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Iraq’s VP Disagrees With Congress
March 31, 2007
If we listened to the Media and the anti-war folks, and believed everything that they tell us, we’d come to believe that Iraq’s government and it’s people don’t want our troops in their country. From listening to our troops, we’ve learned that many of the Iraqis they come into contact want us there and appreciate the work we’re doing there. Apparently, government officials in Iraq feel the same way. Iraq Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi spoke to reporters last Saturday, saying that an early withdrawl of US Forces from Iraq would throw the country into turmoil and would not be a benefit to Western interests or that of the Iraqi people.
“Many of the Democrats are now pushing the White House for a quick withdrawal of troops from Iraq. This is not going to benefit either Iraqi or Western interest,” al-Hashimi said.
“If troops are pulled out on short notice, it will create a security vacuum in Iraq that cannot be filled by troops that have not been trained well enough and are not available in sufficient numbers,” he said.
These comments came from al-Hashimi as he was wrapping up a 4 day visit in Japan. He goes on further to say that a timetable for the withdrawal of the troops does have to be set if “forces of resistance” are to be drawn into a dialogue aimed at achieving reconciliation and national unity in Iraq. He staunchly rejects calls for immediate pullout of coalition forces.
“That could lead to chaos, and chaos to civil war,” al-Hashimi said. “Any withdrawal should be conditioned… tailor-made to the reform of our armed forces.”
Al-Hashimi shared the resolve of the Iraqi government to stay the course, even with increasing news of suicide bombings and attacks on Iraq’s government officials.
How much more clearly does the Iraqi government have to make it to those who would undermine the work our troops and the Iraqi troops are doing in Iraq? What will it take for them to realize that by pulling out our troops, we’re setting Iraq up for failure and basically inviting the terrorists to come “play in OUR backyard?” I honestly don’t feel that this has a thing to do with what is best for the American troops or for the Iraqi people. Instead, I feel that this most recent move by Congress is more about politics and doing what they can to make our President and our Nation look bad in the eyes of the entire World. Are we to follow the Democratic lead and show the world that the United States is not a Nation to be trusted to follow through on their promises? Are we to show the World that once again we’re going to cut and run with our tails between our legs? Is that really the message that they want to give the World? Do they wish to send the message to al Qaeda that “we give up, you’ve won?” I would hope not, but based on their most recent actions, that’s exactly the message that they’ve given me. I invite everyone to share their thoughts on this.
A Glimpse of the Future
March 31, 2007
In Fort Lewis, Washington, soldiers are receiving an opportunity to test the future of military vehicles. Currently being tested are two utility trucks and two maneuver sustainment vehicles. The testing is part of the Army’s $60 million program to modernize its aging tactical fleet for the challenges of today’s missions.
The vehicles are only in concept stages, but just like the civilian automobile industry it allows a glimpse of the future. The vehicles all are equipped with remote weapons systems, night-vision capabilities, and enough strength to sustain the concussion of a roadside bomb.
Tim Connor, a Defense Department contractor who oversees the project, brought the vehicles to Ft. Lewis on Wednesday. He brought them here so soldiers could get there hands on them, “to play with and try to break ‘em.”
Unlike traditional vehicles, which often don’t have enough protection for the dangers soldiers in Iraq face, the concept vehicles are outfitted with many high tech upgrades. They also include ballistics glass, video cameras and touch-screen controls.
The two utility trucks are comparable to a Humvee. The difference, the new vehicles are more heavily armored, have bigger wheels and are designed to sustain a blast from beneath the carriage. The new vehicles also feature quieter hybrid diesel/electric motors.
The trucks will remain in Washington through April. The Marine Corps. plans to put the vehicles through its own set of test during the last two weeks of April. After that they will go on display at the Pentagon.
Despite the Doom and Gloom, Reconstruction Remains a Priority in Diyala
March 31, 2007
The media has a tendency to focus their sites on doom and gloom reports. They focus on things such as attacks on our soldiers, the deaths of civilians and soldiers and outrageous actions by the insurgency. But, there is much more going on across Iraq then what the media would lead us to believe. There are positive things occurring everyday. Diyala province has been in the news a lot lately, as many of the insurgents have relocated there, since the security crackdown has begun in Baghdad. Additional troops have been moved into the area to help stem the increased violence that has occurred there.
Despite all of that doom and gloom, the coalition forces from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, still remain focused on reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Diyala. In order for the people of the region to have a chance at a free and democratic society, the infrastructure must be rebuilt and essential services must be in place. Coalition forces are working hand in hand with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Government of Diyala, to ensure that the people of the province have the essential services that they need.
“All project assessments are done based on priorities established by the Government of Diyala, the tribal leaders and the local population. It doesn’t make sense for the Coalition to determine the needs of the people; they know better than us,” said Col. David W. Sutherland 3-1 Cav. commander and senior Coalition Forces officer in Diyala.
Since the brigage arrived in Diyala last fall, more tha 125 projects have been completed. These projects, in areas such as sewage, water, electricity and sanitation and total more than $21 million. The projects include the rebuilding of five sewage pump stations, cleaning and lining of four canal systems and the construction of three rural healthcare centers, a blind care center and 15 water projects. Because of these completed projects, 120,000 citizens enjoy improved sewage systems, 500,000 have a fresh water supply, 100,000 enjoy the benefit of electrical distribution netwrks, trash removal is provided for 150,000 citizens and approximately 2,000 square kilometers of farm land now has irrigation. As well, there are 18 economic assistance projects and 16 agriculture infrastructure projects.
The US Army Corps of Engineers are also at work on the construction of 8 other projects throughout Diyala Province, including a new prison at Khan Bani Sa’sd, 2 medical clinics in Baqubah, three water projects in Balad Ruz area and a court house in Dali Abbas. They have already completed several electrical projects in Baqubah, Khanaqin, Askar Etba and Khan Bani Sa’ad, as well as a court house in Khan Bani Sa’ad.
The Khan Bani Sa’ad Courthouse
(US Army photo)
“The governor’s priorities are sewage, electric, water and health care. Our efforts are achieving great improvements for the people of Diyala and the understanding of the government to serve the people,” Sutherland added.
The coalition forces continue working closely with the Government of Diyala and the Provincial Reconstruction Team to ensure that the specific needs of the people are addressed.
You May Now Kiss The Bride….
March 31, 2007
While kissing his bride was difficult to do, with 6000 seperating the bride and groom, Minnesota National Guard Soldier, Spc Abraham Rhode didn’t let that stop him from marrying his fiancee, Amanda Hart. Currently serving in Iraq, Spc. Rhode was supposed to come home from Iraq this month to help his fiancee plan their wedding which was scheduled for August. His deployment was extended, and they learned that they had a baby on the way, so they decided that they would exchange their marriage vows over a video teleconference.
More and more, videoteleconferencing technology has been used to allow soldiers and their families to share a few moments together. That allows the soldiers to feel more connected to their families back home and experiencing some of the life-changing events that happen, such as the graduation of a child, a birth, memorial services. Rhode and Hart aren’t the first couples to use the technology to exchange their wedding vows, a few others have as well.
“With our unit being extended over there, a lot of people just decided they didn’t want to be single any longer, regardless of how they have to do it,” said Phil Stephan, the video operations manager for the Minnesota National Guard.
Rhode, who is a member of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry of the Minnesota National Guard said that while he was happy after he exchanged vows with his now wife, he couldn’t wait to see his bride in person.
“Honestly, I will be overjoyed to see her,” he said. “You miss out on a whole bunch of little things. I’m missing out on the pregnancy … but I’m happy to be here and be serving my country.”
Hart called Rhode her ‘knight in shining armor’ and shared that his calm and cool demeanor balances out her outgoing personality. She shared confindence that their marriage would work.
For the wedding, Hart wore a knee-length white skirt, a white blazer and strappy white shoes. She carried a bouquet of mixed flowers and her father excorted her into the room at the National Guard Armory, for the beginning of the ceremony. Her father remained and she continued to clutch his arm during the ceremony. She was accompanied by about a dozen friends and family who wittnessed the ceremony as well. The ceremony was performed by Lt. Col. Joel Severson who is the National Guard Chaplain.
“Abe and Many, I don’t know if you could’ve imagined you day could be quite like this,” joked Lt. Col. Severson.
While it was far from the fairytale wedding that Hart imagined, she was happy that the National Guard helped to make the wedding a reality. Their plans are to have a formal, in-person ceremony in Florida next summer. Their plans are to live in Shakopee, Minnesota once Rhode returns from his deployment.
According to Stephan, this was the 4th teleconference wedding that the Minnesota National Guard has had. One couple was married while the servicemember was deployed in Kosovo and two were married just last month, while the soldiers were in Iraq.
When their vows were exchanged and they were told to kiss the bride, Rhode blew his now wife a long-distance kiss.
Censorship… Alive and Well in Connecticut
March 30, 2007
Though I don’t generally write posts here based on articles coming from the Mainstream media, for obvious reasons. I’m going to make an exception in this case. This story is about the censorship of the creative process of our children. Censorship, because some students decided that they wanted to write a play, based on the words of soldiers who have served in Iraq, to help them and their audience better understand what the world is like, from the view of a soldier. This is a story that deserves to be told. I would be extremely interested in what everyone else thinks about this.
The students in the advanced theater class at Wilton High School in Connecticut, decided that this Spring they wanted to do something different for their Spring play, instead of the typical “Westside Story”. They created their own original play about the War in Iraq, based on letters from the men and women serving in Iraq.
“In Wilton, most kids only care about Britney Spears shaving her head or Tyra Banks gaining weight,†said Devon Fontaine, 16, a cast member. “What we wanted was to show kids what was going on overseas.â€
But, as the students were perfecting their lines and preparing for the play, they ran into a snag that they didn’t expect. Last week, their High School Principal, cancelled the play, titled “Voices In Conflict,” which had been scheduled for an April performance.
The principal, Timothy H. Canty, who has tangled with students before over free speech, said in an interview he was worried the play might hurt Wilton families “who had lost loved ones or who had individuals serving as we speak,†and that there was not enough classroom and rehearsal time to ensure it would provide “a legitimate instructional experience for our students.â€
“It would be easy to look at this case on first glance and decide this is a question of censorship or academic freedom,†said Mr. Canty, who attended Wilton High himself in the 1970s and has been its principal for three years. “In some minds, I can see how they would react this way. But quite frankly, it’s a false argument.â€
10 of the students directly involved in the production said that the principal had told them that the material was ‘too inflamatory’ and told them that only someone who had served in Iraq could understand what it was like. According to the students, one of their fellow students, who has a brother serving in Iraq, complained about the play. They said the principal cancelled the play, even after they had taken the time to change the script in response to concerns about balance.
“He told us the student body is unprepared to hear about the war from students, and we aren’t prepared to answer questions from the audience and it wasn’t our place to tell them what soldiers were thinking,†said Sarah Anderson, a 17-year-old senior who planned to play the role of a military policewoman.
Bonnie Dickinson, who has been teaching theater at the school for 13 years, said, “If I had just done ‘Grease,’ this would not be happening.â€
The students are understandably frustrated and angry about what has transpired and that frustration quickly spread across the school campus. That in turn led to the students protesting in online forums. Read more
The Honor They Deserve…
March 30, 2007
More than 60 years after the 332nd Fighter Group’s World War II achievements, Preisdent George W. Bush presented the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal. Before any US aircraft ever broke the sound barrier, the Tuskegee Airmen had to overcome a daunting hurdle, one of racial barriers. The members of this elite group of men, returned home after World War II and suffered racial discrimination, despite their achievements as World War II pilots.
“I thank you for the honor you have brought to our country, and the medal you are about to receive means that our country honors you,” Bush said to the roughly 300-member audience of surviving airmen, Tuskegee Airmen widows and other relatives, before presenting the congressional award.”
President Bush has a strong interest in the pilots of World War II, because his father, former President George Bush Sr. was an airman himself.
“(My father) flew with a group of brave young men who endured difficult times in the defense of our country. Yet for all they have sacrificed and all they lost, in a way they were very fortunate,” he said. “They never had the burden of having their every mission, their every success, their every failure viewed through the color of their skin; … nobody refused their salutes.”
Bush shared that he felt the Tuskegee Airmen fought 2 wars — one in European theater during World War II and the other at home, in the hearts and minds of the US Citizens. Bush said that he wanted to offer the Tuskegee Airmen a small gesture to help atone for all of the unreturned salutes and the unforgivable racial indignities these brave men suffered and endured. Bush then saluted the airmen. The surviving airmen returned his salute and remained standing, applauding the President.
Dr. Roscoe Brown, a former commander of the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, speaking on behalf of his fellow Tuskegee Airmen, thanked the President, as well as the House and Senate for the unanimous vote to award the medal to the pilots, bombardiers, navigators, mechanics, ground officers; enlisted men and women who served with Tuskegee airmen.
“Over 60 years ago we were flying in the skies over Europe defending our Country, and at the same time fighting the battle against racial segregation,” he said. “Because of our great record and our persistence, we inspired revolutionary reform which led to integration in the armed forces in 1948. As the president said, (this) provided a symbol for America that all people can contribute to this country and be treated fairly.”
Fido… Sniffing Bombs, Saving Lives
March 30, 2007
From the title of this post, you might think that Fido is what most of us consider to be man’s best friend, the dog. Though this Fido isn’t a dog, he could prove to be the best friend of the men and and women who are out braving the roads in Iraq and Afghanistan, hoping that they don’t become victims of a roadside bomb. Fido is the first robot who has an integrated explosive sensor. Burlington, Mass.-based iRobot Corp. is filling the military’s first order of 100 in this southwest Ohio city and will ship the robots over the next few months.
Currently, the military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan have about 5000 robots that are being used in the battlefields. That number is up from just 150 that were in use in 2004. The robots are used in various situations, from searching caves in Afghanistan to searching buildings in Iraq for insurgents, for the detection of mines to searching out roadside bombs and car bombs. The increased use of robotics, is helping to save the lives of soldiers who would previously do these jobs.
As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year, the federal government is spending more money on military robots and the two major U.S. robot makers have increased production.
Foster-Miller Inc., of Waltham, Mass., recently delivered 1,000 new robots to the military. IRobot cranked out 385 robots last year, up from 252 in 2005.
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The readings from Fido’s on-board bomb sensor is displayed on the controller along with images from it’s on-board camera. This allows the Soldier operating Fido the luxury of not having to approach the suspect object. The 7 foot sensor arm on Fido allows it to scan underneath and inside vehicles, so that the Soldier does not have to approach the object or vehicle and perhaps risk the item being detonated.
Specifics about the robots and how the sensor works could not be released due to security issues.
“The sniffer robot is a very good idea because we need some way of understanding ambiguous situations like abandoned cars or suspicious trash piles without putting Soldiers’ lives on the line,” said Loren Thompson, defense analyst with the Washington-based Lexington Institute.
Philip Coyle, senior adviser to the Center for Defense Information in Washington, said the robots could be helpful if they are used in cases where Soldiers already suspect a bomb. But he said explosive-sniffing sensors are susceptible to false positives triggered by explosive residues elsewhere in the area, smoke and other contaminants.
“The Soldiers can begin to lose faith in them, and they become more trouble than they’re worth,” he said.
Though very valuable in the warzone, the robots do have limitations. They have to be controlled by an operator and barriers in the way, may stop or slow down the robot. Because they are made of mechanical and computerized parts, environmental factors. Routine maintenance of these robots is a must. Robots that are currently being used come in various sizes, from 1.5 pound robots that carry cameras into buildings to search for insurgents to the big brutes which weigh up to 110 pounds and are used to move rubble and debris from areas.
Army SSG Shawn Baker has used robots to help detect and disable roadside bombs during his two tours in Iraq. Prior to the availability of the robots, soldiers would Before the robots were available, he and fellow Soldiers would stand back as far as possible with a rope and drag hooks over the suspect devices in hopes that by doing so, the bombs would be detonated or disarmed. Baker knows of two soldiers who were killed that way, though his unit has been lucky.
“The science and technology of this has been way out in front of the production side,” Thomasmeyer said. “We’re going to start to see a payoff for all the science and technology advancements.”
“Army Strong” Tools For Urban Survival Part 2
March 30, 2007
I’ll continue with my report on the PTSD conference that I attended on Monday. The second speaker of the day was Dr. Bridget Cantrell, the co-author of Down Range - To Iraq and Back. I’m really impressed with the amount of time that Dr. Cantrell dedicates to our Military Members and our Veterans. She truly is passionate about helping our Soldiers and Veteran’s deal with problems that might arise due to PTSD. I admire her energy and dedication.
Here’s a bit about Dr. Cantrell:
Dr. Bridget Cantrell was appointed the 2004 Outstanding Female Non-Veteran for her service to veterans by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. She has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a private practitioner. Dr. Cantrell is one of a small number of specially selected and trained mental health providers for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Program. She is also a provider under the Mental Health Fee Service Program, Puget Sound Veterans Health Care System (Seattle VA Medical Center). Specializing in trauma for several years her primary work now encompasses treating war veterans from all eras and their family members. She also works with those veterans who have been sexually abused while serving in the military. In 2003, she received the Highest Productivity award for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) PTSD program. Her extensive work with PTSD has also afforded her the opportunity to provide services for the Crime Victims Compensation Program for the State of Washington. She is also a consultant and expert witness in forensic cases. Her dissertation research entitled “Social Support as a Function of PTSD within Washington State Vietnam Veteran Populationsâ€, was presented to the Washington State Senate Select Committee for Veterans as part of the Governor’s Master Plan for the needs of veterans. Her research included a five-site sample of Vietnam veterans’ bio-psychosocial needs that was used for planning future programs for the King County Veterans Program. Dr. Cantrell’s research findings were formally presented at the European Traumatic Stress Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland. She was also invited to present in Brisbane, Australia at the Brisbane International Traumatic Stress Conference, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana. In the Spring of 2004, Dr. Cantrell was requested by the U.S. Army to provide mental health services to the paratroopers of the 173d Airborne Brigade stationed in Vicenza, Italy. While there, she focused upon helping these troops reintegrate with their loved ones and readjust to peacetime conditions after their prolonged combat exposure in Northern Iraq. Information and observations from this time of working with the Iraqi Freedom veterans gave birth to a new workbook course entitled “Turning Your Heart Toward Homeâ€. The book and course is co-authored with veteran writer, Chuck Dean. Dr. Cantrell is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS) and The International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington, a Nationally Board Certified Mental Health Counselor. Presently, she provides mental health services to active duty from all branches of the military, reservists, and Washington State National Guard troops and their families. This work focuses on treating military personnel who have experienced combat exposure or trauma, family deployment stress and readjustment issues after coming home. She helps family members better support themselves and their deployed loved ones. Dr. Cantrell is also involved with veteran advocacy at the Federal and State level to uphold the rights and ensure proper treatment of veterans.
Dr. Cantrell’s lecture concentrated on the treatment of PTSD and what soldiers and families alike could look for. She invited lots of audience participation and several soldiers, just returning from Iraq, shared problems that they were having difficulty dealing with in their lives. Dr. Cantrell was very compassionate and able to offer these soldiers, sound and honest advice.
4 years into the war in Iraq, we’re seeing several stressors that our soldiers are experiencing, when they come home and start reintegrating back into their families. Some of these stressors are:
We’re in the 4th year of the war, with continued deployments.
This war is being fought in an urban setting.
We’re seeing an increased number of wounded survivors compared to other wars.
The war affects not only the soldier but their relationships with children, their spouses and
the communities in many ways.
Dr Cantrell then went on to describe the anatomy of PTSD. These are in no particular order but things that are definite contributors.
1. Intensity of the stressors
2. The exposure and the proximity to danger.
3. The threat of physical injury or death.
Iraq Rebuilding Not Getting Ink
March 29, 2007
One thing that Anthony and I have been striving to do here at ASM, since I came on board is to highlight the rebuilding projects that are happening in Iraq, because we felt that it was something that was being sorely neglected in the Mainstream Media. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to ensure that our readers are made aware of the positive stories coming out of Iraq; of the new hospitals, factories, schools, electrical systesms and more that are being built daily in that country. It seems that we’re not the only ones who feel that way.
Daily, splashed across our television screens, on the radio and in our newspapers and magazines, we’re confronted with the violence that is occurring in Iraq, but we’re never told anything about the successful rebuilding projects that have been completed and are ongoing in Iraq. The Senior military engineer feels the same way.
“You can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on television these days without seeing violence every day in Iraq,” Brig. General Michael Walsh, commanding general of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division, said to Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference from Iraq.
“What you don’t see are the successes in the reconstruction program (and) how reconstruction is making a difference in the lives of everyday Iraqi people, especially here in Baghdad,” Walsh pointed out.
To date, the US government and the government of Iraq are working side by side on $22 billion of reconstruction projects. Walsh estimated that it will cost between $60 billion to $80 billion to completely restore Iraq’s worn infrastructure.
“The US government and the government of Iraq are working together to yield positive, tangible reconstruction results that are significantly improving the lives of the Iraqi people,” Walsh said. “However it will take a continued commitment and determination over the course of many months for the anti-terror operation to succeed,” he said.
Ongoing projects such as electrical, water treatment, sewage, road and school reconstruction projects, in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq are giving the people of Iraq a hope for the futute of their country. Though the work to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure is challinging and difficult, these efforts are extremely vital in Iraq’s goal of progressing towards a peaceful and democratic country. One that is able to provide for the needs of the of it’s citizens.
“As citizens feel safer, conditions will be set for the resumption and improvement of basic essential services,” the general said. “Today, out of 2,500 projects planned for Baghdad, almost 2,000 water, sewer, medical, electrical, school and other projects have been completed,” Walsh said.
28 projects, for police, fire and military facilities in Baghdad’s 10 security districts as a part of Operation Law and Order have been completed. Other projects include, 21 education projects, 24 health care projects, 20 water treatment projects and 79 electrical projects have been completed. Each one of these projects help to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens. Iraqi’s are employed in the various construction projects across Iraq, with approximately 60% of the Corps of Engineers’ work contracts being performed by Iraqi companies. Joining Walsh at the news conference was Ibrahim Mustafa Hussain, the deputy mayor for technical affairs in Baghdad who said that the ongoing projects across Baghdad alone is giving the citizens hope for a better future for themselves and their families. Currently, about 75% of Baghdad’s 6.5 million residents are served by public sewage systems. Hussain’s office is working closely with Coalition Engineers to extend public sewage as well as water and electrical service to every citizen in Baghdad.
“We’ve started a lot of projects to improve the situation in Baghdad,” Hussain said. “Everybody here is optimistic that the situation will be better in the future. We hope in the future that you will see (that) Baghdad is a better icty and a good city as it was before.”
Hussain noted that much of Baghdad’s infrastructure suffered greatly from neglect in the 1980’s, but added that with the current reconstruction projects that the lives of it’s citizens was certain to improve.
“Iraq is a country rich in natural resources and intelligent and talented people,” Walsh said. “And, I’m confident that by continuing to work with our Iraqi partners in reconstruction and focusing on essential service projects we can help build a bright future for Iraq.”
The Hills Have Eyes….
March 29, 2007
When seeing the title of this post, I’m sure most of us are reminded of the 1977 film and the 2006 Horror/Thriller version of the film by that same name. I’m sure some of you are asking what that might have to do with the military. How this film relates to our troops serving in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. The answer is that for the most part it doesn’t, though the insurgency in both countries may feel that it has a whole lot to do with what’s happening.
In the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, our troops are faced with many challenges and any “edge” they can get, that will aid them in defeating the enemy is an edge that can save lives. The terrain in both countries is not only unfamiliar to our troops, but provides challenges that make completing their mission, quite difficult. Not only are our troops faced with lots of sand in Iraq, but drifts of sand, hills, gullies, groves of trees, urban areas where there are many buildings and garbage-lined streets. In Afghanistan, our troops deal with the mountainous regions of that country and the thousands of places that an insurgent can hide to ambush our troops. So how do our troops overcome those obstacles? In the past, they may have sent a team of scouts into the area first to look for the enemy’s hiding places. This practice however, can cost the lives of American soldiers.
There’s a new weapon in the arsenal of the US Military Forces, one that might make it appear to the insurgency, that the hills do indeed “have eyes.” This new weapon, enables commanders and troops on the ground to know what’s ahead of them in the battlefield, hidden in areas, that they might not be able to see with the naked eye, allowing our soldiers to be prepared for the enemy who might be hiding on the other side of a hill, or behind a building, ready to ambush them. This weapon is one that not only provides eyes in the hills, but provides valuable support to our troops in the battlefield. What exactly is this weapon that is instrumental in saving the lives of soldiers….? They are the Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS, formerly known as UAV’s.
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