The Russians just got 6 more of the most deadly planes in their arsenal...

via Defense Talk...

Today, four serial Su-34 frontline bombers went up in the sky from the runway airport of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) and off to the place of their deployment at the air base in Voronezh. Two more aircraft will arrive there in the next few days. The aircraft delivery is carried out in the framework of the five-year state contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Read the whole thing but from my view point (Navy and Marines) the deadliest airplane the Russians currently possess is the SU-34.

The SU-27 and its clones might get all the press but the SU-34 is the real heavy hitter of the bunch.  Fast.  Big.  Massive payload.  Crazy range.

If you're onboard an LHD, LPD or LSD sailing into harms way you better hope the guys on the destroyers are up to speed on anti-air...and whatever plane you're talking about...whether F-35 or F-18, you won't have the range to hit them before they can launch their missiles.

The SU-34.  The most underrated airplane in the Russian arsenal.  When the Chinese start buying these then you know they're serious about making a push in the Pacific.

Exercise Kilat Eagle

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a CH-46E Sea Knight aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walk to a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.  Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to participate in Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck

A CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) departs USS Makin Island here Dec. 14 to fly 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit personnel to Kuantan, Malaysia for Exercise Kilat Eagle, a bilateral training event between Marines and sailors of MEU and soldiers from the Malaysian Army. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed from San Diego Nov. 14 aboard USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor and arrived in Malaysia Dec. 14 as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions  Photo by Capt. Roger Hollenbeck

I am not a Sheep Dog.

via Vuurwapen Blog...

I wasn't carrying a gun to stop a school shooter and become some sort of hero. I was carrying a gun to preserve my own life. Just as I always carried a loaded Beretta 9 mm tucked inside my uniform when with Iraqi policemen inside their "station," I didn't trust that anyone else would be looking out for me first. It's not that I didn't think that the University of Arizona Police Department wouldn't do their very best to stop any potential shooting as soon as possible. I simply knew all too well how quickly such situations could play out, and how help nearby could be no help at all.
My carry philosophy has not changed much since that first day. My parents taught me to be responsible for myself. Scouting taught me to be prepared. Combat taught me to be aware.

Read the whole thing.  It should open up many eyes to the dangers of stumbling into situation where you don't have all the information.

Marine air interdiction force supports Afghan Border Patrol from above

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Eric Colley, a 23-year-old native of Caldwell, Idaho, posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand. , Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:49 PM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Lynch, a 22-year-old Brookfield, Conn. native and motor transport operator with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 10:44 PM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Alston Hays, an air interdiction force team member with Regimental Combat Team 5, searches a local man during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., 2nd Lt. Chris Harper, 12/11/2011 10:43 PM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marines with the air interdiction force composed of 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, pause for a break as a CH-53 Sea Stallion refuels during an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation here, Dec. 7. The AIF circles high in sky above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel, and plays a unique role in counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand. , Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/12/2011 12:23 AM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan McDowell, a 24-year-old rifleman from Kent, Ohio, moves toward a target during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:10 PM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-KHAN NESHIN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines with the air interdiction force composed of 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, search a vehicle during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission, Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 10:42 PM

KHAN-NESHIN, Afghanistan-U.S. Marine Capt. Stephen Bartoszak, Charlie Company, 1/25 executive officer and 27-year-old native of Centereach, N.Y., posts security during an air interdiction force mission here, Dec. 7. The AIF mission was conducted in support of an Afghan Border Police led clearing operation in Khan-Neshin. During the mission Marines and sailors from Charlie Co., 1/25, and 2nd Bn., 11th Marines, circled above, searching for suspicious vehicles or personnel. The AIF plays a unique role with Regimental Combat Team 5’s counter-insurgency operations in southern Helmand., Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez, 12/11/2011 11:39 PM

Russian Naval Infantry landing exercise...

via English Russia

Australia picks its JLTV...

Jonathan (thanks again!) sent me this article that shows the silliness of US ground vehicle procurement programs.  The Aussies have gotten their JLTV pick selected and we're still wandering around dazed and confused.  Good for them, pathetic for us.  Read it here but a tidbit...

Australia aims to buy up to 1,300 of the high-mobility Hawkei, to be built in Bendigo where Thales Australia also produces the larger Bushmaster infantry vehicle, used by Australian, British and Dutch troops in Afghanistan.

Pic of the day.

Apache helicopters of the Israeli and Hellenic Air Forces fly together in a joint aerial exercise. These types of exercises are a central aspect of the Israel-Greece military cooperation.Photo by Israel Air Force.

A couple of things about this photo that the IDF is highlighting as its pic of the day.  First this photo was taken in July of this year.  Is this part of the propaganda effort against Iran?  Second, its hard to miss the Israeli Apache's operating with fuel tanks in the pic.  Lastly what's with all the training with European countries?  They practically have a base in Romania and they're drilling their asses off with the Greeks, but nothing with the French, Germans or UK.  Is there a split in the EU with regards to Israel or is it simply a military issue?  I don't know but will be asking.

Silencers in use by Designated Marksmen

Just noticed in these pics that I posted earlier that either an assigned Sniper or a unit Designated Marksman is using a silencer on his weapon.

Absolutely awesome.

I do wonder what happened to the initiative that was to see silencers become widely used by all Infantry Marines though.  It would make sense and its something that we can get done today.

Is the US Army relevant in the near term?

National Defense Blog has a titillating article on the relevance of the US Army in the near term and a interesting view of the Air-Sea Battle concept in general.  Definitely worth the read.  Check it out here but a tidbit.

Another topic of discussion was how the Army would maintain its presence in strategic areas of the world, such as Asia, when it will have fewer foreign bases and most of its forces will be stateside.
This concern harkens back to the late 1990s, when the Army feared for its relevance as its forces were deemed to slow and heavy to deploy to urgent crises. For a U.S.-based force, the ability to rapidly move troops is “going to be a problem for the Army,” said Steven Metz, a strategist at the Army War College.
Another theme that emerged from the seminar is the notion that, barring a major war, the Army might not be needed, or even wanted, in many parts the world. In Africa, for instance, foreign allies typically need help building roads, hospitals or assistance in humanitarian relief, but they do not always welcome U.S. military presence. “How to you work with someone who needs you but doesn't want you?” asked Lt. Col. Thomas Talley, an advisor at U.S. Africa Command.

A few points just jump out at me.

First we're back to transformation.  God help us we're back to Rumsfield's transformation.  Air-Sea Battle smacks of it.

Second, we have a US Army that's still too damn heavy!  The JLTV that's being pushed on the Marine Corps is the most obvious example of it.  The double hulled Stryker is another example.  Lastly the biggest villain is the Ground Combat Vehicle.  US Army procurement today is killing it for tomorrow.

Lastly the US Army is extremely relevant, just not in the way that it wants.  Its relevance is in its Soldiers.  They need to make a strong move back to its old format of a couple of Divisions of Light Infantry.  Change the 25th back to Light Fighters.  Make the 1st ID Light Fighters.  You get the idea.  Heck even consider an additional Air Assault Division but understand that a heavily mechanized force with little balance is not the way forward...especially if you're going to have to fight world wide....not just the desert but in the jungles and mountains too.

UPDATE!
B. Smitty hit on something and it got me to thinking.  The warfare in Afghanistan for the past decade has sowed the seeds of success for the US Army.  How?  By forcing them to operate as essentially motorized infantry.  Stryker brigades deploy without their Strykers and operate out of MRAPs.    And just like with HUMVEEs or more specifically with the failed 9th ID motorized experiment, when your infantry just uses the vehicle as transports and are less wedded to them then they have a chance of maintaining infantry proficiency.  If the Army is to be mechanized then lets adjust and have a portion motorized instead.

The Role of the US Marine Corps...

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., spoke to the Center for Strategic and International Studies Dec. 7. ...via USMC

 

The Role of the Marine Corps
Dunford explained that the WWII draw down was crafted by the day’s best strategists, and they got it wrong. Their predictions about the future were wrong. And historically, we don’t have a good track record of making accurate predictions about what the future holds. The one thing we can safely say is that the future security environment is complex, dynamic and most importantly, uncertain.
This is why the mission of the Marine Corps as it was crafted in the early 1950’s by the 82^nd Congress makes sense. In 1951 and 1952, Congress held hearings about what had happened in early days of the Korean War. They were horrified that we as a nation had sent men into harm’s way so unprepared. After hearing from witnesses and influenced by the actions of Marines on the Korean Peninsula, they determined that the nation needed a crisis response force and that that force should be the United States Marine Corps.
A little more than a year ago, then Secretary of Defense Gates challenged the Marine Corps to define its unique role in a post-Operation Enduring Freedom world. The Marine Corps convened a group of senior leaders called the Force Structure Review Group. That group looked at what the Marines’ mission was as described by the 82^nd Congress, they looked at what the Marines had done in the recent past (to include 130 amphibious operations since 1990), and assumptions about the future security environment. They concluded that the mission of the Marine Corps was unchanged and that America still need a crisis response force in readiness, a force that could deter potential adversaries, demonstrate commitment, buy time for decision makers, respond to crises and enable joint/interagency operations.

So in short, what is the Marine Corps mission or rather role in the defense establishment?

To be most ready when the nation is least ready.

To provide a full spectrum force that is capable of arriving at far off shores and win.

The nation needs the Marines to be the Marines.

Operation Western Gambit clears insurgents in Now Zad

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines move in a formation through the desolate Afghan desert, Nov. 27, as part of Operation Western Gambit. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers made a presence in areas of the Now Zad and Musa Qal’eh districts that have, until now, remained isolated from coalition forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. , Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/27/2011 12:17 AM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-A Marine aims down the sight of his rifle while holding security in a insurgent controlled village in the Now Zad District, Nov. 27, as part of Operation Western Gambit. He held security while Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers cleared compounds within the village, hoping to flush out enemy forces.
, Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 8:17 PM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines post security on top of a building in a village within the Now Zad District that was riddled with insurgent forces, Nov. 27. The Marines were conducting the clearing portion of Operation Western Gambit, where they attempted to flush out insurgent forces in the area.
, Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 8:14 PM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines help each other climb atop a roof to establish a security position against insurgent forces in an insurgent influenced area of the Now Zad District, Nov. 27. The Marines seek high ground to gain effective support-by-fire positions to protect Marines maneuvering in open fields.
, Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 8:11 PM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment patrol with Javelin Missile Systems through a hostile village in the Now Zad District, Nov. 27. The Marines patrolled for several days and carried all necessary provisions on their backs. , Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 7:50 PM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines hold security down an alley way in a hostile village in the Now Zad District, Nov. 27. The Marines were clearing the village of insurgent forces as part of Operation Western Gambit.
, Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 6:37 PM

Now Zad, Afghanistan-Marines and an infantry detection dog hold security in an isolated village in the Now Zad District that has never seen coalition forces, Nov. 27. The Marines were engaged in several firefights with insurgent forces during their movement through the area. , Cpl. Clayton VonDerAhe, 11/26/2011 10:26 PM

Sharkey Ward on the Falklands situation...

Sharkey Ward through the Phoenix Think Tank has come out guns blazing at not only the decision to sell the Harriers to the USMC (thank you UK...we luv you guys!) but also the RAF and the decision making on the Falkland Islands...Read it all here. 

Pic of the day. Fighter elephant walk.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from both the 8th and 419th Fighter Wings demonstrate an “elephant walk” formation as they taxi down a runway during an exercise Dec. 2, 2011, at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. The exercise showcased the capability of Kunsan's Airmen to quickly and safely prepare aircraft for a wartime mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas)

31st MEU Marines seize the U.S. Naval Ship Dahl

Tanks complete final exercise before deployment

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., -Lance Cpl. Eli Gutierrez, loader with 1st platoon, Co. A, 1st Tank Battalion, looks out the main hatch of his team’s tank during a patrol exercise in the Combat Center’s training area Dec. 1, 2011. The tankers faced record winds and freezing temperatures during their five-day training operation.
, Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 12/1/2011 7:07 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., -Marines with Co. A, 1st Tank Battalion, roll through the Combat Center training area during a patrol training exercise Dec. 1, 2011. This field exercise is the last time the company will be in the field training before they deploy to Afghanistan., Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 12/1/2011 7:43 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., - (Left) Lance Cpl. Clint Lathrop, tank mechanic and M88 recovery vehicle driver, and Lance Cpl Aaron Hullet, tank driver with first platoon, look into the mechanical problems of a tank Dec. 1, ,2011, during a field exercise.
, Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 12/1/2011 11:27 AM

RNLAF AH-64 Apache Display Team.

Programs that we could afford to see go away.

Everyone is talking about the upcoming budget crunch that the US is facing in the defense sphere and reacting as if its the end of the world.

I beg to differ.  While the wars have been going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, we've seen a number of projects and initiatives started that don't fit our needs and should be done away with today.

1.  JLTV.  This vehicle started out as a HUMVEE replacement and then turned into a more modern M-ATV.  Its too heavy, costs too much and if we need protection against IED's then its time to pull MRAPs out of storage.  A number of manufacturers have developed upgrades for HUMVEEs that we should buy.  The JLTV is just not needed.

2.  GCV.  The ground combat vehicle.  Wow.  Where do I start.  First the Bradley in its ultimate form is already a world class vehicle.  Second we have excess Bradley's and if the US Army needs a M-113 replacement, a better option would be to modify those excess Bradley's by removing the turrets, adding a RWS and installing ballistic seats and spall liners.  Improvements in its suspension and power train along with additional armor in required areas should hold be sufficient for Army use.

3.  Observation Helicopter Replacement.  The US Army might as well face it.  Its going to fly Kiowas till 2030.  Just get on with it and upgrade the helicopters it has and buy new ones instead of developing a brand new supply chain and training centers.  The AA-72X might be impressive.  The OH-6 too and the AH-64 lite or whatever they're calling it but common sense and urgency require that the foolishness stop and reality accepted.

4.  NGB.  The next generation bomber is a pipe dream.  Penetration of enemy defenses by large bombers is not going to happen.  Money better spent would be to develop ultra high speed cruise missiles.  Fixing existing bombers might help too.  I find it hard to believe that the B-1 can't be re-engined to fill this role.

Of course there are a number of other programs that can go on this list ranging from small arms to nuclear weapons.  The point is quite simply this.  We can afford to make cuts in some of our defense programs without jeopardizing our safety and the safety of our allies.  Even with as big as a one quarter cut in the defense budget and we still should be fine.  Even in the face of a rising China.

Now if we could only make some cuts that would really help...you know, like getting rid of a whole ton of flag officers!  That would make my day!

Disclaimer:
The Flag Officer remark is not aimed at Admiral Venelet.  I simply believe that we have too many.  Generals are in positions once commanded by Colonels.  Etc...

Australians and Marines at Semper FAST

NAVAIR Air Waves...

F-35 News. More to chew on from BlackFive.

Read BlackFive's article here.