Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Technology: The Bedazzler–A $250 Less Than Lethal, DIY ‘Puke Gun’
Philippines: Two U.S. Service Members Killed in the South
You don’t hear much about the war going on in the Pacific, and it is important to recognize the sacrifices made on that front. Rest in peace to the fallen. –Matt
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Two U.S. Service Members Killed in Southern Philippines
By U.S. Pacific Command Public AffairsCAMP SMITH, Hawaii – Two U.S. service members were killed Sept. 29 in the southern Philippines when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. The incident occurred at 8:45 a.m. while the service members were conducting a resupply mission for a school construction project on the island of Jolo.Names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. An investigation is underway to determine the details of the incident.U.S. Forces are temporarily deployed at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines to conduct activities such as training exercises, professional exchanges, and civic action projects with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Story here.
Industry Talk: In Building Afghan Army, It’s Back to Basics
It looks to me that Walter just opened up the synopsis on FBO about this contract, and pointed out the key elements. Which is great, but this is nothing new. Contractors have been taking on extremely complex and tough tasks for awhile now. Although I do want to thank him for bringing attention to what we do out there. –Matt
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In Building Afghan Army, It’s Back to Basics
By Walter PincusTuesday, September 29, 2009
Building up Afghanistan’s army, which has become a top priority in the Obama administration’s strategy, will not be simple, no matter how many more U.S. troops are going to be provided Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal.
Army building, like nation building, is a challenge in a country in which corruption is rife and illiteracy is high. Nine out of 10 new Afghan army recruits cannot read or write, according to recent news reports.
One way to gauge how the U.S. military sees this job is to look at the tasks that have been drawn up for the 175 contractors to be hired to help mentor and train personnel at the Afghan Ministry of Defense.
The U.S. Army Materiel Command has provided bidders for this two-year contract with a 96-page statement of work. It details the tasks to be performed by teams assigned to each of the 18 functional areas within the ministry.
Many of the tasks reflect Pentagon practices transferred to Afghanistan. For example, the contractor is to “develop and deliver an education program on ethical practices for key leaders” in the offices of Defense Minister Rahim Wardak and his top deputies. They are also to develop an ethical code of conduct for leaders, as well as “a tracking system for allegations of corruption.”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Logistics: MRE Dairy Shake Recall
I want to thank Matt for sending me this info. Many contractors out there are eating MRE’s on the various FOB’s and outposts, and I don’t know if the word is getting out about this. Not to mention civilians that are eating these things back home, or even some military units that have old batches mixed up in their supply chain. Get the word out, and if you want more info, follow the link below. –Matt
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MRE Dairy Shake Recall
The U.S. Military has issued a “Do Not Consume” order/recall for Dairy Shake powder found in MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat), UGR-E (Unitized Group Rations – Express), and TOTMs (Tailored Operational Training Meals). This recall was issued after FDA inspectors determined the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative in Minnesota may have shipped nonfat dry milk, fruit stabilizers, whey protein, and gum products potentially adulterated with Salmonella to their commercial customers between June 2007 and June 2009. Plainview sells its products to distributors and manufacturers who may then use them in their own products, and not to the general public.