DADT - Don't Ask, Don't Tell

We've all heard about it.  It's been a huge point of contention over the past few years and it was recently repealed.  Yep, I'm talking about DADT.

       "Don't ask, don't tell" refers to the policy that restricts those who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual from entering any branch of the armed forces.  It also was used to restrict United States military personnel from discriminating against or harassing those who are closet homosexuals or bisexuals.  Not only does this policy prohibit any homosexual or bisexual individuals from disclosing their orientation while serving but it also outlaws people from speaking out about stories relating to their sexual orientation including personal relationships.  The "don't ask" part of the policy indicates that superiors should not inquire or investigate the sexual orientation of a service member even if there is substantial evidence of homosexual or bisexual behavior.

        The Uniform Code of Military Justice was put in place in 1950 and signed by Harry S Truman, positioning the policies and procedures for discharging homosexual or bisexual service members.  Originally, the full title was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue."  "Don't Harass" is sometimes included in the phrase to ensure that the military will not allow any type of violence referencing this controversial topic.  

       This policy was put in place mainly because of the thought that homosexuals or bisexuals in the armed forces "would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of moral, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."

       

Army Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq War veteran openly admitted to being gay last year.

He led fellow gay service members in visual expressions of their sexual orientation.

       The repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" was first brought up in 2008 during Barack Obama's election campaign.  In his 2010 State of the Union Address, Obama was quoted saying, "This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are."  With the final vote of the Senate cast, a bill to repeal DADT was successful with a 65-31 vote.  

          This is a controversial topic because the issue is affected by people's personal and religious beliefs.  As of now there is a bill in place banning "don't ask, don't tell."  However, the President, Secretary of Defense, and other members of the Chief of Staff, need to certify that the repeal will not harm military readiness. 

           Also Lt. Dan Choi has plans to reenlist into the Army.  

Dan Choi giving a speech in Washington, DC on repealing DADT

U.S. Army Individual Weapons, Continued

MK19-3 Grenade Machine Gun

The MK19-3 40MM Grenade Machine Gun was adopted in 1983 as a self-powered, air-cooled, belt-fed, blowback-operated weapon with the amenities to deliver firepower against enemy personnel and lightly armored vehicles.  In selective units it replaced the M2 machine gun and therefore will be the primary suppressive weapon for combat support.  This weapon can be mounted on certain vehicles like the M113s, 5-ton trucks, and some M88A1 recovery vehicles.

Caliber: 40mm

Weight: 72.5lbs

Range: 2200m 

M203/M302A1 Grenade Launcher



Entering the Army in the early 1970s the M203/M203A1 Grenade Launcher were designed as single-shot weapons to be used in conjunction the M16 rifle series and the M4 series.  The M16 rifle series and M4 rifle series could both fire a 40mm grenade with leaf sight and quadrant site.  The M203 is also being used for dispatching less-than-lethal munitions.  As well as standard 40mm rounds, this weapon can also fire tear gas rounds, smoke, non-lethal projectiles, and signal and practice rounds.

Weight: 3.6lbs fully loaded

Length: 15in

Barrel Length: 12in

Range: 350yd

M-240B Machine Gun

The M-240B Machine Gun entered the Army in 1997, the same year are the M-4.  As a ground-mounted, gas-operated, crew-served machine gun, it delivers more energy to a target than the smaller M-249 SAW.  Used by infantry, armor, combat engineer, special forces/rangers, and some field artillery units that require medium firepower, it will soon replace all M-60 series of machine guns. 

Caliber: 7.62mm

Weight: 27.6lbs

Range: 800-1800m

Rate: 200-600 rounds per min

M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)

The M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is a lightweight, gas-operated, portable automatic weapon that can deliver a large volume of effective fire at ranges up to 800 meters.  Introduced to the Army in 1987, two of these are issued per infantry squad.  It will soon replace all M60 medium machine guns in certain units.

Caliber: 5.56mm

Weight: 16.5 lbs

Rate: 750 rounds per min



Some U.S. Army Individual Weapons

Mission: “deter and, if necessary, repel adversaries by enabling individuals and small units to engage targets with accurate, lethal indirect fire.”

M-4 Carbine

The M-4 Carbine was introduced to the United States Army in 1997.  It is a compact version of the M16A2 rifle and it has a collapsible stock, flat-top upper receiver accessory rail, and a detachable handle/rear aperture site assembly.  This weapon allows soldiers to operate in close quarters and engage targets at extended ranges with precision.  

Caliber: 5.56mm

Weight: 7.5lbs with sling and 1 magazine

Max. Effective Range: 500-600m

M-9 Pistol

       The M-9 Pistol entered the Army 7 years earlier than the M-4 in 1990 and is the primary sidearm of the United States military.  Replacing the .45 caliber, the M-9 is a semi-automatic, single-action/double-action pistol.  It has a 15 round staggered magazine with a reversible magazine release button that can be on the right or left side depending on the dominant hand on the shooter.  

Caliber: 9mm

Length: 217mm

Barrel length: 125mm

Weight: 2.6lbs fully loaded

Range: 50m

M-16 Rifle

The M-16 Rifle entered the Army much earlier in 1964.  It is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine fed rifle that can be either semi-automatic or automatic fire.  The 4 variations are the M-16A1, M-16A2, M-16A3, and the M-16A4.  The M-16A2 uses improvements made on sight, pistol, grip, stock, and combat effectiveness.  Accuracy of this rifle is enhanced through a better muzzle compensator, 3-round burst control, a heavier barrel, and heavier ammo.  The only difference on the A3 is that it doesn’t have burst control but does use a removable carrying handle mounted to the Picatinny Rail for better optics.  A4 is only different from the M-16A2 in that is also has the carrying handle and Picatinny Rail. 

Caliber: 5.56mm

Weight: 8.8lbs with sling and 1 magazine

Range: 550m to 800m

3rd Batallion, 5th Marines - "Dark Horse"

       This may seem a bit random, but the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines also known as "Dark Horse," are a very intergral part of our current war in Iraq.  I also have a soft spot in my heart for them as they are close to my home at Camp Pendleton, CA.  You make us proud boys!
       The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines are an infantry division of the United States Marine Corps.  Consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and members of the Navy, they fall under the 5th Marine Regiment and 1st Marine Division.  First organized on June 8, 1917, this group of men were formed for use in WWI.  Since then they have fought in WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and now the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.    
      Mission: "3rd Battalion, 5th Marines deploys as a Battalion Landing Team to any operating environment and defeats our enemies across the entire spectrum of warfare."

Not the best quality but so impactful.  Check out these Marine's reality in Fallujah, Iraq.
Wow! That's all that can really be said about this video...  For those of you who have doubts about the war or don't know what it looks like, here is a first hand glance at reality and the struggles, fear, death, our Marines face while serving our country.  Prayers go out Seargeant Smith the Marine wounded in action.
Once again sorry for the quality.

A Tribute to the 3/5 Dark Horse Marines - those who were able to make it home safely and to those who lost their lives in battle.



Semper Fi!

The Medal of Honor

       The Medal of Honor (sometimes called the Congressional Medal of Honor) is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government and presented by the president himself.  Service people from all branches of all U.S. armed forces are eligible for the award.  However, there are only three versions - one for the Army, one for the Air Force, and one for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
       Awarded for valor in action against an enemy force, the Medal of Honor is one of two military awards that are worn around the neck.  It was originally created during the time of the Civil War to represent the valiant efforts of service members.  Over the years, the award has become a symbol of the bravest of the brave, those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. 
       There have been 3454 recipients of this award but only 85 recipients are still living.  Those awarded have been in involved in: Boxer Rebellion, Civil War, Haiti 1915, Korean War, Vietnam War,  WWI, WWII, War in Iraq & Afghanistan, and many many other historical events.  Incredibly, 19 men have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice in their lifetime. 
       Medal of Honor Day has been declared annually as March 25.  It's coming up in a few days so study up and be knowledgeable about some of our greatest servicemen!

The Medal of Honor is "awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member
of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing
foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in
an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party (figure 1). The deed performed must
have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to
clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have
involved risk of life."

United States Army, Air Force, and Navy

 Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta

President Obama awarding Giunta the Medal of Honor on Nov. 16, 2010



Fun Fact: Only one woman was every awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor! Mary Walker received the medal on July 21, 1861 at Bull Run.  

The Loved Ones at Home are Fighting this War Too!

Many times when we think about war all we think about is our men and women in uniform, the ones in the front lines of battle.  Of course this is a normal reaction, however, those fighting the war that are not in uniform also need to be thought of, supported, and given praise.  The families and loved ones left at home also make major sacrifices and face challenges that many times go without notice or appreciation. 

There are many military poems and prayers that express both sides of service member and loved one.  These following poems are not only heartfelt and touching, but very realistic to the struggles that non-service members face while their loved ones are away.  *These poems tend to stereotype those serving in our armed forces as only men.  Keep in mind that there is a large population of servicewomen in our United States military and that men can be the spouses who are left at home too!

Deployment Prayer
Dear Lord:
Give me the strength to say goodbye. Hold back the tear in my eye.
Cure my insomnia so that I may sleep alone. Give me a reason to awake when I’ve none.
Dear Lord:
Please help me pace myself. Allow me to turn to you for help,
And please let me be strong for him, Even if I’ve reached the brim.
Dear Lord:
Please make time go fast. I don’t know how long I can last.
This is the hardest time of my life, But this is my job: the soldier’s wife.
Dear Lord:
Let them all stay strong. Give them the will to go on,
And Lord, Please bring back all our men. In the name of our country. Amen.

~By Leanne Thomas~

The Soldier's Spouse Creed
I am in love with a United States Soldier. I will support him in his defense of the Constitution of the United States of America. And I will understand that he must obey the orders of those appointed over him. I represent the true backbone and fighting spirit of the Army. And for those who have served before me I salute you with all the strength and loyalty my heart can muster. I proudly stand by the one I love with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to support my soldier and the United States Army.

The Silent Ranks
I wear no uniforms, no blues or greens.
But, I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.
But in the military world is where I live and am rarely seen.
I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not give or get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.
I am not the one who fires a weapon, Who puts his life on the line.
But my job is just as tough, I’m the one who is always left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and pride filled man.
And the call to serve his country not all can understand.
Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do my kids and me.
I love the man I married. The military is his life.
So I pledge to support my hero and stand among the silent ranks known as
THE MILITARY WIFE.

Military Spouses of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization created by Charlene Rubush to provide information and support to the spouses of our United States service members and veterans.  Working closely with another organization, Mental Health America, Rubush and other members are striving to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research, and service.  Their current work is focused on raising awareness of PTSD, how to help cope with PTSD, providing unemployment benefits and higher education residency requirements. 

“MSA uses the political power, personal experiences, and social networks of military spouses to:1) educate the public about the issues that military and veteran families face; 2) inform the debate on the needs of these families; and 3) empower themselves and each other.”

The USO - "Until Every One Comes Home"

     The USO (United Service Organizations) is a non-profit, congressionally owned, private organization that strives to lift the spirits of American troops and their families.  Created in 1941, President Rooselvelt was searching for a way to provide emotional support for our troops about to head out for World War II.  It is not owned by the government, however, it is recognized by the United Stated Department of Defense, Congress, and the President. 

      "The USO is the way Americans lift the spirits of our troops. More than 2.5 million men and women wear the uniform of our nation's military, with most serving far from home. The USO serves as a home away from home for them and their families. Your generosity makes this possible." - Sloan D. Gibson, USO President and CEO

    Led by Gibson, USO staff and thousands of volunteers run over 150 centers worldwide.  This team is responsible to deliver programs and services to our men and women in uniform either overseas or stateside.  

       Entertainment is one major way in which the USO boosts military moral.  Many celebrities and musicians have made appearances with the USO.  Some big names in the current line up for this year are:

• Avenge Sevenfold
• Trace Adkins
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
• Aaron Lewis and Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Kris Allen
• Jessica Simpson
• Cast of the Boondock Saints

"USO touring was one of the best highlights of my career" - Jay Leno

Some places that these entertainment acts are visiting are: 

• Kuwait and Iraq
• Germany and the Neatherlands
• Alaska
• Bahrain, Dubai, and Djibouti
• Japan and Guam
• Hawaii and Korea
• The Persian Gulf
• Camp Pendleton, CA and Miramar, CA
• Fort Benning, GA

       The USO not only runs events that can be sources of entertainment for our troops but they also run programs for wounded soldiers, children, women in uniform, programs that help teach literacy and many many more.  The USO is a great organization that helps provide smiles and happiness to some of the most courageous men and women of the United States.  Every year they hold events that enable civilians to help, get involved, and show their support.  

       Check out your local USO center to find out ways you can start supporting and boost the moral of your fellow citizens.  

      

Ways to Support Our Troops

       There are many ways in which civilians can help and support our troops that fight to protect our freedoms. With all they do, the courage and dedication they emit, why not show them your appreciation and do something they will be truly grateful for? Care packages, cards, any form of support that shows you care is deeply appreciated by our servicemen and women. This video from Camp Spann is very motivational - it starts out slow but it gets better. Hopefully after you watch it you will feel inspired to support our troops in any way, shape, or form!



There are hundreds of organizations that support our troops.  Take a look through some of them and maybe you can find one you really want to be a part of!

Operation First Response:
The mission of Operation First Response is to assist the wounded military and their families with financial needs.  Their focus is on personnel who have been serving from Operation Iraqi Freedom until now.  
"We the People, as the recipients of their sacrifices will never be able to repay those Warriors who have been wounded in defense of our country, but we can honor them by striving every day to provide the support these Heroes need to return to duty or transition as a proud Veteran into our communities."

Operation Gratitude:
Their mission is to lift the moral and spread smiles to those serving overseas through the use of care packages.  Their care packages contain food, hygiene products, sources of entertainment, and personal letters of appreciation.  To date, Operation Gratitude has sent about 611,399 packages.  They also have a branch of their organization dedicated to those wounded, The Wounded Warrior Care Package Program.

Semper Fi Fund:
The injured Marine Semper Fi Fund helps Marines and their families meet their financial needs during their most desperate of times.  This program works closely with the United States Navy and hospitals working with the wounded to help with the specific needs of each individual serviceman or woman.
"Relief from immediate financial pressures can make a world of difference during recovery.  We can help."

America Supports You a.k.a Community Relations:
This organization is part of the United States Department of Defense with a mission to raise public awareness and understanding of the Department of Defense along with their missions, personnel, programs, and requirements.  They are based out of Washington D.C. and they even give free tours of the Pentagon.

Soldier's Angels:
This organization was started by one man, Corporal Brandon Varn, who served in Iraq and since has wanted to give back.  Their mission to to provide aid and comfort to the men and women of all branches of the United States armed forces.  Care packages and support go to service personnel overseas, state side, and those under hospital care.
"May No Soldier Go Unloved"

Why Join the U.S. Army?

There are many different reasons for why people may want to join any branch of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force).  Some reasons may be: a need to serve one's country, a stable career, an opportunity to travel, ongoing education, personal pride, etc. Here are some personal stories people chose to join the United States Army.









Things to keep in mind:

• You must be between 18 and 42 years old to enlist in the U.S. Army.  You can enlist at age 17 with parental consent.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or resident.
• You must pass a physical fitness exam and complete nine weeks of Basic Combat Training

United States Army Post Locations

Going off my last post of the military installations in PA, NJ, and NY, here is a list of all Army Post locations within the United States.

Soldiers enlisting in Active Duty will serve one of the various Army posts around the United States or abroad. Soldiers enlisting in Army Reserve will serve at a Post or Reserve center within in their state or the one closest to their state.

*indicates locations where Basic Combat Training (BCT) can take place

ALABAMA
Anniston Army Depot	Redstone Arsenal
Fort Rucker	Fort McClellan

ALASKA
Fort Greely	Fort Wainwright
Fort Richardson

ARIZONA
Fort Huachuca	Yuma Proving Ground
Electronic Proving Ground

ARKANSAS
Pine Bluff Arsenal

CALIFORNIA
Fort Irwin	Sierra Army Depot
Presidio of Monterey

COLORADO
Fort Carson	Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Pueblo Chemical Depot

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Fort McNair	Walter Reed Army Med. Ctr.

GEORGIA
Fort Benning*	Fort Stewart
Fort Gordon	Hunter Army Airfield
Fort Gillem	Lawson Army Airfield
Fort McPherson

HAWAII
Fort Shafter	Schofield Barracks
Pohakuloa Training Area	Wheeler Army Air Field

ILLINOIS
Rock Island Arsenal

KANSAS
Fort Levenworth	Fort Riley
U.S. Army Disciplinary Barracks

KENTUCKY
Fort Campbell	Fort Knox*
Blue Grass Army Depot

LOUISIANA
Fort Polk

MARYLAND
Aberdeen Proving Ground	Fort Meade
Fort Detrick

MASSACHUSETTS
Soldier Systems Center

MISSISSIPPI
Camp Shelby

MISSOURI
Fort Leonard Wood

NEW JERSEY
Fort Dix	Picatinny Arsenal
Fort Monmouth

NEW MEXICO
White Sands Missile Range

NEW YORK
Fort Drum	U.S. Military Academy
Fort Hamilton	Watervliet Arsenal

NORTH CAROLINA
Fort Bragg	Simmons Army Airfield

OKLAHOMA
Fort Sill*

OREGON
Umatilla Army Depot

PENNSYLVANIA
Carlisle Barracks	Tobyhanna Army Depot
Letterkenny Army Depot

PUERTO RICO
Fort Buchanan

SOUTH CAROLINA
Fort Jackson*

TEXAS
Biggs Army Airfield	Fort Hood
Corpus Christi Army Depot	Fort Sam Houston
Fort Bliss	Red River Army Depot

UTAH
Deseret Chemical Depot	Tooele Army Depot
Dugway Proving Ground

VIRGINIA
Fort A.P. Hill	Fort Monroe
Fort Belvoir	Fort Myer
Fort Eustis	Fort Story
Fort Lee

WASHINGTON
Fort Lewis

WISCONSIN
Fort McCoy

As the Army is engaged in worldwide operations, they occupy many bases located across the globe where Soldiers are currently stationed.  There are currently 73 Army international bases including in countries such as: Brazil, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Japan, Laos, Serbia, Turkey, and Yemen.