From AF.mil
3/20/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The nation depends upon women, both military and civilian, at all levels of the Defense Department, from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to the upper echelons of military command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here March 19.
Secretary Gates traced the evolving role of women in the Defense Department, from the Revolutionary War through today, during remarks at the Pentagon's Women's History Month observance.
"For over 230 years, American women have served with distinction on the battlefield," he said, "even when they have had to do so in secret."
Secretary Gates cited the example of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Revolutionary War and was wounded twice during battles with British forces. After the war, Miss Sampson was given a $4 annual pension, he said, noting that "a dollar went further in those days."
In World War II, more than 300,000 women volunteered for service, and about 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASP, flew more than 60 million miles in nearly every type of aircraft and role, he said. These women, however, were denied benefits until 1977.
Earlier this month, the WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their wartime service, a "belated recognition of the debt that we owe these and many other patriotic women," Secretary Gates said.
Moving to the present, Secretary Gates noted the importance of women to the nation's current conflicts.
"Since 9/11, women have served everywhere and are critical to our war effort," he said.
Secretary Gates described the heroism of Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown. In 2007, Specialist Brown was serving as a medic in Afghanistan's Paktia province when her convoy was ambushed by insurgents. She braved mortar and small-arms fire to aid soldiers wounded by a homemade bomb. She is credited with saving the lives of five soldiers, he said, and was awarded the Silver Star for her selfless actions.
Secretary Gates also noted the contributions of women at the highest levels of military command.
"They are quietly leading large, diverse institutions with honor, integrity and skill," he said.
Secretary Gates said he had the privilege of promoting the U.S. military's first female four-star general, Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, two years ago.
"General Dunwoody now leads the 66,000 men and women of Army Materiel Command, providing critical supplies and support to our military forces around the world," he said.
Secretary Gates praised the nation's civilian leaders as well. He noted that Michele Flournoy serves as undersecretary of defense for policy, and that Christine Fox is director of the Pentagon's cost assessment and program evaluation office.
"All of these women, and many here in this audience, have volunteered to serve our nation during times of great peril both past and present," the secretary said. "Their example teaches us to persevere in the face of adversity and also to realize that all Americans willing to serve can make magnificent contributions."
Following the secretary's remarks, Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski, the first female member of the Air Force Thunderbirds, expressed her admiration for her predecessors in military aviation. She credits the WASP as the inspiration for her own career.
"These World War II vanguards moved everybody forward, unknowingly shaping the environment that I would inherit and generations of other women military aviators," she said.
"Countless military women like me are part of this vanguard, advancing, changing and shaping our environment," she continued. "We are the greatest military in the world because we combine our unique gifts, women and men alike."
She thanked her predecessors for teaching modern military women the valuable lesson that "women can love their country too and that many of us choose to show it by wearing our nation's uniform."
Showing posts with label DoD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DoD. Show all posts
29 November 2009
DoD: Friday morning at the Pentagon - every Friday
Hat tip to Michael Yon.
Friday Morning at the Pentagon
Friday, 27 November 2009 09:40 JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY Next Article >
Published: 27 November 2009
By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers
Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.
This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.
Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.
"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.
This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.
Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.
The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.
"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.
"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... yet.
"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.
"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.
"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt... Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.... Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.
They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along.... Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.
"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.
These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.
"Did you know that?
The media haven't yet told the story."
V/R TK
TOM KUNK
COL, GS
Division Chief for ODO
HQDA, G3/5/7
Friday Morning at the Pentagon
Friday, 27 November 2009 09:40 JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY Next Article >
Published: 27 November 2009
By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers
Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.
This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.
Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.
"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.
This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.
Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.
The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.
"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.
"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... yet.
"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.
"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.
"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt... Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.... Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.
They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along.... Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.
"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.
These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.
"Did you know that?
The media haven't yet told the story."
V/R TK
TOM KUNK
COL, GS
Division Chief for ODO
HQDA, G3/5/7
17 May 2009
DoD: Happy Armed Forces Day!
On Saturday, May 16th, we pause to commemorate Armed Forces Day and pay tribute to all active duty servicemembers, National Guardsmen and reservists, who, through the thickest of wars and greatest of crises, have raised their hands high to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The theme of this year’s Armed Forces Day, “United in Strength” – seems especially fitting to me, personally – for in my nearly 45 years of wearing the uniform, I have rarely seen our nation and our military as united in common purpose, spirit, and understanding as I do, right now.
For that commitment and that unity, I am grateful to our civilian leadership, as well as our hometowns and local communities. The virtue of serving a cause greater than self is a public virtue, one which is still just as revolutionary as it was during our nation’s founding.
In now our eighth year of war, our armed forces stand as one of the most combat-hardened forces in our history. Yet their uplifting enthusiasm and resilience never cease to inspire. I know – we all know – that this spirit has everything to do with your support. It is a sea of goodwill which lifts the spirits of every military servicemember and family, in times difficult and good. It is that same support and encouragement we cannot do without.
To the more than two million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I extend our heartfelt thanks for your service. And to the nation we serve – we humbly thank you for your unstinting devotion – and for the opportunity to represent the spirit you share so generously, all across the globe.
Sincerely,
M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
The theme of this year’s Armed Forces Day, “United in Strength” – seems especially fitting to me, personally – for in my nearly 45 years of wearing the uniform, I have rarely seen our nation and our military as united in common purpose, spirit, and understanding as I do, right now.
For that commitment and that unity, I am grateful to our civilian leadership, as well as our hometowns and local communities. The virtue of serving a cause greater than self is a public virtue, one which is still just as revolutionary as it was during our nation’s founding.
In now our eighth year of war, our armed forces stand as one of the most combat-hardened forces in our history. Yet their uplifting enthusiasm and resilience never cease to inspire. I know – we all know – that this spirit has everything to do with your support. It is a sea of goodwill which lifts the spirits of every military servicemember and family, in times difficult and good. It is that same support and encouragement we cannot do without.
To the more than two million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I extend our heartfelt thanks for your service. And to the nation we serve – we humbly thank you for your unstinting devotion – and for the opportunity to represent the spirit you share so generously, all across the globe.
Sincerely,
M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
22 April 2009
Pentagon: New Cyber Command
While no final decisions have been made, Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to recommend the creation of a new military command to face the growing threat from cyber warfare, a senior U.S. official told NBC News on Tuesday.
According to the official, the program would not be on the level of a separate combatant command. Instead, the likely recommendation would be to create a "sub-unified command" that would focus entirely on combating cyber warfare but exist under the current Strategic Command.
more here...
According to the official, the program would not be on the level of a separate combatant command. Instead, the likely recommendation would be to create a "sub-unified command" that would focus entirely on combating cyber warfare but exist under the current Strategic Command.
more here...
19 April 2009
DoD: Why We Should Get Rid of West Point, USAFA, USNA...
This one ought to solicit some interesting blow back... "more rigorous institutions?" There is a disconnect somewhere.
By Thomas E. Ricks, Washington Post
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"Want to trim the federal budget and improve the military at the same time? Shut down West Point, Annapolis and the Air Force Academy, and use some of the savings to expand ROTC scholarships."
"After covering the U.S. military for nearly two decades, I've concluded that graduates of the service academies don't stand out compared to other officers. Yet producing them is more than twice as expensive as taking in graduates of civilian schools ($300,000 per West Point product vs. $130,000 for ROTC student). On top of the economic advantage, I've been told by some commanders that they prefer officers who come out of ROTC programs, because they tend to be better educated and less cynical about the military."
"This is no knock on the academies' graduates. They are crackerjack smart and dedicated to national service. They remind me of the best of the Ivy League, but too often they're getting community-college educations."
"Why not send young people to more rigorous institutions on full scholarships, and then, upon graduation, give them a military education at a short-term military school?"
more here...
By Thomas E. Ricks, Washington Post
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"Want to trim the federal budget and improve the military at the same time? Shut down West Point, Annapolis and the Air Force Academy, and use some of the savings to expand ROTC scholarships."
"After covering the U.S. military for nearly two decades, I've concluded that graduates of the service academies don't stand out compared to other officers. Yet producing them is more than twice as expensive as taking in graduates of civilian schools ($300,000 per West Point product vs. $130,000 for ROTC student). On top of the economic advantage, I've been told by some commanders that they prefer officers who come out of ROTC programs, because they tend to be better educated and less cynical about the military."
"This is no knock on the academies' graduates. They are crackerjack smart and dedicated to national service. They remind me of the best of the Ivy League, but too often they're getting community-college educations."
"Why not send young people to more rigorous institutions on full scholarships, and then, upon graduation, give them a military education at a short-term military school?"
more here...
20 February 2009
DoD: Sec Def to consider Russian concerns on Missile Defense
KRAKOW, Poland -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that Russian concerns will be taken into consideration as the Obama administration decides the fate of planned missile defense bases in Eastern Europe.
Gates said at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Krakow that Obama's team has not yet decided whether to continue the Bush administration's plans to put bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, a plan that has outraged Russia.
Washington maintains the planned sites are meant to defend the U.S. and Europe from possible missile launches from the Mideast, but Russia has said the system could upset the traditional balance of power. Russia has proposed working with the U.S. setting up a joint missile defense system.
More here…
Gates said at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Krakow that Obama's team has not yet decided whether to continue the Bush administration's plans to put bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, a plan that has outraged Russia.
Washington maintains the planned sites are meant to defend the U.S. and Europe from possible missile launches from the Mideast, but Russia has said the system could upset the traditional balance of power. Russia has proposed working with the U.S. setting up a joint missile defense system.
More here…
19 February 2009
14 February 2009
DoD: It aint always over just because the rules say so
FORT BENNING, Ga. — Dr. John Burson balked when a skeptical Army staffer asked him to undergo a three-day physical exam to make sure he was fit to deploy as a field surgeon to Afghanistan.
“Look, I’m training to run a half-marathon,” replied Burson, 74, a retired lieutenant colonel. “You come down and check to see if I can make it.”
Burson won the debate and was declared fit for duty. The ear, nose and throat specialist from northwest Georgia wrapped up a weeklong training course this week at Fort Benning before his deployment Friday for a 90-day rotation with a unit of the 101st Airborne Division.
More here....
09 February 2009
DoD: Cyber Security
As part of President Obama’s cyber security plan, the White House is planning on announcing that Melissa Hathaway, the current top cyber security adviser, will oversee a 60-day review of federal cyber security efforts. Insiders have stated that after this assignment, she will likely be offered the position of cyber czar. Hathaway serves as the cyber coordination executive at the office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and was senior adviser to former Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell. She is also as chair on the National Cyber Study Group, as well as a senior-level interagency body that played a lead role in the development of President Bush's Comprehensive National Cyber security Initiative.
More here...
07 February 2009
DoD Joint Forces - Knowledge Advanced Visualization Environment
(SUFFOLK, Va., - Feb. 5, 2009) -- A new laboratory being built at U.S. Joint Forces Command here will enable analysts and warfighters alike to "step into" data fields like those that bombard them during real-life missions.
The "knowledge advanced visualization environment," or KAVE, will expose many of the variables and "what ifs" associated with real-life operations, explained Army Maj. Caeli Hull, the command's deputy division officer for innovation and experimentation.
Users will don 3-D glasses before stepping into the 18-by-10-foot structure. State-of-the-art computer effects and multiple data feeds delivered through screens on all four walls and the floor will converge to create a realistic, three-dimensional environment.
Hull called the KAVE a big step forward in helping joint warfighters and planners view real-world operational data in innovative ways.
More here...
31 January 2009
29 January 2009
DoD: Army Orders Recall of More Than 16,000 Sets of Body Armor
Audit concludes bullet-blocking plates in the vests failed testing and may not provide soldiers with adequate protection
WASHINGTON - Army Secretary Pete Geren has ordered the recall of more than 16,000 sets of body armor following an audit that concluded the bullet-blocking plates in the vests failed testing and may not provide soldiers with adequate protection.
More here...
WASHINGTON - Army Secretary Pete Geren has ordered the recall of more than 16,000 sets of body armor following an audit that concluded the bullet-blocking plates in the vests failed testing and may not provide soldiers with adequate protection.
More here...
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