A question for Northern Command.

Question.

How can the US military respond to crisis in other countries...From Haiti, to Japan, to the Tsunami's  in God knows where...to the flooding in Pakistan and have no forces available to assist overwhelmed local authorities in Alabama, Oklahoma and other states hit by natural disasters?

It makes no sense for the US Government to have established a Northern Command to respond to disasters here in the states and to not have that Command forward leaning when such situations strike.

But wanna know what the Commander of Northern Command got for what I consider a lack of leadership?

Promotion to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

On May 16th they (Northern Command) were bragging about an exercise in which all major players in the disaster relief community assembled and drilled for contingencies.  The next day Tornadoes devastated the heartland.

On the 25th after the President was in the middle of his trip to Europe and just days before his arrival in the zone of destruction, Northern Command got off its collective ass and made this announcement.

May 25, 2011
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Northern Command activated the Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element for FEMA Region VII and extended the DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI today in support of response efforts to the severe weather in the Midwest.

U.S. Army North DCO and DCE for FEMA Region VI was initially activated to support flood relief in the south and have been extended with the activation of FEMA Region VII to provide assessment and coordinate DoD assets as required in the Midwest. DCOs and DCEs work very closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to determine what unique DOD capabilities can be brought to assist in mitigating the effects of severe weather.

Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Air Forces Northern and Marine Forces North will deploy to FEMA Region VII to assist the DCO assess and plan Department of Defense support of civil authorities.

The Department of Defense has capabilities that can be used to save lives as well as many other unique support capabilities such as air lift, medical, communications, and catastrophic planning.

USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

U.S. Army North provides defense support of civil authorities as the Army component of USNORTHCOM, the combatant command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., that is responsible for homeland defense and civil support.

Sorry Admiral but that just won't do.  Not only is it too little but its too damn late.  But even accounting for a bloated bureaucracy, why are you sending Liaison Officers instead of activating Medical Personnel to help out?  Why are you not sending an Engineer Battalion or two to help with clean up?

The point is this.

We sent ships at flank speed to help the Japanese and Haitians.  We extended an MEU to help Pakistan.

But when it comes to our military helping our own citizens its just too big a burden?

Say it out loud Admiral and see if it makes sense.


NOTE:  Since the beginning of this year the US has been hit with savage storms, tornadoes, flooding of the nations largest river and we're not even halfway thru yet.  Want to see the list?  Go here.

Fleet Week...a good idea gone bad.

Fleet Week had the potential to be nothing but great.

Instead the Marine Corps has shitted on its most fervent supporters and did the "Politically Correct" thing.

If I were to bet money, I would say that most Marine Corps recruits come from the South, Mid West and parts of the West.  Where have we seen Fleet Weeks?  New York City?  Really?  A bastion of liberal politics and anti-military types and thats where you hold a Fleet Week?  Chicago?  Same.  San Fran?  Oh the same on steroids!

St. Louis is an improvement but say it out loud!  Look at the statistics!  Does that even make sense?

The Marine Corps needs to re-orient its focus.  Dallas.  Atlanta.  Phoenix.  Austin.  Denver.  Oklahoma City.  Miami.  Birmingham.  Heck anywhere but the usual urban spots they've picked.

Places in the heartland is where the focus should be.  But don't hold your breath for a change.  Tradition is trumping changing demographics, recruiting reality and common sense.


Want some half baked opinion sprinkled with alot of facts on why the South is the recruiting mecca for the services?  Go here.

Mirage 2000 recovery.

5/26/2011 By Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng

2nd Marine Logistics Group

An M88 Recovery Vehicle hoists the body of a downed French  Mirage 2000 aircraft during a recovery mission May 27, 2011. U.S., French and Italian forces conducted an 81-mile combat logistics patrol from Regional Command Southwest to retrieve the French jet without incident in the Bakwa district of Regional Command West in Afghanistan May 27, 2011. Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) took the lead on the mission. In direct support of the battalion were teams from 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 2nd MLG (Fwd.), along with the Army's 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion providing heavy equipment transport capabilities, an Aircraft Recovery Fire Fighting team from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, a French aircraft recovery team and an Italian team escorting the convoy from the RC boundary to the crash site where they continued to provide security for the duration of the operation in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

A successful catch..

I'm posting this just because I thought it was cool.  Notice the spider even using its legs as weapons...I never knew...

MARSOC needs Marine Air?

I've been looking forward to reading and posting this paper for a while.  I read the synopsis and it left me cold.  Having read the paper, I can't say that I'm anymore enthused.  Perhaps I'm in the minority but I just don't see this as a good idea.  Read it for yourself and decide.

Epton-AY06-9816

Quote of the day. May 29, 2011.

Those aircraft will still possess "a lot of capability . . . that is very impressive," he said. Plus, those units will be training and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures, and the logistics infrastructure will be maturing, he said. Depending on the circumstances, "we would, with all the safety considerations, be ready to go," 

Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Air Staff Lead for Operations, Plans, and Requirements-speaking about the USAF F-35A Block 2B.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Humor.

A modest proposal. Time for Army Aviation to get feet wet!

US Army aviation has a tradition of operating in coastal areas dating back to Vietnam.  They shared the skies with the renowned Sea Wolves and were a force to be reckoned with.

Fast forward to the 1980's and 90's and you have US Army aviation operating in the Persian Gulf.

The future for Army Aviation is a partner ship with the Navy.  And they have the perfect tool to make it work...the OH-58F.

Littoral Combat requires the identification of targets in cluttered sea lanes.  In marshes and canals...in green turning to brown water.  The weapons and optical package found on the OH-58F makes it tailor made to this mission.

Its also a win for the US Army in the future.  A rotation between Aviation Brigades would make it a perfect fit with training taking place with both Navy and Marine Units it shouldn't be a particular burden for any of the services.  Additionally the skids on the OH-58F should make it a bit easier to handle on the deck of a pitching ship...a much better option than the AH-64...oh and did I mention that optics package?

Army Aviation is already a frequent visitor to Naval vessels in the form of the 160th...that role should be expanded.

If Sea Basing is about being a joint force then this integration of Army Aviation onboard LCS' and Burke Destroyers should be a no brainer.

NOTE:
This proposal only makes sense if my prediction of future budget cuts come true.  In the environment I foresee, the Marine Corps will cut not to 175,000 but to 150,000 when all is said and done.  The Army will be equally savaged and the services will not be seeking to expand capabilities but simply to maintain competencies.  Putting Army Scout Helicopters on US Navy warships will keep them 'gainfully' employed, will act as a cost effective Fire Scout replacement (which I see getting axed if not this year then next) and will provide aerial observation and guns in an area in which Marine Aviation will already be stretched just to maintain current and projected operating tempos.

Why We Fight By Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta , 2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  — As families across our great country gather this Memorial Day weekend, the men and women serving in Afghanistan will also pause to reflect on those who have gone before them.  They will celebrate our heroes, past and present.  These men and women serving in southwest Afghanistan are reminded daily that freedom and “justice for all” doesn’t exist everywhere, and that it comes at a cost.      Just a few nights ago I was reminded of why we fight today when a young Marine struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in southern Helmand.  Gravely injured, the team’s corpsman on scene stabilized him and called for a medical evacuation helicopter.  Weather was a problem, however, and the evacuation helicopter could not reach the scene, though the pilots refused to stop trying.  An adjacent unit was contacted and, without concern for themselves, a convoy of Light Armored Vehicles rushed to aid the young Marine.  They made it their mission to get to a Marine in trouble.  They pushed through driving wind and blowing sand to link up with fellow Marines.  After link-up, they wound up stuck in the sand, now in desperate need to evacuate the wounded Marine. 
Throughout their efforts the Army helicopter pilots were doing their best to help as well.  Convinced they could get through the weather, they put the most experienced aviators in the cockpit.  As Marines and Navy corpsmen on the ground continued to provide critical care, the helicopters launched again and a break in the weather allowed them to evacuate the wounded to safety.
This scenario encompassed more than five hours.  With each passing moment the urgency to evacuate the wounded increased.  Coordination at every level never stopped and there was never any thought of not being able to help.  Fighting against the odds, these soldiers, sailors and Marines banded together to save one of their own.  They refused to give up, and their efforts kept one of America’s sons alive.
So as we pause to celebrate this Memorial Day, we reflect on those who have gone before us.  We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation.  We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice.  They are committed to something greater than themselves, and they muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats in battle.  They do it for one another and the country they love, asking little in return.
Sincerely,

Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta

Commanding General

Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward)

Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Do Warriors talk like this or managers?

This article on Army.mil is a basic run of the mill "we have a new system" type deal.  Read it all but this part has me scratching my head...

“Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter,” said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong.

The quote is from a Lt Colonel...

Is that a style of speech that is applicable to a war fighter?  I mean seriously!  The Lt Col called the warriors (in his language style another word for it would be 'end user') customers!  It almost makes me wonder if he's a Wal Mart manager or a leader.

I really thought this 'customer' talk had gone out the window when Rummy left but it seems some are holding on to the concept.  Thats a shame.

Scale Model New's take on a European Stealth NH-90 Gaddafi Grabber!

Scale Model New's take on a 'Gaddafi Grabber' NH-90.  Go here to read the whole thing.  Overall I think its improbable but an interesting exercise none the less.

Question. Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

A simple question to all.  Is the Marine Corps an elite force?

The question came up when me and some buddies were having a few cold ones talking about this that and the other thing...being that it was a bunch of military guys....2 Marines, a couple of Sailors and a Soldier...that question came up.

My answer was---of course.  Is it Special Ops?  No.  Is it elite?  Yes.

The Soldier chimed in wanting to know the difference....my reply was that the 82nd Airborne is elite...that the 101st is elite....and that before the Stryker conversions the 10th Mountain, 25th Infantry were also elite.

Of course he agreed but added that some Stryker Brigades and even some Heavy Battalions could be considered elite.

Sailors being who they are also decided to add their two cents.  It got to the point where Carrier Air Wings, EOD and Riverine should also be considered elite units.

So on this somber weekend, where we remember our fallen I'm posing this question.  What is elite and who fills the bill?

The Thugs video taped themselves.

Thanks USS Helm! 

These Thugs had the audacity to video tape themselves committing this atrocity.  I still want them to fry....here on earth and later in hell.

Go Wind Pics.

DCNS Go Wind Family of Ships.  Below is the Go Wind OPV L'Adroit which was recently launched.  It appears that the French have taken the Corvette Class (read LCS) in a pretty impressive new direction.

RS-24 LARS.

Hmm...seems the START Treaty isn't keeping the Russians from modernizing their nuclear forces.  Additionally they're moving from single to multiple warheads.  Interesting.

Pima County SWAT Team and Sheriff's Dept caught in lies and a cover up!

First up a bit from Salem-News

Having survived two tours in Iraq, Marine combat veteran Jose Guereña in Arizona was gunned down in front of his family, inside of his own home, by the Pima Regional SWAT team earlier this month. They fired 71 rounds in seven seconds, striking him 60 times.

Then, to add insult to injury, the deputies under the command of Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, blocked paramedics from approaching the scene for well over an hour, and of course that cut off any chance of Guereña surviving.

After all, it was only 60 police rounds that struck him, certainly the man was still dangerous.

Jose's wife, Vanessa Guereña, told reporters with KGUN Channel 9, "I was going to touch Jose because he was [moaning]," she said. "And I saw his stomach, and all the blood on the floor."

Officers did say that he drew a weapon and shot at them, and that was the only reason for "returning" fire on Mr. Guereña, which many people could understand, as that equates to self-defense.

But then it was discovered that this Marine veteran actually didn't fire; he never took his weapon off safety, probably because he realized they were police. Marines are the best riflemen in the world and their mistake ratio in combat is lower than other military combatants in the world.

Read the whole thing...and then consider this bit from Huffington Post.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office has now changed its story several times over the last few weeks. They have issued a press release (PDF) scolding the media and critics for questioning the legality of the raid, the department's account of what happened, and the department's ability to fairly investigate its own officers. They have obtained a court order sealing the search warrants and police affidavits that led to the raids, and they're now refusing any further comment on the case at all. When I contacted Public Information Officer Jason Ogan with some questions, he replied via email that the department won't be releasing any more information. On Saturday, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik told Arizona Daily Star columnist Josh Brodesky that he may never release the search warrants and police affidavits. Dupnik rose to national prominence earlier this year after claiming combative political rhetoric contributed to Jared Loughner killing six people and wounding 19 others, including Rep. Gabielle Giffords, last January.
The department's excuses for keeping all of this information under wraps make little sense. In his May 18 press release (PDF), for example, Ogan wrote, "The investigation that lead to the service of the search warrants on May 5 is a complicated one involving multiple people suspected of very serious crimes. Sometimes, law enforcement agencies must choose between the desire of the public to quickly know details, and the very real threat to innocent lives if those details are released prematurely." Dupnik used the same line of reasoning with Brodesky. "Those are the real sensitive parts of why we are having difficulty with trying to put information out publicly--because we don't want somebody getting killed," Dupnik said.
The problem with that explanation is that the search warrants and affidavits weren't sealed until four days after the raids were executed, right at about the time the troubling questions about Jose Guerena's death began to make national headlines. If revealing the details of this investigation -- which remember, was initially described by the Sheriff's Department as a marijuana investigation -- could endanger lives, why weren't the warrants and affidavits sealed from the start? It isn't difficult to understand why some would suspect a cover-up, or at least an attempt to suppress details until the department can come up with a narrative that mitigates the damage. In any case, it's awfully audacious for a police agency to scold the media for not trusting them and for "spreading misinformation" just days after revealing they themselves released bad information.

Thank God for the reporter at Huffington Post thats running with this story.  MR. RADLEY BALKO  I am a fan!  Make sure you read both stories in full.

A couple of things are beyond obvious and if you disagree fine...but you won't change my mind.

1.  The Pima County Sheriff needs to resign immediately.  
2.  The US Justice Dept needs to start an investigation of this Marine's death. 
3.  These bastards should fry. 

US Army's new advertising campaign. "A Symbol of Strength"

Delta Zulu trailer.

TEOTWAWKI Blog posted this and thought some might like a little mid week entertainment.  Who doesn't love a good movie trailer?

House Armed Services Committee plays with AAV upgrade funding.

The Statement of Administration Policy has some interesting stuff in it.  In particular is the item on the AAV and the F-35 engine (WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO KILL THE ALTERNATE ENGINE!).  But since I feel the AAV upgrade is the more pressing issue.  The F-35 engine is pure politics.  Read the whole thing.  I've never been one to follow the HASC but I think that's about to change.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV):  Section 214 would restrict the ability to develop improvements to existing AAVs until the completion of an analysis of AAV requirements and the completion of an analysis of alternatives of various options to fill such requirements.  The Marine Corps is committed to a follow-on for the AAV; however, this provision would limit the ability to both improve the existing fleet and inhibit analysis of the best replacement options.

 If I had to bet, it would be that the delegation from Ohio is attempting to revive the EFV.  But I could be wrong.

saphr1540r_20110524

McDonnell Douglas Model 226-458 Quiet Attack Aircraft...

Go to RetroMechanix to read the article on this amazing airplane!