A Brief Overview of the War in Afghanistan
After the September 11th attack on the United States, President George W. Bush issued an ultimatum to the rulers of Afghanistan. He demanded they hand over to the terrorists responsible for the attack. Afghanistan’s Taliban – Islamic fundamentalists ruling the area – refused to surrender terrorist leader Osama bin-Laden. As a result, within a month of the assault on the US, air-strikes commenced.
The goal of the United States was to extricate the Taliban from power, locate Osama bin-Laden and destroy his organization known as Al-Qaeda. The US received additional support from British forces, other soldiers and Afghans who opposed the Taliban.
The Taliban Fleas Kabul
In November of 2001, Taliban forces left the capital city of Kabul and fled to the mountainous area on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. As a result, the United States was able to assist Afghanistan in installing a new government with Hamid Karzai as President.
The Taliban slowly gained strength and forces found it difficult to fight them given the remote caves and mountainous regions they inhabited. Many felt their efforts were futile. As a result, in December of 2009 President Obama unveiled a new strategy – rapidly deploy 30,000 additional troops in an effort to break the momentum of the Taliban.
Progress was slow and additional obstacles remained. The support of the Afghan government was being slowly eroded by fraudulent accusations against the followers of the re-elected President Karzai. In addition, efforts to uproot the Taliban appeared futile. However, in May of 2011, after the assassination of Osama bin-Laden by US Navy SEAL Team 6, President Obama announced his intentions to hasten the withdrawal of American troops.
Pressure Mounts to Withdraw US Troops
Pressure to pull US troops out of Afghanistan mounted as the result of three separate incidents in early 2012. The Afghans first became enraged with the discovery of a video tape showing four US Marines urinating on Taliban insurgent corpses. Next, it was discovered that copies of the Koran, the central religious text of Islam, had been burned in a trash incinerator on a US base. Despite a spokesperson declaring it an accident, the incident sparked violent riots, leaving 30 people dead. Among the dead were two American officers.
The third incident involved a US soldier who reportedly went from house to house murdering 16 Afghans and burning some of the bodies – many of whom were women and children. As a result, President Karzai ordered the US troops to withdraw from Afghan villages and return to military bases.
Final Plans for Withdrawal
A number of Americans are in favor of the President hastening the withdrawal of US troops. Currently, military and political leaders are against any changes being made to the schedule, which targets December, 2014 for the last of the current 90,000 US troops to leave Afghanistan, a date which will mark the end of the US involvement in the war in Afghanistan.
Calvin Graham – the youngest serviceman in World War II – was only 12 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He did not wait a year or two before joining the service; no by May of 1942, he had enlisted in the US Navy. Some speculate the deaths of his cousins inspired him to join. He began shaving at the age of 11 to assist with passing himself off as older and had some friends of his parents forge his parent’s signature.
Graham first served on the USS South Dakota (BB-57) where he experienced the intense fighting first hand. He assisted in fire control during the Battle of Guadalcanal. During that time, he suffered a number of wounds, including burns and having his front teeth were knocked out. However, Graham didn’t let his injuries stop him. The New York Times later reported that despite his injuries, he continued to assist the wounded. The Smithsonian Magazine wrote that according to Graham, he would remove belts from the dead and use them as tourniquets for the wounded. He is also reported to have given the wounded cigarettes and stayed up all night encouraging them. As a result of his actions during this time, he received both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Despite his rights to the movie amounting to $50,000, after ½ the money went to two agents and another 20% went to a writer of an unpublished book about him, his total – before taxes – only amounted to $15,000.
10. H & K UPS – Heckler & Koch’s UPS (Universal Self-loading Pistol) made this top ten list because of its accuracy and reliability. The pistol’s design was influenced by the Model 1911 pistol. The H&K UPS has a modified Browning-type action and a patented recoil reduction system, which not only lowers the recoil effects on the pistol but also the forces experienced by the shooter.
9. Colt Single Action – The Colt Single Action was in-service from 1873 to 1892. This pistol is a single action revolver designed for the US Government service revolver trials in 1872.
8. C96 Mauser Broomhandle – The C96 Mauser Broomhandle is a weapon that proved the viability of the semi-automatic pistol in both commercial and military use. The C96 has an integral box magazine located in front of the pistol’s trigger and other design features include its long barrel, the wooden shoulder stock – which can also double as a holster – and its broom handle shaped grip, which is how the pistol earned its nickname ‘Broomhandle’. The C96 had a high-velocity cartridge (7.63 x 25mm) which, when combined with its long barrel and shoulder stock, aided in in the Mauser’s superior range and penetration. The C96 Mauser was produced from 1896 to 1937 and remained in service from 1899 through 1961. After its introduction, the C96 quickly became a favorite among British officers and was used as a military sidearm in a number of conflicts. A number of variants have evolved from the C96, and they have been used in over a dozen countries.
7. Luger 9 mm – A semi-automatic pistol, the Luger 9mm was produced from 1900 to 1945. The Luger’s patented toggle-lock re-coil operation that was widely utilized by the Germans in both WWI and WWII. Though originally introduced with a 7.65 x 21mm Parabellum, the Luger is most noted as being the pistol for which the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge – aka: the 9mm Luger – was developed. The Luger 9mm is still highly prized and sought after by collectors who admire it for its design and its known accuracy. Many of the Lugers from WWI and WWII were taken home by the Allied soldiers and remain in circulation to this day.
. SIG P226 – This semi-automatic pistol is manufactured in Switzerland and can be chambered for a 9 x 19mm Parabellum, a .40 S&W, .357 SIG and a .22 Long Rifle. It utilizes John Browning’s locked breech, short recoil. A safety design feature of the P226 prevents the firing pin from making contact with a loaded round until the trigger is pulled. This pistol also features a double-action, firing mode which can be attained by simply pulling back the trigger. The P226 also utilizes a higher capacity magazine. The SIG P226 is used by many special operation units throughout the world.
5. Beretta 92F – This Italian designed semi-automatic pistol fires a 9 x 19mm Parabellum. Manufacturing began in 1975 and continues to present day. The original model was produced from 1975 to 1976, but current day production consists of four different designs using four different calibers: 9 x 19mm Parabellum (92 Series), .40 S&W (96 series), 9 x 21mm IMI (98 series) and 7.65mm Luger (98 and 99 series).
4. Browning Hi-Power – The Browning Hi-Power first went into production in 1935, but manufacturing of this single-action, 9mm semi-automatic pistol continues to present day. This pistol is one of the most widely used military pistols in history. The pistol was based on a design vision of the infamous John M. Browning, who passed away before it was finalized. The Hi-Power is considered by many to be the best single-action 9mm pistol. The Browning Hi-Power is still being used today by many military forces throughout the world. In all, it has been used in over 50 countries.
3. CZ75 – The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol made in the Czech Republic. Introduced in 1975, production on the CZ 75 began in 1976 and has continued since. This all-steel construction pistol features a staggered-column magazine and hammer forged barrel. While it is the most common gun in the Czech Republic, the CZ 75 is admired and used by many due to its quality and versatility. The patent on this CZ 75 protected the pistol’s design in the Czech only. But since the pistol was exported to a number of countries, manufacturer’s abroad who began producing their own version of the CZ 75 pistol.
2. Glock-17 – This Austrian design, semi-automatic pistol has been in service since 1982. The design took advantage of the previous H&K polymer construction and though first thought of as an odd handgun, the Glock 17 has since become the dominant handgun used by the Austrian and US law enforcement. Glock pistols make up for 65% of the market share of hand guns in the United States. The Glock changed the world of pistols and has become the defining gun of the past 25 years.
1. Colt 1911 A1 – In the 100 years following its introduction, the Colt 1911 has served as a inspiration for most pistol designs. Currently, there are more manufacturers of the M1911 pistol than any other cartridge handgun design at any given time. This single-action and semi-automatic pistol was designed by John Moses Browning. The M1911 and its variants were used in the United States Army from 1911 through 1985. This pistol saw combat in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Colt M1911 introduced the .45 ACP cartridge and remains a popular choice today among competitive shooters.
Eotech Sighting Systems – This system combines range and aim in a single holographic image. The wide field of view is advantageous to maintain awareness within the broader field. Combine the above with the Eotech Sighting System’s unmatched speed in target acquisition and it is easy to see why it is a top choice for US Special Forces.
Surefire Millennium Universal Weapons Lights – This light features is consistently reliable in combat situations due to its high degree of shock-isolation. The components for this modular unit are interchangeable allowing rapid field conversion.
Protech Delta 4 Ballistic Helmets – The Protech Delta ballistic helmet is chosen for its light weight structure and its ability to meet the demands of a special ops team. This helmet was designed to provide ballistic protection to the extreme – threat level IIIA protection.
Benchmade Knives – The quality, craftsmanship and dependability make Benchmade Knives a top choice for Special Forces. One such knife is the 9050SBK. The automatic opening mechanism on this knife makes it reliable for rapid deployment, yet can still be easily closed using one hand. The knife is used by US Coast Guard rescue swimmers, and is used in US Air Force survival kits and vests and is also used by other US armed forces including special operations.
Blackhawk Commando Chest Harness – This extremely comfortable chest harness has a number of pouches to carry various types of munitions ordnances and other items like compasses, radios and rations. The ¼” closed cell foam in the back doubles as an flotation device for river and stream crossing.
Blackhawk Serpha Level 3 Tactical Holster – This patented level 3 tactical holster provides a high level of function, retention and security. The holster allows for even weight distribution. In addition, the swivel buckles allow for quick-disconnect while delivering maximum mobility.
Invisio Q7 Communication Device – This device uses bone conduction technology and is a top choice for SWAT Teams and military Special Forces alike. The device operates well in windy, noisy or even quiet environments.
AN/PVS-17 Night Vision Scope – This high scope intensifies images for night vision sight and fits easily on a variety of weapons. The PVS-17 operates submerged in depths up to 66 ft. It is currently used by the Special Forces of the US Marine Corps.
The US Army Delta Force, a 
The selection process for the US Army Delta Force is rigid with most of the recruits coming from the Special Forces Groups and the 75th Ranger Regiment. The recruits must undergo a number of physically challenging tests which increase in difficulty throughout this portion of the program. Next they will undergo a series of mental challenges. It is only then a recruit is told whether he has been selected to enter into the 6-month Operator Training Course.
trained to be excellent marksman first with stationery targets and then moving targets. Once they have become proficient, they are challenged in what is known as a “shooting house” where they are assigned to clear the rooms inside of all enemy targets. Students are challenged individually and then perform the task again and again, each time adding a team member (up to a total of four). Once the group(s) has successfully cleared the house, hostages are added among the enemy targets.
One of the most well-known, highly recognized assault rifles of current day is the AK-47. This infamous rifle was developed by the Soviet Union’s Mikhail Kalashnikov. Its official Russian name was Avtomat Kalashnikova but it was also referred to as Kalashnikov, or AK. Russian’s also used the slang word ‘Kalash’ when referencing this weapon. Many consider it the number one rifle in the military.
The concept of an assault rifle was first recognized by the Germans during WWII. Statistics showed that the majority of fire fights incurred during the war occurred within a 400 meter range. Contemporary rifles available at that time proved to be overpowering for these small arms combat situations. The design included the need for the power of a submachine gun combined with the range and accuracy of a rifle. The first design vision resulted in the Sturmgewehr 44.
Austria’s Semi-automatic Glock is a series of pistols designed and produced in Austria. Though the founder Gaston Glock was inexperienced in both the designing and manufacturing of firearm, he was an engineer with extensive knowledge of newer advanced synthetic polymers. His knowledge proved to be instrumental in developing the successful development of the company’s initial line of polymer framed pistols -with the Glock-17 becoming known by some as one of the top pistols ever manufactured. Glock is also credited for introducing the firearms industry to ferritic nitrocarburizing – an anti-corrosion treatment for surface parts of metal guns.
A variety of pistols from around the world are on display in the Firearms and Ordnance Gallery at the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo, FL. Step into this gallery and witness the power that is housed within. 
It wasn’t long before Glock had his first working prototype. Between Glock’s use of synthetic materials and the newer production technology, the design was very cost effective, making it a viable candidate. The Glock 17 (so-named as it was the company’s 17th patent) passed every endurance and abuse test and was chosen over a number of pistol designs from well-known manufacturers to be the official replacement of the Walther P38. Both military and police forces in Austria adopted the Glock 17 (aka: P80 – Pistole 80) into service in 1982. Many consider the Glock-17 one of the top pistols of all time.
John Moses Browning was born in Ogden, Utah on January 23, 1855. He is one of the most prominent firearm designers in US history. John worked in his father’s gunsmith shop where he learned the basic principles of both engineering and manufacturing. His father – Johnathan Browning – encouraged him to experiment with new ideas.
looking overseas manufacturers to produce his shotgun. He turned to Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale de Herstal, with whom he had previously negotiated firearms licenses. The Belgium company accepted his proposal and production began. The shotgun was named the Browning Auto-5. The Browning Auto-5 became a very popular 20th Century shotgun. Shortly after the success of the Browning Auto-5, Winchester began to shift their reliance on Browning, which later proved to be the beginning of the end of their relationship.
Though Browning influenced just about every firearm category with his various designs, his most famous was no doubt the M1911 pistol. Some additional noted accomplishments include the Browning. 50cal machine gun, the Browning Automatic rifle and the aforementioned Browning Auto-5.
secure a system was capable of bombing ships that would fall outside the range of their defensive guns. About the same time, the U.S. Army had undertaken a similar project. The Bombsight became one of the military’s top secret and closely guarded projects of WW II. The intricacy of this instrument allowed a more accurate timing as to when it was necessary to drop a bomb in order to accurately hit the target below.