Stann is a BEAST!

Thanks Joe for the heads up!



Oh and for the very few that might not know....check out BrianStann.com

Brian Stann Bio

"All American" Brian Stann was born on September 24, 1980 at Yakota Air Base in Japan before moving to the United States and growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. From an early age Brian played organized football and excelled quickly. He was the leader of Scranton Prep’s football team, setting school records by a quarterback for career passing yards and rushing. His achievements on the field mirrored his academic accomplishments and he was selected with the honor of being accepted to one of the most prestigious scholastic institutions in the country, the United States Naval Academy in 1999.

Naval Academy

While at the Naval Academy, Brian quickly excelled in his new position as linebacker, helping them beat their arch-rival Army in three of his four meeting. He followed up that honor earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, before continuing his service to his country by accepting a commission as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps in 2003.

Iraq

As a football player, Brian took with him the lessons he learned on how to complete a mission with a team, one that quickly came in handy for him in the Corps. He was only with his men for a few months before they deployed to Iraq.
Brian was the 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon leader with Weapons Company when everything started happening during his very first operation. From May 8-14, 2005, he led his men into battle, where their mission was to seize a bridge near Karabilah, Iraq. Three different times, he negotiated four kilometers to maintain their position from enemy attacks. However, on the third time through, the enemy had set up an ambush for the Marines.

Ambush

Although ambushed, Brian called in close-air support and direct fire from tanks while taking on over 30 rocket-propelled grenade attacks, multiple machine guns firing, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonating.
"When we began, it was a big fight, but as the days went on, we began to use more of our assets," Brian explained. "We called in close air support and used tanks and dealt a big blow to the enemy."
Brian was in a 360-degree fight and was setting up casualty evacuation points after they were hit by suicide IEDs. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the hard work of his men in the sheer face of danger, explained Brian.

Silver Star

"He [Brian] has great strength of character and endurance, which was shown when everything happened over a week and he kept on going," explained Major General Richard Huck, 2nd Marine Division's Commanding General, shortly after presenting Brian with the Silver Star. "It doesn't even capture all that happened.”
Brian stated afterwards, "This award represents my guys. It's an insight to what my men did over there. There were a lot of our guys who received awards from our group when we were out there, not just me. You can forget all the other medals. I just wanted the award that said 42 out of 42 men came home safely," he further explained. "And we all came home, so mission accomplished."

Teressa

And what a homecoming for Brian it was. He married his college sweetheart, Teressa, who he met while back home visiting his family in Scranton. Teressa is a graduate of Mary wood University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Services and a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader.

Mixed Martial Arts

During Brian’s next tour in Iraq, he called a fight promoter and clamored for a shot at the mixed-martial arts world. The promoter took a chance on him and Brian did not disappoint earning a first round knockout in his very first fight. Another promoter took notice and quickly signed him to a deal with World Extreme Cagefighting. During his first fight under their banner, he earned another first round knockout, this time in just 16 seconds, the fastest knockout in WEC history. He has since remained undefeated by defeating another previously undefeated opponent via another first round knockout!
Brian continues to serve on active duty as a United States Marine Corps Officer at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. However, he still finds time to train every day and is quickly being recognized as the future of MMA in the light heavyweight division. Expect Brian to continue making his mark on this sport.

Elements of Power Blog hits it out of the park again!

via Elements of Power Blogspot.

The B-52 is a beautiful over-engineered-by-slide-rule beast first flown on April 15, 1952 that has now flown for 60 years. The newest airframe is now over 50 years old. The 50+ operational life of the B-52 began with it being a high altitude penetrating bomber, painfully transitioning to a low altitude penetrating bomber, and then finally to its current primary role as a standoff weapons launch platform.

The Value of History: Perspective

Novices in mathematics, science, or engineering are forever demanding infallible, universal, mechanical methods for solving problems. -J. R. Pierce

It has been written that “What If?” is historian’s “favorite secret question”. Would the B-52 have become the venerable icon of airpower that it is ‘then’, if American communications and norms had been different?
What if’ 1946-1952 was anything like 2006-2012?

And then he goes on to ABSOLUTELY NAIL the critics of the F-35 (and other modern day program) up against the wall like a cheap suit that seen better days (and the critics of the F-35 have seen better days).

I won't spoil it.  Go to his site to read the goodness.

Long story short.  

The critics are all frauds.  Each and every one of them.  They're either tryng to impress their friends or they're lying thru there teeth or both.

Fuck'em.

1th MEU operations ashore

Photo by Sgt. Elyssa Quesada

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 perform a breaching demonstration as part of a joint training exercise with Omani soldiers here April 7. The landing team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines assigned to Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct ambush technique training here April 7. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

The following photos are by Cpl. Gene A. Ainsworth III

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Chad J. Cigelske loads ammunition before participating in live-fire exercise here April 6. Cigelske serves with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. William R. Jones pours water on the ground to decrease the risk of electrical shock here April 6. Jones serves with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's command element. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Pedro Jacobo rehearses tactical movements before participating in a live-fire exercise here April 6. Jacobo serves with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines serving with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse fire team movements prior to a live-fire exercise here April 6. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines serving with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit rehearse fire team movements prior to a live-fire exercise here April 6. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Which SEAL shaved Webb's pubes????

Quote from the Mirror regarding a Review of Brandon Webb's new book.

Mr Webb also revealed the extreme hazing ritual forced on him after his colleagues discovered that he had lied to them about secretly marrying.
His hands were duct taped into a ‘lobster claw’ and his eyes were taped shut while he was force fed tequila.
He then had alligator clips attached to his nipples and was shocked using a handheld generator.
Mr Webb wrote: “You can squeeze it in rapid succession and then it lets loose a charge, only in this case the wires were hooked up with alligator clips to my nipples.
“I don’t know how many volts go through that thing but when the charge hits you, you lose all control, and that was exactly what I did.”

Mr Webb was then subjected to a final insulting ordeal which involved Tabasco being poured over his private parts and his pubic hair shaved off and glued to his face.

I just want to know which US NAVY SEAL shaved Webb's pubic hair and then glued them to his face.

The comments section is entertaining though.

Check this out....first we have one of his "ladies" chiming in to help him out....

Kathy Sato

12:38 AM on 15/4/2012

Any USN SEAL is the antithesis of a sniveler - the training in BUD/S is hard to imagine and everyone says what happens after and operationally is worse. Brandon, what kind of generator did they use, a modern or old one. The old hand cranked magnetos can produce up to 120 volts and up to 5 amps when cranked fast! That is far beyond the current which can produce ventricular fibrillation (about 120ma)! Being an old electronics experimenter, I've had some accidents with that kind of voltage and current and I must have ended up looking like Daffy Duck after getting his beak blown backwards by Elmer - and it wasn't on any sensitive parts (except for one accident I'll tell Brandon offline) and only for a moment. Ouch.

I would so love to be a fly on the wall for that offline conversation...but then we have a guy who's seeing this for what it is....

Edward Stephen Burgess

9:06 PM on 13/4/2012

Glad he made it and thanks for his contributions, BUT..... This brief article sounds a lot like sniveling.....

Edward is trying to be polite.  He says sniveling, I say Bullshit....but wait...there is more!  We finally have Webb chiming in....

fb_1043144463_fb

2:50 AM on 14/4/2012

No sniveling here. It's cut out of context. Read the book and then pass judgement. -Brandon

Well I haven't read the book.  I keep debating whether I really want to help his sales by buying it.  I keep coming out on the side of hell no....

Which leaves only one thing.

Brandon Webb needs to come out on his website and explain this nonsense.  Its making him and the US NAVY SEALs look bad.

Very bad.

Supporting SOCOM, not the USN/USMC team.

via SLD.

On 24 January 2012, the Military Sealift Command posted a bid request to retrofit the USS Ponce to make it a “mothership” for helos and smaller high-speed boats.  By mid-April 2012, the Ponce was being prepared for its new role.
If anything was needed to demonstrate the ability of the MSC to contract effectively and to support the USN-USMC team’s global mission, this performance certainly was it. The mother ship will perform a “lilypad” role for the MH-53 helicopters in a mine-clearance role, as well as for other assets.
In a comprehensive interview with Second Line of Defense on April 13, 2012, Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, Commander of the MSC, underscored the performance of MSC to meet the USN-USMC needs. The full interview will be published soon on Second Line of Defense.
Admiral Harvey, Commander Fleet Forces Command, asked Admiral Buzby: “Can your mariners operate the Ponce as an afloat operating base?”
And Admiral Buzby commented: “Although we don’t have a forward operating base in MSC, operating a steam ship which has a flight deck, which has a well deck we can operate that.  And under the authorities which I have in MSC, I can refurbish the ship as well.  I can do that very quickly for you.  I can give you high value for the dollar.  I can deliver that capability quickly. And my mariners along with USN personnel can execute the mission.  I can probably give you that capability faster than anyone else.

Besides the usual bravado that accompanies any interview given by a Flag Officer these days, the article is wrong on another level.

This entire effort isn't to support USN/USMC operations.

This effort is to support SOCOM.

SOCOM alone.

As usual, the Admiral in charge of SOCOM spouts off a bit much (something thats seen throughout the SEAL community...check out Webb's new book...) and somehow he has in essence captured for his services use a retired LPD and seems to be getting ready to rope in a couple of MH-53's to boot.

Left unsaid is the fact that the USN is already rushing mine sweeping assets to the Middle East.  Which means that the cover story about this ship acting as a mine sweeping base is pure bull shit.

Its going to be a SOCOM mothership.

The MH-53's will be used to establish Forward Rearming and Refueling Points.  The SOCOM Admiral is even putting forth a battle plan that would keep conventional units in Afghanistan to SUPPORT SOCOM while his units attack terrorist holdouts.

Let that sink in.

A Division plus of Special Operations Personnel still need the support of conventional units.

The arrogance makes me sick!

Cut these bubbas loose and let them operate on their own.  That includes the "Maritime Raid Force"....a Battalion Landing Team is part of every MEU.  If all they're good for is holding the perimeter while the "Raid Force" does its thing then let them spend time with the family instead of deploying.

Its all BULLSHIT.

Reconnaissance Marines perform craft operations

Photos by Sgt. Elyssa Quesada

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 move an inflatable boat aboard USS Makin Island here April 4. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marine Capt. Brendan Mahoney checks a piece of equipment aboard USS Makin Island before conducting a shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. Mahoney serves as a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 mount inflatable boats aboard USS Makin Island before conducting a shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 push off USS Makin Island's stern gate in inflatable boats before conducting a shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 float away in an inflatable boat from USS Makin Island's stern gate to conduct shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 float away in an inflatable boat from USS Makin Island's stern gate to conduct shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 prepare inflatable boats aboard USS Makin Island here April 4 before conducting shoreline reconnaissance. The team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marine Sgt. Tommy Gill prepares equipment aboard USS Makin Island here April 4 before conducting shoreline reconnaissance. Gill serves as a team leader with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reconnaissance Marine Capt. Brendan Mahoney briefs his Marines aboard USS Makin Island before conducting a shoreline reconnaissance here April 4. Mahoney serves as a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Are we witnessing Afghanistan's Tet Offensive?

via SkyNews.

There has been a series of attacks across the Afghan capital Kabul, with insurgents targeting Western embassies and the parliament building.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the co-ordinated strikes - adding that a group of armed suicide bombers had launched attacks on Nato's headquarters, the parliament and a number of diplomatic residences.
"These attacks are the beginning of the spring offensive and we had planned them for months," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid was quoted as saying.
Several explosions rocked the US, British and German embassies and a Nato military base.
One report said a rocket-propelled grenade had hit the residence of the British diplomat in Kabul.
The Foreign Office confirmed in a statement: "There is an ongoing incident in the diplomatic area of Kabul. We are in close contact with embassy staff."
A spokesman for the US embassy said it was in lockdown, but staff there were safe.
A US defence official, who did not want to be named, said the attackers were using mostly small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, and "perhaps even suicide bombers".
Afghan security forces, who are responsible for the safety of the capital, have been scrambling to reinforce areas around the diplomatic enclave of the city centre.

Read the whole thing but I wonder...

A series of coordinated attacks all across the city?

Announcements from both NATO and the Afghan government that the Afghans are ready to take control of their own security?

Years of warfare and the American public finally saying enough is enough?

If you're a student of American Military History this is really looking similar to stuff seen in the history books....as a matter of fact all we're missing is attacks in the countryside to tie this all together.

Historians will one day mark the end of this war as beginning when we went from a pure anti-terrorist mindset and shuffled ourselves into a nation building project.

And that's the shame of this whole thing.

I bleed red, white and blue but common sense tells me that this is now a civil war.  Only that nations people can decide who the winner or loser is.  Only they can decide if women are going to be given equal rights.

All we're doing now is wasting time, money and lives.

Its time to go. 

Sidenote:  If you don't think that this was beyond coordinated then check out this story.  384 prisoners were freed from a Pakistani prison after a 4 hour gunbattle in which ---- wait for it-----4 guards were "injured"----after a 4 hour gunbattle i'm expecting to see at least a few bodies on the floor, but not in this case.  This is another example of an inside job in my opinion.  This war is over.  We didn't lose it.  The diplomats/State Dept/NGO's lost it.

The UK debate: Which one, Harrier or Tornado?

The debate between the Harrier and Tornado....and which one would have proved more useful to the UK nation still rages.

You might ask why....it would be a good question and the answer is credibility.  Senior Military Leadership along with a willing aviation media went along with the lie that the Tornado was more effective.  We all know that to NOT be the case.

Your next question is why continue the debate since the UK sold its Harriers to the US.  The answer again is that since Senior Military Leadership and the aviation media both participated in the lie that the Tornado was more effective, its important to take a good look at the issue with an eye toward future procurement.

Unfortunately service politics, media muscle flexing and a few deranged individuals all have conspired to weaken UK's defense posture.

Arrogance run amok is a site to behold.

Fortunately, Grand Logistics cuts thru the noise and gives nothing but the "facts" in his latest blog piece.  Check him out here.

Awesome. Finally some balanced reporting on the F-35.

via The Dew Line.

Lockheed Martin is being awarded a $258.8 million not-to-exceed undefinitized modification to the previously awarded low rate production contract for the F-35.

The contract modification to the fifth production lot adds one additional F-35A conventional take-off and landing aircraft for the US Air Force, and one additional F-35C carrier variant aircraft for the US Navy.  According to a US Department of Defense release the modification includes undefinitized line items, which will be definitized as fixed-price-incentive-firm.

The low rate initial production (LRIP) V contract has fluctuated before. Back in October 2011, the Department of Defense reduced the LRIP V procurement amount by five aircraft. That cut some combination of F-35As and F-35Cs but preserved three orders for the F-35B.

That meant the LRIP V order droped from 35 to 30 aircraft.

Lockheed offers an explanation.

"The president's budget calls funding for up to 32 jets in LRIP 5. The UCA signed in December was for only 30 jets," says company  spokeswoman Laurie Quincy. "This action today funds two additional jets equaling the President's budget proposal. We look forward to continuing to work with our government customer to finalize details for a LRIP contract."

Wow.

Finally a main stream media news source reports on the F-35 without the negative spin that oozes out of every report from the usual suspects like Aviation Week.

I don't know this Dave guy that's writing over at the Dew Line now but he is a breath of fresh air.  

NOW.  If he reports a setback in the program I'll take it seriously...meaning.  I won't automatically dismiss it as being part of an agenda to either...

1.  Save European manufacturing.
2.  Save the RAF from the Royal Navy (as if they need saving...really the same applies to number one).
3.  Save Air Forces from Naval Aviation (an extension of number two but it covers air forces around the world in relation to their naval forces)
4.  Part of a loose net cabal/conspiracy of writers to just bash the F-35 every chance they get.
or...
5.  All of the above.

Its refreshing.

Oh and check out your usual news sources to see if they pick up this story.  I can tell you that they haven't...Bob Cox at Ft. Worth Star hasn't....Aviation Week or Ares Blog hasn't....the follower up in Canada hasn't....the prick in up state New York hasn't....

Nope, the merry band of F-35 bashers with an Australian bent (no I haven't forgotten about you assholes at APA) choose to ignore this story.

But we have at least one main stream writer bucking the trend.  That's at least a little good news.

RSAF gets its AEW airplane.

via AsiaOne.

Singapore gets new early-warning aircraft as four Gulfstream jets went operational on Friday in a ceremony at Tengah Air Base, officiated by Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen.
With a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles, the Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft allows the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to see farther, and respond more effectively to aerial threats in various operational situations.
The four Gulfstream 550s are the same business jets used by the rich. They were converted for military use and replace the RSAF's E-2C AEW Hawkeye that had served the Air Force for more than 20 years.
The G550-AEW is one of the most sophisticated airborne early-warning (AEW) platforms in the world today. AEW eliminates risks of surprise from the air as they provide persistent and all-weather ability to detect, identify and track aerial threats.
The jet is equipped with a sophisticated mission suite that includes an active electronically scanned array radar to detect, identify and track aerial targets.
It has a modern 'glass' cockpit that comprises four 14-inch multifunction LCD screens and a state-of-the-art avionics suite which includes a weather radar to warn the pilots of any adverse weather that potentially affects the aircraft's flight path.
For self protection, the G550-AEW is equipped with a radar warning receiver, a missile warning system, and a chaff and flare dispensing system.
Since the arrival of the first G550-AEW aircraft in Feb 2009, pilots, air warfare officers and maintenance crew of 111 Squadron have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as to integrate the aircraft to support the Singapore Armed Forces' round-the-clock operations.
During this period, the squadron also participated in major exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger and Exercise Bersama Lima.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng described the AEW platforms as "critical for a small country like Singapore".
"They eliminate risks of surprise from the air as they provide us a critical edge with persistent and all-weather ability to detect, identify and track aerial threats the whole year round."

Interesting on a couple of levels.

I guess the first is that Sinapore maintains its lead in the Pacific as far as fielding one of the most technologically advanced forces in the region.

Second is the comparison of this airplane, not to the E-3 but rather to the E-2.  It flies higher and stays in the air longer.

And the last is the competition between the G550 and the 737 is becoming a bit more interesting.  I can't compare the electronics but its 737 two three (Korea and Australia+ Turkey....thanks Aussie Digger!) and the G550 two (Isreal and Singapore)...this race should be good.

Is the Battalion Landing Team dead?

via UPI.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Pendleton will be training along the central California coast April 15-21 in preparation for deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East later this year.
The 15th MEU will send its Maritime Raid Force and some of its aviation units to a Navy base in Ventura County where they will practice assaults on offshore platforms near Carpenteria. The exercises will also include "urban flying and navigation" by helicopter crews that could produce some noticeable aircraft noise.
The Marines said in a written statement they were taking steps to minimize any inconvenience to the folks in Ventura County but noted the exercises were critical to their upcoming deployment.
"This realistic training allows the MEU to operate as a complete Marine Air Ground Task Force in an urban environment," said Col. Scott Campbell, the unit's commanding officer. "The importance of an exercise such as this cannot be understated; our future success depends greatly upon the amount of practice repetitions we have during training exercises like this one."

This is a disturbing question for me, but one which must be asked.

SOCOM is taking on more and more missions...even missions that were traditionally done by conventional forces.

But now.

The premier unit in the Marines.  The most visible and forward deployed.  The MEU is sweeping aside its BLT and focusing on its Raid Force.

This doesn't sit well with me but its obvious...just read the article.

My real question then becomes....

Why send a BLT out on these pumps if they're just tasked to play backup for the raid force.  We can chop the BLT down to company size and let them play nurse maid to the raid force.  If all they need are perimeter guards then recruits from Boot Camp can fill that role.

The Marine Corps has been bitten with the Special Ops bug and its destroying its own infantry in order to support SOCOM.

This is a sad day.

A MEU should consist of the Raid Force, a company of Infantry and Aviation.  The rest of the MEU can go home.  Chesty must be punching walls.

Now the SEALs Haze?

OK.

I hope Brandon Webb is doing some damage control.

I hope there are some serious misquotes.  Outright lies.  Spinning of facts going on.

Otherwise the Navy SEALs are going to be up to their eyeballs in Congressional Investigations and possibly face Criminal Charges.

This from the Mirror.

Mr Webb also revealed the extreme hazing ritual forced on him after his colleagues discovered that he had lied to them about secretly marrying.
His hands were duct taped into a ‘lobster claw’ and his eyes were taped shut while he was force fed tequila.

He then had alligator clips attached to his nipples and was shocked using a handheld generator.

Mr Webb wrote: “You can squeeze it in rapid succession and then it lets loose a charge, only in this case the wires were hooked up with alligator clips to my nipples.

“I don’t know how many volts go through that thing but when the charge hits you, you lose all control, and that was exactly what I did.”

Mr Webb was then subjected to a final insulting ordeal which involved Tabasco being poured over his private parts and his pubic hair shaved off and glued to his face.

Just for comparison.

Marines were almost Court Martialed for "Blood Wings"...have faced NCIS investigations for making Privates do pushups for falling asleep while on guard duty in a combat zone and had the Commandant restate an already solid hazing policy.

If what Webb is saying is true then even I (as jaded and twisted in the head as I am) believe that someone should go to jail.

IF THIS ISN'T TRUE.  

Then Webb needs to clarify this stuff poste haste.  Like this weekend, on his blog in BOLD letters.

Not only the conventionals are watching.

So is SOCOM.

So are the SEALs.

So is America.

This is hitting hard in the UK.  Its only a matter of time before these blurbs in the Mirror and the Mail make it back here.

SIDENOTE: Mr. Webb was then subjected to a final insulting ordeal which involved Tabasco being poured over his private parts and his pubic hair shaved off and glued to his face??????  GEEEEEZZZZZ.  This is sounding more and more like embellishment and fiction.  I can't see that happening in any military unit.  SEALs are too laid back for that type of nonsense.  This has to be bullshit.

100 years of Marine Corps Aviation...the E-book....

The powers that be came up with a great E-book ready for download.  Go here to get your copy....

Be warned.

Its over 100 megabytes and if you have a slow connection, it'll bog down your computer but its really worth a look.

BSN's military discount....

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Orders from BSNOnline.net that ship to an APO/FPO address will receive 45% off the order total as well as free shipping. If you are not shipping to an APO/FPO address, proof of service will be required in order to receive the special pricing. Just contact Customer Service by submitting a ticket so that we can verify your military service and apply the discount to your account.

*Discount applies to full-sized individual supplements only. Apparel, Trial Kits, Stacks and Specials are excluded. Discount will be applied after submitting your address at checkout.

That's right Jar Heads...Doggies...Zoomies...Squiddies....

If you're in the military you get 45% off and free shipping.  That beats the price you're getting in the PX and you only have to plan ahead a little bit to take advantage of the savings.  This is really geared toward you guys down range but hey...it even works stateside.

So...put down those wimpy ass kettle bells, pick up some real iron....grab a pull up bar (or make one)...get some proper supplementation and get ready for summer.

You don't want to be a fat ass on the beach do ya?

Check out the offer on the BSN website here.

NOTE:

The only BSN product I'm familiar with is the protein powder Syntha-6.  I can't vouch for the rest of their line but the S-6 kicks booty.

The latest teenage prank that could be weaponized...

A drano bomb.

Kid stuff right?  Maybe.  Check out this story from Yahoo about an alert sent out by NYPD....

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Some people are using a popular household cleaning product to make explosives, according to the NYPD.
Police put out an alert earlier in the week that warned of so-called “Drano bombs.
Drano is most often used to unclog drains in sinks, but the NYPD said the creation, also known as a “bottle bomb,” could be exploded by using readily available household products in plastic containers, like soda bottles.
“We will periodically send out information about what’s being seen in various commands that we think is useful for all members of the department to know about,” Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told 1010 WINS.
If shaken even gently, the dangerous hydrochloric acid in the containers can react and lead to chemical burns or even blindness when they explode.
Authorities have seen the devices being used by gang members in Far Rockaway as a “dangerous” prank, Browne said.

This is kinda interesting though.

I sat through a class on improvised explosives and they're making it up as they go.  I don't know whether to be impressed or worried.

Add bleach to the mix instead of water...increase the size (I mean adding MANY MANY more bottles of drano to the mix)....add soap and gasoline in huge quantities....and you're heading toward something fierce.  And thats without even trying.

Lets face it.  Our entire society can be weaponized if the desire is there.  In the meantime be on the lookout for the little gobblins playing tricks.

Friday Funny.

A button was placed in a quiet Belgian town and they waited for someone to come along and push it.  Check it out below!



If you've seen this already cool.  I just thought it was awesome.

General Tactical Vehicles pulls a fast one.

Don't know how I missed this.

GTV is pulling a fast one and it won't go unnoticed by the competitors in the JLTV comp.

The GTV Eagle...or Mowag Eagle...or Duro Mowag...or whatever you want to call it is basically an off the shelf solution to the JLTV issue.

Problem is...BAE could have teamed with Iveco and submitted the Panther.  Lockheed Martin would have built and designed a less costly and probably less robust vehicle etc....

The Army led ground vehicle programs are a mess.

This will be contested.  The competition will have to be redone.  The Humvee will soldier on and the MRAP will continue.

Looks like the Marine Corps might end up rebuilding the Humvee after all.  Read more about this vehicle and the other contenders here.

Huh????

I'm not a fan of his site.

I've held off on judgement of his book.

But after reading this, I'm gonna break down and buy it just to verify the info in this story from the Daily Mail...

Brandon Webb told how he would have to get up at 5am and run five miles just to get his breakfast, do two thousand press-ups and crawl on all fours through sand until he was physically broken.
He developed half inch deep cuts and calluses on his hands and survived a four-storey fall to the floor under the watch of brutal instructors who were like ‘demons from hell’.

But after surviving all that he suffered an even more humiliating fate when he was wired up to an electrical generator by his nipples and force fed tequila in a brutal hazing ceremony - just for lying to his superiors.

In his book The Red Circle, Mr Webb writes how he began his SEAL training in June 1997 at the age of 23 on the BUD/S course, which stands for Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL.

Ok.

That just sounds gay.

I could see getting punched.

Slapped.

Made to PT till you puked.

But force fed tequila?  Wired up to a generator?  That sounds like some weird sex fetish thing.

Wow.

If you've read the book and this is taken out of context then hit me up.  I would so love to be wrong.

"Being a Marine is inherently dangerous"...Casualties identified in crash....

via Marines.mil

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. —

Two 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Marines died and two were severely injured when an MV-22 Osprey crashed in a Royal Moroccan military training area southwest of Agadir, Morocco, while participating in bilateral Exercise African Lion, April 11.

Cpl. Robby A. Reyes and Cpl. Derek A. Kerns, both MV-22 crew chiefs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

All four Marines involved were part of VMM-261, based at MCAS New River, N.C., and were the only personnel on the aircraft at the time of the crash. VMM-261 is currently attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and was operating from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) at the time of the incident.

"Being a Marine is inherently dangerous but this is a shock to all of us," said Col. Frank Donovan, 24th MEU commanding officer. "Our primary focus right now is making sure our Marines and their families are taken care of. We send our prayers and sincere condolences to the families of these Marines and mourn with them through this tragic event."

Reyes joined the Marine Corps from Los Angeles, Calif., in December 2007 and was promoted to the rank of corporal in October 2010. His awards include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and a certificate of appreciation.

Kerns joined the Marine Corps from Fort Dix, N.J., in September 2008 and was promoted to the rank of corporal in December 2010. His awards include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a certificate of appreciation.

Neither of the Marines had previously deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The two injured Marines have been medically evacuated for further treatment. For their privacy and the privacy of their families, their names will not be released.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

I've always believed the Colonel's words.

Being a Marine is inherently dangerous.

But I've noticed a disturbing trend in recent helo crashes.  Being a crew chief on these planes is probably the most risk filled position.

Every crewmember (I believe) has crash worthy seats.

But the Crew Chief's job often has them up and moving around the aircraft.  Is it time to perhaps change some procedures for these guys?

I DON'T KNOW.  I'm just asking and I'm operating from what I've observed and little actual data.  Regardless.  The Colonel is correct on his other points too.  The focus to make sure his Marines and their families are good to go has to be his primary concern.

God Bless and God Speed.

F-35A PILOTS COMPLETE EGLIN'S FIRST FORMATION FLIGHT

Two F-35A Lightning IIs from the 33rd Fighter Wing soar over Eglin Air Force Base's range during the unit’s first joint strike fighter formation flight April 10. Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 58th Fighter Squadron director of operations, flew the lead aircraft while Marine Maj Joseph Bachmann, Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 aircraft maintenance officer, flew wingman. The pilots, both first in their service qualified to fly the 5th generation aircraft, were validating pilot syllabus objectives in preparation for future training. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and in the future, at least eight coalition partners.