Petty Officer Cruel Kev

MERGER!

2006-02-17T00:03:00.000-06:00

CLICK HEREAs of today Petty Officer Cruel Kev's Military Blog will merge with the Sailors & Mariners League blog to become "SAILORS, MARINERS & WARRIORS LEAGUE" I would like to thank all of my readers for your patronage, And welcome you to the League!

Army Looking For Physician Assistants

2006-02-15T00:03:00.000-06:00

The Army is short about 100 physician assistants and is stepping up attempts to recruit both civilians and Soldiers to do the job. This is the first time that the Army Medical Department, or AMEDD, has recruited certified civilian physician assistants to join the Army, said Capt. James Jones, Interservice Physician Assistant Program manager. He said the Army’s modularity and high operations tempo contributed to this change. “We have a recruiting mission to obtain 20 civilian physician assistants this year, but this is likely to rise to 60,” he said.The Army offers qualified officers, warrant officers and enlisted Soldiers an educational opportunity to become a physician assistant through the IPAP located at the AMEDD Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Army trains alongside candidates from the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, National Guard, and U.S. Public Health Service, said IPAP officials. “The Army plans on filling the shortages by increasing the number of students in the IPAP - this year we are training 92 Army students versus 60,” Jones said. Upon completion of the program, graduates earn a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and receive a commission in the Army Medical Specialist Corps as a second lieutenant. Officer students receive constructive credit for their commissioned service in accordance with DOD Instruction 6000.13. Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam before they can provide healthcare to Soldiers, AMEDD officials said.There is also a new program called the Requirements Completion Course that is designed to help Soldiers complete the program’s prerequisite courses. “This is another way that we are working to reduce the shortages while still maintaining the highest quality medical provider possible,” said Jones. Army physician assistants are frontline medical responders, said Jones. “They are usually the first medical care that Soldiers receive before being transported to a hospital,” he said. “They are a critical component of the Army.”Applications for the IPAP must be sent by March 1 to the program manager at:
HQ, USAREC
RCHS-SVD-PA
1307 Third Ave.
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726

Navy Religious Program Specialists

2006-02-14T00:03:00.000-06:00

As the only members in military service who are not authorized to carry weapons, Chaplains must rely on their religious programs specialists for protection in theaters of operation. Although, the primary mission of an RP is to provide administrative and technical support for the chaplain, while forward deployed RPs also provide personal protection for the chaplain. "RPs are the right arm of the chaplains," said Lt. Cmdr. James H. Pittman, station chaplain. "They are able do things that the chaplain may not.Religious Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rita Hurts, shown here in the Chapel of Hope at Yokosuka Navy Base in Yokosuka, Japan.They are administrative support and personal security managers." Chaplains, whether they are members of the United States Army, Navy or Air Force, according to the Geneva Convention and military regulations, are designated noncombatants. While other noncombatants, such as medical personnel, may carry weapons for self-defense, chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons and must rely upon their RPs for protection. "The RP rating is the only rating in the Navy tasked with protecting a noncombatant," said Senior Chief Dino C. Medler, an RP for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. To become Fleet Marine Force qualified, RPs must attend the Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist Expeditionary Skills Training Course, a sixweek training program, similar to Marine Combat Training and the School of Infantry, which gives the Sailor a rating equivalent to that of a Marine infantryman.As part of the training, FMF RPs must qualify with the M-16 service rifle and the service pistol. They must also be humvee qualified. They also earn their Marine Corps martial arts tan belt during CREST. Basic Marine Corps history and general knowledge are also required. "To be FMF qualified, we have to pass an oral board and be able to recite information about any aspect of Marine Corps life from memory," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Dana Saunders, an RP for Marine Aircraft Group 14. A large part of CREST is conditioning training and instruction from Marines explaining how things work in the Marine Corps, said Medler. "While assigned to Fleet Marine Forces, we have to be able to do everything that the Marines we serve with can do," said Medler. "We are required to do things like pass a Marine Corps physical fitness test." "My experience is that, to seniors, RPs are seen as Marines and are expected to perform like them," he said. "One of the ways we are encouraged to interact with the Marines is to PT regularly with them." Interacting with Marines on a regular basis while in garrison allows the Marines to see that the RPs want to be involved and are genuinely concerned about them. This helps when they all get deployed together. The Marines already know who the RPs are and they are comfortable working with them.Unlike chaplains, who minister to a particular faith group, RPs must be able to work with every faith group. They are trained to provide for special religious needs such as religious dietary needs or specific religious materials. Occasionally, Marines will approach an RP with a specific problem or need. RPs maintain the same confidentiality privileges as chaplains. "Junior Marines, especially, tend to be more comfortable talking to an RP, who is enlisted, rather than a chaplain, who is an officer," said Medler. "Marines can go to an RP who will act as a liaison to a chaplain. RPs cannot act as a counselor, but they can help send them to the right place." "Being an RP presents more unique opportunities and responsibilities than any other rating in the Navy," said Medler. "But the most important thing is being able to go visit and minister to the troops."

When The Going Gets Rough, Call In The Navy

2006-02-10T00:03:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Navy will try to lift some of the burden off U.S. Army troops in Iraq this year by increasing the number of Sailors inside that country and taking on duties soldiers have been doing, according to the Navy's top sailor. The move is designed to ease the pressure on the stressed and stretched Army in Iraq, which has soldiers doing everything from combat, medical and security duties to countless support operations. In a briefing to Pentagon reporters , Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the Chief of Naval Operations, said the Navy will start playing a bigger role in Iraq by adding to the 4,000 Sailors already operating in the country. About 138,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq; the Army makes up about 99,000. Mullen would not say how many Sailors he is expecting to put into Iraq or when they will start filling the various duties. He did say the number of Sailors would be less than 12,000.
The additional Sailors will take on existing roles in the combat arena as medical corpsmen and in special operations roles, with more SEAL teams in some cases, he said. Other duties will include security roles, with some 500 sailors expected to take over operations at a prison inside the country, Mullen said. He would not say which facility the sailors would take over. While not giving specifics, Mullen said sailors with expertise in disposing of explosive ordnance will also be brought in. Such teams are used in disposing of the countless weapons caches found in the country as well as assisting in roadside bomb removal. The increase in Sailors in Iraq comes as the Army struggles with rotating troops multiple times into the country, trying to give soldiers a break back in their home bases before deploying again to Iraq or Afghanistan. Air Force airmen are already heavily used in convoy security and other security and logistical roles on the ground in Iraq. The Air Force took more of that role over so Army commanders could use soldiers in needed combat roles.The Navy has some 10,000 sailors in the southwest Asia region, Mullen said, including the 4,000 already in Iraq. In all, the Army has about 130,000 soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, according to Army officials. Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Also told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Guard and Reserves will play a decreased role in the next year. "When we first went into combat, we had about 40 percent of the total force was Guard and Reserve," he said. "It is 30 percent now." "The force that is deploying over the next year, from March of this year to March of next year, will be about 19 percent Guard and Reserve," he said. "So the size of the force is coming down, and the need for contribution from the Guard and Reserve is coming down." A Pentagon-commissioned study last month warned that the Army needs more troops for Iraq and Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld disputed the study, saying the service was nowhere close to its breaking point. The study by Andrew Krepinevich, a military analyst and former Army officer, found that the Army's manpower needs for those conflicts "clearly exceed those available for the mission."

QDR Directs Air Force Future

2006-02-08T23:21:00.000-06:00

The Department of Defense released the results of the quadrennial defense review Feb. 3 here. "The QDR guides and supports Air Force transformation in pursuit of key joint, interdependent combat capabilities that enable us to deliver more sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interest," said Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs. The QDR is a congressionally mandated review of how the armed forces plan to fund current and future projects specific to each service.“The QDR was an exhaustive look at how each service operates and supports the combatant commanders now, as well as how they will support them in the future,” General Wood said. “The studies and analyses provide us a guidepost that will improve the capabilities and sovereign options the Air Force provides the president.” The QDR re-affirmed the strong role the Air Force plays in special operations and irregular warfare. Furthermore, it added strength to that effort with increased combat aviation advisors, dedicated Predator units and recapitalization of the special operations fleet. In addition, the QDR reinforced the Air Force importance in emerging missions and strengthening the Air Force’s role in space and cyber operations. To underwrite investment in new capabilities, the QDR calls for easing restrictions so the Air Force can trim the number of older aircraft it operates such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotankers and B-52 Stratofortresses, he said. General Wood is positive about the Air Force’s future based on the initiatives in the QDR. “The QDR process was a reaffirmation we’re headed in the right direction,” he said. "Several credible and independent agencies both in and outside DOD examined the needs of the Air Force and came to the same conclusions we have -- that flexibility, stealth, speed and new advanced technology are necessary for our ability to project airpower and support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.”

Other additions the QDR calls for are:

-- A new long-range bomber in the next 12 years

-- A significant increase in the fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles

-- More special operations forces

-- Fielding more battlefield Airmen to support our sister services on the ground

-- Airmen trained to fight with emerging technologies, such as protecting the nation through cyberspace

“The Air Force is focused on the global war on terror and we’ll continue to transform the force to provide combatant commanders with the tools they need,” General Wood said. Those transformations will affect the total force -- from added weapon systems to a decrease in manpower. The Air Force will further reduce its strength by roughly 40,000 Airmen; 88 percent will come from active duty. “This is a team effort and the Guard and Reserve are part of that team,” General Wood said. “So while 12 percent of our manpower cuts will come from them, the future of the Air Force will also see Guard and Reserve Airmen in our newest missions and equipment. All in all, the QDR process was lengthy and drew input from a number of sources. “It really is a credit to the Secretary of Defense as well as Air Force leadership that we were able to voice our opinions about how the Air Force should evolve for the future,” General Wood said. “Tough decisions had to be made, but what’s most important now is that we’re all on the same page and we know what we have to do. Now we just have to get out there and do it.”

National Guard Predicts Growth

2006-02-03T00:03:00.000-06:00

National Guard officials said Monday that recruiting has accelerated so much in recent months that they expect to expand the Guard even as the Bush administration proposes to shrink it. The National Guard Bureau said the Guard is "aggressively working" to reach the 350,000-troop level by the end of the current budget year Sept. 30, it said. The Guard now has about 333,000 soldiers, which is the number the administration proposes to pay for.In his 2007 budget proposal to be sent to Congress on Feb. 6, President Bush is expected to propose a Guard of 333,000 soldiers, compared with its congressionally authorized limit of 350,000. Administration officials say that is not a cut because 333,000 reflects the actual number of soldiers now in the Guard, which has experienced a deep recruiting slump.

Humongous Blimp

2006-01-31T00:03:00.000-06:00

Remember the Walrus? That's the Darpa project to build a humongous blimp that can haul 500-1000 tons' worth of soldiers and gear halfway across the world in less than a week. A reporter profiles Worldwide Aeros, the small firm run by ex-Soviet engineers, which is going toe-to-toe with Lockheed Martin for the $100-million contract to build a Walrus prototype. "The winner then has a chance to bid on a blimp production contract potentially worth $11 billion over 30 years."Lockheed farmed out the blimp job to its Skunkworks unit, the legendary aircraft design house in Palmdale that has developed many of the nation's most advanced aircraft, including the SR-71 and U-2 spy planes. By contrast, Worldwide Aeros, with 40 employees, expects $10 million in revenue this year from selling blimps for advertising, including promoting MasterCard and Spalding sporting goods... But Pasternak said he had faced bigger challenges than outwitting Lockheed, including persuading six of his employees and their families to flee Russia with him in 1993... After getting a degree in civil engineering, he formed his own company in 1988 and began working on a Soviet project to develop mammoth airships to transport cargo to the remote Siberian oil fields... When the Soviet Union collapsed, Pasternak's investment capital dried up. With growing anti-Semitism in his country, Pasternak said, he and his colleagues fled Russia and emigrated to the U.S. Eventually, he was able to persuade several investors to fund his aerospace company based on his experience making blimps in Russia... Win or lose, Pasternak sees the project as a means to a different end: to build commercial versions for carrying business cargo or even paying passengers. His "cruise ship in the sky" would have hotel-like rooms, vast lobbies with viewing areas, a restaurant and space for about 180 passengers.

Army To Test New Super Gun

2006-01-26T00:03:00.000-06:00

Next month a new high-explosive munition will be fired in Singapore and then tested again by the U.S. Army, heralding what may be a sea change in weaponry: a gun that can fire 240,000 rounds per minute. That's compared to 60 rounds per minute in a standard military machine gun. Metal Storm Inc., a munitions company headquartered in Virginia but with its roots in Australia, has been developing a gun that can shoot at blistering speeds, albeit in short bursts as each barrel is reloaded. A Metal Storm gun of any size -- from a 9 mm hand-gun up to a machine gun size or a grenade launcher -- has no moving parts other than the bullets or munition inside the barrel. Rather than chambering a single slug for each shot - very quickly in the case of machine guns -- the bullets come pre-stacked inside the barrel and can be shot all at once, or one at a time, as the shooter decides through the electronic controls.Because there are no moving parts, the weapon is less likely to jam, and will presumably need less maintenance. Lashing many barrels together increases the number of rounds per second. Once fired, however, each spent barrel has to be reloaded. Starting in 2006 the company will demonstrate its prototypes with applicability that is especially likely to interest the U.S. military. The weapon system can be mounted on an unmanned ground combat vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and might be used as a defense against rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. Metal Storm's speed allows it to lay down a blinding wall of slugs that can intercept and pulverize incoming enemy fire, according to company CEO David Smith. As long as the grenade or mortar is fired from outside a range of about 50 meters or 162.5 feet and a Doppler radar is in use, a Metal Storm system could be an effective defense, he told reporters. Closer than that and there is just not time to react. "But if you are from 50 meters and beyond, if everything can work fast enough -- the radar -- there is enough time mathematically" to shoot down incoming fire, Smith said. At least 153 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq by enemy rockets and mortars since the start of the war. Nearly 2,000 have been wounded. The grenade launcher barrel can also carry less-than-lethal munitions, like small bean bags, sponge grenades or smoke. On Jan. 16, the Army awarded Metal Storm a $975,000 contract to further develop its non-lethal rounds. "Our so-called competition is (the) Mk19 - grenade machine gun," Smith said. "It's enormously heavy. It takes six people to carry it into a battlefield scene. It's not mobile. "But the military has had this transition out of big system warfighting into much lighter, higher firepower that can be carried into battle by individuals or light vehicles. Our guns have no moving parts -- so they have the same amount of fire power at significantly reduced weight ratio." Metal Storm technology has been under development for about a decade, but a series of small-business innovative research contracts awarded recently by the Department of Energy and the Army mean prototypes are now being produced and demonstrated. "We are to the point we can start providing prototypes. The Army is very, very parochial in how they buy weapon systems," Smith said. "But now we can put it into an actual environment."The company is also studying whether it can mount a Metal Storm weapon on a small helicopter, particularly looking at the recoil effect from the gun. Smith said such a system - deployable down to the squad level -- could be useful in a place like Iraq, where it's a common tactic for insurgents to launch a mortar and then run. By the time soldiers on foot or in a vehicle get to the launch site, the shooters are long gone. But a UAV quickly launched can see where the shooters run to, and if a gun is on board, can shoot at them. The Australian military is testing a Metal Storm gun of its own, the Advanced Individual Combat Weapon (AICW). The AICW combines both an assault rifle and a 40 mm grenade launcher in a single unit with a common trigger, allowing the shooter to choose which munition he wants to fire without having to refit his weapon. It also allows three grenades to be fired at once, whereas one is the only option in the current generation of weapons. Metal Storm Inc. will demonstrate a high-explosive munition with a 10-meter (32.5 feet) or burst radius in Singapore on Feb. 6, Smith said, and for the Army's Picatinny Arsenal and Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center later that month.

US Army Raises Enlistment Age To 40

2006-01-23T00:52:00.000-06:00

The US Army said it has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 40 years old and is doubling signing up bonuses to a high of 40,000 dollars. The measures are the latest in a series of steps the army has taken over the past year to offset a slump in recruiting as it faces ongoing campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.The army failed to hit its recruiting goal of 80,000 new recruits in fiscal 2005. Recruiting figures have since improved but the the war in Iraq has made it difficult to meet the demand for fresh soldiers. Army Secretary Francis Harvey, however, denied charges that the army is a "broken force," telling reporters it has met its recruiting goals in the last seven months with the help of bonuses and other incentives. But he acknowledged that recruiting remains "a month-to-month thing". "As I said, the rest of the year looks promising. But we're certainly not going to sit on our laurels," he said. Raising the maximum age for enlistments "expands the recruiting pool, provides motivated individuals an opportunity to serve, and strengthens the readiness of army units," the army said in a statement. The army is raising the maximum cash enlistment bonuses to 40,000 dollars for the active duty army, and 20,000 dollars for the army reserve, doubling the current maximums. Older recruits are entitled to the same signing bonuses as younger ones, the army said. "Experience has shown that older recruits who can meet the physical demands of military service generally make excellent soldiers based on their maturity, motivation, loyalty, and patriotism," the army said.

Enlisted Strength Declines

2006-01-20T00:03:00.000-06:00

Drug use, weight problems and parenthood have been taking their toll on the military in the past three years since the war on terror began, according to newly released Pentagon data. Documents released to The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act indicate the number of enlisted personnel leaving the military each year has increased from 8.7 percent in 2002 to 10.5 percent last year. Enlisted losses — including people whose enlistments had expired — increased from 118,206 in 2002 to more than 137,465 last year, while officer losses have increased from 5,619 in 2002 to more than 7,500 last year.The subset of those leaving before their term was up, for reasons ranging from disability to drug abuse, increased from 58,214 in 2002 to 60,406 last year among enlisted personnel and from 1,011 in 2002 to 1,280 for officers. “Service members leave the military for a variety of reasons,” said Pentagon spokeswoman Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke. “This is an all-volunteer military, which is dedicated to defending its country. We appreciate their service and respect their reasons for leaving the service.” Krenke said the military met and in some cases exceeded its retention goals this year. None of the 1.4 million soldiers, sailors and Marines on active duty today is allowed to simply quit the military, but they can be kicked out, or in certain cases receive special discharges. The reasons for leaving the service differ in each branch, though general misconduct — a term which can mean anything from petty theft to brawling with colleagues — has consistently been the most common explanation. Pentagon data going back 10 years shows that service losses last year are still below overall levels in the mid-90s, when the Defense Department struggled with both retention and recruiting. But in recent years, some categories reached 10-year highs. Pregnancy and parenthood, for example, have steadily increased as a reason for personnel losses, especially in the Army, where last year 4,238 soldiers were discharged from the Army for pregnancy and parenthood, up from 2,862 in 2002 and 2,565 in 1996. This reflects what military officials say is a baby boom, especially at bases with high deployments. Pregnancy used to mean an automatic discharge; these days, it’s an option but not a requirement. Even so, increased numbers of service members are asking to get out because they have children. “These days military parents are finding it very complicated to serve, because a lot of people are being deployed, many are being deployed multiple times, and these deployments have proved to be unpredictable in length and frequency,” said Shelley M. MacDermid, director of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. MacDermid said she has even heard of instances where soldiers “use pregnancy as a way to get out of a situation they don’t like.” Drug use is also an increasing reason soldiers are being discharged from the Army, up 40 percent since 2002; last year 1986 soldiers were kicked out of the Army for using for using marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and other illegal drugs. By contrast, soldiers thrown out for alcohol dropped from 251 in 2002 to 164 last year. Rod Powers, a retired Air Force sergeant who writes advice an advice column on the Web about military service and has written books on the subject, said the drug use discharges probably reflect more sophisticated drug testing policies in all military branches. “The military is getting smarter about drug testing, with better science and more random tests,” he said. “I hear from a lot of young recruits thinking they can beat a urinalysis, but I tell them it’s not so easy.” Powers said the reduction in alcohol-related discharges is likely because most troops are not allowed to drink while they are deployed because they are posted in Muslim countries, and with longer and more frequent deployments there are simply fewer opportunities to imbibe. Another issue that is prompting increased discharges is a failure to meet weight standards. The Army, which has the most stringent weight standards of all the military branches, kicked out more than 3,285 soldiers last year because they were too heavy.

Here's to the Heroes

2006-01-17T00:03:00.000-06:00

Anheuser-Busch announced that the "Here's to the Heroes" program has been extended through 2006. The program provides a single day's free admission to any one of the SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for active duty, active reserve, Ready Reserve servicemembers, National Guardsmen, and up to three of their direct dependents. Servicemembers can register online at www.herosalute.com or at the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Defense Department photo ID.
Inactive, standby and retired reserve members, and military retirees are ineligible for the program.

Marine Corps Jobs

2006-01-14T00:03:00.000-06:00

Administration includes the operation and management of administrative and clerical functions in the areas of general and personnel administration. There are a wide variety of billet assignments available for Marines in this career field. Specific specialties in the career field include Personnel Clerk, Administrative Clerk and Postal Clerk.

Intelligence conducts the collection, processing, and dissemination of intelligence information. They use a variety of electronic and manual means to collect information. Specialties include: Analysis, Counterintelligence, Imagery interpretation, Geographic intelligence and Interrogator/ translator.

Infantry train in the core competencies of gunnery, combat operations, and battlefield awareness. They make up the primary scout, assault, and close combat forces of the Marine Corps. These Marines serve in a variety of specialties relating to specific duties and equipment. Some of the equipment include the Light Armored Vehicle, heavy machine guns, mortars, anti-tank missiles, and small arms. Specialities include: Rifleman, Machine gunner, Assaultman, Mortarman, Reconnaissance man, Security forces (including presidential security) and LAV crewman.

Logistics is the science of planning and carrying out the maintenance of forces. It includes the storage and distribution of material, maintenance of facilities and movement of personnel. Logistics Occupational Specialties include: Maintenance Management Specialist, Logistics/ Embarkation Specialist, Air Delivery Specialist and Landing Support Specialist.

Marine Air Ground Task Force Plans manages the planning and execution of the deployment of forces. This field plans, executes, validates, employs, mobilizes, sustains and redeploys forces.

Command and Control Systems includes the design, installation, interconnection and operation of communications networks and information systems. The hardware and software used by Marines in this field includes telephone, radio, switching, cryptographic and computer systems. Occupational Specialties include: Field Wireman, Construction Wireman, Circuit Switch Operator, Field Radio Operator, Mobile Multi-Channel Equipment Operator, High Frequency Communications Center Operator, Satellite Communications Terminal Operator, Defense Message System Specialist and Data Network Specialist.

Field Artillery is made of three main functional areas: the firing battery, field operations, and observation/liaison. Duties include maintaining, moving, and employing artillery weapons systems, operating, moving, and protecting equipment, and coordinating the firing of artillery and naval gunfire with maneuver forces. Occupational Specialties include: Artillery Cannoneer, Radar Operator, Meteorological Man, Artillery Operations Man and Fire Support Man.

Utilities includes Marines who maintain, install and operate water supply, sewage, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, hygiene, air conditioning and heating systems, as well as repair fabric. A basic utilities Marine will be assigned one of the following specialties: Electrician, Electrical equipment repair, Refrigeration mechanic and Fabric repair specialist.

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment is comprised of Marines who perform metal-working, welding, operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, construction, emplacing, and removing obstacles. Specialities within this field include: Metalworker, Engineer equipment mechanic, Small craft (boat) mechanic, Engineer equipment operator, Engineer assistant and combat engineer.

Tank and Assault Amphibious Vehicle operates, employs, maneuvers and maintains tracked armored vehicles in amphibious assaults and operations ashore. Skills learned included gunnery, maintenance and driving skills. Specialties include: Tank Crewman and Amphibious Vehicle Crewman.

Ordnance assures the Marine Corps that serviceable ordnance materials are available. This includes the inspection, repair,and maintenance of most weapons systems. Specialties include: Small Arms Repairer/technician, Towed Artillery Systems Technician, Assault Amphibious Vehicle Repairer/technician, Main Battle Tank Repairer/technician and Light Armored Vehicle Repairer/technician, Machinist and Electro-optical Ordnance Repairer.

Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance Disposal manages and conducts the handling, transportation and storage of ammunition, explosives and missiles. They also determine the suitability of ordnance for use, repair and destroy ordnance, conduct ordnance technical intelligence and dynamic explosive entry. The one entrylevel Specialty is Ammunition Technician.

Motor Transport operates and maintains tactical and commercial motor vehicle services. Specialties include: Organizational and Intermediate Automotive Mechanic, Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic, Motor Vehicle Operator and Logistics Vehicle Systems Operator.

Signals Intelligence/ Ground Electronic Warfare Operator operates intelligence collection and communications equipment, conducting collection, analysis, production and dissemination of data. Specialties include: Special Communications Signals Collection Operator/Analyst, Special Intelligence System Administrator/ Communicator and Cryptologic Linguists.

Ground Electronics Maintenance includes the diagnosis, repair, adjustment, and calibration of electronic equipment. Specialties include: Electronic Switching Equipment Technician, AN/TRC-170 (multi-channel communications equipment) repairer, Ground Communications Organizational Repairer, Ground Radio Intermediate Repairer, Telephone System/Personal Computer Repairer, AN/TSC120 (Radio) Technician, Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Technician, 2M/ATE (circuit card) Technician Ground Radar Repairer, Artillery Electronic Systems Repairer and Artillery Electronics Technician.

Supply Administration and Operations is responsible to warehouse, preserve, package, handle, purchase, contract and account for supplies and equipment. Specialties include: Supply Administration and Operations Clerk, Warehouse Clerk and Packaging Specialist. Food Service handles food, supplies and equipment, menu and recipe planning, meal preparation and serving, sanitation, and operation and management of garrison and field food services.

Financial Management encompasses budgeting, auditing and finance. Specialties include: Finance Technician and Fiscal/Budget Technician.

Data Systems include computer systems analysis, software design, and computer equipment operation. Primary specialty: Small Computer Systems Specialist Programmer.

Legal Services is comprised of Legal Services Specialists. They provide services in operational, managerial and clerical areas necessary for the proper functioning of a Legal Services Support Section, Law Center, or Office of a Staff Judge Advocate.

Visual Information includes graphic arts, photography, videography, video editing, training devices and visual library loan services. Specialties include: Combat Illustrator, Combat Lithographer, Combat Photographer and Combat Videographer.

Music field provides music to support ceremonies, official functions, community relations and troop esprit de corps. A secondary mission is to augment headquarters defense in combat environments. Applicants for these programs will have an audition and must be able to play and read music. Musician Specialties include: Oboe/English Horn, Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute/Piccolo, Saxophone, Baritone Horn/Euphonium, French, Horn, Trombone, Tuba/ Sousaphone, String Bass/Electric bass, Percussion, Piano and Guitar.

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense includes the detection, identification, warning, reporting and decontamination of nuclear, biological and chemical decontamination on the battlefield. The Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Specialist is the only occupational specialty.

Military Police and Corrections provide law enforcement services, including dog handling, physical security, emergency response, investigations, and prisoner supervision. Specialties include Military Policeman, Working Dog Handler and Correctional Specialist.

Electronics Maintenance maintains, operates and repairs organic communication and electronic equipment in the Marine Aircraft Wings. Specialties include: Avenger System (Anti- Air), Maintainer, Aviation Radio Repairer, Aviation Radar Repairer, Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician, Air Traffic Control Radar Technician, Air Traffic Control Communications Technician, Tactical Data Systems Equipment Repairer and Tactical Air Operations Module Repairer.

Public Affairs gathers, prepares, publishes and disseminates news and feature materials about the Marine Corps. Specialties include: Combat Correspondent and Broadcast Journalist.

Aircraft Maintenance provides direct and indirect support of airframes, powerplants and all aircraft weapons systems. Specialties include: individual material readiness, list asset manager, aircraft maintenance administration specialist, flight equipment technician, aircraft hydraulic/pneumatic mechanic, aircraft maintenance support electronic equipment mechanic Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Electrician/Refrigeration Mechanic, Cryogenics Equipment Operator, Aircraft Structure Mechanic, Helicopter/ Tiltrotor Mechanic, Powerplants Mechanic, Helicopter/ Tiltrotor Dynamic Components Mechanic, Airframes Mechanic, Crew Chief, Enlisted Aircrew/ Aerial Observer/ Gunner Fixed Wing Mechanic, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Mechanic, Fixed Wing Aircraft Flight Engineer, Fixed Wing Transport Aircraft Specialist and Crew Chief Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic.

Avionics performs direct and indirect support of all aviation weapons systems. Specialties include: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Avionics Technician, Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, Aircraft Electronic Counter-Measures Technician, Aircraft Navigation Systems Technician, Aircraft Cryptographic Systems Technician, Aircraft Communications System Technician, Aircraft Weapons System Technician and Aircraft Radar Technician, Consolidated Automated Support System Technician (radar, infrared, test equipment), Aircraft Meteorological Equipment technician, Aviation Precision Measurement Equipment Calibration and Repair Technician and Aviation Logistics Tactical Information System Technician.

Meteorological and Oceanographic Services is unique in that it is the only earth science-related field in the Marine Corps. Marines in this field provide meteorological, oceanographic and space environmental observation and analysis. The only entry-level specialty is METOC Observer.

Aviation Ordnance Marines handle aviation ammunition issues including safety, procurement, storage, delivery, loading and downloading. Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician is the primary Military Occupational Specialty for this field.

Aviation Logistics includes the areas of aviation supply and information systems. Specialties include: Aviation Supply Specialists, Automated Information Specialist Computer Operators.

Airfield Services includes rescue firefighting, equipment recovery operations, and aviation operation duties. Military Occupational Specialties include: Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician, Aviation Operation Specialists Airfield Firefighting and Rescue Specialists.

Air Control, Air Support, Anti-Air Warfare and Air Traffic Control manages the operation of air command and control functions associated with the Marine Aircraft Wing. Occupational Specialties include: Low Altitude Air Defense Gunner, Air Control Electronics Operator, Tactical Air Defense Controller, Air Support Systems Operator, Air Traffic Controller and Radar Approach Controller.

Navigation and Enlisted Flight Crew plan and execute tactical inflight refueling and assault support operations, perform navigational duties, and operate loading and unloading equipment in aircraft. Specialties include: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator, Airborne Radio Operator/ Refueling Observer/Loadmaster, Aerial Navigator.

Army Jobs

2006-01-13T00:03:00.000-06:00

ADMINISTRATIVE

Administrative Specialists record, store, organize and maintain files. They type letters, reports and official orders, and schedule training and leave for unit personnel.

Finance Specialists compute payroll and prepare payments for Army personnel. They also record details of financial transactions and plans budgets for future expenses.

Aviation Operations Specialists prepare and provide flight information for air and ground crews. They keep flight logs and plan flight schedules and aircrew assignments.

Legal Specialists assist judges, lawyers and unit commanders with legal matters and judicial work. They also process legal claims and appeals, and research court decisions and Army regulations.

Chaplain Assistants support the Unit Ministry Team programs, worship services and crisis intervention. They also provide support to chaplains during missions and everyday activities.

CONSTRUCTION

Interior Electricians install and repair electrical wiring systems in office, repair shops, airplane hangers and other buildings on military bases.

Heavy Construction Equipment Operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment in the construction of airfields, roads, dams and buildings.

Crane Operators operate crawler and truck-mounted cranes and crane shovels during construction projects, as well as install, rig and remove crane attachments.

Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operators operate all equipment used in concrete and asphalt production and paving.

General Construction Equipment Operators work with air compressors and special purpose construction machines engaged in compaction, ditching, pumping and augering.

Construction Equipment Supervisors supervise construction equipment, quarry, paving and plant equipment operations and crew maintenance of equipment.

Carpentry and Masonry Specialists build foundations, floor slabs and walls with brick, cement block, mortar or stone. They erect wood framing for buildings using hand and power tools, such as hammers, saws, levels and drills.

Construction Engineering Supervisors oversee the construction, repair and utilities of buildings, warehouses, fixed bridges, port facilities and petroleum pipelines, tanks and related equipment.

Plumbers install and repair plumbing and pipe systems.

COMBAT SPECIALTY

Cannon Crewmembers start and maintain wire and radio communications. They also identify target locations while working on howitzer cannons.

Tactical Automated Fire Control System Specialists serve on teams that operate Tactical Fire Direction Systems equipment and are responsible for recording and transmitting firing data.

Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists operate field artillery tactical data systems on a Multiple Launch Rocket System Team.

Cannon Fire Direction Specialists lead, supervise or serve as a member of a field artillery cannon unit.

Fire Support Specialists lead, supervise or serve in intelligence activities such as target processing, division artillery and maneuver brigade.

Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmembers drive, operate and maintain the self-propelled MLRS launcher and re-supply vehicles. The MLRS launches various missiles and ammunition in quick strikes during combat.

Multiple Launch Rocket System Automated Data System Specialists record and transmit the firing data for the MLRS.

PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operators place the PATRIOT system in the field. They evaluate target data, as well as identify and engage targets.

Air Defense Tactical Operations Center Operators detect, track and identify aircraft. They broadcast early warning information as members of an early warning team.

Man Portable Air Defense System Crewmembers prepare and fire portable air defense systems while serving as members of the field artillery team.

Bradley Linebacker Crewmembers operate the Bradley Linebacker, a tracked vehicle capable of neutralizing air targets through firing missiles and other ammunition. Avenger Crewmembers serve as members of the Avenger operations team. The Avenger system is a lightweight, highly mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile/gun weapon system.

Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainers place, supply and maintain Patriot launching stations. The Patriot missile system teams are used to launch missiles capable of neutralizing multiple air targets.

Combat Engineers construct trails, roads and field fortifications such as shelters, bunkers and gun emplacements. They also place and detonate explosives and assemble floating and fabricated bridges.

Bridge Crewmembers build and provide bridges and rafts for wet and dry gapcrossing operations and also assist in rafting operations.

Quarrying Specialists operate all equipment used in drilling, crushing, grading and cleaning gravel and rock. They're also involved with the detonation of explosives to blast rock in quarries and construction sites.

Infantrymen train to defend our country in peacetime and capture, destroy and repel enemy ground forces during wartime.

Indirect Fire Infantrymen are members of a mortar squad, section or platoon.

Special Operations Weapons Sergeants operate and maintain a wide variety of U.S., Allied and other foreign weaponry as a part of a special operations team.

Special operations soldiers in the Army conduct offensive raids, demolitions, intelligence, search and rescue and other missions from air, land or sea.

Special Operations Engineers are specialists across a wide range of disciplines, from demolition and construction of field fortifications, to topographic survey techniques.

Special Operations Medical Sergeants are primarily trained with an emphasis on trauma medicine, they also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality and optometry.

Special Operations Communications Sergeants operate every kind of communications gear, from encrypted satellite communications systems to old-style high-frequency Morse key systems. They also have computer/networking skills.

Cavalry Scouts perform reconnaissance and act as the "first front" in combat. They engage the enemy with anti-armor weapons and scout vehicles in the field.

Armor Crewmen work as part of a team to operate armored equipment and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions.

ELECTRONIC/ ELECTRICAL REPAIR

Aircraft Electricians ensure the electrical systems on airplanes and helicopters are properly maintained and repaired.

Avionic Mechanics perform maintenance on tactical communications-security, navigation and flight-control equipment.

AH-64A Armament/Electrical Systems Repairers perform aviation unit, intermediate and depot maintenance on the electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulics systems associated with the AH-64A Apache helicopter.

AH-64D Armament/Electrical/Avionic Systems Repairers supervise, inspect and perform maintenance on the armament, electrical and avionic systems of the AH-64D helicopter.

Avionic Communications Equipment Repairers perform intermediate and depot maintenance on aircraft communications equipment.

Aircraft Armament/Missile Systems Repairers supervise, inspect and perform maintenance on armament, electrical and avionics systems of the OH-58D, a light-armed scout helicopter.

Radio/Communications Security Repairers maintain radio receivers, transmitters, communication security equipment, controlled cryptographic items and other associated equipment.

Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/ Integrators maintain and repair command/control subsystems, receiver subsystems and related equipment.

Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairers maintain and install air traffic control communications, navigation aids and landing systems.

Special Electronic Devices Repairers perform maintenance and repair on special electronic devices such as night-vision equipment, electronic distance and azimuth-orienting devices, battlefield illumination devices, and nuclear, biological and chemical warning and measuring devices.

Electronic Maintenance Chiefs supervise, monitor and direct the electronics mission of the Army.

Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairers perform maintenance on chemical equipment, quartermaster machinery, forced air-heaters and special purpose equipment.

Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Maintenance Support Specialist calibrate and repair test, measurement and diagnostic equipment.

Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator/ Maintainers maintain the base shop test facility.

Medical Equipment Repairers service and maintain all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, digital, optical and radiological medical equipment.

Radar Repairers install, maintain, repair and keep up a working knowledge of how to operate military radar equipment.

Avionic Radar Repairers perform maintenance on manual and semiautomatic switchboards, telephones and associated wire instruments and equipment.

OH-58D Armament/ Electrical/ Avionics Systems Repairers maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulics systems associated with aircraft armament, missile and fire control systems.

Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairers maintain the TOW (M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wireguided missile) anti-missile system, the Dragon anti-tank guided missile systems and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle system.

Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Maintenance Support Specialists calibrate and repair test, measurement and diagnostic equipment.

Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator/Maintainers maintain the base shop test facility.

Medical Equipment Repairers service and maintain all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, digital, optical and radiological medical equipment.

Radar Repairers install, maintain, repair and maintain a working knowledge of how to operate military radar equipment.

Avionic Radar Repairers perform maintenance on manual and semiautomatic switchboards, telephones and associated wire instruments and equipment.

OH-58D Armament/ Electrical/ Avionics Systems Repairers maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulics systems associated with aircraft armament, missile and fire control systems.

Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairers maintain the TOW (M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wireguided missile) antimissile system, the Dragon antitank guided missile systems and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle system.

Land Combat Support System Test Specialists supervise, operate and maintain Land Combat Support Systems.

Automatic Test Equipment Operator/ Maintainers maintain the Electronic Equipment Test Facility in support of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Multiple Launch Rocket System Repairers manage support-level maintenance on the Multiple Launch Rocket System, a self-propelled launcher-loader artillery weapon system that s used in the field during combat.

Patriot Systems Repairers support-level maintenance on the Patriot System, a combat missile system that features a phased-array radar set and control station.

Avenger System Repairers manage support- level maintenance on the Avenger System, a lightweight, highly mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile/gun weapon system that provides short-range air defense against air and land attacks.

Electronic Maintenance Chiefs supervise, monitor and direct the electronic weapons maintenance mission of the Army.

Small Arms/ Artillery Repairers perform maintenance and repairs on small arms and other infantry weapons.

Fire Control Repairers perform maintenance on combat vehicle, infantry and artillery fire control systems and equipment, as well as related test equipment.

Armament Repairers perform maintenance and repairs on the mechanisms and systems of tank turrets, tank weapons, fighting vehicles, small arms and other infantry weapons.

ENGINEERING, SCIENCE & TECHNICAL

Radio Operator/ Maintainers handle all maintenance checks and services on assigned radio communication equipment.

Network Switching Systems Operators perform maintenance on electronic switches, control centers, combat radios and other equipment associated with networks. They also use computers to troubleshoot the system when errors occur.

Cable Systems Installer/ Maintainers install, operate and perform maintenance on cable and wire communications systems, communication security devices and associated equipment.

Microwave System Installers install, operate and maintain microwave communications systems. They also work with associated antennas, multiplexing and communications security equipment.

Multi-channel Transmission Systems Operators work directly on communication devices and equipment that communicate through more than one channel. They handle installation, repair, operation and maintenance check of these devices, antenna and associated equipment.

Satellite Communications Systems Operator/ Maintainers install, operate, maintain and repair strategic and tactical multi-channel satellite communications.

Satellite/ Microwave Systems Chiefs plan and supervise the configuration, operation and maintenance of microwave communications.

Signal Support Systems Specialists work with battlefield signal support systems and terminal devices.

Telecommunications Operations Chiefs are primarily responsible for planning and supervising the installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications systems and networks.

Information Systems Operator/ Analysts are responsible for maintaining, processing and troubleshooting military computer systems and operations.

Telecommunications Operator/ Maintainers supervise, install, operate and perform maintenance in telecommunications centers.

Divers perform such tasks as reconnaissance, demolition and salvage, all while being underwater. They specialize either as a scuba diver, who works just below the surface of the water, or as a deep sea diver, who usually works for long periods of time in depths up to 300 feet.

Veterinary Food Inspection Specialists inspect food designated for consumption, while also supervising food inspection and combined veterinary service activity.

Preventative Medicine Specialists conduct preventive medicine inspections, surveys and laboratory procedures.

Psychological Operations Specialists supervise, coordinate and participate in the analysis, coordination and distribution of tactical, strategic and consolidation psychological operations.

Intelligence Analysts supervise, coordinate and participate in the analysis, processing and distribution of strategic and tactical intelligence.

Common Ground Station Operators detect, locate and track ground targets, ships, submarines, missiles and aircraft.

Ground Surveillance Systems Operators operate ground surveillance systems that are engaged in intelligence and information gathering.

Counterintelligence Agents conduct counterintelligence surveys and investigations of individuals, organizations, installations and activities in order to detect, assess and counter threats to national security.

Signals Intelligence Analysts listen to and intercept foreign radio transmissions and relaying that information by producing combat, strategic and tactical intelligence reports.

Communications Locator/ Interceptors detect, acquire, locate and identify foreign communications using International Morse Code and radio-printer (non- Morse), as well as signals intelligence/electronic warfare collection and location equipment.

Electronic Intelligence Interceptor/Analysts perform and supervise the detection, acquisition, location and identification of foreign ELINT.

Signal Collection/ Identification Analysts are primarily collect, identify, exploit and analyze foreign radio-teletype, facsimile and data communications.

Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmen monitor weather conditions and patterns so artillery units can fire and launch missiles accurately.

Ammunition Specialists transport, store, inspect, prepare and dispose of weapons and ammunition.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists locate, identify and dispose of foreign and domestic explosive devices.

Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operators use Firefinder radar, a highly specialized machine that detects mortars, planes and other objects by using radio or sound waves to determine their location to detect opposing forces and alert units in the Army.

Technical Engineering Specialists conduct land surveys, make maps and prepare detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. They occasionally provide surveys and maps that are used to locate military targets and plot troop movements.

Topographic Analysts perform cartographic and terrain analysis duties. They're also involved in collecting and processing military geographic information from remote sensed imagery, digital data, intelligence data, existing topographic products and other collateral data sources.

Field Artillery Surveyors monitor field conditions and give progress reports on maneuvers during combat.

Topographic Surveyors conduct surveys to provide control data for mapmaking and artillery support. They also supervise and perform topographic or geodetic computations.

Imagery Analysts analyze aerial and ground permanent record imagery developed by photographic and electronic means.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operators operate the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Mission planning, mission sensor, payload operations, launching, remotely piloting and recovering the aerial vehicle are all part of this position.

HEALTH CARE

Dental Specialists assist Army dentists in the examination and treatment of patients, while also helping to manage dental offices.

Operating Room Specialists assist the nursing staff in preparing patients and operating rooms for surgery.

Animal Care Specialists provide care, management, treatment and sanitary conditions for Army animals under the supervision of a Veterinary Corps officer.

Respiratory Specialists assist with management of a respiratory unit. Mental Health Specialists under the supervision of an Army psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse or psychologist, provide mental health treatment to patients.

Medical Laboratory Specialists help diagnosis, treat and prevent diseases and other medical disorders by performing blood banking procedures and examinations of biological and environmental specimens.

Patient Administration Specialists perform administrative duties in the patient administration division of an Army hospital or other medical facilities.

Health Care Specialists provide emergency medical treatment, limited primary care and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness.

Optical Laboratory Specialists assemble eyeglasses that utilize pre-surfaced single-vision lenses.

Pharmacy Specialists prepare, control and issue pharmaceutical products and supervising pharmacy activities.

Radiology Specialists operate fixed and portable radiology equipment, as well as supervising radiology activities.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Personnel Administration Specialists help soldiers develop their careers, but also provides personnel support and assistance to all divisions of the Army.

Personnel Information System Management Specialists operate and manage the information systems for field personnel, as well as train and assist all system users.

Personnel Services Specialists supervise the manpower resources of the Army.

MACHINE OPERATOR AND PRODUCTION

Machinists handle the fabrication, repair and modification of metallic and non-metallic parts.

Lithographers operate printing equipment like presses and binding machines in order to make finished copies of printed materials.

Water Treatment Specialists install and operate water purification equipment, as well as deal with water storage and distribution operations and activities.

Metal Workers perform repairs and maintenance on metal body components, radiators, fuel tanks, hulls and accessories of Army watercraft and amphibious vehicles.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Visual Information Equipment Operator/Maintainers work with equipment such as Teleconferencing VI, and are primarily responsible for supporting Army operations with visual information equipment and systems.

Combat Documentation/ Production Specialists primarily responsible for supervising, planning and operating electronic and film-based still, video and audio acquisition equipment in order to document combat and non-combat operations.

Civil Affairs Specialists supervise, research, coordinate, conduct and participate in the planning and production of civil affairs related documents.

Multimedia Illustrators supervise, plan and operate multimedia imaging equipment in order to produce various kinds of visual displays and documents.

Human Intelligence Collectors use aerial photographs, electronic monitoring and human observation in order to gather and study required information to design defense plans and tactics.

Translator/Interpreters convert written or spoken foreign languages into English and other languages. They usually specialize in a particular foreign language.

Cryptologic Linguists detect, acquire, locate and identify foreign communications using signals equipment.

Journalists write and photograph the Army s activities for use in internal and external news media.

Broadcast Journalists operate radio or television broadcast teams or Armed Forces Radio Television Service.

Air Force Jobs

2006-01-12T00:03:00.000-06:00

Airfield Management Apprentices assist a pilot's ability to land, take-off and taxi on runways and taxiways at airfields worldwide, checking flight plans, en route weather and transmitting flight plans and flight movement messages to air route traffic control centers, flight service stations and control towers.

Aviation Resource Management Apprentices work with pilots, flight engineers, pararescuemen and aerial gunners to schedule air-refueling, bombing, airlift and fighter missions.

Supply Management Apprentices manage, administer and operate supply systems and activities to provide equipment and supplies for Air Force operations.

Supply Systems Analysis Apprentices are responsible for the day-to-day software maintenance of the supply computer systems used to track all aspects of operation.

Traffic Management Apprentices receive training to ensure that shipments are ready for transport, inspecting freight for damage, keeping accurate records and in operating forklifts, pallet trucks and hand trucks.

Vehicle Maintenance Control and Analysis Apprentices schedule and coordinate vehicle maintenance for the entire motor pool. They use the latest computer technology to keep track of the maintenance of all the vehicles on base.

Radio Communications Systems Apprentices operate radio and satellite communications equipment that form invaluable lines of communication between the president, the Air Force and other critical airborne and ground agencies of the Department of Defense.

Radio and TV Broadcasting Apprentices are cameramen, scriptwriters, announcers, directors and equipment operators who use tape recorders, turntables, video switchers, dimmers, radio consoles and other broadcasting equipment.

Regional Band Apprentices perform in a variety of musical groups. These groups, which will vary from region to region. Most include a symphonic concert band, marching band, jazz band, rock group, country band and reception combo.

Personnel Apprentices assist those people and their families in making decisions that affect their military life, including career development, special assignments, training and other personnel issues.

Chaplain Service Support Apprentices help chaplains by preparing places of worship and organizing counseling as well as working in field conditions.

Postal Apprentices see that those longawaited letters from home reach their final destination. A Postal Apprentice also computes shipping charges, operates service centers and distributes personal mail to USPS lockboxes.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentices service, inspect, troubleshoot, repair and perform preventive maintenance on motor and engine-driven generator sets, air conditioners, hydraulic test stands, air compressors, bomblifts, heaters and other similar support equipment.

Aerial Gunners operate airborne weapon systems and associated equipment, including pre- and postflight inspections of weapons equipment. They also perform inflight maintenance of airborne weapons systems to ensure maximum availability and utilization of weapon systems.

Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Apprentices see that aircraft are in operationally ready condition, performing scheduled inspections, functional checks and preventive maintenance both before and after flights, and ensuring that the aircraft has been properly serviced with fuel, hydraulic fluid and liquid oxygen.

Aerospace Maintenance Apprentices ensure aircraft are in operationally ready condition, performing scheduled inspections, functional checks and preventive maintenance both before and after flights, and ensuring that the aircraft has been properly serviced with fuel, hydraulic fluid and liquid oxygen.

Helicopter Maintenance Apprentices repair, maintain and perform operational checks of the rotor, transmission and drive, landing gear, fuel, hydraulic and electrical systems, assisting specialists as required.

Aerospace Propulsion Apprentices keep turboprop aircraft in the air, removing the propeller and the engine from the aircraft, disassembling and inspecting it, then repairing or replacing defective components as required.

Aircrew Egress Systems Apprentices maintain emergency escape systems used by aircrews to escape disabled aircraft, working on emergency escape and survival systems used in aircraft, such as ejection seats, escape hatches and capsules, warning lights, emergency oxygen systems, canopies, lap belts and shoulder harnesses.

Aircraft Fuel Systems Apprentices remove, repair, clean, inspect, install and modify aircraft fuel systems, including integral fuel and water cell tanks, bladder cells and external tanks.

Aircraft Metals Technology Apprentices measure, maintain and test aircraft metals to include machine tool cutting, engine lathe cutting, precision grinding and the various methods and processes of welding.

Aircraft Structural Maintenance Apprentices classify damage to aircraft structures before they are repaired to their original strength, weight and contour using powered and nonpowered tools and equipment, including precision measurement equipment.

Survival Equipment Apprentices inspect, repair and repack aircrew survival equipment, determining the serviceability of the equipment and evaluating any problems.

Communications Cable and Antenna Systems Apprentices install cable systems that look like a tangled mess of wires to the average person. They splice, seal, pressurize and repair all types of cables, as well as how to use testing equipment for troubleshooting cable systems.

Fuels Apprentices receive, store and issue petroleum products for Air Force vehicles, aircraft and support equipment.

Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Apprentices assemble, repair, maintain, modify, inspect and service missiles, missile subsystems and related support equipment.

Vehicle Operations Apprentices operate everything from passenger cars to huge prime movers with trailers for transporting personnel and materials.

Air Transportation Apprentices load, sort and document air cargo.

Special Purpose Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Apprentices inspect, troubleshoot and repair vehicles, including dump trucks, bucket loaders, crawler and wheeled tractors, cranes, motor graders, snow removal equipment, sweepers, aircraft cargo loading vehicles, forklifts and aircraft servcing vehicles.

Coast Guard Jobs

2006-01-11T00:03:00.000-06:00

Boatswain's Mates perform almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, navigation and supervising all personnel assigned to a ship's deck force.

Quartermasters are navigators who are assigned to all types of cutters. Their duties include all aspects of voyage planning, maintaining nautical charts and publications and the proper use and care of navigation equipment.

Operations Specialists receive, process and distribute both tactical and administrative data over communication systems worldwide. They also handle the point-to-point voice and data communications, as well as distress radio frequency monitoring and interpretation.

Gunner's Mates operate, inspect, maintain and repair all gunnery equipment and its weapons systems components.

Information Technicians operate, maintain and repair complicated electronic, hydraulic and mechanical equipment.

Damage Controlman is an extremely diverse rating. Welding is a primary trade and skill. Firefighting is another one. Construction and building maintenance and repair and maintenance of ship watertight closures are additional responsibilities.

Machinery Technicians become knowledgeable in all areas of machinery operation and maintenance from internal combustion engines (gas/diesel gas turbines) to environmental support systems (heating/ventilation/air conditioning), hydraulics, basic electricity and areas of hazardous material recovery and control.

Electronics Technicians maintain and repair sophisticated electronics equipment, radio receivers and transmitters, radars, navigation equipment and computer equipment.

Telephone Technicians install and maintain many types of telecommunications equipment ranging from towers, antennas, pole lines and underground cable installations to state-of-the-art computer-based data communications and processing systems, as well as telephone and data switching systems and networks, public address, security and remote control systems.

Electrician's Mates know the fundamentals of electricity, alternating and direct currents, switchboards and other electrical equipment on board.

Yeomen handle payroll certification and delivery; preparing military travel orders and arranging transportation, including shipment of household goods; preparing correspondence; and maintaining files and administrative records.

Storekeepers are responsible for providing and accounting for supplies, clothing, commissary items and spare parts.

Navy Jobs

2006-01-10T00:57:00.000-06:00

Aviation Boatswain's Mates play a major part in launching and recovering naval aircraft from land or ships. This includes preparing and fueling planes prior to takeoff and after landing. They may specialize in launching and recovering aircraft on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, aircraft fueling and fuel systems, or aircraft handling, fire fighting and salvage and rescue operations.

Air Traffic Controllers perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers and play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments.

Aviation Machinist Mates keep naval aircraft power plants and related systems, armament and ordnance systems, and aircraft ground support equipment in operational condition.

Aviation Electrician's Mates maintain electrical and navigational equipment in aircraft including power generators, power distribution systems, lighting systems, flight instrument and fuel systems, temperature and pressure indicating systems.

Aerographer's Mates are the Navy's meteorological and oceanographic experts, trained in the science of meteorology and physical oceanography.

Aviation Storekeepers ensure materials and equipment needed for naval aviation activities are available in good order.(this rating has merged with another)

Aviation Structural Mechanics (Safety Equipment) maintain and repair utility systems throughout the aircraft. They work on systems such as air conditioning, heating, pressurization and oxygen, plus multiple safety devices.

Aviation Structural Mechanics (Hydraulics) maintain all aircraft main and auxiliary hydraulic power systems, actuating subsystems and landing gear.

Aviation Structural Mechanics handle maintenance on the aircraft fuselage (mainframe), wings, airfoils and associated fixed and moveable surfaces and flight controls.

Aviation Ordnancemen inspect, maintain and repair aircraft mechanical and electrical armament and ordnance systems, and stow, assemble and load aviation ammunition.

Aviation Support Equipment Technicians keep naval aircraft power plants and related systems, armament and ordnance systems, and aircraft ground support equipment in top operational condition.

Aviation Electronics Technicians repair advanced electronics systems. Repair jobs can range from flight deck trouble-shooting of the electronic weapons system on an F-14 aircraft to changing computer circuit cards in an air-conditioned shop.

Aviation Warfare Technicians operate airborne electronic equipment detect, locate and track submarines, and operate radar to provide information for aircraft and surface ship navigation.

Aviation Maintenance Administrationmen perform a variety of clerical, administrative and managerial duties necessary to keep aircraft maintenance activities running efficiently.

Boatswain's Mates keep exterior surfaces of ships in good condition, maintain machinery and equipment on ships' decks, and handle cargo and operate small boats.

Builders make up a large segment of the Navy's Construction Force. They work as carpenters, plasterers, roofers, concrete finishers, masons, painters, bricklayers or cabinetmakers.

Navy Construction Electricians build, maintain and operate power production facilities and electrical distribution systems for naval installations.

Construction Mechanics repair and do maintenance on heavy construction and automotive equipment such as buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, rollers, cranes, backhoes, pile drivers and other heavy equipment and vehicles.

Cryptologic Technician (Administrative) performs technology-based administrative functions using software applications within a global information environment; perform personnel and physical security duties.

Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) analyzes foreign naval developments, radiotelephone communications and preparation of statistical studies and technical reports requiring knowledge of a foreign language.

Cryptologic Technician (Communication) operates telecommunications systems that exist across the global communications spectrum. Advanced networking and information management skills support the movement of huge volumes of data to operating forces ashore and afloat.

Cryptologic Technician (Collection) collects and analyzes state-of-the-art communication signals using sophisticated high-powered computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals and electronic/magnetic recorders.

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) processes airborne, shipborne and landbased radar systems and associated signals.

Culinary Specialist are cooks, bakers, dining area and living quarters managers in the Navy.

Damage Controlmen do the work necessary for damage control, ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention and chemical, biological and radiological warfare defense.

Disbursing Clerks maintain pay records and process travel claims for the Navy.

Dental Technicians perform duties as assistants in the prevention and treatment of oral disease and injury and assist dental care professionals in providing dental care to Navy people and their families.(this rating has merged with another)

Engineering Aids assist construction engineers in developing final construction plans.

Electrician's Mates manage a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances.

Enginemen operate, service and repair internal combustion engines used to power some of the Navy's ships and most of the Navy's small craft.

Equipment Operators are construction workers who operate heavy transportation and construction equipment such as trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, forklifts, cranes and asphalt equipment.

Electronics Technicians repair, adjust and calibrate a broad spectrum of electronic equipment, and analyze performance of electronic equipment, replacing or repairing parts.

Electronic Warfare Technicians operate and conduct preventive maintenance on computer-controlled electronic equipment used for detection, analysis, and identification of radar emissions.

Fire Controlmen repair, adjust and calibrate sophisticated electronic search systems, and align weapons control systems.

Gunner's Mates operate and maintain guided missile launching systems, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment, as well as small arms and magazines.

Gas Turbine Systems Technicians operate, repair and perform organizational and intermediate maintenance on electrical components of gas turbine engines, main propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment, propulsion control systems, and assigned electrical and electronic circuitry up to the printed circuit and alarm warning circuitry.

Hospital Corpsmen assist in the prevention and treatment of disease and injury and assist health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy people and their families.

Hull Technicians do the metal work necessary to keep shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. They also maintain shipboard plumbing and sanitation systems, repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems.

Illustrators are draftsmen who prepare original art, technical illustrations and graphics for briefings, training aids and publications at Navy and joint service commands.

Interior Communications Electricians install, maintain and repair the equipment needed for interior communications within ships and shore facilities.

Intelligence Specialists analyze intelligence data.

Information Systems Technicians operate and maintain the Navy's global satellite telecommunications systems, mainframe computers, local and wide area networks, and microcomputer systems used in the fleet.

Journalists gather news about people, places and activities in the Navy, and communicate it to the military and civilian communities through radio, television, military publications and hometown newspapers.

Lithographers run Navy print shops and are responsible for the production of printed material used by the Navy.

Machinist's Mates operate and maintain steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as turbo generators, pumps and oil purifiers.

Minemen detect and neutralize underwater mines. They test, assemble and maintain underwater explosive devices (mines).

Machinery Repairmen make replacement parts and repair or overhaul ship's engines and auxiliary systems.

Missile Technicians (Submarines) receive extensive training in the operation and maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and computers and electro-mechanical support systems used in submarine strategic weapons systems.

Musicians are involved in the vibrant tradition of performing at Navy ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music.

Operations Specialists function as plotters, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talkers and maintain Combat Information Center displays of strategic and tactical information. They operate surveillance and altitude radars, identification, Friend or Foe, and serve as air traffic controllers for helicopters and fixedwing supersonic jet aircraft. They also serve as watch supervisors and section leaders; interpret and evaluate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions.

Postal Clerks operate the Navy postal system.

Photographer's Mates serve as the Navy's professional photographers.

Personnelmen provide enlisted people with information and counseling related to Navy occupations, opportunities for general education and job training, requirements for promotion, and rights and benefits.

Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen keep parachutes, life rafts, personal flight gear, and other aviation survival gear in proper working condition.

Quartermasters stand watch as assistants to officers of the deck and the navigator; serve as helmsman and perform ship control, navigation and bridge watch duties.

Religious Program Specialists support Navy chaplains in developing programs to meet the needs of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel and their families.

Ship's Servicemen manage and operate shipboard retail and service activities.

Storekeepers are responsible for ensuring that all repair parts and general supplies for the ship, squadron or shore base are accurately ordered, received and issued through computer systems.

Signalmen stand watches on signal bridges and send/receive messages by flashing light, semaphore and flights. They prepare headings and addresses for outgoing messages; process messages; encode and decode message headings; operate voice radio; maintain visual signal equipment; render passing honors to ships and boats; and display ensigns and personal flags during salutes and colors.(this rating has merged with another)

Sonar Technicians operate sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, as well as support equipment on surface ships such as frigates, destroyers and cruisers.

Steelworkers rig and operate special equipment used to build metal structures.

Torpedoman's Mates maintain underwater explosive weapons, such as torpedoes, rockets and missiles and the systems used to launch them.

Utilitiesmen maintain plumbing, heating, steam, compressed air, fuel storage, and distribution systems.

Yeomen perform administrative and clerical duties.

Choose The Right Military Occupation

2006-01-10T00:06:00.000-06:00

Not all Military jobs are fox holes and Desert warfare. Over the next week we are going to give you a overview of what the different branches of the Military have to offer you.MON.-NAVY TUE.-COAST GUARD WED.-AIR FORCE THUR.-ARMY FRI.-MARINE CORPS
Some qualifications are required by all five services:

* You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
* You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
* You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
* You must pass a physical medical exam.
There are thousands of good reasons to join the military, including:

* Answering the call to serve your country
* Taking a stand against terrorism
* Educational and monetary benefits that can last a lifetime
* Personal satisfaction and pride
* Family tradition
* Honor
* Devotion to duty
* Learning useful new skills
* Full-time employment
* Job security
* Personal improvement

Soldiers Get X-Ray Vision

2006-01-10T00:03:00.000-06:00

Troops conducting urban operations soon will have the capabilities of superheroes, being able to sense through 12 inches of concrete to determine if someone is inside a building. The new "Radar Scope" will give warfighters searching a building the ability to tell within seconds if someone is in the next room, Edward Baranoski from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Special Projects Office, told the American Forces Press Service.By simply holding the portable, handheld device up to a wall, users will be able to detect movements as small as breathing, he said. The Radar Scope, developed by DARPA, is expected to be fielded to troops in Iraq as soon as this spring, Baranoski said. The device is likely to be fielded to the squad level, for use by troops going door to door in search of terrorists. The Radar Scope will give warfighters the capability to sense through a foot of concrete and 50 feet beyond that into a room, Baranoski explained. It will bring to the fight what larger, commercially available motion detectors couldn't, he said. Weighing just a pound and a half, the Radar Scope will be about the size of a telephone handset and cost just about $1,000, making it light enough for a soldier to carry and inexpensive enough to be fielded widely. The Radar Scope will be waterproof and rugged, and will run on AA batteries, he said. "It may not change how four-man stacks go into a room (during clearing operations)," Baranoski said. "But as they go into a building, it can help them prioritize what rooms they go into. It will give them an extra degree of knowledge so they know if someone is inside." Even as the organization hurries to get the devices to combat forces, DARPA already is laying groundwork for bigger plans that build on this technology. Proposals are expected this week for the new "Visi Building" technology that's more than a motion detector. It will actually "see" through multiple walls, penetrating entire buildings to show floor plans, locations of occupants and placement of materials such as weapons caches, Baranoski said.Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency expects the portable Radar Scope to look similar to this model and to be fielded as soon as this spring to help patrols conducting urban operations to sense if someone is inside a building."It will give (troops) a lot of opportunity to stake out buildings and really see inside," he said. "It will go a long way in extending their surveillance capabilities." The device is expected to take several years to develop. Ultimately, servicemembers will be able to use it simply by driving or flying by the structure under surveillance, Baranoski said.

Entrepreneurs Pin Hopes On Blimp Hybrid

2006-01-09T00:03:00.000-06:00

Two former co-workers and friends who started Ohio Airships Inc. in 1999 are putting a lot of time, effort and money into a business concept they hope will fly. Brian Martin and Robert Rist think they are close to testing a prototype of their patented Dynalifter hybrid. They announced last week that their airship — part blimp and part airplane — has been completed, and they hope to conduct a test flight this spring. The vehicle is stored in a plastic-sheeted hut near a cornfield in Lexington Township, about 50 miles southeast of Cleveland.Dynalifter“Edison tried his light bulb a thousand times. I don’t want to do this (prototype) a thousand times,” Martin said. The 120-foot-long, two-seat aircraft has a nylon cover over the patented interior structure. It will get lift from 16,500 cubic feet of helium and two small ultralight engines. Martin said he and his partner have raised and spent $500,000 to get this far on the Dynalifter. Most of the money went to feasibility studies and engineering work. “We’ve done everything on paper and everything on a computer and everything in a wind tunnel that you can do,” Martin said. Martin and Rist hope the Dynalifter will help bring in a new transportation era. They see it as a way to move materials at a lower cost than jets and at a higher speed than ships. They think it could be used in emergency situations, such as Hurricane Katrina, to transport supplies. It might have military uses, such as delivering equipment and supplies to sites that might not be easily reachable. Martin said he and Rist have had meetings with Pentagon officials. Their prototype is about one-eighth the size of their plan for a 990-foot-long Dynalifter Heavy Freighter. They also have plans for a smaller version at 761 feet. The two met while working at Mount Union College’s computer department. They don’t have an aeronautical background. But what they do have, Martin said, is a willingness to experiment. “The Wright Brothers did it, too,” he said. A test pilot, Forrest Barber, will be seated in an exposed cockpit under the belly of the Dynalifter when the test is conducted. “It will be quite an experience,” he said.

Sub-Launched Unmanned Flying Drone

2006-01-05T00:03:00.000-06:00

Introducing the Cormorant, The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) idea for a sub-launched flying drone. Reader DS points us to the agency's quick write-up of the 19-foot "multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle," or MPUAV.The CormorantThe idea is that the drone could handle "all-weather reconnaissance, battle damage assessment, or specialized mission support (e.g., special forces re-supply)" for the sub. The Cormorants would be kept in the sub's ICBM launch tubes, and released into the water as needed. From there, they'd be launched into the air "using two Tomahawk missile-derived solid rocket boosters." Upon mission completion, the turbofan engine-powered MPUAVs return to a designated retrieval point at sea, initiate engine shut down, and splash down to await recovery. During recovery, the submerged [sub] would deploy a remotely operated vehicle to secure an in-haul cable from the [sub] to the recovery tether deployed by the MPUAV. The [sub] would then haul the MPUAV to its designated launch tube [with a] saddle mechanism, where it would be docked and retracted into the missile tube. Aircraft operating off submarines is nothing new... [During World War II], the Japanese built 44 subs that could carry a small float plane for reconnaissance. This idea was fine in theory, but much less successful in practice... Someone may read a history book before that, or remember that the United States has plenty of other satellite and long range UAVs that could provide air reconnaissance needs of U.S. subs. And Darpa admits there are a whole bunch of technical hurdles to leap before the Cormorant would begin to make sense. The launch and recovery procedure -- including that "saddle" thingy -- would have to go through "key risk reduction demonstrations." So so would the drone's high-pressure turbofan engine.

Congress Passes Bill For Hybrid Electric Military Vehicle Research & Development

2006-01-01T00:03:00.000-06:00

Raser Technologies, Inc. a technology licensing company that develops and licenses advanced electric motor, electronic motor drive and related technologies, today acknowledged the passage of HR2863. With this final bill approved by Congress, it is anticipated that the President will sign it into law. Included in HR2863 is $2.1 million of a proposed $12 million multi-year program for the development of Hybrid-Electric Military Vehicles, including Integrated Starter Alternator research and development. The funding will be administered by the Department of Defense. In 2005, Raser was active in developing integrated starter alternator designs for the US Military for potential use in Future Combat System vehicles including a hybrid HMMWV (Humvee) under a Small Business Innovation Research grant ("SBIR"). "An electric hybrid vehicle using integrated starter alternators and other advanced electric drive systems will present our military with more options in increased fuel economy, onboard power generation and in-field tactical advantages which may help to facilitate our military's rapid deployment strategies," said Brent M. Cook, CEO for Raser. "Building on the success of our Phase I SBIR grant, we have supported Senators Bennett, Hatch and other key legislators in introducing a program for Hybrid Electric Military Vehicles. Congress acknowledged the need and the potential for incorporating new hybrid vehicle technologies in their truck fleet to help the military in terms of economy of operation, rapid deployment, stealth tactics on the ground and promoting the safety of our troops."

U.S. Army Education Plus Program

2005-12-29T00:03:00.000-06:00

Success in Army depends on a good education, and a high school diploma is most desirable. Individuals who currently do not possess the proper education requirements and wish to enlist may receive assistance in acquiring a GED. The Army may cover fees for class attendance, books, and the GED test. To be eligible for Army enlistment you must:

* Have been withdrawn from high school for at least 6 months prior to application for enlistment
* Must meet the state minimum age requirement for GED testing
* Achieve a qualifying score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)

To find out more information, Contact your Local Recruiter.

Blue Angels Taking Enlisted Applications

2005-12-28T00:03:00.000-06:00

The Navy Blue Angels are currently accepting applications for the 2007 season. Applications must be postmarked before April 1, 2006, and selection results will be available no later than June, 2006. Personnel with PRD's of September, 2006 through April, 2007 are being considered, but others may apply with command and detailer approval. Personnel selected will normally detach from their present command in October and report in November. There are open billets at the E5 and E6 levels within certain ratings. Outstanding performers at the E4 level will also be considered. For further information, contact AZC(AW) R. Sadak from January to March at DSN 658-2941 OR COMM (760) 339-2941, and after March at COMM (850) 452-2583 EXT 130, DSN 922-2583 EXT 130 OR E-MAIL:
ROBERT.SADAK@NAVY.MIL.

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Serves Up Christmas Dinner

2005-12-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, garbed in a white chef's hat, served up a sumptuous Christmas repast for US troops at their base in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. "What can I get you?" he asked the soldiers who had a choice between lobster, steak or crab and were proud to have their picture taken with the secretary."Let there be no doubt," he said to them later as they sat at their tables. "If the United States was to withdraw from Iraq today, the terrorists -- emboldened by victory -- would attack us elsewhere in this region and at home in the United States." He warmly thanked the soldiers for their service in Iraq and to their country. "In the long struggle between freedom and tyranny, freedom ultimately prevails. It prevails because of the dedication and perseverance of those wearing America's uniforms," he said. Rumsfeld arrived in Iraq on Thursday. He announced Friday that United States would be reducing its troop strength in Iraq by two brigades, around 7,000 soldiers, during the spring of 2006. With the conclusion of the meal, Rumsfeld was scheduled to leave Mosul for the United States.

Pain Ray Possibly Headed to Iraq

2005-12-23T00:03:00.000-06:00

It's been talked about for years. But the Pentagon's microwave-like pain ray may finally be headed to Iraq, Inside the Army reports. Developed by the Air Force, the "Active Denial System" (ADS) fires out milimeter waves -- a sort of cousin of microwaves, in the 95 GHz range. The invisible beams penetrate just a 64th of inch beneath the skin. But that's deep enough to heat up the water inside a person. Which is enough to cause excruciating pain.Active Denial System (ADS)Seconds later, people have to run away. And that causes mobs to break up in a hurry. It's no wonder, then, why less-lethal weapon guru Charles "Sid" Heal calls the ray the "Holy Grail of crowd control." Raytheon has been developing a Humvee-mountable ADS for the Pentagon over the last couple of years, as part of an ACTD, or "advanced concept technology demonstration." By now, the system was supposed to be in the field. But there have been concerns that the ADS tests weren't sufficiently realistic. The Pentagon ordered additional trials. More than 2,370 ADS shots were fired during a pair of "military utility assessments" over the fall. Now, the head of the Army's Rapid Equipping Force -- the unit in charge of getting gear to the troops in a hurry -- is saying: enough. The system's "capabilities have, to date, been sufficiently demonstrated in the ACTD [advanced concept technology demonstration] to prove its value to the solider," Col. Robert Lovett notes in a memo, obtained by Inside the Army. And the 18th Military Police Brigade has requested ADS "to help 'suppress' insurgent attacks and quell prison uprisings." ADS' technical manager, Diana Loree, said the system "now meets all of the ACTD performance parameters," Inside the Army notes. "Because the system is a hand-built, one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator, it does not meet conventional humvee curb weight requirements... However, the technology team worked closely with [Humvee manufacturer] AM General to ensure the safety of the system and its occupants." There has also been talk, at least, of building an airborne model of ADS -- as well as putting together a Hummer with both pain rays and sonic blasters. Needless to say, neither project is as far along as the basic Active Denial System.