« November 2015 | Main | January 2016 »

December 30, 2015

Army Identifies 5 Foreign Military Drowning Victims of Missouri Flood

Dec 30, 2015 | by Richard Sisk

The five foreign military drowning victims of raging Missouri flood waters last weekend were all officers – two from Egypt, and one each from Algeria, Jordan and Malaysia, the Army said Wednesday.

Continue reading:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/30/state-department-mum-on-identities-five-foreign-troops-drowned.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

Laser Pointers Interfering with US Marine Pilots Flying in Okinawa

Dec 30, 2015 | by Hope Hodge Seck

The Marine Corps is working with authorities in Japan to crack down on a dangerous practice in which civilians point lasers at the cockpits of aircraft in flight.

Continue reading:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/30/laser-pointers-interfering-us-marine-pilots-flying-okinawa.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

Images: Co. E - Falls/Leg Sweeps

by LCpl Angelica Annastas
Date Taken:12.28.2015 | Date Posted:12.30.2015 13:03

Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 28.
Recruits receive several MCMAP sessions throughout training to prepare them for the test toward the end of training. The MCMAP test rewards recruits with their first belt in the colored belt level system, the tan belt. Echo Company is scheduled to graduate March 4.

Continue to view photos:

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2345629/co-e-falls-leg-sweeps#.VoTPHa9OKrU

Handling PTSD during the Holidays

Resources for handling the holidays with PTSD.

Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 2:52 pm Posted in VA Careers by Darren Sherrard

According to psychologist Michael Terman, as many as 60 million Americans suffer winter doldrums. Consequently, they often don’t find much to celebrate during the holiday season. Add PTSD to the mix – 11-20% of Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) have PTSD in a given year – and the “season to be jolly” can be downright challenging.

Please continue reading:

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/date/2015/12/30/

Marine diagnosed with cancer posts video sharing his story

By Dan Lamothe
The Washington Post
Published: December 30, 2015

WASHINGTON — After a weight-lifting session left him struggling to catch his breath, Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Fayloga made a decision: It was time to visit a doctor and find out what was wrong with him. He'd been struggling with fatigue for months, but chalked it up in part to his long commute from Columbia, Md., to the Pentagon.

Continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/marine-diagnosed-with-cancer-posts-video-sharing-his-story-1.386542

December 29, 2015

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2016

By Michael S. Darnell
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 29, 2015

All eyes are on the Marine Corps as a new commandant looks to navigate through challenges that will shape the future of the Marines. From integrating women into infantry battalions to planning the future of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, the Marines have a busy year ahead.

Continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/features/looking-ahead-to-2016-us-marine-corps-1.384575

Marines Will Comply With Hawaii Law Raising Smoking Age to 21

Dec 29, 2015 | by Hope Hodge Seck

Starting Jan. 1, Hawaii-based Marines will have to be 21 to smoke -- or they could face state and Marine Corps penalties.

Continue reading:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/29/marines-will-comply-with-hawaii-law-raising-smoking-age-to-21.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

December 28, 2015

The 50 best US military pictures of the year

Barbara Tasch and Jeremy Bender
Dec. 28, 2015, 11:50 AM

All photos taken by US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps service members.

Continue to view photos:

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-us-military-pictures-of-2015-2015-12

December 27, 2015

NASA Turns to Navy and Marine Corps for a Few Good Astronauts

Dec 27, 2015 | by Hope Hodge Seck

The National Aeronautics and Space administration is looking for a few good astronauts.

Continue reading:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/27/nasa-turns-to-navy-and-marine-corps-for-a-few-good-astronauts.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

WARFIGHTING LABORATORY EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW TECHNIQUES

By Cpl. Michael Dye, II Marine Expeditionary Force
21 Dec 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Future Directorate conducted a limited objective experiment, with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Dec. 3-11, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The experiment was designed to evaluate a proposal to improve how direct support artillery can support dispersed forces

Continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/637548/warfighting-laboratory-experimenting-with-new-techniques.aspx

December 23, 2015

Video: 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment mortarman gives a holiday shoutout

by Sgt Owen Kimbrel
12.23.2015 10:20AM

U. S. Marine Corps mortarman with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, gives a holiday shoutout to his friends and family back home.

Continue to view video:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/444173/cpl-jacob-ashworth#.Vnt6cK9OKrV

Marine fitness review: Big changes in store for 2016

By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer 12:52 p.m. EST December 23, 2015

Marines can expect some big fitness changes in the year ahead

Continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/12/23/fitness-review-2016-year-ahead/77470218/

The Marines just lost a ‘Viking warrior.’ His friends won’t forget him.

By Dan Lamothe December 23, 2015

As the danger escalated that summer night in 2009, the Marines made a judgment call: They were better off leaving the Afghan village they had raided than launching a massive gun battle against a team of enemy fighters that had stumbled upon them.

Continue reading:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/12/23/the-marines-just-lost-a-viking-warrior-his-friends-wont-forget-him/

December 22, 2015

Paralyzed Marine turns to growing sport of sled hockey for rehabilitation, community

By Nicole Kwan Published December 22, 2015 FoxNews.com

When Josh Sweeney stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in October 2009, the Marine Corps Sergeant lost both legs above the knee. Now, the Purple Heart recipient is an accomplished athlete- scoring the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team’s game-winning goal to earn its third gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games and receiving the inaugural Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2014 ESPYS. Sweeney’s transition from Marine to injured veteran to team captain is just one example of the positive impact the growth of sled hockey has had on veterans and paralyzed athletes in the past decade.

Continue reading:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/12/22/paralyzed-marine-turns-to-growing-sport-sled-hockey-for-rehabilitation-community.html

'Be brief. Be bold. Be gone.'

by LT Amy Forsythe
Date Posted:12.22.2015 05:31

RAMADI, Iraq - Almost a decade has past since the death of U.S. Marine Maj. Megan M. McClung but her legacy continues to grow with every year since her passing in 2006.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/185126/brief-bold-gone#.Vo2t3q9OKrX

Marine Corps Pilot Flies New King Stallion

Marine Corps News | Dec 21, 2015

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Lt. Col. became the first U.S. Marine to fly the Corps’ CH-53K helicopter Dec. 18, 2015 at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Continue reading:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/21/marine-corps-pilot-flies-new-king-stallion.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

December 21, 2015

Eyes from Above: Marines, Soldiers join forces for Steel Knight

by Lance Cpl. Medina Ayala-Lo
Date Posted:12.21.2015 15:52

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marine Corps Reconnaissance units serve as the eyes and ears of the commander, providing information necessary to employ troops effectively. This large undertaking is typically carried out with a small team of specially trained Marines, but that changed during Steel Knight.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/185075/eyes-above-marines-soldiers-join-forces-steel-knight#.VntY-K9OKrX

NORAD’s Famous Santa Tracker Started as a Fluke

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Katie

Tracking Santa on his trek across the world has been a holiday tradition for many American families for decades. But did you know that it all started because of a mistake?

Continue reading:

http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2015/12/norads-famous-santa-tracker-started-as-a-fluke/

Marines combat an unseen enemy

By Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel | I Marine Expeditionary Force | December 21, 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines train diligently every day to ensure their success in subduing very real and dangerous threats around the world, but even those of the most threatening nature cannot always be seen.

Continue reading:

http://www.imef.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3963/Article/637648/marines-combat-an-unseen-enemy.aspx

BLT 1/6 Attends the Infantry Immersion Trainer

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders / 22 MEU/Released
Date Taken:12.14.2015 | Date Posted:12.21.2015 15:56

U.S. Marines assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (BLT 1/6), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in an infantry immersion training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. BLT 1/6 conducted the training in preparation for a future deployment with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Continue to view photos:

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2340824/blt-1-6-attends-infantry-immersion-trainer#.VntNba9OKrU

December 19, 2015

Meet Hisham Tawfiq, the rising star of 'The Blacklist’

By JACQUELINE CUTLER
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 10/19/2015 12:11 PM ET

Hisham Tawfiq plays a badass on TV. In real life he’s even tougher.

Continue reading about this Veteran Marine:

http://m.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/meet-hisham-tawfig-rising-star-blacklist-article-1.2402741

Son of the American Revolution dies while laying wreaths on veterans' graves

By Brian Burnes The Kansas City Star Published: December 19, 2015

Kansas City has lost a patriot.

Continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/son-of-the-american-revolution-dies-while-laying-wreaths-on-veterans-graves-1.385047

December 17, 2015

Archive Photo: Memorial service in Iraq, 2003

By Joe Gromelski
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 17, 2015
Jason Chudy ©Stars and Stripes

Iraq, November, 2003: Fifteen sets of helmets, rifles, dog tags and boots are placed at the Rifle Base stadium on al-Asad Air Base, Iraq, during a memorial service for the soldiers who were killed when a Chinook helicopter was shot down near Fallujah on Nov. 2.

Continue to view:

http://www.stripes.com/blogs/archive-photo-of-the-day/archive-photo-of-the-day-1.9717/memorial-service-in-iraq-2003-1.384534

VA plans to propose expanded disability benefits eligibility for Veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune

Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2015 2:30 pm

VA announced today that it plans to propose expanded disability compensation eligibility for Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Continue reading:

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/24773/va-plans-to-propose-expanded-disability-benefits-eligibility-for-veterans-exposed-to-contaminated-water-at-camp-lejeune/

Fellow Marine veterans aid in the search for a missing vet

By Staff Writer|December 17th, 2015 | Military News, U.S. Marines

U.S. Marines who served with missing snowmachiner travel to Alaska to help search.

Continue reading:

http://popularmilitary.com/426333-2/

December 16, 2015

'He Was My Rock': Veteran With PTSD Reunited With Military Dog

DEC 16 2015, 4:43 PM ET
by GABE GUTIERREZ and TRACY CONNOR

He endured the trauma of war with man's best friend. Now a young veteran is hoping a reunion with his canine comrade will finally bring him peace of mind.

Continue reading:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/he-was-my-rock-veteran-ptsd-reunited-military-dog-n481166

Chattanooga shooting victims will receive Purple Heart

By David Larter, Staff writer 4:30 p.m. EST December 16, 2015

The Department of the Navy will posthumously award Purple Heart medals to four Marines and a sailor killed by a lone terrorist at the Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga in July, according to a statement from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

Continuing reading:

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/16/chattanooga-shooting-purple-hearts-ray-mabus-december-award/77424756/?kjh=

December 15, 2015

Video: Protect What You've Earned

by Sgt James Skelton
Date Taken:12.14.2015 | Date Posted:12.15.2015 2:15PM

Brigadier General Commanding General, Training Command and Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major Training Command, emphasize the importance of using good judgment and making sound decisions in order to Protect What You've Earned.

Continue to view video:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/442686/protect-youve-earned#.VnIAgq9OKrU

December 14, 2015

UNIFORM BOARD DECISION UPDATES HAIR REGULATIONS

By Cpl. Aria Herrera
14 Dec 2015

WASHINGTON -- The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015.

Continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/627669/uniform-board-decision-updates-hair-regulations.aspx

'Rhinos' support Steel Knight 2016

by LCpl Levi Schultz
Date Taken:12.11.2015 | Date Posted:12.14.2015 16:41

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter personifies great strides in modern air dominance capability. Among its characteristics of radar-evading stealth, supersonic speeds, fighter agility and advanced logistical support comes the capability to perform vertical take-off and landings.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/184496/rhinos-support-steel-knight-2016#.VnoSY69OKrX

TRAIN, ASSIST: II MEF TEAM PREPARES FOR AFGHANISTAN OPERATION RESOLUTE SUPPORT

By Cpl. Alexander Mitchell, II Marine Expeditionary Force
14 Dec 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company conducted a mission rehearsal at Mairne Corps Base Camp Lejeune in support of an upcoming deployment to train and assist coalition forces in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189, Dec. 10, 2015.

Continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/634100/train-assist-ii-mef-team-prepares-for-afghanistan-operation-resolute-support.aspx

December 12, 2015

How to approach wounded warriors, a Marine vet's tips

By Gina Harkins, Staff writer 9:17 a.m. EST December 12, 2015

Justin Constantine defied the odds when he made it home from Iraq.

Continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/12/12/how-approach-wounded-warriors-marine-vets-tips/76980724/

December 11, 2015

Toys for Tots receives truckload of toys from MCCES

by Cpl Monica Erickson
Date Posted:12.11.2009 12:45

The formation of 1,626 Marines seemed to go on forever as they poured out of the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School during the Toys for Tots Run at the Combat Center, Dec. 4.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/42624/toys-tots-receives-truckload-toys-mcces#.VnDezq9OKrV

Wreaths Across America honors Veterans at VA national cemeteries

Wreath-laying events scheduled for December 12
Friday, December 11, 2015 9:15 am by Megan Moloney

Tomorrow, national cemeteries across America will host this year’s Wreaths Across America event. Since 2006, volunteers from Veterans service organizations, the Civil Air Patrol and community groups have placed wreaths at VA’s national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries. But tradition began in 1992 when the Worcester Wreath Company donated wreaths for gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.

Continue reading:

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/24589/24589/

December 10, 2015

Greenlight A Vet a gesture to honor veterans

By David Irvine
Henderson Daily Dispatch, N.C.
Published: December 10, 2015

December is a time of lights.

Continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/greenlight-a-vet-a-gesture-to-honor-veterans-1.383227

December 9, 2015

These 13 Chesty Puller quotes show why Marines will love and respect him forever

by David Nye - Dec 9, 2015 12:58:16 pm

Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller, is a Marine Corps icon who’s known for his quotable quotes nearly as much as his battlefield accomplishments.

Continue reading:

http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/these-14-chesty-puller-quotes-show-why-marines-will-love-and-respect-him-forever

US Navy corpsmen, Marines contribute to life-saving efforts in Iraq

By Courtesy Story | I Marine Expeditionary Force | December 9, 2015

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq -- As the battle for Ramadi and Fallujah continues near Al Taqaddum, Iraq, members of the Iraqi armed forces conduct counterattack missions as part of the efforts to regain control over the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant-occupied cities.

Continue reading:

http://www.imef.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3963/Article/633569/us-navy-corpsmen-marines-contribute-to-life-saving-efforts-in-iraq.aspx

December 8, 2015

Families on the GI Bill: 5 ways you're making it work

By Jon R. Anderson, Staff writer 1:25 p.m. EST December 8, 2015

Jack Ferguson had no idea it was going to be this hard.

Continue reading:

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/education/2015/12/08/families-gi-bill-5-ways-youre-making-work/76214486/

December 7, 2015

MARINES SWIM THROUGH MARINE CORPS INSTRUCTOR COURSE OF WATER SURVIVAL

By Lance Cpl. Zachary Orr, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
7 Dec 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii -- Service members enrolled in the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival strive to achieve the title of a water survival instructor by completing a training program in the classroom and practicing those lessons at the base pool aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec.1, 2015.

Continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/633120/marines-swim-through-marine-corps-instructor-course-of-water-survival.aspx

Remains of Marine killed at Battle of Tarawa to be buried at Arlington

Stars and Stripes
Published: December 7, 2015

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The remains of a Marine who went missing 72 years ago in World War II’s Battle of Tarawa will be buried will full military honors Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Continue reading

http://www.stripes.com/news/remains-of-marine-killed-at-battle-of-tarawa-to-be-buried-at-arlington-1.382444

Marines wanted: MOS fields provide lateral move opportunities

by Cpl Sullivan Laramie
Date Posted:12.07.2015 15:42

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines looking to find new job opportunities within the Marine Corps are in luck. Headquarters Marine Corps has published new administrative messages in October 2015 outlining military occupational specialty openings the Corps seeks to fill with some even offering bonus pay incentives.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/183726/marines-wanted-mos-fields-provide-lateral-move-opportunities#.VmZbC2K9KSM

December 6, 2015

Well-oiled and ready to go: Marines with LAR Company maintain LAVs

by Cpl Joshua Brown
Date Taken:12.05.2015 | Date Posted:12.06.2015 11:17

USS KEARSARGE, Arabian Gulf - A light armored vehicle is running and a crewman notices oil leaking from the engine. He notifies an LAV mechanic and the process begins.

Continue reading:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/183591/well-oiled-and-ready-go-marines-with-lar-company-maintain-lavs#.VmZVvmK9KSO

Confidence: An essential part of who we are as Marines

By Demetri Brown, Special to Military Times 3:02 p.m. EST December 6, 2015

Integrity, courage, initiative and dependability are just a few of the 14 traits attributed to leaders in the United States Marine Corps. However, one trait is missing that describes all leaders and all Marines: confidence. It should be added as the Corps’ 15th official leadership trait.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/opinion/2015/12/06/confidence-leadership-trait-opinion/76791528/

December 5, 2015

Twentynine Palms Marine performed with Rascal Flatts

Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun 1:03 p.m. PST December 5, 2015

A Marine Corps Staff Sgt. is somewhat of a resident celebrity at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.

Continue reading:

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2015/12/05/twentynine-palms-marine-performed-rascal-flatts/76290078/

December 3, 2015

STEADY HANDS: EOD TECHNICIANS DISARM GRIFFIN MISSILE

By Courtesy Story, II Marine Expeditionary Force
3 Dec 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company practice disassembling the Griffin missile to enhance their skills on unfamiliar weapons disassembly and to document a how-to procedure to safely remove the explosive ordinance from inside the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 1, 2015.

Continue reading:

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/632484/steady-hands-eod-technicians-disarm-griffin-missile.aspx

December 2, 2015

Essex Ready Group Enters 3rd Fleet Area on Return to San Diego

POSTED BY CHRIS JENNEWEIN ON DECEMBER 2, 2015 IN MILITARY

The Sailors and Marines of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit entered the 3rd Fleet area of operations this week on their way back to San Diego.

Continue reading:

http://timesofsandiego.com/military/2015/12/02/essex-ready-group-enters-3rd-fleet-area-on-return-to-san-diego/

8 Unbelievable Stories From The Second Battle Of Fallujah

By James Clark on December 2, 2015
Veterans from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines share their incredible stories from the Second Battle of Fallujah.

This time of year marks the anniversary of one of the most storied battles in recent Marine Corps history: the Second Battle of Fallujah. The city became the scene of brutal urban combat when American, Iraqi, and British forces launched an all out assault on Nov. 8, 2004, to seize it from Iraqi insurgent hands.

Continue reading:

http://taskandpurpose.com/8-unbelievable-stories-from-the-second-battle-of-fallujah/

December 1, 2015

Law enforcement battalion extends arm of law

By Pvt. Robert Bliss | I Marine Expeditionary Force | December 1, 2015

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In the early hours of the morning, two companies of Marines received information that the location of a high-value individual had been found. The mission: apprehend the individual with minimal casualties.

Continue reading:

http://www.imef.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3963/Article/631664/law-enforcement-battalion-extends-arm-of-law.aspx