September 2007 Archives
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Miller Harpoons Lynne Stewart
By Lt Col P
Michelle Malkin reported on this loathsome collaborator the other day-- no picture here, I can't stand the sight of her. (Although maybe a "sight picture" of her...)
Yesterday, Dennis Miller harpooned her, as only he can, with, "I hope Queequeg is on this one..."
Brilliant.
Smartest thing I've heard all day
By John
OMG!!!! Ear porn!
"A committee has often been described as a cul-de-sac down which good ideas are lured and then quietly strangled," said Gen. Ronald Keys, commander of Air Combat Command, during a panel discussion with top Air Force generals in Washington."My thought is let's put somebody in charge of this, let's hold him accountable, and let's see if he can't sort this out," he said.
Yah Keys may run the Air Force's premier command, but he's still in the minority. The Air Force hearts committees so much they may as well write a contract for Hallmark to poetically scribe their love for the things on a pretty pink card with a white lace trim.
Trying to think of the dude who said that committees are groups of the unprepared, appointed by the unwilling to do the unnecessary.
Committees are the intellectual afterbirth of bureaucrats who can't make a decision. They're popular in big clunky organizations like corporations, the government, and the military because forming a committee is a leader's surefire, never-fail strategy to weasel out of accountability. They guarantee that no stigma for bad calls end up in the permanent performance file.
So what happens? Agile thinkers, improvisers, and folks who just plain make smart decisions find that their prudence isn't the stratifier that it once was. Committees enable bad leaders to rise to the top, while the innovators tread water. Drinking the bureaucratic kool-aid is the only way to get ahead these days.
Unless you're in combat.
But what about the other 90% of the military?
Committees suck.
Oh yeah, the article is about UAVs or something.
The Jeep
By John
It's VMI lore. One of the greatest pranks in the history of the storied rivalry between The Citadel and The Virginia Military Institute.
Now, thanks to Slab's Brother Rat Mike Judge, it's a book.
This autobiographical account chronicles the adventures of a group of cadets at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on a mission to play an elaborate prank on rival college The Citadel. The story is engrossing and fluidly written in honest, accessible, and thoughtful prose. The reader is slowly introduced to the history, culture, and language of VMI through the building Jeep story, during the telling of which, Judge reflects lucidly on his relationship with the institution and its impact on his life.
To uncover the intricacies of the prank (and the prank itself), I'm going to make you guys buy the thing instead of me summarizing. Mainly because proceeds are going to the Ryan Doltz Memorial Scholarship Fund (my friend Ryan was felled by an IED in 2005, a terrible loss).
Mike Judge was my company master sergeant when I was a rat. We loved him, and that's unusual in the rat-cadre relationship. He didn't yell, he inspired. One hell of a leader, even at such a young age. I remember during Hell Week, he held an intense literary discussion with my roommate, who remained at stiff attention throughout. Sounds weird, but guys like that could motivate you to do... well, just about anything.
And those are the stories that make The Jeep. It's not just about one prank, it's about VMI as an experience... an experience, as anyone who has saluted Jackson's Statute will tell you, which is downright Shakespearean.
Mandatory reading for my brother Alumni, highly recommended reading for those who want an inside, uncut view of this remarkable Institution.
Purchase The Jeep.
Video Of The Day: Achmed The Dead Terrorist
By Lt Col P
Via the 10-8 Forums. It's already been removed from YouTube, so enjoy it onLiveLeak while you can.
Ha!
Picture of the Day: The Cutting Edge
By John
Think the new CSAR bird can roll like this?
An HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., fires chaff and flares Sept. 14 while demonstrating evasive maneuvers during a demonstration at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The demonstration gave spectators a close-up view into the Air Force's ability to perform its wartime mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brian Ybarbo)
While Ahmmy Does the Big Apple....
By John
COALITION FORCES ARREST IRANIAN QUDS FORCE OFFICER
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces arrested an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps – Quds Force officer in Sulimaniyah today.
Contrary to recent diplomatic initiatives, this individual has been involved in transporting improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators into Iraq. Intelligence reports also indicate he was involved in the infiltration and training of foreign terrorists in Iraq.
The Quds Force is a covert action arm of the Iranian government responsible for aiding lethal attacks against the Iraqi government and Coalition forces.
It's kind of like Hitler catching a Broadway showing of Oklahoma! during the Battle of the Bulge.
Toilet Humor
By Lt Col P
This has nothing to do with military matters, but I think we can all use a laugh. I know I can. If you aren't amused by, or indeed easily offended by, scatological humor, don't read on.
I have a singing toilet at home. Mrs LtCol P is getting tired of it, so I googled "singing toilet" to see what would come up. I got this, which in addition to being informative, rewarded me with unforeseen amusements, to wit-- innocuous references to...
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Greetings From The Front
By Slab
To all of our readers, I just wanted to report that I am safe and sound in Al Anbar province. I am currently living and working in a small outpost north of Saqlawiyah. So far it's been relatively quiet, as the Iraqi Civilian Watch is helping to keep the insurgent activity down. Of course, some of them were insurgents, but counterinsurgency often makes strange bedfellows. More updates to follow.
I'll See your O6...
By Bull Nav
...and raise you a LGEN:
Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock.
Commander and Chief of Engineers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, was born in Georgia and grew up in an Army Family. He enlisted in the Army and received his commission as an infantry second lieutenant following graduation from Officer Candidate School in 1972. After completing Ranger and Special Forces training, he served primarily with infantry units before transferring to the Engineer Branch in 1983. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute and a master's degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer
John, back to you...
Triumphal Macho-Geeks!
By John
The American Prospect blog is making fun of me (I think!!??).
Goldfarb notes the killing of reputed al-Qaeda car-bomb specialist Abu Yaqub al-Masri, and links to this wonderful post that I think perfectly captures the deliriously triumphal macho-geek essence of the species warblogger.
My totally rad Legion of Doom metaphor followed.
But dude, take out "delirious" and I consider that a big fat compliment. In fact, I might have to change our name from OPFOR to "Triumphal Macho-Geeks."
Gawd I do love how victory talk makes them fidget.
Duss continues with:
It's great that we've gotten rid of a guy who was blowing up civilians. It's tragic that we created a situation where he could practice and perfect his craft, and teach it to others. Before popping the corks over the death of the Toyman, we should consider that he's created dozens of other Toymen, who will in turn create dozens more.
Stop being such a Negative Nancy, Duss. I'm not sure where anti-war folks developed this Fantasia view of terrorists, where killing one somehow automatically means another two pop up out of his corpse, but it ain't realistic. You know what really creates more terrorists?
Weakness.
So take note. Killing the enemy is a good thing. Savor it. Relish it. Don't make it political baby, Al'Qa'ida is at 25% of it's pre-9/11 strength... they haven't been multiplying, they've been dividing... into tiny, little JDAM baked pieces. Rejoice and be glad.
Reminds me of that bit from Patton:
Capt. Oskar Steiger: [inside the German bunker] Sir, the Americans have taken Palermo!General Alfred Jodl: Damn!
Messenger: [after pulling up to Monty's command post] Sir, Patton's taken Palermo!
Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery: Damn!
Also, note to the wannabe Dr. Phils in their comments section. I'm active duty military, so your deep, insightful theories on how I'm not in touch with the reality of war is kind of... eh, dumb.
Blast from the Past
By John
Boy, how's that for timing? I was just making fun of this flying Gremlin the other day...
Iran shows off
Iran unveiled on Thursday a new home-grown fighter jet amid growing tensions with the United States, saying the plane could "blind the eyes" of its enemies.State television showed pictures of two "Saegheh" (Thunder) fighters -- said by Iran to be similar to the American F-18 -- taking off in tandem and then landing for a ceremony at Tehran's Mehrabad airport.
"This fighter plane has been researched, designed and built with indigenous means and this new generation of fighter plane is entering industrial production," Defence Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
"Our forces like a thunderbolt will blind the eyes of the enemies of our land," he added. "And in the battlefield of defending our land, just like a thunderbolt, they will set ablaze the enemies' camp."
He went on to say that the Saegeh could defeat the F-18 in dogfights, out maneuver the F-22, and merge with other Saegehs to form Voltron.
So what's with the stupid thunderbolt talk? Mostafa sounds like an Iroquois Medicine Man. No doubt the Saegeh's radar will spot enemies with the eyes of hawk, and strike with the strength of bear. PR note to Tehran, if you're going to show off your crappy new military equipment, leave the Dances with Wolves talk at home.
Anyway, Mostafa's awful proud of this thing, considering the fact that Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer shot down like, five of them while riding the highway to the danger zone in 1986.
Oh, but that was before Iran added the second stabilizer.
Well played, Tehran. Well played.
Hotel Tango: F-18 (and one time F-5) driver Lex, who asks:
So this is the aircraft the Iranian Air Force Chief of Staff intends to use to “punish” Israel if that country attacks their nuclear program? Slap a dihedral tail on a forty year old airframe, paint it up like a Blue Angel and call that progress?
To save my life, I can't find the link..... but I'd point out that these are the same jokers who used a Blue Angels photo on the Iranian Air Force website. At least they've stepped up their fakery, y'know?
Oh Yeah?
By John
Congratulations to both of our BRs, who both received engineering degrees from VMI (take note John).
Hey, I'll take your two engineers and raise you one history major:
WASHINGTON -- Army Colonel James B. Hickey's mission was to find Saddam Hussein, and those close to the determined, brainy military officer say he was born to accomplish it.
"He was the second of six children born to Irish immigrant parents, and he was the only one who came out of the womb wearing combat gear," said Maureen Moran of Naperville, Ill., Hickey's sister.....
"Hickey is not an average soldier," said Thomas Keaney, executive director of the Foreign Policy Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where Hickey received a master's degree in the early 1990s. "He's a guy with tremendous military qualities and the Army is clearly grooming him for bigger things."
Hickey, 42, grew up in the Chicago suburb of Hickory Hills, where as a youth he filled his room with toy army tanks, GI Joe action figures, and suspended model aircraft from the ceiling. "My father took him to see the movie `Patton,' " Moran recalled. "That really cemented him in the foundation that he wanted to pursue a military career." Hickey and his three brothers, Patrick, Kenneth, and Shawn, attended St. Laurence High School, a private boy's school in Burbank, Ill., where Hickey played varsity soccer and was an honor student who also ran for the student council. There, his love for history and military matters was nurtured by his history teacher, Tom Rezek. "He was a very good student, very respectful and a conscientious kid. He loved the military," said Rezek.
After high school, Hickey went to Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., where he was commissioned an Army second lieutenant by 1982.
"The one thing that sticks out in my mind is after he went to VMI -- he'd come back and was so proud of being a northern boy who could cut it at VMI," Rezek recalled.
Your move, Bullnav!
Now an SSN and an HSL Squadron
By Bull Nav
LTCOL P set me up a couple of weeks ago, and I have been a little busy so I am severely delinquent in making this post two more of our Brother Rats.
First off, CDR Ed Herrington took command of the USS HAWAII (SSN776) in August. There are several articles and links at the Navy League's USS HAWAII website here. Ed and I are the only guys from 89 who made it through Nuclear Power School and went on to submarines. He is very sharp and will do well in command.
Secondly, CDR Rick Skiff is the CO of HSL-42, the Proud Warriors, in Jacksonville, FL. Note that HSL-42 flies the SH-60B Seahawk which was recently featured here at OP-FOR.
Congratulations to both of our BRs, who both received engineering degrees from VMI (take note John).
Another Tango Assumes Room Temperature
By John
Big fish too...by the looks of him.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an al-Qaeda in Iraq military advisor during an operation Aug. 31 west of Tarmiyah.Coalition forces conducted a precision operation west of Tarmiyah Aug. 31. The assault force followed a vehicle containing two suspected terrorists and attempted to get the driver to stop. When the driver resisted capture, the assault force fired on the vehicle. Both the driver and the passenger were killed in the operation. Coalition forces later identified one of the men as Abu Yaqub al-Masri.
Al-Masri, who is also known as Zakkariya or Doctor, was a military advisor to al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Baghdad and the surrounding belts. He provided guidance and direction for attack planning, coordination and execution.
Intelligence reports indicate al-Masri was directed by senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders to plan attacks that would cultivate sectarian strife. The former al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir of Baghdad, now detained by Coalition forces, described al-Masri as director of the “car bomb division.”
Al-Masri was one of the primary architects behind the Nov. 26 car bombings in Sadr City that killed 181 Iraqi civilians and injured another 247. He also planned major attacks on the bridges in the Rusafa area to isolate the Shi’ite population there.
Al-Masri previously fought against Coalition forces in Afghanistan and is linked to several senior leaders of al-Qaeda.
He was allied with Dr. Ayman Zawahiri, bin Laden’s second-in-command. He was also close to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the former leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq killed in a Coalition air strike in June 2006.
“Coalition operations are disrupting and destroying al-Qaeda’s terrorist networks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesperson. “There is nowhere to hide.”
Important that we don't understate how important of a kill this was... if Al-Qa'ida Iraq was structured like the Legion of Doom, this clown would be sitting somewhere between Bizzaro Superman and the Black Manta. I bid a fond farewell to all terrorists, but for this guy I'd be willing to break out the champagne and party poppers, and hire a band to belt out the Axl Rose version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"..... all while steely eyed soldiers usher him along to meet Allah.
But, on the other hand, I suppose you don't go to all that trouble after spraying a roach with Raid.
I don't want to get all disjointed on you, but when that long black cloud starts coming down on these bozos, I get introspective. Reminds me that all things are best in moderation, 'cept Redskins wins, muscle cars, and dead terrorists.
Picture of the Day: Hog's Undergarments
By John
Well, I guess a quick peek up her skirt wouldn't hurt anyone....
The highly maneuverable A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, can employ massive firepower to protect coalition troops on the ground supporting Operation enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer)
Fool's Errand
By John
Iran draws up plans to bomb Israel:
TEHRAN, Iran - The deputy commander of Iran's air force said Wednesday that plans have been drawn up to bomb Israel if the Jewish state attacks Iran, according to the semiofficial Fars news agency.The announcement came amid rising tensions in the region, with the United States calling for a new round of U.N. sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program and Israeli planes having recently overflown, and perhaps even attacked, Iranian ally Syria.
On Sunday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said the international community should prepare for the possibility of war in the event that Iran obtains atomic weapons, although he later appeared to soften that statement.
"We have drawn up a plan to strike back at Israel with our bombers if this regime (Israel) makes a silly mistake," Gen. Mohammad Alavi was quoted as telling Fars in an interview.
They may as well draw up plans to turn camel dung into solid gold, as long as they're daydreaming. Oh I'd kill to see that raid. A bunch of archaic, poorly maintained fighter jets with no mid-air refueling capability have to transverse thousands of miles of airspace controlled by the United States or her allies, only to meet one of the world's most modern and accomplished Air Forces on its home turf and backed by a state-of-the-art radar and air defense artillery infrastructure.
Don't tease me Iran, just the thought of it has gotten me all hot and bothered.
Oh, and PS, because I know this will come up. Yah, I know Syrian airspace is "friendly." But, if Iran intends to exploit it, they can either travel through Turkey or northern Iraq (nawtgunnahappen), or plan on shipping their jets by boat (alsonawtgonnahappen).
Hotel Tango: The Tank
Update: Readers have pointed out that Iran does have air-to-air refuelers. Right-o, converted 707s, although I think what I meant to say is that they're no stinkin' good at it. And if you really want to nit-pick, the F-14 isn't really an archaic airframe either. But, whether it be refuelers or fighters or anything that involves the slightest degree of military discipline and technical proficiency... just because the Iranians have it doesn't mean they know what to do with it.
Update 2: Fun fact! If you break down our hits by country, the bulk comes from the United States, but at a surprising number two is Iran. Mostly they come to yell at me for calling their new fighter jet a piece of crap (which it is), so no doubt they'll have a cow over this post. Cool.
Picture of the Day: Mr. Blue Sky
By John
It'd be a gorgeous picture, if it weren't for those damn Squids stealing Air Force gas.
A Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over Afghanistan. On Sept. 15, coalition tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft. (DOD photo/Navy Lt. Peter Scheu)
You really should click through for the full size.
Return of the Tank
By John
Hey look, Armor is back!
Quote(s) of the Day: Warrior Talk
By John
Because after all the shaky-kneed sissy talk post-Petraeus testimony, I'm feeling the need to honey your ears with dialect of real men.
Now there's another thing I want you to remember. I don't want to get any messages saying that "we are holding our position." We're not holding anything. Let the Hun do that. We are advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy. We're going to hold onto him by the nose and we're going to kick him in the ass. We're going to kick the hell out of him all the time and we're going to go through him like shit through a goose!
Marine General James Mattis, to Iraqi tribal leaders:
I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all.
Language so sweet it makes me want to light up a smoke and cuddle.
Caution: Adult Content
By John
How about a little naughty bird on bird action this morning?
Hawt.
That's a Marine Super Stallion assuming the alpha-male position over a weaker, lesser Blackhawk below.
Establish dominance, dude.
Prepare to have your mind blown
By John
The United States Naval Academy. Just one big lie.
It's not a school at all. It's the military, bro. The military.
I'm a little late making the rounds on this gem, but the tone.... like that of a teacher patiently instructing her second grade class.... makes it too damn good to pass up.
Columbia's student newspaper, The Spectator, blows the lid off of the 200 year old conspiracy:
When I looked at the course catalogue, which boasted seminars about leadership and selflessness, they were in fact seminars about weaponry and leading troops into combat. The reality of sending my brother to the Naval Academy began to set in: this was not a school; this was the military. While they boast a first class education, the main goal of this institution was to get my brother “combat ready.” During the first two “induction days,” the head of the Navy openly admitted that their goal was to transform these boys into men who would willingly die defending our country. They said to my parents, “We will manage to do in 18 minutes what you could not do in 18 years—we will discipline your boys and have them calling you Sir and Ma’am.” When they talked of courage and bravery, they showed a video of a Navy marine rounding off an unlimited supply of ammunition. During my brother’s plebe summer (his first summer), he could not talk to us for more than a few minutes once a week for fear that we might unduly influence him.My brother ended up liking Annapolis and he has decided to stay. While it has been difficult for me to accept that I have a brother in the military, I must allow him to pursue whatever path he is drawn toward, and he has admitted to me that he feels called to being there. However, for anyone else out there considering a career in the academy, let it be known: the U.S. Naval Academy is not an elite college; it is first and foremost a branch of the U.S. military and the prestige comes at a big price—it taxes parents, siblings, and participants if they do not understand what they were signing up for.
Hotel Tango: Goldfarb, who writes "And this is only the first installment of a four-part series. Newsroom sources say part two will reveal that the United States Military Academy is, in fact, operated by the United States Army, and this despite the fact that the word 'Army' appears nowhere in the name of the "school."
The bastards.
Picture of the Day: MRAPs at Aberdeen
By John
Army Col. John Rooney, commander of the U.S. Army Test Center, speaks before an orientation of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., August 24, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess
The Military and the Constitution
By John
Hey, so Small Wars Journal doesn't have a monopoly on deep-minded strategic thinkers/bloggers. We just have to import ours, har. This bit comes from Colonel Hank Foresman, a VMI alumn (of course), currently serving as Chief of Transformation Third Army Operational Maneuver Future Plans.
Colonel Hank Foresman
Many of us in the United States military have not given much thought to what our Oath of Office means. We begin that oath by swearing or affirming that we “will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that [we] will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” we then swear that we “will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over. . .so help [us] God.” Unlike many militaries our allegiances is not to the Head of Government, but rather to the fundamental law of our nation, The Constitution of the United States.
So what does that Constitution say about the military. It says very little, but by reading what it does say, it is clear, that it was the founders intent, nee their desire that whilst declaring the President the Commander-in-Chief, they clearly intended that the Congress would be the dominate branch in administration of the Armed Forces. Congress was given first and foremost the power to declare war. Whilst formal declaration of wars have ceased to be fashionable, clearly the intent of the founders was that prior to the commitment of the Armed Forces of the United States that the Congress of the United States would give their assent. So why is this power given to the Congress and not the President. For a very simple reason the founders of our nation were well aware of the misadventures, which had occurred under the prerogatives of a nations sovereign. They understood the lessons of a common shared history, a history that had seen Royal government ignore the desires and weal of the Parliament, to fight wars without the assent of Parliament and to demand later that Parliament pay for his adventures. The founders sought to ensure that they alone, as the representatives of the citizens of the United States would commit the United States Armed Forces.
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Zoomie Receives Distinguished Flying Cross
By John
Kinda reads like an action novel:
An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron here was recently awarded the Distinguish Flying Cross for his extraordinary achievement while flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. David Anderson, a 35th FS flight commander, received the medal from Col. C.Q. Brown, the 8th Fighter Wing commander......
As the enemy fire intensified, the JTAC ordered a strafe pass with the F-16's 20mm cannon. Anderson said his 500-pound bombs were too dangerous to employ due to the enemy's close proximity to the friendly forces.
"I understood the urgency of the request, but was still uncertain of the friendly and enemy positions," he said. "We are trained to be extremely careful when employing any kind of weapon close to friendly forces or civilians due to the risk of fratricide."
Anderson executed a fourth low, fast pass of the target area in an attempt to gain sight of the enemy. Flying over the target area at 300 feet and 500 knots, he was able to catch sight of both the U.S. troops and insurgents just meters apart.
"I received special clearance and I rolled in from the north, identified my target and opened fire with my 20mm cannon," he said. "In three successive strafe passes, I fired all 510 rounds in my gun, silencing the enemy position. Brewmaster 46 said in later conversations that he was so close to the enemy that as my high explosive 20mm rounds impacted, he was showered by dirt and debris."
Anderson said at this point he was low on fuel and needed to be able to get to a tanker to receive fuel or return to base and land.
Following Anderson's last strafe pass Hound 71 came back to the scene and took control of the target area allowing Anderson to depart to the tanker.
At the end of the fight, Anderson said there were six reported enemy fighters killed by 20mm rounds. One of those insurgents was killed in the act of setting up a 60 mm mortar with eight rounds ready to fire.
Fine flyin', boy-o.
Picture of the Day: Super Sabre over South Vietnam
By John
An F-100 Super Sabre flies over the base at Tuy Hoa, South Vietnam in 1967. Photo Courtesy of the US Air Force.
Update On Houssein Zorkot
By Lt Col P
BR BullNav brought us the first look at Houssein Zorkot, the ever peaceful med student in Michigan, who was peacefully arrested while peacefully sitting in his car outside a city park while peacefully clutching an AK-47. Nothing to see here! Move along!
Michelle Malkin gives us an update. (BTW, Michelle, give BullNav some credit too! He doesn't crave MM attention as much *others* in this blog, who shall remain nameless, but he did get on this one quickly... )
There's a lot to be concerned with here. I echo what BullNav said about being ready. At. All. Times. For those of you who carry, I'll pass on something that was taught to me in the pistol course I took back in May-- when you see someone with an AK start shooting, immediately think "body armor" and adjust your point of aim and your tactics accordingly.
(And for commenter "ME" in BullNav's post-- how's life back on 10 Sept 2001? Nice and easy? Carefree? If your head's not in the sand, it's definitely shoved somewhere else.)
On The National Mall
By Lt Col P
I took a nice long run yesterday down on the Mall, the first really since I got back from Benning. Having seen the coverage of this vile act at the Vietnam Memorial, I wanted to go and take a look at The Wall myself.
I saw the section in question fenced off with cones, and as I came up a worker was breaking down a steam cleaning apparatus. There was another worker there, a lady I took to be in charge so I asked her how it was going. She said that it was going well, and in fact when I looked closely at the panels I couldn't see any lingering stain or damage. I thanked her for taking the time to right a wrong, and went on my way.
Also out in force were folks from the Gathering of Eagles. Nowhere to be seen were any hippies. Probably smart of them not to show. Because I was wearing my USMC/Airborne t-shirt, I got hoo-rahs! and airbornes! in equal measure. I was pleased to return both.
Milbloggers Meet the Prez
By John
Phenomenal to see such recognition of our humble little community at the highest levels of government. Present were the vets, guys like Blackfive, CJ Grisham, Steve Schippert, John of Argghhh, and Mrs. G (representing Mr. G), who have fought the good fight for years now.
Military.com was well represented by Ward Carroll. Bill Roggio and Bill Ardolino participated from theater via feed.
No Michael Yon?
I guess details (and photos!) are pending, but for now here's a semi-round up.
Blackfive
Mrs. Greyhawk
Schippert
John of Argghhh
Bill Ardolino
More coming later, I think? Well done guys!
No Surprise There
By John
Anti-War flicks meeting a lukewarm reception at the Toronto Film Festival.
Later I'll talk about the films that have done well, but it should come as no surprise that the response to several Iraq themed films that are screening here,including Redacted, Valley of Elah, Rendition and Battle for Haditha, has been lackluster.At first I thought that perhaps this was only the opinion of a small minority, but in truth, it's not.While Reuters insists the films have had "positive response", a reality check proves otherwise.
A top inde producer told Reuters that he did not believe:
" the many Iraq war movies playing here would find audiences,..... people were tired of being bombarded with war and killing on television, the Web and in newspapers and magazines."
That aptly expresses the general feeling towards theses films by those in the industry and by the general public in attendance at the festival. Also weighing in is film critic Richard Roeper, a liberal who is no fan of the Bush administration:
"Of course we shouldn't shirk from the atrocities, alleged and confirmed, committed by our side. But would it be so horrible to make a film showing American soldiers performing genuine heroics?"
Not really. Hell, a film like that might even make money.
Question for producers: if this particularly crappy brand of whiny cinema can't even create a buzz amongst an audience as friendly as anti-war Hollywood, you think Joe America is going to go watch?
Step one in pulling yourselves out of the red? Make GI Joe American, dammit.
My Bomb's Bigger than Your Bomb
By John
Hey, it's like a conventional version of the Cold War arms race....
WASHINGTON, September 13 (RIA Novosti) -
The U.S. has a 14-ton super bomb more destructive than the vacuum bomb just tested by Russia, a U.S. general said Wednesday.The statement was made by retired Lt. General McInerney, chairman of the Iran Policy Committee, and former Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
McInerney said the U.S. has "a new massive ordnance penetrator that's 30,000 pounds, that really penetrates ... Ahmadinejad has nothing in Iran that we can't penetrate."
He also said the new Russian bomb was not a "penetrator."
Not a penetrator??
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VMI Hurricane
By John
Tailgates and helicopters don't mix, folks. A thousand thank-yous to reader and retired Army helicopter pilot Graham T., who sends photos and wisdom: "one hundred MPH rotor wash will do this."
Hilarity here:
The humanity.....
LtCol P says... Oh the humanity?? Oh the Class of 89!! From multiple sources, and confirmed by One Who Is Close To Barracks, I am pleased to say this aircraft was piloted by a member of the Class of 89! Please join me and BullNav in an Old Yell.
Another reason to be ready...
By Bull Nav
I have said many times, "Carry."
I am, of course, referring to legally carrying a concealed pistol, not only for self-defense, but for any situation in which others may be placed in danger by someone who would do them harm.
I also advocate that anyone who does not or cannot carry do what you can to be ready. Pay attention to your surroundings. Always have a plan. Follow Rule 21.
So after this morning's run, I am watching the news, and I watch this little tidbit (from WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit):
Doctor-in-Training Caught in Park with AK-47Last Update: 9/12 6:13 pm
Federal authorities are investigating a Wayne State University medical student who was arrested in a Dearborn park with a loaded AK-47.
His name is Houssein Zorkot and he is (was?) a third year med student at Wayne State University in Detroit.
No one has given an explaination as to why the Dearborn Police found him Saturday night in a park with a loaded AK-47 (I realize that it was not an AK-47, but a knock-off; however, that is what was reported), in dark clothing, with his face blackened. Apparently the FBI is now investigating the case.
Oh, yeah, on his website he says he supports Lebanon and the Resistance. Take a look at it.
I don't understand why more is not being reported on this. The Dearborn Mayor apparently did not want people making a connection between this individual and the 9/11 anniversary.
I will make the connection.
This is the type of home-grown individual that the people of the US need to be aware of. I am not saying to persecute every Arab-American, or anyone with dark skin. I am saying that folks need to know that this type of individual exists right here in the USA and we all need to be ready at all times.
Head on a swivel.
Situational awareness.
Or, as I learned in the Boy Scouts, "Be Prepared."
Sure, We May Not Win Football Games....
By John
....but you can't beat our tailgates (stolen shamelessly from the VMI alumni message boards).
There was one exciting moment at the W&M game. I arrived late with a BR and as we were about to troop from around Commandant's house across parade ground (a deck is in the back of my house) to the stadium, two Naval Service helicopters landed behind Stonewalls Statue (show and tell after the game) and the downdraft promptly blew away the first row of tents to include food, chairs, etc. set up in tailgate area of parade ground. The Parents Council area was devastated. After determining nobody got hurt, it was worth a laugh and a fine prelude to the game which followed. I think the pilots were from the damp side of the Naval Service – undoubtedly USMC pilots would have taken out more tents.Bert Graham `74
Attention VMI helicopter pilots! I've found an LZ for The Military Classic of the South. Land here:
Circus Freaks
By John
It doesn't take much to effectively refute 9/11 conspiracy theories. In fact, just looking at the faces of the Truther movement can grant you more inner peace than 10 years of meditation in a Buddhist monastery.
Picture of the Day: Iron Derek Brown
By John
Proud I am of my Brother Rat Derek, who is winning over Anbar one Sheik at a time...
You can read Derek's highly motivating email on winning Anbar here.
And Another Thing!
By Lt Col P
Since I'm in a particularly bellicose mood today, allow me to introduce you to the newest member of the family... 6.85 pounds, 32 inches long, solid black...
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11 September: Past, Present, Future
By Lt Col P
11 September, the day of infamy. Last year I wrote about another 11 September, a great victory of Western, Christian arms over the Turk. Last year, Gates of Vienna gave us a reminder of the other great 11 September in the fight against Islamist expansion.
This year, by way of B5, a reminder that the Poles continue to stand with us, and that one American hero remains not fully recognized. Read both of those posts. (Don't forget that Polish troops have been with us on the ground too. Perhaps they should adopt a new national motto-- "Thumping The Turk Since 1683.")
Where are we today? Locked in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and scoring victories. Hard won, grinding victories, some small and others large, but all steps forward in the Long War. Locked in struggle at home, too, as we contest the factions that wonder if we should be fighting at all, if this isn't just comeuppance for our own policies and misdeeds.
May God forbid that we ever give up the fight! Remember those who have fought and sacrificed for this country and our liberty, and those who would pull back under the illusion that peace can be brokered with anyone who seeks to dominate and enslave us. Remember both sides, their names, their actions, and their words, and hold the defeatists accountable. Our enemies can't be bought with oily words and vapid gestures; they must be brought to battle and beaten by strong will and action. Today is not the the day to forget that.
Not on the Night Stand
By John
But, it should be.
Was watching Monday Night Football, Bengals-Ravens, and there was a short spot on Carson Palmer's (Bengals Q) offseason reading....
Palmer loved it, apparently. High marks on Amazon, too. I love how football and the military share the same warrior ethos. It's just so damn American.
Another Email from Iraq
By John
This one comes from my Brother Rat, the hard-charging Captain Derek Brown, VMI '03.
Hello all, Its been a long time since I may have written to a lot of you. Please don't take it the wrong way. I am still currently deployed in Iraq. Having tons of fun as you could imagine. Things are going pretty well though. The local nationals are finally taking the fight in their hands and are stepping up to win this war against terrorism. They are protecting themselves and their villages. Reconciliation is the Way Ahead and is how we will win this fight against terrorism in Iraq. It shows in the Anbar Province as well as in the area I am currently located. Just know that there are good things happening over here and progress is being made, though there is a lot that still needs to be done. We are not done here yet. The Iraqi people can not do this by themselves, at least not yet. I reiterate, the regular people, are finally taking a stand to fight against AQI and its a beautiful thing. Now we just need to get the GOI on the same train ride to success then we will be golden. I have attached a silly picture of my shop on my birthday. My buddy and his wife mailed me some kids party bags so i was able to share them with my shop. I cant wait to see you guys again back on stateside. Take care and until we meet again, drink one for me. -Derek
I loved this line...
I reiterate, the regular people, are finally taking a stand to fight against AQI and its a beautiful thing.
Heh, that's so like Derek to say "I reiterate." He's the type of guy that always doubles up on his comms.... "I say again...."
While Derek was in Iraq for his first tour of duty, he sent an email of an absolutely harrowing account of being blown up by an IED. It was before I started blogging, so I never posted it.... but I think I still have the email. Need to dig it up and ask Derek's permission to share.
Anyway, Derek is one of those guys that you look at..... and then start to pity the bad guys. God speed, Brother Rat.
Leave Nothing
By John
Just like every other red-blooded, non-communist American male, I watched football for the better part of 9 hours on Sunday. Games were decent. Redskins won, which means it was a good week.
Anyway, I must have seen this commercial a good dozen times during the games, and y'know.... I could've watched it a dozen more. Nike hit a real homer with this spot, check it out.
Motivating, no?
Sidewinder on Final
By Bull Nav
A Hornet from the Sidewinders of VFA-86 is about to land on the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN65) while deployed in the Persian Gulf.
Here's the guy who took the picture:
Does he look cool like the LSO's try to look (of which he was receiving training on) or does he really look like a misplaced submariner?
Sleep Through Those Bombs
By John
I think I owe an apology to my buddy Noah Shachtman. He's been in Iraq for some time now and I'm just getting around to linking his war diary. Noah's specialty is military tech, but -being the pro that he is- Shachtman understands that the real benefit of embedded reporting is soldier focused human interest stories. So, he wisely mixed the two genres.
The first time he was blown up, Sergeant Mike Crenshaw didn’t even notice. It was May, on a small road near Taji, north of Baghdad. “We were doing route clearance” – sweeping the road for bombs – “when we heard rocks raining down on us. Then we get a call on the radio, asking us if we were OK. We were like, ‘Hunh? Did something happen?’”
The second time he was blown up, Sergeant Mike Crenshaw was barely phased. “There was this loud boom and this big flash. The thing went off right underneath us. But we kept on driving,” he says. “I think one of the axles was bent a little bit.”Back in the States, there’s a raging debate about how many Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPs, the military should really be buying. There’s talk about whether all the extra armor on the MRAP is really worth it, or not; after all, the insurgents are already building MRAP-busting bombs. They’ll always build bigger bombs. But for Crenshaw, there’s no question. He loves his MRAP. So much so, he hardly ever gets out.
I've heard the same debate. Friend of mine just returned from the sandbox, and he was adamant that nothing can stop these new copper IEDs that Iran is sending into theater. Something about how super heated copper melts just about everything....
Course on the other hand, I've heard that these new Buffalos stop "just about everything." Soldiers love them, and for that reason alone, I just can't see the Army making cuts to the program.
*Update*Let's evaluate how they perform under combat conditions....
You know what? On second thought, if these things can't repel a glowing Autobot laser sword, what's the point?
VMI Marines Clean Up The Command Slate
By Lt Col P
VMI Marines from my era have been heard from today (and last month), doing very well on the command slates.
From MarAdmin 468/07, re active duty commands...
- Col Bruce Nickle '86 picked up Combat Logistics Regiment 1 (via MarAdmin 465/07)
- LtCol Chris Goff '88 picked up 3rd Bn 3rd Marines
- LtCol Scott Leonard '89 picked up 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn (89! 89! 89!)
- LtCol Craig Streeter '91 picked up Marine Light Attack Helicopter Sqdn 467
And on the reserve side, via MarAdmin 524/07, I am especially pleased to pass on that my good friend and fellow Marine from more than one unit, LtCol Chuck Ellis '90, picked up 5th Bn 14th Marines.
Congratulations, all!
PS... BullNav has some good '89 Navy news to pass on later...
Ah, If Only Yamamoto Had Lived to See It
By John
By PSYOP Cop
Japan launched the Hyuga, its new “helicopter-carrying destroyer” (gotta love their use of language on that one) several days ago.
First thing that impresses me is that, if you have a flat, long deck that can launch helicopters, it probably doesn’t take much to tack on a ski-jump for V/STOL aircraft.
Second (and I read this in another article about the Hyuga), its complement of Sparrows are housed in VLS tubes, which are also capable of carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Oh, and the last time the Japanese Navy sailed the Hyuga, it was a battleship turned into an aircraft carrier and was sunk in June 1945 off the island of Kure by Curtiss Helldivers of VB-87 flying from USS Ticonderoga.
But, being that the Japanese are now a close ally, I wish this new Hyuga and her crew all the best.
PSYOP Cop is a VMI alumnus with experience in the psychological operations field.
John adds - Destroyer my ass....
Oopsie!
By John
"Hey, so.... does anyone know why these bombs are warm?"
Nuclear warheads mistakenly flown on B-52, landing at Barksdale AFB -
A B-52 bomber mistakenly loaded with five nuclear warheads flew from Minot Air Force Base, N.D, to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on Aug. 30, resulting in an Air Force-wide investigation, according to three officers who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the incident.The B-52 was loaded with Advanced Cruise Missiles, part of a Defense Department effort to decommission 400 of the ACMs. But the nuclear warheads should have been removed at Minot before being transported to Barksdale, the officers said. The missiles were mounted onto the pylons of the bomber’s wings.
Advanced Cruise Missiles carry a W80-1 warhead with a yield of 5 to 150 kilotons and are specifically designed for delivery by B-52 strategic bombers.Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Ed Thomas said the transfer was safely conducted and the weapons were in Air Force custody and control at all times.
However, the mistake was not discovered until the B-52 landed at Barskdale, which left the warheads unaccounted for during the approximately 3-1/2 hour flight between the two bases, the officers said.
Today would be just a super time to go over nuclear incident terminology.
Dull Sword - minor incident involving nukes. Convoy breaks down or something mundane like that....
Bent Spear - DoD directive 5230.16 says "Any nuclear weapon significant incidents other than nuclear weapons accidents or war risk detonations, actual or possible."
Broken Arrow - nuclear accident that results in a radioactive yield, but doesn't risk nuclear war.
Nucflash - Bad News Bears!!! Bomb went off!
Empty Quiver - is what that crappy movie with John Travolta and Christian Slater should have been called. Means someone took off with a bomb.
Shooting from the hip here, but I'm thinking the B-52 incident would be a Bent Spear.
Meanwhile, I like Lex's take.
A New Chapter for Fallujah
By Slab
The Captain's Journal has a recent post on the pacification of Fallujah. Some argue that Fallujah is not truly pacified, because we have had to effectively close off the city and restrict the inhabitants' mobility to an extreme degree. Herschel, as cogently as ever, rebuts this:
I like to keep up with John Robb. Without studying analyses that run counter to your own one can become rather closed-minded. But what were the conditions like in Fallujah prior to this? I had interviewed Lt. Col. William Mullen concerning the conditions in Fallujah in this article: Operation Alljah and the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment.And so I knew full well what we have had to do to pacify Fallujah. The tribal influence is much weaker in Fallujah, so more traditional counterinsurgency TTPs have been required, such as gated communities.
But is Robb seriously claiming that this has hindered true progress or otherwise caused conditions in Fallujah that are worse than they were prior to these actions? Is he seriously claiming that our efforts have caused unemployment or the lack of communication with the balance of Iraq?
He misses the point. The unemployment was already there, because it was the last major city in Anbar to undergo pacification. I claim exactly the opposite of Robb. Now … and only now … can Fallujah BEGIN its communication with the rest of Iraq.
Herschel has pointed out numerous times that we can not truly begin to provide services to the Iraqis until we take care of their most basic need: security. All of the measures that John Robb questions were taken to provide that basic need, so that we can begin to stimulate the economy in Fallujah. Obviously, Regimental Combat Team-6 and the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Army Division feel that the security situation is much improved.
Iraqi Army Withdraws from Fallujah
The last battalion of Iraqi soldiers with 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, withdrew from the Anbar Province city of Fallujah, Sept. 1, leaving the city’s security and stability in the hands of the local police and government.Brig. Gen. Ali al-Hashemi, the brigade’s commander, said the time had come when Iraqi Police alone could handle law enforcement in the city.
“I am very confident in the IPs keeping the city safe. Besides, it is their job to work to keep the city safe,” al-Hashemi said through an interpreter. “It’s not the IA’s job. The army should not be inside the city. The police should be in the city.”
I, for one, truly hope that Fallujans have finally turned a corner in this war that has been so hard on their city. To the jundi of 3-2-1 IA, and all of the Marines who have fought so hard, a heartfelt Bravo Zulu.
How 'bout Another "Picture of the Day"?
By Bull Nav
An MH-60S transfers a sling load from the USNS SUPPLY to the USS ENTERPRISE while USS GETTYSBURG waits to go alongside the SUPPLY.
Good stuff, eh?
More to come...
Picture of the Day: Wild Blue and Brown Yonder
By John
Hey look! Blue tiger stripe. Just like our recently retired BDUs.
The 64th Aggressor Squadron's F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcon head to the fight after refueling Aug. 28 during Red Flag 07-3 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag tests aircrew war-fighting skills in realistic combat situations. The aircraft fly missions during the day and night to the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range to simulate an air war. Servicemembers from all the U.S. military branches, along with coalition forces, are participating in the event. Photo Courtesy of the US Air Force.
So anyway... yeah, there was a short period there where the Air Force wanted to paint its people like its planes.
It could be worse though, they could have designed BDUs that glow in the dark if mixed with certain types of detergent.
Oh...wait.
Best World War II Flicks
By John
Naw, it's not a repeat of the 10 Greatest War Films of All Time.... just a very cool, insider's look at a fine collection of war cinema.
Plus, the commentary.....
Patton, 1970. This movie has the greatest opening shot of any movie in recent memory. The script by Francis Ford Coppola is a masterpiece and Frankln J. Schaffner's direction is assured at every turn. George C. Scott's performance is simply towering. He gets under Patton's complex skin—warrior, mystic, egomaniac—and doesn't let go for one minute.
...is far better than anything you'll read on this crappy blog. Go check it out.... and take your comments with you!
"Labor" Day On The Gunline
By Lt Col P
In the post below, our man Slab extolled the hardiness and endurance of the average air-cooled, beer-fed, self-propelled Marine (and soldier) grunt. All of this is true, and I cannot disagree.
However, today I must raise a voice in praise of my own favorite (favourite, for our visitors from The Torch) military laborers-- the cannoneers. They don't walk; what "king" does?? But they lift, and they dig, and then they lift some more. And what they lift they usually end up hauling around. Remember that every HE shell that goes downrange weighs in at a little less than a hundred pounds, and each one is (in the Marine Corps) broken out of its pallet, prepared for firing, and loaded all by hand. And this is towed artillery-- every howitzer is manhandled in and out of position.
By way of my good friend and fellow Marine, GySgt Joe Demro (USMC, ret.), meet the M198.
And now meet the '198's replacement, the M777.
Yes, Gunny, it does bring back memories.
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Young Man's Work
By Slab
The Captain's Journal has an excellent piece on the infantry this morning. W. Thomas Smith of the National Review wrote an article after patrolling with 1st Battalion 4th Marines about the timelessness of the grunt life. No matter how sophisticated warfare has gotten, ours is still a dirty, exhausting line of work.
Infantry campaigning is difficult, and it has been ever since man first picked up a few stones, shouldered a club, and moved against a neighboring tribe. And despite modern weapon-systems and many of the new modes of delivery — helicopter, various ground conveyances — that difficulty has not changed.
....
Ground combat — including fighting, campaigning, and surviving in the wild — is a young man’s work. It means bearing heavy loads (In the modern world, much of a unit’s gear can be carried in vehicles. But because soldiers today have so much gear, a lot of it — particularly personal equipment — simply has to be borne on one’s back, shoulders, and hips.), surviving in remote environs and severe weather conditions, and maintaining a level of proper hygiene for good health: None of which are easy in an environment where men are hunting one another.
Herschel porvides a snippet from Ernie Pyle for comparison with conditions from 60+ years ago.
I love the infantry because they are the underdogs. They are the mud-rain-frost-and-wind boys. They have no comforts, and they even learn to live without the necessities. And in the end they are the guys that wars can’t be won without.I wish you could see just one of the ineradicable pictures I have in my mind today. In this particular picture I am sitting among clumps of sword-grass on a steep and rocky hillside that we have just taken. We are looking out over a vast rolling country to the rear.
A narrow path comes like a ribbon over a hill miles away, down a long slope, across a creek, up a slope and over another hill.
All along the length of this ribbon there is now a thin line of men. For four days and nights they have fought hard, eaten little, washed none, and slept hardly at all. Their nights have been violent with attack, fright, butchery, and their days sleepless and miserable with the crash of artillery.
The men are walking. They are fifty feet apart, for dispersal. Their walk is slow, for they are dead weary, as you can tell even when looking at them from behind. Every line and sag of their bodies speaks their inhuman exhaustion.
On their shoulders and backs they carry heavy steel tripods, machine-gun barrels, leaden boxes of ammunition. Their feet seem to sink into the ground from the overload they are bearing.
They don’t slouch. It is the terrible deliberation of each step that spells out their appalling tiredness. Their faces are black and unshaven. They are young men, but the grime and whiskers and exhaustion make them look middle-aged …
Compare that to the pictures from two of my deployments, after the jump.
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