FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Signs Memo Extending Benefits to Same-sex Partners
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 - Calling it "a matter of fundamental equity," Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today signed a memorandum to the service secretaries and the Pentagon's top personnel official extending benefits to same-sex partners of service members.
Here is the secretary's announcement of the policy change:
"Seventeen months ago, the United States military ended the policy of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' We have implemented the repeal of that policy and made clear that discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in the Department of Defense.
"At the time of repeal, I committed to reviewing benefits that had not previously been available to same-sex partners based on existing law and policy. It is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country. The department already provides a group of benefits that are member-designated. Today, I am pleased to announce that after a thorough and deliberate review, the department will extend additional benefits to same-sex partners of service members.
"Taking care of our service members and honoring the sacrifices of all military families are two core values of this nation. Extending these benefits is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure that all service members receive equal support for what they do to protect this nation.
"One of the legal limitations to providing all benefits at this time is the Defense of Marriage Act, which is still the law of the land. There are certain benefits that can only be provided to spouses as defined by that law, which is now being reviewed by the United States Supreme Court. While it will not change during my tenure as secretary of defense, I foresee a time when the law will allow the department to grant full benefits to service members and their dependents, irrespective of sexual orientation. Until then, the department will continue to comply with current law while doing all we can to take care of all soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families.
"While the implementation of additional benefits will require substantial policy revisions and training, it is my expectation that these benefits will be made available as expeditiously as possible. One of the great successes at the Department of Defense has been the implementation of DADT repeal. It has been highly professional and has strengthened our military community. I am confident in the military services' ability to effectively implement these changes over the coming months."
Monday, February 11, 2013
NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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| Partrol In Afghanistan. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps. |
Combined Force Searching for Taliban Leader Detains Insurgents
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today detained four insurgents while searching of a senior Taliban leader, military officials reported.
The sought-after Taliban leader allegedly coordinates complex attacks and facilitates distribution of insurgent rockets, mortars, rifles and improvised explosive devices, officials said.
Also today, a combined force in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district arrested a Taliban leader believed to organize, facilitate and conduct IED attacks. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized a firearm.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- In Kunar province's Ghaziabad district, a precision airstrike killed two armed insurgents.
-- Taliban leaders Afshin and Ismail were killed in Logar province's Baraki Barak district. Afshin was directly involved in a Dec. 24 attack that killed an American service member and a Dec. 28 attack that killed an Afghan soldier. Ismail was the district's deputy Taliban leader for the winter. He issued guidance on attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and financed the acquisition of IED-making materials, rockets and ammunition for heavy weapons. The security force also seized hand grenades and an assault-rifle with associated gear and ammunition.
-- A combined force arrested two Taliban leaders in Kunduz province's Kunduz district. One is accused of gathering materials and facilitating logistics for IED attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. The second is believed to be an IED cell member and weapons facilitator operating in the Baghlan-e Jadid district.
-- In Paktia province's Zurmat district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader accused IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also believed to have overseen nearly 45 insurgent fighters. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized an assault rifle with associated gear and ammunition.
In Feb. 9 operations:
-- A precision strike in Kandahar province's Maiwand district killed Taliban leader Abdul Baki, also known as Ruzi. He was known to operate as part of an extensive insurgent network in Uruzgan, Helmand and Kandahar provinces. He was responsible for coordinating complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using suicide bombers.
-- A combined force in Khost province's Sabari district detained a Haqqani network leader believed to be responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also accused of weapons and ammunition facilitation and coordinating the transfer of IEDs and weapon systems. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized IED-making materials, homemade explosives, ammunition, hand grenades, and mortar rocket charges.
-- In Nimroz province's Khash Rod district, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator believed to have coordinated the movement of lethal aid, weapons and ammunition to insurgent networks throughout Helmand province's Nad-e Ali district. He is accused of being directly responsible for preparing, organizing and transporting a large shipment of illegal material and directing fighters in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.
-- A combined force in Baghlan province's Burkah district arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader believed to oversee intelligence operations and IED emplacement. He is also accused of providing safe haven for Taliban insurgents traveling through Burkah district. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.
In a Feb. 8 operation, a combined force in Kandahar province's Panjwai district arrested a Taliban leader who operated out of central Kandahar City. He is believed responsible for organizing IED operations targeting Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents.
A TEACHER AND MILITARY DRIVER
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| Air Force Senior Airman Denice Luke drives a 60 K-loader at a base in Southwest Asia, Feb. 8, 2013. Luke is deployed from Robins Air Force Base, Ga. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. George Thompson |
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Face of Defense: Reservist Enjoys Dual Careers
By Air Force Senior Master Sgt. George Thompson
386th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 8, 2013 - For one airman assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, being a reservist allows her time to pursue other passions while also serving her country
"It's like living two completely different lives," Senior Airman Denice Luke said. "That's why I like it so much."
Luke is an air transportation journeyman deployed from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., to one of the busier aerial hubs in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility. From Dec. 15 through Jan. 15, Luke processed 9,118 passengers, 4,142 tons of cargo and serviced 435 aircraft, which culminated in her selection as flight, squadron, group and, ultimately, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing airman of the month.
From basic forklifts and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to 25 K-loaders and her confessed favorite vehicle, the 60 K-loader, driving is in her nature.
"I like to drive in general. I just get in my car and drive," Luke said. "My dad is a truck driver. He drives cross-country moving people, and I've always wanted to learn how to drive his 18-wheeler. So the 60K kind of feels like an 18-wheeler to me."
When Luke is not making the six-hour trip from her home in North Carolina to her reserve unit at Warner Robins one weekend a month, she is a first-year certified elementary and special education teacher.
"I don't do it for the money or the recognition," she said. "I've wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. Teaching is what I want to do with my life."
Like other reservists, Luke must balance her civilian career with her military service. "The school I was working at was willing to hire me and give me a job, but they knew I had to deploy," she said.
Between serving her country and teaching in the classroom, Luke still manages to find time to give back to the community. She recently served as chapter president of the Swing Phi Swing social fellowship organization at the University of North Carolina's Greensboro campus.
"The point of our organization is to cater to African-American women, but we cater to the whole community, performing community service at different events," Luke said. "I commit a 110 percent of my time to that."
Luke said she'll return home from her deployment next month with fond memories of her time in Southwest Asia, armed with a newfound appreciation for the Air Force and her fellow airmen.
"I learned a lot about my job, but I learned more about the people in the Air Force and leadership, which I can carry back to the classroom," she said.
SEC HALTS $150 MILLION INVESTMENT SCHEME TO DUPE FOREIGN INVESTORS AND EXPLOIT IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONThe Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges and an asset freeze against an individual living in Illinois and two companies behind an investment scheme defrauding foreign investors seeking profitable returns and a legal path to U.S. residency through a federal visa program.
The SEC alleges that Anshoo R. Sethi created A Chicago Convention Center (ACCC) and Intercontinental Regional Center Trust of Chicago (IRCTC) and fraudulently sold more than $145 million in securities and collected $11 million in administrative fees from more than 250 investors primarily from China. Sethi and his companies duped investors into believing that by purchasing interests in ACCC, they would be financing construction of the "World’s First Zero Carbon Emission Platinum LEED certified" hotel and conference center near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Investors were misled to believe their investments were simultaneously enhancing their prospects for U.S. citizenship through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, which provides foreign investors an avenue to U.S. residency by investing in domestic projects that will create or preserve a minimum number of jobs for U.S. workers.
The SEC alleges that Sethi and his companies falsely boasted to investors that they had acquired all the necessary building permits and that several major hotel chains had signed onto the project. They also provided falsified documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – the federal agency that administers the EB-5 program – in an attempt to secure the agency’s preliminary approval of the project and investors’ provisional visas. Meanwhile, Sethi and his companies have spent more than 90 percent of the administrative fees collected from investors despite their promise to return this money to investors if their visa applications are denied. More than $2.5 million of these funds were directed to Sethi’s personal bank account in Hong Kong.
Swift coordination between the SEC and USCIS has brought the scheme to a halt in its application stage at USCIS. The SEC filed its complaint under seal earlier this week and obtained an emergency court order to protect the remaining $145 million in investor assets that were at risk of being similarly misappropriated by Sethi and his companies. The case was unsealed this morning.
According to the SEC’s complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the EB-5 program enables foreign investors to possibly qualify for a green card if they invest $1 million (or $500,000 in a "Targeted Employment Area" with a high unemployment rate) in a project that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers, excluding the investor and his or her immediate family. Sethi and his companies used the lure of a pathway to U.S. citizenship to convince investors to wire a minimum of $500,000 apiece plus a $41,500 "administrative fee" to U.S. bank accounts. These administrative fees are separate from the investment capital that the EB-5 program requires to be deployed into a job-creating enterprise. More than $11 million in administrative fees were collected with the claim that they were fully refundable to investors if their visa applications are rejected. Sethi and his companies have instead been spending those funds.
The SEC alleges that Sethi submitted false claims about the project to USCIS. Among the phony documentation that he provided to the agency in seeking preliminary approval for the project under the EB-5 program were a comfort letter from Hyatt Hotels that was not genuine, and a false backup financing letter from the Qatar Investment Authority.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi and his companies made a number of misrepresentations about the project to dupe investors. Offering materials stated that investors’ funds would help build "a convention center and hotel complex, including convention and meeting space, five upscale hotels, and amenities including restaurants, lounges, bars, and entertainment facilities." Sethi and his companies prominently featured in their marketing materials the purported participation of three major hotel chains in the project: Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Starwood Hotels. However, none of these hotel chains have executed franchise agreements to include a brand hotel in this project as represented to investors in the offering materials. Two of the chains actually terminated prior deals with other Sethi-related entities more than two years before these offering materials were circulated to investors.
The SEC further alleges that the offering materials falsely stated that construction would begin in summer 2012 and occupancy of the first tower would occur in early spring 2014. A search of the Chicago Building Permits database for the project address shows that the only recent permits are for a tent for a purported groundbreaking ceremony held in November 2012, a demolition permit, construction of a fence, and a minor electrical wiring permit.
According to the SEC’s complaint, the 29-year-old Sethi misrepresented to investors in offering materials that he has "over fifteen years of experience in real estate development and management, specifically in the lodging area." Offering materials also misleadingly state that the project’s developer Upgrowth LLC has "more than 35 years of experience." Illinois corporate records show that Upgrowth was just recently organized in 2010.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi, ACCC, and IRCTC violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. In addition to the temporary restraining order and asset freeze granted by the court, the SEC’s complaint seeks permanent injunctions and other monetary relief.
The SEC’s investigation, which is continuing, has been conducted by Mika M. Donlon and Adam J. Eisner under the supervision of C. Joshua Felker. Patrick M. Bryan will lead the litigation. The SEC acknowledges the substantial assistance of the USCIS.
SEC CHARGES INDIVIDUAL AND COMPANIES RELATING TO FRAUDULENT CITIZENSHIP SCHEME
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 2013 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges and an asset freeze against an individual living in Illinois and two companies behind an investment scheme defrauding foreign investors seeking profitable returns and a legal path to U.S. residency through a federal visa program.
The SEC alleges that Anshoo R. Sethi created A Chicago Convention Center (ACCC) and Intercontinental Regional Center Trust of Chicago (IRCTC) and fraudulently sold more than $145 million in securities and collected $11 million in administrative fees from more than 250 investors primarily from China. Sethi and his companies duped investors into believing that by purchasing interests in ACCC, they would be financing construction of the "World’s First Zero Carbon Emission Platinum LEED certified" hotel and conference center near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Investors were misled to believe their investments were simultaneously enhancing their prospects for U.S. citizenship through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, which provides foreign investors an avenue to U.S. residency by investing in domestic projects that will create or preserve a minimum number of jobs for U.S. workers.
The SEC alleges that Sethi and his companies falsely boasted to investors that they had acquired all the necessary building permits and that several major hotel chains had signed onto the project. They also provided falsified documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — the federal agency that administers the EB-5 program — in an attempt to secure the agency’s preliminary approval of the project and investors’ provisional visas. Meanwhile, Sethi and his companies have spent more than 90 percent of the administrative fees collected from investors despite their promise to return this money to investors if their visa applications are denied. More than $2.5 million of these funds were directed to Sethi’s personal bank account in Hong Kong.
Swift coordination between the SEC and USCIS has brought the scheme to a halt in its application stage at USCIS. The SEC filed its complaint under seal earlier this week and obtained an emergency court order to protect the remaining $145 million in investor assets that were at risk of being similarly misappropriated by Sethi and his companies. The case was unsealed this morning.
"Sethi orchestrated an elaborate scheme and exploited these investors’ dream of earning legal U.S. residence along with a positive return on their investment in a project that was not nearly the done deal that he portrayed," said Stephen L. Cohen, Associate Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. "The good news is that working closely with USCIS, we intervened early and stopped him from getting very far, and the asset freeze preserves nearly all of the money invested."
According to the SEC’s complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the EB-5 program enables foreign investors to possibly qualify for a green card if they invest $1 million (or $500,000 in a "Targeted Employment Area" with a high unemployment rate) in a project that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers, excluding the investor and his or her immediate family. Sethi and his companies used the lure of a pathway to U.S. citizenship to convince investors to wire a minimum of $500,000 apiece plus a $41,500 "administrative fee" to U.S. bank accounts. These administrative fees are separate from the investment capital that the EB-5 program requires to be deployed into a job-creating enterprise. More than $11 million in administrative fees were collected with the claim that they were fully refundable to investors if their visa applications are rejected. Sethi and his companies have instead been spending those funds.
The SEC alleges that Sethi submitted false claims about the project to USCIS. Among the phony documentation that he provided to the agency in seeking preliminary approval for the project under the EB-5 program were a comfort letter from Hyatt Hotels and a backup financing letter from the Qatar Investment Authority.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi and his companies made a number of misrepresentations about the project to dupe investors. Offering materials stated that investors’ funds would help build "a convention center and hotel complex, including convention and meeting space, five upscale hotels, and amenities including restaurants, lounges, bars, and entertainment facilities." Sethi and his companies prominently featured in their marketing materials the purported participation of three major hotel chains in the project: Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Starwood Hotels. However, none of these hotel chains have executed franchise agreements to include a brand hotel in this project as represented to investors in the offering materials. Two of the chains actually terminated prior deals with other Sethi-related entities more than two years before these offering materials were circulated to investors.
The SEC further alleges that the offering materials falsely stated that construction would begin in summer 2012 and occupancy of the first tower would occur in early spring 2014. A search of the Chicago Building Permits database for the project address shows that the only recent permits are for a tent for a purported groundbreaking ceremony held in November 2012, a demolition permit, construction of a fence, and a minor electrical wiring permit.
According to the SEC’s complaint, the 29-year-old Sethi misrepresented to investors in offering materials that he has "over fifteen years of experience in real estate development and management, specifically in the lodging area." Offering materials also misleadingly state that the project’s developer Upgrowth LLC has "more than 35 years of experience." Illinois corporate records show that Upgrowth was just recently organized in 2010.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi, ACCC, and IRCTC violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. In addition to the temporary restraining order and asset freeze granted by the court, the SEC’s complaint seeks permanent injunctions and other monetary relief.
The SEC’s investigation, which is continuing, has been conducted by Mika M. Donlon and Adam J. Eisner under the supervision of C. Joshua Felker. Patrick M. Bryan will lead the litigation. The SEC acknowledges the substantial assistance of the USCIS.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 2013 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges and an asset freeze against an individual living in Illinois and two companies behind an investment scheme defrauding foreign investors seeking profitable returns and a legal path to U.S. residency through a federal visa program.
The SEC alleges that Anshoo R. Sethi created A Chicago Convention Center (ACCC) and Intercontinental Regional Center Trust of Chicago (IRCTC) and fraudulently sold more than $145 million in securities and collected $11 million in administrative fees from more than 250 investors primarily from China. Sethi and his companies duped investors into believing that by purchasing interests in ACCC, they would be financing construction of the "World’s First Zero Carbon Emission Platinum LEED certified" hotel and conference center near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Investors were misled to believe their investments were simultaneously enhancing their prospects for U.S. citizenship through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, which provides foreign investors an avenue to U.S. residency by investing in domestic projects that will create or preserve a minimum number of jobs for U.S. workers.
The SEC alleges that Sethi and his companies falsely boasted to investors that they had acquired all the necessary building permits and that several major hotel chains had signed onto the project. They also provided falsified documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — the federal agency that administers the EB-5 program — in an attempt to secure the agency’s preliminary approval of the project and investors’ provisional visas. Meanwhile, Sethi and his companies have spent more than 90 percent of the administrative fees collected from investors despite their promise to return this money to investors if their visa applications are denied. More than $2.5 million of these funds were directed to Sethi’s personal bank account in Hong Kong.
Swift coordination between the SEC and USCIS has brought the scheme to a halt in its application stage at USCIS. The SEC filed its complaint under seal earlier this week and obtained an emergency court order to protect the remaining $145 million in investor assets that were at risk of being similarly misappropriated by Sethi and his companies. The case was unsealed this morning.
"Sethi orchestrated an elaborate scheme and exploited these investors’ dream of earning legal U.S. residence along with a positive return on their investment in a project that was not nearly the done deal that he portrayed," said Stephen L. Cohen, Associate Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. "The good news is that working closely with USCIS, we intervened early and stopped him from getting very far, and the asset freeze preserves nearly all of the money invested."
According to the SEC’s complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the EB-5 program enables foreign investors to possibly qualify for a green card if they invest $1 million (or $500,000 in a "Targeted Employment Area" with a high unemployment rate) in a project that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers, excluding the investor and his or her immediate family. Sethi and his companies used the lure of a pathway to U.S. citizenship to convince investors to wire a minimum of $500,000 apiece plus a $41,500 "administrative fee" to U.S. bank accounts. These administrative fees are separate from the investment capital that the EB-5 program requires to be deployed into a job-creating enterprise. More than $11 million in administrative fees were collected with the claim that they were fully refundable to investors if their visa applications are rejected. Sethi and his companies have instead been spending those funds.
The SEC alleges that Sethi submitted false claims about the project to USCIS. Among the phony documentation that he provided to the agency in seeking preliminary approval for the project under the EB-5 program were a comfort letter from Hyatt Hotels and a backup financing letter from the Qatar Investment Authority.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi and his companies made a number of misrepresentations about the project to dupe investors. Offering materials stated that investors’ funds would help build "a convention center and hotel complex, including convention and meeting space, five upscale hotels, and amenities including restaurants, lounges, bars, and entertainment facilities." Sethi and his companies prominently featured in their marketing materials the purported participation of three major hotel chains in the project: Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Starwood Hotels. However, none of these hotel chains have executed franchise agreements to include a brand hotel in this project as represented to investors in the offering materials. Two of the chains actually terminated prior deals with other Sethi-related entities more than two years before these offering materials were circulated to investors.
The SEC further alleges that the offering materials falsely stated that construction would begin in summer 2012 and occupancy of the first tower would occur in early spring 2014. A search of the Chicago Building Permits database for the project address shows that the only recent permits are for a tent for a purported groundbreaking ceremony held in November 2012, a demolition permit, construction of a fence, and a minor electrical wiring permit.
According to the SEC’s complaint, the 29-year-old Sethi misrepresented to investors in offering materials that he has "over fifteen years of experience in real estate development and management, specifically in the lodging area." Offering materials also misleadingly state that the project’s developer Upgrowth LLC has "more than 35 years of experience." Illinois corporate records show that Upgrowth was just recently organized in 2010.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that Sethi, ACCC, and IRCTC violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. In addition to the temporary restraining order and asset freeze granted by the court, the SEC’s complaint seeks permanent injunctions and other monetary relief.
The SEC’s investigation, which is continuing, has been conducted by Mika M. Donlon and Adam J. Eisner under the supervision of C. Joshua Felker. Patrick M. Bryan will lead the litigation. The SEC acknowledges the substantial assistance of the USCIS.
U.S. NAVY ADMIRAL LOCKLEAR SAYS PACIFIC TERRITORIAL DISPUTES COULD END IN CONFLICT
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| Equestrian statue of the famous samurai Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336) outside of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
Locklear Warns of Territorial Disputes Escalating to Conflict
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2013 - Amid reports of an incident between China and Japan near the Senkaku Islands, the top U.S. commander in the Asia-Pacific reiterated the need to resolve territorial disputes peacefully and to develop a code of conduct to support the process.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, told the U.S. Indonesia Society in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday that territorial disputes have occurred throughout history and will undoubtedly continue into the future.
But the admiral warned during a media roundtable about the stress these disputes inflict on the security environment – and the potential they pose for conflict if not resolved.
Nations of the world need to come together to settle their differences over parts of the South China Sea and other contested areas diplomatically so they don't escalate, he said.
Military conflict "would have global impacts that we should not even contemplate," he warned. "We should not even allow it to enter into our dialogue ... and not allow it to happen."
The United States does not take sides in border disputes, he emphasized, but will continue to do everything in its power to support steps being taken by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and others to promote peaceful resolution.
Locklear didn't get into specifics when asked about reports that a Chinese navy warship targeted a Japanese warship with its weapons radar near the Senkaku Islands last month. He said, however, that it rings a warning bell about how quickly territorial differences can turn dangerous.
"There must be real care in ensuring that the governments involved and leadership of those governments understand the potential for miscalculation if those systems are used incorrectly," he said.
The U.S. perspective to both Japan and China, he said, is that "we need to be very, very careful in ensuring we don't see escalation that could lead to miscalculation that could lead to unintended consequences."
Locklear reiterated his call for a code of conduct that provides a framework for resolving these differences. He expressed hope that ASEAN and nations in the region including China will "feel a sense of urgency" and reinvigorate the stalled discussions toward reaching one.
"The question is, can we have a system of rules that allows us to work together with this with diplomacy rather than military power?" he said
Establishing this code "will give diplomacy breathing room and give diplomacy time to work, because it will take some time," he said.
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DUNCAN RECOGNIZES SCHOOL COUNSELORS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION February 8, 2013
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued the following statement today, recognizing National School Counseling Week, Feb. 4-8, 2013.
Every day, caring and dedicated professionals across this country engage in the often unrecognized work of school counseling. This week in particular, I want to recognize these trained educators, who help millions of young people sidestep the roadblocks of life and circumstance to become successful students and, ultimately, reach their full potential.
The role of school counselors is growing increasingly demanding and it continues to change. Not only are counselors charged with finding innovative and effective ways to provide students with academic and career guidance, counselors also are called upon to help support students’ social and emotional wellbeing, which is essential for them to thrive. Particularly in light of recent traumatic events in schools, including the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, this role is more important than ever to create and maintain a healthy school climate and ensure that students feel safe and supported as they learn and grow.
Increasingly, counselors are working in new ways – embracing the importance of data on graduation rates, FAFSA completion, and college enrollment rates to better prepare students to access and persist in higher education. It is this type of work that will help our nation to reach the President’s goal of leading the world in college graduates by 2020.
Last week, I met with counselors who have been honored as finalists in the School Counselor of the Year Award program. These finalists remind us of the extraordinary work that is being led by counselors across the country to address the needs of the whole child.
By collaborating with students, staff, parents and the community, counselors are finding better ways to support children and help their families to access vital academic, mental health and social services. For these efforts, we salute them.
SHIP EXHAUST SEEN FROM SPACE
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| Credit: NASA. |
FROM: NASA
For more than a decade, scientists have observed ship;s tracks in natural-color satellite imagery of the ocean. These bright, linear trails amidst the cloud layers are created by particles and gases from ships. They are a visible manifestation of pollution from ship exhaust, and scientists can now see that ships have a more subtle, almost invisible, signature as well.
Data from the Dutch and Finnish-built Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite show long tracks of elevated Nitrogen Oxide levels along certain shipping routes. NO2, is among a group of highly-reactive oxides of nigrogen known as NOx, that can lead to the production of fine particles and ozone that damage the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Combustion engines, such as those that propel ships and motor vehicles, are a major source of NO2 pollution.
For Full Article With References Visit Nasa Photo Images.
UNMANNED VEHICLES AND MILITARY TARTET PRACTICE
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| The explosive ordnance device ground crew attach a target to an unmanned vehicle at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Feb. 4, 2013. The unmanned vehicle is a new piece of equipment recently acquired by Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Its remote-control capabilities allow the squadrons to practice shooting at a moving target without putting any human life in danger. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom) |
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Cannon debuts latest in moving target technology
by Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
2/8/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Explosions shake the air as a white truck, almost invisible through the dust and smoke, weaves its way across Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., towing a target being shot at by 40mm rounds from aircraft patrolling the sky.
Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., tested the latest in unmanned vehicle technology, Feb. 4.
The newly acquired $180,000 remote-controlled truck, guided by a Global Positioning System, is being used by the 27th Special Operations Wing to train aerial and ground crews in combat operations.
"This moving target will provide a much more realistic training environment for our Air Commandos," said Col. Buck Elton, 27 SOW commander. "It is the first of its kind to be used in Air Force Special Operations Command."
The GPS controlled Ford F-250, is able to start, stop, drive in various patterns and tow a target without a human presence in the cab.
This capability not only allows Cannon air crews to practice shooting at a moving target, but will also be used by ground crews to simulate multiple aggressive hostile situations.
"The truck can be used to aggress an area and provide a persistent threat up to a point," said Maj. Ian Frady, 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron, deputy range manager. "However, 98 percent of what it will be used for is aerial moving target practice."
Though in its initial testing phase, members who control the range training program are optimistic about the training potential the truck will provide in the future.
"This is an unparalleled tool," said Frady. "We cannot wait to bring teams from other wings in AFSOC out to Cannon so they can train with the vehicle. It opens up a new and unique training opportunity for us. We really cannot express how excited we are about this
Sunday, February 10, 2013
ROCK DRILLING ON MARS SIMULATION VIDEO
FROM: NASA
Simulation of Martian Bedrock Drilling
This animation depicts NASA's Mars rover Curiosity drilling a hole to collect a rock-powder sample at a target site called "John Klein." Credit-NASA-JPL-Caltech.
Coast Guard, National Guard Prep for Winter Storm
Coast Guard, National Guard Prep for Winter Storm: With a major winter storm bearing down on the Northeastern U.S., the Coast Guard is making sure its boats are mission ready and up to 6,000 National Guardsmen are available if needed for storm response.
FAREWILL TO LEON PANETTA AFTER FIVE DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE
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| President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, joined by Sylvia Panetta, review troops during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of Secretary Panetta, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson in Arlington, Va., Feb. 8, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) |
Panetta Reflects on His Public Service During Farewell Tribute
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2013 - Retiring Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta expressed his gratitude today for all those he served with through five decades of public service to the nation during his farewell ceremony here.
The Armed Forces Farewell tribute, hosted by President Barack Obama, and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, drew a distinguished audience of current and former military and government leaders as Panetta reflected on his career.
"It's been 50 years of public service, and I ... will always cherish the deep and lasting friendships that I've made here in Washington," Panetta said. "I'm extremely grateful that so many of those friends could be here this afternoon."
"I have spent a long time in this town," he said. "As the son of immigrants ... I have truly lived the American dream. Being an Italian-American in Congress, at senior levels in the executive branch, has been for me a very unique experience."
Panetta said he is still impressed by the sight of the Capitol and the White House at night, calling it a "very special experience." He thanked the president for giving him a chance to lead the Defense Department.
"Mr. President, I want to express my deepest thanks to you for the opportunity to serve this country again as a member of your administration," he said.
"It has been a tremendous honor and a tremendous privilege these past four years, and especially now as the 23rd secretary of defense," Panetta said.
"I hope that in some small way I have helped to fulfill the dream of my parents, the dream that they wanted and the dream that all of us want, of giving our children a better life," he said.
Panetta recalled some of the proudest moments of his career and some of the experiences and memories he will cherish.
"I will never forget the pride and exhilaration when I walked out of the White House after the president announced the success of the bin Laden operation," he said.
"I could hear the chants of those people who were gathered around the White House and in Lafayette Park yelling, 'USA, USA,'" Panetta said. "Thank you, Mr. President, for your strong support in what was a very tough decision. The memory of that operation and the team that helped put it together, both the intelligence team and the military team, will be with me forever."
The defense secretary said he'll remember visiting deployed troops on bases around the world, and "looking into the eyes of brave men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day for this country."
Panetta cited moments where he honored veterans of past wars, and was inspired by wounded warriors returning home from war.
"I'll always remember the moments of grief, when this nation has rendered final honors to our fallen heroes and when we've had to comfort their families," he said.
"Writing notes of condolence to those families who have lost loved ones has been for me one of my toughest jobs," Panetta said. These moments of selflessness, courage and sacrifice, and heroism provide optimism and a renewed sense of pride in our country.
Panetta said he would have "no greater honor" in his life than leading the men and women of the U.S. military as secretary of defense, serving alongside Dempsey and the Joint Chiefs.
"As we used to say when I was in the Army, there isn't anyone I'd rather be in the foxhole with than Marty Dempsey," he said. "I cannot tell you what a privilege it has been to work with you and to work with all of the service chiefs."
"We've dealt with some very tough issues, and there is no way that I could have done this job without your support, without your loyalty, and without your dedication," Panetta said.
Panetta noted he and the chairman have testified before Congress 11 times and held 10 press conferences together since assuming leadership of the Pentagon.
"It has been the honor of my life to have served in the position of secretary of defense," he said. "And wherever I go and whatever I do, I will thank God every day for the men and women in this country who are willing to put their lives on the line for all of us."
"My prayer as I leave," Panetta said, "is that we all have the same courage and dedication to protecting our nation, the United States of America, the home of the free and the brave."
OBSERVATION EARTH
FROM: NASA
LDCM-A New Era in Earth Observation
NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) is the eighth satellite in the Landsat series, which began in 1972. The mission will extend more than 40 years of global land observations that are critical in many areas, such as energy and water management, forest monitoring, human and environmental health, urban planning, disaster recovery and agriculture. NASA's Launch Services Program will launch the LDCM spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
THREE CHARGED WITH FRAUD IN ALLEGED CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY SCHEME
FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONSEC Charges We The People, Inc., of The United States and Three Individuals In Offering Fraud Scheme
On February 4, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in connection with an offering fraud conducted by We The People, Inc. of the United States ("We The People"), a purported charitable organization based in Tallahassee, Florida.
In its complaint against Richard Olive, We The People’s former chief of program services, and Susan Olive, We The People’s former chief of finance and administration, the Commission alleges that the Olives, husband and wife, orchestrated a fraudulent scheme that raised more than $75 million from approximately 450 investors located across the United States, most of whom were senior citizens. Investors were solicited to transfer assets to We The People in exchange for what it called a charitable gift annuity. The Commission alleges that We The People – through the Olives – lured investors by making various false and misleading statements regarding, among other things, the value of the products sold and the safety and security of the investments. The complaint also alleges that the Olives failed to disclose to investors indictments and regulatory sanctions issued against them for fraudulently selling similar products. In addition to the misrepresentations, the Commission alleges that the Olives misappropriated investor funds for personal use.
The complaint alleges that, based on this conduct, Richard and Susan Olive violated, or aided and abetted the violation of, Sections 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The complaint also claims that the Olives violated Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, and Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act. The Commission seeks that the Olives be permanently enjoined, and be ordered to pay disgorgement plus pre- and post-judgment interest, and third-tier civil money penalties.
In addition, the Commission filed settled actions against We The People and William Reeves, We The People’s in-house counsel. Without admitting or denying the Commission’s allegations, We The People consented to a final judgment providing injunctive relief under Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act, and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, disgorgement, and the appointment of a receiver to protect the more than $60 million of investor assets still held by We The People.
Without admitting or denying the Commission’s allegations, Reeves consented to a final judgment providing injunctive relief under Sections 5(a), 5(c), 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act, and providing that the Court will determine issues relating to the imposition of a civil money penalty against him at a later date. Reeves also agreed to a suspension from appearing or practicing before the Commission as an attorney, with the right to apply for reinstatement after 5 years. Reeves entered into a cooperation agreement with the Commission, and the terms of his settlement reflect his assistance in the Commission’s investigation and anticipated cooperation in its pending enforcement action.
OUT-GOING NATO COMMANDER IN AFGHANISTAN IS CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEAllen 'Very Confident' About Afghanistan's Future
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 10, 2013 - There are measures of success every day in Afghanistan and the out-going commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force is very confident of victory.
Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen spoke to reporters traveling with Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shortly before turning over command to Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. Allen has been nominated to be the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Allen said he is "very confident" that NATO and their Afghan partners are on the right trajectory. "We have seen some really heroic level activities occur here in just the last year," Allen said. "What happened last summer was unbelievable when you think about it. We shipped home 23,000 troops during the fighting season. We shifted from a main force strategy that relied on U.S. and ISAF combat formations to one where the (Afghan National Security Forces) were in the lead – an ANSF that was still being built while it was expanding its operations in the combat zone."
At the same time, NATO closed 600 bases in Afghanistan.
Today, another 10,000 U.S. troops have been withdrawn and Afghan forces are almost entirely in the lead for security throughout the country. Afghan government forces have taken ground, they have held ground already taken and they are forcing the Taliban to launch attacks farther and farther away from centers of population, he said.
Commanders have repeatedly stressed that there will not be a victory parade ending hostilities in Afghanistan, rather it remains a counterinsurgency battle and leaders measure progress incrementally. "Every day, there is another lamination of accomplishment," he said. "There is no decisive battle in the Napoleonic sense, just every day these laminations contributing to the end state."
The general said he is comfortable the trajectory is moving in the right direction. Allen is however concerned about a lag in efforts by the Afghan government to put structures in place to build on counterinsurgency efforts.
Still, the country has come a long way. Afghanistan has been in serious conflict for 33 years, with much of its infastructure destroyed which will take time and money to rebuild. "The school system was devastated," Allen said.
The good news is the international community has pledged to help. During NATO meetings in Lisbon and Chicago, NATO and partner nations pledged to stay with Afghanistan through this transition. In Tokyo and Bonn, nations pledged money to help Afghanistan overcome generation of tragedy. Nations understand what one of the world's poorest countries needs and have pledged a "decade of transformation."
One upcoming benchmark will be the presidential election set for April 2014. The 352,000 members of the Afghan national security force will secure the vote. "The international community is very clear that it will judge the success of what we have done by the transparency and inclusiveness of the Afghan population. We've been very clear on this: the international community is in this to a point, but we aren't in this to a fault," Allen said.
That contest he says, will be a true test of Afghanistan's progress. "The rhetoric has to be matched by real and meaningful reform. Reform that reduces the capacity of the criminal patronage networks to grip and weaken the institutions of the state." Reforms must also guarantee the rights of minorities and women, Allen said.
Donor nations must have the strategic patience, but there has to be demonstrated performance, he said.
Allen is less concerned about the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan post-2014 than he is about the capabilities needed in the country.
PENTAGON OFFICIAL WORRIES ABOUT BUDGET CUTS
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| Credit: U.S. DOD |
DOD Official: Cuts, Lack of Budget Form 'Nightmare Scenario'
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2013 - Major across-the-board defense spending cuts set to kick in March 1 and the possibility of the government operating under a continuing resolution instead of a budget for the rest of the year pose a "nightmare scenario" for the Defense Department, a senior Pentagon official said in New York this week.
Frank Kendall, deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told participants in the Cowen Aerospace and Defense Conference, that the cuts -- mandated by a "sequestration" mechanism in budget law that will take effect unless Congress intervenes -- translate to $50 billion over the rest of fiscal year 2013.
"There are a couple of problems in here," Kendall said. "One is, obviously, the size of the cut. ... Another problem is the way the cut has to be taken -- it's basically each budget account. Each line item has to take about a 9 percent or 10 percent hit."
The continuing resolution, Kendall added, is another aspect of the department's problem.
"If we end up under a year-long continuing resolution, we have serious problems there as well," he said. "The total number that we're using is based on [fiscal 2012], which actually is a little bit better number than our [fiscal 2013] request. The problem is where the money is."
Officials expected readiness accounts to go up, Kendall explained, but they cannot go up under sequestration.
"There's a big shortfall in readiness," he noted. "The services, particularly the Army and the Marine Corps, are very disturbed about this. A large fraction of the units that are in the cycle to go Afghanistan will not be ready when the time comes."
The cuts will hit close to home, he added, and those defending the nation away from home.
"It's people not flying. It's ships not steaming. It's maintenance not being done. ... It's units not being trained to go to war," Kendall said. "I think it's utterly unconscionable to put our people who are so dedicated out there into that kind of position."
Still, Kendall maintained, Defense Department officials will do everything possible to protect units that are deploying sooner and to sustain current operations. Officials also are trying to protect personnel accounts, he said.
"We are protecting military people -- they're not going to have a cut," Kendall said. "But our civilians are essentially all going to take a 20 percent pay cut for the last half year, give or take" if nothing changes.
Kendall noted that the post-Cold War drawdown occurred under much different circumstances.
"We took a huge amount of force structure out. We took a lot of money out of our other accounts. But ... that was a hugely different world [and] national security environment that we were living in," he said. "And there was a good reason to take the force structure down.
"We're not in that situation today," he continued. "We are getting out of Afghanistan, so we'll be bringing the ground forces down, in particular, because of that. But the rest of the situations in the world that we deal with have not changed.
The undersecretary noted that massive cuts loom for the Defense Department amid a national security environment that includes al-Qaida's activity in Africa, unrest in Syria, the unpredictability of Iran and North Korea, and the modernization of the Chinese and Russian militaries.
The undersecretary said that as part of the need for deficit reduction, Pentagon officials developed a new strategy that would accommodate spending reductions of about $50 billion for 10 years.
"That would have to be done again under sequestration if sequestration were actually implemented for the full 10 years," he added.
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