Watch out Military Bloggers! The DOD is watching

You heard correct. The DOD is watching the content of certain types of blogs.
So, as a guideline, the DOD has posted a website on what is appropriate and not.

Here is an exerpt from an article on Military.Com's website:

October 4th, 2005


WASHINGTON — Army officials this week issued new warnings to soldiers
about posting personal stories from combat zones on the Internet and
taking photos at overseas bases, saying those actions could jeopardize troops’ security.

The list of prohibited activities includes taking photos of Defense Department facilities, posting any official Defense Department information and releasing information detailing job responsibilities.

“Whether it is a family Web page or a personal blog, safety and
security measures must be strictly observed,” the message said.
“Sensitive DOD information must not be divulged to the public at
large for national security reasons.”

The message also notes that even some unclassified information “may
not be appropriate for use on the Web” and directs all other
questions related to prohibited activities to security managers.

Army spokesman Paul Boyce said the goal isn’t to prevent soldiers
from writing about their time in a combat zone, and said he knew of
no discussions considering shutting down blog sites or banning the
use of personal cameras.

But Boyce said soldiers need to know that simply taking photos could
threaten operational security.

“We’re just re-emphasizing the danger here,” he said. “We have warned
soldiers to please be extremely careful of any photography,
especially street scenes, because they could be useful to the enemy.”

Boyce said shots of the aftermath of insurgent attacks or roadside
bombs are especially dangerous, because insurgents could use them to
gauge the effectiveness of their attacks.

Officials said the new guidelines were designed to be a reminder to
troops and were not prompted by news this week of a Web site offering
free access to pornography in exchange for gruesome war photos.


Some guidelines

There are new OPSEC guidelines which have been put forth by DOD and the Army regarding internet safety. Whether it is a family Web page or a personal blog, safety and security measures must be strictly observed. Sensitive DOD information must not be divulged to the public at large for national security reasons.

Below are some facts regarding security and important links to sites which provide valuable and timely information regarding this important topic.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the posting or dissemination of certain information, do not hesitate to contact your security or OPSEC manager.
Photography is prohibited in most DOD facilities. Do NOT post any photographs on any Web sites.
Be careful never to divulge information regarding official DOD information. Even if DOD information is unclassified, it may not be appropriate for use of the Web.
Do not give information regarding the job you do for DOD. Log on to AKO to see an important message from the Chief of Staff of the Army regarding OPSEC Security.
Source: The Pentagon OPSEC Working Group

Just a reminder from "Big Brother" that he's out there watching.

Comments of a Coward?

Here's an exerpt of an article provided by defensewatch that military.com had on their website on or about September 23, 2005. Sorry I'm late with the information.


"..On September 23, 2005, a small, select group of U.S. Navy officers is scheduled to have an opportunity to help make a very important decision that will potentially affect the good order and discipline in the ranks of all our military Services...

On December 6, 2004, Navy Petty Officer Pablo Paredes showed up at the San Diego pier where his amphibious assault ship, the USS Bonhomme Richard, was scheduled to deploy to the Persian Gulf, in a black tee-shirt with white letters that read, "Like a Cabinet Member, I resign." At Paredes' request, there were many media representatives at the pier to report his actions.

Paredes refused to board the ship, thereby missing his scheduled six month deployment, which is a violation of Article 87 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): "Any person subject to this chapter who through neglect or design misses the movement of a ship, aircraft, or unit with which he is required in the course of duty to move shall be punished as a court martial may direct."

"I'm going to throw my ID in the water and say that I'm no longer part of the military," said Petty Officer Third Class Pablo Paredes, 23. "I want to make a statement, and I want it to be heard."

Paredes was tried and convicted at a Special Court Martial on May 11, 2005. Paredes was sentenced to a reduction to the lowest rank, two months' restriction to a navy base, and three months of hard labor. The sentence fell short of the government prosecutors' recommendation of nine months' confinement, a bad-conduct discharge, reduction to seaman recruit, and forfeiture of pay and benefits. The maximum punishment for violating Article 87 of the UCMJ is a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for two years..."

Yes Pablo, they did hear you.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, this was a slap on the wrist.

To see what others said about Pablo, please go to the indepunditand soldiers for the truth
If you want to see where he should have spent the rest of the 20 months of service, go here

USS DOLPHIN unclassifed scp "ships control panel"

USS DOLPHIN is a non-combative ship and it's SCP (ships control panel) is not classified. The exeception is the covered area on the top left of the "scp". It is believed that USS DOLPHIN's "scp" will be for the public to view in a museum after 2010.

Did you know that USS DOLPHIN operates with a "lone helmsman"? He is the stern planesman and helmsman all in one. AGSS-555 does not have bow planes nor fairwater planes. A hard concept to accept at first, but it's true. Being the deepest diving sub in the world, it was decided to minimize the number of hull openings, therefore no bow planes or fairwater planes.

USNS Mercy Heading ?

Heard on the television that the USNS MERCY" was headed toward the hurricane ravaged areas of Louisiana and Mississippi to help the locals. They will depart around September 7th.On the local NBC news affiiate, they also mentioned that the Mercy was/is drydocked in San Francisco. Depending on their readiness status, it would take the minimum of a day and a half to get out of drydock - about 36 hours. According to sources, it would take approximately 5 to 7 days (we're not being exact here) to get to the Gulf. If they are in San Francisco, tack on another day to that estimation.

So, if there is any relief in site, it will be in mid september (a guestimation). Just hoping for the best. But there is good news - her sister ship, the USNS Comfort is also heading in the same direction. Here's the link to The Gazette for more information on the USNS Comfort's deployment.

Update: September 2

Ah ha. The press isn't always correct in their information. Shame on them for not researching and shame on me for listening to them! The Comfort will be deployed while the Mercy will not. This is coming from the Military Sealift Command or MSC. Sure hope they have all the supplies and other stuff they need, its gonna be a long journey for everyone. God Speed you guys.

Update: September 7

Well, just for verification purposes, I contacted MSC via email and recieved this response:
"Actually it is USNS Comfort that will be deployed (to learn more, visit http://www.msc.navy.mil/comfort/katrina/).

USNS Mercy is berthed in San Diego and has not been ordered to activate. USNS Mercy deployed to Southeast Asia last January in response to the Dec. 26 tsunami for a six-month humanitarian relief mission..."

Looking forward to updating on the relief efforts soon...

UPDATE

USNS COMFORT returned to Baltimore on October 13th, 2005. To read the additional press release go here.

Power of Persuasion

While surfing through www.nara.gov website, found some interesting posters from WWII.
Came across this one that was worth more than I could say.

more posters

Read this article on your day off.

Looks like Jeff Edwards of "Military.com" has posted some dry but interesting readings. I believe that there is evidence of WMD, but Saddam was very good in hiding it. Mass graves are discovered in Iraq from time to time and eventually a cache of WMD. Beyond the WMD is a long list of reasons why we should be in Iraq. Hats off to the Americans that see how important it is to be in Iraq.







The picture is a rare one ( really) so sub photo collectors be sure to cut/copy this one.

Here is the USS DOLPHIN AGSS-555 coming in to it's special pier at "SPAWAR" or to some of you retired folk, "NRAD". Next to the "Dolphin" pier is where US Navy seals get their mammal dolphins trained for underwater bomb and mine detection. David

USS DOLPHIN SAILORS AGSS 555 (version 2)

This posting is to replace the missing posting which is the first posting which went UA. I don't know, it sounds kinda creepy if ya think about it. In the meantime, here's another beautiful view of the dolphin underway. Enjoy.