http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-02-11T15:54:03+00:00
@ L.S., Stick around, we'll get to know each other...(chuckle).

I think your idea is a very good one. I would add to that since folks are going to interact with civilians in conflict zones, a course in disease recognition and symtomology would be an asset.

You don't have to be a doctor to recognize something like dysentary for instance, if you know what to look for.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/fieldcraft_training_civilian_response_corps/ Fri Sep 04, 2009
Sounds like a great course! I think these sorts of active and practical-applications courses will bear fruit beyond just the intended training effects. The bonding among a self-selecting group of people who're interested in (or at least preparing for) missions to hostile areas will be invaluable down the road.

I'm just a civilian and don't have much experience with these kinds of things, but I think the addition of medical training that gives your students the training and opportunity to start an IV on each other would enrich the experience immeasurably. Arguably, IV training for the military (in the CLS courses and IFAC) has been tremendously helpful. You guys should consider it!

(looking around nervously. "No, you don't know me. Why do you ask?" *grin*)]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/fieldcraft_training_civilian_response_corps/ Thu Sep 03, 2009
This sounds very intense.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/fieldcraft_training_civilian_response_corps/ Tue Sep 01, 2009
Seems to me one of the best ways to detect an IED buried by the side of the road, is though thermal imaging.

Disturbed ground will be cooler for some time ( a few hours ) than undisturbed soil and it may be possible to detect via standard night vision equip.

However, a vehical born (land or air) thermal imaging system would have more sensitivity, range, and work in the daytime as well.

UAV's would make for good convoy scouts, and no patrol or PRT should be otside the wire without one as far as force protection is concerned.

In most cases, it's no secret to the insugent that you are coming, so you need to know where the ambush will happen before you get there.

I'm sure this isn't exactly news to anyone, but I hope to see IED's become Impractical Efforts of Destruction rather than the most effective tool of terrorists.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/fieldcraft_training_civilian_response_corps/ Tue Sep 01, 2009