CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS SAYS IRAQ TRENDING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Right:  Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, and Defense Secretary Ash Carter conduct a news conference at the Pentagon, April 16, 2015. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen.
  
Trends in Iraq Moving in Right Direction, Dempsey Says
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2015 – The Iraqi government has made gains, and trends there are moving in the right direction, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at a Pentagon news conference today.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey met with reporters alongside Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Hard work remains to be done to integrate Iraq’s militias under state command and control as Iraq continues to prepare its forces to sustain momentum against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the general said.

Iraq’s efforts during the Tikrit offensive are a good step, the chairman said, adding that the United States will continue consulting with Iraq's leadership as it plans and conducts operations. Dempsey also noted that Iraq has helped in its fight against ISIL.

Encouraged by Coalition’s Commitment

“I'm encouraged by the commitment of the coalition,” Dempsey said. “There's been an addition of 300 Australian troops and 100 New Zealand troops to the training mission, and that will certainly contribute to the outcomes we all seek.”
Those forces join the international partnership capacity mission, which includes the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States, he added.

The chairman briefly outlined the military offensive going north of Baghdad through Diyala and into Tikrit, Beiji, and eventually up near Kirkuk from Anbar province.

“The offensive north of Baghdad has been deliberate, measured, steady progress,” he said. “Al Anbar has always been pockets of Iraqi security forces and pockets of ISIL. [The] latest attack on Ramadi is yet another indication that what the government of Iraq needs to do is connect these ink blots … of their legitimate security forces, so that there isn't this constant back and forth.”
Iraq’s Oil Infrastructure

Beiji, part of the Iraqi oil infrastructure, remains a contested area, the chairman said. “[But] when the Iraqis have full control of Beiji,” he added, “they will control all of their oil infrastructure, both north and south, and deny ISIL the ability to generate revenue through oil.”

The ISIL threat to the refinery is serious, Dempsey said, because the extremist group penetrated the outer perimeter.

“It's an extraordinarily large expanse of facility,” he said. “The refinery itself is at no risk right now, and we're focusing a lot of our [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] and air support there.”

Overall, the chairman said, the security environment in Iraq remains as dynamic as it's ever been. “And we remain focused on ensuring that our troops have the leadership, the training, and the resources to accomplish the tasks we ask of them,” he added.

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR TRAINING FOR U.S. ARMY PARATROOPERS

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

U.S. Army paratroopers check their protective masks before entering the gas chamber to conduct chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 31, 2015. The Army paratroopers are assigned to 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. The brigade is the Army contingency response force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa and Central commands areas of responsibility within 18 hours. U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger

U.S. Army paratroopers enter the gas chamber during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 31, 2015. U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger.

DOD TO TRAIN UKRAINE NATIONAL GUARD STARTING IN LATE APRIL

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

U.S. paratroopers from the Army's 173rd "Sky Soldiers" Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, will train six Ukraine National Guard companies with a focus on internal security and territorial defense. U.S. Army photo.  

DoD Moves Forward on Ukraine National Guard Training
By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2015 – The Defense Department is moving forward with plans to train members of the Ukraine National Guard beginning in late April, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said yesterday.

The department will use its authorities under the Global Security Contingency Fund as part of a joint DoD-State Department initiative to strengthen Ukraine's internal defense capabilities, Warren told reporters during a daily briefing.

“We plan on sending about 290 U.S. service members, specifically paratroopers from the [Army’s] mighty 173rd ‘Sky Soldiers’ Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy,” he said, to train six Ukraine National Guard companies with a focus on internal security and territorial defense.

The training will be conducted in western Ukraine at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, near the border with Poland, Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.

Training for Guard, Headquarters Staff

There will also be training for headquarters personnel, she added, focusing on the continued professionalization of Ukrainian staff members.

The training is part of a long-term strategy to build Ukraine's capacity and capabilities, she added, and to help increase the professionalism of its forces.
“It is similar to previous long-standing exercises we have conducted in Ukraine since 1995,” she said. “The United States conducts joint exercises and training with our partners and allies throughout Europe and all around the world.”

The United States believes there is no military resolution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but that Ukraine has a right to defend itself, Lainez said.
Sustaining Ukraine’s Defense

“This assistance is part of our ongoing efforts to help sustain Ukraine's defense and internal security operations. In particular, the training will help the Ukraine government develop its National Guard to conduct internal defense operations,” Lainez noted, adding that the program is designed to strengthen Ukraine's defense capability and capacity and assist in its defense reform.

The training mission involves equipping Ukraine security forces, and this nonlethal equipment includes basic field uniforms and equipment, body armor, night-vision devices and tactical radios, she said. The train-and-equip program for the Ukraine National Guard will cost $19 million, she added.

Austere Challenge 2015

Also in the region, Warren said, U.S. European Command yesterday began executing a large-scale defense exercise called Austere Challenge 2015 that will involve 4,000 U.S. service members.

The exercise consists of command-post simulations and aims to train and prepare Eucom and component command headquarters staffs to plan for and respond to crises, Warren said. The exercise is taking place at several locations in Germany and the United Kingdom, he added.

“Training events such as Austere Challenge are vital to ensuring the men and women of Eucom are well-positioned as America's forward presence,” Warren said, “standing alongside our proven and indispensable European allies and partners to ensure regional stability.”

1,500 ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO BE DEPLOYED TO IRAQ

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
President Authorizes Additional Troops for Counter-ISIL Effort
By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2014 – As part of the strategy to defeat terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, President Barack Obama authorized Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to deploy up to 1,500 additional troops to Iraq, the Pentagon press secretary announced today.

Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said the troops will serve in non-combat roles by joining the existing advise-and-assist mission and initiating a comprehensive training effort for Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

The defense secretary recommended the troop increase following a request by Iraq’s government and an assessment of Iraqi units by U.S. Central Command, Kirby said.

Based on Evaluation of Iraqi Forces’ Progress

The decision also was based on an evaluation of the progress made by Iraqi security forces in the field, and it comes in concert with the development of a coalition campaign plan to defend key areas and go on the offensive against ISIL terrorists, the admiral said.

“U.S. Central Command will establish two expeditionary advise-and-assist operations centers in locations outside of Baghdad and Irbil to provide support for the Iraqis at the brigade headquarters level and above,” he said.
The admiral said about 630 of the newly authorized troops will be assigned to the expanded advise-and-assist mission. In addition, Centcom will establish several new training sites across Iraq that will accommodate the training of 12 Iraqi brigades -- nine from the Iraqi army and three Kurdish peshmerga brigades, Kirby said.

The remainder of the troops, about 870, will be assigned to this mission in various roles, including logistics and force protection, he added.

While site surveys are still being conducted, a senior administration official speaking on background said the training sites likely will be located in Anbar, Irbil, Diyalah and Baghdad provinces. The locations reflect the geographic areas in which the Iraqi security forces want to make progress, the official added.

Coalition Forces Will Participate

Several hundred coalition troops will join U.S. personnel at these locations to help build Iraqi capacity and capability, Kirby said. A number of coalition nations have agreed to contribute personnel to the training effort, he said, noting that Hagel met today with Danish Defense Minister Nicolai Wammen, and the Danes have agreed to provide 120 trainers.

The training will be funded through a request for a $1.6 billion fund that the administration will submit to Congress, as well as from the Iraqi government, the admiral said. It will take about two months to prepare the training sites, he noted, while the training itself is expected to be six to seven months in length.

“Ultimately, these Iraqi forces, when fully trained, will enable Iraq to better defend its citizens, its borders, and its interests against the threat of ISIL,” Kirby said, “and it is perfectly in keeping with the mission that we've been assigned there to assist the [Iraqi security forces] and peshmerga forces again as they improve their capability against ISIL.”

U.S. SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY POLICING PROGRAM IN BANGLADESH

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 
Newsletter: The INL Beat, December 2013
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
NL’s Police Partner Connects with Bangladeshi Youth

During INL Police Week events in May 2013, Assistant Secretary Brownfield acknowledged and thanked the criminal justice professionals in attendance from across the United States, not just for their efforts in countering transnational crime, but for their work as “honorary diplomats” overseas. An example of this unique diplomacy was recently displayed in Dhaka, Bangladesh where police officers from Portland, Oregon met with Bangladeshi youth at the Embassy’s American Center.

Portland Police Bureau joined the Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) to implement INL’s community policing program in Bangladesh. The program was launched in 2010, and takes place in Rajshahi Division of northwestern Bangladesh, an area previously identified as vulnerable to violent extremism. The program supports a model of policing that emphasizes the establishment of police-community partnerships and a problem-solving approach that is responsive to community concerns. Program objectives include: 1) teaching Bangladesh police officers and citizens community policing strategies and assisting them with implementation; 2) providing hands-on instruction, modeling and mentoring to Bangladesh police officers and citizens using an embedding strategy and; 3) supporting the overall community by identifying additional stakeholders with the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police.

Portland Police Bureau has been sending three police officers at a time for a period of three weeks since September 2011 to train, mentor, and work with the Bangladesh National Police. Though the officers provide training in standard areas such as case management and human rights, they also customize trainings in response to the requests of the Bangladeshi police. For instance, in 2013 they provided arson investigation courses to both police and firefighters in response to a 2012 Bangladeshi factory fire that claimed the lives of 175 people. They also offered training in areas such as working with social media, respecting human rights, and combating transnational crime to meet the needs of their communities throughout the district.

Portland police officers convened in Dhaka on November 12 to greet students at the Embassy’s American Center. Led by Captain Chris Uehara, the officers gave a presentation to over 50 students about the objectives of INL’s law enforcement program in Bangladesh. They stressed the importance of trusting police with the problems of their communities and working with them to develop tailored solutions. The team instilled in the students that each of them has the potential to positively impact their communities and act as agents of change to secure a better future for their country.

Uehara also spoke to the notable impact program has made not only the communities of Bangladesh, but on their own personal lives and careers back in Oregon. “By immersing ourselves in Bangladeshi culture,” Uehara stated, “we are able to apply what we learn to our interactions with Portland’s growing Muslim populations as well as our city’s other minority communities.” He stressed to the students that the program is mutually beneficial for the Americans and the Bangladeshis, as they are always learning from one another.

The messages resonated with the students, many of whom were personally interested in a career in law enforcement or civil service. The students engaged the police officers in a lively discussion following the presentation, and many of them expressed interest in attendingsimilar events in the future. U.S. Embassy Dhaka is currently working with ICITAP and INL to create more outreach opportunities for the visiting officers from Portland, particularly at the soon-to-be opened American Corner in Rajshahi.

W VIRGINIA AWARDED ADDITIONAL $242,000 GRANT FOR HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

FROM:  U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT HURRICANE 
West Virginia awarded additional funding by US Labor Department to assist with continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $242,000 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of heavy snowfall associated with Hurricane Sandy that affected north-central West Virginia between Oct. 29 and Nov. 8, 2012. The funds are being awarded to WorkForce West Virginia and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

"West Virginia has made substantial progress in the recovery efforts; however, the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy continues to linger," said Eric M. Seleznow, acting assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. "This funding will help with the continuing cleanup of several state parks, while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment."

On Nov. 27, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 18 West Virginia counties eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, following damaged caused by heavy snowfall associated with Hurricane Sandy. This grant serves 5 of those 18 counties: Barbour, Preston, Tucker, Upshur and Webster.
The original National Emergency Grant was approved on Dec. 21, 2012, for $300,000, following the FEMA declaration. This supplemental funding brings the total funds awarded for this project to $542,000.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.

DOE ANNOUNCES $4.6 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR RESEARCH TO MAKES LIVES BETTER FOR DISABLED

FROM:  U.S. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 
$4.6 Million in Grants Awarded for Research Projects Aimed at Helping Improve Lives of People with Disabilities

OCTOBER 21, 2013

The U.S. Department of Education announced today the award of more than $4.6 million in grants to five institutions for research projects aimed at helping improve the lives of people with disabilities. The grant money was disbursed before the recent government shutdown and was not affected by the temporary lapse in funding.

"Through these projects, we hope to conduct research, develop projects and provide technical assistance and training – all aimed at helping better the lives of individuals with disabilities," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "All of these efforts are intended to fulfill the goal of inclusion, integration, employment and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities."

The grants are being awarded under the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program. The recipients will conduct programs of advanced research of an engineering or technical nature designed to apply technology, scientific achievement and psychological and social knowledge to solve rehabilitation problems and remove environmental barriers.

The grants include:

The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System (CFDA 81.133E-4) -- $925,000.

Regents of the University of Michigan (CFDA 81.133E-5) -- $923,442
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) - (CFDA 81.133E-5) -- $924,937
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) - (CFDA 81.133E-7) -- $924,939
Carnegie Mellon University - (CFDA 81.133E-8) -- $923,878
In recent years, a variety of products have been created through the RERC program to help people with disabilities, including accessible kiosks, voting booths and ATM machines. The program has also help fund "talking signs" for the blind community and hand-held hearing screening devices to screen for hearing loss in newborns, infants, young children and other difficult to test people.

HHS PROPOSES NEW RULE TO ENHANCE CHILDREN'S SAFTEY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

May 16, 2013
HHS announces actions to improve safety and quality of child care
　

Helping to answer President Obama’s call to ensure quality early education for every American child, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed today a new regulation for public comment that will better ensure children’s health and safety in child care and promote school readiness. Under the proposed rule, states, territories and tribes would be required to strengthen their standards to better promote the health, safety and school readiness of children in federally funded child care.

Millions of working parents depend on child care and assume certain safety requirements are already in place for their children, but standards vary widely across the states. Many states do not enforce even basic standards such as fingerprinting, background checks and first aid training for providers. This puts our children at risk.

"Many children already benefit from the excellent care of high-quality child care providers who are meeting or exceeding the proposed requirements," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "However, too many children remain in settings that do not meet minimum standards of health and safety. These basic rules ensure that providers take necessary basic steps to shield children from an avoidable tragedy."

The proposed rule would only apply directly to child care providers who accept Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funds. More than 500,000 providers serve about 1.6 million low-income children through CCDF. Many more children would benefit, however, because the providers also serve non-CCDF children.

Under the proposed rule, states would require that all CCDF-funded child care providers:
Receive health and safety trainings in specific areas
Comply with applicable state and local fire, health and building codes
Receive comprehensive background checks (including fingerprinting)
Receive on-site monitoring
The rule would also require states to share information with parents through user-friendly websites about provider health, safety and licensing information. While some states already post health and safety reports online, the new rule would bring all states up to this standard.

"Parents know the needs of their own children," said Shannon Rudisill, director of the Office of Child Care. "However, parents don’t always have enough information to help them make the right choice when choosing a child care provider. This proposal would give parents the necessary tools to choose quality care that fully meets their needs."

While the proposed rule establishes new minimum standards, it also recognizes the need for innovation and flexibility and allows states and communities to tailor their specific approaches to best meet the needs of the children and families they serve. The rule would not change or impede a state’s ability to license child care providers as they see fit.

The administration continues to work with Congress to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which was last reauthorized in 1996. This rule does not take the place of reauthorization, but rather proposes long overdue reforms to better ensure that low-income working families have access to safe, high-quality child care that is essential for healthy early childhood development.

HHS is requesting the public’s input on this proposed regulation. The comment process, which lasts for 75 days, allows for feedback on the proposed rule.