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Air Force Blocking the Troop Tube
Relevance Score: 3.692 2009-03-28 13:54:49
Last week, we discovered that a bunch of military bases -- especially Air Force bases -- were blocking TroopTube, the Pentagon's YouTube knock-off. Today, we learned that the digital blockades were part of a larger, Air Force-wide decision to cut off access to the military's taxpayer-funded, security-scrubbed, low-bandwidth-optimized video sharing site. "The Air Force must balance network security requirements with competing requests for wide-ranging access to a vast array of public internet services for our Airmen. Air Force-wide policy restricts access to categories of sites that are generally not mission related, and put adverse performance demands on our networks. As a result of this general policy, access to Troop Tube is blocked at Air Force bases," service spokesman Major David Small e-mails Danger Room. Some Air Force bases may still have access through different configurations and local commander approval. Additionally, Airmen operating on non-AF networks, like the Pentagon, may have access to Troop Tube. While there is some perceived inconvenience with this Air Force restriction, the general policy helps ensure our networks remain safe and perform optimally. We recognize, however, the importance and usefulness of the Troop Tube web site and are doing everything we can to ensure our Airmen have access. Currently, our Airmen can access Troop Tube through various base locations that provide access to the Internet, such as some Airmen and Family Readiness Centers, libraries, and other morale, welfare, and recreation facilities. Additionally, our Airmen can access this site from their home computers. Due to a recent request to access this site for mission needs, we are re-evaluating access to Troop Tube specifically. This evaluation will assess the site's security posture and impact to the AF mission and network performance.
DoD Announces Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation
Relevance Score: 3.587 2009-07-15 17:52:38
The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of two units to Afghanistan. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, from Fort Campbell, Ky., and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy, have been alerted to replace forces currently deployed in Afghanistan, in order to maintain the capabilities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, will deploy with approximately 3,800 troops to Afghanistan in late fall 2009. The 173rd Brigade Combat Team, with approximately 3,700 troops, will deploy to Afghanistan in the winter of 2009-2010. Both units will conduct the full spectrum of combat operations. The United States continues to be NATO-ISAF’s largest troop contributor, and remains committed to leading the offensive in counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, training and equipping the Afghan national security forces and assisting with reconstruction. Force levels in Afghanistan are conditions-based and will be determined in consultation with the Afghan government and NATO.
Army Scales Up Deployment Of CROWS
Relevance Score: 3.201 2010-03-16 14:38:57
The U.S. Army informed it is working to set up three support sites to support a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station deployment to Afghanistan. The Project Executive Office Soldier's Project Manager Soldier Weapons office informed it is scaling up its logistics support for a growing deployment of the XM153 Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station systems for ongoing operations in Afghanistan. The PM Soldier Weapons office logistics work is part of an initiative to establish three new support sites in Afghanistan for the XM153, a technology designed to increase troop safety by enabling remotely controlled target acquisition. "We are embedding the new CROWS support sites with units that are farther afield," U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Ascura, crew-served weapons product manager, informed in a statement. "Our new sites will put the support closer to the units that need it and reduce system down time. We fielded one new site this month, and will bring two more online by April in Afghanistan."
2011 Defence Budget – Supporting the Troops in the Field
Relevance Score: 2.695 2010-02-03 12:48:23
In addition to the Department’s base budget, the fiscal 2011 request includes $159 billion to support troops engaged in overseas contingency operations (OCO) in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is not a supplemental request. It is intended to fund all currently known requirements for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq for the entire fiscal year. Included in the FY 2011 OCO request are: • $89.4 billion for operating costs, linked to the operating tempo of frontline combat and support forces in theater. This includes $0.7 billion for additional family support initiatives in addition to those in the base budget. • $21.3 billion for reconstituting equipment -- repairing and replacing equipment lost and damaged as a result of ongoing operations -- including $2.8 billion to reset equipment redeploying from Iraq and returning to inventory. • $2.4 billion to ensure greater ISR support for U.S. warfighters, including funds for five Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance Surveillance System aircraft and efforts to address vulnerabilities of unencrypted airborne data links. • $13.6 billion to train and equip Afghanistan and Iraq Security Forces -- $11.6 billion for the training and equipping of Afghan security forces and $2 billion for the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces. • $1.2 billion of military construction to expand the logistical backbone and operational foundation in Afghanistan. This will enable counterinsurgency forces to fight more effectively by increasing operational capability, providing troop housing, replacing expeditionary facilities at the end of their lifecycle, consolidating functions and facilities, and supporting Special Operations forces operating in Afghanistan. In addition, the Administration is submitting a FY 2010 supplemental appropriation request of $33 billion to cover the FY 2010 defense costs for the additional 30,000 troops that will be deployed to Afghanistan in support of the President’s new strategy for the region.
Canada Diplomat Leaves Afghanistan Confident Of Success.
Relevance Score: 2.359 2009-07-15 02:41:06
Ron Hoffman considers the bombs, danger, political intrigue and stress of being the highest-ranking Canadian in the world's most volatile area hard to beat. For Hoffmann, who on Friday ends his history-packed two-year term as the Canadian ambassador to Afghanistan, he admits it'll be hard to leave his diplomat's job in the high-profile war zone. ``On a personal level, there is no diplomatic experience that could be as rewarding as this one,'' Hoffmann informed recently at his smartly appointed official Kabul residence along embassy row, barricaded behind ultraheavy security. ``My career can only go downhill after this. ``To be given the privilege of being the senior Canadian in a country which is our top development priority, our top diplomatic priority, and our top military priority is an extraordinary experience.'' The 48-year-old diplomat, originally from Winnipeg, acknowledges that Afghanistan is still a powder keg in many ways. Forty three coalition troops have died in the first half of July alone - four Canadians, one Italian, 15 Brits, 23 Americans. ``There is no doubt that the security situation has become more difficult over the last month,'' Hoffmann said. ``But there are a number of factors involved. One, it's the traditional fighting season, with the opium harvest having ended. Two, the military operations in Pakistan have moved some insurgents into Afghanistan.'' An American troop surge is also upping the ante with fighting. Hoffmann said the Aug. 20 election, only the second in Afghanistan's history and the first fully organized by Afghans themselves, adds to the tension but represents a significant step. He also believes Canada has done a wonderful job helping Afghans move toward democracy, in particular with training police and soldiers, helping shape Afghan debate, and contributing almost $100 million to education alone. ``Canada has done really well in Afghanistan,'' Hoffmann said, noting how much Ottawa supports the efforts with resources, people and even attitude. ``This country has challenges and a long way to go to overcome its security issues and institution building. ``But I'm also confident as I leave that Afghanistan will succeed because we have seen solid progress.'' The Canadian Embassy is in the process of doubling, with more than 100 staff. The chic, modern residence will be replaced by an even newer one. The sprawling Canadian grounds will soon encompass several large buildings. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Canada's military mission in Afghanistan will end in 2011. By then, Canada will have contributed $1.9 billion in civilian spending, among the largest of any country. Hoffmann's next posting is in Bangkok, as the Canadian ambassador for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Seasoned diplomat William Crosbie will take over in Afghanistan. He has lived apart from his wife and two teenage children during his stint in Afghanistan. So the Asian posting comes with a bonus. ``I leave with very mixed feelings,'' he said. ``I would have loved to stay longer, and had I been single, I would have. ``But it's time to get our family back together.''
UK Helicopters to be Prepared for Afghan Operations
Relevance Score: 2.304 2009-08-13 09:21:54
The homecoming of two Merlin helicopters to RAF Benson yesterday marked the end of an era for the Royal Air Force as now all of the Service’s aircraft have left Iraq. And having just returned from a six-year deployment to Iraq, the helicopters will undergo a series of modifications to ensure they are prepared for their next operation in Afghanistan by the end of this year. The last two Merlins flew back to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire yesterday, Tuesday 11 August 2009, to be met at the station by Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, alongside friends and families in a homecoming ceremony. Merlin and Puma Force Commander and RAF Benson Station Commander Group Captain Jon Burr said: “The Pumas have played an active role in Iraq since 2003, to be joined by the Merlins two years later. The Merlin made its name in casualty evacuation, carrying out daring rescues in a hostile environment to rescue British and coalition lives. It’s been a big commitment for the personnel of RAF Benson. Some staff have been deployed in Iraq several times over, which combined has added up to almost two years of their lives spent in Iraq. “I’d like to salute the courage, skill and commitment of all RAF Benson personnel who have served so valiantly in Iraq, to help make a better life for the Iraqi people.” Wing Commander Nigel Colman, Officer Commanding 78 Squadron, of which the Merlins were a part, said: “It’s fantastic to bring home the squadron. We faced quite varied and significant challenges in Iraq, on an operation which has at times involved intense war-fighting. Now we’re able to prepare for and be completely focused on Afghanistan.” Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: “The Merlin and Puma forces have played a hugely important role in our operations in Iraq and I would like to thank all those involved, as well as their families and friends for the strong support they have given over the last six years. We can all be incredibly proud of their achievements and Iraq today is a better place thanks to their outstanding service, commitment and sacrifice.” Now all RAF aircraft have left Iraq, the Service is concentrating on getting all available equipment to the troops in Afghanistan to provide additional support in the form of Puma, Lynx and Merlin helicopters, each of which will offer additional capabilities to the existing International Security Assistance Force kit already being used in theatre. Deputy Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Commodore Simon Falla, said: “At the moment we have Apache doing the Ground Fire Support role out in Afghanistan, principally supporting other helicopters and protecting troops on the ground. The principal troop carrier is the Chinook and also deals with CASEVAC [casualty evacuation] and I’d like to think that we have a world-beating capability with this aircraft in that role. “We’ve got Sea King helicopters out there doing what we call Command Support, in other words they are able to take round small groups of people, principally commanders, and get them round the battlefield. Mobility around the battlefield is pretty important and that’s the kind of role they’re getting into. “Our Lynx aircraft are worked with seasonally. They are built for a temperate environment, they’re not well suited to the hot weather in Afghanistan, but in the winter they can work and so from September they’ll be out there. They work in an escort role, again escorting transport helicopters and offering mutual support, in other words looking after another helicopter as a pair. And Merlin will be going out at the end of the year to do the troop transport role. “In Kenya we’ve deployed our Puma helicopters who have also recently returned from Iraq, principally to do Army training; they work in a troop transport role so they’re out there to train the Army. And Lynx helicopters will be going out there to do their pre-deployment training in Kenya.” Mr Ainsworth stressed that the Merlin helicopter will be a massive boost to UK troops currently serving in Afghanistan. He said: “It’s a well armoured aircraft. It’s served in Iraq very successfully for the last few years and we are spending money on its protection as well as its lift capability before we send it out to Afghanistan. I am confident that this helicopter is perfectly capable of the job that we’re giving it to do in Afghanistan. “The Merlin has a long range so, with the great distances that there are in Afghanistan, in Helmand, it will be ideally suited by the time we’ve done our modifications for that theatre. When people see the Merlin arrive they’ll know that there is additional support there. “The Merlin being finished in Iraq means that we can now reconfigure it, get it fit and get it out to Afghanistan. “We have work going on to see if we can increase the number of Chinooks that we’ve got out in theatre. “We’re going to upgrade the Lynx to make sure it can fly all year round in the hot circumstances of Afghanistan. So, this is part of an ongoing process. We’ve doubled the number of helicopter hours and the Merlin gives us the opportunity to get even more helicopter hours to our troops. Mostly it’s going to be used for lifting and for transporting troops around, moving people around in theatre.” With the Merlins returned to their hangars at RAF Benson, preparation for their mission to Afghanistan has already begun. The modifications include new rotor blades, improvements to the Defensive Aid Suite which protects the aircraft from threats on the ground, as well as ballistic protection. Wing Commander Ross Richards who oversees training on the Merlins said: “Afghanistan and Iraq are very different theatres, so we’ve got a series of modifications to make to enable the aircraft to cope with the different conditions and threats they will face in Afghanistan. “When you add the heat and the increase in altitude together, the aircraft has to work harder – the air is thinner and they have to work closer to the edge of their performance envelope. “We’re working hard and are on track to deploy the required number of aircraft by the end of the year. By the end of the year we should see Merlins in Afghanistan.” It’s not just the helicopters which have to prepare for life in Afghanistan as many of the engineers who returned from Iraq will travel with the Merlins too. Flight Lieutenant Ross Norman said that the change in theatres may prove challenging: “The main element will be handling the aircraft at that height,” he said. “In Iraq the areas we were working in were mostly flat deserts and open land or urban areas – Afghanistan is very different.” The helicopter squadron will now take part in a four-month training exercise in America to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan later this year. Mr Ainsworth added: “I have been extremely impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of everyone here at RAF Benson who are busting a gut to get these helicopters ready for their next challenge. They know, as I do, that additional helicopters in Afghanistan will help us to achieve more and achieve it faster.”
GTEC expects 4Q revenue of $55.7 million, ahead of analyst estimates
Relevance Score: 2.207 2010-02-11 13:37:35
Global Defense Technology & Systems Inc., which provides technology and engineering services to the military and intelligence agencies, said on Wednesday that it expects fourth quarter revenues of $55.7 million and fiscal 2009 revenues of $212.8 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had been expecting fourth-quarter revenue of $55.1 million and full-year revenue of $212.1 million. The company said the fourth-quarter revenue would be a 20 percent increase over the same period in 2008, and the full-year revenue would be a 12 percent increase. Global Defense said the new defense bill and troop increases in Afghanistan mean it has a larger pipeline of potential work. It said it expects 2010 revenue to grow 14 percent to 20 percent, possibly more. Analysts were expecting 2010 revenue of $246.6 million, which would be a 15.9 percent increase over the company's expected 2009 revenue.
U.S. Army's BLACK HAWK Helicopter Fleet Surpasses 1 Million Flight Hours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Relevance Score: 2.036 2009-11-28 15:16:38
Sikorsky BLACK HAWK helicopters flown by the U.S. Army in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war have accumulated more than 1 million fleet flight hours without a single Class A material failure with the aircraft, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. reported today from the Dubai Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (UTX). The U.S. Army currently operates more than 350 BLACK HAWK helicopters combined in these two Overseas Contingency Operations. BLACK HAWK helicopters have flown these missions since February 2003 and are maintaining an 84 percent mission capable readiness rate while operating in the extreme heat, wind, and sand conditions. While the U.S. Army's fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters continues to log fleet hours in theater, BLACK HAWK aircraft operating in the Middle East region are also performing well for Sikorsky consumers. There are approximately 150 BLACK HAWK helicopters operating elsewhere in the Middle East. "The BLACK HAWK helicopter has proven itself in the most extreme and rigorous environments, and each milestone is a testament to its durability and effectiveness," informed Scott Starrett, President, Sikorsky Military Systems. "It is a proven, reliable combat aircraft." The U.S. Army's total BLACK HAWK helicopter fleet exceeds 1,740 aircraft and has amassed nearly 6 million flight hours. More than 3,000 BLACK HAWK helicopters are in use today, operating in 27 different countries. Designed to stringent U.S. Military standards, the BLACK HAWK helicopter has become the leader in multi-mission-type aircraft. Among the mission configurations it serves are troop transport, medical evacuation, electronic warfare, attack, assault support and special operations. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, produce and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Kentucky Guard Team Heading To Afghanistan.
Relevance Score: 1.926 2009-07-10 22:09:46
Lots of Kentucky National Guard personnel are going to Afghanistan, but in a non-combat capacity. Public Affairs Officer First Lieutenant Stephen Martin says the group will help Afghans boost their local agricultural economies. “The Agribusiness Development Team is a team of soldiers and airmen, 64 soldiers and airmen, who are going to Afghanistan as part of a unique mission for helping develop the agricultural industry over there, to help build up the economy,” Martin said. He says team members have a variety of skills and backgrounds in agricultural matters. The group will be send to Afghanistan after several weeks of mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. This mission will last one year.
Internet Service Provider for US Army in Afghanistan and Iraq
Relevance Score: 1.914 2009-06-26 11:38:56
Since the military provides just 6 to 12 computers for every 1,000 or so troops, time limits of 10 to 15 minutes per day are often enforced at Morale Welfare Recreation Cafés (the complicated name for military internet cafés). Anyone who sorts through spam, reads forwarded articles and jokes, then tries to respond to “real” email knows 15 minutes isn't enough. Josh Hines, a soldier from Conway who recently returned from Iraq , confirmed that the Army lacks internet services and lamented the scarcity of entertainment options. It should come as no surprise, then, that some enterprising military personnel have engineered an alternative. TS2, the common term for troop-owned ISPs, have sprung to life on almost every base around Iraq. A typical TS2 network is built and maintained by one or two soldiers and can provide nearly 24-hour internet access (until the region is stabilized and electrical lines can be installed, generators must occasionally be powered down for maintenance). Most TS2 networks are small, serving between 20 and 30 troops, but ISPs serving as many as 300 are known to exist. In a country wracked by war, where even the capital city receives only intermittent electricity, where people's lives are in constant peril, and where even basic necessities are scarce, this is no small victory. A TS2's key elements are satellite service from an international provider, a satellite dish to send and receive data, and a central location inside a base where network hardware is safe from attack. Like an internet-age Frankenstein, a TS2's hardware must be purchased from an international source, shipped in, then cobbled together by military personnel, many of whom have little previous experience running a network. Source: TS2 Satellite Technologies