Bei dem 4 Bild, was ist das denn für eine zusammen gestückelte ak? Acog und M4 Schulterstütze? So noch nie gesehn.

A Special Forces soldier searches a Kajaki cave system for drugs and hidden insurgent caches.
Australian Special Forces have partnered with the Afghan National Interdiction Unit (NIU) to combat the drug networks that fund insurgent activities. Members of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) commenced operations with the NIU in May to help sever the link between the insurgency and the narcotics trade. NIU operations reduce the Afghan narcotics trade and the threat it poses to the long term security, development and governance of Afghanistan. Combined effort has resulted in hundreds of kilograms of drugs destroyed or confiscated as evidence and several individuals detained to face prosecution. The Special Operations Task Group is deployed to southern Afghanistan to conduct population-centric, security and counter network operations. SOTG support the Afghan National Police’s Provincial Response Company in Uruzgan and northern Kandahar. SOTG includes members from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments, the Incident Response Regiment, Special Operations Logistic Squadron and supporting units.
Photo By CPL Christopher Dickson1st Joint Public Affairs Unit.

A Special Forces soldier fires at insurgents during the battle of Kajaki, Helmand on 23 May 11.

Members of the Special Operations Task Group escape the midday after an operation in June. The Special Operations Task Group is deployed to southern Afghanistan to conduct population-centric, security and counter network operations. SOTG support the Afghan National Police’s Provincial Response Company in Uruzgan and northern Kandahar. SOTG includes members from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments, the Incident Response Regiment, Special Operations Logistic Squadron and supporting units.

A Special Forces soldier scans the terrain near a village in Uruzgan. Afghan police and their Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) partners have continued a successful spring campaign by capturing two prominent insurgents from separate districts. Members of the Provincial Response Company Uruzgan (PRC-U) and SOTG captured a high value target in the Deh Rafshan area near Tarin Kot and another in North Uruzgan's Char Chineh district. Australian Special Forces have now removed thirteen key Taliban targets since high tempo operations began in March.

Engineers from the Special Operations Task Group clear a path during operations in Uruzgan.

Australian Special Forces hold a shura with tribal elders to discuss security and stability issues in Uruzgan.

Special Forces members wait for a snow storm to pass in the Zamto Valley, Kandahar. SOTG XIV, based on a company group drawn from Army Reservists of the 1st Commando Regiment, partnered with the Provincial Response Company Uruzgan (PRC-U) in operations to support the Afghan government, shield the local population and disrupt the insurgency in the southern provinces. Continued effort in Uruzgan and Kandahar over the winter months has led to the removal of prominent insurgent members and the recovery of several hidden weapons caches, including stores of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components that would have otherwise been used to target ISAF forces and Afghan civilians.

A Special Forces soldier provides over watch from high ground in Chenartu.

Members of the Special Operations Task Group conduct first aid for local nationals wounded in Tizak, Kandahar.

Members of the 1st Commando Regiment and the Provincial Response Company traverse a snowy mountain on an operation in the Zamto Valley, northern Kandahar. SOTG XIV, based on a company group drawn from Army Reservists of the 1st Commando Regiment, partnered with the Provincial Response Company Uruzgan (PRC-U) in operations to support the Afghan government, shield the local population and disrupt the insurgency in the southern provinces. Continued effort in Uruzgan and Kandahar over the winter months has led to the removal of prominent insurgent members and the recovery of several hidden weapons caches, including stores of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components that would have otherwise been used to target ISAF forces and Afghan civilians.

A Special Forces soldier mentors members of the Provincial Response Company in a Tarin Kot training compound.

Members of the National Interdiction Unit (NIU) and Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) await the arrival of two Mi17 helicopters.

The Special Operations Task Group hold a special dawn service on ANZAC Day at their purpose built training compound in Tarin Kot. Members of the Special Operations Task Group pause to pay tribute on ANZAC Day to all those who have served in Australian military operations. 25 April 2011 marks the 96th anniversary of the first significant military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. ANZAC Day commemorates over 102,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who have died in the service to their nation.

A Special Forces Reservist watches his colleagues enter a Blackhawk in Uruzgan.

Special Forces members reach the summit of a gruelling peak in the Uruzgan mountains.

Members of the Special Operations Task Group cross harsh terrain between mountains in Uruzgan province.

A Special Forces soldier searches a Kajaki cave system for drugs and hidden insurgent caches.

Australian Commando Sergeant Brett Wood on patrol in Uruzgan before he was killed in action on 23 May 2011.Mid Caption: Sergeant Brett Wood was serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) when he was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strike in Southern Afghanistan. He had served in Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and was killed in action during his third tour in Afghanistan. Sergeant Wood was a distinguished and experienced veteran who had been awarded the Medal of Gallantry during his tour in 2006. Two soldiers were also wounded in the blast that occurred during a partnered Afghan National Police and SOTG patrol.

Sapper Rowan Robinson prepares to deploy on a mission. Mid caption: An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) has been killed in action during a fire fight in Helmand province. Sapper Rowan Robinson sustained a gun shot wound on 6 June 2011 when a partnered SOTG and Afghan National Security Forces team was engaged by insurgents. He received immediate first aid and was aero medically evacuated to the hospital facility at Multi National Base Tarin Kowt, but later died of wounds. Sapper Robinson was a 23 year old specialist combat engineer from the Sydney based Incident Response Regiment (IRR).

Meine Kameraden sind auch ganz normal im Feldanzug, ohne alles nach Termes (Türkei) geflogen und von da dann mit Ausrüstung am Mann weiter. Ob das immer so ist oder warum, weshalb kann ich nichts zu sagen.

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, shield their faces from flying debris after loading a wounded Commando on aUH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, and a U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper, with Special Operations Task Force – South, hurry a wounded Commando towards a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The joint operation resulted in the discovery and destruction of several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, hurry a wounded Commando towards a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, as fellow Commandos provide landing zone security, during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, prepare to load a wounded Commando on a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, await medical evacuation for a wounded Commando during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, rush a wounded Commando towards the medical evacuation site during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

An Afghan Commando, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, utilizes a wall for cover and concealment while scanning the area for activity after taking enemy firing during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier, with Special Operations Task Force – South, signals towards a potential enemy fighting position after taking fire during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The operation, led by Afghan Commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, resulted in the discovery and destruction of several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, utilize a wall for cover and concealment after taking enemy firing during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Afghan Commandos, with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak, react after taking enemy firing during a village clearing operation in Zhari district, July 6, 2011, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The Commandos, supported by servicemembers with Special Operations Task Force – South, found and destroyed several caches consisting of homemade explosives and IED-making materials, as well as a weapons cache. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel P. Shook)(Released).

Für Action sorgten auf Österreichs größter Airshow in Zeltweg nicht nur Kamfjets [sic] und Helikopter: Während einer Vorführung zeigten Soldaten des Jagdkommandos eine Spezialmethode, um ein Einsatzgebiet möglichst schnell zu verlassen. Dabei hängen sich die Kommandosoldaten mit Hilfe von Karabinern an ein Seil und werden von einem Hubschrauber ausgeflogen. © Bundesheer

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman awaits orders to move forward with a 1st Armoured Regiment M1A1 Abrams tank during the combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.Mid-caption: Units from the Darwin-based 1st Brigade conducted Exercise Predator’s Strike from 28 June to 10 July 2011 at Shoalwater Bay in central Queensland to prove the war-fighting skills of the battle group in the lead up to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Predator’s Strike combined 1st Brigade units into a potent battle group that included 1st Armoured Regiment M1A1 Abrams tanks, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), 5th and 7th Battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment mechanised infantry mounted in M113AS4 armoured fighting vehicles, forward observers from the 8th/12th Regiment and elements from 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 1st Combat Signal Regiment and 1st Combat Service Support Battalion.1st Brigade has a distinguished history that includes five Victoria Cross winners, battle honours from Gallipoli and the Western Front, Vietnam, Iraq, East Timor and Afghanistan, and its soldiers are poised and ready to respond to a range of threats and regional events on behalf of the Australian Government. Based in Darwin at Robertson Barracks, 1st Brigade is the Australian Army's light armoured brigade. More than 3400 civilian and military personnel support 1st Brigade at Robertson Barracks. (The 7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment – including support elements from other 1st Brigade units – is based at RAAF Edinburgh, outside Adelaide, South Australia.) Exercise Talisman Sabre (11–29 July 2011) is a major bilateral exercise designed to train Australian and United States forces in planning and conducting combined operations in order to improve Australian–US combat readiness and interoperability. Photograph by LSIS Andrew Dakin 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman moves forward against an enemy position in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

7RAR mechanised infantry soldiers hold position with the support of an M1A1 Abrams tank as part of the combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

7RAR mechanised infantrymen move forward against an enemy position in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman prepares to move forward in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman prepares to move forward in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Corporal Matthew Paulsen (Salisbury, SA), 7RAR, orders his section to advance during the combined-arms battle group live-fire assault at Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman prepares to move forward past a spot fire in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

7RAR soldiers take cover during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

7RAR soldiers await orders to commence an attack as part of the combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

7RAR mechanised infantrymen advance behind the protection of a 1st Armoured Regiment M1A1 Abrams tank during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

A 7RAR mechanised infantryman communicates with command during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Combat engineers (with an improvised bangalor torpedo) from the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment and 7RAR mechanised infantrymen ready themselves to move forward to blow a gap in an enemy wire obstacle as part of the combined-arms battle group live-fire assault during Exercise Predator's Strike.

Private Darren Brown (Brisbane, Qld), 7RAR, on patrol in the Shoalwater Bay training area during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Private Darren Brown (Brisbane, Qld), 7RAR, dismounts an M113AS4 armoured fighting vehicle while conducting a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault during Exercise Predator's Strike.

Private Peter Bruce (Adelaide Hills, SA), 7 RAR, checks his flank during a combined-arms battle group live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

Soldiers on patrol during a 2CAV live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Trooper Douglas Birchall (Mornington, VIC) looks back to his section commander while approaching an obstacle during a reconnaissance patrol with 2CAV in the Shoalwater Bay as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Trooper James Holder (Glenbrook, NSW) conducts a reconnaissance patrol as part of a 2CAV ASLAV live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area during Exercise Predator's Strike.

A reconnaissance patrol dismounts a 2CAV ASLAV to approach an obstacle during a live-fire assault in the Shoalwater Bay training area as part of Exercise Predator's Strike.

Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 – President Barack Obama today awarded the country’s highest military honor to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, an Army Ranger who was shot in both legs and had his hand blown off while saving his fellow soldiers during a firefight in Afghanistan.

Petry became only the second living veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to receive the Medal of Honor, which Obama presented during a White House ceremony attended by Petry, his wife and four children, and more than a hundred of his family members, mostly from his native New Mexico.

Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, Army Secretary John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey also attended the ceremony, as did the members of the legendary Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, with which Petry served.

Calling Petry, 31, “a true hero,” Obama recounted how the soldier was on his seventh combat deployment in Afghanistan on May 26, 2008, when he took part in a high-risk daytime operation to capture an insurgent leader in a compound in Paktia province, near the Pakistan border.

As helicopters delivered Petry and the other Rangers into the area, they were met with heavy automatic weapons fire. Petry and Sgt. Lucas Robinson were wounded as they moved to secure a back courtyard. The two found cover behind a chicken coop and were joined by Sgt. Daniel Higgins, a team leader, who was assessing their wounds when an enemy grenade injured Robinson and Higgins.

Two more Rangers, Staff Sgt. James Roberts and Spc. Christopher Gathercole, came to help just as another grenade was lobbed at the unit.

“Every human impulse would tell a person to turn away,” Obama said. “Every soldier is trained to seek cover. That’s what Sergeant Petry could have done.” Instead, he said, Petry did something extraordinary: he picked up the grenade to throw it back.

“What compels a person to risk everything so that others might live?” the president asked. He said the “roots of Leroy’s valor are all around us” in the presence of his parents, four brothers, and other family members. Obama said Petry answered the question while meeting with him before the ceremony, saying that his fellow soldiers are his brothers, and he protected them just as he would his family.

“With that selfless act, Leroy saved two of his Ranger brothers, and they are with us today,” he said.

Petry, shot in both legs by assault-rifle fire, picked up the grenade to throw it back at the enemy, and it detonated, amputating his right hand. Still, Obama said, Petry “remained calm, put on his own tourniquet, and continued to lead, even telling medics how to treat his wounds.”

Today, Petry has a small plaque attached to his prosthetic arm with names of the 75th Regiment’s fallen, including Gathercole, who was killed in the operation for which Petry was honored. Obama paid tribute to Gathercole’s family at today’s ceremony.

“Leroy Petry shows us that true heroes still exist, and they are closer than you think,” the president said. “There are heroes all around us. They are the millions in uniform who have served for the past 10 years.” They are the force behind the force, the president added, citing Ashley Petry, who kept their family “Army strong” while her husband was deployed.

Petry, who enlisted in 1999 and also served two deployments in Iraq, could have retired with honors. Instead, Obama said, he chose to re-enlist indefinitely, and recently completed his eighth deployment in Afghanistan, despite continuing to struggle with his wounds.

“His service speaks to the very essence of America: no matter how hard the journey, no matter how steep the climb, we don’t give up,” the president said.

Quelle: http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64649

Medal of Honor: Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry
(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Petry, Staff Sgt. Milosevic, Staff Sgt. Bajuk, Sgt. 1st Class Staidle, Capt. Kyle Packard, during the 2008 deployment to Afghanistan.

Medal of Honor: Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry
The 2nd Ranger Battalion during the 2008 deployment to Afghanistan. (Staff Sgt. Petry 2nd row, 3rd from left).

Medal of Honor: Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry
Staff Sgt. Petry during a re-enlistment ceremony at Fort Lewis, Wash. in May of 2010.

GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Master Sgt. Darwin White, right, assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), inspects the parachute equipment of another Marine in preparation for a routine parachute training evolution in the hangar bay aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer and the embarked 13th MEU are underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) stand by as an H-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 transports them to their drop point for a routine parachute training evolution. The 13th MEU is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) indicate to their team leader that they are on air as they are transported to their drop point in an H-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 during a routine sky diving evolution. The 13th MEU is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) jump from an H-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 during a routine sky diving evolution. The 13th MEU is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

...
[Valifajr 1:]In 1983 Iran launched three major, but unsuccessful, human wave offensives, with huge losses, along the frontier. On February 6, Tehran, using 200,000 "last reserve" Pasdaran troops, attacked along a 40-kilometer stretch near Al Amarah, about 200 kilometers southeast of Baghdad. Backed by air, armor, and artillery support, Iran's six-division thrust was strong enough to break through. In response, Baghdad used massive air attacks, with more than 200 sorties, many flown by attack helicopters. More than 6,000 Iranians were killed that day, while achieving only minute gains.
...

A Czech Republic soldier patrols through the village of Baraki Barak, Logar province, Afghanistan, during route clearance, in order to improve security in the area, July 06, 2011.

Czech Republic soldiers provide security in the village of Baraki Barak, Logar province, Afghanistan, during route clearance, in order to improve security in the area, July 06, 2011.

A Czech Republic soldier provides security in the village of Baraki Barak, Logar province, Afghanistan, during route clearance, in order to improve security in the area, July 06, 2011.

Czech Republic soldiers patrol through the village of Baraki Barak, Logar province, Afghanistan, during route clearance, in order to improve security in the area, July 06, 2011.

[Iranian] Border guards at the Afghanistan boarder, on the occasion of a visit by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and foreign ambassadors

Warum benutzten die eine zivile Version von AR-15?

Warum benutzten die eine zivile Version von AR-15?

What is CST?

Cultural Support Teams are all-female Soldier teams who serve as enablers supporting Army Special Operations combat forces in, and around secured objective areas.
Their primary task is to engage female populations in objective areas when such contact may be deemed culturally inappropriate if performed by a male service member.
CSTs directly support activities ranging from medical civic action programs, searches and seizures, humanitarian assistance, and civil-military operations.
Primarily, CST training will focus on basic human behavior, Islamic and Afghan cultures, women and their role in Afghanistan, and tribalism. Training is conducted on Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C.
As a CST member, the total commitment to the program is approximately one year.
Prerequisites and Requirements

Volunteers must:
*be female volunteers
*in grades of: E-4-E-8, 01-03 or WO1-CW3
*current, minimum GT score of 100 or better
*current Army Physical Fitness Test score of 210 with at least 70 points in each event
*meet height and weight requirements outlined in AR 600-9
*deployable in accordance with current unit status reporting procedures covered in AR 220-1
*pre-screened by their current unit of assignment, the donor unit
*carry 35 lbs for six miles in one hour and 39 minutes, or less
*MOS is immaterial, however preferred MOSs are: Nurse Practitioners (66P), Nurse Midwife (66G8D), Health Care Specialist (68W, Military Police (31B or Military Intelligence Specialists (35M, 35F, 35P) or service equivalent
*hold a current Secret security clearance as a minimum; interim Secret acceptable
*have no current flagged, under criminal investigation or pending adverse administrative/UCMJ action
*language proficiency in Pashtu, Urdu and Daru are desirable but not required.
*CST volunteers will hand carry the CST Volunteer Statement to Assessment and Selection and present it to the Assessment and Selection cadre during in-processing
VOLUNTEER UNIT OF ASSIGNMENT must:
*pre-screen volunteers. The volunteers' unit leadership, or equivalent, must provide written certification that their Soldiers meet the pre-screening criteria before volunteers report to Fort Bragg for assessment and selection. Soldiers who do not meet the pre-screening criteria will not be accepted into the CST program and will be returned to their unit of assignment.
*The first O-5 in the chain of command will certify volunteers meet all prescreening criteria by signing a CST Volunteer Statement: the Army Active and Reserve Component CST Volunteer Statement; or the AFSOC CST Volunteer Statement.

What to expect

PHASE 1: Assessment and Selection -- The challenge begins.
The Cultural Support Team Assessment and Selection program is five, hectic days of physical, mental, and intellectual evaluations designed to determine a candidate's ability to maintain her composure, apply logic, communicate clearly, and solve problems in demanding environments. Assessment is not a training course -- it is an observation of behaviors that suggest suitability for service as a CST member.
During Assessment and Selection, candidates are expected to skillfully manage multiple, simultaneous tasks, comprehend ambiguous instructions while working under varying degrees of uncertainty with little feedback.
Assessment and Selection is as much a mental test as it is a physical test. Volunteers should arrive mentally prepared, physically fit, and highly motivated. If candidates do not meet any of the prescreening criteria, they will be disqualified and returned to their units.
The desired outcome of Assessment and Selection is a candidate pool of female Soldiers who are eager to serve with an Army Special Operations Forces unit in the important role as Combat Support Team members, and who are willing to train and excel in advanced techniques.
PHASE 2: Welcome to CST Training.
When selected, candidates are invited back as CST students in Phase 2. The training period is between four and six weeks at Fort Bragg.
The average training day begins at 0630 hours with physical training and ends around 1700. A mix of classroom instruction with practical exercises in a field environment comprises a typical day. Classes are not normally conducted on weekends.
Training focuses on cross-cultural communication skills specifically Islamic and Afghan cultures. Students are also trained on negotiation and mediation skills, proper employment of an interpreter, and conducting key leader engagement techniques. Qualification training with an M4 assault rifle and an M9 pistol is required.
PHASE 3: Assignment and Deployment.
Following graduation from Phase 2, new Cultural Support Teams are attached to 3rd Special Forces Group and to the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Deployments will be physically and mentally demanding. CSTs live and work with Special Operations Forces in austere environments in Afghanistan. While supporting a Special Forces operational detachment alpha or a Ranger platoon, CSTs are constantly engaging the local populace.
Duties of CSTs include communicating and working with Afghan women and children, providing support to medical outreach programs, physical searches of Afghan women and children, and supporting civil-military operations.
CST members are armed with an M4 Assault Rifle and an M9 pistol for defense against enemy contact, if necessary. While deployed, CSTs move on foot, by vehicle and by aircraft. Some missions may require foot patrols of 10 kilometers; other missions may require fast-rope insertion from a helicopter. CSTs are not required to conduct airborne operations.

Volunteering Instructions

1. Volunteers who meet the prerequisites will undergo the CST Qualification Course conducted by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, N.C. This qualification course is comprised of three phases: Phase I Assessment and Selection; Phase II Training; and Phase III Assignment and Deployment.
2. Volunteers' unit leadership, or equivalent, must provide written certification that their Soldiers meet the pre-screening criteria before volunteers report to Fort Bragg for Phase I.
3. The first O-5 in the chain of command will certify volunteers meet all prescreening criteria by signing a CST Volunteer Statement: the Army Active and Reserve Component CST Volunteer Statement; or the AFSOC CST Volunteer Statement.
4. Volunteers will personally deliver the Army Active and Reserve Component CST Volunteer Statement, or the AFSOC CST Volunteer Statement to the CST Qualification Course cadre during in-processing.
5. Soldiers who do not meet the pre-screening criteria will not be accepted into the CST Qualification Course and will be returned to their unit of assignment.
6. Volunteers should scan the signed volunteer statement - either the Army Active and Reserve Component CST Volunteer Statement or the AFSOC CST Volunteer Statement -- attach it to an email, and send it to cst@soc.mil along with the volunteers' full Social Security Number. The SSN is required to enter volunteers into ATRRS.
7. Volunteers will be on TCS orders with temporary duty enroute for CRC, CST training, pre-deployment training, and deployment.
8. Eligible volunteers will be placed on 10-day TDY return orders and report for Phase I Assessment and Selection on the date provided. Volunteers who do not meet the minimum standards as outlined in the Prerequisites tab will be released from the course and returned to home station. Phase I Assessment and Selection includes, but is not limited to: Basic Medical Screening, Physical Fitness, and Psychological Screening.
9. Volunteers who are selected will be returned to their unit immediately upon completing Phase I. The best candidates will be invited to return for Phase II Training and follow-on Phase III Assignment and Deployment.
10. Soldiers selected for CST training will attend CRC at Fort Benning, Ga., prior to reporting to USAJFKSWCS at Fort Bragg. Soldiers should not accept weapons, scopes, or night vision goggles at CRC. Those items will be issued at Fort Bragg upon completion of CST training.
11. Upon completion of CRC, selected candidates will report to USAJFKSWCS for Phase II CST training, which is approximately 4 to 6 weeks in duration.
12. Once Soldiers complete the Qualification Course, they will graduate and move to Phase III Assignment and Deployment. CST graduates will be attached to Army Special Operations Forces units and participate in unit pre-deployment training for approximately 15 to 20 days.
13. Volunteers who are airborne qualified and on jump status must ensure that their jump status is current and will remain current before reporting to CST training. CST students will not conduct proficiency pay jumps while assigned to CST training.
14. Questions may be emailed to cst@soc.mil.

What is CST?

Lance Cpl. Alex G. Perez, from Phoenix, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), observes his surroundings during a security foot patrol July 12, 2011, in Marjah, Afghanistan. Continuous foot patrols in the area limit insurgents’ ability to set up ambushes and explosives along the routes, ensuring the safety of the engineers as they continue to repair roads throughout the district.

Lance Cpl. Alex G. Perez, from Phoenix, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), walks through high grass during a security foot patrol July 12, 2011, in Marjah, Afghanistan. Continuous foot patrols in the area limit insurgents’ ability to set up ambushes and explosives along the routes, ensuring the safety of the engineers as they continue to repair roads throughout the district.

Jemand 'ne Idee wie ihre Ausrüstung im Detail aussieht ?
Gemeint sind nicht die Schießeisen, sondern die technische Ausrüstung.
Sie trägt aber nicht das Metallsuchgerät oder IED-Suchgerät, sondern wie die Bildbeschreibung vermuten läßt, die ECM Ausrüstung.
Wie sieht diese aus ?
Was läßt sich wie eingestellen ? ( Sie ist ja ein 'electronic countermeasure operator' und kein 'electronic countermeasure carrier', also muss die ECM Ausrüstung konfigurierbar sein... )
Ist dies sowas wie ein Störsender ? Kann dieser nur (auf verschiedenen Frequenzbändern) Störsignal erzeugen und senden
oder läßt sich mit der Ausrüstung auch feindliche Sender aufspüren ? Quasi anzeigen, wo der Taliban mit Handy, Garagentoröffner oder RC-Fernsteuerung hockt und darauf wartet die IED zu zünden ?
Die IED sollten ja passiv sein, also nicht durch eigene Funkstrahlung ortbar sein, oder ? (aktives Handy als Zünder mal ausgenommen...)

Auf jeden Fall interessant: Erst vom Jet auf den HMMWV, nun auf den Rücken

Ziemlicher Blödsinn, aber schön für Fotos.

Da ich keinerlei Erfahrung damit habe, hätte ich eine Frage zu den LLMs: Wie gefährlich ist deren Laser für das menschliche Auge? Ich meine gelesen zu haben, dass seit dem 1. Golfkrieg die Zahl der durch Laserlicht verletzten Soldaten in westlichen Armeen stark zugenommen hat. Klar, man soll sich damit nicht gegenseitig in die Augen leuchten, aber versehentlich könnte das doch vorkommen.

Im Gegentum. "Cultural Engagement" ist ungemein wichtig in diesem Szenario und auch, dass die Teams dafür notfalls spezialisierten Kräften nicht zur Last fallen (was bisher bei untrainierten "Female Engagement Teams" wohl häufiger der Fall war).

Ziemlicher Blödsinn, aber schön für Fotos.

Im 1. Golfkrieg kämpften der Iran und der Irak gegeneinander.

Um sich über Kultur auszutauschen, benötigt man eine gemeinsame Sprache und vertiefte Kenntnisse über die Lebensweise des anderen und nicht zuletzt Toleranz bzw. ein gewisses Vertrauen für eine Gesprächsbasis.
Darüber hinaus schüttelt man Frauen dort nicht die Hand. Das machen nur Kinder und der Rest wird sich mit den Amerikanerinnem eher nicht unterhalten, daher gibt es auch nur die von mir besagten Fotos mit Kindern und "Female Engagement Teams", die an der Heimatfront so gut ankommen.

Dabei trägt man keine Waffen.

Nun, das ist in einem Kriegsgebiet natürlich nicht möglich. Ich wage aber zu bezweifeln, dass dies in einem Land, in welchem der Besitz von Waffen völlig normal ist, wirklich eine große Rolle spielt.

Ich meinte den umgangssprachlich als 1. Golfkrieg bezeichneten II. Golfkrieg nach historisch korrekter Zählung.

Um sich über Kultur auszutauschen, benötigt man eine gemeinsame Sprache und vertiefte Kenntnisse über die Lebensweise des anderen und nicht zuletzt Toleranz bzw. ein gewisses Vertrauen für eine Gesprächsbasis. Dabei trägt man keine Waffen. Ein Großteil dessen, was auf deutsch ~"Kulturelles Engagement" oder "Kulturkampf" voraussetzt, fehlt hier also ganz grundsätzlich.

Darüber hinaus schüttelt man Frauen dort nicht die Hand. Das machen nur Kinder und der Rest wird sich mit den Amerikanerinnem eher nicht unterhalten, daher gibt es auch nur die von mir besagten Fotos mit Kindern und "Female Engagement Teams", die an der Heimatfront so gut ankommen.

Da ich keinerlei Erfahrung damit habe, hätte ich eine Frage zu den LLMs: Wie gefährlich ist deren Laser für das menschliche Auge? Ich meine gelesen zu haben, dass seit dem 1. Golfkrieg die Zahl der durch Laserlicht verletzten Soldaten in westlichen Armeen stark zugenommen hat. Klar, man soll sich damit nicht gegenseitig in die Augen leuchten, aber versehentlich könnte das doch vorkommen.

Nur das es in Dave's ursprünglichem Post (auf den er nochmal hingewiesen hatte) natürlich 2 Bilder gab, ersteres welches diese CST-Frauen unbewaffnet beim Tee trinken mit einer Afghanin gezeigt hat. Wie effektiv diese Teams wirklich sind kann ich nicht sagen, aber wenn die kritik an einem Bild bereits mit dem zweiten widerlegt wird, dann sollte da schon ein bisschen mehr kommen.

Honour For Fijian Soldier Killed Fighting For UK
11:16am UK, Sunday July 11, 2010


Ian Woods, in Nakaulevu, Fiji

A "warrior of Fiji and a lion of England" who died in action in Afghanistan has been buried in his home village, half a world away from where he died fighting the Taliban.
Ponipate Tagitaginiomoce is the latest of nine Fijian soldiers to have died in combat in Britain's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Two thousand of his fellow Pacific Islanders serve in the British Army, and six of them returned to their homeland to act as pallbearers at his funeral.


Sky News travelled to the village of Nakaulevu, 15km from the Fijian capital Suva, where several hundred people had gathered to mourn the 29 year old father-of-three.


He was a Kingsman in the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, and died in a firefight in Nad-e-Ali in Helmand province last month.


The small church in the neat and secluded village was packed, with dozens of people listening outside.

Members of an Afghan Police Unit communicate to fellow APU members that they're ready to move and need cover fire so they can bound forward to their next firing position during a training scenario July 30 at a site in Regional Command-Capital. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, observed the training. Afterward, Allen thanked the APU members for their service and commitment and told them they they are the future of Afghanistan. ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting Afghan authorities in providing security and stability while creating the conditions for reconstruction development.

Members of an Afghan Police Unit demonstrate their ability to conduct a call-out of a makeshift compound during a training scenario July 30 prior to going in and securing it. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, observed the training at a site in Regional Command-Capital. During the visit, Allen thanked the APU members for their service and commitment and told them they they are the future of Afghanistan. ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting Afghan authorities in providing security and stability while creating the conditions for reconstruction development.

Members of an Afghan Police Unit double-time into position to conduct a call-out of a makeshift compound during a training scenario July 30 prior at a site in Regional Command-Capital. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, observed the training. Following the mock operation, Allen thanked the APU members for their service and commitment and told them they they are the future of Afghanistan. ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting Afghan authorities in providing security and stability while creating the conditions for reconstruction development.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, talked to an Afghan Police Unit following their completion of several training scenarios July 30 at a site in Regional Command-Capital. During the visit, Allen coined them and told them they they are the future of Afghanistan. ISAF is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting Afghan authorities in providing security and stability while creating the conditions for reconstruction development.