Late, Late Open Comment Post. 28 July 23

Guys running Sigs...something is wrong with your firearms. Come over to Glock Perfection

Officer’s gun randomly goes off during arrest in Montville, CT.
It was a Sig and the chief has already ordered 35 new Glocks for the department.
What do you think caused that?
(No sound on the video) pic.twitter.com/ouql74tq3a

— Donut Operator 🍩 (@DonutOperator) July 28, 2023

The hot thing ain't always the right thing. Mil Spec often means the lowest bidder. Sig guys! Come over to Glock Perfection...

If you pick anything but peach then you're a goober

Or you can watch me take all six.

You can’t stop me. pic.twitter.com/7mysmpx97d

— Herbal (@HerbCarmen) July 27, 2023

Ukraine says Russia attacked Ukrainian Intelligence’s (SBU) building in Dnipro.

Ukraine says Russia attacked Ukrainian Intelligence’s (SBU) building in Dnipro. pic.twitter.com/3tC3a6Z8r2

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 28, 2023

Don't know if its a propaganda effort on the part of the Ukrainians but their Intel guy has been running his mouth lately. It's almost like he's painting a target on the back of himself and his boys.

III MEF. America's STAND IN FORCE. Ready to stand in at a moments notice.

 Note.  The title is tongue in cheek because the concept is so fucking stupid.  Story below.

A Ready Marine Corps in the Western Pacific: The Stand-in Force Emerges in III Marine Expeditionary Force

3rd Marine Logistics Group

Story by 1st Lt. Samuel Barge

 OKINAWA, Japan – On a tropical island within the First Island Chain, planners from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force are deeply engrossed in their work, studying maps under tan weathered tents. Their focus is on wargaming enemy actions within their battlespace, while attentive interpreters in their native military uniforms mediate technical discussions, dictating their nation's part in the Stand-in Force.

At the same time, U.S. Marines execute a swift and precise deployment from an MV-22B Osprey over the island of Ie Shima. They rapidly fast rope to the ground and seek cover among the mangrove trees. Assessing their surroundings, they strategize their approach to the unpredictable river lying ahead, which poses as a formidable obstacle on their way to the next objective (we've been doing this shit for decades but suddenly its drama city...FORMIDABLE OBSTACLE IS A FUCKING RIVER????  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE BAD GUYS SHOW UP???). These Marines belong to the highly capable III Marine Expeditionary Force.

On July 6, 2023, a host of Marines from the 3rd Marine Division assemble at Kadena Air Base, don their combat loads, and anticipate the powerful aircraft’s transport of them within a matter of hours to an austere destination. This mission is part of the Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise, testing the Marines' ability to immediately provide unwavering support to allies and partners during regional emergencies, be it natural disasters or hostile actions.

As part of the Stand-in Force, the Marines and Sailors of III MEF undergo rigorous, comprehensive training. Their preparation focuses on thriving in remote locations, maneuvering with a low signature, and responding effectively if detected. This training also includes reducing their logistical dependence, as they learn to subsist independently by generating their own power, water, food, and fuel from the environment.

III MEF collaborates closely with the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, working together to conduct sea control operations in isolated maritime terrain. Their synergy ensures that they stand strong as a Stand-in Force, ready to face any challenge that may arise. Every occupation within III MEF diligently shifts its focus to training in dynamic scenarios, fostering adaptability and versatility.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. George Rawson, the current operations officer for 3rd Marine Division, emphasizes, "As the nation’s Stand-in Force in the Indo-Pacific Command, III MEF uses ACMEX to display the utility of the ACM as a general-purpose response force that provides the combatant commander flexible options across the full range of military operations."

III MEF functions as a well-integrated and cohesive team, with subordinate units fulfilling various critical functions. Whether they are preparing an AGM-84D Harpoon Missile, conducting aerial refueling, or exchanging expertise with allied forces, every member plays a pivotal role in supporting the main body's mission.

Units from 3rd Marine Logistics Group continuously refine their systems, ensuring that III MEF possesses the necessary speed and efficiency in execution. During the Combined Distribution Exercise in June 2023, 3rd Landing Support Battalion showcased their capabilities, including water production, aerial medical evacuation drills, and resource delivery through the Joint Precision Airdrop System. This exercise demonstrated III MEF’s joint and bilateral operability, as logistics units from Republic of Korea forces, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy joined forces with 3rd Landing Support Battalion.

Simultaneously, III MEF conducts a series of training events with allies and joint force partners across Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. These events actively build interoperability, enhancing the readiness of forces and making notable contributions to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Helicopter crews from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 from July 6 to July 21. During this exercise, they train extensively with squadrons from various U.S. Marine Corps units, the U.S. Air Force, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The training encompasses a wide array of activities, including bilateral air assaults, aerial sniping, fuel delivery in the air, jungle patrolling, and fast rope helicopter insertion training. During their training operations, these Marines reside on the ground in the teeming jungle, alongside their comrades from III MEF and the Filipino Marines, immersing themselves in the true essence of the Stand-in Force in the littoral environment.

"We are ready to go fight," says Lt. Col. Thomas Duff, commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169). "MASA gives us the ability to strengthen relationships, hone our warfighting skills, and practice in a distributed fashion in the [Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations] context. We will be here in the first island chain, fighting in the seams (WHAT THE FUCK DOES FIGHTING IN THE SEAMS MEAN???), because that’s where we thrive."

Across Okinawa's remote maritime terrain, the III MEF Information Group deploys low-profile, highly mobile sensor teams to help identify adversary intentions, adding an extra layer of preparedness and situational awareness to the Stand-in Force. 

A member of a sensing team, 23-year-old U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Philips, a native of Gaffney, S.C., and a radio operator with 5th ANGLICO, III MEF Information Group, created a field expedient radio antenna using raw materials and a protein shaker bottle, highlighting the resourcefulness inherent in the Stand-in Force.

Col. Rich Martin, the III MIG commanding officer, highlights, "One of the hallmarks of a viable Stand-in Force is the ability to persist in forward locations and operate effectively when competition shifts into crisis, being able to provide reliable battlespace awareness and deliver effects that frustrate the adversary's ability to gain an advantage—that's how information is playing a key role for the MEF and the joint force."

The synchronized aggregate of III MEF forms an agile and highly capable Stand-in Force, ready to respond swiftly to any crisis or contingency. While this capability is not intended for long-term solutions, the combined strength of III MEF's functions serves as the most efficient tool for rapid response. Whether working from rugged planning tents or tactical positions, III MEF effectively sets the conditions for follow-on action, ensuring their readiness for any eventuality.

The Marine Corps remains prepared for a full-scale conflict, and as part of the Stand-in Force in the Indo-Pacific, it contributes to the success of joint and combined forces in the region. Packing lighter than before, III MEF, flanked by its allies and partners, stands sharper and more formidable than ever.

Dudes FitRep should take a serious hit after producing this piece of shit article.  Back to school for you son...but the reality is that he'll be on some general's staff jacking him off with this word salad he produced. 

That's what pisses me off the most about Force Design 2030.  These sorry bastards can't even properly explain it.  It's all harvard professor bullshit that anyone can smell from a mile away.

They need to go back to the Basic School.  Most of these motherfuckers forgot how to be Marines.

2RAR during a small boat training

2RAR during a small boat training evolution pic.twitter.com/yIXXDj8tyw

— CSRC (@Coralseaco) July 25, 2023

Chinese Fast Rope & Light Tactical Vehicle sling load demonstration

🇨🇳Changhun Air Show 2023 Open House Day

All-terrain Fourwheelers for "Sling Load” Transport with PLAAF Z-20KA
&
12 Soldiers Hit the Ground with Fast Roping pic.twitter.com/K8kaE5qpW2

— David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) July 26, 2023

Hanwha Redback to bring Army some sting

Happily surprised by this. Always thought that the Hanwha was superior but doubted that Australia would buy it. S. Korea is making huge strides. In a weird twist, I read that the S. Korean Army would buy Redbacks for their army FROM Australia! Defense contracting is legalized corruption and yeah, the Germans, Americans, Chinese and Russians all play that same game.

Open Comment Post. 27 July 23

Farming in Louisiana is tough

Farming in Louisiana is tough 😳 pic.twitter.com/qQTmojHCZT

— Crazy Clips (@crazyclipsonly) July 26, 2023

Absolutely awesome explanation of why Hunter's deal went sideways

 

Based on conversations with people who were in the courtroom today, and my experience as a former federal prosecutor, I think I know the full story of what happened with the Hunter Biden plea agreement blow-up this morning.

Bear with me, because this is a little complicated:…

— Will Scharf (@willscharf) July 26, 2023

I luv Compass Points but on this issue they're wrong.

 via CP

The Marine Corps has a new Commandant -- or will soon have one, when he is officially confirmed. For the Marine Corps, it is a new day. Compass Points asks all readers to join in welcoming the new Commandant and conveying generous expectations. There will be a period of time yet until he is confirmed. Once confirmed, the work will begin. There is much that needs doing, as there always is, but Marines are strong and not afraid of a challenge. No doubt there are many challenges ahead, but for now, generous expectations.

Here

My question is why?

Why should we welcome him aboard and convey generous expectations?

He's already told us his game plan!  Accelerate a terribly flawed plan!  His or rather Berger's sycophants are all in the right places and the destruction of the Marine Corps continues apace. 

This is the problem with General Officers.

They don't mind slamming lower ranks but when it comes to each other, you get people from OTHER services calling for ceasefires.  You get all kinds of clowns in think tanks saying to knock it off.

They're all wrong.

The survival of the Marine Corps has never been in doubt, even with the talk of "second land army" UNTIL Berger came up with this half assed scheme.

Welcome him?  Naw bro can't do that.  I curse him and his ilk.

Late Open Comment Post. 26 July 23

 Chaotic day.

I just watched the Senate Majority (MINORITY) leader (my mistake!) LITERALLY FREEZE UP while talking to the press.

NOTE!!!  My mistake.  It was the Senate MINORITY leader that froze up.  Apologies to all and thanks for correcting me!

 Time to get these old horses back to the barn, pull out the sledgehammer and put them out there misery.

Not literally but GEEZ.  These old folks don't know how to walk off the stage.

When you LITERALLY FREEZE UP while talking to the press then its past time to retire.

How we ended up with the freaking retirement home running our govt is beyond me but its time for them to ALL exit stage left.

Boxer NEMO (NEw MOrtar) live fire demo on Salisbury Plain

 

The Boxer NEMO (NEw MOrtar) live fire demo on Salisbury Plain showed us what development options are available in the UK Boxer program.

Electronic fire control & ballistic computer?✅
Indirect fire?✅
Direct fire?✅
Stabilised turret to do it all on the move?✅
Game changing?✅ pic.twitter.com/yjg9h9BjL5

— FutureArmourLab (@ArmourLab) July 26, 2023

Told ya to watch the Middle East. We're about to be involved in multi-front troubles...

 

A Russian fighter jet flew “dangerously close” to a US drone over Syria and damaged it with flares, according to the US Air Force, in the latest in a series of incidents between the two militaries in the Middle East.https://t.co/90DUSpu2DS

— CNN (@CNN) July 25, 2023

I fully expect the Iranians to kick stuff off along with the Russians in Syria. I don't expect full out combat (unless the Iranians stir up Hezbollah against Israel and the Israelis are looking kinda vulnerable now) but I do expect trouble.

We talk alot about stress testing our banks.

When was the last time we stress tested our military?

The Large Scale Exercise that is being planned is in my opinion a sham.  Virtual exercises cannot replace the real thing when it comes to testing capabilities.

We know about ship maintenance being a concern but are we capable of sending the fleet out to defend our interests on a global scale?  Our aircraft?  We've shrunk our forward positioning of gear and recently found out that the gear in those positions is trash.  Have we improved?

Can we even get our Soldiers and Marines forward to equip them with the stored gear?

What are our priorities when it comes to an outbreak of global warfare in different theaters?  I know that Europe will come first. That's just the way it is whether it makes sense or not, but what about the Pacific versus the Middle East?  God forbid how do we even act if troubles break out in Africa?

We gave up on fighting two regional wars at once.  

That was a mistake.

We're not ready for the stress test that is coming.

Open Comment Post. 25 July 23

 

Ukrainians lose 100+ armored vehicles in failed assault

Thanks to Carlton for the link!

 

This can't keep up. The Ukrainian forces have to be on the verge of complete collapse and moral has to be in the shitter with the continued failure. How long can you expect armored crews and infantry to keep heading into a meat grinder before they get to a point of saying fuck it. Western resources are dying up. Public support will falter mightily once the truth comes out. Turn off the war or at the very least get a cease fire. Lives have value and that value is being wasted.

As far as the video?

Obviously this guy is a Ukrainian booster.  Obviously he's disappointed by the results but he points out a few things of note.

The Russian defenses are formidable.

The Ukrainians have shifted so much of their anti-air to defending their cities that the battlefield seems wide open for attack helicopters to play a big role.

Loitering drones continue to be a BIG force in this fight.

Ukrainians don't seem capable of conducting ANY combined arms assaults.

This war has reached a stalemate.

Large Scale Exercise 2023

 

PLA air assault infantryman with his newly issued QCQ-171 submachine gun during combat demonstration [2450 x 2000] via Reddit

The pic is interesting but the conversation on Reddit is surprisingly good. How accurate it is I don't know but at least a few of the commenters appear to be keeping up with Chinese gear advancements. Oh and they are advancing. Some of it is weird in my opinion, like who would use a submachine gun on a battlefield if they can have a battle rifle instead (even terrorist can get ahold of body armor), but differences in doctrine are to be expected. Check it out here.  Does that optic look like a Holosun knock off or is it just me?  Having manufacturing in China is really hurting when they can take the tech, change the shell and call it their own.