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USCYBERCOM Gets Wartime Assignment

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By Debbie Gregory.

The Defense Department’s United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), the military arm of the government’s efforts in cyberspace, has received its first wartime assignment in the fight against the Islamic State. This increases the need for those trained in high tech jobs for military.

USCYBERCOM is an armed forces sub-unified command subordinate to United States Strategic Command. Founded in 2009, the command is located in Fort Meade, Maryland, and centralizes command of cyberspace operations, organizes existing cyber resources and synchronizes defense of U.S. military networks.

The Pentagon has just announced that the previous commander of the Cyber National Mission Force, Maj. Gen. George J. Franz III, is heading back to Cyber Command, where he will be director of operations. His return comes at a time when the command is stepping up efforts to hack the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq and Syria. His previous battlefield experience in Iraq and Afghanistan could come in handy in that regard.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said, “I have given the Cyber Command in the counter-ISIL fight really its first wartime assignment.” ISIL is another name for the group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Adm. Michael Rogers, the head of USCYBERCOM and director of the National Security Agency, said terrorists using cyberattacks to inflict damage on the U.S. and other nations was among his top concerns. The command has set three missions for itself that will lead to success in cyber operations: ensure DoD mission assurance, deter or defeat strategic threats to U.S. interests and infrastructure, and achieve Joint Force Commander objectives

By 2018, the Pentagon plans to have 133 cyber teams, 27 that are designed for combat to work with regional commands to support war-fighting operations. There will be 68 teams assigned to defend Defense Department networks and systems, 13 that would respond to major cyberattacks against the U.S., and 25 support teams.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Generals Lengyel and Miller Receive Noms to Lead AF Guard and Reserve

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By Debbie Gregory.

Two Air Force generals have been nominated to fill the top positions for the National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel is slated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller the next leader of the Air Force Reserve.

If confirmed, Lengyel would receive a fourth star to take over for Army Gen. Frank Grass.

“Over the course of more than three decades in the United States Air Force, whether in the cockpit of an F-16 or serving as a defense attaché overseas, Lt. Gen Lengyel has demonstrated strong and steady leadership,” Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in a statement.

Lengyel joined the Air Force in 1981, and has served in both the active and reserve components. He has more than 3,000 flight hours, mostly in the F-16.

Lengyel has served as the vice chief of the National Guard Bureau since 2012. Prior to that, he served as the Senior United States Defense Official; Chief, Office of Military Cooperation; and Defense Attaché, Cairo, United States Central Command, Cairo, Egypt.

He has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Air Medal.

Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller is currently serving as the deputy chief of the Air Force Reserve. If confirmed by the Senate, she would pin on a third star and succeed Lt. Gen. James Jackson.

If confirmed, Miller will become the first female citizen airman to achieve the rank of lieutenant general, the first female chief of Air Force Reserve, and first female commander of the Air Force Reserve Command.

Maj. Gen. Miller joined the Air Force in 1981, and has more than 4,800 flight hours in the C-5, KC-10, C-17, and other aircraft.

Miller has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among others.

She has served as the deputy chief of the Air Force Reserve since 2013.

Love Hormone Oxytocin May Help With PTSD and Anxiety

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By Debbie Gregory.

Hormone and gene therapies for anxiety and PTSD could be on the way.  Oxytocin, often called the love hormone due to its crucial role in mother-child relationships, social bonding, and intimacy, may enhance compassion of people suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)

Compassion is an outcome of emotional of empathy, and is mediated through different areas of the brain. The difficulty in the ability to feel compassion may be due to problems in the ability to identify, understand, and empathize with the other’s state of distress, i.e., difficulties in emotional and cognitive empathy.

A recent study found that a single intra-nasal dose of Oxytocin enhances compassion, both in patients with PTSD and in healthy participants – but only toward women, while it does not affect compassion toward men. From an evolutionary perspective one of the Oxytocin roles is to moderate pro-social behaviors, including compassion, mainly toward the survival of weaker and vulnerable individuals within groups, including females, pregnant females and offspring, who cannot defend themselves in nature, in light of the stress.

Scientists are also studying a number of other promising approaches to reducing fear, including treatments based on an improved genetic understanding of fear and anxiety. The gene encoding for a compound called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could be particularly important.

The prospect of BDNF gene therapy is also being investigated.

“BDNF provides some of the most powerful effects that I’ve ever seen in enhancing fear extinction,” said Raül Andero Galí, a research associate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University. He added, ““BDNF provides some of the most powerful effects that I’ve ever seen in enhancing fear extinction.”

While prescription BDNF isn’t on the immediate horizon, treating anxiety and PTSD with a combination of oxytocin and fear extinction therapy seems to be a promising option.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Commission on Care Panel Considers Closing VA Healthcare Facilities

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By Debbie Gregory.

In Section 202 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, Congress established the Commission on Care to examine veterans’ access to VA healthcare. The commission was also tasked with how best to organize the Veterans Health Administration, locate health resources, and deliver healthcare to veterans over the next 20 years. The Commission reports to the President of the United States through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

In an interim report, the Commission on Care is weighing a radical proposal to eliminate all VA medical centers and outpatient facilities over the next 20 years, and transition veterans to the private sector for healthcare. The VA eventually would become primarily a payer, much like Medicare

Veterans would have immediate access to private health services. The VA health facilities would gradually close, beginning with the facilities that are the most obsolete or underutilized.

The seven commission members whose names appear on the document were headed up by Commissioner David Blom, president and CEO of the Ohio Health system, who is credited as author of the report.

Blom wrote that the healthcare needs of veterans are not being met under the current system and that the goal is to “meet the needs of every veteran.”

“The commission finds the current VA healthcare system is seriously broken, and because of the breadth and depth of the shortfalls, there is no efficient path to repair it,” Blom and other commission members wrote in the report, created as part of an overall effort to explore VA healthcare reform options.

Under the proposal, veterans would be able to receive care at any provider that accepts VA payments or Medicare. Doctors would be reimbursed at rates 5 percent to 10 percent higher than Medicare rates to encourage them to participate.

However, there are several veterans’ organizations and VA officials who disagree with the proposal, saying that the VA health system performs better on outpatient measures than civilian, Medicare and Medicaid health maintenance organizations.

A final report from the commission is due by June.

VA Releases Two Women’s Mobile Health Apps

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By Debbie Gregory.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offices of Women’s Health Services and Connected Care has released two applications (apps) that will assist in providing healthcare assistance to women.

The Preconception Care app addresses a variety of factors that pertain to women of child-bearing ages, including birth control usage, reproductive history, health status, family and genetic history and risks, vaccinations received and lifestyle factors.

The Caring4Women Veterans app address the unique physical and mental health issues that affect women veterans. Women veterans have health care needs that differ from both male veterans and the general female population. Because many women veterans seek health care outside of the VA system, it is important that both their VA and non-VA care team members have the resources necessary to provide informed and comprehensive care.

The apps are an example of how the VA is trying to make itself more attractive to women, one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran population.

While the apps were originally developed for women veterans, both apps are also valuable for Veterans and other individuals. For example, the Preconception Care app also provides resources for women curious to learn more about many topics including birth control methods, vaccinations, and how to plan for pregnancy. The Caring4Women Veteran app provides information and access to resources for women seeking community support.

Find the direct download links for Apple and Android App Stores on the Preconception Care and Caring4Women Veterans pages of the VA Mobile App Store.

If you need assistance with the Caring4WomenVeterans app, dial 1-855-500-2025 to speak with a VA representative. The Help Desk is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. For TTY assistance, dial 711.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Veteran Suicide Prevention Act H.R. 4640 Introduced

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By Debbie Gregory.

Congressman David Jolly (FL-13) and Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District have co-sponsored legislation mandating the Department of Veterans Affairs to review veteran suicide deaths during the past five years and study any correlation between those deaths and psychiatric drug prescriptions.

The bipartisan legislation, called the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 4640), would study the medications that veterans were taking at the time of their death by suicide.

The FDA’s MedWatch adverse drug event reporting system reveals that between 2004 and 2012, the federal agency received more than 14,000 reports on psychiatric drugs causing violent side effects. There are 22 international drug regulatory warnings on psychiatric drugs, citing mania, hostility, violence, abnormal behavior and suicidal behavior.

The legislation would require the VA to record the total number of veterans who have died by suicide during the past five years, compile a comprehensive list of the medications prescribed to and found in the systems of such veterans at the time of their deaths, and report which Veterans Health Administration facilities have disproportionately high rates of psychiatric drug prescription and suicide among veterans treated at those facilities.  The VA would then compile the results of the report and come up with a plan of action for improving the safety and well-being of veterans.

“It is critical that we understand whether there is any impact of certain psychiatric drugs prescribed for issues like P.T.S.D., depression or traumatic brain injuries, on the decision of a veteran to take their own life,” Jolly said. “With veterans dying by suicide at a heartbreaking rate, we need to take a hard look at all possible factors in order to help prevent these tragedies.”

“Data suggest that every 65 minutes a veteran takes his or her own life,” Rep. Titus said.  “This is unacceptable. One way to address the problem is to determine if any associations exist between suicide and medical treatments our veterans may be receiving for service-related conditions. Accordingly, this bill is a prudent first step in ending this crisis and letting our troops know that when they come home they are not alone.”

 

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Veterans Groups, Lawmakers Oppose GI Bill Cuts for Veterans Housing Benefits

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By Debbie Gregory.

Veteran advocates and House lawmakers rallied on Capitol Hill to oppose cuts to the Post 9/11 GI Bill Veterans Housing benefit for dependents that they say would break a “sacred” trust.

While the move would result in a savings of approximately $773 million over the next 10 years, Rep. Tim Walz, (D-Minn.) said, “This goes back on a promise that all of us here are unwilling to break. In the entire federal budget, there is nowhere else to fund [veterans] programs? That cannot stand.”

Officials from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) said the move goes back on a promise made to those families that the full benefit would be available when they need it, and for the first time pulls money out of the GI Bill to fund outside programs.

Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of IAVA, said, “This is about keeping a promise, investing in the future, about retention and recruiting and morale. Find the money somewhere else. Either you’re with us or against us.”

“When we ask our troops to make a promise to us to run into battle, we don’t accept it when they turn around and say, ‘You know what, now that the bullets are flying the cost is a little bit high,” Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said. “So how dare we decide years later after we’ve made this promise, after people have enlisted or stayed in the military partly partially because of this benefit, to say, ‘You know what, we decide it’s too expensive, you cost us too much.’”

But officials from Student Veterans of America (SVA) said that the issue isn’t that black and white. Derek Fronabarger, SVA’s director of policy, challenged the idea that the legislative proposal amounts to “cuts” in veterans housing benefits, saying that the cuts will impact dependents, not servicemembers.

And the savings from the change would go to pay for a host of other programs, resulting in a difficult choice, pro or con.

Walz suggested Congress instead cut bonuses to VA employees, which have been deep in scandal over wrongdoing for the past two years. But Walz said he will vote against the entire omnibus bill if the reduction in housing stipends remains.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

IBM and VA Work Together for Improved Brain Health for Veterans

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Last year, IBM launched its new Veterans Employment initiative to help veterans and military spouses through its i2 Analyst’s Notebook software. Now, IBM is once again

doing its part for veterans by co-sponsoring and participating in VA’s Brain Trust: Pathways to InnoVAtion in Washington, D.C., April 20 and 21. This is the first ever public-private partnership event focused on brain health.

The Pathways to InnoVAtion is an unprecedented and diverse gathering of world-class brain health leadership and expertise will foster collaboration among private industry, national/professional sports organizations, the Federal government, innovators, scientists, athletes, clinicians, care-givers, and veterans.

Joining many of the world’s brightest brain research scientists at the event are: sports commentator Bob Costas, General Peter Chiarelli, founder of One Mind, and the former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, former U.S. Women’s Soccer Player Briana Scurry, author Jeanne Marie Laskas former professional wrestler, author, and founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation Chris Nowinski, emmy award winner Terry O’Neil, representatives from the NFL Players Association, the NFL, the NCAA and DARPA.

Brain Trust: Pathways to InnoVAtion will build upon the outcomes of the VA TBI research conference held in August 2015. Through accelerated teamwork and partnering exercises, the event will endeavor to identify critical brain health solutions in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of individuals stricken with the effects of mTBI and/or PTSD. The work at Brain Trust will not only serve Veterans and Service-members, but ultimately all Americans afflicted with these issues.

The event will be held at the National Press Club and the IBM Institute for Electronic Government .

IBM is a corporate sponsor of VAMBOA, the Veteran and Military Business Owners Association.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

U.S. Navy Seizes Weapons Headed to Yemen

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By Debbie Gregory.

For the third time in two months, the U.S. Navy has seized an illicit shipment of arms, including machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, that officials said originated in Iran and were intended for rebels in Yemen.

Iran backs the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are fighting the internationally recognized government, which is backed by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia, Iran’s chief rival in the region.

The USS Sirocco, a coastal patrol ship, along with the USS Gravely, a larger guided-missile destroyer, seized the weapons on March 28th  from a small craft known as a dhow. The cache included some 1,500 Kalashnikov rifles, 200 rocket-propelled grenade launchers and 21 .50-caliber machine guns. The dhow and its crew were allowed to depart once the weapons were seized.

Retired Navy Adm. Jim Stavridis, who led a carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf at the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, said the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and northern Arabian Sea have been hotbeds of smuggling for many years.

“Our naval forces, and those of our partners, will continue to conduct maritime security operations in the region in order to disrupt the flow of illicit weapons to Houthi insurgents in Yemen,” said Cmdr. Kevin Stephens, a Navy spokesman in the Middle East. Earlier seizures included the Royal Australian Navy’s seizure of nearly 2,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 100 RPG launchers, 49 PKM machine guns, 39 PKM machine gun barrels and 20 60mm mortar tubes, and the French navy destroyer FS Provence’s seizure of approximately 2,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 64 Dragunov marksman rifles, and nine antitank missiles.

The ships are part of the Combined Maritime Forces led by Adm. Kevin Donegan, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Lucca, Three-legged Marine Dog Receives Medal for Valor

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By Debbie Gregory.

Earlier this month, a brave U.S. canine warrior was awarded the PDSA Dicken Medal — the animal equivalent of the British Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for valor in the U.K. at Wellington Barracks in London, England.

U.S.Marine dog Lucca served on 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She served under two handlers, Gunnery Sgt. Chris Willingham and Corporal Juan Rodriguez, before a hidden bomb resulted in the loss of one of her legs, ending her six-year military career. Just prior to the blast, Lucca had already sniffed out 30 pounds of explosives.

But what a career she had! The 12-year-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, trained to sniff out weapons and explosives, never lost a single soldier on her watch.

Willingham specialized in the training of military dogs when he and 2-year-old Lucca first met.

“She had a lot of expression in her face, with these intently focused eyes. You could tell she was trying to figure me out right away,”  Willingham recalled about their meeting.

Lucca again looked intently at Willingham as he put the Dickin Medal around her neck.

Her handler at the time of the explosion, Corporal Rodriguez, said that Lucca had saved his life many times. Ever loyal in return, Rodriguez never left Lucca’s side during the emergency surgery, and slept alongside her during her recovery at a U.S. base in Kandahar.

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Lucca’s bandage had the U.S. Marine Corps motto – semper fi, or “always loyal” hand written on it.

Since entering her well-deserved retirement, Lucca was adopted by her original trainer and handler, Chris Willingham and his family.

“She enjoys family walks and loves getting into the water,” Willingham said. “Other than that, just laying on the couch, relaxing and kind of just enjoying her retirement.”

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.


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