Department of Emergency Services officials confirmed at approximately 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5 that more than one shooter fired shots into the Soldiers Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater on Fort Hood.
Emergency personnel have responded to the scene and evacuated several wounded.
At least 12 people were killed and 31 wounded in shootings on the post Thursday, officials said. The gunman is identified as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, who is in custody.
Details are coming out now about the tragic shooting rampage at Ft. Hood. 13 were killed, 12 soldiers and 1 civilian and several others were wounded but are in stable condition. Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan was shot 4 times and is now under constant guard while he recovers from his wounds. First responders exchanged fire, one being wounded while shooting Hasan 4 times ending the spree. Thankfully, both responders are in stable condition. Right now they do not believe this was a terrorist attack. All signs suggest it was because Hasan, who has repeatedly tried to get out of being deployed, was recently given orders and would be heading to Afghanistan. Reports say he has been very vocal about wanting the U.S. out of Iraq and Afghanistan and has tried before to make sure he wasn't deployed. If these details are true, and I have no reason to doubt them, this man is the worst kind of coward. Instead of taking his own life, or simply going AWOL, he chose to kill innocent people to avoid going to war, which is what he signed up for, in an effort to avoid being shot or killed in battle. That clearly didn't work out well for him. Now, not only did he end up shot and wounded, he's facing the wrath of the entire U.S. Military. Lets hope for swift Military justice. I'm thinking firing squad. It's been a while since we've used the method, but I'm sure there will be plenty of people willing to do the job.
I don't usually get political, but Obama and his administration are working on a secret treaty that will destroy the copyrights and the Internet, all in one fell swoop. This secret copyright treaty has already been signed in South Korea and it's being drafted and proposed to every country we do business with. Despite extreme attempts to keep the details secret, information wants to be free. Here are some of the highlights from the Boing Boing Article:
* * That ISPs have to proactively police copyright on user-contributed material. This means that it will be impossible to run a service like Flickr or YouTube or Blogger, since hiring enough lawyers to ensure that the mountain of material uploaded every second isn't infringing will exceed any hope of profitability.
* * That ISPs have to cut off the Internet access of accused copyright infringers or face liability. This means that your entire family could be denied to the internet -- and hence to civic participation, health information, education, communications, and their means of earning a living -- if one member is accused of copyright infringement, without access to a trial or counsel.
* * That the whole world must adopt US-style "notice-and-takedown" rules that require ISPs to remove any material that is accused -- again, without evidence or trial -- of infringing copyright. This has proved a disaster in the US and other countries, where it provides an easy means of censoring material, just by accusing it of infringing copyright.
* * Mandatory prohibitions on breaking DRM, even if doing so for a lawful purpose (e.g., to make a work available to disabled people; for archival preservation; because you own the copyrighted work that is locked up with DRM)
The implications for everyone who publishes a web site or anything online are massive. It would mean certain death to small companies as they couldn't afford to hire enough staff to police their sites. It would mean bigger companies would be less likely to innovate and create spaces where people can share ideas and interact. I'm honestly shocked. This isn't just wrong, it's harmful and we can't let it happen.
According to an alarming new report, 75 percent of young people ages 17 to 24 are unable to enlist in the military because they fail to graduate high school, have a criminal record, or are physically unfit. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and some of America's top retired military brass will hold a news conference at the National Press Club Thursday to call for immediate action to address this national security threat.
As you can see, in barely a month the number of teens and young adults unfit to serve has jumped from 70 to 75%. That's out of control. America has got to get it's act together if we are to stay competitive in the world theater. We've got to be stronger, faster and smarter to succeed. What do you think is root cause of this decline in overall fitness? Video games? Internet? Parents?
US Army and federal investigation agents confirmed the arrest of an unnamed Army Special Forces trooper around Clarksville on the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
Around 100 pounds of the military explosive C-4 was discovered at his residence in the state of Tennessee.
What was this guy thinking? Stealing is bad enough, but taking off with military ordinance has to be one of the dumbest moves in in Army history. Maybe he wanted to the explosives for self protection. After all, he was caught near the Tennessee / Kentucky border and they do love some militia around there. If his goals were more sinister, like selling these to terrorists or other hostile groups then he's in even bigger trouble. This guy was Special Forces and I find this all a bit hard to believe, all humor aside. I get a slight twinge of conspiracy theory off this, like perhaps he was on a black op here in the U.S. Could this be a cover story for something else. Building up his criminal record so he can infiltrate some enemy organization? Ok, yes, I've seen to many movies. What do you think?
Texting took a back seat to safety this month with an executive order prohibiting text messaging while driving on military installations or driving anywhere in government vehicles.
Executive Order 13513, signed by President Obama Oct. 1, specifically bans federal employees from texting while driving government owned, leased or rented vehicles. It prohibits texting while driving privately-owned vehicles on official government business. The policy also extends to federal contractors.
"Despite the shocking accident reports and warnings, people still text while driving, said Mario Owens, safety officer for the Army's Installation Management Command.
President Obama has issued an executive order banning texting while driving. While this may seem obvious to most, texting while driving is on the rise. How soon before we can see this kind of legislation for civilians? And do we really need more people telling us to wear seat belts and to not talk/text while driving? I'm pretty sure Darwin already had that sorted out: Survival of the Fittest.
A U.S. Navy admiral expressed new concern Friday over China’s military buildup and urged Beijing to be clearer about its intentions.
With China’s military growing at an “unprecedented rate” — spending was up almost 15 percent in the 2009 budget — the U.S. wants to ensure that expansion doesn’t destabilize the region, Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan told reporters on a visit to the Chinese territory of Hong Kong.
“When we see a military growing at that rate, we’re interested in transparency and the understanding of the uses of that military,” said Donegan, commander of the George Washington aircraft carrier strike group, a key part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Donegan’s comments come as a top Chinese general visits the United States on a mission to strengthen trust between the two militaries and dispel U.S. concerns about the growth of the People’s Liberation Army.
China is still a major player in the world theater so I understand our military being concerned. They are still communists after all. My guess would be China is building up to protect their interests in oil and who can blame them. They are one of the top world consumers and show no signs of slowing down. For them, making sure that oil keeps flowing is vital. I don't think there is any cause to worry about a war with China. They rely to heavily on commerce from the U.S. and other countries. I'm sure we'd do the same. Not to mention with China's male population out numbering females like 20 to 1, they could probably use a few skirmishes to correct that little problem.
he latest trend involves trolling internet dating sites and convincing women that they are honorable Soldiers who have fallen in love and would do anything to communicate with the object of their affection. But, because they are deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq, they need you to sign up for an expensive telecommunications service like "Military TELEX" in order to make that happen. They profess unending love as their motivator and, unfortunately, many women have fallen for it.
Like soldiers don't have enough to worry about, they are also being used and targeted in various scams. On the one hand, people pose as soldiers, especially those deployed in Iraq, to gain the trust of unsuspecting people and ask for their help. Usually in the form of money. The latest scheme is to visit dating sites and pose as a soldier stationed in Iraq. Eventually, they'll want to "meet" or some other ploy to get you to send money to help them out. Please be careful out there, and be sure to read the full details below.
One of the most exciting things about the Military is how far they advance technology. Despite the reason, war, the technology they develop helps save and improve our lives. From medical advances, communications technology, robots and everything in between. If you haven't seen some of the killer (pun intended) robots that our Military has produced you're missing out. These machines are amazing. The most recent, the Petman Robot, could change our lives forever. Imagine having these things carrying people off the battle field, disarming bombs or going into hostile enemy camps to scout and so much more. Check out the video clip blow showing the Petman in action. Pay special attention to when it gets shoved, that technology is huge.
President Barack Obama will sign the $681 billion defense policy bill on Wednesday, ending concerns over a possible veto because the bill authorizes an alternative engine for the Joint Strike Fighter, which the administration opposes.
A White House announcement says that Defense Secretary Robert Gates and key members of Congress will be on hand to watch as Obama signs his first defense budget into law.
The 2010 defense authorization bill that Obama will sign includes a 3.4 percent pay raise for all service members, as part of a $164 billion military personnel budget.
A new bill from Congress is sitting on President Obama's desk waiting to be signed into law that will give service members a 3.4% annual raise. The $164 billion budget includes a number of other changes, like adding 30,000 new troops (temporarily), updated benefits, military research and development, among others. But the most direct benefit for soldiers will be the pay raise. The bill is slated to be signed into law on Wednesday.
The U.S. Army is making an exception to a decades-old rule and will allow a Sikh doctor to serve without removing his turban and cutting his hair.
This is another good example of how the Army is changing to adapt with the times. While it's taken a long time to allow the Sikh's to wear their turban and beards, as is required by their faith, we are finally seeing some tolerance in the Army. This could open the door to a more open and diverse sampling of religions in the our Army. Do you think it'll cause issues, having more religious views? Or bring a great understanding of the world we live in?
We've covered the Sikh Beard/Turban issue before here.
Yesterday, President Obama signed an historic bill into law that will provide major funding for the VA. This new bill provides resources and funding greater than has been seen in 30 years. The bill also calls for more transparency and budget reform to make sure our vets get the care they need and that they get it fast. Our veterans have had to suffer long delays and massive red tape to get help. Some soldiers, and I can speak to this personally having watched my dad fight for his benefits for nearly 20 years, have to wait decades to get the help they needed. I might not like everything being down in Washington these days, but Obama has been doing good things for our soldiers and veterans. Read the transcripts after the jump.
Effective October 21, 2009, the $500 allowance will be paid for each month or any portion of a month during which someone was held on active duty by Stop Loss orders after September 11, 2001. Payments will be tax free for any month a servicemember was in a combat zone, but taxes will apply if the time covered a full month outside a combat zone. If a servicemember has since died, payments will be made to the survivors. No payments will be made to anyone discharged or released under other-than-honorable conditions.
The U.S. Army is finally ready to start paying soldiers effected by stop loss. While I know many soldiers endured hardships and missed their family and friends, continuity in war is vital to success. Still, it's nice to see the Army doing right by our boys and compensating them for their trouble. Read the article below to find out details on submitting you're request for payment. You know how long it takes for red tape to be processed to fill out your forms soon.
Nathan from Lava Row shot some video with MAJ Mary Constantino at last weeks Blog World Expo about how the Army is using social media. All the branches have embraced these tools but I don't think any have come close to the engagement that the Army has. Check out the short video below to see the interview:
Newt Gingrich was on the Today Show talking up his book and when asked about the current Health Care plan he questioned Obama's administration's commitment to transparency. For example, they meet and sign papers after midnight when no one is around to see. You've got to watch this video.
An Army brigade slated to deploy to Iraq in January was relieved of its deployment orders this weekend without current plans for a new mission, Pentagon and Army officials said here today.
The 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team was off-ramped by Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, because of the improved security situation there, and not to bolster forces in Afghanistan, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
“This [decision] is based on General Odierno’s assessment of the security environment in Iraq,” Whitman explained. “It reflects the continuing improvements in the ability of the Iraqi security forces to be able to safeguard their people as well as their institutions.”
The 3,500 soldiers who make up the brigade will continue training and honing their skills, awaiting a new mission, which is the normal posture for troops in garrison. Pentagon officials have no plans, as of yet, to deploy the brigade to Afghanistan, Whitman said.
Of course their are no plans to send them to Afghanistan. So far it seems there is little interest in parts of Washington to get more troops to where they are actually needed. Top leadership, and when I say top, I mean the very top, keeps delaying making a decision to address the issue. Hopefully that will change and sooner rather than later. We need more troops in Afghanistan no matter what our strategy or plans are. More troops, period.
