"There's only one way, and that is to engage ... in the process, looking for pragmatic solutions to accomplishing what our goal is - that is an Afghanistan that is ... not a haven for terror, and is able to sustain itself on its own and provide its own security."

- Vice President Joe Biden

Reconciliation with Taliban worth trying, Biden says

"We're building a foundation so they ( Iraqi soldiers ) can then build on that foundation in the future."

- Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Clark, a native of Columbus, Ga., Multi-National Division-Baghdad trainer training the troops who will remain on the streets of Baghdad long after the departure of Coalition Soldiers

Teaching the art of war

• Early Bird News Site
• Information Papers with "2008 Army Posture Statement"
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal
• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace
• 2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates

• Blogger's Roundtable
• The White House Blog
• 25th CAB improves Pohakuloa training area

2009: Year of the NCO

2009: 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Office Chief of Chaplains

March 2009:

- National Women's History Month: Army Heritage and History Web site

- Brain Injury Awareness Month: U.S. Army Medical Department Web site

Feb 15- Mar. 15, 2009:Stand Down on Suicide Prevention: Army G-1 Web site

• Army Media Player
• Flickr: Army images
• YouTube: Army videos
• Twitter: Army updates
• del.icio.us: Army links

Army Professional Writing

• Their hope is that their experiences will help Soldiers to heal (SM)
• Educate Soldiers to be effective communicators (SB)
• Going into the deployment tunnel (AHH)
• Global insights: Russia, Iran, and Washington battle over S-300s (WPR)
• Muslim losers protest return of Brit troops (BF)

External Links Disclaimer

20th Support Command (CBRNE) -Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives

What is it?

The 20th Support Command (CBRNE) is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Forces Command. Established in October 2004, the CBRNE command, as it is sometimes called, has transformed the Army's chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive ordnance disposal response units, aligning them under a single operational headquarters.

In addition to improved command and control, the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) has the tactical units needed to get the job done. The command has a critical role in combating weapons of mass destruction. The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review identified the need for the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) to serve as a Joint Task Force capable of rapid deployment for WMD elimination and site exploitation. This capability was validated in August 2007 during a major training exercise in Korea.

Core competencies include:
• Command and control for specialized Army and Joint CBRNE forces
• Specialized CBRNE operations
• Provide specialized CBRNE units and teams
• Serve as JTF - Elimination headquarters
• Provide reach back to subject matter experts, national laboratories, industry, academia and state and national entities

What has the Army done?

The Army assigned all FORSCOM explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units to the 20th Support Command (CBRNE). All FORSCOM chemical units were assigned to the command in FY08. Equipment, personnel and critical resources were fast-tracked to support the command and reorganization and re-stationing efforts put the right people with the right equipment in the right place at the right time - to support the current fight and meet national combating WMD objectives.

What does the Army have planned?

The 20th Support Command (CBRNE) will continue to transform as subordinate EOD and chemical units will eventually possess the full array of CBRNE capabilities. CBRNE units and teams will continue to deploy in support of combatant commanders and civil authorities to combat WMD and eliminate CBRNE hazards.

Why is this important to the Army?

The 20th Support Command (CBRNE) is an operational headquarters for global WMD-Elimination operations. It now commands and controls Army and/or Joint forces for WMD-Elimination and offers specialized, deployable and highly technical CBRNE when and where they are needed. The command provides trained and ready active and reserve component CBRNE forces for contingency, small scale and major combat operations.

Resources:

CBRNE Web site

FORSCOM Web site