MikeLigalig.com

LIVE AT NOON (ET): Medal of Honor ceremony for 2 Korean War heroes

LIVE EVENT AT NOON ET: Medal of Honor ceremony for 2 Korean War heroes

Source: LIVE AT NOON (ET): Medal of Honor ceremony for 2 Korean War heroes

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child.  See coverage from around the military community.

Source: Month of the Military Child

Tri-Signed Letter: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Tri-Signed Letter: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Source: Tri-Signed Letter: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

DoD Special Report: Tsunami Relief Efforts in Japan

DoD Special Report: Tsunami Relief Efforts in Japan

Source: DoD Special Report: Tsunami Relief Efforts in Japan

Women's History Month tri-signed letter

Women's History Month tri-signed letter

Source: Women's History Month tri-signed letter

2011 Army Posture Statement

To learn where the Army is headed in the future, read the 2011 Army Posture Statement.

Source: 2011 Army Posture Statement

DoD 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' information portal

DoD 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' information portal

Source: DoD 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' information portal

LIVE EVENT: Secretary Gates to Speak at West Point at 1:15 p.m. EST today

LIVE EVENT: Secretary Gates to Speak at West Point at 1:15 p.m. EST today

Source: LIVE EVENT: Secretary Gates to Speak at West Point at 1:15 p.m. EST today

LIVE: CSA to address AUSA symposium 8:55-9:30 a.m. today

LIVE: CSA addresses AUSA symposium today from 8:55 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Source: LIVE: CSA to address AUSA symposium 8:55-9:30 a.m. today

CSA to speak Friday at AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition



Source: CSA to speak Friday at AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition

Army FY 2012 Budget Overview (.pdf download)

Army FY 2012 Budget Overview (.pdf download)

Source: Army FY 2012 Budget Overview (.pdf download)

U.S. Army Diversity Roadmap (.pdf download)

Check out the newly-released U.S. Army Diversity Roadmap.

Source: U.S. Army Diversity Roadmap (.pdf download)

National African American History Month Tri-signed letter



Source: National African American History Month Tri-signed letter

Strengthening our military families

Addressing the issues that affect America's servicemembers.

Source: Strengthening our military families

Suicide prevention tools, resources

Check out suicide prevention tools and resources available for Soldiers and family members.

Source: Suicide prevention tools, resources

U.S. Army Comprehensive Soldier Fitness

Check out the U.S. Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program.

Source: U.S. Army Comprehensive Soldier Fitness

Privately owned weapons: Focus on the CAN, not the can't

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- On Jan. 7, 2011, Public Law 111-383, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 or NDAA, was enacted.

Source: Privately owned weapons: Focus on the CAN, not the can't

Fort Campbell Soldier KIA honored at Ohio school

FAIRBORN, OHIO (Nov. 14, 2012)--A crowd of approximately 200 2nd and 3rd grade students from Fairborn Primary School bundled up and gathered around their flagpole in the frigid morning air Nov. 14 to witness a ceremony that honored one of the school's former students, U.S. Army Spc. Jesse Snow who was killed in action in Afghanistan Nov. 2010.

Source: Fort Campbell Soldier KIA honored at Ohio school

101st names division's "Top Gun"

"Strike" Brigade battery earns top distinction

Source: 101st names division's "Top Gun"

Nashville comes to Soldiers

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 15, 2012) -- On a sunny afternoon Soldiers gathered for a brief escape from their surroundings. As they crowded together, acoustic guitars rang throughout the facility. Equipped with a smile, their eyes sparkled: Music, laughter and ease were in the air.

Country music's brightest song writers left the comforts of Nashville, Tenn., to travel around the world for this enjoyable delivery.  

On its second day, the Nashville to You Tour came to forward operating base Gardez and Camp Clark, playing country music's top hits for Soldiers, Nov. 15, 2012. The tour featured five of Nashville's top songwriters; Hillary Lindsay, Keni Thomas, Carlton Ray Scott, Thomas Verges and Billy Montana.

Source: Nashville comes to Soldiers

Attitude gives Helicopter Landing Zone team what it needs

The Soldiers of Headquarters Company, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), show off their combat efficiency with sling load operations in Khowst Province, Afghanistan.

Source: Attitude gives Helicopter Landing Zone team what it needs

Currahees compete in Brigade Top Squad Competition

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, compete in the brigade's top squad competition on November 14, 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky. The competition's events included a 1/2-mile run with a 30-foot log, 1/4-mile stretcher carry, obstacle course, buddy team carry, and call-for-fire scenario. Each battalion from within the brigade sends one squad each month to compete for the honor and bragging rights of being named the 'Top Squad'.

Source: Currahees compete in Brigade Top Squad Competition

Variety is the spice of physical exercise

Army physical training is important and to add variety to the program, leadership encourages Soldiers to submit suggestions to do something different weekly.

Source: Variety is the spice of physical exercise

Strike Force Stress Shoot

FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- When the bullets are flying and the enemy is sight, a Soldier's heart is beating fast, his adrenaline is pumping and his mind races, but he keeps his cool, maintains his composure and eliminates the enemy.

Source: Strike Force Stress Shoot

Marksmanship academy shows Army's adaptability

The Eagle Marksmanship Academy at Fort Campbell, Ky., is a train-the-trainer program the Sabalauski Air Assault School offers to teach leaders how to coach and mentor Soldiers on marksmanship.

Source: Marksmanship academy shows Army's adaptability

Rakkasan veterans stay connected, reach out to new generation

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Whether they are currently serving in Afghanistan or have served in historical conflicts such as World War II, Korea or Vietnam, the "Rakkasans" of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) have been recognized for many outstanding achievements.

Source: Rakkasan veterans stay connected, reach out to new generation

The Story of "Old Abe," famous Wisconsin War Eagle on 101st Airborne Division patch

The Screaming Eagle insignia of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is perhaps the most recognized and famous shoulder sleeve insignia in the United States Army.  However the history and symbolism of the patch is often forgotten. The eagle on your shoulder is not just any American Bald Eagle, but instead, it commemorates the most famous animal mascot that ever served in the United States Army.

Source: The Story of "Old Abe," famous Wisconsin War Eagle on 101st Airborne Division patch

Celebrating Thanksgiving

As America comes together to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important that we give thanks to those who have earned this freedom.

Source: Celebrating Thanksgiving

MEDEVAC in action

Soldiers of C Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Briagde are charged with the crucial task of providing medical evacuation to Regional Command East.

Source: MEDEVAC in action

Veterans Day: Honoring the ones who served the Nation

Veterans of the past, present and even those of the future marched Nov. 10 for nearly three hours in the downtown Clarksville, Tenn., Veterans Day Parade, an annual exhibition where they patriotically celebrate the men and women who have served in the U.S. military armed forces.

Source: Veterans Day: Honoring the ones who served the Nation

Competition promotes physical fitness during deployment

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 1, 2012) --At 10 a.m. the small gym on Combat Outpost Chergotaw was filled with onlookers and competitors who had gathered for a challenging physical fitness competition.

For the first time during their deployment, the Soldiers of Angel Company, 3rd Battalion,187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were conducting their famous Angel Rak physical fitness competition. The Angel Rak Competition is a test that identifies the strongest and most physically fit squads in the Company.

Source: Competition promotes physical fitness during deployment

Task Force Destiny, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Task Force Destiny, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade provides world class aviation support to Regional Command East and Regional Command North.

Source: Task Force Destiny, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Titans drop in on Wounded Warrior unit

Three Tennessee Titans quarterbacks dropped by Fort Campbell's Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center on Tuesday, visiting Soldiers recovering from traumatic brain injuries as well as other wounded, injured and ill Soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion.

Source: Titans drop in on Wounded Warrior unit

Medics recognized at Fort Campbell

A collection of 52 medics from across Fort Campbell were recognized during the third annual Armed Services YMCA Angels of the Battlefield dinner Nov. 1 at Cole Park Commons for their courage, dedication and professionalism.

Source: Medics recognized at Fort Campbell

159th CAB continues the standard of excellence

"A Thunder Warrior is highly trained, disciplined and fit -- a member of a team built on trust and respect, devoted to the mission , Soldiers, and Families," is the creed for the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Dvorsky, the 159th CAB's command sergeant major, said the brigade's Soldiers continue to exemplify this creed by repeatedly showing exemplary performance during the Warrior Leader Course at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Throughout the last four consecutive graduating classes at the Staff Sgt. John W. Kreckel Noncommissioned Officer Academy, numerous 159th CAB Soldiers have made the Commandant's List. Forty-two 159th CAB Soldiers graduated with honors, one with distinguished honors, one with the Leadership Award and two earned the title Iron Soldiers.

Source: 159th CAB continues the standard of excellence

401st AFSB's LTF Salerno supports Task Force Rakkasan in Afghanistan

The 401st Army Field Support Brigade's Logistics Task Force Salerno is dedicated to supporting the Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and associated units, also known as Task Force Rakkasan, in their area of operations. The small team has or can reach back to leverage all the skill sets needed to support the Warfighters in their area.

Source: 401st AFSB's LTF Salerno supports Task Force Rakkasan in Afghanistan

Appreciating America's veteran

A young private shakes the hand of an older Soldier and thanks him for his service during the Korean War, over sixty years ago.

As James Rutherford, a retired Army veteran, receives his medical treatment at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., he beams with pride and vitality as he relays his memories of the distant past to Pvt. Nancy Delgado, a chaplains assistant, 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, who is barely 19 and has only served two months in the Army.

Delgado is one member of the 159th CAB's Unit Ministry Team who traveled to Nashville's VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) hospital Nov. 5 in order to say "thank you" to the nation's veterans that turn to this facility for medical needs.

Source: Appreciating America's veteran

Spouse resilience training assists Rakkasan families

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- When nearly 2,000 Soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan, many spouses are left to take care of the children, finances and other matters on their own, which has the potential to create a lot of stress in their lives.

Source: Spouse resilience training assists Rakkasan families

Female body armor named among best inventions by Time Magazine

An innovation that will leave female Soldiers safer and more comfortable on the battlefield was named one of Time Magazine's "Best Inventions of the Year 2012."

Source: Female body armor named among best inventions by Time Magazine

Rakkasans Conduct Sling Load Operations

Sling loads help resupply Soldiers at outlining Combat Outposts and FOBs with essential items such as fuel, water, food and other various supplies.

Source: Rakkasans Conduct Sling Load Operations

Rakkasans vote while deployed

Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were provided the opportunity to vote in our nation's 57th quadrennial Presidential elections while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Source: Rakkasans vote while deployed

Soldier Takes Patriotic Stand for Freedom

As he sat down, he brushed the dust off his uniform. His boots well broken in, dirty from a recent patrol and the sun had painted his face two shades darker.

Through a gritty smile, he'll tell you he doesn't mind. This is what he signed up for.

This is exactly what Sgt. Joseph Wroniak, an infantry team leader assigned to "Choppin" Company, 3rd Battlion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), wanted when he decided to enlisted for the U.S. Army in 2007.

Source: Soldier Takes Patriotic Stand for Freedom

Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division participate in Tenn. Titan's Salute to the Troops

Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division participate in a Tennessee Titan's Salute to the Troops event, Nov. 4, 2012, held during their home game at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn.

Source: Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division participate in Tenn. Titan's Salute to the Troops

Afghan National Security Forces One Step Closer

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 23, 2012) -- Afghan National Security Forces demonstrated their ever increasing ability to conduct independent counter insurgent operations in Chamkani District near the Pakistan border, Oct. 23, 2012.

 Members of the Afghan Uniformed Police, Afghan Border Police and Afghan Local Police successfully coordinated and executed a security mission, while Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), augmented security and intelligence support.

Source: Afghan National Security Forces One Step Closer

by pna

After anchoring the approval of the P40-billion sin tax reform bill, Senator Franklin Drilon returns to the podium on the floor to sponsor the proposed P2.006-trillion national budget for 2013 beginning on Wednesday.

In his sponsorship speech, Drilon, chairman of the Senate finance committee that reviews the country’s proposed expenditure outlays, explained his panel’s proposed minimal amendments to the General Appropriations Bill, which the House of Representatives submitted to the Senate on Oct. 16.

“The Committee on Finance has performed its task of scrutinizing the proposed national budget with a fine tooth comb through the recently-concluded round of budget hearings and technical working group meetings,” said Drilon, who just went through tedious deliberations on the sin tax bill as acting chairman of the Senate committee on ways and means.

He described the 2013 outlay, dubbed as the “Empowerment Budget”, as a “bridge of hope” â€" a budget that paves the way to a future where dreams do come true â€" for almost 100 million Filipinos as it was crafted to address the plight of the poor and the vulnerable Filipinos.

“Let not cold statistics but warm bodies guide our decisions and priorities in this budget. Let us not forget that these numbers pertain to real, flesh-and-blood Filipinos whose empowerment, through deliverance from backbreaking poverty, will ultimately shape the destiny of our nation,” said Drilon.

“The proposed 2013 budget is more than about the national government's expenditures and sources of financing for next year. It is the keystone to good governance in all its many facets â€" from basic social services to national security, from inclusive economic growth to peace and the rule of law, from disaster prevention and crisis management to anti-corruption and participatory governance,” said Drilon.

The Drilon committee maintained the House bill level of P1.25 trillion programmed funds, P117.55 billion unprogrammed funds, and P1.37 trillion new appropriations.

However, the committee proposed incremental funds for few agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration for the purchase of five passport reading machines and the Anti-Money Laundering Council for repairs and maintenance programs.

He also noted there were also realignments within selected agencies to reflect their actual needs and priorities, which include the P1 million from the Supreme Court to provide additional funds for the construction of the Manila Hall of Justice, as well as the P500 million for the Commission on Elections to fund purchase of land and construction of building to serve as a warehouse for precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines.

The proposed P2.006 trillion 2013 national budget is 10.5 percent higher than the P1.816 trillion budget this year, and represents 16.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013, he noted.

He noted the rosy economy in the first quarter because of renewed business and consumer confidence, improved external trade, and accelerated government spending resulted in a 6.4 percent growth rate.

“The government intends to further trim the fiscal deficit to two percent of GDP in 2013 from its current target of 2.6 percent to create a robust and sustainable fiscal space,” he said.

By sector, the biggest share of 34.8 percent will go to social services, while 25.5 percent will be for economic services. On the other hand, debt-servicing burden will fall to 16.6 percent next year from 18.3 percent in 2012. General public services will have a 17.3 percent share while defense will get 4.5 percent.

He noted that education sector will continue to be the government’s top priority in the 2013 budget, as mandated by the Constitution, with the Department of Education budget increasing by 22.6 percent to P292.7 billion, from P238.8 billion this year. “A P54 billion increase in funding will help address shortages in education resources such as classrooms, teachers and textbooks. It will also support the department's K+12 program.”

The DPWH is second with P152.9 billion, followed by the Department of National Defense (P121.6 billion), Department of Interior and Local Government (P121.1 billion), Department of Agriculture (P74.1 billion), Department of Health (P56.8 billion), Department of Social Welfare and Development (P56.2 billion), Department of Transportation and Comunications (P37.1 billion), Department of Finance (P33.2 billion), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P33.2 billion).

The ultimate invasion of Korean culture.

Apps Help You Tackle Thanksgiving With Technology

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we get cooking app recommendations from two professionals: Christine Carroll, co-author of Come In, We're Closed: An Invitation to Staff Meals at the World's Best Restaurants and Jacqui Cheng, an editor with the tech news website, Ars Technica.

Source: Apps Help You Tackle Thanksgiving With Technology

Post-Election Racist Tweets Raise Questions

After the president's re-election, a slew of racist comments appeared on Twitter and Facebook. Guest host Celeste Headlee discusses some of the legal and privacy issues raised when people vent online. She speaks with Rey Junco of Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet and Society and The Root's Political Correspondent Keli Goff.

Source: Post-Election Racist Tweets Raise Questions

Post-Petraeus, Net Privacy Backers Hope For A Boost

Privacy groups and tech companies have been pushing for more protection for emails and other online personal information for years. They hope the FBI investigation into Gen. David Petraeus' email correspondence with Paula Broadwell will give their efforts new momentum.

Source: Post-Petraeus, Net Privacy Backers Hope For A Boost

#Gaza: Fighting In Cyberspace?

Cross-border violence escalated between the Israeli military and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But there's also a messaging war taking place on Twitter, with both sides live-tweeting their military operations. Host Michel Martin discusses the implications with NPR's senior strategist Andy Carvin and Greg Myre, NPR digital editor for international news.

Source: #Gaza: Fighting In Cyberspace?

Shortage Of Nintendo's New Wii U Expected

Linda Wertheimer talks to Daisuke Wakabayashi, who covers the tech industry from Tokay for The Wall Street Journal, about the new Wii U videogame console, which hits the market this weekend. Many stores, however, have already sold out of pre-orders.

Source: Shortage Of Nintendo's New Wii U Expected

Israel, Hamas Battle Becomes A Twitter War

In a marriage of social media and warfare, Israel announced its military operation in the Gaza Strip via Twitter. Shortly afterward, Israel released video footage of a deadly air strike. Hamas, meanwhile, has been commenting on its rocket attacks against Israel.

Source: Israel, Hamas Battle Becomes A Twitter War

Embracing Your Inner Robot: A Singular Vision Of The Future

Human-machine integration looms on the horizon, with a promise to redefine who we are as people. Inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil is an apostle of the coming Singularity, a time when it is envisioned that technology will advance to the point that life is redefined as something other than what we know and experience today.

Source: Embracing Your Inner Robot: A Singular Vision Of The Future

Microsoft Shakeup: President Of Windows Is Out

The Microsoft executive in charge of bringing Windows 8 to market is out. Steven Sinofsky leaves Microsoft less than three weeks after a major rewrite of the popular operating system was released. Sinofsky had been seen as likely to succeed CEO Steve Ballmer.

Source: Microsoft Shakeup: President Of Windows Is Out

Belize Seeks McAfee Software Founder In Slay Case

Police in the Central American nation of Belize said they are looking for the founder of the software company McAfee Inc. to question him about the slaying of another U.S. citizen, his neighbor in an island town on the Caribbean. John McAfee lived next door to Gregory Viant Faull, who was found with a gunshot wound to his head inside his home.

Source: Belize Seeks McAfee Software Founder In Slay Case

Left Homeless, Storm Victims Turn To Internet To Find Shelter

Tens of thousands of people in the New York City area lost their homes to Superstorm Sandy. Many may be in need of temporary housing, so the home-sharing website Airbnb is working to connect people made homeless by Sandy with people willing to provide free housing.

Source: Left Homeless, Storm Victims Turn To Internet To Find Shelter

Distracted Driving: We're All Guilty, So What Should We Do About It?

Despite the danger, millions of people continue to text or email while driving. The desire to stay connected is often hard to resist, so here are a few tips to help keep your hands on the wheel.

Source: Distracted Driving: We're All Guilty, So What Should We Do About It?

Google, Facebook And The Next Billion Users

Approximately three-quarters of the world's population now have access to a mobile phone, and the majority of those subscriptions are in developing countries. But those phones don't usually have data plans. Now, Google and Facebook are offering free apps on these devices to get users hooked on social media.

Source: Google, Facebook And The Next Billion Users

Navy SEALs Disciplined For Role In Videogame

The seven SEALs are charged with releasing classified information while working as consultants on Medal of Honor: Warfighter. One of them was involved in the raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. All have received letters of reprimand and the loss of pay for two months.

Source: Navy SEALs Disciplined For Role In Videogame

What Health-Minded Smartphone Users Have In Common With Obama Voters

Exit polls and a separate survey of cellphone users show similarities between Obama voters and people who tap their mobile devices to get health information. Latinos, African-Americans and young people were big in both groups.

Source: What Health-Minded Smartphone Users Have In Common With Obama Voters

Under Secretary of the Army talks tough issues with AMC personnel

"We could never be the Army that we are -- not today, not yesterday -- without the civilian workforce that we have," began Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal at a town hall meeting with Army Materiel Command employees,  Nov. 14, 2012, at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Source: Under Secretary of the Army talks tough issues with AMC personnel

'Spirit of Hope' awardees find unique ways to thank troops

Six Americans who've dedicated considerable time to U.S. service members received the 2012 Spirit of Hope Award, Nov. 15, 2012.

Source: 'Spirit of Hope' awardees find unique ways to thank troops

Army strengthens ties with Native American tribes

As Soldiers and all Americans celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the Army has consulted with leaders of federally recognized tribes to provide new policy for Army-tribal relations.

Source: Army strengthens ties with Native American tribes

Space-based capabilities shaping Army of the future

The undersecretary of the Army received a detailed and succinct depiction of how the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command supports America's warfighters during a visit to Redstone Arsenal, Ala., Nov. 14, 2012.

Source: Space-based capabilities shaping Army of the future

Army training for DATE with hybrid threats

Last month, about 1,200 Soldiers parachuted into the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., to participate in a "Decisive Action Training Environment" exercise meant to prepare them for the hybrid threats the Army will likely face as it shifts away from engagement in Afghanistan.

Source: Army training for DATE with hybrid threats

Army data tracker improves unit readiness evaluations

The Enterprise Management Decision Support system has helped leaders know the readiness status of all units and more improvements are coming to the system.

Source: Army data tracker improves unit readiness evaluations

Soldier found guilty of dereliction in Chen's death

Sgt. Jeffrey Hurst was found guilty Nov. 9, 2012, of one specification of dereliction of duty in relation to the death of Pvt. Danny Chen in Afghanistan.

Source: Soldier found guilty of dereliction in Chen's death

Saber Junction builds international cooperation

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment and other units with U.S. Army Europe participated in a Decisive Action Training Environment rotation with multinational partners, Oct. 13-31, 2012, between the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas in Germany.

Source: Saber Junction builds international cooperation

Military Working Dog detachment activates

The 95th Military Police Detachment, 504th MP Battalion, was activated Nov. 2, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Source: Military Working Dog detachment activates

USAMU duo wins 2012 International Sniper Competition

Staff Sgt. Daniel Horner and Spc. Tyler Payne, from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, outlasted 35 other teams from around the globe to win the 2012 International Sniper Competition.

Source: USAMU duo wins 2012 International Sniper Competition

Top snipers compete on Fort Benning

The world's premier snipers converged on Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 2-5, 2012, for the 12th annual International Sniper Competition.

Source: Top snipers compete on Fort Benning

SMA encourages troops to look out for one another

The U.S. Army's top noncommissioned officer encouraged American Soldiers to look out for one another during a visit to South Korea, Nov. 5, 2012.

Source: SMA encourages troops to look out for one another

One Army School System increases training effectiveness, capacity

Army readiness is the key objective of the One Army School System, a system that establishes common standards for individual training and maximizes the opportunities for active duty soldiers to train at Reserve or National Guard courses, and vice versa.

Source: One Army School System increases training effectiveness, capacity

New online game trains kids against cyber attacks

The National Science Center is now training kids to stay safe from cyber attack malware. A new online game called Cyber Swarm Defenders is targeted to 6th-8th grade students.

Source: New online game trains kids against cyber attacks

Army adapting to face 'deep future' threats

During the recent 2012 Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition, members of the Institute of Land Warfare's  "Thinking Past Tomorrow -- Where is the Army Going?" panel described the Army of the future, with a focus on the concepts and capabilities needed to meet future unknown threats.

Source: Army adapting to face 'deep future' threats

Army activates Reserve units for Hurricane Sandy relief

For the first time, the Army Reserve has activated three units to assist with a domestic disaster relief effort, under a provision of the 2012 Defense Authorization Act.

Source: Army activates Reserve units for Hurricane Sandy relief

Army leaders say 'agile' force needed for uncertain future

The Army is taking a series of strategically minded and carefully crafted steps to position the force for a full range of potential missions in an unpredictable, yet challenging and fast-changing future operating environment, service leaders said Oct. 22, 2012.

Source: Army leaders say 'agile' force needed for uncertain future

Army Releases Sustainability Report 2012

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment released the Army Sustainability Report 2012, which describes the Army's sustainability efforts and progress during years 2010 and 2011.

Source: Army Releases Sustainability Report 2012

Army partnering for peace, security

The Army is working diligently to prevent war in the future through select Army units, partnered with allies and specific nations around the globe; a strategy it terms "regional alignment."

Source: Army partnering for peace, security

ARCYBER working to build joint-info environment

Army leaders addressed the growing arena of cyberspace and the threats it presents during the "Cyber Domain and LandWarNet: Powering the Army" panel at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 23, 2012.

Source: ARCYBER working to build joint-info environment

Johnson describes Eighth Army role in Pacific shift

The U.S. Army's top operational commander in South Korea emphasized the importance of Eighth Army's role in providing security on the Korean Peninsula and stability in Northeast Asia during a panel in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2012.

Source: Johnson describes Eighth Army role in Pacific shift

Developing leaders tops Army's priorities

Soldiers, having experienced the "crucible" of the last 11 years of an Army at war, where "discipline, initiative, freedom of action, adaptability and decentralization" have been the norm, are today "professionally advanced (in leadership) way beyond their years in any grade -- noncommissioned officer and officer," said retired Army Gen. Frederick M. Franks Jr.

Source: Developing leaders tops Army's priorities

Peer review: Leaders discuss merits

Integrating peer review into the Army's evaluation system was discussed during the Q&A period at the end of the Association of the United States Army's Institute of Land Warfare's "Developing Leaders: The Key to Readiness, Sustaining the Profession, and Ensuring our Legacy" forum in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2012.

Source: Peer review: Leaders discuss merits

Leadership resolves to find 'right' family programs

In a town hall meeting with Army spouses, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno reiterated the Army's commitment financially to do everything possible to find the right programs to help families deal with the complexities of Soldier life.

Source: Leadership resolves to find 'right' family programs

Soldiers at NIE evaluating capabilities in tactical context

More than 3,800 Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, deployed to the field Oct. 15, 2012, to begin the evaluation of capabilities in a tactical environment.

Source: Soldiers at NIE evaluating capabilities in tactical context

New Warrior Leader Course to begin in January

Preparing Soldiers for the Army of 2020 means restructuring a critical link in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System chain that prepares Soldiers for future leadership -- the Warrior Leader Course.

Source: New Warrior Leader Course to begin in January

CSA: Trust is bedrock of Army Profession

"Our profession is built on the bedrock of trust," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. "Trust is earned. It is not given. It is not rank-oriented. It is deeds, not words."

Source: CSA: Trust is bedrock of Army Profession

Melting Arctic ice will present new challenges

With ice melting in the Arctic Ocean, which is bordered by countries including Canada, Russia and the United States, more sea-faring traffic will appear there and more nations with economic interest in the region will arrive to exploit the resources there, said a panel of security experts during a forum, Oct. 24, 2012.

Source: Melting Arctic ice will present new challenges

Westphal: Maintaining connection with American public critical to future of Army

"Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army are critical in connecting our Army with the American public, " said Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal while discussing the future of the Army with 36 Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during the 2012 CASA Fall Conference.

Source: Westphal: Maintaining connection with American public critical to future of Army

CalPERS Supports NCHC Strategies for Reducing Long-Term Health Care Costs

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) today announced its support of a paper released by the National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) that charts a seven-point strategy to resolve two major issues facing the country: closing the immediate gap between federal spending and revenues, and addressing the long-term challenge of rising health costs.

Source: CalPERS Supports NCHC Strategies for Reducing Long-Term Health Care Costs

CalPERS Supports Health Care Pricing Transparency Initiative

The California Public Employees' Retirement System today announced it supports an initiative by Catalyst for Payment Reform (CPR) calling for health plans and health care providers to make health care pricing information more transparent and available for employees and consumers.

Source: CalPERS Supports Health Care Pricing Transparency Initiative

CalPERS IT Programs Recognized for Excellence

Leveraging technology to serve members and employers, two California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) programs were recently recognized for excellence.

Source: CalPERS IT Programs Recognized for Excellence

Local Government Pension Valuation Reports Available Online Beginning November

In keeping with its goals to increase transparency, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is adding more information to the most recent 2011 valuation reports that inform public agency employers of yearly contribution costs and funded status for their pension plans.

Source: Local Government Pension Valuation Reports Available Online Beginning November

CalPERS Announces Online Job Application System

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) today announced the release of an online job application system.

Source: CalPERS Announces Online Job Application System

CalPERS Seeks New Health Plan Partners

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), determined to aggressively use innovative approaches for its health program and fully explore all options for more quality affordable care, has begun a search for partners to offer health benefits to CalPERS members and their families.

Source: CalPERS Seeks New Health Plan Partners

CalPERS Approves Long-Term Care Premium Increase

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Board of Administration today approved an 85 percent premium increase for early purchasers of its Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Program policies. The increase, to be spread over two years, is being implemented to help stabilize the Program's underlying Long-Term Care Fund and will take effect July 2015. Members who opt to cover the increase in a single year will pay only 79 percent.

Source: CalPERS Approves Long-Term Care Premium Increase

CalPERS Announces Selection of Chief Financial Officer

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has named Cheryl Eason as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a newly created position to oversee the financial and risk management operations of the $243 billion pension fund.

Source: CalPERS Announces Selection of Chief Financial Officer

CalPERS Board Member Priya Mathur Appointed to UN-Backed PRI Board

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) today announced that Board Member Priya Sara Mathur will join the Board of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Association, the fiduciary body responsible for the overall effectiveness, performance and conduct of the United Nations-backed PRI Initiative.

Source: CalPERS Board Member Priya Mathur Appointed to UN-Backed PRI Board

CalPERS Announces Outreach Workshop for Emerging Manager Programs

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) today announced that they will partner with the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) to host a workshop on December 3, 2012 for emerging managers seeking to become investment partners with the pension funds.

Source: CalPERS Announces Outreach Workshop for Emerging Manager Programs

CalPERS Selects Manager to Head New Real Estate Emerging Managers Program

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
has selected Canyon Capital Realty Advisors (Canyon) to run its new $200 million Emerging Manager Program for Real Estate.

Source: CalPERS Selects Manager to Head New Real Estate Emerging Managers Program