"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."
~~Richard Bach
This morning I read that the remains of two missing GI’s who were captured last May have been identified. Mournfully, the families of 25-year old Army Sgt. Alex Jimenez and 19-year old Pvt. Byron W. Fouty were informed on Thursday of the deaths.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families today.
(hat tip to Cathy)
As reported on Stryker Brigade News, King5.com and thenewstribune.com, a laptop containing the personal information of 800-900 soldiers from the 4/2 has been stolen. The theft reportedly happened somewhere between the late hours of July 3 and the early morning hours of July 4 when (presumably from the information I read) a civilian employee of the Army took the laptop home and did NOT secure the truck where the laptop was left. The employee is reported as saying that there was no classified or top secret information on the computer. I understand the difference between classified and top secret information. The information of possibly more than 800 of our soldiers should most certainly be treated as at least highly sensitive. [Read more →]
Mr.Hooah here again. I was reading through my favorite blogs this past holiday weekend when I came across this on “Kaboom“:
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Important Name ChangeI had hoped to break this news sooner, but it seems certain readers have spoiled the surprise in their comments. LT G is no longer a lieutenant. On July 1, he was promoted to the rank of captain. Yes, despite the drama with the blog and his turning down the XO position, LT G is now CPT G. I suppose his pseudonym is sort of useless now, huh?
Some of you may remember LT G’s great blog as well as its untimely demise. This new blog was started by his fiancee. [Read more →]
Mr.Hooah here.
Here’s an article for all you military families to ask your sons and daughters about. It comes off the Strategy Page:
Realistic PT For Combat
July 1, 2008: The U.S. Army is changing its physical training (PT) to more closely reflect the needs of combat. Instead of long distance running, sit-ups and push-ups, the new training emphasizes sprinting, agility and the kind of strength needed to carry weapons and equipment in combat. The new training also uses a twelve month physical training cycle that peaks when troops are deploying to a combat zone, or, in peacetime, doing a year or more of “ready for deployment” status.
Oh, I wonder if its true? You never can tell about these little nuggets posted around the internet. Sometimes I think the Army leaks these things just to see what reaction they get. If true … it could be a good thing. Depending. on. what. the. new. standard. IS.
Discussion? Mr.Hooah, out.
This was pointed out to me by someone who read my good news thread on another site. If you happen to visit icasualties.org and carefully look at the stats for US deaths based on hostile/non-hostile reasons you will note the following:
We have not had one loss due to hostile reasons since June 26! We are on our 11th day with no combat related deaths! Why isn’t the media celebrating this fact? Why are we not screaming this good news from the roof tops? Well, I have my suspicions, but regardless I want to spread the good news where I can.
11-days without one combat related death!
Good work US and Coalition Forces!
Ok, so maybe all of that interest in video games and text messaging really does have its vicarious benefits.
The world’s first unit of digitally networked foot soldiers returns from combat in Iraq this week. Reports have it that the American troops’ controversial “Land Warrior” wearable-node technology has changed in both role and configuration during its 15-month baptism of fire. Indications are that the equipment - slated for disposal by army chiefs just last year - has done well enough that it will now live on. [Read more →]
Jun 26, 2008
BY Leo J. Daugherty III, PhD., special to Soldiers Magazine
The Army marks the 35th anniversary of the all-volunteer force July 1.
The idea of an all-volunteer force, while not new, was born amidst the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam in the summer of 1969. President Richard M. Nixon, who had called for an end to the draft during the 1968 presidential campaign, instructed the Army chief of staff, Gen. William C. Westmoreland, to determine the feasibility of ending the Army’s reliance on selective service to fill the ranks.
While not totally sold on the volunteer army idea, Westmoreland noted in an address to the Association of the United States Army on Oct. 13, 1970, that “the Army is committed to an all-out effort in working toward a zero draft - a volunteer force.” [Read more →]
I sense a great disturbance in the Force. As if thousands of new recruits nation wide cried out all together … and then … silence.
Yes, yes, it’s Mr.Hooah! again. Claire is so busy that I thought I would sneak in while she wasn’t watching and post.
This news item just appeared in the Stars and Stripes:
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army will extend boot camp from nine to 10 weeks for all recruits beginning Oct. 1, an official at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command confirmed Monday.
Last October, TRADOC leaders said that they would add an extra week to boot camp in the fall of 2008, following a pilot program involving five of the Army’s basic training facilities, TRADOC spokesman Harvey Perritt said Monday. [Read more →]