31st MEU executes complex raid during integration training

Ark Royal as the SOCOM flagship/mothership.

The Ark Royal as a SOCOM flagship/mothership has alot to offer.

First its communications suite is NATO compatible so modifications to it for US specific gear should be relatively straightforward.  Its been cleared for operations for CH-53, CH-47, AH-64, CV/MV-22 and other NATO helicopter ops.

It has berthing spaces to allow enough space for a Ranger or MARSOC company to be carried with ease and it has a variety of weapons on board that will allow the ship to defend itself against small boat attacks in congested water.

Last but not least, the Brits are about to scrap it for peanuts and SOCOM could make better use of this ship than the USS Ponce.

Its really a no brainer.

SOCOM needs the Ark Royal.

Japan is getting ready for a fight.

Maneuver Combat Vehicle.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle.

F-35.

via Janes.

The budget request for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) announced by the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 7 September is the lowest in 22 years but also includes new capabilities such as amphibious assault vehicles, new communications suites and two more Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The request, which will be sent to the Finance Ministry for consideration ahead of a decision later in the year, prioritises the protection of Japan's remote island chains and maritime surveillance: considerations that have grown in importance during a series of territorial disagreements with China and South Korea.
"The country's fiscal situation is under pressure due to the increase of outstanding government bonds and rising social security costs," Koji Yoshino, the principal deputy director at the MoD's planning and programming division, said on 6 September. "We would like to secure the funds we need while also trying to reduce spending in an effective and efficient manner."
The most notable request was for four amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) – with the US Marine Corps' AAV-7 series mentioned as a potential platform – for which the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) requested JPY2.5 billion (USD31.8 million).

Most notable to me is the fact that Japan has a choice of amphibious vehicles and has chosen not to go the wheeled route when it comes to amphibious assault vehicles.

I also note that Brazil also has experience in using wheeled amphibious assault vehicles and has chosen to purchase more AAVs.

Besides the AAV, and F-35 purchases the Japanese are developing three other armored vehicles.  A Light Combat Vehicle which is in essence a wheeled artillery platform.  A Maneuver Combat Vehicle armed with a 105mm gun in a manned turret and a new Tank.

Japan is gearing up for a fight.

Ark Royal for SOCOM!

My buddy KBreak suggested that the USMC talk about acquiring the Ark Royal.

I say no.

It just wouldn't be a good fit.  But SOCOM could use it and use it well.  Plus we could get it for a song!  What do you say Admiral McRaven?

I would suggest they crew it with civilians and a small USN crew for communications and weapons handling...but it should be doable.

Romney wants more F-22's? Not in this lifetime.

via F-16.net

"Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Saturday he would buy more F-22 Raptors as part of his plan to reverse many of the defense cuts planned by the Obama administration...

'Rather than completing nine ships per year, I’d move that up to 15. I’d also add F-22s to our Air Force fleet. And I’d add about 100,000 active duty personnel to our military team,' Romney said in the interview. “I think the idea of shrinking our military to try and get closer to balancing our budget is the wrong place to look...

Air Force leaders pushed to build more F-22s to add to the fleet because they warned a fleet of 187 would be insufficient to defeat an enemy with a top line air force like China. Former Air Force Chief of Staffs Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Michael “Buzz” Moseley argued the costs of re-opening the production line would be too costly to build up the fleet if Congress changed its mind and wanted more F-22s..."

Nuno Gomes brought this to my attention.

Quite honestly this just ain't gonna happen.  His own party won't allow it.  Many people have listed the Tea Party as a bunch of right wing extremist.  What the Tea Party started out as was a group of people that were concerned about the fiscal mess of this nation.

They didn't give a rats ass about social issues.

All they were concerned about was the rising budget deficit.

The Republican Party has coerced that movement and turned it back toward the petty issues that really don't belong in the government sphere....why they did that I don't know but they did.  If Romney is elected he'll be facing the same budget drama that Obama will.

And regardless of who wins they'll face a House that is filled with pure Tea Party Representatives that won't want to bust the budget.

The next reason why Romney is blowing smoke on this issue is that the US has been at war for 10 years.

Again.  Regardless of who wins, the American people are going to demand their peace dividend.  The Pentagon's budget will get cut.

Its gonna happen and ain't shit anyone can do about it.

Off topic but that's why I'm so pissed by Marine Corps leadership.  I seriously doubt that we'll see needed Marine armor purchased.  Between poor planning that allowed our weapons systems to go obsolete at the same time to the air wing gobbling up all available funds to stupid purchases like $50 dollar rifle slings the Marine Corps is screwed.  We'll get the F-35...so will the Air Force but that's because we have the protection of allies.

The F-22 won't go back into production.  The only thing that will keep the F-35 line going in future years is if our allies stay committed.  Only recently have I seen how clever Sweetman and company's campaign was in going after our allies when it came to the F-35.  They're the glue that's keeping this program running.

And even if the F-35 dies all we'll see is increased upgrades to existing airplanes.  And still no F-22 back in production.

Catastrophic failure.

Very rarely do you get a chance to see it but when it does happen its a sight to behold.

A catastrophic failure.

Of the journalistic kind...especially in a focused magazine.

Awesome.  But what this points to is the fact that "Gun Guys" aren't running many of the shops that are catering to those in the gun community. If you don't know what I'm talking about then Google Recoil Magazine and you'll get more hits on this minor controversy then you probably care for.

But this leads to a bigger issue.  Guns are cool for people that have never handled or trained with them now.  Sharks are out to make a profit so silly ideas are being put forward.  Stupid gear is being offered and those that do know better are going along with it instead of yelling bullshit at the top of their lungs.

Even Marine Corps procurement officials have gotten caught up in the nonsense.  Yeah, I'm saying it for the hundredth time but a $50 rifle sling?

BULLSHIT!  But that's what your Marine Corps and mine got talked into buying.

Amazing.

Photo Release: F-35C aircraft in formation

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – F-35 test pilots Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks and Peter Kosogorin of BAE fly CF-1 and CF-2 during a formation flying qualities test Sept. 5 in the Atlantic Test Ranges. Testing formation flying qualities provides data on handling characteristics. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet.

Finally real talk about our current foreign policy debate.

An honest critique about the current debate in this country regarding our ongoing wars. Refreshig and depressing at the same time.