Readers;

Welcome to another edition of the Blackwater Tactical Weekly.  As we try to remain relevant in today`s environment, we are always looking for ways to make the BTW better.

Since this is your publication, we are asking you to tell us what you like about the BTW, what you dislike, what you`d like to see, what you don`t want to see and any way you think we can improve the magazine.  Our goal is to service you, our audience.

We`ll look at your suggestions and incorporate them as we can.  Please send all comments to:  btw@blackwaterusa.com

Thanks, for your support and readership.  We hope that you enjoy this week`s issue with a focus on homeland security issues.

John Wrenn
Editor, Blackwater Tactical Weekly
Director, Corporate Communications

"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."

-Napoleon Bonaparte

REAL ID - Today`s driver`s licenses provide little protection against fraud, identity theft or terrorist attack.

Houston Chronicle

Excellent editorial about pros and cons of new ID requirements.

The object of tightening security provisions against terrorist attack is to get the most safety for the least money and inconvenience. The REAL ID rules announced Friday by the Department of Homeland Security come close to doing that.

US security chief sees Europe as main threat for extremism

AFP

Report on Secretary Chertoff statement on Europe as a source for terrorism.

Europe is increasingly seen as a staging post for potential attacks on the United States, the US Secretary of Homeland Security told the BBC Wednesday, indicating tougher checks on travellers.

Real fears

Guardian
Crispin Black

Mr. Black presents a British view about HLS Secretary`s view of Europe and the current threat.

There`s no point in being defensive about Michael Chertoff`s characterisation of Europe as a breeding ground for terrorism. He`s right

US Secretary for Homeland Security Michael Chertoff`s description of Europe as a possible "platform" for a terrorist attack against the US is annoying, ironic and worrying.

Full Story

House sends defense bill back to committee for revision

Congress Daily
Megan Scully

Although not a homeland security article, this is relevant to our industry as the revised authorization bill contains policy initiatives that are designed to increase oversight of the Defense Department and contractors.

The House agreed Tuesday night to send the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill back to the House Armed Services Committee, a move that will allow lawmakers to revise a provision that sparked an unexpected veto and bring it back to the House floor under the suspension calendar, likely Wednesday.

Guantanamo mission mitigates global risk, mullen says

Special to American Forces Press Service
Spc. Shanita Simmons, USA

Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen discusses importance and possible future of Gitmo.

U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, Jan. 14, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited the naval station here yesterday to share his vision for the joint services and express his gratitude to those serving here.

Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen toured the new Expeditionary Legal Complex and the detention facilities, where he thanked servicemembers guarding detainees for their service. He also met with servicemembers in a "town hall" meeting, where he discussed goals for the military and Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

Forest fire jihad being threatened on terrorist websites

National Terror Alert Response Center

An example of asymmetric warfare and the threat we face at home.

U.S. officials monitoring terrorist web sites have discovered a call for using forest fires as weapons against "crusader" nations, in what may explain some recent wildfires in places like southern California and Greece.

A terrorist website was discovered recently that carried a posting that called for "Forest Jihad." The posting was listed on the Internet on Nov. 26 and reported in U.S. intelligence channels last week.

Al-Qaeda training white army of terror

National Terror Alert Response Center

A new threat to the UK.  Would this be possible here at home?

Hundreds of British non-Muslims have been recruited by al-Qaeda to wage war against the West, senior security sources warned last night.

As many as 1,500 white Britons are believed to have converted to Islam for the purpose of funding, planning and carrying out surprise terror attacks inside the UK, according to one MI5 source.

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Executive Order:  National Security Professional Development

White House
George W. Bush

Ever wonder how the leadership views homeland security?  Here is the letter from the President authorizing professional development for homeland security.  The second link is to the actual National Strategy for Homeland Security.  It is a long read (62 pages) but it shows the federal governments approach to homeland security.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to enhance the national security, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Executive Order

HLS National Security Strategy

Bhutto`s death turned into malware bait

Security Pro News
Doug Caverly

Great piece on how vulnerable our computer systems are as we rely more and more on electronic media for our news.

Virus authors often try to capitalize on current events, and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has proven to be a popular target; just hours after the former Prime Minister of Pakistan was killed, malware distributors spread files claiming to show her death.

Aerosol spray weapon refresher, - aerosol weapons are an important tool in the non-lethal arsenal

Officer.com
Steve Ashley

Something to think about as we choose our kit for the daily grind.

There has been a great deal of attention focused on electronic control devices of late... you know, TASERs.  While everyone is thinking about, researching, and developing training for TASERs, it`s possible to lose sight of the broader picture - TASERs aren`t the only non-lethal weapon in the police arsenal

Free Terrorism Daily Newsletter Now Available as an RSS Feed

Tactical Equipment Evaluation

Glock Model 30 .45ACP

Across the years I`ve owned a number of Glock pistols.  I have a couple in my gun safe as I type this.  I`ve also been a fan of the .45ACP since I was introduced to it in the Army (back in the day).  The "big debate" that rages between smaller caliber high capacity weapons versus bigger caliber lower capacity weapons seems to rear its ugly head at various times and in unexpected places.  The Glock 30, for me, was a happy compromise offering a large caliber decent capacity weapon in a comfortably sized package.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.borelliconsulting.com/evals/guns/g30.htm

Recreational Equipment Review

Cost Effective Precision Rifle

With my two oldest children in the service and my youngest son looking up to them as his heroes, I recently found myself getting a request from that ten year old for a "sniper rifle" like his older brother`s.  Now the older brother`s rifle is a custom built .308 that has a significant cost attached.  There was no way I could get one like that for a ten year old - and it would be too big / heavy for him anyway.  My solution?  A .22Magnum bolt gun modified with a custom finish, acceptable scope and quick detach bipod.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.borelliconsulting.com/recevals/huntfish/sniper10.htm

Black Five (http://www.blackfive.net/)
Blackwater Facts (http://www.blackwaterfacts.com/
Blogs of War (http://www.blogsofwar.com/)
Fifteen Months (http://www.fifteenmonths.blogspot.com/)
Iraq Slogger (http://www.iraqslogger.com/)
The Long War Journal (http://www.longwarjournal.org/)
Small Wars Journal (http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/)
The Spy Who Billed Me (http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/)

The Blackwater Tactical Weekly is a free weekly e-publication.

The BTW provides readers valuable information from diverse sources regarding tactical and strategic security issues.

Editor-in-Chief -Gary Jackson (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Managing Editor - John Wrenn (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Frank’s Review - Frank Borelli (frank@borelliconsulting.com)
Chaplain’s Corner - Chaplain D. R. Staton(chpln1@verizon.net)
Advertising - (btw@blackwaterusa.com)

Questions regarding Security Consulting or Training at Blackwater (252) 435-2488

Editorial Calendar:
Each week, the BTW will be geared toward a distinct market sector.

1st Monday of Month First Responder
2nd Monday of Month Military
3rd Monday of Month Homeland Security
4th Monday of Month Corporate Security
5th Monday of Month (if applicable) Editor’s Choice

The weekly theme may change at the discretion of the Editor based on current events.

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