Combat Camera: US Marines Patrol Through Helmand Province, Afghanistan

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan Aug. 7, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

Combat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal specialists search for improvised explosive devices and weapons caches during a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 7, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marines stop to talk with Afghan children while conducting a mounted patrol through the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 7, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy Rodriguez crosses a shallow point of the Helmand River while providing security for a helicopter in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 7, 2009. Rodriguez is assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Freddy G. Cantu.)

U.S. Marines move out early in the morning to conduct a security patrol through the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan Aug. 9, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Adam Kurahashi prepares to enter a compound during a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 9, 2009. Kurahshi is a rifleman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 9, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brian Knightlinger reviews his map during a security patrol in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 9, 2009. Knightlinger is a rifleman assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marines prepare for a mounted vehicle patrol on Forward Operating Base Geronimo in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John M. McCall.)

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

U.S. Marines cross a stream during a security patrol in Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg.)

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Pentagon Discusses Creation of Lifetime Electronic Records

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 -- For servicemembers who still remember hand-carrying their medical records back and forth to appointments, the new virtual lifetime electronic record will help prevent misplaced paperwork and help providers maintain and offer quality health care, the acting director of the program said.

President Barack Obama, along with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, announced April 9 that VA and the Defense Department have taken steps toward creating a joint virtual lifetime electronic record, or VLER.

“The president’s vision, as he expressed that day, will permit information vital to health care, benefits and services to be available seamlessly to both departments from the moment a servicemember enters the military until the servicemember’s or veteran’s death,” Navy Rear Adm. Gregory A. Timberlake, acting director of the Defense Department-VA Interagency Program Office, said yesterday in a “DotMilDocs” interview on Pentagon Web Radio.

The steps to create the electronic record exchange began a little more than a year ago when the program office was established as the single point of accountability for the records in response to Section 1635 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2008.

“VLER will serve as a model for a nation, especially at this tumultuous time of health care reform, and is intended to be a lifetime, personal record for use by the servicemembers, their families and service providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care and benefits,” Timberlake said.

“The president challenged the departments to work together to define and build a seamless system of integration with one simple goal: when a servicemember separates from the military, he or she will no longer have to walk paper records from a [Defense Department] duty station to a local VA health center,” the admiral said. “Their electronic records will transition along with them and remain with them forever.”

While the electronic record will help to reduce the loss of hard-copy health records, it also is intended to provide a framework to ensure that health care providers have all the information they need to deliver high-quality health care, while reducing medical errors. The electronic record is a critical piece of the health care puzzle because, while the Defense Department and VA can share information electronically, it may not be easily accessible by private clinicians, Timberlake said.

“A significant amount of health care provided to [the Defense Department] and VA beneficiaries occurs by private-sector providers,” he said. “So, we need the ability to make health records available to the providers who need it, regardless if they are a military, VA, or doctor within the public community.”

Numerous, ongoing data-sharing activities are continuing among agencies that share information and are committed to improving health care to “servicemen and women of the present, past and future,” Timberlake said.

“Every day, millions of pieces of health information are shared between [the Defense Department] and VA; however, as Congress mandated and as the departments have acknowledged, there is more work to do to make it flow smoother,” he said.

(Report by Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg, Defense Media Activity’s Emerging Media Directorate.)

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US Airpower Summary, Aug. 14, 2009: A-10s Deter Enemy Action

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support to ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The A-10's excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude and its highly accurate weapons delivery make it an ideal aircraft for supporting coalition operations. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Aug. 14, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces near Parmakan. A friendly force's convoy requested help to destroy a damaged convoy vehicle. The aircraft released precision guided munitions on the vehicle as requested, rendering it useless and preventing enemy use. As the friendly forces convoy reached its destination they reported being attacked by enemy small-arms fire. They requested shows of force to deter enemy aggression. The shows of force were deemed successful as the enemy fire ceased.

Several coalition aircraft were providing armed overwatch in Asadabad when they were requested to provide armed intervention against enemy forces where friendly forces were receiving small-arms fire. Coalition aircraft then used precision guided munitions to eliminate the enemy positions.
Near Lashkar Gah, Air Force B-1B Lancers and A-10s were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The A-10s were successful in stopping the enemy action with the show of force. Then an enemy position was identified, confirmed and destroyed by precision guided munitions.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles near the town of Musa Qaleh provided air coverage for friendly forces receiving small-arms fire. The aircraft successfully conducted a show of force ending the enemy small-arms fire.

Coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch for a friendly force's convoy at Now Zad. When friendly forces came into the vicinity of a known enemy force's massing point, the aircraft destroyed the enemy position with precision guided munitions.

Near Lashkar Gah several shows of force were conducted after enemy personnel were observed digging next to a road. The shows of force deterred the enemy forces from continued digging.

In the vicinity of Herat, B-1B and F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving small-arms fire, the aircraft successfully employed shows of force to deter the enemy action.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, one coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 371 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,000 passengers were transported. This included about 161,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On Aug. 12, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 14 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 194 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Pentagon Identifies Marine Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 -- The following news release made available Friday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. William J. Cahir, 40, of Washington D.C., died Aug. 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Washington D.C.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Pentagon: Google Voice Answers Nation’s Call

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 -- Google is tinkering with a new service that could transform the way troops on the frontlines communicate with their families on the homefront.

Google Voice assigns users a single U.S. phone number that can ring at phones in multiple locations like the home, office or on a cellular device -- all at the same time. Coupled with a feature that stores and transcribes voicemail in e-mail form, Google Voice can relieve some of the technical hassles that come with staying connected.

“Google Voice can help keep people connected, can help servicemembers worry less about missing a call or not getting in touch with people they need to, and focus more on getting the mission done,” said Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam, who the U.S. Army is loaning to Google for a year to help the company coordinate its military outreach efforts.

Sweetnam, who spent 13 months deployed in Iraq with Task Force 49, provides Google a window into servicemembers’ experiences downrange where keeping contact with family and friends back home competes with the demands of daily military objectives.

“With the operation tempo of the military and the intense nature of accomplishing a mission, to make communication just one less thing you have to worry about is a great tool,” he said in an interview.

As Google puts the final touches on Google Voice, the service is available in limited capacity and only by requesting an invitation from the company. But given its recognition that military deployments are often fraught with communication lags, Google is giving priority invites to active members of the military.

Earlier this month, the company announced that troops with a .mil e-mail address can visit www.google.com/militaryinvite to sign up for a free Google Voice account.

While the service has real-world applicability for many people, Google Voice is an especially useful tool for servicemembers, both deployed and at home.

“It is often hard or near impossible to receive calls when deployed abroad, due to limited access to phones and time zone differences,” Sweetnam said in an e-mail. “With Google Voice, you can listen to and read voicemail online, so you can hear messages from family members more often and keep up with what is going on back home.”

Having one, unchanging phone number could also be a welcome constant in a military career filled with frequent moves. Keeping a single phone number that travels with servicemembers amid permanent changes of station means no more need for new numbers or missed calls to old numbers along the way.

An additional kicker is that because Google Voice is free, phone calls between friends and family who live overseas or in another state won’t cost a small fortune.

“Military servicemembers often don't live in the same states and countries as their friends and family or other buddies they met in the military,” Sweetnam said. “Google Voice helps save money by offering free calls in the continental U.S. and low-priced international calls.”

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

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Pentagon Identifies Army Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 -- The following news release made available Friday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. John Tinsley, 28, of Tallahassee, Fla., died Aug. 12 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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Combat Camera: Aboard USS Ronald Reagan, Aug. 14, 2009

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 2, 2009) Cmdr. Scott "Steamer" Raupp, executive officer of the Stingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, waits to taxi an F/A-18C Hornet to the catapults on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Raupp relieving Cmdr. Erik "Rock" Etz as commanding officer of VFA 113 during and aerial change of command ceremony. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 7, 2009) Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Calvin Lawson helps sort through 21,000 pounds of mail in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 7, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transits the Gulf of Oman alongside the Military Sealift Command fast combat-support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) as they prepare for replenishment at sea. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 5, 2009) Sailors clean and inspect an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Cougars of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 5, 2009) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Michael Minotti uses a pecu cutting tool on a damaged lathe in the machine shop of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Members of the Ronald Reagan Flying Squad used the damaged lathe for training on emergency cutting procedures. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Briana C. Brotzman.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) An EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the Cougars of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class James Deguise makes sure the catapult is ready to launch an aircraft off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while Lt. Cmdr. Steven Thomas, the Shooter, gives the go-a-head sign. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) Two Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 carry a bomb rack onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) Plane captains assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 clean their aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class James Deguise gives a thumbs up to acknowledge that the catapult is ready to launch an aircraft off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Fist of the Fleet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 launches off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 7, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Black Jacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 flies over the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) during a replenishment at sea. Rainier is conducting a replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) A Sailor stands by waiting to chain down an aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during flight operations. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 5, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Stingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). F/A-18 aircraft can be configured quickly to perform either fighter or attack roles, or both, and are interoperable not only with other aircraft and ships in the strike group, but also with our joint forces and those of our allies at sea and ashore. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 2, 2009) Cmdr. Erik "Rock" Etz the commanding officer of the Stingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, breaks away from formation during an aerial change of command over the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 1, 2009) An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Stingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oliver Cole.)

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Combat Camera: US Marines Train for Deployment

U.S. Marines practice techniques to clear a room while taking a break from the regiment’s pre-deployment training exercise on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 8, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Justin Jones and Lance Cpl. Martin Carranza lead their Humvee on an alternate route to bypass a possible simulated improvised explosive device as part of their pre-deployment training on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 9, 2009. Jones and Carranza are assigned to Headquarters Company, 7th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

A Humvee is struck by a simulated improvised explosive device as part of their pre-deployment training on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 9, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Tavonte Johnson provides security after a simulated attack by a suicide bomber as part of their pre-deployment training on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 8, 2009. Johnson is a field radio operator assigned to Headquarters Company, 7th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

U.S. Marines carry a comrade wounded in a simulated indirect fire attack as part of their pre-deployment training on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 8, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Headquarters Company, 7th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

A U.S. Marine drags a fellow Marine who was wounded during a simulated indirect fire attack as part of their pre-deployment training on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 8, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary J. Nola.)

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Pentagon Discuses Ongoing Afghan Operations

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2009 -- The sacrifices of coalition servicemembers in southern Afghanistan will allow more Afghans to vote in the national elections next week, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

Gates and Marine Gen. James Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Afghan and international military forces are working to provide a secure environment so the Aug. 20 election can proceed.

“Due to some of the military operations that have taken place in the Helmand province and other places in the south, it looks like more Afghans will be able to vote than had been the case before the recent deployment of additional U.S. forces, and obviously that's an encouraging development,” Gates said.

Still, the situation in the country is a mixed bag with areas in the north and west more secure than those in the east and south, he said.

“In some parts of Afghanistan, the Taliban have clearly established a presence,” Gates said. “The operations under way now and those being considered for the coming months are designed to roll back the Taliban and establish a lasting security and government presence, a presence that can give the Afghan people confidence that they will be protected from intimidation and retribution.”

Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. and NATO commander in the Afghanistan, will present his assessment of the situation sometime between the elections and mid-September, Gates said. The general already is making a real difference by putting in place a counterinsurgency strategy to minimize civilian casualties, he said.

McChrystal’s assessment will not include specific recommendations or requests for more forces, Gates said. “However, we’ve made clear to General McChrystal that he is free to ask for what he needs, to complete the important mission that he has been given,” the secretary said.

Any request for more personnel or resources “will be considered separately and subsequent to his assessment of the security situation,” he said.

These military operations are but one component of a multi-faceted strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan announced by President Barack Obama four-and-a-half months ago.

Gates characterized a question on how long U.S. forces will be involved in military operations in Afghanistan as a mystery.

“In the intelligence business, we always used to categorize information in two ways: secrets and mysteries,” he said. “The secrets were things that were ultimately knowable. Mysteries were those where there were too many variables to predict. And I think that how long U.S. forces will be in Afghanistan is in that area.”

Gates said he hopes to see progress in a year, with one benchmark would be the ability to transfer more of security responsibility to the Afghans.

How fast the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police train is part of the calculus.

Another marker of progress, Cartwright said, is when security is in the equal interests of the coalition and Afghan people. The Afghans must buy into the idea of security and actively help the coalition and local forces maintain peace.

“When you start to see that attitude change, then you start to have a sense that things are going to move in a direction that would be towards the end of the violence,” he said.

When that happens, operations will change to stabilizing areas and holding them clear of Taliban, which will allow for development, the general said.

Gates differentiated between the timeline for military operations and the overall commitment to Afghanistan. “I think you have to differentiate between institution-building and economic development, on the one hand, and defeating the Taliban and al-Qaida on the other,” he said.

Military operations against the Taliban and al-Qaida may take a couple of years, the secretary said. “Economic development and institution-building, probably is a decades-long enterprise in a country has been through 30 years of war and has as high an illiteracy rate as Afghanistan does and low level of economic development,” he said.

(Report by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service.)

Related: Audio Clips from Secretary Gates and Gen. Cartwright Briefing

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Wire: As Marines Push Into Afghan Town, Fire From '360'

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2009 -- Newswire services this evening reported that U.S. aircraft and missiles pounded Taliban mountainside positions around Dahaneh on Thursday as Marines pushed through mud-brick compounds searching for militants in the second day of fighting to seize the strategic southern town.

Also in the south, four NATO service members -- three British and one American -- were killed in separate explosions Thursday, military officials said.

The Associated Press said August's casualty count is likely to surpass the record 75 deaths U.S. and NATO troops suffered in July, the deadliest month for the international force in the nearly eight-year war.

By Thursday evening, the Marines and Afghan troops had managed to take about half the town, with Taliban resistance tougher than expected, AP said.

AP noted the following details:

As sporadic clashes continued in Dahaneh, Marine Cobra attack helicopters fired rockets at Taliban positions in the nearby mountains where militants were believed firing at troops in the town.

Later, U.S. A-10 fighter-bombers fired multiple rounds into the barren, rocky cliffs overlooking what the Marines call "Hell's Pass," the entrance into the Now Zad valley, and U.S. surface-to-surface missiles, fired from the main Marine base, pounded the hillsides.

Meanwhile in the town, Marines came under heavy machine gun fire as they moved through the streets and alleyways.

"It's coming at us 360 degrees, but we knew they'd try to surround us," said Cpl. Kilani Garber of Middleville, Mich., as the troops ducked for cover.

As they moved through parts of the town abandoned by the Taliban, Marines kicked down or detonated the doors of several compounds from where insurgents were seen firing during the opening day of the assault. In one compound, troops found numerous empty Kalashnikov bullet casings and a few used heroin syringes.

"They want to fight, then they don't want to fight; we're getting mixed signals from these guys," said Cpl. Mack Williams, 22, from Spruce Pine, N.C., as his unit met yet another outburst of light arms fire in the late afternoon.

At sunset, a Humvee mounted with a loudspeaker drove through neighborhoods the Marines had cleared, broadcasting to residents in their Pashto language that they could register complaints and get compensation for damage suffered in the fighting.

About 400 Marines and 100 Afghan troops are taking part in the operation to capture Dahaneh -- the third major push by U.S. and British forces this summer into Taliban-controlled areas of Helmand. The province is the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium business and scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the Afghan war, AP said.

AP noted that the main goals of the latest operation are to oust the Taliban from the area, cut off smuggling routes from neighboring Pakistan, and offer enough security to civilians so that they can vote during the elections next Thursday. The Marines hope to secure Dahaneh fast enough to set up a voting site, which would be the only one in this district.

(Report from newswire sources.)

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Counter Piracy Task Force CTF 151 Changes Command

Bahrain (Aug. 13, 2009) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders salutes the side boys as he arrives to relieve Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Caner Bener as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 151 during a change of command ceremony held aboard USS Anzio (CG 68). Bener commanded the counter-piracy task force May 3 to August 13, which was also the first time Turkey has commanded a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) task force. Established in January 2009, CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. (Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer.)

Dispatches from the Front:

MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 13, 2009 -- U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in a ceremony held aboard the coalition counter-piracy flagship USS Anzio (CG 68) while pier-side in Bahrain today. Rear Adm. Scott relieved Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Caner Bener and heralded the Turkish Navy's first command of a CTF as a success.

"Rear Adm. Bener and his staff of Turkish, U.S., Pakistani, Greek and UK Sailors have made huge strides, not only in combating piracy, but also in fostering international coordination and the relationships that are crucial to the mission," said Sanders. "The capture of 17 armed and dangerous men and their mother ship, the first pirate mother ship ever captured, demonstrated the ability of CTF 151 to effectively execute counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia."

Sanders assumed command of a CTF 151 staff made up of coalition personnel from varied nations, which "has demonstrated how a staff comprised of personnel from multiple nations can form a cohesive team to tackle piracy" said Sanders.

The Turkish Navy assumed command of CTF 151 in early May, relieving U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Howard and her staff following the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips of the U.S.-flagged merchant vessel Maersk Alabama.

"As a result of cooperative counter-piracy operations there has been a considerable decrease in piracy activities in the region," said Bener. "The most effective measures we've seen to defeat piracy are non-kinetic and defensive in nature."

"Commercial shipping cannot underestimate their own power to prevent and defend against pirate attacks," he added.

CTF 151 was created in January 2009 to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. It operates in the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Somalia, covering an area of approximately 1.1 million square miles.

"While the ultimate solution to the problem of piracy is ashore in Somalia, the combined maritime force made the decision to focus coalition maritime efforts on security and stability at sea in order to create a lawful maritime order and deter acts of piracy on the high seas while giving the international community time to address the long-term solution of piracy," said Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Combined Maritime Forces.

Sanders is the first selected reserve admiral to command a Combined Task Force at sea.

(Report by Lt. Iain Jones, Royal Navy, Public Affairs Office, CMF.)

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Combat Camera: Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Joint Operation in Shpee Valley

Two Afghan national army soldiers pose for a picture at Combat Outpost Belda, in the Alasay valley of Kapisa province, Aug. 7. Three companies of Afghan national army, supported by 500 French marines serving with International Security Assistance Forces, and Coalition force elements, conducted a large operation in the Shpee valley of Afghanistan's Kapisa province, Aug. 6-8. The operation was conducted to deny the enemy safe haven and contribute to election security. (Photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

An Afghan troop carrier returns to Combat Outpost Belda, Aug. 7, after the Afghan national army soldiers on board completed a mission in the Shpee valley of Kapisa province, Afghanistan. Three companies of ANA, supported by 500 French marines, and coalition force elements, conducted a large operation in the Shpee valley in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, Aug. 6-8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A group of Afghan National Army soldiers prepare to depart Combat Outpost Belda in the Alasay valley of Kapisa province, Aug. 7. Three companies of ANA, supported by 500 French marines, and coalition force elements, conducted a large operation in the Shpee valley in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, Aug. 6-8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A French marine with Task Force Korrigan points out the location of insurgents after taking small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire at Combat Outpost Belda in the Shpee valley of Kapisa province, Afghanistan, Aug. 7. Three Afghan national army companies, supported by 500 French marines serving with International Security Assistance Forces, and coalition force elements, conducted a large operation intended to deny the enemy safe haven and contribute to election security in Shpee, Aug. 6-8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

A Task Force Warrior Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle and a Task Force Korrigan tactical armored vehicle bring troops back to Combat Outpost Belda, after they completed a mission in Shpee Valley, Kapisa province, Aug. 7. The mission was part of a larger, three-day operation where three ANA companies, supported by 500 French marines with the International Security Assistance Force, and coalition force elements, conducted a large operation intended to deny the enemy safe haven and contribute to election security in Shpee, Aug. 6-8. (Photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.)

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