Glenn

In a rare and unprecedented turn of events, a song played a pivotal role in the awarding of the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony in September. Captain Larry Taylor, an 81-year-old former U.S. Army officer and helicopter pilot, received the prestigious decoration for his courageous actions during the Vietnam War, specifically on the night of June 18, 1968.

Taylor’s bravery, flying his AH-1G Cobra helicopter gunship out of the Phu Loi base camp north of Saigon, was immortalized in the song “No Man Left Behind.” Written by Taylor himself two years ago in collaboration with professional songwriters Steve Dean and Don Goodman, founders of the organization Freedom Sings USA, the song served as a therapeutic outlet for veterans dealing with combat-related trauma through music and writing.

Steve Dean had the honour of singing Taylor’s words at the White House ceremony, capturing the essence of the harrowing experience: “Four men were surrounded, outnumbered and outgunned… Looking back on that day, we were in the hands of God… Looking back on that war, they wouldn’t let us win, If I could do it over, I’d do it all again.”

One of the four men rescued by Taylor that fateful night, Dave Hill, now 75 and residing in Nevada, shared the incredible tale of Taylor’s courage under intense fire from Vietcong forces. Disobeying orders to return to base, Taylor risked his life for a long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) surrounded by the enemy and out of ammunition.

Hill, attending the White House ceremony, recounted, “I think he perfectly captured the experience in the song. In just three minutes, he tells the story not just of what was done, but why it was done.” Hill, a strong advocate for Taylor’s recognition, joined Freedom Sings to support the campaign to upgrade Taylor’s Silver Star to a Medal of Honor.

The song, encapsulating Taylor’s heroic actions, gained widespread attention with over 100,000 views on YouTube. Interviews with Taylor conducted by Freedom Sings executive director Bobbie Allison-Standefer further contributed to the campaign’s success.

Started in 2012, Freedom Sings has become a nationwide initiative with chapters in Arkansas, Colorado, Tennessee, and beyond. The organization, founded by accomplished songwriters Goodman and Dean, provides a platform for veterans to express their experiences through music. Over 700 songs have been recorded and released to date.

“It’s vet-to-vet therapy,” explained Allison-Standefer, emphasizing the ongoing support provided to veterans. The organization conducts weekly online Zoom classes, in-person meetings, and special retreats, bringing together veterans from different eras.

At the White House ceremony, a frail Taylor, battling the last stages of cancer, was visibly moved. The lyrics of the song had to be adjusted that day to reflect the Medal of Honor, replacing the reference to the Silver Star. As Dean sang, “They awarded me the Medal of Honor, but I was just doin’ my job, the things that I did that day are always on my mind.” The ceremony marked not only Taylor’s recognition but also the extraordinary impact of a song in honouring a hero’s selfless actions.

Increased recruitment for defence is imperative, as acknowledged by the previous government, which aimed to expand the “whole-of-Defence” workforce to approximately 100,000 personnel.  The expansion was emphasized for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to effectively navigate the evolving landscape in the coming decades. The growth in personnel, as outlined by the then Defence minister, was intended to support the development of nuclear-powered submarines, ships, aircraft, and advanced weapons, enhancing capabilities in space, information, and cyber domains.

Despite the recognized necessity for growth, there are consistent reports of challenges hindering the fulfillment of the government’s identified requirements. Prospective recruits often express dissatisfaction with the extensive and laborious application process, which appears more inclined towards eliminating those lacking complete commitment to joining the ADF.

In response to concerns, a Defence spokesperson clarified that the approach to recruitment is aimed at “recruit in, not screen out,” employing diverse methods to enhance candidate success while maintaining entry standards. Nevertheless, feedback from potential recruits frequently highlights the prolonged duration of the application process. Various complaints on platforms like Reddit echo frustrations from current and former applicants and service personnel.

The Defence spokesperson revealed statistics indicating that between January 2018 and January 2023, an annual average of 259 candidates withdrew their ADF application for diverse reasons. Additionally, an average of 19.2% of applicants annually failed to complete their online Job Opportunities Assessment, while 17.8% were withdrawn due to extended non-contact with Defence Force Recruiting (DFR).

Considering these figures, the critical question arises: What is the conversion rate of applicants who successfully commence employment with the ADF? The Defence spokesperson disclosed that as of November 2023, the conversion rate stands at 8.6 to 1 from the pool of applicants to candidates commencing ADF employment.

These insights prompt a deeper exploration of recruitment and attraction strategies, especially in light of public sentiments revealed by a 2022 poll conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs. The poll questioned Australians about their willingness to defend the nation, with 46% expressing a readiness to stay and fight, 28% preferring to leave the country, and 26% remaining unsure. Notably, those inclined to leave were primarily of Middle Eastern descent.

Analysing this data alongside the imperative for the ADF to expand to meet operational requirements presents a stark reality. It also raises questions about the utilization of the existing uniformed workforce within the Australian Defence Force, particularly when compared to the apparent effectiveness of uniformed workforces in regional and global partner nations.

For years, the HUMVEE stood as a symbol of robust American design synonymous with durability. However, the conflicts in the Middle East exposed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of IEDs and urban warfare. The necessity for a revolutionary military vehicle became evident, leading to the emergence of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV. Engineered for versatility, it can be customized to meet the requirements of any mission, whether it involves deploying bunker-busting and anti-tank missiles or providing enhanced armour for troop protection. The JLTV’s impact is not limited to U.S. borders; with contracts for over 19,000 units, it has garnered attention from armed forces worldwide. An advanced A2 version is on the horizon, incorporating even more environmentally friendly electric options. As the HUMVEE takes a backseat, the JLTV is steering military strategy toward a new era marked by unparalleled adaptability and protection.

The Battle of Suoi Bong Trang, which took place on February 23-24, 1966, was a confrontation between US, Australian, and New Zealand forces, and the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. This engagement occurred within the scope of Operation Rolling Stone, an American security operation aimed at safeguarding engineers constructing a strategically significant road near Tan Binh in central Binh Duong Province, approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Bien Hoa airbase.

The conflict involved troops from the US 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), which was attached for the operation. These forces successfully defended against a regimental-sized Viet Cong night assault. The Viet Cong, repelled by concentrated firepower from artillery and tanks, suffered substantial casualties and withdrew by morning. Following the attack, there was no pursuit of the Viet Cong by the American and Australian forces, as their focus shifted to securing the battlefield and evacuating their own casualties. Despite occasional sniper and mortar fire from the Viet Cong in the aftermath, these tactics proved ineffective, and the road construction was completed by March 2.

In February 1966, as part of an American road-building initiative challenging the Viet Cong’s mobility around Saigon, the US 1st Engineer Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Howard Sargent, was constructing an all-weather road in central Binh Duong Province. This road aimed to disrupt communist supply routes and connect various zones while extending the South Vietnamese government’s authority. In response to Viet Cong harassment against the engineers, Operation Rolling Stone was launched by elements of the US 1st Division, with the US 1st Brigade tasked to guard engineers on a rotating basis and conduct probing operations against Viet Cong positions.

Simultaneously, 1 RAR, led by Lieutenant Colonel Alex Preece, detached from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade, was placed under the operational command of the US 1st Division until March 5. This decision was based on the Australians’ reputation for dispersed, aggressive patrolling. The Australian forces, supported by vehicles, helicopters, and artillery, were assigned the mission to protect the engineer base and road work parties.

By February 19, 1 RAR took over from the US 38th Infantry Regiment and implemented a dispersed patrolling strategy, reducing Viet Cong activity. Suspecting a major attack, the Australians, by February 22, engaged Viet Cong Main Force elements, escalating tensions. The night of February 23-24 saw a significant Viet Cong assault, involving three battalions from the 9th Division.

The battle ensued with 1 RAR adopting an all-round defensive position. US reinforcements, including tanks and artillery, were brought in to defend the Brigade Headquarters. The Viet Cong initiated a night assault with mortar and small arms fire, met by intense American and Australian firepower. Although the Australian position faced mortar attacks, the Viet Cong’s attempt was futile, and they suffered heavy losses.

Casualties included 89 dead and 11 wounded Viet Cong, primarily inflicted by American forces. The US-Australian combined force experienced limited casualties, with 11 Americans and two Australians killed, and 72 Americans and two Australians wounded. The battlefield aftermath revealed significant Viet Cong casualties, equipment capture, and destruction of American tanks and personnel carriers.

In summary, the Battle of Suoi Bong Trang was a decisive victory for the US-Australian forces and stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the US-Australian forces in repelling a determined Viet Cong assault. Their coordinated efforts not only secured the battlefield but also ensured the completion of the strategically significant road by March 2, thereby achieving the objectives set forth by Operation Rolling Stone.

In a shocking revelation, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital, Ahmed Kahlot, has admitted that the medical facility was used as a military outpost by the militant group Hamas. This disclosure came during an interrogation by Shin Bet, the Israel Security Agency, shedding light on a dark secret that implicates not only Hamas but also raises concerns about the violation of international laws protecting medical facilities during conflicts.

Kahlot, who has been associated with Hamas since 2010, disclosed that the hospital staff, including doctors and nurses, were not only aware of but actively involved in military operations conducted by Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades and Islamic Jihad’s Quds Brigades. While suspicions regarding the hospital’s dual role had been circulating, this admission provides concrete evidence of the extent to which civilian structures were exploited for military purposes.

In a surprising twist, Kahlot did not mince words when expressing his disdain for Hamas leaders. Accusing them of cowardice, he revealed, “The leaders of Hamas are cowards. They left us in the field while they’re hiding in secret places. The people are the ones who pay the price. (…) They destroyed us.” This internal criticism highlights a growing disillusionment within the ranks of Hamas, especially after enduring two and a half months of war.

The admission by Kahlot corroborates long-standing claims by Israel that Hamas exploits hospitals for military purposes. The transformation of a hospital into a military hub not only endangers the lives of the hospital staff but also poses a severe challenge to the sanctity of medical facilities during times of conflict. This revelation reinforces concerns about the use of human shields, as terrorist groups strategically deploy their operations within civilian structures, believing that their humanitarian nature will deter targeted attacks.

The criticism from Kahlot, someone intimately connected with the workings of Hamas, invites reflection on the tactics employed by the terror group. The revelation not only exposes the exploitation of hospitals for military purposes but also underscores the internal strife within Hamas. As the conflict rages on, such revelations might further erode support for the organization, both domestically and on the international stage.

In conclusion, the admission of Hamas’s use of Kamal Adwan hospital for military operations raises serious ethical and legal questions. The exploitation of civilian structures for military purposes not only endangers lives but also challenges the fundamental principles safeguarding humanitarian institutions during times of conflict.

In southwest Iceland, a volcano has erupted, expelling molten rock into the air after weeks of heightened earthquake activity, prompting evacuations, according to the country’s Meteorological Office. The eruption occurred approximately four kilometres from the town of Grindavik on Monday night, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Grindavik had been evacuated in November due to intense seismic activity that damaged homes and raised concerns of an impending eruption.

Images and live streams from the local news outlet RUV depicted lava spewing from fissures in the ground. Icelandic police elevated their alert level, and the country’s civil defence cautioned the public against approaching the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg expressed serious concerns, fearing that the eruption could set back climate change efforts and pose increased danger to the world.

Fortunately, the town of Grindavik and its crucial power plant remain safe for now. Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, the infrastructure minister, acknowledged the unpredictability of nature, stating, “I think it’s very difficult to say anything when nature is involved, but as it seems to be drawing up this morning, we seem to have been quite lucky with the location and development (of the eruption), and we hope that will continue.”

In mid-November, 3,400 Grindavik residents were evacuated amid shaking ground, cracked roads, and structural damage to buildings. One month later, many are still residing in temporary accommodation, uncertain if they will ever return home.

The Earth’s surface crack, measuring around 3.5 kilometres in length, has rapidly expanded. The eruption is releasing 100 to 200 cubic meters of lava per second, significantly more than previous eruptions in the area, according to the Meteorological Office.

Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a scientist who surveyed the site from a coast guard research flight, estimated that twice as much lava had already spewed compared to the entire month-long eruption on the peninsula earlier in the summer. Although the eruption is expected to decrease in intensity, its duration remains uncertain.

Reykjanes, the affected region, is a volcanic and seismic hot spot southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. In March 2021, a spectacular eruption occurred in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, featuring lava fountains from a 500-750-meter-long fissure in the ground.

In a historic declaration, Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius asserted, “We stand prepared to defend NATO’s territory.” This momentous decision marks the first instance in NATO’s history where Germany has committed to the permanent deployment of its army soldiers to another European nation. More than 5,000 German troops are set to be stationed in NATO ally Lithuania, strategically positioned just ten miles from the Russian border.

This unprecedented move is a direct response to Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine and heightened verbal threats towards various European nations. It serves as a pointed message to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius formally announcing the deployment of German forces to the Baltic region. Pistorius emphasized, “We are sending a clear signal to all who may pose a threat to peace and security in Europe.”

Given Lithuania’s modest army of 15,000 soldiers, Germany’s decision is warmly welcomed, especially considering Russia’s proximity to the shared border. Tensions between Russia and Lithuania have been escalating over the past year, exacerbated by the NATO member’s suspension of cargo traffic to Kaliningrad. Last summer, Lithuania remained on high alert due to concerns about potential Russian retaliatory actions, and in August of this year, along with Latvia and Poland, it faced nuclear threats from Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko boldly declared, “We will use them immediately if aggression is directed against us.” Meanwhile, Putin dismissed warnings from NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. President Joe Biden regarding Russia’s potential invasion of more countries following its actions in Ukraine. Notably, a military buildup has been observed along the Russian-Finnish border.

This dismissive stance was reiterated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who remarked, “The fact that serious people like the President of the United States are saying this out loud says a lot about their desperate situation.” The deployment of German troops to Lithuania is anticipated to be fully realized by the year 2027, marking a significant development in NATO’s efforts to address regional security concerns.