Thanks to John for the vid!
The Houthi forces along with their Iranian advisors are proving to be masters of the "human terrain"...or as it was once called propaganda.
If all the battles are as one sided as it appears. If the Saudi/GCC is as clueless and STUPID as they appear. If the Saudi/GCC governments will not withdraw in order to save face, then we're left with one question.
When will harassed, frightened and poorly led soldiers start doing the unthinkable.
When will they begin committing atrocities?
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
BAE's BattleView 360. Have you heard about this system?
You're familiar with the F-35's supposed capability to allow its pilots to look thru the floor of their airplane and see enemy fighters or the ground below them? Well BAE is saying that they're bringing this technology to armored vehicles!
Check it out here.
Modest Proposal. Why reinvent the wheel? Militarize the AW-609 for the BlackHawk replacement!
What do you constantly hear from the Pentagon and especially the Army? Procurement must be faster, cutting edge, affordable and deliver on specifications.
The AW-609 does everything that the Army is looking for in its next gen helicopter and all that needs to be done is to militarize it. Supposedly AgustaWestland is already working to do so.
Invite them to sell a few to the Pentagon, and the current competition can focus on future tech. Hell, if you want then pawn some off to SOCOM to use as a utility/light insertion platform and see if they like it (to determine whether it would be practical for Big Army use) and we have a win-win. SOCOM loves their toys and Big Army gets a cheap "demonstrator" on SOCOM's dime!
Russia sending aircraft carrier to Syria!
Thanks to William for the link..
via.
You do realize that the US has no carrier coverage in the CENTCOM area of responsibility don't you.
Wow again.
Sidenote: Tell me you don't see the same thing I do. Steady escalation to a potential "accident".
via.
Russia Said to Send Aircraft Carrier to Syria: FlashNordUh Wow.
2015-10-14 11:56:33.281 GMT
By Scott Rose and Chris Kingdon
(Bloomberg) -- Russia’s only aircraft carrier will leave for Syria by end of week from Murmansk, FlashNord news service
reports, citing unidentified official in Northern Fleet’s command.
You do realize that the US has no carrier coverage in the CENTCOM area of responsibility don't you.
Wow again.
Sidenote: Tell me you don't see the same thing I do. Steady escalation to a potential "accident".
Russian Helicopter Close Air Support in Syria...
Thanks to InfoInfantrie for the link!
A few things.
I talk shit about the wing but damn it, those Russians are flying close air just like Marine Corps Cobra pilots. They aren't scared to get in the shit and neither are those Russians. Interesting. I hope our guys are practicing helicopter vs helicopter tactics. That should be one helluva fight (hopefully it doesn't happen...but if it does...).
Next.
Did you catch glimpses of the Syrian Army? Those guys are sporting brand new gear. Not one spot of dust on it. It looks like it was issued just before they went into combat....not even training scuffs on it. The infusion of aid to the Syrian Army by the Russians must be MUCH MORE robust than we're being led to believe.
Last.
Did you notice the Syrian tanks bounding to contact? They're using much better tactics from just a few frames of video than I saw earlier in the war. Danger focuses the mind and these guys are motivated.
This is about to get beyond interesting. According to my Russian readers the final assault is due to start anytime. This should be telling.
I don't expect there to be many prisoners.
A few things.
I talk shit about the wing but damn it, those Russians are flying close air just like Marine Corps Cobra pilots. They aren't scared to get in the shit and neither are those Russians. Interesting. I hope our guys are practicing helicopter vs helicopter tactics. That should be one helluva fight (hopefully it doesn't happen...but if it does...).
Next.
Did you catch glimpses of the Syrian Army? Those guys are sporting brand new gear. Not one spot of dust on it. It looks like it was issued just before they went into combat....not even training scuffs on it. The infusion of aid to the Syrian Army by the Russians must be MUCH MORE robust than we're being led to believe.
Last.
Did you notice the Syrian tanks bounding to contact? They're using much better tactics from just a few frames of video than I saw earlier in the war. Danger focuses the mind and these guys are motivated.
This is about to get beyond interesting. According to my Russian readers the final assault is due to start anytime. This should be telling.
I don't expect there to be many prisoners.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER™ Infographic!
Give this bad boy the Huey - Cobra treatment...trim it down to a two seat, upgrade the engine, put some big wings to carry weapons and extra fuel....and we have a MV-22 escort/Close Air Support bird...that the USAF won't try and take when the "deep battle" mission set comes up...
M-ATV Squad Carrier
Thanks to Jonathan for the link!
via Defense Updates.
One thing is certain. The idea of using MRAPs for hybrid or conventional combat is as dead as disco. Even with the Saudi/GCC forces displaying questionable tactics, its obvious that they're just not optimized for combat on the modern battlefield.
Which of course has us circling back to the push to get the JLTV instead of doing one of those great upgrades either by Textron or BAE. You don't waste money when you're shouting poverty to all that can hear. The JLTV buy was wasted money in my opinion.
via Defense Updates.
Oshkosh unveiled the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) 6×6 Technology Demonstrator today, at AUSA 2015. The vehicle introduces an extended platform, based on the proven M-ATV, providing more interior volume for a full infantry squad – up to 15 soldiers, as well as greater payload capacity. Retaining the M-ATV superior off-road mobility and maneuverability, the 6×6 variant uses all-wheel steering for exceptional maneuverability. The vehicle also retains Oshkosh’s TAK-4 independent suspension for all wheels.This has to be aimed at 3rd world military forces or maybe domestic police agencies.
One thing is certain. The idea of using MRAPs for hybrid or conventional combat is as dead as disco. Even with the Saudi/GCC forces displaying questionable tactics, its obvious that they're just not optimized for combat on the modern battlefield.
Which of course has us circling back to the push to get the JLTV instead of doing one of those great upgrades either by Textron or BAE. You don't waste money when you're shouting poverty to all that can hear. The JLTV buy was wasted money in my opinion.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Syria News...Putin meets with Saudi Def Minister & UAV causes Special Ops speculation...
Thank to MiloMonkey for the links
via Asia Times...
And then this from Moon Of Alabama Blog...
Putin gives them the only way out. Moving forcefully to against Assad now probably wouldn't work even if the Administration wanted to do so...and they don't. That means the Saudis are looking at defeat on two fronts unless they can talk their way out.
Next the MoA story. They jump to the idea of it being a ground launched system which means that Special Ops are in the area. I'm not so sure. If I remember correctly the services have been playing with UAVs launching UAVs so that more area can be covered. There has even been talk of fighters launching UAVs. Could this be an early experiment to validate it? Who knows, but pics of the downed (crashed) UAV are now sweeping the internet.
via Asia Times...
The very fact that Mohammed bin Salman travelled to Russia for a second time this year already (ostensibly to watch the Formula 1, but intentionally to meet up with Putin) becomes hugely symbolic against the backdrop of the Russian military operations in Syria.
The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia has far from shifted into a hostile mood vis-à-vis Russia following the latter’s commencement of military operations in Syria.
The scant details available so far make out that Syria figured in Mohammed bin Salman’s talks with Putin, with the visiting Saudi prince maintaining that Riyadh backs a solution to the crisis in Syria, which would result in the formation of a transitional government and the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
And then this from Moon Of Alabama Blog...
The switchblade has the size of a remote piloted hobby plane but features a visual and infrared camera and an explosive charge. It can be "suicided" on a target. According to the datasheet the battery powered killer drone has a "10 km radius of operation".First about the Saudi Defense Minister. Not at all surprising. They need to extricate themselves from the mess that is Yemen, would like to see some kind of agreement on the Syria issue and it wouldn't hurt if they could do all of the above while saving face.
Izraa, where the debris was found, lies (map) at the crossing of the M5 highway from Amman in Jordan north to Damascus and road 109 which runs west to east through south Syria. Izraa is about 40 km north of the Syrian Jordan border and 40 km east of the Golan demarcation line. Anyone who used this armed drone must have been on Syrian ground.
The U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corp are the only known users. Since 2012 the weapons has been used in Afghanistan. The system surely requires significant training. Controlling a remote plane 10 km away over unknown terrain is not easy. This excludes the use of the system by some more or less untrained Syrian mercenaries.
Putin gives them the only way out. Moving forcefully to against Assad now probably wouldn't work even if the Administration wanted to do so...and they don't. That means the Saudis are looking at defeat on two fronts unless they can talk their way out.
Next the MoA story. They jump to the idea of it being a ground launched system which means that Special Ops are in the area. I'm not so sure. If I remember correctly the services have been playing with UAVs launching UAVs so that more area can be covered. There has even been talk of fighters launching UAVs. Could this be an early experiment to validate it? Who knows, but pics of the downed (crashed) UAV are now sweeping the internet.
PFC David W. Alley, USMC....
Note: This is something I hope to do every week...bring you the citations of Navy Cross winners. Everyone hears about the Medal of Honor recipients but that doesn't tell the whole story. Read the citations of these guys and you'll wonder why they didn't merit a MoH. First up, PFC David W. Alley, USMC.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to David W. Alley (11052554), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on a hill overlooking Yudam-ni, Korea, on 30 November 1950. When the enemy launched an attack while his company was moving into new positions and platoon and squad officers and leaders were either killed or wounded, Private First Class Alley unhesitatingly assumed command of his squad and, skillfully reorganizing his group, conducted the effective defense of his sector with the result that the hostile troops were repulsed. Repeatedly braving intense enemy fire, he positioned and repositioned his men for efficient defense and supplied them with ammunition and grenades, successfully repelling continued hostile attacks throughout the night. Indefatigable in his efforts, he exposed himself to small-arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire again on the next morning to observe and adjust mortar fire for his company. When his company was ordered to break contact with the enemy located fifty yards to the front, he skillfully withdrew his squad without a single casualty. His cool and skilled leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of aggressive enemy action reflect the highest credit on Private First Alley and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Board Serial 688 (July 11, 1951)
Born: at Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
US Army has trouble telling its story...
via Breaking Defense...
On these very pages I talked about the Army getting too small and was SHOUTED DOWN by SOLDIERS! Now, as he's walking out the door, it finally dawns on the Sec of the Army that his force is too small. Just plain wow.
I haven't heard talk of not needing an Army, but I found this part fascinating...
A-Fucking-Mazing!
The Army needs to fix itself. The first thing to do is to learn to tell the public what it does and why its needed.
They can dump trying to be Marines. People see it for what it is (yeah I know the Army's history of amphibious assaults but those days are loooong over). They need to emphasize what they do and do well. Airborne Ops (82nd Airborne), Air Assaults (101st Airborne-Air Assault), Armored/Mechanized Warfare (Strykers, Bradleys, Abrams should star in ads)....those unique items that only the Army can do.
“The thing that is most frustrating for me…if the last 18 to 20 months haven’t proven the necessity of a viable land force, I’m not sure what will,” McHugh said at his valedictory Association of the US Army press conference, speaking alongside the new Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley. There’s no plan to stop the Army’s drawdown to 450,000 regular active-duty troops, McHugh told reporters. Meanwhile, the service, as ordered, is proposing to do more in Europe under the 2017 budget just submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.Absolutely Amazing.
“What I hear once more is a growing discussion in this town that questions the very need for an army at all,” McHugh had told the AUSA conference in his speech earlier. “We would budget, size, and train for a fight that may never come” (a probable reference to a high-tech war with China) “ignoring the threats that have come and we’re facing each and every day.”
Why is this attitude so persistent, I asked at the press conference. “At it its core, it’s probably an unsupportable abundance of optimism,” McHugh said. “We’ve heard repeatedly [throughout history] that the sanitization of war was possible….that we could win wars totally from the air and from the sea.”
On these very pages I talked about the Army getting too small and was SHOUTED DOWN by SOLDIERS! Now, as he's walking out the door, it finally dawns on the Sec of the Army that his force is too small. Just plain wow.
I haven't heard talk of not needing an Army, but I found this part fascinating...
Good luck with that, said Gen. Milley. “My father landed on Iwo Jima with the 4th Marine Division,” he said. “That island was pulverized by naval and air gunfire for over 60 days prior to the assault landings by the Marines, and the Marines were told it would be a cakewalk….In 19 days, 7,000 Marines died and some 30,000 were wounded. ”The guy is trying to tell the Army story but uses the experience of his Marine daddy to explain why ground forces are needed!
A-Fucking-Mazing!
The Army needs to fix itself. The first thing to do is to learn to tell the public what it does and why its needed.
They can dump trying to be Marines. People see it for what it is (yeah I know the Army's history of amphibious assaults but those days are loooong over). They need to emphasize what they do and do well. Airborne Ops (82nd Airborne), Air Assaults (101st Airborne-Air Assault), Armored/Mechanized Warfare (Strykers, Bradleys, Abrams should star in ads)....those unique items that only the Army can do.
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