FitBit.

This is coolbert:

“If soldiers use the app like normal people do, by turning it on tracking when they go to do exercise, it could be especially dangerous. This particular track looks like it logs a regular jogging route. I shouldn’t be able to establish any Pattern of life info from this far away"

BUT YOU CAN!

Yet one more instance of an Internet application [an app] that can be and probably is being used to "spy" on military personnel from afar.

"Fitness App’s Map Reveals Movement Patters on Remote Military Bases"

"A global heat-map tracking GPS movement from FitBits, cellphones, and other fitness tracking devices appears to be lighting up the location patterns of soldiers working out at military bases in remote locations around the world."

. . . .

"According to The Washington Post, eagle-eyed observers have identified activity locating a suspected CIA base in Somalia, a Patriot missile defense system site in Yemen, and US special operations bases in the Sahel region of Africa."

EVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF MALWARE INSTALLED ON YOUR SMART PHONE WITHOUT YOU REALIZING SO! SOLDIER BEWARE!

Other instances of Internet social media used to possibly "spy" on military personnel the subject of many prior blog entries:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/02/android.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/01/lllu.html 

BEWARE THE APP!

coolbert.

RSOF.

This is coolbert:

RSOF = Russian Special Operations Forces.

NO WHERE ELSE did I read about this!

I thought I was done with blog entries, extracts from Russian media outlets. But no!

Thanks to the Russian Internet media web site TASS. As was the case from 12 January.

"Russian military eliminates militants who shelled Hmeymim airbase December 31"

"A terrorist drone storage depot in the Syrian province of Idlib has also been wiped out"

THE BAD GUYS HAVE BEEN RUN TO GROUND AND ELIMINATED!

"MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. The Russian military has wiped out a subversive militant group, which shelled the Hmeymim airbase in Syria with mortars on December 31, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Friday."

BAD GUYS RESPONSI9BLE FOR FIRST THE MORTAR ATTACK AND THEN THE DRONE ATTACK!

See previous blog entries the topic was the mortar and drone attacks on the Russian Syrian based military airfields:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/vasilek.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/foiled.html

"According to the ministry, a special operation was held to spot and eliminate it [those responsible for the airbase attacks]. A group of Russian Special Operation Forces established the militants' location close to the western border of the Idlib province."

A PRECISION-GUIDED ARTILLERY ROUND USED BY RUSSIAN SPECIAL OPERATORS AS THE WEAPON OF CHOICE. RIGHT ON TARGET IT SEEMS!!

coolbert.

Denial.

This is coolbert:

Finishing with a Sputnik Internet article we have yet one extract with my comments. To be honest much-to-do about nothing nonetheless interesting.

"Files Expose UK Plan to Nuke Middle East Oil Fields in Event of Soviet Invasion"

A. "Declassified UK government files reveal how the UK government hatched a secret plan to devastate the Middle East's oil industry with nuclear weapons in order to prevent the region’s reserves falling into the 'wrong' hands'"

DENIAL OF MIDDLE EASTERN OIL RESERVES TO BE DONE ONLY IN CASE OF A SOVIET INVASION, A WORLD WAR THREE SCENARIO.  A SCORCHED-EARTH METHODOLOGY AS HAS BEEN A PART AND PARCEL OF WARFARE FOR MILLENNIUM.

B. "However, it was not the first time the West had planned a nuclear 'first strike' on the Soviet Union. In 1945, as World War II in Europe was nearing its end, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill asked his military chiefs to prepare a secret war plan — 'Operation Unthinkable' — that would see the Western allies execute total war on the Soviet Union in Central and Eastern Europe, before marching on to the Soviet Union itself."

Unthinkable only to be implemented in case of: 1. Soviet treachery vis-a-vis Poland in the aftermath of the Second World War. 2. A massive Soviet military attack on western Europe. 3. NO nuclear strike possible unless with American cooperation.

A full understanding of context essential. The devoted reader to the blog as usual one step ahead of everyone else, Sputnik included. FILES NOW COMPLETELY EXPOSED!

coolbert.

Absorption.

This is coolbert:

Daesh = Islamic State.

Yet continuing with more extracts from Sputnik Internet articles with my commentary as appropriate:

"Scholar Explains What Lures Jihadists From Daesh to al-Qaeda"

"With many Daesh fighters, disillusioned by their leaders’ violently hard line vision of Islam, now breaking ranks and joining al-Qaeda, Radio Sputnik has discussed al-Qaeda and its future with David Cook, an assistant professor of religious studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas."

That northwest section of Syria a portion of which as currently controlled by the 30,000 or so fighters in opposition to and as loyal/beholden to the Al Qaeda affiliate now known as Tahrir al-Sham. Ranks now to bolstered by those unwilling or unable to give up the fight even with  the demise [apparently so] of the Islamic State.

1. DEFECTORS [REFUGEES/BATTLEFIELD SURVIVING REMNANTS?] FROM THE ISLAMIC STATE RALLYING TO THE  AL QAEDA AFFILIATE IN SYRIA HAVE COME TO REALIZE THE DECLARATION OF A CALIPHATE WAS TOO PREMATURE.

2. ALSO AL QAEDA TENDS TO "WORK WITH" RATHER THAN DOMINATE OTHER GROUPS IS A FURTHER ATTRACTION?

The Caliphate and the Islamic State now a thing of the past never to resurrect itself? The jihadi fight however continues for the true believer with a new master and faction?

coolbert.

Munitions Turk.

This is coolbert:

The German in response to that just recent Turkish military incursion into Syria having stopped delivery of Leopard tanks or spare parts for same the Turk not even worried. Thanks to Sputnik again.

"Turkey 'Has Come a Long Way' in Developing Its Own Weapons - Generals"

There have been conflicting reports about Germany mulling a suspension on the delivery of modernized Leopard main battle tanks to Turkey in light of Ankara’s ongoing military operation in northern Syria.

Germany’s possible decision to freeze the supply of modernized Leopard tanks requested by Turkey will by no means slow down the pace of the military operation against Kurds in Afrin, two retired Turkish generals have told Sputnik.

See previous blog entries the Turkish self-sufficiency with regard to armor unmistakable:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/11/leopard-2a4-syria.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2016/05/m-60-i.html

That Turkish arms industry very active. Producing indigenous designed and fabricated weapons, to-of-the-line. See previous blog entries the topic of which was Turkish munitions production:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/11/hms-ocean.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/08/milgem.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/08/rocketsan.html

Nations once almost totally reliant for advanced weaponry on foreign sources now able to develop and produce armaments of the most sophisticated nature.

TURKEY AMONG THEM!

coolbert.

Furious!

This is coolbert:

Yet more from the Russian media outlet Sputnik, the pronouncements of Gavin Williamson having drawn some heat from certain quarters. Gavin has foot-in-mouth disease?

"UK Intelligence Furious After Williamson's Remark About Russian Threat - Reports"

"MOSCOW (Sputnik) - UK intelligence community was 'furious' due to recent statements of Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson, who assumed that a Russian attack on the nation’s critical infrastructure could kill thousands"

"The comment follows Thursday's Defense Secretary's [Gavin W.] statement during an interview with The Telegraph, claiming that Moscow was researching UK infrastructure connections to energy supplies for opportunities to create 'chaos.' According to Williamson, these alleged possible cyber-attacks could kill thousands of people."

CYBER ATTACK BY RUSSIAN ASSOCIATED ENTITIES THE CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE THOUSANDS KILLED! VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE [SUCH AS THE ELECTRICAL POWER GRID] RENDERED INOPERABLE.

More than anything else, Gavin has revealed classified information that was passed on to him in confidence. He was under obligation not to reveal what he knew.

coolbert.

Gavin W.

This is coolbert:

Continuing with extracts from the Russian Times [RT] with my commentary.

Gavin Williamson again making statements deemed by some to be controversial.

"Kill them with drones: New UK defense secretary supports assassination of UK-born ISIS fighters"

"Britain’s new Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has taken a tough line on British-born members of Islamic State – Kill them and be done with it. His comments are the latest in an ongoing debate over whether disillusioned jihadists could be reintegrated."

"In a bold interview with The Sun, the freshly appointed minister vowed to hunt down and kill British IS fighters with drones."

HUNT AND KILL BRITISH CITIZENS WHO ARE ADHERENTS TO THE ISLAMIC STATE CAUSE. KILL WHILE COMBATANTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND BEFORE THEY CAN RETURN TO ENGLAND, IF AND WHEN THEY DO!

See my previous blog entry with similar subject matter. The French too have taken this matter into consideration.

NO QUARTER TO BE GIVEN!

coolbert.

Sir Nick.

This is coolbert:

The BIG BAD RUSSIAN BEAR!

Once again from Russian Times [RT].

Back in the old days of the Cold War they used to call it the RED BOGEY!

"bogey - - "a common allusion to a mythical creature in many cultures used by adults to frighten children into good behaviour"

"Britain’s top Army general begs for more cash so he can fight… guess who"

"The UK Army chief is deploying one of Britain’s most well-tested military tactics – begging for money by using Russia to scare the public and government into action."

"General Sir Nick Carter will reportedly tell the Royal United Services Institute that he’s worried that Britain’s military is not keeping up with its adversaries – basically Russia – with particular concern about Moscow’s long-range missiles, 'aggressive expeditionary force' and cyber-warfare capabilities.”

AGAIN, THAT FEAR AS ENUNCIATED TO INCLUDE CYBER-WARFARE! CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE UNDER ATTACK, DISABLED, TAKEN OFF LINE, INOPERABLE! WHO NEEDS BOMBER WARPLANES AND LONG-RANGE MISSILES WHEN ALL YOU NEED IS A KEYBOARD AND INTERNET ACCESS!

Great Britain as it stands now one of only five nations, constituent members of NATO that meet the agreed upon goal of devoting 2 % of Gross Domestic Product to defense related spending.

Sir Nick says now there must be more spending. This will not over well I am afraid.

coolbert.

Turk UAV.

This is coolbert:

Continuing from Sputnik more on that drone swarm attack prevented by Russian electronic-warfare computer experts!

DEFINITIVE WORD AS TO IDENTITY OF THE CULPRIT IS STILL NOT CLEAR.

"Drone attack on Russian bases in Syria came from Turkish-backed rebels – MoD"

MoD = Ministry of Defense.

"The recent drone attack on Russian bases in Syria was launched from an area near Idlib, which is controlled by Turkish-backed rebel forces, the Russian military said. Moscow reportedly complained to Ankara about the attack."

"The assault last Saturday involved 13 primitive unmanned aircraft and was thwarted by the defenses of the two bases, an airfield near Latakia and a port site in Tartus. The Russian military said the drones had been launched from the village of Muazzara . . . which was designated a 'de-escalation zone' under an arrangement negotiated by Russia, Turkey and Iran."

See previous blog entries the topic of which was the attempted drone attack:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/this-is-coolbert-more-confusion-attack.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/uav-syria.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/drone-syria_11.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/01/foiled.html

WHO ARE YOU THAT QUESTION ANSWERED BUT ONLY TO A DEGREE!

coolbert.

Williamson.

This is coolbert:

Here begins a series of blog entries based on extracts with my commentary from the Russian Internet media Russian Times [RT] and Sputnik.

Invasion Great Britain? Indirect but nonetheless POSING A SIGNIFICANT DANGER? The cyber-warfare attack.

"UK defence secretary drops latest fear bomb, casually warns Russia is planning mass murder"

"UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is really settling into his job, and started the weekend early by scaring the hell out of the British public by claiming Russia could cause 'thousands and thousands and thousands' of deaths."

WHAT GAVIN HAS IN MIND IS CYBER-WARFARE ATTACK. HACKERS ABLE TO GAIN ON-LINE ACCESS TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THE ELECTRICAL GRID IN PARTICULAR, CAUSING NATION-WIDE DEVASTATION AND CHAOS. THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY AND THE TRANSMISSION OF SAME TO THE CONSUMER VITAL TO THE MODERN WORLD AND THE NECESSITIES WE ALL TAKE FOR GRANTED!

NOT MILLIONS OF CASUALTIES AS WOULD AN ATOMIC ATTACK. BUT DISRUPTION NONETHELESS WE CAN ANTICIPATE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!

coolbert.

KJ-600.

This is coolbert:

We are meant to be impressed. But hardly are?

From the South China Morning Post Hong Kong edition we have this item:

"Why America’s stealth jet forces should fear China’s new unarmed eye in the sky"

Nothing new here folks! Move along?

"The Chinese military is developing a carrier-based early-warning plane [AEW] that will be fitted with radar to detect the most advanced aircraft at longer range"

The KJ-600 airborne early-warning [AEW] warplane. Remarkably similar to the American Hawkeye. The KJ has a tail-hook. But can it take-off and land on a ski-jump aircraft carrier?

"China is developing a surveillance plane designed to be launched from the country’s newest aircraft carrier and fitted with a radar system to spot enemy stealth jets, military observers say."

"State media confirmed for the first time on Monday that China was building its first carrier-borne early-warning plane called the KJ-600."

EQUIPPED WITH TAIL HOOK BUT IS IT ABLE TO TAKE-OFF FROM A SKI-JUMP STYLE CARRIER? THE CHINESE HAVE A LARGE-DECK SIZE CARRIERS IN THE WORKS [002 and 003] THAT WILL BE BIG-DECK CARRIERS SIMILAR TO AN AMERICAN NIMITZ CLASS CVN!

Aircraft carriers of the ski-jump style warship lacking [?] in the area of AEW, EW,  ASW, tanker and utility warplanes? Reliant on land-based naval aviation to a large extent? 002 and 003 type Chinese aircraft carriers if and when taking to sea able to include a full complement of warplanes? This remains to be seen.

coolbert.

Corunna.

This is coolbert:

"Lord Bacon observes, that 'honorable retreats are no ways inferior to brave charges, as having less of fortune, more of discipline, say as much of valor'. That is an honorable retreat in which the retiring general loses no trophies in fight, sustains every charge without being broken, and finally, after a severe action re-embarks his army in the face of a superior enemy, without being seriously molested. It would be honorable to effect this before a foe only formidable from numbers, but it is infinitely more creditable, when the commander,, while struggling with bad weather and worse fortune, has to oppose veterans with inexperienced troops, and to content against an antagonist of eminent ability."  - - Sir John Napier, "Napiers's Peninsular War." That subject again the reverse amphibious operation.

Amphibious operations [from the sea to land] without question [?] the most difficult of military operations. The reverse amphibious operation [land to the sea] and while under pressure from the enemy therefore even more difficult?

As it was at Dunkirk, as it was at Inchon, before that was also at Corunna?

The British retreat from Corunna as commanded by Sir John Moore.

"The Battle of Corunna . . . took place on 16 January 1809, when a French corps under Marshal of the Empire Nicolas Jean de Dieu Soult attacked a British army under Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore . . . and caused the British army to withdraw to the coast following an unsuccessful attempt by Moore to attack Soult's corps and divert the French army."

NOT NECESSARILY RETREAT OF ITSELF SO BAD BUT THE MANNER WITH THE RETREAT CONDUCTED AS IS THE QUESTION. IF DONE IN AN ORDERLY FASHION OK. IF DONE IN A DISORDERLY FASHION BAD!

The English at Corunna their retreat not wholly 100 % orderly but good enough and in cooperation with the Royal Navy [RN] allowing for the army to be saved. Live again to fight another day!

"In the resulting action, the British repulsed the French assault and completed their embarkation. They saved their army from destruction . . . During the battle, Sir John Moore, the British commander, was mortally wounded, dying after learning that his men had repulsed the French attacks."

In the entire history of warfare only [?] the United States and Great Britain have a demonstrated capacity to conduct a successful reverse amphibious operation? Bully for them!

coolbert.

Mark VI ASM II.

This is coolbert:

Conclusion!

Don't go big! Go small?

A MISSILE FIRING MARK VI PATROL BOAT IN THE IMAGE OF FRENCH NAVAL THEORY AS WAS ENUNCIATED IN THE LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY?

Jeune École!

"Jeune École ('Young School') was a strategic naval concept developed during the 19th century. It advocated the use of small, powerfully equipped units to combat a larger battleship fleet, and commerce raiders capable of ending the trade of the rival nation. The idea was developed among French naval theorists"

MARK VI ADMITTEDLY NOT A PELAGIC [DEEP WATER] WARSHIP. BUT CAN BE CARRIED WITHIN AN ALREADY EXISTING AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT VESSEL! MARK VI TRANSPORTED TO THE SCENE OF THE ACTION AND DEPLOYED WHEN NEEDED? THIS IS DO-ABLE AND RIGHT NOW?

A Mark VI torpedo boat as being taken [?] into the interior of an amphibious assault vessel]. [AAV].

How many of these patrol boats as armed with a firing unit of four American LRSAM [long-range anti-ship missile] can fit within an AAV?

Prodigious numbers of Mark VI missile-firing boats "small, powerfully equipped units" UNMANNED allowing for a naval military capacity worthy of consideration? You the devoted reader decide for yourself.

coolbert.

Mark VI ASM I.

This is coolbert:

This is Jeune École unmanned version?

Modern American patrol boat as unmanned [USV] and able to act as a delivery system for anti-ship-missiles [ASM].

Don't go big! Go small?
 

"Lockheed Martin Studying Integration of LRASM Anti-Ship Missile on USV Platforms"

"At the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 2017 National Symposium held last year, Lockheed Martin was showcasing a Mark VI patrol boat scale model fitted with an erect-able launcher for four missiles at its stern. This conceptual model was representative of an unmanned [USV] Mark VI patrol boat fitted with LRASM [range about 300 miles/480 kilometers] next generation anti ship missiles [ASM]."

As envisioned by Lockheed, launcher at rear of  unmannded Mark VI vessel, capable to carry and fire four LRASM.

Regarding the Mark VI patrol boat:

"The Mark VI patrol boat is built by SAFE Boats International and is the first patrol boat delivered to the U.S. Navy since the 1980s. It represents a shift in Navy focus from Cold War-era blue water engagements to placing importance on brown water littoral zone operations. Designed to replace the Mark V Special Operations Craft and other legacy craft, the Mark VI is larger, more survivable, and better equipped with modernized weapons, communications, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems."

An image of personnel aboard a Mark VI for scale purposes.

As for Jeune École ('Young School') more later. 

 coolbert.

YPG/USA/SDF/FSA II.

This is coolbert:

Conclusion!

War as existing in three distinct and discernible stages:

1. What lead up to the war.

2. The fighting of the war itself. The mortal combat.

3. The aftermath of the war.

With regard to number # 3 consider the Syrian Civil War and specifically so the most recent round of fighting between  the regular Turkish army troops and the insurgents of the SDF [Syrian Democratic Front].

THE ISLAMIC STATE APPARENTLY DEFEATED BY SDF COMBATANTS. NOW HOWEVER THE BATTLE CONTINUES WITH NEW OPPONENTS.

SDF an amalgam of Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters opposed to the Islamic State and the despot Assad both. SDF critical to the defeat of the Islamic State and this should be acknowledged so. We should be grateful and most thankful for the action of the SDF vis-a-vis the Islamic State, even profusely so!

NOT EVERYONE HOWEVER AGREES!

ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF SYRIAN TERRITORY NOW WITHIN THE DE FACTO AUTHORITY OF THE SDF!

Map of Syria. Area in yellow as controlled by the SDF. Area in pink as controlled by the forces of Assad and proxies. Arrow pointing to Arfin where the current fighting between Turkish and SDF combatants occurring.

Both Assad and Erdogan [Turkey] categorize and consider the SDF [and especially the predominate Kurdish element] to be terrorists and not worthy of any thanks or praise. Turkish troops at this very moment being engaged with American supplied weaponry, an indirect instance of NATO fighting NATO!

SDF AGAIN STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY THE U.S. MILITARY EVEN RECEIVING AN AUTONOMOUS AND INDEPENDENT COUNTER-AIR CAPABILITY IN THE FORM OF STINGER [?] MANPAD [man portable air defense]!

The American military also giving strong [?] consideration to a resumption of support for the mostly defunct Free Syrian Army [FSA]? FSA previously not seen as a credible entity, but now thought to be a counter to the Assad/Iranian connection?

This gets complicated fast, doesn't it? The war against the Islamic State more or concluded? But it has only just begun?

 coolbert.

USCG.

This is coolbert:

USCG = United States Coast Guard.

From WIZARD thank to Harry at Sharkhunters an item of interest without a whole lot of further elaboration

"FIRE AND ICE? –  the U.S. Coast Guard has ice breakers in the Arctic regions and they are now planning to equip their ice breakers with cruise missiles. They are also looking for new ice breakers that can store and fire missiles. It appears that the Cold War is heating up again, and in the frigid Arctic."

AMERICAN ICE BREAKERS NORMALLY DURING A TIME OF PEACE THAT MISSION SOLELY WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE COAST GUARD. VESSELS NORMALLY LIGHTLY ARMED [IF ANY ARMAMENTS] AND NOT CAPABLE OF SIGNIFICANT NAVAL COMBAT ACTION. AT LEAST UNTIL NOW?

Cruise missiles of whatever type not specified.

No new American ice breakers have been built in over twenty years now! The current icebreaker as on the drawing boards can be constructed for a cool $ 1 billion USD. No mention of weaponry.

None of this stuff is cheap. Far from it.

P.S. See prior blog entry also the subject was Russian armed icebreakers of the Arktika class!

coolbert.

ASW UK.

This is coolbert:

Yet more from WIZARD thanks to Harry at Sharkhunters an item of interest without a whole lot of further elaboration

"NO MORE NIMROD – The Royal Air Force NIMROD anti-submarine patrol aircraft fleet was quite literally ‘chopped up’ in 2010 and 2011, so there apparently are no ASW patrols [anti-submarine warfare] performed by the RAF. That duty, it appears, now falls to the US Air Force and RCAF. [Royal Canadian Air Force] to keep tabs on Russian submarines creeping into British waters."

Nice looking aircraft. "Nimrod MR1/MR2s were primarily fixed-wing aerial platforms for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations; secondary roles included maritime surveillance and anti-surface warfare. It served from the early 1970s until March 2010."

With regard to NIMROD see the British home waters surveillance mission Tapestry. That gone now too?

The British Royal Navy [RN] even recently not able to detail even a SINGLE warship to patrol home water.

The British military slowly but surely declining and has been so for over seventy years now.

coolbert.

SSN UK.

This is coolbert:

Here with several You Tube video the second of which is germane to a previous blog entry.

I recommend both video highly, without reservation or qualification. EVEN a MUST see!

1. "How to Build A Nuclear Submarine (Full)"

"Fourteen years to design and build and costing around a billion pounds [about $1.4 billion USD], nuclear submarine the Astute is one of the most technologically advanced and controversial machines in the world."

THINK NOT MERELY "THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED" MACHINE MADE BY MAN BUT AT THIS EXACT MOMENT THE MOST COMPLICATED THING AS MADE BY MAN!!

Before the Astute class submarine the Space Shuttle and before that the USS Iowa class battleship as those most complicated things made by man.

AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT FOUR SUBMARINES  IN VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION.

A single [?] and special facility for fabrication and assembly of the finished product [nuclear submarine] also a must.Impressive!

2. "Devonport nuclear submarine dismantling project"

Dismantling of a nuclear submarine a major project of itself.

THAT MAJOR FACTOR AND FIRST STEP IN THE DISMANTLING OF ANY NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE THE REMOVAL OF THE COMPARTMENT CONTAINING THE RADIOACTIVE REACTOR. AFTER THE NUCLEAR REACTOR REMOVED THE REST OF THE DISMANTLING PROCEDURE  RELATIVELY EASY??

ADDITIONALLY A PERMANENT AND FINAL STORAGE FACILITY FOR THE REACTOR AND NUCLEAR CORE MATERIAL WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL; 2040!!

Nobody ever said any of this was going to be easy!

coolbert.

YPG/USA/SDF/FSA I.

This is coolbert:

From that latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter and in the apparent [?] defeat of the Islamic State and for your consideration. Consider the combat not over but only entering a new phase. Extracts mostly as copied in entirety.

1. "US and Syrian Kurds setting up 30,000-strong border force"

14 January.

"The first training class has begun for a new border force of 30,000 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its main component the Kurdish YPG militia, which is being established by the US-led coalition in Syria. This has fueled Turkey's anger over US support for the Syrian Kurds and prompted the summoning of the US charge d'affaires to the foreign office in Ankara last week."

2. "Fading Trump-Putin trust derails de-escalation zones on Syria's borders with Israel, Jordan"

16 January.

"Washington's decision to keep US bases in northern Syria, secured by a new 30,000-strong local force, drew a threat from Moscow. Col. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov, chairman of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, said, 'Russia will work in cooperation with its partners [Iran] to take necessary procedures to establish stability in Syria.'"

"On the same day, a delegation of Syrian (FSA) rebel chiefs arrived in Washington to bid for the restoration of US aid, which was suspended seven months ago when Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed in Munich to establish de-escalation zones in Syria"

"The FSA saw its chance for a comeback, reckoning that if Washington was willing to set up a new army in northern Syria, dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia, it would be equally amenable to reconstituting the FSA for operating on other fronts"

3. "US anti-air missiles for Kurds to meet Turkish, Syrian air threats"

16 January.

"The US is supplying N. Syrian Kurds with man-portable air defense weapons MANPADs [man-portable air defense] to counter Turkish war threats. Tensions around northern Syria hit a new high on Tuesday, Jan. 16, when Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan threatened his army would invade the Kurdish region of Afrin - and then Kurdish-held Manbij - both of which abut on the Turkish border."

4. "Tillerson: US troops will stay in Syria long after fight against ISIS"

19 January.

"US Secretary of state Rex Tillerson confirmed Wednesday that American troops would remain in Syria long after the complete defeat of ISIS 'to ensure that neither Iran nor Bashar Assad take over areas newly liberated with help from the United States.'"

More to follow!

coolbert.

Bombastic.

This is coolbert:

“'It certainly is a threat U.S. forces will need to take into account,' . . . . 'It is large enough to carry a megaton-class nuclear weapon, although the 100 megaton weapon they advertise may be too heavy.'" - - Bryan Clark.

Thanks to the tip from Freeper and the original story as seen at the War is Boring Internet web site.

Apparently the Russian nuclear-powered, nuclear-warhead is for real?

Consider this a surprise?

"Russia’s Giant Nuclear Torpedo Is Apparently Real"

"The United States’ new Nuclear Posture Review asserts that Russia’s Status-6 intercontinental, nuclear-armed undersea autonomous torpedo is a real weapon and could be a genuine threat. Analysts are divided as to how genuine the threat is."

I too thought the manner with which the existence of the torpedo as reported and revealed by the Russia media represented some sort of hoax of disinformation.

THE SAME TYPE OF STUFF THAT USED TO OCCUR DURING THE TIME OF THE OLD SOVIET UNION AND THE COLD WAR. HIGHLY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION "INADVERTENTLY" LEAKED AN EVENT THAT SEEMED TO BE TOO COOL TO BE TRUE!

Now the threat seen as a possible or even more so? Is for real? This too is the type of scare tactics that does no one any good and often backfires? Bombastic scare tactics or otherwise?

Torpedo los!!

coolbert.

Coraggio.

This is coolbert:

Back to the topic of Italian military prowess or the lack thereof as generally perceived. From the Mad Monarchist and all thanks to MM.

Ask ten different military experts or military historians the armed forces of what nation gave the BEST performance during the Second World War and you will get ten different answers?

As those same military experts or military historians the armed forces of which nation gave the WORST performance during the Second World War and you will receive an instantaneous and unanimous answer, unequivocal?

THE ITALIANS? AN OPINION AND PERCEPTION NOT WORTHY WHEN COMPARED TO THE RECORD? DECIDE FOR YOURSELF!

1. "Italian Military Tradition I."

2. "Italian Military Tradition II."

3. "Italian Submarine Campaign of World War Two."

INDEED, ITALIAN NAVAL COMMANDO FORCES THE STANDARD OF THE COMBAT  FROGMAN BY WHICH ALL OTHER SIMILAR UNITS OF WHATEVER NATION ARE JUDGED.

See previous blog entries having a similar topic. The Italians hardly gutless cowards running away or surrendering en masse when the first shot fired:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/06/italy-ww2.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/05/savoia.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/01/bravery-courage.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/06/comsubin-i.html

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/06/comsubin-ii.html

For those who are interested in such matters, Sir John Keegan rated the Finns as the BEST soldiers during WW2.

coolbert.

Binkov.

This is coolbert:

Came across Binkov quite by accident. I find to be informative and entertaining.

I recommend the Binkov Internet web site highly, without qualification or reservation. Devoted readers to the blog will want to avail themselves of beyond a mere perusal.

1. The Binkov Internet web site.

2. The Binkov Internet Facebook web site.

3. The collection of Binkov Internet You Tube presentations.

YOU TUBE PRESENTATIONS ALL WITH A MILITARY DIMENSION AND IN MY OPINION OUTSTANDINGLY DONE!

From the FAQ at the Binkov web site we have this description of Binkov and what he is all about. As to validity of these pronouncements I pass no judgment yea or nay.

"Binkov was born decades ago in the glorious land of Uberslavia. He went to military school from the early age and never looked back. He specialized in intelligence data analysis, though his post graduate work involved both study in strategy and military logistics. His career has led him all around the world. He served stationed both in capitalist West and communist USSR. But neither could match his beloved Uberslavia. Sadly, during a super secret covert operation, he lost his arms, which only made him more determined to spread his military knowledge."

All thanks to Binkov. Great stuff and keep up the good work!! I am impressed!

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Ocean.

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Brazil si, Turkey no!

Bird Farm = Aircraft carrier.

From Harry at Sharkhunters:

"BRITISH BIRD FARM SOLD TO BRAZIL –"

"Rumors are now official; the Royal Navy [RN] carrier HMS OCEAN (a helicopter carrier) has been sold to the Brazilian Navy. It has been rumored for some time that this deal was being considered, but it is confirmed that Brazil will pay €84 million (Euros) for this ship. The first Brazilian Navy officers will be headed for England shortly when HMS OCEAN finishes her time with the RN this October or November"

Turkey also reported to have been interested in purchasing HMS Ocean. This deal to the Turk fell  through somehow.

HMS Ocean a helicopter carrier. A light carrier. The ship as sold not complete without a complement of warplanes, rotary, tilt-rotor or fixed wing, the latter if possible capable of vertical-take-off and landing.

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Svetozar.

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Back to the topic, general officers of World War One. The contrast as is the subject of this post could not be more striking!!

Consider these two senior military commanders from that era of the Great War as possible additions to LISTS as were the subject of prior blog entries.

1. "Ten Most Underrated generals." Add to that list the name of Svetozar Boroević.

"K.u.k. Feldmarschall Svetozar Boroević . . .  was an Austro-Hungarian field marshal who was described as one of the finest defensive strategists of the First World War.

With all respect consider defense to be the stronger form of combat. Easier to do and accomplish more with less!

K.u.k. = "The joint 'Imperial and Royal Army' (kaiserlich und königliche Armee or k.u.k.)"

2. "Ten Worst Generals." Add to that list the name of Luigi Cardona.

Marshal of Italy Luigi Cadorna . . . was an Italian General and Marshal of Italy, most famous for being the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army during the first part of World War I.

Historians record Cadorna as an unimaginative martinet who was ruthless with his troops and dismissive of his country's political authorities. David Stevenson, Professor of International History at the London School of Economics, describes him as earning 'opprobrium as one of the most callous and incompetent of First World War commanders.'"

"opprobrium - -   n. Disgrace arising from exceedingly shameful conduct; ignominy. n. Scornful reproach. A cause of shame or disgrace."

"martinet - - noun 1. a strict disciplinarian, especially a military one. 2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules."

It doesn't get much worse than that. And that too during a time of war when most all the senior commanders seemed to be rather incompetent or downright acknowledged as being so.

The good, the bad, and no ugly!

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Brusilov.

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YET one more senior officer from the era of the Great War given short shrift in the history books. A man who cannot be neglected however.

"short shrift - - noun - - rapid and unsympathetic dismissal; curt treatment."

Before there was Bruchmuller, Hutier and Ludendorff there was Brusilov!

Alexei Brusilov. Senior Imperial Russian general officer during World War One. The most [?] successful Russian commander of that conflict!

Brusilov the senior Russian commander during what has been deemed The Brusilov Offensive!

"The Brusilov Offensive . . . as the Russian Empire's greatest feat of arms during World War I, and among the most lethal offensives in world history."

As to strategy, tactics and the operational art "those "main ideas" of Brusilov to include:

* "To increase the points of sally"
* "To make the width of attack wide"
* "To limit the duration of bombardment"
* "To advance artillery in secrecy and to cooperate with the infantry."
* "To advance the strategic reserve beforehand and to join with the storm-troops after a breach of the enemy's front trench has been achieved."
* "To get the trench lines as close as possible to the enemy's trenches prior to the battle."

Brusilov incorporating into his offensive plan a variety of stratagem, tactics and techniques of the operational art as having been proposed earlier by others. Brusilov his contribution the TOTAL PACKAGE of such methods as to be later emulated by others.

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Conrad.

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“Clausewitz also considered a commander in chief to be a military leader without the additional word 'supreme'; for us, the chief of the General Staff is considered a strategist and commander in chief who is only part of the leadership in war.” — B. Shaposhnikov, Mozg Armii"

Brains of the Army! Mozg Armii!

The Chief of Staff [CoS] as the supreme head of the military but only a part of the whole and recognizing his role to be so.

According to Shaposhnikov that epitome of the CoS Count Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf of the Austro-Hungarian army in that period prior to the Great War of 1914!

"For Shaposhnikov . . . the main and ideal model for such an 'integral' General Staff was that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, and specifically, the staff of Count Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf (the Austro-Hungarian Army's Chief of the General Staff from 1914 to 1916)."

"According to Shaposhnikov, the cardinal virtue of Conrad was that under him, there was a real teamwork among the General Staff. Shaposhnikov praised Conrad's close relations with his operations chief; he also commended Conrad on his encouraging his subordinates to show initiative, his view of strategy as being subordinated to politics . . . and his lack of reluctance in delegating authority."

"Shaposhnikov also attributed a range of personal virtues to Conrad, among which 'boldness and strength of character', 'energy and initiative', 'independence', and his workaholism"

"The effective commander of the Austro-Hungarian army, Field Marshal Conrad von Hotzendorf, was probably the most respected military leader of his day, referred to as the greatest strategist in central Europe and was held in very high esteem even by the Germans."

The performance of the Austro-Hungarian army during the Great War generally seen as poor? NOT however because of Conrad? Factors beyond control of the man rather contributing to a combat performance inadequate by reasonable and accepted measured standard! Probably so!

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Raids.

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Once more and concluding with yet another listing. Commando raids special operations units in action.

Again who has compiled this list I am not sure. Thanks to the video at You Tube.

Ten different military experts and historians and you would get ten different answers? I suspect that is so.

"Top 10 Commando Raids"

"These are the top commando raids of all time. These commando raids were undertaken by the best commandos and best special forces in the world!"

# 10. Moscow Theater Siege.   Russians.

# 9. The raid to kill Osama Bin Laden.  American, GWOT.

# 8. Great Locomotive Chase. Union, American Civil War.

# 7. Fort Eben-Emael Raid.  German, WW2.

# 6. The Siege of Edinburgh Castle.

# 5. The Gran Sasso Raid.  Germans, WW2.

# 4. Operation Frankton.  British, WW2.

# 3. Raid at Cabanatuan.  American, WW2.

# 2. Operation Entebbe.  Israeli, GWOT.

# 1. The St. Nazaire Raid.  British, WW2.

PERHAPS THE GREATEST RAID OF THEM ALL OMITTED? THE TROJAN HORSE!

Churchill having stated that Frankton of itself shortened the war by six months!! As to this conclusion there is no elaboration.

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Plans.

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"The best laid plans of mice and men"!!

From a You Tube Internet web site an item of interest with a military dimension. Ten again! Military plans and operations that did not come to fruition.

"Top 10 Scrapped War Plans"

A list as compiled by whom exactly I am not sure.

"These are the top 10 scrapped and abandoned war plans of history. It's safe to say if any of these plans were executed history would have been radically different."

# 10. Operation Plan 3   German invasion of the United States.

# 9. Soviet Invasion of Europe 1964.

# 8. Plan 17.  French invasion of Germany.

# 7. Tannenbaum   German/Italian invasion of Switzerland.

# 6. War Plan Red  American invasion of Canada.

# 5. Defense Scheme 1.  Canadian invasion of the United States.

# 4. Sealion.  German invasion of England.

# 3. Operation Pike   British/French aerial bombardment of the Soviet Union.

# 2. Downfall.  Allied invasion of Japan.

# 1. Unthinkable.  British war with the Soviet Union.

An American invasion of Canada always predicated on the assumption of their being a possibility of war between Great Britain and the United States. England and the U.S. unto the time just prior to the Great War often at odds, adversaries thankfully without having to resort to armed hostilities!!

Pike strictly confined to air attack by bomber formations only? Destroy the oil fields of the Soviet Union, vicinity Baku, Azerbaijan, Caspian Sea.

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Dreadnought 2018 II.

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NO option for sail and wind power however!

Conclusion! The big-gun, big-warship concept again.

Thanks again to Deviant Art for the image.

The "big ship" concept once more. A surface warship that can "dish it out" all the while absorbing a lot of damage but continuing to fight!

"dish it out - - to administer punishment, injury, abuse, etc. #punishment #abuse #pain #suffering #damage"

A variety of organic combat weapons systems the mission of which to include ship-to ship encounters, shore bombardment, anti-submarine warfare, air-defense.

AS WITH THE MODIFIED FOR MILITARY-PURPOSES SUPER-TANKER BUT SPECIFICALLY HERE AGAIN A HEAVILY MODIFIED MERCHANT VESSEL OF CONTAINER-CARRYING SIZE. IN ALL CASES USING OFF-THE-SHELF SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS!

 Weaponry to include:

* 155 mm Archer artillery. Twelve guns total.

* HIMARS rocket artillery system. Twelve firing units total.

* Mark 41 Vertical Launch System [VLS]. Multiple units.

* Mark 32 torpedo launcher. Six launchers total.

Additionally: * Drones. * NO organic combat warplane capacity. * A platform however for the landing and take-off of rotary or tilt-rotor aircraft. * No organic troop complement [MEU], shore-landing or ground-assault not an option.

Also including: * Redundancy of control and propulsion systems. * Armor protection in critical areas. * An interior with a void-filling three-dimensional lattice-work to which are welded sealed and water-tight shipping containers providing for relative unsinkable invulnerability! [once more relative the key word within context]

A MODERN BATTLESHIP OF THIS TYPE FOR SEA-POWER, NAVAL SURFACE-WARFARE, SUPERIORITY/SUPREMACY IS A POSSIBLE AND NOW?

But can it fly?

I do not claim to be a naval architect, a naval expert or even a military expert. This is all just one man and his opinion! Comments anyone?

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Dreadnought 2018 I.

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YES, but can it fly?

Thanks to Deviant Art for the image and the original story courtesy the Wall Street Journal.

"A Floating Fortress Would Bolster America's Naval Power"

"Here's how to transform a supertanker into a highly armed, virtually unsinkable warship."

The Total Package! From the article as seen in the Wall Street Journal by William Lloyd Stearman. THE BIG SHIP CONCEPT!

A U.S. MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT SELF-CONTAINED WITH ALL THE SUFFICIENT FIRE-POWER NEEDED AND ALL IN ONE WARSHIP.

A Marine expeditionary unit usually defined as a regimental-sized combined-arms unit 

An existing and already in the water supertanker heavily modified. * An expeditionary ship. * A complete Marine Expeditionary unit. * Capable of amphibious assault. * Relatively cheap.

* Displace 125,000 tons. * Measure 1,075 feet long. * Top speed - - 18 knots. * Four separate propulsion units. * Virtually unsinkable. [virtually as best that word understood within context]

Highly lethal. * Large-caliber guns. * Offensive and defensive missiles inside the hull. * Defensive missiles on the deck. [Phalanx too?]

Warplanes to include a variety of * Helicopters * Tilt-rotor aircraft * Fighters planes. * Drones. UAV.

THE TOTAL PACKAGE! BIG GUNS FOR SHORE BOMBARDMENT!

But can it fly?? More on this my thoughts to follow.

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UAV Vlad.

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More confusion! 

The attack on the Hmeymim air base was NOT the work of the Turk? So says Vladimir Putin.

Thanks to Sputnik and the article by Ramil Sitdikov.

"Russia Knows Perpetrators of Attack on its Syrian Bases, It's Not Turkey - Putin"

"During the meeting with executive editors of Russian print media and news agencies, President Vladimir Putin covered a wide range of issues, including the recent attack on Russian airbase in Hmeymim, relations with the United States, talks on the START treaty, North Korean issue and the fate of crypto-currencies in Russia."

"While speaking about the recent drone attack on the Russian Hmeymim base in Syria, Vladimir Putin said that he believed Turkey had nothing to do with the issue amid reports that, allegedly, the drones had been delivered from Turkey."

If not the Turk, then WHO then?

Vlad knows?

See a further account by Sputnik of the attack with additional images of the drones as were captured more or less intact!

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UAV Syria.

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Who are you?

From the latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter an Israeli appreciation of the most recent drone attack on the Russian Hmeimim air base. An attack foiled! As to the drones belonged to and were operated from this is still unclear?

1. "Syria downs two rebel drones heading for attack on Russian air base"

6 January.

"Syrian military sources report that their air defense weapons last week intercepted two Syrian rebel drones heading for an attack on Russia's Hmeimim Air Base. The sources said the UAVs belonged to the Al Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, were powered by diesel engines and packed with mortar shells . . .  The same group was responsible for the shelling attack on Dec. 31 that destroyed 7 Russian warplanes."

Hayat Tahrir al-sham known at one time as the Al-Nusra Front.  The Syrian affiliate of Al Qaeda

2. "Russia foils attack on its Syrian bases by electronically 'controlling' 6 drones, downing 7"

8 January.

"The Defense Ministry in Moscow reports: A massive terrorist drone attack on Russian military and naval bases in Syria was thwarted by electronic measures."

"The statement said that overnight on Jan. 6, Syrian 'militants' (terrorists) sent a large swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles to attack Russia's Tartus Naval base and Khmeimim air base. Russian defenses took control of six drones and its Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system shot down another seven."

3. "Moscow: Drone attack on Russian bases came from Turkish-ruled area"

11 January.

"The Defense Ministry in Moscow charged Thursday that the massive drone attack on two Russian bases in Syria on Jan. 6, was launched from an area in the northern Syrian province of Idlib controlled by Turkish-backed rebel forces . . . a Russian probe discovered that it was Turkey which supplied the Syrian Islamist rebels with advanced drone technology and instructions for the assembly and use of advanced UAVs as pressure on Russia to hold back the Syrian-Hizballah operation to recover Idlib."

Recall that portions of northern Syria currently occupied by Turkish troops and settled by ethnic Uighur Turks.

Again, who are you?

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Staggering.

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Found this item quite by accident. As is relevant to a prior blog entry.

As seen in the latest edition of the BBC History magazine a COMMENT courtesy Roger Crowley.

Lepanto the defeat of the Ottoman fleet by the combined Christian forces [Holy League] the significance of which is not appreciated fully?

"Lepanto was Europe's Trafalgar, a total victory that restored Christian morale"

The carnage at Lepanto was staggering. In just four hours 40,000 men were killed - - a rate of slaughter not surpassed until the Battle of Loos in 1915.
  
Forty-thousand dead on the Ottoman side, ten-thousand Holy League combatants perished as well.

"For Europe it [Lepanto] was a triumph equivalent to Trafalgar, and was a total victory that restored Christian morale after two centuries of defeat by the Ottoman empire."

LEPANTO NOT LISTED AS ONE OF THE TEN MOST IMPORTANT SEA BATTLES OF ALL TIME! THIS IS AN OMISSION OF THE WORST SORT?

Casualties at Loos surpassing Lepanto that number the allied forces and Germans combined??

And thank you Mr. Crowley.

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Drone Syria.

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Who are you??

"Who is attacking Russia’s bases in Syria? A new mystery emerges in the war."

From a variety of sources thanks to the tip from Freeper more on the UAV/drone attack on the Russian airbase.

"BEIRUT — A series of mysterious attacks against the main Russian military base in Syria, including one conducted by a swarm of armed miniature drones, has exposed Russia’s continued vulnerability in the country despite recent claims of victory by President Vladimir Putin."

Purportedly this is one of the drones that attacked the Russian airbase and has been recovered in the aftermath. Doesn't look like much but even a very small amount of high explosive in proximity to a modern high-performance can do a lot of damage.

"The attacks have also spurred a flurry of questions over who may be responsible for what amounts to the biggest military challenge yet to Russia’s role in Syria, just when Moscow is seeking to wind its presence down."

Lots of potential culprits. Presumably the same folks that did that most recent mortar attack. Again, WHO are you?

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Foiled.

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Once more, Russian military assets in Syria under attack. This time the raiders come from the sky, courtesy unmanned aerial vehicles [UAV].

AN ATTACK HOWEVER FOILED!

Thanks to Sputnik.

"Russian Military Prevents Drone Attack on Syrian Hmeimim Airbase, Tartus Naval Base"

"Overnight on January 6, militants in Syria launched a massive attack against Russian military facilities, including the Tartus Naval base and Hmeimin airbase, with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles."

UAV AERIAL ASSAULT REPELLED BY THE USE OF ANTI-AIRCRAFT-ARTILLERY [AAA] AND JAMMING GEAR! RUSSIANS PREPARED.

The old ways are the best ways! Special operations type ranger/commando units hands-on ground attack the old fashioned way to be preferred. NOT using UAV from afar remotely controlled!

Think in the historical context::

1. Barce Raid, British Long-Range Desert Group. WW2.

2. Pebble Island Raid, British SAS. Falkland Islands war.

3. Bien Hoa mortar attack. Second Indo-China War. Viet Cong.

4. Camp Holloway Attack. Second Indo-China War. Viet Cong.

Warplanes destroyed on the ground by dedicated and resolute attackers a very cost-efficient way of doing business too. YES, the old ways often are preferable.

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Clip Sheet.

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American soldiers behaving badly? Great War style! Everlasting shame!

From the New York Tribune as dated TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1918. Thanks to the tip from Freeper.

"Methodist Brand Army As Drunken"

"Pershing's Men Become Depraved in France, Says Temperance Board"

"Fosdick Enters Emphatic Denial"

"Declares He Is Misquoted, and That the Troops Are Well Protected"

"A shocking indictment of the American army in France on grounds of intemperance, immorality and depravity is contained in a 'Clip Sheet' prepared and published by the Board of Temperance, Prohibition and Public Morals of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This board is a regularly Constituted and authorized adjunct of the Church."

. . . .

"'Any American soldier having illicit relations with a woman must report for prophylactic treatment within six hours. This precaution almost insures immunity from disease. In France today soldiers who pass the harlots with high head when sober fall into their welcoming arms when drunk, and in their irresponsible condition fail to report for treatment until the hours of opportunity have passed, and are they are out of the war with foul bodies, crushed hearts and everlasting shame upon their heads.'"

MILITARY MEN PERIOD BEHAVING BADLY IN THE ANCIENT AND VENERABLE WAY?  AS IT WAS IN 1918 HAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN?

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INS Arihant.

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Down the hatch!! How many times have we read about this before. Many of them. From various sources and the tip from Freeper.

"Someone Left a Hatch Open and Crippled India’s $2.9 Billion Submarine"

"India’s first ballistic missile submarine was out of commission for ten months after someone neglected to properly close a hatch."

"This incident was first reported by The Hindu. According to an Indian Navy source, a hatch was left open on the rear left side of the ship, allowing seawater to run into the propulsion area while the Arihant was in Harbor."

More danger apparently to a submarine when the vessel docked in harbor, idle, not at sea!

See previous blog entry as is relevant and germane with additional embedded links:

http://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/11/orp-orzel.html

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Oboe.

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Borneo! WW2. 1945. Was it worth it?

    "Any rational strategic judgment would have left them [the Japanese] to their own devices screened by token allied forces until their nation's defeat enforced their surrender". - - M. Hastings.

This was the Borneo campaign (1945). A sideshow of a sideshow in the Pacific theater of war. To the extent American involvement in what is normally seen as an Australian affair I was not aware of.

"The Borneo Campaign of 1945 was the last major Allied campaign in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. In a series of amphibious assaults between 1 May and 21 July, the Australian I Corps, under Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, attacked Imperial Japanese forces occupying the island. Allied naval and air forces, centred on the U.S. 7th Fleet under Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, the Australian First Tactical Air Force and the U.S. Thirteenth Air Force also played important roles in the campaign."

THOSE MOST SENIOR AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN MILITARY PLANNERS NOT PRIVY TO THE EXISTENCE OF THE ATOMIC BOMB AND THE DECISION TO USE SAME AS A WAR WINNING MEASURE.

Use of Australian conscripts during the Borneo Campaign also controversial in Australia?  Conscripts "compelled for service in the South-West Pacific Area" beyond what was traditionally and ordinarily considered as a boundary beyond which only military volunteers permitted!

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La Legión.

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Troops of the Spanish Legion noted for their ostentatious marching style, form-fitting uniforms complete with risque low-cut shirt now facing an internal enemy much more difficult to combat.

Overweight and obesity!

Thanks to the article from the English version of El Pais.

"The Spanish Legion declares war on obesity"

La Legión, an elite army unit with a history of combat in foreign missions, is now battling love handles

Spain’s La Legión is facing an internal enemy. Trained for combat, these elite soldiers are now forced to fight their own collective weight problem.

That Spanish Legion similar to the French Foreign Legion. Spanish citizens and Spanish-speakers from all over the world allowed to enlist. [Cubans at one time predominant in the ranks of foreigners.]

As goes Spain so goes La Legión? Two-thirds of the Spanish citizenry current over-weight or obese. As in American so is it now so in Spain and the La Legión. 

Overweight and obesity also not confined merely to America or Spain. A phenomenon of global proportions.

THE SOLUTION QUITE SIMPLE. EAT LESS AND EXERCISE MORE! SO EASY! JUST TRY! EASIER SAID THAN DONE. GOOD LUCK!

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