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And other social networking sites as the Pentagon weighed a similar prohibition over cybersecurity concerns. The Marines had already banned the use of social media on military networks but issued a more detailed order this week defining which sites were out of bounds and noting possible exceptions to the rule, a Marine Corps spokesman, Lieutenant Craig Thomas said. "These Internet sites in general are a proven haven for malicious actors and content and are particularly high risk due to information exposure, user generated content and targeting by adversaries," the Marine Corps said in an order posted on its website. "The...

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Flying at home station is necessary for training, but flying with other units, especially an allied unit like the Israeli Air Force, results in valuable experience and preparation for the fight. A squadron of F-16Is from Ramon Air Base, Israel, is one of the nine units participating in Red Flag 09-4 through July 24 in Las Vegas. Red Flag exercises present a unique experience for U.S. and allied units to fly together against red air, or 'enemy' aircraft provided by the Aggressor Squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, in a realistic combat environment. The...

I'm trying to find a source that lists the amounts of people freed by the US military in its various wars and conflicts for a speech; if anyone can point me to one I'd appreciate it, Thank You.

Currently running: Should the U.S. military ban tobacco use? Yes 31% 21697 No 69% 47193 Total Votes: 68890

It's the year 2030. As a soldier enters a crowded marketplace, sensors mounted on his helmet automatically scan faces in the crowd, identifying a known insurgent; a cursor in the heads-up display highlights the target and cues the weapon, which can be set to stun or kill; a simple voice command unlocks the trigger. Aided by "smart drugs," enhanced with prosthetics, and protected by a lightweight suit of armor, this soldier of the future possesses near super-human capabilities and weapons that would make even Iron Man jealous. He's suited up in an "exoskeleton" - essentially a Storm Trooper-esque external shell...

SNIPPET: ""He is continuing to come across as a very weak leader. In his other overseas trips, he has essentially groveled in front of the other leaders and the other countries of the world," Curry says. "And he is doing essentially the same thing with Russia." Curry says Obama reminds him of former President Jimmy Carter. "Jimmy Carter just about destroyed the military in terms of removing budgeting, removing procurement of new weapons systems -- and President Obama seems like he's going down the very same road," Curry contends. "He cut a billion dollars out of our missile defense R&D...

Tunisian authorities have reportedly arrested nine soldiers for allegedly planning attacks on visiting American military officers. The arrests were made under the Tunisian anti-terrorism law, lawyers said. The detainees, two of whom are officers in the Tunisian Air Force, planned to assassinate American military officers who visit the country periodically for military training and joint exercises with the Tunisian army, the German Deutsche Press Agency (DPA) reported. Dr. Jack Kalpakian, a political expert at Morocco’s Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, said he was not surprised to hear news of the terror sweep. “Tunisia’s government has followed a very secularist policy and...

Note: The following text is a quote: General Counsel Looking Into ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ Gates Says By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service ABOARD A MILIARY AIRCRAFT, June 30, 2009 – A day after President Barack Obama reaffirmed his pledge to overturn the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he has Defense Department lawyers exploring ways to make it more flexible until the law is changed. The law prohibits officials from inquiring into a servicemember’s sexual orientation in the absence of statements or acts that indicate the servicemember is homosexual, but allows...

Starting June 30th, United States armed forces will remove themselves from a direct role in the guarding and oversight of Iraqi cities, signaling the beginning of the end to the years-long presence of America’s military within the country’s metropolitan centers. Though they will still be “on call” in a support role, it is believed that these troops will begin a rotation out from Iraq altogether and that — for the most part — Iraq’s own armed forces and police agencies will step into the breach and take responsibility for their own homeland defense. It also remains an open question among...

The Photographers  Photo 1, United States Air Force (USAF) Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald, via http://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-200905.htm Photo 2, USAF Staff Sgt. Samuel E. Rogers, via http://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-20051129.htm Photo 3, USAF Tech. Sgt. Debbie Hernandez, via http://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-20050822.htm Photo 4, The United States Navy, via http://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-20050822.htm Photo 5, USAF Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald, via http://ChamorroBible.org/gpw/gpw-200905.htm

<p>A ship named Kang Nam left a port in North Korea Wednesday and could be carrying missile parts or nuclear materials in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution.</p> <p>Thursday, June 18, 2009 The U.S. military is tracking the North Korean ship shown here, called the Kang Nam.</p>

U.S.Military Tracking North Korean Ship Suspected of Proliferating Missiles, Nukes A ship named Kang Nam left a port in North Korea Wednesday and could be carrying missile parts or nuclear materials in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution. FOXNews.com Thursday, June 18, 2009 The U.S. military is tracking a flagged North Korean ship suspected of proliferating weapons material in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution passed last Friday, FOX News has learned. The ship, Kang Nam, left a port in North Korea Wednesday and could be carrying weaponry, missile parts or nuclear materials. The U.S. military has been...

NEW YORK -- Military service is in Capt. Kamaljit Singh Kalsi's blood. But his plans to go on active duty in July are now on hold. An Army policy from the 1980s that regulates the wearing of religious items would mean he would need to shave his beard and remove the turban he wears in accordance with his religious precepts. Sikhs have a long history with the U.S. military, serving in World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and in the Persian Gulf.

Army's 234th Birthday celebration at the Pentagon Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Col. Arthur Wittich (the oldest Soldier serving in the military district of Washington), Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Pvt. Rex Vaughn (the youngest Soldier serving in the military district of Washington), and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston cut the Army's 234th birthday cake during a celebration at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2009. "Our Army's history is a proud one. At its heart, it is a story of people ....

Today America's highest court stood by a decision to maintain the ban on gays serving in the military, a decision that was supported and encouraged by the White House. There are several important issues at play and while I contend that this is an extremely sensitive topic, it is no less a topic that should be openly discussed with out the fear of infringing upon political correctness. First of all, I fail to see how a ban on gay military service is at all constitutional. Whatever happened to individual liberty and freedom? I for one do not approve of the...

A Remembrance rally was held yesterday for the soldiers who were gunned down Monday by a Muslim. Here is a first person account: "Secure Arkansas organized a rally in remembrance of the first terrorist attack since 9/11. Pvt. William Long was killed and Pvt. Quinton I. Ezeagwula was wounded by Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad). Channel 11 was the only TV crew out there with a camera, and the AR Dem Gazette sent a reporter and a photographer. The event had several speakers who did a wonderful job. Video footage of them will be uploaded soon. However, the most shocking part of...

Note: Photos included. Note: The following text is a quote: Gates Gets Up-close Look at U.S. Missile Defense By Fred W. Baker III American Forces Press Service GREELY, Alaska, June 2, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates stepped down inside a missile silo here yesterday to get an up-close look at the system he says will protect the United States from an intercontinental ballistic missile threat. Gates stopped here on his way back from an Asia security summit in Singapore, where North Korea’s recent nuclear and missile tests dominated the discussions of defense ministers from countries across the region....

<p>Latest Video:Little Rock - One person is in custody, and two others have been transported to a local hospital in serious condition following a double-shooting in west Little Rock Monday morning.</p> <p>Authorities say the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Army Navy Career Center inside the Ashley Square Shopping Center at 9112 North Rodney Parham Road. According to Lt. Terry Hastings with the Little Rock Police Department, two recruiting officers standing outside the office were hit when the unidentified suspect drove up in a black SUV and began shooting.</p>

Just a little more on the book ``Lone Survivor'' by Marcus Luttrell, Navy SEAL. He continues to describe what the military is up against. It gets very discouraging for them to pick up a paper and read about our politicians degrading the military. We all remember the Haditha Marines who were accused of murder. Jack Murtha jumped out front (with Kennedy, Kerry and Reid close behind), and with absolutely no facts, declared them guilty. It got even worse. He called our troops rapists, murderers and uncontrolled criminals. Predictably, the lapdog media loved it and aggressively ran with it. Remember, there...

A society as blessed as ours - its people safe even while at war, prosperous even amidst economic crisis - needs to be reminded that such blessings come at a cost. Memorial Day is a time to remember, but it is more than that. Good men and women go off to war on our behalf, and some do not return.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Gura writes, "Today I offer something which will make you stand a little straighter, a little prouder to be an American." Do you know who Jason L. Dunham is? How about Paul Ray Smith? You should because they are two of America’s finest sons; they are heroes in the War on Terror. These days the press doesn’t seem to care very much about conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. No, they’re too busy whining every time some two bit terrorist thug sniffles, or mugging over Paris Hilton’s latest foibles to tell you about...

On May 4, Al Jazeera English ran a report suggesting that U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan may have been violating anti-proselytizing rules by distributing Dari-and Pashto-language New Testament Bibles. Central Command General Order No. 1 specifically forbids “proselytizing of any faith, religion or practice.” The footage came from documentary filmmaker Brian Hughes The report showed a service from approximately a year ago, with the head U.S. military chaplain in Afghanistan, Lt. Colonel Gary Hensley, talking about the need to spread the Gospel. "The special forces guys -- they hunt men basically," Hensley said. "We do the same things as Christians, we...

Note: The following text is a quote: Social Science Research Assists Navigation of ‘Human Terrain’ By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 18, 2009 – The Defense Department is funding research to help warfighters learn and adapt to the social and cultural norms in their deployment areas, a Navy program officer said in a May 13 webcast of “Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military” on Pentagon Web Radio. “It's been a shift in the thinking of the Department of Defense away from conventional warfare practices to the asymmetric and irregular...

Thank You, Military Recruiters, May 15, 2009, Dateline: Silver Spring, Md. On Friday, May 15, 2009, members of the Free Republic, DC Chapter went to the Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Silver Spring to thank the recruiters for their service. The AFRC is about a mile up Georgia Ave from the front gate of Walter Reed. We spent our time with three Navy recruiters, as the Army and the Marine recruiters were at Andrews Air force Base preparing for this weekend’s air show. We heard that recruiting goals are being met, that re-enlistments are high and that fewer are getting...

Every British officer I talk with asks what in the world happened with General McKiernan, and why was his relief performed so publicly. I do not know. And I do not personally know General McKiernan. I do know that these ears have never heard someone speak a foul word about him, and I talk with lots of interesting people. If he, McKiernan, was a bad general I would have heard about it. However, General McKiernan did make some statements about additional troops to Afghanistan, and when he made those statements I remember thinking, “He’s going to get fired.” And so...

BAGHDAD – A U.S. soldier opened fire at a counseling center on a U.S. base Monday, killing five fellow soldiers before being taken into custody, the U.S. command and Pentagon officials said.

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2009 – All 10 active-duty and reserve military components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in April, Defense Department officials announced today. For the second consecutive month, the Marine Corps added the highest percentage of active-duty members. The Corps’ goal was to add 1,018 new Marines. It exceeded that number by 43 percent, adding 1,666 new Marines. The Army National Guard led the reserve components when it exceeded its recruiting goal of 4,029 new Guardsmen by 11 percent, adding 4,474 soldiers. “The economic downturn, rising unemployment, and the scarcity of civilian jobs has made military recruiting less...

Sensitive data detailing launch procedures for a US military missile air defence system have been found on a second-hand computer hard drive bought on eBay. More than 300 hard disks were studied and researchers uncovered other sensitive information including bank account details, medical records, confidential business plans, financial company data, personal id numbers, and job descriptions. The drives were bought from the UK, America, Germany, France and Australia through computer auctions, computer fairs and on the online auction site eBay. The exercise was carried out by BT's Security Research Centre in collaboration with the University of Glamorgan in Wales, Edith...

CBNNews.com - The U.S. military says some Bibles in Afghanistan have been confiscated and destroyed, Reuters reported. Their decision to destroy them came after Al Jazeera television showed U.S. soldiers at a Bible class with a stack of Bibles translated into the local languages.It's illegal to proselytize in Afghanistan and military officials forbid troops to convert Afghans to Christianity.The military says the Bibles were brought to the Bible class by an Evangelical Christian solider who received them from his home church.

The U.S. military is confirming that it has destroyed some Bibles belonging to an American soldier serving in Afghanistan. Reuters News says the Bibles were confiscated and destroyed after Qatar-based Al Jazeera television showed soldiers at a Bible class on a base with a stack of Bibles translated into the local Pashto and Dari languages. The U.S. military forbids its members on active duty -- including those based in places like Afghanistan -- from trying to convert people to another religion. Reuters quotes Maj. Jennifer Willis at the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, who said "I can now confirm...

Iraq Government Wants U.S. Troops Out by June 30 [2009-05-04]. (This is the title of the story but as you can see has nothing to do with the actual article) Arlington, VA -- The U.S. Military said that reports from Al Jazeera English that evangelical Christian soldiers in Afghanistan handed out Bibles to local Afghans and operated under instructions from their chaplain to "hunt people for Jesus" grossly misrepresent the truth and that in reality Bibles were confiscated, not handed out. The Al Jazeera broadcast includes a video taken a year ago in which a small group of U.S. Soldiers...

The U.S. military is confirming that it has destroyed some Bibles belonging to an American soldier serving in Afghanistan. Reuters News says the Bibles were confiscated and destroyed after Qatar-based Al Jazeer television showed soldiers at a Bible class on a base with a stack of Bibles translated into the local Pashto and Dari languages. The U.S. military forbids its members on active duty -- including those based in places like Afghanistan -- from trying to convert people to another religion. Reuters quotes Maj. Jennifer Willis at the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, who said "I can now confirm...

The U.S. military is confirming that it has destroyed some Bibles belonging to an American soldier serving in Afghanistan. Reuters News says the Bibles were confiscated and destroyed after Qatar-based Al Jazeer television showed soldiers at a Bible class on a base with a stack of Bibles translated into the local Pashto and Dari languages.

CHÂTEAUROUX, France — More than 40 years ago the American military left this town in central France, but Harry and Joe stayed on. The two Americans had been here because France was a member of NATO and Châteauroux housed the largest American base in Europe, a huge supply center and aircraft repair unit with about 8,000 Americans and 3,000 French civilian employees — cooks, chauffeurs, barbers, accountants, carpenters. But in 1966 de Gaulle decided that France, which had survived two world wars with the help of soldiers from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, could stand on...

Note: The following text is a quote: Spokesman Cites Pentagon Cooperation in Interrogation Probe By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 22, 2009 – The Defense Department provided full cooperation during a U.S. Senate committee investigation that examined detainee-interrogation operations, a senior official said here today. “We fully cooperated with that effort in responding to requests for interviews, as well as documents,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters. The two-year Senate Armed Services Committee investigation centered on examining U.S. interrogation procedures for detainees captured during the war on terrorism. The committee’s report is critical of some interrogation...

Note: The following text is a quote: Gates Cites Need to Learn From Past Drawdowns By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service NEWPORT, R.I., April 17, 2009 – As the U.S. military winds down from Iraq and Afghanistan in the future, leaders must learn the lessons of past drawdowns, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates spoke to the class and staff of the Naval War College. He said leaders must understand that as conflicts end, the United States cannot unilaterally disarm. Gates said one of his favorite sayings from his 43 years of federal service is, “Experience...

BARROW, UK: BAE Systems workers today celebrated delivery of the 500th M777 howitzer to the US military. Weighing in at less than 4200kg, the revolutionary M777 is the world's first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. BAE Systems Global Combat Systems' facility at Barrow-in- Furness is responsible for the prime contract management of the M777 programme, including direct customer liaison and acceptance of the weapon system in the US, control of the UK and US supply chain, engineering design authority and manufacturing...

Note: The following text is a quote: Gates Discusses Tough Decisions, Congressional Oversight By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service CARLISLE BARRACKS, Pa., April 16, 2009 – In his two-and-a-half years as Defense secretary, Robert M. Gates has had many hard decisions to make. But none, he said here today, compare to the difficulty of his part in sending men and women into combat. “The rest of it all pales by comparison,” Gates told students at the Army War College here. “Knowing what I have to do, but knowing the consequences.” Approving combat deployments, Gates said, is not an ethical...

A friend of ours in the deep southland sends us the letter that the American Legion national commander, David K. Rehbein sent to Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano in response to the report that TSO wrote about yesterday which expressed an unwarranted fear of us right-wing veterans. The letter reads; Dear Secretary Napolitano, On behalf of the 2.6 million-member American Legion, I am stating my concern about your April 7 report, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence and Recruitment.” First, I want to assure you that The American Legion has long shared your concern about...

EXCLUSIVE: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates denied permission for the U.S. Northern Command to use the Pentagon's most powerful sea-based radar to monitor North Korea's recent missile launch, precluding officials from collecting finely detailed launch data or testing the radar in a real-time crisis, current and former defense officials said.

Note: The following text is a quote: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53886 Obama Forwards Supplemental War Funding Request to Congress By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 10, 2009 – President Barack Obama yesterday forwarded the White House’s $83.4-billion war supplemental appropriations request to the U.S. House of Representatives. “We face a security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan that demands urgent attention,” Obama stated in a letter addressed to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “The Taliban is resurgent, and al-Qaida threatens America from its safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border.” Most of the funds contained in the fiscal 2009 supplemental request,...

(CNSNews.com) - A letter signed by 1,050 retired military officers, including 47 four-star leaders, requests that a 1993 law banning homosexuals from serving in the U.S. armed services be retained. The letter was delivered to President Barack Obama and Congress last week. The 1993 law, which passed with bipartisan support and has been upheld as constitutional by federal courts, specifically excludes homosexuals from serving in the military and is frequently mislabeled or mis-reported as the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy,” an enforcement regulation put in place by President Bill Clinton after the law passed. The March 31 letter to Obama...

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., April 6, 2009 – For some, it means red, white and blue. It means 13 stripes for the original colonies and 50 stars for the states. For the families of the fallen, the American flag means so much more. Air Force Staff Sgt. Star Samuels hangs up a freshly pressed U.S. flag March 31, 2009, at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del. The flags will be placed over caskets during the dignified transfer of remains. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III  (Click photo...

(Click on the pic thumbnail for a high res version) AIRCRAFT CARRIER PICS U.S. Aircraft carriers are the mainstay of the US fleet and the principle capital vessels in the US inventory. They are the US Navy's principle means of projecting conventional power through the use of their large aircraft wing and are protected by significant defensive weapons systems onboard, and an entire group of surface and sub-surface vessels that sail with them. AIRCRAFT CARRIER DECK OPERATION PICS U.S. aircraft carrier deck operations are extremely busy, complicated & dangerous. The different colored vests represent different job functions. Yellow controls...

It’s has been in the news a lot lately, and the prospects of a global currency have Max Keiser, Huffington Post blogger and host of BBC World’s “The Oracle,” giving dire warnings of the consequences if China or other countries were to make a push for it. Keiser appeared on Aljazeera English’s March 27 “Inside Story” to discuss the possibilities of a global currency. Host Darren Jordon asked Keiser about the pitfalls of converting to a global currency and Keiser used it as an opportunity to launch into an anti-American diatribe. “Well, the pitfalls are for the U.S.,” Keiser said....

ARLINGTON, Va., March 26, 2009 – The United Services Organizations honored members of the U.S. military and those who support them during an event held here last night that recognized selfless service and volunteerism . From left: Army Spc. Brent Hendricks, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro, Army Sgt. Kurtis Dellicker, and Army Sgt. Jason Shepperly listen as Comedian Al Franken shares a few words about his commitment to the United Service Organization during the USO-Metro 27th Annual Awards dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Arlington, Va., March 25, 2009. The wounded warriors had just presented the...

From: http://www.oath-keepers.blogspot.com U. S. Military, Veterans, and Peace Officers Our oath is to the Constitution of the United States of America. It is NOT to the President..., and that oath will be kept,...... Oath Keepers is a non partisan association of currently serving military, veterans, and peace officers who will fulfill our oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so help us God. Our oath is to the Constitution, not to the President, not to Congress, and not to any political party. In the long-standing tradition of the U.S. military, we are apolitical. We...

FYI: I have no first hand experience with a real world military or weapons development. Why does the US have such a large conventional military? A military half the current size would be able to defeat any other country, bomb Iran into the stone age (albeit take twice as long to do so), or fight al qaeda in Afghanistan. Moreover, 'fighting' terrorists is something best done with special forces and spies, with the conventional military providing death from above on demand. With the exception of a future China, no other nation will have the ability to economically outdo the United...

Note: The following text is a quote: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53359 Pentagon Spokesman Addresses Afghanistan, Mexico, Other Key Issues By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 5, 2009 – A senior Pentagon spokesman offered gratitude to Canada and touched on a variety of other topics in a wide-ranging news conference today. Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said the United States and the Defense Department appreciate the military support Canada has provided for operations in Afghanistan. “The Canadian military has been an invaluable partner in southern Afghanistan,” he said. “Their nearly 3,000 forces are among the bravest and the most effective in...

Note: The following text is a quote: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53357 Defense Leaders to Congress: Piracy Begins On Land By Samantha L. Quigley American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 5, 2009 – The root cause of maritime piracy resides on land, and halting it requires an international solution, the Defense Department’s head of African Affairs told a congressional panel today. “The absence of a strong government in Somalia remains the single greatest challenge to regional security,” Daniel Pike, acting principal director of African Affairs, said in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. “[It] provides freedom of action for those engaged in piracy...