February 2008 Archives
« Previous · Home · Next »
Prince Harry the JTAC
By Slab
This was forwarded to me by the guy who let me crash at his place on Emerald Isle for two years, now a fellow ANGLICAN and JTAC, and mutual acquaintance of LtCol P.
Looks like I'm in good company in this job.
Prince Harry provided air support for UK troops
I wish it were all as easy as they make it sound in the article. Then again, if you're a Prince, maybe it is. Hey, I'll bet he didn't get "drop-blocked" by an RCT air officer just before he cleared an aircraft hot. I mean, who's going to say no to royalty?
For the record, the air officer made a good call. Although dropping a 500 pounder into the building would have been legit, it wasn't really the best solution to that particular situation. So I'm just funnin'.
Happy Birthday, USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN759)
By Bull Nav
(Photo: USS JEFFERSON CITY Website)
Ah, my first boat, that on which I qualified Submarines and on which I am a Plankowner.
It was a cold, clear, blustery day at Pier 23 on Norfolk Naval Base.
The crew was formed up in ranks at the back of a pavilion on the pier, when the wind really picked up. The tent posts at the front began to weaken and the lines securing the tent began to come undone. The SUBLANT Chief of Staff, a likeable man name CAPT Al Konetzni (Big Al, the Sailor's Pal) came back and started grabbing guys to go up and hold the tent posts.
I remember him clearly saying, "A case of beer to everyone who comes up and keeps this thing from blowing down."
Eventually, the entire crew, with the exception of the Chiefs and Officers was up front, holding onto the tent posts to keep them from snapping.
When the order was given to "Man the rails" we ran across the brow and stood at attention topside, just barely keeping our footing. I remember feeling like we were going to get blown into the Elizabeth River...and did I say it was cold?
No one was knocked off the boat and the ceremony was cut short to allow everyone to head across the base for the reception.
Two days later we got underway for some fun in the VACAPES.
Britain's Prince Harry in Afghanistan
By Charlie
Good on him. I saw the interview on FOX news, and Prince Harry seems pretty motivated to be with his men on the front lines.
LONDON (AP) — The secret is out: Prince Harry has been serving on the front line with his British army unit in one of Afghanistan's most lawless and barren provinces. Harry is the first royal to serve in a combat zone since his uncle Prince Andrew flew helicopters during Britain's war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982.British officials had hoped to keep the 23-year-old's deployment secret until he had safely returned, but they released video of Harry serving in Helmand Province after a leak appeared on the U.S. Web site the Drudge Report.
Robots March Forward
By Charlie
UPDATE: This is the MULE from Lockheed (thanks, anonymous)
Anyway, robots are robots. Here are some more:
So does this put us one step closer to the Imperial Walker?
Lockheed Martin MULE Program Completes Key Review, Begins Work on Final System Design
DALLAS, TX, February 27th, 2008 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) vehicle program successfully completed its System Preliminary Design Review (PDR), signaling a new phase in the program’s development as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) modernization initiative. As a result of this recent review, Lockheed Martin will now begin to transition from the concept maturation phase into detailed design work.The MULE/ARV-Assault Light, a 3.5-ton class vehicle for the FCS program, offers an extraordinary capability that will support the U.S. Army’s transformation to a lighter and more mobile fighting force. The robot’s unique mobility will enable it to go everywhere the Soldier can go and more. It will allow Soldiers of the transformed Army to use technology to perform a number of dull, dirty and dangerous jobs performed by Soldiers today, freeing troops to focus more effectively on the success of their mission.
The MULE/ARV-Assault Light’s highly mobile platform is a unique 6x6 independent articulated suspension. Coupled with in-hub motors powering each wheel, the suspension system provides extreme mobility in complex terrain, far exceeding that of vehicles utilizing more conventional suspension systems.
Here's a video of this [another] system, which has some interesting real-world applications if it can be successfully fielded.
Newspaper Shenanigans
By John
Charlie and I were the editors of VMI's newspaper back in the day, and I still regard the times we spent laboring over that rag as some of the best I've ever had. This is an unusual thing to say about your VMI cadetship, but it's true. Mainly because Charlie and I were heavily invested in the mentality that our newspaper offices should be a "regulations-free" zone.
I think that this picture, of our good friends Chuck and Nate, effectively illustrates our overall seriousness and commitment to professional journalism:
The studious one, Nate, is on his way to Fort Campbell Kentucky. Small world that we live in, Nate was in the same platoon as my cousin in Army Ranger school. Chuck is teaching at an inner-city school, presumably relying on all of his ninja skills to survive.
Note the TV and stereo. Happy men were we, up there in those offices.
****Update: Serious commentary by Charlie below the fold.*******
Read More »
This War, 15 Years On
By Lt Col P
MMM reminds us it was 15 years ago that jihad hit America's shores.
The first World Trade Center attack killed a handful compared to 9/11, and should have woken up a nation. It did not. We have lived to regret our failure to heed the warning.
Remember that day, and think hard about where it has lead us. The lessons have yet to be learned fully, I fear.
Infantry!
By Charlie
Cool video for all the elevenbees out there:
Iraqi AAA Roadside Assistance
By John
Lowry sent this to me and I about shit I laughed so hard. Starts off a little slow, but cash money ending.
Stability Operations Now Part of Army’s Core Mission
By Charlie
While embracing reality, this move is likely to rankle some of the Army's "old corps." What I mean by that is that there is a sizeable chunk of the Army, especially in the combat arms branches, that think the mission of the infantry is only "to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to defeat or capture him, or to repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack." Not included in that is building schools, policing foreign cities, monitoring infrastructure, training local security forces,etc.
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 25, 2008) -- Soldiers have been in Iraq keeping the peace, battling insurgents, protecting civilians and helping to rebuild that country for nearly five years. The Army now recognizes that work, called “stability operations,” as part of a Soldier’s core mission and made it so in the new field manual for operations, FM 3-0, which will be released later this week.The change comes because the U.S. government has identified that failed and failing states are breeding grounds for terrorists and insurgents, said Lt. Col. James H. Boozell, an Army G3 branch chief for the stability operations and irregular warfare division at the Pentagon.
“When local government can’t provide the civil security and civil control necessary for its people, terrorists are allowed to thrive,” he said. “If we stabilize governance, it will provide the level of civil security and control that disallows the growth of terrorism and insurgency.”
What we face is a near-term certainty of the continuation of "irregular warfare" wherever we fight, in the brushfire war after next. It is good that the Army recognizes this, but it will be a continuing challenge to split-train our 4GW forces on 3GW tactics. Face it, the 3GW mindset isn't going away any time soon.
Mickey Finns
By Bull Nav
So the other night, seeing as how there's not a whole helluva lot of places close to NAVSTA Great Lakes to eat, we headed over to Mickey Finns Brewery in Libertyville.
Great place. The Rye Stout was outstanding, the food great, and the atmosphere was a lot of fun.
We didn't stick around for the live band, but from the looks of the crowd, it was going to be a blast.
So, if you are ever in the North Chicago area or you happen to be spending some time at Great Lakes, head on over to Libertyville and Mickey Finns for some good beer.
Now That's an Extra-Curricular Activity
By John
Just to piggy back off of Col P's VMI video, I had a cadet send me this 4 minute spot on VMI's Special Action Detachment. Not bad.
VMI really needs to start harnessing the power of these of cadet-made shorts for marketing purposes.
BTW, is Metallica the mandatory soundtrack for these vids or what?
VMI Video Of The Day
By Lt Col P
Two minutes of fun, Institute-style, courtesy of He-Who-Must-Remain-Unnamed. Looks like some good NVG sweat party footage there in the last few seconds...
RAH. VIRGINIA. MIL.
Satellite Picture of the Day
By John
Who knows, if these catch on... maybe I'll make it a series or something. Sometimes when I'm bored, I check out sat imagery of naval bases and military airfields. In other news, I'm a complete tool.
Russian naval aircraft outside Murmansk:
Bullshit Bingo!
By Charlie
Hey staff officers and anybody working at Brigade-level or above!
Sick of buzzwords and meaningless phrases spouted off by self-important people seeking to prove their intellect? Stuck in a meeting observing this? Stand by, for Bullshit Bingo!
This hearkens back to the larger "language" problem that the Army has. To wit:
Military terminology is supposed to be succinct, clear, and easily understood by everyone. In other words, "attack" and "defend" have certain doctrinal definitions that are (or should be) easily comprehended by all soldiers. I can't tell you how many times I've had to whip out the FM 101-5-1 and explain to someone what, exactly, an NAI, or PIR is.
Corporate America's lexicon can get as wacky as it wants, but the military should firewall itself off from this temptation. Words mean things, and keeping military terminology clear and concise should be something we try to work towards.
Read More »
Muqtada al-Sadr is getting nervous
By Richard S. Lowry
For quite some time, I have predicted that al-Sadr would maintain a low profile to avoid the wrath of the Multi-National Force-Iraq. Last summer he even declared a cease-fire with coalition forces. He hoped that the American people would force a withdrawal from Iraq and that General Petraeus would just go away.
Instead, the Surge took hold. The American people lost interest in the fight and Petraeus put a cop on every corner in Baghdad. Then, he brilliantly embraced Muqtada’s offer of peace while he worked tirelessly at reconciliation with the reconcilable and elimination of the irreconcilables. If Mahdi Army extremists insisted on continued violence (sanctioned by al-Sadr or not), General Petraeus ostracized them as renegades who were not willing to follow the cleric’s edict of non-violence. Then, his forces hunted them down.
After six months of hard work, al-Qaeda in Iraq is on the run; peace and stability is slowly returning to the streets of Baghdad; and the daily lives of every Iraqi are improving. The need for protection from al-Sadr’s Shiite militias has vastly diminished. The government is beginning to reconcile with the Sunni minority. Al-Qaeda’s ability to attack innocent Shiites is diminishing daily. People are returning to work, families are safe on the streets. Children are returning to school.
The everyday Iraqi is beginning to have hope for their family’s future. In short, Muqtada al-Sadr’s radical teaching and violent mantra is becoming irrelevant. I think he has finally realized that he is becoming marginalized. He sees that he could soon fade into obscurity as his followers flourish.
So, Muqtada will lash out one last time. He will attempt to regain his relevance the only way he knows – through hate and violence. It may not be this Saturday, but rest assured, we haven’t heard the last of al-Sadr. I will be glued to the news on Saturday. It could be a significant day in the continuing story in Iraq.
Richard S. Lowry is the author of The Gulf War Chronicles and Marines in the Garden of Eden.
LAKE ERIE GETS SOME
By Bull Nav
080220-N-XXXXX-025 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb 20, 2008) At a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. President George W. Bush decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. U.S. Navy photo (Released)
More information is available here.
I know those guys are excited. BZ to all the folks that made this happen.
I wonder what our Far Eastern friends think...
UPDATE: I found this cool video on the Phibian's website.
I must say, I think this is great that we are showing this to the world. I know China shot down a satellite last year, but we did this from a ship at sea.
And no matter what anyone thinks, if we really want to, our ships can still show up unannounced on someone's front doorstep...
Chronic Warrior Syndrome
By Lt Col P
By way of the 10-8 Forums, I found a great post at The American Thinker.
First and foremost, having confidence in who they arePossessing pride in oneself, one's organization and the country they serve
Being knowledgeable of and comfortable with the terms honor, courage and commitment
I agree with every word.
(BTW, I don't know if BGen Mulqueen indeed is the ultimate source, but I have no reason to doubt it, because he certainly is a real Marine.)
Watch that Recoil
By Charlie
Yeah, its old. Funny, though.
Castro resigns: Fallout?
By Charlie
I figured Castro would govern 'till death, so this is certainly unexpected:
HAVANA - An ailing, 81-year-old Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when parliament meets Sunday. ADVERTISEMENTThe end of Castro's rule — the longest in the world for a head of government — frees his 76-year-old brother Raul to implement reforms he has hinted at since taking over as acting president when Fidel Castro fell ill in July 2006. President Bush said he hopes the resignation signals the beginning of a democratic transition.
I'm not the Latin America expert, but I think it is an ideal time to quote Thomas P.M. Barnett:
Don’t expect Cubans to take some passing of the torch to Raul without putting up something of a popular struggle. He won’t last long, and the committee that replaces him will naturally have, as its first order of business, meeting this popular expectation, a demand for political input that skews higher the younger you go.According to the polls, 76% of Cubans think a more democratic political system would be good, improving their lives.
Also, 84% says a market-driven economy would improve their lives.
And some more:
Raul will rule with committees galore and new names will rise that we've never heard of before.Then before he croaks (or when), we'll see serious reformers step up, "new era" and all that, and the popular push for direct elections will begin.
None of this happens overnight, but within five years Cuba is unrecognizable. The young will love it and dub it the "second revolution" and the old will be baffled and nostagically pine for the good old days. Old Miami Cubans will be shocked that the Cuba of their youth is not resurrectable, but they won't care given all the freedom to visit back and forth.
Sooner than any can imagine, life in Cuba will ramp up so close to that in Miami, the talk will begin of going all the way toward joining the U.S. Then, depending on the presidential election year, you'll start seeing Cuban statehood as a staple of Florida's electoral quid pro quo (just like sanctions support got you the Cuban vote in the past).
Aging Air Force Wants Big Bucks Fix
By Charlie
Keeping up our (odd) habit of following Air Force news:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Air Force officials are warning that unless their budget is increased dramatically, and soon, the military's high-flying branch won't dominate the skies as it has for decades.After more than seven years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Air Force's aging jet fighters, bombers, cargo aircraft and gunships are at the breaking point, they say, and expensive, ultramodern replacements are needed fast.
"What we've done is put the requirement on the table that says, 'If we're going to do the missions you're going to ask us to do, it will require this kind of investment,'" Maj. Gen. Paul Selva, the Air Force's director of strategic planning, said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"Failing that, we take what is already a geriatric Air Force," Selva said, "and we drive it for another 20 years into an area of uncertainty."
Not being the expert here, I know that the US Air Guard handles a lot of the strategic airlift tasks, especially in EUCOM. When I caught a ride on an aging KC-135, built in the 1950’s, the pilots joked that the aircraft was the older than any of its passengers. Replacing worn out equipment, especially transports that carry a large amount of service members, seems like a no-brainer to me. BUT, here’s the price tag:
An extra $20 billion each year over the next five — beginning with an Air Force budget of about $137 billion in 2009 instead of the $117 billion proposed by the Bush administration — would solve that problem, according to Selva and other senior Air Force officers.Yet the prospects for huge infusions of cash seem dim. Congress is expected to boost the 2009 budget, but not to the level urged by the Air Force. In the years that follow, a possible recession, a rising federal deficit and a distaste for higher taxes all portend a decline in defense spending regardless of which party wins the White House in November.
Again, if this requirement is put on the table, it should be funded. I just hope I’m not on the first 60+ year old airframe that drops out of the sky due to age.
"Iran says God protects nuclear program"
By Charlie
I hope Allah’s air defenses are better than the ones the Iranians got from Russia …
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran 's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Sunday that God would punish Iranians if they do not support the country's disputed nuclear program, state radio reported.
And we think we can negotiate with them...What a bizarre world we live in…
Afghanistan Suicide bombings become more effective
By Charlie
Bad news for NATO, as the enemy upgrades its capabilities and tactics:
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A suicide car bomber targeting a Canadian military convoy killed 35 civilians at a busy market in southern Afghanistan , a police official said.At least 28 people were wounded in the attack in Spin Boldak, a town in Kandahar province near the border with Pakistan , said Abdul Razeq, the Spin Boldak border police chief. Three Canadian soldiers were lightly wounded, he said.
The attack comes one day after Afghanistan 's deadliest bombing since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. More than 100 people were killed by a suicide bomber outside Kandahar city on Sunday.
The back-to-back bombings could indicate a change in tactics by militants. Though attacks occasionally have killed dozens, insurgents in Afghanistan have generally sought to avoid targeting civilians
This should only serve to reinforce the need to up the combat troops in southern Afghanistan , and defeat these networks of AQ and Taliban that are deploying these devices.
Kosovo Declares Independence
By Charlie
I figured I’d do a Kosovo post, because of my experience there. Here’s a roundup of the European press reaction to the unilateral declaration of independence:
From the Independent, Optimism!
Today, Kosovo becomes only the third new country of the 21st century. Its declaration of independence will be recognised by a majority of the European Union, including the United Kingdom , and by the United States , but not by Russia . Its birth is more contested and difficult even than that of Montenegro in 2006, which was also detached from an unwilling Serbia , or of East Timor in 2002, which was wrested from Indonesia .The pessimists have had free run of the Balkans recently, so let us for one day at least join in the celebrations of most of the Kosovar people and reflect on why their statehood is a good thing. Of course, as the nay-sayers point out, Kosovo is a barely viable statelet where life for most of the population is poor nearly a decade after a Nato intervention to "save" them. Unemployment is around 50 per cent; national income per head is little more than £800 a year.
True, but I would adjust “barely viable” to “not viable.” They say that most countries have a mafia, but in Macedonia that mafia has a country. Add Kosovo to that list, as it will be a infested with organized crime along with its parent state, Albania .
From the Telegraph, Pessimism!
It's always easy to spot anything Serb - house, church, monastery - in Kosovo. That's because it's inevitably ringed with razor wire, and is usually guarded by bored looking KFOR troops.They're not always bored though, because very occasionally a rocket or grenade is lobbed in the direction of whatever they are protecting. Today Kosovo declares independence as a multi-ethnic state. Its constitution has lots of noble language about equal rights, and lists Albanian and Serbian as its two official languages. But that is a sham.
A Serbian Orthodox church in Kosovo
Look, being a Serb in Kosovo is tough, but this description is vastly overblown. Kosovo is just not that exciting. As the US and other EU nations recognize Kosovo, here’s a look at what’s ahead:
Serbia’s insistence that secession will unleash “a disaster of unfathomable proportions” may be overstated, but Russia’s muscle-flexing on Belgrade’s behalf only adds to the tensions building up with the West on everything from gas supplies and missile defences to the Kremlin’s alleged assassination of dissidents abroad.Europe cannot claim unity on Kosovo despite its mission to take over from the UN administration in Kosovo. While Britain , France , Germany and Italy will lead the field of recognitions of an independent Kosovo , Greece , Spain , Slovenia and Bulgaria will hold back, nervous that the move would embolden their own secessionist fringes. Cyprus , fearful of setting a precedent for the unilateral succession of its Turkish-ruled northern half, will probably never recognise Europe ’s newest state.
Neither, without Russia ’s say so, will the UN. Russia ’s stance on Kosovo is less about its support for Serbia and more about itself — its ability to hold on to its own separatist fringes.
We'll have to see where this goes, and if it sets off a race for ethnic separatists around the globe to declare independence. My guess is that it is headed toward a "frozen conflict" and there are enough bad actors-on both sides-still hanging around to keep the place on the brink of chaos for many years to come.
The Greatest American Presidents
By Lt Col P
As I suggested below, I think the greatest American President is George Washington. His influence on the character of the nation itself, on its young and emerging governing institutions, and on the course of history, is so pervasive and strong that no other chief executive can be adequately compared to him. So, for me, the real question is, Who is the greatest American President other than GW?
I would nominate Abraham Lincoln in the 19th Century-- he preserved the Union.
I would nominate Theodore Roosevelt in the 20th Century-- he brought the U.S. into the community of first-rate powers, and oversaw extensive doemstic reforms. Also, he led a great, tough, truly American life.
Your turn. (Remember the rules...)
Read More »
Russians: Your Satellite Shoot-Down Plans are Lies
By Charlie
The Russian IO campaign continues, broad messages: the US is untrustworthy. The Russians have no evidence of their wild claims, but there is enough anti-US sentiment in th world (especially in the Middle East) for this type of lie to catch on.
MOSCOW — Russia's Defense Ministry said Saturday that U.S. military plans to shoot down a damaged spy satellite carrying toxic fuel could be a veiled test of U.S. missiles' capability to down enemy satellites.The Ministry accused the U.S. military of failing to provide "enough arguments" to back its plan to smash the satellite next week with a missile so other countries could assess possible dangers.
"There is an impression that the United States is trying to use the accident with its satellite to test its national anti-missile defense system's capability to destroy other countries' satellites," it said in a statement.
The U.S. has insisted that the goal of the operation is simply to protect people.
Presidents' Day Op-For Reader Challenge
By Lt Col P
A challenge for all loyal Op-For readers, a sharp and perceptive crew if ever there was one: In honor of Presidents' Day, I'd like to hear your submissions for the greatest Presidents in U.S. history. Roosevelt? Lincoln? Jefferson? You tell me.
Here are the rules.
1. George Washington is out. He's in a class by himself, and it's not fair to compare any others with him.
2. You are allowed two submissions, one each for the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. Defend your candidates, but be brief.
Think about it over the weekend and make your submissions by way of the comments page when I re-post the challenge on Monday morning, 18 Feb.
Good luck!
Celebrity Apprentice
By Bull Nav
I have liked The Apprentice from the beginning because it shows a bunch of type A personalities having to work together, under pressure, to accomplish a specific task. Very interesting to watch and learn from other's mistakes...
Anyway, this season's installment of Celebrity Apprentice has fairly notable actors, actresses, singers, and other personalities working for the Donald to make money for a charity the celebrity has chosen. The winning project manager gets the money to donate to his or her charity.
Last night's winning project manager was a Brit named Piers Morgan. I did not have a clue prior to this show who he was, but he quickly established as a take-charge, no-nonsense type who is not afraid to speak his mind.
At the end, he explained his charity, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. This was one I had not heard of, but from their website, they have done a great deal for those who have not made it back.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund. 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund’s Trustees.
I was very impressed that he would choose this particular organization, since most celebrities seem to avoid any positive talk of the war.
Turns out Mr. Morgan has a personal interest.
This charity particularly resonates with him because his brother has fought in 2 tours of duty in Iraq and his brother-in-law has fought in 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan. They both have lost several friends and comrades and Piers feels that this is a great charity to play for.
He stated on the show that his brother's most recent tour in Iraq was fighting alongside US Marines, and he thought this charity was a great way to honor the US warriors.
BZ to Mr. Morgan for his donation to our lost and wounded troops.
Quote of the Week
By Charlie
"What do you mean I don't understand the commander's intent? His intent is to win, Right?"
-Unnamed Infantry LT
How to Rate Officers Better
By Charlie
Some thoughts on OERs, and why we should switch to a 360-degree evaluation method:
Read More »
Thursday Night MLRS
By Charlie
For no particular reason, here is a BM-21 in action:
6.5 Richter scale quake shakes Greece
By Charlie
A powerful earthquake measuring at least 6.5 on the Richter scale shook southern Greece on Thursday, but no casualties or severe damage was immediately reported, the government quake watchdog said.
Too bad about the quake, but it gives me a great excuse to post some photos from my trip to Greece :
This is the town of Kavala, the old aqueduct divides the city
Read More »
Putin: I'll Aim Rockets at the Missile Shield
By Charlie
No question about it, after the carrier over-flight with a nuke-capable bomber, followed up by this, the Russians are rattling the saber:
MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday repeated his threat to aim Russian rockets at former Soviet satellite states if U.S. missile defense facilities are deployed there.Speaking about U.S. plans for interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic , Putin said, "Our experts consider that this system threatens our national security, and if it appears, we will be obligated to adequately react to this."
"We are warning people ahead of time: if you take this step, then we will make this step," Putin said at his annual news conference in the Kremlin.
Putin also said Russian missiles could be aimed at Ukraine - a former Soviet republic whose pro-Western leadership is pursuing NATO membership - if it were to be host to a missile-defense facility. Putin had issued the same warning in a meeting with the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yushchenko, this week.
This seems like a big deal to me, as a threat of an offensive missile attack based on a host country’s cooperation in a defensive network may undercut public support for the program. Although, this is different from the deployment of missiles to Europe in the 1980’s –this is just a DEFENSE system. While this threat may damage diplomatic efforts, it strains credulity that people would protest a defense system with the same gusto that the Minuteman [nope, Pershing IIs and GLCMs -see update] missiles generated for Reagan –then again, this is Europe . “We demand the right to not be protected” may again be a rallying cry. It will be interesting to see how this deal progresses.
At least the article ended on a humorous note:
[Putin] suggested that the United States and the leaders of Poland and the Czech Republic were going ahead with plans for the missile defense system without asking for public approval, which he called undemocratic.Ah yes, that age-old Russian commitment to democracy and freedom. I hope Putin’s anointed successor continues this proud Russian tradition after the next election.
UPDATE: My bad, GLCM and Pershing IIs, not Minuteman missiles. Thanks, Steve.
Pentagon Faces A Battle On Climate Change (?)
By Charlie
So say John Podesta and Peter Ogden, I, however, heartily disagree. This opinion piece in Financial Times is one of the strangest reads I’ve had in a long time, and displays a profound misunderstanding of both the purpose of the military and its real-world commitments and tasks. So here we go:
There are five key areas in which effective military planning can be undermined by uncertainty over when and how the major carbon-emitting countries combat climate change.First, climate change poses a threat to fragile states that lack the capacity to adapt to environmental shifts. The Pentagon needs to know if the military will be called upon to operate more often in countries that have collapsed or are on the brink of doing so. The risk of a regional conflagration sparked by global warming is particularly severe in east Africa and south Asia . How urgently should the Pentagon begin planning for such contingencies?
Planning for ops in third world backwaters is nothing new, and it is something the military has become adept in executing. That is why we have methods of circumventing infrastructure problems by using staging areas, airlift, and convoys. As far as a risk of a regional conflagration in east Africa , I’m more concerned over the current conflicts there that are driven by ethnicity, religion and a struggle for resources and political power. If you want to play the six degrees of Kevin Bacon here, and link those four major issues I outlined to global warming, have at it, but the Janjaweed militias in Sudan aren’t upset over Darfur ’s carbon emission levels. Next point here, about Pentagon planning: I agree, someone should form some sort of command, and put it in charge of Africa . I’ve even got a great name picked out for it…
OK, sarcasm off, moving on:
Read More »
So I was reprimanded the other day...
By John
Because the abbreviation for "Lieutenant" in my powerpoint briefing was soldier-style LT instead of Air Force style Lt. Exact words? "Son, this is not the Army." Noted.
In other news, I hear there's a war going on.
Comforting: Air Force's nuclear focus has dimmed
By Charlie
So says a report, reviewing the incident in August where a Minot AFB-based bomber was loaded up with nukes and flown to Louisiana.
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. military has lost focus on its nuclear-weapons mission and has suffered a sharp decline in nuclear expertise, factors that may have contributed to a mishap last year in which a B-52 bomber unknowingly carried six nuclear warheads across the country, according to two new independent reviews.Both studies found that levels of nuclear training and alertness at the Air Force slipped after the end of the Cold War. But one of the reports was much more critical, saying accidents far worse than the errant B-52 flight could occur without immediate changes in nuclear procedures.
"The task force and several of the senior [Defense Department] people interviewed believe that the decline in focus has been more pronounced than realized and too extreme to be acceptable," said the report compiled by an outside panel chaired by retired Air Force Gen. Larry D. Welch.
….
Dozens of officers have been either disciplined or relieved of command, but the Welch report's findings raise new questions about whether failures within the Air Force were more systemic than originally believed. The first Air Force investigation into the incident, completed in October, pinned much of the blame on individual officers at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
The war on terror (thankfully) hasn’t given our nuclear arsenal much to do, so this lack of focus is understandable, but not forgivable. It does bring up the question of “what is the mission of the Air Force?” A question that John and I have discussed at length. Here’s what he said on the Air Force’s mission drift:
I think what freaks Air Force types out about small wars talk (and equipping the force with short range slow-movers) is that they fear they'll go back to the days of subservience to the Army (shoot here, fly here). Zoomies are a proud bunch, and they take a certain satisfaction in the fact that they're our first line of defense against heavy hitters like Russia and China.
What the Air Force has here are two diametrically opposed missions: Space, missile, and strategic duties that require satellites, missile silos, and nuke-capable strategic bombers that will be the country’s strategic deterrence force and charged with dealing with the mythical “near peer” – and heavy lift, combat search and rescue, J-TAC, weather, CAS, and technical expertise for the irregular wars we are actually fighting.
Does it make sense then to cleave the organization in half, to allow for each mission to get 100% of the organization’s attention? I know many officers got fired for the Minot incident, but it seems to be a symptom of a larger problem of mission drift, but this is an outsider’s perspective.
Update (John): Interesting VMI fact, Lt.Gen. Daniel Darnell '75 spoke on this incident yesterday.... in front of a Congressional subcommittee.
A Lovely Development In Syria
By Lt Col P
One of the benefits of being an early is riser is seeing the occasional live report in the wee hours. I just saw the lovely Reena Ninan deliver some lovely news from the Levant-- to wit, the particularly vile heathen known as Imad Mughniyeh has assumed room temperature. In about a thousand pieces. And not a moment too soon.
It's a pity he won't be ascending the golden stairs, because he'd find that the streets are guarded by United States Marines. I suppose he'll just have to make do below decks, as it were. Waaay below decks.
Berkeley, CA vs. USMC
By Richard S. Lowry
I just heard this story on Fox News - again. It appears that the Berkeley City government does not like the USMC. This story just fries my ass. I cannot fathom how American citizens can shun a organization that is dedicated to their protection.
So I sent the following email to the Berkeley City Council:
United States Marines have fought to protect American citizens, since the American Revolution. The Marine Corps is the oldest of our services. United States Marines defended Washington D.C. when the British invaded during the War of 1812. They fought to rid the Mediterranean of ruthless pirates. They fought to help the French in WWI. They beat back the Japanese Imperial Army in WWII.
The United States Marine Corps has helped people all over the world and they stand ready to defend your right to vote to expel their recruiting office from your city.
Let's talk a little about their contribution in the war in Iraq. When the Marines arrived in Anbar Province, in April of 2004, it was a terrorist haven and anarchy ruled. The Marines recommended restraint after murderous insurgents ambushed, killed, burned and mutilated four Blackwater security contractors who were escorting a small supply convoy through the streets of Fallujah. The Marine commanders were overruled and ordered to attack Fallujah in April of 2004. They did their best to clear the city but were forced to suspend their operations when people like the citizens of Berkeley believed that they were committing atrocities.
The Marines returned to Fallujah in November and cleared the city of 5,000 terrorists. Since then, every Marine unit has been working very hard to bring peace and security to the people of Anbar Province. Today, Anbar is the shining star in Iraq.
So, you don't want the Marines in your town!!! Does that mean that if you ever need their protection, you don't want their help? The problem with this country today is that people like you want everything supplied to them, but have no desire to take responsibility for their own welfare. Wake up. You need the United States Marines - they don't need Berkeley.
Richard S. Lowry
Ruskies Buzz US Carrier
By Charlie
And they expressed "surprise" that we thought it was a big deal. Wow:
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia expressed surprise on Tuesday that the United States had scrambled fighter jets at the weekend to intercept strategic Russian bombers, one of which flew over a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Pacific.Four U.S. F/A-18 fighters were launched after Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers flying south of Japan were detected turning towards the Nimitz aircraft carrier and its escort, a U.S. defense official said.
One of the Russian bombers flew over the deck of the Nimitz, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The U.S. fighters escorted the Russian bombers out of the area.
"It is standard operating procedure for U.S. planes to escort aircraft flying in the vicinity of U.S. Navy ships," the U.S. defense official said.
The Tupolev Tu-95 is the most successful and longest-serving Tupolev strategic bomber and missile carrier built by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
So is this an opening shot in Putin's new "arms race" with the US? This smacks of an attempt to remain relevant, and a poor one at that. The Russians just are not the global threat they once were, and their aging military equipment is not the fearsome Red Army that it once was, poised to storm into Germany. As Russia struggles for relevance, this type of dangerous nonsense may continue.
Riverine Patrol
By Slab
Hey folks, I know it's been a little while since my last update. In lieu of a long-winded post about nonsense, here are some photos from a recent operation with Riverine Squadron Two (RIVRON 2) on Lake Qadisiyah.
Update: You can't read it, but the Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) in the second picture has the name "BM1 James E. Williams" stenciled on the side. I had no idea who that was, so I decided to look it up. And that is how I came to find out about the most decorated enlisted Sailor in the history of the United States Navy. One hell of a warrior.
More after the jump.
Read More »
The Citadel Extends the Olive Branch
By John
A most unusual occurrence in the storied VMI-Citadel rivalry, Citadel graduates gathered this past Saturday for their monthly Northern Virginia alumni meeting.... and they invited VMI men?
Proving, I suppose, that Citadel boys can take a joke. Their alumni chapter invited Mike Judge (VMI '01), to give a short speech on his new book The Jeep (main plot: true story of VMI men and a legendary prank, at the Citadel's expense).
Mike wrote that there were roughly 100 people there, and that The Citadel guys donated 50 bucks from the breakfast to the Ryan Doltz '03 Scholarship. That's freakin' awesome. Here's the small VMI contingent that braved enemy territory (thanks to Mike -blue shirt, front center- for the pic).
Buy The Jeep here. All proceeds go to the Ryan's memorial scholarship fund.
Aside, here's Mike's thoughts:
The alumni breakfast was a huge success. Thanks again to the Citadel Alumni Association of Northern Virginia for inviting me to speak. There were about 100 VMI/Citadel alum at the event (including friends and family). It was great meeting new people and seeing some familiar faces.One VMI alumnus approached me before the event started and told me he couldn't stay for the speech but he asked if I had a copy of the book I could sell him. I happened to have a couple extras and he asked how much it was. I told him $15 if he wanted to make a check out to the Ryan Doltz Scholarship Fund. While I was signing his book he was writing the check and I didn't look at it until after he left. Turns out he wrote a check for $115. The Citadel alumni association also donated $50 cash.
I'm always dumbfounded by the generosity of VMI and Citadel alumni. I had heard or read somewhere that VMI alumni give more money per capita than any other college alumni. I don't know whether or not that's true but I believe it and I'm proud to be a part of the brotherhood.
Ryan Doltz's mom (Cheryl) and sister (Anne) were also in attendance. It was great to finally meet them and I was honored that they attended.
Kosovo poised for independence within 10 days
By Charlie
Success (?)
PRISTINA, Serbia (AFP) — Kosovo appears set to declare independence in 10 days' time, just ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers, sources in Pristina and observers say.The authorities were "awaiting the green light from the West and consider the weekend before the EU meeting as the most probable date," according to a source close to the Kosovo government.
The European Union meeting on February 18 could approve the start of the deployment of an EU mission charged with supervising the initial phase of independence for the Albanian-majority southern province of Serbia.
Let me throw out a question here: does anybody care?
Really, does this affect anyone in any meaningful way? This impacts US national security how? This is essential for the NATO alliance why?
We still have a brigade of troops on the ground there, you know.
Ideally, we would like Iraq and Afghanistan to be modeled on the Kosovo conflict (US does heavy lifting in the first phases of conflict, then a multilateral, multi-country, multi-ethnic international forces moves in to peacekeep, of which the US is about 20% of the force, this force hangs around for as long as it takes to stabilize the area, and then withdraws leaving Jeffersonian democracy and free markets in its place.) However, the real world (and the enemy) get a vote on how these things actually play out. Kosovo may go independent, but I doubt most folks in America a) care b) are paying attention c) could point out Kosovo on a map.
Kosovo, along with other un-heard of troop commitments across the globe (Philippines, Djibouti, South America), is a good example of how our armed services are spread across the world in diverse environments and are struggling to accomplish their missions as best they can, in imperfect circumstances, with imperfect policies, and imperfect guidance backing them up. What this does underscore is the quality and commitment of the troops, who willingly sign up to go to these garden spots and execute a mission to the best of their ability.
Pakistani militants 'call truce'
By Charlie
Yeah, it probably sounded like “Stop Shooting! We’re Reloading!”
A leading Pakistani militant group is reported to have declared a truce in the South Waziristan region and be willing to enter peace talks.Few details have emerged about the terms of the truce, announced on Wednesday by Tehrik-e-Taleban Pakistan, a militant umbrella group.
The group's leader, Baitullah Mehsud, is accused by the government of being behind the murder of Benazir Bhutto.
The government has not confirmed the truce, but Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz said the national leadership was ready for a dialogue with the militants.
Isn’t that tremendous, a “a dialogue with the militants.” The sad fact here is that the Pakistani army is having a tough time rooting out the Taliban from their Northwest Frontier province and their Federally Administrated Tribal Area. Negotiating with them in order to gain a better position on the battlefield may be the only option that the Pakistani forces have left, granting them some time and space to re-arm and reinforce. Which raises an interesting question –who can do it faster, the army, or the Taliban?
NORTHCOM: The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves can pound sand!
By Charlie
Quicker than a jackrabbit in the mud, NORTHCOM’s public affairs office fires back in reaction to that report I linked to two days ago. Point, Counterpoint!
USNORTHCOM Responds to Commission: Ready for Homeland DefensePETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (Army News Service, Nov. 4, 2008) -- U.S. Northern Command's primary mission is Homeland Defense, and its commander said Friday that USNORTHCOM stands ready to respond to any homeland-defense or civil-support mission requirement.
"The U.S. military absolutely has the capacity to respond to potential threats within our nation today. It will get better in this coming year and continue to improve beyond that," said Gen. Gene Renuart, USNORTHCOM commander.
USNORTHCOM has prepared detailed plans for responding to situations that range from pandemic influenza to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear events, and the command has redefined its readiness capabilities since Hurricane Katrina.When it comes to providing forces in response to incidents, the command has nearly 50 National Guard officers fully integrated within its operations, in addition to National Guard Civil Support Teams located within every U.S. state and territory, and 17 regional consequence response units.
Army to Shift (slowly) Out of Korea?
By Charlie
Well, troops are needed elsewhere, and it is looking less and less likely that war between the North and the South will breakout at a moment’s notice. Perhaps we really don’t need troops on the DMZ that are “ready to fight tonight:”
US officers said the headquarters of the Eighth Army, the overall US Army command unit in Seoul, would move to Hawaii by 2012. In addition, the headquarters of the Second Infantry Division, which has only one ground combat brigade instead of the usual three or four, will leave Korea even though its destination has not yet been decided.About 27,000 US troops are currently posted in Korea. That number will soon decline to 25,000 and keep on dropping gradually, probably to fewer than 20,000. Those troops are needed elsewhere in an Army that is stretched thin by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Moreover, US officers contend that South Korean forces should take charge of defending their own country from their potential enemy in North Korea. Some assert that the Koreans have long shirked that duty and thus have not prepared themselves to take over the communications, intelligence, and logistics essential to large-scale operations.
For that reason, US officers said, units like the 1st Signal Brigade, which provides strategic and tactical communications; the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, which gets information for commanders; and the 19th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), which is the logistic arm of Eighth Army, will remain in Korea after 2012.
This plan isn’t new, it has been in the works since the last South Korean president, Roh Moo-hyun, sought to reach out to the North and take over more of the defense responsibility. The US, with other security matters at hand, apparently had no problem with this request. Now (according to the column) the South is seeking to reach out to us to slow our troop withdrawal plan, which is being rebuffed by a military that is stretched thin, and sees little need for another unaccompanied hardship tour.
This reminds me of the Germany situation, where we dramatically reduce our force projection due to changing policies of a host nation, only to turn around and see them seek to slow the withdrawal. Military bases are an economic stimulator –look at Fayetteville, NC or Sierra Vista, AZ –and the consequences of moving them must be carefully weighed. Critics of US basing overseas seem to be loudly wishing the military to leave, and then getting upset when they do.
VMI and The Ratline
By John
This is the most intense alumni group in the United States, by far.
Yeah, you said it Si.
Not a bad synopsis, I think you can purchase the full version in VMI's bookstore. I was in the Rat class the year after this was filmed, can't believe it's almost been a decade.
Al-Qaeda Resorts to kidnapping Iraqi children
By Richard S. Lowry
The Multi-National Force Iraq just released a video of Iraqi Special Forces rescuing an 11 year old boy who had been kidnapped by a ring of terrorists near Kirkuk. The kidnappers demanded $100,000 from the boy’s father, a mechanic. They told him if he didn’t pay, they would behead the child.
Acting on intelligence reports, members of the elite Iraqi Special Forces raided a home, arrested eight admitted al-Qaeda followers and rescued the boy. The video tells the entire story:
Subsequent investigation revealed that this group had kidnapped more than twenty other victims before being caught.
Richard S. Lowry is the author of The Gulf War Chronicles and Marines in the Garden of Eden.
Read More »
Troops Converge on DC
By John
Hey, so are you a recently deployed veteran? Then sign up for this!
If you’re a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, or another theatre of the War on Terror, sign up below to show up on April 8 and tell Congress to support General Petraeus and our fellow troops as they continue to succeed in Iraq and Afghanistan.Sign up through our web-portal below, and within two weeks your travel will be arranged. Veterans will be flown in to Washington, DC late on Monday, April 7th, will participate in events and meetings on Capitol Hill on April 8th, and will be flown home on the evening of the 8th. Attendance will only require one day off of work, and Vets for Freedom will cover all travel expenses for the trip—travel, lodging, and food.
Ask any of the 250 veterans who joined us on Capitol Hill in September, and they’ll tell you what a great trip it was—especially since we helped stop Congress from voting to undercut the troops. Join us!
Please sign up early. By signing up in the next two weeks, Vets for Freedom can schedule meetings for you with the Senators and Representatives from your home state.
There is no reason not to attend. You have 8 weeks notice, travel will be reimbursed, and our cause is just. Tell your buddies. Meet them in Washington, DC. And together, tell your representative where you stand.
Pete Hesgeth and the Vets for Freedom crew (including Rob MacLean, VMI '03, my brother rat!) seem to be pretty good at this grassroots stuff. On their way to their April rendezvous in Dee Cee, they'll be packing up a bus full of real American heroes and bouncing around the continental US as part of their National Heroes Tour. Check out the schedule to see if they'll be popping up near you (and if they are, you better park your happy ass on main street with a little American flag, and possibly an apple pie).
And if you see Rob, please give him an atomic wedgie for me.
Pin Ups for Vets to WRAMC
By John
So Gina Elise, certifiable hottie (I know, she showed me the certificate) has been planning this trip out to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for a long...long time now. Gina is the chick who won Outstanding Young Californian for her Pin Ups for Vets Calendar project, which supports VA hospitals nation wide. She's headed out to Walter Reed to remind our wounded what they're fighting for over there, and needs ya'll to help buy calendars for her to sign and donate to WRAMC's troops.
So here's what you do. Click the picture below, go to "Order Calendar for Hospitalized Veteran," write a message, pay, and pat yourself on the back for doing a good deed today.
The more calendars ya'll buy, the more calendars wounded soldiers receive personally from Gina. So chip in!
Gina's great, even though she hangs with some shady company:
Read More »
No Sonar in the SOCALs
By Bull Nav
Well, once again, a court has decided that it knows what is best for the country:
LOS ANGELES (AP) ― A federal judge says the Navy must follow environmental laws placing strict limits on sonar training.
So the ball is now back into the President's court, while our ASW readiness continues to be affected because some people would attempt to protect the environment based on faulty (or no) data (and where have we heard that before?).
ASW - Anti-submarine Warfare - is not an easy game. The primary tool surface ships have is active sonar, which is when you put sound energy into the water and look for a "return" similar to a radar return. In the undersea environment, there can be lots of things that cause false returns: schools of fish, whales, ships, and undersea mountains, just to name a few. When the operators get little to no practice, they will not be ready when a real situation comes along.
Therefore, as I see it, these judges are affecting readiness and the ability of the Navy to do its part, as chartered by Congress, to defend the country. Making decisions based on feelings and a serious lack of data are going to cost us one day in a big way.
These guys need to back off, and let the Navy train the way it needs to train.
Sad Day for SEALs
By Bull Nav
When I hear of a SEAL being killed in combat, I don't ever get the impression it was something easy (read Lone Survivor - you will understand what I am talking about).
Today, I came across this report:
Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch, 29,of State College, Pa., and Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy, 29, of Durham, N.H., died Feb. 4, from wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations in Iraq.
From the Virginian Pilot:
Hardy, of Durham, N.H., is survived by his parents, wife and a seven-month old son. Koch, of State College, Penn., leaves behind his parents and a fiancee. The sailors' commanding officer said the men "were extraordinary brave SEALs, honored teammates and great Americans."
Both had previously received Bronze Stars in addition to other awards.
I offer my condolences to their families while at the same time I thank God we have such men.
Imperialist Westerners Threaten Helpless Backwater Former Colony
By Charlie
It’s OK though, because its France.
France today threatened to take military action against rebels in Chad after the UN security council called on all member-states to support the Chadian government.President Nicolas Sarkozy said France was ready to launch a military operation in Chad against the rebels if necessary. "If France must do its duty, it will do so," Sarkozy said.
The rebels have accused the former colonial power in Chad of already intervening in the fighting, by using helicopters and tanks to back President Idriss Déby and of causing civilian casualties.
The rebels say French helicopters and tanks, which are part of a 1,400-strong military contingent in Chad, fired on rebels near the airport yesterday. French troops have helped evacuate foreigners from the capital, N'djamena.
Question: will France be roundly condemned for this? Or will other nations now have the political cover they need to step up to the plate and deal with the Crisis in Chad and Sudan? It seems that the “international community” has been just fine with letting the Darfur crisis continue unabated so far.
First Strike Simulation
By John
This creeped me out. It's a fictional depiction of a surprise Soviet first strike against US strategic assets, circa 1979. Looks like they used some of the footage in The Day After.
Apparently what had everyone freaking out back then was the Soviet's newly developed ICBM capabilities, which theoretically could destroy our ultra-hardened force of Minuteman III missiles. Enter the B-1 bomber, the Peacekeeper ICBM, the cruise missile, the Ohio-Class SSBN, and others during the 80s.
Thank you Reagan. While I admit the folks who made the video may have embellished a bit (we could have gotten more missiles and bombers off the ground, methinks), it's pretty obvious that Ronnie understood what it took to keep Ivan out of our collective faces.
Gun-Day Monday: The M1014
By Lt Col P
A commenter asked a question on the weapon brandished by the Marine in the video clip I posted below. I replied to him by email, but I thought it would be a good thing to educate the masses. Hold all questions til the end.
Meet the M1014, the Joint Services Combat Shotgun.
It's a Benelli 12-ga autoloader, with a telescoping buttstock-- huh huh, heh heh, I said "butt"-- a 1913 rail and good sturdy ghost ring sight. It replaced the Mossbergs and Remingtons previously in service. I saw several in service in Iraq back in 2004, and although like all shotguns a niche weapon, it is a useful piece of gear and a good thing to have around. The one drawback I heard about was that since it's an autoloader, it's not as omnivorous as a pump gun.
Write in and let us know what you think if you've carried one, or carry one now.
One more Monday gun fact below the fold...
Read More »
Recording History Part XII - Book Proposal
By Richard S. Lowry
Hello all! I have been working hard, trying to get my book proposal finished and sent out to my agent. I have done one final tweak on my introductory paragraph:
[book title] is the story of the kids who grew up down the block then flew half way around the world to fight in the battle that changed the war. Operation Phantom Fury was the beginning of the end for al-Qaeda in Iraq and a life-changing experience for those who were there. Richard Lowry will place you among the brave men and women who fought a determined enemy at the crossroads of civilization. This is the story of their courage, sacrifice and valor.
I think this is how it will stay. I have also labored over the next page of the proposal. The Synopsis is also very important. It must summarize the book in a single page.
Read More »
US Military Unprepared for Attack on Country?
By Charlie
So sayeth a “report,” which I will discuss and dissect:
WASHINGTON - The U.S. military isn't ready for a catastrophic attack on the country, and National Guard forces don't have the equipment or training they need for the job, according to a report.
Even fewer Army National Guard units are combat-ready today than were nearly a year ago when the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves determined that 88 percent of the units were not prepared for the fight, the panel says in a new report released Thursday.
OK, let me give you some reality here: when a Guard unit becomes “combat ready” it gets sent to combat. Units are either preparing to leave, deployed, or resetting from deployment –that’s it. So unless a unit is preparing to leave, it isn’t going to be classified as combat ready. I get the “88%” that is quoted here, assuming 1/3 of the operational force is prepping to mob, 1/3 is overseas, and 1/3 is just returning and resetting –allowing for headquarters units and other rear-D elements, the 88% makes sense to me. Moving on:
Punaro, a retired Marine Corps major general, had sharp criticism for Northern Command, saying that commanders there have made little progress developing detailed response plans for attacks against the homeland."NorthCom has got to get religion in this area," said Punaro. He said the military needs to avoid "pickup game" type responses, such as the much-criticized federal reaction to Hurricane Katrina, and put in place the kind of detailed plans that exist for virtually any international crisis.
Whoa! Throw on the breaks. I was in the Katrina relief operation, and although the federal reaction to the disaster was “much-criticized”, the Guard’s response was nothing short of brilliant. At the end of the deployment, the TAG of Mississippi had to turn away the troops there to help. At the end of the mission, we had enough boots on the ground to successfully execute a follow-on mission to invade Mexico. “Pick-up” game responses are how situations are solved in the real world, because you can’t have a plan to react to every conceivable contingency, it just isn’t possible.
Do we actually want contingency plans for a F-5 Tornado strike on Kansas City followed by an outbreak of Swine Flu with a crowd and riot control element to be specifically codified? How would it even work? We’ve got an F-5 Tornado and a Swine Flu plus rioters in Kansas City –its OPPLAN 31 Bravo 5! Execute! Just like we planned!
No, in reality, the introduction of the Incident Command System is a much more realistic way to handle disasters – a simple, very flexible structure that is universal to civilian and military command structures, and one that can be used in a wide range of disasters or terrorist attacks. Let’s continue with this article:
He also underscored the commission's main finding: the Pentagon must move toward making the National Guard and Reserves an integral part of the U.S. military.The panel, in its No. 1 recommendation, said the Defense Department must use the nation's citizen soldiers to create an operational force that would be fully trained, equipped and ready to defend the nation, respond to crises and supplement the active duty troops in combat.
Wow, that’s a leap. How is that in any way different to what the Guard is doing now? It has been my experience that the National Guard and Reserves ARE an integral part of the U.S. military. Studies like these continue to confuse me, because they tend to latch on to meta-narratives (Katrina was a disaster) and ignore the current problems that the Guard actually has (lower levels of training, high OPTEMPO, bad work/life balance for civilian careers).
Aid And Comfort
By Lt Col P
For the enemy, that is. On our shores. MMM has been following it and has details.
After seeing this pic at SFGate, I have one question though-- who's the dark-green guy giving the hippies a beat-down? A Marine? Former Marine? Incensed patriot? Either way, he doesn't look like he's on their side.
BTW, go sign the petition.
UN Estimates There are More Than 250,000 Child Soldiers Worldwide
By Charlie
Sad:
The United Nations estimates there are more than a quarter million children worldwide who are being drawn into armed conflict as child soldiers. Internally displaced children living in camps are at special risk. ...Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns in his annual report to the Security Council that internal displacement and the recruitment of children as soldiers are closely linked. Refugee and IDP camps are prime recruiting grounds due to the concentration of vulnerable children in them..
But, funny:
Report: American Schools Trail Behind World In Aptitude Of Child Soldiers
Re: Air Force to get tougher with recruits
By John
I guess this is evidence, hand to hand combat training at AF Officer Training School.
Nice sneakers, btw. Now that's a hardcore training environment!
Staff Sgt. Nicole Humphrey demonstrates self-defense techniques on Officer Training School basic trainee Amy Natalini during the school's first Air Force Combative Program course held Jan. 29 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. More than 70 hours of expeditionary skills training is now being taught at the school. The first module focuses on ground fighting and basic jujitsu-style grappling moves while the second and third modules are specialized courses for certain career fields such as tactical air controllers and combat controllers. Sergeant Humphrey is a training instructor with the 22nd Training Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)
Warning!!
By John
"Terroristas" spotted in the mainland US!
On the nightstand
By John
I've still got a few pages left, so I'll stick with the nickel review. Fascinating, but frustrating. The first half of the book is story after story of CIA spooks getting their asses kicked by the KGB. What was it that Patton said? Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. Appropriate. The history major in me was absolutely absorbed in the entrancing backstory of "the Company," but my flag-waving American side was just getting pissed. By the time I hit the Bay of Pigs, I had a pretty good idea of what it felt like to be an Arizona Cardinals fan.
That's no fault of the author's, mind you. Weiner admirably let his research do the talking, and refused to allow popular narratives to pollute what I found to be a laudably disinterested story.
I couldn't help but to think of that scene in The Matrix when I was hammering this post out. Neo and Morpheus, carrying on a conversation that would eventually lead to Neo expelling himself from the Matrix's artificial reality: Remember, all I'm offering you is the truth, nothing more.
Smart. In the movie, "the truth" sucked ass. Same thing with Legacy of Ashes. This book is smart, engrossing, and some quality history porn, but you might not like what you read.
Update Reader Jim Wise points to this damning review from the CIA, one that seriously belies my synopsis:
Tim Weiner’s Legacy of Ashes is not the definitive history of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that it purports to be. Nor is it the well researched work that many reviewers say it is. It is odd, in fact, that much of the hype surrounding the book concerns its alleged mastery of available sources. Weiner and his favorable reviewers—most, like Weiner, journalists—have cited the plethora of his sources as if the fact of their variety and number by themselves make the narrative impervious to criticism.But the thing about scholarship is that one must use sources honestly, and one doesn’t get a pass on this even if he is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the New York Times. Starting with a title that is based on a gross distortion of events, the book is a 600-page op-ed piece masquerading as serious history; it is the advocacy of a particularly dark point of view under the guise of scholarship. Weiner has allowed his agenda to drive his research and writing, which is, of course, exactly backwards.
History, fairly done, is all about context, motivations, and realistic expectations in addition to the accurate portrayal of events. Weiner is not honest about context, he is dismissive of motivations, his expectations for intelligence are almost cartoonish, and his book too often is factually unreliable. What could have been a serious historical critique illuminating the lessons of the past is undermined by dubious assertions, sweeping judgments based on too few examples, selective or outright misuse of citations, a drama-driven narrative, and a tendentious and nearly exclusive focus on failure that overlooks, downplays, or explains away significant successes.
The irony is that a new history of CIA is needed to fill the gap left by the now dated works of John Ranelagh (The Agency, 1986) and Christopher Andrew (For the President’s Eyes Only, 1995). Having read the book, I have to conclude that this is not it; anyone who wants a balanced perspective of CIA and its history should steer well clear of Legacy of Ashes.
There's more at the link. I'm starting to feel like kind of a jackass for calling this thing "laudably disinterested." Read the whole review.
Early Breakout and Why I Would Have Missed It
By Bull Nav
I think I was back by now.
It’s been a while, but looking at a January 1989 calendar, I believe I got back to barracks after the Christmas Break 19 years ago today.
You see, had Breakout occurred for our Rats the last weekend in January 1989, I would have missed it, thanks to the US Navy and my desire for a commission.
I don’t have very good eyesight, so I was medically ineligible for an ROTC scholarship. Finally, long about the end of our second class year,the Navy folks decided they would try to get me a waiver. This was the same time they put me in for the Nuclear Power interview at Crystal City.
I come back for our first class year and I was in the “College Program” where you don’t get a scholarship, but you get a stipend and it leads to a commission. Went to the interview at NR right around Founder’s Day 1988, and then I had to do a Midshipman cruise.
I had not done one before, so they set me up for a Christmas cruise. I was to fly out of my home in Naples, FL, and go to Hawaii. The mighty USS HONOLULU (SSN718) was the boat, for a short transit to Yokosuka, thence to Chinhae, ROK. Something like 11 days I would be gone, just enough time to make it back for the last semester.
Alas, ‘twas not to be.
Yes, I flew out to Pearl Harbor on Christmas Day 1988 and met the HONOLULU. Great ship, great CO (CDR Enright, became an admiral later). Left the next day thinking that all would be well on an uneventful transit across the Western Pacific.
About two days in, things changed.
If I remember things correctly, we pulled into Yokosuka on 30 January. I flew back home the next day and then drove back to Lexington.
I will never forget arriving back in front of barracks after BRC (but not much after). There was a little fog, but the sun was starting to clear everything off. It was in the 30s, like it should be.
I was back at the “I”, the Rats were in the ratline, and life was good. Only 5 months to go…
"Preferably Within An Hour"
By Lt Col P
Bored Marines, a video camera, an unsuspecting cabbie...
Now, that's comedy.
I think Slab would share the sentiment. Hell, maybe Slab produced and directed this clip.
