Navy Testing Two New Camo Uniforms
The Navy is adding a field grade camoflage uniform to its stable of uniforms. We spent time reducing the total uniform count to support a smaller seabag and cost to the Navy. We are the last service to utilize the old NATO woodland pattern for field units (SEABEES, etc.).
Although I really like the "digi-blues", there is clearly a need for a revised field uniform. It seems that we could provide some efficiency by adopting the Army or USMC model and simply implement.
12 August 2010
13 July 2010
Ask and Tell...
It is ironic that one of the most controversial aspects of the ongoing
debate over Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) is the comprehensive force
survey being conducted by the working group. The Advocate has a fairly
tough analysis of the DoD response,
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/07/12/Transcript_DOD_Defend
s_DADT_Survey/. Oddly, I was one of the 400,000 force members who was
invited to participate. I will report my findings as well as opine on
the charges of bias.
debate over Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) is the comprehensive force
survey being conducted by the working group. The Advocate has a fairly
tough analysis of the DoD response,
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/07/12/Transcript_DOD_Defend
s_DADT_Survey/. Oddly, I was one of the 400,000 force members who was
invited to participate. I will report my findings as well as opine on
the charges of bias.
16 June 2010
CNO DADTcast...
CNO POdcast
ADML Gary Roughead, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) makes a pitch for sailors and families to speak up during the DoD review of DADT. In my opinion, this policy's usefulness has ended. What started as a measure to provide more access to all qualified citizens, became a political third rail with connotations beyond its intent.
Citizens should be permitted to serve providing they meet the physical, mental and moral requirements of the armed services. hose moral requirements have nothign to do with sexual orientation. It's time to put aside these childish ways and get back to serving our nation in the manner in which it deserves.
Citizen Deux
ADML Gary Roughead, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) makes a pitch for sailors and families to speak up during the DoD review of DADT. In my opinion, this policy's usefulness has ended. What started as a measure to provide more access to all qualified citizens, became a political third rail with connotations beyond its intent.
Citizens should be permitted to serve providing they meet the physical, mental and moral requirements of the armed services. hose moral requirements have nothign to do with sexual orientation. It's time to put aside these childish ways and get back to serving our nation in the manner in which it deserves.
Citizen Deux
14 May 2010
Whither Afghanistan...
Michael Yon, a writer whose opinion I respect, indicates that we are losing the war in Afghanistan. This is a very concerning prospect, as we have much more to lose by ceding the ground in this volatile region of the globe. I have a few friends currently deployed and am "on the list" myself (whatever that means) - Note to US Navy - get your mobilization process fixed! Naturally, I have an interest in seeing the coalition succeed in their efforts. I also recognize that Afghanistan has never been a nation. It is a leftover from the post imperial age.
Greetings,
A new dispatch on Afghanistan is up: PENGUINS OF AFGHANISTAN
My intentions were to write several more dispatches about missions, yet there seems to be so little interest in Afghanistan that it hardly seems worth the time to write about real missions.
There is little embedded work coming from Afghanistan. McChrystal's censorship seems to be working. (For now.) He's losing the war and covering it up. The deception is easy when so few people are paying attention. We are losing the war. At this rate it will be lost.
--
Very Respectfully,
Michael Yon
04 May 2010
Nuke em...
The United States enjoys a truly rare and terrible spot in global
history. For the first time in the history of the world, one nation
holds the power to strike against the remainder of the globe with no
fear of reprisal. In a recent Foreign Affairs article it was detailed
how the United States can now deliver a nuclear first strike against the
balance of the world without any retaliation. This is a stunning moment
in history. In the past, nations and empires which held this power were
quick to use it to enforce their will or conquer desirable territories.
And yet the United States continues to act with restraint and prudence.
history. For the first time in the history of the world, one nation
holds the power to strike against the remainder of the globe with no
fear of reprisal. In a recent Foreign Affairs article it was detailed
how the United States can now deliver a nuclear first strike against the
balance of the world without any retaliation. This is a stunning moment
in history. In the past, nations and empires which held this power were
quick to use it to enforce their will or conquer desirable territories.
And yet the United States continues to act with restraint and prudence.
Despite the accusations by those who oppose warfare in all its forms,
the armed forces of the United States have acquitted themselves with
distinction and dignity in their operations. There has never been a
more carefully or diligently executed conflict with respect to the
impact on innocents. Certainly the wars are far from perfect. The
enemies faced by coalition forces are hard to distinguish and do not
operate from the same ethical standpoint. Nonetheless, these foes face
a military which despite its restraint, continues to deliver defeat
after defeat.
Nuclear Stockpile Fact Sheet Available
<http://www.defense.gov/advisories/advisory.aspx?advisoryid=3212>
Mon, 03 May 2010 17:41:00 -0500
________________________________
No. 037-10 May 03, 2010
Nuclear Stockpile Fact Sheet Available
"Increasing Transparency in the U.S. Nuclear Weapons
Stockpile" fact sheet is now available on Defense.Gov . The recently
declassified information on the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile is being
made publically available for the first time. The declassification of
the data was approved by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
The fact sheet is available at:
http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100503stockpile.pdf .
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Advisories/
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26 April 2010
You muzzled Kenny! You bastards...
Trey Parker and Matt Stone have been censored by their coporate sponsor, Comdey Central, agianst showing an unflattering image of Mohammed, the prophet of Islam. This stems from the murder of Theo van Gogh by an insane, Islamic radical. The "threats" received by Comedy Central overrode their courage to support their artists' rights to free expression.
In the West, where our culture is more advanced, tolerant and flexible (summarize "better") than that of Islamic nations, this sort of discourse is taken for granted. The faithful of satirized religions take these jabs in stride - supposedly recognizing the old idiom about sticks and stones.
Islam, apparently, continues to invoke the older idiom with the use of sticks and stones (in the form of beatings and medieval punishments). Let me be clear, no genuine deity should ever fear mockery by any earthly entity. They are simply above such petty critiques. on the other hand, if they are not a genuine deity - then the mockery is deserved and it is the adherents who should reflect upon their choice of faith.
No matter how you slice it, the deity doesn't care or it doesn't exist.
Op-Ed Columnist - South Park - NYTimes.com
In the West, where our culture is more advanced, tolerant and flexible (summarize "better") than that of Islamic nations, this sort of discourse is taken for granted. The faithful of satirized religions take these jabs in stride - supposedly recognizing the old idiom about sticks and stones.
Islam, apparently, continues to invoke the older idiom with the use of sticks and stones (in the form of beatings and medieval punishments). Let me be clear, no genuine deity should ever fear mockery by any earthly entity. They are simply above such petty critiques. on the other hand, if they are not a genuine deity - then the mockery is deserved and it is the adherents who should reflect upon their choice of faith.
No matter how you slice it, the deity doesn't care or it doesn't exist.
Op-Ed Columnist - South Park - NYTimes.com
14 April 2010
Et tu, NYT...
If true, and we have no way of knowing. But the NYT has released OPSEC information before. Tragic.
SOS – RED ALERT – New York Times About to Put American Troops in Deadly Peril
SOS – RED ALERT – New York Times About to Put American Troops in Deadly Peril
30 March 2010
Now on Salon...
Open Salon is a free service which may prove to be a better venue for
bloggers looking to engage in critical dialogues. They certainly have a
better brand than Blogger. However, will the rash of wannabe bloggers
on Open Salon be poaching grounds to expand the mother site's online
content? The New York Times already does this with some prestigious
paid bloggers - but as sites scramble for eyeballs and hits, will there
become a bidding war for the most popular bloggers? Is the Huffington
Post's model - "We'll publish any ol' thing!" going to be expanded to
this site? Time will tell, the reality however, will be less. More and
more sites allow multiple publishing, making content repeatedly
available anywhere - despite being "published" only once.
bloggers looking to engage in critical dialogues. They certainly have a
better brand than Blogger. However, will the rash of wannabe bloggers
on Open Salon be poaching grounds to expand the mother site's online
content? The New York Times already does this with some prestigious
paid bloggers - but as sites scramble for eyeballs and hits, will there
become a bidding war for the most popular bloggers? Is the Huffington
Post's model - "We'll publish any ol' thing!" going to be expanded to
this site? Time will tell, the reality however, will be less. More and
more sites allow multiple publishing, making content repeatedly
available anywhere - despite being "published" only once.
05 March 2010
2010... Here we GO!! PARSA...
I wanted to provide a brief plug for PARSA, my Afghan NGO of choice. They are working hard to build capability among the Afghan people and restore confidence in their nation, government and themselves. Stop by their site and see what you can do to help.
From: Marnie Hartung Gustavson [mailto:mgustav@marniehartunggustavs.eliteemail.com] On Behalf Of Marnie Hartung Gustavson
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 8:32 AM
Subject: 2010... Here we GO!!
2010 - Full Speed Ahead Volume I Animal Lovers - We NEED You!!
To all our animal loving friends and families - PARSA needs your help. After 5 years of rescuing dogs, cats and various other assorted animals from the streets, mountains and trash heaps of Kabul, Marnie and PARSA have decided to start an Animal Shelter at Marastoon.
The Shelter and Rescue efforts will fall under the Healthy Afghan Community Program and will include education of Afghans who are interested in adopting a pet as well as vaccines, spay and neuter services and veterinary medicine for animals.
We are in dire need of the following items:
- Medicine
- Leashes, collars and animal toys
- Volunteer assistance (a Vet trainee??)
- FUNDS
Please contact us for more information about our new project and if you are interested in the idea of helping some of the most vulnerable citizens of Kabul, let us know.
We are currently home to over 25 dogs plus an additional assortment of animals from cats to donkeys.
We'd greatly appreciate any help you might offer. And that includes adopting an animal either here in Kabul or getting a pet to the States.
The PARSA Wish List!!
A new regluar feature for the PARSA Newsletter. You will find our Wish List located in the bottom left side of the newsletter.
As with all Non-Profit and NGO Organizations, we are constantly in need of a variety of items. Most notably is FUNDS for our various programs and for our general operating fund. So fast and SO easy... writing a tax-ductible check for $1.00 - $1000.00 or more is one of the best items we recieve. You can be assured it will be out to good use for any of or programs as well as rent, funds to purchase wood to heat our buildings and classrooms and to pay our hard working staff people.
Other items of need we often wish for at PARSA:
- Printer Ink - please contact us for types of ink
- Any Animal related items for our new Project within the Healthy Afghan Community Program - toys, food, leashes, collars, flea and worm medicine
- Soap and toiletries for orphans
Ph. +93 (0) 799020588
To kick off 2010, PARSA has moved into training and working with Afghan people with the Afghan Training Institute.
We are working with Afghans looking for more higher education opportunities allowing them to become capable and have a better chance to be successful as well as helping other Afghans in their daily struggles.
The goal of the Afghan Training Institute is to grow the AFghan people and give them the skills they need to help each other. As a developing country it is important to train the Afghan people to fend for themselves and rely less on the International Aid community.
PARSA Afghan Training Institute is committed to building the capacity of people in Afghanistan.
Afghan Scouting GOING Strong in 2010
Afghan Scouts Visit the US Embassy in Kabul
This past Saturday, February 27th, PARSA and our Scouts were invited to visit the US Embassy. We held a Scout initiation ceremony IN the Embassy. Attending the event were Ambassador Karl Eikenberry and Mrs. Eikenberry who welcomed 80 children from the National Orphanages, Alluhoddin and Tai Maskan. The Scouting Program is part of the PARSA Healthy Afghan Child Program and continues to be a big success.
In addition, Volunteers from the embassy assisted in our ceremony as we completed initiation of the children into the Afghan Scouts program.
In addition, we welcomed our the new Minister who will oversee the Orphanages in the country and the new National Director as well as several ISAF soldiers, also Eagle Scouts and Scout trainers participated. Our goal this year is to be able to run Scout programs for all 750 children in the three orphanages where PARSA staff conducts "Healthy Afghan Child" programs. Please visit our website for more information about the scout program as well as details about this event.
If you are interested in helping the Afghan Scout Program - we are ALWAYS looking for people, individuals, and groups to take on an Afghan Scout troop.
A Word From Air Commodore Sean Bell
have to say that supporting the Orphanage was the one thing that kept me going throughout my nearly a year military assignment in Kabul - really raised my spirits to be able to support such a worthy cause, and also such a committed team in Marnie and her son and team. Part of the morale development of those under my command is to ensure they remain fit, are happy in their work, and an extra strand is to encourage charitable work. This was simply an extension of that obligation as a Commander. Part of going our project activities was to chat to Marnie, meet the kids and of course, for us to engage others in the fundraising activities (and also ensure that they were all suitably motivated to get stuff done!!) We played football with some of the kids, sat and chatted to them, but avoided giving gifts at the time or risk getting mobbed every time we went. My aim was to support Marnie in a longer-term project rather than the short-termist drop a few goodies off, feel good about ourselves, and then walk away having changed nothing! Discussions with Marnie proved compelling, so it was evident that with financial support Marnie and her team could deliver what we were seeking to do. So I started “Ringing the Change”-to fund PARSA programs in the orphanages. It was hard work getting things set up, and influencing a LOT of folk, but TREMENDOUSLY rewarding to see the effect, and to support such a marvelous group of folk in Marnie and her PARSA team. (click on picture for an article on his project)/p>
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Update Address/Profile | Unsubscribe | Privacy PolicyMarnie Hartung Gustavson | 3036 13th Ave. W | Seattle | WA | US | 98119
02 March 2010
MP David Tredinnick is Wrong...
The UK's govevernmental Homeopathy Report is a good mix of science and policy recommendations. It takes issue with the irresponsible expenditure of government funds (read UK citizen tax pounds) on ineffective, non-scientific therapies. MP David Tredinnick, a consummate woo-fan, seeks to discredit this well researched and vetted report.
MP David Tredinnick is Wrong about the Homeopathy Report
MP David Tredinnick is Wrong about the Homeopathy Report
22 February 2010
Doing good by acting right...
Fellow blog readers, yes you two over there. I have a good friend who
is presently deployed. He is a super guy, great piano player and an
Eagle Scout. While working for the Army in Afghanistan, he has started
a seriously great good deed. Read on.
is presently deployed. He is a super guy, great piano player and an
Eagle Scout. While working for the Army in Afghanistan, he has started
a seriously great good deed. Read on.
Subject: [NREDJO] Help the Afghan people
Fellow NRED Officers,
I am currently mobilized in Afghanistan and need your help with
something. ISAF has identified certain key areas where the population
can be convinced to support the Government of Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan (GIRoA) with a little focused attention.
There are 3,000 kids in this particular school district. They come back
from winter break in late March for the solar new year and supplies will
be needed. We can purchase school supplies (backpack, notebooks, pens,
pencils, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.) locally in Afghanistan for about
a tenth the cost in the U.S. and we don't pay shipping costs.
I have partnered with U.S. based NGO PARSA, a 501(c)(3) charity, on this
project. If you would do me the favor of passing on this information to
anyone inclined to donate, the website is:
http://www.afghanistan-parsa.org <http://www.afghanistan-parsa.org>
Two options to donate:
Under the donation button, there's a menu with the choice "school
supplies". The site uses PayPal to take credit card info and pay
online.
Else, you can write a check to "PARSA" with the words "school supplies"
in the memo line and mail the check to their PO Box in Seattle, WA.
Time is critical. By agreement with PARSA's Executive Director, Marnie,
everything collected before March 6th will go toward this important
school district. I also have an ongoing partnership with PARSA as I am
assisting them with several Afghan Scout Troops at two local orphanages.
More on that will be in my next blog posting:
http://majorfoobar.wordpress.com <http://majorfoobar.wordpress.com>
Thanks in advance shipmates, for passing this on to everyone you know.
This is the most efficient way to get aid directly to the areas that
will have the most impact on our efforts to stabilize the environment in
Afghanistan.
All my best,
-Steve Michaels, LCDR, USN
IJC Stability Ops SNE, IDC RC(E) Desk Officer
Kabul, Afghanistan
*********** Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead *********
Steve R. Michaels, MSEE, PE
Eagle Scout, B.S.A.
LCDR /USN /1445
Steve is one of those rare individuals who is a good guy down to his
core. I have had the privilege of serving with him as an Engineering
Duty Officer and consider him a great friend. Stop by the link and
donate.
__,_._,___
08 February 2010
RIP Murtha and Abscam 2010...
Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77
I am no fan of Murtha. He represents to me the worst of local interests subverting the needs of the nation. Although the passing of any indivudal is a cause for grief, this may have been his only honorable exit.
I am no fan of Murtha. He represents to me the worst of local interests subverting the needs of the nation. Although the passing of any indivudal is a cause for grief, this may have been his only honorable exit.
03 February 2010
I like Mike...
Well, it seems that ADM Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has
set the bar for DADT. He echoes the ethical position supported by many
of my fellow officers. The issue remains with out civilian authority.
We, as a military, will execute these orders and move forward. It's up
to the President and Congress to do the right thing.
set the bar for DADT. He echoes the ethical position supported by many
of my fellow officers. The issue remains with out civilian authority.
We, as a military, will execute these orders and move forward. It's up
to the President and Congress to do the right thing.
________________________________
From: info114@service.govdelivery.com
[mailto:info114@service.govdelivery.com] On Behalf Of American Forces
Press Service
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 12:24 PM
Subject: Mullen's Blog: My View on 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'
Mullen's Blog: My View on 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=57839>
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:51:00 -0600
Mullen's Blog: My View on 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'
By Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2010 - "Over these last two months, the Chiefs and I
have reviewed the fundamental premises behind 'Don't Ask Don't Tell,' as
well as its application in practice over the last 16 years. We
understand perfectly the President's desire to see the law repealed and
we owe him our best military advice about the impact this change in
policy would have on the military.
"While the Chiefs and I have not developed our advice, we believe that
any implementation plan for a policy permitting homosexuals to serve
openly in the armed forces must be carefully derived, sufficiently
thorough, and thoughtfully executed. The review group to be headed by
Mr. Jeh Johnson and General Carter Ham will no doubt give us that time
and an even deeper level of understanding.
"My personal belief is that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would
be the right thing to do. I cannot escape being troubled by the fact
that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie
about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, it
comes down to integrity -- theirs as individuals and ours as an
institution.
"I also believe the great young men and women of our military can and
would accommodate such a change, but I do not know this for a fact. I
will not deny that during a time of two wars, such a major policy change
will cause some disruption in the force. It also seems plausible that
there will be legal, social, and perhaps even infrastructure changes to
be made. These are some of the issues our review will address.
"But we would do well to remember that this is not an issue for the
military leadership to decide. The current law and policy came from the
American people through their elected officials. We will continue to
obey that law, and we will obey whatever legislative and executive
decisions come out of this debate.
"With Afghanistan, Iraq, and significant security commitments around the
globe, our plate is very full. While I believe this is an important
issue, I also believe we need to be mindful as we move forward of other
pressing needs in the military. What our young men and women and their
families want, what they deserve, is that we listen to them and act in
their best interests.
"Balance and thoughtfulness is required. It's what the President has
promised us, and it's what we ask of Congress as this debate moves
forward."
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