GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Aug. 14, 2013) - The plane came in low, no more than 100 feet off the runway. As it approached, the back hatch opened, and the plane launched into a steep climb. Four crates on parachutes tumbled out the back, then gently floated to the ground, where they were collected by a six-man crew. The whole operation took only seconds, but it saved … [Read more...]

MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. (Aug. 13, 2013) - The world is still a very dangerous place, noted a two-star general after coming here to visit the Vibrant Response exercise, which simulates the detonation of nuclear bombs in two Ohio cities. "We do have enemies, and there are threats to our nation and our security," said Maj. Gen. Michael Smith, First Army deputy … [Read more...]

FORT MEADE, Md. (Aug. 13, 2013) - First Army Division East trainers/mentors play an integral role in ensuring Reserve Component units maintain a high degree of readiness. Recently when members of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a National Guard unit, conducted a command post exercise at Fort Drum, N.Y., Soldiers from 4th Cavalry Brigade, First Army Division East, were … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 12, 2013) - The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement weapon system is now in development. But by this time next year, the system may have moved into low-rate initial production and if so, will lose the experimental "X" prefix. Lt. Col. Shawn Lucas, the PEO Soldier program manager for individual weapons at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., said … [Read more...]

FORT SILL, Okla. (Aug. 12, 2013) -- The National Dusters, Quads and Searchlight Association donated a memorial to Fort Sill's Constitution Park, during an unveiling ceremony, Aug. 9. Retired Col. Vincent Tedesco stood before a crowd of his peers and predecessors and described what it was like to fight as an air defender in Vietnam. "Bravery was just so commonplace it was … [Read more...]