Political Action Network » military

DOD Allows Social Media On NIPRNET

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:41:13 +0000

The US Department of Defense will now allow social networking and Web 2.0 social tools access within it’s Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET). A statement “Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-based Capabilities” (DTM 09-026) was released on February 25th to formally allow social networking use within the non-classified network–unifying the policy across military branches for social network usage. This memorandum will also provide unified authority for public affairs communication for the military within social networking websites and tools.

http://www.ironpaper.com/current/2010/02/pentagon-allows-social-media-within-non-classified-network/

Ahmadinejad Sworn Into Second Term As Iran’s President Within An Environment Of Protest

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:46:28 +0000

Two months after the massive protests in Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn into a second term as president. There were scattered protests in the streets, where Basij militia and armed police patrolled to hush opposition. However, the “million strong” protest, organized by the opposition, failed to materialize. Even within the government there was open protest, with most of the Parliament’s reform faction boycotting the Ahmadinejad’s speech.

US Military Advisor In Iraq Says “Time To Go Home”

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:18:08 +0000

In a very blunt memo, a US advisor, Col. Timothy R. Reese, in Iraq stated that even though there are numerous deficiencies in Iraqi forces, they are now capable of protecting the Iraqi government, and it is now time for US soldiers to return home.

Forces on the ground have grown concerned that in recent events Iraqi leadership have made forceful moves to regain authority. Senior officials have restated that cooperation between Iraqi forces and the US have increased and are in good standing.

Col. Timothy R. Reese in his memo had outlined numerous concerns regarding military weakness, corruption, bad management, and a lack of resistance to Shiite political influence. Yet, the commander stated that extending US presence in Iraqi may do little to help this situation. Worst yet, extending the stay in Iraqi may cause the fire of resentment by Iraqi populations to burn hotter.

Pakistan Improves Targeting Capabilities For Guided Missles

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:08:17 +0000

Pakistan’s military once used Google Earth to plan air assaults on targets. The lack of precision offered by off-the-shelf consumer satellite technology may have lead to undesired damage or fatalities.

Recently Pakistan’s Airforce has improved its targeting capabilities for guided missles, which will greatly contribute to its fight against the Taliban in the Swat Valley and also reduce the probability for collateral damage. The Pakistan Airforce has moved away from scorched-earth artillery and air tactics that had been used last year against insurgents in the the Bajaur tribal agency. The Pakistan air force is now using spy planes and other surveillance aircraft along with laser guided bombs to improve accuracy.

One of the main reasons for Pakistan’s move to improve their targeting technologies was prevent the alienation of the population within regions of conflict should civilian deaths be incurred.

Homelessness Among Veterans Produce Record Numbers In Tent City

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:27:17 +0000

Stand Down*, an annual three-day tent city, helps veterans whose lives have seen hardship and are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans.

In recent days, Stand Down events have seen record numbers as veterans struggle to find gainful employment within the environment of this economic slowdown. The San Diego event brought in 950 veterans compared to the 830 from last year (also a record). Younger veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are now also beginning to appear in the events. The younger veterans, many who bare traumatic brain injuries or psychological stresses, may have fallen through the safety nets faster than expected.

Some of the services offered within the Stand Down events often include: hot food, haircuts, massages, dental care, legal aid, referrals to drug programs and federal benefits. Some of the veterans also seek out these events to temporarily escape the harsh life on the city streets.

*Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local Veterans Affairs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless. The first Stand Down was organized in San Diego in 1988 by a group of veterans.