435th Security Forces Squadron. The USAF's Rangers?

Live and learn!

A reader told me to check out the 435th Security Forces Squadron and was I gobsmacked!  Looks like the USAF is ahead of the US Army and are equipped and ready to setup an airfield in austere locations.

I mean where there is no runway...only jungle or desert or forest, to drop in secure the area and then clear it to make it suitable for an airstrip or LAPPES drops.

If you take the skill set of the boys in the Red Horse Squadrons (think airborne engineers from the 82nd with the skill set of SeaBees) along with the 435th then you have a one stop shop for expeditionary airfield ops.

Check out the history of the 435th on Wikipedia but a small tidbit...

In March 2003 the 786 SFS participated in a combat parachute drop into Bashur Airfield in conjunction with the 173rd Airborne Brigade to open up the northern front in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 786 SFS is the first conventional Air Force unit to participate in a combat parachute airborne jump.

Interesting.

I'm seeing a curious trend here.  Much like USMC snipers are sometimes attached to Special Ops teams...just as EOD Units are, we're seeing a USAF unit that seems to blur the line between conventional and Special Operations.

Nice. 

Is it time to dump the swim requirement on AAV's?

Question.

Since World War 2, when AAV's were first developed, what have they all had in common spec wise?

A top speed of about 8 mph in the water.

Remember all those war movies where amphibs had to make dashes into the shore to off load Marines?  Its because the water speed for tracked landing craft was so low.

Only the EFV sought to bring a game change to that.  Because it went over budget and because we're now reverting to basically an upgraded AAV, we're probably looking at limited water performance improvement.

Is it time to dump the swim requirement and to simply buy the best IFV available and depend on LCAC/LCU to get our vehicles ashore?

If we believe that we fight as complete combat arms teams then we'll need our logistics tail...we'll need to get our MTVR's on the beach and they don't swim or fly...we'll need to get our artillery ashore and although they can fly its not the optimum solution...in other words over half the MEU/MEB/MEF can't swim so do we need our IFV's to?

I think the answer is yes.  We must maintain amphibious assault as one of the three legs of forcible entry.  That means that our AAV's need to swim.

What do you think?

A lack of valor. SEALs punished over spilling secrets.

via the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior defense official says seven members of the secretive Navy SEAL Team 6, including one involved in the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, have been punished for allegedly disclosing classified information.
The official, who discussed the matter on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case, says the seven received what the military calls "nonjudicial" punishment on Wednesday. They are alleged to have provided the information to the maker of a video game.
The official says four other SEALs are under investigation for similar alleged disclosures.
The punishments were first reported by CBS News.

I never saw this coming.

I thought the guy who wrote the book might take a hit but not the video game guys.  This is gonna be interesting...what remains to be seen is how this affects the SEALs inside JSOC.  Does this spoil the work that they did to become one of the go to teams?  Are they still trusted by leadership? 

Tracks vs. Wheels ... The Danish debate.

FFG

Nexter VBCI

The Danish have a program that is definitely worth watching...even better it seeks to answer the age old question.  Tracks or Wheels?  Via Defense IQ.

The old argument rears its head again as Denmark looks to award a key procurement contract, while some of the competing manufacturers look to gain an edge by showcasing their solutions for the Nordic military in Oslo.Eight international defence companies are in the running to win potential contracts to meet Denmark’s newly announced requirement for a brand new armoured personnel carrier fleet.The Danish Ministry of Defence has made the call out for the companies to submit bids for an estimated 360 vehicles to help replace the Army’s mechanised capability previously dominated by the ageing M113 fleet, which is already being phased out with the country’s CV90 variant.As yet, the Army cannot decide on whether the vehicle should run on tracks or wheels, and has decided to find a solution by pitting the competition against four specialist suppliers from each side of the spectrum, all of whom qualified for consideration through an evaluation process at the start of the year.Previous tests by other militaries to ascertain the merits and shortfalls of either type have yet to show any definitive benefit of choosing one over the other when vehicles are required for a variety of missions and environments.Recognising that budget constraints are still of highest consideration for most European nations,  the answer may fall into the strategic realm, relying on whether the Danes believe themselves to need an all-terrain/all-weather fleet, or whether they will streamline for specialist expeditionary situations.According to early studies, “tracked vehicles offer the best solution for a versatile platform that is required to operate over diverse terrain, including extremely difficult ground, because tracks inherently provide a greater surface area than wheels, resulting in a lower VCI(Vehicle Cone Index)… [whereas] wheeled vehicles inherently attain faster road speeds”, so while overall mobility may have been benefitted by tracks in a traditional combat zone, the transition to greater urban and irregular environments may demand wheels. However, limiting vehicles to primarily on-road use would be a risk.Likewise, wheeled platforms have progressed in leaps and bounds since the beginning of the campaign in Afghanistan, where operational requirements for once vulnerable tyres and axels have pushed innovative upgrades from mine-resistance to traction over sharp slopes. That said, tracked vehicles possess the tighter turning radius and greater route flexibility – even if that involves rubble or other urban obstacles.Also significant to the argument is the wheeled vehicle’s lower noise signature and ease with which repair and maintenance can be supported, should for example, an IED disable one or more of the wheels, yet the tracked option allows for greater weight spread and could potentially be scaled to carry heavier weapons and other equipment, which could otherwise sink a wheeled vehicle on soft or loose ground.

Seems like the golden age of wheeled vehicles is coming to an end.

CV90120...Perfect for the 82nd's Airborne Main Battle Tank requirement.

The US Army is seeking to mechanize the 82nd Airborne and the CV90120 would be the perfect direct fire support vehicle.

The missing piece is a vehicle for troop transport.  For that limited role upgraded M-113's would be perfect.

With this mix the 82nd maintains strategic mobility but would also have limited tactical mobility to either expand or protect their airborne bridgehead.  The CV90120 weighs in at around 35 tons which means that one C-130 C-17 (thank Grim..I was thinking C-17 but wrote 130...election has my head clouded) could carry 2 and that's in combat configuration.

It would need to be certified for airdrops or LAPPES but that shouldn't be a big lift for the USAF.  These vehicles wouldn't be the first choice to operate in IED infected areas but would more than suffice when it comes to fulfilling the 82nd's out of area operations requirement.

One brigade of CV-90120's assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps along with another brigade of upgraded M-113's.

Mechanized Airborne is borne.

Republic of Korea Marine Corps

ALTAY Main Battle Tank Vid.

Note:  It really looks like the MBT-70 reborn...also note the ground clearance.  Anti-IED effort or just a design choice.

Amphibious Vehicle Recap..

A quick recap on some pretty honest statements about the current state of Marine Corps armored vehicle procurement.

* The company is also delivering two Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) blast test hulls to the Corps in mid-2013, one is based on the current AAV, and one is a brand-new design said Monica Mills, for the company’s AAV program. Mills added that the company is pulling on its experience with the Bradley and PIM programs, among others, in order to develop the second new hull.

BAE is preparing to fight the war on two fronts.  Either a new vehicle or refurbishing the old vehicle to meet the ACV requirements.

*Lockheed Martin has embedded US content into the design, including technology and protection systems. The vehicle on show featured an RPG net and Textron Marine and Land Systems turret.  Magness said the vehicle would be licensed-produced in the US, although at which company facility was still to be determined. The company is currently working to develop its US supplier base.

Did you miss the tell in the above statement?  It has the turret from the current AAV.  Not only are they aiming at meeting the requirement for a family of vehicles (Command, Recovery and Troop Carrier) but another article indicates that Lockheed Martin is prepared for the price war.  Remember the JLTV competition?  AOL ran an article stating that Lockheed Martin has the most tech heavy vehicle but also one that was going to be extremely price competitive.  In other words Lockheed Martin is well aware that they might be facing a price war and it looks like they're ready to fight it...if the JLTV is any indication...

*The Chilean Marines are negotiating the acquisition of 12 AAV-7 tracked armored amphibious vehicles from U.S. Marine surplus stocks. This potential acquisition is part of the expansion of capabilities associated with the recent incorporation of the amphibious assault ship Sargento Aldea, acquired from the French Navy.

This is really old news but it fits here because it means that Chile, Brazil, Japan and the USMC are all in the market for either an upgraded AAV  or ACV.  Marines are popular worldwide...an elite force that has been shown by the Mexican's to be reliable and easy to deploy if needed.  Because of this the market for an Amphibious Assault Vehicle is heating up.

*When asked to compare MPC to the ACV in terms of its importance to the Marine Corps, Taylor, in some ways, made the case against the MPC when Congress considers its future.  “MPC is not satisfying a ship to shore requirement. I think the term is inland waterways,” Taylor said. “It’s envisioned to satisfy a much more limited requirement in terms of mobility.”  Congress has not proven too keen toward investing in the development of vehicles that fulfill “limited requirements.”  The Marine Corps’ deputy assistant commandant for Programs and Resources made the point at Modern Day Marine that the expected defense spending cuts will force leaders to deliver the “best Marine Corps the country can afford” hinting it will not get every modernization program they may want.

This should chill the blood of every manufacturer bidding on the MPC contract.  The program manager for the MPC basically said that the vehicle is a nice to have, not a must have.

The scorecard?  General Dynamics and BAE are going to mix it up on the AAV upgrade/ACV program...Still no view on what GD is going to offer for the ACV but BAE is working to cover both bases.  Not only an ACV based on the existing hullform (which says enhanced upgrade to me) but also a new vehicle if funds become available.  In the AAV upgrade/ACV contest...advantage BAE.  In the MPC program, its hard to bet against Lockheed Martin.  What really has my attention is the news that came down about the JLTV.  They're willing to fight on price and in the Lockheed Martin world view of things this is a tiny contract.  Is it worth pushing the MPC forward as a loss leader just to get into the market?  I don't know but if they are then BAE won't be in a position to match them.  Advantage LM.

Arma 6x6. Design changes and finalist in Colombian APC competition.

original design

revamped vehicle...pic from Military Photos, believed to have been photographed in Kuwait or Qatar...notice the reshaped nose and provision for swim vane.

via Defense Market Intel.

  The Ministry of Defense has selected three finalists Colombia to supply the new APC / IFV 8x8 for the Army. Earlier this week, Army officials informed General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, the European group General Dynamics European Land Systems and the Turkish company Otokar shortlisting the models presented for Mechanized Infantry.
According to sources close to the process, the announcement was made ​​directly to representatives of companies interested in the offices of the Ministry of Defense, leaving pending from the time of final binding bids in terms of prices, configurations and technical aspects the APC / IFV .
The models presented are the Stryker / LAV III  by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, the Pandur III of the Austrian company Steyr, European group within the  General Dynamics European Land Systems and Otokar Arma 8x8 latter recently entering the fray after delegation visit Colombia Army at company facilities in Turkey last week.

I'm a bit surprised that the Iveco Super AV 8x8 wasn't offered.  The Brazilian's are building a version of it and I would think that they would be keen to sell the Colombians some vehicles...especially when exporting arms is one of the goals of their rebuilt industry.

Even more surprising is the fact that the Patria AMV didn't get selected.  Its the most popular 8x8 in Europe, has been tested in combat and has demonstrated the ability to be tailor made for the client.

What is not a surprise is the arms race that is going on down South.  I don't know what's spurring it, but nations in South America are gearing up for a fight.

1,000 Jumps.

via British Forces News.

A pilot with 845 Naval Air Squadron who has clocked up 1000 flying hours has made it a double celebration with his 1000th jump.Lt Will Major is no stranger to skydiving, widely regarded as the ultimate adrenaline rush, because he's a member of the elite Royal Navy Parachute Display Team - the RN Raiders.He has jumped from various fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including the Sea King HC4 of the Commando Helicopter Force.He said: “After my first jump I was totally hooked, although I have to confess that it takes a few jumps to get to grips with the initial apprehension. However once you are out of the door and in the air it is a truly thrilling feeling."Leaving an aeroplane at 12,000 feet might be considered utter madness but I’ve years of experience with this sport and providing you focus on what you are doing it remains a very safe activity. I’ve had the privilege of representing the Navy at some fantastic events, and standing in the door of a helicopter about to jump is mind blowing.”The RN Raiders normally jump at the parachute centre in Netheravon, Wiltshire which is home to the Army Parachute Association and base for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sport Parachute Association.

I don't know what to make of this.  I remember some guys with the 82nd that would get in a bunch of jumps at the end of the month when people were trying to stay on jump pay, but 1000 jumps seems like quite a feat.

Costa's Operation Z is about zombies!

Wow.

I got into a bit of a mix with some guy claiming he was the producer of Costa's zombie training film.

Well guess what.  It is about zombies.  That lying sack of shit.  If you're interested in buying the vid, you can get it here...

If you want to see the original posts I wrote click here and here.

General Dynamics Amphibious Combat Vehicle meets IED blast requirements.

via GD.

General Dynamics Amphibious Combat Vehicle Hull Design Meets Marine Corps’ Survivability Requirement
Successful mine-blast test confirms hull design’s lifesaving characteristics.STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently conducted simulated mine-blast tests that confirmed the ability of its Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) ballistic hull design to meet the U.S. Marine Corps’ current ACV mine-blast survivability requirements.
Funded through General Dynamics’ internal research and development initiatives, the tests were conducted by National Technical Systems, Inc., at the National Ordnance and Ballistic Test Center in Camden, Ark. The successful tests simulated an underbelly mine-blast event on the forward and aft sections of the General Dynamics ACV ballistic hull.
The tests confirmed that General Dynamics’ hull design meets the Marine Corps’ ACV survivability requirement and provided an early assessment of the unprecedented level of protection against threshold and objective threat levels that the new hull design will provide to the Marines Corps.
“General Dynamics Land Systems continues to invest in support of the U.S. Marine Corps’ development efforts toward a modern Amphibious Combat Vehicle,” said Michael Bolon, senior vice president, Marine and Navy sector at General Dynamics Land Systems. “The successful results of these company-funded tests reinforce our confidence in our ability to deliver a low-risk Amphibious Combat Vehicle solution with mature and affordable technology, drawing on the industry’s broadest base of amphibious combat vehicle knowledge and experience to deliver solutions that meet the Marine Corps’ requirements.”

In addition to evidence of the hull design’s survivability characteristics, this test also provides empirical data to correlate survivability models that will be used to refine and confirm performance of the General Dynamics’ hull design, which will also be tested by the government under the ACV Hull Survivability Demonstrator contract.
“This testing is critical for General Dynamics,” said Bolon. “We are committed to providing a successful long-term, balanced and affordable solution, and the information we’ve gathered enhances our ability to do so.”
The ACV Hull Survivability Demonstrator contract, awarded in August 2012, is for the design, fabrication and test support of a full-scale hull to demonstrate crew-protection technologies. Work will conclude by May 2013 and will be used to refine ACV requirements for effective protection against threats from under-vehicle blasts and fragmentation devices.

Hmmm.  Interesting.  But the canary in the coal mine is the AAV upgrade program.  If improvements to that vehicle can be made that improve that vehicle enough to be adequate then the ACV and the MPC are both in trouble.

Our Marines are fabulous...Civilian leadership lacking.

Raw video of Marines doing the work up in Staten Island.  I just get the feeling that civilian leadership isn't worthy of their efforts or aware of the needs of their citizens.

My prediction remains but with a twist.  The Marines will get tremendous good will from their efforts.  They (along with the other services) will be recognized as one of the only parts of government that works.  Everyone else will be deemed a failure.  Careers will end because of this recovery effort.

Armored Airborne making a comeback.

via Tradoc Daily News.

Army Eyes Airdropping 'Up-gunned' Combat Vehicles for Early Entry Ops
By Sebastian Sprenger
Army officials are considering airdrops of Strykers or similar combat vehicles in austere locations as part of an initiative to boost the service's edge in expeditionary operations, according to a Training and Doctrine Command official.
The idea has yet to make it past the concept stage, Brig. Gen. William Hix, director of the concepts development directorate at TRADOC's Army Capabilities Integration Center, acknowledged in an interview. "We are doing concept development work in conjunction with 18th Airborne Corps [at Ft. Bragg, NC] to look at how we improve the punch of their forces if they have to do forcible entry operations," Hix told Inside the Army.
Options include "airlanding" -- by way of a landing zone on the ground -- or airdropping "some sort of up-gunned ground platform," Hix said. The deliberations entail discussions with the Air Force about the number of air crews qualified for airdrops, he said. A TRADOC spokesman did not provide information by press time about how many air crews now are qualified for that job, and how many there must be to make the Army's concept work.
Army concepts are used to identify capability gaps, which are turned into the requirements on which acquisition programs are ultimately based.
The idea of deploying armor to austere locations quickly, thereby achieving an element of surprise, has been an Army goal for some time. The multibillion-dollar Future Combat Systems program, canceled because of cost and a lack of immediate utility, envisioned aerial insertion of armored formations as part of its doctrinal foundation. At the time, the idea was criticized by some analysts for its potentially enormous price tag and its dependency on systems that ultimately failed to come to fruition.
Proponents of the concept point to the early days of the Iraq invasion in 2003, when Air Force and Army forces opened a northern front in that country by inserting troops and equipment with C-17s, as proof that such operations can be valuable. While no heavy combat vehicles were airdropped, the operation entailed unloading tanks from the cargo planes onto an airfield that ground troops had previously secured.
In the interview with ITA, Hix mentioned the operation as an example of what Army officials have in mind with the new concept. "These are options," he said. "We're just trying to work through how to employ them more effectively and make this more of a routine action, not an exceptional action."
A draft version of the upcoming Army Capstone Concept proposes beefing up the service's expeditionary capability, creating new formations for early entry operations. Asked for details about those new formations, Hix characterized their creation simply as the product of an "overall defense reposturing of the force" and an Army-wide reorganization of brigade combat team components.
"This is, I think, more importantly a re-emphasis on the importance of expeditionary operations, given the wider range of areas that we may be called on to respond," he said.

Bringing Armored Airborne back would be just outstanding.  Quite honestly between the US Marines and a robust Army Airborne over 90% of the small wars can be handled.  The only missing ingredient is a "real" Light Infantry Division or two.

This capability lagged once the US became entrenched in the Middle East.  Once forces became permanently assigned to the region then the need for Rapid Deployment Forces went away.  With the end of the War in Afghanistan, it appears that those same forces are being rebuilt.

IF the Army commits to developing a Armored Airborne Force, then the push to develop the Marine Expeditionary Brigade more fully will make a heck of alot more sense.  A couple of MEU's along with a Army Armored Airborne Brigade would fall under either a MEB or an Army Regiment (I believe that's the next step up from their Brigade).

One point of concern with this formation though.  If you make a max effort and drop 16 Stryker APC's in the middle of Africa...how are you going to keep them refueled and armed?  You're talking about a pretty robust air bridge.  I look forward to seeing what TRADOC and 18th Airborne Corps works out.

Another Tracked Stryker image.

via ADAM ASHTON; Staff writer, News Tribune.

26th MEU. They usually bring the pain, now they're bringing the relief!

Note:  More pics of the relief effort.  If anyone knows please get up with me, but I have yet to see these Marines having any type of weaponry.  If the nights are as dangerous as the population in the area is telling us then why don't our guys have a means to protect themselves.  Just an observation on my part.  I would love to hear the rationale behind it.  A totally different concern is how I'm seeing these Marines being used.  Remember the Marine Corps just provides Marines to assist, its up to the civilian leadership to decide how they're used, but I'm seeing Marines being used on the micro instead of macro level.  Helping an individual homeowner is cool, but helping a city would be better.  Taking out the trash is not how these Marines should be used.  How about removing boats from roads?  Repairing broken roads?  Providing security at night?  Understand this is not the Marine Corps fault but the fault of a confused and apparently overwhelmed civilian leadership.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Reynoso, an automotive organizational mechanic. with the 26th Marine Expedionary Unit and a native of Bronx, N.Y., helps take out trash on Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 4. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.

Corporal Thomas Cavallo, an airframe mechanic with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366, and Lance Cpl. Corey Shaw, a cook with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, throw a couch on the street in Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 4. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.

Lance Cpl. Matthew Reynoso, an automotive organizational mechanic with the 26th Marine Expedionary Unit and a native of Bronx, N.Y., shovels trash on Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 4. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.

Lance Cpl. Thomas Gibson, a ground radio repairmen with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and a native of Norton, Ohio, dumps trash into a pile in Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 4. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.

LVTP-6. The missing link in amtrack development.

LVTP-6
.  

The LVTP-6 has been a source of personal confusion for a number of years.  Marine Corps development of the LVTP series of vehicles in service always left off "6" and for the longest time I wondered why.  Luckily a look back at US Army Armored Personal Carrier development revealed the missing link.

While FMC was developing the M59 for the US Army, the Marine Corps also had a requirement for an amphibious vehicle with the same cross country and protection requirements.  The only caveat was that it needed to be amphibious.

Again, info is spotty so performance details on the LVTP-6 in water is unknown.  What I can tell you is that it appears that a number of these vehicles were produced and tested (including a fire support version). On a sidenote, the LVTP-6 is often confused with the LVTH-6...the fire support version of the LVTP-5.

Fire Support Version of the LVTP-6.

LVTH-6.  Based off the LVTP-5, it was perhaps the most successful of the LVTP-5 versions.

Update. Thunder Dome NY is already here.

Check this out from the New York Daily News...

  When night falls in the Rockaways, the hoods come out.
Ever since Sandy strafed the Queens peninsula and tore up the boardwalk, it’s become an often lawless place where cops are even scarcer than electrical power and food. Locals say they are arming themselves with guns, baseball bats, booby traps — even a bow and arrow — to defend against looters.
Thugs have been masquerading as Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) workers, knocking on doors in the dead of night. But locals say the real workers have been nowhere in sight, causing at least one elected official — who fears a descent into anarchy if help doesn’t arrive soon — to call for the city to investigate the utility.
  Further exacerbating desperate conditions, it could take at least a month to repair the the bridge that connects the Rockaways to the city subway system, officials said.
“We booby-trapped our door and keep a baseball bat beside our bed,” said Danielle Harris, 34, rummaging through donated supplies as children rode scooters along half-block chunk of the boardwalk that had marooned into the middle of Beach 91st St.
“We heard gunshots for three nights in a row,” said Harris, who believed they came from the nearby housing projects.
Carly Ruggieri, 27, who lives in water-damaged house on the block, said she barricades her door with a bed frame. “There have been people in power department uniforms knocking on doors and asking if they’re okay, but at midnight.”
And another local surfer said he has knives, a machete and a bow and arrow on the ready. Gunshots and slow-rolling cars have become a common  fixture of the night since Hurricane Sandy.
“I would take a looter with a boa. If I felt threatened I would definitely use it,” said Keone Singlehurst, 42. “Its like the Wild West. A borderline lawless situation.”
City Councilman James Sanders (D-Far Rockaway) said he fears the situation will devolve into anarchy.
“We have an explosive mix here,” said Sanders. “People will take matters into their own hands.”

I almost feel vindicated.  Authorities are not able to protect anyone when it really comes down to it.  They never have.  Its all been an illusion but this storm has shattered that.  I wonder how anti-gun New York is gonna be now?

Only one thing left to do.  Clean my AR-15's, scrub my AK-47's and buy more ammo.

I refuse to be like those poor souls in the New York area, afraid, alone and unarmed...hiding in a corner waiting for help that might come too late if at all.  The Utopian paradise that is a was the promise of a large US city has been forever shattered.  I wonder if anyone noticed.

More 26th MEU disaster response pics.

 NOTE:  Zebra Dunn made the comment (and it was totally in jest) that unless the situation improved in the New York Metropolis area (I include New Jersey) then we would see long pig being cooked on what remains of back porches.  He said in jest but I wonder how many pure dee crazies live in a population that large.  But as it now stands, we have a Marine Expeditionary Unit moving to assist.  Untold numbers of Sailors, Marines and Airmen (haven't been keeping up but I will now) moving to help.  The problem?  If you remember Hurricane Katrina (with a much lower population density) it was a long term tasking...we're talking about 6 months and it was made easier because the population was basically moved from the disaster zone. You can't do that with New York and surrounding areas.  This will get nasty.  It can't help but.  On a side note.  Remember the warnings that were issued?  They had a week to get ready and most didn't...what will happen when a bolt out of the blue strikes the US?  Can you say Thunder Dome?

Old Skool UDT