A book about one of my Battalions in Baghdad

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Maybe I'll read it someday....but not anytime soon....

Colonel, Thou hast spoken truth....Thou shalt be fired......

KABUL, Afghanistan — Throughout my career I have been known to walk that fine line between good taste and unemployment. I see no rea­son to change that now.

Consider the following therapeu­tic.

I have been assigned as a staff officer to a headquarters in Af­ghanistan for about two months. During that time, I have not done anything productive. Fortunately, little of substance is really done here, but that is a task we do well. We are part of the operational arm of the International Security Assistance Force commanded by Army Gen. David Petraeus. It is composed of military representa­tives from all the NATO countries, several of which I cannot pro­nounce.

Officially, International Joint Command was founded in late 2009 to coordinate operations among all the regional commands in Afghanistan. More likely it was founded to provide some general a three-star command. Starting with a small group of dedicated and intelligent officers, IJC has success­fully grown into a stove-piped and bloated organization, top-heavy in rank. Around here, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a colonel. For headquarters staff, war con­sists largely of the endless tinker­ing with PowerPoint slides to con­form with the idiosyncrasies of cognitively challenged generals in order to spoon-feed them informa­tion. Even one tiny flaw in a slide can halt a general’s thought processes as abruptly as a comput­er system’s blue screen of death.

The ability to brief well is, there­fore, a critical skill. It is important to note that skill in briefing resides in how you say it. It doesn’t matter so much what you say or even if you are speaking Klingon.

Random motion, ad hoc processes and an in-depth knowledge of Army minutia and acronyms are also key characteristics of a successful staff officer. Harried movement together with furrowed brows and appropri­ate expressions of concern a la Clint Eastwood will please the generals. Progress in the war is optional.

Each day is guided by the “battle rhythm,” which is a series of Power-Point briefings and meetings with PowerPoint presentations. It does­n’t matter how inane or useless the briefing or meeting might be. Once it is part of the battle rhythm, it has the persistence of carbon 14.

And you can’t skip these events because they take roll — just like gym class.

The start and culmination of each day is the commander’s update assessment. Please ignore the fact that “update assessment” is redundant. Simply saying com­mander’s update doesn’t provide the possibility of creating a three­letter acronym. It also doesn’t matter that the commander never attends the CUA.

The CUA consists of a series of PowerPoint slides describing the events of the previous 12 hours. Briefers explain each slide by reading from a written statement in a tone not unlike that of a con­gressman caught in a tryst with an escort. The CUA slides only change when a new commander arrives or the war ends.

The commander’s immediate subordinates, usually one- and two-star generals, listen to the CUA in a semi-comatose state. Each briefer has about one or two minutes to impart either informa­tion or misinformation. Usually they don’t do either. Fortunately, none of the information provided makes an indelible impact on any of the generals.

One important task of the IJC is to share information to the ISAF commander, his staff and to all the regional commands. This informa­tion is delivered as PowerPoint slides in e-mail at the flow rate of a fire hose. Standard operating procedure is to send everything that you have. Volume is consid­ered the equivalent of quality.

Next month, IJC will attempt a giant leap for mankind. In a first­of-its-kind effort, IJC will embed a new stovepipe into an already existing stovepipe. The rationale for this bold move resides in the fact that an officer, who is current­ly without one, needs a staff of 35 people to create a big splash before his promotion board.

Like most military organizations, structure always trumps function.

The ultimate consequences of this reorganization won’t be deter­mined until after that officer rotates out of theater.

Nevertheless, the results will be presented by PowerPoint.

The views expressed are Sellin’s own and are not necessarily those of the Army or U.S. gov­ernment. Reprinted with permission from UPI.

September 6, 2010 ArmyTimes 5 .

Of course with slides like this, it's a wonder that it took this long for someone to blow the whistle.

Steve Benen on Glenn Becks "I have a scheme" Rally

MOVEMENTS ARE ABOUT SOMETHING REAL…. I tried to keep up on today's festivities at the Lincoln Memorial, but as the dust settles, I find myself confused.

For a year and a half, we've seen rallies and town-hall shouting and attack ads and Fox News special reports. But I still haven't the foggiest idea what these folks actually want, other than to see like-minded Republicans winning elections. To be sure, I admire their passion, and I applaud their willingness to get involved in public affairs. If more Americans chose to take a more active role in the political process, the country would be better off and our democracy would be more vibrant.

But that doesn't actually tell us what these throngs of Americans are fighting for, exactly. I'm not oblivious to their cries; I'm at a loss to appreciate those cries on anything more than a superficial level.

This is about "freedom."

Well, I'm certainly pro-freedom, and as far as I can tell, the anti-freedom crowd struggles to win votes on Election Day. But can they be a little more specific? How about the freedom for same-sex couples to get married? No, we're told, not that kind of freedom.

This is about a fight for American "liberties."

That sounds great, too. Who's against American "liberties"? But I'm still looking for some details. Might this include law-abiding American Muslims exercising their liberties and converting a closed-down clothing store into a community center? No, we're told, not those kinds of liberties.

This is about giving Americans who work hard and play by the rules more opportunities.

I'm all for that, too. But would these opportunities include the chance for hard-working Americans to bring their kids to the doctor if they get sick, even if the family can't afford insurance? No, we're told, not those kinds of opportunities.

This is about the values of the Founding Fathers.

I'm a big fan of the framers' generation, who created an extraordinary nation. But if we're honoring their values, would this include their steadfast commitment to the separation of church and state? No, we're told, not those values.

This is about patriotic Americans willing to make sacrifices for the good of their country.

That sounds reasonable; sacrifices can be honorable. But if we're talking about patriots willing to sacrifice, does that mean millionaires and billionaires can go back to paying '90s-era tax rates (you know, when the economy was strong)? No, we're told, not those kinds of sacrifices.

This is about a public that, at long last, wants to hear the truth from those who speak in their name.

What a great idea. Maybe that means we can hear the truth about global warming? About the fact that health care reform wasn't a socialized government takeover? About Social Security not going bankrupt? About how every court ruling conservatives don't like doesn't necessarily constitute "liberal judicial activism"? No, we're told, not those truths.

Movements -- real movements that make a difference and stand the test of time -- are about more than buzz words, television personalities, and self-aggrandizement. Change -- transformational change that sets nations on new courses -- is more than vague, shallow promises about "freedom."

Labor unions created a movement. Women's suffrage was a movement. The fight for civil rights is a movement. The ongoing struggle for equality for gays and lesbians is a movement. In each case, the grievance was as clear as the solution. There was no mystery as to what these patriots were fighting for. Their struggles and successes made the nation stronger, better, and more perfect.

The folks who gathered in D.C. today were awfully excited about something. The fact that it's not altogether obvious what that might be probably isn't a good sign.
Washington Monthly

A cause worthy of your support

I don't normally anyone to give up their hard earned dollars, but I cannot keep silent on this phenomenal charity.

Patriot Paws Service Dogs

Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs for the benefit of disabled American Veterans in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence, and to provide a service for other American’s with mobile disabilities.

Patriot PAWS is a 501 (c) (3) organization and is committed to providing service dogs of the highest quality at minimum cost. It takes 12 to 18 months to properly train just one service dog, and the cost of care and training for a single service dog during the training period is approximately $20-$30,000. There are no charges for those selected to receive the dogs. Only through donations (tax deductible) and volunteers are we able to provide these dogs to disabled veterans in need. Donate now to Patriot PAWS!

One compelling story that this charity made possible is from Michael Jernigan:

I have written several pieces for Home Fires these last couple of years. I have talked about my journey back from Iraq and my road to recovery. I have also opened up and let you into the side of my life that is haunted by demons. I have enjoyed writing and it has allowed me to face some of the things that have inhibited my growth as a person. In this post, I would like to talk about something not quite so serious, but very close to my heart: my guide dog, Brittani.

Many of y’all have read about Brittani in previous posts. She is very important to me and my family. Brittani is more than just my eyes. It is true that she helps me get around and does one heck of a job of it, but she is also the family dog and one of my best allies in my struggles.

I got Brittani in the spring of 2007 from Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto. Fla., as part of their Paws For Patriots program. It is a program that provides guide dogs for veterans who have become visually impaired serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. The program has been so successful that they have opened it up to other veterans who are in need of a guide dog. We have even placed therapy dogs at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Brittani and I have been all around the country together. Unfortunately, many of these travels have not been with my wife and son. But when I travel by myself I am never truly alone. Brittani is always by my side.
I have a very supportive family and we always include Brittani in this family. When I am alone on my daily tasks of going to school, navigating the city or even in a hotel room far away from home, Brittani is there to support me. She knows how I feel at all times. If I am feeling down she comes up to me and curls up at my feet to keep me company. Often she’ll bring me a toy and want to play. It is very hard to feel sad when you are playing with a puppy. She gets so excited that it melts my sorrows away. She stands by me no matter what the circumstances. Having Brittani is like having a counselor right there next to me all the time.

Home Fires

Random photo for a random mood

Today's moment of Duh.....

War Demands Compromise Hunt for Deadliest Weapons, Top U.S. Commander Says

The effort to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists has been slowed by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the head of U.S. special forces. 

Fewer elite commandos are available for the hunt and their expertise has been degraded by “the decreased level of training,” Admiral Eric Olson said. They now have only a “limited” capability for this mission, he said.
Meanwhile, the threat of extremists acquiring and using chemical, biological or nuclear arms “is greater now than at any other time in history,” Olson told the Senate Armed Services Committee in a written response to a question posed by lawmakers after a hearing March 16 on his command’s budget.

If you can't find America later today.....it will be because Glenn Beck apparently 'took it back'

Oh...and be on the lookout for some sort of 'miracle'........




Yikes.....

Does this 'patriotic' protest sign go with my White Hood?

The more I research this issue, the confidant I become that is indeed a manufactured controversy, through and through. Let's analyze who is opposing this center. Let's analyze who is acting contrary to the principles of private property rights and the 1st Amendment. Is is 9/11 families? Many who infect our airwaves would have you believe that, but they are wrong.

There are three generally accepted 9/11 Families organizations; The Families of September 11, the September 11th Families Association, and the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. All of whom list their organizing body and affiliations with 9/11. Of these three, one has not commented [that I could find], one has taken a neutral stance and the latter has spoken out in support of the center.

Then we have 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America, which doesn't tell you it's organization or affiliation. With it's spokeswomen Debra Burlingame being frequently feted on Fox News, it would appear that she speaks for all 9/11 families, given the context provided by Fox. What Fox also doesn't tell you is that she co-founded Keep America Safe with Liz Cheney.

Almost without exception, every vocal opponent of the Cordoba Center is either a Republican politician, pundit or activist. Now that may not constitute offensive partisan scandal in some people's opinion, but let's look at some other less reported events around the nation.

Temecula, California, has little in common with New York City. But the debate over a new mosque in the sleepy suburban town east of Camp Pendleton echoes many of the themes expressed in the controversy surrounding the Park 51 Islamic center to be built near the World Trade Center site.

In Southern California, the question is whether the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley should be granted a permit to build a mosque on land it owns next to two established churches. The Islamic Center presently holds prayer services in a warehouse next to a pipeline company, down the street from a smog-test station and masonry supply yard. And during Friday prayers on July 30, around 25 local conservative [read-Southwest Riverside County Tea Party] activists stood outside shouting slogans of hate through a bullhorn, carrying signs with messages such as "No More Mosques in America", and brought along several dogs, hoping to offend Muslim sensibilities.

Time

Dogs! Hey guys......1956 called...they want their racist scare tactic back.

Similar events in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

And in Florence, Kentucky

And Sheboygan, Wisconsin

And Staten Island, NY

And let's not forget the Koran burning in Gainesville, Florida

And Miss Geller of recent fame has decided to associate herself with a certain David Yerushalmi, of whom Charles Johnson of LGF details the bio.

This is a good time for some background information on Pamela Geller’s associate David Yerushalmi, who is an advocate for criminalizing Islam
itself and imposing 20-year sentences on practicing Muslims. Yes, really.

He’s not simply anti-Muslim, though; Yerushalmi also wrote a now-infamous article titled “On Race: A Tentative Discussion, Part II,” in which he advocated a return to a pre-Bill of Rights Constitution, and the restriction of voting rights to white male land-owners. Again … yes, really.

Where are the Constitutional Republicans? Why aren't notable conservative's standing up for the principles that they tout as sacrosanct? Why are they not standing against such transparent ignorance? This controversy is manufactured as evidenced by the Republicans who supported the center before they opposed it [read-before the script was disseminated].

Nobody had a problem with Imam Rauf working with the Bush Administration on tax payer funded speaking tours until the script was released. Now that Imam Hussein Obama [h/t Limbuagh] has done the same, Rauf is somehow an extremist bent on subverting the American way of life, despite his longstanding resume of interfaith collaboration and community building. This coincides with the stunning revelation that many oxygen deprived Americans think Obama is a Muslim.

The GOP appears to have a new Southern Strategy, it's the South Shall Rise Again plan...because the Republican Party is surely becoming the Confederate Party.

My Blogging colleague Zandar puts it best:

Capitulating on Park51 is the easy thing to do. Nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy. We are already seeing the results of what will happen no matter what Park51 does or where it is placed: it will not stop those who are the bigots, those who want Islam and their adherents erased from the American landscape, those who see no difference between the people who attacked us on 9/11 and the people who are building Park51 or any mosque in America or any Muslim in America period.

Moving the Park51 project will not slake their anger. Period.

Sometimes, the correct choice is the difficult one: to stand for what is right and just and lawful especially when it is unpopular. It is at this point when standing for the difficult but right position is the most necessary.

Build it. Show those who say that America is full of hate that hate can be conquered through real freedom.

In addition to all of this, the final nail closing the coffin lid on the opposition argument, is that Al Qaeda has a history of attacking Sufi Muslim Mosques, thus making the Cordoba Center a possible target of a terrorist attack.

Two suicide bombers detonated more than 65 pounds of explosives in one of Lahore's iconic cultural landmarks, killing at least 37 people and wounding 175. The attack on the Sufi shrine, locally known as Data Darbar, has sent shockwaves through Pakistan's Sufi community, who have lived in fear of such violence for four years.

Sufism, the mystical strand of Islam, is a largely nonviolent, apolitical religious creed that places an individual's relationship with God above the demands of any single doctrine. It is credited with producing some of Islam's greatest works of art, in poetry, literature and music, as well as some of Islam's leading contributions to science and philosophy.

It is also hated by fundamentalists like the Taliban and al-Qaida.

But when asked why Sufis haven't done more to counter the influence of the fundamentalists, Baig fought back tears and struggled to provide an answer. "We are a quiet people," he said at last. "We spend our days studying and meditating. It is part of our creed not to interfere with the spiritual path an individual has chosen, even if it is leading him to violence. But we are talking more about what we can do. It is on our minds."

AOL

Yet another example of why some Americans are so stunningly stupid.......

The real threat to the United States is not terrorism. Andrew McCarthy argues that the real threat is Islamism, whose sophisticated forces have collaborated with the American Left not only to undermine U.S. national security but also to shred the fabric of American constitutional democracy – freedom and individual liberty.  In The Grand Jihad, he offers a harrowing account of how the global Islamist terrorist movement’s jihad involves far more than terrorist attacks. 

For years, McCarthy warned of America’s blindness to this threat, but in The Grand Jihad he argues there is a more insidious peril: the government’s active appeasement of Islamism and its ideology.  With the help of witting and unwitting accomplices in and out of government, Islamism doesn’t merely fuel terrorism but spawns America-hating Islamist terrorist enclaves in our very midst, gradually foisting the repressive concepts of sharia law on American life.  The revolutionary doctrine has made common cause with an ascendant Left that also seeks radical transformation of our constitutional order. 
Heritage

Courage is just a nicer way to say that this guy had Balls

Bill Millin, a Scottish bagpiper who played highland tunes as his fellow commandos landed on a Normandy beach on D-Day and lived to see his bravado immortalized in the 1962 film “The Longest Day,” died on Wednesday in a hospital in the western England county of Devon. He was 88.
The young piper was approached shortly before the landings by the brigade’s commanding officer, Brig. Simon Fraser, who as the 15th Lord Lovat was the hereditary chief of the Clan Fraser and one of Scotland’s most celebrated aristocrats. Against orders from World War I that forbade playing bagpipes on the battlefield because of the high risk of attracting enemy fire, Lord Lovat, then 32, asked Private Millin to play on the beachhead to raise morale.


When Private Millin demurred, citing the regulations, he recalled later, Lord Lovat replied: “Ah, but that’s the English War Office. You and I are both Scottish, and that doesn’t apply.”

Other British commandos cheered and waved, Mr. Millin recalled, though he said he felt bad as he marched among ranks of wounded soldiers needing medical help. But those who survived the landings offered no reproach. 

“I shall never forget hearing the skirl of Bill Millin’s pipes,” one of the commandos, Tom Duncan, said years later. “As well as the pride we felt, it reminded us of home, and why we were fighting there for our lives and those of our loved ones.” 

In 2008, French bagpipers started a fund to erect a statue of Mr. Millin near the landing site, but the fund remains far short of its $125,000 goal.
Rest in Peace Highlander.......

NYT