-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War!
1806. Air Force alters method for airdrops over Afghanistan RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently said the Air Force would stop the airdrop of humanitarian daily rations via the tri-wall aerial delivery system. Air Force units have been using the TRIADS method to airdrop food since Oct. 7. "The greatly expanded flow of humanitarian relief supplies by rail, road and across the river, as well as airlift to some of the airfields in Afghanistan, has rendered this form of delivery as unnecessary at this point," Myers said. The Air Force will continue to drop humanitarian aid via the container deliver system, or CDS. "Even though we've stopped using TRIADS, we will continue to fly humanitarian airdrop missions," said Lt. Col. John Zazworsky, commander of the 437th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here. "We're using the CDS method to deliver boxes of the humanitarian daily rations, in addition to wheat, blankets and winter clothing." The CDS airdrop method uses parachutes to drop large bundles (up to 2,000 pounds) of food and supplies. To honor the end of Ramadan on Dec. 16, Air Force airdrops included packages of dates in the CDS bundles. Dates are a fruit that Muslims traditionally use to break the fast of Ramadan, an Islamic holiday celebrated by fasting from sunrise to sunset for a month. "By including dates in our airdrop bundles, we are showing our respect for this significant Muslim holiday," Zazworsky said. To date, the C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the 437th EAS have flown more than 180 humanitarian airdrop missions and dropped more than 1,200 CDS bundles of food and clothing and more than 2.4 million daily rations. Total delivery of humanitarian assistance via TRIADS and CDS is more than 3,800 tons. (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service) 1810. Cook assumes command of AETC by Master Sgt. Michael Briggs Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Gen. Donald G. Cook assumed command of Air Education and Training Command on Dec. 17, in a ceremony held here. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper presided over the ceremony that was attended by about 1,000 people. In his remarks prior to bestowing command, Jumper said there is no one more qualified, able or energetic to take command of AETC than Cook. "He's been an instructor in the former Air Training Command; he's commanded at every level; he's flown bombers; he's had three wing commands; he's got extensive experience in space; he's been mentored by the greatest of our Air Force leadership; and he takes the helm at a time when we need him most," Jumper said. That need stems from America's war on terrorism and the challenges the men and women face who will fight and win the war, he said. "Where do the people come from who will do this duty?" Jumper asked. "They come from right here ... those in uniform and the civilians in this command who take youngsters off the streets of our nation and turn them into skilled and trained airmen; who train more than 200,000 a year; and who have more than 1,000 people deployed overseas in support of operations in Afghanistan today." Cook had a message for the nearly 50,000 military people, 15,000 civilians and 10,000 contract employees who make up AETC. "AETC's mission is essential and its reputation is renowned," he said. "We are a vital part of the world's most respected Air Force. It is up to us to continue to instill, develop and refine ... the skill and dedication that make us the most respected Air Force in the world." In looking to the future, Cook said AETC people must reach beyond what is getting the job done today to what will make the Air Force successful in meeting the challenges of tomorrow. "We must continue to recruit the right individuals -- airmen able to meet tomorrow's challenges," he said. "We must train with a view to the future to combat unknown threats. We must educate our officers and enlisted members to think critically, preparing them to make the tough decisions ahead." AETC people must always be mindful of the trust placed in them by the people of the United States, Cook said. "America's families trust us with the health, safety and welfare of their sons and daughters," Cook said. "We must work each and every day to keep that trust. The impact we have on the lives of young airmen and lieutenants that emerge from AETC cannot be understated. Not only are we shaping the lives of individuals, we are shaping the force that will protect the lives of all Americans." Cook received his fourth star at a promotion ceremony in the officers club here immediately before the assumption of command ceremony. (Courtesy of AETC News Service) 1807. Every day challenging for U.S. troops by Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- "We are parked in a minefield. When you get out of the aircraft do not leave the concrete." That was "Welcome to Afghanistan" for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his party Dec. 16. It might be stating the obvious to say that Afghanistan is a dangerous place, but it is. There is no such thing as "normal" in Afghanistan. Every day is a challenge for U.S. military personnel in the country. The C-17 Globemaster III that Rumsfeld flew in on parked on a concrete apron right next to a minefield at Bagram Air Base about 20 miles from the capital of Kabul. While no one is casual about the presence of minefields -- explosive ordnance disposal teams are working on the problem -- there seems to be a certain amount of acceptance of these difficulties. The airman who gave the warning was just being truthful -- there has been a lot of fighting in the country throughout the last 30 years, and landmines and unexploded ordnance litter the area. "There used to be a lot of souvenir hunting here until a Brit got his foot blown off here a couple of weeks ago," said an Army reservist pulling duty at the base. The British soldier stepped on a "toe-popper." This particularly vicious mine is designed to maim, not kill, and to be virtually undetectable. It is a wooden or plastic box filled with plastic explosive. There is a small triggering device that sets it off. No one knows how many thousands of these mines are in Afghanistan. Other pieces of ordnance -- fired, dropped or planted -- remain in the country, and servicemembers assigned there must be careful. Bagram is the temporary home of 10th Mountain Division soldiers supporting Army units and Air Force tactical airlift control element personnel. It is not a charming place. The air base sustained heavy damage in fighting between Afghan warlords in the early and mid-1990s. It was once the main base in Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. Most of the structures and facilities date from that time. Bagram was not particularly damaged during the current campaign against al-Qaeda. Still, the Taliban government, in power in the area from 1997 until November, does not appear to have been too handy. "This is your classic fixer-upper," said an Army engineer construction supervisor. Bullets and shrapnel pockmarked all of the buildings on base. There does not seem to be an unbroken window on the base. The best hangar still has holes in the roof from where it was hit by mortar fire. Right outside the hangar is the "aircraft petting zoo," as one American called it. These destroyed jets line a taxiway. MiG-17s and other dated Soviet-era aircraft are the stars of this zoo, and American servicemembers found burnt-out hulks in the hangars years after they were damaged. It is important to clean up this air base because it is going to be a major hub in the humanitarian rescue mission for Afghanistan, American officials said. Hundreds of thousands of people in the country are in danger of starvation. "This is a very poor country," said an aid to Hamid Karsai, soon to be the interim prime minister of Afghanistan. "We need much food." Getting the food to cities is not going to be a problem, U.S. defense officials said. But the distribution setup outside the cities is broken, and it will be very difficult to get relief supplies to those who need it most. So American servicemembers are in Bagram, and they are coping with life Afghan style. "There's a certain wild West attitude," said Army Sgt. Wayne, a civil affairs specialist. "This is certainly reinforced by the fact that everyone here carries a weapon of some sort." The Americans live in former Soviet barracks that were fought over for years. They call it "the Crack House" because the inside has been totally gutted. There are no walls, windows, doors, shelves, plumbing or roofs. When the soldiers and airmen first arrived, they had to scavenge to make the building shells even remotely livable. What they could not scavenge on base, they had to buy in town. "The Afghans really don't like foreigners in their country," Wayne said. "We try to blend in as best as an American can." To that end, the sergeant and many of his compatriots dress in civilian clothes, have grown beards and wear Afghan accoutrements. Many Army and Air Force people have bought traditional Northern Afghan hats called pakols. "Oh, I guarantee this will be the latest style in another month," said a young Army captain. "But it makes sense. Americans stick out like sore thumbs usually." There was no running water on the base when the people first arrived. "We went 18 days without a shower," said an Army officer. "We tried using those (pre-moistened wipes), but they don't work real well." Another officer held out his hands. "Look at that," he said, showing ingrained dirt. "This is what happens here. Even if you do get clean, you won't stay that way for long." That's because of the drought the country has been going through for the last four years. It is so dry that the dust has become fine and is stirred by even the smallest wind. "This will take a scrub brush to get off when we get back," he said. Supplies are another worry for the personnel at Bagram. "The secretary's C-17 was the first one to come in during daytime," said Specialist Jerry. "We're hoping this means the Air Force will fly in supply missions via C-17. The C-130 [Hercules] is good, but the ones they use are half full of electronic gear, so there's not a lot of room for supplies." Chow for these troops is still prepackaged field rations until regular resupply runs are established. Given the difficulties, you might expect low morale. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The American servicemembers are proud and excited about their mission. "If folks in the Air Force saw how we live, they'd pee their pants," said an Air Force security forces airman. He was giving voice to an oft-repeated stereotype that airmen generally live in better conditions than their Army counterparts. "But we know this is important to the United States, and we know we're doing a good job," the airman said. "No one here would trade the experience, believe me." 1809. AFPC officials emphasize overseas Stop-Loss options RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- People stationed overseas who were affected by Stop-Loss and are nearing or past their scheduled return-from-overseas date have options available to them, said Air Force Personnel Center officials here. Guidance is also clarified for commanders. "We are aware of the unique impact Stop-Loss has on these individuals and their families assigned overseas and are committed to reducing additional hardships," said Lt. Col. Mike Gamble, chief of the AFPC assignment programs and procedures division here. "We hope these options help reduce housing and assignment concerns for these folks." In September, Air Force officials announced the 'Stop-Loss' action and indefinitely suspended the departure of about 11,500 people from the service. Air Staff review of the Stop-Loss program is ongoing, with the next decision on whether to continue Stop-Loss expected at the end of January. Ultimately, the needs of the Air Force will be the guide to determine where an overseas airman affected by Stop-Loss winds up, and the commander is a key part of that determination, officials said. Two options commanders have: -- If the person's skills or abilities are in direct support of ongoing operations, or the person must stay until a replacement arrives, commanders can request an involuntary extension of the date estimated of return from overseas, not to exceed 180 days. -- If a person is not needed in direct support of current operations, or when retention of the member would not be in the best interest of the Air Force, commanders may initiate a Stop-Loss waiver for the airman. There are four options being offered to overseas people affected by Stop-Loss: -- Request a voluntary extension of six months or longer (additional service retainability may be required and high-year-of-tenure will be adjusted as appropriate); -- Request to withdraw retirement or separation paperwork and be given an assignment in the continental United States (additional retainability and high-year-of-tenure adjustments may apply); -- Request a stateside assignment to the base nearest their home of selection/home of record without withdrawal of retirement/separation. If a person cannot be used at their desired location, they may be sent on temporary duty to a location where they can be used after moving their family in a permanent change of station. People who choose this option and later decide to pull their retirement/separation paperwork, may be reassigned to another duty location where their skills can be used; or -- Request a waiver to Stop-Loss. If the waiver is approved, the person will be allowed to separate or retire, allowing time to take any permissive temporary duty and terminal leave they are entitled to. Waiver approval is determined by the major command commander. If an individual's first choice is disapproved, personnel officials will go back to them, explain the other options, and "give them an opportunity to voice another choice," Gamble said. To be offered one of the above options, affected people must meet the following criteria: -- Have a DEROS between October 2001 and April 2002; -- Have an already-approved retirement or separation; and -- Be serving at a location where the unaccompanied tour length is more than 15 months, or are serving an accompanied tour at a location where the unaccompanied tour length is 15 months or less. Airmen will usually be asked by their military personnel flights to select an option and commanders will then be given the chance to approve or disapprove, Gamble said. "If a commander disapproves, he or she must provide justification and recommend one of the alternate options," he said. "People also need to know that if they don't choose an option, the commander will choose one for them -- one that they feel is in the best interest of the Air Force," Gamble said. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service) 1811. First steps to air power began at Kitty Hawk by Tech. Sgt. Mark Kinkade Air Force Print News SAN ANTONIO -- What would Orville and Wilbur Wright do if they could see one of the Air Force's fighter jets in action today? Probably run away screaming from the mass of silvery metal rocketing over them. But the lineage of air power, of motorized flight, can be traced to the Wright brothers. In a sense, the Air Force was not born in 1947 as we are all taught. It was born Dec. 17, 1903, when the brothers managed to keep what amounted to a box kite with a motor attached airborne for about 12 seconds over the sandy dunes of the beach at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Most people know the Wright brothers legend: Two brothers, both bicycle mechanics, with a passion for kites and flying, decide to experiment with powered flight. They cobbled together the first rudimentary flying machine from various engine parts and bicycle odds and ends and slapped it on a larger version of the kites they liked to fly. Still, as with most legends, there is more to the story. The Wrights did not just wake up one day and decide to build an airplane. They were inspired by others who were trying to "break the surly bonds" of earth. The Indiana-born brothers found inspiration in the experiments of Secretary of the Smithsonian Samuel Langley, who had made several attempts to fly model aircraft with steam or gasoline engines. The Wright brothers also found the theories of Otto Lillienthal, a German engineer, inspirational, said officials from the American Institute on Aeronautics and Astronautics. Using what amounted to an early hang glider, the engineer flew more than a thousand short glides from a large mound near Berlin. He was killed in 1896 when his glider plummeted 50 feet to the ground. Octave Chanute was also experimenting with gliders and heavier-than-air flight. Widely respected for his flight expertise, the brothers sought his advice in developing their aircraft, and he gave them help based on his own experiments. Most of the information the Wrights were amassing was theory, not fact, said officials from the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In 1900, they decided to put the theories to test and set out for Kitty Hawk. The first test flights were little more than kite-flying exercises. Using a glider with a 17-foot wingspan, the duo controlled the aircraft with a guide wire. They did make a few manned flights without the wire, but were unhappy with their inability to control the aircraft. For the next three years, the Wright brother tinkered with various aircraft designs, wingspans and control surfaces. They learned all they could about aerodynamic theory and tested propellers. Finally, in 1903, they were ready to test their powered aircraft. Orville flew the aircraft. Lying in a prone position, he held the controls in both hands and worked the throttle on a four-cylinder engine driving the aircraft. The aircraft covered 10 feet in one second, finally landing 120 feet later. In the space of 12 seconds, the modern aerospace era was born. For the first time, man had propelled a heavier-than-air motorized, controllable vessel through the air. *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] Want to be on our lists? Write at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a menu of our lists! Write to same address to be off lists! <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
