11th MEU Factbook

11th MEU Factbook

How Marines actually feel about DADT.

Thanks again Joe for the article.

Via the Raw Story.  Read the whole thing but...

"Sir, we joined the Marine Corps because the Marine Corps has a set of standards and values that is better than that of the civilian sector. And we have gone and changed those values and repealed the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," the sergeant told Gates during the question and answer session.
"We have not given the Marines a chance to decide whether they wish to continue serving under that. Is there going to be an option for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact their moral values have not changed?" he asked.
"No," Gates responded. "You'll have to complete your ... enlistment just like everybody else."

This is the truth that no one wants to admit.  I stand by earlier posts.  The repeal of DADT will get peoples asses kicked and careers ruined.  This is an ill conceived policy and the Marine Corps will suffer for it.  We will see the gay version of tail hook and it won't be pretty at all.  

Why airpower has failed in Libya.

Thanks Joe for sending this article.

A must read from Politico....a tidbit but make sure you read the entire article...its a primer on how airpower alone will never win wars.

Absent a coup or lucky air strike that takes out Qadhafi, success requires what all other wars demanded: a competent, reasonably armed and well-led ground capacity. In the Libya case, this will require time, money, equipment and leadership with far more on-the-ground NATO assistance. For those who think otherwise, they would do well to recall the conclusion Johns Hopkins University strategist Eliot Cohen — the director of the U.S. government’s Persian Gulf War evaluation — made in Foreign Affairs in 1994: “Air power is an unusually seductive form of military strength, in part because, like modern courtship, it appears to offer gratification without commitment.”
In Libya, gratification will not suffice.

Today is the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

Some websites you should check out...

US Army History...The Normandy Invasion in Pictures.


The National D-Day Memorial.

Update on Force Protection's Timberwolf Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle.

Remember my article on Force Protection's Timberwolf TAPV?  Well it appears that I owe them an apology for 'holding their cards close to the vest'...not only are all the contenders doing that, but Mr. Pruitt from FP responded to my inquiry and added that because of the Canadian RFP not being complete--he couldn't answer questions at this time.

Fair enough.  Add to it that Force Protection responded to my e-mail then they get more than a pass...they rate a Bravo Zulu.  He did state that further information would be available soon...so when I get it so will you.  No further info.

Team Timberwolf Website.

ANGLICO and Radio Battalion in the fight....

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan-Cpl. Scott Harvey, a cryptologic linguist with Operational Command Element 2, 2nd Radio Battalion, Task Force Belleau Wood, listens for insurgent radio activity, May 8. Radio Battalion consists of linguists and signal analysts who provide coalition units with indication and warning of insurgent activity., Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, 5/7/2011 8:14 AM

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan-Sgt. Joseph Graham, a forward observer with Fire Control Team 5, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Chuck, 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company monitors a village for insurgent activity, May 7. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, Task Force Belleau Wood, supply units like 2nd ANGLICO with indications and warning of insurgent activity., Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, 5/7/2011 7:15 AM

Nevada Automotive Test Center...

The Nevada Automotive Test Center...if you're into military vehicles, then this is probably one of the most important quasi-government orgs you've never (maybe) heard of...
Nevada Automotive Test Center

Hi-Rez Photo of Textron's Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV)

photo courtesy of Textron Marine and Land Systems

Another reader made the comment that this vehicle is simply a re-do of their M-117.

My response is yeah and ???

The Canadians have hit on something here.  Clean sheet designs might not be the 'be all to end all'...perhaps modified vehicles tailored to requirements is the future...especially with constrained budgets.

Personally---I like it.

Off Road Law Enforcement Vehicles...

Wow...I didn't know this was such a big business out West.  First vid is of a home built - specially designed rig and the second is of a Polaris Razor, heavily modified for off road tactical/Police use.  Enjoy!

UK Apache's get the attention...HMS Ocean does the work.

I've watched the deployment of the UK's Apache Attack Helicopter to the Libyan War Zone with a bit of "I told ya so" and more than a bit of amusement.

The news media has been so focused on the Apache's that they've missed what many know but don't want to admit.

Forward based, expeditionary (in fact not name) forces are the key to winning the current and future conflicts that the Western world will face.  The Royal Air Force...heck the NATO land air forces have once again demonstrated the limits and weaknesses of land based air power.

Libya. 


A third rate military power.


A nation at war with itself.

A nation that is feeling the full weight of an air campaign being conducted by the most powerful military alliance in the world...still stands.

If there was any lab that should demonstrate the 'coming of age' of modern land based air power thinking then this should be it.


But it isn't.

So what has France and Britain been forced to do?  They've been forced to have Army Aviation operating off Naval Warships to attempt to win the day.

So tell me again how smart it was to retire those Harriers/Carriers?  Imagine if you will this campaign if...
1.  The UK still had Harriers operating off its carriers!
2.  The US was forward leaning and had MEU(-)(+) Reinforced Composite Air Wing (Sea Control) operating off the coast.
3.  Italy was fully committed and had its carrier and Harriers up and flying strikes...
4.  Spain was fully in the fight with its carrier...
Do you get the force of connection here?  Expeditionary Naval Air power could make all the difference.  Air power as exercised by Air Force General's just isn't getting the job done.

Vehicle in Blog Title...

Its an upgraded Marder Close Combat Vehicle/IFV Close Combat.

Here's a downloadable version...

Battalion Landing Team 3/1 participate in Mechanized Raid Course.

All photos by Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Marines and sailors serving with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage enemy combatants during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and gear that will be used in the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Pfc. Kevin E. Messer, a rifleman with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells for Marines to board an amphibious assault vehicle during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used in the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Marines and sailors serving with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cross a road concealed by smoke during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used during the unit’s upcoming deployment.

Marines and sailors serving with 2nd platoon, Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cross a road concealed by smoke during a mechanized raid course here May 17. The course helps Marines and sailors become familiar with the tactics and the gear that will be used during the unit’s upcoming deployment.