Thanks Dave. I can't ask for better customer service than that. You guys are great, and run a tight ship. I'll be ordering more as the year goes by. Thanks again for everything, and incredible customer service. It falls under "whatever it takes..."
PWR
"Espionage is not a nice thing, nor are the methods employed exemplary. Neither are demolition bombs nor poison gas ... We face an enemy who believes one of his chief weapons is that none but he will employ terror. But we will turn terror against him..."
- Major General William Joseph "Wild Bill" Donovan, KBE, USA ; Director of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS)
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of the first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage- and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."
- President John F. Kennedy, January 1961
In its essence, the sniper world is one of NCO's. Few officers dare to join it, and none of them master the intricacies of this specialty like the NCO. The NCO is the soul of the weapon and the extremely efficient result accomplished is the climax of years of training, profound knowledge of musketry and fieldcraft and a high sense of duty and discipline.
- Major A.Y. Simonyi OC A Coy, Inf School Canadian Army
"Never give up. Take what life throws at you and throw it right back. If life keeps throwing then you have a tennis match going. Learn to like tennis."
- Gwllyn Samuel Newton Ford
- or Captain Glen Ford USNR(Ret), USMC and USCG (Aux), 1916-2006
"I have felt fear at some of the things I have seen here... I have seen amazing things and sad things. [But being in Iraq] makes me realize what a great country we have."
- Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Marc A. Lee (SEAL TEAM 5)
"Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil."
- Thomas Mann
PSU - Dedicated Lethal Motivated
U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit( PSU) 312 out of San Francisco is a unique and the current compliment to the Coast Guard "special forces" outfits, who like USCG MSST teams, have a lineage which can be traced back to legendary Coast Guardsmen of both the World War II OSS(Office of Strategic Services) Maritime Unit Operational Swimmer Groups and The 1960's era USCG "Coastal Forces Unit" - which existed to observe and report infiltrators coming from the sea.
Get your PERSONALIZED "PSU - Dedicated Lethal Motivated" T-Shirt Today!
Underwater Cache
When resupply by air-drop or regular vessel is tough, place your cache in water! Make sure it's deep enough and protected from currents - yet shallow enough to reach easily. Don't forget to protect your cache and waterproof it properly!
Velcro
In the field, on a dark and moonless night, the wind is at a minimum - next to farting or belching, tearing velcro is louder than a coyotes howl... food for thought...
What do you do if your attacker grabs you?
Easy. Go straight into a lock ... unless you want to soften your opponent up with a few hits and kicks first. Your choice (just beware of legal ramifications!)
Always Ready for Action!
The OP Vest - The Ultimate in Survival and perfect for Recreation, Sports, and Travel!
On several missions, Dave had to abandon his rucksack and scramble for safety. So Dave kept prepared by keeping his life support gear on him at all times. For this reason, Special Forces Gear has developed the best of all worlds with the Special Forces OP Vest. Everything you need can be carried in clever compartments concealed within the vest. The OP Vest was designed to carry heavy loads comfortably giving freedom of movement. Mesh also allows your body to breath. Use the Op Vest as a survival vest while backpacking (it can be worn under a large pack), hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking, trail riding, photography and any time you need to suit up for adventure.
Features:
• Rescue handle
• Quick releases
• Expandable back pack compartment / water bladder compartment
• Emergency signal panel
• Built-in canteen pouches designed to fit most any shape bottles up to 1 1/2 quarts
• Strap keepers and pack attachments on rear for extra gear
• Many convenient storage compartments
• Utility Belt keepers - for a Pistol belt, etc.
• Fully adjustable
• Rifle butt stopper
• Hand warmer pockets
• Map case
• Optional holster in hidden gun compartment
• Inside chest pocket.
Hidden Holster Option Includes:
• Hidden Holster
• Rifle Butt Catch
• Ammo Holder
Why do we have Rules of War?
WORLD WAR II / Philippines
A 1945 raid led by the U.S. Army's 6th Ranger Battalion and Pilipino guerillas to rescue 500 Americans (survivors of the Bataan Death March) held at the Japanese POW camp near Cabanatuan examples a well-planned and expertly-conducted small-unit mission that was fought and won by the good guys. The Allied prisoners had been suffering death and disease under the iron heel of the Japanese for over 3 years (incidents against them included decapitation, burning alive and starvation, to name only a few). The Rangers went into the camp in the dark of night and killed the guards and the large contingent of enemy soldiers in a surprise attack, rescued the prisoners and returned them to a safe location. They fought and killed the Japanese with a creed that said "don't forget, we repay in spades" and that is why they won that battle and why we won that war.
TODAY
Half a century later Islamo fascist "warriors" kidnap our soldiers, torture them, cut off heads on video and show it round the world—thumbing their noses at rules and nations while our fighters get scolded for sneezing in the direction of a terrorist.
Otherwise dutiful soldiers are court-martialed for abusing prisoners in what amounts to child's play. Marines in battle respond, after being attacked, with a more intense force (as they were trained to do) - hitting the enemy hard - are then they are in turn (literally) put in shackles.
What Do You Think About the Treatment of our Marines?
Is this progress? Since WWII, the rules have changed and America is paying for it with American lives. In the 1940's the Geneva Convention issued rules of engagement (ROE). Since then, America's enemies ignore these rules while America's fighting man gets stuck in them like tar. The Geneva convention has cost American soldiers their lives and extended those of our enemies. This is not good for the soldiers of America and it is not good for America.
When I apply what I have learned from my military experience over the years, the more I think about the ROE / Geneva Convention, the more they make less sense. Perhaps it has to do with control—trying to regulate and manage our soldiers on the battlefield. Trying to manage soldiers on the battlefield is a violation of the basic tenant of soldiers' esprit de corps (the common spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a military group to win).
Do You Think Politicians Should Make Rules of War?
In combat, attempting to control the battlefield by ROE is regulating and management... and to this soldier - tyranny! Tyranny of this sort accomplishes nothing! Rules and regulations on the battlefield such as these are the enemy of the soldier.
To win a war the most important components are:
- Leadership
- Winning Strategies
- Good Training Preparation
- Good Execution
None of these things come from "Rules", only good and sound principles.
War is always a fluid situation which means it is always changing. And the only effective way to deal with changing situations is through leadership and not management.
It seems politicians have many agendas, trying to "civilize" war, trying to look good to the public or just plain ignorance toward what they are doing in any given particular situations - whether they have a prior expertise in the situation or not. Politicians set policy and when diplomacy has failed they call on the military to defend the nation. When they do this they are throwing our warriors into harm's way and a certain amount of our soldiers will lose their lives or suffer crippling injuries for the rest of their lives. It seems to me that the soldiers risking their lives and their battlefield leaders who have dedicated their lives to training, learning how to fight and win should be trusted to do the job the beast way they see fit. They should not be handicapped with these elaborate "rules of engagement." ( By the way, a warrior I know presents this hypothesis: "Rules" started coming into modern warfare about the time Russia swapped Von Clausewitz for Karl Marx and its nobility for a Soviet Union...
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Join the New We've created something for everyone, including topics such as:
Discounts rewarded for achieving a Major or Colonel ranking: * Coupons awarded at the beginning of each month for previous month's newly ranking members. Coupons are good for one purchase and expire one year after the award date. Additionally, leading members may be extended offers to become forum moderators with additional benefits. We need your help to grow the forum into a useful resource for the special forces, military and law enforcement community and their supporters. |
Members reaching Major rank (50 posts) receive 5% off coupon*
Members reaching Colonel rank (100 posts) receive 10% off coupon*Should Soldiers Be Trusted To Do The Job?
Another thing that hampers the military is the press. Despite to the contrary of those who I respect and who have led me, I personally believe the press should only be allowed on the battlefield at the discretion of the military... BUT if you ask me, I would not allow them ever! BUT if some other military leaders want them there, the military should decide who and what press should come to war so that admirals and generals and their adjuncts are not wasting time trying to smooth over public opinion.
During combat operations I think the military should provide the press with any information they see fit. The battlefield represents a serious killing business and the battlefield is the domain of the soldier. War is a last resort fought out by men who have chosen that duty. If some media monkey who wants ratings or a chance to "opine" about a particular action they personally find not to their liking should be at the chosen battlefield should be at the discretion of the soldier fighting the battle.
Do you think the Military should be able to Control the Press on the Battle Field?
Do You Think the Press can be Used as a Weapon For and Against our Soldiers?
I think if you need to remember one thing about war its to have every thing revolve around winning. The rest should be governed by good judgment, integrity, knowledge of enemy and battlefield /zone we are engaged in—and the leadership and the warriors in the thick of the fighting.
Many of you may not have ever thought about this, but in trusting our warriors on the battlefield THEY have to live with their decisions the rest of their lives. Most of them do not take this decision lightly.
If our enemies treat our POWs well then we should treat theirs well. If they torture our POWs and cut their heads off and video it to show the world and their families, responding in kindness will not provide incentives to treat our soldiers better. Perhaps if we respond in a greater fashion explaining that after we take them out we will bury any of them as POWs in pig skin perhaps they would think twice about how they conduct there behavior toward POWs and hostages.
Now, I am NOT talking about getting emotional and seeking revenge, rather using the same judgment used in any situation by professionals to solve a problem. (NOTE: professionals do not take things personal, they try to keep their focus on the job and must make rational and informed decisions governed by the mission and the safety of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
Answers? Comments? Click here!
How Do You Think We Can Get Them to Treat our Soldiers Better?
The following rules need to be established immediately for the good of our soldiers and America in this current war:
To Combat Violence, One Should Respond with a Greater Violence:
A Hezbollah leader recently noted, that had he known the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers would start the 2006 Israeli - Lebanon war, Hezbollah would never have done so. Like the Israelis just affirmed by Hezbollah, WE DO NOT NEED our enemies respect, WE WANT THERE FEAR IN US... for that will bring respect. As power of action is ALL this enemy understands...
The Objective of War is to Annihilate the Enemy:
This is a basic tenant of every organized military structure that represents a nation at large. It is part of the esprit de corps of every soldier... AND within war as with any thing else in the human experience, there is collateral damage. Accidents DO happen.. but accidents are what they are, "accidents" and "ROE" need not be established which disgrace, and dishonor the warrior; their branch of service or the flag they are fighting for... Every one knows that in World War II.. Vietnam... Gulf War I... Afghanistan... and Iraq there are misidentified targets and any number of things have happened. Yet, we do not as a nation consider those when judging them against soldiers doing their jobs NOR should we ever! They are tragic, often horrific - but accidents all the same!
(That is why at the time of this writing, the U.S. Marines being held at Camp Pendleton on charges of murder for responding in a professional manner of counter attack as prescribed by Marine Corps tradition in their own "ROE" is patently absurd!)
None of the Enemy is Worth any of our Soldiers Lives:
This speaks for itself. If it does not perhaps you should be seeking an early separation of service.
The Enemy Should Include Anyone Who Gets In The Way Or Supports Our Enemies:
In Southeast Asia and currently in the Middle East, "Von Clausewitzian" ideals of warfare have been abandoned. They were never accepted! We fight an enemy which includes women and children taking up arms against our soldiers or used as human shields. This enemy seeks and exploits all weakness. It thinks we should be soft and will be. The only language this enemy understands is the principle of fear which is often represented by force. Thus, if women and children are part of their combative and human shields they should (to use a great old naval expression) "be given no quarter."
War is conducted out of necessity and should be won as quickly as possible with the least amount of casualties suffered on our side.
And what is the opposite of winning?
America is in the midst of the greatest war the world has ever seen. If we lose this one, we lose America.
In conclusion, by not trusting our military, and by our politicians jailing our warriors--we are preventing our military from winning—and winning is the most important rule of war to remember.
War is all about winning, and is not about politics.
Hooah!
- Dave
Read our Previous Newsletters
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Announcements
LTC (R) Frank H. Kleschen (D-3941) Passed away in his home Saturday, August 12, 2006. He was a member of Special Forces Association (SFA) Chapter 16, located in Ft. Lewis, WA. When he joined the SFA his application listed his Special Forces assignments as the 12th SFG (A), and was awarded a prefix "3", December 1966. A memorial service was held in the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Missoula, MT. He will be buried later. Condolence may be sent to Mrs. Zeita Kleschen, 2300 Larch Camp Rd, Missoula, MT 59830-1852. Phone: (406) 728-4793.
Robert "Too Tall" Simmons informed me Saturday of the memorial service and statue dedication for SFC Nathan R. Chapman, 5th SFG(A), the first American KIA in Afghanistan in Jan 2002. The service will be held on Monday, Sep 11, at 4 pm in downtown Georgetown, TX, next to the police station. SFC Chapman's parents live in Georgetown and attended the memorial service for MSG Horigan last year. This is a big event with soldiers from Ft. Hood and 5th SFG(A) participating. Edward J. Lorentzen
Opinions
I don't care...
The lady who wrote this letter is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta. She's been in business since 1980 doing interior design and home planning. She recently wrote a letter to a family member serving in Iraq... Read it!
"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001?
Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania?
Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?
And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all.
I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.
I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia.
I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.
I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.
I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.
I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.
In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care.
When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care.
When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank that I don't care.
When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care.
And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and - you guessed it - I don't care!!!
If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your e-mail friends.
Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button.
Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country.
I am not deleting this, I am sending it on, but only after I add:
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."
- Ronald Reagan
"If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
- Ronald Reagan
Next Month's Questions
1. Is there a difference between how you win in sports and how you win a war?
2. How do you win a war?
3. Do you think we have winning strategies?
Have an announcement, article, story, quote or comment you'd like to share in our next newsletter?
Click here!
Shotgun Scabbard
- Mounting molle compatible
- Optional TAC Vest mount - velcro / snaps on side and molle compatible on the inside
- 1" square D rings top and bottom to attach sling
- Adjustable retention strap to hold weapon in place
- Drain eyelet
- Adjustable strap at bottom to secure scabbard
EASY DRAW / REHOLSTER AND SECURE / COMFORTABLE CARRY
Fits Remington 870 18" barrel or similar shotgun. Light mounted, breaching ext., long barrels require special order. Please call for pricing.
Right Handed. (Left Handed available on request) Foam lined, bottom release.
THE NEED: Having a breaching shotgun bungee corded to your chest for a few moments is tolerable during a single room entry, but anything large turns it into a huge metal pole banging around on your chest.
THE ANSWER: S.O.Tech has developed a padded and hinged shotgun holster that mounts to your back. A release at the bottom allows the barrel to pull away from your lower back as the weapon is drawn forward over your shoulder. This enables you to avoid having to draw the weapon straight up awkwardly above your shoulder. Next, we backed the holster with a large plastic lined paddle to act as a barrel guide for no-look reholstering of the weapon. Finally, the retention device at the bottom of the rig keeps the weapon snug to your back during long movements.
Two layers of 1000 Denier Cordura are used throughout the pouch (not just the stress points). We double and triple stitch with thick mountaineering harness thread.
Dev Asst: Joede Vanek, Las Vegas Metro SWAT
Features
- 1000 Denier DuPont Cordura Plus fabric, double layered.
- 138 weight bonded nylon parachute harness thread.
- Strength rated nylon webbing and tapes
- American name brand plastic and metal fasteners (Duraflex, ITW Nexus, ACW, etc.).
- Velcro™ and Rip and Grip™ mil spec hook and loop fastener.
- Closed cell foam.
- HDPE plastic liners.
- Edges bound by double stitched nylon Type 3 seam tape
- Stress points anchored by double stitching, bar tacks, and box X's.
Allied Command Counterintelligence - Afghanistan Detachment
Allied Command Central Intelligence (ACCI) In Afghanistan is the eyes and ears to tip of the spear working to curb threats to U.S. and Coalition forces fighting Al Qaeda and its aligned threats via Afghanistan and its surrounding nations. ACCI Core Roles and Functions are to make lead a cohesive operational environment including but not limited to:
- Identifying and neutralizing hostile intelligence threats.
- Developing and maintain strong operational liaison relationships with Allied coalition CI Services to include Military and Civilian intelligence organizations of the NATO member nations. Foster a stronger working relationship between the US agencies and their NATO counterparts.
- Provide CI force protection support operations to U.S. DoD deployments, both real world and exercise.
- Conduct combined CI investigations and operations in support of DoD and NATO.
- Conduct US and combined TSCM missions for key U.S. DoD and personnel, facilities and operations.
- Conduct personnel security investigations of all US and Coalition personnel assigned to ACCI.
- Provide CI support to (C2Protect) network/ computer security.
- Coordinate the exchange and reporting of CI related information within ACCI.
- Coordinate the reporting of counterterrorism related information.
- Conduct CI tasked SO operations in support of ACCI activities.
Allied Command Counterintelligence - Afghanistan Detachment >>
Warrior Aid Pouch - ACU PATTERN ONLY $39.95!
The Warrior Aid Pouch is the next generation in immediate medical care equipment. Developed in conjunction with US Army combat teams deployed to Iraq, the Warrior Aid Pouch was designed specifically to meet the requirements of the "Care Under Fire" phase of the US Army's Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) doctrine of combat medicine. This innovative pouch features large capacity with a low profile similar in size to a 3 magazine M4/M16 pouch (7.5"H x3.5"Lx3"W approximately).
The WAP is constructed of MILSPEC 1000D Cordura® and 138 wt. bonded nylon parachute grade thread to withstand the rigors of combat. The WAP features a protective flap with distinctive markings easily identifying it as a medical aid pouch. This flap, when opened, reveals a tourniquet compartment on the front of the pouch for rapid access. The pouch opens quickly with a large "teardown" pull tab or by using the oversized nylon pulls on the heavy duty YKK® zipper. The "teardown" pull tab can be stored internally when not needed. The WAP features plenty of organized internal storage space for items such as large dressings (Israeli Emergency Care® dressing, etc.) and roller gauze. There are webbing tool loops for carrying items such as trauma shears, nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal airways, forceps, etc. The Warrior Aid Pouch also features a clear vinyl card pouch for easy viewing of 9 line evacuation cards or witness statement cards. A roll of surgical tape can be secured at the bottom of the pouch utilizing a hook and loop strap. A drain hole is located at the bottom of the pouch for effective drainage. The WAP pouch mounts easily and securely to any MOLLE/PALS platform with our Flex-Tab (Patent Pending) mounting straps. The Warrior Aid pouch is currently only available in ACU pattern.
Dimensions: 7.5" high x 3.5" deep x 3' wide
MOLLE/PALS compatible attachment
Marked with black Medical Cross on top
Pouch zips open with pull tab side compartment
Constructed from MIL Spec 1000 D Cordura & 138 wt braided nylon parachute grade thread
Get the X26 Holster Thigh / Belt Rig - Only $59.95!
Features
- 1000 Denier DuPont Cordura Plus fabric, double layered.
- 138 weight bonded nylon parachute harness thread.
- Strength rated nylon webbing and tapes
- American name brand plastic and metal fasteners (Duraflex, ITW Nexus, ACW, etc.).
- Velcro™ and Rip and Grip™ mil spec hook and loop fastener.
- Closed cell foam.
- Heavy weight woven elastic.
- Edges bound by double stitched nylon Type 3 seam tape
- Stress points anchored by double stitching, bar tacks, and box X's.
Use coupon code SFGX26 to get your discount!
X-26 Taser Holster Ambidextrous Thigh / Belt Rig - Includes Belt Hanger Adapter and holds 2 cartridges.
The Need: With no room on your duty belt, where do you carry your X-26 Taser where the electronics wont be damaged or seen, while remaining tactically accessible?
The Answer: S.O.Tech developed the X Holster to answer all of the carry questions:
Ambidextrous design allows for easy armory check out.
Flap and buckle combination prevent accidental misidentification from lethal weapon holster.
Fastex and Velcro flap provides maximum weapon retention.
Double loop arrangement allows wearer to mount Belt Hanger Adaper and leg strap for thigh rig configuration, or to leave these off for a duty belt configuration.
Speed Clip belt hanger adapter (BHA) allows Taser to be left in car when not it use and snapped on in seconds when rolling up to a Taser situation. This reduces clutter on leg, back strain, public view, and oportunities for damage.
Foam padded body and flap protect against damage.
Padding keeps holster shape and fused buckle aid in reholstering.
Reversable leg strap allows for personal prefence of buckle position.
Foam padding provides comfortable ride.
Low profile design prevents hangups.
Double reload pouches provide security and quick access.
Constructed of double layered 1000 Denier Cordurar Plus nylon, National Molding Plastics, strength rated nylon webbing and 138 wt thread. Will provide specs. Strongest manufacture on the market.
PATENT PENDING.
Get the X26 Holster Thigh / Belt Rig for only $59.95!
Use Coupon Code SFGX26
Herschel Green
The first time he faced enemy fighters - a swarm of German Messerschmitts on the southern coast of Sardinia on May 19, 1943 - P-40 pilot Herschel "Herky" Green was convinced he was going to die.
"Your heart just about jumps out of your damn body," he once recalled.
The 22-year-old Kentucky native not only survived his first mission - despite being wounded and suffering severe damage to his plane - but he also scored his first kill and was rapidly on his way to becoming the leading ace of the 15th Air Force, a record he held until he was grounded by headquarters after his 100th combat mission.
Read More >>Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford's off-screen accomplishments are even larger than his life on-screen. He is a decorated veteran serving bravely in World War II from 1942-1945 with both the Navy and the Marines. After the war, Ford was appointed Commander in the Naval Reserves. Ford, a committed military man, also served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Third Marine Amphibious Force in 1966-1968. He is the only actor to have served with both the Green Berets and the French Foreign Legion. Ford's military record is well recognized in both the United States and France as a highly decorated veteran. Among his numerous medals and commendations are the Medal of Honor presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Medaille de la France Libre for the liberation of France; two commendation medals from the US Navy; and the Vietnamese Legion of Merit. He received the rank of Captain with the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1968; retiring in 1977. Ford bravely served his country in two wars (not on the sidelines but in the front lines) facing enemy fire on many occasions never expecting to be treated like a Hollywood star but as a fellow fighting man. Ford was indeed a hero both on and off the screen.
Actor Glenn Ford, Known for 'Gilda', 'Blackboard Jungle' and 'Teahouse of the August Moon' Dies at 90
Glenn Ford, the rangy, laconic actor who in a long and prolific career in films and television portrayed characters from gallant leading men to saddle tramps, died Wednesday. He was 90.
Ford, a top box-office draw in the 1950s whose career spanned more than five decades and more than 100 films, was found dead at his Beverly Hills home by Fire Department paramedics just before 4 p.m.
Largely out of the public eye since the early 1990s, Ford was saluted by American Cinematheque at Hollywood's Egyptian Theatre in May on his 90th birthday. Ford, who had suffered several strokes, had been expected to attend but ultimately missed the event because of fragile health.
Read More >>Marc Lee
In his final act as a Navy SEAL, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee rained down machine gun fire to help protect several of his teammates before he was felled by enemy fire in Iraq last week.
On Tuesday, Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter honored that heroism with approval of the Silver Star, Cmdr. Greg Geisen, a spokesman for the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, Calif., said Wednesday afternoon.
The Aug. 2 death of Lee, 28, was the first suffered in Iraq by the Navy's elite commando force.
Lee and other teammates were supporting an Iraqi Army unit during military operations with Army forces in Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar province in western Iraq that has seen regular attacks by insurgents.
Read More >>SF Soldiers Honored For Combat Valor
Blackanthem Military News, FORT BRAGG, N.C.– Thirty-one Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) were decorated with honors to include three Silver Star Medals for valorous actions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in a ceremony here, Aug. 8.
The three Silver Star Medal recipients were Master Sgt. Keith Logsdon, Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Holmes and Staff Sgt. Matthew Keefe.
The Silver Star Medal, the Army's third highest award for combat valor is awarded to Soldiers for distinguished gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States during military operations.
Read More >>Witness: CIA Contractor Admitted Hitting Afghan Prisoner
A former CIA contract worker charged with beating an Afghani detainee who later died was "full of rage" during the man's interrogation and later admitted assaulting the prisoner, witnesses at the ex-contractor's trial said Tuesday.
David Passaro is charged with beating Abdul Wali over two days in June 2003 while questioning the man about rocket attacks on a remote base housing U.S. and Afghan troops. He is the first American civilian charged with mistreating a detainee during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I saw Dave being very aggressive with Abdul Wali, treating him with contempt," said Hyder Akbar, the son of Kunar provincial governor Fazel Akbar. "He seemed almost enlarged by anger. He seemed full of rage at this point."
Read More >>SF Soldiers Honor First Special Service Force Vets at 60th Reunion
U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers paid tribute to more than 80 surviving veterans of the First Special Service Force, a World War II special operations outfit to which they trace their commando lineage, during that unit's 60th reunion here Aug. 17-19.
The FSSF, a unique American and Canadian combined force, was activated in July 1942 at Fort William Henry Harrison here and saw heavy action in Italy and southern France before its deactivation in December 1944.
With representatives from all seven U.S. Army Special Forces groups and the U.S. Army Special Forces Command present, the Green Berets – joined by their Canadian Special Forces colleagues – provided interpretive equipment displays, parachute jump demonstrations, and participated in all FSSF remembrance activities during the three-day reunion.
The FSSF is recognized as the predecessor of the U.S. Army's Special Forces groups, the first of which stood up in 1952 and based much of its original doctrine on the FSSF's experiences.
Read More >>Special Forces Soldiers of Fort Bragg Honored for Combat Valor
Thirty-one Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) were decorated with honors to include three Silver Star Medals for valorous actions during Operations Enduring Freedom in a ceremony, here, Aug. 8.
The three Silver Star Medal recipients were Master Sgt. Keith Logsdon, Sgt. First Class Bruce Holmes and Staff Sgt. Matthew Keefe.
The Silver Star Medal is the Army's third highest award for combat valor and is presented to Soldiers distinguished by their gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States during military operations.
Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko, U.S. Army Special Forces Command commanding general, presided over the ceremony and awarded each honoree with their respective medal(s).
"This is a great day to be a part of the Special Forces Regiment..." said Csrnko. "Today we acknowledge valor and sacrifice of individuals who displayed a level of bravery and courage in combat beyond the call of duty and who epitomize quiet professionals..."
Read More >>DoD mulls proposed 'Africa Command'
Defense officials are seriously considering the creation of a new combatant command to contend with the variety of issues in Africa.
The proposed command, aptly called "Africa Command," would include most of Africa, but would leave countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti to fall under the U.S. Central Command umbrella. Africa is currently divvied up between Central Command and U.S. European Command. Defense officials and observers have long considered the value of adding a new combatant command to the Pentagon's list of five, but the issue has yet to take hold.
Now, however, it appears the Pentagon is making headway. The plan would require redrawing the lines of the Unified Command Plan, or UCP, which delineates U.S. Northern, Southern, Central, European and Pacific commands. Now add to that the possibility that there would be an "AfCom."
Read More >>Iranian Submarine Launched Missiles
Iran test fired what appeared to be a Russian Klub-S (3M54) submarine launched anti-ship missile. Weighing two tons, and fired from a 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tube on a Kilo class sub, it has a 440 pound warhead. The anti-ship version speeds up to 3,000 kilometers an hour during its last minute or so of its flight, and has a range of 220 kilometers. There is also a land attack version, with a 300 kilometers range and an 880 pound warhead.
Iran has three Kilo class subs, bought from Russia in the 1990s. China has a dozen on order. China already has some of its Kilos, and has received 3M54 missiles as well. So Iran could have gotten the 3M54s from Russia or China. It's unlikely Iran built their new missiles themselves. Even China, with far more resources, has not gotten far in this area. Much easier to make a deal to get them from Russia or China. Or even India, which also has the 3M54, although is not likely to sell them to Iran.
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