Stand-To: Procedure prior to first light to enhance unit security, a daily compendium of news, information, and context for Army leaders.

"We cannot forget that military kids also serve in their own special way. They're just like any other child in this country - except their lives are turned upside-down every time their mom or dad is gone halfway around the world, risking their lives so that all our children can enjoy the freedoms of our democracy."

- First lady Michelle Obama, expressing her concern as well obligation towards the military kids

First lady announces family program budget boost

"I needed a helping hand -- a shoulder to lean on. After a number of years searching, I finally got that help. I hope other veterans that are coming home and have these terrible injuries can get the same help I did."

- Spc. Scott Vycital, praised the Veterans Affairs and veteran's support groups to help him get better and move on with life, at the president's State of Union address where he was chosen to sit with the first lady

Soldiers attend State of Union address

• Early Bird News Site
• Information Papers with "2009 Army Posture Statement"
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal
• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace
• Eartquake Relief in Haiti

• Community Covenant
• Bloggers Roundtable
• Cobra Gold begins engineering projects (The U.S. Army)

February 2010

African American History Month See Web site: African Americans in the U.S. Army

Feb.1-7: National Patient Recognition Week

Feb. 15: President's Day

Feb. 24- 26: AUSA Winter Symposium

March 2010

Women’s History Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month

Mar. 18: Army Day

• Army Media Player
• Flickr: Army images
• YouTube: Army videos
• Twitter: Army updates
• delicious: Army links
• Facebook: Army's fan page

Army Professional Writing

• The right of the line
• Obama reaffirms desire to end "Don't ask, don't tell"
• The Army and the Air Force is their family business
• Chaplain candidate appointment process

External Links Disclaimer

NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan

What is it?

On June 12, 2009, the North Atlantic Council endorsed the creation of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (NTM-A) to oversee training and advising for the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police. NTM-A stood up on Nov. 21, 2009 and merged with Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) into one integrated command under a dual-hatteƒd commander.

NTM-A is a NATO command, with military, civilian and police professionals from 19 nations, that teams with the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior to develop the capabilities of the Afghanistan National Army and Police using a comprehensive approach. This approach coordinates the efforts of military, civilian, non-governmental and international organizations to build the capacity and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces to enable a successful transition of security responsibility.

NTM-A's mission:

NTM-A/CSTC-A, in coordination with key stakeholders, generates the Afghan National Security Forces, develops capable ministerial systems and institutions; and resources the fielded force in order to enhance the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's ability to build sustainable capacity and capability to achieve stability and security in Afghanistan.

The priorities for NTM-A:

Team with and assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and our coalition partners to develop and grow Afghan leaders and generate professional, competent and tactically self-reliant Afghan National Security Forces.

In 2010, grow and train the Afghan Army to 134,000 while reforming and training the police as they grow to 109,000 and partnering with the Afghan National Army Air Corps to grow and expand capacity to include 72 aircraft and 4,400 airmen.

What has the Army done?

Essential to the training mission are the trainers for the Afghan forces. The Soldiers of the first U.S. Army infantry battalion of the troop uplift were designated as trainers. More than 800 Soldiers began to arrive in Afghanistan on Jan. 10 and will have a significant impact on the trainer to trainee ratio; subsequently improving the quality of the new Afghan forces.

Why is this important?

NTM-A is generating trained and ready Afghan National Security Forces and it is these forces that will allow NATO and Coalition Forces to transition the responsibility for Afghan Security to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

This transition will also bring about a mature, enduring partnership with the global community and set the conditions for the elected government to be responsive to the needs and welfare of the Afghan people.

Resources:

NTMA-CSTCA's social networking sites:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Flickr

Blog Post