SNAFU!

Anyone know where I can find this vid on digital and not a used VHS?

The Ground Combat Element needed an advocate...We thought it was the Commandant...We were wrong.

It was always assumed that the Commandant was the "built in" advocate for the Ground Combat Element (GCE). We were wrong. Like aviation, we needed an advocate. Unfortunately that realization came too late. Now the GCE is adrift, confused, paralyzed by internal debate and despite all the Generals, Colonels and Sgt Majors running around, no one has the necessary courage to speak up.

The sad reality?

Much to my dismay, the Ground Combat Element of the US Marine Corps is fading away.

I-Derby ER 100 km Air-to-Air Missile Test

AL JASOOR Corporate Video

Bell 360 Invictus CGI...

I'm shocked. The IAF chose the CH-53K over the CH-47F?

Thanks to Ogden for the heads up!

via Times of Israel

The Defense Ministry announced Thursday the selection of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion as the new transport helicopter of the Israel Defense Forces.
The ministry said the US-made helicopter will replace the IDF’s fleet of CH-53 Sea Stallions, which have been in service since the 1960s.
“The decision to purchase new Sa’ar transport helicopters for the Air Force, after decades, is a significant step in building the IDF’s power, and essential for performing a wide range of operational tasks as routine and in combat,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement.

Here

This decision seals it for me.

The IDF can no longer be considered the "stamp of approval" (in my mind) for weapon systems.

Subsidizes make for some strange decisions.

HMLA-367 Provides Air Support during MWX 2-21

US Marines conduct helicopter support team aerial lift training during Hagåtña Fury 21 at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan

OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 24, 2021) - U.S. Marines with 3d Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3 (CLR-3), worked together with Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), to conduct helicopter support team aerial lift training during Hagåtña Fury 21 at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 24, 2021. CLR-3 is conducting Hagåtña Fury 21 in concert with elements of 3d Marine Division (MARDIV), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maritime Prepositioning Squadron 3 in order to build and test a “Fight Now” force capable of providing expeditionary sustainment from key maritime terrain in support of III MEF. During the exercise, CLR-3 is operating with 3D MARDIV and 1st MAW to execute seizure and defense of key maritime terrain and expeditionary advanced base sustainment operations around Okinawa, while simultaneously conducting an MPF offload and distributed command and control from Naval Base Guam. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer John C. Lamb) 210224-M-VK320-1627

11th MEU conducts HIMARS Rapid Infiltration Mission

Note. Helicopter artillery raid. Sounds good in theory don't it? Name one that's been carried out with great effect in combat (not counting those few times it was done during the Iraqi conflict...those were miniscule against an ineffective, 2nd tier foe). With counter battery, modern sensors I just don't see how you can sneak heavy fire close (relatively) to the enemy, shoot & scoot. The same applies to these "missile raids". Time will tell but I just don't see how it'll work without those guys being targeted as soon as they fire and microfragmented.

USN Mark VI patrol boat navigates prior to embarking aboard USS Ashland at Naval Base Guam

Note. At one time this irked me a bit. I was miffed that parts of the GCE were being left on the pier while being displaced by patrol boats of limited utility. Little did I know that it was in preparation for what we're seeing today. Berger's plan would assumably give the US Navy EXCESS capacity when it comes to amphibious lift. Long story short? Expect Patrol Boats, Army Strykers, even foreign forces to take up the well decks we're vacating.

Gaum (Feb. 21, 2021) - A U.S. Navy Mark VI patrol boat with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Two, Bravo Company, navigates through the water prior to embarking aboard dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) at Naval Base Guam, Feb. 21, 2021. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is operating aboard ships of the Amphibious Squadron 11 in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez) 210221-M-MR595-0134