RB-Portraits...A website you have to check out.

LANCE CORPORAL ANDREW P. CARPENTER. September 28, 1983 - February 19, 2011

The service had lasted 2 hours, and upon conclusion, the Marines were afforded the opportunity to pay their respects and meet the family of LCpl. Carpenter. His widowed wife, Crissie, and her infant son Landon were present. The parents, Kevin & Cindy, along with Andrew's sister, Kate, were also in attendance.

I can't even describe how impressed I am with this guys art work.  Go to his website here...and his facebook page here...to check it out for yourself.

Marine Special Operations Battalion conducts HALO Training.

All Photos by LCpl K McNally...

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, untangles his parachute after conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, board the plane they will jump out of for a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally/Released)

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, dives out of a plane during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a freefall jump during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, gives a "thumbs up" to indicate his oxygen mask is working during a class for a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, check each others' gear before conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump at dusk as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Fly Navy Book...Chasing the Blue Rhino video...

African Lion 2011.

A Marine with Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, covers up to protect himself from the dust May 24 as he rides in the top hatch of a Light Armored Vehicle during the unit’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces. Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

A Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle kicks up a cloud of dust May 24 as it speeds towards the firing range during Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces.  Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, fires a round down range from its 120mm main gun during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

Team Timberwolf...the video!

Team Timberwolf website. Force Protection definitely keeps their cards close to the vest when it comes to their vehicles.

Force Protection's Timberwolf!

This is Force Protection's Timber Wolf that they're going to debut at CANSEC.  When I get more so will you!

UPDATE:

Force Protection put out this press release...seems like we have their candidate for the Canadian TAPV contest.

Force Protection to Debut Team Timberwolf at CANSEC Exhibition~Team Includes CAE, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin Canada~ LADSON, S.C., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ: FRPT),announced today the formation of Team Timberwolf on the eve of CANSEC, Canada's foremost defence and security technology showcase. Team Timberwolf is comprised of Force Protection Survivability Solutions Canada, CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to compete for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project.
Team Timberwolf will offer a complete vehicle system and comprehensive in-service support solution. The vehicle is based on the battle proven Cougar vehicle with independent suspension, integrated C4ISR and dual remote weapons systems. Team Timberwolf will debut at CANSEC 2011 to be held June 1-2 at the Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. Visitors can see video of Timberwolf in action at CAE's booth (#3201) during the CANSEC exhibition, and also visit the Team Timberwolf outdoor display (#315).
Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, said, "Team Timberwolf was formed to give Canadian Forces the best and most complete system offering available on the market today in terms of survivability, situational awareness, fighting capability and reparability. We are pleased that CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada are part of the team offering Canada the best solution for the TAPV project. The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) developed through the growing Canadian team will be a direct benefit to Canadian companies in the regions responsible for delivering components for Team Timberwolf."
Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the Canadian Government as one of the competitor companies qualified to provide up to 600 wheeled combat vehicles and related long term support services. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012. Force Protection also previously announced that it has entered into teaming agreements with CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada for the TAPV project.
About Team Timberwolf
Team Timberwolf is a collaboration between Force Protection Industries, Inc., CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to provide the Canadian Forces a complete vehicle combat system for the TAPV project. CAE would have overall responsibility for the comprehensive in-service support (ISS) solution. Elbit Systems will be the exclusive provider of the Dual Remote Weapons System (DRWS) while Lockheed Martin Canada would provide the integrated C4ISR system. For more information on Team Timberwolf visit www.teamtimberwolf.ca
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company's specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net

Canadians prepare for NEO's.

They're alot less 'dynamic' in this type of training than the Marine Corps...having your air-ground components being able to train together is something that can't be overlooked.

A question for Northern Command.

Question.

How can the US military respond to crisis in other countries...From Haiti, to Japan, to the Tsunami's  in God knows where...to the flooding in Pakistan and have no forces available to assist overwhelmed local authorities in Alabama, Oklahoma and other states hit by natural disasters?

It makes no sense for the US Government to have established a Northern Command to respond to disasters here in the states and to not have that Command forward leaning when such situations strike.

But wanna know what the Commander of Northern Command got for what I consider a lack of leadership?

Promotion to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

On May 16th they (Northern Command) were bragging about an exercise in which all major players in the disaster relief community assembled and drilled for contingencies.  The next day Tornadoes devastated the heartland.

On the 25th after the President was in the middle of his trip to Europe and just days before his arrival in the zone of destruction, Northern Command got off its collective ass and made this announcement.

May 25, 2011
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Northern Command activated the Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element for FEMA Region VII and extended the DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI today in support of response efforts to the severe weather in the Midwest.

U.S. Army North DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI was initially activated to support flood relief in the south and have been extended with the activation of FEMA Region VII to provide assessment and coordinate DoD assets as required in the Midwest. DCOs and DCEs work very closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine what unique DOD capabilities can be brought to assist in mitigating the effects of severe weather.

Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Air Forces Northern and Marine Forces North will deploy to FEMA Region VII to assist the DCO assess and plan Department of Defense support of civil authorities.

The Department of Defense has capabilities that can be used to save lives as well as many other unique support capabilities such as air lift, medical, communications, and catastrophic planning.

USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

U.S. Army North provides defense support of civil authorities as the Army component of USNORTHCOM, the combatant command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., that is responsible for homeland defense and civil support.

Sorry Admiral but that just won't do.  Not only is it too little but its too damn late.  But even accounting for a bloated bureaucracy, why are you sending Liaison Officers instead of activating Medical Personnel to help out?  Why are you not sending an Engineer Battalion or two to help with clean up?

The point is this.

We sent ships at flank speed to help the Japanese and Haitians.  We extended an MEU to help Pakistan.

But when it comes to our military helping our own citizens its just too big a burden?

Say it out loud Admiral and see if it makes sense.


NOTE:  Since the beginning of this year the US has been hit with savage storms, tornadoes, flooding of the nations largest river and we're not even halfway thru yet.  Want to see the list?  Go here.

Fleet Week...a good idea gone bad.

Fleet Week had the potential to be nothing but great.

Instead the Marine Corps has shitted on its most fervent supporters and did the "Politically Correct" thing.

If I were to bet money, I would say that most Marine Corps recruits come from the South, Mid West and parts of the West.  Where have we seen Fleet Weeks?  New York City?  Really?  A bastion of liberal politics and anti-military types and thats where you hold a Fleet Week?  Chicago?  Same.  San Fran?  Oh the same on steroids!

St. Louis is an improvement but say it out loud!  Look at the statistics!  Does that even make sense?

The Marine Corps needs to re-orient its focus.  Dallas.  Atlanta.  Phoenix.  Austin.  Denver.  Oklahoma City.  Miami.  Birmingham.  Heck anywhere but the usual urban spots they've picked.

Places in the heartland is where the focus should be.  But don't hold your breath for a change.  Tradition is trumping changing demographics, recruiting reality and common sense.


Want some half baked opinion sprinkled with alot of facts on why the South is the recruiting mecca for the services?  Go here.

Mirage 2000 recovery.

5/26/2011 By Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng

2nd Marine Logistics Group

An M88 Recovery Vehicle hoists the body of a downed French  Mirage 2000 aircraft during a recovery mission May 27, 2011. U.S., French and Italian forces conducted an 81-mile combat logistics patrol from Regional Command Southwest to retrieve the French jet without incident in the Bakwa district of Regional Command West in Afghanistan May 27, 2011. Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) took the lead on the mission. In direct support of the battalion were teams from 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd MLG (Fwd.), along with the Army's 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion providing heavy equipment transport capabilities, an Aircraft Recovery Fire Fighting team from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, a French aircraft recovery team and an Italian team escorting the convoy from the RC boundary to the crash site where they continued to provide security for the duration of the operation in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

A successful catch..

I'm posting this just because I thought it was cool.  Notice the spider even using its legs as weapons...I never knew...

MARSOC needs Marine Air?

I've been looking forward to reading and posting this paper for a while.  I read the synopsis and it left me cold.  Having read the paper, I can't say that I'm anymore enthused.  Perhaps I'm in the minority but I just don't see this as a good idea.  Read it for yourself and decide.

Epton-AY06-9816

Quote of the day. May 29, 2011.

Those aircraft will still possess "a lot of capability . . . that is very impressive," he said. Plus, those units will be training and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures, and the logistics infrastructure will be maturing, he said. Depending on the circumstances, "we would, with all the safety considerations, be ready to go," 

Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Air Staff Lead for Operations, Plans, and Requirements-speaking about the USAF F-35A Block 2B.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Humor.

A modest proposal. Time for Army Aviation to get feet wet!

US Army aviation has a tradition of operating in coastal areas dating back to Vietnam.  They shared the skies with the renowned Sea Wolves and were a force to be reckoned with.

Fast forward to the 1980's and 90's and you have US Army aviation operating in the Persian Gulf.

The future for Army Aviation is a partner ship with the Navy.  And they have the perfect tool to make it work...the OH-58F.

Littoral Combat requires the identification of targets in cluttered sea lanes.  In marshes and canals...in green turning to brown water.  The weapons and optical package found on the OH-58F makes it tailor made to this mission.

Its also a win for the US Army in the future.  A rotation between Aviation Brigades would make it a perfect fit with training taking place with both Navy and Marine Units it shouldn't be a particular burden for any of the services.  Additionally the skids on the OH-58F should make it a bit easier to handle on the deck of a pitching ship...a much better option than the AH-64...oh and did I mention that optics package?

Army Aviation is already a frequent visitor to Naval vessels in the form of the 160th...that role should be expanded.

If Sea Basing is about being a joint force then this integration of Army Aviation onboard LCS' and Burke Destroyers should be a no brainer.

NOTE:
This proposal only makes sense if my prediction of future budget cuts come true.  In the environment I foresee, the Marine Corps will cut not to 175,000 but to 150,000 when all is said and done.  The Army will be equally savaged and the services will not be seeking to expand capabilities but simply to maintain competencies.  Putting Army Scout Helicopters on US Navy warships will keep them 'gainfully' employed, will act as a cost effective Fire Scout replacement (which I see getting axed if not this year then next) and will provide aerial observation and guns in an area in which Marine Aviation will already be stretched just to maintain current and projected operating tempos.

Why We Fight By Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta , 2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  — As families across our great country gather this Memorial Day weekend, the men and women serving in Afghanistan will also pause to reflect on those who have gone before them.  They will celebrate our heroes, past and present.  These men and women serving in southwest Afghanistan are reminded daily that freedom and “justice for all” doesn’t exist everywhere, and that it comes at a cost.      Just a few nights ago I was reminded of why we fight today when a young Marine struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in southern Helmand.  Gravely injured, the team’s corpsman on scene stabilized him and called for a medical evacuation helicopter.  Weather was a problem, however, and the evacuation helicopter could not reach the scene, though the pilots refused to stop trying.  An adjacent unit was contacted and, without concern for themselves, a convoy of Light Armored Vehicles rushed to aid the young Marine.  They made it their mission to get to a Marine in trouble.  They pushed through driving wind and blowing sand to link up with fellow Marines.  After link-up, they wound up stuck in the sand, now in desperate need to evacuate the wounded Marine. 
Throughout their efforts the Army helicopter pilots were doing their best to help as well.  Convinced they could get through the weather, they put the most experienced aviators in the cockpit.  As Marines and Navy corpsmen on the ground continued to provide critical care, the helicopters launched again and a break in the weather allowed them to evacuate the wounded to safety.
This scenario encompassed more than five hours.  With each passing moment the urgency to evacuate the wounded increased.  Coordination at every level never stopped and there was never any thought of not being able to help.  Fighting against the odds, these soldiers, sailors and Marines banded together to save one of their own.  They refused to give up, and their efforts kept one of America’s sons alive.
So as we pause to celebrate this Memorial Day, we reflect on those who have gone before us.  We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation.  We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice.  They are committed to something greater than themselves, and they muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle.  They do it for one another and the country they love, asking little in return.
Sincerely,

Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta

Commanding General

Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward)

Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Do Warriors talk like this or managers?

This article on Army.mil is a basic run of the mill "we have a new system" type deal.  Read it all but this part has me scratching my head...

“Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter,” said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong.

The quote is from a Lt Colonel...

Is that a style of speech that is applicable to a war fighter?  I mean seriously!  The Lt Col called the warriors (in his language style another word for it would be 'end user') customers!  It almost makes me wonder if he's a Wal Mart manager or a leader.

I really thought this 'customer' talk had gone out the window when Rummy left but it seems some are holding on to the concept.  Thats a shame.

Scale Model New's take on a European Stealth NH-90 Gaddafi Grabber!

Scale Model New's take on a 'Gaddafi Grabber' NH-90.  Go here to read the whole thing.  Overall I think its improbable but an interesting exercise none the less.

Question. Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

A simple question to all.  Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

The question came up when me and some buddies were having a few cold ones talking about this that and the other thing...being that it was a bunch of military guys....2 Marines, a couple of Sailors and a Soldier...that question came up.

My answer was---of course.  Is it Special Ops?  No.  Is it elite?  Yes.

The Soldier chimed in wanting to know the difference....my reply was that the 82nd Airborne is elite...that the 101st is elite....and that before the Stryker conversions the 10th Mountain, 25th Infantry were also elite.

Of course he agreed but added that some Stryker Brigades and even some Heavy Battalions could be considered elite.

Sailors being who they are also decided to add their two cents.  It got to the point where Carrier Air Wings, EOD and Riverine should also be considered elite units.

So on this somber weekend, where we remember our fallen I'm posing this question.  What is elite and who fills the bill?

The Thugs video taped themselves.

Thanks USS Helm! 

These Thugs had the audacity to video tape themselves committing this atrocity.  I still want them to fry....here on earth and later in hell.