Saturday, December 14, 2019
If Ukraine Is Impeachable, What’s Afghanistan?
via Defense One.
A misguided war that drags on inconclusively for more than 18 years is, I submit, a great crime.Here.
As the House Judiciary Committee drafts articles of impeachment intended to remove President Donald Trump from office, let us pause to reflect on the subject of relative malfeasance. Allow me to stipulate that Trump is unfit for office. He is a coarse, vulgar, and dishonest demagogue. Yet I want to suggest that his transgressions, while notable, pale in comparison with a far greater crime that unfolded right before our eyes, for years, well before his election.
That crime is the Afghan War. Now, withholding security assistance from a beleaguered nation threatened by Russia in return for political favors is a despicable act. This is true even if that nation is one that Washington only recently decided to classify as vital to U.S. interests.
But a misguided war that drags on inconclusively for more than 18 years is, I submit, a far greater crime. This is especially the case if that war has cost the United States more than $1 trillion, with 2,300 U.S. troops and more than 3,800 American contractors killed, and another 20,000 GIs wounded in action, many grievously. And that’s not counting the more than 100,000 members of Afghan security forces and Afghan civilians killed along the way.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Why doesn't the "Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree" doctrine apply to the Steele Dossier/Russia Probe?
via Daily Caller.
Thanks to the Department of Justice Inspector General’s report, we now know for certain what has been, for those paying attention, fairly obvious. The Steele dossier played a central role in the genesis of the Russia hoax and was used to justify extensive spying on former naval officer and Annapolis graduate Carter Page.Here.
The top two leaders of the FBI were closely involved in this fiasco. Other powerful people knew what was happening and lied to cover it up. That all was confirmed by the IG report. The report was a disaster for the credibility of top leaders in Barack Obama’s FBI, and it’s also a big problem for the American news media.
This is just a little late Friday night musing. Why doesn't the fruit of the poisonous tree apply to the Steele Dossier/Russia Probe?
If the initial reason for the investigation proved criminally obtained/false then how can they have moved forward with this probe?
I understand how an intel probe can continue. They operate outside of regular rules of the law...and for good reason. I understand that Congress has a role to play in intel (they're the money for the agencies afterall).
But they're moving this over to the quasi-criminal.
How is that allowed?
Yeah its a basic question but dipping my feet into some new stuff and a little knowledge is dangerous...so hopefully the good folks here will expand on my little and make it, if not a lot, then a bit more than I have right now.
Great image of a J-10C
What a great image of a J-10C assigned to the 72nd Air Brigade within the Central Theater Command.— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) December 13, 2019
(Image via Wan Quan/wanquanfoto) pic.twitter.com/8VNCQPVQa6
Don't know what's going on in the UK (actually I do) but one thing is certain, "they mad" (lol!)
Note. I've been reading Twitter's reaction to the latest vote in the UK and while I have absolutely no dog in that fight, the reaction has been comical. There is an underlying trend worldwide and I'm not sure leadership is noting it but the fight is on for self determination and loosening of govt control. I hope govts all over take note. DELIVER FOR YOUR PEOPLE or see your people react in unexpected ways.
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| Selfishness over the planet? Missing this ...what is he talking about? |
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| Ethnonationalism? Haven't heard that term before. |
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| A different form of "ok Boomer"??? I guess the hip crowd forgot basic civics...you want something then get off your ass and VOTE! |
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| An entire group of people being labeled as racist because of a vote? She's a little unhinged huh? |
Will Commandant Berger’s Planning Guidance Mean the End of the Marine Corps?
via National Interest.
The Commandant’s vision has been met, in general, with approval and even enthusiasm for its boldness and willingness to question long-held force planning assumptions. But, it has to be recognized that what is being proposed also is a high-risk gamble. Moreover, in tying the future of the Marine Corps to its ability to support Navy operations and calling for a reduction in the Corps’ focus on traditional amphibious operations, the Planning Guidance could spell the beginning of the demise of the Marine Corps as an independent service.Here.
This is an excellent article and spells out my concerns perfectly.
What has been the recurring theme of the last string of Commandant's we've had?
They have a LUST, a DESIRE, an uncontrollable URGE to remake the Marine Corps.
It doesn't matter if the change makes sense, they want to be disrupters (to use the civilian business moniker for change agents).
Worse though?
In a few short years they're seeking to completely unravel what so many Marines from years ago tried to build. They're dismantling the Marine Corps and hoping to rebuild it into something unrecognizable.
Inside the Marine Corps you're not seeing any pushback. No critical thinking. No asking simple questions like why should we do this.
Just bended knee and asking for more.
It's really sickening.
We've lurched from concept to concept and now it's all gonna get trashed with no one having a real idea of whether it'll work or not.
Finally an answer on why Turk Leopard 2A4's have performed so badly in Syria...
Story here but TLDR? The Turks received Leopard 2A1, A2 or A3 that were converted to the A4. That means that those Leopards have poorer armor than new built Leopard 2A4s.
They go on to explain that's why we saw Leopards being sold at crazy low prices to country X while country Y seemed to be paying a premium.
They were buying different models, ie...the standard features were MUCH different especially the standard armor protection.
T-80BVM
Rostec released a video of a T-80BMV tank during its tests. Omsktransmash announced that it had delivered another batch of T-80BVM tanks to the Russian MoD.https://t.co/LtDnY90Byghttps://t.co/mF5lrSJCJp pic.twitter.com/LupsSCaTvZ— Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 13, 2019
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducting operations @ Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
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| Paratroopers assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, conduct a parachute jump on Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 11, 2019. The Soldiers are part of the Army’s only Pacific airborne brigade with the ability to rapidly deploy worldwide, and are trained to conduct military operations in austere conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher). |
Marine Corps UTVs receiving multiple upgrades
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| I'd love to know what this conversation is about. |
via Marines.mil
“Even though we’re in the operations, maintenance and sustainment phases with the vehicle, it’s such a new vehicle and we’re seeing Marines constantly push the limits of the truck,” said Engstrom. “Every day we’re seeing Marines come up with new ideas on how to use the truck.”God bless them.
High Clearance Control Arms
The first of these upgrades involves installing high clearance control arms on the vehicle—a crucial component of the vehicle’s suspension system.
“With the different types of terrain Marines cover in these vehicles, we noticed the [original] control arms were frequently getting bent,” said Engstrom. “Rocks were probably the biggest hazard, and that’s primarily where the Marines were driving.”
A bent or damaged control arm can disable a vehicle, said UTV logistician Rodney Smith. To address this issue, the team looked to industry and ultimately settled on a control arm comprised of material about twice as strong as the original control arms and that provided an extra 2.5 inches of clearance.
With this upgrade, Marines are better equipped to drive off the beaten path while minimizing their risk of damaging the control arms on their vehicles.
Clutch Improvement Kit
The UTV team is also outfitting the vehicle with a clutch improvement kit. The UTV’s clutch is an important component of the vehicle’s transmission system, which is essential in making the vehicle run.
“One of the things that came right from the factory was a belt-driven [transmission] system,” said Engstrom. “Just like with the control arms, a broken belt takes the whole vehicle out of action.”
The upgraded clutch kit reconfigures the clutch system, enabling it to better engage the belt to keep it from breaking, said Engstrom.
Floorboard Protection
The team has also began upgrading the vehicle’s floorboard, which showed evidence of damage after a recent deployment.
“When Marines deployed the vehicles to Australia, they found that high-density sticks and branches on the ground have the potential to pop up and puncture the plastic floorboard, which is a safety hazard,” said Engstrom.
Upon receiving this feedback from Marines, the UTV team researched and tested various potential materials to use in protecting the floorboard.
“We wanted to find a solution that kept the weight down because putting too much weight in the design of the vehicle—like a reinforced floorboard—impacts the amount of cargo Marines can carry on it,” said Smith. “Every pound counts.”
Tires
For the UTV’s tire upgrades, the team turned to a novel source for inspiration: the Baja off-road racing industry.
“There’s a new approach to run-flat technology—called ‘Tireballs’,” said Engstrom. “Inside each tire are 16 inflatable cells, so if any one cell pops from running over a spike or nail, you’d still have 15 other cells full of air to continue driving on.”
This, said Engstrom, significantly enhances the UTV’s operational readiness for Marines, allowing them to go farther for longer in the UTV. Along with the Tireballs, the team selected an upgraded tire from BF Goodrich that is more durable than the previous, exceeding performance requirements in various environments that mimic the challenging terrains Marines face.
“The Baja racers are using these tires now while completing 1000-mile races out in the desert,” said Engstrom. “We decided it would be a good upgrade for Marines.”
Environmental Protection Cover
The Environmental Protection Cover, another upgrade to the UTV, provides Marines with protection from the elements while they’re out in the field.
“Have you ever been in a convertible on a hot, sunny day and put the roof up? That’s exactly what this is,” said UTV engineer Christopher Swift. “It’s necessary after being out in the field 8-12 hours a day in the hot sun, especially if it’s the only shelter available.”
Road March Kit
The team started fielding the UTV’s Road March Kit—comprising turn signals, a horn, and a rearview mirror—last March. Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force requested these features be added for safety, especially when transitioning between training areas on roads also used by civilian motorists.
The Road March Kit upgrade, along with the other vehicle upgrades, underscores the importance Marines’ user feedback is to the acquisition professionals tasked with delivering products to the warfighter.
“We try to meet customer needs within the requirement [determined by Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration],” said UTV Team Lead Lorrie Owens. “If we can meet the customers’ need to make it more reliable and durable, we will certainly do so within the realm of the requirement.”
The UTV team is taking advantage of the vehicle’s general maintenance schedule to implement the upgrades, which will be done alongside regular maintenance and services.
Are they really this "urban" in my Marine Corps now?
Upgrades? Fuck that. These so called upgrades are what I see being offered as standard packages in my part of the country!
I don't get the Corps these days. Since when did no brainers becomes chest thumping exercises.
I'm gonna re-read this thing but my God! Anyone that's ever been in the woods would know that these so called upgrades are just part of what's necessary if you're going into the wilderness for any amount of time.
The stock vehicles are good for weekend outings to kill bambi but if you're going out to stay and play (ie...wilderness rescue/pipeline survey/game management....) then you're gonna need everything above and a few more things.
What are they gonna need next but I have yet to see it (might have missed it)? At least every other vehicle with a winch/self recovery tools.
XM1299..The US Army is getting back into the extended range artillery game...
Прототип новой 155-мм самоходной гаубицы армии США XM1299, оснащенной огромной пушкой XM907 с длиной ствола 58 калибров.— almaznic (@almaz_nic) December 13, 2019
Нахера оно надо с пушкой на 70км и длинной пушки 12 м.? pic.twitter.com/ljRglWFXkP
The US Army is back in the game. Is it overmatch? No. But at least we're gonna reach parity.
For now that's a good start.
PDF discussing a small part of the program here.
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