Readers;

Mea Culpa!! The U.S. Coast Guard turned 219 on August 4, 2009 and I was so caught up in the excitement of my first BTW that it slipped right by me. Belated "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to the U.S. Coast Guard! I apologize for this omission. I want to extend a big “THANK YOU” to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and to all of the Armed Services. Thank you for all that you do.

Thanks for all of the e-mails welcoming me aboard and for all of the good suggestions. Keep the comments coming.

Stay safe.

Zach Taylor

Managing Editor, Blackwater Tactical Weekly
Please continue to submit your suggestions to btw@ustraining.com

- Karen Kaiser Clark

The Senate confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court yesterday. Gun-control groups are crowing that the 68-31 vote was a major defeat for the National Rifle Association, which actively opposed the nomination. The gun controllers are reading too much into this vote.

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba - U.S. military prosecutors allege that Ahmed al-Darbi has met with Osama bin Laden, trained at an al-Qaida terrorist camp, and plotted to blow up a ship in the Strait of Hormuz or off Yemen.

BAGHDAD - Iraqi officials expressed concern on Sunday that more than 100 American soldiers in Iraq may be infected with swine flu, fearing they could spread the disease in the country.

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A Guide to Afghanistan's Electorate

Population

As of July 2009, Afghanistan's population was estimated at about 33.6 million. In comparison, the estimated population of the United States is about 307 million.

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Tactical Equipment Evaluation

Recently my son was home on an extended weekend after a deployment with the Marine Corps and we got into a discussion about what guns we'd like to have in our home armory. The discussion soon evolved to be more about what someone SHOULD have versus what they WANT to have. This bore further examination and, because it's easier to keep track of lists on paper, I soon found myself writing out a list of weapons we felt were necessary. Bear in mind, this isn't a "soldier" list, or a "cop" list; in our minds, this is an American Citizen list.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

Recreational Equipment Review

I've been enjoying the sport of scuba diving since 1987 when my best friend and I got certified. It's an activity I certainly don't get to do enough – even though my wife is now also certified and we can make the trips together. Still, I stay subscribed a couple scuba magazines and I drool over some of the new equipment that gets released each year. Most recently I was at the dive shop looking at some "cool new stuff" and realized that I could easily re-outfit myself each year (if I had the money). Since I don't think I should suffer alone, I thought I'd share info on some of the new stuff, hoping that some of you readers will drool with me – and suffer not having it either.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.borelliconsulting.com/recevals/scuba/09scubanew.htm

INTERACTION

Interaction is something we all need. No one of us is an island unto himself. Last week I received one of the most encouraging responses that I have received since I have been writing. No matter how good or bad I feel, when I receive one of those encouraging messages it elevates my mood and feelings still higher. I send my deepest appreciation to all of you who have responded to any of my messages in any way including the inquiries... Thanks so very much.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.ustraining.com/new/btw/Chaplain/081009chaplain.htm

There are two types of fitness:

Performance-related fitness is linked to athletic performance (for example: a 50-yard dash time or the ability to maneuver around obstacles quickly) and is linked to speed, reaction time, and coordination.

Health-related fitness is linked to fitness components that may lower risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or low back pain. Health-related physical fitness includes the following components:

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Here are some links for charitable organizations.

The Blackwater Tactical Weekly 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.

MISSION: To provide SOF warriors and their families a model advocacy program in order to enhance their quality of life and strengthen the overall readiness of Special Operations.

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

The Blackwater Tactical Weekly provides readers valuable information from diverse sources regarding tactical and strategic security issues.

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