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<link href="standto/printstyle.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><base href="http://www4.army.mil/news/standto.php?printable&dte=2009-02-24"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; color: black; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; "><img src="standto/printheader.gif" alt="Stand-To!"></span></div><div id="container"><div id="date">Edition: Tue, February 24, 2009<br>
<a href="standto/documents/StandTo_FOCUS_Guidelines.pdf" title="FOCUS Submission Guidelines" target="_blank">FOCUS Submission Guidelines</a><a href="standto/documents/standtofactsheet.pdf" title="Stand-To Fact Sheet" target="_blank">Stand-To Fact Sheet</a><a href="standto.php?dte=2009-02-24">Rich-text Version</a></div><div class="column"><h2>SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING</h2><p>"The families of the fallen and the wounded never lost the American dream. They still want to work; they want to send their kids to school; they want to get an education; they want to own a piece of the rock. Indeed, they have earned it. And it is up to us to ensure that they get the chance."<br>
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- Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff<br>
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<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/11/16743-commentary-what-i-have-learned-about-the-army/index.html" target="_blank"> Commentary: What I have learned about the Army </a><br>
</p><h2>TODAY'S FOCUS</h2><p><b>Identity Theft - Protect yourself</b><b>What is it? </b><br>
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Identity theft is an issue facing all Americans and Soldiers are not exempt. Anyone who has worn the Army uniform in the past 40 years knows social security numbers have served as the basis for personnel and medical administration. In an era of computer file-sharing technologies, internet access and credit cards, this puts the Soldier at risk of fraud.<br><b>What is the Army doing? </b><br>
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The Army has taken steps to move away from the use of social security numbers on documents. With the Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System, every Soldier will be issued an employee ID number for identification purposes.<br>
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The Department of Defense has made changes to protect its Soldiers, civilians and contract workforce. In 2004, the <i>Defense Finance Accounting Service</i> began dropping the first five digits of Social Security numbers to protect DOD employees.<br>
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<b>How can I protect myself from identity theft? </b><br>
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises Soldiers inspect their credit report and review financial statements regularly for any fraudulent charges. FTC experts say be alert for bills not arriving as expected, denials of credit for no apparent reason, or calls/letters about purchases never made. <br>
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Experts say there are several precautions everyone can take to deter identity theft:<br>
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-Shred documents with personally identifiable information before discarding them. <br>
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-Don't provide social security number or other personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet.<br>
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-Keep your military ID with you or locked up.<br>
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-Never lend credit cards or account information.<br>
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-Do not click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer. Keep software up to date.<br>
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-Don't use obvious passwords like the last four digits of your Social Security number or your birthday.<br>
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-Don't let unattended mail pile up.<br>
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<b>Is there anything else a Soldier can do? </b><br>
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Soldiers can set up an active-duty alert on their credit report while deployed to minimize the risk of identity theft. When a business sees the alert, it must verify the identity of the Soldier before issuing credit. Active-duty alerts stay on the credit report for one year, unless a request is made to remove it sooner. <br>
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<b>Why is this important to the Army? </b><br>
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Soldiers take steps to protect themselves and their families - an important part of overall readiness.<br>
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<b>Resources: </b><br>
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<a href="http://www.militarysaves.org/" target="_blank">Military Saves Program</a><br>
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<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/" target="_blank">FTC information</a></p><h2>INFORMATION YOU CAN USE</h2><p>• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/409993" target="_blank">2008 Strategic Communication Guide </a> - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates<br>
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• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/303879" target="_blank">Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace</a><br>
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• <a href="https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/216363" target="_blank"> Army Public Affairs Portal </a><br>
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• <a href="http://www.army.mil/valor" target="_blank"> Stories of Valor </a><br>
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• <a href="http://www4.army.mil/comrel/links" target="_blank"> Speaker's Toolkit</a><br>
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• Information Papers with "<a href="http://www.army.mil/aps/08/information_papers/information_papers.html" target="_blank"> 2008 Army Posture Statement</a>"<br>
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• <a href="http://ebird.osd.mil/" target="_blank">Early Bird News Site</a></p><h2>A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT</h2><p><b><a href="http://www4.army.mil/comrel/calendar/" target="_blank">The Army Community Relations Calendar</a></b><br>
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<b><a href="http://www.defenselink.mil/Blogger/Index.aspx" target="_blank">Blogger's Roundtable</a></b><br>
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<b><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/" target="_blank">The White House Blog</a></b></p><h2>CALENDAR</h2><p><b>2009: <a href="http://www4.army.mil/yearofthenco/home.php" target="_blank">Year of the NCO</a></b><b>February 2009: <a href="http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/main_content.html" target="_blank">African American History Month</a></b><b>Feb. 22 - Mar. 1, 2009:<a href="http://www.militarysaves.org/" target="_blank" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(63, 63, 63); font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://www.militarysaves.org/" target="_blank">Military Saves Week</a></span></b>
<b>Feb. 25- 27, 2009:<a href="http://www.ausa.org/news/meetings/Winter09/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(63, 63, 63); font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://www.ausa.org/news/meetings/Winter09/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">AUSA Winter Symposium</a></span></b></p><h2>SOCIAL NETWORKING</h2><p></p><ul><li><a href="http://www4.army.mil/amp/index2.php " target="_blank">Army Media Player</a></li><li><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter " target="_blank">Flickr: Army images</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter" target="_blank">YouTube: Army videos </a></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/USArmy" target="_blank">Twitter: Army updates </a></li><li><a href="http://delicious.com/USArmyMedia" target="_blank">del.icio.us: Army links </a></li></ul><p></p></div><div class="column"><h2>NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY</h2><p></p><ul><li><b> Army charity's reserve</b> report angers servicemen's advocates (<a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/24/army-charitys-reserve-report-angers-servicemens-ad/" target="_blank">WT</a>)</li><li><b> Fort Bliss officials</b> stand by Army relief program (<a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/communities/ci_11770846" target="_blank">EPT</a>)</li><li><b> Army civilian honored</b> with 'Black Engineer of the Year Award' (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/23/17285-army-civilian-honored-with-black-engineer-of-the-year-award/index.html" target="_blank">ARMY.MIL</a>)</li><li><b> U.S. Army captain</b> learning new skills in war-torn Afghanistan (<a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/world/story/62616.html" target="_blank">McC</a>)</li><li><b> 90-day program</b> gives former military doctors chance to serve again (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/24/17341-90-day-program-gives-former-military-doctors-chance-to-serve-again/index.html" target="_blank">ARMY.MIL</a>)</li><li><b> Soldier says commander</b> sent him back for ear (<a href="http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=319390" target="_blank">FO</a>)</li><li><i> Year of the NCO: </i> <b> One tough NCO</b> (<a href="http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/02/army_jumpmaster_022309w/" target="_blank">AT</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WAR ON TERROR NEWS</h2><p></p><ul><li><i> Audio: </i> <b> Afghan mission murky</b> as troop deployment looms (<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100940337" target="_blank">NPR</a>)</li><li><b> From a carrier, </b> another view of America’s air war in Afghanistan (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/world/asia/24carrier.html?ref=asia" target="_blank">NYT</a>)</li><li><b> Italy might invite Iran</b> to Afghan talks (<a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2009/02/24/italy_might_invite_iran_to_afghan_talks/" target="_blank">BG</a>)</li><li><b> Applying Iraq's broader lessons</b> in Afghanistan (<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/24/MNG4160IB2.DTL" target="_blank">SFC</a>)</li><li><b> Iraqi lawmaker denies</b> ordering deadly attacks (<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/story/918424.html" target="_blank">MH</a>)</li><li><b> Pakistan's slump</b> creates security risks (<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-02-23-pakistan_N.htm?csp=34" target="_blank">USA</a>)</li><li><b> Pakistani Taliban unite</b> against U.S. (<a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/24/pakistani-taliban-unite-against-us/" target="_blank">WT</a>)</li><li><b> Confusion hangs</b> over Pakistan's pact with Taliban (<a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-swat24-2009feb24,0,4127783.story" target="_blank">LAT</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>OF INTEREST</h2><p></p><ul><li><b> Gates to take comprehensive approach</b> to end 'stop-loss' (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/24/17343-gates-to-take-comprehensive-approach-to-end-stop-loss/index.html" target="_blank">ARMY.MIL</a>)</li><li><b> Army seeks language, </b> medical skills from non-citizens (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/23/17328-army-seeks-language-medical-skills-from-non-citizens/index.html" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li><li><i> Poll: </i> <b> Most back Obama's troop</b> plan for Afghanistan (<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-02-23-afghanistan-poll_N.htm" target="_blank">USA</a>)</li><li><b> As war ebbs, </b> Europe returns to Iraq (<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0224/p01s01-woeu.html" target="_blank">CSM</a>)</li><li><i>Guantanamo:</i> <b>Freed detainee in U.K. </b> tells of abuse by U.S. (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/23/AR2009022301200.html?wprss=rss_world " target="_blank">WP</a>)</li><li><b> Administration draws fire</b> for report on Guantánamo (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/us/24detainees.html?partner=rss&emc=rss" target="_blank">NYT</a>)</li><li><b> Army Ten Miler</b> ups field to 30K (<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/23/17330-army-ten-miler-ups-field-to-30k/index.html" target="_blank">ARNews</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WORLD VIEW</h2><p></p><ul><li><b> North Korea to launch</b> 'satellite' (<a href="http://english.aljazeera.net/" target="_blank">AJ</a> | <a href="http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/02/20092247507984531.html" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><b> Vladimir Putin faces rising anger</b> from within Russian army (<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/" target="_blank">LDT</a> | <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/4787089/Vladimir-Putin-faces-rising-anger-from-within-Russian-army.html" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><b> Pakistani Taliban</b> declare indefinite ceasefire (<a href="http://www.alarabiya.net/english" target="_blank">AA</a> | <a href="http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/02/24/67118.html" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><b>Call to relax</b> Guantanamo regime (<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk" target="_blank">BBC</a> | <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7906667.stm" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><b> Gaza case studies:</b> Weapons use (<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk" target="_blank">BBC</a> | <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7905320.stm" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><i> Amnesty International: </i> <b> Gaza white phosphorus shells</b> were U.S. made (<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk" target="_blank">TO</a> | <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5792182.ece" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li><li><b> Symbol of hope</b> as Iraq's looted and gutted national museum reopens (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk" target="_blank">GRD</a> | <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/24/nationa-museum-of-iraq" target="_blank">Article</a>)</li></ul><p></p><h2>WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS</h2><p></p><ul><li><b> In honor </b> of Black History Month (<a href="http://awtr.blogspot.com/2009/02/in-honor-of-black-history-month.html" target="_blank">AWTR</a>)</li><li><i>Related articles under Army</i>: <b> Neglecting </b> the troops (<a href="http://cabdrollery.blogspot.com/2009/02/neglecting-troops.html" target="_blank">CD</a>)</li><li><i>Related articles under Army</i>: <b> Army charity</b> behaving badly? (<a href="http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/nonprofit/2009/02/army-charity-be.html" target="_blank">LP</a>)</li><li><b> America's Army 3</b> devlopers talk about reproducing reality (<a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/2009/02/23/americas-army-3-devlopers-talk-about-gameplay/" target="_blank">BDL</a>)</li><li><i>See related Today’s Focus</i>: Kenneth Klice - <b> Fictitious Soldier</b> (<a href="http://www.soldiersperspective.us/2009/02/22/kenneth-klice-fictitious-soldier/" target="_blank">SP</a>)</li></ul><ul><li style="list-style:none;"><a href="http://www.army.mil/privacy" target="_blank">External Links Disclaimer</a></li></ul>
<p></p><h2>ARMY SPORTS</h2><p><b><a href=" http://www.goarmysports.com/" target="_blank">Sports at a glance</a></b></p>
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