NEW BIO-THREAT SENSORS WILL BE TESTED IN BOSTON SUBWAY SYSTEM

Photo:  S&T scientists will spray small quantities of killed Bacillus subtilis in the subway tunnels.  Credit:  DHS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Boston Subway System to be Used to Test New Sensors for Biological Agents
Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate’s "Detect to Protect" program will assess trigger and confirmer sensors designed to detect biological agents within minutes
The idea that disease and infection might be used as weapons is truly dreadful, but there is plenty of evidence showing that biological weapons have been around since ancient times. Bioterrorism, as it is dubbed, is nothing new, and although medicines have made the world a safer place against a myriad of old scourges both natural and manmade, it still remains all too easy today to uncork a nasty cloud of germs.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has scheduled a series of tests in the Boston subways to measure the real-world performance of new sensors recently developed to detect biological agents.

S&T’s "Detect-to-Protect" (D2P) Bio Detection project is assessing several sensors (made by Flir Inc., Northrop Grumman, Menon and Associates, and Qinetiq North America) to alert authorities to the presence of biological material. These devices with "trigger" and "confirmer" sensors have been designed to identify and confirm the release of biological agents within minutes.

In 2009, and in early August this year, inert gasses were released in the Boston subway system in an initial study to determine where and how released particulates would travel through the subway network and to identify exactly where to place these new sensors. The current study will involve the release of a small amount of an innocuous killed bacterium in subway stations in the Boston area to test how well the sensors work. After the subway stations close, S&T scientists will spray small quantities of killed Bacillus subtilis in the subway tunnels. This common, food-grade bacterium is found everywhere in soil, water, air, and decomposing plant matter and, even when living, is considered nontoxic to humans, animals, and plants.

S&T’s Dr. Anne Hultgren, program manager for the D2P project, says, "While there is no known threat of a biological attack on subway systems in the United States, the S&T testing will help determine whether the new sensors can quickly detect biological agents in order to trigger a public safety response as quickly as possible."

DHS leads federal efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a possible domestic biological attack. The testing will continue periodically for the next six months and will be monitored by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as well as state and local public health officials.

The particles released in the stations will dissipate quickly. But before they do, their brief travels will provide invaluable data for DHS’ ongoing effort to protect American travelers from potential hazards. Unlike the "Charlie on the MTA" made famous by the Kingston Trio folk group, these particles will NOT ‘ride forever ’neath the streets of Boston.’

This Day in Naval History - Sept. 05

This Day in Naval History - Sept. 05

ISAF NEWS FOR AUGUST 5, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Airstrike Kills Taliban Leader Involved in Aug. 7 Attack
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2012 - One of the Taliban leaders behind an Aug. 7 attack on a coalition base in Afghanistan's Logar province was killed by Afghan and coalition security forces in Logar's Pul-e Alam district yesterday, military officials reported.

Afghan and coalition security forces positively identified the Taliban leader, Bismullah, and two additional insurgents and killed them with a precision airstrike after confirming no civilians were in the area, officials said.

Bismullah is believed to have supplied suicide bombers with essential equipment for the Aug. 7 attack, which wounded several Afghan civilians but failed to cause any significant damage to the coalition base. At the time of his death, officials said, he was believed to be planning another large-scale attack and had transported several rockets across the region.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed.

In other news, a combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader in Balkh province's Chimtal district today. As the security force approached the Taliban leader's suspected location, several insurgents opened fire and the security force returned fire.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force of coalition troops and Afghan special police in Kandahar province's Maiwand district seized a vehicle packed with nearly 3 tons of explosives. The Afghan-led team stopped the vehicle and detained its three occupants. The vehicle is believed to have been bound for bomb makers in Helmand and Kandahar provinces, officials said, and the explosives were destroyed on site.

-- The Wardak Provincial Response Company and coalition forces disrupted an insurgent attack on an Afghan army security patrol in Wardak province's Maidan Shahr district. Responding to a reported insurgent ambush on the patrol, the response company provided covering fire for the unit in contact and conducted a follow-on mission to investigate a suspected Taliban checkpoint.

White House Hangout: AmeriCorps Alumni | The White House

White House Hangout: AmeriCorps Alumni | The White House

Behind the Scenes with President Obama & Team USA Basketball | The White House

Behind the Scenes with President Obama & Team USA Basketball | The White House

SEC RAISES ALERT REGARDING "PAY TO PLAY" CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., Aug. 31, 2012
– The Securities and Exchange Commission issued an alert to strengthen compliance with a Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board rule that limits political contributions by municipal securities professionals to campaigns of public officials of issuers with whom they are doing or seek to do business.

The Risk Alert issued by the agency’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations notes that SEC examiners have observed practices that raise concerns about firms’ compliance with their obligations under MSRB Rule G-37, which clamped down on so-called "pay to play" practices. These concerns include:
Compliance with the rule’s ban on doing business with a municipal issuer within two years of a political contribution to officials of the issuer by any of the firm’s municipal finance professionals
Possible recordkeeping violations
Failure to file accurate and complete required forms with regulators regarding political contributions
Inadequate supervision
The Risk Alert identifies practices that examiners have seen some firms use to comply with applicable federal, state, and local rules on contributions. These include training programs for municipal finance professionals, self-certification of compliance with restrictions on political contributions, surveillance for unreported political contributions, and preclearance or restrictions on political contributions when permitted by state or local law. The Risk Alert stresses that the practices are described only to inform firms about approaches being used to strengthen compliance efforts; these practices may not be applicable to a particular firm, and other practices may be appropriate to consider instead.

"This Risk Alert is intended to help firms to strengthen their compliance and risk management efforts with regard to political contributions," said OCIE Director Carlo di Florio. "We hope that by describing practices that our examiners have observed, we will promote compliance by helping firms to consider how each of them can most effectively meet their obligations under MSRB rules."

The alert is the fourth this year and the sixth in a continuing series of Risk Alerts that the SEC’s examination staff began issuing in 2011. It is intended to assist senior management, risk management, and legal and compliance staff as they review compliance with Rule G-37 by brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers.

The following staff contributed substantially to preparing this Risk Alert: Robert Miller, Suzanne McGovern, Julius Leiman-Carbia, and George Kramer.

U.S. AND AFRICAN AIR FORCE MILITARY LEADERS WORKING TOGETHERR

Gen. Philip Breedlove speaks with Brig. Gen. Alain Pereira during a group discussion at the Regional Air Chief Conference in Dakar Senegal, Aug. 29, 2012. The conference focused on promoting regional partnerships in Northern and Western Africa and to help find African solutions to African problems. Breedlove is U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force Africa commander and Pereira is the Senegal air chief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards)

 
FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
African air chiefs pledge cooperation, trust, solutions

by Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards
U.S. Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

8/31/2012 - DAKAR, Senegal (AFNS) -- The 2012 Regional Air Chief Conference wrapped up here Aug. 30, leaving military leaders from multiple North and Western African nations excited about progress and resolutions involving an increase in regional coordination.

One of the main points was, "The need to share information," said Ghana air force Air Cmdr. Philip Ayisa, the commander of Tamale air force base, Ghana. "African countries need to come together to decisively coordinate and face these challenges together."

The attending African nations communally agree that each country, individually, does not have the equipment, resources or air power necessary to combat all aspects of national defense. However, they accept that together it can be done.

"Participation and cooperation (amongst African countries) is key to the improvement of our capabilities, our personnel readiness and the multiple challenges and security challenges in the region," said Nigerian Air Marshall M.D. Umar, chief of the Nigerian air force.

On the opening day, the group discussed cross-regional issues (common threats and challenges) affecting all African nations in attendance.

"This discussion group reflects a sincere commitment to our collective efforts," said Maj. Gen. Carlton Everhart, the 3rd Air Force vice commander. "Capacity building has continued to be the focus of what we have done here this week and I think we've learned a lot from each other."

The second day focused on the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strategic airlift in Africa and how to properly enable the sharing and inter-cooperation of these assets within the affected African nations.

"ISR is more than just an aircraft, more than just sensors, it takes a considerable amount of manpower to put it together and placed in the right hands in a timely manner," said Col. Gordon Hendrickson, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force Africa director of intelligence. "It's important for us to draw together these air chiefs from throughout Africa and help guide them into coming up with those solutions to many of the unique challenges that they face."

Strategic airlift capabilities in African countries are also limited due to the limited resources available.

"Strategic airlift remains a critical supporting capability that should be achieved, maintained and improved," said Nana Adu-Gyamfi a Ghana air force wing commander. "A systematic use of pulled and shared (strategic airlift) assets would reduce duplication, overhead and medium and long-term capabilities."

The last subject discussed was the use of air-ground integration where Lt. Col. Craig McCarty, 435th Air Ground Operations Group commander spoke about the capabilities close air support can bring to the fight.

"CAS is something that can help bring together the African armies and air forces to allow them to work more efficiently with each other," McCarty said. "In the long term, it will act as the baseline information for when each country starts cooperating and working together."

The conference ended as a resounding success as military leaders packed up and prepared to leave Senegal to bring home lessons learned, an understanding of the challenges affecting the region and possible solutions to those challenges.

At the end of the conference, Everhart had a few parting words for all the attendees.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, it's an immense effort that we've put together here and I look forward to making great strides in progress for the benefit of these nations," said Everhart.

DOD STILL HAS CONCERNS REGARDING OSAMA BIN-LADEN RAID BOOK

Photo Credit:  U.S. DOD 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Concerns Persist Over Ex-SEAL's bin Laden Raid Book

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2012 - Defense Department officials continue to weigh their legal options against a former Navy SEAL who may have revealed classified information in a book he wrote about the Osama bin Laden raid, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a news conference here today.

On Aug. 30, the Defense Department sent an advisory letter of material breach and nondisclosure violation to the author, who used the pen name Mark Owen to write "No Easy Day."

Officials maintain Owen may have divulged classified information that could jeopardize the safety of military members in future operations.

"When it comes to sensitive special operations missions such as the [one] that took down Osama bin Laden, it is important that those ... involved in such operations take care to protect sensitive and classified information," Little said. "And if I had been part of the raid team on the ground and I had decided to write a book about it, it wouldn't have been a tough decision for me to submit the book for prepublication review. That is common sense. It's a no-brainer, and it did not happen."

Little said Pentagon officials have read the book and are unwavering in their concerns about sensitive and classified information that they believe the book contains, but no plans have been put in place to withhold sale of the book in military exchanges or to the public.

"There's been no directive from this department to withhold sale of the book from military exchanges. ... [The] book is being made widely available in bookstores and online," Little said.

The Defense Department typically is not in the business of policing what goes on bookshelves, Little said. Rather, he added, it simply wants to protect classified information, as all current and former DOD employees have a "solemn obligation" to do.

"The sole yardstick is classification. ... This is a former service member who wrote a book," Little said. "This is about merely trying to protect classified information, ... not about trying to prevent the telling of a story."

GOLDEN HOUR BOX DEVELOPER HERO'S REFLECTIONS

Army Col. Frank Rentas, director of the Armed Services Blood Program, hosts a teleconference discussing an upcoming lessons- learned workshop in his Falls Church, Va., office, March 30, 2012. Armed Services Blood Program photo by Christine June

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Face of Defense: 'Golden Hour Box' Developer Reflects on Career
By Christine June
Armed Services Blood Program Office

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 4, 2012 - One of the men who helped to invent a "box" that could save lives on the battlefield said he joined the Army for "three years -- tops."

"That was 31 years ago," Army Col. Francisco Rentas added with a smile, remembering what he said to his family gathered at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, on his way to basic training. "Everybody was crying, and I told them that it was for two or three years. I told them I would be back."

A native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Rentas had every intention of returning home to his parents, sister and brothers.

"Every time we go by Fort Buchanan, we always remember -- just like a movie -- Francis sitting on a small wooden bench, carrying a small handbag," said his sister Hilda Rocafort, who was 12 years old when Rentas was born. "When he didn't return in two or three years as we expected, we were sad because of the distance, but deep inside, we knew that he was happy. He was focused on new achievements."

And there would be a multitude of worthy achievements, including one that has made a lasting difference in the lives of his military family -- the invention of the Golden Hour Human Blood Transport Container.

The 10-inch-square Golden Hour box is a device that carries blood far forward to the battlefield. No effective combat-environment, thermal, blood-carrying container existed in 2002 when U.S. troops were fighting in Afghanistan, far away from any fixed medical facility.

Rentas retires from the Army in a ceremony Sept. 21, as his latest tour of duty -- director of the Armed Services Blood Program Office -- winds to a close. In this role, he has overseen the disposition of blood products to the combat theater and elsewhere throughout the military medical community.

"[Special Forces units] needed a container to carry red blood cells that could operate in Afghanistan's desert and mountainous terrain and maintain the cells without freezing or cooking them," said Dr. Victor MacDonald, product manager and subject matter expert on blood products for the Pharmaceutical Systems Project Management Office at the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity at Fort Detrick, Md.

Transporting blood, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, is no simple task. MacDonald said red blood cells must be preserved at the correct temperature -- 1 to 6 degrees Celsius or 34 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit -- to be viable for transfusion.

"The beauty of the Golden Hour container is that it preserves red blood cells without the use of electricity, batteries or even ice," said MacDonald, a member of the original invention team. The team received the Army's 2003 Greatest Invention Award.

Rentas' path toward the science of blood banking would begin with his Army enlistment as a clinical laboratory technician in 1981. He said he wanted to be an enlisted soldier even though he had just earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico. Before a year was up, Rentas met his wife of 30 years. They now have two daughters.

He stayed enlisted for almost six years, attaining the rank of sergeant before earning a direct commission in 1987 as a second lieutenant in the Army's Medical Service Corps.

"I really enjoyed working in the lab behind the bench, testing blood and other samples -- plus, I was married," said Rentas, with his smile returning as he explained how his three-year homecoming never happened.

And for those whose lives have been saved by preserved blood products close at hand, many would agree that it is a very good thing that Rentas decided to make the Army a career.

"How [the Golden Hour container] works," Rentas explained, "is that there are panels inside the container that you freeze ahead of time, and when these panels go from frozen to liquid, everything inside stays at 4 degrees Celsius for about 72 to 75 hours, depending on the temperature outside."

Success of the Golden Hour container, Rentas and MacDonald said, is evident by the fact that it is still in use today -- not only in the U.S. military and civilian medical communities, but also in several countries.

"And not just for blood," Rentas said, "A lot of medical professionals are using the box for other temperature-sensitive, life-saving medical supplies -- platelets, vaccines and medications -- during emergencies as well as on the battlefield today."

"I know how important it is to have more time available to use blood products for patients," said Robert Rentas, a younger brother of the colonel and administrator of the Instituto de Radioterapia del Este in Humacao, Puerto Rico. "I feel very proud to have Francis as a brother, and I am completely sure that from heaven our Mami and Papi are smiling for all of his accomplishments, and for being a great father and husband."

Through his 30 years of service, Rentas' achievements include service as chief of military laboratories and blood bank centers; more than 20 medals, honors and awards; close to 50 published presentations and publications; a master's degree; a fellowship in blood banking; and a doctorate in clinical laboratory science. But being a part of military blood banking – the noble mission of saving lives -- has always inspired him, he said.

"Our motivation is driven by the pictures of those returning in flag-draped caskets that could not be saved or those of a young wife with two children at her husband's funeral," said Rentas, who plans to continue working in blood banking when he enters the civilian workforce.

"Every member of the Armed Services Blood Program throughout the world works hard to ensure we do whatever we can to take care of our customers while maintaining the safety of the military blood supply," he said. "I will miss them all."

SpaceUp Unconference viendra à l'Europe

SpaceUp Unconference viendra à l'Europe

U.S. PRIMARIES AND CONVENTIONS PRE-1900

Photo: Theodore Roosevelt. From: U.S. Library of Congress

FROM: U.S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

I can picture ... the great Democratic convention of 1894 at the old coliseum in Omaha... right now I can hear the Hallelluiahs of the assembled. Oh how I wish I had back the youth and the enthusiasm I felt that night, I jumped on a chair and ask[ed] that by a rising vote the nomination be made unanimous, how the people yelled, how the packed gallories applauded, it cheers an old man now to think about it.

Mrs. J.J. McCarthy's enthusiasm for party conventions wasn't shared by all of his contemporaries. Even before 1900, many sought to reform these conventions that uniformly ignored the will of individual voters in their selection of presidential candidates. Though these conventions were attended by delegates sent from their respective states, delegates were often chosen by state and party bosses with sway over the delegates' loyalties, instead of by state-wide or majority elections, called primaries. Before the 1920s, party bosses were often accused of trading convention floor votes for power, patronage, or even cash! These problems kept the representational method of nominating candidates by sending delegates to conventions from being truly representational.

In the first decade of the 1900s, states began to hold primary elections to select the delegates that would attend national nominating conventions. The introduction of these primary elections mitigated the corrupt control of party and state bosses. But the widespread adoption of primary elections was not immediate and so they did not play the role of virtually determining a party's candidate as they do today. 1912 was the first year in which a presidential candidate, two-time President Theodore Roosevelt, tried to secure his nomination through primary elections. That year, nine states elected delegates that supported Roosevelt, while incumbent, William Howard Taft, won only one primary election. Despite Roosevelt's wholesale victory of the popular vote, Taft received the Republican nomination. This was because only 42% of the delegates who attended the nominating convention had been selected through primary elections. The rest had been selected by party bosses who supported Taft and succeeded in granting him their party's nomination.

Failing to win the Republican nomination, Roosevelt and his supporters formed the Progressive Party, or Bull Moose Party, with Roosevelt as its presidential candidate. Roosevelt failed to win the Presidency that year, but with the help of the Progressive party, our country's primary system began to change. Fed up with corrupt party politics, Americans demanded and won reforms that reduced the power of party bosses. The introduction of the secret ballot had led the way in 1888. By the 1920's, almost every state had loosened the grip of political bosses and placed candidate selection more firmly in the hands of citizen voters.

The excitement and corruption of party politics was not limited to the national arenas and big party players. E.R. Kaiser paints a picture of local party politics in the late 1800s:
Politics played a big part in the life of this town years ago. Campaigns were hot, and there was always a big celebration afterwards. ... Votes used to be bought -- that is before the secret ballot was adopted. Some sold 'em pretty cheap. I remember one old fellow who sold out to one party for a dollar -- then sold out to the other for the same price.

OVERVIEW: THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA)

U.S. Department of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
December 2004

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) offers protections for millions of American workers that improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage.

HIPAA Protects Workers And Their Families By

Limiting exclusions for preexisting medical conditions (known as preexisting conditions).
Providing credit against maximum preexisting condition exclusion periods for prior health coverage and a process for providing certificates showing periods of prior coverage to a new group health plan or health insurance issuer.
Providing new rights that allow individuals to enroll for health coverage when they lose other health coverage, get married or add a new dependent.
Prohibiting discrimination in enrollment and in premiums charged to employees and their dependents based on health status-related factors.
Guaranteeing availability of health insurance coverage for small employers and renewability of health insurance coverage for both small and large employers.
Preserving the states’ role in regulating health insurance, including the states’ authority to provide greater protections than those available under federal law.

Preexisting Condition Exclusions

The law defines a preexisting condition as one for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received during the 6-month period prior to an individual’s enrollment date (which is the earlier of the first day of health coverage or the first day of any waiting period for coverage).
Group health plans and issuers may not exclude an individual’s preexisting medical condition from coverage for more than 12 months (18 months for late enrollees) after an individual’s enrollment date.
Under HIPAA, a new employer’s plan must give individuals credit for the length of time they had prior continuous health coverage, without a break in coverage of 63 days or more, thereby reducing or eliminating the 12-month exclusion period (18 months for late enrollees).

Creditable Coverage

Includes prior coverage under another group health plan, an individual health insurance policy, COBRA, Medicaid, Medicare, CHAMPUS, the Indian Health Service, a state health benefits risk pool, FEHBP, the Peace Corps Act, or a public health plan.

Certificates Of Creditable Coverage

Certificates of creditable coverage must be provided automatically and free of charge by the plan or issuer when an individual loses coverage under the plan, becomes entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage or exhausts COBRA continuation coverage. A certificate must also be provided free of charge upon request while you have health coverage or anytime within 24 months after your coverage ends.
Certificates of creditable coverage should contain information about the length of time you or your dependents had coverage as well as the length of any waiting period for coverage that applied to you or your dependents.
For plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2005, certificates of creditable coverage should also include an educational statement that describes individuals' HIPAA portability rights. A new model cerfiticate is available on EBSAs Web site.
If a certificate is not received, or the information on the certificate is wrong, you should contact your prior plan or issuer. You have a right to show prior creditable coverage with other evidence — like pay stubs, explanation of benefits, letters from a doctor — if you cannot get a certificate.

Special Enrollment Rights

Are provided for individuals who lose their coverage in certain situations, including on separation, divorce, death, termination of employment and reduction in hours. Special enrollment rights also are provided if employer contributions toward the other coverage terminates.
Are provided for employees, their spouses and new dependents upon marriage, birth, adoption or placement for adoption.

Discrimination Prohibitions

Ensure that individuals are not excluded from coverage, denied benefits, or charged more for coverage offered by a plan or issuer, based on health status-related factors.

This fact sheet has been developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Washington, DC 20210. It will be made available in alternate formats upon request: Voice phone: 202.693.8664; Text telephone: 202.501.3911. In addition, the information in this fact sheet constitutes a small entity compliance guide for purposes of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

PYRAMID AND PONZI FINANCIAL SCHEMES



Chart From:  U.S. Securities And Exchange Commission

FROM: U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Pyramid Scheme

In the classic "pyramid" scheme, participants attempt to make money solely by recruiting new participants. The hallmark of these schemes is the promise of sky-high returns in a short period of time.

Pyramid scheme promoters may go to great lengths to make the program look like a multi-level marketing program selling legitimate products or services. But these fraudsters use money from new recruits to pay off early stage investors until eventually, the pyramid collapses. At some point, the schemes get too big, the promoter cannot raise enough money from new investors to pay earlier investors, and people lose their money.

Typical "hook
Earn high profits by making one payment and finding a set number of others to become distributors of a product. The scheme typically does not involve a genuine product. The purported product may not exist or it may only be "sold" within the pyramid scheme

Interaction with original promoter

Must recruit new distributors to receive payments.

Payments

Sometimes none. New participants may enter scheme at a different level

Source of payments

From new participants – always disclosed.

　

Ponzi Scheme

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often promise to invest your money and generate high returns with little or no risk. But in many Ponzi schemes, the fraudsters do not invest the money. Instead, they use it to pay those who invested earlier and may keep some for themselves.

With little or no legitimate earnings, Ponzi schemes require a constant flow of new money to survive. When it becomes hard to recruit new investors, or when large numbers of existing investors cash out, these schemes tend to collapse.

Ponzi schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, who duped investors in the 1920s with a postage stamp speculation scheme.

Ponzi scheme "red flags"
Many Ponzi schemes share common characteristics. Look for these warning signs:
High returns with little or no risk. Every investment carries some degree of risk, and investments yielding higher returns typically involve more risk. Be highly suspicious of any "guaranteed" investment opportunity.
Overly consistent returns. Investments tend to go up and down over time. Be skeptical about an investment that regularly generates positive returns regardless of overall market conditions.
Unregistered investments. Ponzi schemes typically involve investments that are not registered with the SEC or with state regulators. Registration is important because it provides investors with access to information about the company’s management, products, services, and finances.
Unlicensed sellers. Federal and state securities laws require investment professionals and firms to be licensed or registered. Most Ponzi schemes involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms.
Secretive, complex strategies. Avoid investments if you don’t understand them or can’t get complete information about them.
Issues with paperwork. Account statement errors may be a sign that funds are not being invested as promised.
Difficulty receiving payments. Be suspicious if you don’t receive a payment or have difficulty cashing out. Ponzi scheme promoters sometimes try to prevent participants from cashing out by offering even higher returns for staying put.
　
Typical "hook"

Earn high investment returns with little or no risk by simply handing over your money; the investment typically does not exist.

Payments

No recruiting necessary to receive payments.

Interaction with original promoter

Promoter generally acts directly with all participants.

Source of payments

From new participants – never disclosed.

GUARDING AFGHAN DRIVERS

Credit:  Wisconsin National Guard

 
FROM: WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD NEWS: Wisconsin Guard Soldiers protect Afghan drivers

Date: August 31, 2012
By Sgt. Gregory Williams
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Afghanistan -The lives of soldiers and host nation truck drivers are intertwined every day as they hit the road together.

The drivers depend on the Soldiers for security and the Soldiers depend on the HNTs to get cargo from point a to point b.

Both play an integral part of the mission of Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan, which is to oversee the sustainment operations and other functions in Afghanistan.

The 1157th Transportation Company provided security for 25 host national truck drivers out of Jalalabad Airfield during a recent convoy mission.

Sgt. Michelle L. Meuer, a truck commander with the 1157th TC, said no mission is guaranteed to go smoothly for Soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard unit and getting everyone to the base in one piece is always the focus of every mission.

With cars speeding by the convoy, gunners used laser escalation force system to signal drivers to slow down in order to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

Providing security does not just mean looking out for enemy fire and dealing with drivers, it also involves providing mechanical assistance, water and food to drivers as well.

"We have to make sure the HNTs and loads get to base safely so we try to provide basic life support to the drivers," Meuer said. "If you're nice to them the drivers will drive better, which helps us out."

Unfortunately for the 1157th TC, just when things were going as planned something happened disrupting the convoys movement. One of the vehicles broke down on the road causing the convoy to stop with oncoming traffic on one side and a cliff on the other.

"We inspect vehicles before we start each convoy to try to mitigate the risks, but you never know," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason R. Mattke, a convoy commander with the 1157th TC. "With the risks of attacks and unplanned incidents, we're responsible for the HNTs and it's all about getting them from point a to point b.

"Throughout all of this, you have to make sure you're communicating everything to the soldiers."

Over the course of two hours, radio communication intensified between the three truck elements making sure that each vehicle had eyes on their designated HNT vehicles.

Meuer said if a vehicle breaks down, it's not uncommon for Afghan drivers to leave their vehicles to talk to one another or even converse with Soldiers on the while waiting.

"They ask for cigarettes if we ever come to a halt and we'll chat with them for a while," Meuer said. "But when it's time to roll, we'll shine their trucks with a spotlight to make sure they know we're ready to go."

As the vehicle is fixed and the convoy starts to roll again, the 1157th TC has taken care of every situation that has come up.

The truckers finally pulled up to an entry control point after a nine-hour journey, which usually takes the drivers three hours to complete on a good day.

The Soldiers have once again successfully escorted another group of HNTs, but their mission will continue until all U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan end.

"The other day I read an article called "Afghanistan: The Forgotten War" and it made me mad because we're out here every day," Meuer said. "I hope people realize that soldiers are still busting their butts and that a majority of the Afghans do appreciate what we do for them."

RECENT NAVY PHOTOS OF HELICOPTERS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY

120827-N-WW980-008 NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2012) TH-57 helicopters are cramped together in the hangar at Naval Air Station Whiting Field's South Field to protect them from the heavy winds and debris expected from Tropical Storm Isaac. (U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope/Released)

120816-N-MF277-298 EASTERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (Aug. 16, 2012) - Two MH-60S helicopters from Navy Helicopter Sea Combat squadrons THREE (HSC-3) and TWO-ONE (HSC-21) prepare to conduct a water drop to combat a wildfire. HSC-3 and HSC-21 are assisting CALFIRE by providing aircrews flying specially-equipped MH-60S helicopters to conduct aerial water drops against several wildfires in eastern San Diego County. San Diego HSC squadrons are trained for fire-fighting missions at the Navy's Southern California offshore training ranges and conduct semi-annual joint training with CALFIRE to ensure interoperability and an immediate response capability in support of local authorities for emergency events. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Sebastian McCormack/RELEASED)

120806-N-MH210-375 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2012) MH-60S Seahawk helicopters assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 fire flares during an air power demonstration above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration. Lincoln is returning to the United States after the completion of an eight-month change-of-homeport deployment during which it operated in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary A. Anderson/Released)

Modern-day builders protect ancient treasure

Modern-day builders protect ancient treasure

Inside the White House: Beer Brewing | The White House

Inside the White House: Beer Brewing | The White House

President Obama Tours Areas Damaged by Hurricane Isaac | The White House

President Obama Tours Areas Damaged by Hurricane Isaac | The White House

RECENT U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
Warthog Wingmen

A heritage flight that included two F-86 Sabres flanking an A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstrated the proud heritage of military aviation over the past 60 years at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 24, 2012. The 2012 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show included this and many other aerial demonstrations as well as ground shows and static aircraft displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger)

　

Fill ‘er up

A B-1B Lancer is refueled over Afghanistan during overseas contingency operations, August 4, 2012. The 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts missions out of the transit center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and plays an integral role in keeping air assets refueled in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clay Lancaster)

Remembering Those Who Served in WWII

DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon

DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon

TROPICAL REEF SURVIVAL AND SYMBIOTIC ALGAE

Photo:  Coral In Red Sea.  Credit:  Wikimedia/NOAA
FROM: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Tropical Reefs' Surviving Environmental Stresses: Corals' Choice of Symbiotic Algae May Hold the Key

August 29, 2012
Symbiodinium
, it's technically called, but more popularly it's known as zooxanthellae.

Either way, these microscopic algae that live within a coral's tissues hold the key to a tropical reef's ability to withstand environmental stresses.

The effects on tropical corals of global warming, ocean acidification, pollution, coastal development and overfishing may all come down to how choosy the corals are about their algae tenants.

Reef corals are the sum of an animal and the single-celled algae that live inside its tissues. The animal is called the host and the algae are called endosymbionts.

It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. The corals provide the algae with protection in sunlit, shallow seas. The algae produce large amounts of energy through photosynthesis, which the corals use to survive and to build their skeletons.

The stability of this symbiotic relationship is critical to corals' survival. When corals lose their algae, they bleach out and often die.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii and other institutions have found that the more flexible corals are about their algal residents, the more sensitive they are to environmental changes.

"It's exactly the opposite of what we expected," says Hollie Putnam of the University of Hawaii and lead author of a paper published this week in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"The finding was surprising; we thought that corals exploited the ability to host a variety of Symbiodinium to adapt to climate change."

But more is not always better, say Putnam and co-authors Michael Stat of the University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science; Xavier Pochon of the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, New Zealand; and Ruth Gates of the University of Hawaii.

"The relationship of corals to the algae that live within them is fundamental to their biology," says David Garrison, program director in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Ocean Sciences, which funded the research.

"This study gives us an important new understanding of how corals are likely to respond to the stresses of environmental change."

The research was conducted at NSF's Moorea Coral Reef Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site, one of 26 such NSF LTER sites around the globe in ecosystems from deserts to freshwater lakes, and from forests to grasslands.

Putnam and colleagues took samples from 34 species of corals at the Moorea LTER site. By analyzing the DNA from the algae in the samples, they identified the specific species of Symbiodinium.

The findings reveal that some corals host a single Symbiodinium species. Others host many.

"We were able to link, for the first time, patterns in environmental performance of corals to the number and variety of endosymbionts they host," says Putnam.

The patterns show that corals termed generalists--those that are flexible in their choice of algae residents--are more environmentally sensitive.

In contrast, environmentally resistant corals--termed specifists--associate with only one or a few specific species of Symbiodinium.

Generalists such as Acropora and Pocillopora are some of the most environmentally sensitive corals.

Conversely, specifists such as Porites harbor few Symbiodinium species and are environmentally resistant.

"Coral reefs are economically and ecologically important, providing homes for a high diversity of organisms and are necessary for food supplies, recreation and tourism in many countries," says Gates.

"The better we understand how corals respond to stress, the more capable we will be of forecasting and managing future reef communities."

It's likely that the reefs of tomorrow, say Putnam and co-authors, will be shaped by the coral-Symbiodinium assemblages of today.

In the roulette of coral species on a tropical reef, Porites may be the clear winner.

U.S.-ISRAEL AND THE AUSTERE CHALLENGE 12 DEFENSE EXERCISE

Photo:  Isareli And U.S. Navy.  Credit:  U.S. Navy. 

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, , , FOR BOTH U.S. AND ISRAEL

Upcoming U.S., Israeli Exercise Underscores Relations

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2012 - U.S. and Israeli forces will team up this fall for Austere Challenge 12, a major exercise that provides important training for the defense of both nations, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today.

The Israeli defense ministry requested the bilateral, ballistic missile defense exercise be moved from May to late fall, and the drill remains the largest of its kind between the nations, Little said.

"The exercise has not changed in scope and will include the same types of systems as planned," he said. "All deployed systems will be fully operational with their associated operators, including the missile interceptors."

The United States will have fewer personnel in the exercise than originally planned because of other operations already scheduled in the same timeframe, Little said.

The press secretary added that the bonds between U.S. and Israeli forces are as strong as ever.

"As the minister of defense, Ehud Barak, has repeatedly said, the U.S.-Israel defense relationship is stronger than it has ever been, and we couldn't agree more," he said. "This exercise is a tangible sign of our mutual trust and defense of our two nations."

LESS THAN ONE YEAR AGO THE U.S. CYBER BRIGADE WAS ACTIVATED

 

 

Photo Credit: U.S. Department Of Defense

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Army activates first-of-its-kind Cyber Brigade
FORT MEADE, Md. (Dec. 9, 2011) -- Network warfare, cyber security and the illegal release and posting of classified information on the internet are all hot topics in recent news headlines -- topics which the government, and more importantly its military, take seriously.

The nature of that seriousness is evident with the Army's recent activation of its first computer network operations brigade.

With an urgent insistence and tremendous help from the National Security Agency, Department of Defense and U.S. Cyber Command, Army and Congressional staff, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command created the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade to support U.S. and Army Cyber Commands with their missions to provide a proactive cyber defense.

In an event that marked the culmination of years of preparation, the colors of the 780th MI Brigade were unfurled for the first time during an activation ceremony at NSA's Friedman Auditorium, Fort Meade, Md., Dec. 1.

"While normally it is enough to gather in time-honored tradition to pass unit colors to mark the transition of commanders and continuity of mission, on really rare occasions like today we have the opportunity to activate a new unit -- hand-picked, specifically recruited and purpose built, which has and will continue to contribute to a complex fight against those who present a clear and present danger to our nation's security, while providing new and breathtaking capabilities to our Army's already impressive portfolio of war fighting capabilities," said Maj. Gen. Mary A. Legere, INSCOM commanding general.

Though fully preoccupied with two wars in the Middle East, engaged in other operations globally and confronted by resource constraints that might have been an excuse for inaction, the Army empowered INSCOM to once again build a unit in response to a specific threat -- providing it with the mandate, mission and resources to form this brigade.

In December 2010, the Army approved the establishment of an Army Cyber Brigade and designated the 780th MI Brigade to fulfill this mission with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2011.

"'Never rely too heavily on intuition. It will never be a good substitute for good intelligence.'" said Legere, quoting a phrase from Gen. Omar Bradley. "It is his spirit, and in response to a sense of foreboding, that our Army has had the wisdom to resource and create the 780th."

The ceremony also marked the assumption of command for Col. Jonathan E. Sweet, as he accepted the colors from Legere.

"August 19th, 1942, Maj. Gen. Lee, commander of the newly formed 101st Airborne Division, told his Soldiers assembled at Camp Claiborne, La., that 'the 101st has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny,'" said Sweet. "These men were the infantry's best-of-the-best. They were selected, trained and deployed to counter an adversary that threatened our country during the Second World War."

Sweet compared his new brigade to a more seasoned one.

"Like the 101st, the 780th MI Brigade has no history, and was formed to counter an adversary operating in a different domain -- a highly technical, man-made domain called cyberspace," Sweet added.

While recognizing numerous individuals responsible for the creation of the brigade, and those who assisted his career accomplishments, Sweet said it is an honor to have the opportunity to return to Fort Meade and join Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Hoke, 780th MI Brigade command sergeant major, to activate, command, and operationalize this incredibly special brigade.

"The first 26 miles of this marathon began in October 2002, with the activation of Detachment Meade. Since then it's evolved and expanded into the Army's Network Warfare Battalion, assembled a headquarters company and staff, and today the 780th MI Brigade," said Sweet. "As we cross this finish line and take a moment to enjoy the accomplishment, we're reminded that it's merely a transition point, providing us enough time to catch our breath and get ready to step out across the start line for the next phase of what is actually a triathlon."

The brigade's 781st MI Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, at Fort Meade, and the 782nd MI Battalion, located at Fort Gordon, Ga., will collectively enable the unit's mission to conduct signals intelligence, computer network operations, and when directed, offensive operations, in support of DOD, Army and interagency operations worldwide, while denying the same to its adversaries.

"This [activation] is a tribute to the belief in the notion that our nation requires assured freedom of maneuver in cyberspace in this era of persistent conflict and the advent of the increasingly more sophisticated threats to our security," Legere added.

Legere added that the Army's newest brigade is fully prepared to assist Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, chief of staff of the Army, as they forge ahead in promoting cyber defense and full-spectrum Cyber Ops as one of their top priorities, and in helping Gen. Keith B. Alexander, commander of USCYBERCOM and director of the NSA, as he continues to educate, implore and challenge our nation's leadership to take decisive action to develop and expand this kind of capability that is now so critical to our nation's security.

"The challenge to our nation in this domain is upon us. You see this every day. The future danger that you envisioned has arrived," said Legere. "And the time for the men and women of the 780th to take your place in the Army's long gray operational line as a fully resourced operational unit ready for action is now."

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Marine Corps.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Arrests Suspected Taliban Explosives Dealer
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2012 - An Afghan special operations unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested a suspected Taliban explosives dealer during an operation in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The detained explosives dealer is believed to be responsible for
coordinating the purchase and transfer of explosives and other bomb-making equipment for Taliban insurgents throughout the region, officials said.

Prior to his arrest, the suspect had acquired several components for building homemade bombs, officials said.

The Afghan special operations unit also detained three other suspected insurgents and seized more than 40 pounds of illegal narcotics as a result of this operation.

In another Afghanistan operation today, a combined force arrested a suspected Taliban IED expert, detained several other suspects and seized military uniforms, firearms and explosives in the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province. The arrested IED expert is believed to be a leading figure in the movement and provision of explosives for attacks against coalition and Afghan security forces throughout eastern Nangarhar province.

Also today, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the death of Shabeer, a Haqqani network leader, following a Sept. 2 precision airstrike in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. Shabeer was believed to have been coordinating a high-profile attack using vehicle-borne bombs and other weapons. A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force detained several suspects and seized Afghan army uniforms, an assault rifle and IED components during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Sayyid Karam district of Paktia province.

-- A combined force detained several suspects and seized a firearm during a search for a Taliban leader in the Ghazni district of Ghazni province.

-- A combined force killed two armed insurgents in Logar's Pul-e Alam district.

In Sept. 2 operations:

-- In the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Helmand province, International Security Assistance Force troops found and destroyed 1,190 pounds of wet and dry opium and detained four people.

-- During a search for a Taliban leader in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, a combined force killed multiple insurgents and seized an 82 mm recoilless rifle.

-- A coalition airstrike killed multiple armed insurgents during an operation in Logar's Pul-e Alam district.

Also on Sept. 2, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the Aug. 30 arrest of a Taliban insurgent in the Hisarak district of Nangarhar province. The insurgent is accused of using his status as a member of the Afghan National Police to conduct a May attack that killed two coalition service members. Prior to his capture, officials said, he was attempting to join the Afghan army.

In Sept. 1 operations:

-- A combined force killed an insurgent, detained numerous suspects and destroyed an explosives and weapons cache during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Sayyid Karam district of Paktia province.

-- In the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Ghazni province, a combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban leader.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects during a search for a Taliban bomb maker in the Washer district of Helmand province.

HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

Map Of Indonesia Credit:  CIA World Factbook.
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. Brunei joined in 1984, shortly after its independence from the United Kingdom, and Vietnam joined ASEAN as its seventh member in 1995. Laos and Burma were admitted into full membership in July 1997 as ASEAN celebrated its 30th anniversary. Cambodia became ASEAN’s tenth member in 1999.

The ASEAN Declaration in 1967, considered ASEAN’s founding document, formalized the principles of peace and cooperation to which ASEAN is dedicated. The ASEAN Charter entered into force on 15 December 2008. With the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN established its legal identity as an international organization and took a major step in its community-building process.

The ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars, the Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community. Each pillar has its own Blueprint approved at the summit level, and, together with the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Strategic Framework and IAI Work Plan Phase II (2009-2015), they form the Roadmap for and ASEAN Community 2009-2015.

ASEAN commands far greater influence on Asia-Pacific trade, political, and security issues than its members could achieve individually. This has driven ASEAN’s community building efforts. This work is based largely on consultation, consensus, and cooperation.

U.S. relations with ASEAN have been excellent since its inception. The United States became a Dialogue Partner country of ASEAN in 1977. Dialogue partners meet regularly with ASEAN at the working and senior levels to guide the development of our regional relations. In July 2009, Secretary Clinton signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) which has greatly enhanced U.S. political relations with ASEAN.

Every year following the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN holds its Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) to which the Secretary of State is invited. In 1994, ASEAN took the lead in establishing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which now has 27 members and meets each year at the ministerial level just after the PMC.

On November 15, 2009, President Obama met with ASEAN leaders in Singapore. This was the first meeting ever between a U.S. President and all ten ASEAN leaders. The President’s meeting has greatly advanced U.S. relations with ASEAN and the East Asia region.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. Brunei joined in 1984, shortly after its independence from the United Kingdom, and Vietnam joined ASEAN as its seventh member in 1995. Laos and Burma were admitted into full membership in July 1997 as ASEAN celebrated its 30th anniversary. Cambodia became ASEAN’s tenth member in 1999.

The ASEAN Declaration in 1967, considered ASEAN’s founding document, formalized the principles of peace and cooperation to which ASEAN is dedicated. The ASEAN Charter entered into force on 15 December 2008. With the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN established its legal identity as an international organization and took a major step in its community-building process.

The ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars, the Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community. Each pillar has its own Blueprint approved at the summit level, and, together with the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Strategic Framework and IAI Work Plan Phase II (2009-2015), they form the Roadmap for and ASEAN Community 2009-2015.

ASEAN commands far greater influence on Asia-Pacific trade, political, and security issues than its members could achieve individually. This has driven ASEAN’s community building efforts. This work is based largely on consultation, consensus, and cooperation.

U.S. relations with ASEAN have been excellent since its inception. The United States became a Dialogue Partner country of ASEAN in 1977. Dialogue partners meet regularly with ASEAN at the working and senior levels to guide the development of our regional relations. In July 2009, Secretary Clinton signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) which has greatly enhanced U.S. political relations with ASEAN.

Every year following the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN holds its Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) to which the Secretary of State is invited. In 1994, ASEAN took the lead in establishing the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which now has 27 members and meets each year at the ministerial level just after the PMC.

On November 15, 2009, President Obama met with ASEAN leaders in Singapore. This was the first meeting ever between a U.S. President and all ten ASEAN leaders. The President’s meeting has greatly advanced U.S. relations with ASEAN and the East Asia region.
　


U.S. RELATIONS WITH ASEAN

Along with our continued economic, strategic, and people-to-people engagement with ASEAN, the United States remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s evolution as the foremost regional institution promoting a vision of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and democratic Southeast Asia. The United States has demonstrated our institutional support for ASEAN in a number of ways.
The U.S. Mission to ASEAN: In June 2010, the United States became the first non-ASEAN country to establish a dedicated Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta. Under the leadership of Ambassador David L. Carden, the United States’ first resident Ambassador to ASEAN, the Mission provides a venue for regular engagement and cooperation with ASEAN as well as the most visible symbol of our commitment to ASEAN’s success.

Support for U.S.-ASEAN Scholarship: In addition to beginning recruitment for the U.S.-ASEAN Fulbright Initiative this year, the United States supports both U.S. and ASEAN Member States’ scholars working on issues central to the region through symposia held at American University’s ASEAN Studies Center in Washington D.C. Our participation in the Brunei-U.S. English Language Enrichment Project reflects a commitment to help unify the diverse members of ASEAN, improve English language capacity, and advance educational and teaching opportunities in the region.

The ASEAN Washington Committee (AWC): To further our coordination with ASEAN, the Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs’ Assistant Secretary Kurt M. Campbell holds monthly meetings with the ASEAN Washington Committee, composed of the ambassadors of ASEAN Member States resident in Washington. These meetings serve as a venue for communication and collaboration on issues and projects within the region, and provide a domestic complement to our engagement in Jakarta.

Institutional Support in Disaster Management: Since mid-2011, the United States has supported a full-time, resident Advisor to the ASEAN Secretariat’s ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Unit and to broader Disaster Management efforts through the Secretariat and ASEAN Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (AHA Centre). The Advisor works closely with ASEAN officials and our fellow ASEAN Dialogue Partners to oversee activities such as:
The installation of a multi-hazard Disaster Monitoring and Response System in the AHA Centre. Along with Japan, the United States is providing the hardware and software AHA Centre operators need to improve response times and use relief resources more efficiently.
Building the search and rescue capacity of ASEAN Member States and creating guidelines for mobilization of assets for disaster relief across the region.
Supporting efforts to share best practices in Peacekeeping Operations.
  Promoting Public-Private Dialogue Economic Partnerships: The United States has partnered with ASEAN in private-sector outreach in several areas:
Secretary Clinton opened the first-ever U.S. – ASEAN Business Forum in July in Siem Reap, which brought government and private actors across the spectrum, including Boeing, Caterpillar, Chevron, DHL, Oracle, Peabody, P&G, ACE, Black & Veatch, Coca-Cola, GE, and Google, among others, together to find ways to further economic engagement and integration.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s first connectivity event, which brought representatives together from ASEAN governments, seven U.S. government agencies, and several private businesses. Participants shared expertise in disaster reduction and disaster recovery, and attendees showcased technology which enables more effective disaster preparation and emergency response.
We have supported the ASEAN Single Window Steering Committee, which incorporates the views of businesses active in the region into the planning for the ASEAN Single Window project, a state-of-the-art regional electronic customs clearance information sharing system, which will help to enable the integration of the broader ASEAN economic community. We look forward to a major ASEAN Single Window Symposium in mid-September at the ASEAN Secretariat.
  Economic Partnerships: We support triennial conferences to encourage private sector engagement with ASEAN’s food security agenda. The U.S.-funded Maximizing Agricultural Revenue through Knowledge, Enterprise Development, and Trade (MARKET) Program is helping to carry these critical private-public partnerships. We will support the Second Annual Dialogue between ASEAN Agriculture Ministers and food industry business leaders in September.

ASEAN Technology Improvement: The United States funded an expert to work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat to improve IT operations and prepare a medium-term IT strategy that was presented to the Committee of Permanent Representatives. In early September, the ASEAN Secretariat and United States will jointly launch a new ASEAN Web Portal with a redesign of the front end of the website, the creation of central repository for past, current and future ASEAN documents, and a user-friendly interface with a searchable function.

U.S. – ASEAN Eminent Persons Group: President Obama announced the names of the three representatives, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky (a former U.S. Trade Representative), Muhtar Kent (Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company) and Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy (former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, China and Indonesia,) in November 2011 at the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting. The group met with their ASEAN counterparts earlier this year in Manila, and will do so again in early September in Rangoon. The group will formulate a report containing recommendations on enhanced U.S.-ASEAN engagement for consideration by President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and ASEAN Leaders. We expect the EPG to offer expert insights on topics including engagement and integration among ASEAN Member States across all three Pillars of the ASEAN Community: Political/Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. This important Presidential initiative demonstrates our deepening engagement with multilateral institutions in the Asia-Pacific, and specifically with ASEAN, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue this year.

ASEAN Secretariat Committee of Permanent Representatives Visit: This September, the United States will sponsor a trip for the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), led by U.S. Mission to ASEAN Ambassador David L. Carden. The CPR oversees ASEAN Member States’ interactions with the ASEAN Secretariat and Dialogue Partners such as the United States, and includes one Representative from each of the 10 ASEAN Member States. Their visit will enable the CPR to exchange best practices across a variety of disciplines with officials drawn from U.S. government, the private sector, think tanks, and universities, with the goal of improving ASEAN’s capacity to promote sustainable development, improve regional rule of law, and create an environment conducive to economic growth across Southeast Asia.

Dialogue Partner/Donor Coordination: The United States places a high priority on outreach and collaboration with our development partners in the region and in helping ASEAN strengthen its role in partner coordination. For example, the USAID-AusAID-ASEAN collaboration with the MTV-EXIT campaign is highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to end trafficking in persons in cooperation with its Dialogue Partners. We are also coordinating support to the AHA Centre. The United States, Japan, Australia, the EU, and New Zealand are working directly with the AHA Centre and the ASEAN Secretariat to balance the types of assistance from each partner to cover AHA Centre's priority needs for systems, staffing and training. The United States and Canada also co-chair the working group on human rights cooperation with ASEAN.

Defense Liaison Officer. In 2011 the United States Pacific Command deployed a Liaison Officer to the U.S. Mission to ASEAN with the objectives of encouraging information-sharing between DOD and other U.S. agencies on multi-national security programs in Southeast Asia, and encouraging deepening and sustained engagement by DOD in ASEAN defense-related fora such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+) mechanism. Over the past year the Mission's PACOM liaison has assisted with arrangements for the first informal dialogue between the ASEAN Defense Ministers and U.S. Secretary of Defense; coordinated U.S. co-chairmanship with Indonesia of the ADMM+ Expert Working Group on Counterterrorism; and organized a PACOM-sponsored regional workshop on environmental security.

NCAA EMERALD ISLE CLASSIC

FROM: U.S. NAVY, NOTRE DAME
120901-N-LD296-005 DUBLIN (Sept. 1, 2012) Midshipman Bo Snelson leads the U.S. Naval Academy football team onto the field before the NCAA Emerald Isle Classic season opener in Aviva Stadium. Notre Dame played Navy for the 86th straight year, making it the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael Lewis/Released)
　
　

　

　
　
120901-N-LD296-006 DUBLIN (Sept. 1, 2012) Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick stretches over the goal line during the NCAA Emerald Isle Classic college football season opener in Aviva Stadium. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specilist Michael Lewis/Released)
　
　

　

　
　

120901-N-LD296-008 DUBLIN (Sept. 1, 2012) Navy Midshipman defensive back Parrish Gaines defends against Notre Dame tight end Tyler Effert during the NCAA Emerald Isle Classic college football season opener in Aviva Stadium. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael Lewis/Released)
　
　

　

　
　

120901-N-WL435-076 DUBLIN (Sep. 1, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Mike Miller, and Irish Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service Commodore Mark Mellett stand side by side with Navy football players as they show their sportsmanship and support for their opponents Notre Dame while singing their traditional end of game song, "Notre Dame, Our Mother" at the conclusion of the Emerald Isle Classic NCAA college football game. Notre Dame beat Navy 50-10 in the season opener. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor/Released)