F-35B's operating off Canberra LHD.

via The Diplomat.

The Canberras retain the essential capability of the “Juan Carlos I” design, including features that support the F-35B. They have air traffic control facilities for helicopter operations, which would support short take-off and vertical landing, although an additional lighting system may be required for bad weather operations. The F-35B wouldn’t require large “specialised” maintenance facilities to be built into the ship, although adaptation of existing spaces might be required. The Canberras have enough fuel to support F-35Bs, and large weapons magazines. Claims to the contrary are incorrect.
Flight-deck heating issues are consistently overstated. Heat-resistant coatings might be required, but are easily applied. Other measures such as a “creeping” vertical landing would further alleviate what’s already a minor issue.
The bottom line? Operating the F-35B from LHDs is technically feasible and well within the capability of the ADF. It wouldn’t be free, but nor would it break the bank.

Read the entire article here.

Not sure what to make of this article.  I do note that it was first published by the Australian think tank ASPI.  

RoK Marines amphibious training ops.

USMC F-35's aboard UK carriers...nope, but how about SPMAGTF's?

War is Boring has a take on USMC F-35's operating off UK carriers...

The Marines are open to the idea—and have been for a while. In early November, the Marine Corps published the 2015 edition of it its aviation plan. Twice in the plan, the Corps’ proposes to send its F-35s into combat aboard British carriers.
In a section about so-called “distributed operations,” wherein the Marines spread out their forces in order to make it harder for the enemy to target them, the plan foresees F-35s—scattered across the battlefield—periodically returning to a ship for repairs.
Elsewhere in the aviation plan, the authors underscore the U.S. F-35Bs’ “interoperability” with Queen Elizabeth. That compatibility “will provide robust and flexible maritime power projection for allied forces.”

I like WIB.  But in this case I think they're wrong.  Look at the optics of such a move.  Moving F-35's onto Brit carriers while USMC MEU's go on float with Harriers would simply look terrible.  How would you viably claim that more amphibious ships are needed if you're able to farm out F-35's to foreign ships?

So how could the Marine Corps help out the Brits while they have a gap with regards to their own F-35's operating from them?

SPMAGTF-CR's.

You assign SPMAGTF-CR's to the Brit Carriers.  If F-35's are part of the mix of supporting aircraft then that's sauce for the goose.

The result?  You emphasize the need for increased amphibious shipping for the USMC.  You emphasize the need for the F-35 for the Royal Navy.  The downside?  The Queen Elizabeth is used as a super size LHD...exactly what the Royal Navy wouldn't like talked about.  Additionally some will ask why the Royal Navy simply doesn't use it as a large LHD while waiting for the F-35 with Royal Marines or British Army helicopters/troops aboard.

I think this suggestion of USMC F-35's operating off the QE is a trial balloon that falls flat.

First UK A400M Atlas Delivered To The RAF

photos via RAF website.

The UK is walking a very fine...and unusual line.  On one hand they're trying to maintain commonality and relevance with US forces while also doing the same with European forces.

The A400 is a good example.  Why buy C-17's at all when the opportunity to neck down to an all A400 force was possible?

Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal out of the running?????

For extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13 November 2004. First Sergeant Kasal was assisting 1st Section, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon as they provided a traveling over watch for 3d Platoon when he heard a large volume of fire erupt to his immediate front, shortly followed by Marines rapidly exiting a structure. When First Sergeant Kasal learned that Marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the structure and rescue the Marines inside. He made entry into the first room, immediately encountering and eliminating an enemy insurgent, as he spotted a wounded Marine in the next room. While moving towards the wounded Marine, First Sergeant Kasal and another Marine came under heavy rifle fire from an elevated enemy firing position and were both severely wounded in the legs, immobilizing them. When insurgents threw grenades in an attempt to eliminate the wounded Marines, he rolled on top of his fellow Marine and absorbed the shrapnel with his own body. When First Sergeant Kasal was offered medical attention and extraction, he refused until the other Marines were given medical attention. Although severely wounded himself, he shouted encouragement to his fellow Marines as they continued to clear the structure. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Kasal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

via Marine Corps Times.

The commandant has begun his search for the next sergeant major of the Marine Corps, releasing specific criteria for prospective candidates.
In an all-Marine message released Wednesday, Gen. Joe Dunford said his next senior enlisted adviser must have a minimum of 25 years of service and broad experience, including experience in combat operations. A spokesman for Dunford, Lt. Col. Eric Dent, said this means prospective candidates must have deployed in support of combat.
Qualified candidates must also have been serving as the senior enlisted adviser in a general officer-slated billet for a minimum of 24 months, and must possess strong written and oral communications skills, according to the message. They must have no pending disciplinary action, and they must also indicated their willingness to be considered and to live in the designated quarters at Marine Barracks Washington if selected.
Candidates who meet the qualifications will be considered by a board of general officers over a five-day selection process from Dec. 8-12, according to the message. The names of the five most qualified sergeants major will be presented to Dunford, who will make the final selection.
Dunford's criteria represent a departure from his predecessor, Gen. Jim Amos, who only asked that candidates be currently serving under a general officer, meet height and weight standards, and possess or be able to obtain certain security clearances in order to be considered.
The criteria also appear to take out of consideration one of the most-discussed names for for the post: Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal, now serving under Maj. Gen. Paul Brier at 4th Marine Division. Kasal is best known for earning the Navy Crossduring the Battle of Fallujah in 2004 despite severe wounds and blood loss. But Kasal did not leave his previous post at School of Infantry-West until Feb. 2013, leaving him shy of 24 months of service in a general officer-slated billet.
It's not stated in the message when Dunford may make his final decision. The current sergeant major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Mike Barrett, has served in his post since June 2011.

Hmmm.

I can't wait to hear the justification for writing requirements that would exclude one of the more notable individuals in uniform today.

Wow.

I had actually penned him in as a "no brainer" for next SMMC.

On second thought the more I think about it and after re-reading this article, I think we're seeing a made up controversy.  If Kasal wants to be considered I'm sure someone in the General's club will take his interest in the position up to the Commandant's office.

I think I got punked by Marine Times.  They were reading tea leaves, being extremely literal in reading the announcement and I fell for it.

Global Defence Tech's Amphibious APC/IFV overview...

Global Defence Technology has a nice overview of current Amphibious APC/IFV's worldwide.

The list itself is worthy of discussion.  Check it out here (page 8, listed as "Best of Both Worlds").

Australian Army's 1st Brigade Cambrai Day Parade...

NOTE:  ThinkDefence Blog gets thanks for spelling correction.