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The rules of engagement (or ROE) are a series of restrictive measures imposed on the coalition forces in Afghanistan. They are designed to reduce civilian casualties. For example, firing into an area where civilians might be is prohibited, regardless of the presence of Taliban. Airstrikes and artillery fire are severely restricted, even when coalition forces are in direct contact with the enemy and in desperate need of assistance. These encounters often result in coalition casualties that...read more
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Where has my Hooah been hiding? I must be a horrible MI soldier because I don't have a clue. The good news is that I think I found it! Was it under the many DD Forms I had to fill out during in-processing? Maybe. Was it at Clothing & Sales as I tried to purchase the braid for my Class A jacket? Highly probable. Or was is that I just needed to get settled and meet my awesome BOLC class? YES! Although I've come to terms that I won't win Iron Woman...read more
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The Hunt for the Hooah: Where, oh Where Can It Be?
July 14, 2010
By: First Lieutenant Kayley Nammari
I write this from my motel room on Fry Blvd in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Tomorrow at 0600 begins my MI Officer Training. To sum up how I feel: FRIGHTENED! My biggest fear is failure and I'm afraid to be that LT. We all know one, don't kid yourself. I've gone over my checklist for everything I need at least half of dozen times today, my APFT uniform is laid out, the alarm is set, and yet I still feel like I'm going to the youngest, least experienced one and...read more
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June began with much promise in Afghanistan. The big Peace Jirga had just concluded in Kabul and, while it was not as successful as billed, it was a start. Great things were expected from Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the Minister of Interior and General Stanley McCrystal in the coming months leading up to the July 2011 deadline for the start of withdrawal of American troops. General McCrystal, NATO and coalition commander was expected to achieve “measurable...read more
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I leave for BOLC soon. After reading over the course material I am fairly certain death is imminent. I'm not one to make excuses for myself but I think my MI Officer training is going to break me. This sense of dread and fear is new to me. Normally, I get a little anxiety. Where did my Hooah go?! Perhaps I need to start working out to cadence again instead of the World Cup theme song "Waka Waka" on repeat? Or maybe I just need to face up to this...read more
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Long term impact on combat experience and PTSD on career and quality of life years later
June 15, 2010
By: Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Kubiszewski
Following 2 tours in RVN, another on the DMZ of ROK, it is now clear that those experiences created anger, and other factors of PTSD which had a significent impact on my overall career and family life. Those issues or problems continued to the present time. This greatly detracted from my ability to do my best despite the best training and the support of equally great friends and Army buddies. Having experienced...read more
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"I, Genevieve Chase, do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice." And with those words, I signed up for another six years of service to my...read more
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From Vietnam to Afghanistan: A Brief Study in Contrasts
May 23, 2010
By: Lieutenant Colonel John Cook
Vietnam War As a veteran of both conflicts, I’m often asked if there are any characteristics that are common to both wars. The short answer is: very few. First of all, Vietnam was a first rate insurgency because the Viet Cong were well trained, disciplined, and very effective. While I strongly opposed their political agenda and ideology, they did have a plan for governing South Vietnam in the event they succeeded in overthrowing the government. Their plan...read more
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I applaud any individual willing to serve his or her country, especially in times of conflict. Many service members serve this great country for a myriad of reasons. I serve this country for numerous reasons as well but three of the key reasons I serve and more importantly continue to serve are following a family example of service, the ability to impact others, and a means for providing for myself and family. Though this essay will discuss...read more
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My name is David Hall and I am new to this site. In fact, this is the first time I have ever posted a blog. Im using this blog as a brief introduction and a means to create this account.
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