Iveco SuperAV for the Marines?

via Defense News

Iveco Defence Vehicles and BAE Systems are teaming up to pursue the U.S. Marine Corps personnel carrier contract with a vehicle based on Iveco’s amphibious SUPERAV 8×8.
Iveco declared its intention to enter the SUPERAV in the MPC contest last year; BAE adds U.S. market savvy and U.S. production facilities.

This announcement is a kick in the balls.  I really like the look of the SEP and was hoping that BAE would enter that vehicle (the wheeled version) in this contest.

Its probably not to be anyway.  I can easily see the Marine Personnel Carrier Program getting sliced, delayed or out right canceled.

Smith and Wesson Bodyguard at Eurosatory.

Amazing.  S&W is pushing a weapon at Eurosatory that isn't gaining much traction in the civilian or military market here in the US.

Via Janes...(Thanks CBD)

These new weapons combine the latest advancements in laser technologies with Smith & Wesson’s innovative design and manufacturing capabilities, both featuring a compact frame with an integrated laser and other new high-tech advantages. Smith & Wesson has worked closely with Insight Technology to design an integrated laser that not only improves target acquisition but also reduces the price of this technology. Thus more forces will find laser sighting systems affordable.
Compact, sleek and ergonomic, the Bodyguard 380 (right) delivers personal protection in an easy-to-carry platform. Chambered for .380 ACP, the lightweight pistol features a highstrength polymer frame with a Melonite-coated stainless steel slide and barrel. The new pistol has an overall length of 5.25in and an unloaded weight of only 11.85oz. It also features a doubleaction fire control system, which allows for rapid second-strike capability.

I'll give them credit for effort and for teaming with Insight to provide an integrated laser to help with the weapons appeal.  I don't think it'll work but we'll see.

Terrorist Attack on Central Command?

And now this press release from the US Air Force.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 completed fire bucket training.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A CH-53E "Super Stallion" helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 takes off with a bucket of water June 3. The "Heavy Haulers" completed fire bucket training to prepare to aid fighting wild fires throughout the summer., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 6/3/2010 9:31 AM.

 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A CH-53E "Super Stallion" helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 takes off with a bucket of water June 3. The "Heavy Haulers" completed fire bucket training to prepare to aid fighting wild fires throughout the summer., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 6/3/2010 9:22 AM

 

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A CH-53E "Super Stallion" helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 releases 900 gallons of water on a simulated fire line June 3. The "Heavy Haulers" completed the training to ensure they know where to release water to help stop a wild fire., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 6/3/2010 9:43 AM

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-A CH-53E "Super Stallion" helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 releases 900 gallons of water on a simulated fire line June 3. The "Heavy Haulers" completed the training to ensure they know where to release water to help stop a wild fire., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 6/3/2010 9:25 AM

Hubris. France to ask to buy Predator drones.

Via Alert 5 from Business Week.

A representative of France’s arms purchasing agency, the Direction Generale de l’Armement, will travel to the U.S. this afternoon to talk with government authorities there about purchase conditions, including possible technology transfers, Morin told journalists at a briefing today at the Eurosatory arms trade fair outside of Paris.

These are the same officials that are trying to dump A330's on the USAF after subsidizing the price.  The same French officials that are ignoring NATO wishes and are going to sell Russia Mistral BPC's with tech transfer!  The same French officials that have been engaged in industrial espionage against our defense sector.

The Hubris is stunning.  

The Arrogance breathtaking.

The end result.  Predictable.  President Obama will approve it in the name of fostering alliances.

Pathetic.

We are so screwed.

If Marine Corps Times is right then the Marine Corps is so screwed.  An Aviator as Commandant?  You're fucking kidding me right? Read the sad details here. 

Gen. James Amos is expected to be named the 35th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, sources told Defense News on Monday. If nominated, Amos could become the first Marine jet aviator named to the top post, and he would alter recent custom by becoming the first assistant commandant in several decades to succeed his immediate boss.

Note.
If the Deputy Commandant has any integrity then he would step aside.  Self interest won't allow that to happen but its a punch in the face to everything that is the Marines.  But onto another topic.  First out of the box on this was a detractor of my beliefs on this issue.

Annonymous, left a comment wondering why this is a bad thing.  I simply ask those in the know (meaning Marines) to take a look at how the Air Wing operates.  Its a different beast.  I once asked a pilot why they weren't as hardcore about things as the ground side and the response was...Do I want a pissed off LCpl messing my plane up?!

The Air Wing reflects different values from the rest of the Marine Corps.  Marines yes...but operating on a slightly different wave length.

Javelin Thrust 2010.

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif.-A CH-53E Helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing kicks up sand and dust as it prepares to land and begin transporting Marines.
HMH 772 is based out of Willow Grove, Penn., Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac, 6/13/2010 7:03 AM

 

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif.-Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment wait to be transported to their training area for the duration of exercise Javelin Thrust 2010.

The CH-53E Helicopter is with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
Company B is based out of MAchester, N.H.
HMH 772 is based out of Willow Grove, Penn., Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac, 6/13/2010 6:01 AM

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif.-A infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment surveys his surrondings prior to boarding a CH-46 helicopter and traveling to his training area. Company B is based out of Manchester, N.H., Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac, 6/13/2010 6:42 AM

MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif.-Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment load onto vehicles and prepare to travel to their training area for exercise Javelin Thrust 2010.
Company B is based out of Manchester, N.H.
The Company B Marines are among more than 4,500 Marines who will be participating in the exercise., Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac, 6/13/2010 7:07 AM

26th MEU conducts Realistic Urban Training at Fort A.P. Hill.

A Marine with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, puts rounds downrange during a company battle live-fire exercise as part of Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., June 8, 2010. During the 18-day training evolution, the MEU will conduct several urban and other small unit training exercises as part of its pre-deployment training. 26th MEU is scheduled to deploy later this fall. (Official USMC Photo by Lance Cpl. Santiago G. Colon Jr./Released)

Sergeant Major Allen L. Tanner, sergeant major for 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with Marines while attending a live-fire exercise during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., June 8, 2010. During the 18-day training evolution, the MEU conducted several urban training exercises in a realistic environment as part of its pre-deployment training. The urban environment is among the most challenging tactical environments MEU Marines may face. 26th MEU is scheduled to deploy later this fall. (Official USMC Photo by Lance Cpl Tammy K. Hineline/ Released).

Capt. Brian J. Donlon, Company I commander with Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicates on the company radio during a company battle live-fire exercise as part of Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., June 8, 2010. During the 18-day training evolution, the MEU will conduct several urban and other small unit training exercises as part of its pre-deployment training. 26th MEU is scheduled to deploy later this fall. (Official USMC Photo by Lance Cpl. Santiago G. Colon Jr./Released)

Mortarmen with Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a mortar at a target downrange as part of Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., June 8, 2010. During the 18-day training evolution, the MEU will conduct several urban and other small unit training exercises as part of its pre-deployment training. 26th MEU is scheduled to deploy later this fall. (Official USMC Photo by Lance Cpl. Santiago G. Colon Jr./Released)