Vehicle in Blog Title...

Its an upgraded Marder Close Combat Vehicle/IFV Close Combat.

Here's a downloadable version...

Battalion Landing Team 3/1 participate in Mechanized Raid Course.

All photos by Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Marines and sailors serving with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage enemy combatants during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and gear that will be used in the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Pfc. Kevin E. Messer, a rifleman with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells for Marines to board an amphibious assault vehicle during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used in the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Marines and sailors serving with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cross a road concealed by smoke during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used during the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Marines and sailors serving with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cross a road concealed by smoke during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used during the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Flying Tigers take on harsh Bridgeport terrain

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.-A crewman with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 conducts a pre-flight inspection on a CH-53E Super Stallion May 20, 2011, on the flight line at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., Lance Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 5/20/2011 3:20 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.-A CH53-E Super Stallion with HMH-361 lands at the Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., flight line May 20, 2011, during high altitude training., Lance Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 5/20/2011 6:42 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.-A crew chief from HMH-361, looks out the window of a CH-53E Super Stallion during a flight over the MWTC, Bridgeport, Calif. Many of the pilots have never flown in the center’s high altitude and snowy conditions., Lance Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 5/20/2011 7:25 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.-A CH-53E Super Stallion crew from HMH-361 tests their aircraft at the MWTC Bridgeport, Calif., May 20, 2011., Lance Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 5/20/2011 7:36 AM

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.-A CH-53E Super Stallion crew from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 test their aircraft on snowy terrain at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., May 20, 2011. For many of the Marines, this was the first time they landed in snow., Lance Cpl. Sarah Dietz, 5/20/2011 8:23 AM

Another F-35C flies out to PaxRiver...

Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin ferried F-35C CF-3 to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, on 3 June 2011. Canin ferried the third F-35C during a 2.9-hour flight from Fort Worth, Texas. The flight was the fifth for the aircraft. CF-3 joins six other F-35B/C models now being flown at the US Navy’s flight test center.

The Frech JHSV Killer...the Multi-Purpose Patrol Craft 2.

The Multi-Purpose Patrol Craft 2 looks (on paper I know) to be a better JHSV.  Not only can it perform the same missions as the JHSV but it can also land gear directly on the beach and then turn around and perform the patrol mission...

I like it.

2059

Textron's Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV)

photo via the Ottawa Business Journal

The Textron Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle.

Textron, like the other entrants into this Canadian program, is holding its cards close its vest.  If anyone has any good info then hit me up.

UPDATE:

Rheinmetall Canada and Textron Systems Canada will offer a 4x4 wheeled armoured vehicle specifically engineered to meet the Canadian Forces’ requirements for survivability, mobility, and lethality across a broad spectrum of operations in the toughest terrain. The modern design includes a new protection package designed to shield troops from roadside bombs.
Rheinmetall Canada will perform multiple integration functions, including integration of remote weapon stations and government-furnished equipment. The company will also play a large role in the integrated logistics and in-service support for the vehicle.

Ok, a little Google-foo revealed the above blurb on the Rheinmetall website.  Interesting.  I really was expecting Rheinmetall to submit the Boxer, or the Puma.  This competition just became about the most interesting armored contest in the West.

Foreign Aid will be a hot button topic...even aid delivered by the military.

via Fox News.

The United States is providing hundreds of millions of dollars of foreign aid to countries that it borrows billions from, according to a report by Congress's research arm.

The Congressional Research Services released a report last month, a copy of which Fox News exclusively obtained, showing that in fiscal year 2010, the latest year that data was available, the U.S. handed out a total of $1.4 billion to 16 foreign countries that held at least $10 billion in Treasury securities, including China ($27.2 million), Brazil ($25 million), Russia ($71.5 million), India ($126.6 million), Mexico ($316.7 million) and Egypt ($255.7 million).

I'm cynical.  I think that this is a story designed to protect all foreign aid by attempting to highlight the aid that we're giving to countries that don't need it.

This will be a hot button subject for this political season.  Cuts are coming...to defense, entitlements etc...but foreign aid has to be part of that mix too.

And in my mind that includes the aid given to nations through the dubious Partnership Exercises.

UPDATE:

Wow.  I took down this post initially because I knew that the liberal readers of my blog just wouldn't be able to take it.  Having read this story from DefenseNews, I can see that I was spot on.

Here's a tidbit...

In the final continuing resolution for 2011, the department's Economic Support Fund (ESF) lost close to $2 billion from its budget request. The fund provides money to countries around the world to help them overcome short- and long-term political, economic and security problems.
"That is a huge cut when you're talking about the relatively small ESF account, and it has impacts on countries around the world and it's forcing us to make very hard choices about where to invest our dollars and where to cut," Sullivan said.
The cuts also come as the State Department is trying to increase its operational capability so that it can better partner with the military services in the field, he said.
To stave off further reductions, the State Department is making its case to Congress that it needs every possible dollar requested.
"We have to show them that we are finding ways to increase efficiency and deliver more effectively," Sullivan said.
But the case needs to be made beyond Capitol Hill, he said. Recent polls show that Americans support cuts to foreign aid, but they also dramatically overestimate its portion of the federal budget.

Riverine Forces finally wakes up.

Seems like the powers that be have finally woken up to the fact that we have Riverine Forces that aren't in the fight.  Read the story here.

Tuesday, the Navy tested the ability to dock and secure the RCB and the smaller riverine patrol boat in the well deck of the anchored dock landing ship Oak Hill during a proof-of-concept test held at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Riverine force leaders gave the demonstration a thumbs-up. If senior Navy leaders agree, the riverine force could find itself with a new post-Iraq war mission set outside the green-water arena for which it is designed, and the Navy with yet another capability for the flexible and heavily deployed amphibious force.

My guess.

Riverine looked around, put its finger up in the breeze and didn't like the direction that the wind was blowing.

Remember my posts here?  Well even though this is a positive development, it doesn't go far enough.  If Riverine's are going to continue then they need to become attached to the MEU.  JHSV's as some are talking about won't be operating in as independent a fashion as some imagine.

They are ship to shore connectors.  They aren't combat boats.  And unless the Riverine's attach themselves to either Amphibs or LCS then they're done once the budget cutters come. 

The facts are simple and stark.

We have a war fighting capability that can't get to the scene of conflicts and worse aren't visible to the Combatant Commanders (or worse still, the Commanders see no use for them).

Ballsy Landing...

Nice Animation.

CV90

"Gun Bunnies" ---correction...The King of Battle gettin' some...

I got wore out just watching this....

Pacific Partnership Missions. Missed opportunities on the homefront.

The US Navy just released an article touting its Pacific Partnership Missions.  Read the whole thing but here's a blurb...

After 13 days of working with local medical, dental and engineering professionals in Papua New Guinea, serving close to 11,000 people, Pacific Partnership 2011 concluded its mission May 31 and got underway aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7).

and this...

Since the first mission in 2006, Pacific Partnership has visited 15 countries, treated more than 230,000 patients and built over 150 engineering projects in 15 countries. During this year's mission, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 21,000 patients, participated in thousands of contact hours of formal SMEEs, and built classrooms and water catchment systems in all three of its mission ports.

I have no problem in helping others...but if the Chief of Naval Operations wants to 'get the Navy story out' then perhaps he should start at home.

Imagine if this same effort...the medical and engineering assistance was turned toward our own crumbling schools and poor.  Imagine how the citizens of this country would look at its Navy!

Quite simply.  The US Military should not be globe trotting providing medical services overseas and doing building projects when we have severe needs here at home.

UPDATE:
Check out this press release.  Seems like Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team is having to call in a civilian company to provide services that the US Navy is doing for free in other countries.  If you disagree fine.  But this is shameful.  How this can go unnoticed at the highest levels of our military...talking to you Admiral---or have you already packed up for the Vice Chair position?--is beyond me.

RB-Portraits...A website you have to check out.

LANCE CORPORAL ANDREW P. CARPENTER. September 28, 1983 - February 19, 2011

The service had lasted 2 hours, and upon conclusion, the Marines were afforded the opportunity to pay their respects and meet the family of LCpl. Carpenter. His widowed wife, Crissie, and her infant son Landon were present. The parents, Kevin & Cindy, along with Andrew's sister, Kate, were also in attendance.

I can't even describe how impressed I am with this guys art work.  Go to his website here...and his facebook page here...to check it out for yourself.

Marine Special Operations Battalion conducts HALO Training.

All Photos by LCpl K McNally...

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, untangles his parachute after conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, board the plane they will jump out of for a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2d MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally/Released)

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, dives out of a plane during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A jumpmaster with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a freefall jump during a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, gives a "thumbs up" to indicate his oxygen mask is working during a class for a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, check each others' gear before conducting a High Altitude, High Opening jump as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

A Marine with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conducts a High Altitude, High Opening jump at dusk as part of a Double-Bag Static-Line parachute course in Wendover, Utah, April 9 - 21. The course was taught by personnel from the 2nd MSOB paraloft and the Airborne Mobile Training Team, and is designed to give Marines a basic understanding of HAHO operations.

Fly Navy Book...Chasing the Blue Rhino video...

African Lion 2011.

A Marine with Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, covers up to protect himself from the dust May 24 as he rides in the top hatch of a Light Armored Vehicle during the unit’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces. Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

A Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle kicks up a cloud of dust May 24 as it speeds towards the firing range during Company F, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s final field training exercise as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan armed forces.  Photo by Pfc. Ariel Solomon

Marines from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, maneuver their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, fires a round down range from its 120mm main gun during a training mission here May 22 as part of African Lion 2011. African Lion is an annually scheduled, bilateral exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. that involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.  Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell

Team Timberwolf...the video!

Team Timberwolf website. Force Protection definitely keeps their cards close to the vest when it comes to their vehicles.

Force Protection's Timberwolf!

This is Force Protection's Timber Wolf that they're going to debut at CANSEC.  When I get more so will you!

UPDATE:

Force Protection put out this press release...seems like we have their candidate for the Canadian TAPV contest.

Force Protection to Debut Team Timberwolf at CANSEC Exhibition~Team Includes CAE, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin Canada~ LADSON, S.C., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ: FRPT),announced today the formation of Team Timberwolf on the eve of CANSEC, Canada's foremost defence and security technology showcase. Team Timberwolf is comprised of Force Protection Survivability Solutions Canada, CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to compete for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project.
Team Timberwolf will offer a complete vehicle system and comprehensive in-service support solution. The vehicle is based on the battle proven Cougar vehicle with independent suspension, integrated C4ISR and dual remote weapons systems. Team Timberwolf will debut at CANSEC 2011 to be held June 1-2 at the Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. Visitors can see video of Timberwolf in action at CAE's booth (#3201) during the CANSEC exhibition, and also visit the Team Timberwolf outdoor display (#315).
Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, said, "Team Timberwolf was formed to give Canadian Forces the best and most complete system offering available on the market today in terms of survivability, situational awareness, fighting capability and reparability. We are pleased that CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada are part of the team offering Canada the best solution for the TAPV project. The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) developed through the growing Canadian team will be a direct benefit to Canadian companies in the regions responsible for delivering components for Team Timberwolf."
Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the Canadian Government as one of the competitor companies qualified to provide up to 600 wheeled combat vehicles and related long term support services. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012. Force Protection also previously announced that it has entered into teaming agreements with CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada for the TAPV project.
About Team Timberwolf
Team Timberwolf is a collaboration between Force Protection Industries, Inc., CAE, Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada to provide the Canadian Forces a complete vehicle combat system for the TAPV project. CAE would have overall responsibility for the comprehensive in-service support (ISS) solution. Elbit Systems will be the exclusive provider of the Dual Remote Weapons System (DRWS) while Lockheed Martin Canada would provide the integrated C4ISR system. For more information on Team Timberwolf visit www.teamtimberwolf.ca
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company's specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net

Canadians prepare for NEO's.

They're alot less 'dynamic' in this type of training than the Marine Corps...having your air-ground components being able to train together is something that can't be overlooked.