Readers;

Well here we are on the cusp of summer, which brings its own challenges. You'll find a couple of articles dedicated to exercising safely and eating smart as the temperature warms up.

The other summer constant we can usually count on is the rising cost of gas as the demand of summer vacations put the squeeze on fuel supplies. Of course this year we are experiencing a greater than normal increase in general and it is affecting our public infrastructure in ways many did not anticipate or budget for. See the article on ways governmental departments are coping.

Thanks also for all the positive responses to our cowboy article courtesy of one of our readers. Amazing how one editorial can generate so much discussion. Additionally, we got some great feedback on our continuing coverage of the problems plaguing our southern border.

Lastly, along with the normal news, there are a couple of good stories about vets taking care of vets, and a piece about an active duty sailor looking after those that have fallen to ensure they are not forgotten.

Remember to stay safe and beware of the heat.

John Wrenn
Managing Editor, Blackwater Tactical Weekly
Director, Corporate Communications

USO and Blackwater Worldwide
Together as Worldwide Strategic Partners
May 2008
Dana C. Richardson

Blackwater and the USO have entered into a strategic partnership to support our military personnel worldwide.

The USO supports our troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to the men and women in uniform. The USO began providing service to military members during World War II and 67 years later continues to support service members at various duty stations worldwide along with those deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom...

Blackwater is offering a new K-9 Tactical Course

Now is the time to register for the Blackwater K-9 Tactical Course June 16-19, 2008. This course is 3.5 days and is designed to educate the working dog handler and his canine partner

with advanced skills in tactical dog handling with faced with high-risk/high-threat situations. This is a challenging course that will test the handler's decision-making ability.

This course is approved by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for twenty eight (28) hours of Law Enforcement In-Service Training credit.

For more information visit: http://www.blackwaterusa.com/courses/AT_nc_k9.html

To register for the class please call Michele at (252) 435-2035 or email her at:
training@blackwaterusa.com

The Backup Training Corporation is the premier digital training provider for law enforcement. Known for outstanding computer based training courses, their training is used in more than 9,600 police departments nationwide. Courses are approved for in-service training in 39 states and college credits are available. The library of 46 courses totals over 300 hours of free training to sworn officers, military and corrections personnel who act in a law enforcement capacity. Partnerships with several colleges provide funding for the training and the only cost to the officer is a $6 per course charge to shipping and handling.- Click here to subscribe or learn more!

To view the latest contract opportunities at Blackwater, visit our Contract Web Page

TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION AND SUBMIT YOUR RESUME CLICK HERE
Questions regarding Security Consulting or Training at Blackwater (252) 435-2488 or email webmaster@blackwaterusa.com

Analysis of the problem that inadequate training in new technology presents commanders on the modern battlefield.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The first three armed ground robots deployed onto a battlefield are stuck behind sandbags and are not patrolling Iraqi streets as its inventors envisioned, said a senior executive with its manufacturer, Foster-Miller Inc.

Good overview of new re-breather systems that have a tracker, emergency alarms, refillable air bottles, and individually fitted face masks.

Cochrane FIRE/EMS will be able to better serve the community and improve their own safety with the addition of 35 new NXG7 self-contained breathing apparatus.

News on additional threats to computer data.

Researchers have developed techniques for stealing computer data from a computer using some unlikely hacking tools: cameras and telescopes.

Congress is looking at problem of terrorists using internet as a form of information operations.

A Senate Committee isn't happy with the way terrorist groups embraced online video and the web browser as a recruitment tool.

Tactical Equipment Evaluation

Over the course of the past ten years I've enjoyed testing more than my fair share of knives. Some companies make excellent fixed blades. Other companies make great folders. Few do both equally well. As I dug through my gear for last week's article on Bugout Bags I realized that there are three folders I pretty consistently depend on even if I'm not carrying them every day. They are all three made by Emerson knives. Emerson makes, in my opinion, some of the best folding knives available on the market today. Here are the three I depend on with some of the basic info about them.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

Recreational Equipment Review

Each year the industry changes... although the water never seems to. The biggest challenge for most scuba divers is to find enough time to get in the water! Still, once you've found the time, and reviewed your budget for new gear, what do you get? First and foremost you get what you NEED. What's worn out? What are you missing? What did you lose to the Manatee in the Keys last year? This week's review is going to look at some of the new products on the market. Think of it as a diver's wish list to fill that dream gear bag.

Isaiah 40:31

Point to ponder: To wait on the Lord is to stand still and know that He will take care of you no matter what. He will arm you with strength and you shall be weary no more. What a beautiful promise!
(WORD FROM HEAVEN, MAY 31, SAT. - Thanks Maria)

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.blackwaterusa.com/btw2008/article/060208chaplain.htm

Great overview and advice about heat injuries, which increase along with the temperature.

Last summer (July 1994) a well conditioned athlete entered a 1/2-Ironman distance race with hopes of putting in her best performance. She was well trained and had raced in the heat before. It turned out to be a very hot west Texas day (110 degrees F, 45% humidity). Things were going well until the run...

Well Memorial Day has officially launched the summer BBQ season. A great look at food safety during the hot summer months, that will help keep you fit and healthy.

Who doesn't enjoy a picnic or barbecue on a beautiful summer day surrounded by friends, family, delicious food, cold beverages and lots of bacteria?

Well, yuck, maybe not that bacteria part.

On the advice of legal counsel, this section contains no message...

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)
Format Editor - Jennifer Granoff (btw@blackwaterusa.com)
Frank's Review - Frank Borelli (frank@borelliconsulting.com)
Chaplain's Corner - Chaplain D. R. Staton (chpln1@verizon.net)
Advertising - Melissa Cuthbert (MCuthbert@blackwaterusa.com)

Questions regarding Security Consulting or Training at Blackwater (252) 435-2305

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