We know what the ARMA 8x8 turret isn't.

Lance Turret.

Mizrak-30 Turret mounted on an ARMA 8x8.

PENCE CLAW

We'll my google-foo isn't as strong as it should be but I did find out a couple of things.

First the turret mounted on the ARMA 8x8 isn't a version of the LANCE turret.  Second.  The MIZRAK-30 doesn't seem (at least from what I've seen) to be a development version of the LANCE.  Last.  Rheinmetall teamed up with the Turkish company Aselsan to develop the PENCE CLAW.  If you look at it closely the PENCE CLAW does have a couple of design features that show its lineage.  The similarities are probably stronger beneath the skin though.

Research continues.

ARMA 8X8

ARMA_8X8

14th Air Support Operations Squadron.

Airmen enter an obstacle course as they take part in a combat mission readiness evaluation at the Pre-Ranger Course at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Airmen are being evaluated for various skills to ensure that they are ready for deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Val Gempis)

Army unit patches hang next to Air Force name tapes and uniforms at the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Bragg, N.C. To match their Army counterparts, tactical air control party Airmen wear different uniforms in theater and in training. At the squadron, Airmen here have their own cage-locker, where they store gear and uniforms for use in training and real-world emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Maj. Christopher Wright, left, 1st Lt. Bradley Dewees, center, and Capt. Tyler Harman check their location on their maps during a mission combat readiness evaluation at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Airmen are air liaison officers assigned to the 14th ASOS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Val Gempis)

Staff Sgt. Kyle Terry, second from left, listens to instructions from the jumpmaster during a pre-jump exercise with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. Tactical air control party Airmen from the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron support 82nd Airborne Division operations by providing a liaison to close air support. Terry is a joint terminal attack controller and has completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan in support of Army operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Uniforms and equipment sit inside a locker of a TACP Airman assigned to the 14th ASOS at Fort Bragg, N.C. TACP Airmen have their gear ready at all times to provide air and space power expertise and integration to the 82nd Airborne Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Val Gempis)

Ooohrah for G/ATOR. WTF is G/ATOR?

Ah that's so goofy its cool.  Uh wait.  What the fuck is G/ATOR?  Read about it here.

Rolling Air Frame missile upgrade and small boat threat.

The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $51.7 million contract for low rate initial production of the Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2. The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to more than $105 million. RAM Block 2 features enhanced kinematics, an evolved radio frequency receiver, a new rocket motor, and an upgraded control and autopilot system.
"This next-generation RAM will enable U.S. and allied naval warfighters to defeat the more sophisticated threats emerging around the world today," said Rick Nelson, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "Through Raytheon's collaborative relationship with our German partner RAMSYS, we continue to improve and expand the capabilities of RAM."
The contract award follows a series of key milestones, including successful guided flight tests for RAM Block 2. The program is preparing for another intercept test later this year, as well as initiation of government developmental testing in support of fleet deployment.
"RAM has been fired in more than 300 flight tests with a 95 percent success rate," said Nelson. "We intend to bring the same or even greater reliability to RAM Block 2."
About RAM
RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. For more than 35 years, the U.S. and Germany have worked together developing and maintaining RAM. Development, production work and funding are shared between Raytheon and RAMSYS.

I wonder if the threat from small boats isn't a bit overblown.

The Navy already has in its arsenal a NUMBER of systems that are capable of dealing with the small boat threat but we're still being hit with the idea that our carriers and large amphibs are vulnerable.

I just don't believe it.  The only weakness in our system is the human element in the form of restrictive rules of engagement and how Commanding Officers interpret them.  Long story short.  If you're on a ship and they person running it has stars in their eyes and love to be called by thier first name when talking to the boss then you're probably screwed.  If he's old skool Navy and protects his ship then you have a better than fair chance of surviving.

The Tueller Drill -- Scenario from The Best Defense

Javelin Thrust 2012

Pure craziness.  Not the training.  That's good to go, but the confusion on operational philosophy is annoying.  All the rage was once distributed operations with a focus on small unit tactics.  That even extended to amphibs with distributed Amphibious Ready Groups and Mini-ARGs.  Now we're seeing an emphasis on Marine Expeditionary Brigades ... first with Bold Alligator and now with Javelin Thrust.  The Marine Corps is confused when it comes to future direction. 

Tueller Drill. Why you're screwed in crowds.

Mad credit goes to Ferran for reminding me of this!  Thanks dude!

If you're one of those people that flock to crowds then let me allow the developer of the Tueller Drill explain why you're basically screwed  Also remember that this was developed in the 1980's.  Fast forward to today where you have mob attacks...crowd craziness and a social scene that is becoming more unruly.  If you carry and you're not bumping up on condition red everytime you go out then you're waiting to become a victim.



SIDENOTE:
If you're not working on unarmed self defense techniques then you're beyond fucked.  You have to be able to disengage from the threat and then respond.  If you can't put up a credible unarmed self defense then life will be very interesting for ya.