2 election because of problems surrounding when that absentee paperwork was mailed.
Continue reading "Overseas voters get extra time to submit ballots" »
By Kevin Baron
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 28, 2010
WASHINGTON — Tasked to redefine the future of the Marine Corps, Commandant Gen. James Amos has pledged to aggressively experiment with unit sizes and the Corps’ overall structure in a rebalancing effort he says will make the Marines a lighter force, ready to fight anywhere they’re called.
Continue reading "Marine commandant vows to make Corps lighter, more mobile" »
10/28/2010 By Nathan L. Hanks Jr, Editor , Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. — Since 1947, Toys For Tots has helped underprivileged children throughout the United States by collecting new, unwrapped toys and distributing them as Christmas gifts.
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 27, 2010 20:07:25 EDT
Gen. Jim Amos issued his first major communiqué as commandant Wednesday, a sweeping set of tasks that target areas of the institution for improvement, consolidation and efficiency, and direct an increase in personal and professional development opportunities for individual Marines.
Continue reading "Commandant spells out priorities for Corps" »
By Jeff Schogol
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – The FBI believes recent shootings at the Pentagon and National Museum of the Marine Corps are linked, and investigators are looking into a third shooting at a Marine recruiting station in a Virginia suburb of Washington to see whether it was related.
Continue reading "FBI: Pentagon, museum shooting linked, third being investigated" »
Courtesy Story | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs | Date: 10.26.2010
By Cheryl Pellerin
WASHINGTON - The needs and concerns of military spouses, whose sacrifices benefit the nation, should be of concern to all Americans, First Lady Michelle Obama said, Oct. 26
Continue reading "Military Spouses are Heroes, First Lady Says" »
October 26th, 2010
Military officials in a number of European countries are testing “blast boxers,” armored underwear that protect the groin from shrapnel, according to the garments' manufacturer.
Continue reading "'Blast boxers' aim to curb 'life-changing' wounds" »
Oct. 25, 2010
By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
The just-retired Marine Corps commandant says he doubts the U.S. military can withdraw from Afghanistan's volatile south by a July 2011 deadline set by President Obama for the start of force reductions.
Continue reading "Former Marine chief doubts Afghan timetable" »
Oct 24, 2010
Minnesota coach Brad Childress tells Bob Kostas why...
Plan avoids post-holiday travel back to base
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 24, 2010 12:24:43 EDT
Each year, thousands of troops with end-of-active-service dates that fall during the holiday season waste time and money returning to base after spending time with family only to complete the formal separation process.
Continue reading "Some Marines eligible for holiday early-outs" »
By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press
Saturday October 23, 2010 09:19 AM
KABUL, Afghanistan – Taliban commanders dead or captured. Insurgents routed from strongholds. Stopping short of claiming it has broken the back of the insurgency, NATO is touting progress ahead of Washington's year-end review of the war — and hoping that this time, the alliance has the force and experience to keep militants from regaining momentum.
Continue reading "NATO squeezing Taliban, but no claims of victory" »
10/22/2010 By Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea , Headquarters Marine Corps
WASHINGTON — Gen. James T. Conway relinquished his position as commandant of the Marine Corps to Gen. James F. Amos during a change-of-command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington Oct. 22.
Continue reading "Taking the reins: Marine Corps welcomes new commandant" »
10/22/2010 By MCRC Public Affairs , Marine Corps Recruiting Command
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
Marine Corps Recruiting Command surpassed its recruiting goals for fiscal year 2010 by enlisting 33,887 Marines and accessing 1,703 officers. This is the 15th year in a row that the Marine Corps has reached its total force accessions goals.
Continue reading "Fiscal year 2010 recruiting numbers achieved" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Photo by Jim Garamone
Date Taken: 10.22.2010
Photo ID:331843
VIRIN:101022-D-7203C-018
Location:WASHINGTON, DC, US
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presents an award to Gen. James T. Conway during a Passage of Command of the United States Marine Corps ceremony at the Marine Barracks, Washington, Oct. 22.
Continue reading "Amos Succeeds Conway as Marine Commandant" »
20 Oct 2010 22:37:05 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Alexander
WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and his national security team discussed the need to ramp up pressure on extremist safe-havens in Pakistan on Wednesday before meeting with Pakistani officials participating in talks on broadening bilateral relations.
Continue reading "U.S.-Pakistan dialogue faces prickly issues" »
NATO Maritime Command Naples
Story by David Taylor
Date 10.20.2010
NAPLES, Italy – Ships of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 are preparing to enter the Mediterranean to carry out surge operations in support of NATO’s anti-terrorist Operation Active Endeavour. The Group has been carrying out extensive training and exercising in the Atlantic prior to beginning this operation to deter, defend, disrupt and protect against terrorism.
Continue reading "NATO Maritime Group Prepares For Surge Operation In Mediterranean" »
Published: Oct. 20, 2010 at 7:33 AM
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama conducts the monthly meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan with his national security team Wednesday, the White House said.
Continue reading "Pakistan, Afghanistan on Obama's agenda" »
By Stephen Kaufman
Staff Writer
19 October 2010
Washington — Senior U.S. and Pakistani officials are preparing for the third round of the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Washington October 20–22, and the talks, which cover a wide variety of topics ranging from health and energy to defense cooperation, are expected to include a special focus on Pakistan’s flooding disaster, according to a State Department official.
Continue reading "Pakistan Floods to Factor Highly in Strategic Dialogue with U.S." »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
By Karen Parrish
Date 10.19.2010
WASHINGTON - The Defense Department's Federal Voting Assistance Program has a solution for overseas service members and other U.S. citizens living outside the country who haven't received an election ballot: get it online.
Continue reading "Online Ballots Can Help Overseas Votes Count" »
19 October 2010 - 16H22
AFP - Iran can help stabilise Afghanistan with US support, a top Iranian diplomat said Tuesday, after taking part in talks on Afghanistan among world powers for the first time, ANSA news agency reported.
Continue reading "Iran offers to 'help stabilise Afghanistan'" »
AFP
October 19, 2010 - 1:54PM
A Taliban return to government is inevitable if Afghanistan is to have any hope of peace, but the cost is likely to be erosion of rights and a rollback from democracy, a growing number of experts believe.
Continue reading "Peace deal with Taliban required: experts" »
19 Oct 2010 06:27:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Rob Taylor
CANBERRA, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Australia said on Tuesday it expected some troops and advisers would stay in Afghanistan for at least a decade more as lawmakers began a debate on involvement in the war that could test support for the minority government.
Continue reading "Australia says no early Afghan exit, holds war debate" »
Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
Story by Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol
Date 10.18.2010
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Through the end of September, Airmen flying tanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility off-loaded more than 784 million pounds of fuel to more than 61,600 U.S. and coalition aircraft supporting deployed operations in 2010.
Continue reading "Air refuelers having busy year supporting deployed operations" »
18 Oct 2010 06:18:58 GMT
Source: Reuters
CANBERRA, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Afghanistan needs to make more effort to stamp out corruption and improve human rights, Australia's government said on Monday ahead of a parliamentary debate on the country's troop contribution to Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Australia wants more action on Afghan corruption, rights" »
By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 18, 2010 18:49:34 EDT
The assignment of Maj. Gen. Joe Votel to investigate the failed hostage rescue mission that cost the life of British aid worker Linda Norgrove illustrates the challenges senior leaders face in balancing independence and expertise when picking someone to investigate Joint Special Operations Command.
Continue reading "2-star to head probe of failed hostage rescue" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 18, 2010 18:25:26 EDT
Last November, President Obama announced that 30,000 additional U.S. troops, including 8,500 Marines, would deploy to Afghanistan. The troops would push the Corps’ footprint in hostile Helmand province to more than 20,000.
Continue reading "76 Marines killed in Afghanistan since May 1" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 18, 2010 5:43:24 EDT
SAN DIEGO — The Navy has a new tool to help hospital corpsmen grapple with the realities and stresses of war and combat deployments.
Continue reading "Graphic novel aims to ease stress for corpsmen" »
By Rod Nordland
New York Times
Updated: 10/18/2010 11:40:45 PM CDT
ROME — For the first time, Iran has sent a representative to a meeting of an international group that convenes regularly to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan, a move welcomed Monday by both U.S. and international officials.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 17, 2010 10:13:36 EDT
A new Senate committee report reveals why U.S. military commanders are so concerned that private security contractors working in Afghanistan may pose a threat to U.S. troops and to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Continue reading "Afghan security contractors may pose threat" »
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010
From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain - Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrived in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Oct. 17 after completing a transit through the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Continue reading "Lincoln Arrives in 5th Fleet, Ready to Support Afghanistan Surge" »
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date 10.17.2010
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Alan Gragg
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea - Pilots assigned to Carrier Air Wing 2 have trained rigorously over the past year, preparing for their turn to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
Continue reading "Carrier Air Wing 2 Pilots Train for Operation Enduring Freedom" »
Pakistani Officials Say Suspected US Missile Attacks Kills 9 In Region Bordering Afghanistan
Oct. 16, 2010
(AP) MIR ALI, Pakistan (AP) - Suspected U.S. unmanned aircraft launched two missile strikes in a Pakistani tribal region along the Afghan border, killing nine people, Pakistani intelligence officials said.
Continue reading "Officials: US Missile Attacks Kill 9 In Pakistan" »
By DEXTER FILKINS
Published: October 16, 2010
KABUL, Afghanistan — After nine years of war, the endgame here has finally begun.
Continue reading "In Afghanistan, the Exit Plan Starts With ‘If’" »
15 Oct 2010 20:34:19 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Christine Stebbins
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct 15 (Reuters) - As the United States struggles to end the longest war in its history in Afghanistan, agriculture is becoming a crucial part of its long-term strategy.
Continue reading "US hopes to sow Afghan peace with farm recovery" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Oct 15, 2010 11:39:38 EDT
The House Armed Services Committee has quietly received a confidential briefing about the rules of engagement used by the U.S. military in Afghanistan after numerous members expressed concern that they handcuff U.S. troops in combat.
Continue reading "Congress briefed on rules of engagement" »
15 Oct 2010 11:37:29 GMT
Source: Reuters
LONDON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - U.S. General David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said on Friday NATO-led forces had facilitated the passage of a senior Taliban commander to Kabul to hold talks with the Afghan government.
Continue reading "ISAF allowed Taliban official to Kabul-Petraeus" »
15 Oct 2010 16:13:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
LONDON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - U.S. General David Petraeus said on Friday it was "disturbing" that the first account of the death of a British hostage in Afghanistan during a rescue attempt by American forces had turned out to be wrong.
Continue reading "Petraeus disturbed by confusion over hostage death" »
15 Oct 2010 20:46:33 GMT
Source: Reuters
SEATTLE, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The first of 12 soldiers accused of terrorizing unarmed civilians as part of a rogue infantry platoon in Afghanistan will face a court-martial on murder charges and other offenses, military said on Friday.
Continue reading "US soldier to face court-martial in Afghan slayings" »
Friday, October 15, 2010
By Deb Riechmann and Anne Gearan, The Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Obama administration on Thursday endorsed fragile Afghan efforts to negotiate peace with the Taliban, backing off its prior stance that talks with the Taliban were premature until the war is all but won.
Continue reading "U.S. now endorsing Afghan efforts to talk peace with Taliban" »
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 14, 2010
The Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to extend for a year the United Nations’ authorization for the NATO-led military force in Afghanistan, expressing concern about the increase in terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other extremist groups. The resolution adopted by the Security Council emphasized the need for sustained efforts by the 143,000-member force, known as the International Security Assistance Force, to assist the Afghan government in improving security and confronting threats by militants.
Continue reading "Security Council Votes to Continue Military Effort in Afghanistan" »
Says readiness for transition varies
By Slobodan Lekic - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 13, 2010
BRUSSELS — NATO's top commander in Afghanistan offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the transition of security duties to Afghan forces during a briefing with alliance representatives on Wednesday, a U.S. official said.
Continue reading "Cautiously optimistic Petraeus briefs NATO on Afghan warerations" »
Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team
Story by 2nd Lt. Christine Darius
Date 10.13.2010
Location:Forward Operating Base Farah, AF
Sailors assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah celebrated the United States Navy’s 235th birthday by cooking and serving a feast to their fellow service members on Forward Operating Base Farah in Afghanistan, Oct. 13.
Continue reading "Forward Operating Base Farah Celebrates Navy Birthday" »
By ZARAR KHAN, Associated Press Writer
Tue Oct 12, 7:48 am ET
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's prime minister said Tuesday that peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban cannot succeed without Islamabad's help, a reminder of the leverage the country has because of its historical ties with the group.
Continue reading "Pakistan says it is key to Taliban peace talks" »
LAURA W. BUSH | former first lady
madison.com
Posted: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 4:30 am
The haunting portrait of a young, disfigured Afghan woman on Time magazine’s cover this summer issued a stark reminder that the stakes in Afghanistan are high -- and that the consequences of failure are brutal, especially for women.
Continue reading "Laura W. Bush: Decision time for Afghanistan on women" »
By Claire Bates
Last updated at 4:14 PM on 12th October 2010
An Afghan teenager who was horribly mutilated by her husband under Taliban rule was all smiles as she unveiled her new prosthetic nose for the first time.
Overturning of Hutchins’ conviction could be in jeopardy
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 12, 2010 5:44:23 EDT
The military’s highest court will hear arguments Wednesday in the government’s appeal of a decision that overturned the 2007 conviction of a Marine on charges of conspiracy and in the death of an Iraqi man.
Taliban demoralized and changing sides, military says
By Rowan Scarborough
The Washington Times
8:32 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2010
The U.S. military is starting to see signs that the troop surge in Afghanistan is working on a timetable similar to the Iraq reinforcement campaign in 2007, according to an outside adviser and military sources.
By Charley Keyes, CNN Senior Producer
October 7, 2010 5:10 p.m. EDT
Washington (CNN) -- A Senate report released Thursday rips into the Pentagon for failing to keep track of tens of thousands of private security contractors in Afghanistan, a failure that places both the mission and U.S. troops at grave risk.
Continue reading "Senate report blasts Pentagon for handling of security contractors" »
07 Oct 2010 15:21:23 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS, Oct 7 (Reuters) - NATO must ensure it can conduct future operations like that in Afghanistan, the alliance's chief will say on Friday, while warning that Washington will look for other allies if Europe fails to pull its weight on security.
Continue reading "NATO says must stay capable of Afghan-size missions" »
Recommended Mailing Dates for APO/FPO Destinations
United States Postal Service
Postal News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2010
Media Contact: Dave Lewin
Release No. 10-092
WASHINGTON — Ensuring care packages arrive in time for the holiday season is a priority for friends and family members of military personnel serving around the world. To help get packages on their way, the U.S. Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate Box.
Continue reading "Shipping Out the Holidays to Military Heroes" »
Border town business booms, especially as dispute stalls NATO supply trucks
By CHRIS BRUMMITT
The Associated Press
updated 10/6/2010 7:15:31 PM ET
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — In a rundown market here along the road to Afghanistan, you can buy U.S. Army gear stamped with soldiers' names, booklets marked "for official use only," even a manual that illustrates how "jammers" can stop remote-controlled bombs.
Continue reading "Looted U.S. Army gear for sale in Pakistan" »
Oct. 6, 2010
By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices expressed empathy Wednesday for a father whose Marine Corps son was killed in Iraq and whose funeral was protested by fundamentalist pastor Fred Phelps and his anti-gay followers.
Continue reading "Supreme Court struggles with free speech question" »
By Chris Brummitt - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 6, 2010 17:15:35 EDT
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — In this town along the road to the Afghan border, you can buy U.S. Army gear, computers and manuals instructing soldiers how to avoid roadside bombs. Traders are coy about where their stock comes from, but much is stolen from trucks carrying military supplies into Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Spoils of war for sale in Pakistan border town" »
Posted: 10.06.2010
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The father of a Marine killed in Iraq is asking the Supreme Court to reinstate a $5 million verdict against members of a fundamentalist church who picketed his son's funeral.
Continue reading "High court to hear military funeral protest case" »
Published: Oct. 5, 2010 at 8:22 AM
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. soldier who told the Army about soldiers linked to killings of Afghan citizens has been moved to solitary confinement for his safety, officials said.
Continue reading "Afghan slayings whistle-blower in solitary" »
From Nic Robertson and Paul Cruickshank,
CNN October 5, 2010 7:54 a.m. EDT
Hamburg, Germany (CNN) -- Ahmed Sidiqi, the man allegedly at the heart of an al Qaeda plot to target European cities, was detained by a group of unidentified men in Afghanistan three months ago, his family has told CNN.
Continue reading "Sidiqi's father: My son is not a killer" »
(AFP) – Oct. 05, 2010
WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama and his war cabinet held a video conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, focusing on the drive to put Afghan forces in charge of security by 2014.
Continue reading "Obama, war cabinet hold video conference with Karzai" »
05 Oct 2010 04:19:44 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama has told congressional leaders he has no plans for any major changes in his Afghanistan war strategy for now, a letter released by the White House showed on Monday.
Continue reading "Obama says no big shift now in Afghan war strategy" »
By MELISSA EDDY,
Oct. 4, 2010
BERLIN – An American missile strike killed five German militants Monday in the rugged Pakistan border area where a cell of Germans and Britons at the heart of the U.S. terror alert for Europe — a plot U.S. officials link to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden — were believed in hiding.
Continue reading "US strike kills 5 German militants in Pakistan" »
10/2/10 | ISAF Public Affairs Office
Internation Security Assistance Force Headquarters
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
ISAF Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan – Gen. Ann Dunwoody, the commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, met with her female Afghan counterparts during a women’s roundtable event hosted at the U.S. Embassy here Sept. 29.
Continue reading "First Female U.S. 4-Star General Meets with Female Afghan Troops" »
October 1, 2010 - 8:29AM
AAP
The latest advice to the government indicates that Australia's 1550-strong commitment to Afghanistan is appropriate for the job, Defence Minister Stephen Smith says.
Continue reading "Smith says enough troops in Afghanistan" »
October 2010
By Grace V. Jean
MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA-BELLOWS, HAWAII — Most of the services are embracing robots faster than companies can manufacture them.
Continue reading "Move Over Fido: Marines’ New Best Friend Could be A Robotic ‘Mule’" »
01 Oct 2010 20:48:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Osama bin Laden and top al Qaeda leadership are likely behind the latest European terror plot, U.S. officials said on Friday.
Continue reading "Bin Laden role eyed in latest European terror plot" »
Friday, October 1, 2010 at 11:16AM
By Kyle LaFleur - Talk Radio News Service
US Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman Carl Levin expressed great support Friday morning to the Council on Foreign Relations for President Obama’s strategy to begin reducing US forces in Afghanistan and transfer in responsibilities to the Afghan government in July 2011.
Continue reading "Levin Backs Obama's Troop Reduction Date In Afghanistan" »
Paul Richter
October 1, 2010 - 8:14AM
AAP
Millions of dollars in US taxpayer funds may have been paid to Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan to provide security for a US development project, a US government audit has found.
Staff. Sgt. Calvin Gibbs, a central figure in the Afghanistan war-crimes case against Western Washington-based soldiers, also talked about killing a family while he served in Iraq, according to a sworn statement from a fellow soldier obtained by The Seattle Times.
By Hal Bernton
Seattle Times staff reporter
Originally published September 29, 2010 at 9:54 PM | Page modified September 30, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Staff. Sgt. Calvin Gibbs, a central figure in the Afghanistan war-crimes case against Western Washington-based soldiers, talked about killing a family while he served in Iraq, according to a sworn statement from a fellow soldier obtained by The Seattle Times.
From: AFP September 30, 2010 11:49PM
PAKISTAN says that visiting CIA chief Leon Panetta promised to respect its sovereignty and examine reports that NATO helicopters conducted deadly cross-border raids from Afghanistan.
Continue reading "CIA chief promises to 'respect' Pakistan" »
30 Sep 2010 14:09:28 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Zeeshan Haider
ISLAMABAD, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Pakistani authorities blocked a vital supply route for NATO troops fighting in Afghanistan on Thursday after the killing of three soldiers in two NATO cross-border incursions, officials said.
Continue reading "Pakistan halts NATO supplies after border attack" »
By Paul Woolverton
Staff writer
Published: 06:13 AM, Thu Sep 30, 2010
With Marines wounded in the battlefield in southern Afghanistan, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jay Hanshaw flew Black Hawk helicopters low and fast into enemy fire three times in 12 hours to perform rescue missions.
Continue reading "Fort Bragg pilot receives Distinguished Flying Cross medal" »
By ISMAIL KHAN and JANE PERLEZ
Published: September 30, 2010
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan closed the most important border crossing for trucks supplying NATO-led coalition troops in Afghanistan on Thursday in apparent retaliation for an attack by coalition helicopters on a Pakistani security post hours earlier.
Continue reading "Pakistan Halts NATO Supplies to Afghanistan After Attack" »
By AARON FAVILA
Associated Press Writer
Originally published Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 9:34 PM
SHIKARPUR, Pakistan —
Suspected militants in southern Pakistan set ablaze more than two dozen tankers carrying fuel for foreign troops in Afghanistan on Friday, highlighting the vulnerability of the U.S.-led mission a day after Pakistan closed a major border crossing.
Continue reading "Dozens of NATO oil tankers attacked in Pakistan" »
By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Sep 29, 2010 10:08 PM PDT
Updated: Sep 30, 2010 4:28 AM PDT
YORK, Pa. — One thing Al Snyder wants to make clear: His boy fought and died for freedom in Iraq, but not for the right of some "wackos" to spew hate at soldiers' funerals under the protection of the Constitution.
Continue reading "High court looks at military funeral protests" »
Published: Sept. 29, 2010 at 11:11 AM
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Iranian authorities freed a spokesman for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden held under house arrest since 2002, an intelligence review found.
September 29, 2010 - 4:12PM
The federal government has foreshadowed a wide-ranging parliamentary debate on Australia's involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan before the end of 2010.
Continue reading "MPs to debate if Australia should stay in Afghanistan" »
By: Kimberly Lankford
Kiplinger’s Money Power
September 29, 2010
If you are in the armed services, you may qualify for special protection that caps the interest rate on credit cards, mortgages and other loans at 6 percent while you are on active duty.
Continue reading "Military personnel land lower loan rates" »
29th September 2010
Poland's armed forces will stay in Afghanistan until 2014 at the latest, Polish Foreign Minister Rados Sikorski said on Wednesday during a meeting with Musa Khan, the governor of Ghazni province.
Continue reading "Poland would stay the course in Afghanistan" »
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Bill "Mac" McCullough tugs one side of his iPod headphones free from his ear. The dangling earbud emits a tinny sound of classic rock as he slides his pistol from its holster and quietly cocks it.
Continue reading "Part 2: American muscle proves futile in land of extremes" »
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, AFGHANISTAN
Amy Bursell climbs out of a bulletproof car in front of an Afghan police station. Strapped to the back of her flak vest: the Mission Monkey, a stuffed animal she brings along for nearly every meeting with the locals.
Continue reading "Part 3: Building trust amid fear, one mission at a time" »
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN
This part of the country is about as tough as it gets: a sun-scorched poppy belt in Helmand province, the heart of Taliban territory.
Continue reading "Part 4: In the enemy's lair, fighting for Afghanistan's future" »
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 29, 2010
Boom! Heads snap toward the blast. Feet detect the shock wave, rolling beneath the hot sand like a writhing snake. In its wake, there's a hush, a silence suspended between heartbeats.
By MARK VIERA
Published: September 28, 2010
At Maritime College in the Bronx, Coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes has tried to build a football program around the military ideals of accountability, responsibility and character. Those words appear on the backs of the players’ alternate home jerseys, in place of their surnames, and the team is reminded to play for those principles before taking the field.
Continue reading "Without Hesitation, Football Coach Prepares for Afghanistan" »
Chris Brummitt and Kimberly Dozier - The Associated Press
Tuesday Sep 28, 2010
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan has told NATO leaders it will stop protecting U.S. and NATO supply lines to Afghanistan if foreign aircraft stage further cross-border attacks against fleeing militants, security officials said Tuesday.
US steps up effort to find British aid worker snatched on Sunday along with her Afghan co-workers
James Meikle and Richard Norton-Taylor guardian.co.uk
Monday 27 September 2010 20.56 BST
US special forces are understood to have joined the hunt for a British aid worker who was kidnapped with three colleagues in north-eastern Afghanistan on Sunday.
Continue reading "US forces join search for British woman kidnapped in Afghanistan" »
27 Sep 2010 03:54:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
SYDNEY, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Three former Australian soldiers will be charged with manslaughter after six civilians were killed and four wounded in an Afghan operation last year, Australia's chief military prosecutor said on Monday.
Continue reading "Australian soldiers face Afghan manslaughter charges" »
ADAM ASHTON; Staff writer
Published: 09/26/1012:05 am | Updated: 09/26/10 3:57 am
The charges stacked up against five soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord sound as if they rank among the worst war crimes in the past nine years of combat in the Middle East: killing Afghan civilians and keeping gruesome souvenirs from the attacks.
Continue reading "Afghan slayings: First Article 32 hearing Monday at JBLM" »
By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 25, 2010; 9:42 PM
A 30 percent rise in the planting of improvised explosive devices by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan this year has resulted in more wounded American and coalition troops, according to newly compiled Pentagon statistics. But fewer of them are dying from the attacks.
Continue reading "IEDs killing fewer troops in Afghanistan" »
Jacksonville Daily News
September 24, 2010
By: HOPE HODGE
The first Fisher House on a Marine Corps installation opened quietly to family members aboard Camp Lejeune on Thursday.
September 24, 2010
NEW YORK (AFP) – President Barack Obama said Friday that the United States would stay in Afghanistan until "the job is done," despite his July 2011 deadline for some American troops to start coming home.
Continue reading "Obama: US will stay in Afghanistan until the 'job is done'" »
By Patricia Hurtado and Bob Van Voris - Sep 23, 2010 9:35 AM PT
Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani scientist convicted of trying to kill U.S. soldiers and federal agents in Afghanistan in 2008, was sentenced to 86 years in prison.
Continue reading "Pakistani Scientist Siddiqui Gets 86 Years for Attacking U.S. Personnel" »
Associated Press
– Thu Sep 23, 12:51 pm ET
PRAGUE – The Czech Defense Ministry says it's planning to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan by 200 next year.
Continue reading "Czechs to send more troops to Afghanistan" »
By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 23, 2010; 8:58 PM
Four senators have asked President Obama to remove Arnold Fields as the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, saying a recent government review had found major deficiencies in audits carried out by Fields's office.
22 Sep 2010 22:07:22 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Matt Spetalnick
WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The White House on Wednesday sought to limit any fallout from a new book that chronicles bitter infighting among President Barack Obama's aides who helped craft his Afghan war strategy, with some doubting it can succeed.
Continue reading "W.House seeks to limit fallout from Afghan war book" »
FBI: Man who shot 2 at Fort Bliss store was retired Army sergeant; 1 victim dies at hospital
FORT BLISS, Texas September 21, 2010 (AP)
The Associated Press
The FBI is investigating why a retired Army sergeant walked into a Fort Bliss convenience store and shot two employees, one fatally, before he was gunned down by responding officers, the agency said Tuesday.
Continue reading "FBI: Fort Bliss Gunman Was Retired Army Sergeant" »
Sep 19, 2010
It's the dream of any American service member serving in dangerous Afghanistan -- a vehicle impervious to roadside bombs. The other plus? It can fly.
Continue reading "Defense agency developing 'flying Humvee'" »
September 18, 2010
"Three Cups of Tea," a book detailing village customs and traditions in Afghanistan is now mandatory reading among American military commanders. Jeff Glor reports.
By Catherine Field
5:30 AM Friday Sep 17, 2010
Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has urged New Zealand to stand by its commitment to the international alliance in Afghanistan as he called for help at a crucial stage in the nine-year-old war.
1 SOSFS/S2I Intelligence Bulletin 10-001
Date: 15 Sep 10
(U) Background:Recently there has been a rash of calls to military personnel from individuals (NFI) who claimed to be with DoD and
requested information under the guise of it being a TRICARE national survey.
15 Sep 2010 15:50:56 GMT
Source: Reuters
By David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS, Sept 15 (Reuters) - NATO invited Russia on Wednesday to attend talks with leaders of alliance countries during a summit in Lisbon in November, hoping to boost cooperation on security issues, including Afghanistan and Iran.
Continue reading "NATO invites Russia to join talks in Lisbon in November" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Sep 15, 2010 21:19:02 EDT
The House Armed Services Committee will soon examine the rules of engagement used by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Military Times has learned.
Continue reading "Congress to scrutinize rules of engagement" »
September 15, 2010, Wednesday
Bulgarian military servicemen detained a civil person attempting to breach the security line at Kandahar airport, reported the Ministry of Defense.
Continue reading "Bulgarian Army Stop New Attempt to Breach Kandahar Airport" »
By MARK MAZZETTI and ROD NORDLAND
Published: September 14, 2010
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is debating whether to make Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai, a more central player in efforts to root out corruption in his own government, including giving him more oversight of graft investigators and notifying him before any arrests, according to senior American officials.
Continue reading "U.S. Debates Karzai’s Place in Fighting Corruption" »
13 Sep 2010 10:21:18 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Robin Paxton
MATYBULAK, Kazakhstan, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Thousands of Russian, Chinese and Kazakh soldiers began two weeks of war games in Kazakhstan on Monday, preparing to counter regional threats ranging from drug traffickers to Islamist militants.
Continue reading "Chinese, Russian troops join central Asia exercises" »
A Bryan business is literally shooting for the sky--News 3's Nicole Morten takes us through the gates of Lockard and White as they unveil their newest venture that appears to be revolutionizing the way the world communicates.
Posted: 6:10 PM Sep 12, 2010
Reporter: Nicole Morten
An ordinary balloon would pop once it reaches a certain distance in the atmosphere, but not this one. This latex balloon, called "Sky Site", is an unmanned-air-vehicle and can float up to 100,000 feet into near-space--a part of the atmosphere higher than planes can fly, but lower than satellites. Relay equipment is attached to the balloon, and after lift-off, a GPS tracks each and every move as it sails through the sky.
Continue reading "A Latex Balloon Serves as 'Unmanned Air Vehicle'" »
A Bryan business is literally shooting for the sky--News 3's Nicole Morten takes us through the gates of Lockard and White as they unveil their newest venture that appears to be revolutionizing the way the world communicates.
Posted: 6:10 PM Sep 12, 2010
Reporter: Nicole Morten
An ordinary balloon would pop once it reaches a certain distance in the atmosphere, but not this one. This latex balloon, called "Sky Site", is an unmanned-air-vehicle and can float up to 100,000 feet into near-space--a part of the atmosphere higher than planes can fly, but lower than satellites. Relay equipment is attached to the balloon, and after lift-off, a GPS tracks each and every move as it sails through the sky.
Continue reading "A Latex Balloon Serves as 'Unmanned Air Vehicle'" »
BBC
12 September 2010 Last updated at 11:20 ET
Afghanistan is the source of 90% of the world's opium Military police are investigating claims that British soldiers may have trafficked heroin from Afghanistan.
Continue reading "British troops investigated for heroin smuggling" »
The Associated Press
Posted: 09/11/2010 01:13:54 PM MDT
ALBQUERQUE, N.M.—A New Mexico firm that develops national security technology says devices that use a jet of water to disable roadside bombs are headed to Afghanistan to help U.S. troops.
Continue reading "NM firm sends 'stingrays' to help US troops" »
Former US Secretary Of State Kissinger Urges Regional Involvement To Resolve Afghan Conflict.
Sep. 10, 2010
(AP) GENEVA (AP) - Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Friday that Afghanistan's neighbors need to be engaged in order to find a long-term solution to the conflict there.
Continue reading "Kissinger Urges Regional Engagement In Afghanistan" »
Rev. Terry Jones wants to meet with New York imam about planned mosque near ground zero
By Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel
10:44 p.m. EDT, September 10, 2010
GAINESVILLE — A Texas evangelist working with the Rev. Terry Jones on Friday gave assurances that no Qurans will be set ablaze today, even though there had been no contact with the New York City imam planning to build a mosque near the site of the 9-11 attacks.
Continue reading "Texas evangelist says '100 percent' that Quran-burning is off Saturday" »
He says the act would be a 'recruitment bonanza for Al Qaeda.'
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 9, 2010|4:41 a.m.
WASHINGTON — President Obama exhorted a Florida minister Thursday to "listen to those better angels" and call off his plan to engage in a Koran-burning protest this weekend.
Continue reading "Obama calls on minister to cancel plan to burn Koran" »
Asher Moses
September 7, 2010 - 8:55AM
Melbourne computer hacker turned whistleblower extraordinaire Julian Assange is under pressure from within WikiLeaks to step down from the helm of the site he created.
Declaration In Line With Obama's Timeline
POSTED: 8:32 am MDT September 7, 2010
UPDATED: 11:02 am MDT September 7, 2010
WASHINGTON -- U.S.-led NATO troops in Afghanistan should be able to start handing off responsibility for security to the Kabul government sometime next year, Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday.
Continue reading "NATO: Afghan Forces Can Take Control Next Year" »
06 Sep 2010 23:44:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Pascal Fletcher
MIAMI, Sept 6 (Reuters) - U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan warned on Monday that a small Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks could endanger the lives of American troops.
Continue reading "US Afghanistan commanders condemn Koran-burning plan" »
The Associated Press
Date: Sunday Sep. 5, 2010 7:27 AM ET
TOKYO — A Japanese journalist who was abducted by apparent Taliban militants in Afghanistan five months ago has been freed by his captors, reports said Sunday.
Continue reading "Reports: Afghan captors release Japanese reporter" »
By Andrew Higgins, David Nakamura and Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, September 2, 2010; 10:20 PM
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - As depositors thronged branches of Afghanistan's biggest bank, President Hamid Karzai told Afghans on Thursday not to panic shortly after his brother, a major shareholder in the beleaguered Kabul Bank, called for intervention by the United States to head off a financial meltdown.
Continue reading "Karzai urges Afghans not to panic as bank withdrawals accelerate" »
Some families of service members killed in the war say the rules of engagement protect Afghan civilians at the expense of American troops. U.S. combat tolls have peaked this summer.
By David Zucchino, Los Angeles Times
September 2, 2010
Reporting from Queensbury, N.Y. — Bill and Beverly Osborn still can't bring themselves to erase the phone message from their son Ben. He had called from Afghanistan in June to assure them that he was safe. Four days later, he was killed in a Taliban ambush.
Continue reading "As U.S. deaths in Afghanistan rise, military families grow critical" »
Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
Story by Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol
Date08.31.2010
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- During a recent commander's call, Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command commander, may have best cited the importance of airlift to today's military when he said, "One mission can change the world."
Continue reading "Airlift moves mountains for Afghanistan surge" »
30 Aug 2010 21:48:39 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jeremy Pelofsky
WASHINGTON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Civil liberties groups sued the Obama administration on Monday over a program they said illegally tries to kill U.S. citizens believed to be militants living abroad, like the anti-American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.
Continue reading "Rights groups challenge Obama on targeted killings" »
By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY
August 30, 2010
YORK, Pa. — Albert Snyder tears up, then turns angry as he recalls burying his Marine son while members of the anti-gay fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church picketed nearby.
Continue reading "Protest at military funeral ignites a test of free speech" »
Sunday, August 29th, 2010 | Posted by Andrea Freygang
Hero is a word often used. On rare occasion, it describes an ordinary person who does something extraordinary. Marine Corporal Jason Dunham was a real hero, one who gave his life on the battlefield to save two of his fellow Marines.
Continue reading "Honoring a hero: Naval ship commissioning at Port Everglades" »
By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer – August 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. military says there was no sign the suspect in the slashing of a New York cab driver might not be able to cope with the experience of living with troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Slashing suspect traveled with Marines for weeks" »
27 August 2010 Last updated at 11:16 ET
The Taliban have revealed the base from which they planned to shoot down the prime minister's helicopter during his first visit to Afghanistan in June.
Continue reading "David Cameron Afghanistan 'attack' base is revealed" »
AAP
August 27, 2010, 12:35 am
Denmark has turned down a NATO request to send F-16 fighters to Afghanistan as it believes it has done enough for the international military mission there, the foreign minister said Thursday.
By James White
Last updated at 2:38 PM on 27th August 2010
A documentary made by a Norwegian journalist embedded with Taliban fighters has provided a rare glimpse of the other side of the Afghanistan conflict.
By MARK S. SMITH , Associated Press
Last update: August 26, 2010 - 3:43 PM
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. - With his Oval Office speech Tuesday night, President Barack Obama will signal a shift in America's focus from the Iraq War to the war in Afghanistan, his spokesman said Thursday.
By Tony Capaccio - Aug 26, 2010 1:06 PM PT
The commitment of elite commandos to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq has compromised their hunt worldwide for weapons of mass destruction, according to the head of U.S. special forces.
Continue reading "Top U.S. Commando Says War Demands Compromising Hunt for Deadliest Weapons" »
The shooting death of three Spaniards at a military base in Afghanistan has prompted renewed calls for the government to declare the war on the Taliban a failure and join other coalition countries in withdrawing.
By DANIEL WOOLLS
Associated Press Writer
Originally published Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 5:32 AM
MADRID —
The shooting death of three Spaniards at a military base in Afghanistan has prompted renewed calls for the government to declare the war on the Taliban a failure and join other coalition countries in withdrawing.
Continue reading "Spaniards rethink Afghanistan after fatal shooting" »
By Mia Shanley – August 26, 2010
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Two young Swedes hammer away at computers in a space that is part garage, part college dorm, littered with cables, Coke cans and an empty bottle of ketchup.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks builds a legal shield in Sweden" »
By MALIN RISING, Associated Press Writer – August 25,2010
STOCKHOLM – A Swedish prosecutor said Wednesday she will continue investigating an accusation of molestation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange but formally dismissed another case that was initially labeled a suspected rape.
Continue reading "Rape case against WikiLeaks founder dismissed" »
In one of the most serious war-crimes cases to emerge from the Afghanistan war, five soldiers from a Stryker infantry brigade based at Joint Base Lewis- McChord are now charged with murder for their alleged roles in the random killings of three Afghan civilians.
By Hal Bernton
Seattle Times staff reporter
Originally published August 24, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Last December, Army Staff Sgt. Calvin Gibbs began joking with other soldiers about how easy it would be to "toss a grenade" at Afghan civilians and kill them, according to statements made by fellow platoon members to military investigators.
Continue reading "Stryker soldiers allegedly plotted to kill Afghan civilians" »
By Jason Motlagh Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev played host last week to Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the leaders of Pakistan and Tajikistan at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The group's second meeting in a year was a low-key affair, but the subtext was significant. Mounting Russian concerns that Islamist militancy and cheap drugs emanating from Afghanistan are a threat to its national security have made Moscow refocus on the region even as the U.S. and its NATO allies maneuver to draw down. Two decades after the Soviet army left Afghanistan in humiliating defeat, Russia is poised to spend billions in the war-wracked country to develop infrastructure, mineral and energy reserves, with new plans taking shape to boost military capability. This time around, it has America's blessing.
Continue reading "With U.S. Approval, Moscow Heads Back to Afghanistan" »
by Nishi Gupta
KTVB.COM
Posted on August 23, 2010 at 4:53 PM
BOISE -- U.S. military officials say recent reports about captured Idaho soldier Bowe Bergdahl are not true.
Continue reading "Reports about captured Idaho soldier not true" »
August 23, 2010
MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (AFP) – A US drone strike on Monday killed five militants in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt near the Afghan border, security officials said.
Continue reading "US drone strike kills five militants in Pakistan: officials" »
By DAVID STRINGER, Associated Press Writer
Mon Aug 23, 5:19 am ET
LONDON – The top American commander in Afghanistan warned Monday there should be no sudden exodus of U.S. troops when the process of withdrawing forces begins next year.
Continue reading "Petraeus: No sudden troops exodus from Afghanistan" »
By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 22, 2010; 1:53 PM
Three $100 million air base expansions in southern and northern Afghanistan illustrate Pentagon plans to continue building multimillion-dollar facilities in that country to support increased American military operations well into the future.
Continue reading "Air base expansion plans reflect long-term investment in Afghanistan" »
By: Karl Ritter, The Associated Press
22/08/2010 10:46 AM
STOCKHOLM - Swedish prosecutors defended their handling of a rape allegation against the founder of WikiLeaks, saying Sunday that they had made no mistakes in issuing an arrest warrant and withdrawing it less than a day later.
Continue reading "Swedish prosecutors defend about-face over recalled WikiLeaks rape allegation" »
Associated Press
By KARL RITTER, Associated Press Writer – Sat Aug 21
STOCKHOLM – Swedish authorities revoked a short-lived arrest warrant for the founder of WikiLeaks on Saturday, saying a rape accusation against him lacked substance.
Continue reading "Sweden withdraws warrant for WikiLeaks founder" »
21 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters
STOCKHOLM Aug 21 (Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose whistle-blowing website caused uproar last month with a leak of secret U.S. military files on Afghanistan, has been charged in Sweden with rape and molestation, the National Prosecutor's Office said on Saturday.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks founder charged in Sweden with rape" »
By Greg Miller and Joshua Partlow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 20, 2010; 10:56 PM
Alarmed by an exodus of money from Afghanistan, U.S. and Afghan authorities are trying to constrict a flow of cash through the country's main airport, believed to be a major conduit for drug proceeds and diverted foreign aid.
Continue reading "U.S., Afghanistan plan to screen cash at Kabul airport to prevent corruption" »
19 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters
By Sue Pleming
WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Influential U.S. Senator John Kerry returned abruptly to Afghanistan on Thursday to see President Hamid Karzai, seeking to press him over a four-month deadline for private security contractors to be disbanded.
Continue reading "Senator Kerry returns to Kabul for Karzai talks" »
Karzai intervened to help aide probed for corruption: report
August 19, 2010
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai personally intervened to release a close aide arrested on corruption charges and under investigation for providing cash and gifts to allies, according to The Washington Post report.
Continue reading "Karzai intervened to help aide probed for corruption: report" »
Posted by Clifden Kennedy
August 18, 2010
Katie Couric will anchor The CBS Evening News from Kabul, Afghanistan on Thursday and Friday as part of our continuing coverage of Afghanistan: The Road Ahead.
American tourist killed in Thailand
By KINAN SUCHAOVANICH (AP) – Aug. 15, 2010
BANGKOK — An American tourist was killed on the Thai island of Phuket after a British man allegedly picked a fight with him at a bar, followed him back to his hotel and stabbed him to death, police said Sunday.
Associated Press
By KEITH MOORE, Associated Press Writer
Sat Aug 14, 2010
STOCKHOLM – WikiLeaks will publish its remaining 15,000 Afghan war documents within a month, despite warnings from the U.S. government, the organization's founder said Saturday.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks says it won't be threatened by Pentagon" »
Sat Aug 14, 2:08 pm ET
MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (Reuters) – A pilotless U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles into Pakistan's North Waziristan, an al Qaeda and Taliban sanctuary on the Afghan border, killing at least 12 militants on Saturday, intelligence officials said.
Continue reading "U.S. missile strike kills 12 militants in Pakistan" »
Associated Press
Fri Aug 13, 9:30 pm ET
WASHINGTON – President Obama is agreeing with President Karzai that the United States and Afghanistan should continue to work together to keep the pressure on the Taliban, fight terrorism and protect the Afghan people.
Continue reading "Obama, Karzai agree to keep pressure on Taliban" »
KRISTIN M. HALL, Associated Press Writer
August 12, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) ― The U.S. Postal Service said Thursday that it plans to resume shipping care packages with cigarettes and other tobacco to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Tobacco Shipments To Resume To Soldiers Overseas" »
August 11, 2010 - 5:29 PM | by: Steve Centanni
UPDATE: Sen. Herb Kohl tells Fox the Postal Service has responded to his request today and will allow tobacco delivery to overseas troops to resume, effective August 27. USPS will instruct its staff that it is lawful for care packages containing cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to be sent to military APO and FPO addresses through its Priority Mail with delivery confirmation service.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN -- Hundreds of thousands of people fled an ever-expanding flood zone Tuesday as Pakistan's leaders called for a greater international response to what they say is the worst natural disaster in the country's history.
Continue reading "As Pakistanis flee flood zone, officials decry shortage of international aid" »
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Albany's marine base continues to support lifesaving work in war zones. The American combat mission in Iraq is ending, but there's still a lot of equipment to repair.
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- During a recent operation in support of the nation's 30,000 troop plus-up in Afghanistan, Air Mobility Command's newest C-5 airlifter got a chance to flex its M-model muscles.
Continue reading "C-5M Super Galaxy 'flexes Muscles' Supporting Afghanistan Surge" »
New one-piece system consolidates gear
By early 2011, Marines deploying to Afghanistan will likely be outfitted with new chest rigs that will allow them to quickly and easily transfer equipment from one body armor system to another.
Continue reading "Deploying Marines to receive new chest rigs" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Aug 7, 2010 16:09:33 EDT
BERLIN — The online whistle-blower WikiLeaks said it will continue to publish more secret files from governments around the world despite U.S. demands to cancel plans to release classified military documents.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks says it will publish new documents" »
With an Oct. 21 deadline approaching to apply for a $500 monthly stop-loss allowance, the Defense Department appears to have exhausted most conventional means of trying to contact eligible veterans and is now asking current service members to get involved by calling any buddies who may be eligible.
Continue reading "DoD to troops: Tell buddies about stop-loss pay" »
Even as combat operations are causing the highest casualty rates of the war in Afghanistan, the Marine Corps has begun to examine the size and shape of a post-war force, a top service official said Tuesday.
Continue reading "Marine review focuses on life after Afghan war" »
Congressman seeks exemption in new tobacco mailing law
Letters, cookies, chocolate and other goodies are staples of care packages sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. For some, so is a carton of smokes or a few cans of chewing tobacco.
Continue reading "Hunter wants troops to get their smokes" »
WASHINGTON - For anyone who has served in the U.S. military, whether in uniform or as a family member, the concept of sharing lessons learned is a familiar one. A new Defense Department blog that launches today seeks to bring those lessons to an accessible online platform.
Continue reading "Defense Department Launches 'Lessons Learned' Blog" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Aug 1, 2010 11:47:01 EDT
With no air or artillery support, the Marines of Embedded Training Team 2-8 were trapped deep in a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan. Their radios worked only sporadically, and dozens of insurgents fired on them repeatedly from three sides.
Continue reading "Heroism in ambush may yield top valor awards" »
WASHINGTON, July 29 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on Thursday the United States was not in Afghanistan to "nation-build" but for the sole purpose of defeating al Qaeda in the border areas with Pakistan.
Continue reading "Biden says no plans to nation-build in Afghanistan" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 28, 2010 17:18:55 EDT
Time is running out for current and former troops involuntarily held on active duty beyond their service commitments to apply for retroactive $500 monthly payments.
Continue reading "Oct. 21 is deadline to apply for stop-loss pay" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 28, 2010 13:54:21 EDT
SEATTLE — Every day is a struggle for Joseph Newlove as he waits for news about his son, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jerod Newlove.
Continue reading "Dad of missing sailor asks for safety of son" »
By Raphael G. Satter - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 28, 2010 22:12:55 EDT
LONDON — WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief claims his organization doesn’t know who sent it some 91,000 secret U.S. military documents, telling journalists that the website was set up to hide the source of its data from those who receive it.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks claims source of leaked data unknown" »
A Seattle sailor missing in Afghanistan is the target of a massive search. He is Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove.
The Defense Department on Tuesday identified a missing U.S. serviceman in Afghanistan as Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, a West Seattle sailor who is the target of a massive search by Afghan and international forces.
Continue reading "West Seattle sailor missing in Afghanistan is identified" »
By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 18:50:58 EDT
WASHINGTON — The House on Tuesday sent President Obama a major war-funding increase of $33 billion to pay for his troop surge in Afghanistan, unmoved by the leaking of classified documents that portray a military effort struggling between 2004 and 2009 against a strengthening insurgency.
Continue reading "House approves funding for Afghanistan war" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 20, 2010 15:00:12 EDT
President Obama has nominated Gen. Jim Amos to be the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.
Continue reading "Obama nominates Amos for commandant post" »
By Amy McCullough - Staff wruter
Posted : Monday Jul 19, 2010 13:57:45 EDT
An unmanned, tactical golf cart is among gear undergoing tests this month that could reduce the load Marines have to carry while downrange.
Continue reading "New gear could lighten your load downrange" »
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 19, 2010 15:34:05 EDT
Here’s another thing to worry about when you deploy: toxic dust.
Continue reading "Study finds toxic metals in dust in Afghanistan" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jul 17, 2010 10:18:01 EDT
Sending a “clear message of deterrence to North Korea,” the U.S. and South Korea will cap an upcoming official visit with soon-to-be approved plans for a series of military exercises in nearby waters, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Continue reading "U.S., South Korea plan military exercises" »
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marines ordered Savi Technology's supply tracking kits to support troops in Afghanistan, the company announced Tuesday.
CAMP PENDLETON ---- A wildfire at Camp Pendleton that has burned about 3,000 acres was about 80 percent contained, Marine Corps officials said Wednesday morning.
Continue reading "CAMP PENDLETON: Fire on base 80 percent contained" »
CAMP PENDLETON — A brush fire sparked Tuesday morning by Marines conducting training exercises at Camp Pendleton has grown to 2,700 acres, officials said.
Continue reading " Camp Pendleton fire has burned 2,700 acres" »
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 12, 2010 10:28:49 EDT
A new variant of a GPS-guided parachute system already used in Iraq and Afghanistan could soon save lives by dropping not bombs or bullets, but blood.
Battle is on to add ‘Marine Corps’ to name
Dick Agler, an 80-year-old retired Marine, sat in the dim glow of a veterans canteen and chuckled into his beer. He chose that service in 1949 to avoid the Navy. “I didn’t want to be trapped on a ship,” he recalled.
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jul 11, 2010 15:31:50 EDT
YUMA, Ariz. — The aircraft hangars at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma are going high tech.
By Dan Lamothe and Matthew Cox - Staff writers
Posted : Sunday Jul 11, 2010 13:16:56 EDT
The Marine Corps intends to purchase 1.8 million rounds of the Army’s new green bullet in addition to the millions of U.S. Special Operations Command cartridges already downrange as the service looks to find the best replacement for its Cold War-era ammo.
LOS ANGELES, July 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has contracted Alelo TLT to build an Afghanistan-focused Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer course for deploying troops.
The new Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, which was signed by the president on March 31, made cigarettes and smokeless tobacco unmailable items after it went into effect Tuesday.
Continue reading "Tobacco now unmailable, even to deployed troops" »
After months of fighting, the two infantry battalions saddled with the majority of responsibility in the former Taliban stronghold of Marjah, Afghanistan, may soon get a break.
Continue reading "2/6 and 2/9 expected to take over in Marjah" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 5, 2010 10:21:44 EDT
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marine Corps officials are expanding land navigation training after finding that too many young Marines, not long out of boot camp or Officer Candidates School, are forgetting land navigation skills.
Continue reading "Infantry schools bolster land nav training" »
By James K. Sanborn - [email protected]
Posted : Sunday Jul 4, 2010 11:21:13 EDT
Marine Forces Reserve is now offering $15,000 re-enlistment and affiliation bonuses for Marines in selected, in-demand fields who are willing to sign a three year contract with the Selected Marine Corps Reserve.
Continue reading "Marine Forces Reserve ups bonuses to $15,000" »
KABUL- U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus emphasized the continuity of the counterinsurgency strategy as he assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force in front of the ISAF headquarters building, here.
KABUL, Afghanistan – Gen. David H. Petraeus will assume command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during a July 4 ceremony at the command's headquarters in Kabul.
Continue reading "Gen. Petraeus to Assume Command of ISAF July 4" »
U.S. Army General David Petraeus was confirmed by the Senate today on a 99-0 vote to be commander of American forces in Afghanistan as President Barack Obama steps up an offensive against Taliban insurgents.
Continue reading "Petraeus Confirmed as Afghan War Commander by U.S. Senate" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 13:15:50 EDT
WASHINGTON — Gen. Stanley McChrystal, fired from his job as commander of the Afghanistan war after more than three decades in the Army, will be allowed to retire at the rank of four stars.
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 14:50:46 EDT
SAN ANTONIO — The military has opened the first buildings at a new training campus that will consolidate all medic training across the various service branches.
Continue reading "All-services medic training campus opens" »
By Andrew Taylor - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 30, 2010 19:56:15 EDT
WASHINGTON — A key House panel voted Wednesday to cut off almost $4 billion in aid to the government of Afghanistan pending an investigation into charges that Afghan officials are blocking corruption probes and huge amounts of foreign aid is being stolen.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Community members gathered at the Club Iwakuni Eagles Nest here to commemorate the 112th birthday of the Hospital Corpsman, June 18.
Continue reading "Hospital Corpsmen celebrate 112 years of history, healing" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Back in the early 1800s, Navy medical assistants were randomly assigned out of the ship’s company.
Continue reading "Road to Navy Corpsman provides insight in Naval history" »
DUMFRIES, Va. - The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation launched the National Museum of the Marine Corps Virtual Experience June 23, allowing Marines and civilians worldwide to experience a cutting-edge Web version of the real National Museum of the Marine Corps located in Quantico, Va.
Continue reading "Foundation Creates Interactive Marine Web Museum" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Ten Marines graduated from the second class of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command Advanced Linguist Course, inside the MARSOC headquarters building, June 17.
Continue reading "MARSOC ALC gradates first Dari, Pashtu, Urdu speaking Marines" »
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — As a teenager, Jamie Christopher would tap instant messages to make plans with friends, and later she became a Facebook regular.
Continue reading "Military Intelligence Taps Social Networking Skills" »
Marine and Stafford resident Harry Clark was among the 'Devil Dogs' who fought in an iconic battle with the Germans in June 1918
The date June 6 is usually remembered for the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944.
Continue reading " Honoring the heroes of Belleau Wood fight" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s Marine Special Operations Intelligence Battalion (MIB) officially activated during a ceremony on May 18, at the MARSOC headquarters building.
Deadlier open-tip round slow to be fielded
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 24, 2010 8:15:06 EDT
CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan — The Marine Corps has fielded its new, enhanced 5.56mm rifle round in Afghanistan, and it’s just beginning to reach thousands of grunts here.
By Slobodan Lekic - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 21, 2010 10:46:04 EDT
KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. military’s workhorse rifle is proving less effective in Afghanistan against the Taliban’s more primitive but longer range weapons.
Continue reading "M4 not suited to warfare in Afghan hills" »
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- By air, land, and sea, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are moving into Iraq and Afghanistan through a network of DOD partners.
Continue reading "Supplying the MRAP Pipeline: a Constant Reconciliation" »
For young Marines at Camp Lejeune, green isn't just the color of uniforms anymore.
Continue reading "Marine base to house largest solar-powered residential community in U.S." »
Corps to test autonomous targets
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 18, 2010 11:51:42 EDT
The Marine Corps will begin testing a humanoid target in July that can zip through ranges and mimic the behavior of insurgents, foreign fighters and civilians in a combat zone.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — A woman of many firsts drew a large crowd of Marines as she celebrated her promotion to major general May 12 at The Clubs At Quantico.
A stretch of U.S. 70 between Havelock and New Bern has been designated the U.S. Marine Corps Highway.
Camp Pendleton Marines and other U.S. troops are making inroads against insurgents in southern Afghanistan — cutting poppy production, gleaning intelligence, training Afghan soldiers and repopulating former Taliban strongholds — but the next months are critical in the nearly nine-year war, the commander of Marine forces in Afghanistan said Friday.
Continue reading "Afghan effort fruitful but fragile, commander says" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 14, 2010 21:12:55 EDT
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — One month into command in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills said Friday his force of nearly 20,000 Marines is well prepared to take over a wider area this summer.
Continue reading "Mills: Marines prepare for wider command" »
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — U.S. forces are dealing a blow to the Taliban's multimillion-dollar opium business by securing deals with farmers to plant legal crops, the commanding general in charge of U.S. Marines in Afghanistan said Friday.
Continue reading "US Marine commanding general says his forces hurting Afghanistan's opium trade" »
While the V-22 Osprey has seen political, financial and developmental battles over its decades old history, proponents of the tiltrotor aircraft say it’s day has come as squadrons on the West Coast are beginning to be outfit with it.
Continue reading "Boeing's V-22 Osprey starting to show its mettle" »
By Matthew Lee and Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 12, 2010 7:48:32 EDT
WASHINGTON — Afghan President Hamid Karzai is meeting President Barack Obama in the White House after a day of intensive talks at the State Department and a visit with wounded U.S. troops.
Continue reading "Karzai meets Obama on plan in Afghanistan" »
By Kimberly Hefling - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday May 11, 2010 7:06:39 EDT
ARLINGTON, Va. — Garage sales and quilt raffles helped a determined group of female World War II veterans raise money to transform a rundown wall at Arlington National Cemetery into a grand stone memorial to women who served their country. But those women are dying off, even as the memorial runs short of funds.
Continue reading "Women’s memorial at Arlington struggling" »
By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 11, 2010 13:28:53 EDT
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Deployed commanders need greater flexibility and fewer restrictions in sharing tactical information about deadly enemy devices with allies, a key U.S. general said here Tuesday.
Continue reading "Oates: Anti-IED effort needs fewer restrictions" »
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Strategic Command officials are urging renewed vigilance against Internet-based identity theft after detecting a widespread "phishing" expedition against service members.
Continue reading "Officials Warn of 'Phishing' Scams Targeting Troops" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 10, 2010 7:16:39 EDT
The Marine Corps and Army have changed their explosives and demolitions manuals after instructors at Camp Lejeune, N.C., discovered directions in them that put troops at unnecessary risk.
Continue reading "Flawed formula leads to changes in buffer zones" »
By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Monday May 10, 2010 21:36:34 EDT
Coalition forces in Afghanistan, in urgent need of protection from roadside bombs, have sought hundreds of the U.S.-produced armored trucks known as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, according to Pentagon officials and documents.
Continue reading "Afghan war allies want Iraq war-tested MRAPs" »
Missile tests next stage in development process
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday May 8, 2010 15:30:25 EDT
The first Marine KC-130J tanker armed with Hellfire missiles and sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gear should be ready to deploy this summer, officials said.
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 7, 2010 10:22:47 EDT
The top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee charged Wednesday that the Obama administration is shortchanging force protection capabilities in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Lawmaker: Afghanistan FOBs lack protection" »
By Kathy Gannon - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 5, 2010 17:18:20 EDT
JHANG, Pakistan — Authorities in Pakistan’s biggest and richest province are tolerating — if not promoting — some of the country’s most violent Islamic militant groups.
Continue reading "Some Pakistani politicians sheltering militants" »
Stars and Stripes online edition, Wednesday, May 5, 2010
WASHINGTON — Rep. Walter Jones never expected changing the Department of Navy’s name would be a decade-long fight.
Continue reading "Still playing the name game with Navy and Marine Corps" »
Staff and wire reports
Posted : Tuesday May 4, 2010 20:31:19 EDT
WASHINGTON — The House by voice vote Tuesday agreed to rename the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Continue reading "House again OKs Navy Department name change" »
One of the more promising bits of technology showcased at this year’s Navy League Sea-Air-Space Expo is the K-MAX rotary wing cargo drone. It uses the Kaman intermeshing rotor design and lacks a tail rotor and is capable of day and night operations.
Happy Tuesday! The House is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a bill that has more cosponsors than any other in Congressional history -- but will likely die once again in the Senate.
Continue reading "Will Department of Navy get a name change?" »
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is playing a major role in blocking a House bill that has a record number of co-sponsors.
Continue reading "What’s in a name? Just ask former Navy pilot hero Sen. McCain" »
Corps’ version of Fleet Week involves more than 900 leathernecks
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 30, 2010 20:18:08 EDT
There are lots of good reasons to visit Boston in the spring. But this year it’s all about being a Marine, as the denizens of Beantown roll out the red carpet for Marine Week.
If you've been anywhere near a computer for over the past week, you've probably caught a glimpse of the "Telephone" video created by military members stationed in Afghanistan. What first looks like goofing off by two bored soldiers is later revealed to be a big production, complete with costumes, elaborate choreography, and not-bad editing.
Continue reading " Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' Has Company: Some of the Best Military Music Videos" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 30, 2010 12:20:04 EDT
CAIRO — The Jordanian doctor who killed seven CIA employees in a suicide attack in Afghanistan last year has called on Muslims in a posthumous message to carryout suicide bombings and become martyrs.
Continue reading "CIA base bomber urges Muslims to wage jihad" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 29, 2010 18:53:58 EDT
Applications will be accepted beginning May 1 for a new scholarship program that lets the children of some deceased service members tap into Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Continue reading "Post-9/11 GI Bill scholarship program begins" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 27, 2010 11:05:09 EDT
Marine officials are weighing options for a new, powerful sniper rifle that could kill enemies 1,500 meters away, and are closely watching a contract competition launched by U.S. Special Operations Command last month for a similar weapon, a top Marine acquisitions official said.
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., cites Sodexo food safety problems
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Apr 24, 2010 11:06:21 EDT
A member of the House Armed Services Committee has called for an investigation into the Marine Corps’ primary food services provider, Sodexo, raising both cost and health concerns.
Continue reading "Lawmaker wants inquiry into chow hall contract" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 23, 2010 10:51:30 EDT
TALLINN, Estonia — Kyrgyzstan’s new administration and Russia have given Washington assurances that the United States will be able to continue using a crucial air base for the war effort in Afghanistan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Apr 23, 2010 13:39:54 EDT
The Marine Corps could be ready to order large quantities of the front-runner in its infantry automatic rifle competition this fall, but only if the commandant is convinced it’s a good idea.
Continue reading "Corps may field infantry auto-rifle this fall" »
The Marine Corps Active Reserve program is looking for qualified applicants for their upcoming officer accession board, which is scheduled to convene May 17.
Continue reading " Marine Corps Active Reserve program seeks applicants for upcoming board" »
Appellate ruling sets aside murder conviction of Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt. Larry Hutchins III
A military appeals court on Thursday overturned the murder conviction of a Camp Pendleton Marine who had been found guilty of leading his squad in the 2006 kidnapping and slaying of an Iraqi man in the village of Hamdania.
(CNN) -- When Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hall of the International Security Assistance Force announced that fast-food offerings like Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen and Orange Julius were being shuttered in Afghanistan, he was blunt about it
Staff report
Posted : Saturday Apr 17, 2010 9:36:20 EDT
Marine Corps Times is accepting nominations through May 20 for our 10th annual Marine of the Year Award.
By Mike Stark - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 15, 2010 16:50:20 EDT
SALT LAKE CITY — The skies over the Utah desert are becoming the test site for a new fleet of hulking high-tech dirigibles the military is hoping will provide battlefield commanders a bird’s-eye view of cruise missiles and other threats.
Continue reading "Military testing high-tech dirigibles in Utah" »
By Rohan Sullivan - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 15, 2010 16:34:43 EDT
SYDNEY — President Obama on Thursday reaffirmed his plans to start withdrawing U.S troops from Afghanistan in 2011, saying they “can’t be there in perpetuity.”
Continue reading "Obama reaffirms 2011 Afghan withdrawal plan" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 14, 2010 12:50:10 EDT
Hundreds of U.S. troops are still stranded at a key air base in Kyrgyzstan following civil unrest there that resulted in personnel flights to Afghanistan being diverted through other countries, officials said.
By Yuras Karmanau - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Apr 13, 2010 13:28:52 EDT
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday that her government will extend the lease of a U.S. air base key to the war in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Interim Kyrgyzstan leader: Manas will stay" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 13, 2010 9:39:03 EDT
A congressman whose district includes Camp Lejeune, N.C., wants fellow lawmakers to review the rules of engagement used by NATO forces in Afghanistan, saying “they have proved too often to be fatal” to U.S. troops.
Continue reading "Rep.: Hold rules of engagement hearing now" »
By Peter Leonard - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Apr 10, 2010 11:59:13 EDT
JALAL-ABAD, Kyrgyzstan — U.S. personnel flights in and out of Afghanistan are being diverted from a key air base in Kyrgyzstan to Kuwait, while resupply flights out of the central Asian base are taking place only on a “case-by-case” basis, a U.S. military official said Saturday.
Continue reading "Flights diverted from Manas amid turmoil" »
WASHINGTON — The US military has suspended troop flights out of its base in Kyrgyzstan and will instead transport forces to and from Afghanistan via Kuwait, military officials said Friday.
Continue reading "US troop flights at Kyrgyz base suspended: military" »
This story that came out in the Times of London a couple of weeks ago is truly a war-dog wonder: parachuting dogs being sent on secret missions in Afghanistan. (The photograph is pretty unbelievable, too.)
Continue reading "Rebecca's War Dog of the Week: It's a bird, it's a plane..." »
One from each branch honored with annual award
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Friday announced the winners of the 2010 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
LADSON, S.C., April 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has modified a contract with Force Protection to provide Cougar armored vehicles with next-generation suspension technologies.
Continue reading "Marines contract for Cougar suspensions" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Apr 4, 2010 9:25:22 EDT
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A new $13 million training range opened here March 25 that will give Marines much-needed experience in countering improvised explosive devices, which remain the most significant threat to troops in the war zones.
Continue reading "Range offers training in combating IED threat" »
Staff report
Posted : Friday Apr 2, 2010 9:40:30 EDT
Marine Corps Times is looking for heroes. Not the types who make headlines for combat exploits, but rather the quiet, everyday heroes whose dedication, professionalism and concern for their fellow Marines and community set a standard for us all.
Camp Pendleton service members and civilian employees now have the ability to surf the net more freely with the Marine Corps’ lowered restrictions on access to some of the world’s most popular social networking Web sites.
Continue reading "Marine Corps opens up social networking on government computers" »
March 29 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan to press Afghan President Hamid Karzai on rooting out corruption and improving government functions so the U.S. can begin handing over security.
Continue reading "Obama, in Kabul, Presses Karzai to Root Out Government Corruption" »
PARACHINAR, Pakistan — Pakistani troops repulsed a Taliban attack Sunday on an army base and bombed two militant hide-outs close to the Afghan border, killing 22 insurgents in a region where the army is pressing an offensive, a government official said.
Continue reading "Pakistani army kills 22 Taliban near Afghan border" »
By Les Blumenthal, McClatchy Newspapers
Stars and Stripes online edition, Sunday, March 28, 2010
WASHINGTON — With her husband deployed in Iraq with a Stryker brigade from Washington state's Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 20-year-old Lauren Silva isn't your typical college student. But when it comes to finding money for tuition, books and other expenses, she's not so different.
Continue reading "Abrupt end of college tuition help angers military spouses" »
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Becoming a noncommissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps consists of more than an additional stripe above the cross rifles and an increased paycheck. Corporals make up approximately 20 percent of the Marine Corps and are an essential link in the chain of command as small unit leaders.
Continue reading "First Corporals Course Kicks Off at Camp Leatherneck" »
Pentagon's New System Would Return Units to Same Parts of Country to Develop Expertise, Closer Local Relationships
WASHINGTON—The Pentagon is revamping the way it deploys troops to Afghanistan, putting in place a new system that will return units to the same parts of the country so they can develop better regional expertise and closer relationships with local Afghan power brokers.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 25, 2010 18:41:32 EDT
MARSTON, N.C. — Panting heavily on an open field, Staff Sgt. Boomer doesn’t look like your typical Marine. With floppy ears and a shiny yellow coat, he enjoys horseplay, chasing plastic batons and getting scratched behind the ears.
Continue reading "Dogs becoming essential in fight against IEDs" »
LAUREL, Md. -- Going green and renewable doesn't just save money, it may save lives of U.S. soldiers, according to military leaders who argue that a push for energy efficiency and a move away from fossil-based fuels could strengthen America's military.
Continue reading "Navy and Marines Aim for a Leaner, Greener Fighting Machine" »
WASHINGTON - This summer will mark the first time since 2003 that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan will overshadow the American presence in Iraq, the top U.S. military officer told Congress March 24.
Continue reading "Afghanistan Troop Level to Eclipse Iraq by Midyear" »
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — By American standards, the boardwalk at Kandahar Airfield isn't much to write home about.
Continue reading "Top U.S. general in Afghanistan gives order: Close TGI Friday's" »
Documentary of footage shot by troops will screen in Dallas
The subject of a documentary made entirely of video footage shot by Marines says he hopes the award-winning film will show what war is really like.
Wars: Change meant to address stresses such as divorce, violence, suicide
The U.S. military is taking steps to keep service members home longer to rest, re-train and be with their families – a sign that the stress caused by years-long engagements and extended combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan may begin to ease.
Continue reading "Military plans to give troops longer rest time" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 22, 2010 17:42:12 EDT
A new nonchargeable rest and recuperation leave policy for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan announced by the Pentagon on Monday gives those deployed for 270 days or more 15 days of administrative absence on top of their regular annual leave.
Continue reading "Combat troops get 15 extra days of leave" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Mar 17, 2010 10:15:00 EDT
The Defense Department has loosened guidelines on the use of social-networking Web sites such as Facebook and Twitter, but Marine officials say a servicewide ban on them remains in place with limited exceptions.
Continue reading "Corps pushes tighter Internet ban than Pentagon" »
Program review could result in streamlined training, new martial arts standard
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 16, 2010 19:43:38 EDT
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — If you had hoped to skate by with a tan belt for the rest of your enlistment, think again.
Continue reading "Marines would be required to make green belt" »
Military eligible to register at discount before public
Staff report
Posted : Saturday Mar 6, 2010 8:38:28 EST
If you want a leg up on fellow runners, active-duty and reserve service members can register now for the 35th Marine Corps Marathon at a 15 percent discount.
Continue reading "Early Marine Marathon registration begins" »
OCEANSIDE - In a symbolic 30-minute Camp Pendleton ceremony on Wednesday, attended by 1st Marine Division veterans from various eras and marking the impending departure of some 7,000 Marines and sailors from the division to Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills said this and past deployments are not about commanding generals.
Continue reading "Pendleton Marines set to deploy to Afghanistan" »
Soldier Court-Martialed after Posting Details of Operation in West Bank Village Online
(AP) The Israeli military says a planned raid on a West Bank village was called off after an Israeli soldier disclosed its details online.
SAN DIEGO -- Many local military leaders, members of the military community and veterans attended the San Diego premiere of "The Pacific" aboard the USS Midway, Feb. 25.
IWO TO, Japan – Hundreds of U.S. Marines landed on the remote island of Iwo Jima on Tuesday to prepare for the 65th anniversary of one of World War II's bloodiest and most iconic battles.
Continue reading "US Marines land on Iwo Jima to mark anniversary" »
NEW YORK — For a civilian it's a source of inspiration. For a photographer it's a dynamic study of composition and structure. For a historian it inspires debates on amphibious tactics and whether an island a third the size of Manhattan should have been bypassed in favor of other objectives.
Continue reading "The picture of Marines: past and present" »
By Gregg Zoroya - USA TODAY
Posted : Tuesday Mar 2, 2010 17:33:08 EST
WASHINGTON — Troops caught near a roadside blast will be pulled out of combat for 24 hours and checked for a mild traumatic brain injury, even if they appear unhurt or say they are fine, according to a new treatment policy the Pentagon is planning to release.
KABUL — As U.S. and Afghan forces squeeze the last fighters from the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, the coalition is preparing to move against the next target: Kandahar, the country's second-largest city and birthplace of the jihadist movement, U.S. commanders say.
Note: DoD and MilitaryHOMEFRONT do not endorse the organization sponsoring this donation and do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. Please see detailed Disclaimer statement below.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT is pleased to announce "NEW INFORMATION" about the NFL Players Donation that is available to all Armed Forces personnel, including members of the Reserves, Active Duty, and their families. The program has been extended to military families and veterans for a fourth consecutive year. Through the Victory Sports Group (VSG) sponsorship, and NFL players associated with VSG, military personnel can obtain SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep program(s) for only shipping and handling costs. The SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep programs normally cost $199.00. The SAT/ACT Power programs are available as a DVD ROM set. Families may now use the program for an entire year even if the program is requested the last day of the sponsorship.
Continue reading "MilitaryHOMEFRONT NFL Players Donation: Privacy Advisory" »
Hawaii, other Pacific islands escape major damage in wake of Chile quake
HONOLULU - Hawaii's peaceful beaches were again filled with sun-soaking tourists as life returned to normal Sunday following a scare from a tsunami that raced across the world, setting off mass evacuations and safety worries across the Pacific.
Continue reading "Tsunami warning ends after waves hit Japan" »
Middle Pacific ordered the return of Pearl Harbor-based ships that sortied today.
Continue reading "Navy Cancels Tsunami Warning in Hawaii; Ships Return to Pearl Harbor" »
Today the Department of Defense released a policy memorandum regarding the safe and effective use of Internet-based capabilities, including social networking services (SNS) and other interactive Web 2.0 applications.
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 25, 2010 20:38:50 EST
Retired Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, widely known for his performance as the sadistic drill instructor in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket,” headlined a Thursday news conference in Washington, D.C., calling to rename the Department of the Navy the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
WASHINGTON - Scientists at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and a professor at Columbia University are working on a collaborative study measuring brain damage on traumatic brain injury patients.
British-based Islamist radicals are targeting Army soldiers - especially snipers - returning from fighting in southern Afghanistan, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt.
By Sean Rayment, Defence Correspondent
9:30AM GMT 03 Jan 2010
In one case, a police armed response unit was called to the home of a sniper last September amid fears he was about to be murdered or abducted by al-Qaeda terrorists.
Continue reading " Al-Qaeda target British soldiers returning from Afghanistan" »
FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Wearing my body armour and helmet and carrying my rifle, pistol and camera, I climbed into an M1151 up armoured humvee for a mission outside the wire of Forward Operating Base Farah.
Staff report
Posted : Friday Jan 1, 2010 10:06:09 EST
Call it a year of renewed focus. The Marine Corps’ primary combat mission and deployments in 2010 all appear to be clear. A surge of 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, including 8,500 Marines, is underway, and the Corps expects to stand up an expanded command structure led by a two-star general based in Helmand province in the spring.
Brain scans, blood tests may help predict condition
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 27, 2009 8:40:52 EST
Two new studies seem to provide more evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder is a chemical change in the brain caused by trauma — and that it might be possible to diagnose, treat and predict which troops are most susceptible to it using brain scans or blood tests.
Continue reading "Studies find breakthrough in PTSD treatment" »
KABUL—The Taliban released a video Friday showing a U.S. soldier who was captured more than five months ago in eastern Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Taliban release video of captured US soldier" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A Navy chaplain from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was awarded the Witherspoon Award in a ceremony held at the annual National Bible Week Gala Dinner in New York, Nov. 19.
Continue reading "SOI-West chaplain receives Whiterspoon Award" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 20, 2009 10:37:24 EST
Hundreds of Marines will descend on Boston this spring, as the Corps holds its second-ever “Marine Week” event in one of the nation’s oldest cities.
Continue reading "Corps to hold second Marine Week in Boston" »
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 20, 2009 12:05:37 EST
You are going to have to get your own winter coat and hat to keep you warm off duty, because Marines are now prohibited from wearing the extreme cold weather gear and the associated accessories while in civilian attire.
Continue reading "Conway approves several uniform rules changes" »
December 16, 2009
By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2009) -- It's a scene that's played out in airports across the country numerous times in the past eight years: Families and servicemembers clinging to each other, either sad to leave or happy and vowing to never let go again.
Continue reading "Families can see off, greet troops at airport gates" »
Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Dec 15, 2009 21:20:31 EST
The military’s surge of forces deploying to Afghanistan by this spring will include about 8,500 Marines commanded by the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
About 4,500 Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station are among the 30,000 troops President Barack Obama is ordering to Afghanistan, a Marine spokesman said Tuesday.
Continue reading "Marines identify units ordered to Afghanistan" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 13, 2009 9:07:21 EST
8,600 Marines to come from Okinawa
Navy officials have outlined their plans to build a Marine Corps base in Guam and expeditionary field training sites on the nearby island of Tinian, measures meant to support the relocation of 8,600 Marines from Okinawa beginning in 2014.
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Dec 12, 2009 8:36:01 EST
Grunts in Afghanistan soon will have a smaller, lighter sleeping bag.
Continue reading "New sleeping bags lighter, more compact" »
By Dan Lamothe and Trista Talton - Staff writers
Posted : Monday Dec 7, 2009 16:26:51 EST
The Pentagon announced Monday that 8,500 additional Marines will deploy to Afghanistan, including 1,500 by the end of the month as part of battalion task force headed by Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
Continue reading "Numerous Lejeune units to deploy in surge" »
Extra 30,000 U.S. Soldiers for 18 Months; Republicans Say Timetable Poses Risk
WEST POINT, N.Y. -- President Barack Obama announced Tuesday a surge of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, along with plans to begin withdrawing the reinforcements in 18 months -- a potentially high-risk political and military strategy.
President Obama's Afghan surge of 30,000 additional U.S. troops will include an immediate infusion of California-based Marines, with the first elements set to be on the ground in southern Afghanistan around Christmas.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2009 – As Army Sgt. First Class John Wright lay in a hospital room after being wounded in Afghanistan this summer, he probably didn’t envision himself feeling especially thankful a few months later.
Continue reading "Vice President Opens Home to Recovering Troops" »
Nov. 24 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama will announce his decision on the next steps in the war in Afghanistan on or about Dec. 1, according to a U.S. official familiar with the issue.
Continue reading "Obama to Give Afghan Strategy Decision on Dec. 1, Official Says" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 23, 2009 19:21:03 EST
Grunts everywhere, prepare to face the Crips of Kabul.
The same techniques used by inner-city cops to fight street gangs in the U.S. are headed to Afghanistan — this time to root out insurgents, collect intelligence on improvised explosive device networks and build sources in Afghan villages.
Continue reading "Not everyone sold on combat policing training" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — A good mind is a terrible thing to waste, but failing to maximize GI Bill benefits is just plain foolish.
Continue reading "Get educated: Ins, outs of Post 9/11, Montgomery GI Bills" »
More than 30,000 troops would be deployed next year
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is nearing a decision to send more than 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan next year, but he may not announce it until after he consults with key allies and completes a trip to Asia later this month, administration and military officials have told McClatchy Newspapers.
$7.9 million facility will help meet requirements for predeployment
The Marine Corps will expand its use of special effects in infantry training next year, with an expansive urban training facility anticipated in Hawaii and high-tech immersion trainers planned in North Carolina and California, Marine officials said.
Continue reading "Marines to build urban training site in Islands" »
NEW YORK – The Fox NFL pregame show will be broadcast from a military installation in Afghanistan on Sunday.
Continue reading "Fox NFL pregame show to be aired from Afghanistan" »
A US presidential aide says the auxiliary troops, Washington is likely to deploy to Afghanistan, would be consumed by the volatile situation in the war-torn country.
Continue reading "Obama aide says no to troop surge in Afghanistan" »
Nov. 6--"I've been waiting for this film since the early days of the war," writes Roger Ebert about "Brothers at War," which he calls an "honest, on-the-ground documentary" about American soldiers fighting in Iraq.
Continue reading "'Brothers at War" takes intimate look at combat life" »
During the week of Veteran's Day (Nov. 8-14), as a way of helping the country say "thanks for being there" to our nation's service men and women, State Farm will donate $1 to Fisher House Foundation for each "thank you" sent via its Thanks For Being There Web site. Fisher House Foundation, a military families support organization, will receive a donation of up to $50,000 from State Farm.
Bloomington, IL (PRWEB) November 4, 2009 -- A new Web site launching today, ThanksForBeingThere.com,
http://www.thanksforbeingthere.com/#/home
lets people express their thanks to others through social media by creating and posting personal "thank you" messages accompanied by a photo or short video. During the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 8-14), as a way of helping the country say "thanks for being there" to our nation's service men and women, State Farm will donate $1 to the Fisher House Foundation for every thank you sent.
A Colorado Marine is one of nine people missing after a midair collision off the coast of Southern California on Thursday.
Continue reading "Colorado Marine among missing in crash off California coast" »
WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama Friday meets his top military chiefs to talk strategy in Pakistan and Afghanistan in one of the final steps before deciding whether to send thousands more US troops to war.
Continue reading "Obama to meet military brass on Afghanistan" »
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Oct. 28, 2009 – U.S. Postal Service officials have announced recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations.
Continue reading "Postal Service Announces Holiday Mailing Guidelines" »
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — North Carolina Marines from several units recently joined to form Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26. SPMAGTF-26 is scheduled to board the ship that will become USS New York, Oct. 29. The ship and embarked Marines will sail to New York City for the ship’s commissioning, Nov. 7, where it will be designated USS New York.
USS New York holds particular significance to the people of New York with 7 1/2 tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center forged into her bow. The ship also honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the unprovoked attacks of 9/11.
Continue reading "N.C. Marines will take part in the commissioning of USS New York" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2009 – Pentagon officials today announced additional replacement units scheduled to deploy next year to Afghanistan as part of the requirement to maintain the current level of security efforts there, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.
Continue reading "Pentagon Officials Announce 2010 Afghanistan Deployments" »
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 17, 2009 10:22:52 EDT
Say goodbye to sea bag drag.
Initial distribution of the Corps’ new Deployment Bag, a 10-pound footlocker on wheels, began in September and will continue for the next year, according to Marine Corps Systems Command. Manufactured by California-based ForceProtector Gear, the new bag can haul up to 75 pounds and is a significant upgrade from the service’s standard green duffel, which has remained largely unchanged for the past 25 years, officials said.
Continue reading "New wheeled footlocker issued for deployments" »
The U.S. military command in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday imposed a new ban on publication of photographs taken by embedded journalists that identify American war casualties.
Continue reading "Military Limits Publishing Images of U.S. Casualties in Afghanistan" »
Study finds $2.6 billion taken from guns and ammunition
Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.
Continue reading "U.S. troop funds diverted to pet projects" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2009 – First Lady Michelle Obama today vowed to make the voices of U.S. military families heard in the nation’s capital, and called on Americans to recognize the sacrifices made by those in uniform and their loved ones.
Continue reading "First Lady Embarks on Mission to Help Military Families" »
By Dan Lamothe and Michael Hoffman - Staff writers
Posted : Thursday Oct 15, 2009 22:03:45 EDT
The Marine Corps moved fast to silence an Air Force military training instructor who boasted in a service-sponsored video that airmen are in better shape than Marines.
Continue reading "Recruiting video pulled after Marines complain" »
BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), arrived in Savu Sea to conduct a multilateral exercise in cooperation with the government of Timor-Leste Oct. 14.
Continue reading "Bonhomme Richard ARG/11th MEU Arrives in Timor-Leste for MAREX-09" »
USS New York, built with World Trade Center steel, sets sail for its namesake city
A Navy assault ship built with tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers began its journey to New York on Tuesday, sailing down the Mississippi River in a pea-soup fog as watchers along the levee strained for a glimpse.
Continue reading "Ship Built With WTC Steel Sails for Namesake City" »
About 150 Marines and sailors will return to Camp Lejeune from Iraq Monday. While the mission in that country winds down, the future of U.S. troops in Afghanistan remains murky.
Continue reading "Marines Return Home, Afghanistan Questions Linger" »
KABUL, October 8 (RIA Novosti) - Afghan soldiers and U.S. marines seized some 52 tons of drugs and dozens of tons of explosives in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, an Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
Continue reading "Over 50 tons of drugs seized in southern Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday ruled out shrinking the Afghanistan war to a counterterrorism campaign. Yet he did not signal whether he is prepared to send any more troops to the war zone – either the 40,000 his top commander wants or a smaller buildup, according to several officials.
Continue reading "Obama Rules Out Drawdown In Afghanistan, But Mum On Troop Increase" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2009 – American Forces Press Service, the Defense Department’s vehicle for news and feature content on the Defense.gov Web site, has unveiled a “widget” for photographs.
Continue reading "Defense Department Launches Photography Widget" »
A massive attack on US troops in a remote part of east Afghanistan has added more heat to the debate about the level of American engagement in the country.
Continue reading "Taliban assault heats up US troop debate" »
As policymakers debate whether to deploy more troops, training at Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms is being tweaked to reflect a counterinsurgency mission in mountain terrain.
Reporting from Camp Pendleton - In the power corridors of Washington, there is debate about whether to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. But here at Camp Pendleton, the training and deploying of Marines, with a focus on Afghanistan, continue.
Continue reading "Marines increase readiness with Afghanistan in mind" »
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq —
Marines and soldiers stand ready in formation. Distinguished guests begin to filter in. Among them are prominent Iraqi government leaders, paramount sheikhs, Iraqi Police and Army generals, and U.S. military members from all services and units across Iraq. The air is thick with excitement, and more importantly, hope.
Continue reading "Six-year legacy of Marine Corps regiments in Iraq followed by an Army brigade" »
'We have to do more now, if we want to do less later,' says Anders Fogh Rasmussen. He says additional help is needed in training Afghan security forces.
Reporting from Washington - Stepping into an intensifying debate in Washington, the new head of NATO said Monday that more allied troops are needed in Afghanistan to help train the country's security forces.
Continue reading "NATO chief says more troops needed in Afghanistan" »
By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 29, 2009 19:03:33 EDT
WASHINGTON — Troops will begin getting required swine flu shots in the next week to 10 days, with active duty forces deploying to war zones and other critical areas going to the front of the vaccine line, a top military commander said Tuesday.
Continue reading "Troops to start receiving swine flu shots" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2009 – Checks for up to $3,000 soon will be available to students who have applied for Veterans Affairs educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment
Continue reading "VA to Provide Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Benefits" »
Thousands could go. What you need to know.
By Dan Lamothe
Staff writer
Sep. 28, 2009
The Corps is planning to send more Marines to Japan, with an artillery battery arriving before the end of the month and entire battalions eventually expected to deploy for regular six-month tours.
WASHINGTON — As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan, one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency, he has discovered that the military is not monolithic in support of the plan and that some of the civilian advisers he respects most have deep reservations.
Continue reading "Plan to Boost Afghan Forces Splits Obama Advisers" »
WASHINGTON — As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan, one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency, he has discovered that the military is not monolithic in support of the plan and that some of the civilian advisers he respects most have deep reservations.
Continue reading "Plan to Boost Afghan Forces Splits Obama Advisers" »
WASHINGTON — As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan, one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency, he has discovered that the military is not monolithic in support of the plan and that some of the civilian advisers he respects most have deep reservations.
Continue reading "Plan to Boost Afghan Forces Splits Obama Advisers" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
WASHINGTON - American forces are cleaning out a "very, very big garage" in its drawdown in Iraq, the deputy commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq said, Sept. 22.
Continue reading "U.S. Troops Cleaning Out 'Garages' in Iraq" »
By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 21, 2009 12:49:03 EDT
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s top commander in Afghanistan has told him that without more troops the United States could lose the war that Obama has described as the nation’s foremost military priority.
Continue reading "McChrystal: Bigger force a must for Afghan war" »
Troop assignments not yet clear
In a little noticed development last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered 2,500 to 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan as soon as possible to meet imminent threats from roadside bombs.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Hotaru Ferschke just wants to raise her 8-month-old son in his grandparents' Tennessee home, surrounded by photos and memories of the father he'll never meet: a Marine who died in combat a month after marrying her from thousands of miles away.
Continue reading "Proxy wedding means Marine's widow, baby unwelcome" »
Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Sep 15, 2009 21:36:18 EDT
The Marine Corps will launch a new TV advertising campaign Saturday during the Florida-Tennessee college football game on CBS, focusing on what it takes to become a Marine, recruiting command officials said.
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 7, 2009 10:58:20 EDT
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command is about to mark another first.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Sep 6, 2009 8:17:08 EDT
The Corps is bringing back the Field Supply and Maintenance Analysis Office, an inspections organization that officials acknowledge had a reputation for harshly enforcing equipment accountability before it was phased out six years ago.
Continue reading "Inspectors to ensure Marine units police gear" »
In a ceremony with military traditions dating back centuries, a new Marine general took command Friday of Marines and sailors serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
Continue reading "Change of command for Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates used the strongest terms in trying to persuade the Associated Press to refrain from running a graphic picture of a Marine taken shortly after the service member was wounded in southern Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here today.
Continue reading "Gates Objects to News Photo of Dying Marine" »
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is objecting “in the strongest terms” to an Associated Press decision to transmit a photograph showing a mortally wounded 21-year-old Marine in his final moments of life, calling the decision “appalling” and a breach of “common decency.”
Sources say McChrystal will ask for more troops within weeks
By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Aug 31, 2009 11:28:56 EDT
KABUL — The commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan said in an assessment of the war that a new strategy was needed to fight the Taliban, while NATO officials disclosed he is expected to separately request more troops
Continue reading "Report: Change strategy for fighting Taliban" »
U.S. Marines and Republic of Georgia soldiers marked the beginning of the Georgia Deployment Program today with an opening ceremony at the Krtsanisi National Training Center just outside of the city here.
Continue reading "U.S. Marines Begin Training Georgian Troops for ISAF Mission" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Aug 20, 2009 16:32:03 EDT
The nation’s top military officer wants to hear what’s on your mind — via YouTube.
Continue reading "Mullen wants your questions – on YouTube" »
By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, August 18, 2009
DAMAN DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Afghan police and NATO troops have tightened security in southern Kandahar province ahead of Thursday’s presidential election.
Continue reading "Security tightens in Kandahar province ahead of Afghan election" »
AVONDALE, La., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The USS NEW YORK Commissioning Committee today announced that Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, the owner of the New York Jets and renowned businessman, has been named chairman of the Committee. The announcement took place aboard USS NEW YORK during a ship visit here at the Northrop Grumman shipyard. The committee is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that is responsible for organizing welcoming activities leading up to the formal commissioning ceremonies of USS NEW YORK in New York City in November 2009.
CAMP BASTION, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle featuring upgraded suspension systems arrived here August 17.
Continue reading "MEB-Afghanistan receives first of new MRAPs" »
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Aug 11, 2009 14:23:41 EDT
Marines who support the Corps’ elite units spend long days — and a lot of brass — preparing to deploy.
Continue reading "Support Marines train for MarSOC deployments" »
Oct. 8 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama and his advisers moved closer to the crux of their Afghanistan strategy review, whether to boost the number of U.S. troops in the war as they considered the role of Pakistan in fighting terrorists.
Continue reading "Obama Moves Toward Troop Question at Crux of Afghan War Review" »
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is reviewing the use of Facebook and other social networking sites on its computers with an eye toward setting rules on how to protect against possible security risks.
Continue reading "Pentagon reviews social networking on computers" »
The Navy will christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, Aug. 1, 2009, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
Continue reading "Navy Christens New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham" »
Corps Offers Unparalleled Look Inside Officer Training
MARINE CORPS BASE, QUANTICO, Va. (July 23, 2009) – Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) have joined forces to provide America with an inside look at the making of a Marine officer.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
To travel around the world in a diplomatic capacity to any of 148 posts and 133 countries, ensuring the safeguard of classified material is an opportunity Marines have but are not exploring.
Continue reading "Embassy group promises exciting career through program" »
(Springfield, MO) -- The U.S. Senate is in the middle of debating a comprehensive defense bill. A Springfield family has its own reasons for wanting a new amendment to the bill passed.
Continue reading "Vaccination Amendment Added to Defense Bill" »
Today, nearly 4,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors of Task Force Leatherneck, partnered with Afghan national security forces and supported by Task Force Pegasus, the Combat Aviation Brigade of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, conducted a near-simultaneous heliborne and surface insert into the central and southern Helmand River valley. These efforts, combined with closely coordinated U.K. and Dutch operations to our immediate north, will dramatically change and positively impact the security of the Afghan people living in this long-held Taliban heartland.
Jackets might be latest piece of bikers’ required gear
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 27, 2009 9:15:21 EDT
Members of the Corps’ Executive Safety Board are considering whether protective jackets should join the list of personal protective equipment required for Marine motorcycle riders.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 25, 2009 15:40:12 EDT
Department of Veterans Affairs officials expressed confidence that the Aug. 1 launch of the Post-9/11 GI Bill will go smoothly, with the first benefits checks to be cut by the Treasury Department on Aug. 3.
Continue reading "Post-9/11 GI Bill going smoothly, VA says" »
Staff report
Posted : Thursday Jun 25, 2009 21:38:01 EDT
The Marine officer who devised centralized barracks for wounded warriors is leaving the Corps.
Continue reading "Marine behind Wounded Warrior barracks to retire" »
Press Release
The Kansas City Division is issuing information regarding a new scam involving the victimization of families of deployed U.S Military personnel through social networking sites. Significant personal data is available through these sites which users join by city, workplace, school and region to connect and interact with other people. The scam involves individuals using these social networking sites to contact relatives of deployed U.S. military personnel, most specifically grandparents. The impostor advises the grandparents that he is returning home on leave from Iraq and asks the grandparents to keep his presence secret so he can surprise his parents. A short time later, the grandparents are again contacted and the impostor advises them that he and a friend are stranded with a broken down car. He then asks the grandparents to wire a significant amount of money to cover the cost of the repairs.
SEOUL, South Korea - The United States says it has deployed anti-missile defenses around Hawaii, following reports that North Korea is preparing to fire its most advanced ballistic missile in that direction to coincide with the U.S. Independence Day holiday next month.
By: PR Newswire
Jun. 15, 2009 04:56 PM
- Comprehensive Special Features New Footage of U.S. Navy's Decisive Response, First-Ever Accounts from Maersk Alabama's Crew and Exclusive Footage From Military Channel Production Crews Aboard U.S. Navy Vessels Leading Counter-Piracy Operations -
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, June 13, 2009
WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps hopes to give Marines 14 months at home after deployments by mid-2010, Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway said Thursday.
Continue reading "More dwell time for Marines in future, Conway says" »
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jun 8, 2009 8:44:44 EDT
So long Wikipedia. Say hello to Corpspedia.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
Area weather conditions are known to fluctuate in the spring. But summers are known to be hot, and maintaining safe training conditions is increasingly important.
Continue reading "What color is the weather? Check the flag" »
Staff report
Posted : Wednesday May 27, 2009 10:36:48 EDT
The Corps’ glitzy video promoting motorcycle safety will debut June 25 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of an event that will include live motorcycle stunts and autograph sessions with celebrities, officials said.
Continue reading "Semper Ride video set for Lejeune debut" »
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 11, 2009 17:54:13 EDT
Chicago is home to eight Medal of Honor recipients and 27 Marine generals, so it is only fitting that the inaugural Marine Week kicks off in the Windy City.
Continue reading "Inaugural Marine Week kicks off in Chicago" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. — Those who are fond of the noise they hear above them are in for an earful as the 2009 MCAS Beaufort Air Show dubbed “Blues Over Beaufort,” soars into the Lowcountry skies, May 16 and 17.
Continue reading "Angels take wing; 2009 MCAS Beaufort Air Show roars into town" »
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2009 – Surfs up! Military children of wounded or fallen servicemembers will be able to catch their first wave this summer, thanks to Freedom Is Not Free, a California-based troop-support group.
Continue reading "'Little Warriors' Surf Camp to Host 100 Military Children" »
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2009 – Tanya Queiro, a former Marine Corps noncommissioned officer, was named the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year at a ceremony held here today.
Continue reading "Former Marine NCO Takes Military Spouse of the Year Honors" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — As defense officials monitor the H1N1 flu situation, Marine Corps Base Quantico Operations Division passed around its containment plan for pandemic influenza.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.—Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met with Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, April 23, as thousands of them prepare to deploy to Southern Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Defense Secretary Gates visits Marines before Afghanistan deployment" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Apr 21, 2009 13:21:01 EDT
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps and Army are pushing forward with a plan to roll out a new, tougher battlefield helmet, but will keep existing padding inside despite criticism over safety and comfort.
Continue reading "New helmet program focuses on stopping power" »
ARLINGTON, Va. —
The Marine Corps is a military service branch within the Department of the Navy and since November 10, 1775, its warriors have fought at the tip of America’s military spear. Still, some believe that as a branch within the Navy department, the Marine Corps doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
Continue reading "Congressmen push for a 'Department of the Navy and Marine Corps'" »
MANAMA, Bahrain - At approximately 7:19 p.m (12:19 p.m. EDT) U.S. naval forces rescued Capt. Richard Phillips, the master of Motor Vessel Maersk-Alabama.
By Kimberly Hefling - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Apr 9, 2009 14:39:14 EDT
WASHINGTON — A military team sent to evaluate electrical problems at U.S. facilities in Iraq determined there was a high risk that flawed wiring could cause further “catastrophic results” — namely, the electrocutions of U.S. soldiers.
Continue reading "Safety team: Iraq site wiring deemed risky" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 6, 2009 16:20:48 EDT
The Marine Corps outlined details Monday for its inaugural Marine Week, saying that nearly 2,000 Marines will participate in a week-long series of demonstrations, concerts and outreach efforts in Chicago beginning May 11.
Continue reading "Corps outlines inaugural Marine Week event" »
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved a policy change that, under strictly delineated conditions, allows media filming of dignified transfer operations of fallen servicemembers’ remains at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Continue reading "Gates Signs Policy Change for Dignified Transfer Operations at Dover" »
U.S. troops gather evidence for prosecution of Aden piracy
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, March 30, 2009
The second part of a series.
THE GULF OF ADEN — When American forces in the Gulf of Aden find a suspected pirate skiff, they don’t send in the Marines, Navy SEALs or other combat forces. The first people to confront the suspected pirates are members of a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, March 29, 2009
(Day One of a two-day series)
THE GULF OF ADEN — The USS Boxer is an impressive ship, purpose-built to show up on the horizon and grab a well-protected beach from a determined enemy. An array of helicopters can spot threats before they ever see the amphibious assault ship. Harrier jets can pound them into the ground. And hovercrafts can carry hundreds of Marines and their armored vehicles to storm the beach.
Continue reading "Combined Task Force 151 hunts down pirates in the Gulf of Aden" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Marines not currently within their height and weight or military appearance standards are feeling the burn.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Mar 18, 2009 19:35:13 EDT
The Obama administration waved a white flag of surrender Wednesday, dropping a budget proposal that would have billed private insurance companies for treatment of service-connected medical problems at Veterans Affairs Department hospitals and clinics.
Continue reading "Obama backs down on vets insurance billing" »
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Veterans groups are angry after President Obama told them Monday that he is still considering a proposal to have treatment for service-connected injuries charged to veterans' private insurance plans.
Continue reading "Veterans groups irate at Obama's private insurance proposal" »
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Mar 15, 2009 10:54:25 EDT
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — More than half of the Corps’ family readiness officers are using a new Internet-based tool to pass the latest deployment news, scrapping the traditional key volunteer-to-spouse phone call.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 2, 2009 21:35:46 EST
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Corps’ new running suit has been made available to 125 units, the latest step in the plan to get one free outfit to every Marine, officials said.
By Chelsea J. Carter - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Feb 28, 2009 15:01:50 EST
BAGHDAD — The U.S. military map in Iraq in early 2010: Marines are leaving the western desert, Army units are in the former British zone in the south and the overall mission is coalescing around air and logistics hubs in central and northern Iraq.
Continue reading "Leaving Iraq: Shift south, exit through desert" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 28, 2009 10:12:21 EST
A bill that would allow military spouses to maintain residency in their home state regardless of where the military moves them has been introduced again in the House, and its twin has been introduced in the Senate.
Continue reading "Bill would let spouses keep state residency" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 10:45:51 EST
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A Navy medic has received the Silver Star medal for heroic action during an ambush on a foot patrol in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Lejeune petty officer receives Silver Star" »
Staff report
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 16:05:12 EST
President Obama is proposing a 2.9 percent military pay raise effective Jan. 1, 2010, a figure that would match — not exceed — average wage growth in the private sector.
By Ben Feller - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 27, 2009 17:59:56 EST
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — President Barack Obama consigned the Iraq war to history Friday, declaring he will end combat operations within 18 months and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.
Continue reading "Obama formalizes plan for 2010 Iraq pullout" »
But Gates says decision on images will be up to families of war dead
WASHINGTON - Families of America’s war dead will be allowed to decide if news organizations can photograph the homecomings of their loved ones, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
Continue reading "Pentagon lifts media ban on coffin photos" »
By Andrew deGrandpré - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Feb 25, 2009 10:11:16 EST
Leathernecks have long found it irksome — heck, they’ve downright hated the fact — that The New York Times has refused to capitalize the “m” in Marine. It’s a point of pride, Marines always argue, to which the Times has routinely replied, “Yeah, but we don’t capitalize the ‘s’ in soldier.”
Obama Boosting U.S. Force by Nearly 50% to Address 'Deteriorating Situation'
President Obama has ordered the first combat deployments of his presidency, saying yesterday that he had authorized an additional 17,000 U.S. troops "to stabilize a deteriorating situation" in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON — President Obama said Tuesday that he would send an additional 17,000 American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, putting his stamp firmly on a war that he has long complained is going in the wrong direction.
Continue reading "Putting Stamp on Afghan War, Obama Will Send 17,000 Troops" »
Pursuant to President Obama’s decision today, Secretary Gates ordered the deployment of two additional combat units, totaling more than 12,000 troops, to Afghanistan. The 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), from Camp Lejeune, N.C., with approximately 8,000 Marines will deploy to Afghanistan in late Spring 2009.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 12, 2009 22:14:43 EST
The Corps will launch an effort this spring similar to the Navy’s popular Fleet Week, with hundreds of Marines descending on Chicago in May for a week of community outreach efforts, concerts and demonstrations by a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
Continue reading "Corps to launch Marine Week event in Chicago" »
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2009 – Sixteen million new toys were distributed to 7.6 million children over the Christmas holiday through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots Successful Despite Slow Economy" »
WASHINGTON — The results of the 61st annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign, conducted during October, November and December 2008, have been tabulated. The results are: U.S. Marines distributed 16 million new toys to 7.6 million less fortunate youngsters throughout the nation. This was one of the most successful campaigns in the 61 year history of Toys for Tots.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2009 – A series of educational assistance programs administered by the Veterans Affairs Department, commonly called the GI Bill, have helped servicemembers pursue post-secondary learning for decades.
Continue reading "New GI Bill Carries Different Eligibility, Benefits" »
Sgt. Wayne Dekorte, a platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, recently left the Marine Corps after his enlistment came to an end. Part of his enlistment was receiving a Bronze Star medal for his accomplishments overseas.
Continue reading "3/7 Marine receives Bronze Star, moves on to future" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 29, 2009 11:31:12 EST
Economic recovery legislation passed by Congress is likely to include a tax incentive for employers to hire newly discharged service members who are having problems finding work.
Continue reading "Stimulus offers tax credit for hiring vets" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2009 – A civilian journalist received a top Navy honor in Iraq on Jan. 24 for his heroism in saving a Marine’s life while in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Navy Honors Civilian Journalist for Saving Marine’s Life" »
TRIANGLE, Va., Jan. 27, 2009 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps here has maintained its position as a top Virginia attraction, with more than 500,000 visitors recorded in 2008, museum officials said.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Museum Attracts Half-million Visitors in 2008" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jan 25, 2009 11:48:08 EST
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The top commander here has ordered that all Marines, including officers and senior enlisted Marines, must have their unit’s permission before traveling to Mexico.
Continue reading "More restrictions placed on travel to Mexico" »
An official has barred Marines from visiting Tijuana as the California border town's drug violence soars.
Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton has restricted travel to Mexico for the unit's 44,000 members, USA Today reports.
Continue reading "Military Bans Marines From Visiting Tijuana" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 22, 2009 10:33:09 EST
Be careful eating those peanut butter crackers, cookies and candies — including those that you might receive in care packages sent by families, friends and well-meaning community organizations.
Continue reading "CDC warns military about peanut butter recall" »
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 16, 2009 15:52:35 EST
Marines shipping out to Afghanistan this year eventually will spend twice as much time at home as deployed, Commandant Gen. James Conway said Thursday.
Continue reading "CMC: More dwell time between Afghan tours" »
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 15, 2009 12:11:52 EST
The Defense Department has created a new outreach center for troops and family members who need help understanding post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, as well as to help them get the resources they need.
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jan 11, 2009 10:08:43 EST
BAGHDAD — American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year’s Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.
Continue reading "Troops in Iraq allowed beer for Super Bowl" »
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- A California assemblyman says military identification should be accepted as official proof that an armed forces member is old enough for alcohol.
Continue reading "Calif. eyeing military IDs for alcohol use" »
What's in a name? In Washington, almost everything.
Continue reading "Jones Renews Effort To Rename Dept. of Navy" »
ANN ARBOR, Mich – The McCormick Foundation in Chicago has awarded $350,000 to the University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry to help address the “invisible brain injuries” among returning Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and their families. These include sleep, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and associated problems. The gift is part of a larger fundraising initiative called Welcome Back Veterans created by New York Mets Chairman and CEO Fred Wilpon to provide returning veterans the quality evaluations, treatment, support systems, and long-term employment assistance they deserve to restart their lives and care for their families.
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, January 7, 2009
WASHINGTON — Overseas military voters from 16 states and the District of Columbia had little chance of successfully voting in the presidential election this year, according to a new study released Tuesday.
Continue reading "Study: States’ overseas voting systems are flawed" »
The Pentagon has decided that it will not award the Purple Heart, the hallowed medal given to those wounded or killed by enemy action, to war veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because it is not a physical wound.
Continue reading "Purple Heart Is Ruled Out for Traumatic Stress" »
By Jeff Schogol and John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, January 7, 2009
ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. troops serving in Morocco and Burkina Faso or who are helping share intelligence with Turkey are eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
WASHINGTON —
Shades of Green is a resort hotel, located on Walt Disney World Resort, exclusive to service members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, and their family members. It is a safe haven for military families, whether they’re reintegrating after an overseas deployment, having one last “Family fling” before mom or dad deploys, or simply getting away for a weekend.
Continue reading "Shades of Green, Disney partner to make vacations affordable for military" »
WASHINGTON — (Reuters) - Many U.S. troops serving overseas are effectively excluded from voting because they are not given enough time to cast absentee ballots, according to a report released Tuesday.
Continue reading "Study: Many in U.S. military don't get time to vote" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2009 – U.S. Marines raised the American flag yesterday during the dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad as Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker declared “a new era” for Iraq and the Iraqi-U.S. relationship.
Continue reading "Marines Raise Flag on New U.S. Embassy in Baghdad" »
By Eric Talmadge - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 6, 2009 12:58:48 EST
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Sprawling toward the horizon in every direction, Andersen Air Force Base is surprisingly quiet, leaving the impression of a big, empty parking lot.
Continue reading "Guam, focus of new U.S. strategy, faces hurdles" »
By Chelsea J. Carter - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jan 5, 2009 16:24:12 EST
BAGHDAD — The United States opened its new embassy in Iraq under tight security Monday, the most visible sign of what U.S. officials call a new chapter in relations between America and a more sovereign Iraq.
Continue reading "New U.S. embassy inaugurated in Baghdad" »
The Corps will be featured in several Hollywood projects
Staff writer - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 3, 2009 8:03:35 EST
More than four years ago, then-Lt. Col. Mike Strobl shared his experience escorting a fallen Marine back to their mutual hometown, weaving a narrative rich with detail and emotion.
By Jason Straziuso and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 2, 2009 6:57:44 EST
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The U.S. is preparing to pour at least 20,000 extra troops into southern Afghanistan to cope with a Taliban insurgency that is fiercer than NATO leaders expected.
Continue reading "U.S. readying Afghan surge against Taliban" »
BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The United States' three top broadcast television networks have quietly stopped sending full-time correspondents to Iraq, industry watchers say.
Episode explores the needs of America’s returning service members
Washington D.C. – Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, will appear on Dr. Phil in an episode focused on honoring America’s contract with our military veterans. Dr. Phil talks with veterans and their families about the challenges of returning home after deployment. Congressman Filner shares his views about the medical and mental health care needs of returning service members. He also discusses the need for a good faith reform effort at the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the care and services offered to America’s veterans. The show, entitled “Beyond the Front Lines,” is scheduled to air on Friday, December 19. Check your local listings for air time.
Continue reading "Filner Discusses Veterans Issues on Dr. Phil Show" »
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. — Marines have learned from day one at recruit training that their best friend is the M16A2 service rifle. However, what they may not know is the vital importance corpsmen play in the lives of Marines—literally.
Continue reading "FMTB makes ‘groundbreaking’ changes to save Marines’ lives" »
By Tom Philpott, Special to Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, December 13, 2008
The pilot for a new, jointly-developed DoD-VA disability evaluation system (DES), set to expand from five to 22 military bases by May, does much of what proponents hoped it would.
Continue reading "Disability reforms bring higher ratings, faster pay" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — After weeks of on-going training, Class 1-09 gathered as the newest Marine Security Guards at their graduation ceremony Friday at Little Hall.
Continue reading "Corps’ newest embassy guards take their posts" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — More than six weeks ago, 120 Marines in Marine Security Guard School class 1-09 started on a mission which included more than 300 hours in the classroom covering a variety of subjects from diplomatic courtesies to alcohol abuse in their quest to become embassy guards.
Continue reading "Knowledge projected, information received" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marines are trained, organized and equipped as a force in readiness, and stand prepared to meet all mission requirements, according to the National Security Act of 1947.
Continue reading "Locate, isolate, contain: MSG students learn room entry, clearing" »
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wall Street Warfighters Foundation, a nonprofit organization preparing disabled military veterans for financial services careers, has selected Marine Staff Sergeant John Jones and U.S. Army Master Sergeant George Holmes as the first students in Operation Wall Street, the Foundation’s intensive academic and vocational training program.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Dec 3, 2008 17:33:07 EST
The Corps has closed 24 military occupational specialties to re-enlistment, marking the first time in nearly two years that some first-term Marines will be forced out of their specialties.
Continue reading "Corps closes some jobs to re-enlistment" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 2, 2008 18:47:03 EST
Marines readying for deployment to war zones must now undergo a battery of computerized tests assessing whether they have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Nov 28, 2008 12:46:59 EST
KOKOMO, Ind. — The family of Lance Cpl. James Swain is proud that the Marine Corps named a building at its intelligence base in Virginia after him. But it’s an honor that comes with mixed feelings.
Continue reading "Intelligence site named for slain Ind. Marine" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marines are preparing to enter a building as the machine gunner squints to identify figures approaching from a distance. Suddenly the figures come into focus, and the Marine reacts instinctively to the threat by manning the vehicle-mounted weapon and immediately providing suppressive fire to alert fellow Marines of the impending danger.
Continue reading "Hero honored at annex with Medal for Valor" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Nov. 25, 2008) — An Iraqi reporter from Al Jazeera met his worst nightmare and possibly his best friend when he was caught in the crossfire while covering combat operations, April 4.
Lawmakers’ pleas for award of Medal of Honor denied
By Dan Lamothe
[email protected]
Nov. 24, 2008
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has rebuffed pleas from Capitol Hill to award the Medal of Honor to a Marine who died smothering a grenade, saying “the evidence presented did not meet the exacting ‘no doubt’ standard necessary.” The comments came in a Nov. 18 letter Gates sent to eight members of California’s congressional delegation. The group asked President George W. Bush to review a Pentagon decision announced in September to deny Sgt. Rafael Peralta the military’s highest honor.
Continue reading "Gates: Peralta evidence left room for doubt" »
MCB QUANTICO, Va. -- Four weeks into the course, Marine Security Guard students have been put to the test mentally and physically, enduring hours of in-class studies and field exercises, training in defense and weaponry.
Continue reading "Future Marine Security Guards Train in Defense" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2008 – Military Family Appreciation Week begins tomorrow, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a message today noting the observance.
Continue reading "Chairman Notes Military Family Appreciation Week" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2008 – Recent changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act will extend the period of unpaid, job-protected leave that eligible family members can take to care for wounded warrior spouses, Labor Department officials said.
Continue reading "Changes to Leave Act Benefit Wounded Warriors, Families" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 14, 2008 12:43:37 EST
Eighteen months after banning access to YouTube and other social networking and entertainment sites on Defense Department computers, the Pentagon has launched a site where troops and families can upload and share videos.
Continue reading "Pentagon launches its own version of YouTube" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2008 – A troop-support group that provides education on the brain’s and body’s natural responses to stress launched its redesigned Web site yesterday.
“Our Web site is completely redesigned to power our mission of providing the best education, training and resources for supporting strength and resilience in all areas of military life,” said Elizabeth Hawkins, executive director of “One Freedom.”
Continue reading "Troop Support Group Launches New Web Site" »
WASHINGTON -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
Continue reading "New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes during National Anthem" »
SPRINGFIELD -- An obscure state law and an ambiguous federal ballot form are combining to invalidate some of the thousands of absentee votes being cast this fall by Virginians overseas, most of them in the military.
Continue reading "Law Threatens Thousands of Military Votes" »
Fort Meade's Defense Information School Marine detachment has a new home on the installation as the roughly 100-person unit moved from an aging barracks to a newly renovated facility.
Continue reading "Marines relocate to newly renovated barracks" »
In a few short weeks, U.S. Marine Dawid Pietrek was supposed to be coming home after his tour overseas ended.
Continue reading "Virginia Marine running in honor of fallen Bensenville comrade" »
Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced the launch of its "Make A Difference" campaign to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's annual toy drive.
Continue reading "Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Kicks Off" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 15, 2008 12:51:27 EDT
Troops and family members are invited to join a live Oct. 20 Webcast of a Pentagon summit meeting that will explore the best ways to support families of service members who are killed, seriously wounded or become ill or injured.
Continue reading "DoD to hold family support summit Oct. 20" »
Jamestown, Mo. -
Friends and family of Leon B. Deraps have announced that a formal dedication ceremony for the Lance Corporal Leon B. Deraps Memorial Highway has been set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m.
Continue reading "Dedication ceremony planned for Lance Corporal Leon B. Deraps Memorial Hwy." »
Troops can shift them to spouse, kids
By Rick Maze - [email protected]
Posted : October 06, 2008
All career service members, regardless of their military occupational specialty, will be offered the opportunity to transfer GI Bill benefits to immediate family members starting next summer, under a plan taking shape in the Pentagon.
By Rick Maze - [email protected]
Posted : October 06, 2008
In the first of what could become many revisions in its disability ratings, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced Sept. 23 that it is changing how it evaluates traumatic brain injuries, a move that could increase disability compensation for thousands of veterans who have been injured by roadside bombs or other explosions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading "VA rule change may mean higher TBI payouts" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Oct 3, 2008 19:19:53 EDT
The benefit was authorized in the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, and Tricare officials now have the mechanism in place to implement it.
Continue reading "Tricare offers active-duty respite care" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2008 – Overseas-deployed servicemembers and other troops serving outside their home states need to fill out and forward their absentee ballots so their votes can be counted as part of the Nov. 4 federal and state elections, Defense Department officials said today.
Continue reading "Officials Urge Military Voters to Send in Absentee Ballots" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 1, 2008 16:11:42 EDT
The door to employment with the federal government is being pushed open a little wider for military spouses whose service members have been incapacitated or killed or who are moving with their service members on permanent change-of-station orders.
Continue reading "Military spouses get boost for federal jobs" »
Sergeant covered a grenade with his body to save comrades in Iraq
SAN DIEGO - A California congressional delegation asked President Bush on Friday to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to a Marine who was chosen to receive only the second-highest medal the Navy can bestow for valor.
Continue reading "Bush urged to review denied Medal of Honor" »
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — —
The Combat Center’s American Red Cross Chapter helps keep service members informed when they are stationed away from home in the event of a birth, death or a serious or critical illness in their immediate family.
Continue reading "American Red Cross messages keep Marines in touch during hard times" »
SAN DIEGO - The Marine Corps is no longer allowing troops who have extra-large tattoos on their arms to serve as recruiters or security guards at U.S. embassies.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2008 – The Defense Department announced today the deployment of two additional units to Afghanistan, following up on President Bush’s announcement last week that he will beef up the U.S. presence there while reducing it in Iraq.
Continue reading "Defense Department Announces New Forces for Afghanistan Mission" »
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Sep 15, 2008 8:17:19 EDT
BAGHDAD — Gen. David Petraeus said Sunday that experience in Iraq shows it will take political and economic progress as well as military action to tackle increased violence in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Petraeus: More than force needed in Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US military presence in Afghanistan will grow by a maximum of 1,800 troops by the end of January, AFP has calculated, based on figures provided by the Pentagon Monday.
Continue reading "US to boost military presence in Afghanistan by 1,800" »
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — The counterintelligence and human intelligence military occupational specialty has opened to female Marines.
Continue reading "Counter, human intel MOS opens to female Marines" »
FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C., Sept. 9, 2008 – The United States will continue to reduce its troop strength in Iraq, but will increase its footprint in Afghanistan, President Bush said here today.
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Sep 6, 2008 7:23:09 EDT
The Corps has introduced a new alternative to the body armor Marines wear in combat.
Continue reading "Lighter body armor issued for Afghanistan" »
By Jason Straziuso - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Sep 5, 2008 8:37:21 EDT
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALAGUSH, Afghanistan — American troops in Afghanistan will step up offensive operations this winter because insurgents are increasingly staying in the country to prepare for spring attacks, a U.S. commander told The Associated Press.
Continue reading "General: US forces to up Afghan winter ops" »
SCHINNEN, Netherlands, Sept. 5, 2008 – With the Democratic and Republican national conventions now behind us, the 2008 presidential campaign enters the home stretch as Americans look toward Election Day, Nov. 4.
WASHINGTON - President Bush will announce his decision on future troops levels in Iraq next week and is expected to largely follow the recommendations of military leaders to reduce the number by up to 8,000 by mid-January.
Continue reading "Bush to announce US troop levels in Iraq next week" »
By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Sep 4, 2008 9:13:02 EDT
Half of all Marines are struggling with their personal finances, according to a new survey conducted by the Corps’ inspector general’s office, a trend that worries some officials who fear that the jittery economy is further undermining readiness for a force already stressed by steady combat deployments.
Continue reading "Survey: Marines struggling with finances" »
Military installations across the Carolinas are making preparations for tropical weather approaching the Southeast.
As the military considers an Afghanistan 'surge', the head of the U.S. Marines pays a visit, and finds that far more troops are needed on the ground.
When Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway visited the dusty hinterlands of southern Afghanistan last week, probably the last thing he expected to find was U.S. Marines with full, bushy beards. But there they were, members of the Marines' Special Operations Command unit, known as MarSOC.
Gen. David Petraeus has no intention of doing a victory lap on his way out of Iraq. As he heads off next month to take over the U.S. military's Central Command, in charge of Afghanistan as well as Iraq, he leaves a country on the rebound. People in Baghdad feel so safe they are out on the streets at midnight. The scourge of Al Qaeda in Iraq is a spent force. They've lost Anbar province and Baghdad, where at best they can mount a couple of mostly insignificant attacks a day. They've vacated the Sunni Triangle. Virtually the entire Sunni Arab population has turned against them, and nowadays not a single Sunni imam, politician or tribal leader of note inside the country supports them. So why then don't we just say it: Al Qaeda in Iraq has been defeated.
Continue reading "He’s Chased Al Qaeda From Baghdad. Next: Kandahar." »
By Colby Sledge - The Nashville Tennessean
Posted : Thursday Aug 21, 2008 17:09:10 EDT
When Lance Cpl. William “Billy” D. Spencer saw his squad leader wounded in an Iraq shootout, he did the only thing he could do: He tried to save his commanding officer.
YUMA, Ariz. — — In the final stage of the Corps' physical fitness makeover, the commandant signed a new order Aug. 8 defining tougher body fat and appearance standards for Marines.
Continue reading "Shape Up: Corps tightens weight, appearance standards" »
The U.S. commander there, in an exclusive interview, calls for a further buildup to counter the Taliban
The Pentagon will be sending 12,000 to 15,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, possibly as soon as the end of this year, with planning underway for a further force buildup in 2009.
Continue reading "Pentagon Plans to Send More Than 12,000 Additional Troops to Afghanistan" »
(CNN) -- Some airlines are charging U.S. soldiers extra baggage fees to take their military kits with them as they set off for war.
Continue reading "Troops pay baggage fees on way to war zones" »
Featuring the Recipients of America’s Highest Military Honor
August 12, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) - In MEDAL OF HONOR, a new documentary that PBS announced today will air nationwide on November 5 at 9 p.m., powerful stories of those who have received our nation's highest military honor beg fundamental questions about the nature of the human spirit and what it means to have the courage of a hero. What makes a person face almost certain death in order to save the lives of others? What gives a person the strength to endure unspeakable acts of torture under the hands of an enemy without losing the will to carry on? And is every person, if put into the same situation, capable of such virtues? Can we all be heroes?
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jul 21, 2008 7:11:48 EDT
If a homecoming celebration is in the works for your returning service member, you’d better get in on the rush to order a free banner from Buildasign.com.
WASHINGTON — Marines who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq might need to update their record of personal decorations following newly published criteria for Long War campaign awards.
Continue reading "Awards branch releases criteria for Afghanistan, Iraq campaign medals" »
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 17, 2008 18:39:01 EDT
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Marine Corps, meet the Marine Corps.
Continue reading "Marines give new HBO series positive reviews" »
WASHINGTON - Pentagon leaders on Wednesday signaled a surge in U.S. forces in Afghanistan "sooner rather than later," a shift that could send some units there within weeks, as officials prepare to cut troop levels in Iraq.
Continue reading "More US troops may go to Afghanistan this year" »
Pentagon confirms the deaths of men who were seized in 2007 ambush
WASHINGTON - For more than a year, Gordon Dibler held out hope that his stepson, Army Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, would return home from Iraq. Then military officials delivered the grim news that the bodies of Fouty and another soldier captured in an ambush south of Baghdad had been found.
Continue reading "Missing soldiers' bodies recovered in Iraq" »
Special Ringtones, Video, and Graphics Tailored to
All Branches of U.S. Military Personnel
DALLAS, JULY 2, 2008 — We honor freedom in our yards and in our homes, on our cars and even in our wardrobe, and now AT&T; is providing customers with a unique way to give tribute to those who have fought for our independence, just in time for the 4th of July holiday. AT&T; Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced a program with 2ThumbZ Entertainment, Inc. to launch the wireless industry’s first comprehensive portfolio of mobile content tailored to the United States Military. The impressive selection of content consists of ringtones, Answer Tones™, 3D graphics and animations, and videos tailored to members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Continue reading "AT&T; LAUNCHES FIRST MOBILE CONTENT PORTFOLIO FOR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES" »
By Jennifer H. Svan, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, June 22, 2008
U.S. military personnel and Defense Department employees won’t have to pay new fees for checked baggage as long as they’re traveling on official government orders in most instances, according to military officials.
Continue reading "Military orders trump new airline baggage fees" »
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 – Tomorrow the United States observes National Flag Day, an annual tribute to the American flag, the ideals it stands for and the sacrifices made to preserve them.
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 30, 2008 13:22:49 EDT
The producers of a new game show for ABC are looking for military families to be contestants on the pilot episode of the show, which will offer “a huge cash prize.”
Continue reading "Game show seeks military family contestants" »
By Trista Talton
Posted : May 26, 2008
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Only time will tell where the men of the final battalion of 9th Marines to reactivate will deploy next year.
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — — The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program helps Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen make their military job experience more marketable to potential employers after the military.
Continue reading "Apprenticeship program makes military job skills more marketable" »
By Charlie Reed, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, May 18, 2008
When Social Security numbers were essentially worthless, they used to be stitched and spray-painted on troops’ duffel bags.
Continue reading "Military IDs to list only last four digits of SSNs" »
This afternoon, the House of Representatives made history. By an overwhelming margin, lawmakers passed the landmark new GI Bill which will make college affordable to the more than 1.6 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
WASHINGTON - Veterans groups say it's time to expand college aid for GIs, and Democrats want to use an election year to do it. Their biggest obstacle? The Pentagon.
Continue reading "Pentagon biggest obstacle to Democrats' GI bill" »
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress appears increasingly unlikely to meet its goal of approving President Bush's war funding request before Memorial Day as divisions deepened among Democrats and the White House issued a fresh veto threat.
Continue reading "White House renews veto threat against troop funding bill" »
Historic Vote in House of Representatives Tomorrow on World War II-style GI Bill
Iraq Veterans Urge Lawmakers to Vote Yes on GI Bill Funding
NEW YORK -On Thursday, May 8, the House of Representatives will vote on a World War II-style GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, strongly endorses this critical legislation. It was originally introduced in Congress by some of the Senate's own combat veterans, including Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE). The bill has the extraordinary bipartisan support of more than 330 Senators and Representatives and the endorsement of every major Veterans Service Organization from IAVA to the American Legion to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The GI Bill is being voted on as an amendment to the war supplemental spending plan.
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
Continue reading "President's Proclamation Honors Troops' Spouses" »
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday May 3, 2008 8:01:50 EDT
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The idea to build a museum that would tell the stories of Marines and sailors who’ve served in the Carolinas is almost as old their presence here.
By Paul Elias - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday May 1, 2008 7:27:12 EDT
SAN FRANCISCO — A two-week trial that scrutinized the quality of health care for veterans concluded Wednesday with the judge questioning how much authority he had to order changes in the Department of Veterans Affairs, even if he found deficiencies.
Continue reading "VA trial ends with differing views of care" »
More than 500 people moved to register for the Marine Corps Marathon on Tuesday during a rally near the Pentagon, one day before general registration opens on the Internet.
Continue reading "Marathon registration opens to public today" »
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraq's National Museum on Sunday welcomed the return of more than 700 antiquities stolen during the chaos that followed the U.S.-led invasion five years ago.
Continue reading "Baghdad museum receives artifacts stolen from Iraq" »
Marine Corps ads now run in magazines aimed at women
THE Marines are looking for a few good women.
Continue reading "Sending in the Marines (to Recruit Women)" »
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 – As a means of combating identity theft, the Defense Department will issue identification cards without full Social Security numbers printed onto them, a senior official said here today.
Continue reading "Department to Phase Out Full Social Security Numbers on IDs" »
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fighting in Iraq took a heavy toll on Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Patrick, damaging his hand, injuring his brain and causing him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Offers Yoga, Massages to Marriages Strained by War" »
The UPS Store in Sehome Village has teamed up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to announce its first yearround initiative, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
Continue reading "UPS, Marines begin year-round Toys for Tots Literacy Program" »
By Seamus O’Connor - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 31, 2008 6:43:08 EDT
The military has used motion pictures for training and entertainment since the dawn of the medium. Now the age of YouTube has brought a Web site dedicated to the sharing and preservation of military films from World War I to the present.
Continue reading "Video site offers historical military films" »
BATAVIA, Ohio - Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin's parents vowed to never let the U.S. Army forget about finding their son.
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Mar 23, 2008 11:44:48 EDT
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The majority of Marines and sailors killed in motorcycle accidents during the past two years did not have documentation showing they’d completed the required rider safety course training.
Continue reading "Accidents kick-start revised motorcycle rules" »
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2008 – A new award administered by troop support groups and sponsored by a major corporation aims to recognize the sacrifices made by military moms.
The Operation Homefront Military Motherhood Award will provide the winner with $5,000 and a free trip to the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading "America Supports You: Award Honors Military Moms" »
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Mar 15, 2008 14:15:16 EDT
Deciding whether to give the Corps four more years is a tough decision any time. But as the halfway point of the fiscal year rapidly approaches, many enlisted Marines still sitting on the fence may find those decisions tougher, thanks to newly released rules for fiscal 2008 Selective Re-enlistment Bonuses and Broken Service SRBs.
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2008 – More than a year ago, the Iraqi city of Ramadi was a ruin of blasted buildings amid a population ravaged by al Qaeda terrorists and the effects of war, but the capital of Anbar province is bouncing back, a senior U.S. military commander in Iraq said today.
Continue reading "Commander Cites Ramadi’s Recovery as Example of Iraq Success" »
Little-Known Event Is Emotional Salute;
Cpl. Lyon Pays a Visit
WASHINGTON -- Cpl. Kenny Lyon's mother pushed his wheelchair down a narrow Pentagon hallway, crying as she listened to the applause.
Continue reading "Wounded Soldiers See the Pentagon In Private Parade" »
Artist memorializes Lima Company's dead
It came in a vision to Westerville artist Anita Miller: a series of paintings in the Statehouse honoring the fallen servicemen of Lima Company.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
The Wounded Warrior Regiment sponsored a job fair Monday at The Clubs at Quantico for four hours, where representatives from dozens of companies were waiting to receive resumes from and maybe even hire wounded and retired Marines.
Continue reading "Wounded Warrior Regiment sponsors job fair" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, YUMA, Ariz. (March 6, 2008) -- To synchronize uniform wear worldwide, the seasonal change of garrison uniforms will correspond with the beginning and ending of daylight saving time, the Marine Corps commandant directed March 6.
Panoramic views inside military facilities deemed too sensitive
WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO - Google Inc has complied with a request by the Pentagon to remove some online images from its street-level map service because they pose a security threat to U.S. military bases, military and company officials said on Thursday.
BETHESDA, Md. (March 4, 2008) -- The Marine Corps officially unveiled its new running suit to Marines assigned to the Wounded Warrior Regiment at the National Naval Medical Center here Feb. 29.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 22, 2008 13:16:43 EST
As details emerge on how the Internal Revenue Service will dole out economic stimulus payments, officials are warning that some service members and disabled veterans will get smaller payments and will have to apply for the tax rebates that will be automatic for most people.
Continue reading "Getting your tax rebate: What you need to do" »
If you know someone who is committed 24/7, here is your chance to nominate them to receive the Military Times’ Service Member of the Year Award. Previous winners have cited their award as one of the highlights of their military career or some such copy to be inserted here by marketing.
On May 12 we will adjust prices for mailing services — First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 8, 2008 5:28:36 EST
Defense officials and lawmakers are forging ahead on a plan that would allow all troops — not just a few in critical skills — to transfer unused GI Bill education benefits to family members.
MARINE CORPS TIMES - (Feb. 4, 2008) -- Some of the most grizzled Marines have worried in recent years that the Corps was getting away from its “expeditionary roots.”
Continue reading "Corps commissions symphony for New Orleans" »
MARINE CORPS TIMES - (Feb. 4, 2008) -- Some of the most grizzled Marines have worried in recent years that the Corps was getting away from its “expeditionary roots.”
Continue reading "Corps commissions symphony for New Orleans" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Feb 2, 2008 7:17:36 EST
BERKELEY, Calif. — Local officials in this liberal city say it’s time for the Marines to move out. The City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and “if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests.”
Continue reading "Berkeley facilitates protests outside recruiting center" »
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., says the City of Berkeley, Calif., no longer deserves federal money.
DeMint was angered after learning that the Berkeley City Council voted this week to tell the U.S. Marine Corps to remove its recruiting station from the city's downtown.
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 1, 2008 6:27:59 EST
OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland International Airport officials broke no rules or laws when they directed to a remote corner of the airfield a charter plane ferrying military personnel from Iraq, a U.S. Transportation Department inquiry found.
Continue reading "No rules broken in leaving troops on tarmac" »
Staff report
Posted : Thursday Jan 31, 2008 12:33:11 EST
The Military Postal Service Agency has launched a new service that allows service members to track down lost and late-arriving packages and mail with an e-mail inquiry.
Continue reading "Lost mail? Send an e-mail to the military" »
WASHINGTON - The Postal Service is adding a larger flat-rate Priority Mail box and a charge for Sunday and holiday delivery, the first changes it has made under a law approved last year governing mail operations.
Continue reading "Post office to add larger flat-rate box" »
Governors Approve Bigger Flat-Rate Box with First-Time Military Discount,
Express Mail Sunday and Holiday Premium
WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service announced today that its Board of Governors approved two new initiatives to grow its shipping business and revenue. A new, larger Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current box. It will be offered at a discount to overseas military addresses, a postal first for the armed forces. The agency also announced a new Sunday and holiday delivery price for Express Mail. Customers can begin using the new boxes March 3, the same day the premium takes effect.
Continue reading "Postal Service Announces Two New Shipping Initiatives" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2008 – The deployment of 3,200 U.S. Marines to Afghanistan this spring represents a one-time troop movement that partially fulfills a long-time request by NATO commanders for additional forces, a senior Pentagon spokesman said here today.
Continue reading "Marine Deployment to Afghanistan ‘One-Time Deal,’ Official Says" »
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 24, 2007 12:49:16 EST
Many parents of junior Marines know little about the Corps and how it operates — and now there’s a campaign underway to bring them into the loop.
Continue reading "Parents folded into family readiness efforts" »
PORT CHESTER, N.Y., Dec 20, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- With more than 1 million visitors expected at http://www.toysfortots.org/ this December, they will now see free Month2Month.com eCards as a major sponsor along side Best Buy, Coca Cola and Toys R' Us. When these eCards are sent and received, it triggers a cash contribution to Toys for Tots.
Continue reading "Marines Toys for Tots Website now Features Free eCards that Contribute Cash" »
This holiday season, the American Red Cross will make sure holiday greetings generically addressed to wounded servicemembers at military medical facilities around the country will find a home.
Continue reading "Red Cross to Deliver Holiday Cards to Wounded" »
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (AP) -- Hundreds of thousands of holiday cards and letters thanking wounded American troops for their sacrifice and wishing them well never reach their destination. They are returned to sender or thrown away unopened.
Continue reading "Fear halts anonymous greeting cards for troops" »
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and AT&T; announced Dec. 4 that they have teamed up again to provide free phone calls to military members underway during the holiday season.
Continue reading "Military Members Underway During the Holidays To Receive Free Phone Cards" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2007) -- Families have spent thousands of dollars attending homecomings of returning Marines, but with costs of airfare sky rocketing, many families can’t afford to make the trip.
Continue reading "Discounts for Marine families attending homecomings" »
On 1 December 2007 a new company, DRS Technologies Inc., will take over operation, support, and maintenance of the MWR Internet Cafes in Iraq under Governmental direction of SPAWAR Europe. SPAWAR Europe is working diligently with both the current and the new company to ensure the transition is executed as seamlessly as possible, with a minimal impact on the operation of the Internet Cafes and the troops ability to access the Internet and make morale calls.
Continue reading "SPAWAR Europe awards new MWRnet Internet and Phone Service Contract" »
Washington / Dhaka, Nov 17 (ANI): Two US Navy amphibious assault ships are on their way to Bangladesh to help authorities in relief and rescue operations after the powerful Cyclone Sidr lashed the country’s south and south-western regions on Thursday night.
Continue reading "US ships on way to provide relief for cyclone-hit Bangladesh" »
DHAKA, Bangladesh (CNN) -- More than 1,000 people have died in Bangladesh after a devastating tropical cyclone ripped through the western coast of the country, and the toll is expected to rise, a government spokesman tells CNN.
Posted : Monday Nov 12, 2007 6:47:04 EST
The Marine Corps turned 232 years old Saturday. Ever since it was formed in a Philadelphia bar in 1775, the Corps has given Marines countless reasons to take pride in the heritage of their organization.
This morning
A whirlwind week started for the Daniel Gilyeat family in Kansas City, Kan., this morning when they became the next beneficiary of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s magic.
Continue reading "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition surprises KCK family" »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Some marathons begin with a fireworks display. Others begin with a balloon release. Some marathons have bands along the course, and others have contests for best water stations.
LOS ANGELES —
The U.S. Marines agreed Thursday to train with state firefighters, in a move that could get more water-dropping helicopters into the air when wildfires break out.
BALTIMORE —
A grieving father won a nearly $11 million verdict Wednesday against a fundamentalist Kansas church that pickets military funerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq is a punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
Continue reading "Jury Awards Father $11M in Funeral Case" »
BALTIMORE — The father of a fallen Marine was awarded nearly $11 million Wednesday in damages by a jury that found leaders of a fundamentalist church had invaded the family's privacy and inflicted emotional distress when they picketed the Marine's funeral.
Continue reading "Jury Awards Father Nearly $11 Million in Funeral Protesters Case" »
Dressed in full camouflage fatigues on a crisp Sunday afternoon, Tim Keithley witnessed Americana. On duty since 1 a.m., the aspiring Marine lieutenant watched 20,000-plus marathoners dash past the finish line after conquering the 32nd annual Marine Corps Marathon, the fourth largest marathon in the United States and seventh largest in the world.
(CNN) -- The Iraqi leadership at a military camp east of Baghdad gave the U.S. military a $1,000 check last week to aid victims of California's wildfires, the U.S. military said.
Continue reading "Iraqi soldiers donate $1,000 for wildfire aid" »
By Alex Dominguez - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Oct 26, 2007 12:57:45 EDT
BALTIMORE — The father of a Marine killed in Iraq took the stand Wednesday in his invasion of privacy suit against a fundamentalist church that pickets soldiers’ funerals, saying protesters carrying signs at his son’s burial made him sick to his stomach.
Continue reading "Father of Marine: Funeral protest made me sick" »
Marines Raising Funds to Support Marines Injured in Iraq or Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. (October 04, 2007) – LCpl. Josef Lopez and Cpl. Neil Schalk didn’t know each other while serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq, but the invisible bonds of brotherhood that tie Marines together made it an easy decision for them to support each other through their next challenge: the Marine Corps Marathon. Those same bonds also made it an easy decision for a Gold Star family to support their cause.
Marine commanders would be required to intervene in cases in which combat-hardened Marines with clean records have gotten into trouble after suffering combat stress, under a proposed order.
Continue reading "Mandate would check Marines for stress, injury" »
By Kimberly Johnson - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Sep 29, 2007 8:29:29 EDT
Brand-new Marines fresh out of boot camp have a little bit more to look forward to as they head down the road to becoming a rifleman. Grunt school is about to get longer.
Continue reading "SOI adds 7 days, weapons skill to training" »
The United States Senate has confirmed the current commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and the commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, as the next commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(WASHINGTON - Sept. 28, 2007) -- The U.S. Senate confirmed the next commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command in a vote here today.
Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Sep 26, 2007 19:14:14 EDT
The Marine Corps’ legendary recruiting pitch, “The Few, The Proud, The Marines,” defeated such famous ad slogans such as “Just Do It,” “Have It Your Way,” “Take a Bite Out of Crime” and “Think Outside the Bun” for a spot on the advertising industry’s Walk of Fame in New York City.
By John Hoellwarth - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 25, 2007 21:29:24 EDT
Female Marines may no longer wear skirts in their promotion photos under a policy change that went into effect immediately upon authorization by the Corps’ top personnel official, Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, according to a Sept. 17 Corps-wide message.
Continue reading "Skirts no longer allowed in promotion photos" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2007) -- The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society recently introduced a loan program designed to offer Marines and sailors an alternative to payday lenders.
Continue reading "Relief Society introduces quick assist loan program" »
Staff report
Posted : Thursday Sep 20, 2007 7:48:25 EDT
Leathernecks have until Monday to vote in an Internet poll to immortalize the Marine Corps’ recruiting slogan, “The Few, The Proud, The Marines,” in a spot on the advertising industry’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in New York City.
Continue reading "Time running out to vote for Corps slogan" »
BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has contracted Maryland-based Lockheed Martin for development of the USMC Embedded Platform Logistics System.
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, September 16, 2007
ARLINGTON, Va. — For the first time since the 1990s, all enlisted Marines will be required to have dress blue uniforms by Oct. 1, 2011.
Continue reading "Marines order dress blues for all in service" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Sep 13, 2007 17:11:30 EDT
If you want to get holiday gifts to a service member deployed overseas by Dec. 25, it’s time to start thinking about mail deadlines.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2007 – President Bush has nominated Marine Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis to receive his fourth star and to lead U.S. Joint Forces Command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced yesterday.
Continue reading "Bush Nominates Mattis to Lead U.S. Joint Forces Command" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 10, 2007 20:47:59 EDT
Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. general in Iraq, said Monday he has recommended to President Bush that the drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq begin this month with the departure of a California-based Marine unit.
Continue reading "Petraeus: 13th MEU to leave Iraq this month" »
QUANTICO, Va. -- Marine Toys for Tots Foundation announced today the actions being taken to prevent the distribution of unsafe toys. In response to recent events within the toy industry regarding unsafe toys manufactured in China, and in preparation for the 2007 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is taking this opportunity to enlist the assistance of the millions of caring Americans who support the annual Toys for Tots Campaign.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots asks for donors to screen toys" »
U.S. MARINE CORPS BASE, CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (Aug. 31, 2007) -- The Marine Corps is known for its fighting prowess, but how does it stand up in the world of product recognition?
CAMP FOSTER, Japan – Lance Cpl. Alexander Karman is waiting around the barracks for his friends to finish up so they can head to the gym and a karaoke joint just outside the gates. This is Karman's last payday on Okinawa, and he has to report back for duty at 3 a.m.
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 13, 2007 12:34:08 EDT
Troops and their commanders are complaining that acts of valor in Iraq have become so routine they not longer qualify for either the attention of military leaders or of the general public, according to a retired Navy vice admiral who heads a major military organization.
Continue reading "Valor not always recognized, says MOAA chief" »
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 6, 2007 13:17:53 EDT
To the Marines convinced they weren’t violating a real reg even while getting chewed out for keeping their hands in their pockets or wearing a cell phone on their belt — listen up.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 2, 2007) -- Active and reserve Marines who conducted rifle re-qualification during recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., between January 2004 and December 2006 should expect a letter from Marine Corps officials informing them about a compromise of personal information that occurred in June.
Continue reading "Marines to be notified of compromised personal information" »
Text From the Congressional Record
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I received a letter from a mother of a Marine who was killed on July 5 of this year. She asked that I make this letter known to the Members of the House, and that is what I will do at this time. I will read directly from her letter.
Continue reading "A LETTER TO CONGRESS FROM JENIFER ALLBAUGH" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Aug 1, 2007
It has taken more than three months since the policy was first announced, but at least three of the four services have finally told the Defense Department how they will implement a policy that awards administrative leave for active and reserve troops who exceed rotation policy goals while serving in the greater Middle East war zone.
Continue reading "Corps sets policy for administrative leave" »
After just three years in existence, the Anti-Terrorism Battalion was deactivated Friday morning to make way for growth in the Marine Corps.
Continue reading "2nd Battalion, 9th Marines back in the fight" »
TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Japan has rechristened the island of Iwo Jima, site of one of World War II's most horrific battles, with its pre-war name in an attempt to rectify a misnomer proliferated for a half-century by such movies as Clint Eastwood's "Letters from Iwo Jima."
TOKYO — Japan has returned to using the prewar name for the island of Iwo Jima — site of one of World War II’s most horrific battles — at the urging of its original inhabitants, who want to reclaim an identity they say has been hijacked by high-profile movies like Clint Eastwood’s “Letters from Iwo Jima.”
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The nation's best and bravest, those severely wounded in the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will participate this summer in sport
rehabilitation offered by Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and
Wounded Warrior Project. This year's summer activities for the Wounded
Warrior Disabled Sports Project will include a series of more than 30
"learn-to" clinics in cycling, golf, outrigger canoeing, kayaking, scuba, rock climbing, camping, water skiing, wake boarding, track and field, and other sports.
Continue reading "Summer Sports rehabilitation program, to teach lifelong sports skills" »
CAMP AL TAQADDAM, Iraq - The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit began operations in Al Anbar Province today, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Continue reading "13TH MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT BEGINS OPERATIONS IN AL ANBAR" »
By Bryce S. Dubee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, June 3, 2007
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — People are posing as American Red Cross representatives in an attempt to obtain personal information from families of deployed servicemembers, the Red Cross is warning.
Continue reading "Red Cross: Scam targeting military families" »
"She wants to visit Camp Pendleton and thank the Marines because they are at the forefront of the global war on terror," said base spokesman 1st Lt. Lawton King.Australia's minister of foreign affairs, Alexander Downer, will join Rice for the afternoon event during which they also will greet Australian troops training at the base.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (May 18, 2007) -- To help better serve the Marines on Okinawa, the Marine Corps Base Headquarters and Service Battalion Installation Personnel Administration Center has extended its hours.
Continue reading "IPAC's extended hours help Marines on tight timelines" »
(Original publication: May 21, 2007)
Thousands of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel will visit the New York City area for Fleet Week, starting Wednesday.
WASHINGTON -- Designs for new stamps commemorating presidential travel on Air Force One and Marine One go on display Friday.
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2007 – The Defense Department is blocking access to many popular Internet sites from department-owned computers due to bandwidth issues, U.S. Strategic Command officials said today.
Continue reading "Defense Department Blocks Internet Sites to Protect Grid" »
Soldiers serving overseas will lose some of their online links to friends and loved ones back home under a Department of Defense policy that a high-ranking Army official said would take effect Monday.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon must use computers to screen troops before and after they go to Iraq or Afghanistan to better determine whether they suffered traumatic brain damage in combat, according to a plan by a congressional brain-injury task force.
Continue reading "Better brain-injury tests planned for troops" »
The Marine Corps issued a directive Tuesday restricting the use of store-bought personal protective equipment in the war zone, including body armor, ballistic glasses, armor plates and fire-retardant clothing.
The Department of Defense announced today a program to recognize service members who deploy or mobilize beyond the established rotation policy goals. The goals for the Active and Guard/Reserve units are one year deployed to two years at home station (1:2) and one year mobilized to five years demobilized (1:5) respectively.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Program to Recognize Frequent Deployment" »
St. Louis, MO – April 6, 2007 - United States Marine Corps family members from around the country will gather in St. Louis at the MarineParents.com conference to learn about the Marine Corps, combat deployment, recovery from combat, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and ways to encourage awareness for Troop Support in their own communities. Attendance will range from new Marine families, families experiencing first, second or third combat deployments, and families who have experienced casualties of combat.
WASHINGTON - The Marine Corps is recalling 1,800 reservists to active duty, citing a shortage of volunteers to fill some jobs in Iraq.
Continue reading "Marine Reservists Involuntarily Recalled" »
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2007 – Over the next week, 1,800 Individual Ready Reserve Marines will receive notice from the Marine Corps that they are needed in Iraq, an official announced today.
Continue reading "Marines to Alert 1,800 Individual Ready Reservists for Reactivation" »
BETHESDA, MD, March 24, 2007 - Purple Heart Family Support ™ announced the start of new program bringing support to families of injured Marines at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, MD. Purple Heart Family Support ™, a subsidiary of the non-profit MarineParents.com, will bring a monthly free meal to families and patients at the hospital, providing a much needed service as the hospital cafeteria is closed on the weekends.
Continue reading "Purple Heart Family Support ™ Bring Lunch to National Naval Medical Center" »
OSHKOSH, Wis. --A new combat truck with a V-shaped bottom designed to withstand blasts from roadside bombs is performing with such success in Iraq that the U.S. military is pressing a Wisconsin company and others to churn out hundreds more in the coming months.
OSWEGO, IL. ~ The eXtreme Allstarzz Cheerleading Academy of Oswego, IL. recently raised $1,870 in a Change War Competition. The money has been donated to MarineParents.com and their Care Package Project(TM). The $1,870 will sponsor 85 care packages. MarineParents.com mails approximately 1,100 care packages to deployed Marines every 10 weeks.
Continue reading "Cheerleading Academy raises money to sponsor care packages for deployed Marines" »
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) will have their deployment extended in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in support of Multi-National Force-West.
WASHINGTON -- The Army will transfer 80 M1A1 Abrams tanks over the next eight months to the Marine Corps to help them replace earlier models which the Army has already upgraded.
By Kimberly Johnson - staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 2, 2007 21:34:35 EST
Marines in the Individual Ready Reserve could face involuntary activations to fill the gap as the Corps moves to increase its end strength by 22,000 Marines, according to the Corps’ top mobilization official.
Continue reading "More IRR Marines face involuntary call-ups" »
SAN ANTONIO -- Some limped gingerly, some rode in wheelchairs as they made their way into the tent. They had missing arms and legs, faces with no ears or with rebuilt noses, bones rebuilt with steel, shrapnel still visible in places.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2007 – The second servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in the Iraq war was inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes today.
Continue reading "Medal of Honor Recipient Honored at Pentagon" »
WASHINGTON (Jan. 12, 2007) -- The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
CORPORAL
JASON L. DUNHAM
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
Continue reading "Medal Of Honor Citation for Cpl. Jason L. Dunham" »
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor a President can bestow. The Medal is given for gallantry in the face of an enemy attack that is above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal is part of a cherished American tradition that began in this house with the signature of President Abraham Lincoln.
Continue reading "President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Corporal Jason Dunham" »
By Kimberly Johnson
[email protected]
The deployments of some 4,000 Marines already in Iraq’s Anbar province will be extended as part of the overall “surge” of troops announced by President Bush on Wednesday night.
A Columbia Marine who was shot in the head by a sniper while on duty in Iraq was honored as “the living embodiment of patriotism” today on the floor of the Missouri House.
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, January 5, 2007
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army is prepared to send about 10,000 extra troops to Iraq if requested by President Bush, a defense official said Thursday.
Continue reading "Army readying 10,000 troops for Iraq duty if requested, DOD official says" »
WASHINGTON - The Selective Service System is planning a comprehensive test of the military draft machinery, which hasn't been run since 1998.
DECATUR - Something simple and silly turned into a big deal for Decatur Postmaster Richard Glass.
November 30, 2006
By Trista Talton, Staff writer
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — More than 28,000 Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen under the command of Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based II Marine Expeditionary Force will deploy to Iraq early next year, according to the deployment list released Thursday.
The new commandant of the Marine Corps visited the Marines and sailors of Camp Lejeune on Wednesday to introduce himself and spell out his plan for his tour as lead Marine.
The Navy opens a clinic in east San Diego County for service members and retirees.
SANTEE, CALIF. — Tucked in the corner of the expansive Santee Town Center shopping complex is the latest innovation in military healthcare: a fully staffed outpatient clinic for military members, their families and veterans.
Story Highlights
• U.S. to move three battalions from more peaceful areas
• Number of U.S. forces in Iraq won't increase
• Troops will be from Army units; Marines to stay in Anbar province
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military plans to move at least three more battalions of soldiers into Baghdad in an attempt to restore security in the Iraqi capital, a senior Pentagon official said.
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines and Sailors from 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered here, will begin deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to relieve forces currently in the Al Anbar province of Iraq as part of a scheduled rotation.
This information was found on the following website under Press Releases.
Continue reading "UNIT TO DEPART FOR IRAQ IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Oct. 30, 2006) – 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing(Forward) is scheduled to depart in January on its second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in order to provide aviation support to Coalition Forces in the Al Anbar province.
This information was found on the following website under Press Releases.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.- The 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), headquartered here, will be deploying to Iraq in early 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Note: This information was found on the following website under Press Releases.
Regimental Combat Team-2 (RCT-2) prepares for its third scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, replacing a unit currently conducting operations in Al Anbar province.
Note: This information was found on the following website under Press Releases.
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), headquartered here, will soon begin a phased deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of a scheduled rotation with the Camp Pendleton, Calif., based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Note: This information found on the following website under Press Releases.
Continue reading "II MEF Press Release for upcoming deployment in 2007" »
A permanent memorial for the 30 fallen heroes of Nevada involved in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars was dedicated last year in December at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor's Center.
On December 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., an additional memorial stone will be added to pay tribute to the 12 additional soldiers and Marines from Nevada who have lost their lives over the past year. This dedication program will be held at the Red Rock Visitor's Center, 1000 Scenic Loop Drive.
Continue reading "*Additional memorial stone for fallen Nevada Heroes" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2006 – The Defense Department’s top civilian welcomed the Marine Corps’ new commandant today during a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine Barracks here.
Continue reading "Rumsfeld Welcomes New Marine Corps Commandant" »
WASHINGTON — Norman Halfpenny heard the first strains of "The Marines' Hymn" and snapped to attention, his 73-year-old body not quite as straight as when he served as a young man in Korea and Vietnam.
By Patrick Dickson, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, November 11, 2006
WASHINGTON — President Bush on Friday announced that the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, will be awarded posthumously to Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham.
Continue reading " Medal of Honor will be awarded to fallen Marine" »
SCIO - Semper Fidelius, was shown for Marine Corporal Jason Dunham, when President George W. Bush announced at the dedication of the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va., Friday that the Scio Central School graduate would receive “the nation's highest declaration of valor the Medal of Honor.”
Continue reading "*Parents of Jason Dunham say they can put him to rest now" »
(CNN) -- President Bush announced on Friday that the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, will be awarded posthumously to Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham.
Continue reading "*Marine to receive Medal of Honor for Iraq heroism" »
Corp. Jason Dunham receives Medal of Honor posthumously
SCIO, N.Y. - At the dedication of the Marine Museum at the Marine Corps headquarters in Quantico, Va., today — a ceremony to honor those who've served in past and present military conflicts — President Bush announced the next recipient of the nation's highest decoration for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
November 10, 2006
By Beth Zimmerman
Staff writer
QUANTICO, Va. — In what seemed like Mother Nature’s nod to the Corps, the sky above the National Museum of the Marine Corps was free of clouds. It was unusual for a November day in northern Virginia, as the sun heated the area just outside Quantico to nearly 70 degrees.
Continue reading "National Museum of the Marine Corps dedicated" »
Quantico, VA (Nov. 10, 2006) -- A corporal who died shielding men in his care from a bursting grenade deserves America’s highest military decoration, President Bush has confirmed (http://www.mcnews.info/mcnewsinfo/moh/).
Continue reading "First Long War Marine to receive Medal of Honor" »
QUANTICO, Va. (Nov. 10, 2006) – A corporal who died shielding men in his care from a bursting grenade deserves America’s highest military decoration, President Bush has confirmed.
Continue reading "First Long War Marine to receive Medal of Honor" »
Transcript:
JIM LEHRER: Mr. President, generals, colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, warrant officers, sergeants, corporals, privates, ladies and gentlemen.
Continue reading "Jim Lehrer Reflects on Marines at Museum Dedication" »
Navy's one-stop, state-of-the-art rehabilitation center in California helps war injured realize goals
(11-08) 04:00 PST San Diego -- Nathaniel Leoncio, a petty officer third class with the U.S. Navy, was on patrol with the Marines in the Iraqi city of Ramadi a year ago when a roadside bomb exploded and changed his life. Leoncio had a host of severe wounds, including abdominal injuries that necessitated his wearing a colostomy bag for months.
QUANTICO, Va. (AP) -- From the highway, the National Museum of the Marine Corps beckons to visitors, its 210-foot-tall steel spire cutting through the sky, evoking the historic flag-raising at Iwo Jima.
Continue reading "Marine Corps museum gives visitors firsthand look at history" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2006 – With National Veterans Awareness Week under way and the national Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11, the Veterans Affairs secretary is urging all veterans to show their pride by wearing their military medals.
Continue reading "Veterans Urged to Wear Military Medals on Veterans Day" »
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Saddam Hussein, the iron-fisted dictator who ruled Iraq for nearly a quarter of a century, was found guilty of crimes against humanity Sunday and sentenced to death by hanging.
Continue reading "Saddam Hussein Sentenced to Die for Crimes Against Humanity" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2006 – The nation’s capital is awash with military-themed statues and memorials. Yet, there isn’t a memorial honoring the sacrifices of America’s disabled military veterans.
Continue reading "Disabled Military Veterans to Get Memorial of Their Own" »
QUANTICO, VA. - Lance Cpl. Matthew Stephens, who returned to Camp Lejeune from Iraq just last month, figures that for the new National Museum of the Marine Corps to truly convey his experience in Ramadi, the exhibit hall would have to be the pitch black of night.
Continue reading "Marines museum tries to take you into war zones" »
Part of old Terminal 1 is reborn as a welcoming space.
Lindsay Smith sat Monday at the front counter of the shiny new USO at Ontario International Airport , looking toward the front door.
QUANTICO, Va. - Lance Cpl. Matthew Stephens, who just returned from Iraq, figures that for the new National Museum of the Marine Corps to truly convey his experience in Ramadi, the exhibit hall would have to be the pitch black of night.
Continue reading "Marine Corps museum seeks to take visitors inside battle zone" »
Sen. John Kerry has sparked outrage by suggesting that U.S. troops in Iraq are uneducated and not "smart.”
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (Oct. 26, 2006) -- The Department of Defense announced Oct. 16 they will resume the mandatory Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, also known as AVIP, for military personnel, mission-essential DoD civilians and contractors, assigned to certain geographic areas of the world.
Continue reading "Mandatory anthrax vaccinations coming soon" »
CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six insurgents, wounded four and netted five sniper rifles Sunday in the Euphrates River city of Hit, Iraq.
Continue reading "U.S. MARINES CAPTURE SNIPER RIFLES, KILL 6, WOUND 4 INSURGENTS" »
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, October 24, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — All Marines in Iraq should have new body armor by December 2007, said Capt. John Gutierrez, project manager for Modular Tactical Vests.
Continue reading "All Marines in Iraq to have new body armor by end of ‘07" »
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House on an historic day. It is a rare occasion when a President can sign a bill he knows will save American lives. I have that privilege this morning.
Continue reading "President Bush Signs Military Commissions Act of 2006" »
Sgt. Maj. Matthew V. Wilhelm reveals Combat Logistics Battalion 4's colors for the first time Oct. 4 during the CLB-4 and Combat Logistics Regiment 3 activation ceremony at Camp Foster's parade field. 3rd Transportation Support Bn. was the last TSB in the Marine Corps to be redesignated as a regiment.
Continue reading "*3rd TSB redesignated as Combat Logistics Regiment" »
HONOLULU — A strong earthquake shook Hawaii early Sunday, jolting residents out of bed and causing a landslide that blocked a major highway. Ceilings crashed at a hospital, and aftershocks kept the state on edge.
Continue reading "Powerful 6.6-Magnitude Earthquake, Aftershocks Rattle Hawaii" »
October 05, 2006
By Christian Lowe
Staff writer
All combat helmets must be outfitted with padded suspension systems, mirroring Army efforts to reduce head injuries from blunt impacts that typically occur during roadside bomb explosions, the Marine Corps announced today.
Continue reading "Corps switches to pad suspension system in helmets" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 28, 2006) -- Second Marine Logistics Group’s Military Police Battalion officially deactivated during a ceremony at Geottge Field House Sept 25.
Continue reading "*Military Police Battalion deactivates after five years of dedicated service" »
SAN DIEGO -- Unless there's a dramatic improvement on the ground in Iraq, Camp Pendleton Marines will likely spend the next few years deploying for seven-month cycles
7-Month Stints Set For Next Few Years
SAN DIEGO -- Unless there's a dramatic improvement on the ground in Iraq, Camp Pendleton Marines will likely spend the next few years deploying for seven-month cycles.
Continue reading "Marines Adopt 7-Month Deployment Schedule" »
CAMP PENDLETON ---- Though the pace of deployments of local troops has slowed a bit, North County Marines will probably continue to be deployed to Iraq every seven months or so for "the next few years," the Camp Pendleton-based commander of the Marines' western bases said last week.
Continue reading "Marine commander: Deployments to continue steadily for a few years" »
Sept. 11, 2006
Story ID#: 2006911202036
By Lance Cpl. Ethan Hoaldridge, Marine Forces Pacific
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (Sept. 11, 2006) -- Intelligence Marines, linguists, reconnaissance Marines and Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians are harder to come by these days, but the Corps is trying to fix that.
Continue reading "*Challenging lateral moves can prove lucrative" »
San Juan Capistrano will mark its adoption of a Marine battalion today with a cannon ceremony.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – The city today will formally adopt the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment – marking the occasion with a booming ceremonial cannon salute.
Continue reading "*Capo stages 9/11 salute to 1/11 Marine regiment" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2006) -- The Marine Corps has authorized Special Duty Assignment pay for Marine corporals through gunnery sergeants assigned to the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we recall the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that morning.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — U.S. service members and their families have to do double duty when adjusting to repeated deployments, but Purdue University researchers are providing information to help the government support the more than 1.3 million families of active duty and reserve personnel.
Continue reading "Military families provide insight on adjusting to constant change" »
WATERTOWN -- Every time Joanne Pratte of Bristol hears about a bombing in northern Iraq, she rushes to her computer and waits for an e-mail from her son, David.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 31, 2006) -- For the first time since the beginning of the war in Iraq more than three years ago, Marines in the individual ready reserve face the possibility of pulling their uniforms out of their closets, dusting them off and stepping off with their packs for another deployment.
Cpl. William Getty, ground radio repairman, prepares to take a DANTES Subject Standardized Test at the Lifelong Learning Center Aug. 15.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 24, 2006) -- Beginning this fall, Marines pursuing an undergraduate degree may find the newly computerized administration of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests helpful in reaching their goal.
General James N. Mattis, commander of Marine forces in Iraq and new commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force.
CAMP PENDLETON -- The war in Iraq is now a test of perseverance, the commanding general of Marine Corps forces in the Middle East said Monday.
"It is mostly a matter of wills," Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis said during an exclusive interview with the North County Times. "Whose will is going to break first? Ours or the enemy's?"
Continue reading "Mattis: Success in Iraq now a test of wills" »
CAMP ANACONDA, Iraq - Spc. Chris Carlson had been out of the U.S. Army for two years and was working at Costco in California when he received notice that he was being called back into service.
CAMP PENDLETON ---- It was a sniper's bullet. Caught Cpl. Jackson Luna in the back, right underneath his body armor. The round ripped up his gut before exiting through his stomach.
New barracks will assist Marines, sailors in recovery
The first West Coast barracks for Marines and sailors wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan will open Thursday at Camp Pendleton.
Much more than a roof and walls, the Wounded Warrior Center is designed to give troops a sanctuary where they can recuperate while planning for the next step in their lives.
Continue reading "Pendleton to do 'the right thing' for wounded" »
SAN DIEGO ---- With a ceremonial passing of the organizational colors, Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas, the highest-ranking Latino woman in the Marines, accepted command of the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego on Friday.
Continue reading "Highest-ranking Latino woman assumes command of Marine Corp Recruiting Depot" »
PHOENIX, ARIZONA -- The youngest son of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has joined the Marine Corps and could be deployed to a war zone in a matter of months, according to a magazine report. Jimmy McCain, 18, will begin basic training in September. He'll spend three months in boot camp and undergo a month of specialized training before being assigned to a unit.
Lt. Gen. James Conway has been nominated to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps, which is struggling to overcome allegations of war crimes in Iraq.
The new Purple Heart stamp is out.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. military has moved 1,500 troops from Kuwait into Iraq to beef up security in troubled Anbar province, the military said Tuesday.
WASHINGTON -- Next Memorial Day, visitors to the D.C. area will have a new way to pay tribute to Marine Corps veterans.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Museum Will Serve As Memorial" »
Gov. Bill Owens signed a measure today limiting protests at funerals, saying families and friends of the dead have the right to expect privacy at the services.
Demonstrators would be barred from disrupting military funerals at national cemeteries under legislation approved by Congress and sent to the White House.
WASHINGTON - Veterans Affairs officials did not fully heed warnings to tighten access to personal data for the millions of U.S. veterans, investigators said Tuesday, a misstep that could lead to one of the nation's largest cases of identity theft.
Former Combat Center commanding general, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, had an idea in the summer of 2005 to make the Combat Center's main entrance more welcoming.
WASHINGTON -- The Army's struggle to find a new, more flexible body armor was dealt a setback Friday when a California company's high tech Dragon Skin vests failed to pass military testing, a senior defense official said.
War Documentary Chronicles Iraq Heroism in Painful Detail
ARLINGTON, Va., May 16, 2006 — - Paula Zwillinger knew something awful had happened when she saw two military officers waiting in her driveway as she came home from work on June 6, 2005. The officers told her that her son had been hit by a roadside bomb in Fallujah and had died 17 hours later.
Continue reading "Soldier's Mom Views Son's Last Hours in HBO's 'Baghdad ER'" »
PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- USS Ogden (LPD 5), the Navy’s oldest active amphibious ship, is currently serving as the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for the multinational maritime coalition operating in the North Persian Gulf.
Continue reading "Oldest Amphib Serves as Base for Iraq’s Future" »
Gunny Bowman is still looking out for his Marines.
Saturday he was doing it with a cell phone rather than a rifle and at the Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club rather than in Iraq.
Continue reading "Sergeant still looking out for his Marines" »
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Army is warning soldiers and their families that a new film about an Iraq war medical unit may trigger mental health problems for some who view it.
Continue reading "Army Issues Warning About Iraq Documentary" »
The Army surgeon general is warning that the HBO documentary "Baghdad ER" is so graphic that military personnel watching it could experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Continue reading "Army: HBO documentary could trigger stress disorder" »
"If the military had wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued you one." Remember those words? Well, that was then and this is now. America's military has realized and acknowledged the significance of the military spouse. In 1984 President Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It is your day to stand up and be honored.
Continue reading "Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 12, 2006" »
WASHINGTON -- To show their appreciation for the millions of military service men and women and their families and friends who support them, USA Peanut Farmers and Skippy® Peanut Butter announce the “Taste of Home” Care Package Contest.
It wasn’t the city of “brotherly love” for a trio of Marine noncommissioned officers escorting the body of a fallen Marine through the Philadelphia airport.
"If the military had wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued you one." Remember those words? Well, that was then and this is now. America's military has realized and acknowledged the significance of the military spouse. In 1984 President Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It is your day to stand up and be honored.
Continue reading "Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 12, 2006" »
PARRIS ISLAND -- For a small delegation of the Afghan National Army, the most impressive part of recruit training at Parris Island is the obstacle course. As soon as it can find the money, the Afghan army hopes to bring similar training to its boot camp outside of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Afghan army officers observe training at Parris Island" »
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A half-dozen members of the Afghan National Army watched Marine training at Parris Island this week, hoping to bring back home some of what they learned.
Continue reading "Afghan National Army unit checks out Parris Island" »
CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait (April 21, 2005)–With Iraq only a few miles away, Marines and sailors from Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 are training as if they were going into combat tomorrow.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Two U.S. Marines were killed and 22 wounded — two of them critically — in fighting in western Iraq, the U.S. military said Saturday. It was the biggest number of American casualties reported from a single engagement in weeks.
Continue reading "Marines Suffer 2 Dead, 22 Wounded in Iraq" »
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Two U.S. Marines were killed and 22 wounded — two of them critically — in fighting in western Iraq, the U.S. military said Saturday. It was the biggest number of American casualties reported from a single engagement in weeks.
Continue reading "Marines Suffer 2 Dead, 22 Wounded in Iraq" »
Some American soldiers relieve wartime stress in the weight room. Some unwind over meals. Others immerse themselves in letters from loved ones.
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, April 8, 2006
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers supporting a bill to limit protests at some veterans cemeteries said Thursday they’ll speed up the legislative process in hopes of getting the measure signed into law by Memorial Day.
Continue reading "Congress pushing to limit protests at veterans’ funerals" »
Columbia, Mo. -- The MarineParents.com, Inc., Annual National Conference will be held in Houston, Texas the weekend of April 21-23.
The conference offers a phenomenal lineup of six guest speakers, many authors, Marines and Sailors, breakout sessions, and plenty of opportunities to meet and network with other Marine Corps and Navy parents, spouses, families and friends. Join Marine and Navy families from all over the United States for a weekend of education, friendship, entertainment, patriotism, and esprit de corps.
ORMOND BEACH, Fla., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Since December 2004, over one million letters have taken a high-tech route to send free mail to U.S. Marines in Iraq, thanks to SuperLetter.com, Inc.'s (http://www.superletter.biz) highly acclaimed U.S. Marine Corps MotoMail service (http://www.motomail.us). Now deployed Marines can use the MotoMail system to send letters home as well.
Continue reading "SuperLetter.com, Inc. Gets the Mail Through to U.S. Marines in Iraq and Back." »
Yellow Ribbon Week
Saluting the soldiers in Iraq and their families back home
The Heart of a Marine
(Georgette & Roy Frank on their son Phillip Frank)
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(March 16, 2006) -- The National Museum of the Marine Corps’ glass rotunda and steel mast shines above the tree line along Interstate 95 as it nears completion.
Continue reading "National Marine Corps museum takes steps toward completion" »
OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill into law Friday that restricts when and where people can protest at funerals, setting the stage for a possible clash between law enforcement and members of a Kansas church who have picketed the funerals of Oklahoma soldiers.
Continue reading "Governor signs funeral protest bill into law" »
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, January 19, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — About 1,000 Marines will be receiving corrected W-2 forms, according to the Marine Corps.
Continue reading "1,000 Marines slated to get corrected W-2 forms" »
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, January 19, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. soldiers in Iraq could be wearing an extra 5 pounds of armor as soon as next month, Army Secretary Francis Harvey said Wednesday.
Continue reading "Army secretary: Troops to get more armor" »
Computer security experts say the old Nigerian "prince" scam is making the email rounds again, but this time the deposed "prince" has been replaced by a U.S. Marine. They say the objective is the same – to get recipients to reveal bank account information.
Continue reading "Scammers Posing As Marines Offer Mountains of Cash" »
Fueled by revulsion over a religious group's demonstrations targeting the families and funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, legislation will be introduced in the next month that would make such protests illegal in Illinois, officials said today.
Continue reading "'Rest in peace' law would ban funeral protests" »
Offered in partnership with http://www.MarineParents.com, a nonprofit corporation funded by private donations, dotPhoto's Wishes From Home helps to create and send customized "talking holiday cards" to their loved ones at home or overseas.
Continue reading "CONSUMER ADVICE: 'Wishes From Home' for U.S. troops" »
SAN DIEGO -- There's controversy over how the military is transporting the bodies of service members killed overseas, San Diego TV station KGTV reported.
Continue reading "Family Upset After Soldier's Body Shipped As Freight" »
The Joint Staff has authorized the award of the Humanitarian Service Medal and Armed Forces Service Medal to soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard — active, Guard and Reserve — who participated in relief operations for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
MOVIE: Make Peace or Die: The First Days of War in Iraq with 1st Battalion 5th Marines
INTRO:
March 2003 - Thousands of troops are massed on the border of Iraq poised for war. Among the first to cross the line of departure is one of the most decorated units in the American military having served since World War I: First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment. The Marine Corps infantry unit known as “1/5” (one-five) carries to battle a flag with its salient motto, “Make Peace or Die.”
Show your support and help make this film public.
Now Announcing! 2006 MarineParents.com, Inc. Conference- location Houston, TX
Continue reading "2006 MarineParents.com, Inc. Conference" »
Need a touching, personalized gift for that special loved one overseas?
Talking Holiday Cards is a GREAT idea!- Mail Call never Sounded so good!
Not only is it a great gift idea to send a touch of home to your hero, but it also support a GREAT cause- $1 from every card comes back to MarineParents.com, Inc. for the care package project and $.50 from each card goes to a wounded soldiers organization.
Continue reading ""Wishes from Home" Talking Holiday Card" »
"They gave their life fighting for our Country...
now it is our turn to take care of their Children"
With the ongoing global war against terrorism and the continuing war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the goal of the Vail Armed Forces Week, is to raise funds for Recognized Military Foundations, providing educational scholarships, for the children who have lost a parent or was seriously wounded while serving our country. For this years event 90% of the net proceeds from the weeks event will be equally distributed to the
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
and
Naval Special Warfare Foundation.
The balance of 10% to be donated to a Army Foundation still to be selected.
RAMADI, Iraq — Marine Commandant Gen. Mike Hagee dropped in on the leathernecks of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines today, in a visit to what a top commander here calls “the most dangerous place in Iraq.”
SAN DIEGO ---- Against its will, the military was drafted Monday to join the search for the location of the county's next commercial airport.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Servicemembers have the chance to give the gift of life this holiday season by registering with the C.W. Bill Young/Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program during a drive on base Dec. 13 to 15.
Continue reading "Giving Bone Marrow for the Holiday Season" »
Santa delivers on Christmas morning. Everyone else, especially those with loved ones in the U.S. military overseas, had better get moving before then if packages are to arrive in time for the holidays.
Continue reading "Pack troops' holiday mail tight and soon, USPS says" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(Dec. 1, 2005) -- When Marines read letters from home, “news” is actually old because of the time it takes for normal mail to reach forward deployed areas.
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2005--Operation Helmet, a nonpartisan charitable organization, dedicated to providing free helmet pad upgrade kits to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, is seeking donations this holiday season.
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Sixteen fatalities in two months prompt focus on motorcycle safety
Continue reading "Marines see spike in deaths from vehicle incidents" »
The White House for the first time has claimed possession of an Iraq withdrawal plan, arguing that a troop pullout blueprint unveiled this past week by a Democratic senator was "remarkably similar" to its own.
Logitech Program Designed to Spread Holiday Cheer; Virtual Santa Slated for Live Video Conversation from the North Pole http://www.logitech.com/santa
Continue reading "Logitech Give-away for Military Families" »
WASHINGTON - This is not your father’s war, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker tells troops in a videotaped message emphasizing proper Operations Security procedures and responsible use of the Internet.
The U.S. military always needs blood in war zones
and now, more than ever, it is depending on troops
at stateside bases to donate.
http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/donor_info/index.htm
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 3, 2005) -- Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. signed an official proclamation, proclaiming Nov. 10, 2005 as the U. S. Marine Corps Birthday Celebration Day for the state.
Continue reading "Utah Governor Commerates Marines Birthday as State Observance" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2005) -- Eleven Marines died without a single shot being fired.
While the bombs used against them keep getting bigger and the development of the next best vehicle may still be five more years away, officials say the Marines who drive Iraq's deadly roads in the meantime can at least count on having the best available armor on all of their Humvees by next month.
Continue reading "Marines' Iraq Humvees to be 'up-armored' by December" »
The outgoing German cabinet agreed on Nov. 2 to extend the mandate of the country’s troops in the US-led “Operation Enduring Freedom” by a year from Nov. 15, a spokesman said.
Continue reading " Germany to Extend Troops’ Mandate in ‘War on Terror’" »
WASHINGTON - Uncle Sam has tried to feed millions of hurricane victims this year with Meals-Ready-to-Eat, or MREs, only to fear that some of them have become Meals-Ready-for-eBay.
Many of the photos are placed in care packages that are sent to the troops in Iraq.
New Book out- Imperial Grunts by Robert Kaplan
For the first time since the establishment of U.S. Special Operations Command, the Marine Corps has been given the go-ahead to establish a unit to deploy alongside Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces and Air Force Special Tactics units for commando missions.
Continue reading "Marine Corps to create special operations unit" »
Change will be implemented over the next six years
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Monday, October 31, 2005
ARLINGTON, Va. — Under a plan to realign U.S. and Japanese forces, 7,000 Marines would move from Okinawa to Guam and carrier jets and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft would move from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, top U.S. and Japanese officials announced Saturday.
Continue reading "U.S. agrees to move 7,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- The fifth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps will review the depot's ceremonies celebrating the Corps' 230th birthday at Shepherd Memorial Drill Field Nov. 9.
Continue reading "Fifth SMMC to celebrate Corps birthday here" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- The fifth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps will review the depot's ceremonies celebrating the Corps' 230th birthday at Shepherd Memorial Drill Field Nov. 9.
Continue reading "Fifth SMMC to celebrate Corps birthday here" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2005) -- In honor of the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Postal Service is scheduled to release the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Collection of four distinguished Corps postage stamps.
Continue reading "Postal service to release exclusive USMC stamps" »
"THREE WISHES" FOR U.S. TROOPS: NEW HOMES FOR RETURNING MARINES FROM A DIVISION WHICH LOST 48 MEN IN COMBAT
Services cite concerns that network security could be compromised
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Hotmail account not working? Or Yahoo!?
Continue reading "Navy, Marines block commercial e-mail sites" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2005) -- It was a gloomy morning at the SR-10 range here today, however the Marines of 2nd Tank Battalion who received the Tankers of the Year Award from the Marine Corps Tankers Association overshadowed the weather.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2005) -- Housing, hospital and construction projects and lead updates were announced during a town hall meeting at the San Luis Rey Officer’s Club Oct. 13.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Oct. 13, 2005) -- Marine Corps Base Quantico’s Security Battalion will replace military police officers at the installation’s gates with a combination of federal police officers and security contractors by late fall 2006.
Continue reading "Civilians to man Quantico’s gates next year" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Oct. 13, 2005) -- The new presidential helicopter, the US-101 medium-lift executive aircraft (VH-71 test 1), has begun initial development flight-testing.
Continue reading "Corps unveils new presidential helicopter" »
Japan and the United States has agreed in principle on a string of measures concerning the relocation of US troops and facilities in Japan, including moving the headquarters of a Marine force in the Okinawa prefecture to Guam, a Japanese newspaper reported Sunday.
Continue reading "US to move Marine HQ in Okinawa to Guam: report" »
The Department of Defense announced today the issuance of a policy and
procedures for reimbursing members of the armed forces for privately purchase
protective, safety or health equipment for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring
Freedom or Iraqi Freedom as required by Public Law 108-375, section 351.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Issuance of Reimbursement Policy" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- The depot commanding general gave his annual donation to the San Diego County Combined Federal Campaign Wednesday.
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2005) -- Fleet Week, an annual recognition of military members by various businesses and organizations, and a way to learn more about the military, began Sept. 24.
The Marines, Navy and city officials are hoping 2005 will be another record-breaking year in the area's Toys for Tots campaign.
Continue reading "Marines take to trenches for children in need" »
HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission (PHMC) will dedicate an official state historical marker for
the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, Tun Tavern, at 10 a.m. on
Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, in Philadelphia.
Marine Corps Marathon organizers plan to hold the race's Runners' Expo at the D.C. Armory Oct. 28-29 as originally scheduled, marathon spokeswoman Beth Cline said yesterday. The armory's role in housing Hurricane Katrina evacuees put the building's availability in doubt, and race organizers had begun searching for an alternative location
Continue reading "Marine Corps Marathon Expo Set for Armory" »
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In an effort to tell the positive stories of daily accomplishments by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan directly from the perspective of the American soldier, The American Legion today launched its "Letters to America from the Front" initiative.
Continue reading "Soldiers Can Tell Americans the Good News Directly Through The American Legion" »
FORT MYER, Va. -- Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace was sworn in Friday as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the first Marine to hold the nation's highest military post.
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (Sept. 29, 2005) -- Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. signed a proclamation commemorating Crime Prevention Month October 2005 and McGruff’s 25th Anniversary in Crime Prevention, Sept. 27.
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (September 29, 2005) -- It is a week until payday, and Lance Cpl. Joe Schmoe has found himself between a rock and a hard place. He’s spent the last of his money, but hasn’t filled his car up with gas to get back and forth to work.
Continue reading "Payday advance takes more than it gives with 3,650 % APR" »
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Sept. 28, 2005) -- Starting in October, Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen here will have the option of beginning the anthrax vaccination program.
Continue reading "Anthrax vaccine offered to service members" »
Human error caused a helicopter crash in western Iraq in January that killed 26 Hawai'i Marines and a sailor, according to an investigative report released yesterday on the deadliest crash in more than two years of combat in Iraq.
Continue reading "Pilot error blamed in deadly Iraq crash" »
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, September 28, 2005
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Bases Okinawa, will host the 230-mile USMC Birthday Commemorative Run this year to honor the Marine Corps’ birthday.
Continue reading " Marines plan two-day, 230-mile run on Okinawa" »
Remote-control warfare: How PlayStation 2 saves U.S. lives
MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND QUANTICO, Va.(Sept. 27, 2005) -- On October 1, the Marine Corps will debut its latest television commercial, “Diamond,” in front of a nationwide television audience. The commercial is set to air on ESPN during the first commercial break after the kickoff of the scheduled NCAA College Football game that starts at 1200 EST.
Continue reading "Marines present new facet to advertising campaign" »
A Senate committee plans to apply new rules for the activation of National Guard troops during a natural disaster as part of the 2006 defense appropriations bill.
Continue reading "Senators draft new rules for Guard activation" »
FOXBORO -- It was a day they waited almost 40 years for -- to welcome home and bury their brother and friend.
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 25, 2005) -- Marines scheduled for the rifle range will see big changes to the marksmanship training program beginning Oct. 1.
Continue reading "New marksmanship training on Okinawa sets sights on combat readiness" »
ABOARD THE USS NASSAU (Sept. 25, 2005) -- The Marines and Sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) recently boarded the amphibious assault ships of the Nassau Strike Group for their Certification Exercise (CERTEX).
Continue reading "22nd MEU underway for final predeployment exercise" »
AL ASAD, Iraq (Sept. 25, 2005) -- General Michael Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada, 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, visited Al Asad, Iraq, Sept. 25.
HOBART, Wis. - The Marines awarded the Bronze Star Saturday to an 18-year-old soldier who was killed in Iraq trying to protect his fellow Marines.
Continue reading "Marines award Bronze Star posthumously to Jerabek family" »
September has been a difficult month for Americans.We watched in horror the catastrophic wrath of Hurricane Katrina as she decimated the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Continue reading "Celebrity events offer some welcome relief" »
Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) stood up for America's veterans by ensuring that those who need help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not scrutinized, stigmatized, or penalized by a planned VA investigation.
EAST LONGMEADOW Last December, the Third Battalion, 25th Marines gathered at the annual Marines Ball in Buffalo, New York before being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- MARINE CORPS CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., (Sept. 23, 2005) – Marines stood a short distance behind their fellow comrades who were about to be recognized for wounds received and actions taken during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Continue reading "Heros awarded Purple Hearts, combat awards" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- Beer, bloused bowling shoes and people walking in carrying over-sized hand bags; bowling season has officially begun at the depot recreation center for the depot-sponsored leagues.
Continue reading "Bowl-o-rama: Old rivalries flare anew as depot's annual bowling league rolls on" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- These are America's newest Marines and their leaders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Company M graduates 473 men today:
Continue reading "MCRD San Diego's newest Marines graduate Sept. 23" »
MARINES CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2005) -- This year's National Hispanic Heritage Month's theme is "Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric," and it pays tribute to the millions of United States residents from Hispanic dissent.
Continue reading "Depot recognizes Hispanic Marines and sailors" »
CAMP PENDLETON ---- While the military continues to investigate high levels of lead detected in base tap water, Camp Pendleton officials Thursday published ways base residents could avoid exposure to the toxin in their homes.
Continue reading "Pendleton offers steps to avoid exposure to lead in water supply" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Sept. 23, 2005) -- After nearly 50 years in print, the Torii Teller will cease to be a paper product on Sept. 30
Continue reading "After half century, Torii Teller transitions" »
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 22, 2005) -- A Marine from Salinas, Calif., received the Purple Heart during a ceremony here Sept. 15.
Continue reading "Salinas, Calif., Marine receives Purple Heart" »
Focus: National Security
Focus: Hurricane Relief
Continue reading "President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2005) -- A recent routine test of water samples from Camp Pendleton's southern housing areas indicated that water in some of those residences does not meet state and federal standards for lead in drinking water.
Continue reading "Water concerns addressed on Camp Pendleton" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2005) -- As the face of modern warfare continues to evolve, military technology and training must also seek new and unique avenues of approach in their teachings.
Continue reading "Oct. 1 means new rifle range for Pendleton Marines" »
Two northwest suburban mothers say their Marine sons experienced cold nights while serving in Iraq, and they are concerned about other U.S. troops still in the Persian Gulf region as cool weather approaches again.
Continue reading "Marines' moms: Nights get cool in Iraqi autumn" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2005) -- The echoing sounds of footsteps among the fried smell of fear. Service Charlies taut against angled shoulders. The brim of a campaign cover casting a shadow over sharp eyes that search silently for a moment of movement, and the crazy-brave and phony-tough to smile.
Continue reading "Stand-by: Corps movies to hit theatres soon" »
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Sept. 20, 2005) -- Marines prepare for just about any situation whether in the infantry, aviation or motor transportation their training is basically the same. But there is something not even Marines can prepare for, no matter what the precaution, and that is certain ailments.
Founded in Memory of Marine LCpl. Phillip Frank, by Georgette Frank from Illinois. The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is assisting military families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Visit the web site to learn how you can help.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2005) -- The Department of Defense announced an increase in the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage Aug. 30.
The Transportation Security Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has put out a directive pertaining to military passengers on airlines. According to Security Directive 1544-01-10w, “Access to Sterile Concourse for Non-Traveling Individuals,” family members of a military passenger may be given a pass:
* to escort the military passenger to the gate
* to meet a military passenger’s inbound arrival at the gate.
Continue reading "Families can obtain pass to greet military members at airport gates" »
Your own exclusive unit specific gear as well as MarineParents.com, Inc. items.
Great ideas for gifts!
Items of a WIDE variety including but not limited to: Beer steins, coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, infant/kids clothing, adult clothing, coasters, and lots lots more!
Continue reading "Get them while their hot! New items in Marineparents.com store..." »
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. —
Who should a Marine turn to when he feels he has a problem with alcohol he can't seem to control? He may want to visit the Base Substance Abuse Control Officer, who will evaluate him and set him on the path to recovery.