If you hadn’t heard, Toby Keith recently finished up a 15-show tour in Afghanistan, April 27. This would be his seventh tour with the United Service Organization (USO.) It’s really great to see entertainers like Toby Keith do something (more than once!) for the troops. If more and more entertainers did this (like the recent Star Trek premiere in Kuwait), the troops that sacrifice so much for the military might just have a little easier time out there.

There are quite a few performers who routinely do something to show support for the troops, but it would be nice for some of these multi-millionaires to take a little time to give back to the people who fight (And sometimes, sadly, die) to protect the freedom to be an entertainer and make lots of money. Sadly, there are too many in the entertainment industry (much like the big media industry) that will do nothing. This just makes me shake my head. (If you agree, leave a comment and let’s try to send a message…)

To all those like Mr. Keith who do do their part to support the troops, my hat off to you. Whoever you are and wherever you are, if you’ve supported the troops and continue to do so, you need to be saluted. There are a lot of good men and women all over the world who are putting their lives on the line each and every day. They need to be given all the support from Hollywood (and the media) that they can get. Especially now. If there’s really going to be a “change” – one of the things that need changing is how the entertainment industry takes time to support those who defend freedom.

I’m going to stop now before I get too worked up. Enjoy the pics and video.

Sgt. Stryker out.

New York Guardsmen Stay on Alert to Save Lives

Senior Master Sgt. Glen Berg, 101st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, gets together his gear before a mission here. Sergeant Berg, a New York Air National Guardsman, is an aerial gunner for the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters here and a New York City firefighter back home. Some of the New York Guardsmen in the 101st ERQS wear patches like this 9-11 patch as a reminder while they stand on alert to rescue downed pilots and ground troops wounded behind enemy lines. New York’s 101st Rescue Squadron from West Hampton Beach, N.Y., is preparing to head home after supporting Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly five months. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Lake

USS Gettysburg Patrols the Gulf of Aden

A visit, board, search, and seizure team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg patrols the Gulf of Aden near a suspected pirate vessel. Gettysburg is deployed as part of Combined Task Force – 151, a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Persian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. CTF-151 was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian K. Fromal

Afghan Police Play Critical Role in Country’s Future

Afghan national police recruits participate in entry level training at the Central Training Center, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 23. Trainees attend an eight-week program of instruction. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley

Soldiers of Sea on Okinawa Apply World War II Lessons to Survey Beach for Amphibious Landing

Lance Cpl. Alden Contreras, Lance Cpl. Bret Fugate and Sgt. Justin Yaw, reconnaissance men, Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, emerge from the water, weapons at the ready, to secure a beach head in order to make it safe for their remaining team mates to complete a hydrographic survey. Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Avitt

Rescue Squadron Conducts Rescue Exercise

A U.S. Air Force C-130P aircraft from the 81st Rescue Squadron lands on a dry lake bed during a search and rescue exercise in Grand Bara, Djibouti, April 23. The exercise consisted of transporting Pararescuemen to their water jump, aerial refueling of a CH-53E helicopter, a assault landing on an unimproved runway, and transloading a simulated survivor from the CH-53E. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford

Chief Petty Officer Cory Drake documents a U.S. Air Force C-130P aircraft, from the 81st Rescue Squadron taking off from a dry lake bed, during a search and rescue exercise in Grand Bara, Djibouti, April 23. The exercise consisted of a Pararescuemen water jump, aerial refueling of a CH-53E helicopter, a assault landing on an unimproved runway, and transloading a simulated survivor from the CH-53E. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Swafford

Sgt. Stryker here. If you’ve ever given the military much though, it’s probably been about seeing action or actual battle. A big part of the military’s role (in my very humble opinion) is to help those who need help. Of course that decision is made by those in charge of the government, but for the most part, they do a pretty good job of picking out groups of people and countries who can really use the help of the US military. While it’s great to have a powerful military, it’s also good to have a useful military.

If you look at the roles of soldiers around the world, you’ll see that a lot of them are in helping roles. Oh, there are still plenty of places that battles are the only way to get things done to help bring the peace (witness Afghanistan), but there are also a lot of areas where the military is actively helping people instead of getting into gun fights or killing the enemy. From Afghanistan to Africa to Iraq and beyond, there are literally thousands of US troops that are out in the world helping people from many different nations.

Sometimes when the mass media looks at the military, they only see the mess-ups or the action. Big media never seems to see the little things that the military does to help each and every day. If they started to concentrate on that more than trying to find mistakes, people might actually start to realize how well run the US Military really is. I’m not sure why the big media companies would be against something like that, but it appears they are. If you agree, write your local media and demand that they start carrying more positive stories about the military and the great job they’re doing around the world.

Let me know how they respond.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Adventure PT’: Team-building With a Few Twists

From left, Staff Sgt. Kenneth J. Ciszek, a communications sergeant with the operations team for 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters, and his teammate, Capt. Evan Hessel, a battle captain with the “The Team,” push a tire as a team nearly four miles up and down hills during a customized morning physical training session dubbed “adventure PT,” April 23. The session involves two-man teams who must paddle a canoe nearly six miles down river before donning a rucksack and body armor and pushing a light medium tactical vehicle tire almost four miles up and down hills in the early morning. Photo by Spc. Benjamin Watson

From left, Capt. James G. Repshire, a battle captain in the operations team for 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters, along with his teammate, Lt. Col. Robert J. Neitzel, chief of operations for the 82nd Abn. Div., push a tire as a team nearly four miles up and down hills during a customized morning physical training session Neitzel calls “adventure PT,” April 23.

School Assessment in Baghdad

U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, patrol the streets near a neighborhood school in Adhamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 26. Photo by Spc. Joshua E. Powell

Lightning Within Five

A storm rolls into Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 20. The 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, combat weather team, uses a variety of techniques to predict weather. They use of a Mark IV satellite and visual reference to determine type and severity of storm to better prepare personnel on BAF to maintain mission effectiveness. Rainstorms are frequent this time of year and have the ability to change the landscape to include rivers and streams. With the lack of drainage systems, floods occur regularly throughout the southeast region of Afghanistan. Precipitation in east and southeast regions is about forty centimeters per year. Photo by Senior Airman Erik Cardenas

Iraqi Police Graduation in Mahmudiyah

Iraqi policemen march in formation during their graduation from an instructor school in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, April 24. These policemen will instruct other Iraqi police officers on proper weapons handling throughout Iraq. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

U.S. Air Force Capt. Richard Martin, center, attached to the Rough Riders, 91st Battalion, Task Force Dragon, congratulates an Iraqi policeman at a graduation ceremony in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, April 24. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

U.S. Air Force Capt. Richard Martin, center, attached to the Rough Riders, 91st Battalion, Task Force Dragon, reads a graduation certificate at an Iraqi police graduation ceremony in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, April 24. The Rough Riders are responsible for instructing Iraqi policemen how to safely aim and fire their weapons. The policemen being taught will instruct other Iraqi police officers throughout Iraq. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

A while back I posted about technology and its impact on the modern military. Today, I want to talk about a specific area – video. If you don’t know, I have a SgtStryker YouTube Page. I’ve been using it more and more to post videos released from the US military every day from all over the world. It’s amazing (to me at least) how much video really gives us a look at what it’s like over there – wherever there might be.

We’re accustomed to getting video and news from the media, but we all know how they film for four hours then cut all that down to a thirty or sixty second segment. That’s just not right if you ask me. That or they put their own media spin on it. Sometimes it’s better to get the video direct from the source. Oh, some will say it’s propaganda from the military, but I look at it as there perspective and look at how things are going.

When you think it through, that’s not such a bad thing – being able to see video of the military taken by the military and released by the military. With that in mind, I’m going to try to get the best video every week and share it with you here and at my YouTube page. (You can subscribe there, I think.) Video has come a long way over the years. (No, I’m not going to tell you if I bought a Betamax or not!) I really think it’s great to be able to see and hear what’s going on over there from the eyes of the military.

Oh, I still watch the news (with a grain/bucket of salt, mind ya!), but it’s nice to be able to see some behind the scenes looks at what’s happening on the ground around the world.

Remember, if you have any questions for me, leave a comment below.

Until next time, Sgt. Stryker signing out…

Operation Viper Shake Clears Korengal Valley

Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Soldiers establish a patrol base during Operation Viper Shake, April 21. During the operation 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt. Soldiers battled freezing temperatures, as they hiked to elevations above 2,500 meters in the mountains surrounding Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt. matthew moeller

Cpl. Thomas Bourget watches over the mountains surrounding the Korengal Valley, in Afghanistan, during Operation Viper Shake, April 21. Bourget, a native of West Warwick, R.I., is an infantryman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Photo by Sgt. matthew moeller

Iraqis, Long Knives Unleash ‘Lion’s Roar’

An Iraqi air force utility helicopter takes off after inserting ground troops onto the mock battlefield of the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in the Maysan province, April 19. The event displayed the combined forces of the 10th Iraqi Army Division, the Long Knife Brigade and the Iraqi and U.S. Air Forces. Photo by Spc. Creighton Holub

Task Force Warrior Assists Afghan Neighbors

Army 1st Lt. Christopher Riggs and Army Pfc. Johnny Lane, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Task Force Warrior, hand out backpacks to students from the Janquadam Middle School in Janquadam Village, Bagram District, during a humanitarian aid mission, April 20. Maps, paper, pencils, chalk and other teaching aids were given out to school workers while approximately 1,200 students received school packs, first aid supplies and hygiene kits. Photo by Sgt. Warren Wright

Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2’s Community Appreciation Open House

Tech. Sgt. Derrick Brooks, a pararescue jumper with the 304th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, back flips from an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter at 7,200 feet, during a joint operation High Altitude-Low Open jump demonstration for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2’s Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, flew the Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop. Photo by Sgt. Eric Rutherford

Cav Troopers Help Keep Sadr City Safe

Jack Rollins, from Anson, Texas, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, takes a knee and keeps watch at the mouth of an alleyway in Sadr City, April 20. Soldiers from 2-5 Cav. patrol these streets to provide a visual deterrent to insurgents and criminal activity. Photo by Sgt. Joshua Risner

While things heat up with combat in Afghanistan, there’s a different set of goals being reached in Iraq. All over the country, the coalition (primarily US troops) are helping Iraqi men (and women) to build the cornerstones of what is sure to become a powerhouse country in the region. As violence in Iraq settles down, even more investments can be made in the country. As things become safer, you’re going to see business in Iraq really take off.

Sometimes, the way a country helps rebuild after a war says a lot about that country and what their intentions really were. A lot of people out there said that Iraq was a mistake and that the US was just interested in money or oil or revenge for some reason. As time progresses, though, and the bad guys are less able to keep up their resistance, more and more things are being rebuilt and handed over to the Iraqi people.

And every school that is built, every well that is dug, every bridge and road constructed – everything the coalition is doing over there will go a long way to helping the Iraqi people continue to stand up on their feet and move forward at a pace they can handle. Things aren’t perfect in Iraq – by no means would I suggest that. Things are definitely headed in the right direction, though.

Here’s some photos and moving pictures.

Sgt. Stryker Out.

Iraqi Soldiers Hand Out School Supplies to Iraqi Children

Iraqi soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Division of the Iraqi army, hand out school supplies to Iraqi children during a joint patrol with Company C, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment May 19, near Balad, Iraq. Company C, distributed more than 60 boxes of clothes, shoes and school supplies they had recieved from people back in the United States. Courtesy Photo

Soldiers Carry the Main Part of Playground

Members of 121 Signal Battalion carry the main part of playground to put in place at the all girls school in AD Dawr, Iraq. Courtesy Photo

Soldiers Pose in Front of Playground System

Member of 121 Signal Battalion pose in front of playground system that built at an all girls school in Ad Dawr, Iraq. From Back left to right: Chaplain (Cpt) Gilmore, Command Sgt Maj Butler, Spc Cox, Cpt Steyer, Selma (Translater), Spc Carreon. Front row left to right: Spc Dupree, Cpt Miller, Sgt Williams, and Staff Sgt Perez.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Kanaan, Iraq

Iraqi policemen prepare security measures for the grand opening of the new communications center and Department of Irrigation buildings in Kanaan, Iraq, on April 21. U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, were invited to watch the ribbon cutting ceremonies. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Pels

Patrolling for Industry: Coalition Forces Assist Local Businesses With Improving Productivity

Spc. Justin Dayzie (left), a civil affairs specialist from Kaibeto, Ariz., assigned to the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion takes notes and a grid reading inside a plastics factory in Boob al-Sham, April 14. Spc. James Powell, a cavalry scout and native of Fort Pierce, Fla., assigned to the1st Squadron, 7th Cav. Regiment, also records the grid as Iraqi factory workers lift material using a pulley system up to the second level of the building. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

If you haven’t been watching or reading the news lately, first off, shame on you. Secondly, there’s been a lot of stories about pirates on the open seas attacking unarmed civvy and military vehicles. This should not be happening. If you remember your history, America’s involvement with the Middle East first started with the Barbary pirates. They were the reason the US Navy was ramped up and soon became the dominating force on the open seas.

Today, the Middle East is again being troublesome with pirates. It’s not only there, though. All over the world, pirates are getting more and more brazen with their actions. In my not so humble opinion, the Navy needs to ramp up efforts to put these scumbucket pirates in their place. American citizens shouldn’t be afraid to travel by sea.

Ahhh… but they are. Here’s a recent release:

The British military support ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Knight working in support of the Combined Maritime Forces, thwarted two pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, April 18, which resulted in the release of 13 hostages and disrupted the activities of 14 Somali pirates.

“This is a clear demonstration of how cooperation between more than a dozen international naval forces can result in the successful disruption of piracy activity,” said Royal Navy Commodore Tim Lowe, deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces. “In the last 72 hours alone, coordinated efforts of six different nations resulted in the release of 49 innocent merchant mariners who had been held hostage by armed pirates, as well as the interception of 46 suspected pirates.”

Lowe cautioned that naval forces will not be the sole solution to piracy, but by coordinating international naval efforts, criminal acts of piracy will continue to be disrupted.

While working in conjunction with international naval forces deployed to the region, Wave Knight received a distress call at approximately 8:00 a.m. from Merchant Vessel Handy Tankers Magic, which was under attack by pirates.

The attack broke off before Wave Knight arrived, but the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship followed the skiff to a fishing dhow, later confirmed to be a pirate “mother ship.” Via radio, Wave Knight ordered the dhow to stop and used a Royal Navy armed force protection team as well as the ship’s own weapons team to provide cover. The pirate vessel complied.

Dutch warship HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, deployed as part of the NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 1, arrived on-scene and determined there were pirates and hostages aboard the vessel. Ultimately, 13 fishermen who had been held hostage by pirates since April 12, were freed and able to return home to Yemen. Since the seven suspected pirates aboard the dhow were not captured in the act of piracy they were released, but they were disarmed and their weapons destroyed.

Two hours later, Wave Knight received a second distress call from Merchant Vessel Front Ardennes. Wave Knight arrived on scene and successfully eterred the skiff and prevented the pirates from boarding the tanker. Following repeated warnings to move away, Wave Knight fired warning shots, which caused the pirates to break off their attack and flee the scene.

With the assistance of helicopters from the NATO task group ships HMCS Winnipeg and USS Halyburton, Wave Knight followed the pirate skiff for six hours, until relieved on-scene by Winnipeg, who conducted a boarding of the skiff. Wave Knight provided fuel and landing facilities for the NATO warships’ helicopters and was able to manoeuvre into a position to stop the suspected pirates, allowing Winnipeg’s boarding team to disarm and then subsequently release the suspected pirates.

“RFA Wave Knight is a modern replenishment ship designed to be able to support a myriad of coalition maritime operations,” said Royal Fleet Auxiliary Capt. I. N. Phillips, Wave Knight’s commanding officer. “Our primary role is refuelling and aviation operations, but we are fully capable of conducting anti-piracy operations in and around the Horn of Africa. We have been on station for over a year providing support to many nations, and we remain committed to helping ensure maritime security.”

CMF is comprised of 23 nations whose role is to conduct Maritime Security Operations throughout the region to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Maritime Security Operations help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

Will we see less pirates on the seas eventually? They’re becoming a big problem, but it looks like there’s something being done about it.

Ok, here’s some of that multi-media…

Sgt. Stryker

Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Knight Thwarts Pirates in the Gulf of Aden

The British military support ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Knight working in support of the Combined Maritime Forces, thwarted a pirate attack on the Merchant Vessel Handy Tankers Magic in the Gulf of Aden, April 18, which resulted in the release of 13 hostages and disrupted the activities of 7 Somali pirates. CMF is comprised of 23 nations whose role is to conduct Maritime Security Operations throughout the region to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Maritime Security Operations help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. Photo: Courtesy

Marines Patrol Gulf of Aden Skies for Pirates

Sgt. Alex J. Azcuenaga, from Boise, Idaho and UH-1Y aerial gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) “Evil Eyes,” of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, patrols the Gulf of Aden conducting counter-piracy surveillance for merchant shipping in the internationally recommended transit corridor. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional Maritime Security Operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack. Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Campbell, from Melbourne, Ark. and UH-1Y crew chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) “Evil Eyes,” of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares an M2.50 caliber machine gun during flight operations in support of counter-piracy surveillance operations. Sgt. Anthony Petro, from Des Moines, Iowa, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU accompanied the crew during their operations. Air crews from HMM-163 (Rein.) patrol the open seas near the Horn of Africa conducting counter-piracy surveillance for merchant shipping in the internationally recommended transit corridor in the Gulf of Aden. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional Maritime Security Operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.

Sgt. Stryker here. Hope things are going well for you. I want to talk some more about Afghanistan today. As I said before, Afghanistan has a long history of being used as a sort of mudroom in the region. In the past, even technology hasn’t been able to totally calm extremists in the country. If you recall, not even the Russians at their peak could manage to hold and control Afghanistan from the rebels. (Although, some Afghans got a lot of help in the 1980s from the US and other countries covertly… from what I hear…)

Today, though, the most technologically capable country in the history of the world has sent under 100,000 troops to try to tame the area so that it can thrive as an Islamic Republic, a cornerstone of modern life in the region. So far, things have been a little shaky. It’s a lot safer than it was under the Taliban and there are less national treasures being destroyed (remember the Buddha statues?), but there’s still a long way to go. It’s going to be interesting to see if the technology of the coalition forces will be enough to overpower the bad guys who want to sow chaos in the region.

I like to think that US forces and coalition members will eventually be successful. They have a bit to go in securing the area, though. With the addition of new forces and new technology, things may continue to really turn around. Hopefully, the US military with support from coalition partners will be able to bring peace, safety and prosperity to the region after hundreds of years of bloodshed. It’s a might big task, but it’s one that’s totally worth it, especially since things are going to well in Iraq.

Ok, just throwing some thoughts out there. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I leave you with some pics and a small update on the reduction of enemy weapons in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Stryker out.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Provide Security in Farah Province

Coalition forces pull security for a helicopter as they prepare for extraction in Gulistan District, Farah province, after conducting an operation in support of the security and stability of Afghanistan. The troops were pulling security for the safety of the pilots and their comrades on the ground. Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Wilson

Afghan national army commandos of the 207th Corps provide security for an incoming helicopter while conducting an operation in support of the security and stability of Afghanistan in Gulistan District, Farah province, on April 12. Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Wilson

A coalition troop pops violet smoke to signal a helicopter for extraction after conducting an operation in support of the security and stability of Afghanistan in Gulistan District, Farah province, on April 12. Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Wilson

Corporal Earns Silver Star Medal for Selfless Heroism on Front Lines

Cpl. Jason Jones is pictured July 13 in the Kunar province of eastern Afghanistan just hours after a firefight where he earned the Silver Star. Courtesy Photo

Afghan National Army Commandos Conduct Air Assault in Farah

A commando with the 207th Kandak pulls security over a large poppy field during an air assault in Gulistan District, Farah province, April 12. Commandos consistently conduct mission to disrupt the poppy trade, which is a primary monetary source for insurgents in Afghanistan. Photo by Spc. James Tamez

Afghan National Security Forces Disrupt Insurgent Activities in Eastern Afghanistan

Afghan villagers provided coalition forces with information leading to the recovery of the pictured mines in the Meydan Shahr District, Wardak province, Saturday. The Afghan villagers were participating in the small rewards program, which compensates Afghan citizens when they provide information leading to the recovery of armament caches. Courtesy Photo

Quick Afghanistan Update:

Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, disrupted a number of insurgent activities in eastern Afghanistan during the past week while conducting operations in support of the security and stability of the country.

The combined elements discovered a roadside bomb while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in the Khowst District, Khowst province, Saturday. The roadside bomb, which was discovered in a culvert under a paved road, weighed approximately 5 pounds and was made to be command-detonated. The ANSF safely neutralized the explosive device.

Elsewhere, in Meydan Shahr District, Wardak province, ANSF and coalition forces recovered a weapons cache containing fourteen mines after being notified of the cache’s location by villagers in the area. The villagers were taking advantage of the Small Rewards Program, which provides Afghan citizens with compensation when they facilitate the turn-in and recovery of armament caches.

Also in Khowst province, Afghan national army commandos of the 203rd Corps discovered a roadside bomb while conducting a foot patrol in the Sabari District, Saturday. An ANA Commando spotted a wire protruding from an irrigation ditch and immediately alerted the rest of the patrol. The combined elements followed the wire and discovered a roadside bomb with a battery pack and switch. The roadside bomb was destroyed in place.

Later during the patrol, the ANA commandos discovered and disabled a car that had been prepared for use as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device along the side of a road. Wires protruding from the dashboard led to a battery pack and to a switch attached to the gear shift. The back had been hollowed out.

No ANSF, coalition forces or non-combatants were injured during this operation.
First Transportation Co. Departs Iraq for Afghanistan

B-roll of Soldiers of the 154th Transportation Company departing from Iraq and heading to Afghanistan. Scenes include military vehicles being driven down a dirt road, Soldiers loading up backs of trucks, and Soldiers boarding an aircraft.
Afghanistan Engineers District Soldiers in Action

B-roll of Afghanistan Engineer District (AED) members locating and documenting weapons caches. Scenes include a safety officer touring the facility where the bombs were found, various shots of all the shells and others working around the cache area to detect more weapons or ordinance.

B-roll of Afghanistan Engineers District Soldiers finding weapons caches. Scenes include footage of the weapons cache and depot, engineers and Afghans scanning for unexploded ordinance in the ground and digging them up when found.

Hello, again. I’m back. Another day. Another revolution of the planet around the sun. Meanwhile, the sun never sets on the US military as it operates around the world, in every time zone, including space. It’s am amazing amount of mobility if you stop and think about it. And space. The post about Star Trek being premiered in Kuwait got me to thinking about technology and science and space travel. Will there soon be space marines? Space infantrymen? I’ll have to dust off my old Robert Heinlein and Asimov novels, I think.

Technology does play a large role in the military, though. Being able to dominate technologically is one of the reasons the US military is so strong and can ‘get it done’ wherever they are in the world, whatever they’re trying to do. With the help of technology, soldiers with great training are able to dominate all over the world. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, battling pirates (sea terrorists) and extremists (land terrorists), the US military is able to use technology to literally be able to see and hear things the enemy can’t begin to fathom.

This is why it’s going well in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oh, it’s taking a while maybe, but you can see the technology adapting to the task at hand. Just look at the MRAPs when they started being shipped over. They’ve been successful, from what I know. There are other examples too. Wherever you look, technology and the ability to adapt and adapt quickly (for a large military anyway), make it possible to get it done and get it done efficiently, quickly, safely – the American way, you could say.

What about you? Your thoughts about technology in the military? Speak up, I wanna hear what you have to say.

Ok, enough chitchat. Here’s this weeks video and pics. Let me know what you think!

StrykerSgtOut.

Star Trek in Kuwait

Sgt. Stryker here. It’s nice when the men and women in uniform get to taste a little something of back home when they’re out in the field. Troops in Kuwait recently got to see the upcoming Star Trek movie early. (From what I’ve been told by younger relatives, this is Star Trek for people who don’t like Star Trek, whatever the heck that means!) Anyway, I think it’s cool that soldiers are given little perks like this … it’s small compared to all they sacrifice. The premiere was followed by a Q&A session with the cast. Over 500 troops saw the film.

When you think about Star Trek (and the Federation), it’s interesting to think about the soldiers all over the planet battling each other. Will mankind ever unite together to conquer the stars ala Star Trek? Someday maybe. Until then, you can rest assured the military is doing what it can to keep the entire planet Earth safe from all those who would harm her or the people.

Ok, enough geeking out with Star Trek. How about some pictures?

Blue Diamonds

Lightning strikes behind two F/A-18C Hornet strike fighters from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron 146 on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing 9 are on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Elliott J. Fabrizio

USS Mahan Activity

Family members welcome home Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan during the ship’s homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk. Mahan returned after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility as part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Danals

Iraqi Army Mortar Training in Mahmudiyah

Shane Liddick (left), a special operative for the San Diego Magazine, dances with Iraqi army soldiers assigned to 17th IA Division during their final day of mortar training in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, on April 6. Photo by Sgt. Kani Ronningen

Combined Mortar Training

U.S. Army Spc. William Neal, an indirect fire infantryman from Spring Hill, Tenn., attached to Gunfighter Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 8th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas, takes cover after Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Abdul Razzaq fires a 120mm mortar shell during a combined mortar training exercise with Iraqi soldiers from 1st Battalion, 46th Brigade, 12 Infantry Division, on April 4, 2009, at the Saber Range, outside Mansurya village, Diyala province, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Iraqi Special Operations Forces Helicopter Training

A soldier with the 9th Battalion Iraqi special operations forces hustles to his position on the roof of a training building during a fast rope training exercise.U.S. Special Operation Forces in partnership with Iraqi special operation forces conduct various training exercises to achieve a common, maintaining the safety and security of Iraq. Photo by Eric Lippmann

On the sad news note, an International Security Assistance Force service member was killed in an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan April 13, 2009, according to US news releases.

“On behalf of ISAF, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this service member,” said Captain Mark Durkin, ISAF spokesman. “This soldier died while fighting to ensure that in the future, Afghans will be able to provide for their own security. His sacrifice was to help bring peace to the people Afghanistan and will not be forgotten”

It is ISAF policy not to release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.

Next of kin have been notified.

This is Sgt. Stryker signing out.

All Ahead in Afghanistan

As mentioned in my last post, it looks like there’s a lot of renewed action in Afghanistan. It appears the US military is serious about sending in a lot of troops to further stabilize the region. The problem is, if you know *anything* about the history of Afghanistan and that area of the world, you’ll know that poor country has been at war a long, long, long, very long time. There’s not much there anymore (besides the people), but the country is in a strategic location, which has made it into a “mud room” of sorts for that part of the world. That is, other countries use it as a place to get dirty and fight.

There’s a new coalition trying to tame things in the region, though. And they’ve been at it a while now with very little troops (when compared to the US commitment in Iraq and elsewhere…) What will happen as there is a small surge and they start to get proactive about going after terror cells – even if that means heading into Pakistan or (gasp!) Iran. If those countries are harboring terrorists, they need to stop. That’s the only way the big picture problems will stop and the military can private sector can go forward with redeveloping that area for the people of Afghanistan.

As mentioned, Afghanistan is in a very strategic location, a gateway of sorts if you will. If they could turn the ‘mud room’ into a waiting room or marketplace of sorts, the country could really rebound after hundreds of years of war, bloodshed, dictatorships and just plain out misery. It makes me feel when I think about what those people have had to go through over the years. And it makes me glad the US military and a few other countries have enough courage to say enough is enough this will be stopped. Ok, before I get too worked up about this subject, let’s get to some pics from Afghanistan.
# U.S. Marines Strike Insurgent Positions in Now Zad, Afghanistan

Photos by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau

The residents of Now Zad were forced to abandon their homes nearly three years ago out of fear for their lives due to the strong presence of insurgents. By conducting combat operations here, Marines are bringing Now Zad closer to the reintroduction of Afghan-led governance. The Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, have served in Now Zad since November 2008. SPMAGTF-A is committed to assisting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with providing security to the Afghan people.

U.S. Marines maintain security as other Marines assess battle damage on a former enemy position during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

U.S. Marines maneuver through a wall to conduct site exploitation after a precision aerial attack during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

U.S. Marines take cover from a controlled detonation of explosives during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

Smoke rises after a high-mobility artillery rocket system, or HIMARS, strike on insurgent positions during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

U.S. Marines assess the battle damage on a former enemy position targeted during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

A mounted patrol engages insurgents with machine gun and mortar fire during a combat operation in the abandoned village of Now Zad, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3.

Sgt. Stryker signing out and reminding you to leave a comment, it’s free.

Obama Visits Iraq, Sends a Message to the Enemy + Biden B-Roll

Ok, I’m back. A little break now and then does everyone good. As I mentioned in my last post, I’m gonna mix it up a little. Today I’m going to talk a little bit about President Barack Obama sending a subtle but strong message to Iraq and the world – it’s safe enough for me to be here. That’s a rather simple message, but it’s a bold one.

President Barack Obama’s surprise trip to Iraq on April 7, 2009 shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s kinda like the Chinese with the US vessel last month – testing the waters so to speak, or sending a message. President Obama showing up in Iraq sends a strong message – that the U.S. is indeed winning and feels it’s safe enough for the President to show up. That’s saying a lot. Yes, it was an unannounced stop, but that’s just smart, ya know?

The real question is, though, whether or not the rest of the world read between the lines on the visit. Only time will tell, but it looks to this old man that eyes are turning further East – to Afghanistan at least. There’s still the potential for trouble in Iran and Pakistan, though. It will be interesting to see if Obama can keep those powderkegs from blowing up. If he can, he would be well on his way to being elected a second term in 2012.

Ok, enough chatter. Here are some pics from around the world, in the field…

President Obama Visits Iraq, Addresses Service Members and Government Employees

President of the United States Barack Obama visited Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Iraq April 7. This was Obama’s first visit to Iraq as commander in chief and made time to talk to service members and civilians serving here. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante

Soldiers Patrol Waygul Valley

Soldiers from C. Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infanry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, patrol the Waygul Valley’s rocky cliffs, near the village of Walo Tangi, in Konar province, Afghanistan, April 6. Photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller

Patrol in Afak, Iraq

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Trevor Peters from Olean, N.Y., of the 110th Military Police Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, guides a vehicle as it backs up at an Iraqi police station in Afak, Iraq, April 5. The Soldiers visit the police stations to ensure their training and logistical needs are being met. Photo by Senior Airman Eric Harris

School Book Delivery in Salah Ad Din Province

U.S. coalition forces vehicles and Iraqi army vehicles line up in convoy formation before leaving the staging area in Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, on March 31. The convoy’s mission is to deliver Iraqi school books to schools around the Salah ad Din province. Photo by Staff Sgt. Raull Elliott

Patrol in Abu Ghraib

U.S Army Spc. Vincent Fowler, attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, hands out candy to Iraqi children in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, March 31. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

Patrol in Abu Ghraib

U.S Army 1st Lt. Andrew Dacey, attached to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, sits with an Iraqi sheik to discuss a school project in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, March 31. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan

B-roll of Vice President Joe Biden speaking at the 18th Airborne Core Welcome Home ceremony at Ft. Bragg. Part 1 of 4. Video shot by Multi Media Branch, Directorate of Information Management (DOIM).

There’s been a LOT of action in Afghanistan this month:

Coalition and Afghan forces have killed at least 52 insurgents and captured 17 others in four days of fighting in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

The firefights mostly have occurred in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand and Zabol provinces, where military officials say the Taliban is increasing its presence.

Afghan and coalition forces have killed at least 37 insurgents in Helmand since April 3, and 14 insurgents were killed in Zabol on April 4. Combined forces also killed one insurgent and captured eight others in the southern province of Kandahar on April 3. Bombing cells, illegal drug operations and foreign fighter trafficking have been disrupted.

In eastern Afghanistan, the combined forces captured a Taliban commander and three others in Khowst province on April 3, and detained four militants in Lowgar province on April 4.

A breakdown of operations since April 3 follows:

Afghan soldiers, assisted by coalition troops, killed two armed militants April 6 in Helmand province’s northern village of Tarin Kowt. The combined force was on patrol in an area known for heavy militant presence when they were attacked with a barrage of small-arms fire.

The Afghan-led force called for close-air support and engaged the enemy fighting position with small-arms and mortar fire, killing two militants.

In eastern Afghanistan April 6, Afghan commandos, assisted by coalition forces, captured a militant suspected of planting a homemade bomb along a road in the Gardez district of Paktia province.

The combined force was departing a meeting with local leaders when they saw a suspicious man running from a motorcycle overturned in the road. The commandos pursued the man on foot and detained him. Upon searching him, they uncovered a battery pack and a remote control, most commonly used by militants for detonating explosives from a distance.

The forces discovered homemade bomb buried in the road and safely destroyed it in place. The militant was taken into custody.

Afghan and coalition forces killed 14 armed militants in the Qalat district of Zabol province April 4. The Afghan-led force was patrolling the area known for having a militant presence, when they were attacked by numerous armed militants with heavy small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

The combined force moved forward, closing in on the enemies’ position as Afghan soldiers recovered insurgent weapons. Inside a cave complex, they discovered a cache of bomb-making materials and several explosives, which they destroyed.

As the force pushed forward, a firefight ensued when militants re-engaged the patrol from four motorcycles and various fighting positions with small-arms and RPG fire. After positively identifying the armed militants and assuring there were no non-combatants in the area, the combined unit returned fire with small-arms and close air support, killing 14 militants.

Afghan soldiers, assisted by coalition forces, killed 15 militants and discovered a large bomb-making facility, drug lab and weapons cache during ongoing operations to disrupt militant activities in the Kajaki district of Helmand province Saturday, April 4, 2009.

The combined forces were conducting an early morning search of known insurgent compounds used for weapons and bomb-making materials trafficking, and as a safe-haven for insurgent fighters moving between Helmand and Oruzgan provinces.

During a search of one compound, the forces discovered a drug lab containing 5,000 pounds of poppy seeds used to produce opium, 10 bags of opium, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

A further search of the compound uncovered various weapons and ammunition, including one heavy machine gun with ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenades, body armor, mortar rounds, several containers of homemade explosives, and several bags of ammonium nitrate commonly used to make explosive.

A second compound nearby also housed a bomb-making facility containing ready-to-use suicide vests, a large amount of bomb-making materials and components. The facility, located near a mosque, appeared to have been strategically placed in order to deter detection and destruction. The building had extensive booby traps, and the combined forces were unable to retrieve the explosives from the building safely. After ensuring that no civilians were in the area and taking every precaution to minimize damage to surrounding buildings, the combined force destroyed the materials with a controlled detonation.

The combined forces received machine-gun, small-arms and RPG fire during the operation. They returned small-arms fire and, with air support, killed 15 militants.

One militant was killed and eight suspects were detained April 4 in Kandahar province during a joint operation to bring down a Taliban cell directly linked to the March explosions that killed four Canadian troops.

In Kandahar’s Arghandab district, Afghan and coalition forces raided a compound housing Taliban members. Immediately upon their arrival, the assault force encountered an armed militant who engaged them. The assault force returned fire, killing the man.

Afghan forces called out for all women and children to peacefully exit multiple buildings. With women and children moved to safety, forces questioned eight men suspected to be involved in bomb-making in Kandahar. All eight were detained.

When forces searched the compound, they found multiple weapons, munitions and bomb-making materials, all of which were destroyed.

Eleven women and 27 children were protected.

Afghan troops, assisted by coalition forces, killed 20 insurgents during one of a series of continuing operations in the Kajaki district of Helmand province April 3.

The combined forces were conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in known Taliban stronghold when they were ambushed by numerous armed insurgents with mortar and small-arms fire.

The combined forces pursued the enemy in their fighting positions, returned fire and called in close-air support. They destroyed six enemy fighting positions and killed 20 insurgents.

Afghan and coalition forces detained four suspected insurgents during an April 4 operation in the Baraki Barak district of eastern Afghanistan’s Lowgar province to disable the Haqqani terrorist network there.

A combined force raided a compound to remove a local Haqqani tactical commander responsible for direct-fire ambushes, kidnappings and explosives operations. When the force arrived at the targeted compound, Afghan forces called for non-combatants to peacefully exit the buildings, with all occupants following the force’s directives. Without incident, four suspected militants were detained.

Afghan army commandos, assisted by coalition forces, captured a Taliban commander and three other insurgents April 3 in an early-morning raid of a compound in the Lagharah Valley of Khowst province.

The captured mid-level commander is believed responsible for facilitating suicide bombings and emplacing roadside bombs in the area. He is known to have aided in direct ambushes and bomb attacks on Afghan National Police and coalition forces. The compound has been used in the past to launch attacks against the people of Afghanistan, including the ordered burning of a school in Seekuun Village.

Three other militants believed to associate with and aid the Taliban commander also were detained.

No Afghan or coalition military or non-combatant civilians were reported wounded in any of the operations.

Sgt Stryker signing out.