Lithuania govt nervous about war with Russia...

Thanks to Anthony for the link!

via Lithuania Govt Document.

Dear citizens of Lithuania,
This is the third publication of civic resistance theme after 2014. Russia launched a military aggression against Ukraine. The first two editions "What do we know about the readiness of emergency and war ", which received a lot of your attention, mainly it was for non-violent civil defense topic and practical advice on the action in emergencies or commencement
karui. War. However, these publications did not extend to another extremely important themes - as citizens confronted the aggressor in the occupied territory, to actively resist the invasive army or the aggressor main- the suffering of armed groups. As soon as this is the most important the theme of this publication. This publication, prepared in cooperation with Lithuania 'army and at the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, the first, introductory, in brief Russia presents a potential aggressor, performance against neighbors. It presented arguments as to what potential aggressor actions need to be prepared. Seeing
our common efforts of all the recent strengthening of Lithuania, I am confident that we will be able to resist the aggression of the Russian non-military beam instruments. However, we can not exclude that the potential aggressor, even in spite of NATO's military power, will not start any kind of military action against our country. So we need to be ready to defend the homeland. It is also a strong deterrent factor.

Jesus!  They fear a little green men attack!  What is pushing this meme in Eastern Europe?  What is Russia doing that I'm missing to have this level of fear?  But wait it gets better (or worse depending on your perspective...thanks to Anthony for translating this for me).

The second part of the publication provides the participation of the country's armed defensive techniques. In this section you will find not only tips on how to fight weapon against the aggressor, but also any other active resistance methods to choose from One of them - military equipment and armed TES identification and information about her transfer resistance militants in the occupied territory of the country and the Lithuanian armed forces. These recommendations enliven simple and very revealing Pictures. The third part is devoted to the theme of survival. It should be noted that this topic this publication is much more developed than in the publications, "What we have accu-noti of readiness of emergency or war ":

- We provide lots of tips to help stay okupuoto- in the country fighting with weapons and other means. I want to note that these tips (eg., for a survival package) is benefit all residents of the country, even in peacetime.

In conclusion, the introductory word, I would urge all to read this. Only together we can strengthen our country and better
prepare for the worst-case scenario - a military invasion of our Member BE. However, I believe that our joint efforts as only help deter potential aggression! Meaningful reading and new ideas!

Minister of National Defence
Juozas Olekas J.Oleka

Do you get the force of connection here?  This guy is talking about resistance cells operating against a Russian invasion force!

I ask again.  What are we missing?  What has these states actively preparing for war against Russia?  What evidence has them preparing for a Russian invasion?

The full document is here (you'll need a translator service).

Special Forces Operator killed in Kenya...

What the hell is going on in Kenya?  Check out this blurb from Spear Tactical Tumblr Page.

According to his obituary, SFC Zachary Allan Bannister, 33, was killed in action while serving in Alpha 3236, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Kenya on October 17, 2016. Details regarding his death have not been released yet. SFC Bannister left the Marine Corps in order to join the Army Special Forces. His memorial service will be held on Saturday October 29th and he will be buried in Arlington Cemetery with full military honors, time and date undetermined.

I did a quick Google search and stories vary from the "Army investigating his death" to his being killed in action.  Either way it looks like SF is deep into Africa.

That's a mistake that will make the Middle East look like a day at Disney Land.  I guarantee you this.  The US might want to play in every part of the world but Africa will bite us back in ways we can't begin to imagine. Kenya might be a sexual playground for the Brits but it will cost us to get involved in that region.

Marder IFV circa 1970...

pic via Tanks A Lot Tumblr Page.

This photo is from the 70's and what do we see.  Remote Weapon Stations for a 20mm cannon, a rear mounted 7.62 and a heavily armored IFV.

We haven't advanced the state of the art in armored warfare for about half a century.  Resting on our laurels or living off the work of those that came before?

Does the FBI announcement have anything to do with the Oregon standoff verdict?

Many people don't realize it but the "rule of law" is only possible with the consent of the people.  When the people begin to think that the law is being improperly applied and if enough of them (doesn't have to be close to a majority, just enough to strain law enforcement resources) choose not to follow commonly agreed upon standards of behavior then anarchy comes.

Which leads me to this.

Did the FBI announcement that they were looking into more "Hillary e-mails" have anything to do with the Oregon standoff?

I know it doesn't sound connected but hear me out.  The FBI must have been shocked at that verdict.  The FBI Director and the Justice Dept was aware of how bad it looked for Bill Clinton to meet with the Attorney General and then for them to lay out the case for prosecution only to reverse themselves and say that it wasn't possible.

Add to that the calls of Trump saying that the election was rigged and you suddenly have a massive loss of confidence in the Federal legal system and our form of justice.

Then the verdict in a slam dunk case and I'm sure it was understood that MANY Americans viewed Federal Law Enforcement in general and the FBI in particular as suspect.

So read between the lines of my ramblings and tell me if I'm right.  Did the announcement have anything to do with the Oregon standoff verdict?

US Army evolving its ground power while the Marine Corps ignores it...

via Breaking Defense.

The Army’s long-range artillery rocket, ATACMS, will get upgraded to strike moving targets on land and at sea, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced today. After at least two years of pressure from Congress and vague promises from Pentagon leaders, and for the first time since the Coastal Artillery Corps was disbanded 66 years ago, the Army is officially back in the business of killing ships. That gives the largest service a big new role in countering Russian aggression in the Baltic and Black Seas or defending allies like the Philippinesagainst China.

Read the entire article but the upshot is clear.  The Marine Corps continues to focus on mirroring capabilities found in the Air Force and Navy while the Army is evolving its ground combat power.

In my opinion its cause for alarm.

First, you have the highest levels of the Pentagon supporting this move.  By default the US Army is going to be a major player in Air-Sea Battle and will get a seat at that table.

Next, the Army will be a major player in littoral combat.  We can expect air power to be challenged and perhaps even nullified. The ironic thing is that Army long range artillery might be the fulcrum to allow our Navy to operate effectively.

They could also become a shield of the fleet.

The enemy will orient toward defeating our air power.  Add an attack from a land mass that is capable of sinking a destroyer in the mix and shooting the archer becomes a much desired capability.

Last is the most irritating to me.  The Marine Corps prides itself on innovation but we saw (at least I didn't) no thought given to using MLRS in the anti-ship role.  No thoughts about the possibility to use cannon artillery to fire on ships operating off shore.  Instead it came from the Army.  That bugs the hell outta me.  Have we swung so far to the aviation side that we no longer see these "no shit" ideas sitting on a plate for us?

Buckle up boys.  Davis and his cabal are leading the Marine Corps down a path that will see the Army drinking our milkshake.

JLTV. 10 tons of fun.

They've been keeping the weight of the JLTV a closely guarded secret but if I heard it correctly the spokesman said that its GVW is about 10 tons.  How is the Marine Corps going to get lighter if our basic vehicle is heavier than ever?

This leads me back to a basic question.  Is the Marine Corps evolving into a foot mobile (in combat) force?  Have we decided that strategic mobility trumps tactical mobility?  It appears so and my question is what they base that on?  Does distributed operations using Expeditionary Squads make up for their lack of mobility on the battlefield?

VP10 8×8 armored personnel carrier and 105mm fire support vehicle

via Defense Blog

Open Comment Post. Oct 28, 2016.

Hello.

The world’s first specialised armoured personnel carrier.

via Slaughter is the best medicine Tumblr Page.

Transport tank Mark IX, UK. Produced since 1917. The world’s first specialised armoured personnel carrier. Weight 27 tons, the engine is 150 HP, a speed of 7 km/h. the Armament was two 7.7 mm machine guns, 16 embrasures for firing of small arms. A crew of 4 people, landing up to 30 people. 34 machine

Bundy and friends not guilty after Oregon standoff.

Thanks to Tigermeet2016 for the link!

via KATU.com

A federal jury has found Ammon Bundy and his six co-defendants not guilty on all charges for taking over a federal wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon earlier this year.
Standoff leaders Ammon and Ryan Bundy and five others were charged with conspiring to impede federal workers from their jobs at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Several also were charged with possessing a firearm in a federal facility.
All seven defendants were found not guilty Thursday on all charges. The jury had no verdict for Ryan Bundy's theft of government property charge

Wow!

I am shocked.  This is gonna fuel the militia movement in ways unimaginable.  Between this ruling and the tension with the current election I might have to rethink the possibility of violence.

I thought we might see a few sporadic acts of stupidity but now all bets are off.

I wonder about one other thing.  I forgot the guys name, but a man was killed by law enforcement that participated in this.  Does his family have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit now?

This is big news but I don't know the implications....but I sense it can't be good.

That Mega UAV that Davis wants will do everything the F-35 is suppose to do....

via DOD Buzz.

“It will be a multi-sensor, electronic warfare, C4 bridge, [anti-air warfare] and strike capability at ranges complementary to MV-22 and F-35, giving MAGTF commanders flexible, persistent, and lethal reach,” the document states. “It will provide scalable MAGTF support deploying as detachments or squadrons supporting commanders at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.”
Call it a mega-drone, if you will.

Why does fucking General Davis still have his fucking job?????  I won't even touch on his outrageous comments blaming pilots for the crash of the CH-53Es.  I won't touch on the lack of leadership he's shown and the poor condition of Marine Aviation.

I'll simply point to this.

Read the entire article but this guy is basically saying that he wants another F-35 but this time unmanned.  Think about it.  A uAV that does anti-air, recon and close support missions?

That's what the F-35 was suppose to bring us.

But despite getting his toy, he now tells us that the trainwreck is gonna get bigger because the Wing needs ANOTHER toy to deliver what they've promised.

WHY DOES THAT FUCKER STILL HAVE A JOB????? 

NOTE:  Everyone is getting caught up in the technological marvel that is being proposed here.  A UAV that will perform combat missions like counter air?  Yeah that's exactly what Davis wants you to focus on.  I'm focusing on the budget.  Marine Air was suppose to be first in line for modernization and after that the Ground side was going to get its just due.  Not anymore.  They're speeding up purchases of the CH-53K, F-35, and MV-22....now they're adding a UAV on top of that.  The decks aren't going to be cleared for the ACV, a new (or improved) MVTR, to get the full allotment of JLTVs etc...The budget trainwreck for the Marine Corps is about to stretch into the 2030's just to get the Wing all of its toys.  The AAV will soldier on till at least 2040 by my estimation.  The ACV program is in jeopardy and follow ons for those vehicles MIGHT hit around 2050.

Stryker Lethality prototype

If the threat is Russians pouring over the border then why do we have Strykers there instead of our Abrams and Bradleys?

This was a nice money grab by the Army but to meet the stated threat?  Lame as hell.