Long Shot

ARTICLE: Air Combat By Remote Control,
(Wall Street Journal)…Brian M. Carney, May 12, 2008
Pg. 13

…The 432nd officially “stood up,” in the jargon of the Air Force, on May 1, 2007. One year later, two dozen of its drones patrol the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan every hour of every day. And almost all of them are flown by two-man crews sitting in the air-conditioned comfort of a “ground control station” (GCS) in the Nevada desert.

Indian Springs, Nev.–The sniper never knew what hit him. The Marines patrolling the street below were taking fire, but did not have a clear shot at the third-story window that the sniper was shooting from. They were pinned down and called for reinforcements.

Help came from a Predator drone circling the skies 20 miles away. As the unmanned plane closed in, the infrared camera underneath its nose picked up the muzzle flashes from the window. The sniper was still firing when the Predator’s 100-pound Hellfire missile came through the window and eliminated the threat.

The airman who fired that missile was 8,000 miles away …

Call to Service … Again

ARTICLE: Return To Sender – Iraq Veteran Gets The Call Again
(San Francisco Chronicle)…Colby Buzzell, May 8, 2008
Pg. B7

…But of course this is ridiculous: No one in their right mind would enlist now, whereas I’ve already signed the papers. I’m now going back to Iraq for a second time because people like me – existing service members – are the only people at the Army’s disposal.

Individual story of a Soldier that joined the military which entails a total commitment of active and inactive service of 8 years. Served a tour, was honorably discharged, returned to school and got called back for a second tour.

Wild Cards – National Power

ARTICLE: Where The Wild Cards Are (Washington Post)…David Ignatius, May 8, 2008
Pg. 23

The potentially transforming events in the 2008 campaign are matters of war and peace. Both may be in play between now and November, in ways that add extra volatility to the presidential race. Let’s start with war: The United States is already fighting two of them, in Iraq and Afghanistan. But judging from recent statements by administration officials, there is also a small, but growing, chance of conflict with Iran.

The 2008 campaign has been so mesmerizing that it’s easy to forget what’s going on out in the real world that could disrupt, once again, the certitudes of the pollsters and strategists. The campaign in recent weeks has focused on pocketbook issues because of worries about a deep recession. But as these economic anxieties fade a bit, we are likely to return to the ground zero of the Middle East, and to the themes of war and peace that will be interwoven through the remainder of this campaign.

Happy 100th Birthday – Army Reserve

Army Reserve’s Centennial Birthday – April 23rd

Today is the 100th anniversary of the United States Army Reserve, which began modestly when Congress created the now little-known Medical Reserve Corps. Composed in 1908 of just 160 civilian physicians, this small corps quickly proved a powerful concept: that a reserve force of volunteers that brings its civilian skills onto the battlefield and helps secure the peace afterward, is one of the most dynamic tools in America’s arsenal.

The 21st century Army Reserve provides half of the Army’s combat support, a quarter of its mobilization expansion capability, and much of the Army’s high-skill personnel. Army Reserve Soldiers have played a vital role in every American military and humanitarian mission of the past 100 years. Indeed, our present day military operations could not be successful without their expertise in combat, and within medical, transportation, civil affairs and other units composed primarily of Reserve Soldiers.

At the bedrock of the Army Reserve is a mutually beneficial partnership with the American people. Citizens, Families and employers – our communities- come together to bear the burden of service and sacrifice. For many Americans, military service is thought of as an “over there” proposition, somehow removed from the daily rhythms of life. In truth, Army Reserve Soldiers are an integral part of nearly every community and profession in America. We need not look further than our own local hospitals and fire departments to find those who are dedicated to protecting our freedoms, both here and abroad.

Just as those first 160 physicians volunteered to meet the needs of 1908, today’s Army Reserve Soldier is a skilled civilian who chooses to serve in times of conflict and need. It’s a simple concept based upon patriotism and commitment to country that with the continued support of this nation, and especially our Families and employers, will ensure the Army Reserve is ready for the next 100 years.