Osama bin Laden had died?

I am not even sure how much legitimacy I would put in anything France says if it is at all related to "The war on terrorism". This article is so speculative I'm not sure it even rates to be posted yet, you decide.

PARIS (Reuters) - France and the United States said on Saturday they could not confirm a report that Osama bin Laden had died and France launched a probe into how a secret document containing the claim was leaked.

The French regional daily L'Est Republicain, published in Nancy, quoted a document from France's DGSE foreign intelligence service as saying the Saudi secret services were convinced the al Qaeda leader had died of typhoid in Pakistan in late August.

President Jacques Chirac told reporters bin Laden's death "has not been confirmed in any way whatsoever, and so I have no comment to make."

"I was a bit surprised to see that a confidential note from the DGSE had been published," he said after a summit with leaders of Germany and Russia.

The Saudi Interior Ministry was not available for comment and officials in the United States, which has made capturing bin Laden a priority in its war on terrorism, were also unable to confirm the account.

"We don't have any confirmation of that report," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

"We've heard these things before and have no reason to think this is any different," added a U.S. intelligence official, who asked not to be named.

"There's just nothing we can point to say this report has any more credence than other reports we've seen in the past."

LEAK PROBE

In Paris, Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie ordered an investigation into the leaking of the classified DGSE document.

The French newspaper printed what it said was a copy of the report, dated September 21, and said it had been passed to Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin the same day.

"According to a usually reliable source, the Saudi services are now convinced that Osama bin Laden is dead," it read.

"The information gathered by the Saudis indicates that the head of al Qaeda fell victim, while he was in Pakistan on August 23, 2006, to a very serious case of typhoid that led to a partial paralysis of his internal organs."

The report, which was stamped "defense confidential" and with the initials of the French secret service, said Saudi Arabia had first heard the information on September 4 and was waiting for more details before making an official announcement.

"If anyone was in the picture, I doubt it would be Saudi intelligence," said a Western diplomat in Riyadh.

"Even if Saudi Arabia had information, they'd pass it on to the United States, not France. It doesn't ring true."

A senior Pakistani government official said Islamabad had not received any information from any foreign government that would corroborate the story.

The Saudi-born bin Laden was based in Afghanistan until the Taliban government there was overthrown by U.S.-backed forces after al Qaeda's September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Since then, U.S. and Pakistani officials have regularly said they believe he is hiding somewhere on the rugged border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Bin Laden is rumored to have been suffering from kidney ailments and receiving dialysis treatment.

His last videotaped message was released in late 2004, but several low-quality audio tapes have been released this year.

Senior U.S. intelligence figures have cautioned against assuming that bin Laden's death or capture would automatically have a substantial impact in the war on terrorism.

They note that the death in June of al Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, has failed to lead to any let-up in the violence there.

This Week in Marine Corps History (09/22 - 09/28)

22 September 1855: Marines and Seamen landed in Fiji Islands.

23 September 1776: Continental Marines were ordered to reinforce General George Washington in New York.

24 September 1873: Marines and seamen from the USS Pensacola and Benicia landed at the Bay of Panama, Columbia, to protect the railroad and American lives and property during the revolution.

25 September 1944: PFC John New was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during actions against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island. According to the citation, PFC New “unhesitatingly flung himself upon the grenade and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.”

26 September 2003: Ground was broken on the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the centerpiece of the Marine Corps Heritage Center.

27 September 1944: The American flag was raised over Peleliu, Palau Islands, at the 1st Marine Division Command Post.

28 September 1900: Marines withdrew from Peking after the Boxer Rebellion.

Mystery Deepens in Case of Missing Colorado Marine

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 16) -- The story was compelling. A marine home on leave from his first tour of duty in Iraq was injured in a fall while hiking down a mountain with a friend and vanished after the friend went to call for help.

As one of the largest search and rescue operations in state history was under way, speculation ran high that the marine, Lance Cpl. Lance Hering, 21, might have lost his memory or become disoriented as a result of his head injury or that a mountain lion or bear had attacked him.

On the second day of the search, investigators began to have their suspicions and have since said that it was all probably a hoax and that the marine might be on the run.

"The mystery has gotten deeper," said Lloyd Hering, the corporal’s father.

What is known is that Corporal Hering left his parents’ house on Aug. 29 to hike with a high school buddy, Steve Powers, 20.

The search for him lasted five days, using helicopters, dogs and hundreds of volunteers, before it was called off.

It is certainly disappointing for that have all to have been a waste and unnecessary exercise," said Kevin Harner of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group.

In the first days of the search, Corporal Hering’s mother, Elynne, wore a T-shirt with the Marine motto “Semper Fi” as she combed the mountains. She later collapsed from dehydration and exhaustion.

Mr. Powers also joined the searchers, with many risking their lives.

Days after the search ended, Mr. Powers confessed to detectives that it had all been a set-up to help Corporal Hering avoid returning to Iraq. Mr. Powers, a student at the University of Colorado here, was charged with false reporting, a misdemeanor.

Calls to Mr. Powers’s lawyer were not returned, and his father, answering a call to his house, said his son was not answering questions.

Corporal Hering’s parents now say that they do not know what to believe and that they fear that their son may be a victim of foul play.

"There is no shred of evidence at all to confirm this man’s new story," Mr. Hering said of Mr. Powers’s confession. "It may be as completely false as the lies he told us all for 10 days."

Lloyd Hering is a Vietnam veteran, and the corporal’s brother Brendan, 23, who flew in to join the search, is in the Air Force. The family has repeatedly said that Corporal Hering, who is due back at Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Monday, is a proud marine who would not flee.

"His parents have one perspective," the Boulder County sheriff’s commander of detectives, Phil West, said. "A couple of people have come forward saying that Lance thought it would be cool to stage his own death and go live in a foreign country under an assumed name."

Commander West said Corporal Hering’s access to $2,000 that he owed his parents and his criminal record were red flags. In 2004, Corporal Hering and Mr. Powers were caught trying to break into a store. They were given deferred sentences for the felony charges, but they have now violated their probation.

Commander West said the authorities would seek restitution for the more than $10,000 that the search cost.

Corporal Hering could face legal trouble with the Marines on charges of lying on his application — he did not mention his arrest — and desertion if he does not return to his base on time.

On Tuesday, Corporal Hering’s parents returned to the rocks and rushing river of Eldorado Canyon to ask the public to help find their son.

"Our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteers," Lloyd Hering said. "We now know lots of places where Lance is not."

Marine Corps Security Guard Graduation

Francis X. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Director for the Office of Foreign Missions

Remarks at the Marine Corps Security Guard Graduation
Quantico, VA
February 21, 2003

Good Morning Marines! I am pleased to be with you, your families and those that have trained you for one of the most demanding missions in today's Marine Corps -- that of being a Marine Security Guard.

I bring you greetings from the 65th Secretary of State, the Honorable Colin L. Powell. Secretary Powell knows very well the challenges that await you and has often said how proud he is to be the only retired Army General Officer to have command of an active Marine combat unit. You are his and now my troops. I am equally proud of you and the way those that have proceeded you have performed this critical mission for our Nation. Both as a former senior military officer and a new Assistant Secretary of State, I salute you, your mission and your success.

Together, we will help protect the very important diplomatic capability of our country. The diplomatic capability that built the greatest coalition in the history of the world to take on the threat of global terrorism. The diplomatic capability that is now working at the UN, in NATO and with our allies around the world to prepare the coalition of the willing to end Saddam Hussein's access to weapons of mass destruction and untold horrors to his own people. Like these examples, you will be the guardian of our diplomatic capability, a symbol of America's strength and values, both to American citizens and the citizens of the country in which you are serving.

Your service to your country is a role model to American society. Your presence here, your Marine Corps uniform, epitomizes your pledge to serve our great nation and our Constitution with pride and dedication. However, you have taken your pledge even further by becoming a Marine Security Guard. You have committed to serve willingly in places you may have never heard of and never dreamed you would see, to defend American principles. You will be the window to our worldwide diplomatic capability, the first symbol of strength of America and our values, not only to American citizens who visit our embassies abroad, but to the citizens of the country in which you will serve.

Marines have served with the American diplomatic corps for the past 57 years with great distinction. Since the Foreign Service Act of 1946, you have been the first line of defense for U.S. diplomatic efforts overseas. You are surrounded with that history dating back to pre-war China here at MSG Battalion. With an increasing number of attacks against our missions and personnel overseas you are also on the front lines of the war on terrorism.

With your training now complete and this graduation almost over, you will join those ranks of those that have served before and are now charged to guard their legacy and prepare the ground for those who will surely follow. And what is that legacy? It is a legacy of integrity, service and excellence. And why are these values so important to that legacy? It is because it defines how you serve, how you are viewed by those who serve with you, and those that you will meet in the course of your duty. Your integrity is the bedrock of your existence. We trust you to defend us because we know that you will always act with honor and do the right thing in all circumstances. It is an awesome responsibility to stand watch over and protect others and we give it only to those that we trust -- and we trust each of you. Your character must continue to be above reproach, your training world class, your lifestyle reflective of the highest values in the Corps and America. You represent what all of us would want our sons and daughters to be, and we want you to continue to represent the core values of America as your serve with integrity.

The second value is service and by your presence here wearing the uniform of the Marine Corps you have pledged yourself to serve our Nation and its Constitution. You, who are going out as watch standers, have gone further by agreeing to remain single to serve in remote posts away from the mainstream and do so willingly. You understand your responsibility to our Nation and the American people. Indeed you have pledged your life to defend those principals. Never forget that service is a key principal for your legacy that you will continue to build upon.

The final value is excellence. No one could watch any recruiting commercial about the Marine Corps and not understand that the Marine Corps standard is excellence, and if you join, that is the standard the Corps holds you to meet. There is no place in our business for second best...second best means that vital National Security information gets compromised and people die. We stand tall to prevent that every day. Let excellence be the watchword of how you perform daily. We are counting on that standard from all of you.

At post, you will become part of the Foreign Service family. Through the years, Foreign Service Officers and Marine Security Guards have forged a wonderful bond of mutual appreciation, respect, and friendship. In times of crisis, they protect each other, take care of each other, and on Friday nights, they frequently relax together in a great family tradition at every post in the world.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank the family members, friends and staff that have come to share this very important day with you. America is a country where families have sent their sons and daughters to defend the Nation since before our Nation was born. Our democracy is strong because of our citizen soldier tradition and that could not continue if the people of America would not willingly allow their children to serve. We appreciate your sacrifice -- the missed special days, the holidays without your loved ones, the long distances away that we ask them to serve. We know the emotional roller coaster that many of you feel with family members and friends that serve our Nation. We appreciate your sacrifice and know that you too are a part of our family and that without you, service would not be possible. So I want all of our graduate to understand that no matter how far away you are, call your mother, call your fathers, your significant others and let them know as often as you can how much you appreciate their sacrifice and support for your adventure. If you do as I say, they will always be there for you regardless of where you are in the world. Family and friends are constants that bring stability at the most difficult times.

Let me conclude by again congratulating each of you on your graduation today. This is a significant career milestone for each of you. We are very proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the opportunity to serve with all of you. Thanks to all for joining us today.

Remarks at the Graduation of Marine Security Guard Class 2-06

Ambassador Richard J. Griffin, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Director, Office of Foreign Missions

Quantico, Virginia
February 24, 2006

Good Morning, Colonel Head, Major Dreier, Mr. Mastriano, Sergeant Major Nugent, Members of Marine Security Guard Class 2-06, family, friends, and faculty and staff of the MSG Battalion. I am very pleased to represent the Department of State and my colleagues in the Foreign Service at this great moment in your careers, and in the lives of your families. To all the graduates, I say congratulations. You have successfully completed a rigorous course of training. I know you worked long and hard to make it to this day.

As Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State, I am privileged to lead a global force of special agents, security engineers, diplomatic couriers, security specialists and other professionals. I also am proud to say that I have the privilege of overseeing the Marine Security Guard program. Together, DS and the Marine Security Guards work as a team to ensure that the United States can conduct diplomacy safely and securely around the world.

Today, this mission is more important than ever. As we saw too clearly on
September 11, 2001, and have seen since then in the terrorists attacks against children in Beslan, Russia; against commuters in Madrid and the United Kingdom; and against hotel guests in Jordan -- terrorists will not hesitate to harm innocents.

In the face of these and other threats, U.S. diplomacy plays a key role. Based in embassies from Argentina to Malaysia to Zambia, our diplomats work to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the people of America … and for people around the globe. It is essential that these diplomats remain safe, and that they can function in a secure environment.

What’s where Diplomatic Security and the Marine Security Guards come in. For more than 57 years, the Marine Security Guard program has worked closely with the U.S. Department of State to protect and secure American diplomacy.

When the MSG program began in 1949, just 83 Marines were deployed. Now more than 1,200 Marines are deployed in 145 MSG detachments worldwide. Seven new detachments were activated in 2005; four more will be activated in 2006 and even more will follow.

Marine Security Guards are recognized as the professional, well-trained, disciplined guard force that is best suited for providing internal security at our embassies and consulates. They proved this when terrorists attacked our consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in December 2004. The MSGs responded to the attack in a way that was focused, fast and professional. Their response helped stop the attackers from entering the consulate building. Without a doubt, the heroic actions of the MSGs that day saved many lives.

Marine Security Guards regularly step in to help protect others from dangerous situations.

In 2005 alone, MSGs reacted to many crises, including demonstrations, bomb threats, fires, nuclear/biological/chemical threats and intrusion attempts.

Graduates, when you arrive at your diplomatic post, you will meet the Regional Security Officer, who is in charge of the embassy’s security program. RSOs are responsible to me as well as the Ambassador or Principal Officer at the post. The RSOs are highly trained, seasoned professionals and special agents of the Diplomatic Security Service. The security programs they run are sophisticated -- designed to protect people, property, and information from terrorists, foreign intelligence agents and criminals.

You are an important part of this security program. We could not do it without you. Now that your training here is done, we count on you to maintain your skills by regularly attending guard schools, react drills, familiarization firing and other training.

I also encourage each of you to take advantage of the great opportunity that the MSG program offers to travel, learn new languages, experience new cultures, and make new friends. Starting today, you are embarking on an exciting journey in which you will visit U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world. Not only will you meet the U.S. personnel and their families assigned to your diplomatic posts, you also will get to know the local national employees who work in our embassies and consulates. Many have worked as part of our diplomatic team for years and offer a wealth of knowledge on local customs and attitudes.

As our "Ambassadors in Blue," you will literally represent America to members of the diplomatic community and citizens of the host country.

I wish you all the best in your upcoming assignment and future career. The MSGs who have gone before you have heroically ensured the safety and security of our diplomatic posts abroad. Through your professionalism and dedication, and by your fine actions, you will carry on that glorious MSG tradition … and make us proud.

Semper Fi!

Marine Corps Security Guard Duty

From Marine Corps News Service as posted on the about.com website

Jul 11 2005
by Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks

April 18, 1983, a building in Beirut, Lebanon was bombed, killing 63 people. Sept. 20, 1984, 24 people were killed when a bomb slams a shopping annex in Aukar, Lebanon. Aug. 7, 1998, buildings in Kenya, Nairobe and Dar es’ Salaam were decimated simultaneously, killing 291 people.

Every one of these bombings targeted a U.S. Embassy in an attempt to disrupt America’s influence overseas, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. has embassies in order to protect and oversee American interests in foreign nations.

It is the duty of Marine Security Guards to ensure the embassies are safe from any threat, in any place at any time, according to the MSG mission statement.

Marine Security Guards are responsible for the internal security of embassies in 115 different countries.

With so many Embassies, a large number of people are needed to fill the quota.

“We need as many people as we can get right now. If a Marine qualifies, we will use him,” said Gunnery Sgt. Edward Owens, an MSG Battalion Recruiter.

Marine Security Guard is not a primary military occupational specialty, but is a B-billet, or secondary occupation. It is a special opportunity for Marines who are willing to put in a little extra work to travel the world and see a completely different side of the Corps, according to Lance Cpl. Anna Renhard, who recently graduated MSG school.

“MSG is way different than the fleet, we have a mission unlike anyone else’s. The units are small, so you get to know the people you work with real well, real quick,” added Renhard, a former military policeman here.

The school, located in Quantico, Va., is one not to be taken lightly, according to Renhard. The curriculum is broad and intense on every subject. The school is relatively short compared to the amount of information students are required to learn, lasting only six weeks.

“The training is unlike any I have received anywhere else. There is more extensive training in martial arts and close combat weapons, you also get to use almost every weapon a Marine would come across,” said Renhard.

“Marine Security Guards are the most well equipped force, prepared and ready to complete their mission anywhere,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Dillon, the career planner here.

To join MSG, a Marine has to be a well-rounded individual, not just in training or physical aspects. They also have to be financially and mentally sound.

“You can’t go into MSG with a whole bunch of debt,” Dillon mentioned.

Included in the screening and interview document for MSG duty is a financial spreadsheet. The commanding officer can make a recommendation based on the financial stability of the Marine.

One requirement that cannot be waivered is sergeants and below cannot have dependents, and single parents need not apply.

Staff noncommissioned officers are allowed to have no more than three dependents. Dependents also have special requirements, which can be found in Marine Corps Order P1326.6D.

Aside from these requirements no one, except for MSG Bn. and the Marine’s MOS monitor can deny a Marine’s request to join MSG.

It may be fairly simple to get accepted to MSG School, the school and the duties assigned to the MSG Marines is no easily accomplished feat, according to Renhard.

This assignment is not something you can jump into lightly. Both Dillon and Renhard agree that if your heart isn’t in it, you don’t need to do it.

“You rely too heavily on your unit members to have someone go into it half-heartedly,” said Renhard. “The quickest way to get dropped is by showing a lack of effort.”

This special duty assignment is offered openly to any Marine who wants to do it, according to the MSG recruiters. Marines just have to look into it and see if it’s for them.

“MSG is a secret everyone should know about and everyone should take advantage of,” said Dillon. “I know that if I wasn’t retiring soon, I would jump at the opportunity.”

Marines interested in MSG duty should contact their career planner, or visit the MSG Website at https://ww.msgbn.usmc.mil/ for all the information and requirements concerning MSG duty.

Company C, Marine Security Guard Battalion January-April 1975

From the ehistory website.

CO Maj James H Kean lJan75-30Apr75

ExO Capt Robert C Lewis IJan75-30Apr75

PersCh SSgt William J Miller !Jan75-30Apr75

MSG Detachment Saigon, RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-30Ap(75

Cpl Stephen Q Bauer

Cpl Manuel A Bispo

Cpl John L Ghilam

Cpl Ronald A Mayfield

Cpl Charles McMahon, Jr

Cpl Roberr E Mondo

Cpl Joe B Myes,Jr

Cpl David E Norman

Cpl Francis J Richard

Cpl Carlos Silva

Cpl Randy C Smith


MSgtJuanJ Vatdez

GySgt Vasco D Martin

SSgr Cohn D Broussard

SSgrJamesJ Daisey

SSgt demon S Scgura, Jr

SSgt Michael K Sullivan


Sgt Phillip A Babel

Sgt Terry J Bennmgton

Sgt MarnnJ Davenport

Sgt Roberr L Pram

Sgt Kenneth Geagley, Jr

Sgt Duane R Gevers

Sgt Paul J Go2git

Sgt Gregory E Hargis

Sgt Steven E Johnson

Sgt David M Leet

Sgt Kevin M Maloney

Sgt Dwight G McDonald

Sgt Gary L Mellmger

Sgt Hclstead G Murray III

Sgt William C Newell

Sgr Donald R Nicholas

Sgr Richard G Paddock

Sgt Douglas D Pocrat?

Sgr David Rose

Sgt Steven T Schuller

Sgt Andre Stringer


Cpl Joseph F Arata


LCpl Larry E Beachy

LCpl Eric D Boyd

LCpl Thomas E Cole

LCpl Timothy B Creighton

LCpl Kenneth E Grouse

LCpl Thomas K Dickson

LCpl Douglas G Drummond

LCpl Clyde E English, Jr

LCpl William K Fulton

LCpl Oils L Holmes

LCpl Darwin D Judge

LCpl Dennis R Serbus

LCpl Patrick F Short

LCpl John C Stewart

LCpl S K Stratton

LCpl Walter M Sweeny

LCpl Jerome Thomas

LCpl James V Vaincourt

LCpl David B Wiflae

MSG Detachment Bien Hoa RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-27Apr75

GySgt Roberr W Schlager Cpl Carlos R Arraigna


Sgt Ronald E Duffy Cpl Gary N Lmdholm

Sgt James M Fclber LCpl Dean M Kmzie

MSG Detachment Can Tho RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-50Apr75

SSgt Boyette S Hasty Sgt Terry D Pate

Sgt John W Kirchner Cpl Lee J Johnson

Sgt John S Moore Cpl Lawrence B Killens

MSG Detachment Da Nang RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-30Mar75

SSgt Walter W Sparks Sgt William S Spruce III

Sgt Lazaro Arriola Cpl Ronald W Anderson

Sgt Venoy L Rogers Cpl Leonard A Forseth

MSG Detachment Nha Trang RVN Personnel Roster lJfan75-23Apr75

SSgt Roger F Painter Cpl Levorn L Brown

Sgt Michael A McCormick Cpl John G Moya

Cpl Robert L Anderson CplJimmieD Sneed

MSG Phnom Penh Cambodia Personnel Roster lJan75-12Apr75

GySgt Clarence D McClenahan Sgt Maxie C Wix**

SSgt Gilbert J Feest* Cpl James D Cox

Sgt Kenneth E Armstrong Cpl Allan W Mitchell

Sgt Robert L Clark** Cpl David L Ragland

Sgt Russell H Cutler Cpl Victor Sajka****

Sgt Many L Gray LCpl Alien J Becker

Sgt James W Shunleff*** LCpl Ronald C C Dumosch

Sgt Ralph V Simpson, Jr LCpl Phillip D Ku-syth

Sgt Gary Stanton LCpl Michael G Miciotto


*Augmented from the Taipei Detachment **Augmented from the Seoul Detachment ***Augmentedfrom the Bangkok Detachment ****Augmente€{ from the Hong Kong Detachment

This Week in Marine Corps History (09/15 - 09/21)

15 September 1950: The lst Marine Division, under the command of Major General Oliver P. Smith led the first major strike in North Korean territory, with an amphibious assault at Inchon that completely caught the enemy by surprise.

16 September 1946: Birth date of Sgt. Lawrence Peters who was awarded the Medal of Honor for “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 September 1967.”

17 September 1782: Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Gale, fourth Commandant of the Marine Corps and the only one ever fired, was born in Dublin, Ireland.

18 September 1990: A new 40-acre training facility for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) was dedicated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, by General Alfred M. Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

19 September 1927: U.S. Marines participate in the Battle of Telpaneca, Nicaragua.

20 September 1814: With the U.S. Capitol destroyed by the British, Marines protected Congress in a hotel.

21 September 1950: General Almond, the X Corps commander, took personal command of the operations ashore and ordered the U.S. Army's 32d Infantry Regiment, followed by the 17th ROK Regiment, to cross the Han.

Marine's Disappearance Staged

DENVER - Authorities who spent five days searching for a Marine after a friend reported him lost in a hiking accident have arrested the friend and said Thursday they believe the disappearance was staged, so the serviceman could avoid returning to duty.

Steve Powers, 20, of Boulder, was arrested late Wednesday for investigation of a misdemeanor charge of false reporting, Sheriff's Cmdr. Phil West said. In a statement, he added that the Marine, Lance Cpl. Lance Hering, could face the same charge, and that the sheriff's department planned to seek restitution for the thousands of dollars spent on the search.

Authorities are still trying to find Hering, 21, who returned from Iraq in July and was due back at Camp Pendleton, Calif., this month.

Powers had reported that Hering fell Aug. 29 while the two were hiking and injured his head, losing consciousness in the rugged Eldorado Canyon State Park west of Boulder. Powers said he went for help the next morning, but when he returned, Hering had vanished.

The sheriff's department and search and rescue teams called off their search after five days, saying they were confident Hering had left the area.

"Essentially (Powers) was trying to keep (Hering) from having to return to service as a Marine," West said. "That's Powers' version. Powers has lied to us repeatedly, so we take what he says with a grain of salt."

West said state authorities were comparing DNA from human blood found at the scene where Hering was reported to have fallen while rock climbing to samples from Hering and Powers. Investigators have some leads into Hering's whereabouts but West declined to elaborate.

A call to Hering's parents in Boulder and messages left with officials at the Pentagon and Camp Pendleton were not immediately returned. There was no telephone listing for Powers, who was released shortly after his arrest.

Nobody answered a knock on the front door of the Hering home, in a quiet south Boulder neighborhood, where two electric candles were burning in the windows.

Hering's brother, Air Force Lt. Brendan Hering, was on leave in Colorado from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., said a man who answered a call at Brendan Hering's unit.

Hering's family has said they do not believe he is trying to avoid returning to the Marines.

"He doesn't run from his problems," Brendan Hering told the Daily Camera in Boulder for a story Wednesday. "He doesn't have any problems with the military."

Brendan Hering said that about 10 years ago, Lance Hering hit his head and temporarily lost his vision and speech. A few days later, he suffered some short-term memory loss. He said his brother could be suffering a similar injury.

Marine officials have told sheriff's officials that Hering was classified as unauthorized absent because he left before official approval of his request for leave, West said.

The Pentagon has said simple desertion has been decreasing in the military in recent years - about 2,500 troops last year didn't show up for work, down from almost 5,000 in 2001.

But groups that run the GI Rights Hotline, which helps service members interested in getting out of their required service, have reported receiving more than 36,000 calls in 2005 and about 19,000 in the first six months of this year, up from fewer than 1,000 in 2001.

Attack in Damascus fails

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Four men shouting religious slogans tried to blow up the U.S. embassy in Damascus on Tuesday but their car bomb failed to go off and Syrian security guards killed three of them in a shootout.

No American diplomats were hurt in the assault, a Syrian official said.

Syrian-U.S. relations have been tense for many years, mainly over Syria's role in Lebanon, the Middle East conflict and Iraq, and its support of militant groups in the region.

The official news agency SANA said three attackers had been killed and a fourth wounded. A Syrian official said earlier that all four assailants had died.

A witness said at least one Syrian security guard had been killed by the attackers, who had been shouting Islamic slogans.

"I saw two men in plain clothes and armed with grenades and automatic weapons," said Ayman Abdel-Nour, a Syrian political commentator who was in the area. "They ran toward the compound shouting religious slogans while firing their automatic rifles."

Syrian state television said the attackers had tried but failed to detonate a car bomb.

Television footage of the scene showed a van packed with gas canisters and detonators taped to them, as well as bloodstains on the pavement and several damaged vehicles, including a white bullet-riddled car that a truck was preparing to haul away.

The embassy flag was flying at half-mast, one day after the fifth anniversary of the September 11 al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

The Rawda area where the attack occurred is one of the most heavily guarded districts in the Syrian capital. It houses security installations and the homes of government officials.

Hours later, the area remained sealed, with sharpshooters deployed on rooftops and top security officials at the scene.

Interior Minister Bassam Abdel Majid told state television an investigation was under way.

Security officials said the assailants' arsenal included rocket-propelled grenades. It was not known if they had fired them during the mid-morning gunbattle in central Damascus.

U.S. CONFIRMS ATTACK

In Washington, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said: "We can confirm reports of an attack on our embassy in Damascus by unknown assailants. The event appears to be over."

There was no word on the identity of the attackers, but Syrian forces have clashed with Islamist militants several times in recent months, often during raids to arrest them.

In June, four gunmen and a guard were killed when Syrian security forces said they had foiled an attack by Islamist militants near the premises of state-run television in Damascus.

The United States recalled its ambassador from Syria in February 2005, expressing "profound outrage" over the assassination of Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in Beirut. Washington blames Syria for that killing. Damascus denies any involvement.

The United States increased its criticism of Syria during Israel's 34-day war in July and August with Lebanon's Hizbollah guerrillas, who are supported by Syria and Iran.

Syria, accused by Washington of helping insurgents in Iraq and backing Hizbollah and the Palestinian Hamas movement, blames the rise of militancy in the region on U.S. policies such as the Iraq war and U.S. support for Israel.

In the early 1980s, Syria crushed an armed revolt led by the Muslim Brotherhood movement.

The embassy assault occurred one day after the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda.

This Week in Marine Corps History (09/08 - 09/14)

8 September 1942: On Guadalcanal, the 1st Raider Battalion and the 1st Parachute Battalion, carried out a successful raid on a Japanese supply base.

9 September 1968: The 1st Marine Division ended Operation Sussex Bay. The combination of Operation Sussex Bay and Typhoon Bess had taken the fight out of the Communist units which had originally struck Da Nang on 23 August.

10 September 1926: Birthday of 2nd Lt. George H. O’Brien, Jr. who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism against enemy forces in Korea. His MOH citation reads in part: “Struck down by the concussion of grenades on three occasions during the subsequent action, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated for medical treatment and continued to lead his platoon in the assault for a period of nearly four hours, repeatedly encouraging his men and maintaining superb direction of the unit.”

11 September 2001: During the attacks on the United States Cpl. Sean Tallon of Weapons Company 2/25 USMCR was killed during rescue operations at the World Trade Center while working as a member of the FDNY’s Ladder 10.

12 September 1917: U.S. Army General John J. Pershing selected the 7th Marine Company to guard his headquarters in France.

13 September 1951: The last Marine Corps offensive action in the Korean hills taken by 2nd Bn.1st Marines after several days of assault by 7th Marines.

14 September 1951: PFC Edward Gomez was killed when he smothered a hand grenade with his own body to prevent destruction of his Marine machine gun team in Kajon-ni, Korea. PFC Gomez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

Ambassadors-In-Blue PX Re-opens

The long asked for Ambassadors-In-Blue PX is now open for online business again. This is a great place to purchase items to show your pride as a United States Marine Embassy Guard. Proceeds will go towards the upcoming new MSG Duty History Project website and the new server that will be used to get it all online.

No Death Penalty for Marine

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The government will not seek the death penalty against a Marine Corps private who is among eight service members charged with murder and other crimes in the shooting of an Iraqi civilian, a military prosecutor said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. John Baker announced the prosecution's position during a hearing for Pfc. John J. Jodka III, 20. A Camp Pendleton spokesman said the prosecutor's statement applied only to Jodka, not the six other Marines and one Navy corpsman also charged in the case.

The hearing for Jodka and a separate one for another Marine, Cpl. Marshall Magincalda, 23, are part of the process to determine whether the defendants should face courts-martial.

The Marines and corpsman are charged in the shooting of Hashim Ibrahim Awad, 52, in the village of Hamdania. Iraqi witnesses told the military that Marines and a Sailor kidnapped Awad on April 26, bound his feet, dragged him from his home and shot him to death in a roadside hole.

Jodka is accused of firing on Awad. Magincalda is suspected of binding Awad's feet and kidnapping him.

Jodka, in desert fatigues, watched the proceeding calmly. Asked at one point whether he wanted to make a statement, he said firmly, "No, sir."

Lawyers for Jodka argued vehemently that "inflammatory" statements made by the private and other Marines should be kept secret before trial.

Retired Col. Jane Siegel, who represents Jodka, said disclosing the 16 statements about the incident during a highly publicized hearing would hurt jury selection for Jodka's expected court martial.

"To openly discuss contents will completely pollute the local and national jury pool," Siegel said. "Some of it is very inflammatory."

A separate proceeding on Wednesday for Magincalda lasted only 30 minutes.

Investigating officer Col. Robert S. Chester, who is hearing the case, said the defense had asked for the hearing to be closed to the public, fearing publicity might hurt Magincalda's ability to receive a fair trial.

Chester opposed the request, saying the public has a "very compelling right to hear these proceedings."

Chester said he would tell prosecutors by Friday whether he had questions about any of their evidence.

Prosecutor Capt. Nicholas L. Gannon urged Chester to focus on statements by three members of the squad, including an alleged confession by squad leader Sgt. Lawrence G. Hutchins III.

The hearings held under Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice are equivalent to civilian preliminary or grand jury hearings.

Both defendants have been held in the Camp Pendleton brig since returning from Iraq.

The Marines have the opportunity to mount a defense, call witnesses or even testify themselves. Their lawyers were expected to challenge use of the defendants' pretrial statements by contending they were subjected to heavy-handed inquiries with threats of the death penalty.

The other defendants, all members of the Camp Pendleton-based 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, are expected to have separate hearings in coming weeks. The charges include kidnapping, murder and conspiracy.

Marine Corps Gay Discharges Increase

WASHINGTON, DC (US Newswire) -- As the Marine Corps' dismissal of lesbian and gay troops increases, President Bush has authorized an involuntary recall of Marine Corps Individual Ready Reservists (IRR) "because there are not enough volunteers returning for duty in Afghanistan and Iraq," according to a report from CNN. The recall, which is meant to bridge a recruitment shortfall of about 1,200 people, follows a report in May that the Corps' dismissal of service members under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian and gay personnel has increased for the first time since 2001. Since 1993, the Marine Corps has dismissed 953 men and women under the law.

"If President Bush is truly interested in boosting the manpower of our services, he should immediately endorse repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said C. Dixon Osburn, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). "Every day, our armed forces lose at least two people because of the ban on open service. Those men and women are ready, willing and able to serve, but are prohibited from doing so because of an outdated law that has no useful purpose. Our closest allies in Iraq and Afghanistan already benefit from welcoming openly gay troops, and we should as well. Today's news is yet another compelling reason for Congress to lift the ban."

More than 11,000 men and women have been dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" since the law was implemented. According to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 800 of those had skills deemed "critical" by the Department of Defense, including linguistic training, medical skills and expertise in combat engineering.

"Every day, the Marine Corps loses good men and women because of this law, and every day, others choose not to re-enlist because they are officially unwelcome in the services," said former Marine Sergeant and Iraq War veteran Brian Fricke. "The readiness of our armed forces should be our primary concern, not the bias and prejudice that keeps 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in place. Every American benefits when every qualified American who wants to serve is given the opportunity to do so."

A Congressional bill to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is now supported by 119 bi-partisan members of Congress.

Reserve Marines Activated

MCB Quantico, VA. - For the first time since the beginning of the war in Iraq more than three years ago, Marines in the individual ready reserve face the possibility of pulling their uniforms out of their closets, dusting them off and stepping off with their packs for another deployment.

The Marine Corps was authorized by President George W. Bush July 26 to activate as many as 2,500 Marines back into service.

Individual Ready Reserve Marines will begin receiving involuntary activation orders to report for a year of active duty beginning in October, said Lt. Col. Francis P. Piccoli, public affairs officer for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He added that each activation will last around 12 to18 months.

According to Piccoli, during the past couple years the number of volunteers to fill requirements for the IRR has had a steady decline but the requirements have stayed the same. This has made it necessary to issue involuntary activation orders, he added.

The IRR has approximately 60,000 Marines. Only approximately 35,000 of those Marines will be affected. Marines in their first or fourth year of their IRR status will not be considered for activation, said Piccoli.

Marines who receive involuntary activation orders to report for active duty service will be used in support of the Global War on Terrorism in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

Each Marine called up will receive ample time to prepare once notified. They will be notified five months in advance before reporting for active duty and “by giving them sufficient future time before having to report, we allow them to get their affairs in order,” Piccoli said.

A Marine can request a delay, a deferment or an exemption from the IRR activation. A Marine can request a delay if he can report but may not be able to make it on the exact date required. A Marine can also request a deferment to another rotation if a situation arises such as a spouse’s death or they can request an exemption if a circumstance forbids the Marine from being able to deploy now or in the future.

There have been reports that low recruitment levels have initiated the IRR activation.

“The reason for the activation is not due to a recruiting problem,” Piccoli said. “According to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command, recruiting goals are consistently being met. This is more about meeting the requirements that come to the Marine Corps to fill joint and Marine Corps billets in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The Marine Corps is looking at grade and MOS requirements and then trying to match them up with the positions needed to fill.”

Military Occupational Specialties needed are broken down by rank. From the officer ranks, the most needed MOSs are infantry, logistics, intelligence, artillery, staff judge advocate, communications and engineers. On the enlisted side, aviation, infantry, intelligence, motor transport, logistics, communications, linguists and military police are the most needed specialties.

“These folks are filling forward deployed positions,” Piccoli said. “We’re not calling them up to fill positions in places such as Quantico-they are not needed there.”

This initiative has an open ended window and it will continue indefinitely. The Marine Corps is planning to have three rotations during a minimum time frame of two years.

“This is not just for the reserve side of the Marine Corps,” Piccoli said. “The Marine Corps operates with a total force mentality. This is just another indication we mean business. Whether it is the reserve or active components, we’re coming together to get the job done.”
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Copyright 2006 Marine Corps News. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.

Annual Exposition Returns to Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. - The 26th Annual Modern Day Marine Military Exposition will be held Sept. 12 to 14 on the field in front of Lejeune Hall.

At the Marine Corps League’s military exposition, defense contractors showcase the latest in defense manufacturing, science, technology and warfighting products, and services of more than 330 companies that support the air, land and sea operations of U.S. and allied forces.

Many of the systems and equipment items used by Marines and other U.S. armed and allied forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, were first showcased before military leaders, operation planners and acquisition managers at the exposition in past years, said Carl White, Modern Day media relations specialist.

Among the many exposition highlights this year will be a special exhibitor pavilion focusing on systems and equipment designed to deter and counter the use of improvised explosive devices by enemy forces, said White.

The Modern Day Marine Military Exposition is held at Quantico to give first-hand exposure to the latest in defense manufacturing, science and technology here because Quantico is home of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and Marine Corps Systems Command.

The Combat Development Command develops Marine warfighting concepts and determines the Corps’ capability requirements for doctrine, equipment, organization, training, education and support. The Warfighting Lab is responsible for improving current and future naval expeditionary warfare capabilities. Systems Command is the Corps’ principal agency for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment used to carry out the Marines’ warfighting mission.

Many of the people who staff those organizations will visit the exhibit areas and discuss missions, capabilities and requirements with defense industry professionals, added White.

In the past, the exposition took place on the air facility, but due to construction this year, the expo has moved to Lejeune Hall’s parade deck. In addition to the new location, parking will be available on the field next to Quantico’s Memorial Chapel, which is also adjacent to Lejeune Hall. With parking on site, there will not be a shuttle bus service this year, said Brenda Dunlap, Quantico’s events coordinator.

Quantico employees and residents should be aware that base traffic may be congested during normal working hours due to the anticipated high volume of attendees, said Dunlap.

“To reduce traffic congestion, personnel within walking distance of Lejeune Field are highly encouraged to walk to the expo,” Dunlap said. “All personnel are encouraged to carpool or explore other options for minimizing the number of vehicles on base.”

“Due to heightened security, all attendees will be required to have picture identification available when entering the base. Marines in uniform may enter exhibit areas without a special registration badge,” said White. “Other military personnel, civilians and industry representatives must register on site and obtain a registration badge during registration hours.”

On Sept. 12, the expo is scheduled to start with an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and the exhibits will open promptly afterward and close at 3:30 p.m. On Sept. 13 and 14, exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, but will close at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14. Each day, food services will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on the second day of the expo, the Capital Marines Detachment of the Marine Corps League’s Enlisted Award Parade will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. The commandant of the Marine Corps will present awards to recipients being recognized for outstanding contributions to the Corps in their occupational fields: Marine Recruiter, Drill Instructor, Career Planner, and Embassy Guard, said Dunlap.

At the parade, the Corps’ Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps will perform.

On the last day, “Family Day,” family members of military service members and Department of Defense employees will get the opportunity to experience the exhibits to learn more about today’s military equipment, systems and technology. Interested individuals will be able to view the exhibits from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

R. Lee Ermey, known for his movie and television portrayals of Marines, will be at the expo as a representative of an exhibiting company, said White. “Popular among many Marines and other members of the armed forces for his role as ‘the old Gunny’ on the History Channel’s top-rated military technology series, ‘Mail Call,’ Ermey will be autographing photos and posters for expo attendees.”
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Copyright 2006 Marine Corps News. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.

Navy, Marine Corps finalize new operations concept

The Navy and Marine Corps finalized a new operations concept on Sept. 1 that meshes future methods being explored by both services.

Rear Adm. Phil Cullom said the “Naval Operations Concept” will be promulgated this week on the Navy Web site. Cullom, director for strategy and policy on the staff of the chief of naval operations, spoke Tuesday during a forum for military officers and industry representatives in Arlington, Va.


Cullom said Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Mike Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, signed the document before the Labor Day weekend.

Speaking to reporters after his remarks, Cullom offered the example of the Corps using small units of distributed forces supported by new Navy concepts like one- or two-ship “global fleet stations,” which are essentially maritime forward operating bases.

While he said the Navy will soon develop its own operating concept, the latest work is blue and green.

“It’s a naval operating concept for the Navy and Marine Corps,” he said.

Some more about me

I have found that it is sometimes good to know something about the owner of a blog such as mine. I am a mid-west boy the grew up in the Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois states for a good part of my life, until I was 18 years old. After that the Marine Corps took over and had me for the next 13 years or so. After 10 years living in Chicago, doing private security management and my dream job, at the time, working for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field for four seasons. No I live down here in the south, the birth state of my Marine Corps training, South Carolina. I began working as a Police Officer with a local University of 2 1/2 years until I left to become a Police Officer in a local city where I am located now. I love my job, even if I finally took it on full time in my mid forties.

AWOL Soldier Surrenders After 19 Months

I am not a big fan of this war, or any war, but I also knew when I joined the military that it could happen. This is an example of what happens when people want to make decisions on their own about fighting a war. We all serve at the pleasure of the Commander-in-Chief and that is the way it has to be. Just my two cents worth.

A year and a half after going AWOL before his second deployment to Iraq, a soldier surrendered at Fort Hood on Thursday with a dozen war protesters by his side.

Army Spc. Mark Wilkerson said he was tired of running and sought help from Cindy Sheehan's protest camp in nearby Crawford, which helps educate soldiers about their rights as war resisters.

"I just could not in good conscience go back to a war I felt was wrong," Wilkerson, 22, of Colorado Springs, Colo., said at Sheehan's camp before the 40-mile trip to the post near Killeen where he had been stationed.

Wilkerson would not be confined to a cell or other facility when he returns to his unit, said Maj. Joe Edstrom of the post's public affairs office. He said he did not know whether Wilkerson would be restricted to the post or what punishment he faces, but said his company commander would decide.

"He's back in the United States Army as a soldier again," Edstrom said.

Wilkerson, who said he never left the country but won't reveal where he was, heard about Sheehan's efforts to help war resisters after he had decided to surrender.

"It's amazingly scary to do what he's doing," said Sheehan, who did not travel to Killeen on Thursday. "He has all of our support, but when he gets to Fort Hood, he's going to be by himself."

Sheehan's oldest son Casey was killed in Iraq in 2004. A protest camp has emerged on land she recently bought in President Bush's adopted hometown. Dozens of protesters have spent several days a week outside Fort Hood handing out literature about war resisters' rights, in addition to providing pamphlets at the Crawford camp.

Wilkerson went to Iraq at the start of the March 2003 invasion and returned to the U.S. a year later. He said his views of the war changed, so he applied for conscientious objector status a few months before finding out his unit would return to Iraq.

His request was denied and he was told his appeal would not be considered until his unit came back. He said he then fled during a two-week leave before the January 2005 deployment.

In a similar case in North Carolina, a Fort Bragg paratrooper who left his post last year because he objected to the war will face a desertion charge, his lawyer said Thursday.

Sgt. Ricky Clousing, 24, who left his barracks in June 2005, turned himself over in August to military authorities in Seattle.

Clousing's battalion commander has referred the case to a special court-martial, a spokesman with the 82nd Airborne Division said.

Clousing's attorney, David Miner of Seattle, said there's plenty of evidence that his client always planned to turn himself in. "If they're going to go the court-martial route, they have overcharged this case," said Miner, a former military lawyer.

Prosecutors must prove that a soldier charged with desertion intended to leave his post permanently.

Maximum punishment includes six months confinement, forfeiture of two-thirds of pay for six months, reduction in pay grade and a bad-conduct discharge. Or, a military judge or jury could decide to levy no punishment, Earnhardt said.

Clousing said in a statement that he remained comfortable with his decision.

"I followed my conscience, and if be, I would feel honored to join the ranks of others who have been prosecuted for doing the same," he said in the statement, released through a spokeswoman in Seattle.

Clousing was an intelligence interrogator assigned to B Company of the 313th Military Intelligence Battalion. His unit deployed in December 2004 for about five months to support the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment.

This week in Marine Corps History (09/01 - 09/07)

September 1 1934: 5th Marines was reactivated for the last time at Quantico, Virginia and were assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade.

September 2 1945: After the Marine Corps led island hopping campaign in the Pacific, representatives of the Japanese government formally surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay.

September 3 1942: Brigadier General Roy S. Geiger moved forward to Guadalcanal to take charge of air operations. The arrival of the veteran Marine aviators provided an instant lift to the morale of the pilots and ground crews.

4 September 1945: The U.S. flag flew over Wake Island for the first time since its capture by the Japanese on 23 December 1941.

September 5 1961: A program began to convert light carriers to amphibious assault ships (LPHs), when the USS Iwo Jima was put to sea for trials.

September 6 1776: Continental Congress prescribed first Marine uniform.

September 7 1903: Marines from the USS Brooklyn landed at Beirut to protect American lives.