By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Even as a child playing "G.I. Joe," Army Staff Sgt. Gary Heffernan always thought one day he would wear the uniform himself. "I always kind of knew ... I was going to be a soldier," he said.
Years later, the cavalry scout is bruised but battle-hardened by the life he chose. In Iraq, his up-armored Humvee was bombed 12 times during endless patrols up and down the mean streets of Baghdad. He was banged up, but made it home alive.
His best friend, however, was killed in April by a bomb while on patrol.
Violence, loss and war motivate some to leave the service. But for Heffernan, they're part of why he serves. He said he wants to spare his family and others the horrors he has seen.
"(I) want to make sure that things like ... the death squads who go house to house and take families out of the houses and kill them because they are not the same sect doesn't happen here in the United States. Because you know what? They'd love it to happen here," Heffernan said. "You take the fight to them. Don't let it happen here."
Heffernan is one of 12 servicemembers selected to be part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public-outreach program. For the next few months, he will travel the country telling his story to community, business and veterans group audiences, and at other gatherings.
Top on his list is letting everyone know that he serves by choice, because, Heffernan said, he loves what he does, who he serves with, and the country he serves.
"If we didn't have the greatest military in the world, then what would we be doing? We wouldn't have the country we have today," he said. "If you don't have the freedoms we have, then what good is it? That's why I serve.
"We as soldiers do it voluntarily. No one's making us go there. There's no draft. We want to be there. We want to help," the cavalry scout said.
Heffernan's military career began shortly after he dropped out of high school in Winchester, Mass. His father had died, and Heffernan quit school soon after. "I was having a real hard time," he said. "I was hanging around with the wrong crowd, doing some bad things."
Luckily, a teacher encouraged Heffernan to join a National Guard program for drop outs. The program put the students in a disciplined, military-style environment and helped them earn their General Educational Development credential while learning the basics of discipline, teamwork and physical fitness.
Heffernan "loved it," he said. After the six-week program in 1995, Heffernan joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
Serving part time then as a fire-support specialist, Heffernan worked full time at a computer retail store and put in extra time with the National Guard for training.
Then came Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks left Heffernan longing for active duty. He and a handful of others in his unit lobbied their commanders for releases, but the leaders were reluctant to give up unit members because future mission requirements were not yet fully known.
After 18 months of "begging," Heffernan got his release and signed a contract to go on active duty in June 2003 as a crewman on a Bradley linebacker air-defense-artillery vehicle at Fort Bliss, Texas.
He did a stint in South Korea, but then the Army phased out his job, and he was reclassified as a cavalry scout. For Heffernan, the change was great. He said he loves working as a scout because he enjoys the camaraderie, going to the field, and the training.
"It's just great. There's nothing like it in the world," he said.
In December 2005, Heffernan deployed to Iraq. The combat veteran described his duty there as "rough" -- a daily routine of patrolling and vehicle maintenance, interrupted only by sleeping and eating. "That was our life," he said.
Patrolling and searching some of the toughest areas in the city at a time when violence was peaking, Heffernan and his crew nabbed two of the most wanted "high value targets" in the 4th Infantry Division's area of responsibility.
He said he can't even remember the first time his Humvee was hit by a bomb and sings the praises of up-armored Humvees, giving them credit for saving lives.
The blast that shook him up the most actually hit the Humvee travelling behind his, Heffernan said. The bomb hit, blew the Humvee into the air, spun it around and dropped it in the lane next to him. The blast left a hole more than 3 feet deep and nearly as wide as a Humvee. The engine was blown out, the gunner's station was gone, and vehicle parts were found 300 meters away from the blast.
But, all three in the crew miraculously lived because of the additional armor on the Humvee, Heffernan said. "When we turned around, I thought for sure all three guys were gone," Heffernan said. "The smoke cleared, and there they were."
The crew was severely injured, but Heffernan said it was a blow to the insurgents that their intended targets escaped. "It was a bad day, but it was a good day because our guys were still alive," he said.
Despite the violence, Heffernan said there was also much peaceful interaction with the locals.
"(The media) make it out to be blood and guts all the time," Heffernan said. "War is hell. And there is fighting. There are suicide bombings. There are very despicable acts.
"But it wasn't always that way. There were days we would go on patrol and nothing would happen. We'd interact with the local people; they'd give us bread. We talked to them. The little kids would ask us for candy," he said. "We're there to make sure that they have a better life. They in turn want a better life."
By Lance Cpl. Evelio Ramos, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - Joining the Marine Corps family has been a tradition for countless generations of Marines. Some join because a father, grandfather or another family member was a Marine. But new Marine Pfc. Brett Lockhart decided to join after some of his coworkers motivated him to become part of another family. Lockhart was a deputy sheriff at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, in Titusville, Fla., where out of nearly 1,000 police officers, 15 of them are former Marines. After working as a deputy sheriff for two years, he decided to give the Marine Corps a chance.
"I wanted to be able to fight both battles," Lockhart said. "I've already fought the local battle, but after 9-11, if anything else happens, I want to be there."
Before enlisting, Lockhart talked to the deputies he worked with so he could get an idea of what the Marine Corps is about.
"I got a lot of advice from them," Lockhart said. "They told me what to expect from training, and I know that gave me an advantage."
Lockhart enlisted in the Marine Corps in July as an amphibious assault crewman. During his graduation from recruit training, Lockhart received a special visit from eight of his former coworkers, welcoming him to the brotherhood.
"We are very happy to see Brett graduate," said Sgt. Frank T. Hickman, a deputy sheriff with the department. "Being a Marine is something that's always inside of you. It's good to see him join the family."
Lockhart said he had an idea that the deputies would come, but that after he saw their faces during family day, he could not describe the feeling.
"It was extremely encouraging to see them there," Lockhart said. "It really shows that the Marine Corps is truly a brotherhood."
"We are all very proud of Brett down at the station," Hickman said. "We want him to know he'll have a job waiting for him whenever he gets back."
(Marine Lance Cpl. Evelio Ramos serves at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.)
NAVY
General Dynamics, National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $459,780,045 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-2300) to exercise an option for construction of T-AKE 10, including technical manuals, special studies, analyses and reviews; engineering and industrial services, and data; and long lead time material for T-AKE 11. T-AKE is a new Combat Logistics Force Underway Replenishment Naval vessel intended to replace the current capability of the Kilauea-Class (T-AE 26) Ammunition Ship, Mars-Class (T-AFS 1) Combat Stores Ships, and when operating in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-Class (T-AO 187) Oiler ship, the Sacramento-Class (AOE 1) Fast Combat Support Ship. As an auxiliary support ship, T-AKE will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a forward presence. In its primary mission role, the T-AKE will provide logistic lift from sources of supply such as friendly ports, or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships by consolidation, and will transfer cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) at sea to station ships and other naval warfare forces. In its secondary mission, the T-AKE may be required to operate in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-Class (T-AO 187) Oiler as a substitute station ship to provide direct logistics support to the ships within a Carrier Battle Group. I n its Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future) role T-AKE will contribute to the accomplishment of the seabasing mission area. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expireat the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $193,000,000 performance based logistics (PBL) requirements contract for repair, replacement, consumables support, and program support for F414 engine components used on the F/A-18 E, F, and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., (80 percent); and Lynn, Mass., (20 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the contract ordering period. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-08-D-002M).
Rolls-Royce Corp. Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $127,728,256 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) for the procurement of 53 MV-22 and 13 CV-22 Lot 12 AE1107C engines. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and work is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Bell Boeing Tiltrotor Team, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $38,623,787 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to repair items used on the V-22 helicopter. This contract includes one base year and two one-year option periods which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $116,243,680. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas (40 percent) and Ridley Park, Pa., (60 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-08-D-001N).
The Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $36,367,391 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-03-C-3017) to provide additional administrative and logistics services in support of the MV-22 Total Life Cycle Logistics Support effort. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., (45 percent); Fort Worth, Texas, (40 percent); New River, N.C., (10 percent); and in various locations outside the U.S. (5 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
MacGREGOR USA Inc. Cedar Knolls, N.J., is being awarded a $19,560,381 firm-fixed-price contract for the detail design, fabrication, installation, and documentation of the Test Article Vehicle Transfer System (TAVTS). The TAVTS will demonstrate the transfer of vehicles between a surrogate Maritime Prepositioning Force Future (MPF(F)) Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship and a Large Medium-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSR) ship. The two primary components of the TAVTS are a self-deploying ramp system that will be installed on a dynamically positioned surrogate MLP and a self-deploying sideport platform that will be mounted to an existing LMSR ship, either a T-AKR 300 BOB HOPE CLASS or T-AKR WATSON CLASS. Work will be performed by MacGREGOR in Chesapeake, Va., Cedar Knolls, N.J., and with MacGREGOR USA affiliates in Poland, Sweden, and Norway, and work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2222).
Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $16,338,114 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2116) to exercise an option for CVN 79 Integrated Product and Process Development. The integrated product and process development contract provides research and development efforts with investment objectives to: reduce acquisition cost, reduce total ownership cost, and maintain weight/center of gravity service life allowance thresholds. The contract will also provide continuation of systems development, engineering services, and feasibility studies for the CVN 79 and technology refresh, as required. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Multinational Logistic Services Limited, Valletta, VLT 10, Malta, is being awarded an $8,970,162 indefinite-delivery requirements contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for husbanding services to support Navy and U.S. government vessels that make OCONUS port calls in Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and South America (C3MS region). This contract consists of one base year and four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $44,850,811. Work will be performed in various OCONUS commercial ports throughout the C3MS region, and work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Government-wide Points of Entry, Navy Electronic Commerce Online, and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N00189-08-D-0020).
Chesapeake Sciences Corp. Millersville, Md., is being awarded a $6,214,805 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6223) for TB-34 Next Generation Fat Line Towed Bodies, interface hardware, and associated services in support of the TB-34 Towed Array System. The TB-34 was developed to provide improved Anti-Submarine Warfare and contact avoidance capability in cluttered littoral environments as well as maintain the U.S. Submarine Fleet's Ready for Issue fat line towed array inventory. Work will be performed in Millersville, Md., (70 percent), and Syracuse, N.Y.,(30 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $6,214,805 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp. doing business as Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, is having a fixed-price contract option exercised for $307,500,000. This action will exercise option IX/KC-10 and option J/KDC-10 contractor logistics support for Feb. 1, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009. At this time no funds have been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-98-C-0125/P00258).
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. of King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a cost plus award fee contract modification for $39,489,058. This modification provides for launch support, on-orbit operations, satellite storage and compensatory security measures for satellites that remain to be launched under contract F04701-89-C-0073. At this time $35,408,023.64 has been obligated. SMC/GPSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-89-C-0073).
ATK Tactical Systems of Rocket Center, W.Va., is being awarded a firm fixed-price contract modification for $11,674,806.44. The DSU-33D/B is a nose-mounted sensor used on M117 and MK-80 series general-purpose bombs and the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The DSU-33D/B provides a fire pulse to a fuze, which in turn, initiates bomb detonation at a Height-of-Burst (HOB) nominally 20 feet. The HOB capability enhances the performance of the weapon systems for above ground targets. The DSU-33D/B can provide a fire pulse to the following fuzes: FMU-139B, FMU-139A/B, FMU-139B/B, FMU-152/B and the FMU-152 A/B. Internal battery power for the DSU-33D/B is initiated by either an FZU-48/B, FZU-55/B, or FZU-55A/B in the Air Force configuration, or the Fuze Control Set in the Navy configuration. The sensor is qualified for use on the following aircraft and each variant in their series: Marine AV-8, Navy/Marine F/A-18, and Air Force A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, B-52, B-1 and B2 including FMS versions. This action is to exercise option two for procurement of 11,492 DSU-33D/B proximity sensors and cables for the Air Forces. At this time all of the funds have been obligated. 679 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C009. P00017).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Propper International, Inc. Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $73,378,860.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Army Combat Uniform Coats. Other locations of performance are in Puerto Rico. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 36 responses. This contract represents a third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-0408).
American Apparel Inc. Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $61,621,800.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Army Combat Uniform Coats. Other locations of performance are in Ala. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 36 responses. This contract represents a third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-0406).
D.J. Manufacturing Corp. Caguas, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $57,834,840.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Army Combat Uniform Coats. Other locations of performance are in Puerto Rico. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 36 responses. This contract represents a third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-0407).
Woolrich, Inc., Woolrich, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $23,183,040.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Army Combat Uniform Coats. Other locations of performance are Ga., Texas, and Ill. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 36 responses. This contract represents a third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-0410).
Golden Manufacturing Co. Inc. Golden, Miss., is being awarded a maximum $19,396,080.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Army Combat Uniform Coats. Other locations of performance are in Mississippi. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 36 responses. This contract represents a third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-0409).
Propper International, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $19,276,428.00 firm fixed price contract for Battle Uniforms. Other locations of performance are in Puerto Rico. Using service is Air Force. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses. This contract represents the first option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-0008).
American Apparel, Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $13,730,220.00 firm fixed price contract for Battle Uniforms. Other locations of performance are Texas and Mississippi. Using service is Air Force. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 12 responses. This contract represents the first option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-0009).
ARMY
BJK Solutions, Inc. Perkins, Okla., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2008, a large firm-fixed price contract for a Training Resource Arbitration Panel. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 20, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity W912BV-08-C-2000.
Smith's Detection, Edgewood, Inc. Edgewood, Md., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2008, a $23,835,708 firm-fixed price contract for 5,400 joint chemical agent detectors. Work will be performed in Edgewood, Md., and Herts, UK, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jun. 13, 2007, and one bid was received. The Army Research and Development Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity W911SR-07-C-0054.
Utility Contractors, Inc. Wichita, Kan., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2008, a $10,371,766 firm-fixed price contract for a project consisting of excavation and grading Sand Creek Channel. Work will be performed in Newton, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Bids were solicited via FedTeDS on Aug. 11, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity W912BV-08-C-1003.
BCP International Limited, Alexandria, Va., was awarded on Jan. 29, 2008, a $6,637,459 indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity-time-and-materials contract for technical and analytical support for the Army Security Cooperation Program. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Sep. 26, 2002, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Contracting Center of Excellence, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity W74V8H-05-D-007.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he hasn't discussed with the top military commander in Iraq any plan for an "operational pause" before moving forward with troop reductions in Iraq beyond July. Gates said during a joint news conference today with French Defense Minister Herve Morin that he and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus haven't talked about a plan that would freeze the drawdown temporarily beginning this summer, when the initial 15 brigades that were part of the troop surge in Iraq will have returned home without replacement.
Petraeus told CNN during an interview Jan. 27 that he favored having "some time to let things settle a bit" after withdrawing what will be more than one-quarter of the combat power the United States had in Iraq at the height of the surge. "We think it would be prudent to do some period of assessment" before decisions about additional drawdowns are made, he said.
Petraeus is expected to issue his recommendation for troop numbers in Iraq in late March or early April. "The guidance I have provided to him is, he should make his evaluation and recommendations based solely on the conditions on the ground in Iraq," Gates said.
Gates said Petraeus' recommendation will be among those from several sources -- including U.S. Central Command chief Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the secretary himself -- to be presented to Bush.
"And the president will have the benefit of all of that come March and April in terms of making a decision," Gates said.
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - A Congressional commission today recommended sweeping changes to the way U.S. military reserve forces have been structured and have operated for more than a half century. The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves delivered to Congress and Pentagon officials its final report, which includes 95 recommendations on how to transition the reserves into a feasible and sustainable operational reserve.
Today's reserve components were designed as a strategic reserve during the Cold War era. "The Guard was part of that surge force that would be dusted off once in a lifetime," commission chairman retired Marine Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro said today. "That is absolutely not the situation we have today."
Nearly 100,000 reserve troops are on active duty, according to DoD reports. In 2006, reserves forces provided 61 million "man days," or single days of duty, in support of the Defense Department.
It would not be feasible to add an equivalent number of forces to active duty, Punaro said in a news conference at the National Press Club. He called increasing active forces so significantly an "economically unaffordable option" that would cost "a trillion dollars."
Right now, for about nine percent of the DoD budget, the National Guard and reserves provide 44 percent of manpower available to the Defense Department, Punaro said. "You've got high quality. You've got great reliability and dependability. You've got significant affordability and availability," he said.
Six conclusions serve as the foundation for the 400-page report, which is based on 163 findings, 17 days of public hearings, testimony of 115 officials witness and 800 interviews and site visits by commission members. It is the most comprehensive, independent review of the Guard and reserves in 60 years, Punaro said.
The commission proposed changes in laws and regulations that govern the reserves, as well as how reserve forces train, equip and approach medical readiness. The commission proposed an "integrated continuum of service" between reserve and active forces, offering the same pay, personnel, promotion and retirement systems.
The changes would allow a seamless transition by servicemembers over the course of a military career to transition from active to reserve, and to even leave the service temporarily for child rearing or to pursue higher education.
Now, when reservists move from one duty status, such as from active duty to state duty, they sometimes face pay problems and delays. The commission recommended moving from the current 29 duty statuses to only two: active duty or not.
For health care, a hot-ticket item for activated reservists, the commission proposed more specific, targeted information geared to reservists and their families. Many of those the commission interviewed expressed frustration with trying to understand the medical healthcare system quickly once their spouses were mobilized, commission members said.
In personnel changes, the commission recommended a competency-based promotion system that recognizes civilian skills and recruits and retains accordingly.
Many of the changes could be implemented this year if supported by Congress and DoD, Punaro said. Some, though, could require years to debate and implement.
The commission also called for better support programs, funding and resourcing for families and defense officials to have an open dialogue with employers who suffer when employees depart on multiple employments. It also recommends expanding the role of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which advocates on the behalf of servicemembers.
"During the past few years, DoD has initiated the largest set of changes in policy and statute since the inception of the all-volunteer force. This is transforming the Guard and Reserve from a purely strategic reserve to a sustainable operational and strategic reserve," Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said today.
Defense Department officials said they are reviewing the report.
"We thank the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves for their diligence in preparing this important report," Hall said. "We look forward to reviewing the entire document put forward by the commission and will carefully study the feasibility of each proposal contained within their report."
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - With Army suicides on the rise -- approaching rates for the same demographic among civilians -- Army officials are evaluating their programs to see what more can be done to stop the escalation. During 2006, 102 active-duty soldiers committed suicide, the highest number since the last large-scale military deployment, in 1990 and 1991, Army Col. (Dr.) Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, psychiatric consultant to the Army surgeon general, said during a media roundtable today.
That's a rate of 17.5 per 100,000, a dramatic spike from 12.8 per 100,000 in 2005 and the highest rate since 1980, Ritchie said. This compares with the 19.9 per 100,000 rate among military-age civilian males.
All indications show the 2007 rates will be at least as high as in 2006 and probably higher. So far, 89 suicides have been confirmed during 2007, and another 32 active-duty deaths are being investigated, Ritchie said.
Meanwhile, there's an equally troubling spike in suicide attempts, which surged beyond 2,000 in 2007 from about 1,400 the previous year and about 350 in 2002. Ritchie conceded the rate is on the rise, but probably not as dramatically as the numbers alone indicate. She cited better compliance with reporting requirements and new electronic medical records that make data easier to capture with boosting the numbers.
Army officials said they're alarmed about the increase, particularly in light of initiatives already under way to prevent suicides through training and education, outreach and mental health screenings. The Army has made broad strides in improving access to mental health care, both in combat theaters and at home stations, and in working to overcome the stigma associated with seeking care, she said.
Ritchie said it's impossible to gauge how many suicides these efforts may have prevented.
But even with this emphasis, "we see the numbers continue to rise," said retired Col. Dennis Dingle, director of the Army's Well-Being Branch. "It's something that we're concerned about. We're committed to do everything we can to mitigate those risks that cause soldiers to take their lives."
Contrary to popular belief, most active-duty suicides aren't among deployed troops or those just back from combat. Of 102 suicides during 2006, 72 of the soldiers were not deployed or had been back from a deployment for more than a year, Ritchie said.
Twenty-seven were deployed to Iraq and three in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Seven committed suicide within the first year of returning from a deployment to Iraq, and one within a year after returning from Afghanistan.
Most of those taking their lives were young, junior-grade troops, generally ages 18 to 24 ranking E-3 through E-5. During 2006, 11 were women -- the Army's highest number on record.
Another common misconception is that suicides are directly linked to combat or multiple deployments. Ritchie said the root cause of most suicides boils down to relationship problems.
"Consistently, and this has been true over time, the main motive is difficulty with intimate relationships – failed marriages, mainly, and sometimes difficulties with parents and children," she said. "Historically and now, two-thirds to three-quarters of suicides are related to the failure of intimate relationships."
Legal, financial or occupational problems are the No. 2 motive, she said.
While emphasizing that long deployments aren't the immediate motive, Ritchie conceded they can be factors because they can lead to relationship problems. "Frequent deployments strain relationships, and strained relationships and divorces are definitely related to increased suicide," she said.
Another factor, she said, is post-traumatic stress disorder. "Historically post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with strained relationships (and) with substance abuse, so there can be, in some cases, a cascade," she said.
"We are under strain as an Army," Ritchie said. "Soldiers are coming and going and really busy. ... Soldiers, (non-commissioned officers and) families are getting tired. And therefore, they are sometimes more irritable, sometimes they don't take care of each other the way they should (and) are not as nurturing as they should be. So I think it is a marker of the stress on the force."
Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, was so concerned by that impact on his troops that he called on an Army team to help figure out ways to address the suicide prevention effort.
Ritchie was part of the team, which spent most of October in Iraq interviewing more than 200 deployed soldiers to get their input. "We heard some things that didn't surprise us but indicated we need to do better," she said.
Troops want "something new" in terms of education and training, she said. They've gotten suicide-awareness training, but want to know exactly what to do if they or a buddy runs into trouble. They know chaplains and mental health professionals are available to help them but hesitate to take advantage of their services because they're concerned about what their buddies will think if they find out, she said.
Ritchie and her fellow team members went to work, drawing up 55 recommendations of ways to improve the program. "This is an ongoing process at looking at what we are doing and saying what we can do better," she said.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - With help from a Defense Department committee, issues concerning military women's health care and spouse employment are gaining more attention from policy makers and commanders in the 85-percent male U.S. forces. Armed with a $500,000 budget, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services held focus group sessions in 2007 with female troops of varying rank and combat experience at 10 military bases. In an annual report released Jan. 30, the women's committee depicted a U.S. military dealing with gender-specific concerns.
In an interview today, Mary Nelson, the chairwoman of DACOWITS, said she was surprised to discover the level of appreciation female servicemembers expressed after participating in DACOWITS focus groups.
"We tell them the Secretary of Defense has sent us out here to hear your issues," Nelson said. "And I think that means a lot to them that somebody wants to hear what their concerns are, and wants to be sure that their treated fairly and that they're getting a fair chance."
Based on feedback from last year's round of focus groups, DACOWITS has recommended that military medical screenings be retooled to include Pap smears and other women-specific assessments. The group advocates creating pre- and post-deployment medical screening questionnaires designed with females in mind.
For deployed female servicemembers, the most common health risk is urinary tract infection, Nelson said. Though both men and women can contract UTI, physiological differences make women much more vulnerable to UTIs than men.
"They're out on these 10-hour convoys where there is nowhere for (women) to urinate," said Mary Nelson, the chairwoman of DACOWITS. "They can't stop the convoy and get out."
On other feminine health issues, Nelson said that while some problems that arise in the field likely are unavoidable, others could be mitigated or avoided entirely by educating women before deploying. "There are some things that can be addressed, and one of them is the kind of clothing they should wear," she said.
During pre-deployment preparations, many female servicemembers also aren't informed that certain types of birth control are ill-suited for conditions in theater, Nelson said.
"If you take the (birth control) patch, and you're sweating all day, it's not going to stay on," she said. "There's one form of birth control that needs to be refrigerated. Well, they don't have the facilities."
To educate female troops on such issues, the committee is recommending that an instructional manual geared towards female servicemembers that the Army publishes be disseminated more widely. DACOWITS also suggests establishing support outlets that connect females returning from deployments, allowing them to unburden themselves emotionally with other women.
DACOWITS, started in 1951 by Defense Secretary George C. Marshall as a committee tasked with recruiting women for military service, has expanded its scope over the years. The committee now provides advice and recommendations on improving women's experience in the armed forces.
In 2002, the committee's purview extended to include family issues related to recruitment and retention. This year's report advocates initiatives to enhance the satisfaction of military spouses -- the majority of whom are women -- which DACOWITS considers "a retention issue not to be ignored."
A 2006 survey revealed that 77 percent of spouses want to work, although nearly 48 percent were not employed at the time of the survey, according to information published by DACOWITS. Moreover, 73 percent of DACOWITS focus group participants said they were trained for a specific career and more than half of these said they are currently working in the career for which they are trained.
A wide range of programs and support systems are in place for spouses desiring employment, but these are often hidden and unknown to the uninitiated, DACOWITS said. Broader dissemination of information, therefore, is essential to maintaining the satisfaction of servicemember spouses.
Nelson said that soon after arriving at a military base, families are invited to initial briefings which could include information of interest to military spouses, including employment. Spouses, perhaps because they feel unwelcome to attend, generally don't accompany their military husband or wife.
"We ought to get our spouses to come, so we suggested that the military units send out invitations specifically to spouses, and that in that initial briefing they talk about employment opportunities," she said. "Now we're not suggesting that they have to tell them everything that's possible, but at least point them in the (right) direction."
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - Servicemembers nationwide looking for jobs in their off-duty hours need look no further than a troop-support group based in southern California. "We help citizens and businesses to thank our current military, veterans, and their spouses by posting their job opportunities ... on our free military job posting and search Web site," said Mark Baird, president of Patriotic Hearts.
Every military base in the United States is listed on Patriotic Heart's "HirePatriots.com," Web site, which gives troops and employers across the country a way to connect in their own neighborhoods.
Thousands use the site to search for employment, Baird said, adding that HirePatriots.com also hosts job fairs to support those who serve and have served in the U.S. military and their family members.
Additionally, the Web site publishes an online magazine, which includes articles and advice for military job seekers, as well as its own "Top Patriotic Employers," Baird said.
"(Those are) businesses that are currently seeking to hire those with military experience," he said.
The group's effort to support the nation's men and women in uniform doesn't stop with helping them find employment. The group also offers assistance to military couples who might be experiencing marital issues.
"Patriotic Hearts also provides romantic, all-expense paid, military marriage enrichment weekends with personal counseling sessions," Baird said. "(The weekends also include) group meetings with renowned marriage speakers and authors to help current and veteran U.S. military married couples."
Patriotic Hearts is a new supporter of the America Supports You program, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
"Our hope is that our (affiliation with America Supports You) will strengthen our ability to continue serving those who serve us so well and honorably," Baird said.
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today that is has begun recruiting for the National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Pilot, a public civilian organization composed of volunteers engaged on-call to provide diverse language services across a broad range of local, state and federal government departments and agencies. The opportunities for service will vary from emergency relief to international crises to immediate national need—wherever language skills are needed.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Americans with unique language skills to serve their country, when and where they are needed the most," said Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu.
During the pilot, a team of nationally recognized experts is developing, testing, and evaluating the prototype concept of operations, potentially leading to a plan for a fully operational NLSC in fiscal 2010. The pilot includes recruiting and enrolling 1,000 charter members with competency in ten languages important to national security and welfare of the nation. The following languages have been identified so far: Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Somali, Swahili and Vietnamese. The operational concept for employing these languages is being examined and refined during three activation exercises. The director, National Security Education Program (NSEP) is coordinating the participation of federal agencies as partners for the three activation exercises. The final two languages will be identified when the exercise plans have been completed.
The National Language Service Corps Pilot, authorized by Congress in 2006, represents a vital new approach to address the nation's needs for individuals with highly developed language skills. It is an integral component of the Defense Department's comprehensive language roadmap and the President's National Security Language Initiative.
The pilot corps will include two pools of certified language capable individuals. The "national pool" will consist of a broader array of talent that will be maintained to be drawn upon during times of need. The "dedicated pool" will be a smaller cadre of individuals who enter relationships with sponsoring organizations and who agree to be available to those organizations should the need arise.
U.S. citizens interested in volunteering, or seeking more information, should call 1-888-Say-NLSC (729-6572) or go to http://www.nationallanguageservicecorps.org .
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