Readers;

I assume like most Americans you're getting ready to celebrate our country's birthday this Friday. Like Memorial Day, the 4th of July is more than just a day for beach trips, discount sales and BBQ's. It offers all of us an opportunity to stop for a moment and reflect on all our blessings as a nation and to reflect also upon the strength of character that makes this country great. As you break out the charcoal remember especially the sacrifices our fellow Americans in and out of uniform have made to ensure it remains the home of the free.

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court released its decision on DC vs. Heller, a landmark decision for gun rights. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled in favor of individual gun owners, striking down the DC gun ban, and saying individuals have a constitutional right to own guns for both self-defense and hunting. Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the majority, said the Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home."

You can read the entire 157 page decision here:

On another note, over the last couple of months, I've received several requests from charitable organizations and individuals asking the BTW to promote their cause. We have decided to create a new section, Community Chest, to provide a place for worthy causes to let others know they exist. This will on a first come - first serve basis and each organization will be able to highlight their message for an issue or two. We regret that we will not be able to post every request we receive due to space constraints but believe this is a good offer our readers.

Thanks again for all of the comments and suggestions. Please have a fun and safe Independence Day.

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

Blackwater Worldwide in Action
Alahhoudin Orphanage, Kabul, Afghanistan

The softer side of Blackwater. Here is a story that demonstrates our corporate culture of giving and helping.

Just outside Kabul, Afghanistan, the Alahhoudin Orphanage is home to 450 children ranging in age form two to fifteen, some of whom are physically and mentally handicapped. In the cold winter months, the Orphanage loses approximately six children a month to sickness, disease and pneumonia. For the last couple of years, Blackwater Worldwide employees working in the local area have offered support and comfort to these children...

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!

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News about technologies for the soldier on the ground.

New Future Combat Systems technologies will go first to Army Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) instead of Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs) as planned, said an Army source familiar with the program.

In the past week, Army leaders also approved the acceleration of these so-called spinout technologies, aiming to deploy them with soldiers by October 2010, about two years earlier than once planned. The Army is now working with Congress to reprogram at least tens of millions of dollars, the official said.

Several new measures to make counterfeiting driver's licenses much more difficult. A necessary move to improve primary identification system and protect both people's identities and the nation.

The Clovis and Portales Motor Vehicle Division offices are now issuing new licenses equipped with 12 security features. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division released the new driver's licenses to protect the public from identity theft.

Interesting development making surveillance cameras more capable.

CCTV cameras which use artificial intelligence software are being developed to "hear" sounds like windows smashing, researchers have revealed.

University of Portsmouth scientists are working on adapting the software so it can also react to crowd noise.

A neat overview of new inventions and technology to help police and first responders.

TOP-SECRET surveillance devices and next generation crime scene investigation tools have gone on show to a select audience in Liverpool.

The International Police conference at the BT Conference Centre has attracted chief police officers from virtually every force in the country.

Tactical Equipment Evaluation

The world of flashlights used to be oh so simple: a rotating-head variable-focus multi-cell aluminum light was the bomb. As we learned our liability lessons from using such lights as impact weapons though, the strength of smaller and more efficient lights became apparent. The advent of the 6V hand-size "military grade" flashlight was born. It's been a couple decades now and many major manufacturers have gotten into the act. Streamlight is one of the industry's major players and they have a new duty light that performs fairly efficiently. It's the Super Tac and here's some more about it.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

Recreational Equipment Review

Whether you're going out for a weekend camping trip or just out for an afternoon hike, there are a few things you should always have along. Hydration is an obvious inclusion. But what about eye protection and a good knife? Most of us wear sunglasses as a matter of habit without giving a lot of conscious thought to them. Many of you reading this carry a knife without consciously thinking about it. This week I happened to be in a position of writing a combined review about eyewear from Haber Vision and a knife from Smith & Wesson - the 24/7.

We live in a world that is involved in much violence. Much violence is perpetrated upon us. Sometimes we must use violence in return to stop the violence already going on. We are expected to bring violence in our presence to a quick and legal, suitable end.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.blackwaterusa.com/btw2008/article/063008chaplain.htm

Nice overview of the benefits and proper use of elliptical trainer.

We all know that if you want to lose weight or tone up you need to exercise. Well, aerobics requires a trip to the local YMCA or gym and can be quite inconvenient not to mention some people do not want to be on display at a crowded gym. running is great, but it has two major downfalls.

Great overview of basic nutrition and interrelationship between what you eat, how much you eat and exercise.

You read all the books; buy all the right vitamins; you know the buzzwords to look for on food labels. By all standards, you're certain your nutrition report card should be filled with straight A's.

But before you start pasting gold stars onto your refrigerator door, take heed: Nutrition experts say most of us think we are eating a lot better than we actually are.

Here are some links for charitable organizations.

Blackwater does not endorse any organization over another nor encourage charitable contributions, we provide these links as a public service, and take no responsibility for the actual sites. Although we strive to validate the sites before linking we caution you to do your own research, as the internet is ripe with scams.

We received a plea to help a young police officer injured in the line of duty.

Click here: http://www.supportpoliceofficers.com

Firstgiving.com

Here is a link for a fallen Special Operator, at the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF).

http://www.firstgiving.com/DebbieArgel

The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.

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)

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