Sunday, September 29, 2019

Capture.

This is coolbert:

If this indeed be so consider the Saudi in serious trouble. Mass capture or surrender of troops never a good sign.

From Freeper and Russian media RT thanks to both:

1. "Yemen war: Houthi rebels claim mass capture of Saudi troops"

"Houthi rebels in Yemen say they have captured a large number of Saudi troops after a major attack near the border between the two countries. A Houthi spokesman told the BBC that three Saudi brigades had surrendered near the Saudi town of Najran"

2. "Yemen’s Houthis claim ‘senior Saudi officers’ among captured or killed in major operation near Najran"

"Houthis have launched a major operation against Saudi forces near the kingdom’s southern region of Najran, capturing or killing a significant number of troops, their spokesman said. Riyadh has yet to confirm or deny the claim."

Houthi rebels no longer confined to the hunt-and-peck war-of-the-flea type of insurgency. Houthi fighters armed only with British SMLE rifle a thing of the past. Houthi now possessing combat drones and ballistic missiles.

Defeats of this type too can be a game-changer? We shall see!

coolbert.




Saturday, September 28, 2019

Fool.

This is coolbert:

Decoy submarine WW2. False sonar echo. Decoy German. Anti-sonar.

1. Sieglinde (decoy).

Sieglinde was a sonar decoy used during the Second World War by German U-boats. Sieglinde was installed in chambers on the sides of the U-boat.[1] It could be ejected to a considerable distance from the boat when attempting to hide from a seeker's sonar equipment. The Sieglinde was powered by electric motors, allowing it to move at 6 knots (11 km/h; 6.9 mph), and to periodically ascend or dive, thus imitating the sonar return of an actual submarine.

2. Bold.

"Bold (a term derived from kobold) was a German sonar decoy, used by U-boats during the Second World War from 1942 onwards. It consisted of a metal canister about 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter filled with calcium hydride. It was launched by an ejector system colloquially referred to as Pillenwerfer."

"When mixed with seawater, the calcium hydride produced large quantities of hydrogen which bubbled out of the container, creating a false sonar target"


3. Siegmund.

"This was an anti-sonar device [German] which emitted a series of deafening explosions and were intended to blackout the enemy’s listening gear. The U-boat would make its getaway by altering course or running at high speed during this short period."

PILLENWERFER THE DEVICE THAT EJECTED A BOLD PELLET! PILLENWERFER NOT A DECOY OF ITSELF!

Anti-sonar systems now available advanced far beyond Sieglinde, Bold and Siegmund? I might think so but of this I have no knowledge.

coolbert.




Friday, September 27, 2019

WME.

This is coolbert:

A difference without a distinction or a distinction without a difference?

WME! WME = Weapons of Mass Effect. And distinct from WMD. WMD = Weapons of Mass Destruction

This was a new one on me. The devoted reader to the blog also?

From the Strategy Page Internet forum the question as posed by contributor E.

"'Lately I've been hearing a lot of talk of WME in certain circles, while the rest of the world still chugs away with WMD. Which is more appropriate? or are both useful in their context, and some folks are just confusing the issue?'" - - E.

"The more modern, less familiar term WME ('Weapon of Mass Effect') can be traced to a June 23, 2005, Homeland Security Advisory Council Meeting in Washington, D.C., and again, more specifically to a follow on 'Weapons of Mass Effect Task Force' Advisory Council Meeting on January 10, 2006."

WME defined as:

"'...weapons capable of inflicting grave destructive, psychological and/or economic damage to the United States.'"

WMD PRODUCING IMMEDIATE DAMAGE AND HUMAN CASUALTIES [THINK 9/11]. WME PRODUCING IMMEDIATE DAMAGE BUT NOT THE HUMAN CASUALTIES [THINK CYBER ATTACK ON THE BANKING SYSTEM]!

THIS IS CORRECT?

coolbert.



Wednesday, September 25, 2019

B-52H.

This is coolbert:

On the wings of a B-52 we bring out H-bombs to you. At least until 2050 that is.

Once more from Freeper and thanks to same:

"The B-52 Will Fly and Fight for 100 Years"

"The B-52H fleet, already nearly 60 years old, has been the recipient of a steady but slow stream of upgrades to keep the planes useful. The Air Force is now committing to flying the bomber into the 2050s, a feat that will require even more improvements."

"The U.S. Air Force ordered 102 B-52H bombers during the Cold War, with the first planes delivered in May 1961. The old eight-engined warhorse has been in continuous service ever since . . . The Air Force plans to keep flying the remaining 76 B-52Hs through 2050, with some almost certainly flying until 2061."

I think the speculation was the B-52 previously would be around until the year 2030 and people were amazed by that.

Easier and cheaper to make improvements incremental and keep existing bomber aircraft flying than manufacture newer combat aircraft [B-21 for instance]. Budget constraints mandate the B-52 be kept in the air and operational.

AND STILL AN EFFECTIVE WEAPON DELIVERY SYSTEM PERHAPS EMPLOYING HYPERSONIC MISSILES OF THE PROMPT GLOBAL STRIKE VARIETY.

I  have it on good authority that not since the days of the ships-of-the-line of the Royal Navy during the Age of Sail have any weapons system lasted as long and also been so effective.

coolbert.



Napalm.

This is coolbert:

Yankee hell jelly! Part II.

A kindlier and gentler way of killing you? More environmentally friendly?

From Freeper and thanks to same:

"Air Force testing vegan napalm"

"EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The U.S. Air Force is testing an improved,vegan version of the classic Cold War throwback weapon napalm, according to Air Force officials. The new weapon is expected to be able to burn the enemies of the United States to death while assuaging serious moral and environmental concerns."

ALL AMERICAN STOCKPILES OF NAPALM DESTROYED A LONG TIME AGO. NAPALM THOUGHT TO BE A DIABOLICAL WEAPON OF WAR. CAUSES UNNECESSARY SUFFERING. THAT IS OBVIOUS TO EVEN THE MOST CASUAL OF OBSERVERS I AM SURE.

No more animal based products used in the manufacture of napalm? Plant based materials only now acceptable. Napalm a mix of a gel and petroleum products that gel now a product of a vegan [vegetarian approved] base.

"I love the smell of napalm in the morning."

coolbert.



Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Joint.

This is coolbert:

RETALIATION YES BUT NOT A GENERAL WAR?

Once more and again in the slightly belated manner from the DEBKAfile newsletter the military response [?] to the attack on the Saudi petroleum installations?

Saudi response in consonance with Israeli interests?

"First Israeli-Saudi air force collaboration for demolishing Iran’s Abu Kamal complex"

20 September.

"The latest round of attacks on Iran’s military complex in Syria’s Abu Kamal region are a joint operation by the Israeli and Saudi air forces . . . [the] targets are the al Qods Brigades bases, command centers, missile and ammo stores Iran has set up close to the Iraqi border, as well as Iraqi Shiite militia and Lebanese Hizballah forces. An estimated 100 Iranian and militia combatants were reported killed in the joint operation and several hundred injured."

"Western military sources report that the 'unidentified' UAVs sighted lately flying over Iranian concentrations in Syria belong to Saudi Arabia. One was shot down on Thursday. Those sources add that the US is providing air cover, as well as running intelligence. This was part of President Donald Trump’s rationale when he decided to hold off from conducting a direct US military action in retaliation for Iran’s crippling missile-cum-drone assault on the Saudi oil procession plant at Abqaiq and the Kurais oilfield last Saturday. Trump appears to be waiting to see how the still ongoing Israeli-Saudi offensive against Iran turns out."

Almost a retaliation in kind. UAV versus UAV!

A PERFECT INSTANCE OF THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRIEND? PUT ASIDE ALL OUTSTANDING ISSUES, A MUCH GREATER TASK IS AT HAND?

coolbert.


Soumar.

This is coolbert:

Intel = intelligence.

Here with everything you always wanted to know about the attack on the Saudi petroleum installations.

That attack more elaborate than originally thought. Houthi Yemeni rebels not to blame. Cruise missiles AND drones both employed. The former as launched from Iranian territory.

Thanks slightly belatedly to a current edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter:

1. "US intel suspects Iranian cruise missiles hit Saudi oil facilities from Iraq"

15 September.

"US intelligence experts, studying the major attack on key Saudi oil facilities on Saturday, Sept. 14, have found that cruise missiles, not just drones, were used and they were launched from a pro-Iranian Iraqi Shiite militia base, despite Baghdad’s denials."

ATTACK ON THE SAUDI PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS BY CRUISE MISSILES AND DRONES BOTHE.

2. "Cruise missiles shot against Saudi oil S. Iran, drones from W. Iraq"

16 September.

"Iran’s attack on major Saudi oil infrastructure came from two locations, hence the confusion . . . Summer [Soumarcruise missiles were fired from southern Iran and Avail 2 [Ababil-2/Qasef-1armed drones from Anbar in western Iraq. This was the initial conclusion reached in the unfolding probes by US and Saudi intelligence into Saturday’s devastating attack on the big Saudi oil refinery at Abqaiq and the Kurais oil field. Our sources add that the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, which staged the attack, fired altogether 17 missiles and drones, of which 12 missiles achieved direct hits on their targets and five drones missed."

3. "US official to ABC: Iran attacked Saudis from its territory. Trump holds fire"

16 September.

"Iran launched nearly a dozen cruise missiles and more than 20 drones from its territory in the attack on key Saudi oil facilities in Saturday, a senior Trump administration official told ABC News on Sunday night. Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the assault, but the senior US official said that was false."

4. "The US identifies source locations of Iran attack on Saudi oil"

17 Sep.

"CBS reports that the US has identified the exact locations from which more than 20 drones and cruise missiles were launched against Saudi oil facilities on Saturday. The locations are in southern Iran at the northern end of the Persian Gulf . . . the cruise missiles were fired from the southern Iranian province of Khuzestan."

UNDENIABLY AN ACT OF WAR! ATTACK ON THE SAUDI PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS A CASUS BELLI! RESPONSE OF A RETALIATORY NATURE OR WORSE ALMOST MANDATED?

coolbert.





Wednesday, September 18, 2019

MARAD.

This is coolbert:

I am sure we can be assured that some persons in important places are being notified about this and we can expect anxiety to follow.

THIS IS NOT AN EXERCISE NORMAL AND ROUTINE WILL BE THE THOUGHT.

Thanks to the trip from Freeper:

"U.S. Orders Large-Scale Turbo Activation Exercise of Ready Reserve Force Ships"

"The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered a large-scale turbo activation of ships in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force fleet. The turbo activation is part of a large-scale activation exercise ordered by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) on September 16. The activation calls for a total of 28 RRF fleet vessels to transition from reduced operating status to fully crewed and full operating status within 5-days. Activations are commonly followed by immediate sea trials."

OBSERVANT READERS WILL UNDERSTAND WHEN I SAY NOT MORE BE SAID!

This does bear watching. Routine exercise? We shall see.

coolbert.




Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Unpredictable.

This is coolbert:

Hidden agenda?

DARPA = Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. USA.

From the Internet web site of Soren Dreier and thanks to the tip from Jay.

"DARPA Wants to Remove Hallucinatory 'Side Effects' from Psychedelic Medicines"

"A newly announced research program from DARPA is looking to remove those pesky hallucinatory side effects from novel psychedelic medicines such as MDMA and psilocybin. The program is currently calling out for research proposals investigating innovative drug treatments targeting post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and depression that can be administered without the 'unpredictable consequences' of current psychedelic medicines."

Drugs as used to treat depression and PTSD in soldiers? That is what this is about?

A hidden agenda does exist here? I am thinking what is euphemistically referred to as the INTERROGATION PROBLEM! [often called MK ULTRA by conspiracy theorists]

That INTERROGATION PROBLEM consisting of: 1. How to get a person while captive to talk when they do not want to talk. 2. How to know the captive is telling the truth when talking.

Decades ago psychedelic drugs such as LSD tested on unwitting subjects and found to be unreliable and unpredictable.

This "research study" has a two-fold purpose? One-above board, overt with good intentions and the other not spoken about in polite company?

Slip me a tab dude! Did you know you're melting?

coolbert.


MH-1A

This is coolbert:

More Russian tooting their horn with pats on the back in an undeserved manner?

From TASS that article the Russian NPP goes online. Nuclear power plant floating.

"World’s first floating NPP starts mooring in Russia’s Chukotka"

"The floating NPP will generate electricity for Pevek, a town with a population of about 4,000, as well as nearby settlements and mining facilities"

"MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. The world’s first-ever floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov," which arrived to Russia’s northeasternmost region of Chukotka earlier this week, started mooring at its operating site in the city of Pevek, a regional government spokesperson told TASS on Saturday."

NO! NOT THE FIRST FLOATING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT! FAR FROM IT!

From DECADES ago the U.S. Army floating nuclear barge MH-1A ready to go:

"MH-1A was the first floating nuclear power station . . . this pressurized water reactor built in a converted Liberty ship was part of a series of reactors in the US Army Nuclear Power Program, which aimed to develop small nuclear reactors to generate electrical and space-heating energy primarily at remote, relatively inaccessible sites"


As far as I know MH-1A only on-call, never was activated and sent to the scene of catastrophe or war. Army enlisted personnel nuclear power plant operators at the time [five decades ago] their variable-reenlistment-bonus the highest in the Army. MH-1A now deactivated and dismantled, no longer in existence.

coolbert.



Rays.

This is coolbert:

In most locales interfering with a public transportation vehicle is a very serious offense that warrants hard prison time!

More counter-drone weaponry. From the English tabloid The Sun and thank to same.

"BT could use laser guns to shoot down drones deployed by eco activists, terrorists or pranksters"

[personally I consider individuals interfering in whatever form with a commercial airliner while on approach for landing or during take-off to be in the same category as an arsonist. Such persons are worthy of being shot on sight by law enforcement personnel. My personal opinion!]

"BT [formerly British Telecom] has signed a deal with Australian company DroneShield, which has worked with the British Army. Its DroneGun Tactical weapon shoots rays to take down a target from more than a mile away. BT will also offer clients use of the DroneSentinel, which can track a pilot operating the drone up to three miles away. The tech could have avoided last year’s Gatwick drone saga which cost police up to £900,000 [about $1.2 million USD] — with nobody brought to justice. Eco-activists were arrested last week amid fears of travel disruption at Heathrow".

"Its [DroneShield] DroneGun Tactical weapon shoots rays to take down a target from more than a mile away."

"RAYS will be used to shoot down the drone. RAYS! RAYS of some sort not specified.

See previous blog entries the topic counter-drone weaponry:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/07/nerod-f5.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/07/madis.html

coolbert.




Monday, September 16, 2019

BOPE.

This is coolbert:

Blame it on Rio!

In consonance with this prior blog entry some video of BOPE.

Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE). "Special Police Operations Battalion" Brazil.

Paramilitary special operations type police unit their responsibility the various favela vicinity Rio De Janeiro.

Paramilitary police of the sort as will be needed to secure the dystopian urban areas of the future. Note the future is NOW in many parts of the world beyond Brazil.



Massive and overwhelming use of force hardly enough to combat the lawlessness and misbehavior of those occupying the dystopian urban area. Force first but pacification must also include follow-up operations normally referred to as civic action [issuing government approved ID, providing fresh water, opening medical clinics]. Prevent the criminal element from returning and once more exerting control over the inhabitants of a favela in the Brazilian case.

coolbert.



Sunday, September 15, 2019

Keller USAF.

This is coolbert:

One man against Rome? One man against the Islamic State! Daniel Keller CCT USAF!

"An Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) is an FAA-certified air traffic controller who provides combat support on missions by establishing air control."

"COMBAT CONTROLLER AWARDED AIR FORCE CROSS FOR FIGHT AGAINST 350 ISIS MILITANTS"

Article as seen at the Internet web site Black Rifle Coffee by Kevin Knodell  September 13, 2019

"Today the U.S. Air Force chief of staff presented the Air Force Cross to Technical Sergeant Daniel Keller, a combat controller in the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, for his actions on the battlefield in Afghanistan during the summer of 2017. The Air Force Cross is the second-highest medal for combat valor an airman can receive, second only to the Medal of Honor."

Air traffic controller special operations USAF on the job and standing tall and well deserving of his award.

THIS IS NOT THE USAF I WAS ACCUSTOMED TO FROM OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO NOW!

1. Special operations USAF [Air Commando units] was a great rarity. Almost strictly limited to pararescue jumpers [PJ] and Ranch Hands what they were called.

2. Enlisted men winning high decoration again almost totally unheard of. PJ maybe but very few of them.

NOW enlisted airmen at the forefront of combat and comporting themselves well! Kudos to all.

coolbert.




Saturday, September 14, 2019

Oilfields.

This is coolbert:

Oilfield attack Saudi, combat drone!

From DEBKAfile the latest update the drone attack on the Saudi oil fields.

"The big drone attack on Saudi oil facilities was launched by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis from… Iraq"

"Early Saturday, Sept. 14, Yemeni Houthi rebels fired at least 10 drones against the Saudi Aramco’s biggest oil facility and second largest oil field from Iraq. Our sources report that they used pro-Iranian Shiite militia bases in southern Iraq, instead of across the Yemen border."

Houthi indeed attacking the Saudi oil fields with considerable damage as a result. Drones as launched from Iraqi territory. with the connivance of Iraqi Shia. That Shia militia undoubtedly beholden to the Iranian.

The noted blogger Spengler considers DEBKAfile to be unreliable under all circumstances. Where ever the drone attack originated let no one doubt this situation dire, potential for severe consequences on a global scale undeniable!!

coolbert.


Panic.

This is coolbert:

Hold onto your hats everyone! A wind is blowing!

Attack Saudi oil fields drone attack. Houthi?

From Bloomberg and the story by Maria Jose Valero and Nadeem Hamid

"Pompeo Blames Iran for Drone Attack on Saudi Oil Industry"

* "Comment comes after Trump offers support for Saudi defense"
* "Saudi oil output cut in half by drone strike on Aramco site"

"Secretary of State Michael Pompeo blamed Iran for attacks on a massive Saudi Aramco oil facility, saying there was no evidence the drones originated in Yemen."

Proxy attack by Iran on the Saudi oil production capacity using combat drone? Houthi rebels claim responsibility? Yemen is a long way from the Saudi oil fields.

CONSIDER THIS TO BE NOT MERELY A REGIONAL MATTER! HAS WORLDWIDE CONSEQUENCES. MASS PANIC WITH OIL PRICES WILL OCCUR WITH A SCRAMBLE FOR SUPPLY OCCURRING? EVEN A THREAT OF DISRUPTION CAN BE DISASTROUS.

And the Saudi will do what exactly? Retaliate in kind? Like I said, hold onto your hats.

coolbert.


Mega.

This is coolbert:

Dystopian!

"A dystopia is a community or society that is undesirable or frightening. It is translated as 'bad place' and is an antonym of utopia"

From the tip at the Internet web site Intercept this video a must watch.

I recommend highly without qualification or reservation.


The future is urban and the street gang the greatest threat. That proper combination of money, organization, numbers, weapons and ruthlessness.

Currently in this regard the Brazilian favela street gang most prominent. See previous blog entry [with additional embedded links] as to the para-military threat as posed by the Brazilian street gang:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/03/3g2-atomic.html

coolbert.



Friday, September 13, 2019

Blocks.

This is coolbert:

USS IOWA once more rules the waves.

Thanks to Mike through Harry at Sharkhunters.

"USS IOWA – The huge World War Two battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) is now a museum in the port of Los Angeles, but a new USS IOWA (SSN-797) is being born . . . this new boat, the 24th in the VIRGINIA Class submarines has just had the keel laid for her construction . . . [the USS Iowa is a] Block IV boat, requiring three major overhauls during her lifetime rather than the four required of older boats and thus allowing her one more deployment."

Battleship yesterday, submarine tomorrow.

As to the term Block, i.e. Block I, Block II, Block III, etc. consider:

"[it] comes from US military procurement, where it refers to the actual items (vehicles, weapons systems, etc.) being produced and delivered. For example, if you want 10 ships of a single class built over 4 years, but the latest and greatest radar system won't be available right away, the contract might refer to two 'blocks' of ships, 4 ships in Block I with the older radar, and 6 ships in Block II with the new radar"

Older vessels of earlier blocks when undergoing refurbishment done so in a manner that latest innovations included in the process. A Block I boat meeting Block IV specifications.

coolbert.


Thursday, September 12, 2019

Danmark ASW II.

This is coolbert:

"Earlier this year, the US slammed Denmark for not spending enough on defence. According to the US ambassador, despite the fact that Denmark is to increase its defence budget to 1.5 percent of its GDP by 2023, this is a far cry from the in 2014 NATO agreement that sets the bar at 2 percent."

Conclusion.

ASW = Anti-Submarine-Warfare. Denmark to the rescue. Again thanks to the Russian media outlet Sputnik.

"US Sonar to Keep Track of Russian Subs"

"According to the commander of the Danish Navy, this procurement will place Denmark 'in another league'."

"Danish defence has boosted its submarine detection capability by securing an advanced sonar system from the US in a deal worth an estimated DKK 1.3 billion ($190 million)." [Danish Krone]

"Aside from the dipping sonars, Denmark’s anti-submarine warfare capacity will be further bolstered by 600 sonar buoys that will be laid across a larger body of water."

"A sonobuoy . . . is a relatively small buoy . . . expendable sonar system that is dropped/ejected from aircraft or ships conducting anti-submarine warfare or underwater acoustic research."

"dipping sonar.  A sonar transducer that is lowered into the water from a hovering antisubmarine-warfare helicopter and recovered after the search is complete."

Also, once more think the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom gap.

coolbert.



Danmark ASW I.

This is coolbert:

"Earlier this year, the US slammed Denmark for not spending enough on defence. According to the US ambassador, despite the fact that Denmark is to increase its defence budget to 1.5 percent of its GDP by 2023, this is a far cry from the in 2014 NATO agreement that sets the bar at 2 percent."

ASW = Anti-Submarine-Warfare. Denmark to the rescue? Thanks to Sputnik.

"Denmark Vamps Up Navy, Prepares to Hunt Submarines"

"For the first time in 14 years, Denmark is getting ready for submarine hunts. The nation's capacity will be upped in both the Baltic and the Arctic."

"As part of the recent decision by the Danish parliament to beef up defense spending, the Nordic nation's 'commitment to anti-submarine warfare will be drastically bolstered, the Ingeniøren trade newspaper reported.'"

THE GREENLAND-ICELAND-UNITED KINGDOM gap [GIUK].

Denmark as a constituent member of NATO bearing partial responsibility for ASW GIUK. Russian submarines in a time of war the target obviously. That increase in defense spending apparently a GOAL and not a MUST meet requirement. 2 % is all that is asked. And does anyone doubt that the Danes would not be increasing their defense if Don of the USA had not applied pressure?

coolbert.


Qanas.

This is coolbert:

"We are going to bomb the sh.t out of them" - - D. Trump, Presidential candidate.

THEM the Islamic State. To an extent ISIL fighters still active. Even having strongholds.

One stronghold gone? Indeed.

From STARS AND STRIPES the article by CHAD GARLAND.

"US bombs ISIS island in Iraq’s Tigris River"

QANAS ISLAND. TIGRIS RIVER. IRAQ.

"Coalition and Iraqi forces carried out airstrikes Tuesday against an island south of Mosul in the Tigris River believed to be a safe haven for the Islamic State group in Iraq."

"Fireballs exploded across Qanus Island in Iraq’s Salahuddin province, as plumes of smoke billowed up into the sky, a video posted on Twitter showed. Black-clad Iraqi counter-terrorism troops are seen watching over the operation from the ground."

GO SEE THE EMBEDDED VIDEO!

Ground assault to follow by Iraqi special operations counter-terrorism troops. I hope it goes or has gone well. Get rid of the bad guys. Maybe just a bunch of stunned individuals aimlessly moving around in a state of what used to be called shell-shock. I would like to hope so.

coolbert.


Thursday, September 5, 2019

Guaranty.

This is coolbert:

From WIZARD through Harry at Sharkhunters some naval items of interest:

1. "SOLD AS IS AND SHOWN" – Anyone who buys a used car in the USA has seen that on the window sticker, but brand-new US Navy ships?

"The U.S. Navy’s new FFG(X) frigate will not come with a warranty. Instead, each ship will come with a 'guaranty,' in which the shipbuilder pledges to correct defects—though only up to a certain dollar value, and with the government paying for part of the repairs"

As regarding the cost of the FFG(X) class consider from the wiki:  "The U.S. Navy wants the follow-on ships in the FFG(X) program (i.e., ships 2 through 20) to have an average unit procurement cost of not more than $950 million each (in constant 2018 dollars)."

NONE OF THIS MILITARY STUFF IS CHEAP IS IT?

2. "THE FIRST AND STILL READY".

"USS OHIO was the first of her class in America’s 'Boomer'  boats [nuclear-powered missile-firing submarines] and she just completed ending a 27-month maintenance period with updates and upgrades to most major onboard systems with almost 400,000 man-days of work."

Keep it simple and keep it cheap. Far easier said than done. Cost of the boat brand-new quite high! Cost of the boat over and extended period to include period refits expensive too!

coolbert.






A-Bomb.

This is coolbert:

"I want one too!"

An atomic bomb that is!

From the Times of Israel the Sultan [President Erdogan] says count me in.

"Erdogan says Turkey should have nuclear weapons like Israel"

"Turkish leader says fact his country is barred from having atomic bombs is unacceptable, says Israel is untouchable due to nuclear deterrent"

"Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that it was unacceptable that Turkey was barred from having nuclear weapons while other nations in the region had them."

Turkey barred from having nuclear weapons due to 1. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty 2. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty both of which Turkey is a signatory to.

MY THOUGHT THAT THE TURK IS BARRED FROM POSSESSING NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN SOME MANNER RELATED TO NATO OBLIGATIONS INCORRECT.

Hardly I think the concern strictly limited to parity vis-a-vis Israel. The Turk sees themselves as eventual major players on the world stage and wants to be prepared for that day, when it comes.

coolbert.


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Slave.

This is coolbert:

Courtesy the tip from the Internet web site of Daniel Pipes and his article.

"Louvre Museum: Gabriel Martinez-Gros discusses military slavery"

MILITARY SLAVERY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD.

Military slavery a concept and practice particularly unique to the Islamic world?


Gabriel Martinez-Gros born in French Algeria and considered to be an authority on the Islamic world of al-Andalus [the Iberian peninsula].

Military slaves as preferred from among the people of the Caucasus mountains. Chechens, Circassians, etc.

coolbert.


Compensation.

This is coolbert:

Soldiers of fortune not a concept valid in the modern era. But at one time a phenomenon quite common. Poverty stricken peasantry and even impecunious lower nobility seeking riches through military expeditions and conquest.

THE REWARD IN MONETARY VALUE AS WOULD BE UNDERSTOOD TODAY MADE THE RISK WORK IT? CONSIDER SEVERAL HISTORICAL EXAMPLES.

1. Conquest of the Inca Empire. Rank and file soldiers under the command of Pizzaro their reward nothing less than a tidy sum, even by modern standards.

[at the link scroll down to item # 4 to read it all.]

"The common soldiers in Pizarro's army did well, each of them getting about 45 pounds of gold and twice that much silver from the emperor's ransom."

The value of that precious metal by current value: $984,000 gold. $20,000 silver.

2. Fort Mims Massacre, Creek War, 1813. Scalps for dollars.

Rumor without foundation precipitating a massacre of American soldiers and settlers, the taking of scalps for bounty a primary motivation.

"The Red Sticks' [Creek Indians] blood lust may have been partially fueled by a false rumor which stated that the British would pay five dollars [$5] for each white scalp delivered to Pensacola [current day Florida] . When the killing ended, as many as 517 settlers and soldiers [Americans] had been struck down"

$5 in 1813 money worth in 2018 =

"Compensation labor value
$1,140.00 or $3,080.00
income value $3,060.00"

Taking of a scalp for bounty the same as modern labor value?

Any devoted reader to the blog finding my calculations based on assumptions to be questionable? Let me hear from you.

coolbert.



Tax.

This is coolbert:

To war with bank tax, Swedish style!

From the Russian media outlet Sputnik:

"Sweden to Finance Its 'Biggest Defence Reinforcement in Decades' Through Bank Tax

"The idea behind the new tax levied on Sweden's largest banks is to enhance their contribution to society and at least partially finance an ambitious $2-billion defence hike".

Tax as used to finance an increase in and enhancements of military capacity and capability to include such items as:

"Moreover, * a mechanized battalion will be placed on the Baltic island of Gotland, which had been de-militarized for about a decade. The * number of conscripts will be increased from 4,000 to 8,000 by 2024. The defence agreement also includes * an upgrade of tanks and combat vehicles, * new air bases, procurement of 48 new Archer type * artillery pieces, a replacement of older * air defence systems from the shoreline, an upgrade of the * Navy's vessels with air defence, enhanced submarine-hunting ability in marine helicopters, as well as new vehicles, boats, grenade-launchers and * armoured vehicles for the home guard."

AND TO ALL THIS THE GREAT SWEDISH WARRIOR/KING GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS WOULD SAY?

See previous blog entries prudent preparations of the Swedish military:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/05/cash.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/06/forty.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/05/fallout.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2018/03/fortress.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/03/sweden-mp.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/03/draft-sweden.html

coolbert.




Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Eighteen.

This is coolbert:

As is germane to a previous blog entry, the incorporation of a foreign submarine into the inventory or under the command of the British Royal Navy [RN] not such a wholly unique phenomenon. During WW2 a practice more common than you might think.

"England was terrible[y] short of submarines herself as the British Submarine Force, then still commanded by Admiral Max Kennedy Horton, had lost themselves 31 submarines in operations and accidents since the start of the war"

SHORTAGE OF VESSELS ACUTE!

Foreign submarines under RN command [manned by foreign crews] to include:

• Eight Dutch submarines
• Five Greek submarines
• Three French submarines
• One Polish submarine
• One Norwegian

British Royal Navy [RN] submarine losses during WW2 excessive and primarily incurred during operations in the Mediterranean. Shallow waters with a number of  "choke points" facilitating the task of enemy [Axis] anti-submarine warfare [ASW] forces.

Submarines of foreign origin manned by foreign crews a valuable asset if used judiciously but again, the problem being spare parts.

During wartime and desperate circumstances you have to go with what you got?

coolbert.



Spend.

This is coolbert:

As from You Tube the original courtesy Iranian PressTV.

I recommend highly and without qualification and also without hardly any commentary. Go watch.

"Top 15 countries in the world by military spending per year from 1914 to 2018"


Spending as measured in American dollars [$].

Those years the Soviet Union spending more on the military than the USA during a period when the Soviet economy only one-tenth [1/10] as large as the United States. A huge and stupendous burden than could never be sustained.

coolbert.


Karma.

This is coolbert:

More combat drone stuff. Thanks to the tip once more from MiMI and the story as seen at the English tabloid Sun. 100 % success rate not guaranteed!

"JIHADI KARMA – How an ISIS fighter was killed by his own drone bomb"

"Karma means action, work or deed . . . cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual". What goes around comes around literally so in this case.

"AN ISIS terrorist blew himself up when the drone bomb he was operating ran low on battery — and flew back."

Mosul, Iraq. I thought the battle of Mosul was over two years ago. Evidently sporadic attacks by the Islamic State fighter still occurring. Of the combat drone variety.

Return to sender. See previous blog entries most recent use of combat drone:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/08/zap.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/08/beirut.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/08/brigade-45.html

coolbert.


Monday, September 2, 2019

Alonzo.

This is coolbert:

Don Alonzo. Special dispensation required!

This You Tube video I recommend highly without qualification or reservation. I must also suggest further inclusions as to a possible GREATEST!


Missing from that list of GREATEST female warriors and perhaps foremost above all the Spaniard Don Alonso Diaz Ramirez de Guzman. The finest "swordsman" in all of New Spain. As has been the subject of a much prior blog entry. Add to that list also the Spaniard Inés de Suárez, hardly also a warrior to be trifled with.

As to the special dispensation from the Pope as was given to Don Alonzo and the significance thereof you must read for yourself. Understand cross-dressing during the period might result in a death sentence.

coolbert.



Blimp.

This is coolbert:

Colonel Blimp sir? Gad sir!

British general officers in command of Canadian troops often cited as rather incompetent. Dieppe as an example. And before there was Dieppe there was the Northwest Rebellion. Thanks to the outstanding Internet web site isegoria.net

"Before D-Day, there was Dieppe"

Most specifically from a comment Bruce says:

"Reminiscences of a Bungle, By One of the Bunglers is an excellent military memoir. By a Canadian who was on the expedition that suppressed the 1885 Northwest Rebellion"

"Well, in this book every Canadian in the army hated the British general commanding them. And by extension, the British Empire commanding Canada."

THAT BRITISH GENERAL COMMANDING THE TROOPS SENT TO SUPPRESS THE NORTHWEST REBELLION WE CAN REASONABLY INFER IS THIS MAN:

General Sir Frederick Dobson Middleton.

"General Sir Frederick Dobson Middleton KCMG CB . . . was a British general noted for his service throughout the Empire and particularly in the North-West Rebellion."

"There were also other criticisms of Middleton's command during the rebellion, such as his hesitancy to unleash the Canadian militia troops to assault the Métis positions at Batoche, and unfair treatment and poor maintenance accorded the troops under his command"

Middleton according to the wiki entry a capable combat commander. At the time of the Northwest Rebellion somewhat "elderly", thought to be timid [that word timid in the military sense of the word very pejorative].

Middleton rather think of a man more prudent than timid? In command not of regular army troops but rather militia and volunteer, a motley crew to say the least.

THE REBELLION WAS DEFEATED AFTER ALL. GAD SIR!!

coolbert.



Smart.

This is coolbert:

From WIZARD through Harry at Sharkhunters.

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED!

"AMERICA’S SMART SHELLS - A Cannon-Delivered Area Effects Munitions is a 155 millimetre [eight inch] artillery round in development for the Army’s M777 howitzer; the shell will be able to guide itself toward its intended target, even in areas where GPS is jammed by enemy forces."

Expect in the conventional warfare scenario of tomorrow that the Global Positioning System [GPS] guidance systems to be jammed or interfered with. Weapons systems currently highly reliant on GPS for guidance becoming ineffective.

I cannot confirm but I think those "smart shells" as mentioned are Excalibur rounds. Can use GPS guidance for pin-point accuracy with one round fired.

Alternative methods for "pin-point" accuracy now exist. Inertial guidance and precision-guidance when the round as guided onto target by laser illumination.

Inertial guidance: "Inertial guidance system, electronic system that continuously monitors the position, velocity, and acceleration of a vehicle, usually a submarine, missile, or airplane [or even an artillery round with micro-electronics], and thus provides navigational data or control "

coolbert.


CDN.

This is coolbert:

WARNING: If you are squeamish or easily offended by images of blood and gore of the extreme variety hit ESCAPE now!

From Breitbart, the tip from MiMi and the story by ILDEFONSO ORTIZ and BRANDON DARBY and thanks to same.

"GRAPHIC: Los Zetas Cartel Attacks Mexican Army Fort near Texas Border"

"The ongoing violence between cartel fighters and Mexican authorities in Nuevo Laredo led to 12 gunmen dying within a 24-hour span this week."

Regarding Los Zetas:

"Los Zetas is a Mexican criminal syndicate, regarded as one of the most dangerous of the country's drug cartels. While primarily concerned with drug trafficking, the organization also runs profitable sex trafficking and gun running rackets."

Los Zetas has morphed from a gang of drug smugglers into a para-military style criminal organizxation and apparently this has been for some time.

Openly attacking Mexican military forces and not hesitant to do so. Para-military in that the cartel fighters wear a standard military uniform with battle kit, operate openly, equipped with crew-served and vehicle-mounted heavy weapons apparently to include machine guns of the fifty caliber [12.7 mm] variety.

See prior blog entries, the Brazilian street gangs and their representing a general threat beyond mere drug trafficking.

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/02/3g2-ii.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/03/3g2-atomic.html

coolbert.







Sunday, September 1, 2019

1939 II.

This is coolbert:

1939 conclusion!

From that front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune dated 1 September 1939 continuing with bulletin headlines a continuation from the previous blog entry:

"POLES REPORT ATTACK BY NAZI PLANES, TROOPS"

"BRITAIN, FRANCE TO MARCH WITH POLISH ALLIES"

"WAR BULLETINS"

"War on Poland Begun, Hitler Tells Nation"

"GERMANY TAKES DANZIG; NAVY BLOCKADES GDYNIA"

"London Sends its Children to Safe Area"

HARDLY DID THE FRENCH AND BRITISH MARCH WITH THEIR POLISH ALLIES. BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY.

coolbert.

1939 I.

This is coolbert:

Begins here a series of headlines and extracts from the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. In commemoration of what is perhaps that most infamous day in all of recorded human history, 1 September 1939 and the start of the Second Word War [WW2].

As reported by the Chicago Daily Tribune as it was known at the time.

"WAR! BOMB WARSAW!"

"NAZI ARMY ORDER"

"BERLIN, Sept 1 (Friday) (A.P.) - - Adolf Hitler today ordered the German army to meet force with force. His order of the day to the army read:

"The Polish state has rejected my efforts to establish neighborly relations and instead has appealed to weapons. German in Poland are victims of a bloody terror, driven from house and home. A series of border violations unbearable for a great power show that the Poles no longer are willing to respect the German border."

"To put and end to these instance incitations, nothing remains but for me to meet force with force from now on. The German army will conduct a fight for honor and the right to the life of the resurrected German people with firm determination. I expect that every solider, mindful of the great traditions of the eternal German military, will do his duty to the last."

"Remember always that you are representative of the National Socialist great Germany. Long Live our people and our reich!"

Much more to follow!

coolbert.