Don't Ask, Don't Care, redux...

Gays Allowed to Enter the Military - Marc Ambinder - Politics - The Atlantic

Are we at the end of this ridiculous policy? I certainly hope so. Since the President and Congress couldn't get thier act together, it took the Log Cabin Republicans to force this absurd restriction into the light. Hopefully it will wither and die.

When it counts...

Okay - maybe too hardcore for a recruiting ad, but it sure captures the spirit of the Corps.

Semper Fi.

Remember the Cole...

I had the distinct privilege of supporting the rebuilding of the USS
Cole (DDG 67) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was horribly damaged by a
small boat attack in the port of Aden, Yemen ten years ago. The
camaraderie and dedication of the civilian / military team working on
her was uplifting. The ship was refit and back in action after what had
been crippling damage.

Navy Honors Killed, Injured in USS Cole Attack
<http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=61238>
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:33:00 -0500

Navy Honors Killed, Injured in USS Cole Attack

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - Navy officials, current and former crew
members and families of the fallen gathered today at Norfolk Naval
Station, Va., to remember the 17 sailors killed and 39 others wounded in
the al-Qaida attack on the USS Cole 10 years ago today.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-N-
000x-776.jpg>
The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole arrives in Naples, Italy, for a
scheduled port call while deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of
responsibility, Feb. 23, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd
Class William Pittman
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/hrs_101012-N-
000x-776.jpg> available.
Suicide bombers launched the surprise Oct. 12, 2000, attack on the
Arleigh Burke-class, Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyer as it was
anchored in Aden, Yemen, for a routine refueling stop. The attackers
detonated an explosive-laden boat against the ship's port side, tearing
a 40-by-40-foot hole in the hull and sending seawater gushing into the
engineering compartment.

The attack was the deadliest assault against a U.S. naval vessel since
the Iraqis attacked the USS Stark on May 17, 1987.

Retired Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, the Cole's commander during the attack,
recalled the impact of the blast.

"There was a thunderous explosion. You could feel all 505 feet and 8,400
tons of guided missile destroyer violently thrust up and to the right,"
Lippold said during a recent radio interview. "Lights went out, and
within a matter of seconds, I knew we'd been attacked."

During today's ceremonies, Navy Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr., commander of USS
Fleet Command, saluted the Cole crewmembers' quick response and valor as
they fought to keep the ship afloat and tended to the wounded while
defending against a feared follow-on attack.

Harvey said the attack underscores the importance of always being
trained and prepared, and he praised the sense of vigilance that has
been passed down to subsequent USS Cole crews.

After 14 months of upgrades and repairs following the attack, the USS
Cole made an overseas deployment in November 2003. The ship later
deployed to the Middle East in June 2006.

The USS Cole, which recently returned to its Norfolk homeport after a
deployment that took it through the Gulf of Aden, shows no visible
evidence of the deadly attack that occurred a decade ago. But below its
decks are regular reminders, including a blackened U.S. flag that
survived the attack and 17 gold stars that line the ship's "Hall of
Heroes" passageway.

As a ship's bells rang 17 times during today's ceremonies, the names of
the fallen 17 sailors were read aloud:

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter, 21, a hull
maintenance technician from Mechanicsville, Va.;

* Chief Petty Officer Richard Costelow, 35, an electronics technician
from Morrisville, Pa.;

*Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis, 19, a mess management specialist from
Woodleaf, N.C.;

* Seaman Timothy Lee Gauna, 21, an information systems technician from
Rice, Texas;

* Seaman Cherone Louis Gunn, 22, a signalman from Rex, Ga.;

* Seaman James Rodrick McDaniels, 19, of Norfolk, Va.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Ian Nieto, 24, an engineman from Fond du
Lac, Wis.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Scott Owens, 24, an electronics warfare
technician from Vero Beach, Fla.;

* Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer, 22, of San Diego, Calif.;

* Seaman Joshua Langdon Parlett, 19, an engine room fireman from
Churchville, Md.;

* Seaman Patrick Howard Roy, 19, a fireman from Cornwall on Hudson,
N.Y.;

* Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Shawn Rux, 30, an electronic warfare
technician from Portland, N.D.;

* Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronchester Manangan Santiago, 22, a mess
management specialist from Kingsville, Texas.;

* Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Lamont Saunders, 32, an operations
specialist from Ringgold, Va.;

* Seaman Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr., 26, a fireman from Rockport, Texas;

* Ensign Andrew Triplett, 31, of Macon, Miss.; and

* Seaman Craig Bryan Wibberley, 19, of Williamsport, Md.

Related Sites:
USS Cole <http://www.cole.navy.mil/default.aspx>
10th Anniversary Video
<http://www.navy.mil/navydata/featurePlay169.asp?id=110>

Click photo for screen-resolution image
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg> Military Sealift Command's fleet ocean tug USNS
Catawba tows the USS Cole from the port city of Aden, Yemen, Oct. 29,
2000, after a terrorist attack that caused the ship heavy damage and
killed 17 sailors. U.S. Marine Corps photo
Download screen-resolution
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/scr_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg>
Download high-resolution
<http://www.defense.gov/DODCMSShare/NewsStoryPhoto/2010-10/hrs_101012-MC
-000X-721.jpg>

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The Futility of Finding Physical Explanations for Homeopathy...

The Futility of Finding Physical Explanations for Homeopathy

This post from Quackometer, covers the broad arguments against any efficacy from homeopathy. In the United States, billions of dollars are spent on un/dis-proven, fraudulent or dangerous medical therapies. Homeopathy falls into the category of disproven. No evidence exists of its effectiveness, save anecdotal testimony from patients and practitioners.

Sadly, there remain many folks who continue to espouse this waste of time, resources and possibly delay of meaningful diagnosis and treatment. Take some time to read the post and then travel to the magical land of the homeopathic believers.

Ironically, one of the most popular posts of mine is a critique of the effectiveness of a "homeopathic / herbal" cold remedy known as Sinupret.

Farewel, brother...

Operations continue in Afghanistan to secure that nation for some form
of sustainable self-government. Despite the criticism that the Karzai
leadership receives, it is critical that the citizens of Afghanistan be
able to take the reins on their destiny and not be subject to the
prevarications of outside forces.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty
<http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13898>
Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:04:00 -0500

________________________________

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 850-10
September 20, 2010

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Scott J. Fleming, 24, of Marietta, Ga., died
Sept. 17 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province,
Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment,
3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

For additional background information on this Marine, news
media representatives may contact the Marine Corps Base Hawaii public
affairs office at 808-257-8838.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/
Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1
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Nine years...

It has been nine years since that fateful morning. I was at my civilian job, hosting my boss' boss and a collection of international scientists and engineers. I received a call from my command at the time and was told to "stand by".

We watched, mesmerized, as the images flooded through the television. We really didn't understand it at the time. In a way, we still don't understand the events of that day. We are a nation of vigorous, passionate yet peaceful disagreement. It is impossible for us to reconcile the cognitive dissonance of the actions of that day.

This anniversary is marked by frustration and anger. It seems to stem from the lack of resolution from the attacks of 2001. To this day we still have not captured Bin laden, the success in Iraq is unsatisfying and we are reminded constantly that a segment of Islam would like to see us destroyed.

The United States, for all of its flaws, is tolerant, open and welcoming to all types of individuals. We have physical and social room enough for everyone. There is no nation on the planet with the level of freedom, opportunity or openness to rival that of the United States.

Some of my dearest friends would contest this statement, however, any challenge brought is easily disassembled or refuted. The Scandanavia nations are often held up as a model, and yet they are a largely homogeneous culture with only a few million citizens and limited access for immigrants. The United Kingdom is cited for their acceptance of homosexuals and yet their continuing class segregation and troubling presence in Northern Ireland remains a substantial hindrance to true social freedom.

This is not an unhindered, jingoistic worship of our nation. It is merely an acknowledgement of the numerous real belssings we enjoy. A recognition of the many real challenges we have still to face as a nation and the expression of my hope and belief that we will rise to the best of our ideals.

It is important to remain ever forgiving and never forgetting.

New clothes, again...

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.

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.

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

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

 

 

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.

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/
Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1
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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

Et tu, NYT...

If true, and we have no way of knowing. But the NYT has released OPSEC information before. Tragic.


SOS &#8211; RED ALERT &#8211; New York Times About to Put American Troops in Deadly Peril