Friday, March 29, 2013

DTN News - BANGLADESH NEWS: Eurocopter’s Ecureuil Family Arrives In Bangladesh

DTN News - BANGLADESH NEWS: Eurocopter’s Ecureuil Family Arrives In Bangladesh
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter/EADS
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 29, 2013: Eurocopter makes a breakthrough into the Bangladeshi civil helicopter market with the arrival of the country’s first Eurocopter rotorcraft this year. An EC130 B4 was delivered to R&R Aviation; while an AS350 B3e was showcased to civilian and governmental prospects in a two-day flight demonstration. Both aircraft are light helicopters belonging to Eurocopter’s world renowned Ecureuil family.


Eurocopter delivered its first civil helicopter to R&R Aviation Limited (a concern of Sikder Group) earlier this month – the first of two EC130 B4s that were acquired by the Bangladeshi helicopter operator during the Singapore Airshow last year. To be used primarily for providing emergency medical services (EMS) and humanitarian support, the EC130 B4 can also be reconfigured for air charters, sightseeing tours and aerial observation with a cabin that seats up to eight passengers.
R&R Aviation is the largest private helicopter operator in Bangladesh. Rick Haque Sikder, R&R Aviation Chairman explained, “We are very proud to be the first Eurocopter operator in Bangladesh. This high performance aircraft will enable us to develop our commercial and medical services for the people of Bangladesh. We are looking forward to receiving our second EC130 B4 and we hope that this is the beginning of a long term partnership between R&R Aviation and Eurocopter, with more helicopters to come.”
Recognizing the potential of light helicopters in this market, Eurocopter also brought in an AS350 B3e for a two-day flight demonstration in Dhaka. The demonstration showcased the AS350 B3e’s capabilities to the helicopter pilots community, business leaders, senior officers from governmental entities and civil aviation authorities. “We see a promising future for the demand and deployment of helicopters in both the civil and governmental markets in Bangladesh,” said Eurocopter South East Asia President, Eric Toussaint. “With its advanced technology and versatility, the AS350 B3e is able to answer most of the country’s requirements for a variety of missions, including passenger transport, EMS, aerial work, law enforcement, disaster management, etc.”
The aircraft was well-received by the participants with very positive feedback on the speed and level of comfort. Commenting on his flight experience, Brigadier General Abdullah Al Azhar, commander of the ad hoc army aviation group, who is also a qualified pilot of Eurocopter’s medium, twin-engined AS365 N3+ Dauphin, noted that “the rate of climb and manoeuvrability of the AS350 B3e was impressive, surpassing our expectations of a single-engine aircraft.”
The AS350 B3e used for the flight demonstration was on its way to Kathmandu, Nepal, to be delivered to Shree Airlines, the biggest helicopter operator in Nepal. Providing services for United Nations humanitarian missions for rations distribution and passenger transport around the world, Shree Airlines is increasing its fleet to expand their activities for EMS and tourism in Nepal.
Both the EC130 B4 and AS350 B3e are members of Eurocopter's rugged and proven Ecureuil family. The EC130 B4 offers one of the most spacious cabins in its class, and is also the quietest helicopter in the market: its Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced external sound level. The AS350 B3e is the latest member of the AS350 high-performance family, which is not only versatile and safe, but also offers competitive acquisition and maintenance costs. It excels in hot conditions and very high altitudes, and broke records when a standard production aircraft landed on the top of Mount Everest in 2005.
Today, around 5,350 Ecureuils have been delivered in 130 countries to some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have accumulated close to 25 million flight hours.
About Eurocopter South East Asia
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is the training and technical hub, and handles sales and customer support activities of 15 territories in total. In 2012, ESEA achieved a turnover of 138 million Euros. With a staff-strength of more than 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives, servicing and maintaining more than 300 helicopters in the region.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.


For more information, please contact:

Stéphane CHERY
Head of International Media Relations
Eurocopter
 
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 60 51
Fax:+33 4 42 85 89 70
Pascale FLEURY
Media Relations France, Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East & Africa
Eurocopter
 
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 62 38
Fax:+33 4 42 85 89 70
Cell: +33 6 32 54 05 02
Gloria ILLAS
Media Relations Latin America & Southern Europe
Eurocopter
 
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 58 89
Fax:+33 4 42 85 89 70
Christoph MÜLLER
Head of Communications, Eurocopter Germany
Eurocopter
 
Tel.: +49 906 71 57 39
Fax:+49 906 71 39 39
Priscilla YIP
External Communications Asia Pacific
Eurocopter
 
Tel.: + 65 6 59 27 217
Fax:+ 65 6 65 90 872



 *Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter/EADS
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated March 28, 2013

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated  March 28, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 28, 2013: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.
**DTN News - Special Creative Contribution;
Thursday March 28, 2013
Wednesday March 27, 2013

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 28, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 28, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  190-13 March 28, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 28, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  March 15, 2013  are undermentioned;



CONTRACTS
NAVY
            RAMSYS GmbH, Ottobrunn, Germany, is being awarded a $343,550,330 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of 445 Block 2 MK-44 Mod 4 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Round Pack (GMRP) All-Up-Rounds (AURs).  The RAM Guided Missile Weapon System is co-developed and co-produced under an International Cooperative Program between the United States and Federal Republic of Germany’s governments.  RAM is a missile system designed to provide anti-ship missile defense for multiple ship platforms.  This contract involves a purchase by the German government as a result of an international agreement between the governments of the United States and Germany.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (49.7 percent); Ottobrunn, Germany (42.7 percent); Rocket Center, W.Va. (4.5 percent); and Andover, Mass. (3.1 percent) and is expected to be completed by January 2019.  This contract will be funded 100 percent by the Federal Republic of Germany.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Funding in the amount of $1,347,902 will be obligated at the time of the award.  This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(4).  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-13-C-5459). 

            Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $27,949,996 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract (N00019-11-C-0020) to provide funding for long lead materials and support for the manufacture and delivery of nine mission avionics systems and common cockpits for the MH-60R for the Danish Government’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  Work will be performed in Farmingdale, N.Y. (55 percent); Owego, N.Y. (31 percent); Ciudad Real, Spain (5 percent); East Syracuse, N.Y. (5 percent); Everett, Wash. (3 percent); and various locations throughout the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2013.  Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $27,949,996 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

            Exelis Inc., Information Systems Division, Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $24,509,553 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-11-D-0001) for the continued procurement of post-production maintenance support for Navy counter radio controlled improvised explosive device electronic warfare (CREW) fixed site systems and procurement and support of the transmitting set, counter measure AN/PLT-4 systems under option year two.  Work will be performed in Boalsburg, Pa., and is expected to be completed by March 2014.  Fiscal 2013 Operation and Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $24,509,553 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $24,509,553 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity.

            Environmental Management Inc.,* Idaho Falls, Idaho, is being awarded a $19,267,059 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40085-10-D-0213) to exercise option three for facilities maintenance and heavy equipment repair services at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, and other outlying areas in eastern N.C.  The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, facilities, transportation, incidental engineering, and other items necessary to provide facilities maintenance and heavy equipment repair services.  The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $84,759,155.  Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed March 2014.  Fiscal 2013 Operation and Maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $16,688,488 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

            Wyle Laboratories Inc., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $8,559,076 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-08-C-0025) for additional aircrew, engineering, operations, and scheduling services in support of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic and Naval Test Wing Pacific.  Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2013.  Fiscal 2013 Navy Capital Working funds in the amount of $3,716,500 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Forestwood Farm Inc.,* Birmingham, Ala., was awarded contract SPM300-13-D-P192.  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for a maximum $45,000,000 for fresh fruit and vegetable support for customers in the Alabama and Florida Panhandle zone.  Location of performance is Alabama with a Sept. 27, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Department of Agriculture School.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

            Gulf Coast Produce Distributors Inc.,** Biloxi, Miss., was awarded contract SPM300-13-D-P194.  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for a maximum $30,000,000 for fresh fruit and vegetable support for customers in the Mississippi zone.  Location of performance is Mississippi with a Sept. 27, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Department of Agriculture School.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

AIR FORCE
            BRSI LP., Houston, Texas, (FA7014-10-F-A004) is being awarded a $6,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract with cost reimbursable line items for travel contract for non-personal, commercial services for third party collections.  The location of the performance is mutiple military treatment facilities in the continental U.S. and overseas.   Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2014.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013. The contracting activity is 773 ESS/PK, San Antonio, Texas. 

            Signature Performance Inc., Omaha, Neb., (FA7014-10-F-A021) is being awarded a $6,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract with cost reimbursable line items for travel contract for non-personal, commercial services for third party collections.  The location of the performance is mutiple military treatment facilities in the continental U.S. and overseas.  Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2014.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013. The contracting activity is 773 ESS/PK, San Antonio, Texas.    
       
*Small Business
** Woman Owned Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  190-13 March 28, 2013
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: I'm Proud of Kargil Operation, says former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: I'm Proud of Kargil Operation, says former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf
*Musharraf Facing Petitions Galore
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources IBN  & Dawn Pakistan
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 28, 2013: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said he was "proud of the Kargil operation", during which Pakistani troops had crossed the Line of Control and occupied positions on the Indian side in 1999. Musharraf made the remarks when he was asked about criticism of his role in the Kargil issue at a news conference in the southern port city of Karachi.

 Musharraf was the army chief when the operation was launched. He later toppled the government of premier Nawaz Sharif and assumed power. I am "proud of the Kargil operation," he said. The former President, who returned to Pakistan on Sunday after nearly four years in self-exile, said he had not struck a deal with anyone for his homecoming. He claimed he had returned to Pakistan in the interest of the country and the people. "I am among those people who think of the country and the citizens," Musharraf told said during his first news conference after returning to Pakistan.

 Musharraf, who returned to lead the All Pakistan Muslim League in the general election to be held on May 11, said he could not say how many constituencies his party would be able to win. He said he would himself run for elections from Karachi, where he has "old relations" with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. He claimed his supporters had recommended that he should contest the election from a constituency in the Defence area of Karachi. Musharraf also defended his years in power as a dictator, claiming that Pakistan had prospered during his tenure. He further claimed he had been the only leader to raise his voice against anti-state elements and elements involved in spreading terrorism.
*Musharraf Facing Petitions Galore - By Dawn Pakistan

 ISLAMABAD - March 28, 2013: Difficult days seem to be ahead for retired Gen Pervez Musharraf with one petition after another being moved against him in the Supreme Court.

 A reference was made in the court on Wednesday and senior counsel A.K. Dogar recalled the apex court’s July 31, 2009 verdict holding the Nov 3, 2007 emergency unconstitutional and argued that Gen Musharraf stood convicted on the basis of the judgment.

 A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is hearing a petition of Dr Mobashir Hassan seeking that elections be held in strict adherence to articles 62 and 63 of the constitution which lays down criteria for qualification and disqualification of the candidates.

 Mr Dogar read out excerpts from the judgment in which the apex court had firmly held that holding the constitution in abeyance or any other act having the effect of discontinuing the operation and enforceability of the constitution for a single moment in a manner not authorised under the constitution was tantamount to overthrowing the constitution or subverting the constitution and thereby committing the offence of high treason.

 The counsel referred to another verdict of the apex court in the 1997 Al-Jihad Trust case and said the court had already held that any verdict of the Supreme Court became part of the constitution.

 Later talking to Dawn, he explained that the verdict had become law of the land and that Gen Musharraf stood convicted on the basis of this declaration. Only a sentence needed to be passed against him, he said.

 During the proceedings, the chief justice said any objection to Gen Musharraf’s candidature could be raised before the returning officer at the time of the filing of nomination papers, adding that the apex court had already held in the Tahirul Qadri case that it never granted relief in person-specific cases.

 He observed that nobody, not even the Election Commission of Pakistan, was saying that the criteria laid down in articles 62 and 63 of the constitution for candidates would not be accepted. He rejected a plea for issuing any standard operating procedure or rules and regulations for implementing these provisions.

 However, the court postponed the proceedings to next week to enable Advocates A.K. Dogar and Azhar Siddiq to seek instructions from Dr Mobashir, the petitioner, to narrow down the scope of prayers by amending the petition.

 In a related development, the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Rawalpindi, moved on Wednesday a petition seeking a court’s order for the federal government to file a complaint against Gen Musharraf to be prosecuted under the High Treason (punishment) Act of 1973.

 It also requested the court to order the government to immediately take Gen Musharraf into custody till the time prosecution under the high treason was completed for assaulting the judiciary by proclaiming the state of emergency. Advocate Hamid Khan will plead the case.

 Another two petitions filed on Monday requested the Supreme Court to put the name of Gen Musharraf on the exit control list (ECL).

 The first petition filed by Advocate Tariq Asad on behalf of former Khateeb of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz said that since the former president was a prime suspect in the 2007 mosque operation his name should be put on the ECL.

 The other moved by Advocate Maulvi Iqbal Haider pleaded that the retired general be restrained from leaving the country till the apex court heard an appeal challenging the Sindh High Court’s order of initiating a treason case under article 6 of the constitution against him for proclaiming the Provisional Constitution Order on Nov 3, 2007.

 A three-judge bench headed by the chief justice will take up Maulvi Iqbal’s petition on Thursday.

 DTN PakistanDTN Pakistan @DTNPakistan (Available on Twitter)
Comprehensive Daily News on Pakistan Today ~ © Copyright (c) DTN News Defense-Technology News


 *Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources IBN  & Dawn Pakistan
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

DTN News - GREETINGS: Happy Holi - Festival of Colors

DTN News - GREETINGS: Happy Holi - Festival of Colors
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 27, 2013: The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renew sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi'.

 Holi is the festival of colors. It's the time to spend time with our loved ones and have fun playing with colored powder, water balloons and sprinklers.


The word Holi originated from "Holika", sister of Hiranyakashipu. The festival of Holi is celebrated because of a story in the old Hindu religion. In Vaishnavism, Hiranyakashipu is the great king of demons, and he had been granted a boon by Brahma, which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed "during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or in the sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra". Consequently, he grew arrogant and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. He demanded that people stop worshipping gods and start praising respectfully to him.

 According to this belief, Hiranyakashipu's own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Vishnu. In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Vishnu. He was poisoned by Hiranyakashipu, but the poison turned to nectar in his mouth. He was ordered to be trampled by elephants yet remained unharmed. He was put in a room with hungry, poisonous snakes and survived. All of Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill his son failed. Finally, he ordered young Prahlada to sit on a pyre in the lap of Holika, Hiranyakashipu's demoness sister, who also could not die because she had a boon preventing her from being burned by fire. Prahlada readily accepted his father's orders, and prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika burnt to death, while Prahlada survived unharmed. The salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi.

 In Mathura, where Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated for 16 days (until Rangpanchmi) in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. The festivities officially usher in spring, the celebrated season of love.

 Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.

 Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colors.

 The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing scented powder and perfume at each other. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi), after which holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his devotion. Like Holika Dahan,Kama Dahanam is celebrated in South India.

 Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March), (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March. In 2009, Holi ('Dhulandi') was on March 11 and Holika Dahan was on March 10. In 2010, Holi was on March 1 and Holika Dahan was on February 28. In 2011, Holi was on March 20 and Holika Dahan was on March 19. In 2012, Holi was on March 8.

 In most areas, Holi lasts about two days. Holi lowers (but does not remove completely) the strictness of social norms, which includes gaps between age, gender, status, and caste. Together, the rich and poor, women and men, enjoy each other’s presence on this day. No one expects polite behavior; as a result, the atmosphere is filled with excitement, fun and joy.

 Though there have been references in Sanskrit texts to similar festivals, like ratnavali where people sprayed coloured waters using bamboo syringes, the origin of the modern Holi festival has been traced to ancient Bengal. It was a Gaudiya Vaishnav festival, in accordance to Vaishnaviya Tantra. People went to Krishna temples, applied red color to the icon and then distributed the red coloured powder or Abir along with malpua prasad to family and friends. Red signified the colour of passion and Lord Krishna is the king of desires. The ritual signified that all our desires should be diverted for the attainment of Krishna and for the well being of society.

 In some cultures though, the ritual of burning wood and leaves on the full moon night already existed. This ritual was to signify the end of winter and full advent of spring. Old wood and leaves that had fallen were burnt to signify that it was time for new leaves and flowers. People then smeared their bodies with ash. Later, however, the story of Holika Dahan became associated with this ritual.


 *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Finding Post-War Work For 20,000 MRAPs

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Finding Post-War Work For 20,000 MRAPs
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 27, 2013: The U.S. Army is converting 250 of its RG33 MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles for use by combat engineers who seek out and clear roadside bombs and mines. This will cost about $150,000 per vehicle. This is part of an effort to make some use of the 20,000 MRAPs the Department of Defense bought (mainly for the army and marines) over the last decade at a cost of $45 billion. Current plans are to put at least half of these vehicles into storage. 

 About ten percent of them (the oldest and most beat up) will be scrapped and the rest will be donated (to American police departments and foreign armed forces) or used for training. Some will still be used in Afghanistan as long as there are American troops there. 

 The RG33 is one of over a dozen MRAP models purchased. The RG33 has four wheels and weighs 22 tons. There is a RG-33L model that has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 26 to 37 tons depending on the version.

 The RG33 is part of a family of similar vehicles. The RG31 came first (in 2007). Also called Nyala, it was developed and built in South Africa. It normally costs about a million dollars each (depending on accessories) and was designed to resist landmines and roadside bombs. 

 It was developed from the earlier Mamba armored personnel carrier and has an excellent track record. This wheeled (4x4) vehicle weighs eight tons and can carry up to eleven people. Some models, depending on equipment carried, only seat five.

 RG32 is a smaller version of the RG31 MRAP. The RG32 is similar to armored hummers and weighs 4.5 tons. It does not have the characteristic MRAP V shaped underbody. It is bulletproof and resistant to explosions and mines (but not as much as the MRAP version). The RG32 can carry five people and is popular with peacekeepers.

 The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (formerly Land Systems OMC) a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new power train and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT: U.S. Army Female Diver Leaves Her Mark In History

DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT: U.S. Army Female Diver Leaves Her Mark In History
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Sgt. Micah VanDyke, I Corps - Army.mil
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 26, 2013: This report is filed from Shuaiba Port, Kuwait on March 25, 2013 -- Just as the Spartans defied the odds and held off thousands of enemy troops, a modern-day female Soldier of Greek descent showed the same determination in her pursuit of becoming one of only four female-divers in the history of the U.S. Army. 
One might even conclude that she's related to the famous Spartans. If the ancestral blood of the Spartans is indeed flowing through her veins, then the never-give-up mindset has transcended the ages.

 This petite young woman relentlessly pursued her dream of becoming a diver while navigating a world dominated by men. She displayed the same "grit-and-grind" resolve showcased by Demi Moore on the big screen.

 "I thought it was going to be like the movie 'G.I. Jane,' that was going to be me," said 1st. Lt. Christie Plackis, the executive officer assigned to the 74th Engineer Dive Detachment, deployed from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

 Her parents never served in the military, so she had no idea what Army life was all about. At eight-years-old, she began swimming competitively, which prepared her for her destiny; being a diver. Her connection with the water was constant during her high school and college years, which included coaching and lifeguarding, which kept her in peak physical shape for the challenges that she'd face. 

 In 2007, Lt. Col Kent Rideout, her Army ROTC commanding officer at San Diego State University, informed her that Army officers could become divers. Thus, the flame was lit and its never burned out. Since then, she's never looked back. 

 "This is what I'm going to do," stated Plackis with confidence. "I don't care that the numbers are against me or that I'm the only female.
At the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., she'd ask anyone who mentioned divers to elaborate. Many times, the responses weren't pleasant.

 "I was so excited to be a diver that I asked an instructor questions about the dive field," said Plackis. "When I told him I wanted to become a diver, he responded by saying, 'nope, you're too small and weak.'"

 This type of response was all too familiar to this small-framed young woman. She let it roll off her, like water off a duck's back.

 "There were a lot of haters. I had to step back and remind myself that they don't even know me," said Plackis. "It just fueled the fire to train harder. It made the fire even bigger. It made me angry but determined, it motivated me."

 Every evening after the long grueling days spent learning her new career, she continued swimming until the day of tryouts. In diving, being prepared mentally and physically is the only way to have a fighting chance of making the cut.

 The Dive Officer Selection Board, consisting of leadership from the Army engineer diving field, interviewed Plackis after she endured an extreme water physical fitness assessment lasting several hours.

 "It's pretty cool, she was gung-ho, ready to duke it out with the guys straight off the bat," said Spc. Dagan Indeck, a second-class diver who spent every step of training with her and now serves in the 74th EDD along with her. "She's not held to a different standard. She had to pass the same physical fitness test for divers, male or female."
After surviving three physically intensive weeks of training during phase one dive school, she advanced to phase two in February of 2011. She spent six months devouring each and every aspect of Army diving at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla.

 "I liked PT, but it was always one of those morale killers for me, everyone else finished before me during CrossFit," as Plackis recalled those strenuous physical fitness routines consisting of 100 pull-ups, 500 push-ups and other extreme exercises.

 Army and Navy divers train together during dive school. One of her classmates, a Navy diver, who had traditional views regarding who should be there, pulled her aside before he graduated and told her something unexpected.

 "I don't know how to tell you, I have a lot of respect for you," said this diver, who in her mind, was always her biggest critic. "You worked so hard on your push-ups and pull-ups after duty hours. During the toughest times, watching you made us say, 'How can we quit? If she can do it, we can do it too."

 "I was so encouraged. I realized in dive school that my presence, my existence, makes people better," said Plackis. "Just the fact that I am there and not quitting, meant they weren't going to quit. I went there to meet the standard, I didn't go there to do less."

 This can-do attitude earned her the respect of not only the dive instructors, but also an instructor who currently serves as the master diver in her unit.

 "In the past, women weren't typically allowed or didn't make it through dive school. Most failed the pull-ups," said Master Diver Sgt. 1st Class Michael Randall. "Not with her. I was there when she first started and throughout her training there was no question that she would finish. She definitely wasn't pushed through."

 Besides just exceeding the standard to prove herself among the male divers, she also brought a spiritual connection that burned like the sun.

 "I gave it a 110 percent, but something could've gone wrong and I could've not been picked," said Plackis who used her faith to pick herself up in those times filled with doubt. "The biggest thing is how much a role God played in my life by giving me the motivation to train up as hard as I did; He got me through every step of the way."

 By channeling her love of swimming, personal courage and spiritual beliefs, she was able to succeed where every other woman, except three, have failed and solidifying her place in woman's history. Being the fourth to carry the torch she's overcome many physical and mental challenges, even when some were questioning her place in the diving world. Today, her unique position as a role model could be used to encourage young women to follow their dreams, regardless of difficulties and challenges they may face.

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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Sgt. Micah VanDyke, I Corps - Army.mil
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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