What if???? F-15N Sea Eagle.

F-35 in STOVL mode

F-35B test aircraft BF-1 on flight 147, Aug. 22, 2011. Lt. Col. Fred Schenk pilots the aircraft in short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) mode.

The above photos look like no big deal right?  I mean sure we've seen the F-35 in STOVL mode before....but one thing should be apparent.  Its over water and you can bet that these flights are in preparation for the shipboard tests due to start this fall.

My gut reaction?  Expect the Marine Corps to move up its IOC even further.  I wouldn't be surprised to see these planes being sent to Marine bases in late 2012

SOTG teaches Marine Coxwain Course.

Apache Helicopter Takes off from HMS Ocean During Operation Ellamy

An Army Air Corps Apache helicopter takes off from HMS Ocean during Operation Ellamy, the UK's contribution to UNSCR1973 in the Mediterranean Sea.
Photographer: LA(Phot) Guy Pool

An Army Air Corps Apache helicopter takes off from HMS Ocean during Operation Ellamy, the UK's contribution to UNSCR1973 in the Mediterranean Sea near Libya.
Photographer: LA(Phot) Guy Pool

Beesley answered Bill long before he retired.

Bill posted an article talking about the SU-35 in the recent Russian airshow.  In it he talks about the Sukhoi's moves and how wonderfully it performs.

Remember we're talking an airshow.

I would love to know if a Navy or Air Force test pilot could duplicate those moves in a stripped down F-18 or F-16.

But that really gets us away from the point of all this.  Beesley already answered the Sukhoi question long ago.  Lets take a trip back and time and see what he has to say about the issue....



So the answer to all the smoke and thunder on ARES is quite simply this.

It looks great for the airshow fans but in combat its a nonfactor.

Ranger Up!'s Leadership Rules. A must read.

Ranger Up! has a list of leadership rules...To be honest I was expecting a modernized "Rogers Rangers" type rules thing but its so much better than that.  As a matter of fact its so good that I won't spoil it by putting even a sample of it here.  Go to the site to check it out.  IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING AT THE SERVICE ACADEMIES, ROTC AND OCS!  Its just that good.

F-35C completes jet blast deflector testing

LAKEHURST, N.J. – F-35C test aircraft CF-1 with an F/A-18E prepares for two-aircraft jet blast deflector (JBD) testing Aug. 13. The Integrated Test Force collected temperature, pressure, sound level, and velocity environmental data to validate various aircraft models to optimize JBD cooling panel and flight deck configuration. F-35C carrier suitability testing is ongoing with catapult and arrestment test events through the rest of the year, leading up to initial ship trials in 2013.

Magpul's taking over.

Check out the Marines in the above photo.

See the guy at the end of the stack?

MAGPUL P-Mags and what appears to be a MAGPUL CTR stock....no big deal really.  The issue stock is trash....but I'm seeing this more and more across all the services.  As a matter of fact the first MAGPUL stock that I saw was being sported by an Airborne soldier during Talisman Saber.

I guess my biggest issue with this type thing is that I've seen alot of additions to the M-16/M4...so many additions in fact that it isn't the light weight, highly portable, easily pointable weapon that it was designed to be.

Quite honestly, once you change it over to a piston system it becomes a totally different beast and will have completely given up every reason for it to be chambered in 5.56.

One change that is long overdue is a switch to a stock that can be used in close combat.  The MAGPUL CTR is too fragile to fill the bill but its something that Quantico should look at. 

Meanwhile back to the boutique weapons options that we're beginning to see.  It was always drilled into my battalion that everyone wore gear the same way, in the same locations and that only issued stuff was to be worn so that in the event that someone needed to "stay in the fight" once you go down it wouldn't be a guessing game on how stuff worked.  I guess those days are over.  I wonder how the new way will work out.

Air Force recovers stolen materials from Friday's raid - www.ktnv.com

Air Force recovers stolen materials from Friday's raid - www.ktnv.com


Wow.

The FBI, US Marshals or ATF is more than capable of handling this type of investigation and recovery of military property. I wonder why the USAF decided it needed to operate off base...this might be perfectly legal but it sure sends the wrong message. Obviously the "powers that be" are either tone deaf, don't care or they're unaware of the alarm that this is causing.

People are on edge.

This isn't helping.

Lima Company conducts field training

Photos by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Lance Cpl. Vincent A. Gonzales covers a corner here Aug. 17 during a field exercise with Company L, one of three rifle companies in Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Company L spent five days in the field during the unit’s first sea-based training since becoming a complete Marine air ground task force in May. The company disembarked USS New Orleans off Pendleton’s coast and was driven ashore by amphibious assault vehicles. A platoon of tracked vehicles from 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Pendleton, reinforces the Pendleton-based 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The platoon provides the go-to means of maneuver for Company L. Gonzales is a 27-year-old Bakersfield, Calif., native and machine gunner with the company.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Phares, rifleman, sights in Aug. 15 during a live-fire exercise here with Company L, one of three rifle companies in Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Company L spent five days in the field during the unit’s first sea-based training since becoming a complete Marine air ground task force in May. The company disembarked USS New Orleans off Pendleton’s coast and was driven ashore by amphibious assault vehicles. A platoon of tracked vehicles from 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Pendleton, reinforces the Pendleton-based 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The platoon provides the go-to means of maneuver for Company L. Phares is a 22-year-old Orange, Texas, native.

Company L Marines rehearse capturing an enemy position Aug. 16 during live-fire training here. The rifle company is one of three in Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Company L spent five days in the field during the unit’s first sea-based training since becoming a complete Marine air ground task force in May. The company disembarked USS New Orleans off Pendleton’s coast and was driven ashore by amphibious assault vehicles. A platoon of tracked vehicles from 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Pendleton, reinforces the Pendleton-based 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. The platoon provides the go-to means of maneuver for Company L.

Recon Marines sharpen at-sea skills

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with the Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, enters a building and begins to secure it, August 18. The Marines of FRP were clearing the house in order to build their vessel boarding, searching and seizing skills. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/17/2011 8:03 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan-A Marine with the Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to breach and clear a building, August 18. The Marines of FRP were clearing the house in order to build their vessel boarding, searching and seizing skills. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/17/2011 8:05 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with the Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages multiple targets during an eight-week live-fire training course, August 18. Before the 31st MEU deploys to the Asia-Pacific region, the FRP conducts the training course to ensure they are prepared to respond to any situation that may arise. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/17/2011 8:02 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A team of Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stack outside a door in preparation to breach and clear a building, August 18. The Marines of FRP were clearing the house in order to build their vessel boarding, searching and seizing skills. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/17/2011 8:0

Bell D188A ingenuity and inspiration from the past.

RetroMechanix is continuing its series on the D188a.

I marvel at the imagination and ingenuity of those that came before.  Not only did they dream, but they designed machines that were truly ahead of their time.

Awesome.  More at RetroMechanix.

Humor. Explanation of the world economic situation in 3 minutes.

via ModernSurvivalOnline.

3rd Battalion 7th Marnes on Range 400...

NAVAIR AIRWAVES: 18 August 2011

31st MEU's Snipers and PSD's doin' it!

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, ejects a shell casing from an M40 sniper rifle during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:01 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages targets during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:00 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:01 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -A Marine with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages targets during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:00 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, run to their firing positions during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:00 PM

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, run to their firing positions during an unknown distance shooting competition, August 17. The Marines were competing against each other for a prize and bragging rights. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 8/16/2011 8:00 PM

Marine Air getting it done...

Marine Air.

As much as I slam the "fly guys" of the Corps, one thing is certain.  They're Marines...and they're getting the job done.

One of the untold stories of the conflicts that we're involved in that will only come out in Marine history journals is the work done with regards to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) Missions that these Marines have performed.

I would be curious to know how many millions of dollars have been saved because these Marines were able to recover downed aircraft instead of destroying them in place.

Helo-borne assault.

Close air support.

Tactical resupply.

Medivac.

TRAP missions.

Special Ops work.

The list goes on.  I hammer the wing like a big brother hammers a little brother.  Its done with love, its probably unfair and its fun for the big brother and annoys the hell outta the little one.

Well  consider this post the "apology" to the wing.

You guys are doing good work. 

Stay safe and Semper Fi.

God bless the 10th Mountain Division

If this story doesn't break your heart then you have no soul.

God bless the 10th Mountain.  Story via Stars and Stripes.

For those in Company C, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Thursday was the worst of days. Five of its Soldiers, all from 3rd Platoon’s 1st Squad, were killed when their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device on a desolate road in southern Kandahar province.
“It’s like your family just got ripped out of your heart,” Pfc. Thadius Deloatch said.

On Sunday, the Department of Defense identified those killed in the explosion: Sgt. Edward J. Frank II, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y.; Spc. Jameel T. Freeman, 26, of Baltimore, Md.; Spc. Patrick L. Lay II, 21, of Fletcher, N.C.; Spc. Jordan M. Morris, 23, of Stillwater, Okla.; Pfc. Rueben J. Lopez, 27, of Williams, Calif.

After the explosion Thursday, the battalion chaplain couldn’t get here soon enough. A line of Soldiers needing him waited late into the night, and early the next morning. For many, the tears pushed out in waves. For others, solace came in the form of a quiet stoicism.

“I don’t know what to do right now. My whole squad is gone,” Pfc. Jeremy Urzua said. His squad leader, Frank, was among the Soldiers killed in the blast and had given him a rare day off Thursday.
“I didn’t see it at first, but he just saved my life,” said Urzua, who was back at COP when the attack occurred that morning.

Longest Dead Snake Ever Seen

TRAP mission at an undisclosed location in Logar province,

U.S. Marines with the Helicopter Support Team (HST), 2nd Marine Logistics Group hook a sling onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464 during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) mission at an undisclosed location in Logar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2011. HMH-464 and the HST performed TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. military equipment, and to conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/Released)