MQ-25 for USMC operations..

 

Story here

Read the entire article it makes great points.  My issue?  It should be sourced by the Navy and the Navy should man and equip it to provide the service for the Marine Corps in the same way we have Navy Corpsmen.

Of course I feel the same way about the tech that they're trying to pull in.  They should come from the Navy or even the Army!  

A cyber tech attached to our infantry?  Should come from the Navy or Air Force or Army.  Embedded small UAVs?  Yeah we can have those but I look at that as a specialized Marine...sorta like a sniper.

Open Comment Post. 7 July 23

 

Don't fuck with the boys from the bayou!

 

Oh yeah we're gearing up for football season!

Jayden Daniels ➡️ Mason Taylor in OT to beat Bama‼️

A night they'll never forget in Baton Rouge 🐯@LSUfootball | #SECNTakeover pic.twitter.com/R0FfCeC1pH

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 7, 2023

Ukrainian soldier filmed his own death...

If I had a platoon of Marines today I would ban body cams. 

Don't care what Regiment says. 

In my platoon they would be banned. 

This shit always ends up on the internet and someone's family has to suffer all over again (I'm talking about after the Officer in his dress blues along with the Chaplain gives the family the bad news), by some IDIOT sending a link to their loved one getting zapped. This is just bad. Real bad. May his memory be a blessing. God help his family.

So why am I posting this garbage?  It's to further my point.  TURN OFF THIS FUCKING WAR!

Ukrainian soldier filmed his death around Kremennaya. pic.twitter.com/IEyVXYPUYF

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) July 7, 2023

BAYKAR official talking about their KIZILELMA air combat/strike UAV...if only our defense officials had the same view!

Kaybedecek vaktimiz yok!
HEDEF #KIZILELMA Belgeseli 2. Bölüm
Yarın Baykar YouTube kanalında!

We have no time to lose!
The Goal: #KIZILELMA Documentary
Chapter 2
Available on @Baykartech’s YouTube channel tomorrow.

📺 https://t.co/HFBaT4Ahlx
🕗 20:00 pic.twitter.com/VkPYRVKnhP

— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) July 7, 2023

Want to hear someone talk with URGENCY?

Want to hear someone in the defense industry talk about real patriotism?

Listen to this guy!

If our entire military had this attitude we wouldn't worry about ANY threat.  We wouldn't have to "get" ready cause we would BE ready.

The scary thing?

I've noticed this drive with the Turk military/defense sector.  S. Korean, Japanese and Chinese too.  The Poles seem to have this drive as well.

I might be missing a few but I can't think of any other countries with this same drive.

We once drove innovation.  The above will in the future unless we do a serious back to basics movement.

Every safety rule in the book was violated but if they made it back aboard ship they all deserve medals...

 

OMG would you dare??pic.twitter.com/4UjqjURLRq

— The Best (@Figensport) July 6, 2023

Can you imagine a sudden change in sea state in the middle of a USMC infantry platoon trying to make it ashore in rubber boats? Losses would be assured. How do you find someone in seas like that? How do you survive in seas like that. They better have everything dialed in when doing these rubber boat raids or bad things can happen. FD2030 DEMANDS something like a CB90. The concept sucks but at least get the Marines that are gonna be risking it all against two enemies. Whoever has the guns and the sea. Until you hit the beach the SEA is the biggest enemy.

Former U.S. officials have held secret Ukraine talks with prominent Russians

 Thanks to Cogitans Iuvenis for the link!

via NBC

A group of former senior U.S. national security officials has held secret talks with prominent Russians believed to be close to the Kremlin — and, in at least one case, with the country’s top diplomat — with the aim of laying the groundwork for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, half a dozen people briefed on the discussions said. 

In a high-level example of the back-channel diplomacy taking place behind the scenes, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov met with members of the group for several hours in April in New York, four former officials and two current officials said. 

On the agenda were some of the thorniest issues in the war in Ukraine, like the fate of Russian-held territory that Ukraine may never be able to liberate and the search for an elusive diplomatic off-ramp that could be tolerable to both sides. 

Meeting with Lavrov were Richard Haass, a former diplomat and the outgoing president of the Council on Foreign Relations, current and former officials said.

Here 

Amazing.  There still are a few adults left in Washington.  Maybe we can get this war turned off.

Oh and trust that these people are talking to the Russians will the FULL KNOWLEDGE of the Biden admin and probably their blessings too.

The idea that a nation that is being supported financially, militarily, monetarily...the whole damn spectrum...has a say in this is silly.

Its like a child being able to override a parent.  It just don't go that way.

The flooding in Spain is catastrophic

 

Flooding in Zaragoza, Spain.
pic.twitter.com/Ge8VfPF3EV

— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) July 6, 2023

Iranian Navy failed yesterday but the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps seized one today

 The US Navy was able to "deter" the Iranian Navy from seizing two vessels yesterday.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said hold my beer and did the deed today.

This is another data point in my view that the fight in Ukraine shows nothing except that the US and West is hyper focused on that war while everything elsewhere is falling apart.

If you haven't noticed it, the Middle East is on the verge of a huge dust up.  At the very least we're seeing actions that are meant to punish the West economically...especially the US.

Why?

If we see a return to the tanker wars then you're gonna see gas spike.  The Biden admin, the DoD and the US Navy is gonna be in a hurt locker.

Want to see Americans go batshit vengeful/hateful?  Let the price of gas zoom. If gas prices spike we're gonna be in an almost instant recession.

All the talk about transitioning to electric vehicles will fool a small portion of the people but most will be pissed.  Oh and don't think Europe will get off easy either. They're gonna feel the pain too and in a big way.

For all the talk about "all domain warfare" the Pentagon has left out the most important factor.  The citizens of the US.  If we don't support the policy, if they can't explain the policy except for hanging onto the nut sack of "freedom" and "democracy" then the pocket book will always win.

FNSS ZAHA. The best amphibious (ocean going) vehicle available today? Yeah. Yeah it is!

 

#IDEF23 #ZAHA pic.twitter.com/t9hu5Xde1o

— FNSS Savunma (@FNSS_Savunma) July 6, 2023

I so wish to God we had evolved the AAV instead of going wheeled. I LIKE BAE! I think they make great products. I think the requirements are what doomed the USMC to a wheeled amphibious vehicle. Think about it. Why didn't the USMC go wheeled in WW2? Easy. Because it gave us access to more beaches! I've seen enough wheeled vehicles bogged down on beaches (wheeled vehicles at that) that I just can't trust the ACV to cross from ship across the shore without difficulty. Additionally I've seen enough issues with the vehicle crossing the surf line that my worries increase. The solution? Well just say that workaround learned with the F-35 fiasco to "make it work" are being done. When you have to develop auxillary tech to help your new tech work that isn't part of your base vehicle then you're not barking up the right tree.

What if we arrived at a solution like the ZAHA?

What if we had evolved the AAV?

It would be new but its performance would have been known.  A training unit for new crew would be required but for "legacy" crews it would have been a familiar vehicle with familiar characteristics.

Looking around the globe I can't help but think that the FNSS Zaha is the best amphibious assault vehicle available today.

Compass Points take on China's Z-day war game...

 Note.  I am so thankful to the reader that put me onto "Compass Points" (don't want to name him cause I'm not sure he wants to be associated with this blog), but if you're not subscribed you really should.  Go here to get their daily blasts...also note that the font will be different because I don't want to lose any of the "flavor" of their post.

via CP

The whole purpose of the drastic reorganization of the Marine Corps under Force Design 2030 was to address the "pacing challenge" of China. Marines would be placed inside China's Weapons Engagement Zone and shoot at Chinese ships with missiles. It was claimed that the small Marine units on islands throughout the first island chain would create a critical set of problems for the Chinese Navy.

That was the theory of Force Design 2030.

The Chinese have just conducted a comprehensive "Z-Day" total war scenario. As reported in the Asia Times:

- - - -

China has just simulated a total war scenario at sea with the United States, an exercise that highlighted the People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s formidable challenges in a potential high-intensity conflict with an advanced, determined and highly-capable adversary.

South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that researchers from the PLA’s Unit 91404 recently added a “total war” scenario when testing and evaluating the performance of new weapons. Unit 91404 is responsible for the sea tests of some of China’s latest and most potent naval weapons.

The SCMP report notes that the researchers published their “Z-day” total war scenario in the peer-reviewed Chinese Journal of Ship Research last month. The report mentions that the researchers assumed that the Chinese military was under all-out attack by a hypothetical “blue alliance” with Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

In the simulation, the PLA-N had nearly 50 destroyers, with each attacked with 11 missiles and more than three torpedoes coming from multiple directions.

- - - -

As far as Compass Points can determine, Marine missile units on islands were not even considered worth worrying about in the Chinese Z-Day scenario. Missiles from US ships? The Chinese Navy worries about them. Missiles from US submarines? The Chinese Navy worries about them. US air launched cruise missiles? The Chinese Navy worries about them. Missiles from island Marines? Not worth worrying about.

Marines for decades have had a particular role to play in global United States foreign policy. Marines embarked as part of a fully capable Amphibious Ready Group - Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG-MEU) allow the worldwide Combatant Commanders to get the flexible, capable Marine MAGTF on site quickly, ready to deter, assist, or fight.

If the Marine Corps theory of Force Design 2030 was accurate, the Chinese would have centered their whole Z-Day scenario around the question: "How do we deal with those island Marines?"  Instead, of focusing on the missile Marines, China apparently feels it can confidently ignore them. Why would Marine leaders ever degrade the ARG-MEU in a futile effort to be relevant as a missile force?

Compass Points salutes all those in Congress and elsewhere keeping the ARG-MEU strong.

SEC male/female players of the year!

Congratulations to the 2022-23 @SEC Roy F. Kramer Athletes of the Year!

🤸‍♀️ @Gym_Trin // @GatorsGym
⚾️ @__dc4__ // @LSUbaseball

🔗 https://t.co/KHdrlISUFk#ItJustMeansMore pic.twitter.com/6gc4Xdu7TN

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) July 6, 2023

Yeah. I can live with that!

PLA 72nd Group Army Brigade's Warrior ("JLTV" type) fires support...

 

Back on this FD2030 curiosity/nonsensical lightness approach. We put anti-ship missiles on the JLTV. Why aren't we expanding that to other weapon systems? The Chinese are doing it with a whole array of systems. If not the JLTV then why not with the HIMAR carrier? Why are we limiting ourselves to just one size rocket system and not expanding to other sizes? Same with anti-air systems? We've raged (at least I have) at China copying us. Perhaps its time we take a page out of their play book?

1/5
122mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) over a Warrior III chasis in service in the 🇨🇳PLAGF (ID# 6404 LD36), during a live ammunition drill with multiple platforms pic.twitter.com/Ye4BSaTiek

— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) July 4, 2023

Nap time. Ukrainian MRAP and crew in Donetsk region. via Reditt

Don't get this twisted. I am not shaming that soldier. He is doing the hard thing. He is risking life and limb while others are simply cheerleading. Much respect. Much hope that he, his enemies and everyone involved makes it home safe. The bastards that should be doing the fighting, risking life and limb are the policy makers and the idiotic cheerleaders that refuse to turn this war off.

Having said that I don't understand why I'm seeing so many "chubby" fighters. It just doesn't make sense to me.  I've said before and I'll say again.  The stress alone should have these guys shedding weight like crazy.  The physical exertion should have them skinny strong by now.

What is so different in this war that we're seeing big dudes?  Not muscular big but fat big?

Something is off here and I can't figure it out.

Soft power works! China is investing in Brazil.

Chinese automaker BYD announced its plan to establish a production base in the Brazilian state of Bahia. The complex will comprise three new plants and is scheduled to begin operation in the second half of next year. #GLOBALink pic.twitter.com/00DcxyTHux

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) July 6, 2023

Ground based robotic vehicles....Why isn't mine clearing done without humans???

 

The de-mining vehicle is back in action! removing mines from the Zaporizhzhia front pic.twitter.com/Q2Ks2fyOye

— Mr. Parrot ™ 🇺🇦 (@parrot_soldier) July 6, 2023

I look at the above video and watch demining/breaching doctrine and wonder WHY ARE WE STILL HAVING HUMANS DOING THIS!!! We have been working on autonomus vehicles for decades yet we still have humans driving demining vehicles? IDIOCY! Never send a human where you can send a bullet has always been the mantra. Why aren't we saying the same when it comes to breaching and demining? Make it make sense!

British Navy looks as anemic as the US Navy...

1) A fascinating snapshot of the current status of the @RoyalNavy's destroyer & frigate force by @NavyLookout.
So, amid questions from @CommonsDefence on its ability to "fight tonight" & "could Britain still retake the Falklands?" here's a little thought experiment #thread🧵 pic.twitter.com/4go2ehgg7A

— Dr Phil Weir (@navalhistorian) July 5, 2023

Help from NATO if war comes with China? We can use the Ukrainian model to defeat China? China is worried because of the resolve shown against Russia?

They're telling you lies and you know it.

What's happening in Ukraine has no bearing on a war with China.  China gives no shits about the fight in Ukraine and it is NOT acting as a deterrent (we really need to have a serious talk about the "deterrence" doctrine...its flawed as hell and does not work against a determined peer nation...they know that too!).

Make no mistake about it boys and girls.

We are IN the time of maximum danger of an attack against Taiwan (rather they're in max danger...we have a choice to participate or not).  We are not ready now and will not be ready for the remainder of the Biden admin's time in office.  We will not be ready for the next president's time in office.  We MIGHT be coming around by our 3rd future president's time in office but JUST!

Long story short?

If China wants Taiwan and wants to take it by force, we can't in the short term stop them.

Worse?

We know it and they do too.  The only thing stopping them is the economic consequences of such an action.  But even with that have no doubt.  The world will probably plunge into a global depression and even more wars will pop off.

The knock on dangers of such an attack is keeping China at bay, NOT OUR MILITARY MIGHT!

China simulates Z-day total sea war with US...

 

China simulates ‘Z-day’ total sea war with the US https://t.co/tb0pjN9iyS PLA simulation highlights new weapon capabilities while tracking devastating results of earlier test runs of a Taiwan war.

— 9DASHLINE (@9DashLine) July 5, 2023

Kaman Kargo is nice/promising but the K-Max has been demonstrated in an unmanned configuration and lifts much more

 

This post isn't to slam the Kaman Kargo.

The helicopter looks nice/promising.  It will provide a BIT of resupply to far flung units.  I can easily see the Army, Navy and Coast Guard buying a few for different purposes.

BUT!  When it comes to resupply I'm a bit confused.  The K-Max has been demonstrated/operated in an unmanned configuration and can lift much much more.

So why are they abandoning all the work done on a higher performing UAV to switch to this model?

The only thing I can think is that "shipboard" compatibility wasn't built into the first model.  If so that can be fixed.

Not a fan of FD2030.  

Call it what it is.  It makes the entire Marine Corps into a SEA DENIAL FORCE with limited if NO offensive capability.  That goes against the very ethos of the Marine Corps and will/has broken the force (I would tell any young man of worth to NOT EVEN CONSIDER joining the US military as it now exists!).

But if this is the course and they want to accelerate it then why all the half measures and lust for new tech instead of evolving what has worked and is higher performing?

Open Comment Post - Ukraine/Russia War - 6 July 23