Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Description The airbase was originally built by the RAF in 1952 as the subsidiary PLATEAU AIRFIELD of nearby RAF Habbaniya, whose runway was inadequate for the larger long range and jet aircraft being introduced.The airbase was originally built by the RAF in 1952 as the subsidiary PLATEAU AIRFIELD of nearby RAF Habbaniya, whose runway was inadequate for the larger long range and jet aircraft being introduced. The original RAF runway was subsequently extended by the Iraqis and a parallel runway added. Some of the RAF buildings (Nissen huts) were still standing in 2003.
The Iraqi airbase was long-time abandoned when U.S. forces occupied it in March 2003. The U.S. Army started to refer to the base as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ridgway. The first U.S. Battalion to occupy the base was the 142nd Corps Support Battalion. The primary mission of the 142nd was to provide logistical support to nearby non-divisional Army units. However, a consequential mission of the 800 soldier battalion was to guard the local Iraqi ammunition storage area that at one time supplied the ammunition requirements of the defunct Iraqi airbase. Aviation elements of the 3rd ACR occupied the airfield from April 2003 until replaced by 82nd Airborne Division in July 2003.
In 2004, the base name was changed to Camp Taqaddum to keep a more Iraqi face on the local military mission. On August 22, 2004, a group of Marines dedicated the airfield at Al Taqaddum to Lt. Col. David S. Greene, a reserve Marine AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 who was killed in action earlier in the year. "TQ" is a major hub of men and matériel moving into Anbar province by coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to the Gulf War Air Power Survey, there were 24 Hardened Aircraft Shelters at Al Taqaddum. At each end of the main runway are hardened aircraft shelters knowns as a HAS (pronounced Haas), "trapezoids" or "Yugos" which were built by Yugoslavian contractors some time prior to 1985. Various units of the U.S. Army found numerous MIG-21, MiG 25 and Su 25 Iraqi Air Force fighter jets partially buried in the area, presumably from the time of the Gulf War. By January 2004, almost all of the dozens of aircraft had been removed by the local citizens and burned, evedently, for scrap metal.
There are three "sides" to Al Taqaddum, "Lake Side", "Main Side", and "Spring Lake". These sides denote particular areas. Each area has its own chow hall and phone center. The PX and main military support services are located on "Main Side". "Lake Side" hosts the air terminal and the primary supply depot. "Spring Lake" hosts other logistics units.
TQ is adjacent to Lake Habbaniyah. This lake varies in colors, blue some days, to a greenish tint on others. The base is built on a desolate plateau overlooking the Euphrates River to the north and Lake Habbaniyah to the south. A drainage canal from Lake Habbaniyah flows between it and the base at Habbaniyah.
In late 2009 Al Taqaddum was turned back over to the Iraqi Military.... More
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Description The airbase was originally built by the RAF in 1952 as the subsidiary PLATEAU AIRFIELD of nearby RAF Habbaniya, whose runway was inadequate for the larger long range and jet aircraft being introduced.The airbase was originally built by the RAF in 1952 as the subsidiary PLATEAU AIRFIELD of nearby RAF Habbaniya, whose runway was inadequate for the larger long range and jet aircraft being introduced. The original RAF runway was subsequently extended by the Iraqis and a parallel runway added. Some of the RAF buildings (Nissen huts) were still standing in 2003.
The Iraqi airbase was long-time abandoned when U.S. forces occupied it in March 2003. The U.S. Army started to refer to the base as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ridgway. The first U.S. Battalion to occupy the base was the 142nd Corps Support Battalion. The primary mission of the 142nd was to provide logistical support to nearby non-divisional Army units. However, a consequential mission of the 800 soldier battalion was to guard the local Iraqi ammunition storage area that at one time supplied the ammunition requirements of the defunct Iraqi airbase. Aviation elements of the 3rd ACR occupied the airfield from April 2003 until replaced by 82nd Airborne Division in July 2003.
In 2004, the base name was changed to Camp Taqaddum to keep a more Iraqi face on the local military mission. On August 22, 2004, a group of Marines dedicated the airfield at Al Taqaddum to Lt. Col. David S. Greene, a reserve Marine AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 who was killed in action earlier in the year. "TQ" is a major hub of men and matériel moving into Anbar province by coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to the Gulf War Air Power Survey, there were 24 Hardened Aircraft Shelters at Al Taqaddum. At each end of the main runway are hardened aircraft shelters knowns as a HAS (pronounced Haas), "trapezoids" or "Yugos" which were built by Yugoslavian contractors some time prior to 1985. Various units of the U.S. Army found numerous MIG-21, MiG 25 and Su 25 Iraqi Air Force fighter jets partially buried in the area, presumably from the time of the Gulf War. By January 2004, almost all of the dozens of aircraft had been removed by the local citizens and burned, evedently, for scrap metal.
There are three "sides" to Al Taqaddum, "Lake Side", "Main Side", and "Spring Lake". These sides denote particular areas. Each area has its own chow hall and phone center. The PX and main military support services are located on "Main Side". "Lake Side" hosts the air terminal and the primary supply depot. "Spring Lake" hosts other logistics units.
TQ is adjacent to Lake Habbaniyah. This lake varies in colors, blue some days, to a greenish tint on others. The base is built on a desolate plateau overlooking the Euphrates River to the north and Lake Habbaniyah to the south. A drainage canal from Lake Habbaniyah flows between it and the base at Habbaniyah.
In late 2009 Al Taqaddum was turned back over to the Iraqi Military.... More
MCAGCC is the home of the Marine Corps’ Mojave Viper. Mojave Viper is a 30-day combination of the Revised Combined Arms Exercises and the SecuEXERCISE MOJAVE VIPER
(FORMERLY COMBINED ARMS EXERCISE)
MCAGCC is the home of the Marine Corps’ Mojave Viper. Mojave Viper is a 30-day combination of the Revised Combined Arms Exercises and the Security and Stability Operations training formerly conducted at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. The RCAX program has evolved from a 22-day deployment with a very structured three-day CAX final exercise, into a 14-day intense training cycle involving a series of progressive live-fire exercises. The current RCAX program employs a progressive training approach, starting with combined-arms integration techniques and procedures at the company level and fire and movement/maneuver at the platoon level that culminates in the integration of large-scale maneuver with direct, indirect and aviation fires involving all elements of the exercise force. The SASO program has evolved from a Marine Corps Warfighting Lab experiment into a 10-day training exercise. The units are presented with facilities, role players and scenarios that closely replicate the environment to which they will deploy. The current SASO program employs a progressive training approach, starting with a series of lane-training opportunities at the squad through company level culminating in a three-day, battalion-level final exercise. Mojave Viper exercises and trains active duty and Reserve Fleet Marine Force units and Marine Air Ground Task Forces in command, control and coordination of kinetic and non-kinetic fires in the “Three Block War.” Mojave Viper is the most realistic, live-fire training exercise in the Marine Corps. It provides the commanders the opportunity to employ all the capabilities of the MAGTF. Approximately 2,000 Marines and Sailors participate in each training cycle which uses the “building block” approach, starting with small-unit training and culminating with MAGTF integration.
For the first week to 10 days of the deployment, training focuses on “white-space” training to integrate new personnel, complete basic training requirements and prepare for the SASO and RCAX sections. The next 10 days of Mojave Viper start with the unit doing a notional relief in place
in the Forward Operating Base from which they will operate for the remainder of the exercise. Squad and platoon rotations covering urban patrolling, improvised explosive device training, tank and infantry integration and various other skills necessary for operations in an urban environment follow this. During this time the companies operate in separate FOBs and conduct small-level operations. Concurrent with this is battalion staff training. The final exercise integrates the small unit and staff skills into a three-day, 24-hour-a-day, battalion-level operation.
The remaining 10 to 14 days focuses on combined-arms training. This training focuses on two levels. The staff refines tactical plans in the Combined Arms Staff Trainer then executes these plans in the air support coordination and fire support coordination exercises. Simultaneously, the platoons and companies conduct a series of infantry attacks. The culmination of company-level training includes one of the following exercises. The first is the Light Armored Reconnaissance Screen Course in which the LAR company conducts a delaying action along a 10-kilometer long course. The second is the Mobile Assault Course in which the unit conducts a deliberate attack along a 20-kilometer long course. The third is the Helicopter Assault Course in which the unit conducts a deliberate helicopterborne attack. Mortars, artillery, attack helicopters, fighter/attack aircraft and engineers support all of these courses. The live-fire Convoy Operations Course integrates Rotary-Wing Close Air Support, heavy machineguns and small arms into a 20-kilometer route with multiple engagements of increasing difficulty to prepare Combat Service Support Elements. This work-up period allows implementation of lessons learned in command, control and coordination, and for commanders at all levels to conduct any desired supplemental or specialized training.
The logistical challenges presented by operating throughout the Twentynine Palms environment are demanding. Food, water, fuel, ammunition, spare parts and maintenance support are in constant demand, while real and simulated casualties, both personnel and equipment, require evacuation to the rear.
Mojave Viper will eventually fully integrate “white-space,” SASO and RCAX that will have the exercise force simultaneously conducting all aspects of the “Three Block War” for the entire 30 days.... More
Criteria The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to mer... The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian... The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The Humanitarian Service Medal is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief;" eligibility for the Humanitarian Service Medal terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
The role of the International Force in East Timor, or INTERFET, is to support the multinational peacekeeping effort that restored order in East Timor following an independence referendum. US troops di
The role of the International Force in East Timor, or INTERFET, is to support the multinational peacekeeping effort that restored order in East Timor following an independence referendum. US troops did not have a combat role, but provided transportation, logistics, command and control, communications, intelligence, and sustainment support for the peacekeeping operation. The US force, comprised of Marines, airmen, sailors and soldiers, provided logistical support -- transporting troops, and providing communications and intelligence. Hundreds of American troops were involved in this UN peacekeeping operation in East Timor that helped restore order.
After days of increasing pressure by the international community, Indonesian President B.J. Habibie announced on Sunday 11 September 1999 that Indonesia would accept peacekeepers in East Timor. Indonesia's willingness to accept a UN-backed international peacekeeping force has brought calls for a swift deployment to the violence torn province.
Australia, with its advanced military, led the mission. Australia and New Zealand initially said they expected a total of eight-thousand troops would be deployed in East Timor. The main objectives were to protect the UN mission there, protect refugees, and to safeguard humanitarian aid. The majority of the force are from the Association of Southeast Asian Nation member countries. Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand have all have pledged support. Japan, whose constitution limits the role of its military overseas, has said it will consider sending humanitarian and financial aid.
Indonesian parliamentary leaders said they understood the President's reasons for accepting UN peacekeepers in East Timor. But the leader of the Indonesian parliamentary commission said that Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and the United States did not deserve to be involved in a peacekeeping mission.
The crisis in East Timor caused a ripple effect on US Navy forces. The National Command Authority and the Pacific Commander decided that the United States would support the Australian-led peace keeping operation in East Timor by providing heavy lift helicopters. Because of East Timor infrastructure difficulties and force protection considerations, it was decided that sea-based helicopters provided the most appropriate and timely response. The only ship that could meet the required time line was the USS BELLEAU WOOD, whose homeport is Sasebo, Japan. Because of a previous emergent deployment and a large percentage of time already out of homeport, BELLEAU WOOD could not stay on station in the Timor Sea for the period of time desired by the U.S. commander. Therefore, it was decided to have USS PELELIU sail early from the Arabian Gulf and relieve BELLEAU WOOD. This resulted in no ARG/MEU(SOC) presence in the Central Command area of responsibility, resulting in increased risk to CENTCOM objectives and the loss of training and engagement that PELELIU would have provided the Central Command Commander. Until a recent decision was made to use civilian contract helicopters to sustain the heavy lift requirement, USS ESSEX was preparing to deploy on two-week notice from San Diego. Had the Navy been required to deploy ESSEX, this would have violated some of the Navy's quality of life PERSTEMPO rules, but it was the only other solution that met the heavy lift requirement to support forces deployed to the area. Additionally, East Timor required the unplanned deployment of the Kitty Hawk battle group and the Belleau Wood ARG. Although the Navy met the requirements dictated by the East Timor crisis, this increased presence near Indonesia necessarily caused a reduction in Naval presence in both Southwest Asia and near Korea.
Following Operation Desert Strike, Kuwait agreed to a nearly continuous presence of U.S. battalion task force in Kuwait. These U.S. Army Intrinsic Action rotations and U.S. Marine Corps Eager Mace rot
Following Operation Desert Strike, Kuwait agreed to a nearly continuous presence of U.S. battalion task force in Kuwait. These U.S. Army Intrinsic Action rotations and U.S. Marine Corps Eager Mace rotations conduct combined training with the Kuwaiti land forces and other coalition partners. In addition, Special Operations forces conduct Iris Gold rotations to train and assist other Kuwaiti military units.
Eager Mace, a combined amphibious training exercise held with the Kuwaiti armed forces, is intended to promote interoperability and enhance cooperation and coordination between Kuwaiti military personnel and U.S. Marines and Sailors. The exercise also demonstrates the United States' commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf region.
Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USCINCCENT, conducted Operation DETERMINED RESPONSE after the terrorist attack on the destroyer USS Cole in the port of Aden on 12 October 2000.
An explosion on the Arleigh Burk
Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USCINCCENT, conducted Operation DETERMINED RESPONSE after the terrorist attack on the destroyer USS Cole in the port of Aden on 12 October 2000.
An explosion on the Arleigh Burke-class USS Cole (DDG 67) occurred at about 11:18 AM local time in Yemen [not 12:15 PM as previously reported -- local time in Yemen is seven hours later than Eastern Daylight Time]. USS Cole had completed mooring operations at 9:30 AM local time. The threat level had been raised to threat condition [THREATCON] Bravo when the Cole pulled into the harbor, and they had armed people up on deck. Refueling operations commenced at approximately 10:30 AM local time and were ongoing at the time of the terrorist attack. Initial reports were that the boat that came up alongside the Cole and exploded was part of the mooring operation. However, subsequently it appeared that the boat may have been launched from the shore and may have had no connection with the refueling operation. The explosion caused a 20-foot by 40-foot gash in the port (left) side of the ship. The explosion caused Cole to lose power and disabled all onboard communications assets. Seventeen sailors died in the explosion and more than 35 were injured. All the dead have been recovered.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Description Cobra Gold is an Asia-Pacific military exercise held in Thailand every year. It is the largest Asia-Pacific military exercise held each year, and is among the largest multinational military exercise iCobra Gold is an Asia-Pacific military exercise held in Thailand every year. It is the largest Asia-Pacific military exercise held each year, and is among the largest multinational military exercise in which the United States participates.
Cobra Gold was first held in 1982. It served as military training exercise to improve coordination between the armed forces of the United States and Thailand in both hostile military and humanitarian efforts. It also had the goal of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Thailand, the oldest ally of the United States in the South Asia region. More recently, Cobra Gold has served a humanitarian mission, as military personnel deliver health care to the local Thai population, and as a testing ground for new battlefield technologies such as solar powered weaponry.
The United States has engaged in only a single, very minor military intervention in the Pacific area since the end of the Vietnam War, making it difficult to judge Cobra Gold's effectiveness in improving warfighting capabilities and coordination. Cobra Gold has, however, proven effective in improving coordinated military response to natural disasters.... More
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Description Operation Northern Watch (ONW), the successor to Operation Provide Comfort, was a Combined Task Force (CTF) charged with enforcing its own no-fly zone above the 36th parallel in Iraq. Its mission begaOperation Northern Watch (ONW), the successor to Operation Provide Comfort, was a Combined Task Force (CTF) charged with enforcing its own no-fly zone above the 36th parallel in Iraq. Its mission began on 1 January 1997.
The coalition partners of the United States, United Kingdom, and Turkey provided approximately 45 aircraft and more than 1,400 personnel to support Operation Northern Watch. The joint U.S. forces of some 1,100 U.S. personnel, included airmen, sailors, soldiers, as well as aircraft from every arm of the United States Armed Forces.
The original mandate from the Turkish government allowed the operation to continue for six months. Turkey subsequently approved two 6-month extensions, but indicated that it would not become a permanent mission.
For the first year of the mission, northern Iraq was quiet, with no combat between Coalition aircraft and Iraqi forces.
Operation Northern Watch forces did not take part in Operation Desert Fox in December 1998. After Desert Fox, Iraq announced they would no longer recognize the no-fly zones and urged their troops to attack Coalition aircraft. On December 28, 1998 Iraq fired SA-3 surface to air missiles against coalition aircraft patrolling the northern no-fly zone. In response, U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-15Es, F-16Js, and U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) EA-6Bs launched anti-radiation missiles and dropped precision guided munitions (PGMs) on the SA-3 ground-based missile site that fired on the ONW aircraft, and destroyed it. From December 1998 to March 1999, U.S. aircraft over northern Iraq came under almost daily fire from Iraqi surface-to-air missile sites and anti-aircraft guns. U.S. aircraft responded by bombing Iraqi air-defense sites, using laser-guided bombs as well as AGM-88 HARM missiles and AGM-130 long range air-to-surface missiles. The first combat use of the AGM-130 was conducted during ONW.
Coalition aircraft flew patrols on an average of 18 days per month, and were usually fired upon. The most common threat was from anti-aircraft guns. Despite Saddam Hussein offering a $14,000 reward for downing a Coalition aircraft, no warplanes were shot down.
Low level conflict continued up until the invasion of Iraq in 2003, although the number of response incidents declined dramatically after 1999. The final combat air patrol occurred on 17 March 2003 (from the Incirlik Air Base). Six weeks later the operation concluded with an official stand down on 1 May 2003.
A grand total of 36,000 sorties were flown during Operation Northern Watch, and 40,000 personnel had been deployed at some point during the operation. Operation Northern Watch was the longest combat operation in the history of the European Command.... More
Description The Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) program at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twenty-nine Palms, California, is the Marine Corps' most advanced live-fire unit-level combined arms traThe Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) program at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twenty-nine Palms, California, is the Marine Corps' most advanced live-fire unit-level combined arms training program for ground and air fire support with maneuver at the tactical level. The Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command at Twentynine Palms is the premier live-fire base in the Marine Corps. Each year roughly one-third of the Fleet Marine Force and Marine Reserve units -- some 50,000 Marines in all -- participate in the base's training exercise program. It draws military personnel from all over the world for Combined Arms Exercises. A CAX involves several hundred Marines playing a war game against a fictitious enemy in which ground troops, armor, artillery, and aircraft engage enemy movements simultaneously.
The Marine Corps' Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) Training Program, developed to enable commanders and Marines to practice combat essentials skills, began in 1975 and allows for both brigade and battalion sized live-fire and maneuver exercises. The operating procedures permit Marines training at the Combat Center to maneuver both on foot and mounted on vehicles through live-ordnance impact areas. It further permits most air and ground weapons commonly found in a Marine Air Ground Task Force to be employed closely, in accordance with current doctrine in a combined arms setting.
The procedures taught at CAX (Combined Arms Exercise) are applicable across all terrain, not just desert warfare. Similar training is not possible aboard other bases. There are too many constraints," Taylor said, adding that "internal friction" such as broken equipment and loss of communications adds to the realism of CAX training. Marines can't effectively train for this set of target skills with MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) gear or force-on-force exercises. With new technology, services have become more inclined to depend heavily on non-live-fire target training. Combined arms skills are perishable and demand frequent sustainment.... More
Peter Hudson,Jousha Shoda,John Lee,Kain Holland,John Kroll,Luis Bain
CO-Major Boone
Xo-Capt Hedger
1stSgt-1st Sgt Hughes