Let's be a little raw with things.
Considering our militarized culture, do you think we really need this day...or week?
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Armed Forces Day
Let's be a little raw with things.
Considering our militarized culture, do you think we really need this day...or week?
China dabbling in Venezuela and doing it with medical aid, not intervention...we need to match them...
Venezuela receives 3rd shipment of medical aid from China, with 64 tons of medicines & medical supplies pic.twitter.com/8QlmrXIZVj— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 18, 2019
Interesting.
We saw a time when everything was about disaster relief, and "bringing order to chaos".
Don't know what the Chinese version of that is, but today they're landing 64 tons of medical aid to Venezuela.
Why aren't we?
I know we want their current leadership out, but while we're verbalizing our views on that front a little medical aid would go a long way. You want to play the military is a force for good meme then awesome...use a C-5 to haul a shit ton of aid. Load up a squadron of MV-22s and have them deliver plain toilet tissue.
Is it just me or does our foreign policy revolve around the military...and the military seems to be at a loss when it comes to certain situations?
I mean seriously! Where is SOUTCOM? Making war plans is one thing but shaping the battlefield by getting USAID up and running should be a part of it.
Complaints were made during the early invasion of Iraq that we needed a total govt approach to warfare.
Unfortunately we're stuck in the old paradigm. The military is good at breaking things but little else.
I can live with that.
BUT! If we're gonna expect more and have our force do more than these other agencies need to step up to carry their fare share of the load.
Note. This was badly stated. Long time readers will hopefully be able to read between the lines and get my thinking. If clarification is needed either me or one of my bros will be able to sort it out for ya.
Societal Breakdown...24 yr old picked the wrong house...
When you’re a 24 yr old piece of shit and you break into the home of a 73 yr old and threaten him and his wife with a knife and didn’t know he was a boxer, a marine, and hand to hand combat instructor. Oops! pic.twitter.com/RxsiNAjSQx— Weird Movie Brothers (@WeirdMovieBros) May 16, 2019
Recon doing Recon sh*t...Video by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell
Cold and wet all the time and thinks its fun. God Bless'em.
Help me understand. We're buying 12 more CH-53K...concurrency rears its ugly head again....
Note. I had this bookmarked but didn't have time to pivot to it. Thanks to all that sent the heads up.
via USNI News.
“This contract award reflects close cooperation and risk sharing between the Government and industry teams to deliver critical capabilities to the Marine Corps,” James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, said in the release.Story here.
“Working with our industry partners, the team ensured that solutions for technical challenges are incorporated into these production aircraft. This reflects the urgency to ensure we deliver capabilities necessary to support the Marine Corps and the Department of Navy’s mission, while continuing to drive affordability and accountability into the program.”
In a House Armed Services Committee hearing earlier this spring, Daniel Nega, the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for air programs, told lawmakers on the tactical air and land forces subcommittee that the upcoming contract would put the onus on Sikorsky to address remaining design flaws and fix any other problems that come up during the remainder of testing.
“The flight envelope’s been tested to the corners; Gen. Rudder talked about how we’ve sort of wrung it out,” he said at the hearing.
“There’s a relatively low risk that anything major will be found. However, if nuisance issues come along, we are not going to give those nuisance issues to the Marines, and the Navy and Marine Corps team is not going to accept the full risk of that. So the risk concurrency between the development and the production, that overlap is going to be taken care of.”
Fuck me! Fucking concurrency rears its ugly head again! I thought we were done with that nonsense but here we see it again.
It's obvious that only Congress can fix this madness but they seem good with it. How could a Congressional Aide not hear that statement and start passing notes to his charge with a quickness! I thought it was agreed that after the F-35 fiasco we wouldn't repeat that MISTAKE!
Problem number 1 with the Pentagon?
There is basically no oversight. I get that the CH-53K MIGHT BE ESSENTIAL (still need to be convinced) but even with that, this is bullshit on a stick.
This shit has me spun up.
I've tried to be calm. To be good. To be reasonable. But no more mercy on procurement issues.
I'm back to raging!
A-10 kills F-22 & F-16...let's hope the USAF dumps them so the USMC can pick them up....
Thanks to Nuno for the link!
via FighterJetsWorld.com
We don’t know exactly the story behind these kill marks and although the A-10 is really a badass machine it would be difficult for the world famous Hog scoring kills against F-16 and F-22 fighters.Story here.
Believe it or not here is an interesting image shows an A-10 Warthog featuring what they seem to be two kill marks of two (simulated) aerial victories scored against F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon Fighter jets
The interesting image in this post was taken by the famous photographer Peter Steehouwer (click here and browse his site to see his incredible shots) and shows an A-10 Warthog featuring what they seem to be two kill marks of two (simulated) aerial victories scored against F-16 and F-22 fighter aircraft.
They don't know the story behind the kill marks? I can suss it out for'em. This stud was down low providing close air support in the finest traditions of mud movers and he was engaged by these state of the art fighters.
Being the stud that he is, this A-10 driver used his steed to its ultimate capabilities and fucked up the promotion packages of those two pilots and became an example of how close air pilots should do the deed.
My hope?
I pray to God that the USAF goes full tilt stupid and dumps the A-10. Then I pray to all that's holy that the USMC does the right thing and gets them off the scrap heap.
Marinize them, add the right pods and gets them into the fleet.
From my page to God's ear!
Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter Achieves First Flight
via Press Release.
The Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter achieved first flight today at Sikorsky's West Palm Beach, Florida site, an important step toward bringing this all-new aircraft to service members to perform critical search and rescue operations. The aircraft, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT) and based on the proven UH-60M Black Hawk, is customized for the U.S. Air Force 's rescue mission and will ensure the Air Force fulfills its mission to leave no one behind.
Total flight time was approximately 1.2 hours and included hover control checks, low speed flight, and a pass of the airfield.
"This achievement is yet another vital step toward a low rate initial production decision and getting this much-needed aircraft and its advanced capabilities to the warfighter," said Dana Fiatarone, vice president, Sikorsky Army & Air Force Systems. "We are very pleased with the results of today's flight and look forward to a productive and informative flight test program."
Today's flight paves the way for a Milestone C production decision in September 2019, per the original baseline schedule, to which both Sikorsky and the Air Force are committed. A second HH-60W helicopter is expected to enter flight test next week, with a third and fourth aircraft entering flight test this summer. These aircraft will provide critical data over the course of the program which will enable the Air Force to make an informed production decision.
"The HH-60W's first flight is the culmination of significant development and design advances. We are excited to now move forward to begin full aircraft system qualification via the flight test program," said Greg Hames, director of the Combat Rescue Helicopter program. "Together with the Air Force, our team is motivated and committed to advancing this program and delivering this superior aircraft to our airmen and women."
The HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter is significantly more capable and reliable than its predecessor, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. The aircraft hosts a new fuel system that nearly doubles the capacity of the internal tank on a UH-60M Black Hawk, giving the Air Force crew extended range and more capability to rescue those injured in the battle space. The HH-60W specification drives more capable defensive systems, vulnerability reduction, weapons, cyber-security, environmental, and net-centric requirements than currently held by the HH-60G.
"With the Combat Rescue Helicopter's successful first flight now behind us, we look forward to completion of Sikorsky's flight test program, operational testing and production of this aircraft to support the Air Force's critical rescue mission," said Edward Stanhouse, Chief, U.S. Air Force Helicopter Program Office. "Increased survivability is key and we greatly anticipate the added capabilities this aircraft will provide."
The U.S. Air Force program of record calls for 113 helicopters to replace the Pave Hawks, which perform critical combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations for all U.S. military services. A total of nine aircraft will be built at Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut, facility during the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program ― four EMD aircraft and five System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA).
Friday, May 17, 2019
Captain of Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth stripped of command 'for misusing official car'
via Telegraph.
The captain of the largest and most powerful ship ever built for the Royal Navy has been stripped of his command for misusing its official car, it has been reported.Story here.
Nick Cooke-Priest is no longer in charge of the HMS Queen Elizabeth because he is believed to have driven the aircraft carrier's official car on weekends, according to The Sun.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "We can confirm Captain Nick Cooke-Priest has been reassigned to a new role. We can only say that management action is ongoing and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further."
Commodore Cooke-Priest, who joined the Royal Navy in 1990, had only been in command of the 280-metre, 65,000-tonne vessel, described by the Royal Navy as an "awe-inspiring warship" capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, since last October.
Hmm. Wonder if this will affect the upcoming onboarding of USMC F-35's? This is mighty suspicious. To be relieved of command because you misused a company car? Seems a bit flaky to me. Either there is more to this or this is a cover for something else or both.
ST Engineering unveils Vanguard 130 multi-role combatant concept
via Janes
The marine division of ST Engineering has unveiled the latest iteration of its Vanguard series of modular surface vessels.Story here.
Known as the Vanguard 130, the concept was introduced at the IMDEX 2019 marine and defence exhibition. It has been unveiled against the backdrop of requirements for a similar type of vessel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The Vanguard 130 has optimised for unmanned vehicle operations, and features flushed doors on its port and starboards sides to support launch and recovery of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Broken SEAL Trident, Smashed Marine Raider Image...
Thanks to Don for the link!
via Military Times.
Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Adam C. Matthews pleaded guilty Thursday to charges related to the botched hazing incident in Africa that led to the strangling death of Army Green Beret Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar in June 2017.Story here.
“I cannot describe how sorry I am for the death of Staff Sgt. Melgar,” Matthews testified in a military courtroom in Virginia.
Few people know it but the barracks of a Marine Rifle Company is the wild west stateside. Deployments and it can turn into something just North of a mix between Soddam & Gamorrah and the sunny side of hell.
Rumors have been circling about what goes in Africa.
Supposedly for SOCOM it was the new Disneyland. Easy drugs, plentiful prostitutes and mission sets that they picked and conducted with little oversight.
Remember the Special Forces Team that picked up whores and ended up crashing because they were drunk out of their minds? If I recall correctly one of the operators died from that accident.
Other rumors abound too. Supposedly Africa makes the Middle East look regulated when it comes to the availability of some super pure steroids and heroin....something else that I've heard from sources these guys have been consuming.
But forget rumor control.
The facts of this case are stunning.
A Navy SEAL. A couple of Marine Raiders. Decided that it would be a good idea to bust down the door of a Special Forces SNCO, hold him down and strangle him to death.
That was no accident.
Even worse...as if it could get worse is the fact that the Navy SEAL was a freaking CHIEF PETTY OFFICER in the United States Navy.
I'm beyond disgusted. I'm mortified.
There is NO excuse for this.
Instead of expanding SOCOM needs to clean house. Regardless of rank if you don't have the moral code to be in those units then they need to be sent packing post haste.
How many people are in SOCOM? I have no idea. But if even I can hear rumors then certainly the Senior Enlisted Leader of that outfit can too. He should act on it. He should call the Commanding Officer over for a few drinks and a serious talk.
If they don't then SOCOM needs to be disbanded and they need to fall under their parent services.
This was the fear.
We either clean up SOCOM or we disband it.
Trump's instincts are right...we should not attack Iran...
via Washington Post.
The Trump administration has been on high alert in response to what military and intelligence officials have deemed specific and credible threats from Iran against U.S. personnel in the Middle East.Story here.
But President Trump is frustrated with some of his top advisers, who he thinks could rush the United States into a military confrontation with Iran and shatter his long-standing pledge to withdraw from costly foreign wars, according to several U.S. officials. Trump prefers a diplomatic approach to resolving tensions and wants to speak directly with Iran’s leaders.
Disagreements over assessing and responding to the recent intelligence — which includes a directive from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that some American officials interpret as a threat to U.S. personnel in the Middle East — are also fraying alliances with foreign allies, according to multiple officials in the United States and Europe.
Trump's instincts are right. We shouldn't attack Iran. Not for Iran's sake but for our own.
Additionally he should dump Bolton ASAP.
I don't know how these Neo-Cons keep resurrecting from the dead but someone needs to drive a stake thru the heart of that movement. Some say Trump shattered the Republican party. They're wrong. Neo-Cons did.
Regardless, a purge of that sect needs to happen immediately...starting with Bolton. He's another of those clowns that never saw a war he didn't like.
Gurkha Brigade. Born hard, reborn amazing!
Gurkha Recruit Intake 19 being tested on their Khukuri Knife drills. Find out more about their training since they arrived in the UK in February 2019 on our website. https://t.co/8xnMKLapIh#Gurkhas #Nepal @BritishArmy pic.twitter.com/Gevp6u26Qv— Gurkha Brigade (@Gurkha_Brigade) May 17, 2019
Luv these little dudes!
Societal Breakdown....
I am sometimes lost for words at how we behave as humans....— Sgt Plod (@MetPolSgt) May 16, 2019
A 74 yr old man who was pushed off a #LasVegas bus (allegedly by a woman he had told to "be nicer") has died from his injuries pic.twitter.com/JT5LIlsyBH
Much kindness remains but the pure savagery/idiocy I see has become more than irksome. It's bordering on worrisome. Yesterday I posted about a guy that thought waterboarding his daughter was a good idea and today we have this human filth attacking an old man. His crime? He told her to be nicer.
This is something more than bad people doing bad things.
I'm calling it societal breakdown. I know most will disagree but that's my opinion.
11th MEU Aviation Combat Element onload.....pics by Lance Cpl. Jason Monty
Hmm. Can't actually tell from these pics but it appears that the LHA/LHDs are now carrying only MV-22s and F-35s. Everything else is being squeezed aboard the LPDs.
Wonder how that's working out.
I've seen pics of an LPD carrying an impressive amount of helos (can't find it) so that isn't the problem I thought it would be...BUT...it would appear to be quite congested.
Still believe that if we're going this route then a Mistral Class Ship to replace the LPD would be a more effective and cheaper solution.
Norway's F-35 price tag is becoming so "eyewatering" that defense is asking other sectors of govt to contribute to cover the costs...
Norwegian defense minister admits to Storting the F-35 is much more expensive than budgeted, asks other government departments to contribute, raising fears social programs & pensions might be hit.— Giovanni de Briganti (@JoedeBrig) May 17, 2019
Story to follow. https://t.co/AW3wI5Vxzb
This part ....
Norwegian defense minister admits to Storting the F-35 is much more expensive than budgeted, asks other government departments to contribute, raising fears social programs & pensions might be hit.When defense starts eating into other parts of govt then you're looking at a program that is bound to be cut.
Norwegians will not tolerate that kind of foolishness.
Its back to the signalling that we've gotten from the Pentagon. The actual cost of the airplane might be in line but the maintenance and the specials it requires (like hangars, other gear) is now the big problem.
Unique/boutique weapon systems just ain't worth it.
Not in combat and apparently not in peacetime.
Blast from the past. Swedish Lvrbv 701 SPAA system....pics via Caesar's Twitter Page.
For the timeframe, this was a VERY NEAT and capable solution. Swedish engineering probably deserves alot more attention than it gets. From my chair it rivals that of many other countries but doesn't get the same praise for some reason.
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