Afghanistan

Wounded Warrior Diaries: Army Wife Enlists, Escapes Death on Afghan Mountain

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:49:05 -0800

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Many wounded warriors who have served in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom have paid the price for their participation in combat. Depending on that price, many view not only themselves as a hero, but those who were lost.

"I was just doing my job. I think we all were," said former U.S. Army Spc. Susan Downes, who was injured in late 2006 while serving a one-year deployment to Afghanistan. "You know, heroes, I think we all deserve that title. I mean, we're going over there and putting our lives out there. You know, we're getting injured for the people here."

Downes doesn't regret her participation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, but rather she welcomed the chance to serve her country after her husband was medically discharged in late 2004. Soon after his discharge, Downes made the decision to don the Army uniform and follow in her husband's footsteps. She enlisted on Dec. 29, 2004.

"I missed the military lifestyle. I missed the friendships that [I] made. Just the whole camaraderie … everybody together," Downes said. "I wanted something … more from my life."

Transforming From ‘Girlie Girl' to Soldier

Soon after Downes joined the U.S. Army, she underwent six months of training and was sent to Afghanistan to serve a one-year deployment. Then in her early twenties, Downes had to undergo a major transformation from what she calls her "girlie-girl" days of high school. After her training, she was assigned to the 18th Military Police Brigade's 95th MP Battalion, 230th Military Police Company in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

"The excitement … that I was serving my country because of the war and everything and I knew I would probably be deployed [as an] MP," Downes said. "I knew that when I signed up and I was ready to go because… it would make me feel proud of myself [for] serving the country and going over there and doing what I thought … was right and what I needed to do."

Her career choice as an MP was rooted from her desire to join the FBI. "I had this whole big plan, go serve for five years … take some school while I was in there, and maybe go [criminal investigative division] … and, after that, try the FBI," said Downes.

But, as plans often do, they changed for Downes on Nov. 28, 2006 when she was severely wounded in combat while deployed to Afghanistan's Lowgar province, about an hour south of Kabul. She had just returned from a two-week R&R.

"The day I was injured I had actually gotten back from R&R like two days earlier," added Downes. "[My supervisor] asked me to volunteer for a mission, and I accepted as a gunner. And, it was a good morning, it was a peaceful morning."

Downes added that most people probably don't comprehend the beauty of Afghanistan. "Believe it or not, Afghanistan has some really pretty scenery," said Downes. "[On the day I was injured,] the snow was already coming down and I felt really great that morning. I had a lot of motivation, I guess because I was back with my unit and I was happy to actually go back out again."

Army Spc. Susan Downes holds an Afghan girl during her tour there in 2006. Downes was seriously wounded there in November 2006 when the convoy she was riding in ran over a bomb. Courtesy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

And, as fate would have it, on her unit's last mission to the area, she suffered such severe injuries that many of the medics tending to her believed she might die.

A Life-changing Moment

On the morning of Nov. 28, snow was accumulating quickly and the temperature was falling.

"About 30 minutes into the mission, all I remember is actually getting cold because the snow had started to fall down really fast," added Downes. "And, I was fixing my neck gator up and that's the only thing I remember."

Downes, who was in the lead Humvee that morning, was in the only vehicle of the three-vehicle convoy that was destroyed in the roadside bomb blast.

Downes and an Afghan interpreter survived the blast, but two others -- Staff Sgt. Michael A. Shank, 31 of Bonham, Texas and Spc. Jeffrey G. Roberson, 22, of Phelan, Calif. – were killed.

Downes believed that her survival was largely due to how she was positioned in the Humvee. "In the truck, I was the lead gunner. [I] had the .50 calibar … [and] I was standing up," she said. "I never sit down because you can't really get any kind of good security when you're sitting down. I think if I had been sitting down in that truck that day, I wouldn't be here."

When the lead armored Humvee was struck, the vehicle flipped on its side, pinning Downes. "The gunner's shield was actually on top of my legs holding me down in the truck," she said.

Several members of her unit attempted to pull her from her pinned location, but were only able to remove her after her unit collectively assisted in lifting the one-ton Humvee.

Once Downes was removed from her pinned location, she would not only lose both of her legs from the knee down, but would also suffer several setbacks before receiving medical treatment, namely, a four-hour wait for a MedEvac due to hazardous weather.

"They refused MedEvac because we were in the mountains and the snow was coming down pretty hard. It was a blizzard pretty much by then," Downes said.

The Longest Day

The unit's only other option to save Downes' life was to transport her to the nearest NATO hospital, and eventually to Bagram Air Base in Kabul. On the first leg of the six-hour convoy to the nearest hospital, she had lost nearly all of her blood supply. Upon arrival to the NATO hospital, the medics discovered that the hospital had run out of Downes' blood type -- O negative.

Downes said the medic in charge had to make a life or death decision for her: He gave her O positive blood in attempt to keep her body warm during the remaining convoy to Bagram.

"The medic in charge that day actually made that decision … so he could keep my body warm," Downes said. "But either way, he said I could have died, but he wanted to at least keep my body war enough until we got to Bagram."

Not only did Downes survive the bomb blast, but she endured 10 hours of life and death survival. For her, the guiding force to remain in the fight was her two children, who were living stateside with their father.

"I knew I had something to live for so, I think having my children, I think that really is what, you know, kept me alive, kept me fighting," Downes said.

Downes remained at Bagram for a few days prior to her transfer to Landstuhl, Germany. On Dec. 3, she was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here where she remained in rehabilitation for the next year and a half.

While at Walter Reed, an occupational therapist introduced Downes to the idea of using a therapy dog.

"I'm an advocate about these dogs. I want to get every solider a dog. It is … one of my main goals," Downes said.

Since leaving rehabilitation, Downes and her family and her therapy dog, Leila, have moved back to her hometown of Tazewell, Tennessee. Prior to her move back to Tennessee, Downes was hired by a local construction company to manage their administrative department.

Downes now has new goals for herself. "I want to go back to school. I like graphic design, and that's what I want to go into," she said.

(Editor's note: This is the first in a series of Wounded Warrior Diaries. Navy Lt. Jennifer is assigned to the New Media Directorate of the Defense Media Activity)

Coalition Forces Kill Taliban, Capture Weapons

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:23:56 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Coalition and Afghan forces killed 14 militants and captured weapons caches during operations in Afghanistan over the past several days, military officials reported. Coalition forces killed five armed Taliban militants during an operation in Ghazni province's Andar district yesterday. The operation targeted a Taliban militant involved in terrorist activities intended to destabilize the region. The armed militants failed to follow coalition forces' commands to cease their hostile actions. Coalition forces engaged the militants, killing them.

The Taliban militant was among those killed. A search of the area found five AK-47 rifles, multiple hand grenades and military-style clothing.

During Oct. 11 operations, coalition forces killed four militants, including an al-Qaida commander and a Taliban commander, during an operation in Ghanzi province.

The enemy commanders were known weapons and foreign fighter facilitators and were involved in coordinating a series of anti-government attacks in the Andar district. Two other militants were detained. A search of the area produced an AK-47 rifle, 600 blasting caps; 6,000 rounds of ammunition; rocket-propelled grenades; rolls of detonation cord and a mine.

Also on Oct. 11, Afghan and coalition security forces killed five militants during a sweep-and-clear operation in the Khakriz district of Kandahar province. A weapons cache was discovered and confiscated. It included four rocket-propelled grenades, one AK-47 rifle and improvised explosive device-making materials.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces confiscated a weapons cache during a patrol in Oruzgan province's Deh Rawood district Oct. 10. The cache contained 25 rockets, 29 mortar rounds, 22 rocket-propelled grenade boosters and five grenades.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.

Coalition Forces Target Taliban in Eastern Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 14:16:29 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Coalition forces killed five enemy fighters in operations Oct. 3, targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks in eastern Afghanistan. Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander in Andar district who is known to plan and coordinate bombing attacks in Ghazni province. He is also wanted for helping move foreign fighters into Afghanistan.

In Ghazni, coalition forces killed two armed militants. Coalition forces found several AK-47s and bomb-making materials at the compound.

In Konar, coalition forces called in air strikes on several enemy fighters as they approached a U.S. base. Three armed militants were killed. Forces searched the area and found several AK-47s, hand grenades and other military style equipment.

In other operations in Afghanistan, one civilian was killed and four others wounded in the village of Matin in Pech District, Konar province, yesterday when militants attacked an Afghan National Army and coalition forces patrol.

The fighters shot at the joint forces patrol and fired rocket-propelled grenades. The enemy fighters also attacked the local village, according to officials. The body of the civilian was recovered. No coalition forces were wounded.

One enemy fighter blew himself up Oct. 2 as coalition forces targeted the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province. Coalition forces searched a compound for a known foreign fighter facilitator for the Haqqani terrorist network. As forces moved in, the suspect detonated a suicide vest, killing himself. No coalition forces were injured in the blast.

Also Oct. 2, Coalition forces detained four suspected militants during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force-101 releases.

Afghan Militants Kill Civilian in Eastern Afghanistan Fighting

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 12:37:24 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – An Afghan civilian was killed and four were wounded on the morning of October 3, 2008, when militants attacked a village in eastern Afghanistan where coalition and Afghan troops were on patrol, military officials reported.

The firefight started when militants engaged the joint forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Matin, a village in the Pech district of Konar province, officials said.

While returning fire, Afghan soldiers also provided immediate medical care to the wounded and transported them to a medical facility for treatment, officials said. The body of the civilian was recovered and returned to his village, they said.

No servicemembers were wounded in the attack, and the incident is under investigation, they said.

The incident followed several days of fighting along the Pakistan border.

Coalition forces yesterday captured four insurgents during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province, military officials said. The operation targeted a foreign terrorist in the Sabari district who is believed to coordinate and direct militant activities against local residents there, as well as Afghan and coalition forces, they said.

The suspect, who was detained, is believed to be in direct contact with other Haqqani sub-commanders, coordinating terrorist activities intended to destabilize the region, officials said. Coalition forces searched the compound, finding weapons and related items, which were destroyed to prevent future use.

In other news, coalition forces killed three militants Sept. 30 in the Arghandab district of Zabol province in southeast Afghanistan.

Coalition forces were conducting a patrol in a densely vegetated area when they were fired on by militants using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a remote position. The troops responded with small-arms, heavy weapons and indirect fire, killing three militants.

No Afghan or coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.

Poppy-Free Nangarhar Province Shows Afghanistan Improvements

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:51:05 -0700

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Sept. 26, 2008 – Things are looking up in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a region that has been declared poppy-free and experiences little insurgent-generated violence, senior U.S. officials posted in Afghanistan told Pentagon reporters today.

The report was in contrast to a Pentagon briefing earlier in the day in which Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed increased tensions along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. Nangahar borders Pakistan, just east of Afghanistan's capital city, Kabul.

Shawn Waddoups and Army Lt. Col. Gregory Allison, the U.S. State Department and military leaders, respectively, of Provincial Reconstruction Team Jalalabad that operates in Nangarhar, briefed President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai via video teleconference earlier today. Karzai is in Washington for meetings with Bush and other senior U.S. officials.

The 26 provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan comprise "a central part of the counterinsurgency strategy, which combines economic development, education, and infrastructure with security, all aiming to help this young democracy not only survive, but to thrive, so that it never becomes a safe haven for those who would do us harm," Bush said after the teleconference.

Karzai said "life was better" in his country, and he thanked Bush and the United States "for all that you have done for Afghanistan."

During the news conference, Waddoups recalled Nangarhar's Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai telling him about a year ago, "I'll be able to wipe out the poppy crop."

The governor did so by issuing an ultimatum to growers: plow up the poppy fields, or go to jail.

Today, Nangarhar province has been declared by a United Nations body as being poppy free, Waddoups said.

Poppy eradication is a major goal of the United Nations because the plants are processed into heroin, sold on the black market and used to fund terrorist groups.

Afghan farmers in Nangarhar province now grow onions, wheat and other food crops, Waddoups said. There is more interaction between Afghans and their government than in the past, he said, noting the myriad government-provided improvements consisting of new buildings, roads, schools, bridges and other infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the reconstruction team hopes to see the development of hydro-electric dams to generate power that can be used to establish food-processing factories and create much-needed jobs, said Allison, who's also commander of the 935th Agribusiness Development Team that serves Nangarhar province.

"The agriculture piece, of course, is a viable alternative (to poppy growing)," Allison said. "But, it's not a ‘quick fix.' It takes time for crops to grow, and in some of the rural and remote areas, irrigation is a problem."

Irrigation is being addressed, but large amounts of electricity is needed to run factories that can process foodstuffs and provide jobs, Allison said. Fortunately, Nangarhar province has abundant water resources for hydro-electric power, he said.

"The electricity problem is particularly difficult," Waddoups said. However, Afghan leaders are looking to obtain resources for electricity-generating projects through internal funding or via the international donor community, he said.

The outstanding Afghan army and police in Nangarhar province "are in the lead" providing security for residents, Waddoups said. Improvised explosive devices constitute the main, but rarely seen, insurgent threat in the province, he said.

"The insurgents, frankly, they can't stand toe-to-toe with the Afghan security forces in our part of the country," Waddoups said.

Source: US Department of Defense

US Troops Help Build Afghan Air Corps

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:17:25 -0700

By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – A team of 170 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have been tasked with recruiting, training and equipping the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

"Our goal is to develop this Air Corps to be fully independent and fully operational, capable to meet (the) security requirements of Afghanistan," Air Force Maj. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told bloggers during a teleconference yesterday from Afghanistan. Lindell is commander of Combined Air Transition Force, Combined Security Transition Command.

The air transition force is is developing mobility missions including presidential airlift, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, and a general battlefield and logistical support capability, Lindell said.

The force is insisting on qualified recruits to populate the Air Corps, and only the top 20 percent that come through the Kabul Military Training Center are selected, he said.

New recruits tapped to be airmen or technicians must be literate, with at least an eighth grade education, he said.

While most of the Afghan airmen lack additional formal education, they are motivated and eager to learn, Lindell said.

"Their motivation and their willingness and desire to learn, and desire to be part of this National Army Air Corps, makes up for maybe their lack of education," he said.

Even among those selected for the overall Air Corps, pilot selection requires another layer of filtering. Out of the 105 pilot candidates, Lindell said only the 48 most qualified will attend training in the United States next year.

"All have university degrees, and all are recommended by commanders, and all have passed an initial medical screening exam," he said.

Further tests will include a flight aptitude exam and a board selection process to see who is the most qualified.

The transition force also has helped supply newer aircraft, which was an area of concern for the Afghans.

"Currently, we have 27 total aircraft with the National Army Air Corps, and we do have a campaign plan that builds this Air Corps over the next eight years," Lindell said. "We will build it to roughly 125 aircraft throughout our campaign plan."

The number of aircraft already has tripled since September 2007, with planes coming from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine, Lindell said. The aircraft from the Slovak Republic, Czech Republic and Ukraine were refurbished and financed through the Afghan Security Forces Fund, while the others were donated by the United Arab Emirates, he said.

Source: US Department of Defense - Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.

Gates: Three Combat Brigades Available for Afghanistan by Summer

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:41:48 -0700

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Up to three additional brigade combat teams will likely be available for deployment to Afghanistan next spring and summer, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Gates, who provided his assessment in response to lawmakers' questions during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, qualified his answer with a caveat, saying it's worth considering how heavy a military footprint the United States ought to have in Afghanistan.

"Are we better off channeling resources into building and expanding the size of the Afghan National Army as quickly as possible, as opposed to a much larger Western footprint?" he asked rhetorically.

Gates said the deployment of three brigades now would be impossible without significant force adjustments. "Without changing deployment patterns, without changing length of tours," he said, "we do not have the forces to send three additional brigade combat teams to Afghanistan at this point."

Today's discussion of force levels came after pledges by President Bush and NATO leaders to boost the number of troops deployed to Afghanistan. The United States will deploy to Afghanistan a Marine battalion in November and an Army brigade combat team in January -- units that both had been slated for Iraq -- in accordance with the president's announcement after an April NATO meeting in Bucharest, Romania.

Following that summit, allies and partners of NATO's International Security Assistance Force restated their commitment to Afghanistan, Gates said. France added 700 troops in eastern Afghanistan, Germany will seek to increase its troop ceiling from 3,500 to 4,500 this fall, and Poland is increasing its forces by 400 troops, he said.

"The number of coalition forces, including NATO troops, has increased from about 20,000 to nearly 31,000, and it appears that this trend will continue, as other allies such as the United Kingdom add more troops," the secretary said.

But Gates warned that additional forces alone will not solve the conflict in Afghanistan.

"Security is just one aspect of the campaign, alongside development and governance," he said. "We must maintain momentum, keep the international community engaged and develop the capacity of the Afghan government," he said.

Source: US Department of Defense

Afghan Defense Minister Recommends Task Force for Border Region

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:10:19 -0700

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - The Pakistani government is looking at a proposal by Afghanistan to create a joint force tasked with combating insurgents along their shared border, the Afghan defense minister said today.

"We should have a combined joint task force for coalition, Afghan and Pakistan to be able to operate on both sides of the border, regardless of which side," Abdul Rahim Wardak told reporters at the Pentagon.

Wardak said the concept of the joint task force was discussed a month and half ago at a tripartite meeting with prospective partner nations, including Pakistan. "They say they are looking at it," Wardak said of the government in Islamabad.

The minister said 2008 likely will yield the highest levels of violence in Afghanistan in recent years, and estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 full-time insurgents are operating there.

He declined to estimate the number of foreign combatants entering Afghanistan from Pakistan and elsewhere, but said NATO and Afghan forces have faced many more foreign fighters than local ones. "In some cases, they have to use interpreters to talk to the [local people]," he said of the foreign militants.

Pentagon officials have cited the tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as a refuge for militants responsible for violence in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in June praised Islamabad for pledging to renew pressure along its northwestern border following a 40-percent increase in NATO's Regional Command East since the start of 2008.

"The challenges that we're facing in Afghanistan … are in some measure a result of the relaxation of pressure on the Pakistani side of the border," Gates said during a Pentagon news conference. "The pressure was taken off of these people and these groups, and they've therefore been more free to be able to cross the border and create problems for us."

Wardak fielded reporters' questions today after touring the Pentagon Memorial, a two-acre park dedicated to the 184 victims who died when hijackers slammed an airline into the U.S. military's top headquarters. He expressed regret that Afghanistan was where those responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks hatched the plot that would claim the lives of nearly 3,000 victims, and he reiterated his nation's commitment to combating terrorism.

"I think from the beginning, the Afghan government was of the opinion that we have to [target] the sanctuaries and hideouts of the terrorists, wherever they are," he said.

Source: US Department of Defense

America in Pakistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:29:51 -0700

caglecartoon

Afghan and Coalition Forces Kill Militants, Detain Two in

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:14:22 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2008 – Coalition troops and Afghan national policemen killed an unspecified number of militants and detained two suspected insurgents yesterday in Khowst province, military officials said.

The militants are believed to be part the Haqqani terrorist group and are responsible for numerous bombings throughout Afghanistan, officials said.

As coalition and Afghan forces approached the enemy fighters' compound, several militants maneuvered on them with Ak-47 assault rifles. The militants ignored coalition pleas to disarm, which coalition troops considered as the militants "displaying hostile intent," officials said.

Coalition forces called in precision air strikes from coalition aircraft, then engaged the enemy fighters with small arms, killing several. Two militants were later detained, officials said.

Source: US Department of Defense

Coalition Forces in Afghanistan Kill Enemy Fighters

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:29:58 -0700

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 24, 2008 – Coalition forces killed “multiple militants” yesterday during an operation to disrupt militant activities in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, military officials reported.

The force searched a remote area in the province’s Tag Ab district targeting a senior Taliban commander smuggling weapons and foreign fighters into Afghanistan, as well as organizing rocket, roadside-bomb and suicide attacks against coalition and NATO forces.

During the operation, armed militants engaged the force. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants, officials said.

Coalition forces searched the area and discovered multiple AK-47 assault rifles and machine guns. The weapons were destroyed to prevent future use.

Source: US Department of Defense - From a Combined Joint Task Force 101 news release.

John McCain's Foreign Policy Expertise: Plus or Minus?

Bob Hertzog — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:17:33 -0700

Poor John McCain, he has based his strongest argument for why he should be president on his supposed foreign policy expertise. But his expertise seems more and more under attack, even from some in his own party. Now, McCain’s well-known volcanic temper seems ready to erupt, because he seems unable to get Obama to agree the he was correct about some foreign policy issues. So, with respect to McCain’s foreign policy, let’s take a look at what he seemed to have correct and what he seemed to have incorrect.

McCain was clearly right about the surge and that General Petraeus was indeed the right man to put in charge. Petraeus developed a brilliant battle plan and McCain was right to back him.

McCain was dead wrong about the Iraq war in the first place. This war has been almost surely the worst foreign policy blunder of America’s entire history. It has taken the lives of 4,000 Americans and an untold number of Iraqis and caused a loss of American credibility around the world that will take years to recover, if American ever recovers its credibility at all. We attacked a small nation that was never a threat to us, was not engaged in terrorism, and had no weapons of mass destruction. In doing so, we violated every principle that American has stood upon, for over 200 years. McCain supported that and still refuses to recognize what an awful blunder it was. Obama was correct about the war from the outset.

At the time the Iraq war began, we had things pretty much under control in Afghanistan. Bin Laden was cornered and would soon have been captured and the Taliban was all but wiped out. McCain supported moving troops out of Afghanistan to fight in Iraq. With his foreign policy expertise, McCain supported taking troops away from fighting the war we needed to fight (in order to put bin Laden out of business) and shifting them to a war we had absolutely not business at all fighting, against a nation that did not threaten us. I would prefer a little more sophisticated foreign policy expertise.

McCain supported freedom in Iraq. So, now, the Iraqis are free and as a free nation they want us to tell them when we will leave. They are free, a sovereign nation and they have asked us to get out. McCain says we should stay indefinitely until we get ready to leave. Is that the kind of foreign policy we want our nation to have? Not for me!

McCain’s foreign policy follows what was President Bush’s idea that we don’t talk to anyone we don’t like. At least that was Bush’s policy until he sent a high-level diplomat to talk to Iran. Now McCain does not seem to know just what to do. Does he support Bush, as he has in the past, or is he going to separate himself from bush and go his own bellicose, “don’t tread on me” way.

Poor John. He seems panicked. In his agitated state he struck out at Obama with the most virulent personal attack, that I have seen in a presidential campaign for a very long time. He said that he would rather lose a political campaign than lose a war, but the Obama is willing to lose a war in order to score a political victory. McCain is a man who made a point of saying he would keep the campaign clean. He seems to be losing his cool.

Coalition Air Strikes Kill Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:48:40 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - An undetermined number of enemy fighters were killed today in separate air strikes in Afghanistan, with one of the engagements prompting an investigation into reports that Afghan National Police officers were killed.

Combined Joint Task Force 101 officials said they’ve launched an investigation into an incident in which a combined U.S.-Afghan patrol came under attack by a “non-uniformed hostile force” early this morning in the Ana Dara district of western Afghanistan’s Farah province.

The combined patrol signaled their status as coalition forces, but continued to receive fire, officials said. Coalition forces then returned small-arms fire and engaged the attackers with precision close-air support. The Afghan government claims Afghan National Police officers -- one report says four and another report says nine -- were killed in the engagement, a CJTF 101 spokesman said.

In a separate Farah province incident early today, coalition forces called in air strikes to kill several enemy fighters. An exact number of enemy fighters killed was not available.

One of the militants targeted in the air strikes was an area weapons facilitator, and no civilians or coalition forces were injured in the engagement, officials said.

In other news from Afghanistan, security forces killed an undisclosed number of enemy fighters and detained more than a dozen during July 18 operations in Kandahar province, officials said. A large cache of artillery rounds, grenade fuses, and small-arms ammunition was recovered during the operation.

In operations last week, a team of Afghan National Army commandos and U.S. special operations forces freed a kidnapped man July 17 after finding him shackled near a Taliban jail in the village of Parmakan in western Afghanistan’s Herat province. The troops were searching a compound where a Taliban commander was known to have been when they discovered the jail. Local citizens said the Taliban routinely take hostages from the villages and demand a ransom for their release.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill Scores of Militants, Capture Several Others

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:56:30 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 – Coalition troops and Afghan security forces killed scores of militants and captured more than a dozen others during operations across Afghanistan over the past several days, military officials said.

Several militants were killed, and 11 were detained during three separate coalition operations conducted in Helmand and Ghazni provinces yesterday.

-- Coalition forces searched compounds in the Reeq district of Helmand province, targeting a militant leader known to facilitate foreign-fighter operations and weapons smuggling. Coalition forces identified a group of armed militants maneuvering against the force and responded with small-arms fire. In another area, a militant fired at coalition forces from a building. Several militants were killed and detained in the engagements. Coalition forces discovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition and ammunition vests. The weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

-- Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during a separate operation in the Andar district of Ghazni province.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants during operations in the Sangain district of Helmand province. Afghan troops on security patrol spotted a three-man mortar team near a village. The enemy attacked the Afghan patrol with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. After a firefight, the militants fled to a nearby residence and used it as a fighting position. Afghan and coalition forces waited until all women and children had left the area before calling in an air strike that killed the militants. Two fortified enemy positions were destroyed.

In other news, coalition troops patrolling the Zerok district of Paktika province pounded a group of anti-Afghan government militants June 20. About 55 militants were killed, 25 were wounded, and three were detained as the result of coalition ground and aerial attacks, officials said. The battle occurred along the main road between Zerok and Orgun districts. The coalition attack was in response to a recent ambush by the enemy in the area. Coalition patrols continue to report additional enemy casualties, including the deaths of three key militant leaders.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.

"Jingle Air" Supplies Isolated Soldiers

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:58:29 -0700

By Army Sgt. Charles Brice
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan, June 23, 2008 – Imagine being a soldier out on the border of eastern Afghanistan and your only connection to the rest of the world is a pallet of supplies on the back of a foreign helicopter. That is what it is like for coalition forces cut off and isolated throughout parts of Afghanistan.

With the troops focused on combat missions, the Mesopotamia Group created “Jingle Air” to move cargo in and out of hard-to-reach locations.

Jingle Air offers helicopter services throughout Afghanistan.

The name comes from Afghanistan’s popular culture. People often decorate with colors, ornaments, bells and paintings just about anything they posses, including their transportation. The trucks of Afghanistan are the most ornamented of all.

“Jingle Air is a key logistic enabler, which allows 4th Brigade, Currahee Combat Team to conduct counterinsurgency operations in an area roughly the size of West Virginia,” said Army Maj. Jon Beale of 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, and Combined Task Force Currahee.

A “Jingle Air” Mi-8 HIP heavy-duty helicopter prepares for a cargo airlift operation to a forward operating base in Afghanistan, June 7, 2008. In May, Jingle Air moved 1.53 million pounds of cargo to servicemembers in the field and to forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charles Brice, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment
high-resolution image available.

With a fleet of Mi-8 HIP heavy-duty helicopters and five flight teams, Jingle Air can move up to 3.2 million pounds of cargo throughout Afghanistan, said Army Capt. James E. Fager, officer in charge of transportation and logistical operations for 801st BSB in Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.

“Jingle Air’s track record speaks for itself,” said Fager, who explained the crew has conducted 20 emergency resupply missions in conjunction with supporting many areas of operations. Last month alone, Jingle Air moved 1.53 million pounds of cargo to troops out in the field and to forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan.

“The pilots of Jingle Air are very motivated to fly, and they take a personal interest in making sure the operations go well,” Fager said.

Jingle Air pilots hail from different countries and nationalities. Still, they all work together toward a common goal: to ensure the cargo gets to its destination.

“Jingle Air is a force multiplier, and it allows us to move much-needed supplies and equipment,” Fager said.

Source: US Department of Defense - Army Sgt. Charles Brice serves with the 382nd Public Affairs Detachment.

Suicide Bomber Kills 80 in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:53:08 -0800

By Barry Newhouse
Voice of America

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - Witnesses said the blast over the weekend tore through a crowd of mostly men and boys who were watching a dog fighting festival.

Interior Ministry Spokesman Zamary Bashary called the blast a "very bad" suicide attack.

"The police are investigating the case," said Bashary. "Right now we are sure it was a suicide bomber. Some parts of the legs are remaining on the spot."

Speaking to VOA, he condemned what he called the "criminals" behind the attack and said it shows the perpetrators are opposed to the Afghan people.

Dog fighting competitions are popular in parts of Afghanistan, but were officially banned under the Taliban.

Witnesses at Sunday's blast reported a few police officers and militia leaders opposed to the Taliban were among those killed.

The Taliban, which has waged a tenacious insurgency in southern Afghanistan in the past two years, has not claimed responsibility for the attack. The group frequently takes credit for attacks on government and military targets, but rarely celebrates bombings that cause heavy civilian casualties.

2007 was the deadliest year in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. In November, a bomb attack targeting a group of Afghan parliament members killed more than 40 people.

Source: Voice of America

Coalition Troops in Afghanistan Detain Four Insurgents

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:09:45 -0800

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Four suspected insurgents were detained over the weekend by coalition troops in Afghanistan during an operation to disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Zabul province, military officials said.

Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in Qalat district targeting a Taliban leader linked to anti-government operations in the area. While conducting their search, coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks, including one identified as a mid-level Taliban leader. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other illegal activities.

"Coalition forces are systematically depleting the Taliban's cadre of experienced leaders to the benefit of the Afghan people and the positive progress of Afghanistan," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a coalition forces spokesman.

In other news, Afghan citizens have supplied information leading to the recovery of several weapons caches during the past week in Nangarhar province's Kot and Khogyani sectors.

The largest cache was discovered Feb. 14 near Shamakalay Village, Khogyani district. This cache included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, eight rocket-propelled grenade rounds, five rocket-propelled grenade boosters, two hand grenades, a mortar fuse and a stockpile of 25 mm ammunition.

Another weapons cache was found Feb. 12 in Kailoaghu, Khogyani district. This cache consisted of two anti-personnel mines, a hand grenade, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher in good condition.

Afghan security forces, assisted by coalition forces, found a suspected insurgent weapons cache near Laghurji Village, Kot district, Feb. 8. That cache contained 10 anti-tank mines, three 60 mm mortar rounds and two 82 mm mortar rounds.

Source: US Department of Defense - (Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

Audio: Suicide Bomber Kills 80 in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:58:55 -0800

A suicide-bomb attack in Afghanistan's southern city Kandahar has killed at least 80 people and wounded scores more, according to security officials. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad the attack, one of the deadliest in Afghanistan in recent years, also killed some militia fighters opposed to the Taliban. Voice of America

Coalition Forces Degrade Enemy Operations in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 02:11:09 -0800

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, AFGHANISTAN – Several armed insurgents were killed Jan. 31 in Oruzgan province during a coalition operation to degrade weapons-facilitation networks in the area.

Coalition forces searched compounds in the Deh Rahwood district targeting a Taliban insurgent believed to be involved with supplying arms to militants who conducted several attacks on coalition forces. The individual also is reported to be associated with foreign fighter-facilitation cells in the area.

While conducting a search of compounds, coalition forces were engaged by several armed insurgents. Coalition forces returned fire, killing the insurgents.

After securing the area, coalition forces recovered numerous small arms and rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, as well as an improvised explosive device. Allwere destroyed on site to prevent their use by extremist forces.

"Coalition forces are focused on disrupting every facet of insurgent operations," Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman, said.

Source: US Department of Defense - (From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

Afghan, Coalition Forces Deliver Needed Items to Women’s Center

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:56:04 -0800

American Forces Press Service

FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN – Afghan National Army soldiers, assisted by coalition forces, distributed food, tea and clothes to more than 350 women and children visiting the Afghan government's Women's Affairs Department office in downtown Farah, Jan. 26.

"This is a great help to us, because we need this," said Sovida, a 13-year-old seventh-grader who received flour and shoes from the soldiers. "It is good to distribute the food through the Women's Affairs Department, because women feel comfortable here."

The soldiers distributed more than 1,000 pounds of flour, rice and tea. They also gave clothes, shoes and blankets to the women and children registered with the department. The donations will help ease the effects of the harsh winter months.

An Afghan National Army soldier distributes food to villagers in Afghanistan's Farah province Jan. 26, 2008. Afghan and coalition servicemembers distributed goods to assist Afghanistan's Department of Women's Affairs office in Farah helping poor families get through the winter. U.S. Army photo
high-resolution.

"During the winter, food becomes hard to get because prices go up," said Lailuna Sadiqi, director of the Farah Women's Affairs office. "This is one of the coldest winters in Farah. We have many women who are poor and need a lot of help."

Sadiqi added that she's happy the Afghan army was able to distribute the food at the office in Farah, because it shows the army is concerned about the citizens of Farah province and all citizens of Afghanistan.

"The ANA did a great job of providing security and organizing the distribution of aid to the women," she said. "I look forward to working with the ANA and the coalition soldiers again to provide more aid to the poor."

The Afghan army and government are committed to meeting the needs of the nation's people, said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Visits like this prove their commitment to helping citizens in remote areas of Afghanistan," he added.

Source: US Department of Defense - From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.

President Bush in His Last Year of Office

Bob Hertzog — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:52:56 -0800

In 2009, when President Bush hands off the responsibility to lead this nation, he will give his successor a nation in worse condition than any other president before him. Here are some of the problems the new president will face: a fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan ballooning out of control, a continuing stalemate between Israelis and Palestinians, Iran with nuclear intentions still unclear, global warming unaddressed, U.S. leadership in the world at its lowest point well over 100 years, illegal immigration still unresolved, 40 million Americans with no, or inadequate, health insurance, and an economy teetering on the brink of recession.

It is true, of course, that every new president inherits some of the problems from the previous president’s administration, but in the case of President Bush those problems are myriad and overwhelming. What has been accomplished in the 7 years of this presidency? Not one of the nation’s serious problems have been resolved or even seriously addressed by this administration. Under President Bush’s leadership America has started two wars, both of which are still unresolved, and those wars have occupied this President to the point of such distraction that most of our other national and international problems have placed on the back burner.

Even the wars – the one thing to which this president seems to have paid attention – have been mishandled to the point of buffoonery. He pulled forces from the first war – the one we had every right to fight – before it was won and sent them on an ill-conceived and badly managed invasion of a country that presented us no serious threat, in an effort to find weapons of mass destruction that did not exist. Bush strutted out on an aircraft carrier to proclaim mission accomplished before the second war was over. Now young American men are still dying in both wars. The result of all of this is that the American nation is less secure today than it was before the wars were started.

Fifty years from now as historians look back on the dawn of the 21^st century, I believe they will rank the Bush presidency as the worst in our nation’s history, lower even than Buchanan, Harding, Grant and even Carter. I do not envy the task of the next president, regardless of the party that wins the White House.

Shkin Afghan National Police Arrest IED cell in Paktika Province, Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 7 Jan 2008 01:00:53 -0800

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – Afghan National Police from Shkin arrested a two-man terrorist cell Jan. 5 in Bermel District, Paktika Province.
The two insurgents are suspected of being responsible for a remote-controlled improvised explosive device attack, which injured an Afghan National Army soldier and a support technician near Shkin Nov. 12. The Shkin ANP independently developed the intelligence identifying, locating and targeting the two-man cell. The same cell is also implicated in several other attacks using remote-controlled IEDs throughout Bermel District.

During the raid of the insurgent's compound, ANP investigators found evidence of their involvement in several IED attacks. Several IED components, weapons, cell phones and documents were discovered.

Before the operation, ANP leaders coordinated with the provincial governor and Coalition forces. Afterward, a shura was held with village elders to present evidence against the criminals.

"Arresting these insurgents will put a significant dent in IED attacks in Bermel District," an unidentified Coalition forces soldier said. "Having Afghan National Police conduct the entire operation, from developing the intelligence and targeting the individuals, to conducting the operation and capturing the insurgents, shows how far the ANP have come in their development."

"The ANP are intent on maintaining the pressure on insurgents, and in particular, IED facilitators throughout Paktika Province, just as the ANSF intend to maintain that pressure throughout all of Afghanistan," stated a Coalition forces soldier.

Source: Bagram Media Center - Combined Joint Task Force 82

Afghan Forces Deliver Supplies to Orphans in Kandahar

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 5 Jan 2008 18:08:14 -0800

Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, AFGHANISTAN – Afghan national security forces and coalition forces delivered more than a ton of food, clothes and toys to the nearly 380 children of Shahid Ali Ahad Khan Karzi Orphanage and school in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Dec. 30.

The children, ranging in age from 6 to 13, received clothes and shoes to help them endure the harsh Afghan winter, as well as new toys, soccer balls and school supplies.

Afghan soldiers also provided rice, beans and cooking oil to the orphanage staff. The orphanage's principal said the supplies came at the right time, as the storage room was empty.

In addition to the toys, food and supplies, the children also received free medical care from Afghan security forces and coalition doctors and medics. With winter weather settling in, some of the children were treated for minor ailments, such as ear infections and other flu-like symptoms. The children also learned good hygiene habits to keep them healthy.

A coalition forces soldier greets a group of Afghan boys at the Sahid Ali Ahad Khan Karzi Orphanage and school in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, Dec. 30, 2007. U.S. Army photo
high-resolution image

"This was an excellent opportunity to show the children that we are concerned for their well-being," an unidentified Afghan soldier said.

"I am very pleased with the help that you brought for the children," the orphanage principal said. "God bless your kindness."

Source: US Department of Defense - From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.

Mullen Says Evaluating Afghan Strategy Makes Sense

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:35:57 -0800

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

MANAS, KRYGYZSTAN – Constantly evaluating U.S. strategy in Afghanistan makes sense given the unpredictability of the area and the enemy, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here on Friday, December 21, 2007.

The U.S. military constantly examines its plans and strategies, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen said in an interview. The admiral explained that the United States will lead and participate in preparing a new concept paper for NATO in Afghanistan that will be presented during the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, in April. The strategy review also will help mold that paper, he said.

"What I found in these countries is that it is important to constantly evaluate where you are," Mullen said. "They are so complex, and the dynamics are unpredictable and changing constantly. There are actually a wide variety of nations in and out of NATO; all think we should be considering what our strategy in Afghanistan should be."

Mullen broke off from a USO holiday tour to meet with U.S. and NATO leaders in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday and today. He also visited a Canadian forward operating base outside Kandahar today. While much more work needs to be done, he said, he is optimistic about the future of the country. "I was here in October, and I left more optimistic than I expected to, and I think the same is true this time," the admiral said.

"There are clearly huge challenges in Afghanistan, but going out into the (forward operating base) to see the Afghan army work, the message comes through loud and clear that the training and mentoring (of the Afghan security forces) is as vital as any part of the mission we have," he said.

Mullen met with U.S. Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill, the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force; Army Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, the commander of Regional Command East; and British Army Maj. Gen. Jacko Page, the commander of Regional Command South. He said the commanders are reasonably positive about what's going on in the country. "They have made some progress; they know they could use more resources," Mullen said, but they did not ask for any specific units or items.

Page briefed Mullen on the fight in Musa Qaleh that moved the Taliban out of the area. Page told the admiral that he was impressed with the performance of the Afghan army in that battle.

"Still, we have a long way to go, we all know that," Mullen said. "And it's going to be a long, difficult challenge that has got to cover not only the security side, it's got to cover the economic side, the governance side, the political side, the diplomatic side. All those have to work together."

Mullen said one missing piece to bring all aspects of all governments together is a civilian "super envoy" to Afghanistan. "It's a recommendation that is going to be made to the United Nations secretary-general, and I'm hopeful that the secretary-general will appoint that person," Mullen said. "I think someone who has those skills and can bring all of the elements from all nations together would be a very powerful step forward for Afghanistan. This is a critical piece for the long-term health of Afghanistan."

Source: US Department of Defense

Kandahar Base Shows Inequities Between Afghan Army, Police

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:33:34 -0800

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

CAMP WILSON, AFGHANISTAN - A look at the forward operating base here tells you all you need to know about security in Kandahar province: Coalition and Afghan soldiers are well-equipped to handle operations, but the Afghan police need more help.

Canadians are the main tenants of the base as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. Their area of the base is well-kept, and Canadian and Afghan soldiers mingle easily in newly built barracks and other recently renovated structures. The Canadians have state-of-the-art communications facilities and everything they need to provide security to a troubled area.

Next to the Canadian section is the compound of the Afghan National Army. Again, this portion is well-kept. Roads are gravel; Afghan up-armored Humvees are parked in a line as soldiers get briefed before going on patrol. There is glass in the windows, phone lines connecting the buildings, and electricity.

Move to the Afghan police station just outside, and it's a different picture. It is a bare concrete building with no phone lines. The electricity may or may not work. Instead of glass, someone fashioned metal frames in the empty windows and stuffed them full of dead weeds to cut the wind. There are no police at the station, only an old man watching two very well-behaved boys. There is a well-maintained Ford Ranger pickup truck parked outside. It has six rocket-propelled grenade launchers sticking up from the truck bed like toothpicks and a machine gun mounted above the cab.

"We know we have a lot of work to do on training the Afghan security forces here," said Army Col. Thomas J. McGrath, commander of Afghan Regional Security Integration Command South. "Police and military training is key to long-term success in the region."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen visits troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Wilson near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2007. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, USN high-resolution

McGrath gave Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen a tour of the facilities at Camp Wilson, today. He and members of his command briefed Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on plans to train and mentor Afghan security forces.

The Afghan army is doing well, McGrath said. He said the force fights well, but has communications, intelligence and logistical shortages. All are being overcome, and many nations have committed troops to training and mentoring the Afghan units.

The police, however, have problems with corruption, recruiting, professionalism and training, he said. McGrath said his command is committed to working to rebuild the force. The strategy is to take the police out of an area and give them eight weeks of intensive training. A national police unit would take over the district for the duration of the training.

While the police unit is gone for training, coalition officials would upgrade or build infrastructure. The units would be outfitted with equipment, vehicles and materials they need to operate, and then they would return to their districts.

There would be more training for senior officers and middle ranking police, as well.

"We would also provide the units with mentors and ongoing training once they return to the district," McGrath said.

A police mentoring team would embed with the police in the districts. A combination of military and civilian police, the team would continue training, but also be in a position to monitor the behavior of the police.

Afghan army units and coalition forces would be nearby in an overwatch capacity and could help the Afghan police with operational planning and intelligence integration, the colonel said.

Source: US Department of Defense