Steel Ding Dong

Another hilarious Army music video from Iraq. This one is somewhat inappropriate compared to the last music video. I hope you enjoy, let me know.

The Battle against Combat Stress

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Combat stress is one of the most lethal enemies that members of the armed forces must face. Members of the Combat Stress Clinic are working throughout Afghanistan to defeat this enemy.

Lt. Col Thomas Stokes, a social worker from Glenshaw, Pa., leads a team dedicated to helping servicemembers cope with the stress of combat and increase their efficacy on the battlefield.

"My objective is to maintain the fighting strength," said Stokes.

Stokes said he recognizes each person he treats is faced with a different set of stressors depending upon where they are in the deployment cycle.

"I treat every person who walks through my door as a unique individual," said Stokes. "Our treatment is not, 'one size fits all.'"

Servicemembers deployed for their first time must adjust to life in a foreign environment and help their loved ones to adjust to their absence. Those returning to the U.S. often feel both joy and anxiety as they prepare to reintegrate into home and Western society.

"Often, re-establishing the roles of father or mother are difficult," said Stokes.

Professionals serving at the combat stress clinic are not waiting for servicemembers to walk through their doors.

"The key to what we do in combat stress is to be proactive," said Stokes. "We take our services to the Soldiers."

Stokes said he sees partnership with the chaplaincy as a key to success. He and his team work closely with chaplains to help individuals to be spiritually and mentally fit.

One strategy used by the combat stress team is to bring servicemembers with similar challenges together. Small groups allow servicemembers to share their experiences and learn from each other. According to Stokes, facing traumatic events and discussing them is critical in the fight against combat stress.

"Soldiers need to understand that combat stress is a normal reaction to a very abnormal set of circumstances," Stokes said.

Combat stress professionals help servicemembers to see that that they are not alone in their experience. An important aspect of overcoming combat stress is an understanding that one's experiences are not unique and that others are fighting similar battles.

Air Force Staff Sgt. David VanHoose, a mental health specialist from Eustis, Fla., has seen the effects of treatment firsthand.

"You can see the change in Soldiers," said VanHoose. "Day by day you can see the relief in their faces and their posture."

Stokes and VanHoose are passionate about the work they are doing and the positive effects upon the lives and careers of those that seek help. They are working hard to break down the stigma associated with mental health counseling.

Rumors that suggest that seeking mental health services can damage one's career are false. On the contrary, neglecting mental health needs can often have career damaging consequences.

"If you are feeling overwhelmed and you don't seek assistance, your actions may have an adverse affect on your career," Stokes said.

Serving in a combat zone poses many challenges, but even the most horrific events can be a learning experience. Leaders who have faced stressful situations in combat are well-equipped to help their subordinates pass through difficult times and to assist family members who suffer in their loved one's absence.

Those experiencing combat stress need not suffer in silence. Stress is a normal reaction to traumatic events. Seeking help for combat stress is no more a sign of weakness than is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound or a broken arm.

By Capt. Kenneth A. Stewart, 17th Public Affairs Detachment

The Notorious Improvised Explosive Device

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is usually a makeshift bomb that can be extremely destructive when detonated. There are many different variations of the IED and they are sometimes used as a distracting tactic before another form of attack. These types of bombs are often used in guerrilla warfare. The explosive capabilities of the IED can be quite different. Some contain lethal chemicals and some contain metal parts such as nails and ball bearings. An IED requires a detonator and also a system that will trigger the electrical charge to set off the bomb. Due to its makeshift nature, the type of explosives used can be mixed. They can be made from military explosives or they can be homemade. The explosive material can be sourced from anything that will maim or kill. Many of these devices contain toxic chemicals or radioactive material. They can be used to kill people or blow up vehicles in roadside attacks. Common locations for placing these bombs on the ground include animal carcasses, soft drink cans, and boxes. Typically they explode underneath or to the side of the vehicle to cause the maximum amount of damage; however, as vehicle armor was improved on military vehicles, insurgents began placing IEDs in elevated positions such as on road signs, utility poles, or trees, in order to hit less protected areas. The IED can be extremely risky when made by an inexperienced person. Detonators can fail to work and people who have been making the bombs have been known to blow themselves up. But the IED can be a source of much damage and many innocent lives have been lost because of them. The IED has been used in many wars. It was a popular method of destruction in Northern Ireland. The Provisional Irish Republican Army would use these types of bombs for roadside attacks. The worst attack resulted in the loss of 18 lives due to only two of these bombs. They were also widely used in the Vietnam War and in Chechnyahe size of the IEDs mean that they can be placed almost anywhere. They can be hidden in small boxes, bags and under tables. Many warnings in underground and subway stations and on public transportation around the world exist, advising the public not to touch any bags or boxes that have been left unattended. IEDs have also been used by civilian protesters in pub bombings in London. The IED has been widely used by Iraqi insurgents in the war in Iraq. They have been the cause of a third of all American deaths during the war. In 2005, during one ten month period, 302 American soldiers were killed due to IED devices.

Laugh Its a Joke

I find this to be a funny video. It may be a little mean but it is a joke.

My All Expense Paid Vacation to Guatemala

There is a relatively new program the Army offers ROTC Cadets called CULP (Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency). This program allows cadets to apply for a month-long summer program to work with a foreign military organization, take a langague course or participate in an humanitarian project in a developing country. Participating cadets develop culture awareness skills and appreciation of cultural differences while recognizing potential cultural impact on assigned missions. The program's objective is to create army officers who are more experienced in dealing with foreign cultures.

I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in a humanitarian project this summer in Guatemala. Other teams go to destinations in Africa, E. Europe, Asia and Central America. Teams are organized into groups of around 30 cadets who plan their mission, travel to their assigned country and work together on a project. The Army pays for the entire program and even provides a modest wage for the month.

Training for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

For certain specialty experts and leaders training will begin for the reversal of the law that forbids gays, lesbians, and bisexuals from serving publicly in the military. President Barack signed the repeal of the law "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on December 22, 2010. Just because the policy is repealed it still remains in effect until 60 days after the secretary of defense, the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president authorize the military's readiness to execute the repeal. The implementation team is ensuring that training is in place for all 2.2 million members of the military. The Defense Department, along with representatives from all five services, developed and synchronized the training.Training is broken into three tiers. Tier 1 training is for people who have unique skill sets, such as chaplains, lawyers, personnel specialists, military investigators and recruiters, he explained. Tier 2 training is for leaders, and Tier 3 training is for the force at large. Leaders at every level will be responsible for training their people, he said. Professionalism is the expectation across all the services. This is a disciplined force, and we expect to see that as the training and repeal go into place. Lastly, respect is what everybody expects to receive and what everybody should give.

The Army Moves Toward Greener Future

Commanders are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, and take advantage of renewable forms of energy. In October, the President signed an executive order that focuses federal agencies, including the Army, to obtain zero net energy by 2030. Net zero energy means that an installation or building creates as much energy as it uses. Projects have already began, things such as solar panels on housing units, schools, and office buildings. Installations are working on insulating buildings to prevent loss of heat or cooling, natural ventilation system, dynamic lighting, and district heating networks. The Army will begin focusing on using facilities and utilities efficiently.

The Aid of Virtual Reality

With the advancement in technology treatment for soldiers has help soldiers dramatically. The development in the private sector is also being applied to help service members. The military is taking advantage of the video game division by using virtual reality “games” to aid Soldiers with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder when returning “home.”

 To get a jumpstart to begin building the program the game Full Spectrum Warrior was used. As time progresses updated versions are added based on feedback from actual Soldiers, both in Iraq and at Fort Lewis, along with patients, and clinician. The patient can be placed in the environment, time of day, weather, and sounds. As they progress the more details and personal the situation gets. The therapist and therapeutic process of exposure therapy really help soldiers with assistance from the program.