I'm convinced that HQMC is getting push back on this latest scheme. The MPC was suppose to be a complimentary, not replacement vehicle for the ACV. This idea of relying on LCACs, LCUs or some future vehicle is misguided. Doesn't matter though. Its out of Amos' hands. He dithered, bullshitted and lied. Its up to the next Commandant to fix the Marine Corps armored mess/procurement train wreck.
Friday, June 13, 2014
The Amphibious Combat Vehicle | Service Defining
I'm convinced that HQMC is getting push back on this latest scheme. The MPC was suppose to be a complimentary, not replacement vehicle for the ACV. This idea of relying on LCACs, LCUs or some future vehicle is misguided. Doesn't matter though. Its out of Amos' hands. He dithered, bullshitted and lied. Its up to the next Commandant to fix the Marine Corps armored mess/procurement train wreck.
Shepard Media launches a new blog...
Shepard Media, publisher of many great military/defense/security magazines has launched a new blog. Quill or Capture. I've visited and it looks like its going to be something nice. I've already added it to my RSS feed and you should check it out.
F-35 (Canada) News. One Dead Pilot Analysis...
Thanks to Kelly for sending me this manuscript! Sidenote. Others have talked about this but I misplaced/didn't follow up on it till tonight. To everyone else that sent links etc...thanks, my bad...
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Why aren't we evacuating the embassy in Iraq now? UPDATE.
I was watching the honorable gentleman from S. Carolina (is he gay?) and he made a comment that stuck me like a 2x4.
He said we need to be getting our people out of Iraq now!
But why aren't we? You can't keep something like that quiet and there are at least 3000 people in that embassy so why the delay with rebels rapidly approaching?
My guess? American lives are worth less than the cost in presidential prestige that would take a serious nose dive if we were seen doing the Saigon thing in Iraq.
UPDATE: So if they did decide to evacuate how would it happen? I'm guessing they have this weekend to get it done before events spiral out of control. The USMC would love a bite at this apple but it doesn't have the forces in the region to get it done. Even if we did it would be a challenge for Marine Air to evacuate this many people.
That means we're looking at the US Army and Air Force.
The biggest problem is going to be keeping SOCOM's grubby hands off things. Their commander (McRaven) is an ego maniac. If his boys ain't doing it then it ain't worth doing it. The problem for them is that they don't have the number of personnel needed to fight off these terrorists....unless they suddenly pulled a Ranger Battalion and combined it with MARSOC.
So I'm guessing that the 82nd will probably get the call. The Division Ready Brigade should have already been put on alert for possible deployment so the call up time should be less than the standard 72 hours. The USAF would probably need to get together a C-17 Squadron and be prepared for a couple of ferry flights to Turkey from Iraq. Getting personnel safely from the Embassy to the airport will be the biggest problem. If they're driving to the airport then thats going to be where they will get hit. Even breaking down a few CH-47's, and flying them into country and using them to ferry people from the embassy to the airport will be an issue.
I wonder how many MANPADS the terrorists captured?
This is a mess. They waited too long. A clean exit is not possible anymore.
NOTE: For all those that are saying that the terrorists can't take Baghdad, let me ask you one question. Have you ever heard of operational momentum? Have you ever wondered why the assault into Kuwait in Gulf War One, how the Iraqi Army folded so fast in Gulf War Two, and how the Special Forces on horseback were able to rollup forces seemingly at will? The established operational momentum. That's what the terrorists have going for them now. They're already inside the decision making loop of all that are involved and if they're smart they're going to press this attack. Baghdad can fall. If the terrorist show the same fortitude that they have so far then its almost a certainty!
He said we need to be getting our people out of Iraq now!
But why aren't we? You can't keep something like that quiet and there are at least 3000 people in that embassy so why the delay with rebels rapidly approaching?
My guess? American lives are worth less than the cost in presidential prestige that would take a serious nose dive if we were seen doing the Saigon thing in Iraq.
UPDATE: So if they did decide to evacuate how would it happen? I'm guessing they have this weekend to get it done before events spiral out of control. The USMC would love a bite at this apple but it doesn't have the forces in the region to get it done. Even if we did it would be a challenge for Marine Air to evacuate this many people.
That means we're looking at the US Army and Air Force.
The biggest problem is going to be keeping SOCOM's grubby hands off things. Their commander (McRaven) is an ego maniac. If his boys ain't doing it then it ain't worth doing it. The problem for them is that they don't have the number of personnel needed to fight off these terrorists....unless they suddenly pulled a Ranger Battalion and combined it with MARSOC.
So I'm guessing that the 82nd will probably get the call. The Division Ready Brigade should have already been put on alert for possible deployment so the call up time should be less than the standard 72 hours. The USAF would probably need to get together a C-17 Squadron and be prepared for a couple of ferry flights to Turkey from Iraq. Getting personnel safely from the Embassy to the airport will be the biggest problem. If they're driving to the airport then thats going to be where they will get hit. Even breaking down a few CH-47's, and flying them into country and using them to ferry people from the embassy to the airport will be an issue.
I wonder how many MANPADS the terrorists captured?
This is a mess. They waited too long. A clean exit is not possible anymore.
NOTE: For all those that are saying that the terrorists can't take Baghdad, let me ask you one question. Have you ever heard of operational momentum? Have you ever wondered why the assault into Kuwait in Gulf War One, how the Iraqi Army folded so fast in Gulf War Two, and how the Special Forces on horseback were able to rollup forces seemingly at will? The established operational momentum. That's what the terrorists have going for them now. They're already inside the decision making loop of all that are involved and if they're smart they're going to press this attack. Baghdad can fall. If the terrorist show the same fortitude that they have so far then its almost a certainty!
The biggest heist in human history?
I'm hearing that the ISIS thugs stole 400+ million dollars from the bank in Mosul.
That can buy a whole bunch of milk and honey....I don't know the price of 72 virgins so that is anyone's guess.
But imagine that.
400+ million dollars in the hands of terrorists. Even if they divide it all between the 800 fighters that's a real nice payday. Inside a civil war we just saw the biggest theft in modern history..
UPDATE...via International Business Times...
That can buy a whole bunch of milk and honey....I don't know the price of 72 virgins so that is anyone's guess.
But imagine that.
400+ million dollars in the hands of terrorists. Even if they divide it all between the 800 fighters that's a real nice payday. Inside a civil war we just saw the biggest theft in modern history..
UPDATE...via International Business Times...
The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shams (Isis) has become the richest terror group ever after looting 500 billion Iraqi dinars - the equivalent of $429m (£256m) - from Mosul's central bank, according to the regional governor.Yep. Read it and weep!
Nineveh governor Atheel al-Nujaifi confirmed Kurdish televison reports that Isis militants had stolen millions from numerous banks across Mosul. A large quantity of gold bullion is also believed to have been stolen.
Following the siege of the country's second city, the bounty collected by the group has left it richer than al-Qaeda itself and as wealthy as small nations such as Tonga, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and the Falkland Islands.
Must read! How 800 Sunni Insurgents rout 2 Iraqi Army Divisions (15,000 men)!
via Military Times...
This is a must read because its bullshit. Weaponry, equipment and training can only carry you so far. You have to have the will to fight and to win! The Iraqi forces had the right equipment, weaponry and training. They simply lacked will.
Experts say ISIS totals no more than 10,000 fighters throughout Iraq and Syria, while the force that specifically seized the city of Mosul this week probably totaled about 800 fighters. That force overpowered two Iraqi Army divisions totaling about 30,000 troops.Let me be clear.
“Clearly, the Iraqi forces in the north lack cohesion and a will to fight,” said Jeff White, a former intelligence analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency who is now a defense expert with the Washington Institute think tank.
In terms of weaponry, ISIS has small arms and civilian-style pickup trucks with mounted crew-served weapons, mainly heavy machine guns such as Russian-made Dushkas, and also a limited supply of 23mm anti-aircraft weapons that they are using for direct fire, White said.
On the other side, the Iraqi army is awash in about $15 billion in U.S. gear transferred since 2005, including IA-407 helicopters, M-1 Abrams tanks, C-130 fixed-wing aircraft and 300 hellfire missiles, Pentagon officials say.
This is a must read because its bullshit. Weaponry, equipment and training can only carry you so far. You have to have the will to fight and to win! The Iraqi forces had the right equipment, weaponry and training. They simply lacked will.
Sunni's strike back in Iraq. UPDATE! I just heard the words regional war...
I've been monitoring the situation in Iraq and it was a predictable outcome.
The Shiites have excluded Sunni's from the govt and they're pissed. So what do they do? That minority of people has a bit of a fighting spirit so they got fed up and are now on the attack.
This is instructive.
The tech of force is irrelevant. The size of a force is irrelevant. What counts is the determination of the fighters.
The USMC once understood this.
Now, the Iraqi govt is asking the US to intervene with airstrikes! I'm laughing my ass off at this. The Iraqi's didn't want to sign a status of forces agreement and now they're begging for help. Love it. I hope Obama tells them to pound sand. They deserve the civil war that is coming their way.
NOTE: Monitoring this situation and a talking head just said the magic words...regional war! The Kurds have seized a city and are looking to consolidate their stronghold (the dream of a Kurdish nation should scare the shit out of the Turks!), the Sunni's are approaching Baghdad and that will supposedly cause Iran to act. This is what happens when you have amateurs in charge. The world is burning. Also, has anyone noticed how this administration is lurching from crisis to crisis? The lack of planning, the inability to "take issues off the table" and the overall ineptitude is stunning!
The Shiites have excluded Sunni's from the govt and they're pissed. So what do they do? That minority of people has a bit of a fighting spirit so they got fed up and are now on the attack.
This is instructive.
The tech of force is irrelevant. The size of a force is irrelevant. What counts is the determination of the fighters.
The USMC once understood this.
Now, the Iraqi govt is asking the US to intervene with airstrikes! I'm laughing my ass off at this. The Iraqi's didn't want to sign a status of forces agreement and now they're begging for help. Love it. I hope Obama tells them to pound sand. They deserve the civil war that is coming their way.
NOTE: Monitoring this situation and a talking head just said the magic words...regional war! The Kurds have seized a city and are looking to consolidate their stronghold (the dream of a Kurdish nation should scare the shit out of the Turks!), the Sunni's are approaching Baghdad and that will supposedly cause Iran to act. This is what happens when you have amateurs in charge. The world is burning. Also, has anyone noticed how this administration is lurching from crisis to crisis? The lack of planning, the inability to "take issues off the table" and the overall ineptitude is stunning!
DDG-1000 is looking good!
Note: I can't wrap my head around Marine Corps philosophy about the littoral zone. While the USMC is saying that it will be too dangerous for amphibs to get close to shore, the US Navy is designing a "battleship" to operate there and the LCS was originally touted as being perfect for fighting in that area.
Pics via Defense News.
Pics via Defense News.
Close Combat Attack...
Quick.
What is the difference between Close Air Support and Close Combat Attack? Don't know? Well quite honestly I never even knew the term Close Combat Attack even existed! Read American Mercenary's follow up on his CAS article here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Marine Personnel Carrier News! There is no news....
Making a late night swing thru the internet I ran across an article by National Defense Magazine stating that Lockheed Martin was anxious to win combat vehicle contracts.
I was pumped up hoping to catch news of the MPC. I was disappointed. Check this out...
The Marine Corps has yet to release requirements detailing how extensive the ACV’s amphibious capabilities should be, Greene said.How did I miss that?
Marine Corps officials have said the ACV 1.1 may not be required to move from ship to shore on its own, as the current amphibious assault vehicle can. The service is still evaluating to what extent it will use “connectors” to help shepherd the vehicle closer to land.
Lockheed’s vehicle can travel at speeds of about 5 knots and operate in sea state 2 — waves ranging from 4 inches to over one and a half feet high, Greene said.
In 2013, the Havoc completed amphibious and blast testing during the technology demonstration phase of the MPC program. General Dynamics, SAIC and BAE Systems also participated in technology demonstrations and could offer vehicles for the ACV 1.1 program.
Greene said that the engineering, manufacturing and development phase will kick off “in the not-too-distant future.” The Marine Corps will ultimately buy about 700 vehicles, he added.
Amos did another one of those delaying tactics when it comes to this vehicle. I don't think he has ever been honest with the Marine Corps when it comes to this vehicle/program.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The F-35 has put the Marine Corps in a procurement hurt locker. The only thing that can explain the delays, the indecision and the re-starting of this program --- over and over and over again --- has to be that they're trying to save money and by extension the F-35.
The US Army needs to coral its LtCol's. Are they all fucking lunatics????
Thanks for the link Dustin!
It seems LtCol Bateman has another article up in Esquire talking about gun control. Ok. Fair enough, he's entitled to his opinion.
But take the time to read the comments after you read his snide, condescending article...I'll give you a tidbit...
This son of a bitch just hid behind his rank because he got pushback on his article.
Someone in Bateman's chain needs to take this wanna be Rambo to a dimly lit office and give him some wall to wall counseling, followed by personal instruction in Marine Corps Martial Arts...with a full demonstration of all punches, kicks and throws.....
Bateman is giving Army LtCol's a bad name. If he's an example then they're all fucking lunatics!
It seems LtCol Bateman has another article up in Esquire talking about gun control. Ok. Fair enough, he's entitled to his opinion.
But take the time to read the comments after you read his snide, condescending article...I'll give you a tidbit...
Brian C. EnglundWhat the heck did I just read?? Hey sir, what's the ASI for "keyboard commando"? Slap it on there next to powerpoint ranger--quick, before your terminal leave ends. Before you go attempting to cloak yourself in the colors of your country and the Army with this polemic, leave the rest of us 11A5S (and everyone else) out of your ridiculous, uninformed bravado. In fact, take your rank and military status out of it, because they do little to advance or support any argument. There is an argument here, rather than a double jack and coke...right?Ok. Brian nails my point of view on this issue, but what has me wanting to punch walls AND Bateman is his response....
Robert BatemanBrian, you claim friendship with both Nathan and Crispin? I'll pass on your critique. But perhaps you should consider that I have been an infantryman for significantly longer than you. By the way, Brian. I don't use my rank. Esquire adds that over my objection. Something to do with journalism ethics. And which part was uninformed.Yeah.
And since we're mentioning it, what part of Article 89 do you not understand, because I am not on terminal leave. So I'll contact you chain of command, shall I? There is no "RET" beside my name. You might want to research the UCMJ, while I research more mass killings. And Brian, never miss the chance to STFU.
This son of a bitch just hid behind his rank because he got pushback on his article.
Someone in Bateman's chain needs to take this wanna be Rambo to a dimly lit office and give him some wall to wall counseling, followed by personal instruction in Marine Corps Martial Arts...with a full demonstration of all punches, kicks and throws.....
Bateman is giving Army LtCol's a bad name. If he's an example then they're all fucking lunatics!
Kershaw Emerson knives CQC-6K and CQC-7K review....
Note: They're finally out .... and they're sold out. This knife was already called the years best knife buy at Blade Show 2014 and from the video review (don't know the guy) it looks like it will live up to that hype. Correction! It is available online but we're already seeing price inflation. From BladeHQ they retail for around thirty bucks but you have some sellers asking fifty....I'll wait till the commotion dies down (I'm cheap and hate paying more because of the crowd).
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The first step to save America happened tonight....
via AP
Cantor's defeat throws a monkey wrench into those schemes. The first step to save America happened tonight and I couldn't be happier.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was defeated Tuesday by a little-known economics professor in Virginia's Republican primary, a stunning upset and major victory for the tea party.Cantor and Republican leadership were plotting to pass an amnesty bill late this summer. What that would have done to our nation is incalculable.
Cantor is the second-most powerful member of the U.S. House and was seen by some as a possible successor to the House speaker.
His loss to Dave Brat, a political novice with little money marks a huge victory for the tea party movement, which supported Cantor just a few years ago.
Cantor's defeat throws a monkey wrench into those schemes. The first step to save America happened tonight and I couldn't be happier.
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