Navy, Marine Corps integrate with joint forces during Northern Edge 21

ALASKA (May 3, 2021) A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet refuels with a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender over an Alaskan range in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Burt Traynor

GULF OF ALASKA (May 3, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin)

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (May 3, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off from the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nadia Lund)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 3, 2021) The amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) transits the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces' skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Daniel Nichols)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 3, 2021) The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) maneuvers through the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 5, 2021) U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jenna Leggett directs an F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, after landing on the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) flight deck in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob D. Bergh)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 6, 2021) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits waters of the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heath Zeigler)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 7, 2021) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), May 7, 2021, in support of flight operations above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and Gulf of Alaska during Exercise Northern Edge 2021 (NE21). Navy, Air Force and Marine aircraft executed flight missions during NE21 demonstrating seamless, joint combat capabilities. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces' skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control, and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Hayden Burns)

GULF OF ALASKA (May 8, 2021) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) transits the Gulf of Alaska as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, May 8, 2021, in support of flight operations above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and Gulf of Alaska during Exercise Northern Edge 2021 (NE21). Navy, Air Force and Marine aircraft executed flight missions during NE21 demonstrating seamless, joint combat capabilities. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces' skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control, and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dylan Lavin)

COLD BAY, ALASKA (May 10, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket System assigned to HIMARS Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stages in preparation to load U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 79 assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, at Cold Bay, Alaska, in support of Northern Edge 2021. U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Stegall)

501st Parachute Infantry Regiment does water ops...

All photos by Justin Connaher

*Note*  I'm just being curious here and if any Airborne guys know then shoot me an e-mail.  What is the deployment sequence of the flotation gear when fully equipped? 

Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment conduct a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22, 2011. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment conduct a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Soldiers recover a paratrooper of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment after he conducted a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratrooper Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Clarno of Hillboro, Ore., of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment, swims toward a rubber boat after conducting a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment conduct a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment conduct a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22, 2011. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment conduct a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22, 2011. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Paratrooper Pfc. Robert Lenigan of Star, Idaho, pulls Specialist Christopher Tenore, left, of Jacksonville, Fla., of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment from the water after he conducted a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22, 2011. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

A Paratrooper of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment conducts a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

A boat races to recover a paratrooper of the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Infantry Regiment after he conducted a parachute training and water landing exercise at Big Lake, Alaska, July 22. Several hundred troopers from the battalion trained extensively in preparation for the maneuver, jumped from UH-60 helicopters, staged at a nearby airfield, into Big Lake and were brought safely to shore by rubber boats.

Aviation Porn. F-16 @ Red Flag Alaska...

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off prior to a sortie as part of Red Flag Alaska
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (June 20, 2018) - An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska takes off prior to a sortie as part of Red Flag Alaska. Red Flag Alaska provides large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)

501st Parachute Infantry Regiment gets a piece of Talisman Saber 2011.

All Photos by Master Sgt. Michele Desrochers 

U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, parachute out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 July 17, 2011. Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Members of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, move out of a drop zone and set up a security perimeter after parachuting out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, moves out of the drop zone after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in Shoalwater Bay Training Area during exercise Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eugene Baca from Geronimo, Okla., with 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, moves out of the drop zone after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during exercise Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. soldiers with 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, move out of the drop zone and set up a security perimeter after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, parachute out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 July 17, 2011. Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

US Army Chinook supports an air assault insertion at Fort Greely during Northern Edge 21

FORT GREELY, Alaska (May 11, 2021) - A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment flies over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) May 10, 2021, near Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, prior to an air assault insertion for reconnaissance ahead of a joint forcible entry operation (JFEO) exercise the following day over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) near Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2021 (NE21). The JFEO exercise involved more than 400 U.S. Army paratroopers, and other military members from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, and more than a dozen aircraft assigned to squadrons throughout the United States including CH-47s, and U.S. Air Force HC-130 Hercules , MC-130J Commando IIs, and C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Realistic warfighting training, like JFEO, conducted during NE21, provided a venue for the joint force to develop and improve interoperability, and enhance combat readiness. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in NE21 hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the JPARC, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan) 210511-F-HF102-0742

Airmen integrate with F-35, improve air ground dominance? WTF is air-ground dominance?????

A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II 5th-generation fighter taxis on the flight line during pre-initial Operational Testing and Evaluation Jan. 23, 2018, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. All three variants of the F-35 were brought to Eielson to test and evaluate their ability to operate in an extreme cold-weather environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac Johnson)

Airmen stand in front of a Sno-Cat at a range in Delta Junction, Alaska, during F-35 pre-Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. TACP Airmen had the chance to work with all three variants of the F-35. (Courtesy Photo)

via Air Force.mil

During the F-35 Lightning II’s pre-Initial Operational Test and Evaluation, Airmen from the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron had the opportunity to work with all three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen coordinate air support with joint and international platforms, making this a unique opportunity to work with three different versions of the fifth-generation aircraft.

“We were able to execute close-air-support training scenarios and validate TACP cold-weather training,” said Staff Sgt. Gary Russell, Detachment 1, 3rd ASOS battalion air liaison officer. “We were also able to build the 3rd ASOS’s familiarization with all F-35 variants.”

Unlike other aircraft used for CAS, the F-35 utilizes speed and stealth technology to become a more lethal threat on the battlefield.
“It’s a little more difficult to control than some other aircraft,” said Russell. “It flies higher and faster than most aircraft we deal with, but it also gives us the advantage of not having to worry about as many surface-to-air threats. Because of that, we are able to focus more on the ground commander’s priorities.”

Alaska’s weather makes some tasks harder to accomplish than others; but as part of United States Special Operation Forces, weather can’t keep an objective from being obtained.

“Weather was our biggest challenge,” said Russell. “At minus 30 degrees, batteries drain rapidly and keeping them warm is difficult.”

The roads to get to the different ranges located in Alaska are usually unpaved and difficult to drive on, and with a couple feet of snow added it makes getting out there extremely difficult.

“Air Force Technical Applications Center, Detachment 460, was able to provide us with a Sno-Cat,” said Russell. “Tech. Sgt. Cyrus Freeman from Det. 460 transported TACP personnel in the Sno-Cat for 15 hours a day all week. This was a significant battlefield enabler and a game-changer in allowing the missions to flow smoothly.”

The F-35 Lightning II is a multi-service and multi-nation fifth generation fighter aircraft, making it an integral part of future operations for the Department of Defense as well as its allies.

“In today’s military as TACP, we are regularly exposed to a joint battlefield,” said Russell. “So any exposure to platforms from varying nations and services is of benefit to us.”

With the addition of F-35 Fighter Squadrons in the near future, along with the TACP Airmen of the 3rd ASOS, Eielson will be the force enabling the United States military’s dominance in the air and on the ground.

Wow.

They talked alot and said absolutely nothing.

I thought these bubbas worked with everything from F-15, F-16 and up to B-1 Bombers in the "new" close air support doctrine they're working on.

So how does this plane flying faster and higher differ from what they've been doing?

How are they accounting for stealth in their work to control close air support missions?

Do anti-air threats go completely out the window because its an F-35?

Yeah.  This was nothing more than a fucking press release to show some TACAIR control bubbas in their snow cat or whatever that rig is and a Navy F-35 in the snow.

Color me NOT impressed.

11th Airborne Division will have an airborne & air assault brigade...

 via Military.com

Currently, there are two major Army formations in Alaska: the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. Those will be redesignated the 1-11 Airborne and 2-11 Airborne, respectively. U.S. Army Alaska will also be absorbed into the new division.

Army officials are in the middle of finalizing a plan to get rid of its roughly 320 Strykers in Alaska, possibly using them for spare parts for other units. In the meantime, the Stryker brigade in Alaska will convert to a regular light infantry force, but could be converted into an air assault element down the road.

"This isn't going to be like any other division. Here, we are having an airborne brigade, and there will probably be an air assault brigade," said Eifler, who will command the 11th Airborne Division. "It'll be different."

Eifler noted that plans for how the division will be organized aren't ironed out yet. Getting half of the division's soldiers air assault-qualified and setting up logistics for the training those soldiers could take years.

Here 

I find the removal of the Strykers a bit curious.  They obviously didn't perform well in the conditions up there but the Army is also in the midst of selecting a new "snow" vehicle (forgot what they're calling it) so they should still have good ground mobility.

What has me a little miffed is that the last time I saw it, it didn't have weapons mounted.  The Russian stuff is and I would bet the Chinese will probably winterize a bunch of their armor.

Aircraft are sometimes grounded in the far north due to weather so on call firepower is necessary.

Soldiers conduct reconnaissance training in the Donnelly Training Area, Alaska for JPMRC 22-02

 

US Army...the new "Any Clime or Place" Force
DELTA JUNCTION, Alaska (March 22, 2022) - Soldiers from B Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (ID), US Army Alaska conduct reconnaissance in Donnelly Training Area March 22, 2022 during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 22-02. The near-peer scenario used in JPMRC 22-02 assists Soldiers and leaders to develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome both environmental and military challenges. 

Army Force Design 2030 Initiative creates 5 new divisions....The JLTV might get chopped...

 via Congressional Report on the JLTV

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle replaced the Humvee and is already in service across multiple Department of Defense branches.

“The Army’s current modernization strategy is primarily focused on six modernization priorities that do not include the JLTV,” the report explains. “Furthermore, the Army announced in January 2022 that under the Army 2030 Force Design Initiative, the Army would either redesignate existing divisions or create new divisions into five new types of divisions.”

These five new types include Standard Light, Standard Heavy, Penetration, Joint Force Entry Air Assault, and Joint Force Entry Airborne.

“The Army also announced in May 2022 that it would create a new Alaska-based division, the 11th Airborne Division, by activating new units and reconfiguring two Alaska-based Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs). With the creation of new division types and an additional division in Alaska, it is possible that the Army’s requirement for JLTVs could change significantly.”

As a part of the commandant of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 vision, the Marine Corps is moving from a large, land-based force optimized for the kinds of grinding, long-term campaigns that defined the United States’ involvement in the Middle East to its roots as a maritime force.

As a part of that change, the Marine Corps is returning to its amphibious heritage and divesting platforms that would not survive in a littoral environment. To that end, the Corps has divested all its tank battalions, as well as much of its artillery and tube mortar capabilities. The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle could be next.

“With the Marine Corps downsizing in accordance with its March 2020 Force Design Initiative and adoption of a more expeditionary posture (possibly requiring fewer JLTVs), original JLTV procurement plans for both the Army and Marine Corps might no longer be accurate.

Well, well, well...this kinda explains why the Brits have dropped the JLTV from consideration.

I've long suspected that the British MOD was trying to tie itself at the hip to the Pentagon and this confirms it for me.  I've seen enough.

Want to know where the Pentagon is going?  Follow the puppies in the British MOD.  They're not moving in any direction that the Pentagon isn't going.

Of course this brings up the question.

Are the Brits worth this "partnership"?  Do they bring enough to the fight to have them almost directly integrated with our forces?

To be blunt, I see the French forces as being more capable and just as compatible.

Is there any benefit besides the historic alignment which indicates that this is a profitable, beneficial relationship to the US?

The Aussies punch above their own weight and they're in the theater of concern.  So are the Japanese and the S. Koreans. If we're talking about Europe then the French (again), the Poles, Netherlands and perhaps even Finland might be as capable (or more) partners.

Just throwing it out there. 

 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducting operations @ Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

Paratroopers assigned to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, conduct a parachute jump on Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 11, 2019. The Soldiers are part of the Army’s only Pacific airborne brigade with the ability to rapidly deploy worldwide, and are trained to conduct military operations in austere conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher).

Unintended Consequence. Transgendered students to decimate Girl's athletics?

Thanks to William for the link!

via BarStoolSports

High school girls in Alaska are crying foul after a male sprinter took home all-state honors in girls’ track and field. According to local reports, it was the first time in Alaskan history that a male athlete competed in the girls’ state championships. Haines senior Nattaphon Wangyot–who self-identifies as a girl–advanced to the state finals in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. He won fifth place in the 100-meter dash and third place in the 200-meter. In both events, he competed against girls as young as ninth grade. One of the girls Wangyot beat out for a slot at the state meet, Hutchison runner Emma Daniels, took issue with allowing a male athlete to compete in girls events. “I’m glad that this person is comfortable with who they are and they’re able to be happy in who they are, but I don’t think it’s competitively completely 100-percent fair,” she told a local CBS station.

Well, we’ve made our bed, World. Now its time to sleep in it. We ran around letting everyone and anyone decide what gender they are and now, because of it, we got a bunch of chicks in Alaska getting their asses kicked in track and field by a dude. Hope youre happy, Caitlyn Jenner. Lets think on that for a second – Bruce Jenner, an Olympian who owes all his success and money and fame to the sport of track and field, encourages this willy nilly gender switching, which thereby, in turn, ends up demolishing the sport.

Isn’t it ironic?

Dontcha think?

There’s some girls up there in Alaska who had dreams of standing on that podium hoisting up Olympic gold who are just gonna give up altogether because this dude is scraping them on the track. Granted its gotta be like 5 or 6 total eskimos out there who compete in track and field at all, but nonetheless its ruined the integrity of the game.

I AM FUCKING LOVING THIS!

Follow this link to read the story for yourself! 

58th Fighter Squardron TDY to Eileson Alaska

 

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II waits before taxiing onto the runway Aug. 11, 2021, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The students integrated into highly complex missions to prepare for their first operational assignment in the Combat Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Colleen Coulthard)

USAF helicopter conducts aerial refueling from Alaska Air National Guard aircraft over Alaska

 

Marines conduct a notional raid on a Polaris MRZR 4 vehicle during exercise Northern Edge....photo by Cpl. Rhita Daniel

FORT GREELY, Alaska (May 22, 2019) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Juan Morales, front right, a platoon sergeant, with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 7, conducts a notional raid on a Polaris MRZR 4 vehicle during exercise Northern Edge (NE), May 22, 2019 at Fort Greely, Alaska. Approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel participate in exercise NE 2019, a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces that prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Indo-Pacific region.