 |
 |
Today we salute 20 American Heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. Read their Medal of Honor Citations. |
|
      |
   |
 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|||||
|
Forgotten password Login questions? FREE sign up!
SITES OF INTEREST -------------------- VA Home Loans GI Bill Benefits Veteran News |
|
Biometric Data Keeps Captured Terrorists Behind BarsBy Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service
"I understand that the (defense) department is collecting biometric information from individuals detained in Iraq and for forensic investigations of (improvised explosive device) attacks," Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the SASC's emerging threats and capabilities subcommittee, said to Paul McHale, assistant secretary of defense for homeland security. "Consistent with applicable law, we are aggressively using biometrics for the purposes that you described, Senator," McHale answered. DoD established standard procedures for collecting biometrics information about a year and a half ago and provided that system to overseas U.S. combatant commands, McHale said. Biometrics is defined as measurable physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify people. Terrorists in Iraq often employ IEDs, or roadside bombs, against U.S., coalition, and Iraqi military forces and civilians. Cornyn also asked McHale if DoD was sharing its detainee biometrics information with the U.S. Departments of Justice, State or Homeland Security, so that detainees who might escape could be prevented from entering the United States to do mischief. McHale responded that DoD's detainee biometrics information databank is collocated with the FBI and is also shared with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies. The biometrics program used for identifying detainees "is an extraordinary success story," McHale said. In many instances, he added, that biometric data has kept dangerous detainees safely under lock and key. "We have linked that data to specific individuals and in specific cases have kept them in custody under circumstances, where but for that biometric data, they might have been released," McHale said. Similar systems are being used to improve force protection at U.S. military bases in Iraq. During a demonstration conducted in the Washington, D.C., area in May 2005, officials showed how biographical data, facial photographs, fingerprints and iris scans can be employed to develop ID cards that can't be counterfeited, ideal for use by Iraqis and other non-U.S. citizens who work on U.S. bases in Iraq. The need for a better way to screen people coming onto U.S. bases in Iraq was illustrated by the Dec. 21, 2004, bombing of a military dining facility in Mosul. That blast killed 22 people, including 14 U.S. soldiers, and wounded at least 50. It was first thought the dining hall had been hit by a rocket attack. Further investigation of the Mosul bombing pointed to the likelihood that a suicide bomber had infiltrated the base - one non-U.S. person killed couldn't be identified - and set off the explosion. Add your commentYou must be logged in to leave comments.  Contracting: A Sure Bet For Veterans July 10, 2009 If you are interested in working in contracting once you return to civilian life, the Federal Contractor Program can help you get a jump on your career. Use Your Military Training to Become an Operations Manager July 10, 2009 You can translate your supply chain know-how into a successful civilian career as an Operations Manager. All you need is a degree. Build a Career in Engineering July 10, 2009 Take your engineering skills to the next level with a bachelor's degree. It can help prepare you for a civilian job as an engineering manager. >> MILITARY NEWS ARCHIVE |
|
|
| - VA home loans: get today's low rates! |
| - Build a solid future with a degree from AIU Online. |
| - Need your DD214? Certificate of Eligibility? |
| - Military Loans for Veterans and Active Duty |
|
Military Loans |
Military Connections |
Link to Us |
Privacy Policy |
Terms & Conditions |
FAQs |
Military Advertising |
Contact
Free People Search | Military Reunions | Site Map | Military News
Free People Search | Military Reunions | Site Map | Military News
© Copyright 2010 MilitaryConnections.com.
