Monday's 2'fer! Danish dropping more bombs than the RAF and another F-35 makes its first flight.

First up is the RAF letting down the UK.  This report from the Guardian says it best.  Read the whole thing there but again, here's a tidbit.

At the other end of the scale, the Nordic nations can reasonably claim to be punching well above their weight.

Norway and Denmark have both dropped far more bombs – nearly 700 between them – than the UK. Both have recently targeted "bunker-busting" bombs on Gaddafi's compounds in Tripoli. Nato commanders are believed to have assigned Danish F16 jets to target the building in which Gaddafi's youngest son, Saif al-Arab, was killed on 30 April.
Data shows the US initially dominated the military campaign before taking a back seat and handing over control to Nato on 31 March. France also took a leading role, deploying its aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle. Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, the head of the British navy, told MPs: "If we had a carrier, it would be there."

The problem is (at least for the British) that they don't have carrier based aviation since they killed the Harrier and although (evidently) skilled at interservice politics, the RAF isn't able to live up to its claim of being an effective substitute for the expeditionary capability that carrier aviation brings.

Next up is the first flight of ANOTHER F-35.

Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin was at the controls for the first flight of F-35C CF-3 on 21 May 2011. The photo shows the aircraft on approach for a landing.

No matter how loud the critics might be, they can't deny that this program is picking up speed...on both the manufacturing and test sides of the house.

Bjørnar Bolsøy, thanks again for the articles guy!

F-35 air show flyby...the video!

Thanks much Bjørnar Bolsøy for the vid link!  You rock. 

Marine Personnel Carrier on the chopping blocks????

The story is from InsideDefense and its subscription only but the rub is this.  The Marine Corps won't commit to buying the third leg of its "mobility" triad until further testing is done.

In my opinion this points to a couple of things.

1.  The Marine Corps plans to get back aboard ship in a big way and the MPC doesn't fit with those plans.
2.  Distributed Operations are getting more and more support among Marine Corps leadership.  With that as an operational philosophy the idea to have those widely dispersed Marine Units vehicle bound doesn't make sense logistically.  Which means that the MPC doesn't fit with Marine Corps doctrine going forward.
3.  Someone must have come up with either...
     a.  A fantastic upgrade package to the AAV.  One so good that the need for the MPC is no longer there or..
     b.  The EFV has been salvaged and with new amphibious assault doctrine the idea (thank you...yes I did put it forward here) of simply removing the complex hydraulic/drive system from it is producing a vehicle that can be bought in numbers
4.  I could be wrong on all of the above and its simply a cost saving measure.

One thing is certain ... at least in my mind ... the USMC will not be buying the JLTV.  If the MPC can be dumped then the JLTV is definitely the dead vehicle program walking.

6 Hours. US Marines answer the call.

Prepare for some intense propaganda.  They say no one does it better...they might be right.

Summers here. Is your workout ready?

Summer time is here.  Is your workout ready?  Hopefully it is and you've switched to your shredding routine a couple of months ago.  If you haven't then don't lose faith (oh and for my Marine buds you know you have your PFT, CFT and just general training to worry about so you're screwed already if you haven't been lifting and running)....

But I digress.  The reason for the post is to not only recommend two a days to get right but also a few supplements to help you on your way.

First up is a good protein.  I know what your doctor will tell ya.  You get enough in your diet.  Bullshit.  Not if you lead an active lifestyle and workout like a monster.  I like Syntha-6...tastes great, has very low sugar and did I mention tastes great?

Next up is your pre-workout drink.  I personally like to take Jack 3d.  It has Creatine, AAKG and Caffeine ... plus a couple of other ingredients I'll let you discover on your own.  The results?  You're a madman in the gym.  You lift....watch your muscles grow and hit it even harder.  Jack 3d is beyond awesome.

Post recover can be a bear.  You've just rocked your nervous system.  Your muscles are destroyed and you forgot that wonderful feeling you had when you left the gym.  Want to keep the good times going?  Want to improve your recovery time so that your workouts stay on track?  Then you need to supplement with Glutamine.

So now you've been hitting it hard but still aren't getting the results you want, what do you do?  How about increase your test naturally?  Tribulus will do it.  If you take it along with a few estrogen inhibitors then you can really zoom your results (sorry guys...no further details....you have to be an experienced lifter for me to even touch on this subject in detail with ya)



Basically there you have it.  Supplement your diet.  Eat clean (say no to McDonalds, Burger King etc...) get rest (8 hours at least if you want to get big) and enjoy the fruits of your work.


Remember with national health care coming, staying fit is now a patriotic duty.

Force Recon on the Dyanmic Assault Course.

Just a few observations...

1.  .45's all the way around...they look tricked out...not standard grips by any means.
2.  P-Mags all the way around...Is this item allowed or not?
3.  Fanny Packs all the way around????? I don't get that.  I wonder what the load out is for that?  E&E gear?  I have no idea.
4.  They still like the Flight Suits I see.

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan--Marines fire their M4A1 carbines during marksmanship training May 10 as a part of the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen’s Range 16. The Marines are from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and need the certification provided by the course to operate as a force reconnaissance platoon.
, Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr., 5/10/2011 5:49 AM

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan--Marines from Force Reconnaissance Platoon assault a building May 10 during the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen’s Range 16. The five-week course includes marksmanship training in a close-quarters environment., Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr., 5/10/2011 11:43 AM

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan--Marines fire their M4A1 carbines during marksmanship training May 10 as a part of the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen’s Range 16. The Marines are from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and need the certification provided by the course to operate as a force reconnaissance platoon.
, Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr., 5/10/2011 5:49 AM

A400M...as big as it is its still too little...

As impressive as the A400M is, its still too little and too late to find many customers outside of Europe. With the C-17 line looking for orders...with its price being extremely close to the the A400M, I just don't see customers lining up to buy it. This story from the Independent is propaganda in my opinion. Read it for yourself but again, here's a tidbit.

"There has been interest from Far Eastern governments. You've only got to look at the disasters in the area to see how the A400 could help."

Mr Elliott added that the A400 had "enormous potential" in disaster relief, anti-piracy and illegal immigration control. For example, the advanced radar and communication facilities could easily track pirates.

He also confirmed that "informal contacts at mid-level staff levels" had started with some countries. "We will kick-off the export campaign next year," he said. "The full potential of this aircraft will really begin demonstrating itself when entering service."

Yeah this sounds like a little rustling to get interest stirred in an airplane with few prospects.  But one thing is either an amazing expansion in capabilities or just an outright lie is the claim that the radar on the A400 can be used to track pirates?

They're really desperate in the AirBus house.

Seriously Cynthia?

Say it out loud before you do it!  Does it sound like a good idea to go to a country that your nation is at war with and make pronouncements?  Does it sound like a good idea to 'give aid and comfort to the enemy'????

Are you crazy?  Read the whole thing at CNN, but here's a tidbit.

"I want to say categorically and very clearly that these policies of war ... are not what the people of the United States stand for, and it's not what African-Americans stand for," she told state TV.

Maybe not African American's but Africans were aboard a boat and in a sense forcefully deported from that country.  The boat sank and estimates are that 600 souls were lost.

The really sad part about this whole thing is that I don't support the US participating in the action in Libya.  We already have enough on our plate...if it must be done then the Europeans should be able to handle it.  But you do not go to a foreign country to do this.

We have JAGM...we don't need no stinkin' Brimstone!

Why isn't the USAF part of this program?

MFC_JAGM_ProductCard

F-35 makes airshow appearance!

F-35C CF-2 flew over the Andrews Joint Services Open House airshow on 21 May 2011. US Navy Lt. Cdr. Eric Buus was the pilot on this seventh test flight of the aircraft—and the first flight that originated from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The USAF Thunderbirds can be seen below.

F-35C CF-2 Fly over during the Joint Service Open House at Andrews AFB

OUTRAGEOUS!

This is OUTRAGEOUS!  Thanks MUCH PATRICK for sending me this link.  Read the whole thing.  Medical aid didn't arrive for an hour.  The SWAT Team didn't find a weapon on this Marine.  Nothing.  Save these tactics for use against Drug Cartels not US citizens!







I'm not going to lie to you. I've always considered Police brother in arms. But the behavior of this group of SWAT officers has me re-evaluating that stance. Another problem that I'm having to face is that I've always looked at charges of Police Brutality as issues of criminals attempting to sully the name of the men that are out there to protect society. No more. This is honest to goodness crossing the line.

Pic of the day. May 21, 2011.

Lance Cpl. Marcus Terry fires the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon through a mock window on an unknown distance course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 18. Terry is an infantryman assigned to the Ground Comabt Element, Marine Barracks Washington. Photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough

If you know, then tell me!

I need an answer to two questions.

1.  Why do I see this Sgt Of Marines sporting an Army bayonet on his weapon?  The Marine Corps has its own bayonet and yet it isn't issued to this guy.  Is the supply chain that slow...fractured...jacked up or does the Air Wing roll with different gear?

2.  Whats the deal with P-Mags?  Are they allowed or not?

If you know what gives then hit me up in the comments section or by e-mail.

F-22 Upgrade Taking Too Much Time, Money - Defense News

via DefenseNews.  Click the title to read the whole thing.

Among other improvements, the upgrade will allow the F-22 to carry the AIM-9X infrared-guided air-to-air missile and the AIM-120D medium-range air-to-air missile, and to attack eight ground targets with eight 250-pound Small Diameter Bombs.

Software development appears to be the primary cause of the delay.

Loren Thompson, an analyst at the Lexington Institute, said the F-22's software is written largely in Ada, a programming language that was once a DoD standard but whose use has waned in the past 15 years.

"It tends to impede quick upgrades to the system to which it is the base software," Thompson said.

Moreover, he said, "The affordability of any upgrade becomes debatable when you purchase a relatively small number of upgrades." 

Not slamming the F-22 but if the upgrade to AIM-9X and AIM-120D is behind schedule and even imperiled by budget concerns, then are we really talking about the premier air to air fighter in the world?  Everyone talks about air to air combat but in a "phone booth" type fight, even a legacy fighter should be able to achieve a mutual kill (if it can get a lock on)...one thing is certain.  The F-22 pilot will have to work really hard up close.  Harder than we've been lead to believe.

The “Kevlar coffin.”

That's what US Army Soldiers in one Stryker Unit that deployed to Afghanistan called their vehicles...Kevlar Coffins.

That's either an indictment of the vehicles or the tactics they used.  Since I am a homer, I'll blame the vehicles and it appears that the US Army agrees.  This story from the Stars and Stripes describes how they're about to deploy double hulled vehicles Army wide.  Read the whole thing but here's a juicy tidbit.

The double-V hull design, which went from conception to production in less than a year, will replace conventional, flat-bottomed Strykers that have seen extensive service in Iraq and made an inauspicious debut in Afghanistan in June 2009 with the deployment of the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division to Kandahar province.

Members of that brigade, which had 37 troops killed in action and 238 wounded during its yearlong mission, reportedly called the vehicles the “Kevlar coffin.” Things got so bad that part way through the deployment, the Stryker unit was diverted away from the main fighting in Kandahar to a “freedom of movement mission” guarding roads on the periphery of where the toughest combat was taking place.

Unfortunately, the strain of repeated combat tours necessitated the Strykers’ deployment to Afghanistan to “take their turn downrange,” said retired Lt. Col. David Johnson, executive director of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. Stryker brigades’ soldiers — if not their vehicles — need to deploy to Afghanistan so that other units have enough dwell time at home.

But the Stryker vehicle itself might not be the best option in places like Afghanistan, he said. It was designed to be a rapidly deployable, medium-armor vehicle that would fight in a medium- to high-intensity conflict, carry troops to an assault position and dismount the troops.

“[It] isn’t perfectly suited for the environment in Afghanistan or a low-intensity conflict with IEDs,” he said. “The Stryker is a platform. If it doesn’t work, use another tool.”

The Army's got a problem.  They've re-oriented their entire force around the "Stryker" Brigade concept.  If this vehicle isn't adequate across all conflicts then its time to rethink organizational philosophy.

Maybe its time to bring back Light Fighter Divisions?

A website you should check out...a cause you should support.

If you didn't know it ... the wounded warrior games were recently held.  Quite honestly, I was conflicted when it came to posting pics of the events.  Personal, and I won't get into it.  But one thing I a strongly support and you should too is any organization that supports these men and women.  The above banner links to just such an org.  Find time or money or any other thing you can spare to help out.

Rant over.

Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011 (CARAT-2011)

The guided-missile destroyer USS Howard leads a formation of U.S. and Royal Thai Navy ships, flanked by the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James and HTMS Phuttalertlanapalai and followed by HTMS Taksin, HTMS Khirirat, and HTMS Sukhotai as they transit the Gulf of Thailand during Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lily Daniels

The Royal Thai Navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin, foreground, and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga, maintain patrol after releasing waves of U.S. and Thai Marine amphibious assault vehicles to the beach during an amphibious landing evolution as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez

A Royal Thai Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle drives onto the beach during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. The navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga participated in the beach assault. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez

U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicles launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga, not pictured, prepare to assault a beach during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2011. More than 130 U.S. Marines spent 48 hours training with members of the Royal Thai Marine Corps. (Photo by: Lt. K. Madison Carter)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd and USS Pinckney are underway in the Pacific Ocean. Kidd and Pinkney are part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and are participating in a composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern California. (Photo by: Seaman Apprentice Carla Ocampo)

Amphibious assault vehicles exit the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Thailand 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Katerine Noll)

Now CF-3 enters the program.

Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin took the third F-35C on its first taxi test at NAS Fort Worth JRB on 19 May 2011.

Aussies and US Marines train old skool!

OK, a quick few observations...

1.  Why am I seeing so many US Army bayonets instead of Marine Corps issue?  The Marine Corps spent good money to develop an excellent piece of gear and its not issued?  What gives.

2.  Whats with the P-Mags?  Are they allowed for use or not?  I heard that they're not but they look to almost be Corps wide.

3.  Good on the Aussie Major General for showing up to this training evolution.  He didn't have to but did.  Outstanding.

4.  Liberty in Australia...drooooolllll.....

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Australian Army Maj. Gen. David Morrison (right), commanding general, Forces Command, orders a bayonet charge here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM). The charge was carried out by Marines with Marine Shooting Detachment Australia, New Zealand Army soldiers and Australian Army soldiers. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:20 AM

UCKAPUNYAL RANGE, Victoria, Australia-Marines from Virginia, Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan line up side-by-side with Australian and New Zealand counterparts before firing on targets during the bayonet portion of the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM) May 15. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young), Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young, USAF, Defense Media Activity, 5/15/2011 2:03 PM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Australian Army Maj. Gen. David Morrison (right), commanding general, Forces Command, inspects an M4 carbine and bayonet used by Sgt. Jonathan Shue (left), noncommissioned officer-in-charge, machine shop, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:17 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Sgt. Jonathan Shue, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, machine shop, Marine Aviation Logistics Group 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, bayonets a target here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. “From a Marine’s standpoint, a bayonet charge is nothing more than absolute aggression,” said Shue. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:09 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Sgt. Jonathan Shue, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, machine shop, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, fires on a secondary target after bayoneting the first here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:04 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Sgt. Matthew Gullete, competitor, Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, bayonets a target here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 8:49 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Sgt. Jonathan Shue, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, machine shop, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, preparers to bayonet a target here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. “There is nothing that a Marine wants to hear more than ‘fix bayonets’ and nothing that the enemy fears more,” said Shue. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:09 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Sgt. Jonathan Shue, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, machine shop, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, preparers to bayonet a target here May 15 during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. “There is nothing that a Marine wants to hear more than ‘fix bayonets’ and nothing that the enemy fears more,” said Shue. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:09 AM

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia-Staff Sgt. Edward Ortiz, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico, bayonets a target simultaneously with an Australian soldier May 15, during the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. The week-long meeting pit military representatives from partner nations in competition in a series of grueling combat marksmanship events. Represented nations include Canada, France (French Forces New Caledonia), Indonesia, Timor Leste, Brunei, Netherlands, U.S., Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand as well as a contingent of Japanese observers. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud/Released), Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 5/15/2011 9:16 AM

Parasite.