Gates Assesses 'Soft,' 'Hard' Power Applications in Djibouti

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to see firsthand how combining multiple elements of U.S. national power toward a common goal is helping to prevent terrorism from taking a foothold in the Horn of Africa. Gates met today with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Defense Minister Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed at the presidential palace. From there, he traveled to this former French Foreign Legion base that's headquarters to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to get a sense of what's working and how those lessons can be applied to the new U.S. Africa Command.

Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, task force commander, described operations under way to provide not just security assistance, but also humanitarian support and development to the Horn of Africa and Yemen.

These initiatives fall directly in line with the "soft" elements of national power Gates wants to see beefed up so non-military U.S. government entities can be stronger partners in advancing U.S. interests around the world.

Speaking last week at Kansas State University, Gates emphasized that the military can't go it alone in standing up to threats the country will face for the foreseeable future. He urged greater funding for diplomatic and other non-military aspects of U.S. national power so they're better able to complement the military's kinetic "hard-power" capabilities.

Gates told reporters today that he looks at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as a model of that concept through its military-to-military efforts and humanitarian and civic-support activities.

"It's a good model for Africa Command, but also an indication of the mix of activities I think we should be doing more of," he said.

"Kinetic efforts alone cannot achieve our goals in today's type of conflict," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.

She pointed to the "three Ds" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- as "three legs to a stool" that provide a solid base of support. "And you can't succeed in one without moving forward on all three in order to get to a stable environment," she said.

CJTF-HOA serves as a unique model for this approach, another official explained.

The task force initially stood up in November 2002 as a seafaring force aimed at blocking terrorists fleeing Afghanistan from setting up a new safe haven here. But within six months, it moved ashore and its mission morphed into a blend of military cooperation, military-to-military training and humanitarian assistance over a massive region two-thirds the size of the United States.

Today, CJTF-HOA applies the "three Ds" as personnel representing the Defense Department, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development work hand-in-hand to create a stable climate that promotes a better quality of life for the local population.

Security is the base upon which other goals are built, an official said. So CJTF-HOA partners with nations within the Horn of Africa to build their military capacity so they can counter threats and maintain stability.

Meanwhile, the task force advances an active civil-works program and humanitarian assistance efforts from providing medical and veterinary care to promoting school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.

"JTF-HOA has been experimental and unique in that it is one of the places where we have integrated this concept of development (and) traditionally humanitarian-style outreach efforts in a non-combat environment," the official said.

Gates talked today with commanders about lessons learned -- the good as well as the bad -- and how they can be applied elsewhere, including Iraq and Afghanistan, she said. Those lessons will be critical as the new U.S. Africa Command takes shape, and in many ways, looks to CJTF-HOA as its model.

"How does he make sure the good (CJTF-)HOA is doing is maintained as AFRICOM stands up, and how do we find the right role for HOA itself as AFRICOM matures in the future?" the defense official asked.

Gates' discussions with Djiboutian officials included an assessment of the role CJTF-HOA will play in the new command and how to enhance efforts under way on the Horn of Africa. "It's a very unique opportunity for him to meet with the Djiboutian leadership to ask them their perspective and advice on JTF-HOA and the role it plays, not only in Djibouti, but in the region," she said.

That's critical in this area chock-full of real or potential flashpoints, including Somalia; Darfur, Sudan; the border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and ungoverned areas where terrorists driven from Afghanistan might seek refuge.

Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the task force's public affairs officer, said CJTF-HOA is actively working "to remove conditions that allow radicalization to occur."

"Our success will be in preventing conflict," he said.

While visiting with officials, Gates saw signs of the huge growth taking place that will expand Camp Lemonier from 97 to 500 acres. The expansion will provide vast quality-of-life improvements for troops here, replacing that tents some currently live in with permanent structures.

Virtual Spouse Support Group Holds Conference at Fort Bragg

By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - Anticipatory grief, reintegration, and relocation are terms that often resonate with military spouses. As servicemembers are fighting on the front lines, spouses at home are forming the support networks that are keeping families strong. This sacrifice and shared understanding was the focus of the third "SpouseBuzzLive" conference near Fort Bragg.

The conference is an extension of a "blog" -- an online diary -- for military spouses hosted by Military.com. Founded 14 months ago by Andi Hurley, an Army spouse, it has quickly become a virtual support group for spouses to connect with other spouses and share information about their experience.

More than 300 military spouses attended the conference, which featured a live Web broadcast from the site. Spouses participated in panels, visited booths, met face to face with other spouses, and talked about new avenues of communication that allow them to connect with each other as well as their military servicemembers.

Spouses explained the importance of connection and solidarity with others who understand the sacrifices of day-to-day military life. "I had my daughter three weeks after my husband was deployed," explained Michelle Rimel, a military spouse who lives in Fayetteville, N.C. "He was the only person I wanted to be there, but he couldn't be, and it was the support of other military wives that helped me get through it."

With online technology capabilities becoming more prevalent, online communities and support centers, such as SpouseBuzz, are becoming an important aspect of modern military life. Virtual communities provide support for daily challenges, raise issues of concern, and build a sense of connection with other spouses that would normally be unavailable due to geographic location.

Sarah Walter, one of 11 SpouseBuzz site authors, said the online community is important to her. "You cannot always find long-lasting relationships with military spouses if you are constantly relocating; now I can connect with other spouses no matter where they are in the country, and they already know my story."

While, in generations past, military spouses may spend days waiting for a letter, military spouses now are able to employ the use of webcams and other recording devices to endure spouses' deployments. "Technology is truly a blessing," said Chris, another panelist who posts information on the site under the screen name "Love my Tanker." "New things are constantly available, and it's great when we can find new ways to help each other."

Many of the spouses have used the technology to reach out and help others. "Doing good for others can help pass the time," said Melinda Warthman, a moderator of the event. "Groups like America Supports You can help connect you with the right organization."

America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife who founded "Sew Much Comfort," an organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers, talked about how important her service to others is to her and stressed the importance of the online community. "We have distributed over 30,000 items to over 100 locations this year," she said.

Caren Ziegenfuss, whose husband was seriously wounded in Iraq, echoed this thought while talking about her work with "Valor IT," a project established by another group, "Soldiers' Angels," to help wounded soldiers get voice-activated computer software.

As technology continues to develop and online capabilities improve, more and more spouses seem to be turning to online communities like SpouseBuzz. "It's really my sense of sanity, cause I'm not around other military wives and the people around me don't always understand" Ziegenfuss said. "It's important for us to connect, but also to get out the message about the sacrifices we make every day."

(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)

U.S.-China Consultative Talks Under Way in Pentagon

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China Defense Consultative Talks got under way at the Pentagon today in the shadow of China's refusal to let U.S. ships make port calls in Hong Kong. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs, were slated to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, the global war on terror and missile defense.

The two were to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, and the global war on terror and missile defense. "The United States Defense Department continues to maintain a strong dialogue and continues to seek ways to strengthen the military-to-military relationship" with China, Whitman said.

Whitman would not comment on other areas of discussion, but noted that the dispute over the USS Kitty Hawk visit did not cause the United States to postpone or cancel the Chinese visit.

Chinese authorities refused permission for the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Chinese also refused to allow two U.S. Navy minesweepers to seek refuge from a storm in Hong Kong's harbor.

U.S. authorities did not let the incidents affect the consultative talks, an annual meeting that has been scheduled for months, defense officials said. "The United States Defense Department values this relationship and will try to strengthen it through our dialogue with our Chinese counterparts," Whitman said.

Gates Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Conditions

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.

Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.

The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.

He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.

Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."

"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.

Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.

He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.

Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."

The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.

"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."

Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.

A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.

Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."

America Supports You: Toys Salute Soldiers with Holiday Classic

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."

"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."

Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.

The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.

While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.

"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."

The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.

This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."

Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.

Bush Asks Congress to Pass Funds for Troops

By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - Congress needs to act soon to approve emergency funding for troops in the war on terror, President Bush said here today. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Bush said Congress' first priority before breaking for the holidays should be to provide troops the money they need for the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president said "we're seeing the benefits of success" brought about by the Iraq strategy.

"This month, more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home," Bush said. "For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and our troops have made in danger, and that would threaten the security of our country."

Bush noted that, beginning in February, he submitted detailed funding requests to Congress for the war on terror. The president said Congress has refused to approve these requests without attaching a date of withdrawal for U.S. troops from Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other Pentagon officials have warned that further delays in funding will mean major cuts for the Defense Department and military, Bush said.

Unless Congress acts, DoD soon will have to begin giving furlough notices to about 100,000 civilian employees. Also, the military task force developing ways to better detect and protect troops from roadside bombs will run out of money by early next year, the Army will run out of operations and maintenance money in February, and the Marine Corps will run out of similar funds in March.

Earlier this year, congressional leaders were trying to impose conditions on funds because they said the U.S. strategy in Iraq was not working, Bush said. However, the administration changed its strategy and even those who initially opposed the troop surge now acknowledge it is working, he said.

"It is time for members of Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform, and they should stay in session until they pass these emergency funds for our troops," Bush said.

Intel Community Reports on Iran's Nuclear Program

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - A new intelligence estimate that says Iran stopped its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 is good news, but also presents cause for concern, President Bush's national security advisor said today. Stephen Hadley briefed White House reporters today on the report, which was produced by the office of the director of national intelligence.

The estimate is the intelligence community's judgment given the available information. All 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – including eight within the Defense Department – participated in the effort.

While the Iranian government continues closure of its covert nuclear weapons program, the country re-started its uranium enrichment program in 2005. The material made from this could be used to fuel bombs.

The estimate is complicated, Hadley said. "On one hand, it confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said. "On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that it does not happen. But it also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons remains a very serious problem."

The estimate strengthens the Bush Administration's contention that Iran can be persuaded to stop its program via diplomacy. "And it suggests we have the right strategy: intensified international pressure, along with a willingness to negotiate a solution that serves Iranian interests while ensuring the world that it will never have to face a nuclear-armed Iran," he said.

The bottom line for the strategy is the international community must turn up the pressure on Iran with "diplomatic isolation, United Nations sanctions and with other financial pressures, and Iran has to decide that it wants to negotiate a solution," Hadley said.

Hadley summarized the key judgments in the estimate. The first is that the intelligence community "has high confidence" that Iran had a covert nuclear weapons program that it has never acknowledged and continues to deny. "The intelligence community has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," Hadley said.

The estimate has high confidence in the judgment that Iran's halt and other nuclear related decisions was directed primarily in response to increased international scrutiny and pressure resulting from exposure of Iran's previously undeclared nuclear work involving uranium enrichment, Hadley said.

The estimate admits that analysts "do not know whether Iran currently intends to develop weapons, but they assess with moderate to high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said.

While pressure, sanctions and other international efforts seem to move Iran along, the estimate says that convincing Iranian leaders to forgo the eventual development of nuclear weapons "will be difficult," the national security advisor said.

The United States has been asking nations around the world to continue to put pressure on Iran to end its nuclear weapons program since Iran resumed its nuclear enrichment effort, Hadley said.

"If we are to avoid the grim choice between accepting an Iran on the path to nuclear weapons or considering the use of force, we need to intensify our pressure on Iran while making clear that if they do suspend enrichment, there is an opportunity for better relations with the international community," Hadley said.

Military Kids Attend White House Holiday Party

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - President Bush told 200 military children -- about half of whom had a deployed parent -- gathered in the East Room of the White House for a holiday party that he had two jobs today. "One is to introduce you to my wife, Laura," he said. "Two is to tell you how much we admire your moms and dads (and) how much we appreciate their service to our country."

First lady Laura Bush echoed the president's sentiments and officially began the annual program with a brief history lesson.

"The theme (for the White House's holiday decorations) is, 'Our National Parks,'" she said presenting them with a pop quiz. "Have you ever been in a national park?"

As the children offered mixed responses and the adults in the room chuckled, she gave them the answer to the trick question.

"Guess what? You're in one right now," she told them, noting that there are 25 national parks in Washington.

A highlight of the holiday event came from Ford's Theatre, another of those national parks. Actors from Ford's Theatre presented a portion of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The show is currently running at the Shakespeare Theater.

The presentation was about more than entertaining the children, however. "I think we're going to learn a good lesson when we watch it about how to keep Christmas in our heart all year long," Laura Bush said in welcoming the Ford's Theatre Society and the show's cast.

The musical adaptation of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim kept the children nearly silent for the next 20 minutes. One young man took advantage of his catbird seat between the Bushes to ask the couple questions throughout the production, which featured the Ghost of Christmas Present and plenty of music.

At the conclusion of the program, the first lady welcomed Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, who had a special treat for the kids.

"Today we're going to make you Junior Rangers," she told the children. "We're going to take the pledge to be future junior rangers of the National Park."

Mrs. Bush wrapped up the event with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a few stops to talk with children as she exited the room.

Five Guard Brigades Alerted for 2009 Deployments

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009. These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.

"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.

The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.

The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."

The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.

The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.

Top Enlisted Member Says He's Alive Because Someone 'Checked It'

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 3, 2007 - On a cold, rainy Christmas morning in 2004 in Iraq, a small group of soldiers huddled before a patrol. The first sergeant introduced the group to a new way to steer out of a spin if a Humvee were to start sliding into a canal. The patrol would be passing canals. If a driver were to steer incorrectly, the vehicle would overturn and drown those trapped inside, the first sergeant said. Steer correctly, the Humvee would not turn over, and everyone lives.

Before pulling out that morning, the first sergeant checked again with each driver, looked them in the eyes and made sure they understood his instructions. That single action saved the life of Army Command Sgt. Major William J. Gainey, now serving as the nation's top enlisted member.

As it happened, the Humvee in which Gainey was riding during that patrol did spin near a canal. The driver responded correctly, and all walked away from the incident. Gainey directly attributes surviving the accident to the first sergeant's actions.

"Twenty-five December 2004 should have been my headstone, but because he checked it, I am here talking to you today," Gainey said in an interview about the Defense Department's "Check-It" campaign. "Because of him checking it -- he checked to make sure everyone understood his intent ... -- because he did that, I didn't drown."

The Check-it campaign began in 2006 to increase awareness of the effectiveness of internal controls across all functions in the military to save lives, preserve resources and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the program whole-heartedly. He said checks are fundamental to the success of the military as an organization and are key to safety.

"If you check each other, you will prevent deficiencies from happening. People who don't help correct the problems or ignore them become part of the problem," Gainey said.

Servicemembers don't have to be designated leaders to "check it," he said.

Junior enlisted servicemembers should check their buddies. Also, everyone should carry checklists, Gainey said. He carries one daily in his wallet.

"If you don't have a checklist, shame on you. Your old mind can only remember so much," Gainey said.

The command sergeant major said that if he was "king for a day" he would put every servicemember through the Army's jumpmaster course for senior paratroopers. The course is heavy on teaching proper inspections and teaches servicemembers "what right looks like" when it comes to making checks.

Gainey said Check-It applies to troops stationed everywhere, not just in combat. It especially can be applied to combating terrorism.

"If you are passing someone down the hall in the Pentagon (or on any installation) who looks out of place and is not normal, stop him," Gainey said. "Anything could happen. When you see something that looks out of the norm, check into it immediately.

"We pass each other too much, and we never stop to look and see if something looks out of the norm. That concerns me," Gainey said. "Don't wait to check it out, because it could be too late. And be embarrassed. I'd rather you make an honest human mistake and stop something that could have been devastating ... than just walk by it and let it go."

Gainey also said buddy-checks could stem servicemember suicides. He said junior enlisted troops should be checking their buddies, especially those who return from combat, to make sure they are not suffering from signs of depression or trauma. The sergeant major said he understands that troops don't want to appear disloyal to their buddies by referring them to their commands, but it could save their lives.

"You don't want to be a rat. You don't want to be a squealer. In reality, if you did that, you would be a true friend," he said.

Gainey said every servicemember should reflect on where their actions fit into the Check-It campaign.

"I would challenge every troop from E-1 to E-9 to really look at the Check-It program and say, 'Where do I fit into this equation? What can I do as an individual to help this program be successful?'" Gainey said. "If you do that, you will save lives. If you don't do that, you could be the reason someone doesn't live through the mission."