Knight Time

03/27/2013 07:23 PM CDT           Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 5:04 AM

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Scott Brown loads Knight, a dog trained to detect improvised explosive devices, into a kennel before a training session on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 19, 2013. Brown, a kennel supervisor, is assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion.

Major surgery of a rare brain tumor

Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Team at CMCH claims success

Ludhiana, 20th February, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):Skull base surgery team involving Neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons at CMCH claims to have conducted a major surgery of a rare brain tumor in a 40 year old female.This 40-year-old housewife has never thought that her difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness of speech can be due to some brain tumor. So when she was investigated for her symptoms it was found that she was having a very rare complex tumor involving skull base region of the brain. Tumor was close to many critical structures of the brain. She was refused surgery at other private institutes and was referred to CMCH for further management. This kind of complex and aggressive tumor requires high level of surgical expertise and teamwork. Skull base team at CMCH, first of its kind in region involving Neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons and Neurointerventionist headed by Dr Sarvpreet Singh Grewal decided to take up the challenge and went ahead with the surgery.

The surgical team comprised of Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawar, assistant professor neurosurgery, Dr. Ashsish Vargesh professor and head ENT, Dr Valsa Abrahem professor and head, Anesthesia. The operation lasted fifteen hours and was successful. Patient improved after surgery and was discharged on 10th day. Dr. Sukhdeep S Jhawar assistant professor neurosurgery, told our reporter that skull base region is the most difficult region of the body to operate. These tumors known as “glomus tumor” are very rare and not seen in day-to-day practice. Operations in this region require high level of surgical expertise, teamwork and institutional back up. This was a one of the first operation of this kind in region. But with recent advances and modernization we are able to do such complex cases at CMCH with our expert team.

Carter Says:

02/13/2013 02:05 PM CST    Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 1:49 AMSequestration 'Wolf' Eats at Nation's Readiness 
By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2013 - "The wolf is at the door," Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter told members of the House Armed Services committee today during testimony on the effects of sequestration – major, across-the-board spending cuts that will take effect March 1 unless Congress finds an alternative.

For 16 months, Carter said, he and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta have used the word "devastating" when describing the potential effects of sequestration on the Defense Department.

"That was then," he said. Now, with sequestration just over two weeks away, the nation faces a readiness crisis, Carter said. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out the consequences of sequester," he added. If sequestration is not averted, on March 1 the department will have to subtract $46 billion from the funds it planned to have available for the rest of this fiscal year, the deputy secretary said.

Compounding the problem of sequestration and its attendant $500 billion in across-the-board defense cuts is the continuing resolution now funding the government in place of a budget, he said.

"The continuing resolution's a different problem," Carter said. Because an appropriations bill was not signed last year, some accounts are underfunded, he explained, while others have a surplus. "There's enough money in the continuing resolution," he added. "It's in the wrong accounts."

In particular, there isn't enough in the operations and maintenance accounts, Carter said. Funding for Afghanistan will be protected, he told the panel, as will that for urgent operational needs and wounded warrior programs. In addition, Carter noted, military personnel expenses have been exempted by the president from sequestration.

But in the long term, Carter told the committee, sequestration will mean the department will be forced to discard the national security strategy it devised last year.

The Defense Department recognizes the role it plays in helping the nation address its fiscal situation, Carter said. "We have already cut $487 billion from our budget plans over the next 10 years," he noted. "I also understand that the taxpayer deserves a careful use of the defense dollar."

But, both a strategic approach to reducing the budget and good use of the taxpayer money are endangered by the chaos of the current situation, Carter said, and the abruptness and size of the cuts.

What's particularly tragic, he said, is that sequestration is not the result of an economic recession or emergency or because discretionary spending cuts are the answer for the nation's fiscal challenges.

"All this is purely the collateral damage of political gridlock," he said, "and for our troops, for the force, the consequences are very real and very personal."

The department will not have enough money to train its service members, Carter said. It will have to furlough a majority of its civilian employees, likely for 22 days between the beginning of April and the end of the year -- the maximum statutory length of time, he said.

"So there's a real human impact here," Carter said. "I'm a presidentially appointed civilian, and I can't be furloughed, but I'm going to give back a fifth of my salary ... at the end of the year, because we're asking all those people who are furloughed to give back a fifth of their salary."

Sequestration's impact also will be felt by industry, Carter said.

"The quality of the weapons produced by our defense industry is second only to the quality of our people in uniform in making our military the greatest in the world," he said. "As such, a technologically vibrant and financially successful defense industry is in the national interest."

But sequestration and other budget uncertainty may make companies less willing to invest in defense, he said.

"The cloud of uncertainty hanging over our nation's defense affairs is already having a lasting effect," Carter said. "Ultimately, the cloud of sequestration needs to be dispelled, and not just moved to the horizon.

"The world is watching," he continued. "Our friends and allies are watching, [as are] potential foes all over the world. And they need to know that we have the political will to implement the defense strategy we need."

Biographies:
Ashton B. Carter

Related Articles:
Service Chiefs Detail Sequestration Consequences 
Sequestration Will Force Moral Dilemma, Dempsey Says
Carter Warns of Readiness Crisis, Urges Delay in Cuts 
Dempsey: Budget Factors Place Defense Strategy in Jeopardy

Carter Warns of Readiness Crisis

02/12/2013 11:04 AM CST
Urges Delay in Cuts
By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2013 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter urged lawmakers today to find a way to avoid billions of dollars in cuts set to take a deep bite out of Pentagon spending in two weeks, saying the nation will face a crisis in military readiness if they take effect.

And if the current budget trend is not corrected over the longer term, Carter told the Senate Armed Services Committee, the military will have to revise its entire defense strategy within the decade and "would not be able to rapidly respond to major crises in the world or be globally positioned to deter our adversaries."

Carter's testimony came as much of official Washington braces for a March 1 deadline in which massive, across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration are set to take effect -- cuts that would remove $46 billion from the Pentagon budget over the remainder of fiscal year 2013, which ends Sept. 30.

The threatened sequester is the outcome of the unresolved dispute between Congress and the White House over how to reduce the nation's debt. The cuts will kick in unless Congress and the White House can agree on equivalent targeted spending cuts and revenue increases.

Carter told lawmakers the threat of the cuts alone already has taken a toll, and he urged Congress to delay them at the very least.

"The cloud of uncertainty hanging over our nation's defense affairs is already having lasting and irreversible effects," he said. And he called the long-term cuts contained in the budget act as "too large, too sustained for us to implement the [defense] strategy that we crafted under the president's guidance just one year ago."

Carter, appearing at the hearing along with Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, representatives of the military branches and the National Guard chief, detailed multiple areas in which the nation's military readiness and security would be affected. He warned that failure by Congress to approve a defense appropriations bill would render the nation's military no longer able to "protect much of which is of value to the country."

The deputy secretary referenced the Defense Department's pre-emptive decision not to move ahead with the scheduled deployment of at least one aircraft carrier. And if the cuts take effect, he added, troops coming back from Afghanistan will lack adequate maintenance and "won't be training in the way their profession requires them to."

Most DOD civilians would be furloughed without pay for a day a week for up to 22 weeks, the Air Force would fly below acceptable readiness standards, the Navy and Marines could see a significant reduction in operations in the Asia-Pacific region, and the Pentagon might not be able to pay all of its TRICARE medical plan bills, Carter told the senators.

"The wolf is at the door," he warned, adding that "allies, partners, friends and potential foes the world over need to know we have the political will to implement the defense strategy we've put forward."

Biographies:
Ashton B. Carter
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

Related Articles:
Dempsey: Budget Factors Place Defense Strategy in Jeopardy

With French Leaders;

01/31/2013 08:03 PM CST                      Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Carter to Discuss Mali, Broader SecurityBy Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press ServicePARIS, Jan. 31, 2013 - On his first trip to France as deputy defense secretary, Ashton B. Carter will meet with military leaders and advisers here tomorrow for talks on topics that include the French-led fight against terrorists in the West African nation of Mali.

France is Carter's first stop on a six-day trip that will include the Munich Security Conference and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and afterward visits to military and government leaders in Turkey and Jordan.

Traveling with the deputy defense secretary are several senior defense officials, among them James J. Townsend Jr., deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy.

"The French are putting together their own forces," Townsend told American Forces Press Service, "but with contributions from a lot of other nations, including the Untied States, to help the Mali government bring about some stability and deal with terrorism to the north."

French forces began military operations in Mali on Jan. 11 when they entered the country to help Mali's struggling forces fight back against what one senior defense official described as a "coalescing" over the past year of Islamic extremists in Mali.

Seeking to make the former French colony a sanctuary for their kind, the official said, extremists in Mali form a complex picture of shifting alliances that includes a mix of members of al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, along with an offshoot called MUJAO, a French acronym that stands for the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, another group called Ansar al-Din, and "numerous different traffickers of all kinds who have aligned themselves" with AQIM.

"As we go see the French," Townsend said, "the most immediate issues we'll talk about [will include] what's happening in Mali, what French planning is, what their goals are, how it's actually going, and our [and other nations'] participation in helping the French."

Among African nations, Togo, Niger and Chad are contributing to the fight in Mali, as is the African-led International Support Mission to Mali, called AFISMA. The Economic Community of West African States organized this military mission to support Mali, which is an ECOWAS member nation.

Other European nations are helping the French in Mali by airlifting supplies into the country. They include Sweden, Belgium, Spain and others, Townsend said.

This week, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little summarized U.S. contributions to efforts in Mali.

Since Jan. 11 the United States has shared intelligence with the French, he said. On Jan. 21 the U.S. began providing airlift support to the French army and on Jan. 27 began refueling support for French air operations, Little added.

As of Jan. 27, the U.S. Air Force had flown 17 C-17 sorties, moving more than 391 tons of equipment and supplies and nearly 500 French personnel into Bamako, Mali's capital, the press secretary said.

Several refueling missions also have been conducted so far, he added, noting that the United States is in constant consultation with France on their operations in Mali.

The United Nations is also engaged, Townsend said, so the French are working with the U.N Security Council.

And the senior defense official said the European Union has a "quite robust force commitment" -- up to 460 troops at the moment -- to deploy to Bamako for an initial training cycle for Malian forces that will run from April to September.

The goal, both officials say, is to help Malian forces gain the ability to control their own nation and keep it from becoming a safe haven for extremists.

During Carter's meetings here tomorrow, Townsend added, "I think we'll also talk about the broader issues, too, in terms of the implications of all of this," including recent events in Algeria, where Islamist extremists this month stormed a BP gas facility and caused the deaths of hostages and their own militants, ultimately releasing many hundreds of workers and foreigners.

Townsend said he thinks the United States and France will have to discuss how the trans-Atlantic community deals with such events.

"The French are dealing with Mali," he said, "but how will we deal with Syria, with whatever the future might hold there?"

Much instability has arisen from the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States and now from the Arab Spring unrest, the deputy assistant secretary said.

"I think Mali and our French visit shows that we're all in this together," Townsend said, "and we're trying as best we can to help one another deal with this instability, this threat to our security."

The senior defense official said circumstances necessitated a jump-start in Mali by France, but that both countries are keenly concerned about getting to the point of transition there.

"One of the most important points going forward -- and this is also a conversation with the French -- is the point at which there is some kind of handoff back to the African-led force," the official added.

"I think that will be an important transition point as events unfold," she said. "They and we agree this needs to be an African-led process and an African-led approach."

Biographies:
Ashton B. Carter
James J. Townsend Jr. 

Related Articles:
Carter to Travel to France, Germany, Jordan
Air Force Continues Support to France in Mali

March past and cultural events at CMC

Remember the responsibility towards the nation--Darshan Arora

A grand celebration at CMC hospital

Ludhiana, 26th Jan, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):The 64thRepublic day was celebrated at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana with Patriotic spirit. The program started with thanks giving service for the country at college chapel, followed by Flag hoisting, March past and cultural events by staff and  students of various colleges at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Sh. Darshan Arora emphasized the responsibility of every citizen towards the nation and then to enjoy the freedom, brought to us by our martyrs. Earlier Sh. Darshan Arora was welcomed and introduced by the Director, CMC - Dr. Abraham G. Thomas. Present on the occasion were the Administrative team, staff and students to mark the celebration. At this occasion staffs who had completed 35 years of dedicated service were honoured. The Program was organized by College of Physiotherapy and Vice Principal thanked everyone for the help extended.
Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Principal CMC, Dr S.M. Bhatti, Principal Christian Dental College, Dr.Abi M.Thomas, Principal College of Nursing Prof.(Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh, Principal College of Physiotherapy, Dr.Jeewan S.Parkash, Principal IAHS, Dr.Anup Benjamin were also present on the occasion.

India and Myanmar should Work together

22-January-2013 19:07 IST
Shri Antony conveyed the importance placed by India 

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony calls on the President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Thein Sein, in Naypyidaw, Myanmar on January 22, 2013. (PIB photo)

Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called on the President of Myanmar U Thein Sein in NayPyiTaw. Shri Antony conveyed the importance placed by India on enhancement of bilateral ties in all fields, including defence. He noted that the recent exchanges of visits between both countries at political and other levels had imparted a new momentum to the bilateral relationship. 

In the case of defence in particular, the defence minister noted that the two sides were working to consolidate ties, in mutual interest of both. He informed that the visit of all three Service Chiefs of India to Myanmar in the last 18 months reflected the desire of the Indian government to strengthen ties. These visits and other exchanges in the recent times had provided each side a better understanding of mutual concerns, needs and strengths. Shri Antony stated that as neighbours which share a land and maritime boundary, both sides should work together to address common concerns. 

The Myanmar President welcomed the enhancement of bilateral ties between both countries in all fields. He stated that Myanmar can also play the role of a bridge between India and South-East Asia. 

The President also assured that Myanmar will not allow its territory to be used by anti-India insurgent groups. He welcomed the development of cooperation between the Armed Forces of both sides to deal with challenges along the land and maritime boundaries between both countries. 

Earlier, Defence Minister met the C-in-C Defence Services of Myanmar Armed Forces Vice Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who also hosted a lunch in his honour. The C-in-C welcomed the enhancement of exchanges and interactions between the Armed Forces of both countries. In particular, he stated that such exchanges would be useful in maintaining stability in border areas. He also looked forward to enhancement of exchanges between the Navies and Air Forces of both countries. 

Yesterday, Shri Antony met the Defence Minister of Myanmar Lt Gen Wai Lwin. During these meetings, both sides discussed various issues of mutual interest and also discussed measures to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the Armed Forces of both sides. Enhancement of measures of closer and regular contacts between border forces were also discussed. 

HH/NN

We are going to continue this for next four years

01/21/2013 01:30 PM CST                                                      Tue, Jan 22, 2013 at 1:08 AM
First Lady, Dr. Biden Vow to Continue 'Joining Forces'

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2013 - Lauding Americans' increased outpouring to service members, their families and veterans, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, have vowed to continue leading the Joining Forces initiative during the next four years with a goal of creating a national culture of appreciation and support. The mission of Joining Forces is "to rally this nation to support our military families to make sure that we are supporting them – our troops and our veterans – as well as they have supported us," Obama said during an exclusive interview with Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Josh Hauser, a Pentagon Channel correspondent. "Our belief is that everyone can do something," she said. "And we have seen the country step up in ways big and small." Joining Forces has mobilized every sector of society by encouraging employers to hire veterans and military family members, promoting efforts to cut through red tape to transfer professional licenses as military spouses move between states with their loved ones, and giving teachers the tools to help military children, the first lady noted. "People have really reached out, and we have gotten such great response. We feel pretty good about that," Biden said. "And we are going to continue this for the next four years – to keep pushing that and plugging away. ... We hope this continues in our culture for years to come." As they prepared to kick off the presidential inauguration weekend by hosting a tribute to military families Jan. 19, Obama and Biden told Hauser they've seen increasing understanding among the American people of the contributions and sacrifices service members and their families make every day. "There is growing appreciation, but I think there is still more work to do," Obama said. "We want to keep shining that spotlight." Recognizing the end of U.S. military operations in Iraq and the drawdown in Afghanistan, the first lady said support for service members, veterans and military families is more important than ever. "That is not when it ends. That is when it begins," Obama said. "Because as families are making that transition to civilian life, it is going to be more important than ever before for us to show them how valued they are to us – and not just in words, but in deeds." Obama and Biden said they are struck as they meet with military families by their strength and resilience, and the maturity and adaptability of military children. "They are learning to juggle responsibilities, dealing with their emotions and dealing with the highs and lows of life in very stressful, emotional conditions," she said. "And they are succeeding. They are successful, smart, bright young people." The skills they are learning now will give them a leg up when they face other challenges in life, and an appreciation of the tradition of service that has made America great, Obama said. "Our military kids are the best that the country has to offer. So we want to make sure they know this, and they can talk about their skills in a positive way," she said. "And we want to make sure the country can appreciate and understand the uniqueness that these kids bring to any task, to any group, to any situation, so that we embrace that."   Initiative during the next four years with a goal

Related Sites: Joining Forces  Pentagon Channel Interview Special Report: Military Family Support Special Report: Inauguration 2013