Todays Pix, Wednesday March 18, 2009!

[commanding]

Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, greets medical service corps Sailors assigned to the sick bay ward aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Williams is visiting Carl Vinson to observe the progress made during the ship's refueling complex overhaul.

Sgt. Javier Santiago, a team leader assigned to the Military Police platoon, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, greets a local resident during a foot patrol in the city neighborhood of Beladiyat, March 16 in the 9 Nissan District of eastern Baghdad. Santiago, a native of New London, Conn., and Fort Bragg, N.C. based paratroopers patrol the areas surrounding Joint Security Station Loyalty to conduct counter-improvised explosive devices operations and check on the area's security.

Sgt. Mitchell Rhodes, a team leader assigned to the Military Police platoon, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, provides security during a foot patrol in the city of Beladiyat, March 16 in the 9 Nissan District of eastern Baghdad. Rhodes, a native of Lansing, Mich., along with MP Paratroopers patrol the areas surrounding Joint Security Station Loyalty to ensure the area is free from potential enemy attacks on the compound.

Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, practice an area search using equipment from a search kit during a March 10 exercise as part of a Tactical Site Exploitation class.

Spc. Steven Richard (left), an infantryman from Plano, Texas, and Spc. Chris White, infantryman from Austin, Texas, both with 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment , 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, compare notes on points of interest and discuss area characteristics from a command point before dividing up to search for caches during a March 10 exercise.

Spc. Steven Richard, an infantryman from Plano, Texas, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, marks each piece of evidence from a building search during the Tactical Site Exploitation search class given by the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device training team March 10. Richard inventories all the items found and puts smaller items into plastic bags to preserve them for identification purposes.

[Supplanter]

Corporal Mathew Hopkins on patrol with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Corporal Mathew Hopkins on patrol with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Corporal Mathew Hopkins with his new born son Alex. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Corporal Mathew Hopkins was tragically killed in an engagement with insurgents while serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) in Afghanistan...Corporal Hopkins was 21 years old, and was married with a young son. Source

Members from the Defence Indigenous Pre Recruitment Course talk to the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP during their visit to Parliament House Canberra.
(Left to rigth) Steve Tapim (student), Amy Miller (student), Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Karen Demmery (Lead Trainer) and Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Watego. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, asks members of the Defence Indigenous Pre Recruitment Course "who is going to join the Army after completing the course", during their visit to Parliament House, Canberra. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Captain Jon Abundo instructs a Namibian United Nations Police Officer on pistol marksmanship techniques during a weapons familiarisation session. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Captain Mark Smith demonstrates his pistol marksmanship techniques to Portuguese Lieutenant Francisco Martins, during a weapons familiarisation session in East Timor. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Captain Jon Abundo has a laugh with Malaysian members of the United Nations Police during a weapons familiarisation session in East Timor. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Captain Jon Abundo coaches a Malaysian United Nations Police Officer through an F88 AUSTEYR rifle range practice, during a weapons familiarisation exercise in East Timor. www.defence.gov.au Hires

(Left to right): Portuguese First Sergeant Jose Dias, Lieutenant Francisco Martins and Captain Mark Smith wait for their turn on the range during a weapons familiarisation exercise in East Timor. Australian Federal Policeman, Sergeant Jacen Kenyon, watches on in the background. www.defence.gov.au Hires

Portuguese Lieutenant Francisco Martins of the United Nations Police, thanks Sergeant Joao Carrascalao for his assistance following a weapons familiarisation exercise in East Timor. www.defence.gov.au Hires

(Left to right) Commander Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther, and Regimental Sergeant Major of 1st Brigade, Warrant Officer Donald Spinks have their heads shaved at the Leukaemia Foundation's Worlds Greatest Shave held at the Deck Bar in Darwin. www.defence.gov.au Hires

(Left to right) Commander 1st Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause, Regimental Sergeant Major 1st Brigade, Warrant Officer Donald Spinks, Commander Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther, Commander Air Traffic Control Darwin, Wing Commander Robert Graham, and Commander Australian Patrol Boat Group, Captain Vaughn Rixon, display their newly shaved heads at the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave held at the Deck Bar in Darwin. www.defence.gov.au Hires

DIO au profit des forces armées béninoises. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Les autorités militaires françaises en Guyane accueillent le commodore Best. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Déploiement du dispositif. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Un AMX 10P en patrouille. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Char Leclerc en observation sur une colline. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Un PC tactique. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Le CEMA est accueilli par son homologue saoudien au "centre de défense nationale". www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

EUFOR Tchad: Patrouille à pieds. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Première escale du Forbin : Casablanca. www.defense.gouv.fr/ema

Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane patrols the waters during a 60-day patrol in the Carribean Sea from January to March, 2009. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo) Hires

NEW YORK - Active duty, reserve and auxiliary members from U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York march in a battalion formation during the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City March 17, 2009.
The Coast Guard conducts a variety of missions in and around New York City, including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, disaster relief and humanitarian efforts in support of public interest.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Barbara L. Patton) Hires

NEW YORK - Active duty, reserve and auxiliary members from U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York march in a battalion formation during the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City March 17, 2009.
The Coast Guard conducts a variety of missions in and around New York City, including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, disaster relief and humanitarian efforts in support of public interest.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Barbara L. Patton) Hires

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Members of Maritime Safety and Security Team 91103, located in San Pedro, Calif., prepare to board and clear a vessel March 13, off the coast of Long Beach, as part of the final exercise of a training cycle designed to hone the team's tactical skills. The week-long training, administered by the Mobile Training Team, is completed quarterly by MSST 91103. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall) Hires

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Members of Maritime Safety and Security Team 91103, located in San Pedro, Calif., board and clear a vessel March 13, off the coast of Long Beach, as part of the final exercise of a training cycle designed to hone the team's tactical skills. The week-long training, administered by the Mobile Training Team, is completed quarterly by MSST 91103. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall) Hires

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Members of Maritime Safety and Security Team 91103, located in San Pedro, Calif., board and clear a vessel March 13, off the coast of Long Beach, as part of the final exercise of a training cycle designed to hone the team's tactical skills. The week-long training, administered by the Mobile Training Team, is completed quarterly by MSST 91103. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall) Hires

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Members of Maritime Safety and Security Team 91103, located in San Pedro, Calif., board and clear a vessel March 13, off the coast of Long Beach, as part of the final exercise of a training cycle designed to hone the team's tactical skills. The week-long training, administered by the Mobile Training Team, is completed quarterly by MSST 91103. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall) Hires

Afghan honour guards carry a picture of Afghanistan's first president, Mohammad Daud Khan, during a ceremony to rebury him, in Kabul March 17, 2009. Daud Khan was shot dead in the presidential palace in a military coup in 1978. Daud Khan's remains and those who were killed with him were found at a mass grave recently. Reuters

Afghan honour guards carry the coffins of Afghanistan's first president, Mohammad Daud Khan, and his brother Naeem Khan, during a ceremony to rebury his remains in Kabul March 17, 2009. Daud Khan's remains and those who were killed with him were found at a mass grave recently. Reuters

Afghan President Hamid Karzai pays respects to Afghanistan's first president, Mohammad Daud Khan, whose remains are contained in a coffin, during a ceremony to rebury him, in the presidential palace in Kabul March 17, 2009. Daud Khan was shot dead in the presidential palace in a military coup in 1978. Daud Khan's remains and those who were killed with him were found at a mass grave recently. Reuters

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is flanked by his bodyguards as he attends the reburial ceremony of Afghanistan's first president, Mohammad Daud Khan, in the presidential palace in Kabul March 17, 2009. Daud Khan was shot dead in the presidential palace in a military coup in 1978. Daud Khan's remains and those who were killed with him were found at a mass grave recently. Reuters

An Iraqi policeman stands guard atop a roof as a U.S. military attack helicopter flies overhead during a joint search operation with U.S. troops in southwestern Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. U.S. troops and Iraqi security forces are making a renewed push in the Sunni-dominated city of about 2 million to deny safe haven for insurgents and restore basic services. AP Photo

A teenager serves tea to Iraqi policemen during a joint search operation with U.S. troops in southwestern Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. U.S. troops and Iraqi security forces are making a renewed push in the Sunni-dominated city of about 2 million to deny safe haven for insurgents and restore basic services. AP Photo

U.S. Spc. Greg Moreland, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, gives a handful of candy to a group of students at the Abuthare and Rufayda Elementary School in eastern Baghdad March 16, 2009. Moreland, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania, gave the toys to the children on behalf of his penpal Jacob Poehls, 8, of Summit Cove, Colorado. Poehls donated his toys to the children of Iraq and his hometown donated Girl Scout cookies and a large assortment of candy for the Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based Paratroopers to hand out to the children. Picture taken March 16, 2009. Reuters

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon (R) and Mexican President Felipe Calderon review an honor guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the presidential residence Los Pinos in Mexico City March 16, 2009. Reuters

Mexican President Felipe Calderon (R) arrives with Norway's Crown Prince Haakon to attend an official welcoming ceremony at the presidential residence Los Pinos in Mexico City March 16, 2009. Reuters

In this photo released by the Israeli Government Press Office, Shin Bet security chief Yuval Diskin, right, listens to Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, left, during a special cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Israel's Cabinet convened in special session Tuesday to craft a response to deadlocked talks to free Israeli soldier Sgt. Gilad Schalit held by Palestinian militants in Gaza since 2006, amid strong signs his fate would be rolled over to the incoming government of Benjamin Netanyahu. AP Photo

A woman is detained by police as mainly Nationalist students clashed with riot police close to the Ormeau Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday, March, 17, 2009. Hundreds of drunken Students clashed with riot police while out celebrating St Patrick's Day. AP Photo

Police officers in riot gear surround a vandalized car near Ormeau Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Tuesday, March, 17, 2009. several hundred students living beside Queen's University engaged in drunken street scuffles with police, who donned riot gear to protect themselves from barrages of beer bottles and other alcoholic drink containers. The trouble _ in a tree-lined district of student-rented housing _ has been a perennial problem on St. Patrick's Day. But these clashes involved far greater numbers of students and a greater level of destruction than in previous years. AP Photo

In this image made available by the Ministry of Defence in London, Britain's Princess Anne poses with members of the Sergeant's Mess of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, during a parade marking St. Patrick's Day at Victoria Barracks, Windsor, England, Tuesday March 17, 2009. The Princess presented the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the guardsmen, in a time honoured tradition that reflects the Irish heritage of the Regiment. AP Photo

Conmael, the mascot for the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on parade in his 'uniform' and shamrock, during a St Patrick's Day parade held by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at the Victoria Barracks in Windsor, England, Tuesday March 17, 2009. AP Photo

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) leaves the U.S. Capitol Building following lunch there with Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on St Patrick's Day in Washington March 17, 2009. Reuters

The St. Patrick's Day Parade moves up fifth Avenue Tuesday, March 17, 2009 in New York. St. Patrick's Day revelers took a break from worries about the global economy to enjoy a day of shamrock-themed frivolity, dyeing city fountains green, taking icy ocean plunges and crowding sidewalks along parade routes to see and be seen. AP Photo

Revelers gather for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Tuesday, March 17, 2009 in New York. St. Patrick's Day revelers took a break from worries about the global economy to enjoy a day of shamrock-themed frivolity, dyeing city fountains green, taking icy ocean plunges and crowding sidewalks along parade routes to see and be seen. AP Photo

Members of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, known as the "Fighting 69th", march up New York's Fifth Avenue during the St. Patrick's Day parade Tuesday March 17, 2009. AP Photo

[Supplanter]

A protester scuffles with police outside the venue where former U.S. President George W. Bush was speaking to an invited audience of Calgary businessmen on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. The event was Bush's first speaking engagement since leaving office in January. AP Photo

Police evacuate elderly residents as a massive bush fire sweeps across Cape Town's Table Mountain March 18, 2009. Strong south easterly winds, coupled with hot dry weather, have fanned hundreds of bush fires across the province in recent weeks. Reuters

Police evacuate elderly residents as a massive bush fire sweeps across Cape Town's Table Mountain, March 18, 2009. Strong south easterly winds, coupled with hot dry weather, have fanned hundreds of bush fires across the province in recent weeks. Reuters

A television grab shows Colombia's secret police carrying Swedish hostage Erik Roland Larsson after he was freed by rebels of the FARC in Tierra Alta, Cordoba province, March 17, 2009. Colombia's FARC guerrillas freed a Swedish hostage they kidnapped nearly two years ago in an extortion attempt, Colombian state security police said on Tuesday. The man, identified by police as Erik Roland Larsson, 69, was snatched from his rural farm by rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC, who officials said had initially sought $5 million for his release. Reuters

South African Police task force at Swartkops air force base outside Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday March. 17, 2009, during simulation of security threats to the Confederation Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. AP Photo

South African Police task force crawl under the Cessna Sovereign Citation jet at Swartkops air force base outside Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday March. 17, 2009, after the plane was forced to land by two fighter planes in a police and defense force simulation of security threats to the Confederation Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. AP Photo

South African Police task force on guard around the Cessna Sovereign Citation jet at Swartkops air force base outside Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday March. 17, 2009, after the plane was forced to land by two fighter planes in a police and defense force simulation of security threats to the Confederation Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. AP Photo

Argentina's Boca Juniors' soccer player Juan Roman Riquelme is escorted by police as he arrives to Silvio Pettirossi airport on Asuncion's outskirts, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Boca Juniors' will play Paraguay's Guarani soccer team in a Copa Libertadores match on Wednesday. AP Photo

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il inspect an honour guard during an official welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 18, 2009. South Korea warned on Wednesday that it would respond with decisive action if Pyongyang again blocked access to a joint factory park in North Korea, but said it was too early to consider shutting the project down. In the past week, the North has blocked movement across the heavily defended border to an industrial park run by South Korean companies in the city of Kaesong out of anger over joint military drills by South Korean and U.S. troops. Reuters

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il inspect an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 18, 2009. South Korea warned on Wednesday that it would respond with decisive action if Pyongyang again blocked access to a joint factory park in North Korea, but said it was too early to consider shutting the project down. In the past week, the North has blocked movement across the heavily defended border to an industrial park run by South Korean companies in the city of Kaesong out of anger over joint military drills by South Korean and U.S. troops. Reuters

U.S. Marines fire their machine guns during a live fire drill in the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises at Rodriguez Range in Pocheon, north of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. North Korea put its troops on alert and cut the hotline last week as the American and South Korean militaries began joint maneuvers. The communist regime warned that even the slightest provocation could trigger war during the 12-day drills. AP Photo

U.S. and South Korean Marines move to take their positions as another fire their machine guns during a live fire drill in their joint military exercises at Rodriguez Range in Pocheon, north of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. North Korea put its troops on alert and cut the hotline last week as the American and South Korean militaries began joint maneuvers. The communist regime warned that even the slightest provocation could trigger war during the 12-day drills. AP Photo

U.S. Marines take a rest during a live fire drill in the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises at Rodriguez Range in Pocheon, north of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. North Korea put its troops on alert and cut the hotline last week as the American and South Korean militaries began joint maneuvers. The communist regime warned that even the slightest provocation could trigger war during the 12-day drills. AP Photo

Madagascar military personnel walk past the entrance of the presidential palace outside the capital Antananarivo March 18, 2009. Madagascar risked criticism from around the world on Wednesday after a swift change of leaders that flouted the Indian Ocean island's constitution. The military's appointment of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as president of a transition government followed weeks of violent street protests by his followers and a decisive show of force by the army on Monday. Reuters

A member of the Madagascar military guards at the entrance of the presidential palace outside the capital Antananarivo March 18, 2009. Madagascar risked criticism from around the world on Wednesday after a swift change of leaders that flouted the Indian Ocean island's constitution. The military's appointment of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as president of a transition government followed weeks of violent street protests by his followers and a decisive show of force by the army on Monday. Reuters

Rebel soldiers loyal to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina take position around the downtown presidential office in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Tuesday March 17, 2009. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina called on the military Monday to arrest the nation's president as a power struggle between the two appeared to be reaching a decisive moment. Dozens of soldiers took over a deserted presidential palace that had been the site of deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and the army earlier this year. The president was in another palace in the city during the operation late Monday. AP Photo

Soldiers guard outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo March 17, 2009. Presidential guards and hundreds of supporters on Tuesday protected Madagascar's leader Marc Ravalomanana who is vowing to fight to the death if pro-opposition soldiers try to drive him from power. Reuters

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R) walks to address top military officials in Moscow, March 17, 2009. Medvedev, who is seeking to improve chilly ties with the United States, said on Tuesday Russia would rearm its military and boost its nuclear forces because U.S.-led NATO is expanding towards its borders. Reuters

Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman (4th R) and French Secretary of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs Jean-Marie Bockel (3rd R) attend a ceremony to pay tribute at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris March 17, 2009. Reuters

Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman (C), followed by French Secretary of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs Jean-Marie Bockel (2nd L), lays a wreath of flowers during a ceremony to pay tribute at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris March 17, 2009. Reuters

A U.S. Army soldier inspects weapons seized by Iraqi security forces during recent operations in Baladiyat, an eastern neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. AP Photo

A Nigerian peacekeeping soldier from the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) stands while on patrol in Osha IDP's camp in Nyla, southern Darfur March 17,2009. Law and order have collapsed in Darfur where international experts say at least 200,000 people have been killed, while Khartoum says 10,000 have died. The undermanned peacekeeping force has found itself caught in the middle of an increasingly chaotic conflict involving bandits, rival tribes, government militias and rebels. Reuters

A Nigerian peacekeeping soldier from the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) patrols in Osha IDP's camp in Nyla, southern Darfur March 17,2009. Law and order have collapsed in Darfur where international experts say at least 200,000 people have been killed, while Khartoum says 10,000 have died. The undermanned peacekeeping force has found itself caught in the middle of an increasingly chaotic conflict involving bandits, rival tribes, government militias and rebels. Reuters

13,950-ton JDS Hyuga (16DDH) is handed over to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from its builder IHI Marine United Inc. in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The newly-built helicopter-carrying destroyer, similar in design to a small aircraft carrier, is the the largest Japanese warship since World War II, deploying three helicopters on the flight deck while carrying up to 11 others on the hangar deck inside, Kyodo News said. AP Photo

[DarkStar]

Nice pix Commanding, as always !

Looks like the sailors, with their new uniforms, will be well hidden on the ER floor !!!

[phasio]

Viktor But, Bangkok

[Carib]

[FLYNAVY29]

Supplanter,
Condolences to you & Hopkins' family. You're not human if you can look @ those pics without a lump in your throat. We'll see him on the high ground. RIP.

[commanding]

to the protester:

the 60s are over Dude....get a job, and a haircut.

[Seek]

13,950-ton JDS Hyuga (16DDH) is handed over to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force from its builder IHI Marine United Inc. in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The newly-built helicopter-carrying destroyer, similar in design to a small aircraft carrier, is the the largest Japanese warship since World War II, deploying three helicopters on the flight deck while carrying up to 11 others on the hangar deck inside, Kyodo News said. AP Photo

You've got to love the Japanese for calling an assault ship like that... Just like the Germans calling their ships frigates regardless of their size...

[The Mighty Quinn]

Get A Job Hippy!

[uribury871]

ROKA 8th div tank battalion's K1 firing 105mm sabot. In this training Tank battalion also fired anti infantry flachett round. Feb 23. 2009
video. http://www.dema.mil.kr/dema/tv/tv_pl...26195618&gb=C#

106mm recoilless rifle and TOW on K-111 jeep

ROK reservist training in ROKA 57th div. March 2, 2009

ROKAF 255 special operations squdron, 15 Tactical Air Transport Wing and USAF 6th special operations squdron having joint combined exchange training. This training will conducted until March. 30.  This annual training was started in 1999 to teach special operation skill to ROKAF.

more pics of ROK marines and US marines co training

video. http://www.dema.mil.kr/dema/tv/tv_pl...317191930&gb=C

[Deathchant]

Why are the Americans in the top pics mostly wearing gloves? Looks a bit warm for that.

[Jac[ITA]]

Officer from Guardia di Finanza (Financial police) detains a demonstrator during a protest in front of La Sapienza university in Rome.

I posted because it's quite uncommon to see Guardia di Finanza doing crowd control, and they are seen by the general public only as "tax officers" or "cash register checker" when in reality they cover a broad spectrum of law enforcment roles.

[Gungnir]

Why are the Americans in the top pics mostly wearing gloves? Looks a bit warm for that.

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves protect the hands.
-blistering sun
-sand
-heat
-objects (soldier in prone position lifiting himself off the ground, propelling over wall, etc.)
-grabbing things or people
-touching things heated by the sun
-protects against blisters, cuts, abrasions, etc.
-and it might be unit policy

The better question... why isn't that soldier removing his glove to shake hands... that is just courtesy in any country and culture. It shows respect... another side of COIN besides killing and hunting anti-Afghan/Iraqi Forces, etc.

I didn't like touching Afghans (ANA, ANA, Village Elders, etc.) but I always took off my glove when I shook hands and/or had to meet civilian or military LNs... of course, when on a "combat patrol" etc. and we passed LNs, I just smiled and waved/put my hand up... which they either smiled and waved back or gave me the stoic Afghan look.

[Lancero]

Nice pics gents!
Sorry for any repost.

Pakistani security officials inspect a truck carrying logistics for the NATO forces in Afghanistan, after a hand grenade explosion, at the Pakistani border of Chaman near the Afghanistan border on 18 March 2009. A man threw a grenade on a truck carrying logistics for NATO's forces in Afghanistan, damaging the machinery. Landlocked Afghanistan receives most of its imports via the Pakistani sea port of Karachi

Afghan police officials inspect arms, recovered by the Afghan security forces during various operations across Kunduz, 18 March 2009. The ammunition and the weapons will be transferred to Pol-i-Charki central weapons collection point where they will be under the surveillance of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

An Afghan policeman stands guard during a drugs burning ceremony in Herat, Afghanistan on 18 March 2009. Afghan authorities burnt drugs, which the security forces have confiscated during different operations across the country. According to media reports Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of the drug

Members of the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalonian police) evict students who held a sit-in inside the historic building of the vice-chancery of Barcelona to protest against the Bologna plan, in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 18 March 2009. The Bologna Process is a European reform process aiming at establishing a European Higher Education Area by 2010. Three students were arrested and five members of the Mossos d'Esquadra resulted injured, one of them serious, during the eviction operation of the building

Soldiers of Madagascar opposition leader and Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina (not seen) accompany him as he drove through the streets of the capital late 17 March 2009 after installing himself in the president's offices. Military leaders in the country have conferred full powers on 34 year old Rajoelina, hours after President Ravalomanana resigned

Members of the Philippines navy band welcomes the arrival of surveillance frigate Vendemiaire docks at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila, Philippines on 18 March 2009. According to Carolle Lucas, Press Attache, Embassy of France, Vendemiaire has a crew of 92 personnel including 12 officers, is outfitted with a helicopter that is designed for operations at sea. With a length of 95m, breadth of 14m and draft of 4.4m, it has a maximum displacement of 2,800 tons. Vendemiaire, whose name refers to the month of grape harvest in the calendar of the 18th century French revolution (from September 22 to October 21), is based in Noumea in New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific.Vendemiaire is on a 4-day goodwill visit whose objective is to promote friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and France as nations of the Pacific. French warships visit the Philippine archipelago once or twice a year

A video grab provided by the Security Administrative Department (DAS, as in Spanish) shows Swedish Eric Ronald Larsson (C), the last foreign hostage in the country, who was released by the Colombian Armed Revolutionary Forces (FARC, as in Spanish) in northwestern Colombia on 17 March 2009. Larsson, a forest engineer, was kidnapped by FARC on 16 May 2007 and was released near Tierradentro, Cordoba department, 700 kms from Bogota

US Navy Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, (2nd from Left) commander of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) receives daily briefing from the task force top commanders on board the USS Boxer as it sails in the Gulf of Aden on 17 March 2009. CTF 151 was established in early January under the control of the Bahrain based US Navy 5th Fleet Command , to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the US, UK, Denmark and Turkey while South Korean and Japanese naval ships are expected to join the international efforts to combat piracy in the region this month.

A Danish navy sailor stands guard as confiscated weapons from Somali suspected pirates go on display on board the HDMS Absalon (L 16) as it sails in the Gulf of Aden on 17 March 2009. Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) was established in early January under the control of the Bahrain based US Navy 5th Fleet Command , to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the US, UK, Denmark and Turkey while South Korean and Japanese naval ships are expected to join the international efforts to combat piracy in the region this month

US Navy Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) walks in front of AV-8B Harrier II on board the USS Boxer as it sails in the Gulf of Aden, on 17 March 2009. The USS Boxer is the flagship for CTF 151 that was established in early January under the control of the Bahrain based US Navy 5th Fleet Command, to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the US, UK, Denmark and Turkey while South Korean and Japanese naval ships are expected to join the international efforts to combat piracy in the region this month.

A U.S. Secret Service Agent sits in the Presidential motorcade as it prepares to depart with U.S. President Barack Obama from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. USA 17 March 2009. President Obama attended a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon hosted by the Speaker of the House

Journalists are forced onto the back of a pick-up truck during a simulated plane hijacking exercise to demonstrate security preparations for the FIFA 2010 World Cup and Confederations Cup at Swartkops Air Force Base near Pretoria, South Africa, 17 March 2009

The Israeli President Shimon Peres holds a non lethal weapon used by Police officers that is operationally used during disturbances during his first visit to the Israel Police Head headquarters in Jerusalem, Israel, on 17 March 2009

Her Royal Highness, Britain's Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, wearing a traditional sprig of shamrock as she sits with members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards to celebrate St Patricks day at their new home, Victoria Barracks, Windsor, England, on 17 March 2009. The Princess was guest of honour at the regiment’s St Patrick’s Day Parade during which she will presented the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the guardsmen

Afghan honor guards carry the portrait of Afghanistan's first president Mohammad Daud Khan, during a ceremony to rebury his remains, in Kabul Afghanistan on 17 March 2009. Remains of the Afghanistan’s first President Mohammad Daud Khan, who was killed in a former Soviet Union backed coup in 1978, were reburied in Kabul, on 17 March, with full honor during a ceremony attended by Khan’s relatives, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, government and military officials. Daud Khan's remains and those who were killed with him were found at a mass grave recently

USA's L/3/5/31st MEU(Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marinne Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit) teams participates in a live fire exercise at Rodriguez live fire complex, 70km north of Seoul, on Phocheon in Gyeonggi province, South Korea, on 17 March 2009. Some 25,000 South Korean and US military forces holding join in 'Key-Resolve and Foal fagle' military exercises on a possible attack from North Korea on 09-20 March

Brig. Nuaaman Dakhel Jawad shows pictures showing a gunman allegedly while killing his victims during a press conference in Hilla, Iraq on 16 March 2009. The Iraqi police announced on 16 March that a gunman suspected of having killed 70 people in Babel was arrested in Arab Jabour region in the northeast of Hilla, commander of the Quick Response Department (QRD) said

A US Marine CH-46 Sea Knight heilcopter carrying US Marines enroute to USS Boxer flies over the Gulf of Aden 16 March 2009. The USS Boxer is the flagship for Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) that was established in early January under the control of the Bahrain based US Navy 5th Fleet Command , to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the US, UK, Denmark and Turkey while South Korean and Japanese naval ships are expected to join the international efforts combat piracy in the region this month.

Descanse em Paz

A caisson and casket team of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) are seen behind tree branches on a hilltop during the burial service of U.S. Army Captain Brian M. Bunting, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, USA, 16 March 2009. Captain Bunting grew up in Potomac, Maryland, USA and died at age twenty-nine on 24 February 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan while serving Operation Enduring Freedom

General David Huntoon Jr. (L) of the U.S. Army presents the United States national flag to Nicole Bunting (C), widow of U.S. Army Captain Brian M. Bunting, during burial services for the Captain at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA, 16 March 2009. Captain Bunting grew up in Potomac, Maryland, USA and died at age twenty-nine on 24 February 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan while serving Operation Enduring Freedom

The French navy frigate 'Dupleix' passes through the Isthmus of Corinth, Peloponnese, Greece, on 16 March 2009. The Dupleix is a F70 type anti-submarine frigate of the French Marine Nationale

Supporters of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al Bashir gather in the streets holding up their weapons in Khartoum, Sudan, 16 March 2009. In the wake of an International Criminal Courts arrest warrant against him, Sudan has expelled 13 foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGO's). 4 aid workers were recently kidnapped in the war ravaged Darfur province but release a couple of days later

Afghan security officials display the ammunition recovered from a place on the outskirts of Herat, Afghanistan, 16 March 2009. Afghan security forces unearthed a huge quantity of arms and ammunition on the outskirts of Herat.

School children look at the US guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan as it transits the Suez Canal near Ismailia 16 March 2009 The warship is coming from the Indian Ocean where it spent 6 months as part of the anti-piracy mission Task Force 151. On 12 February 2009 the USS Mahan responded to a merchant ship's distress call and rescue the ship and captured 9 Somali pirates

USA's Task Force Hawkins teams participates for a Army forces firing M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles at Rodriguez live fire complex, 70km north of Seoul, on Phocheon in Gyeonggi province, South Korea, on 16 March 2009. Some 25,000 South Korean and US military forces holding join in 'Key-Resolve and Foal fagle' military exercises on a possible attack from North Korea on 09-20 March