US Marines have landed in Australia...

via the Australia Ministry of Defense.

The first company-sized rotation of approximately 200 United States Marines Corps personnel have been officially welcomed to Darwin, with a ceremony at Robertson Barracks.
This initial Marine Corps rotation arrived in Darwin on 3 April, as part of the enhanced Australia‑US defence cooperation announced in November last year by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and United States President Barack Obama.
US Marine Corps personnel will deploy to northern Australia on a rotational basis for around six months per year.
In the future, up to 2500 Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) personnel will rotate into Australia during the northern dry season. 
A full MAGTF includes a Command Element, Ground Element, Aviation Element and Logistics Element.  Major equipment to support the elements of the MAGTF includes wheeled vehicles, artillery pieces, light armoured vehicles and aircraft, in addition to personnel. 
Heavy equipment, vehicles and aircraft are not included in the first rotation.
During the six-month deployment, the US Marine Corps will spend two or three months in Australia, mainly in Australian Defence Force training areas and ranges.  The remaining time will be spent engaging with partners in the region.
The US Marine Corps will use existing Defence facilities in northern Australia for accommodation and training. Defence will provide a range of support to this initial rotation and costs for this rotation will be shared under existing legal, financial and logistical arrangements.

Geez.

I'm happy to see the USMC finally getting set up in Australia.

Aussie Women!  YES!

But it strikes me that operational tempo Marine Corps wide seems to be increasing rather dramatically.  Afghanistan, MEU's, Africa, Japan, Australia and detachments operating everywhere in between ???

Yeah.  The war is suppose to be winding down in Afghanistan but the Marine Corps is busier than ever.  If the Ops Tempo keeps up at this pace then there is no way they'll be able to down size the Corps.

No way at all.

UPDATE & SPECIAL MESSAGE TO ALL GETTING ORDERS TO AUSTRALIA:  Be warned.  Everything living was designed to kill ya---makes a night at the NTA feel like a picnic..and that's during rainy season.  Check this out...via Cracked.com

Things in Australia that Will Kill You

Everything. No, seriously: Everything.

First there's the wildlife: If something appears to be cute and harmless in Australia, then we promise you - it has only evolved that way to lure you close enough for the thousands of ravenous, prehensile blade-tongues to descended upon you.

Then there's the Geography: Consisting mostly of arid, dry desert, (populated by over 100 venomous species of snake...READ THIS PART AGAIN~!  100 SPECIES OF VENOMOUS SNAKES!  THAT'S FUCKED UP BEYOND WORDS!) the harsh local climate is peppered with small, livable areas presumably just to lull human beings into a false sense of security.

Ah, but the tropical beaches, you say! Surely the paradise on Earth that is the Australian beach makes up for an entire continent of biological weapons. And it's true: Australia is known for having some of the best beaches in the world...all you have to worry about are the Saltwater Crocs, Great White Sharks, poisonous Stonefish, or being stung by the Box Jellyfish: The deadliest and most painful sting of any Jellyfish species in the world.

Your best bet is just to stay in the city then, right? Enjoy the local culture; go visit the capital of Canberra, or visit beautiful Sydney and see the wonder of the Opera house. And that's totally safe: Just remember to wear protective clothing, stay in well travelled areas, always know the nearest path to a hospital, and just generally try not to exist - because Australia is also home to over 280 species of poisonous spider (THAT'S RIGHT YOU LUCKY/POOR FUCKED BASTARD...100 SPECIES OF SNAKES AND 280 DIFFERENT POISONOUS CRAWLING IN YOUR SLEEPING BAG WHILE YOU'RE JACKING OFF SPIDERS---FACE IT....YOU LANDED IN PARADISE JUST TO GET FUCKED UP!), including that aforementioned Sydney Funnel Web Spider. What, did you think it was just a name? No, it lives in cities, in garages, in tool sheds and houses - it even swims. IT FUCKING SWIMS.

Seriously: Everything in Australia evolved solely to kill everything else in Australia - and you show up with your soft, unarmored skin, tiny, rounded teeth, and ridiculously non-poisonous spit and expect a vacation?

You just walked into Mother Nature's Thunderdome, friend. And in this analogy, you're not Max; you're the dead retard.  YEP.  SAY IT OUT LOUD.  YOU MADE IT THROUGH A WAR ZONE JUST TO GET BENEFITS PAID TO YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE YOU GOT DEPLOYED TO READY TO FUCK YOU UP THE MINUTE YOU SLIP RAT FUCKED AUSTRALIA!

Things in Australia that Will Not Kill You

....

Hugh Jackman seems nice. 

All the above is said tongue in cheek (except the fact that the animals/wildlife will snack on your ass if you're stupid).

1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

Lance Cpl. John Clark, (left), and Cpl. Phillip Rial, both support Marines with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) mix concrete and water to make a mold for a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, a welder, and Rial, a bulk fuel specialist, have completed multiple tasks on the compound to help support EOD Company's mission while deployed.

Lance Cpl. John Clark, a welder and support Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) puts concrete into a mold while constructing a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, along with 15 other Marines and sailors, support EOD Co. by performing multiple tasks - some of which fall outside of their traditional military occupational specialty.

Sgt. Cliff Lucker, (left), an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) instructs Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines on counter improvised explosive device tactics on the EOD Co. compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Lucker and other EOD technicians have the ability to train and teach Marines utilizing the IED lanes the support personnel of EOD Co. built throughout their deployment.

43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines...

I don't quite know how to label this post.  I'd love to say 43 Commando was back but in a sense they never went away.  This is what the Royal Navy had to say....

One of the most famous names in Royal Marines history has returned with the re-formation of 43 Commando at Faslane.
The new unit – officially 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – is the largest in the Corps and is responsible for protecting the nation’s nuclear deterrent as well as taking the fight to modern-day pirates in specialist boarding teams.
 From today Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – who safeguard Britain’s nuclear deterrent and are the Navy’s experts in board and search/counter-piracy operations – are 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, resurrecting the title of a legendary wartime formation.

So I guess in US Marine Corps language these guys would be a mix of FAST Company and Maritime Raid Force along with VBSS Teams.

Pretty impressive skill sets...I wonder how they have it broken down with in the Unit.  Do they have different "Squadrons" or Platoons assigned to each mission or is everyone cross trained?

Doesn't matter.  I'm just glad to see the Royal Marines beefing up a bit.  Good Stuff.

Blast from the past...Special Warfare Armored Transport.

The vehicle above is called the Special Warfare Armored Transport.  The image and information on it can be found at War Wheels Website...

Amazing isn't it.

In 1966 the US Army developed a set of requirements that pretty much spelled out the Stryker and Marine Personnel programs.

Except for probably not being IED resistant, I bet you could dust off the specs and maybe win a contest or two even today.

Sidenote:

Cut the modelers some slack.  In most cases they're doing a better job of perserving our armored and avaition history than most of the corporations and the various governments world wide.  Even if you're not a hobbyist I highly recommend you frequent a few of the sites.  You'd be surprised at the wealth of info you can find.

Now you want to defend the program?

via Military.com

The Defense Department’s F-35 Lightning II fighter program is “achieving stability” after its latest record-breaking cost estimate was unveiled last week, a top Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday, and he reaffirmed DoD’s commitment to the huge international effort.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little acknowledged to reporters “there had been issues in the past with respect to development and testing, and with respect to cost,” but that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had made getting them under control a top priority.
“We do believe we’re achieving stability over time with respect to development and testing and with respect to cost,” Little said. He alluded to the next batch of F-35s that DoD expects to order from prime contractor Lockheed Martin, a deal that would require Lockheed to cover more of the costs for develop the fighters even as they’re also in production.

Read the whole thing....but....

Its pretty fucking pathetic.

Only now do the clowns at the Pentagon realize that this program is under assault and needs to be defended.  Want proof?  Read the latest from Sweetman over at Aviation Week.  I'd quote it here but to be honest it makes me sick.

The sad thing is that this all could have been avoided.

But they didn't take the misinformation campaign seriously.  They didn't realize that an old hack (who was once a hero, now turned pure politician) named McCain would latch onto the critics of the program to burnish his maverick theme.

They just didn't think.  But that's ok.  The line is running out on the Defense/Aviation writers that think they can make a name on bashing the F-35.

The way I figure it...One wrong move and they'll end up the ass lickers....

How long before SOCOM gets this shiny new toy for the SEALs?

I'd bet money that a procurement officer is on his way to make an urgent operational request for a couple of these boats for SEAL use.

The 30mm cannon is unique though.  I don't think I've seen one of these "pursuit"/"insertion" boats with one before.

F-16 Living Legacy

A quick thought on the Scout Helicopter Program.

 Just a quick thought on the US Army's Scout Helicopter Competition.

EADS and Sikorsky have practically driven Boeing and Bell out of contention.

Why do I say that?

Because both helicopters offer something that neither OH-58II or the AH-6 can offer.

Utility.

The Sikorsky offers technological innovation and drastic improvements in speed and performance.

The EADS offering gives you a proven, affordable platform that you already have a supply chain established for and the potential for a low price.

The ball is in the Army's court but it would appear from this outsiders view that they can whittle this comp down to two helos before the contest even begins.

EFV to live?

A little birdy has informed me that the US Marine Corps has been offered a simplified version of the EFV by General Dynamics.

It will have a simplified suspension and utilize water jets in place of the complex drive used to propel it through the water.

The best bits are to be retained...meaning everything else but that water drive system.  Estimated costs are yet to be determined but this is supposedly the reason for a couple of happenings...first the program offices of three different programs being combined and second the seeming feet dragging that we're seeing with the AAV upgrade and the ACV programs.

Interesting.

You can bet that a note is going to be fired off to the program office this morning to try and get some confirmation on any of this stuff!

But I told ya...when I hear it, you will too!

NOTE:
I posted this story then quickly took it down last night.  The reason.  I thought it would be better to give the Program Office a chance to respond.  They didn't so now its up.  Also note that I'm also reaching out to General Dynamics to see if they're willing to verify this story.  Every manufacturer is keeping their cards close to the vest.  I understand it, but it still annoys.  Whats even more annoying is when the government starts playing those reindeer games.

S-97 Raider Brochure.

RAIDER Brochure

S-97 Raider. Wow!

Have you kept up with the Sikorsky S-97?

Did you know they have a website?  Check it out here.

Did you notice that this recon/attack helo is also shown carrying 6 troops?

If the USAF was smart they'd be jumping on this bandwagon for not only the Special Ops mission set but also the mission of patrolling our nuke missile sites.

A true multi-role helicopter that's not as big as a bus, can perform the attack mission and can also carry an assault section.

I'm in love.

An entire division of Infantry and Tanks is coming your way. What would you do?

Yeah.


A division of Infantry and Tanks heading your way.


You have about a company (-) of troops you're leading.


Do you bug out?


No one.  I repeat NO ONE would talk shit if you did.  This is a classic no win situation.  A Kobayashi Mauru...on steroids.


But Colonel Ripley had family jewels the size of wrecking balls and he didn't run.


He held his ground and won the day.

MARINES WIN BATTLES.

Colonel Ripley won his.  Read about it here.

Armed Aerial Scout 72X+

EADS North America unveiled its Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ (AAS-72X+) April 2, 2012 at the annual Army Aviation Association of America convention. The AAS-72X+ will offer the Army greater power, range, endurance and payload capacity when operating in 6,000 foot altitude and 95 degree environments, commonly known as “6K/95 high/hot” conditions. EADS North America image

Royal Marines Practicing Cliff Climbing Techniques

A Royal Marine of Zulu Company, 45 Commando is pictured practicing cliff climbing techniques during a training exercise.

The Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade is the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry on permanent readiness to deploy across the globe, and is a core component of the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force. Together the Royal Navy's amphibious ships and the Brigade represent a highly mobile, self-sustained and versatile organisation, with a strategic power projection capability that is unique among the British armed services. The Royal Marines are the cold weather experts of the Services.
Photographer: LA(PHOT) Andy Laidlaw

Looks like Bridgeport.

How will the Army be relevant in the Pacific?

That's the question of the day.

How will the US Army be relevant when everyone's attention is turning to the Pacific?

The answer is found in history and in Japanese planning.

Its to occupy islands in the area with Air Defense Artillery and Infantry Brigades.

As things currently stand the Stryker Brigades will be relegated to what they have always been...irrelevance.  Sidenote:  You don't form units around vehicles...its been a mistake that the Army's been making since reinventing its Infantry Squads to fit the Bradley.  The US Army will have to re-embrace the Light Infantry concept and get boots back on the ground.  It will take an institutional change in mindset but its doable.  Brigade sized units scattered around the Pacific on select islands would be an automatic force multiplier.  Toss in some robust Air Defense Artillery and you have road blocks and containment units to help cage the Chinese Dragon.


Best of all this matches not only US planning but also that of our Japanese and Australian allies.  I would bet body parts that I highly value that Singapore would be happy with any training opportunities..as would the Philippines and even Vietnam.

Quick and easy the US Army is in the game in the Pacific...has a role in combating N. Korean nukes (if it deploys the appropriate gear for anti-missile defense) and has the chips in the game to help it survive those dastardly budget wars.

Marine Aviation doing what it does best. Supporting the Marine on the ground.

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, keeps an eye on the terrain over southwest Afghanistan March 28. Two VMM-365 crews dropped off approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, in Helmand province to support combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 5:54 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Andrew Lopez, a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and a Port Jervis, N.Y., native, prepares to disembark an MV-22B Osprey in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28. The 2/6 Marines, sailors and Afghan National Army soldiers flew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:02 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Vaneerd, a Three Lakes, Wis., native and hospital corpsman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, gives military working dog, "Bone," an ear rub before taking off in an MV-22B Osprey, March 28. Approximately 40 Marines, sailors and Afghan National Army soldiers flew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 to a patrol site in Helmand province, Afghanistan., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:08 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 cut through the sky over Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28. The Osprey crews flew approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, to a patrol point in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:53 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, stands guard as Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, disembark an MV-22B Osprey in southwest Afghanistan March 28. Two Osprey crews flew approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2/6, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 8:43 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Military working dog, "Bone," leads the way as Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, disembark an MV-22B Osprey in southwest Afghanistan March 28. Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, keeps a watchful eye on the horizon while the 2/6 Marines spread out in the unstable region., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 8:43 AM

Tavor to be sold in the US? I'm buying one!

The Firearms Blog is reporting that this weapon is coming to the US.

Awesome.

I THOUGHT I was done buying guns...but if the Tavor is coming to America then I have to make room for it and its little brother!

T-Rex vs. Titano Boa.

via IO9 by way of the Smithsonian



My money is on the snake.  Ambush predators are plain tough to beat.

Lies, Damn lies and What The Fuck Lies.

Robin Laird has an article that everyone should read...go to his place but check out this part....

Recently, we have seen yet again, a US government report on the life cycle costs of the F-35 fleet from a 55 year perspective!
One could ask a simple question: what has mandated this question and why are they not fired?
There are many questions one can ask in life but wondering about the lifecycle costs of combat systems 55 years in the future is not one of them.
There can only be one purpose of posing this question: to come up with a PR number to club the program.
But analytically, we should laugh this effort off of the stage.  Simply to pose the question should be met with ridicule, disdain or perhaps sorrow.
To give perspective, let us imagine that our predecessors had been so stupid or irrelevant.  Let us go back in time – 55 years ago – and pretend that we are GAO analysts being tasked to look at the life cycle costs of weapon systems by the year 2012.  (Hard to imagine President Eisenhower not calling such folks up to the White House for a barbecue, and not to eat ribs).

Some MORON at the GAO is trying to ESTIMATE costs of the F-35 fifty five years into the future!

Say it out loud.  55 fucking years!

And yet certain aviation websites and defense sites are publishing this GUESS and obvious HIT PIECE and running with it like its news.

I only wish that this was an April Fool's joke and not something that our government actually put out.

I'd be amazed if it wasn't par for the course.  Pathetic. 

UPDATE:

Darren hit me with the numbers that we should be looking at (journalist too)...

Production fly away cost
F-35A = $83.4 million ((£52 million))
F-35B = $108.1 million ((£67 million))
F-35C = $93.3 million ((£58 million))

Guess what bat fans...this makes the F-35, a stealth airplane and probably the most technologically advanced airplane flying known to the general public, cheaper than its rivals...Typhoon, Rafale and the F-15E/S/K.  Kinda puts things into perspective doesn't it?

Her Bra Saved A Life!

IDF medic Anastasia Begdlov was a passenger on a civilian bus on the Israel-Egypt border last August when terrorists opened fire on it. Begdlov treated injured passengers immediately, improvising with whatever supplies she could reach. She used her bra as a tourniquet on a severely wounded man's knee, saving his life. Today, the IDF rewarded her with a military decoration. Begdlov is currently a cadet in officers' course.

I'm dumbfounded.

Speechless.

Just wow.  I've heard of improvised gear but this has to be a first.