Marine marksmanship at sea

Photos by Cpl. Chad Pulliam

Staff Sgt. Adam Najar, platoon sergeant with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force, clears the area behind him after firing upon a target during a live fire range on the flight deck here Oct. 1. Najar is a 25-year-old from Hesperia, Calif. The Marines with the unit are aboard the New Orleans for their final at sea exercise prior to deploying in November.

Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force identify their targets during a live fire exercise aboard USS New Orleans Oct. 1. The Marines boarded the amphibious ship Sept. 28 in San Diego for their final exercise before deploying in November.

Bullet casings ejected from the rifles of the11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force litter the flight deck of USS New Orleans during a live fire exercise here Oct. 1. The unit boarded the amphibious ship for its final exercise before deploying in November.

Marines storm beach during Dawn Blitz

Photos by Cpl. Michele Watson

Marines storm Gold Beach in amphibious assault vehicles during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Sept. 30. The week-long training tests the capability to rapidly respond in the event of a crisis.

Seaman Dontay L. Stewart, a construction mechanic from the USS Bonhomme Richard, directs vehicles off a landing craft air cushion at Gold Beach on Camp Pendleton, Sept. 30. Landing support Marines provided guidance to troops, trucks and cargo debarking the LCAC.

Marines with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion stormed the beaches of Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 30, to reinforce the Marine Corps tradition as a maritime force-in-readiness. In a joint effort with the Navy, the unique amphibious and expeditionary capabilities as America’s expeditionary fighting force were demonstrated.

The Navy and Marine Corps participated in a joint amphibious assault landing at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 30. As part of Exercise Dawn Blitz, the beach landing was a training mission to prepare service members for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Marines with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion conducted a landing at a Camp Pendleton, Calif., beach, Sept. 30 The exercise prepared Marine units to deploy forces quickly on short notice to any place in the world for a wide range of contingencies, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to combat.

Marines and sailors participated in a beach landing during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Sept. 30. A sea-based approach provides a discrete, flexible and effective means of selectively engaging to build partnerships and respond to crisis and protect our national interests.

Marines with 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion stormed the beaches of Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 30, to reinforce the Marine Corps tradition as a maritime force-in-readiness. In a joint effort with the Navy, the unique amphibious and expeditionary capabilities as America’s expeditionary fighting force were demonstrated.

Pic of the day....

Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, seek out opposing forces in the rain during Urban Operations training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., Sept. 28, 2011. The brigade is deploying about 3,400 soldiers to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Photo by Spc. Kimberly Lambaption

Soft?

He must be talking about the people he's met...everyone I know is busting ass trying to be ready in case the balloon goes up and the economy tanks even more.

Deck Landings Onboard HMS Illustrious

Royal Air Force Chinook and Army Air Corps Apache helicopters are pictured practicing deck landings onboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.


Two Apache helicopters from 664 Squadron, Army Air Corps embarked for a two week training package, to enable pilots and ground crews to acclimatise to working in a maritime environment.


They were joined by a Chinook from 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force which flew out to the ship for a few hours deck landing practice.


Photographer: POA(Phot) RayJones

A CNO I can deal with...

Sorry guys but the last CNO rubbed me the wrong way...as does the outgoing CJCS.  I can't put an exact finger on it but they both appeared to be more politician than war fighter.  I don't know how the next guys will turn out but at least the new CNO is saying the right things.  Here's a tidbit from ID.  Go there to read the whole thing but this section caught my attention.

Guiding Principles

The starting point for developing and executing our plans

• Our primary mission is warfighting. All our efforts to improve capabilities, develop people, and structure our organizations should be grounded in this fundamental responsibility.
• People are the Navy’s foundation. We have a professional and moral obligation to uphold a covenant with Sailors, Civilians and their families * to ably lead, equip, train and motivate.
• Our approach should be Joint and combined when possible. However, we own the sea, and must also be able to operate independently when necessary.
• Our primary Joint partner is the U.S. Marine Corps. We must continue to evolve how we will operate and fight as expeditionary warfare partners.
• At sea and ashore, we must be ready to part with Navy roles, programs and traditions if they are not integral to our future vision or a core element of our mission.
• We must ensure today’s force is ready for its assigned missions.
• Maintaining ships and aircraft to their expected service lives is an essential contribution to fleet capacity.
• Our Navy Ethos defines us and describes the standard for character and behavior.
• We must clearly and directly communicate our intent and expectations both within and outside the Navy.
• I believe in the “Charge of Command.” We will train and empower our leaders with authorities commensurate with their responsibilities.

Its a little preachy.

Too wordy.

But this guy almost sounds like a grunt.

I like it.

“Dragons” of the 31st MEU fly aboard USS Essex

USS ESSEX, OKINAWA, Japan -A Sailor with Amphibious Squadron 11 guides an AH-1W Cobra helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, onto the flight deck of USS Essex (LHD 2), Sept. 28. The squadron flew onto USS Essex (LHD 2), joining the MEU for the deployment and upcoming certification exercises around Okinawa. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation’s force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region., Cpl. Garry J. Welch, 9/28/2011 7:36 AM

David's coverage of the SION air show!

If you love warbirds and the new fast movers with a mix of European flavor then you'll go ape over David's coverage of the Sion air show.  Check it out here...and as usual he has some of the best aviation pics going...

172nd Infantry on patrol....

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Raymond Vetter of B Company, Task Force 1-71, 172nd Infantry Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto provide security during a dismounted patrol outside of Forward Operating Base Curry, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 20.

U.S. Army soldiers of B Company, Task Force 1-71, 172nd Infantry Brigade provide security during a dismounted patrol outside of Forward Operating Base Curry, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 20.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Raymond Vetter and Staff Sgt. James Wardle of B Company, Task Force 1-71, 172nd Infantry Brigade provide security during a dismounted patrol outside of Forward Operating Base Curry, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 20.

U.S. Army Sgt. Cirera of B Company, Task Force 1-71, 172nd Infantry Brigade and Afghan Border Patrolmen provide security during a dismounted patrol outside of Forward Operating Base Curry, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Sept. 20.

Another undercover Marine Corps course that's a kick in the nuts....

Photos by Cpl. Demetrius Munnerlyn

U.S. Marines attending Infantry Squad Leaders Course, School of Infantry, West. The mission of ISLC is to train infantrymen to be able to take charge of Marines in a combat environment.

The gang behind the badge????

 
Wow. You're basically surrounded by killers, rapist and drug dealers and we're surprised that some might resort to this type of activity as a form of protection?

Is it right? No.

Is it understandable at some level? I think so.

But to be honest I'm not sure where I come down on this issue. Its worth keeping an eye on though.

The F-22 is back....

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft takes flight at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21, 2011, on a training sortie. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman’s premiere aircraft return to the sky. The return to flight of the F-22 ensures air dominance for combatant commanders around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss.)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft crew chief begins the procedure of releasing the aircraft from a hangar at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21, 2011. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman's premiere aircraft return to the sky. The decision by the commander of Air Combat Command to lift the stand-down ensures F-22 crews will return to combat mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft awaits release from the end of the runway at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21, 2011, to taxi out for a flight. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman’s premiere aircraft return to the sky. An expedient and safe return-to-fly ensures F-22 crews will return to combat mission readiness for the F-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft awaits release from the end of the flight line at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21, 2011, to taxi out for a flight. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman’s premiere aircraft return to the sky. An expedient and safe return-to-fly ensures F-22 crews will return to combat mission readiness for the F-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft crew chief speaks with the aircraft's pilot at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21, 2011, to ensure all of the pre-flight checks are done properly before takeoff. Four Raptors were launched as Holloman's premiere aircraft returns to the sky. An expedient return-to-fly means F-22 crews will return to combat mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

Silhouette pics are all the rage...

Sgt. Steve McCann, a vehicle commander with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and a native of Boston, MA, provides overwatch during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Sept. 13. 1/23, nicknamed “The Lone Star Battalion”, handed over responsibility to a wide variety of operations to 1st Bn., 25th Marines after a successful seven-month deployment.

A security detail keeps overwatch during a Relief In Place (RIP) ceremony at the Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC), Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, to commemorate the Transition Of Authority (TOA) from 1/23rd to 1/25th United States Marines on 13th September 2011. ..Royal Air Force Photo by Sergeant Mitch Moore/Released

31st MEU Marines return to USS Denver

Photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey Kyhl

Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pilot an amphibious assault vehicle towards the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver, not pictured.

Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pilot an amphibious assault vehicle into the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver.

Royal air force conduct operations in Helmand province

All photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Chandle

Two Royal air force CH-47 Chinooks take off from Task Force Helmand headquarters in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, Sept. 22.

A Royal air force CH-47 Chinook soars over Lashkar Gah district as the sun sets, Sept. 24.

212th Rescue Squadron and 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) train

All photos by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf

*Note*
This is my only complaint with Air Force Para-Rescue. They do great work but they change up how Infantry units operate when they show up. If its simply Marine Corps or Army or even an Allied Dust Off then the grunts on the ground are running things and no assessment by a "Para-Rescue" Officer is necessary. Your perimeter is set, you get the wounded aboard and they're on the way. I'd love details on the hows and whys of this force.

First Lt. Aaron Hunter (left), 212th Rescue Squadron combat rescue officer, and Tech. Sgt. Brandon Stuemke, 212th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, assess the scene upon arrival during training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Sept. 21. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

Pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron and members of Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), load a casualty into an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter during training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

An HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter transports the casualties and members of Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), and the 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen during training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21. In this specific training scenario, the pararescuemen used the helicopter to evacuate members of Baker Company who were hit by an improvised explosive device.

An HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter prepares to land during joint training of the 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen and members of Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Sept. 21. In this specific training scenario, the pararescuemen used the helicopter to reach members of Baker Company who were hit by an improvised explosive device and were under heavy fire.

Pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron and members of Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), look for the HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter during training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

Staff Sgt. BIll Cenna, 212th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, briefs Staff Sgt. Jason Ruiz, 212th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, on his patient's status during training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

Spc. Michael Hillhouse, Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), radio telephone operator, provides security as an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter lands to evacuate casualties during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Sept. 21. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

Carter gets the nod...

Few people noticed it but Ashton Carter was confirmed as Deputy Defense Secretary.  Via AFA...

Carter Gets Senate Nod: The Senate last week unanimously confirmed Ash Carter as the next deputy defense secretary. Carter, who has been the Pentagon's acquisition executive since April 2009, will replace Bill Lynn, who is stepping down after serving in the Defense Department's No. 2 post since February 2009. "Ash has a steady hand, a keen intellect, and an effective management style that will help this department keep faith with our troops and protect our nation," said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in the DOD release announcing Carter's confirmation. Panetta added, "He is already an essential part of my team as an outstanding undersecretary of defense, and I look forward to his continued guidance and leadership as he assumes his new responsibilities." President Obama nominated Carter for the post in early August.

So where does that leave the leadership of the DOD?

Panetta is solidly behind the F-35...in statements at least.  Carter has been the point man when it comes to defending the program.  The Commandant of the Marine Corps is behind it...The Navy is wavering but appear to be cautiously optimistic---if it works (and it will) then they'll be clamoring for it.  And the USAF has no other options.

The Senate can play all the games that they like but in the end, who is going to want to risk middle class jobs that will result from defense cuts?  Same applies to the House.

And we haven't even talked China yet.

The program is safe and the naysayers are spitting in the wind. 

The Police are not ready for outbreaks of rioting.

I saw this on Drudge....suffice it to say that the NYPD is supposedly the best equipped and most highly trained big city police department in this county.

If a few protesters in Wall Street could cause this much commotion then what will happen if the Bronx goes crazy?

The police aren't ready.  Our leadership isn't ready.  And I'm betting that with all the alarming reports coming out of Europe about Greece about to default and the EU being on the brink that we're on the edge of a financial meltdown that will shake the entire world.

Interesting times I tell ya...interesting times!

The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

Wow...I wonder what Turkey thinks about this development between the Greeks and Israeli's?  The enemy of my enemy is my friend!

Three IAF helicopters, two Apache longbows and one Blackhawk, fly above Greek mountains during a joint exercise with the Hellenic Air Force, on June 2011.

Ok...this bag stuff is getting ridiculous!

I've watched the modern day preparedness movement and have even adopted some of the ideas.

But parts of it are getting just plain goofy.  Specifically this bag stuff.  Its getting ridiculous!

1.  A Get Home Bag.

2.  Vehicle Bag.

3.  Every Day Carry Bag.

4.  Bug Out Bag.

Now my boy SootchOO is talking about a home defense bag?!?!  Really?  Seriously?  Check out his vid...