Finder

Thursday, May 13, 2010

PLN 31

I read the article “Defense Leaders, Karzai Honor Fallen Troops at Arlington” By Elaine Wilson what matters is Afghan President Hamid Karzai, flanked by America’s top defense leaders, walked among the white marble tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery, a silent tribute to U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, many while battling terrorism in Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates; Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan; Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak and other officials joined Karzai on a tour of the cemetery’s Section 60. This section, also known as the “saddest acre in America,” is where many of the troops who died in support of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are laid to rest. The Afghan president paused before one grave in particular, marking a solemn tribute to one of the U.S. service members who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan. Army Pfc. Justin Ray Davis died near Afghanistan’s Kunar province on June 25, 2006, when he came in contact with indirect fire while on patrol. He was 19 years old. Karzai touched the colored stones that rested on top of Davis’ gravestone, a common tribute to the fallen at Arlington, and adjusted a pot of yellow flowers set next to a photo of Davis in uniform affixed to the stone. He continued on, down one row and up another, exchanging words with Gates and Mullen, and pausing to read inscriptions such as the one on Davis’ gravestone: “Loving Son.” This was Karzai’s first visit to Section 60, a cemetery spokeswoman noted, although it’s not his first to the cemetery. Arlington is the burial ground for 608 of the casualties from the current wars. Of those, 468 died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 140 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the spokeswomen said. Many of them are buried in Section 60 alongside the fallen from older wars, including World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I think that having our once enemy and now ally come to see our fallen troops that fought against and with Afghan really shows something. Karzai remarked on the progress made in Afghanistan, from education and health to transportation and the economy. He noted that none of it would have been possible “without the sacrifices of your sons and daughters in Afghanistan, together with the Afghan people; and without your taxpayers’ money spent in Afghanistan, together with the Afghan people.” “I thank you,” he said, “and on behalf of the Afghan people, please do convey the gratitude of our people to the people of the United States of America.”

Thursday, May 6, 2010

PLN 29

I read the article “2txt? Or Nt2txt?” By GARRISON KEILLOR what matters is me have a significant lack of social skills, not including dancing, getting scotch on the rocks from the bar or talking to people you know. Men are, for lack of a better word, shy to and around people they don’t know. Having social skills toward people you don’t know is crucial in almost every job today. (PLN 28, is that why less and less go/succeed in college?) Have these men succumbed to the virus(I do not mean virus in bad way I mean it has and is spreading like wildfire) of feminism of feminine domination? Texting may have been the cause of this because 75% of kid’s ages 12-17 have cell phones and send at very least 50 text messages a day. I don’t think texting is the cause or part of it because I am like that but I send at most 50 text messages per month. One possibilities could be that when kids text today they cut down word into abbreviations like: brb, lol, gtg, g2g, idk. I think that is why most kids are shy when they talk in person because they don’t know what to say and they don’t want to sound stupid and say: OMG LOL. Over a text message that would not sound stupid because they are just to lazy to type the full word.

PLN 28

I read the article “Our boys are falling behind in education” By Dottie Lamm, what matters are women are succeeding past men in academic studies. More than 60% of college graduates are women. By 2017 the ratio of female to male college graduates will be 1.5 to 1. A role reversal is occurring and women are reigning supreme power over men. The Reason for this is females brains develop much sooner than males. Female’s brains start developing in kindergarten, males brains don’t start developing until fourth or fifth grade. The development level of a 3.5 year old girl’s brain and her ability to talk compares/matches to a 5 year old boy’s brain in development stages. I think that that is natural because girls are smarter and more evolved than men and they always will be because women can create life in ways men don’t understand because they cannot comprehend it.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

PLN 30

In the article “Obama: Failed Attack Underscores Need for Vigilance” By Donna Miles what matters is President Barack Obama called the failed weekend terror attack in New York’s Times Square a sobering reminder of the need to remain vigilant against terrorists committed to destroying America’s way of life. “Around the world and here at home, there are those who would attack our citizens and who would slaughter innocent men, women and children in pursuit of their murderous agenda,” Obama said. Terrorists “will stop at nothing to kill and disrupt our way of life,” the president said. Obama vowed to do what’s needed to protect the United States from terrorism. I think we need to do everything we can to stop terrorists from hurting the children and citizens of the United States. We need to do more than we are doing right now to ensure the future of the United States. “As Americans and as a nation, we will not be terrorized,” he said. “We will not cower in fear, [and] we will not be intimidated,” Obama said. “We will be vigilant, we will work together, and we will protect and defend the country we love to ensure a safe and prosperous future for our people,” the president continued. “That’s what I intend to do as the president, and that is what we will do as a nation,” Obama said.

Friday, April 30, 2010

PLN 27

In the article “Navy to Start Training Female Submariners in July” By Lisa Daniel what matters is Navy officials announced they are moving ahead with plans to integrate women onto submarines beginning in late 2011 or early 2012. The decision became public after Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates notified Congress in February of the Navy’s desire to add women to submarines. With a congressional review period complete, navy officials say they will begin taking applications with a goal of training 19 women, starting in July. It is good that the Navy has decided to put women on submarines. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of Naval Operations, showed his enthusiasm for the change. “As a former commanding officer of a ship that had a mixed-gender crew, to me it would be foolish to not take the great talent, the great confidence and intellect of the young women who serve in our Navy today and bring that into the submarine force.”

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

PLN 26

I read the article “Official Details Results of Missile Review” By Jim Garamone, what matters is ballistic missiles are an increasing threat to the United States, and the Department of Defense must keep up with them. The threat to the U.S. homeland is most acute from states such as North Korea and Iran. Neither has yet acquired ICBMs that could reach the United States, but both are working to acquire and or develop long-range ballistic missile capabilities including space launched vehicles which include many of the necessary technologies. I think that if these countries acquire these weapons they would be the biggest threat the United States has ever faced before. The top priority for U.S. missile defense efforts is to defend the United States from the threat of missile attack by regional actors such as North Korea or Iran. The United States does not intend for missile defense to affect the strategic balance with Russia or China. The second priority is to defend against regional missile threats to U.S. forces while protecting allies and partners and helping to enable them to protect themselves. One part is a new phased adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe. The United States has concluded agreements with Romania and Poland to host the two planned land-based sites for missile interceptors in 2015 and 2018.

Monday, April 19, 2010

PLN 25

I read the article “Military Engineers Help Haiti Build Better Future” By Judith Snyderman, what matters is efforts to help Haiti rebuild after a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake will continue after the joint U.S. military task force there winds down at the end of May. Wink witnessed overwhelming scenes of destruction in Haiti when he arrived there Jan. 29. “The amount of rubble that is caused by this earthquake is 25 million cubic yards,” Wink said. “To put that in a picture, that’s five Louisiana Superdomes filled with rubble.” He said. An initial priority for engineers was to assess the main seaport which was heavily damaged. Analysis showed that the port’s north pier was a complete loss, but by the end of February, Seabees and Army divers had repaired the south pier well enough to allow small watercraft to relay critical humanitarian supplies from ships stationed offshore to troops at the pier, who transported them to stranded civilians. By the end of March, the south pier was fully operational, and the port is now being run entirely by Haitian authorities with no Defense Department involvement. Now engineers are focused on mitigating dangers from flash floods and landslides during the upcoming rainy season for people living in camps. I think that they should get a move on to stop the mudslides and building ditches for flood control. These people are dealing with a disaster that is almost unexplainable in U.S. terms. They are living in conditions that are foreign to us. And with a little bit of hope and a little bit of help, they just pick up and move on.

PLN 24

In the article “Military Adjusts to Icelandic Volcano’s Ashfall” By Jim Garamone, what matters is ash from an Icelandic volcano continues to wreak havoc with air flights across Europe, including American military flights. Thousands of commercial and military flights from Ireland to the Ukraine have been cancelled as the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which started erupting last week, continues to spew ash. The American military is making adjustments. The U.S. bases in Mildenhall and Lakenheath, England, and Ramstein and Spangdahlem air bases in Germany have been affected by the ash plume. There are no flight ops due to the mandatory declaration and suspension of flights from EuroControl. EuroControl is the equivalent of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. It is hard to believe that the ash cloud has reached Ukraine from Iceland. This has affected much of Europe and the northern United States of America. Flights transporting ill and wounded soldiers that would normally head to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany are being rerouted. Joint Base Balad in Iraq has become the new hub for military aeromedical evacuations, with the first patients arriving April 17 at the Air Force Theater Hospital. The new medevac route runs from Bagram, Afghanistan, to Balad, Iraq, to a refueling stop at Rota and finally to Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington in Maryland. Taking the wounded along the southern rim of Europe takes about eight hours longer than flying through Germany or England, but all aeromedical evacuation needs are being met. Aerial refueling will be employed if clinical needs of the patient require it, but it has not been needed yet. This has hurt many nations and is causing many nations to struggle.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

PLN 23

I read the article “Education Activity Launches Interactive Resource” by American Forces Press Service, what matters is The Department of Defense Education Activity’s educational partnership has launched an interactive educational resource for military families, military leaders and school leaders. The resource, “Students at the Center,” provides information on important policies, procedures, and best practices that are critical to supporting the needs of military families’ education. For educators serving children from military families in a public school system, the guide offers information on the different military service branches, ranks, and protocols. It outlines current Defense Department initiatives to support schools and the Education Department’s impact aid program. It also offers insights regarding the issues military families face, including frequent transitions and parents deploying. For families, the guide offers information on navigating the U.S. education system, choosing a school and being an effective advocate for a child. I think that this will help families that are struggling because of these wars that are going on. This will help schools educate kids more on the military and how the US government operates. Military leaders visiting “Students at the Center” will find suggestions on supporting military families, forming and strengthening installation-school partnerships and ways to enhance communication between local education activities, the military services and families.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

PLN 22

In the article “Anniversary of the Rwandan genocide” by Susan D. Page, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affair, what matters is we look to Rwanda’s vision of its future. It is one enlightened by all Rwandans who live together in respect, commitment to reconciliation, and determination to make the lives of their children and grandchildren better in every respect than what they have known. Rwandans are a people of remarkable determination and fortitude. It is heroic work to rebuild lives. The event that happened in Rwanda devastated millions of people and if affected the whole world. I would have sent in the United States Armed forces to stop this if I could have. Survivors have pushed on creating a new Rwanda, while living with mental and physical scars. Many refugees and former combatants have returned home and are living and working together throughout the country. Rwanda’s economy is growing steadily, attracting new investment and tourism. And to strengthen regional peace and security, we note that the Government of Rwanda has taken steps to rebuild its relationships with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other states of the Great Lakes region. The United States will remain a committed partner in Rwanda’s efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens and promote peace and stability in the region. Rwanda’s contribution to the peacekeeping efforts in Darfur are a powerful testament to a commitment to ensure that others will not be left to experience the pain and devastation that wreaked havoc upon Rwanda’s people sixteen years ago.

Monday, April 5, 2010

PLN 21

I read “New Developments Lead to Early TBI Detection” By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Molly A. Burgess, what matters is advanced brain scans that can detect injury earlier than before are among several improvements developed by military doctors and scientists to treat service members with traumatic brain injuries. Researchers at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury have focused on early detection and better monitoring of mild traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, which account for most TBI diagnoses. Several scanning techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging, single photon emission computed tomography and functional magnetic-resonance imaging look especially promising. This could help service member that have been in explosions and people that might get it in the future because of the early detection systems. Advanced treatments for brain injuries will only be effective if service members know where to go to seek tests and clinicians are on alert to recognize the signs of TBI.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

PLN 20

I read the article “Guardsmen in Three States Battle Flood” By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, what matters is more than 1,500 National Guard members in three Northeast states are waging a war against rising flood waters after several days of rain combined with melting snow. Massachusetts has called up more than 900 soldiers, while Rhode Island and Connecticut have more than 500 and 150 on duty, respectively. U.S. Northern Command also activated two coordinating units today in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s northeast regional office to assist in the flood response. Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick has authorized the mobilization of 1,000 soldiers and airman to support the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Soldiers have filled and transported about 9,000 sandbags from the state highway department in Lexington, Mass., to points of distribution in Lexington, Tewksbury, Bridgewater and Millbury. Additional soldiers and airmen called for state active duty not only will continue to fill and transport sandbags to affected areas, but also will conduct emergency evacuation operations and presence patrols and provide security to isolated areas. This is really helping the residents of those states and it is a tragedy of what has happened. This is affecting thousands of people. People have lost their home and are alone but help is coming.

PLN 19

I read the article “Obama: Energy Initiatives Seek to Bolster Security” By John J. Kruzel, what matters is President Barack Obama announced a series of energy initiatives, including plans to expand off-shore drilling, aimed in part at bolstering national security by weaning the United States off foreign oil. From inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington in Maryland, against a backdrop of war fighting equipment powered partly by alternative fuel sources, Obama told a military audience that he chose the venue to underscore environmentally conscious measures that military leaders are spearheading with a view toward long-term U.S. defense interests. This would really help our economy if we got our own oil and we did not have to rely on other country’s oil. This would also make the US a bigger threat to other countries around the world because we would be able to sustain ourselves without outside help. In addition to reinforcing national security, steps announced to open vast tracts to oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, along the Atlantic Coast and off the north coast of Alaska intend to reduce damage inflicted on the environment and push the United States into a position of leadership as the clean-energy industry takes on a greater share of the global economy. Other initiatives to increase mileage standards and double the number of hybrid automobiles in the federal fleet while reducing the overall number of vehicles would help the country cut its reliance on foreign oil. “Moving toward clean energy is about our security,” Obama said.

Monday, March 15, 2010

PLN 18

Having laptops in class is like having everything you need right in front of you. Since we got laptops we can write essays with fewer mistakes and more formal ones too. The internet can give us quick and easy access to research and reference help. Next year if we did not have laptops I would most likely fail my class because I cannot write well at all because of spelling errors, punctuation and format. I think that lots of kids would do badly in class if we did not have them because it makes the class much harder. Since we started using laptops my grade has shot up from previous year where it was very low. I have turned in all of my assignments because there is more than one way to get them to my teacher so that has made it much easier on us. Laptops are helping students more and more, students also enjoy class more with laptops.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

PLN 17

In the article “U.S. Cyber Command Preparations Under Way” By Jordan Reimer, what matters is preparations for the formal establishment of United States Cyber Command are under way. The formal launch of the new organization is awaiting congressional approval of its commander, Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. In June 2009, Robert M. Gates approved the establishment of cyber command to assume responsibility for operating and defending the Department of Defense’s information networks as a unified sub-division of strategic command. Gates charged U.S. Strategic Command (that’s based at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Neb., and responsible for the United States’ nuclear arsenal and global deterrence, as well as space and information operations) to stand up the new sub-command. Cyber Command will be constituted by joining strategic command’s joint task force for global network operations under the operational control of the joint functional component command for network warfare, which had separated offensive and defensive cyberspace activities. I think that a cyber network for the defense of the US Department of Defense’s networks is a good idea. Because cyber networks are stronger than fire walls and they are constantly monitored to prevent a breach in security. Other countries might take this as a threat to their national security because a cyber network can be used as a cyber weapon. The US and everyone including me will be protected from cyber breach. The Defense Department operates more than 15,000 computer networks across 4,000 military installations in 88 countries. Command and control, military intelligence and logistics, and the development and fielding of weapons technology, all depend on ready access to secure information networks. “Modern armed forces simply cannot conduct high-tempo, effective operations without resilient, reliable information and communication networks and assured access to cyberspace,” Miller said.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

PLN 16

I read the article “Africom Assists Security, Stability Efforts,” By John Kruzel. What matters is The United States Africa Command, a U.S.-led response to requests by African nations for maritime training, is now in its fifth deployment as it expands its range along the African coastline, the commander, Major General William E Ward said. An estimated 80 percent of Europe’s cocaine supply transits through West Africa. Much of it originates in Latin America before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. In sub-Saharan Africa, roughly $1 billion is lost annually to illegal fishing. Meanwhile, both the western and eastern coasts continue to be troubled by piracy, specifically in Nigeria and Somalia, which accounted for nearly 70 percent of the worldwide total in 2008. Meetings with the African governments by the Africa Partnership Station are designed to support and strengthen regional capabilities on the continent and represent one means for building comprehensive maritime security in Africa. The program is inspired by the belief that maritime safety and security will contribute to development, economic prosperity and security ashore. If Africa can stop these problems with the help of the United States Africa Command it may stop a lot of conflicts in Africa such as “conflict diamonds”(hint hint) and also bring the countries together. That would lead to a conflict free, poverty free Africa. Describing other components of the U.S. mission on the continent, Africom personnel are assisting African partners in building their capacities to counter transnational threats from violent extremist organizations (RUF and UNITA are examples), to stem illicit drug trafficking, to support peacekeeping operations and to prepare for natural disasters. “Supporting the development of professional and capable militaries contributes to increased security and stability in Africa, [and] allows African nations and regional organizations to promote good governance, expand development and provide for their common defense and better serve their people,” Major General William E Ward said. The United States promotes its interests by helping African states build capable and professional militaries that respect human rights, adhere to the rule of law and more effectively contribute to stability in Africa.

Monday, March 8, 2010

PLN 15

I read the article “Air Force Mortuary Ensures Dignity, Honor for Fallen” By Elaine Wilson and what matters is under pouring rain, the 757 touched down here late at night, returning Army Staff Sgt. Michael David P. Cardenaz home. He had been killed just a few days before in an enemy attack in Afghanistan. With family and friends near, an Army carry team marched in slow, measured steps to the aircraft, undeterred by the wind. Their hands white gloves, the soldiers slowly moved the transfer case from aircraft to waiting vehicle. Only the sound of distant aircraft and the anguished cry of a loved one cut through the silence. As the driver pulled away slowly, all of the soldiers in attendance raised their hands slowly in salute. “It’s a heavy toll our nation has paid on this, and these are the men and women who have borne the cost,” said Col. Robert H. Edmondson, the center’s commander. “We owe our best every time and in every way.” The center’s mission is to receive a service member’s remains, prepare them for final their final departure, then secure an expedient passage to the place of burial all while ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families. The staff tends to every seemingly minute detail, from the tight crease on a U.S. flag draped over a casket to a carefully built ribbon rack on a perfectly fitted uniform that may never be seen. It is great that he United States care about their fallen soldiers and their families. I have seen how they do this and it is sad but at the same time it is good to know their final departure will be held with honor and respect. This shows other countries how much the United States cares about their soldiers and that we will never leave a man behind no matter what their condition, dead or wounded they will never be left behind. “After 9-11 we had over 300 of our soldiers in here and every one of them was treated with the upmost respect and honor, we did not slack on our duties, we prepared every one for their final departure” said Col. Robert H. Edmondson.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

PLN 14

In the article “Combined Forces Net Drugs, Weapons in Afghanistan” by American Forces Press Service, what matters is Combined Afghan-international operations in Afghanistan killed several insurgents in recent days and led to drug and weapons confiscations. A combined patrol operating in the Koti village of Kapisa province, used intelligence information to conduct an operation against an insurgent leader responsible for supplying weapons and equipment used in attacks against Afghan forces and members of the International Security Assistance Force. During the operation, several armed men were observed near the compound. When the men displayed hostile intent, the patrol took defensive measures, killing several of the men. I think that the strict use of deadly force in a hostile situation is a good thing because if we find that they are hostile we will take them down without warning and I think that taking no chances is the best way to go. A combined force operating in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province discovered a large amount of drugs. Led by Afghan National Police, the patrol discovered about 1,700 pounds of hashish on the trailer of a broken tractor. The drugs were confiscated and moved to a nearby police compound. Another time, Afghan forces turned a large weapons cache over to an ISAF explosive ordnance disposal team in the Bala Boluk district of Farah province yesterday. The cache consisted of three rockets, three mortar rounds, 30 hand grenades, 24 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, more than 700 large-caliber machine gun rounds, a pistol and a radio.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

PLN 13

I read the article “Women to Serve on Subs” by Donna Miles, what matters is the Navy plans to repeal its ban on women serving on submarines, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said to Congress. Gates signed a letter Feb. 19 informing Congress of the Navy’s plan to lift the policy, which it intends to do through the phased-in assignment of women to submarines, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed today. Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and other Navy leaders have looked closely at the issues involved with integrating women into the submarine force, including close working conditions and accommodations, he said. No funds will be spent to reconfigure submarines to accommodate female crew members until the Navy Department presents the phased-approach plan to Congress. I think that it is good that the Navy is allowing women to serve on submarines considering that they will have to share bathrooms and bunks. The integration of women into the submarine force increases the talent pool and therefore, overall submarine readiness. “We know there are capable young women in the Navy and women who are interested in the Navy who have the talent and desire to succeed in the submarine force,” he said. “Enabling them to serve there is best for the submarine force and our Navy.”

Sunday, February 21, 2010

PLN 12

In the article “Iwo Jima Vets Observe Battle’s 65th Anniversary” By Lisa Daniel, what matters is a lot of veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and their families gathered at the National Museum of the Marine Corps here today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the iconic World War II battle. The battle for Iwo Jima – the first U.S. attack on Japanese soil – is memorialized worldwide by the famous Joe Rosenthal photo of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi. Three of the six later were killed in battle. It is a very good thing that we still care for our vetrens and have memorial reunions for and with them. It is good to know that the United States still care about its former soldiers. George Alden of Fort Worth, Texas, was a 20-year-old sergeant with 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, when he stormed the volcanic ash beach in the first wave of U.S. troops onto Iwo Jima. The Japanese -- who with 21,000 troops had nearly three times more men than Alden and his unit expected -- had terraced the beach, making for an arduous climb for the troops who had no alternative but to move forward on the eight-square-mile island.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

PLN 11

In the article “Forces Uncover Multiple Weapons Caches in Afghanistan” By American Forces Press Service what matters is combined patrols of Afghan and international security forces uncovered multiple weapons caches during operations throughout Afghanistan. In Helmand province a security patrol found a large cache containing nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, three anti-aircraft weapons, 15 rocket-propelled grenades, 34 mortar rounds and other ammunition. Also, a patrol found a weapons cache in Balkh province yesterday containing 15 Russian 122mm projectiles. I think that countries should keep track of their weapons and stop rouge people from selling them out the backdoor. During a patrol in Kandahar last night, forces found a cache containing two artillery rounds, two grenades, an anti-tank mine, 400 rounds of ammunition and a radio. All caches were destroyed.

PLN 10

In the article “Assault on Taliban Stronghold Yields Early Progress” By John J. Kruzel what matters is NATO and Afghan forces have made early progress in an ongoing offensive on a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan, but have encountered some stiff resistance and may need another 25 to 30 days to secure the entire area. Despite dislocating the insurgency within 24 hours of landing in the region, fighting continues in Marja, which to date has claimed the lives of six allied troops, including four Americans. Some 15,000 NATO and Afghan forces are engaged in Operation Moshtarak, which in Pashto and Dari means Operation Together, including 8,000 to 10,000 ground troops. I think we should move all of the Allied forces into the area with the stronghold and see if we could scare them into surrendering instead of us having to fight them and if that doesn’t work to fight them with our full force. Marja, like other areas of Helmand, is a source of income for Taliban fighters, who cultivate poppy to yield opium and heroin for the lucrative drug market. The U.S. State Department calls Afghanistan the world’s largest producer of opium, and money.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

PLN 8

In the article "Iran’s Nuke Program Puts Middle East at Risk" By Fred W. Baker III, what matters is Iran’s nuclear program continues to put security in the Middle East at risk. “Iran is in violation of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, and I think there is a very great worry that if Iran … proceeds with this program unconstrained, there is a very real danger of proliferation here in the region that would make it even more unstable and more unsafe for everyone,” Defense Secretary Gates said. I think we need to take action against this because if this continues it could lead to a nuclear war. The radiation effects of building the warheads could spread to cities and kill thousands on civilians. “They have done nothing to reassure the international community that they are prepared to comply with the NPT or stop their progress toward a nuclear weapon, Therefore, I think that various nations need to think about whether the time has come for a different tack,” Defense Secretary Gates said.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

PLN 7

In the article "Wounded Warrior: Blind Soldier Becomes Company Commander" By Tommy Gilligan what matters is yesterday, the title of company commander was added to Smiley’s resume, as he became the first blind officer to lead a company as he assumed command of the Warrior Transition Unit at the U.S. Military Academy. Smiley was wounded and permanently lost his vision during his 2005 deployment to Iraq. He attributes his strength and drive during his recovery to his family, faith and friends. I think that it is a great thing that the US military is allowing wounded soilders to stay in the fight and not have to sit on the sidelines watching their friends die. Over the past six months, Smiley had been an instructor with the academy’s Behavioral Sciences and Leadership department, teaching a leadership course to third-year cadets. Smiley’s endurable spirit and character are traits that the cadets can just relate too. He has overcome so much, through his attitude and desire to excel in life. Scott is a great teacher.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

PLN 6

In the article "Exercise Aims to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction" By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Molly A. Burgess, what matters is international cooperation is key to interrupting the trafficking of materials used to make weapons of mass destruction and stopping the proliferation of nuclear arms, a Department of Homeland Security official said. Perron was one of many U.S. government interagency participants involved in the U.S. Central Command-hosted exercise, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. More than 30 nations sent representatives to share ideas and gain knowledge on methods for combating weapons of mass destruction. I think that this is a great thing because nations that were once enemys are joining together to dismantle nuclear weapons all over the world. The three-day, table-top exercise included three phases. The first phase centered on visit, board, search and seizure interdiction missions, in which the U.S. Coast Guard Middle East Training Team provided training to boarding teams from other participating countries. An operational level phase was based at the port in Mina Zayed, and covered issues of customs, law enforcement and other security issues. This phase included static displays and live demonstrations. Next, was a strategic table top where questions about post interdiction issues were discussed with subject matter experts.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

PLN 5

In the article "U.S., Iraqi Aviators Fly Together" By Army Sgt. Travis Zielinski, what matters is U.S. Division Center AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots from the 1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade flew a second joint mission Jan. 20 with UH-1 Huey helicopter pilots from the Iraqi air force. On the first mission, Iraqi squadron commanders flew the helicopters. This time, the younger pilots had the opportunity to step in and gain experience. One of the components of the mission was trust and teaching that trust to the rest of the formations of both military forces. I think that this is a good way for Iraq to gain trust in the United States once again. Working with their forces should create a stronger bond between are soldiers and the Iraq soldiers. Pilots can learn from one another, and the missions give the American pilots a chance to see how the Iraqis handle situations so together they can look for ways to improve.

PLN 4

Do you believe that computers in the classroom are a waste of time and money?-Dan Maas. I believe that computers are not a waste of time because they are an "All in One" resource, they have everything you need in them such as the dictionary and other resources like it, and computers have a program that allows you to type an essay or any form of writing and it can help you with spelling and grammar. Computers are not a waste of money either. Computers can last longer than a piece of paper and computers can fit more information on them than any piece of paper in the world. Computers are really a good thing for schools because they help the students more efficiently and are much faster than a book and are more accurate than a person. Computers over time pay for themselves because schools don't have to buy more paper and more expensive books every year they can just buy computers every 10 years.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

PLN 3

In the article "Air Reserve Base Proves Vital in Transporting Relief to Haiti" By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg what matters is Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida is playing a vital role in moving essential medical supplies, equipment and military support to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Reserve aircrews have flown 57 missions in support of Operation Unified Response, and the pace of activity is very likely to increase. Air Force Reserve assets have delivered an estimated 650,000 pounds of cargo and 137 pallets and have brought 1,600 American citizens back to the United States.I think that this is really helping Haiti becuse of how close they are together and because they can get relief to them very very fast. More than 580 airmen from regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are playing an important part in the joint efforts in Haiti.

PLN 2

In the article "U.S. Forces in Haiti to Grow to 20,000" By John J. Kruzel what matters is 20,000 U.S. troops will be supporting relief efforts in Haiti by Jan. 24. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade and thousands of other troops operating afloat off the Haitian coast and on shore are distributing provisions, assisting in medical operations and helping to maintain security.I think that sending our troops and supplies to Haiti will help them feel safe from another earthquake because they know that they will have help if another earthquake occurs. The Department of Defense pledged up to $20 million in emergency relief funds in days for Haiti, and sprang troops into action following the quake. The Red Cross is also funding relief in Haiti.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

PLN 1

"How is the Internet changing the way you think?" by Edge. The Internet is changing the way you think by feeding you with new knowledge. Everyday people put new things on the internet such as news and other media. The internet is changing the way schools think because they are converting to computers instead of text books and are using the internet instead of the library. Kids are doing all of their class work on the internet and the computer. We use the internet to send emails instead of letters so some people just send an email and don't even think about letters. The internet is changing the way I think by communicating through it instead of the phone or letters and I do my school work on the internet instead of doing it the old fashioned way. The internet has changed the way most everyone thinks because it has replace old traditional ways of doing things.