Oceanic.

This is coolbert:

From Summit News and the article by Steve Watson.

"Video: Communist Professor Declares That U.S. Was Defeated In ‘Biological War’ With China"

"CCP affiliated researcher says China 'put the U.S. back in its place'”

"[Professor] Zeng writes that the researcher claims 'the Western model has failed, the 500-year maritime civilization is doomed, the CCP has won and ‘will lead the way of the modernization in the new era after the biology revolution’ after the 2020 CCP Virus (COVID19) pandemic.”

THE FIVE-HUNDRED YEAR MARITIME CIVILIZATION?

Nations of the European cultural domain since the time of Columbus and 1492 [the Portuguese before him] pelagic [deep water] oceanic voyages of discovery and exploration. Discover and exploration leading to global trade

Mere trade followed by permanent trading posts, concessions, forts, colonial expansion on a world-wide basis. European powers such as Portugal, Spain, Holland, England, France all becoming wealthy in the process.

All made possible by sea power. That traditional mix of deep-water merchant marine and naval military force allowing for domination of the seas to all quarters of the globe.

China at least until the time of the Industrial Revolution and for many centuries prior to that the most dominant, advanced and prosperous culture/nation/empire on the planet! The Chinese perspective being that China merely regaining what has been always their birthright!

coolbert.

O-5.

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O-5: Lieutenant Colonel. Article 134 UCMJ. U.S. Marines. Big time trouble.

From the staff of the World Tribune.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVING MILITARY OFFICER PLACED IN THE BRIG PENDING ARRAINGMENT AND POSSIBLE TRIAL.

"Marines lock up officer who went public on Bagram surrender as generals testify"

"An officer in the U.S. Marines [O-5] who slammed top Pentagon brass for the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was jailed hours before those leaders were set to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Afghan disaster."

"Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller was arrested on Monday and sent to the brig. He is scheduled to appear before a military hearing on Thursday [30 September]"

This field grade officer [usually the rank of a battalion commander] in BIG trouble.

Will be subject to court martial probable conviction. Violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ].

Violations of UCMJ Article 134 more than likely. CONTEMPTUOUS words directed at higher authority. Among the  violations of Article 134 to include: * Offenses involving disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces. * Offenses involving conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.

Normally an officer when faced with charges under UCMJ are allowed to resign. Continued Facebook postings by Scheller only critical of higher military authority representing a direct challenge from the ranks that could not be ignored.

coolbert.

Bar IAF.

This is coolbert:

Consider this to be a war warning? That is my instantaneous response.

Israel new Prime Minister. Israel new head of the Air Force [IAF]. Iran on the verge of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to construct a single atomic bomb.

AND perhaps consider also American withdrawal pell-mell from Afghan with debacle that followed.

From DEBKAfile only as of yesterday and thanks to same.

"With Gen. Bar as new IAF chief, 3 top IDF officers favor pre-empting nuclear-armed Iran. Bennett at UN: 'We can prevail.'"

"Gen. Tomer Bar, 52, was named Israel’s new Air Force Chief on Monday, Sept. 28, just hours before Naftali Bennett’s first address to the UN General Assembly as Israel’s prime minister. This move served to fortify Bennett’s comments on Iran: “Words won’t stop centrifuges. Iran has reached a watershed moment, but so have we,” he said. We will never let Iran have a nuclear bomb. If we use our resourcefulness, we can prevail. And that is what we intend to do.”

"DEBKAfile concludes: For the first time, three top IDF generals are lined up in favor of attacking Iran’s nuclear program: The Chief of Staff, the Air Force chief and the head of the Iran Command. The order for them to go ahead must come from the government and its head Naftali Bennett. In his UN speech on Monday, the prime minister sounded willing to give the order. Was he serious? And if so, can he pull along behind him a government that represents so many widely divergent views?"

IT CAN NOW BE REASONABLY INFERRED THAT AN ISRAELI PREEMPTIVE STRIKE ON THE IRANIAN ATOMIC WEAPONS PROGRAM IS NOW MUCH MORE LIKELY?

Furthermore and perhaps more importantly, the Afghan disaster has created a perception that the USA is weak, vacillating, unreliable, not trustworthy, unable and now unwilling to honor commitments. The Israeli will say to themselves that if something needs to be done about the Iranian nuclear weapons program it must be done now and it is up to us [Israel]!!

coolbert.

Turban.

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American Sikh. Exception to the rule?

My visceral reaction to this not so positive!

"The Marines Reluctantly Let a Sikh Officer Wear a Turban. He Says It's Not Enough."

"Almost every morning for five years, 1st Lt. Sukhbir Toor has pulled on the uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps. On Thursday [23 September], he also got to put on the turban of a faithful Sikh."

"Toor appealed to the commandant of the Marine Corps, which retreated a bit in August, allowing him to wear a beard and turban in limited circumstances."

FIRST THE TURBAN. NOW THE BEARD.

My response to incidents of this nature is always the same. HOW is the man going to get a seal on his gas mask if need be? And the answer is that he won't. He wants and is allowed to wear a beard now too.

Toor for the five years prior to this never once had a problem with having to shave and not wearing the turban. NOW for some reason this is major? I guess Toor prior to deployment to a combat zone can at least go sans beard?

coolbert.

Dragoons.

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Dragoons Swedish style. But no horses.

"Dragoons originally were a class of mounted infantry, who used horses for mobility, but dismounted to fight on foot."

From the Finnish military blogger Corporal Frisk.

"The Cavalry is Coming"

"Yesterday [24 September] the Swedish Armed Forces officially stood up the first of their new units announced in the latest defence white paper, as the Norrland Dragoon Regiment was again retook its place as an independent unit. The unit, formerly known as the Army Ranger Battalion, has up until now operated as a semi-independent unit based in Arvidsjaur but sorting under the Norrbotten Regiment based in Boden. Of all the new and reinstated units found in the latest Swedish long-term plan, the Dragoons are without doubt the one most directly beneficial to Finland."

Swedish troops of the hunter-killer class special operation troops analogous to American Ranger units. Units "eyes and ears" and able to provide guidance for precision terminally-guided munitions.

"the Swedish soldier is a very serious opponent - thoughtful, disciplined, physically strong and tough, well armed, well acquainted with the territory he will have to fight over, and well trained for action in such terrain." - - Suvorov.

RUSSIANS BEWARE!

See previous blog entry [with many additional links] the Swedish military:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/12/attention.html

"I fredstid förbered dig för krig". In time of peace prepare for war.

coolbert.

Askari II.

This is coolbert:

"Building forces in our [USA] own image, especially when the domestic logistics infrastructure will never be as capable, is a recipe for failure.  We should be proud of the elite Afghan forces that we built over our longest war.  They fought respectably and some have refused to give up even though the country to which they swore allegiance no longer exists."

From the Internet web site "Small Wars Journal" an article by Frank Sobchak.

SO WHY DID THE AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY [ANA] SEEMINGLY GIVE UP MORE OR LESS WITHOUT A FIGHT? GUTLESS COWARDS ONLY THEIR MILITARY DUTY TO BE GIVEN A PAYCHECK WITHOUT REGARD TO ANYTHING ELSE?

And why does the USA military always back the damned loser? Popular and widespread perceptions are wrong? Lots of questions, eh?

"The Afghans that Fought"

"Since the disastrous fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, there have been a continuous series of reports that announce far-reaching observations and conclusions from the conflict.  Two popular narratives are that cowardly Afghan forces collapsed with barely a shot fired and that the U.S. military is incapable of building an effective foreign partner force.  On its face, each judgement would seem to have some threads of truth given the considerable debacle that played out over August 2021.  But the reality is much more complex and requires nuance, something that is challenging in the current American political environment."

From the Small Wars Journal and as described in the article those units of the Afghan military that did perform well [albeit in a final losing cause] include:

* KKA. Counter-terrorism.

* NDS. Intelligence apparently with a direct action capability.

* Afghan Commando. Analogous to American ranger units.

Weakness in the main for all Afghan military seems to be LOGISTICS? Commando for instance self-sufficient and able to operate autonomous for a max of seventy-two hours after which resupply A MUST. Supply chain and logistical support lacking to the extent where if commando in prolonged battle with the Taliban their combat efficiency and capability rapidly diminishes.

COMMANDO EVEN TO THE VERY LAST MOMENT CONTINUED TO FIGHT IN THE MOST DESPERATE OF CIRCUMSTANCES!

"After the fall of Kabul, a group of 500-600 Commandos refused to surrender and assisted US forces in the evacuation process in the Hamid Karzai International Airport."

Think in the American historical context Alamo, Wake Island, Bataan!

Sadly all for naught!

coolbert.

Artifacts.

This is coolbert:

How many times has this been a topic for the blog? A treasure of gold of immense value having been lost as a result of war!

Gold treasure as hunted for but seems in all cases [?] never to be found.

As it has been in the past so as it is now in Afghan!

Courtesy the English tabloid Daily Mail.

"Taliban hunts for priceless Bactrian Treasure hoard of 20,000 gold artefacts that date back over 2,000 years after  they went missing during chaotic takeover of Afghanistan"

* "The Bactrian Treasure is one of the largest collections of gold in the world. * Taliban chief says efforts have begun ‘to track and locate’ the priceless pieces. * It contains golden rings, coins earrings, bracelets, necklaces and even weapons."

THE BACTRIAN TREASURE A "NATIONAL TREASURE" OF AFGHAN PRICELESS. ARTIFACTS WORTH FAR MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE GOLD ITSELF.

"national treasure: noun. A person, place, or object that is deemed to be of value to an entire nation, usually due to its cultural significance."

My instantaneous thought [and I hope I am wrong] was the Taliban will DESTROY the artifacts!

The Bactrian Treasure from the Islamic perspective represents jahiliyyah. A concept of a period of ignorance prior to the time before the revelations of Mohammad. Think the statues of the Buddha in the Bamiyan valley and destruction of same.

See additional blog entries [with many additional links] the topic the long-lost gold treasure the military dimension:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/08/minkowskie.html

The image accompanying this blog entry I believe to be a Marco Polo sheep. Ovis polii. Remarkable goldsmithing! 

coolbert.

Indo-Pac IV.

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Japan. Containment and denial!

Continuing and concluding the series of blog entries considerations of a geo-political nature the Indian and Pacific Oceans. [Indo-Pac]

See part I, part II, part III.

As it was in the days of the Cold War for the Japanese navy so as it is today with regard to the Chinese? Chinese naval access to the pelagic waters [deep waters] of the Pacific ocean constrained by choke points. The Japanese their strategic ability able to control the choke points of  the Bashi channel and the Miyako Strait vital to the containment and denial of the Chinese navy.

THE JAPANESE THEIR ABILITY  TO PUT TO SEA A DEEP WATER NAVY ALSO AN INDICATION OF LESSENING AMERICAN INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD?

"He who controls the oceans controls the trade. He who controls the trade controls the commerce. He who controls the commerce controls the world!" - - Sir Walter Raleigh.

Anyone disagree with Sir Walter??

coolbert.

Indo-Pac III.

This is coolbert:

Malacca. Chokepoint Indo-Pac.

Continuing my series of blog entries the geo-political intrigue and considerations in the Indian and Pacific ocean region. [Indo-Pac]

See part I and part II.

The Strait of Malacca. As vital now as it was five-hundred years ago.

As "articulated" by Admiral Sir Jackie Fisher Malacca a vital choke point the control of which a necessity for the free and continuous flow of vital international trade. During the time of the British Empire Sir Jackie identified those critical choke points as: "Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb, Strait of Malacca, Gibraltar, Turkish/Bosporus Straits, Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn."

Again, Malacca as vital as it was five hundred years. Think from the time of the earliest European exploration of the area the capture of Malacca and the control of same deemed most important. Even in the extreme.

coolbert.

Indo-Pac II.

This is coolbert:

India! Master plan.

Continuing with a series of blog entries the topic geo-political intrigue and calculations the Indian and Pacific Oceans. [Indo-Pac] See part I here.

India too has a plan for the Indian Ocean. The counter to the "String of Pearls".

India it seems lagging the Chinese even markedly so [?] it seems. A plan proposed but more on paper than in reality. A lot of catching up needed. And again, sea power in the classical sense a must. That proper combination of merchant vessels and naval force.

"He who controls the oceans controls the trade. He who controls the trade controls the commerce. He who controls the commerce controls the world!" - - Sir Walter Raleigh.

coolbert.

Indo-Pac I.

This is coolbert:

Pearls! Master plan.

Here begins a series of blog entries thanks to You Tube the geo-political intrigue and calculations of the regional powers the vicinity Indian and Pacific Ocean [Indo-Pac].

I highly recommend for all devoted readers to the blog and those merely web surfing in a casual manner, perusal at your leisure.

Chinese future dominance in the Indian Ocean a master plan, the long-term goal dominance of trade routes and oceanic lines of communication. Sea power in the classical sense, that correct combination of merchant and naval force.

"He who controls the oceans controls the trade. He who controls the trade controls the commerce. He who controls the commerce controls the world!" - - Sir Walter Raleigh.

coolbert.

Kim DPRK.

This is coolbert:

Grand strategy gone amok? Comrade Kim of the DPRK [North Korea] having taken note of the recently announced AUKUSA alliance and submarine deal. Comrade Kim now making noises of an unwanted and bellicose nature.

From the Internet web site Zero Hedge and the article BY TYLER DURDEN.

"North Korea Says AUKUS Submarine Deal Will Trigger 'Dangerous' Nuclear Arms Race"

"North Korea has weighed in on the major tussle among Western allies which has seen France become isolated in the Indo-Pacific as it lashes out against the 'duplicity' of partner nations Australia and the US. The north's foreign ministry said in statements carried by the official KCNA news agency that Washington's intentions to transfer nuclear-powered submarines to Australia sets a 'dangerous' precedent for the region which threatens to set off a nuclear arms race."

Surely it is understood that Kim of the DPRK has hardly in the past needed a reason to make noises of an "unwanted and bellicose nature". Rather he is in the habit of making pronouncements of a bombastic and threatening nature all the time and enjoys doing so.

NOR has Kim of the DPRK ever need a reason to increase his stockpile of atomic weapons or continue development of long-range weapons delivery systems carrying nuclear warheads.

Kim does talk a lot and this "noise" is just that? Trying to scare but not really scaring?

coolbert.

Assuage.

This is coolbert:

"assuage: To make (something burdensome or painful) less intense or severe: synonym: relieve. To appease or calm."

Solution has been found? As proposed? Rather, damage already done, no amelioration possible?

From Freeper and thanks to same, the original article by Tom Rogan the Washington Examiner.

"Why the US should offer to buy France's submarines for Vietnam"

"The United States would achieve three objectives by purchasing a number of Shortfin Barracuda submarines from France and then giving them to Vietnam. First, the Biden administration would repair relations with America's oldest ally. Second, it would supply a rising security partner with newly potent means of challenging China's imperialism. Third, it would test President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to international security in the South China Sea"

Vietnam of course has territorial claims in the South China Sea that overlap and are in dispute with the Chinese "Nine-Dash" line. 

All of this is a tongue-in-cheek for laughs and grins?

"tongue-in-cheek: adjective. Meant or expressed ironically or facetiously. Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous. Cleverly amusing in tone."

USA and Vietnam as hand-in-glove? Stranger things have occurred in the course of geo-political grand strategical considerations. Somehow I doubt any of this will ever come to pass.

coolbert.

Simple.

This is coolbert:

"a short-turnaround time of just ten minutes, during which a team composed of a technician and five conscripts would be able to re-arm, refuel, and perform basic inspections and servicing inside that time window"

The Swedish Gripen air superiority fighter plane able to operate in a very comfortable manner from an expedient airstrip having BEEN DESIGNED to do so. With ground crew in a totally workable manner their ability to service the warplane having been well thought out too. One technician trained as a supervisor and four conscripts acting as menials.

See the video. I am impressed!

I am especially impressed with the hand-operated crank type tools that the ground crew has available. Very heavy objects winched into place with relative ease. Pilot too can take a coffee break during that ten minute turnaround and use the toilet if he needs to.

Sweden shows the rest of the world how it can be done!

coolbert.

Anger.

This is coolbert:

Méfiez-vous du Français en colère! Beware the angry French!

Grand strategy gone amok? Ramifications of the AUKUSA agreement only beginning to become apparent. And not for the best.

Thanks to the Australian SKY News the article by Philip Whiteside.

"AUKUS: Maintaining West's unity will 'require a lot of effort', German official says, as France rages over nuclear submarine deal"

"Maintaining unity between Western allies will 'require a lot of effort' in light of an unfolding rift between France and members of a new security partnership, Germany's ambassador to the UK has said. French President Emmanuel Macron has so far not commented directly, but on Friday a top French diplomat spoke anonymously of a 'crisis' in relations with the US"

FROM THE FRENCH PERSPECTIVE THE AUKUSA AGREE WILL BE INTERPRETED AS ANOTHER INSTANCE OF THE ANGLOSPHERE IN ACTION. ACTIONS WITH RESULTS THAT ARE INIMICAL TO FRENCH INTERESTS.

"inimical: adjective. Injurious or harmful in effect; adverse. Unfriendly; hostile. Having the disposition or temper of an enemy; unfriendly; unfavorable."

And within context of American failure in Afghan, reliance on the USA as a dependable leader in world affairs less certain. America cannot be trusted is now the perspective.

coolbert.

SEA 1000.

This is coolbert:

SEA 1000 = The Australian Navy project to replace the current Collins class submarines currently in the inventory.

Analysis first by Corporal Frisk:

1. "A Pounding in the Pacific"

"In a move that sent shock-waves around the Pacific Ocean, Australia is bound to become the third-largest operator of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN’s). But let’s start from the beginning."

Corporal Frisk his analysis of WHY the Australian reasoning to go with nuclear submarines instructive.

Further as described by Corporal Frisk:

"The triple [AUKUSA] pact announced between the US-UK-Australia is far from a submarine deal, but rather a comprehensive security package including a number of practical steps, announced arms deals, and general security cooperation on an increased level"

Again correct. Think the pact [AUKUSA] not merely about submarines. Something more major.

Secondly from Commander Salamander further comment the AUKUSA security pact:

2. "AUKUS and the Nuclear Roo". Roo as in kangaroo.

"I guess this is submarine week at CDR Salamander, because right after the Wednesday post, the Anglosphere decided to wake everyone up"

That Anglosphere generally describes the English speaking nations of Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain.

3. See from Twitter the Royal Australian Navy [RAN] their historical experience with submarines not so happy or glorious.

Thanks here in all cases to the various contributors, the Corporal and the Commander both.

coolbert.

Informal.

This is coolbert:

India. USA. Australia. Japan. The Quad.

An informal alliance between nations in the Indo-Pacific region the importance of which of recent has become much more significant 

From The Diplomat and the article by Sumitha Narayanan Kutty and Rajesh Basrur.

1. "The Quad: What It Is – And What It Is Not"

"The Quad is no Asian NATO. And that may be its greatest strength."

"The March 12 [2021] summit meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, has not been fully grasped by most analysts. The Quad’s recent resurgence – after an abortive start in 2007 – has been driven by uneasiness about the rise of China and the security threat it poses to the international order."

2. "Biden to Host First In-Person Quad Summit With Eye on China"

"Strengthening ties between the US, Japan, Australia, and India is a key aspect of Biden's strategy against China"

Thanks to the Internet web site Anti-War and the article by Dave DeCamp

"President Biden will host the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia at the White House on September 24th [2021]. The summit will mark the first in-person meeting between the leaders of the Quad, a four-nation group that the Biden administration seeks to strengthen as part of its anti-China strategy."

Indeed. All eyes on China now it seems. Quad represents Grand Strategy in the classical sense. As does AUKSA. Machinations and maneuver among nations, forming alliances formal and informal with geo-political considerations in mind.

coolbert.

DDH 183.

This is coolbert:

USA and Japan work together!

American combat aviators embedded with their Japanese counterpart on the same warship. Japanese Izumo helicopter destroyer.

From the article as seen at Freeper:

"U.S. Marine F-35Bs to Operate off Largest Japanese Warship Later This Year"

"U.S. Marine F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters will operate off a Japanese warship later this year, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger said on Wednesday. In November, the Marine F-35Bs will embark on one of the two 24,000-ton Izumo-class helicopter destroyers in an exchange that could lead to a similar program in which a U.S. Marine JSF squadron embarked aboard U.K. Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) this year."

Izumo I recall when the vessel became operational it was said that jet warplanes of the VSTOL type [F-35] could not operate off the ship. The deck was not of adequate construction able to handle the hot jet exhausts as would be needed for a Lightning vertical take off or landing.

Such a deficiency has been remedied?

coolbert.

Showdown.

This is coolbert:

"Si vis pacem, para bellum". "If you want peace, prepare for war".

Japan prepares? As not has been in thirty years!

From Japan Today and the tip from Freeper.

1. "GSDF troops begin nationwide drills for 1st time in 30 years"

"The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force [GSDF] on Wednesday started nationwide exercises involving all units for the first time in about 30 years in an attempt to boost deterrence and strengthen its capabilities amid China's ramped-up regional assertiveness"

2. "SEA SHOWDOWN Japan ‘preparing for war’ in first major military drills for 30 YEARS as tensions rage with China over disputed islands"

"CHINA has claimed Japan is 'preparing for war' as it stages its first major military exercised for nearly 30 years"

Not merely Taiwan or disputed territory by China in the South China Sea at stake. Islands the sovereignty as contested by China and Japan also a hot topic. Thirty years indeed a long time between a major exercise of this sort.

See previous blog entries as pertinent to the topic:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/12/suga.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/03/east-china-sea.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/05/assurances.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/03/dispute.html

Consider also:

"All men are brothers, like the seas throughout the world; So why do winds and waves clash so fiercely everywhere?" - - Hirohito.

Well? Why?

coolbert.

Gripen.

This is coolbert:

The Taiwanese can do it. The Americans can do it. The Swedes have been doing it for some time!

Combat warplanes able to use public roads and highways as airstrips for take-off and landings. See previous blog entry as is germane.

In this regard the top-of-the-line Swedish air superiority combat aircraft Gripen leads the world!

"Gripen’s ability to take off and land on public roads."

"The combination of delta wing and canards gives the Gripen significantly better takeoff, landing performance and flying characteristics. The totally integrated avionics makes it a 'programmable' aircraft. It also has an advanced electronic warfare unit, making it possible to load more ordnance onto the aircraft along with its self defence capabilities. "

Swedish Air Force during a time of conflict their combat air operations from dispersal and expedient airstrips hardly impeded. Read from the wiki ground crews able to arm, refuel and do basic maintenance checks with relative ease even under less than ideal conditions:

"a key design goal during the Gripen's development was the ability to take off from snow-covered landing strips of only 800 meters (2,600 ft); furthermore, a short-turnaround time of just ten minutes, during which a team composed of a technician and five conscripts would be able to re-arm, refuel, and perform basic inspections and servicing inside that time window before returning to flight for air-to-air missions. For air-to-ground missions this turnaround time using the same resource is slightly longer at twenty minutes".

Admirable and remarkable indeed!

coolbert.

Highway.

This is coolbert:

Just a coincidence? Just that?

Item # 1 thanks to the tip from Freeper.

Combat warplanes practicing take-off and landing on a civilian commercial highway.

1. "Taiwan jets land on highway for Chinese invasion wargame"

"Fighter jets [ROCAF] practised landing on a highway in southern Taiwan on Wednesday as part of an annual live-fire military exercise that simulates defending the island against an invasion by China."

Commercial civilian highway of the right proportions [length and width] can make for DISPERSAL "airfields" in a time of war. 

Taiwanese warplanes in a time of crisis prior to overt hostilities would need to "disperse" so as to be able to escape destruction from a Communist Chinese sneak-attack. "In time of peace prepare for war."

Dispersal now an option as demonstrated!

Also consider as just recent:

2. "A-10 Attack Jets Use Michigan Road For Landing And Takeoff Exercise"

"It's the first time military aircraft touched down on civilian roads in the U.S."

American A-10 close-air-support [CAS] warplane landing on a civilian road in the state of Michigan. Onlookers eager to witness this first-of-a-kind event that airplane actually pretty darn close to the observers.

These two take-off and landing exercises [ROCAF and USAF] occurring as they did hardly a coincidence? As a confirmation of an ability for American A-10 warplane to deploy to Taiwan in time of crisis and if necessary use expedient public highway airstrips. Solidarity with the ROCAF being demonstrated?

coolbert.

Tremble.

This is coolbert:

“Hopefully when Chinese warships pass through the Caribbean Sea or show up near Hawaii and Guam one day, the US will uphold the same standard of freedom of navigation. That day will come soon.” - - Hu Xijin.

1. "Chinese state-run newspaper claims warships could ‘soon’ near Hawaii"

"Chinese warships could 'soon' show up near Hawaii and Guam, according to China’s state-run newspaper 'Global Times.' The newspaper said warships could be on their way following claims that the US Navy challenged international waters near Beijing." [Actually the South China sea]

CHINESE FONOP PACIFIC OCEAN? SOON! FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION [FONOP]. SOON IS NOW?

2. "Coast Guard encountered Chinese warships in the Aleutians in August"

CHINESE FONOP ALEUTIAN ISLANDS. FONOP = FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION OPERATION.

"The Coast Guard encountered a flotilla of Chinese warships 46 miles off the Aleutian Islands at the end of August, inside of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone [EEZ], according to a news release Monday evening."

"The exclusive economic zone [EEZ] extends off the country’s coastline, including off the coast of Alaska. The U.S. has jurisdiction over natural resources in the waters."

JURISDICTION OVER EEZ [NATURAL RESOURCES] BUT NOT MOVEMENT OF VESSELS SUCH AS THE CHINESE WARSHIPS.

"The Coast Guard said the four Chinese warships included a guided missile cruiser, a guided missile destroyer, a general intelligence vessel and an auxiliary vessel."

USA DOES FONOP ALL THE TIME. SOUTH CHINA SEA MOST CURRENTLY. TRANSIT OF AN AMERICAN WARSHIP THROUGH THE TAIWAN STRAIT FOR INSTANCE EXTREMELY GRATING TO THE COMMUNIST CHINESE.

This Chinese FONOP Aleutian waters tit-for-tat retaliation. That much is clear.

"Matthew 24:6: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (KJV)

coolbert.

Excluded.

This is coolbert:

ANZAC gone? Australia and New Zealand part ways with regard to military and allied defense initiatives?

ANZAC = Australian New Zealand Army Corps. A WW1 creation.

From the Russian Internet media outlet Sputnik.

"New Zealand Being Left Out of AUKUS Shows Canberra, Wellington 'Going in Very Different Directions'"

"On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison together with British counterpart Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden announced the formation of the new AUKUS defence and security partnership to 'protect and defend" the three nations' 'shared interests in the Indo-Pacific'."

NEW ZEALAND CONSPICUOUSLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENT.

"The fact that New Zealand is not part of a new security pact between the US, the UK, and Australia exposes Wellington's current differences with its traditional allies"

Traditional allies the most important [?] has been of course historically Australia. The Australians having opted to go nuclear with the acquisition of atomic-powered submarines. Able to project power over a wide are of the Indian and Pacific ocean. New Zealand ANTI-NUCLEAR and hesitant to get involved due to "green issues"? Both Australia and New Zealand currently declared nuclear-free zones.

Excluded but perhaps by choice. That is my perception!

coolbert.

Anonymous.

This coolbert:

“If the Malian authorities entered into a contract with Wagner [PMC], it would be extremely worrying and contradictory, incoherent with everything that we have done for years and we intend to do to support the countries of the Sahel region,” - - French defense minister Parly.

 An anonymous source "rebukes" an anonymous source? 

From the Internet web site South Front and thanks to same.

"ANONYMOUS SOURCE REBUKES ANONYMOUS CLAIMS THAT MALI IS HIRING 'WAGNER PMC'"

WAGNER GROUP RUSSIAN MERCENARIES!

"French Defence Minister Florence Parly has warned Mali against an alleged deal with Russian mercenaries."

As was discussed in a prior blog entry the Russian private military contractor [PMC] Wagner Group their recent activities in Mozambique far less successful than either desired or anticipated. Rather the opposite. NOW Wagner entering into the Mali/Sahel fray? What makes Wagner think they are going to do any better in Mali than they did in Mozambique?

Russian mercenaries I am told heavy on brawn, much less so on brain. 

coolbert.

AUKUS.

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Consider this to be very major? A sure warning to the Chinese? And will not be taken lightly by the Chinese either!

Once more from Freeper original story the Citizen Free Press.

1. "Biden ‘major joint defense’ announcement to counter China…"

"#BREAKING: The Age is reporting that there will be a major security announcement from President Joe Biden tomorrow of significance to Australia, the US and the British Governments . . . Australia, the US and UK to announce landmark new defense pact"

AUKUSA. AUSTRALIA, UNITED KINGDOM [GREAT BRITAIN] AND THE UNITED STATES A MILITARY ALLIANCE THE MISSION OF WHICH IS TO COUNTER CHINA! WITHOUT QUESTION.

Additionally from the Internet web site Zero Hedge read the Chinese response.

2. "Beijing Fumes Over New US-Led Arms Pact: Australia Aspiring To Be 'Enemy Of China' & 'Anti-China Superpower'"

BY TYLER DURDEN

"China wasn't specifically invoked in any of the leaders' remarks, but the pact known as AUKUS, (an acronym for Australia, United Kingdom and the US) is being widely interpreted as part of Washington efforts to thwart China and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region." 

"WIDELY IHNTERPRETED" AS DIRECTED AT CHINA AND UNDERSTOOD PROBABLY CORRECTLY SO.

Until relatively recently Australia one of only two nations in the world [Norway the other] having a budget surplus. A budget cash-cow predominantly from the sale of raw material [iron ore in particular] to China.

How the worm can turn! "the worm turns: informal—used to talk about how a situation can suddenly change". And dramatically so too!

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Scrapped.

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Here begins a series of short and terse blog entries courtesy Freeper.

The Australian submarine saga continues. Replacements for the Collins class submarines an on-going issue for some time and the subject of a number of previous blog entries. First the French, then the Japanese, and now ... .

Original story from ABC news.

"Australia to get nuclear-powered submarines, will scrap $90b program to build French-designed subs"

"Australia's next submarine fleet will be nuclear-powered under an audacious plan that will see a controversial $90 billion program to build up to 12 French-designed submarines scrapped. The ABC understands Australia will use American and British technology to configure its next submarine fleet in a bid to replace its existing Collins class subs with a boat more suitable to the deteriorating strategic environment."

A BOAT MORE SUITABLE AND NUCLEAR-POWERED. USING A COMBINATION OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH TECHNOLOGY. THIS CANNOT BE SEEN AS ANYTHING LESS THAN A VERY MAJOR COMMITTMENT.

My understanding the Australians and New Zealanders for that matter very GREEN and hesitant to go atomic. Nuclear-power for submarines normally reserved for those navies their mission requiring high speed, long-range, very long underwater endurance.

See previous blog entry [with many additional links] the Australian submarine replacement controversy:

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

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Scurrilous.

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Germans in Vietnam? Germans? 

That allegation that the French Foreign Legion [FFL] during the First Indo-China war had recruited to service large numbers German nationals of dubious character, many having served in German units during World War Two the activity of which was characterized by war crimes and heinous atrocity.

Bernard B. Fall, writing in the context of the First Indochina War, has called the notion that the Foreign Legion [FFL] was mainly German at that time:

"a canard [a lie with malice] . . . As a rule, and in order to prevent any particular nation from making the Legion into a Praetorian guard [forming, or resembling the Roman imperial bodyguard], any particular national component is kept at about 25 percent of the total. Even supposing (and this was the case, of course) that the French recruiters, in the eagerness for candidates would sign up Germans enlisting as Swiss, Austrian, Scandinavian and other nationalities of related ethnic background, it is unlikely that the number of Germans in the Foreign Legion ever exceeded 35 percent. Thus, without making an allowance for losses, rotation, discharges, etc., the maximum number of Germans fighting in Indochina at any one time reached perhaps 7 000 out of 278 000. As to the ex-Nazis, the early arrivals contained a number of them, none of whom were known to be war criminals. French Intelligence saw to that. Since, in view of the rugged Indochinese climate, older men without previous tropical experience constituted more a liability than an asset, the average age of the Legion enlistees was about 23. At the time of the battle of Dien Bien Phu, any Legionnaire of that age group was at the worst, in his 'Hitler Youth' shorts when the [Third] Reich collapsed."

Consider also: Total numbers [by nationality] French Foreign Legion: [from inception until NOW!]

* Germany - - 210,000

Followed by:

* Italy - - 60,000
* France - - 50,000

* Spain - - 40,000
* Belgium - - 40,000
* Switzerland - - 30,000

Germany has contributed the most Legionnaires by far!! It takes the next five nationalities combined to exceed the German total! This from FFL records too!

Allegations unverified, not substantiated, scurrilous and even libelous? But widely believed?

coolbert.

POSTEX.

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From the Internet web site of our good friend Commander Salamander some more analysis the Afghan defeat.

Devoted readers to the  blog will want to:

1. Read in entirety the Commander's blog entry.

2. See the two-hour CNN program as highlighted.

"Preliminary Commander's POSTEX on Afghanistan"

"CNN’s summary of Sunday’s 2-hr documentary on Afghanistan has some interesting quotes from the commanders – and a few errors – I [Salamander] thought we should start the week out with."

Also consider the various graphics as posted by the Commander. 

These two graphics in particular got my attention right away.

Iraq and Afghan the use of IED [Improvised Explosive Device] by the insurrectionists, the number total compared with those IED effective.

IED as used by the opposition to the allied forces in Iraq. Those effective small with regard to the number ineffective. Ineffective either from allied forces disarming or IED exploding but damage nil to slight. Even at a peak period only about 10 % of IED effective!

IED as used by the opposition to the allied forces in Afghan. So many non-effective! Again, that figure effective around 10 % at peak period of IED usage. IED obviously a threat but must not be over-rated?

Click on all images to see an enlarged view. Excellent graphics too!

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SCUD 9K72.

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More war booty for the Taliban to rejoice over? Some pretty heavy type of ordnance captured but deemed as worthless?

From the Internet web site South Front and thanks to same.

"IN VIDEO: TALIBAN GLAD TO FIND BALLISTIC MISSILES IN PANJSHIR, BUT THEY ARE LIKELY USELESS"

"The Taliban reportedly found elements of the Soviet-made 9K72 Elbrus short-range ballistic missile [SCUD-B] systems, including 8K-14 (R-17) missiles, in the Panjshir Valley."

Missiles including what appears to be a warhead [inert?] just laying around. From the era of the Soviet invasion of Afghan. Missiles probably no longer functional in the open and exposed to the elements for a period of decades! Apparently the Soviet in Afghan did use SCUD to attack fortified military targets using strictly [?] conventional warheads. 

As I recall, the Islamic State also captured intact SCUD with launcher and warheads. Seems to have done them little if any good. But it does make for good Internet video footage.

coolbert.

 

Latvia.

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Place this one in the category of strange but true?

"Watch: Latvian Army Conducts Shooting Drills In Busy Streets"

Thanks to the Internet web site Zero Hedge and the article by Tyler Durden.

"Footage of a war exercise in the busy streets of Latvia's capital, Riga, shows heavily armed soldiers firing assault rifles among frightened residents."

"According to RT News, videos of a field training exercise in Riga were first published online on Saturday morning, have since gone viral. Dozens of heavily armed soldiers conducted what appears to be urban warfare training, firing weapons with blank rounds.

This is MOUT [Military Operations Urban Terrain] exercise with the actual civilians present as it would be in real war. And was UNANNOUNCED? Many of those citizens probably thought it was as real invasion or terrorists at work. Could have caused read panic of no good to anyone.

MOUT you usually need mock-facilities [urban terrain] and a lot of preparation for training the troops in the actual techniques and methodology of urban warfare. Seems to be a rather poor degree of preparation in this instance, Latvian personnel their performance seems to have been in a less than professional manner. 

coolbert.

GP MG.

This is  coolbet:

"I know it when I see it, I just can't define it."

From that previous blog entry an AR-15 with "bump stock" not ruled by a military appeals court as a machine gun.

As extracted from the wiki and thanks to same:

"A machine gun is an auto-firing, rifled long-barrel autoloading firearm designed for sustained direct fire with fully powered cartridges. Other automatic firearms such as assault rifles and automatic rifles are typically designed more for firing short bursts rather than continuous firepower, and not considered machine guns. Squad automatic weapons, which fire the same (usually intermediate-powered) cartridge used by the other riflemen from the same combat unit, are functionally light machine guns though not called so. Submachine guns, which are capable of continuous rapid fire but using handgun cartridges, are also not technically regarded as true machine guns."

Those main criteria as defining a machine gun:

* ONLY auto-fire. * Hi-power military round [i.e. 7.62 X 51 mm NATO]. * Sustained auto fire.

Automatic weapons such as the Soviet-era RPK or RPD firing an intermediate round [7.62 X 39 mm].

Assault rifles such as the Soviet AK or the American M-16  capable of auto fire [with an intermediate round] but not SUSTAINED fire. 

A fully auto weapon such as the Beretta M12 firing a pistol round and appropriately referred to as a sub-machine gun.

Got it? General purpose machine guns [GP MG] too generally a CREW served weapon. 

NOW you know the rest of the story and are so much the better for it too!

coolbert.

Bagram.

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AS GOES BAGRAM SO GOES THE NATION? AFGHAN THAT IS.

Out go the Americans, in come the Chinese?

My instantaneous thought was Talas, 751 A.D.

Chinese military presence in Central Asia not since the Tang Dynasty now a possible.

1. "China Reportedly Mulls Takeover Of Bagram Air Base After Hasty US Withdrawal"

"The Chinese military is considering a takeover of the former site of the U.S. Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan following President Joe Biden’s hasty withdrawal of troops from the country in late August, according to the U.S. News."

2. "Beijing Looking to Occupy Bagram Airfield via Ruling Taliban: Report"

"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is looking to deploy personnel and set up a supply route in the formerly U.S.-controlled Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan under the blessings of an established Taliban government, according to a new report."

3. "China May Take Over Abandoned US Air Base After 'Humiliating Defeat' of America: Report"

"The communist nation [China] is reportedly looking to occupy Bagram Air Base, which was recently abandoned by the U.S. and taken over by the Taliban."

Chinese and Taliban hand-in-glove as they say? Strange indeed but geopolitical stratagems and considerations obviously in mind.

See further about Talas. High-water mark of the Tang Empire expansion into Central Asia. Chinese military defeat and withdrawal from the region a significant event in world history.

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Dishonorable.

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More legal stuff with the military dimension.

Vaccine for the Covid-19 virus. Those refusing the inoculation NOT going to be dishonorably discharged? As is being proposed.

KWTX for the story and thanks to same.

"Proposal would ban dishonorable discharges for military members who refuse mandatory COVID vaccines"

"FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Federal lawmakers are backing legislation prohibiting dishonorable discharges for military service members who refuse to get their COVID-19 vaccine."

"When a soldier leaves the service, they receive one of a number of discharges. The most likely discharges are honorable, general under honorable or other than honorable. The worst is a diss honorable discharge, given to a soldier as a result of a court-martial for things like desertion, murder and other crimes."

As has been mentioned a number of times now,  American military personnel of whatever service BY LAW cannot refuse medical treatment. Medical treatment so broadly defined as to include any sort of prophylactic care. Inoculations of any sort included. Failure to comply with ordered medical treatment grounds for dismissal with less than honorable discharge. BY LAW.

A refusal under the proposed law will not warrant a dishonorable discharge but rather something less severe. Dishonorable discharge in the normal sense understood as being used to punish a serious offense of more violent and criminal nature.

coolbert.

Innocent.

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Some legal stuff with a military dimension.

Troop found innocent. An appeal of a previous guilty conviction successful.

Thanks to Zero Hedge the article by TYLER DURDEN the tip from TMGN.

"US Military Court Rules Bump Stock Is Not A Machine Gun"

WHAT IS CALLED A BUMPSTOCK ATTACHED TO A CONVENTIONAL SEMI-AUTOMATIC AR-15 RIFLE DOES QUALIFY THE WEAPON AS A MACHINE GUN.

"On Sept. 9, the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that bump stocks are not machine guns in the case U.S. v. Ali Alkazahg. This is a big win for gun owners and reaffirms the fact that items that are not machine guns by legal definition cannot be classified as machine guns simply because the ATF 'feels' like they meet the definition. [ATF = Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms]

Click on image to see an enlarged view. Bump stock the term I was vaguely familiar with. Allows a semi-automatic weapon to fire in what seems to be an automatic manner, as would a conventional machine gun. The accused charged with having a machine gun but on appeal the verdict was over-turned. AR-15 in the military version called the M-16/M4 has the selector switch with the auto fire option. But that only the military weapon and not the civilian variety.

The bump stock however allows the weapon to function in apparently the same manner as a machine gun. I need to check with an acknowledged weapons authority as to what exactly is defined in the ordinary sense as a machine gun.

coolbert.

CVN USAF.

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An idea good on paper but never will fly? Literally so!

"Lockheed nuclear Powered Flying Aircraft Carrier – We have the tech now, but… "

THE FLYING AIRCRAFT CARRIER. ATOMIC POWERED. THIS ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THE RUSSIANS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN. 

"Would cost 11+ bln today [$11 billion USD per plane not including the two dozen or so multi-role combat-aircraft] and now do-able if we wanted. A ridiculous plan in the past… but now?"

Atomic torpedo [Russian]. Atomic cruise missile [Russian]. The flying American aircraft carrier. Nuclear powered? Absurd. The "thing" will be so heavy with all the necessary shielding that the plane will not even be able to take off. Kept aloft for months [or longer?] no respite for the crew, supply a  constant problem [generals think logistics].

AND IF THE "THING" CRASHES THEN THINK OF ALL THE NUCLEAR DEBRIS SPREAD FAR AND WIDE.

Dismiss this idea out of hand. Cost as well prohibitive. Although a state-of-the-art Ford class aircraft carrier as currently sent to sea by the U.S. Navy is comparable in cost.

"out of hand: 2. Without due discussion or consideration."

Perhaps dismissing "out of hand" all for the best!

coolbert.

Hafiz.

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"The specialized unit [Badri 313] operating out of the former Kabul nursery school is named in homage to the Battle of Badr some 1,400 years ago, they say, in which the Prophet Muhammad’s 313-person army clocked a military victory against a much larger Quraysh force"

From the New York Post and the article by Hollie McKay and expose of the Taliban Badri 313 special operations units. Wear American uniforms, carry American weapons, from a distance can pass for an American troop.

"Inside the Taliban’s special forces ‘Suicide Squad’"

"The former school [as now occupied and the headquarters of the Badri 313 unit] now serves as the new base of the Taliban’s elite special forces unit known as Badri 313 or the 'Badri Command.' But it is not only home to the hardest of hard fighters, who roam the grounds clad in camouflage and touting an arsenal of American-made weapons, it is also for those training to become suicide – or martyrdom – bombers too."

Badri 313 not only conventional combat fighters but also those who do suicide missions [wearing a body-vest of explosives]. A potent combination more than anything else demoralizing to the foe.

AND NO SHORTAGE OF VOLUNTEERS EVIDENTLY.

This Hafiz the commander. Has he been to Command & General Staff school yet?

coolbert.

Number # 11.

This is coolbert:

As extracted from the South Asia Terrorism Portal and thanks to same the article by Ajit Kumar Singh.

Comments on American disaster in Afghan. Understand also an event of considerable interest to the government and security forces [SF] of India. Security Forces generally defined as the combination of military, paramilitary, and police.

"Ignominious Retreat"

From the # 11 Assessment:

Hardly can it be said the Afghan security forces allied with the American military did not fight and die. Consider the period: 2009 - (data till September 4, 2021).. 

"Further at least 68,713 Security Force (SF) personnel, including 4,813 in 2021 alone, have been killed during this period. The number of terrorists killed during this period stands at 115,909, including 19,776 in 2021 alone. The number of SF personnel killed in 2009 was 900 and that of terrorists at 4,610."

Elements of Al Qaeda in Afghan rather more active than I hardly want to believe.

"Al-Qaida is present in at least 15 Afghan provinces, primarily in the eastern, southern and south-eastern regions. Its weekly Thabat newsletter reports on its operations inside Afghanistan. Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates under Taliban protection from Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz Provinces."

Regarding AQIS:

"AQIS, is an Islamist militant organization which aims to fight the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh"

Listen very closely and you might hear a long and satisfied chuckle from Osama himself? I hate to think so.

coolbert.

1 Yorks.

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English soldiers behaving badly! Illegal drug use resulting in soldiers being cashiered. Cocaine use mostly. For shame.

Yet more from the Russian Internet media.

"19 Soldiers Face The Boot As ‘Off The Scale’ Drug Bust in UK Army Raises 'Serious Questions'"

"give (one) the boot: 1. To fire one."

"Data for 2019 showed that 660 UK army soldiers and reservists - nearly the equivalent of a battalion – were discharged after testing positive for illicit substances, mostly cocaine, in mandatory tests (CDTs), an increase from 580 in 2017."

"The soldiers – mostly of Private rank with at least one a Lance Corporal – hail from the 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment."

A DISGRACE TO THE REGIMENT ONE AND ALL THEIR NAMES WILL LIVE IN INFAMY.

See previous blog entries drug use within the British military:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2019/06/blow.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2017/10/visit-usa.html

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Deafening.

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Too loud? British soldiers in trouble? Back to the drawing board?

From the Russian media outlet Russian Times.

"300 British troops offered hearing loss tests after £5.5bn Ajax tank trials halted over noise complaints"

Ajax not really a tank as that word tank understood. An armored fighting vehicle more properly described.

"More than 300 British soldiers are being offered hearing loss assessments after trials of the £5.5 billion Ajax armoured vehicle programme were halted due to an excessive number of noise complaints, a minister has admitted."

My instantaneous reaction to the Sputnik article is the American Gama Goat military vehicle from the era of the 1960's and 1970's. A never-ending [and never resolved] problem with the Gama Goat the noise level.

"Unit commanders and drivers told us that engine noise, which they say has been measured at about 95 decibels, restricts the vehicle's [Gama Goat] usefulness and that necessary constant on-the-move radio communication is impossible because of the excessive noise of the engine. Drivers have been issued earplugs when operating the vehicle but said that the plugs prevent them from hearing commands and instructions. Excessive noise also contributes to the severity of mechanical breakdowns because mechanical failures are not heard in the early stages. Eighty-three percent of the personnel interviewed by the Army rated the noise level loud to deafening."

Click to see an enlarged image. Gama Goat an all-purpose transport vehicle. Not just a prime mover pulling a trailer. One GI appears to be sleeping and the other rather nonchalant. Dig the old style uniforms. You can see the proximity of the engine to the operating personnel would create a lot of difficulties with hearing. Just too loud. Ear plugs not really providing desired level of protection. On the contrary earplugs rather create a false sense of security can even injurious to the user.. 

Institutional memory by the design team for Ajax missing? Soldiers losing their hearing no good to anyone. Retired with permanent disability. 

coolbert.

Panjshir II.

 

This is coolbert:

From various Russian Internet media outlets.

Fighting in the Panjshir valley continues? Fighting in the Panjshir valley is all over?

The Pashtun Taliban have defeated once and for all the Tajik?

See my previous blog entry Tajik resistance to full and complete Taliban dominion in Afghan.

1. "Afghan resistance rejects Taliban claims of gaining ‘full control’ of Panjshir province"

2. "‘War has ended’ in Afghanistan, Taliban says, despite resistance’s claims that Panjshir Valley is still not lost"

3. "Afghan Resistance Forces Accuse Pakistan of Providing Air, Ground Support to the Taliban in Panjshir"

Afghan a tribal nation now and has always been so. A strong central government never has worked in Afghan and probably never will. Pashtun heavy-handed rule will only result in civil war and further destruction. Even if the Tajik defeated NOW, don't count on them and other groups  going out quietly.

coolbert.

Incredulous.

This is coolbert:

For such a powerful and distinguished American Senator to have even suggested such a thing seems ridiculous to me. Preposterous even. But it seems to be so. 

From the Russian Internet media outlet Sputnik:

1. "US Troops 'Will Be Going Back Into Afghanistan': Lindsey Graham"

"Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has been ramping up calls to impeach US President Joe Biden over the hectic troop pullout from Afghanistan, insisting that the 'derelict' commander-in-chief had 'ignored sound advice' in relation to the withdrawal operation."

"Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) believes that American troops will return to Afghanistan despite the chaotic military withdrawal from the country that was completed on 30 August."

Presumably the presence of American military forces in Afghan would to aid and enable the Taliban to defeat remnants of Islamic State Khorasan and Al Qaeda still present in Afghan.

Special operations [USA] combat elements guiding drone air strikes a possible??

Also see from the Internet web site Anti-War.

2. "Taliban Declare Do Not Want American Help in Fighting ISIS — Afghan Civilians Breathe a Sigh of Relief"

"Probably a lot safer for Afghan civilians this way"

Anti-War is referring to those drone strikes with Afghan civilians killed!

coolbert.

Pandemic.

This is coolbert:

Once more from the Internet web blog of G2mil and thanks to same.

Observations the Covid-19 pandemic within the military context.

"Motorcycle Pandemic"

"Those in our military are healthier than the average citizen. The US Navy reports that 12 sailors have died from COVID, yet also reports that 28 sailors died from motorcycle accidents in 2020 and 2021. COVID didn't start killing people until the Spring of 2020, but it's accurate to say motorcycle riding kills twice more sailors than COVID. US Marines are fitter than sailors and none have died from COVID, yet 16 were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2020 and 2021."

Comments:

* Military recruits screened for pre-existing medical conditions prior to enlistment.

* Military personnel fed and eat a better diet than the average citizen.

* Military personnel subjected to all sorts of prophylactic medical treatments.

* Military personnel much younger than the average adult. Their immune system more robust.

* In finality, if you are under the age of fifty the chances of you dying from the Covid-19 virus very small indeed.

G2mil his reasoning sound. More troops killed by motorcycle accidents than by the virus.

G2mil very often iconoclastic. But his observations cannot be denied.

"iconoclastic: adjective. attacking or ignoring cherished beliefs and long-held traditions,"

See previous entries the virus pandemic and the military dimension:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2014/12/disease.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/06/virus-19.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/03/protection.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/07/cv-19.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2021/09/vaccine-covid.html

coolbert.