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Coast Guard Fitness Standards Coast Guard women fail weight standards far more often than men and are discharged at rates well in excess of their population in the service, service officials said. That’s one of the main reasons behind a new one-year pilot program that will assess fitness based on abdominal circumference rather than a height-and-weight ratio. Announced on Tuesday, the program will begin Oct. 1, Coast Guard officials said. In the pilot program, the maximum waist measurement for men will be 39 inches, and the maximum for women will be 35.5 inches, said Cmdr. Matt Rooney, chief of the Coast Guard’s Policy and Standards Division. “Women are three times as likely as men to fail the standard taping process” for body fat assessment and be put on probation, he said. Women constitute about 15% of the active-duty and reserve personnel in the Coast Guard, but they represented 30% of the 480 personnel who were separated from the service from 2014 to 2018 for weight-control failures, service officials said. About 500 men and women are on weight-control probation at any given time, but the officials did not immediately have a breakdown by gender. “Recent studies show abdominal circumference is a more accurate measurement of overall health risk” than other measurement standards, Coast Guard officials said in a news release. The officials were short on explanations for the disparities between men and women in meeting weight standards, but they pointed to a Rand Corp. study commissioned by the service on “Improving Gender Diversity in the US Coast Guard.” The study, based on 164 focus groups with 1,010 active-duty Coast Guard women, was intended to analyze why “women leave the active-duty Coast Guard at higher rates than men.” One of the Rand recommendations was that the Coast Guard “consider modifying the Weight and Body Fat Standards Program to minimize potential negative impacts on female members.” Bottom line, in my opinion, is that there are significant differences between men and women and all of our nation’s military forces need to understand that and stop pretending that men and women are the same. So, it makes sense that the Coast Guard has different standards for men and women.
A Bible on Display = Violation of the US Constitution? The veterans’ group that sponsors the oldest continuing POW-MIA vigil in the country is asking a federal court to allow it to intervene in a case that centers on whether a former POW’s Bible can be featured in a lobby display at the Manchester, New Hampshire VA hospital. The Northeast POW/MIA Network is seeking intervenor status in the case, filed by a veteran against the VA Medical Center in US District Court, that claims the presence of the Bible in the display is unconstitutional. New Hampshire members of the group were responsible for creating the lobby display. Every Thursday evening for 30 years, the group has hosted a vigil in Meredith, New Hampshire to honor those who were prisoners of war and to keep alive the memory of those who remain missing in action from America’s wars. It also sponsors an annual POW/MIA vigil each June that draws hundreds to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee to remember those still missing. Last year, New Hampshire members of the network sought and received permission to place a “Missing Man Table” in the lobby of the VA Medical Center in Manchester. Such displays are meant as a remembrance of service members who were POWs or MIA. The Manchester display includes a Bible donated by Herman “Herk” Streitburger, a Bedford man who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in WWII and was captured and held as a German POW before managing to escape. Streitburger, who is now 100 years old, was featured in a recent New Hampshire Sunday News article. But the display soon drew controversy. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, based in New Mexico, filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of veteran James Chamberlain, the named plaintiff, claiming the Bible’s display violates the Constitution. The Texas-based First Liberty Institute is representing the Northeast POW/MIA Network in its motion to intervene in the case. In court papers filed recently, lawyers described the tradition of the Missing Man Table as dating to the Vietnam War and noted such displays have become permanent features at public forums across the nation, including at a public library in Athol, Massachusetts, and a VA hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. One more thing. READ our Constitution. There is NOTHING in our Constitution that even hints that such a display is a problem.
Features
Navy Admiral Made Bad Decisions The Navy admiral who oversaw the prosecution and trial of Navy SEAL Chief Gallagher permitted a horrible fiasco to take place, even harassing Gallagher’s wife and children seems not to have such a good record. She’s been involved it at least one other bad situation. Redacted Navy documents and the command history of Navy Region Southwest Commander Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar indicate she was investigated in connection with the so-called “Fat Leonard” scandal and had received gifts from the contractor in 1998. A female officer on-board the salvage ship Salvor accepted gifts in the form of a hotel room, dinner, drinks, entertainment and a golf outing in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, in August 1998, according to a memo signed by Adm. Philip Davidson in July 2017.
China Threatens China said that it “will not stand idly by” and will take countermeasures if the US deploys intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, which Washington has said it plans to do within months. The statement from the director of the foreign ministry’s Arms Control Department, Fu Cong, follows the US’s withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a move Fu said would have a “direct negative impact on the global strategic stability” as well as security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Fu said China was particularly concerned about announced plans to develop and test a land-based intermediate-range missile in the Asia-Pacific “sooner rather than later,” in the words of one U.S. official. “China will not stand idly by and be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles this part of the world.”
US will Stop any Turkey Invasion of Syria Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the US intends to prevent any unilateral invasion by Turkey into northern Syria, saying any such move by the Turks would be unacceptable. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened an imminent attack in the northeast to push back US-allied Syrian Kurdish Forces. American and Turkish military officials have been meeting in Ankara to try and negotiate a settlement to avoid the invasion, and Esper said that he believes they have made progress on some of the key issues. US officials have made clear that an invasion is an extremely risky venture that could threaten the safety of US forces working with the SDF and potentially impede the continued defeat of Islamic State militants in the region. “What we’re going to do is prevent unilateral incursions that would upset, again, these mutual interests that the US, Turkey and the SDF share with regard to northern Syria,” Esper told reporters traveling with him to Japan. He said the U.S. is trying to work out an arrangement that addresses Turkey’s concerns, adding, “I’m hopeful we’ll get there.” He did not provide details on where progress is being made.
AF Conducts Active Shooter Exercise Air Force personnel participated in active shooter exercise July 22, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
Deployments this Winter The Army has announced winter deployments for four units, two of which are heading to Afghanistan amid thinning hopes that the US will reach a peace deal with the Taliban. The Army’s 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy to Afghanistan to replace the 2nd SFAB in a continuing effort to train Afghan security forces, according to a recent service news release. “We are prepared to advise, support, liaise and assess our partnered foreign security force as they work to bring peace and stability to their country,” Brig. Gen. Charles Masaracchia, 3rd SFAB commander, said in the release. The 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, will also deploy to the war-torn country to replace the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the release states.
Haircut Before he can ship out, he needed to get a shape up. Reynaldo Arroyo, 23, received his first haircut in 15 years when he enlisted in the Army, according to a Facebook video. Arroyo, who enlisted in Salt Lake City, Utah, as an infantryman, said he was donating his hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that makes wigs for children with illnesses that cause hair loss. “Hopefully, some little girl’s gonna get it,” he said. “I’m just really excited to be enlisting,” he said in the video.
AF Academy Cadet Expelled The military says a US Air Force Academy cadet who was charged with sexual misconduct has pleaded guilty to assault. Andrew Hong was sentenced to eight months in prison and expelled from the academy. Hong had been charged with abusive sexual contact and attempted abusive sexual contact. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in an agreement with commanders. Academy officials say the victim of the attack supported the agreement.
The Impossible Wall Our southern border does need protecting. Here is a short video showing Wall Construction in New Mexico mountainous area. More than just the Wall, there is the associated infrastructure of service/access road, electrical system, lighting and detection systems. This is a “quick time” video showing the construction process over a month and a before and after presentation. There’s a lot more involved than just erecting a wall. Grading through the mountains or the roads, fiber optics, and electricity.
Award for Troops Deployed to Border Thousands of US service members who’ve been sent to operate along the Mexico border will receive a military award reserved for troops who “encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action.” The Pentagon has authorized troops who have deployed to the border to assist Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since last April to receive the Armed Forces Service Medal. Details about the decision were included in a Marine Corps administrative message in response to authorization from the Defense Department. There is no end date for the award since the operation remains ongoing. “The Under Secretary of Defense has authorized the Armed Forces Service Medal to service members who have provided support to CBP, starting from April 7, 2018 [until a date to be determined],” said Army Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell, a Defense Department spokesman at the Pentagon.
New Carrier Skipper Headed for Home Waters The new skipper of one of America’s aircraft carriers fled Iran as a child. Now, he’s preparing for a deployment that could take him back to the region at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations that helped mold him into who he is today. Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh took command of the USS Harry S. Truman in July, achieving a goal he set for himself 30 years ago after he first laid eyes on an aircraft carrier in Norfolk. Back then, he was a young sailor who’d joined the Navy straight out of high school to serve a country he had only lived in for about a decade. His journey from Tehran to enlisted sailor to an officer in command of the ultimate symbol of American sea-power is a story that he believes serves as a testament to the opportunities the United States provides. Hakimzadeh (pronounced Ha-KEEM-za-day) was born in Texas to an American mother and an Iranian father but moved to Iran when he was still a baby. He fondly remembers his childhood there during the 1970s. He attended an international school where they spoke Farsi and English, kept the faith of his Southern Baptist mom and had uncles and cousins who lived nearby. At the time, Iran was pro-American and embraced many aspects of Western culture. It was, as Hakimzadeh says, an “idyllic” childhood. But that quickly changed during the Islamic Revolution in 1979. He and his family were forced to flee to America when he was 11, his sister was 9 and his mother was seven-months pregnant. They were rushed onto an airplane as the airport was about to close, destined for a small town near Hattiesburg, Miss. where the son of one of his father’s business partners had agreed to take them in.
The US Constitution When members of our Armed Forces are sworn in, we all take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The entire document, including all amendments, takes slightly less than 7600 words. We veterans and, indeed, all patriots, should read this document over and over again. It’s not complicated. Because of a number of mass shootings there is much conversation (again) by those who wish to ignore our 2nd Amendment and create more gun control. The 2nd Amendment isn’t about sport shooting or hunting, it’s about keeping our government under control. Every dictatorship in the world has focused on taking guns away from citizens. There are two national organizations that are focused on making our nation aware of, and practicing, the Constitution—and I’m active in both of them. First is Concerned Veterans for America (cv4a.org). Then, there’s Combat Veterans for Congress (CVC.org).
God Loves Us Scott McChrystal is a retired Army Colonel, Chaplain. Here are some of his insights that I think you’ll find appropriate. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalms 138:8 | ESV Have you ever met people who seem to have plenty on the ball and tons of potential but do not seem to have a clue about their purpose? As a minister for many decades, I certainly have. While not always the case, many folks were trying to discern their purpose through human logic and intellect alone. If the Lord is truly our Creator, doesn’t it make sense to consult Him? For more on this subject, please check the link below.
Wise Words Retired Navy CAPT Joe John has done many things in his life; I’ve asked him to share a few words of wisdom with us: Is the typical mass-shooter a white male?
Military Music Toby Keith, American Soldier
Frontlines of Freedom Gear If you’d like to have a Frontlines of Freedom shirt or hat or whatever, we do have it for you. Check our store at http://fof.logoshop.com/
Two quotes to consider. I will never quit. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight. Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
Take your time.
Programming: You’ll want to tune into the show (live or by podcast) 24-30 Aug: Major General ret Dana Pittard and MSgt ret Wes Bryant will discuss effective combat in the Middle East. The US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell will discuss our European Allies. Army vet Matt Hayes will discuss freedom of expression. Football co-host Quinton Roberts will preview the upcoming Service Academy Football Season. 31 Aug-6 Sept: Marine vet Chipp Naylon will discuss post-911 combat and what it should be like. US Coast Guard Vice Admiral Daniel Abel will discuss, yes, our Coast Guard. We’ll review the Movie of the Month with Diane Raver.
Advertising on Frontlines of Freedom’s Website and Newsletter: We encourage you to patronize our advertisers; they are keeping Frontlines of Freedom alive and well. You can advertise on-air (as a show sponsor) or only on our website and in this newsletter. If you or someone you know would like to advertise on Frontlines of Freedom please contact me at denny@frontlinesoffreedom.com.
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Humor I got this from an old AF guy. Signs of laughter
Did I read that sign right? “TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.”
In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT.
In a London department store: BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS…
In an office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.
In an office: AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD.
Outside a secondhand shop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?
Notice in health food shop window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS…
Spotted in a safari park: (I sure hope so.) ELEPHANTS, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.
Seen during a conference: FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR.
Notice in a farmer’s field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.
Message on a leaflet: IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS.
On a repair shop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR THE BELL DOESN’T WORK.) Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn’t you say?
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife And Daughter This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says Really? Ya’ think?
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Now that’s taking things a bit far!
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over What a guy!
Miners Refuse to Work after Death Nogoodfornothing’ lazy soandso’s!
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
War Dims Hope for Peace I can see where it might have that effect!
If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile Ya’ think?!
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures Who would have thought!
Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide They may be on to something!
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges You mean there’s something stronger than duct tape? He probably IS the battery charge!
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group Weren’t they fat enough?!
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft That’s what he gets for eating those beans!
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Do they taste like chicken?
Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors Boy, are they tall!
And the winner is… Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead Did I read that right?
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