The Medal of Honor club needs to talk to this guy.

Thanks for the link Joe.

via Yahoo Celebrity News.

Sarah Palin's getting a new son-in-law! Bristol Palin is engaged to her boyfriend, Sgt. Dakota Meyer. The bride-to-be announced the happy news via Instagram on Saturday, Mar. 14.
PHOTOS: Celebrity weddings"Truly the luckiest girl in the world, cannot wait to marry this man!!!!" Palin, 24, captioned an Instagram pic of the couple kissing. In a second photo, she gave a closer look at her gorgeous cushion-cut diamond engagement ring.

That's it.

That's all you get.  Go here to read the article.  Personally my skin is crawling from spending two minutes on a celebrity page. 

And that brings me to the issue with Meyers.

Will someone from the "Medal of Honor" club (that's what I call it...there has to be some type of loose association between winners of the MoH...club, association, something...), someone that will not be impressed and awed by talking to a living recipient of our nations highest honor---- simply talk to him and tell him he's been too public?

I'd do it but I don't know the guy, but by rep he's a good dude but he's taken on some causes that have placed him in the public spotlight that are...unsightly.

Calling out ISIS to come to his house?  Really?  Seriously?  Not the kind of reasoned talk I'd expect from a MoH winner.

Defending the former Commandant from the ire of other Marines?  Do you really want a MoH winner to insert himself so fully into divisive Marine Corps politics?

Now this?

From what I've read the winners of the MoH are all about bringing honor to the men that they fought with.  To educate the public on important military matters.  And to do nothing to bring discredit to the award.

Someone needs to tell Dakota that being a celebrity isn't part of the deal.

Strykers on the move in Europe. But a 1100 mile convoy?

via Ukraine Today.

Eastern Europe, here comes the cavalry.
The U.S. Army says it will soon be sending armored Stryker vehicles on a 1,100-mile convoy through six European countries to show solidarity to allies in the wake of recent Russian actions in the Ukraine and Crimea that have Eastern Europe on edge.
The move was first reported Thursday in the military newspaper Stars and Stripes. U.S. Army Europe posted the Stripes story on its website on Friday.
The convoy is "a highly visible demonstration of U.S, commitment to its NATO allies and demonstrating NATO's ability to move military forces freely across allied borders in close cooperation," U.S. Army Europe spokesman Lt. Col. Craig Childs, said in a statement, according to the Stripes report.

Ok.

I get the need for a "visible" response to what many see as Russian aggression in Ukraine (this war confuses the hell outta me though...I keep reading the timeline of events and I just don't know...) but an 1100 mile convoy through 6 European countries?

Seriously?

I've been to Europe and you're looking at a traffic nightmare, serious regulations with regard to traffic laws (the closest comparison I have is to try driving Strykers through the Northeast or maybe Los Angeles during rush hour), inevitable accidents and a pissed off populace looking at the "Ugly American" ruining there day.

I need more info, but sometimes overt displays aren't worth the effort.  This MIGHT be one of those times.

Flyboy 104. Another aviation photographer you should follow.

Thanks to Joe for the link.

The pics below are from Flyboy 104's Flickr Page.  The guy gets around and if you have the time you should pour a little Jack Daniels Honey into your coffee, sit back and scroll through his entire catalog.  Its definitely worth a look see...especially the military pics.  As a sidenote, while the majority of the pics on this site are open source (the vast majority...upwards of 90+ percent) those that aren't need to be protected.  By that I mean give the photographer credit.  

The US Army lost its fight for fixed air and hates the Marine Corps because we didn't.

inferiority complex
noun
1.  Psychiatry. intense feeling of inferiority, producing a personalitycharacterized either by extreme reticence or, as a result ofovercompensation, by extreme aggressiveness.
2.  lack of self-esteem; feeling of inadequacy; lack of self-confidence.

The US Army has an inferiority complex and the F-35 is the latest tool to express that.  Why do I say this?  Check out the latest from American Mercenary...

The consequences of having two ground forces, the Army and USMC, is most easily displayed by the F-35B. The USMC writes their own doctrine stating that they need vertical launch fighter jets, and so by gum they are going to band together with the USAF to make that happen.

So much for "jointness".  Notice how the flawed and failed F-35 is the latest foil to cut down the Marines by some of our Army brothers.

Make no mistake about it.  I believe that the F-35 is gutting our procurement dollars.  Make no mistake about it...the USMC developed a plan B in case the F-35 was canceled.  But its also obvious that orders from on high are keeping that airplane going.  Why do I say that?  It should be obvious to all that if the US Navy was able to walk away from buying just under 300 of these airplanes it would.

But the SecDef won't let it happen.

So the USMC is stuck with this flying piece of camel dung until political critical mass is reached in the US and allied countries to finally take it down to the river and hold it under until its legs stop moving.

But back to American Mercenary.

He's using it (the F-35) as an excuse to question the very legitimacy of  the Marine Corps size and composition.  He even uses my own words....

But wait! as Solomon likes to say, at that point what separates the USMC from the 101st Airborne Division? Mainly the 101st Airborne Division isn't part of a fleet task force or based off of ships where LCACs or LCUs can drop of Abrams tanks.
There is still a tactical and strategic need for a Marine Corps. There is no tactical or strategic need for the USMC to fly service unique aircraft. I've thought it over time and time again, if the Air Force and Navy can't provide the fixed wing support, the solution is to fix the joint fight, not create service unique aircraft for the Marines.

He's missing the larger point.

American Mercenary should be fighting to push Army leadership to reverse the decision that kept them from having fixed wing close air support.

Hating on the Marines because waaay back when we won our battle for survival is simply an expression of inferiority.  Instead he should make the argument, and push hard for the US Army to get retired Air Force A-10's.

The perfect opportunity to put the USN/USMC Sea Base to the test. Super Typhoon Pam...

Super Typhoon Pam is rampaging through the Pacific and islands are being devastated by the rain, wind, mudslides and storm surge.

Read about it and watch the CNN story here.

We saw the response to a hurricane in the Philippines.

A SPMAGTF-CR just didn't get the job done.  No need to replay that experiment.  It failed.  For all the good that was done we could have been just as successful sending the 101st Airborne.

Light Infantry that arrives by air is not what is needed.  They will need the power of a Marine Expeditionary Unit to provide security, medical assistance and clean food/water.

While the MEU is able to perform this mission solo (the Navy/Marine Corps team has perfected this type of relief mission...call them the FIRST joint force), there is something we can add to make this mission even more successful in delivering aid.

Perhaps a hospital ship.  Maybe include an MLP.  Add those two ships to the MEU, understand that the ports will be devastated (as well as the airport) and what do you have?

A sea base.

An entity that is designed to deliver supplies across the beach without the need for ports, in a timely manner whether for relief missions or in support of the full spectrum of combat operations.

Experimenting with peoples lives on the line is terrible.  This real life experiment though will deliver help that they will desperately need while we perfect operating from the sea base in a humanitarian assistance op.

NOTE:  Everyone talks about the prep time that a hospital ship would need to get to areas of concern.  Considering the size of natural disasters in the Pacific we might need to address that.  Additionally an MLP would allow for ships of all nations to offload supplies onto it so that LCACs can ferry goods ashore.  Those two ships combined with the abilities that organic to the MEU would be life savers.  We just need to perfect it now.  What would be quicker?  Moving an MLP to the disaster zone or repairing smashed port facilities?  The Sea Base would be perfect now.

A bully runs his mouth while the little guy puts in work.

A buddy sent me this vid.

His talk and my focus is on the obvious MMA techniques that are being picked up at a younger and younger age.  This isn't a passing fancy.  This can be considered the new form of American unarmed self defense.  I see it at my gym and I'm sure you've seen it too.

The problem?

The mainstream is picking up on what was once another of those closely held "secrets" of the warrior class.  Fads come and go but this has been around long enough for the bad to start creeping in.  What is that?  Criminals will start utilizing some of these techniques against the unsuspecting.

Train hard guys.  It can be a pain in the ass and take up your time but practice ground defense when you get a chance.  If the worse happens it could save your life.

Sidenote:  I love the way the big guy is talking smack instead of putting in work.  Did you notice the little guy?  Not one word.  Just grim determination.  I LOVE IT!

The United States Marine Corps strikes back at USA Today!

via Marine Corps Press Release...

It is unconscionable that USA Today would use the tragedy of Wednesday's military helicopter crash in Florida to criticize the unit to which the Marines were assigned, citing a controversial incident that occurred eight years ago in Afghanistan. The two events are completely unrelated and the story shamelessly devotes a few paragraphs to the crash in order to rehash old allegations against a small unit within the command -- most of which were found unsubstantiated through investigations and a court of inquiry. Linking the crash with the Afghanistan case was uncalled for and a disservice to the dedicated Marines of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and their families.

Col. Dave Lapan, USMC
Director, Office of USMC Communication
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps

     

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Its past time that we saw a defense of the Corps against the politically correct and those that have no idea of our institution.

Well Done Colonel.

Update. The discussion with Jim Strock.

As promised I got 45 minutes to grill Jim Strock, Director of Sea Basing and the results were illuminating.

The best way to sum up Marine Corps concepts?  Calm on the surface but a ton of activity behind the scenes.

What was touched on?

*  The Sea Base, its composition and utility.

*  Moves to incorporate the US ARMY into the concept (oh and yeah...I made the statement that they were encroaching on Marine Corps missions...the push back was expected BUT reasoned...I think you'll find this part especially interesting).

*  The loss of well deck space with the move from the LSD-41 class to the LX(R)....this is another part of the conversation that will surprise many of my readers.

*  The role of the LX(R) in future ARG and Sea Basing Ops.

*  LCU(R)

*  LCAC and its replacement

*  The French L-CAT and the LCU-F concept

*  The LCAC Barge concept

*  The role of the MPF fleet in Sea Basing AND everyday ops.

Just like my conversation with General Mullen, I became aware of many misconceptions.  What wasn't said but I "sense" is that the focus is on the possible.  That applies to both tech and cost.

I'm chopping this up as we speak so be patient and watch your alerts for the posting.

LtGen Gluecks Testimony Senate Armed Services Committee-Sea Power (FULL Transcript)

Full Transcript SASC Ground Modernization Hearing 150311

Chinese Aviation Corporation-AVIC Products Vid...

Did you catch the subtle messages in the vid?  The Chinese (I'm assuming) strategy game being played...the drawing of the sword...but the best one came at the end with this quote...

Making the best weapons for the guardians of peace!

Wow.  That beats the hell out of "We know who we're working for"!

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force training at Pendleton & 29 Palms...

F-35 News. War is Boring HAS A MUST READ!

No tidbits and no teases.  Go to War is Boring (here) to read the latest on F-35 issues and then ponder how the US military can continue to support this flying cluster...

An All SNAFU! Announcement. We will talk to Jim Strock!

Last Sunday we had the chance to talk to General Mullen and tomorrow we get a chance to talk to Mr. Jim Strock, Director of Seabasing (a retired Marine Colonel so he should know his stuff).

The focus of our talk will be on Ship to Shore Connectors (not busting sunshine off nether regions but the discussion with Mullen revealed exactly how important they will be to future operations) and I guarantee you all that I'll ask that burning question.

Isn't today's Marine Corps simply chasing a capability that it lost when the LST was retired and never replaced in the MEU?  And are we compounding that mistake by pursuing LCU and LCAC type (and sized) landing craft instead of developing a high speed landing ship that can put a battalion of armor on the beach after the Navy has setup corridors for the dash to shore?

The conversation will happen Fri morning and I hope to have something up in the afternoon or very early Sat.

So in the words of that immortal great that we all know...Stand by to Stand by.

First-Ever Italian F-35A Rolls Out of Cameri, Italy. Can a jobs program overcome budget reality?

via LM Press Release.

The rollout exhibits the ongoing strong partnership between the Italian Ministry of Defense, industry partner Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi, and Lockheed Martin. The Italian FACO is owned by the Italian Ministry of Defense and is operated by Alenia Aermacchi in conjunction with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics with a current workforce of more than 750 skilled personnel engaged in F-35 aircraft and wing production.

Have you noticed the evolution in the talking points on the F-35?  First we had talk about the airplane being part of the air dominance campaign plan and that rival nations wouldn't have anything comparable till after 2020.

The Russians and Chinese proved that wrong...especially when it became obvious that their airplanes would out perform the F-35 in speed, service ceiling, weapons payload and range.

Adjustments were made and then we were told that the airplane would be an ISR GOD!  It would play quarterback for every other fighter because of its superior avionics.

But that also wasn't true.  It was revealed that upgraded SNIPER and other pods would give much better resolution.  We learned that EO systems that are being proposed for 4th gen fighters would outperform what we see on the F-35....and if that wasn't enough we find out that one of the premier weapons that is suppose to take care of the extremely necessary but much neglected close air support mission don't even fit the bays of the F-35B.

Yeah, the same F-35B that the USMC is rushing into service this summer and the same plane that is supposedly going to replace the AV-8B Harrier II that NAVAIR told us will be viable till after 2030.

But I digress.

Italy just became front and center on the debate over a broken procurement system found in ALL Western countries.

The Italians are under extreme financial distress, yet are still proceeding with the F-35.  For their efforts they've been rewarded a production facility with 750 jobs associated with it.

The open question is simple and stark.  Does a few jobs for a few people trump budget reality for an entire country?  If the answer is yes then we have finally learned why the F-35 has continued on despite its obvious flaws.

DoD gets the word out on aid provided to Ukraine...

I find this interesting.

The Dept of Defense is actually attempting to get info out on the aid that is being provided to Ukraine.

The lack of actual offensive weaponry in the aid package is noteworthy, but what I find amazing is that the biggest threat to Europe AND Russia is being ignored.

Ukraine is on the verge of an economic meltdown that threatens the entire region a lot more than any military action.  A failed state in the heart of Europe will not be allowed and the costs of such a failure will startle the financial markets...and strain both US and European budgets.

75th Battalion in A Surprise Drill in Northern Israel (pics)...

Republic of Korea 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Marines training exercise (pics)...

What did those officers in Ferguson get hit with?

By now you're hearing about the two officers that got hit in Ferguson.  Some type of training is involved and the bullet placement sounds like something a protester (run of the mill protester) couldn't accomplish.  But thats my assessment of things.  What has my head spinning is the description of the wounds.  Officer #1 was hit in the face, the bullet traveled and stopped behind the ear.  Officer #2 was hit in the shoulder and the bullet exited his back.

A small high speed round?  Maybe a heavy grain 5.56 with a barrel with 1 in 12 twists?  Perhaps a 5.7x28mm round? Could it be a 22 cal hyper velocity bullet?

Something is off in these shootings.  I can't put my finger on it and much more info will come out but this sounds odd to me.

Brazil moving forward with their VBR-MR 8x8.

via TecnoDefesa.com

The Brazilian army received four responses to its Request for Proposals (RFP) corresponding to the plan of acquisition of weapons systems, including 105 mm cannons aimed at car recognition 8 × 8 that are part of VBR-MR program (Armored Car Recognition Middle-wheels).
This is the CMI Defence, OTO Melara, Denel Land Systems and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).Responses to the RFP issued in November of last year were delivered on Monday. The goal is to acquire a prototype of this system with the option of ordering a pilot batch of 13 sets. The negotiations conducted by the Army Material Officers may open the door to an order involving more than 100 units of the system.
The requirements include, besides the cannon 105 mm high pressure main gun, machine gun caliber 7.62 x 51 mm, 76 mm grenade launchers, fire control systems and electro-optical, provisions for communications systems, command and control.

Brazil has developed and put into service its 6x6 Wheeled IFV and its evolutionary 8x8 Wheeled IFV before the USMC awards a contract for production of the ACV.

And that's assuming there are no more delays.

Even more depressing?

The Brazilians are developing a true family of vehicles.  They will have a base model sporting 50 caliber machine guns in RWS mounts, a manned/unmanned 30mm cannon version, a 105mm recon variant and the usual ambulance, command/control, recovery, and engineer models.

Senator Hirono asks the question that reveals the capabilities of Chinese Amphibious IFV

I'm still waiting for the transcript from the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sub Committee on Sea Power's hearing on Marine Corps Ground Modernization.

Senator Hirono asked about the Chinese High Speed Amphibious Vehicles armed with the 30mm cannon and 105mm gun.  The answer was rather shocking.  You can see the video here (its at the 1:24:00 mark).

Want a quick and dirty brief?  Ok.  Deputy Assistant Sec of the Navy Sec Dee took the question and let out this bombshell.  I'm paraphrasing (geez, just watch the video!) but he stated that "the advertised capabilities are overstated" (sidenote...I'm disappointed that Mr. Dee didn't address the part of the question concerning Chinese Amphibious Assault Ships...I wish Senator Hirono had held his feet to the fire on that one).

My guess?

The physics got the Chinese too, except that they're willing to accept the risks involved in having a "fragile" combat vehicle if it provides high water speed, is hard hitting and can get their infantry ashore.

This might be the first divergent view in armor development that we're seeing from the Chinese.  Consider.  Even the mighty M1 Abrams has been penetrated by a RPG variant. If the Chinese studied our fight in Iraq and believe that heavy armor is of limited value in a high end fight and are heading toward  lightly armored but hard hitting armored vehicles that are extremely mobile both tactically and strategically then it will be something new....and contrary to what we're seeing worldwide.

What will be a clue of this being a trend and not a one off?  Well the recent announcement that the Chinese have developed a light tank is one.  Another will be if we start seeing Trophy type anti-missile systems on their vehicles.