About Us
Mission Statement
Rules of Conduct
 
Name:
Pswd:
Remember Me
Register
 

Ask a Vet - Christmas 2014
Author: TriSec    Date: 12/23/2014 11:21:27

Good Morning.

Today is our 4,825th day in Afghanistan, and our 187th day back in Iraq.

We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:

US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,356
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,127
There have been 3 casualties in Iraq.

We find this morning's Cost of War passing through:
$ 1, 590, 279, 750, 000 .00



Let's head straight to Iraq this morning. For not having boots on the ground, we've got an awful lot of boots on the ground. Of course, it's just "advisors and support", but just be being there they become a target. It hasn't happened yet, but I'd imagine we'll be shooting again soon enough.


WASHINGTON — Hundreds of American troops are now in Iraq’s volatile Anbar province helping the Iraqi military take on the Islamic State, Joint Chiefs of Staff officials said.

Currently, about 350 U.S. troops are stationed at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar. The force is composed of advisers and support personnel who are assisting the Iraqi army, as well as a security contingent tasked with providing force protection.

The troops on the ground are helping the 7th Iraqi Division with developing security strategies, mission planning, information sharing, and coordinating close air support operations.

Servicemembers in Anbar are not fighting alongside Iraqi forces or standing near the front lines calling in airstrikes, officials said.

These people “are not accompanying Iraqi forces into combat,” said Col. Ed Thomas, the chief spokesman for Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey.

President Barack Obama has ruled out sending American ground troops back into combat in Iraq, and has limited the military mission to training and equipping Iraqi troops fighting the Islamic State.

On Tuesday, there were media reports that American troops in Anbar had been in a direct fight with militants near Al Asad. Multiple U.S. defense officials said those reports were false.

Last month, military officials revealed that about 50 American special operators had deployed to Al Asad, some 110 miles northwest of Baghdad, in order to lay the groundwork for a new training effort. U.S. troops in Iraq had previously been confined to facilities near Baghdad and Irbil.

The number of advisers in Anbar has increased significantly since then, Thomas said. He did not say how many of the 350 troops now in Anbar are preparing for the training mission, which will take place at four training sites throughout Iraq.

The formal training effort isn’t expected to start until early next year, officials said.

“We are still in the process of flowing in additional troops in the overall effort to Build Partner Capacity, which will enable Iraqi forces by providing training and expertise in military capabilities such as mission command, intelligence, maneuver, and sustainment and medical support,” Joint Staff spokeswoman Army Capt. Catalina Rosales said in an email to Stars and Stripes.

There are currently about 1,700 American troops in Iraq. That number is expected to increase to around 3,000 in the coming months.


We'll next take a leap into Cost-of-War land. There's some stories circulating around about the ongoing battle over funding the aging and perhaps obsolescent A-10 "Thunderbolt". I've posted many stories here about the F-35 and all those teething problems. But there's another aircraft out there that is a money pit. This one is the yet-to-fly KC-46 tanker aircraft, which is pitched as a replacement for the very old, but absolutely reliable KC-135. The new aircraft is based on the tried and true 767 platform, which of course is a modern 30 years old. Some of you may recall the controversy a few years ago during the contract competition - Senator Angry Grandpa had a hand in awarding the contract to Airbus, which was later voided and steered to Boeing after some corruption was discovered.


SEATTLE (Tribune Content Agency) — Boeing engineers and mechanics are scrambling to meet an already stretched out schedule and get the 767-based platform for the Air Force’s new KC-46 refueling tanker into the air by year end, with an internal flight target of Dec. 27.

That’s six months later than projected at the beginning of this year.

And the cost of the effort is mounting steeply for Boeing, which is responsible for cost overruns in this initial development phase above a contract ceiling of $4.9 billion.

The government’s latest projection for the cost of tanker development has ballooned to $1.5 billion above that contract ceiling, Brig. Gen. Duke Richardson, who heads the Air Force tanker program, said Monday.

The Air Force’s previous estimate had been for a $1 billion overrun.

Richardson said in an interview that the new estimate is based on Boeing’s performance on the work completed thus far, and factors in manufacturing delays because of wiring issues this year as well as potential risks ahead, including possible surprises once flight tests begin.

Two Boeing insiders with knowledge of the program said the tanker team in Everett, Wash., is working feverishly to resolve remaining systems problems and is under orders to prep the first plane “with the minimum capability to make it fly.”

Richardson indicated the Air Force’s priorities are much the same.

“At this point we need Boeing to get Number One in the air,” he said.

The flight from Paine Field, a public airport outside Everett, is the first public milestone for the program, which is set to earn Boeing $51 billion for delivering a total of 179 tankers to the Air Force.

The plane’s take-off will mark the beginning of flight tests that will eventually involve four test aircraft.

The first plane is not outfitted with the military systems that would make it a tanker, such as the air-to-air refueling boom.

It’s just the basic airplane platform: a modified commercial 767 with a 787-style cockpit, a strengthened airframe, four extra fuel tanks in the cargo bay, and the plumbing and wiring to support the tanker mission.

The runup to first flight hasn’t gone smoothly.

After the airframes for all four test aircraft were completed this year, Boeing had to repeatedly remove and reinstall complex wiring systems in the first airplane.

Richardson said the wiring had to be redesigned because the various redundant wire bundles that independently control critical systems were not sufficiently separated.

Once that was corrected, he said, Boeing had to further adjust the design so that the wires would still physically fit into the various bends and crevices in the airframe.

The painstaking unwiring and then rewiring of the first airplane delayed this initial flight by months, and added an extra $425 million in unplanned expenses to the cost overrun that Boeing must swallow.


In another story this Christmas week, we'll take a look at just one ship in the US Navy. Back about June, a sailor committed suicide on board, and months of investigation have revealed a "toxic" atmosphere that was probably a significant contributing factor. Oh yes, and the sailor was a young lady on the USS Misogyny.


A young boatswain's mate committed suicide on the destroyer James E. Williams in June and a subsequent investigation has found the ship's skipper, the former executive officer and the command master chief responsible for a toxic command climate that contributed to the tragedy.

When investigators started digging into the suicide, they found a ship with a rogue chiefs mess led by a junior command master chief with an alcohol problem, and a CO and XO either oblivious or unwilling to reign in the mess, according to a newly released report obtained by Navy Times.

The 313-page report found the James E. Williams' top enlisted, CMC Travis Biswell, failed to control a chief's mess that fostered a "culture of retribution" where sailors were afraid to report to their senior leaders for fear of their chiefs. Furthermore, the report found neither the CO, Cmdr. Curtis Calloway, nor the XO, Cmdr. Ed Handley, did enough to address the poor atmosphere on board.

Calloway's failure to hold chief petty officers accountable, concluded Carrier Strike Group 12 boss, Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis, "enabled a culture that empowered CPOs to target, belittle and bully junior Sailors."

Lewis concluded that Calloway failed to identify or correct the problems.

"Cmdr. Calloway was either willfully blind to the problems on board his ship or he was in an extremely negligent state of denial," Lewis wrote in a Sept. 26 endorsement. "He owned the culture that, I believe, contributed to the suicide of [the boatswain's mate]."

Handley had turned over as XO three weeks before the suicide and was off the ship at leadership school, but was cited by Lewis for the breakdown of command programs, which failed to adequately support the sailor when she was in crisis.

The investigation into the climate on board began in June, a month into their deployment, after Boatswain's Mate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco ingested a lethal dose of the over-the-counter sleep aid Unisom.

Villot-Carrasco took the sleeping pills after being written up for talking to another sailor as she was standing aft lookout, the report said, noting that there were rumors the married E-3 was carrying on an affair with the other sailor.

The report said she was confronted by a superior and counseled for failing to keep a proper watch, but indicated that the counseling likely took place because of the rumors about the affair. Afterward Villot-Carrasco filed an equal opportunity complaint alleging she was being singled out because of her gender since no one else had been counseled for talking on watch.

After she filed the EO report, her superior told her she was being written up and would face ​non-judicial punishment, an action the report found to be a clear case of reprisal.

Calloway, Handley and Biswell did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Monday.


Finally this morning, it can't all be gloom and doom two days before Christmas. News out of Boston indicates that John "Wacko" Hurley has relented and will allow a gay veteran's group to march in next spring's Saint Patrick's Day parade in South Boston.


BOSTON — The organizers of Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day parade voted to allow a group representing gay veterans to march next year, a dramatic turnaround for an organization that has long resisted the inclusion of gays.

The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, which won a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1995 upholding their right to ban gay groups from the annual parade that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, voted 5-4 Monday to allow the group OutVets to march in the parade scheduled for March 15. They will be allowed to carry a blue banner with five white stars representing the branches of the military, and six vertical rainbow stripes.

OutVets represents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans.

Bryan Bishop, OutVets founder and U.S. Air Force veteran, called the decision "awesome."

"I think it's very significant," said Bishop, who works as chief of staff in Boston's Veterans Services department. "Ensuring that there is 100 percent inclusivity is important."

The group has about 50 to 60 members, but has no political or social agenda, he said.

OutVets is being allowed to march because of their military service, not sexual orientation, said veterans' council Commander Brian Mahoney.

"This conforms to the tenets of the parade," Mahoney said. "The parade is devoted to honoring the service of veterans. It's is our aim to honor that service and the history of the Irish Catholics in Boston. Anything that detracts from that is verboten."

The parade organizers have long resisted the inclusion of gay groups, saying the parade is meant to honor veterans and Irish-American heritage, not promote any political or social agenda.


http://rlv.zcache.com/soldier_with_star_military_christmas_card-r4a1b651a973545bfb029aafa5806245e_xvuak_8byvr_512.jpg

 

36 comments (Latest Comment: 12/24/2014 04:55:41 by Will in Chicago)
   Perma Link

Share This!

Furl it!
Spurl
NewsVine
Reddit
Technorati

Add a Comment

Please login to add a comment...


Comments:

Order comments Newest to Oldest  Refresh Comments

Comment by trojanrabbit on 12/23/2014 13:49:12
Morning

Or as WBZ's Jack Chase would say every morning on his newscast

Cheers...good health and good luck!

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 13:55:47
Morning

Comment by velveeta jones on 12/23/2014 14:06:16


not awake yet......




Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 14:23:42
Quote by velveeta jones:


not awake yet......





know the feeling - the cold that is kicking my butt has hardly let me sleep, my brain is all foggy

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 14:33:28
Did anyone go into the "deep cuts" on the Faux news and Dish thing on Dish's FB page? Seeing people saying they watch Faux 90% of the time or only watch its tells me everything in what's now wrong with this country.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/23/2014 14:43:47
Mornin' all..

Comment by Scoopster on 12/23/2014 15:01:44
Oh wow I just got a gigantic package from the cutest UPS delivery girl.

Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 15:02:35
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh wow I just got a gigantic package from the cutest UPS delivery girl.



I had my elf ship it for me.

Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 15:03:19
Did everyone get their blogger joe? Are we going to open them today or tomorrow?

Comment by Scoopster on 12/23/2014 15:07:54
Quote by Raine:
Did everyone get their blogger joe? Are we going to open them today or tomorrow?

I have no clue if my gift made it to its destination, because I never got a Fedex tracking number when I ordered it.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 15:07:57
Quote by Raine:
Did everyone get their blogger joe? Are we going to open them today or tomorrow?


I've heard mine was dropped in the post this week I see my elves delivered on Saturday. If the majority has them then what ever ya'll decide I'm good with.


Comment by TriSec on 12/23/2014 15:15:43
Trisec is working this evening. I would prefer tomorrow. I have received a packet, but I am uncertain if mine reached the appointed place.

Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 15:15:46
Ok, So maybe this afternoon? We are leaving for the city later, and I don't know if I want to bring them to NY and back. In the meantime, I have to go run a few errands. :hugs:

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 15:24:20
Quote by Raine:
Ok, So maybe this afternoon? We are leaving for the city later, and I don't know if I want to bring them to NY and back. In the meantime, I have to go run a few errands. :hugs:



Since you and Bob are traveling, I'd be okay if you guys wanted to go ahead and open

Comment by TriSec on 12/23/2014 15:27:21
Doctor's Express email looks like this:

@doctorsexpress.com



Comment by Scoopster on 12/23/2014 15:43:27
Quote by TriSec:
Doctor's Express email looks like this:

@doctorsexpress.com




Comment by BobR on 12/23/2014 16:20:57
I got a package from Chicago, so I am good to go. We can take them with us and open tomorrow with everyone else.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 16:21:27
omg - I think I love these people! Saturday Chores

Comment by BobR on 12/23/2014 16:23:00
btw - nice blog today.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/23/2014 16:30:14
One of our customers want her store to be ready for...


wait for it...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.








CHRISTMAS!





Tri, when does the Bean factory have Christmas nailed down?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 16:36:40
Hey, I just got my Blogger Joe

Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 16:44:51
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Ok, So maybe this afternoon? We are leaving for the city later, and I don't know if I want to bring them to NY and back. In the meantime, I have to go run a few errands. :hugs:



Since you and Bob are traveling, I'd be okay if you guys wanted to go ahead and open
WE can bring them IT's alright.



Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 16:52:47
Quote by Mondobubba:
One of our customers want her store to be ready for...


wait for it...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.








CHRISTMAS!





Tri, when does the Bean factory have Christmas nailed down?



Comment by TriSec on 12/23/2014 17:19:26
The first 'holiday floorset' comes around Columbus Day.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/23/2014 17:20:42
I believe that my Blogger Joe Packet should be at its destination or arriving today. (I had wanted to ship some alcohol, but no one locally will ship it.)

Great blog, TriSec!!! You may want to read Paul Krugman's column on how war does not pay.

Also, we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Truce, when soldiers in World War I stopped fighting to with each other a Merry Christmas. In honor of a time when peace broke out, here is a video that tells a true story:



Comment by Mondobubba on 12/23/2014 17:23:55
Quote by TriSec:
The first 'holiday floorset' comes around Columbus Day.



Really, that late? Interesting.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/23/2014 17:42:32
When I find myself in Perth, Australia jones for a grilled cheese, I know where to go. Ghost Face Grillah. Recently, Ghost Face Killah played a set in their alley. How fucking cool is that?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/23/2014 17:57:26
Sony has now "changed its mind" about the Interview - why am I getting the feeling this was a mass PR stunt?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/23/2014 18:35:31
Quote by wickedpam:
Sony has now "changed its mind" about the Interview - why am I getting the feeling this was a mass PR stunt?



Is it because we should trust corporations about as much as Dr. Stephen Hawking can throw the Empire State Building?

Comment by Raine on 12/23/2014 18:38:01
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I believe that my Blogger Joe Packet should be at its destination or arriving today. (I had wanted to ship some alcohol, but no one locally will ship it.)

Great blog, TriSec!!! You may want to read Paul Krugman's column on how war does not pay. It has arrived!


Also, we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Truce, when soldiers in World War I stopped fighting to with each other a Merry Christmas. In honor of a time when peace broke out, here is a video that tells a true story:




Comment by livingonli on 12/23/2014 18:38:37
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by wickedpam:
Sony has now "changed its mind" about the Interview - why am I getting the feeling this was a mass PR stunt?



Is it because we should trust corporations about as much as Dr. Stephen Hawking can throw the Empire State Building?

That is certainly the truth. I've had another of my facebook friends suspecting the same thing since I don't think North Korea had the capability to hack into Sony like that. Just look at how they got shut down yesterday. I guess this kind of publicity could save the film if as suspected it's a stinking pile of crap.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/23/2014 18:42:12
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I believe that my Blogger Joe Packet should be at its destination or arriving today. (I had wanted to ship some alcohol, but no one locally will ship it.)

Great blog, TriSec!!! You may want to read Paul Krugman's column on how war does not pay. It has arrived!


Also, we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Truce, when soldiers in World War I stopped fighting to with each other a Merry Christmas. In honor of a time when peace broke out, here is a video that tells a true story:




I am willing to open things up this afternoon if people are willing. TriSec is working late, however.

(I do have more housework to do. My sister in law hoped to have family over tomorrow but her son was running a 101 degree fever last night.)

By the way, I have a TON of holiday songs that I sent in an e-mail to a friend. I will post that tomorrow and THAT will take care of a lot of musical wishes. (Yes, there will be satirical Christmas and Chanukah songs. Here is a preview of what may be Dick Cheney's vision of Christmas future:)



Comment by Mondobubba on 12/23/2014 19:52:32
Quote by wickedpam:
Sony has now "changed its mind" about the Interview - why am I getting the feeling this was a mass PR stunt?



From a friend of mine's facebook page:

It's a Festivus miracle!

Sun-Ray Cinema
The Interview opens at Sun-Ray for 11 days starting on Xmas Eve at 11:55p.m. and screens at 11:55p.m. every day.


Sun-Ray is an indie art house theatre here in town.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/23/2014 20:04:33
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10406910_10152967622484255_572850527956066644_n.jpg?oh=9959c1ab62e147abe8f9bca4245fc491&oe=5507B7E4&__gda__=1429313875_5fed5afcea79dcbaebb09d45de168f9b


Comment by BobR on 12/23/2014 21:35:58
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I believe that my Blogger Joe Packet should be at its destination or arriving today.

It did


(I had wanted to ship some alcohol, but no one locally will ship it.)

It's illegal to ship it through the mail, but UPS can. I usually tell them it's "yeast samples for evaluation" which is technically true to avoid hassles at the counter..



Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/24/2014 04:55:41
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I believe that my Blogger Joe Packet should be at its destination or arriving today.

It did


(I had wanted to ship some alcohol, but no one locally will ship it.)

It's illegal to ship it through the mail, but UPS can. I usually tell them it's "yeast samples for evaluation" which is technically true to avoid hassles at the counter..



I will have to remember that.