"This year, CAP has received over 3,500 requests from wounded service members," said Dinah Cohen

Yesterday, on Dot Mil Docs, a radio show featured on BlogTalkRadio.com, we conducted an interview with Dinah Cohen, director of the Department of Defense's Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP).


She explained how the program has changed since its inception in 1990 and how CAP has assisted not only federal employees with disabilities, but returning wounded service members. Log on to DotMilDocs, on BlogTalkRadio to find out more about CAP.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

ADVANCE HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY 5.31.08

1000 - USMA Graduation: Secretary of the Army Pete Geren speaks to the class of 2008 at the US Military Academy at West Point graduation ceremony. (Live, VoD)

Approximately 1240 or immediately following the USMA Graduation - USCGA Graduation: May 21st's coverage of the US Coast Guard Academy Commencement Ceremony as Vice President Dick Cheney delivers remarks at Cadet Memorial Field in New London, CT. (Encore, VoD, 1 hr 50 min)

1430 or following the USCGA Graduation - USNA Commencement: May 23rd's coverage of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen providing remarks at the US Naval Academy Commencement in Annapolis, MD. (Encore, VoD, 2 hrs 25 min)

1655 or following the USNA Commencement - USAFA Graduation: Wednesday's coverage of Commander in Chief George W. Bush delivering remarks to the US Air Force Academy Class of 2008. (Encore, VoD, 2 hrs 50 min)

Note: In the event of a rain delay, all graduation programming will shift 2 hours to accommodate live coverage from West Point.

Blog of Captain Bob Wiley and the 2008 Voyage of Hospital Ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19)

Too cool. Underway for a month and 7100 miles behind them, follow what's happening with the 2008 voyage of the USNS Mercy through the eyes of her Skipper.

"We can do better. We're going to. We're committed to it." Col. Ritchie

Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie, MD, MPH, Director, Proponency Office for Behavioral Health, U.S. Army Medical Command joined us for the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable this afternoon to talk to us about the Army's efforts in behavioral health and suicide prevention.

Joining us for the call was Terri from A Soldiers Mind, Carla Lois Some Soldier's Mom, Kat from Castle Argghhh!, Carissa Picard of Military Spouse Press and BloggerNews, Bryant Jordan from Military.com, John M. Grohol from PsychCentral, and Brad Staggs from Brad's Place.

"Judge us by the overall intent of the program, by our ability to deliver on-time on-target ... and then ask the soldiers who are testing it now ..."

- Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs, U.S. Army speaking about the U.S. Army's Future Combat System with us today on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

On the call today was David Axe of War is Boring, Brad Staggs of Brad's Place, Bruce McQuain of Q and O, Noah Shachtman of Danger Room, Christopher Radin of the Long War Journal, Greg Grant from NextGov, John Wagner and Grim of Blackfive, Colin Clark from Military.com, and Jason Sigger of the Armchair Generalist.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Military Appreciation: Tiger Woods goes one on one with the Pentagon Channel. MSgt Rusty Barfield discusses the AT&T National Golf Tournament with the number one golfer in the world. Tiger Woods also talks in-depth about his dad, Earl Woods, an Army veteran with two combat tours in Vietnam and how that background molded his future in golf and his passion outside of golf. As you will see in this interview the values the number one golfer in the world holds so dear are not so different from our military values. (VoD, Podcast, 10 min) Encore presentations at 1800 & 0000hrs.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Military Appreciation: Tiger Woods goes one on one with the Pentagon Channel. MSgt Rusty Barfield discusses the AT&T National Golf Tournament with the number one golfer in the world. Tiger Woods also talks in-depth about his dad, Earl Woods, an Army veteran with two combat tours in Vietnam and how that background molded his future in golf and his passion outside of golf. As you will see in this interview the values the number one golfer in the world holds so dear are not so different from our military values. (VoD, Podcast, 10 min) Encore presentations at 1800 & 0000hrs.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Iraq Briefing Encore: LTG James Dubik, Commanding General, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq; MG Kevin Bergner, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman; Adnan al-Asadi, Iraqi Senior Deputy Minister of Interior; General Nasr Abadi, Vice Chief of Staff, Iraqi Armed Forces, discuss developments in preparedness of the Iraqi Security Forces. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 0000hrs.

1130 - Pentagon Briefing: ADM Timothy Keating, Commander of US Pacific Command, speaks with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an update on recent relief operations to Burma and China . (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800 & 0600hrs.

1200 - USAFA Graduation: Commander in Chief George W. Bush delivers remarks to the US Air Force Academy Class of 2008. (Live, VoD)

Props to One Buisness Savvy Military Spouse

You've moved 2 times in the last 5 years, your spouse is deployed for another 6 months and you are charged with maintaining the family household. Your next task is starting your own business. Impossible right?

Last week, on ASY Live, Roxanne Reed, founder of two companies as a military spouse told us about how she overcame this obstacle. Roxanne's new company, Marketing2MilitaryGroup has designed a "business road map" geared specifically to the life of a military spouse.

She has some great tips of the trade. You can click here to hear her interview. Read more here.

I met a CMH recipient Sunday

Sunday, I had one of the highest honors of my life. With my family in tow, we went to the Pentagon parking lot to see Rolling Thunder '08. We stayed for a few hours, then went to a restaurant in Crystal City, Va. In the restuaurant we pass a man sitting at the table dressed in biker gear wearing a Congressional Medal of Honor. I walked past thinking to myself, "That can't be real, as it's a crime to fake something like that." So, I walked back toward him, and said, "Sir, did you win the CMH?" He said, "Son, you don't 'win' it...you earn it." I laughed a bit nervously, of course, then saw that he had one arm. Turns out, he is the real deal: He earned his CMH in 1968 in the rice paddies of South Vietnam; he was awarded the CMH by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House. This American hero's name is Gary George Wetzel. Here is a piece via MSNBC.



As we were leaving, I again stopped to thank him for his service to the United States, and my two-year old son, Truman, reached out and shook his hand. It was really quite touching.



What an amazing experience.

More Memorial Day Reading

Once again the Small Wars Journal outdoes us all. And while you're at it think about this at EagleSpeak.

More Memorial Day Reading

At America's North Shore Journal.

More Memorial Day reading

This at Blackfive. Thanx Matt.

"...it reflects ... our new maritime strategy ... which focuses on building lasting relationships ..." - Capt. Peter Dallman

Capt. Peter Dallman, the commodore of the USS Boxer, spoke with us today about their current mission Operation Continuing Promise 2008 on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

With us on this call was Chuck Simmins of America's North Shore Journal and Grim from Blackfive.

"Midway is deployed on her last mission as a museum, as an education center and perhaps most importantly as a tribute to all those who've served."

-Scott McGaugh, Marketing Director of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego joined us for a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable today.

On the call with us was Chuck Simmins of America's North Shore Journal, Will of Steeljaw Scribe, Boston Maggie, and Grim of Blackfive.

How enemies became friends...lessons from 'Nam

Wow, came across this great piece by retired Army Lieutenant General Hal Moore. Most of you may remember his movie staring Mel Gibson, We Were Soldiers. Anyway, Lt. Gen. Moore traveled back to Vietnam to meet with his former enemy, Lt. Gen. Nguyen Huu An, a former soldier of the North Vietnamese army. He wrote of his experience in today's USA Today.

As a history buff (especially of the Vietnam era), I thought this was worth sharing.

"All of these things speak volumes to ... what the Iraqi people have accomplished ..." - Col. Jon Lehr

Col. Jon Lehr, Commander, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, spoke with us today on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable. Wrapping up their deployment in Iraq, Col. Lehr gives a rundown of the accomplishments of his troops and the people of Iraq along with some notes on COIN and equipment.

On the call with us was Spencer Ackerman of Think Progress and The Washington Independent, Eric Hamilton of the Institute for the Study of War, Christopher Radin of The Long War Journal, Colin Clark of Military.com, and Noah Shachtman of Danger Room.

"Bottom line ... plan for success ..." Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson

Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson, Commander, U.S. Navy Safety Center joined us for a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable discussing safety, risk management, and the "Critical Days of Summer" initiative.

On the call with us was Christian Lowe of Military.com.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell understands New Media

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell very much understands the impact on communications in the New Media environment. He spoke to my DINFOS class on how he encourages his captains and majors to blog. His blog can be found here.

Anyway, a good piece on Caldwell's mission to get people to think different. Oh, I almost forgot...In March Lt. Gen. Caldwell was on Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show."

Pentagon Channel Highlights - Memorial Day Advance

MEMORIAL DAY
MONDAY 5.26.08
(Eastern Times)

0100 - Recon Revisited: Bringing Them All Home: Missing in action: 88,000 servicemembers. The mission: Leave no one behind. The mystery: What happened to their loved ones lost in war? Some families may finally have their mysteries solved. (VoD, 30 min) Encore presentation at 0930hrs.

0130 - Battleground: Famous Generals - Patton: A look at the colorful General George S. Patton, with focus on his World War II action in Africa and Europe. Hosted by Walter Matthau and narrated by Ronald Reagan. A "Big Picture" originally produced by the Army Pictorial Center in 1963. (30 min) Encore presentations at 0730 & 2000hrs.

0230 - Battleground: The Joe Mann Story: An historical War Office Army film about an emotional memorial to a 101st Airborne soldier killed in World War II. (30 min) Encore presentations at 0700, 1800 & 2300hrs.

0300 - Drummer's Call: America's Fife and Drum Tradition: A celebration the 50th anniversary of the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, chronicling the story of the historic and modern traditions of fifes and drums in America. (60 min) Encore presentations at 1000 & 1600hrs.

0500 - Memorial Day Ceremony: Coverage of Thursday's event in San Antonio, TX honoring those who died in defense of our country and thanking our active, separated and retired service members for their commitment and sacrifice in protecting our freedoms. (60 min) Encore presentations at 1300 & 2130hrs.

1100 - Arlington Wreath Laying: Anticipated coverage of the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. (Live)

1400 - Memorial Day Parade: Coverage of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. (Live, 2 hrs)

2030 - Dunham: A Life of Honor: A look at the life and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipient Cpl Jason L. Dunham, produced by Marine TV. (30 min)

Pentagon Channel Highlights

1000 - USNA Commencement: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen provides remarks at the US Naval Academy Commencement in Annapolis, MD. (Live, VoD)

1600 - Lima Company Memorial: An unveiling of eight panels with life-sized portraits of the 22 Marines and one Corpsman who were killed in action while serving with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment during May through August of 2005. The unveiling will occur in the Ohio Capitol building in Columbus, Ohio. Several dignitaries fom the State of Ohio and from Washington, DC will be in attendance. (Live) Encore presentation at 0000hrs.

Reflections by Frontier 6

Memorial Day approaches. Read this.

And while you're at it A Soldiers Perspective and They Have Names, and Castle Argghhh! for starters.

"... I see a new sense of confidence, a spring in the step, and a sense that 'we can do this for ourselves'" - Brigadier Johnny Torrens-Spence -

- speaking of his observations of the people in the Iraqi Ministries of Defense and Interior toward their growing capacities and capabilities.

Brigadier Torrens-Spence of the United Kingdom, Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq spoke with Andrea So of the Institute for the Study of War, D.J. Elliot of the Long War Journal, Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer, and Jarred Fishman of the Air Force Pundit today on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

May is Mental Health Month

Today on Dot Mil Docs, we will be speaking with Col. C. J. Diebold, chief of psychiatry at Tripler Army Medical Center, who will tell us about the help made available to our military and family members. The Army is joining in promoting mental health during May, which is celebrated as Mental Health Month. The theme for 2008 is "Get Connected".

Also see this and the Pentagon Channel RECON "The Wounds Within:"

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0930 - Armed Services Hearing: The Senate Armed Services Committee considers the nominations of GEN David Petraeus for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States Central Command; and LTG Raymond Odierno for appointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq. (Live)

UPDATE: 1000 - Presidential Remarks: Commander in Chief George W. Bush speaks at a Division Review Ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC. (Live) Encore presentations at 1800, 0000 & 0600hrs.

Today's coverage of the Senate Armed Services Hearing will continue in its entiretly following the Presidential Remarks.

"... at the crossroads of technology based learning and training policy ... so services can take advantage of them." Dr. Robert A. Wisher

"We are sorely in need of subject matter experts on the cultural side; anthropology, language areas, for example." Dr. Robert A. Wisher, Director, Advanced Distributive Learning Initiative said today on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

Dr. Wisher spoke about the opportunities they are exploring in ADL with David Axe of War is Boring, Paul McCleary from Defense Technology International, Grim of Blackfive, and Dave Dilegge of the Small Wars Journal.

"... there are two Guantanamos. There is the Guantanamo that exists in what I would call 'pop culture' and media and most peoples' minds;

and there is the Guantanamo that exists here, the one I see everyday." - Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo on today's DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

Adm. Buzby spoke with Andrew Lubin of The Military Observer, Stephen Soldz, and John McCormack of the Weekly Standard about his year on the ground as commander and the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that make up Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

Check out the Pentagon Channel's RECON program on JTF GTMO "Inside the Wire":

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0700 - Iraq Briefing: MG Mark Hertling, Commander of Multi-National Forces-North and Commanding General of 1st Armored Division, speaks with reporters in Baghdad, providing an operational update focusing on developments in Ninawa Province. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800, 0000 & 0600hrs.

1100 - USCGA Graduation: Coverage of the US Coast Guard Academy Commencement Ceremony as Vice President Dick Cheney delivers remarks at Cadet Memorial Field in New London, CT. (Live, VoD)

1300 or immediately following the graduation ceremony - Pentagon Briefing: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell speaks with reporters at the Pentagon. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1830, 0030 & 0630hrs.

"... no one country can go at these maritime threats by themselves ... " Capt. John Nowell

Capt. John Nowell, USN and commodore of the African Partnership Station 2008 spoke to us on today's DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.

Joining us on today's call was Andrew Lubin of The Military Observer, David Axe of War is Boring, and Galrahn of Information Dissemination.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

1100 - Appropriations Hearing: The Senate on Appropriations Committee receives testimony on the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen. (Live)

"The capability of the Iraqi army, especially since the last time I was here since 2003-2004 … has been significantly improved.” Maj. Gen. Hertling

Earlier today, we spoke with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, commander of Multinational Division North and 1st Armored Division, who provided an update on operations in northern Iraq on the DOD’s Bloggers Roundtable.

Joining us on the call today was Andrew Lubin from the Military Observer, David Axe from War is Boring, and Greg Grant from Next Gov.

"What's unique about our mission is that we're doing a police training and mentoring mission." Lt. Col. Hall

Earlier today, we spoke with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard Hall, commander of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, who talked about his battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan and their mission to train and mentor Afghan police forces on the DOD's Bloggers Roundtable.

Joining us today was Andrew Lubin from the Military Observer, David Axe from War is Boring, Troy Steward from Bouhammer, Jarred A. Fishman of Airforce Pundit, and Grim from Blackfive.

"I do believe that in the final analysis we're going to get an awful lot done ..." Col. Brian Balfe

Col. Brian Balfe, Commander of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the New York National Guard spoke with us today on the DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable about his role and the 27th BCT's mission as the command element of Task Force Phoenix VII. Task Force Phoenix is charged with training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces.

On the call with us today was Troy Stewart, Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer, Scott Kesterson, and Christopher Radin of the Long War Journal.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0930- Appropriation Hearing: The Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee receives testimony on "National Guard and Reserve Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Overview." Scheduled witnesses include:
Panel I
- Lt Gen John Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve
- VADM John Cotton, Chief of Navy Reserve
- LTG Jack Stultz, Commander of Army Reserve
- LTG Jack Bergman, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve Panel II
- LTG H. Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau
- LTG Clyde Vaughn, Director, Army National Guard
- Lt Gen Craig McKinley, Director of the Air National Guard. (2 hrs 15 min)

1200 - Pentagon Briefing: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell speaks with reporters at the Pentagon. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800, 0000 & 0600hrs.

"... we were received very graciously." Capt. Trevor Hall

We just spoke with U.S. Air Force Capt. Trevor Hall, the pilot-in-command of the first U.S. C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to deliver relief supplies into Rangoon International Airport, Burma on the DoD Bloggers Roundtable.

Joining us today was David Axe of War is Boring, Jason Sigger the Armchair Generalist, Austin Bay, Boston Maggie, Bruce McQuain of QandO, Grim from Blackfive, Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer, Bryant Jordan from Military.com, and Chuck Simmins of America's North Shore Journal.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Encore presentation of this morning's Iraq Briefing: MG Kevin Bergner, Spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq, and Tahseen al-Sheikhly, Civilian Spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, speak with reporters in Baghdad, discussing services in Baghdad and security and reconstruction operations around Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 0000hrs.

1030 - Iraq Briefing: COL Wayne Grigsby, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division speaks via satellite with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an update on ongoing security operations in Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800 & 0600hrs.

Director of NIH to Address USU Graduates at 29th Commencement

Did you know the Dept. of Defense has a medical university whose students are the future military medical leaders and make up 25% of all active duty physicians?

BETHESDA, Md. — Elias Zerhouni, M.D., the 15th director of the National Institutes of Health, will address the graduates of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) at the university’s 29th Commencement Exercise, Saturday, May 17.

Dr. Zerhouni came to the United States at the age of 24 after earning his medical degree at the University of Algiers School of Medicine in 1975. He went on to complete a chief residency in diagnostic radiology at Johns Hopkins. Throughout his tenure at NIH, Dr. Zerhouni has worked to keep the institute at the forefront of federal agencies through initiatives such as the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research – an effort to transform the medical research enterprise. Dr. Zerhouni has also held several other leadership positions, such as the consultant to the White House under President Ronald Reagan and a consultant to the World Health Organization in 1988.

USU’s Commencement Exercise is at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C., at 11 a.m. The F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine will award 157 Doctor of Medicine and 71 Biomedical Sciences Graduate degrees, while the Graduate School of Nursing will award 35 Master of Science degrees in the Family Nurse Practitioner, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Anesthesia disciplines, as well as three Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science degrees.

Some of the university’s faculty members are world renowned experts in the field of post traumatic stress disorder, deployment psychology, and traumatic brain injury. Research foci span a range of interest such as: CDR (Dr.) Jack Tsao’s study of Phantom Limb Pain, where he uses mirrors to help service members with lower extremity amputations alleviate the pain; and CAPT (Dr.) Gerald V. Quinnan, Jr.’s collaborative new study with other U.S. scientists that provide compelling evidence that two genes are linchpins in defining the course of immune restoration in HIV-positive individuals undergoing virus-suppressing therapy.

Located on the grounds of Bethesda’s National Naval Medical Center and across from the National Institutes of Health, USU is the nation’s federal school of medicine and graduate school of nursing. The university educates health care professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the U.S. Public Health Service. Students are active-duty uniformed officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Public Health Service, who are being educated to deal with wartime casualties, national disasters, emerging infectious diseases, and other public health emergencies. Of the university’s more than 4,000 physician alumni, the vast majority serve on active duty and are supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, offering their leadership and expertise.

Visit the USU Web site for additional information http://www.usuhs.mil/.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - SecDef Remarks: Monday’s coverage of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaking at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) 'Golden Jubilee' at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (VoD, Podcast)

1000 - SecDef Remarks: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates delivers remarks and takes questions at a Heritage Foundation event in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 1800 & 0600hrs.

1100 - Iraq Briefing: Col Wayne Grigsby, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division speaks via satellite with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an update on ongoing security operations in Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 0000hrs.

What's an MHS - Find out on Blog-Talk-Radio

Tune into Wednesday's Dot-Mil-Docs BlogTalkRadio show at 3 p.m. to find out "What's an MHS and what does it do for me?" Dr. Michael Kilpatrick, deputy director, Force Health Protection is the featured guest who will provide a view of how broad the Military Health System is and how many ways it reaches out to help our service members.

On Thursday's Dot-Mil-Docs BlogTalkRadio show at 3 p.m. we will speak with Dr. Stephen Jones, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. Dr. Jones will discuss how the Military Health System is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure service members receive the health care they need even after they leave military service.

Archives of these shows and previous ones can be accessed after the show on the Dot-Mil-Docs page. The appearance of advertising on BlogTalkRadio, does not constitute endorsement by the (Department of Defense) of the products or services advertised on this site.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Iraq Briefing: COL David Paschal, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division speaks via satellite with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an update on ongoing security operations in Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 1800hrs.

1000 - Iraq Briefing: Sunday's coverage of BG Mike Milano, Deputy Commanding General, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, and RADM Patrick Driscoll, spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq, discussing security and reconstruction operations in Baghdad and economic development in Iraq. (Encore, VoD, Podcast, 36 min) Encore presentation at 0600hrs.

1330 - USNA Ribbon Cutting: Saturday's coverage of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen speaking at the Ribbon Cutting at the US Naval Academy's Wesley A. Brown Field House in Annapolis, MD. (VoD) Encore presentation at 0000hrs.

"Soldiers serving in the IRR are by no means 'inactive.'" Maj. Gen. Sean Byrne

Maj. Gen. Sean Byrne, Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, joined us today for our third DoD Bloggers Roundtable to discuss the U.S. Army's Individual Ready Reserve program and its purpose, functions and procedures.

Recent headlines have indicated some soldiers in the IRR do not fully understand the process by which to request a delay or exemption from service, should they consider themselves non-deployable. Maj. Gen. Byrne explains there is a formal process for those soldiers who feel a need to submit such a request and also speaks to other considerations for IRR soldiers to Bruce McQuain of QandO and Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer.

"Hopefully I've painted an optimistic picture, because it is; but it's certainly not easy." Col. Michael McMahon

Col. Michael J. McMahon, Director of Force Integration and Training (CJ7) for the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan joined us for the second DoD Bloggers Roundtable of the day. Col. McMahon spoke to us about building the Afghan National Army and Police, Force District Development, the Afghan National Civil Order Police, and the successes and challenges of helping Afghanistan stand on its own.

On the call with us today was Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer, Bruce McQuain of QandO and Jarred Fishman of the Air Force Pundit.

"... a rising tide of commerce floats all boats." Rear Adm. Philip H. Collum

"... 488 years later we're on our own voyage of discover but this one's different, it's about hemispheric partnership." Rear Adm. Philip Collum, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight said today on the DoD Bloggers Roundtable discussing the voyage of the U.S.S. George Washington and their participation in UNITAS 49 and the transit through the Straits of Magellan.

Joining us today was David Axe of War is Boring and Steeljaw Scribe.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - EUCOM Roundtable: Thursday's coverage of GEN Bantz Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), conducting a presentation, Q&A session and roundtable at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC. Topic is the SACEUR's strategic views and messages on NATO and US European Command (EUCOM) operations. (VoD, 45 min) Encore presentation at 1100 hrs.

1000 - Iraq Briefing: COL Wayne Grigsby, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division speaks via satellite with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an update on ongoing security operations in Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 1800 & 0000hrs.

"... its the leaders of Iraq telling you things are better in the Ma'adan Qata putting their money in here ..." Col. Grigsby

We spoke with Col. Wayne Grigsby today. Col. Grigsby is the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division now in the Multi-National Division - Center southeast of Baghdad. Col. Grigsby and the 3rd HBCT will be transitioning command and returning home soon and gave us the rundown on the changes in the Ma'adan Qata.

On the call with us today was Andrew Lubin of the Military Observer, Greg Grant from Next Gov, Fbl from Castle Arrgghhh!, Jarred Fishman of The Air Force Pundit, and Richard Lowry from OP-FOR.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

1400 - Pentagon Briefing: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen speak with reporters at the Pentagon. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800, 0000 & 0600hrs.

"What we add is the part to actually translate it from basic research actually into people." Col. (Dr.) Robert Vandre

Research is the order of the day for the DoD Bloggers Roundtable as we completed our second today this time with Col. (Dr.) Robert Vandre, the Research Area Director for Combat Casualty Care Research at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command.

COL Vandre discussed the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and the Combat Casualty Care Research to improve quality of life for Wounded Warriors. The AFIRM is a virtual organization committed to developing clinical therapies focusing on five key areas: Burn repair, Wound healing without scarring, Craniofacial reconstruction, Limb reconstruction, regeneration or transplantation and Compartment syndrome. The AFIRM is a strong national effort to address the unprecedented challenges of caring for service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with multiple traumatic injuries.

Joining us today was David Axe from War is Boring and Grim from Blackfive and Blake Powers from Laughing Wolf and Blackfive.

"Secretary Gates really is trying to build some bridges here ... " Dr. Thomas Mahnken

Dr. Thomas Mahnken, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning, joined us for the DoD Bloggers Roundtable today to speak about the Minerva project, Secretary Gates' outreach effort to academia.

Joining us on the call today was a mix of university professors, bloggers and online journalists. David Betz from Kings College in London, England who blogs at Kings of War, Sharon Wienberger from Danger Room, Cori Dauber a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Grim from Blackfive, Greg Grant with Next Gov, Matt Armstrong of Mountain Runner, and Steve Corman a professor at Arizona State University and blogs at COMOPS Journal.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Encoure Iraq Briefing: MG Kevin Bergner, Spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq, and Tahseen al-Sheikhly, Civilian Spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, speak with reporters in Baghdad, discussing services in Baghdad and ongoing security operations in Iraq. (Live, VoD, Podcast)

"Change takes time ... but I see a lot of progress." Col. Thomas J. McGrath

We just concluded a DoD Bloggers Roundtable with U.S. Army Col. Thomas J. McGrath who gave us an operational update on the operations of the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command South. ARSIC South is part of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.

Col. McGrath's main focus was the development of the Afghan uniform police corps and it's growing capabilities and professionalism throughout his region but covered other topics as well during this all too short 30 minute interview. On the call with us was Christopher Radin of The Long War Journal, Andrew Lubin of The Military Observer, Megan Ortegus of Freedoms Watch, David Axe of War is Boring, Grim from Blackfive, Greg Grant from Next Gov, and Dave Dilegge of the Small Wars Journal. Topics included the deployment of the 2-7 Marines and their role in training the Afghan police; Focus District Development; an overview of the current coalition forces in the area; and COIN doctrine and how it is working in Afghanistan.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0940 - Military Spouses Day: Commander in Chief George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates make remarks commemorating Military Spouse Day on the South Lawn of the White House. (Live) Encore presentations at 0000 & 0600hrs.

1200 - Pentagon Briefing: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell speaks with reporters at the Pentagon. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 1800hrs.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Iraq Briefing: Sunday's coverage of RADM Patrick Driscoll, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, and Ali al-Dabbagh, Government of Iraq spokesman, discussing political and security developments in Iraq. (Encore, VoD, Podcast, 40 min)

UPDATE: 1000 - Commissioning Ceremony: Saturday's coverage of USS North Carolina (SSN 777) being commissioned. (Encore, 35 min)

UPDATE: Iraq Briefing: This morning's operational update has been cancelled.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Iraq Briefing: Sunday's coverage of RADM Patrick Driscoll, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, and Ali al-Dabbagh, Government of Iraq spokesman, discussing political and security developments in Iraq. (Encore, VoD, Podcast, 40 min)

1000 - Iraq Briefing: COL Wayne Grigsby, Commander, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks with reporters at the Pentagon, providing an operational update. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentation at 1800hrs.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - SecDef Remarks: Thursday's coverage of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks at Fort Bliss, TX. (Encore, VoD, 15 min)

0915 - Pentagon Briefing: Thursday's coverage of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen; Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs COL Loree Sutton; and Commander of Walter Reed Health Care System COL Patricia Horoho speak with reporters at the Pentagon. (Encore, VoD, Podcast, 40 min)

1030 - Pentagon Briefing: Deputy Commandant for Marine Corps Aviation LtGen George Trautman and four members of the Marine Corps’ first operational Osprey squadron speak with reporters, discussing the initial combat deployment of the MV-22 Osprey . (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1800 & 0000hrs.

"What do they know at day 250 that they needed to know day 1?" - Col. Steven Mains

We just completed the DoD Bloggers Roundtable with Col. Steven Mains and Mr. Milton Hileman from the U.S. Army Center for Army Lessons Learned of the Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Col. Mains and Mr. Hileman spoke with Christian Lowe from Military.com, Jarred Fishman, Andrea So from the Institute for the Study of War, Andrew Lubin, and Greg Grant from Next Gov about the products the center is producing to put Lessons Learned into the hands of troops on the ground not only in Iraq but wherever their service takes them.

Pentagon Channel Highlights

0900 - Joint Staff Briefing: Wednesday's coverage of LTG Carter Ham, Director for Operations, J-3 and LtGen John Sattler, Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, speaking with reporters at the Pentagon. (Encore, VoD, Podcast, 30 min)

1030 - SecDef Remarks: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks at Fort Bliss, TX. (Live, VoD) Encore presentations at 1800, 0000 & 0600hrs.

1130 - Pentagon Briefing: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen; Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs COL Loree Sutton; and Commander of Walter Reed Health Care System COL Patricia Horoho speak with reporters at the Pentagon. (Live, VoD, Podcast) Encore presentations at 1815, 0015 & 0615hrs.