We strike their soldiers, they strike an aid convoy...

Thanks to SvD for the link!

via EuroNews.

An international aid convoy has been hit by an air strike near the Syrian city of Aleppo according to the Syrian Red Crescent.
At least 18 of the 31 vehicles were struck as they were delivering assistance for 78,000 people in a rebel-held area.
One report said at least 12 people were killed, most of them drivers.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said it was an “outrage”.
“The convoy was the outcome of a long process of permission and preparations to assist isolated civilians,” he said in a statement.
Aid deliveries to besieged areas were a key part of the cessation of hostilitiesdeal brokered by the US and Russia seven days ago.
However earlier the Syrian military announced in a statement that the effect of that “truce regime” which came into force on September 12 was now at an end.
Airstrikes began almost immediately on Aleppo and other major cities.The Syrian military and rebels had accused each other of violating the truce.

And the idiocy continues.  We strike Syrian forces and the Russians call an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and we basically blow it off.

Somehow, somewhere, someone thought that there would be no repercussions?  Someone thought that an aid convoy could be sent in without penalty?

People in leadership are making basic mistakes that's getting other people killed.  In what world do you think that you can "talk shit" without a response?  Fantasy land is not how the real world works!  It would be funny except that real people are dying because of this stupidity.

My predicted next step?  Russia will move in more anti-air systems, station a few anti-air frigates offshore and declare a no fly zone over Syria.  We're heading to the point of an allied warplane getting shot down.

Tannerite used in the New York bombing.

Thanks to Bryan for the link!

via AP

Residue from an explosive compound found at the scene of an explosion in a New York City neighborhood is unregulated and routinely used for target practice with exploding targets.
The compound, known by the brand name Tannerite, is sold in sporting goods stores. It is not regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives because it is sold as a mix of two chemicals that when kept separate are inert.
ATF has previously issued advisories about Tannerite and what it describes as "binary exploding targets." The compound is typically used to mark a shot from a high-velocity rifle round with a small cloud of smoke.

The explosive compounds are generally made up of an oxidizer such as ammonium nitrate and aluminum or another metal-based powder and only become an explosive when combined. The ATF said someone would only need an explosives license to handle the material if it is combined and they are using it commercially.

In a safety notice issued last year, the ATF said users of the compound should not use more of the explosive mixture than recommended by the manufacturer or use multiple packages of the compounds to make a single target.
The ATF also advised that once mixed, the compounds are "high explosives."

The gun rights community better wrap its head around two issues...one of which is about to be solved for us.

The first is that we should have been out front getting Tannerite regulated.  How many old barns and trucks getting ripped apart by people "having fun" does it take for the community to realize that shit can be easily weaponized?

Doesn't matter now because the ATF, Congress and the Mothers of America are about to do it for us.

The second issue are the open carry zealots.  The next tragedy will involve an open carrier walking into a store with his weapon and going jihad on the shoppers.

We need to get ahead of that predictable tragedy and ostracize those that insist on carrying their firearms in such a way as to alarm the undecided.  Besides.  Open carry is tactically stupid unless you're in a war zone or a police officer.

To end this I'll leave you with these words.  I told ya so about Tannerite.  Let's hope I'm not right about open carry.

Chinese CS/LR14 Battle Rifle

via The Armed Novelist Tumblr Page.

This weapon is the latest, modified version of the 7.62x39mm Chinese Type-81. This latest iteration of Chinese battle riles will be chambered in 7.62x51.

Rough translation of the caption was; “China Police Equipment Exhibition site Sina Military reports, 81-style assault rifle ultimate improved CS/LR14 debut. This compared to Type-81 rifle, altered a lot, in addition to the installation of four Picatinny rails, telescopic rifle becomes, the ammunition from the WTO 7.62x39 shells into NATO 7.62x51 NATO. According to the exhibition CLC, this gun has been sold out! (Sina Military photo)."

Geez.  If that thing can run then they might be onto something.

Layout of the Latest BT-3F

Thanks to Damian for the link!

Defense Studies Blog has the latest on the BT-3F and its worth a read.  I find this vehicle interesting.  Its suppose to be the amphibious ride for Russia and its allies and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs.  If I recall correctly this is the first purpose built amphibious assault vehicle they've tried to build.  Most of their IFV/APCs are swim capable but this supposedly will be a different kettle of fish.

Blast from the past. 1943 Landing Craft Infographic

click image to enlarge.

Its almost like the Australian Army is trying to defend its Land 400 downselect.

Thanks to Sven for the link!

Australia's Army News has a two page spread on the Land 400 down selects and it reads almost like a defense of their actions.  Read it here.  My takeaway?  The Aussies have obviously been stung by the criticism that they're buying old vehicles.  They quickly make the point that they're both in service models AND that they can be modified for Australian use now and into the future.  The next takeaway is that they're pushing not only the recon mission but also the counter recon mission.  That kinda puts things into a little different perspective and helps justify the CRAZY protection package they're demanding...but only a little.

I can't wait to see who the ultimate winner is.  If the testing is only in the Northern Territories then its certainly gonna favor the Boxer.  But if their Ministry of Defence has even a sliver of integrity they'll remember the Timor op and take it into some slop to see how it does.  In that environment the Patria will shine.  No matter what happens this has gone from sunshine to shit in the blink of an eye.

Blast from the past. Crusader XM2001 Self Propelled Howitzer

U.S. Army Captain Robert Bacon leading a patrol in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. 1964. (pics)

Note:  Check out that environment.  That takes a special kind of tough to operate and in live in the jungle.  Fast forwarding to today, I don't think we're ready if we have to return to that.  I'm not a materials expert but I have doubts about Cordura holding up in the heat, humidity and wetness of the jungle.  I'd even bet current boots would literally rot off the feet of our Marines.  Even if the materials can withstand it, I wonder how much weight gain our guys would face due to the gear not being able to shed water.  The singular focus on desert fighting has left us vulnerable to combat in other climes.

Westmoreland getting in a photo op.  I'm still conflicted on his leadership.  Did he have it right but got blocked by the civilians he served or was he simply jacked up and tried to fight WW2/Korea all over again.

Blast from the past. AB-13 Ukrainian Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Hat Tip to bmashina Tumblr Page.

AB-13 — Ukrainian experienced heavy infantry fighting vehicle created on the chassis of the tank centurion.

ISIS claims responsibility for Mall attack.

Thanks to William for the link!

via CBS News.

An ISIS-run news agency claims the man who stabbed and wounded eight people at a mall in Minnesota​ before being shot dead by an off-duty police officer was a “soldier of the Islamic State.”

The ISIS-run Rasd news agency reported the claim on Sunday, saying the attacker had heeded calls from the extremist group for attacks in countries that are part of a U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition.

It was not immediately clear if the extremist group had planned the attack or even knew about it beforehand. ISIS has encouraged so-called “lone wolf” attacks. It has also claimed past attacks that are not believed to have been planned by its central leadership.

St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson said the attacker, who has yet to be identified, was wearing a security uniform and was armed with a knife, reports CBS Minnesota. Anderson said the attacker made at least one reference to Allah and asked a victim if they were Muslim.
Police say they are not ready to call the attack an act of terrorism.
“We will be diligent and get to the bottom of this,” Anderson said. “We will be transparent.”
All eight victims from Saturday’s attack were treated at a hospital for wounds that weren’t life-threatening and all but one were later released.

Remember the "other" mass casualty event that happened in the heartland that NO ONE is talking about?  Where one person heard "Allah eats snack bars" while a madman decided he wanted to knife innocent people?

Well ISIS is claiming responsibility and mainstream news is downplaying it because it would adversely affect Hillary's campaign.

All that's irrelevant.  What is relevant is that terrorism is now backed into the fabric of American life.  Whether homegrown or foreign...whether motivated by criminal behavior or ideology...you must be physically and mentally prepared to protect you and yours.

Police will try.  Citizens that still have their heads on straight will try.  But in the end its up to each person to be prepared to do the hard thing.

USAF F-35A's. Combat ready in July, grounded in Sept.

via Breaking Defense.

The US Air Force and Norway announced the temporary suspension of flight operations for 15 F-35As today because of “peeling and crumbling insulation in avionics cooling lines inside the fuel tanks.”
The problem, caused by a supplier, was discovered during depot modification of an F-35A and affects a total of 57 aircraft, 42 of them still on the production line.

This would be funny if we weren't talking about the airplane that the West is counting on to form the backbone of its defense for the next 3 or 4 decades.

Some IDIOTS are applauding and saying that the maintenance crews are to be applauded for catching this.  Ok, but then Lockheed Martin and the Program Office deserve a hearty "what the fuck" for such sloppy overwatch.

One rogue supplier and 57 aircraft go down in one swoop?  Shoddy materials that were not to spec?

Yeah.  This program is the walking dead.  The fanboys just refuse to see the truth.  The reality is simple.  The USAF declared the F-35 combat ready in July and grounded them in Sept.

Open Comment Post. Sept 18, 2016. Burning issue? Terror attack in NY?

A burning issue this early Sunday morning?  The possible terror attack in NY.  It fits the box.  A pressure cooker with cell phone activation.  Placed in a trash bin.  Yeah.  This is Boston all over again with a slower response.

Another issue that the Democrats are well aware of (to include the Administration and the mainstream media) is that the trifecta is coming together for a Trump win.  Syria spinning out of control, terror attacks in the US and the missing piece is an economic meltdown....but we're halfway their and citizens are feeling it.  Did you hear about the possibility of gas shortages on the East coast due to a busted pipeline?

Yeah.  Who cares about Oct!  Sept is gonna be wild!