And the hits keep coming...UPDATED.

via Fox News....

A man believed to be a local Afghan police officer shot and killed two NATO troops on Saturday, the coalition said in a statement.
The "insider" attack on the two soldiers occurred in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, Fox News confirmed. NATO reported that another service member returned fire, killing the gunman.
The shooting Saturday came a day after insurgents in the same region stormed a sprawling British base, killing two U.S. Marines and wounding several other international troops in an attack inspired by an anti-Islam film produced in the United States and the presence on the compound of a high-profile target, Britain's Prince Harry.
NATO would not say if the gunman was a bonafide Afghan policeman or an insurgent who infiltrated the force.

Wow.

Just fucking wow.  


UPDATE:
THINK DEFENSE Blog sent this link indicating that the victims of this terrorist attack were Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment.  Our sympanthy to the Regiment, the Soldiers families and the British people. 

Politics or Security?

Lets see....

Terrorist assault and kill our personnel in Libya....

Our embassys are under assault worldwide...to include friendly nations like Australia and the UK....

Bomb threats were called into two universities in the US.....

And yet we have no terror alert?  No stand to orders given to the Dept of Homeland Security?  No raised concerns about the possibility of terrorist activity here in the states?

Its inexplicable to think that the department doesn't have any concerns.  It boggles the mind that they haven't raised the threat index.

RUMOR CONTROL SAYS THAT DHS IS ON ALERT!  But the public is kept in the dark.  As much as the media likes to bang on the Bush administration, although they wouldn't give out details of the threat they at least informed the public OF a threat.

Yeah.  We're seeing politics trump the security of the American people.

SOFREP's post indicates "wishful" thinking led to deaths.

Check this out from SOFREP (but go to their site to read the whole thing)...

The Regional Security Officer at the Tripoli Embassy made repeated requests for security augmentation in Benghazi and Tripoli. State Department managers in Washington denied the requests. The  Department of State demanded the embassy transition to normalized security operations.  The fledgling Libyan government was supposed to be protecting the consulate,  but lacked the ability to provide an effective security force.
The State Department told the RSO not to request extension of the Department of Defense Mobile Security Detachment support in either Tripoli or Benghazi.
It is impossible to predict every terror attack. There are many false threats. The State Department has a difficult job and security is often seen as an impediment to diplomacy.

This is a damning report.

If true then Managers at the State Dept directly contributed to the deaths of our people in Libya.  The idea that WISHING for something to happen instead of realistically looking at a situation seems to be popular these days.  Also note that the British and French pulled their diplomats from Benghazi while ours remained.  Also note that it is alleged that not only did attacks occur in the months before this tragedy but it is also stated that a warning went out indicating that attacks were imminent.

IF this is true then we've seen a total failure of our State Dept.  A failure that helped contribute to the current troubles in the Middle East in a real sense, not in the made up way that some are trying to point to the movie to blame.

The obvious if annoying truth. AQ conducted a psy-ops and co-ordinated attack across two continents.

I'll be brief.

Its obvious although the intelligence agencies won't admit it (I'm going to tread gently on them because I'm POSITIVE that political considerations are now clouding matters of national security).

The US and its allies suffered a "mini" 9/11 on the anniversary of the original attacks.  In essence AQ conducted  a coordinated attack across two continents at two locations.  The attack against the Ambassador and the attack against Camp Leatherneck are OBVIOUSLY connected.  Additionally just like they did with the original attack (when they killed the Northern Alliance leader before they struck on 9/11) they launched spoiling and diversionary stunts by coordinating with Islamic Clerics to stir the peoples in countries throughout the region to riot in the street.

I'm not sure if they were seeking to divert attention, destabilize weak governments or to incite another Arab "Fall" but the results are obvious.

The United States Marine Corps and Navy are now facing an operational Ops Tempo that is almost unsustainable.  Deployment schedules will have to be altered in order to meet all the requirements for ships and Marines.  Many of our brother and sister Marines will probably be spending an unexpected Christmas away from home.

Most concerning should be the thought that...
1.  Intelligence did not pick up on chatter that an attack was coming.
2.  They did pick up on it, leadership was informed and chose to maintain the image of status quo for political considerations.
But for the first time since the original 9/11 attacks the enemy is inside OUR decision making loop.

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit helo ops.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 13, 2012) - Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31ST MEU) load up in the back of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during flight operations aboard the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), is participating in a certification exercise. The evaluated event determines if the 31st MEU is capable of doing certain missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations or non-combatant evacuation operations with the ARG

 I so despise how the Marine Corps is only talking about the MEU's doing disaster relief, humanitarian assistance or evacuation operations now.  This is definitely a reflection of the current occupant in the White House.  Meals on wheels anyone????...the Marine Corps is better than just that.  The real PRIMARY MISSION?  To defend the United States.

MARSOC seeks interoperability with Conventional Marine Forces?

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington

A Marine with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Special Operations Command from Camp Lejeune, N.C., jumps from a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 KC-130J Hercules, above Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Sept. 12. The Marines conducted free-fall and static air-born sustainment training as part of routine quarterly training. "We are always seeking opportunities for interoperability between MARSOC and conventional Marine Corps units," said a MARSOC captain. "This is a great way to do that."

 I don't quite get this.  I thought that the whole point of MARSOC was to establish an independent Special Operations Force of Marines.  Why they want to reach back and operate with the conventional force of Marines is beyond me...especially when they yank personnel whenever needed to their Support Battalions.

I suspect that we're seeing part of a campaign by Marine Special Operations to get portions of Marine Air under its umbrella.

Update your maps. Marines are in Yemen and Sudan.

via UPI.com

"We are in a full-court press at every single one of the posts in the Middle East and anywhere else there is any chance of demonstrations after Friday services to make sure nothing bad happens -- and to have the security in place in case bad things do happen," the official said Thursday.
Yemeni security forces, backed by water cannons, blocked streets near the U.S. Embassy Friday as several dozen protesters gathered near the mission, carrying posters and shouting slogans. CNN reported witnesses said security forces opened fire on protesters but it wasn't clear what type of weapons were used. Two protesters died in demonstrations there Thursday. The Pentagon sent 50 marines to Sanaa to secure U.S. interests, the Times said.

Interesting.

We have "mini" Embassy Reinforcement Missions going on in Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Sudan...those are the missions that are publicly known. 

BREAKING. Camp Leatherneck got hit with a complex attack.

Not many details but Camp Leatherneck got hit with a complex attack involving rocket propelled grenades, mortars and heavy small arms fire.

More details when I get them.

NOTE:  This is a region wide crisis.  We have suffered (as SOFREP said) a type of modern day Tet Offensive.  A withdrawal from Afghanistan under fire will be most difficult.

24th MEU Flight Operations.

US Marine Corps video by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl



The Atlantic Wire has a full map of the countries involved in the violence against American interests.  Earlier I stated that this stretched between CENTCOM over to AFRICOM areas of responsibility.  I was unaware of the troubles in India, Thailand and Malaysia.  That means that PACCOM is also involved.

Theoretically you could see all three MEU's involved in Embassy Reinforcements and Evacuations of American citizens.  With a crisis area this large perhaps the Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade Concept needs to be expanded to more areas.

Not only a well planned attack but it was prepped with a psy-ops campaign that's won the day.

The terrorist that killed the Ambassador were good.

Real good.  As in A-Team, had to have help from a foreign power good.

Why do I say that?

Because I've been watching the news with one eye this morning and although even the extremely left leaning Rachel Maddow stated on her program that the movie played no role in the attack on the Ambassador, the news media has bought it hook line and sinker.

Additionally, it appears to my untrained eye that someone searched YouTube in order to find offensive material and then coordinated across several countries to get Islamic leaders to express outrage.

Don't believe me.  Check out the timeline of events for yourself.  Watch Al Jazeera and note that they state that in Libya there wasn't even a protest.

Then watch American media...in particular MSNBC news and watch them apologize give the mobs an excuse for their violence.

I can only think that we're seeing a well laid out psy-ops campaign, coupled with a well planned/coordinated attack, mixed with a flawed/wishful thinking Middle East strategy all coming to a head.

Long story short.  We have idealist/dreamers dictating strategy.  We're screwed.

Tragedy leads to opportunity...the USMC will be most ready when the nation is least ready...

Tragedy has struck.

Mobs are assaulting our embassy's and consulates all over the Middle East.

Instead of calls going out to SOCOM, or the Army, calls are going to the Marine Corps and our Navy partner.

This is a tragedy.  MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT!  But it is also an opportunity for the Marine Corps to shine in the eyes of the public.  Hopefully our MEU is fully staffed and trained for embassy reinforcement and evacuation of US citizens.  Hopefully they will be able to solve this diplomatically and host nations will control their people (I want to be careful with this though...free speech is free speech even if I think they're crazy as jay birds...but killing people IS crossing a line no matter what type of speech occurred)...

But if they don't or can't control the local populace,  then I want MY United States Marine Corps ready to heel stomp some throats, double tap some foreheads and put three in the upper torso.

The USMC will be most ready when the nation is least ready.

Its time to live up to that motto.

RWS vs. Manned turrets.

Check out this video from Rafael.  At the 1:40 mark it clearly shows the dirty little secret behind unmanned turrets.  They free up space under armor and save weight.  Marine Corps doctrine wants vehicle commanders with their heads up and out of the turret searching for targets.  Maybe times have changed.  The benefits that come with remote weapons stations outnumber the benefits brought by manned systems.

AEL Sistemas supplying ELBIT UT-30 turrets to Brazil.

Interesting.  via Shepard News Group.

The company was issued an initial production order valued at $15 million. This follows the January 2011 announcement by Elbit Systems of the award of a framework contract valued at approximately $260 million for the supply of UT30 BR 30mm Unmanned Turrets to the Brazilian Army’s land forces.

The Brazilian Army is carrying out a programme to renew its APC fleet under a deal with Iveco signed in December 2009. The Guarani vehicle is being developed in a number of configurations and will form part of a 2,044 strong fleet of vehicles, of which the Guarani APC will form the backbone.

Deliveries for the Unmanned Turrets is expected to be complete within two years.

The contract will be completed in two years?

Impressive.  Very impressive.

While the US Army and Marine Corps is having trouble getting the Ground Combat Vehicle and Amphibious Combat Vehicle (respectively) off the ground, the Brazillians are moving ahead.

Hey Commandant.  A sense of urgency please.  A sense of urgency!

Its time to throat stomp the entire fucking region.

Its time to be done with the fucking middle east.

They raped the guy before killing him?  What sadistic, evil bastards.  5.56mm bullets are too good for them...time to turn that region into glass.

Our President will be is a pussy, will be politically correct...will say a bunch of shit that means nothing.  

Oh and Zebra Dunn  I owe you an apology.  You were right.

via The Washington Times.

According to the Lebanese news organization Tayyar.org, citing AFP news sources, U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, who was killed by gunmen that stormed the U.S. consulate in Benghazi on Tuesday, was reportedly raped before being murdered.

FUCK THOSE MUSLIM BASTARDS. 

This story went from being tragic to horrific.  I want Libyan blood for doing this.

Real vs. Fake? Real wins everytime.

We have real live pack animals.  Why the synthetic version?  Waste of money...what a waste of money.

CF-01 and CF-02 in flight.

U.S. Navy test pilot Lt. Cmdr. Michael Burks, top, and Peter Kosogorin, a BAE Systems employee, bottom, fly F-35C Lightning II aircraft during a formation flying qualities test in the Atlantic Test Ranges over the Atlantic Ocean Sept. 5, 2012. The F-35C carrier variant of the Lightning II is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the aircraft carrier environment. The F-35C was undergoing test and evaluations prior to delivery to the fleet. (DoD photo by Layne Laughter, courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released)

Leadership at its worse.

Major Hat to CDR Salamander.

This is not the position of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to engage with a civilian INCONUS.

Full stop.

General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with Pastor Terry Jones by phone on Wednesday and asked him to withdraw his support for a film whose portrayal of the Prophet Mohammad has sparked violent protests - including one that ended with the death of America's envoy to Libya. "In the brief call, Gen. Dempsey expressed his concerns over the nature of the film, the tensions it will inflame and the violence it will cause," Dempsey's spokesman, Colonel Dave Lapan, told Reuters.

Do we really want active duty officers to encourage citizens to surrender or withdraw their Constitutional rights because foreign nationals (who are our enemy) don't like them?

Is that in the spirit of "... support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic?"

I have no use for Terry Jones - but having an Army General, in his official capacity, in uniform, pressuring a tax payer to surrender Constitutional rights, is not a nation I think I live in.

General Dempsey, General Casey (5-min mark) needs a bowling partner, give him a call.

Marines are indoctrinated to follow orders.

Immediately.

Without hesitation.

Mission accomplishment.

But its time to sit back and take a serious look at the people sitting in the big chairs of Joint Chiefs of Staff.

We're seeing the worst military leadership of the past 100 years.  These guys have no moral compass, no backbone and definitely no military bearing.  Unfortunately that also flows to their Senior Enlisted advisers.

How a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would find it within his realm of responsibility to CALL a private citizen and tell him to stop an activity that is PROTECTED by the constitution is beyond me, but if it isn't a crime it should be.  If it was an ORDER then it was an ILLEGAL order.

The US Military can't win wars at this time because leadership is so screwed up.

Libya, FAST Company and the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

 We're seeing something of a type of mission creep for FAST Company if they're now doing the Embassy Reinforcement mission.  A quick wiki passage sums up the mission set nicely...

The Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) is capable of rapidly deploying to immediately improve security at United States Government installations worldwide. FAST Marines are deployed at the discretion of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps when the primary and auxiliary security forces of the Marines are unable to adequately respond to a security crisis. FAST goes through the Close Quarters Battle School in a specialized course known as Advanced Urban Combat. Once completed, they are given the MOS of 8154.
Established in 1987, FAST companies provide a limited-duration, expeditionary security force to protect vital naval and national assets. FAST maintains forward-deployed platoons at various naval commands around the globe, and possesses U.S.-based alert forces capable of rapidly responding to unforeseen contingencies worldwide. Each FAST company is equipped and trains with some of the most state-of-the-art weaponry and currently consists of around 500 Marines.
FAST maintains a high degree of readiness in order to conduct these short-notice, limited-duration contingency operations, as seen in the port security mission following the attacks on the USS Cole (DDG-67) in October 2000 and the American Embassy reinforcements in Liberia and Haiti. On 12 September 2012 a FAST team was sent to Libya in response to the 2012 U.S. diplomatic missions attacks.^[3]

FAST Company responds before an incident in order to deter threats.

I'll say it since no one else will.

1.  We either suffered a tremendous intel failure or...
2.  The Ambassador misread the situation and thought that relationships that he had established in Libya would protect him AND the people that he was responsible for.

But back to the subject at hand.  FAST is appropriate for Egypt.  FAST is appropriate for Kabul.  FAST is not appropriate for Libya.

Why?

Because situations can rapidly spiral out of hand.  IF.  I repeat IF, the time comes to evacuate US and allied civilians from that country then a FAST Company does not have the resources to do it.  After an attack on an Embassy proper worst case planning would require that the threat of follow on attacks would be high.  By deploying the capable but equipment poor (as in helicopters, vehicles and supporting ships off the coast) FAST Team you're limiting your options.

Finally, it must be asked.  If Embassy reinforcement is no longer an MEU mission then what is their new mission set?  Is it to be only Humanitarian Assistance?  I hope not and I hope that the Marine Corps isn't snatching another mission from the MEU.  Its our most capable formation...the most forward deployed formation...and the most useful formation that the Marine Corps fields.

NOTE:
One other possibility exists for why the FAST Company is being tasked with this duty and not the MEU.  The MEU operates as Theater Reserve.  IF intel is indicating some type of uptick in violence in Afghanistan then everything I've just written gets thrown out the window.  That's the problem with operating from outside looking in.  You just don't have all the info necessary to make more than educated guesses.

UK's Wildcat Helicopter in action.

FAST Company has embassy reinforcement mission now?

MSNBC is reporting a FAST Company is going to reinforce the embassy in Libya.

Interesting.

Traditionally the MEU has the reinforcement mission set.  IF a FAST Company is actually deploying then we're seeing the MEU being degraded to support specialty units.  The MEU's MV-22's will likely be "requested" to move them to the area and we will see their deployment pattern altered to support the supporters.

Curious.

Clarification:
FAST Company deploys ahead of an incident.  If intel indicated that trouble was coming then you'd send in a FAST Team.  Once trouble hits then you need the resources of the MEU.  If not then you're robbing the MEU to support the FAST Team.. not good.