Walking Dead Update. 1/2 way thru....

Ok.  Slightly pissed.  I'm not going to give a play by play of the assault on the prison but seriously?  Really?  But it gets worse.
The Governor goes crazy and starts killing his people and instead of someone getting the smart idea that "hey I have a gun too!" all they do is run away?  Seriously?  If people actually are this crazy stupid then I hope a Zombie Apocalypse does comes.  I'll setup the independent Republic of Snafu!

Update to the Update:  The kid has more guts than anyone else.  He's a immoral amoral little bastard but his thinking is consistent and in a way logical.

Update to the Update 1:  I am so happy blondie is gonna die!  I hated the female.

French Special Forces gun down terrorist on A8

I'm detecting a change in the European but most especially the French view of terrorism.

Its becoming more aggressive.  More business like.  More proactive.

via the Daily Mail.

This is the deadly arsenal of military-grade weaponry discovered at the home of a French terror suspect who was shot dead in his car by special forces as he travelled along a motorway.

French Algerian Hakim Benladghem was gunned down in his 4x4 on the A8 Lille-Brussels motorway in Belgium on Tuesday as reached out to grab a weapon on the passenger seat.
Tapped phone calls led police to believe that Benladghem was on his way to Brussels where he was about to embark on a sustained series of terror attacks across Europe.

I don't believe for one moment that the guy was reaching for a weapon.

I think that's simply to mollify the public.

The thing that has me curious is when will terrorist finally understand that the National Security Agency, along with their counterparts in other nations, have thoroughly penetrated modern communication systems.

Once terrorist understand exactly how compromised these systems are, then we'll start seeing "true" lone wolves.  Once that happens then life will become interesting.

Read the entire article.

Walking Dead (TV, not the 9th Marines).

I've been watching the "Walking Dead" marathon leading up to the season finale tonight.

Boy.  Good show.  The "group" makes some stupid decisions, gets its members killed off doing silly things but overall I like it.

What really has me geeked are the Zombies.  Fast zombies are definitely cooler than the slow ones.

Can't wait to see the finale. Somebody should have told me about this show sooner. 

DoD against awarding Purple Hearts to Domestic Terrorist's wounded/killed.

via FoxNews.

"Passage of this legislation could directly and indirectly influence potential court-martial panel members, witnesses, or the chain of command, all of whom exercise a critical role under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Defense counsel will argue that Major Hasan cannot receive a fair trial because a branch of government has indirectly declared that Major Hasan is a terrorist -- that he is criminally culpable."
A source with knowledge of the position paper told Fox News that DOD is putting on a full-court press by sending senior officials, including generals, to meet with lawmakers in an effort to block support.
But Neal Sher, counsel for the Fort Hood families involved in a federal lawsuit against the department, told Fox News that the document -- an "official Army response" to the request for Purple Heart status -- is "an utter outrage" and that it was not surprising given it comes from the same department which labeled the attack "workplace violence."
"This is a cynical travesty. What the government has done by making this statement is guarantee that anything done to help the victims will effectively prevent or impair Hasan's prosecution. There was no reason for the government to put this kind of a statement in writing, even if it were true (which it is not)," Sher said via email.

I have mixed feelings on this.  Hasan was clearly a terrorist but if we start giving Purple Hearts then quite honestly married Service Member's that are in abusive families could also qualify for them.  Surely a spouse that is physically or mentally assaulting his "partner" (it is a new military) could be considered a sort of domestic terrorist after all.

As much as I think the reasoning is flawed (for the reasons given in the story) I also think that its probably best that we not change award criteria.

What I find more interesting though is that it could also open up those killed and injured in training accidents to this award.

Sticky subject.  Good and bad points all around.  Best to let it percolate a while.

NOTE:  Sorry about the title but I don't want to call people in the military victims.  It just doesn't sit right on a peronal level to me...especially in this case.  Hasan brought the battlefield to FT. Hood and you aren't a victim on a battlefield unless you're a civilian.

All services face a procurement train wreck.

Consider this.

US Air Force.
During these times of declining budgets, the USAF is seeking to buy KC-46's, a replacement for the MH-60 Rescue Helicopter, more C-130's, a B-1/B-2 replacement, the F-35, and upgrades to the F-16, F-15 and A-10's.

US Navy.
Needs to replace Perry class frigates (unknown if the LCS is a separate class or is indeed a Perry replacement), buy more Virginia class subs, more LPD's, a future LSD, a future LHD, MLP's, a replacement for the Ohio class, a replacement for the Carrier Onboard Delivery plane, more MH-60's, more Growlers, more F/A-18E/F's, and the F-35.

US Army.
Needs to buy the Ground Combat Vehicle, Armored Multipurpose Vehicle, Bradley Upgrade, JLTV, Assault Breacher Vehicles (not sure if this purchase is complete), a decision on the M-1A3, UH-60M's, and AH-64E's.

US Marine Corps.
If you've spent more than 5 minutes here then you already know the deal.  AAV upgrade, Marine Personnel Carrier, Amphibious Combat Vehicle, MV-22, CH-53K, F-35B, and JLTV.

I initially thought that the procurement train wreck was just a Marine Corps problem.  I was wrong.

This is a DoD wide issue.  

Was the A330 MRTT the better plane for a stealth force?

I hate to do this to you guys but here goes.  Did we choose the right refueling plane for activity in the Pacific?

My question really revolves around one number.  Max fuel offload after loitering on station.  Airbus touts that their airplane will be able to offload 140,000 lbs of fuel at 1000 nmi out with a 2 hr loiter.

A quick Google search this morning didn't reveal what the Boeing product is able to do at that distance and loiter time.

I was originally a HUGE supporter of the KC-46 because I simply looked at the specifications and penalized Airbus because it exceeded program spec and inched into KC-Y territory (in my opinion).  I now think that its probably sized perfectly for a force with worldwide responsibilities and looking to an all stealth force.

Looking to the future I don't think a 787 will be large enough (as it is now) to effectively compete for the KC-Y contract.  Quite honestly the replacement for the KC-10's might either not be flying or will fall into the size region of the 747 or the A350/A380 short.

I didn't fully consider how (and I'm waiting for the air guys to correct me) flying without fuel tanks will change the way air wars are fought.  

Sidenote: Still looking for info on the USAF plan to equip their tankers as ISR platforms.  Since the contract award the concept has gone quiet...I haven't heard anything about proposed sensors or desired capabilities.  

This is how conspiracy theories start...

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This is how it starts.  First we have an assault weapon used according to news reports, then they report he didn't use any such weapon in the assault and now in the midst of the controversy they're saying he did use a weapon.

Ignored in all this is that a madman killed a bunch of kids.  The fight dulls the outpouring of support that these families should be receiving.

I blame the news media and our political process.  Either way its bullshit.

Cancel F-35A in favour of C-model?????

via Flight Global.

Former US Navy chief of naval operations Adm Gary Roughead says the US Department of Defense (DoD) should consider eliminating the F-35A version of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in favour of the carrier-based F-35C. In recent weeks, the idea has gathered momentum with current and former defence officials saying the Pentagon's office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) is studying the idea even though the DoD officially denies those claims.
Roughead says the question must be asked as to whether it is better to reduce the number of F-35 variants to a short take-off and vertical landing variant and one version that can take-off and land conventionally. "My simple logic says it probably is, but there are a lot of factors that go into it," he says.
Roughead says it makes sense to have the US Air Force adopt the C-model jet because it can operate from land bases as well as from the US Navy's 11 "big deck" aircraft carriers, whereas the A-model cannot. "The reason that I said to go with the C is because you will still want to be able to use the JSF from aircraft carriers," he says. It also has greater range than the USAF's A-model aircraft.
"There will clearly be some firmly-held beliefs in play," Roughhead says. "But I think that when you're in the budget times in which we're in, there are no dumb ideas."

Read the entire article for yourself, but I'm getting F-35 overload.

I personally see this as a move to lower the cost of the C model.  I think some like the former Admiral, probably know the F-35's capabilities and know that they need it aboard carriers.  These same people also see the handwriting on the wall and realize that its going to be the "least" produced model and with the F-35B picking up orders, probably soon the most expensive.

How do you get the price down in a big way?

You make everyone that was going to buy the F-35A, instead buy the C.

Will it work?  I don't know, but on the surface it seems like a bad idea.

Other considerations?  You might get a squadron or two of USAF F-35's that could operate off big carriers.

MARSOC ATV.

Looks like the Prowler is the unofficial ATV of MARSOC and SOCOM in general.

A Marine Special Operations Team member fires a M240B machine gun during night fire sustainment training in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28, 2013. Marine Special Operations Team members are deployed in Helmand province to train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces. 
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau)

Japan's military chief now says the F-35 is the best buy.

via Reuters.

- Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters are the best choice for Japan's future operational needs, the nation's highest-ranking uniformed officer said on Wednesday, in a vote of confidence for the state-of-the-art U.S. warplane.
His comments follow reports that some nations that have placed orders for the F-35s may reconsider their plans.
Shigeru Iwasaki, chief of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces' Joint Staff, also said advancement of North Korea's arms technology in a series of nuclear and missile tests posed a serious threat to Japan, but its missile defense system should provide the country with sufficient protection.
"When I was the head of the air force, I spearheaded the decision (to procure F-35s). Or, rather, we drew up a plan, which was then approved by defense minister," said Iwasaki, a veteran fighter pilot who used to fly F-15s, Japan's current mainstay combat aeroplane.
"There were various candidates. But I still believe the F-35 is the best fighter, when we think about Japan's future national security," he said in an interview with Reuters.

I  personally get suspicious when news of the F-35 breaks...in either direction.

It always seems timed to either maximize the negative or intensify the positive.

This falls under a different category---at least in my mind.  This is a chief that is explaining his decision.  Instead of boring a person with metrics that can be debated, he simply says its the best fighter for his nations security needs.

The week started with talk about the Dutch cutting their order of F-35's and is ending with Singapore buying the "B" model and the Japanese defense chief saying its the best option.

That's a win for the F-35 program in my opinion.  Good week.

Venezuela Receives 13 Russian Armored Vehicles

via Rianovosti.

Armed forces in Venezuela have received a new batch of Russian amphibious combat vehicles, the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade said on Thursday.
Thirteen BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles were delivered by sea to the port of Puerto Cabello, the center said.
This marks the first report of an arms delivery by sea to Venezuela since the death of President Hugo Chavez in March.
Venezuela ordered a total of 123 BMP-3 vehicles in 2009, with the first delivery made in 2011, the center said. It is unknown how many vehicles have been delivered so far.
A Russian arms trade source said earlier this month Moscow will continue military-technical cooperation with Venezuela regardless of who takes over power after Chavez.
The official said some contracts with Caracas included deals for the construction of arms factories and servicing centers for military equipment.


Between 2005 and 2007, Venezuela inked deals to buy $4 billion worth of weaponry from Russia. The arms involved included Sukhoi fighter jets, combat helicopters, and over 100,000 light weapons -- primarily AK-103 assault rifles.
Caracas also secured a license to produce the assault rifles in Venezuela.
Chavez's government also secured a $2.2 billion loan in 2010 to purchase a large batch of Russian weapons, including 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and a variety of artillery systems.
According to Russian experts, Venezuela is expected to become the world’s second largest buyer of Russian weaponry after India by 2015.

Interesting.

Of all the potential hot spots on this planet, the one that causes me more confusion is S. America.

Almost every nation in that hemisphere seems to be arming to the teeth and I don't see the underlying threat to explain it.  It goes beyond what is needed or even desired for internal security or action against insurgents.  Still, they're up gunning and it appears to be going unnoticed by many.

Navy SEALs in space. Literally.

Ranger Fire Support System 120 mm Mortar

Note:  Well ain't this a kick in the teeth.  The US Army Rangers are about to get a capable, proven, highly mobile, off the shelf, internally transportable (in a MV-22) mortar carrier and ammunition vehicle at a fraction of the cost of the US Marine Corps EFSS(Expeditionary Fire Support System).  Oh and it does away with the need to tow it which means that they'll have even greater off road mobility.  Nicely done.

Photo: F-35B successfully completes AIM-120 separation

Savage.

Grumman 698 then and now.

Unknown sent me the link to this pic of the 698 as it is now.  The pics were taken by Bruce La Fetra and his flickr account is a must see.

Long story short.  A national disgrace.  Aviation history is allowed to be covered in bird droppings and other filth.  Shameful.

Concept

today...although it was a wind tunnel model it still is a piece of aviation history

BAE Systems APKWS™

At the 1:27 marks what is being carried on the outboard station? I've never seen those before? A new rocket? Instrument package?

F-35B BF-03 performing an AIM 120 Weapon Separation

Talking out of both sides of the Marine Corps mouth.

Via National Defense.

Marine Corps officials are eager to return to the service's traditional role of global crisis response force operating from the sea.
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the service's director of the Quadrennial Defense Review, said the strategic planning document, due in 2014, would enshrine that wish.

“We see ourselves as a forward-deployed, hedge force that buys time for the strategically decisive force of the nation to arrive and conduct their … ground campaign, and that would be the U.S. Army,” McKenzie told Washington, D.C.-based defense reporters March 26.

OK.  The return to the sea theme.  I like it, it makes sense, its what we're about.  But then check this out...

McKenzie envisioned the potential of becoming a "continental response force" by using V-22 Ospreys, which have greater speed and range than conventional rotorcraft.“In the case of Special Maritime Crisis Response, what you’re going to see is a forward-deployed crisis response element of Marines that are going to be married to V-22 Ospreys and aerial refuelers which give you truly continental range from a land base,” said McKenzie.
Over time it may become a form of “theater engagement” that would be land-based, but would be able to manage forces that were deployed afloat.

I blame this part on an aviation centric Commandant.  I hope someone realizes that he is in one instance selling a naval Marine Corps and then in the next "enshrining"a second land Army type mission as performed by the 101st!

I don't get this.  I don't understand the thinking.  Read the article for yourself here.

Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment--back in the jungle.

Super Hornet. Is there more to it than meets the eye?

Eric Palmer posted an article that questioned the classified information being given to partner nations in the F-35 program ... information apparently so compelling that they believe the F-35 will dominate aerial combat for the next quarter century or so.

One senior official from the region, who has access to the most sensitive classified information about the system, told me recently that the F-35 is "simply undefeatable." And this official said the aircraft is expected to maintain its dominance for at least one quarter of a century.

My question is a bit more basic.  What classified information is there on the Super Hornet that has some Naval Aviators believing that they can match any threat until a 6th gen fighter comes along.

My thinking?  It has to be about electronic attack.  

No more Sea King search and rescue for the UK.

Wow.

I can't imagine the Coast Guard or the Navy, Air Force or Marines or Local Law Enforcement/Federal Law Enforcement NOT doing search and rescue in the US.

I'm all for private firms doing the work that government should not do but I don't think this is one of those cases.

This isn't beat up on the UK week, but they definitely do things differently.

Red line---no reaction!

Just an observation.

Last week the news media reported that chemical weapons were used in Syria.

I have heard no response from the White House, Pentagon or State Dept.

I definitely don't want to see boots on the ground in Syria...not even Special Ops Raids.  But.  What happens if a nation state is allowed to use chemical weapons without consequence?  If there is no consequence then does our attempts at nuclear containment make sense?  Chemical weapons (as the accident in India many years ago) can be just as deadly as nuclear weapons.

I think we just saw any attempt at the appearance of common sense in our foreign policy (if we ever had any) just evaporate.

Can the Marines survive? A revolutionary speaks.

Thanks for the article Dave!

via Foreign Policy.

The Marines could have pushed for change 10 years ago. Following the 9/11 attacks, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld approached the Marine commandant and asked if the Marines could take on a special operations role within the Department of Defense. For the secretary, it seemed logical. The Marine Corps is designed to operate independently when necessary; it can sustain itself with a well-oiled logistics organization, and it even has its own air wings. At the time, most special operations forces resided in the Army and in Navy Special Warfare and there was an emerging shortage of operators. The Corps could have filled the gap in special forces that existed right after 9/11.

This article was like a bottle of Tabascco Sauce on eggs in the morning.  Just a dash makes your day, too much sets you on fire.

I read this and I was ready to punch walls.  NEVERTHELESS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT ALL!

My opinion.

1.  The guy is obviously one of the "reformers"...by that he's one of the Special Ops or nothing.  He fits well with the current Commandant's MARSOC push.
2.  He either ignores or doesn't understand the role that Marine Infantry has played in support of Special Ops.  He also ignores the "Special Ops Capable" role that the MEU's have played for almost 3 decades now.
3.  He wants the Marine Corps to tailor itself to a supporting role for Special Ops via supporting fires....we already do it but not to the extent that he wants.
4.  He wants to fight the last war.  Ignoring the nations need to have a robust, capable force, that is forward deployed to handle situations like Libya...something far more likely than another Special Ops Olympics like Afghanistan.

Read the entire article but the Nation already has Rangers.  If we need to conduct raids they're the go to guys.  If we need to train indigenous personnel then we have the Special Forces...if used properly they can prevent wider wars (think the mess in Syria) by training rebels.  Quite honestly the SEALs, MARSOC and Air Force Special Ops are the units that have ill defined roles.  I guess you could say that SEALs are Maritime specialist, but MARSOC and Air Force Special Ops?  I just don't know.

And that leads me to my last point.  We don't need more Special Ops and SOCOM is probably too large.  What happens when policy evolves to more than just raids, raids, raids?

The nation doesn't need another Ranger Battalion...doesn't need a super large Special Ops Support Unit.  What it needs is a robust Marine Corps focused on mission, not on social issues or political correctness. One other thing.  We can't be scared of the debate.  Whether you agree with the article or with me, its a discussion that must be had.

The LHA with F-35B's. The new capital ship.

A question asked by a reader.

Why would Singapore pick the F-35B over the A or C model?

Simple.  Because Singapore wants to be a regional power...and that means a strong Navy.  That means F-35B's operating off the new capital ships of most fleets.  An LHA/LHD type ship.

Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia and China are all building or have LHA's in service.  The only Pacific navy that has carriers are the USA and China.

If you're a medium power and want to punch above your weight then its obvious that most naval strategist have determined that the LHA with F-35B's on deck deliver that punch.

Notice too that I said "with".  Without the F-35B then all an LHA becomes is an assault transport at best....or maybe a supreme anti-sub, disaster relief...but it cannot fulfill the role of light carrier.  With the F-35B's stealth light carrier might not be appropriate (time to bring back the term ATTACK CARRIER!)

Perhaps naval terminology needs to change to reflect evolving technology.  Either way this will affect the buys from Japan and S. Korea.  Once Singapore demonstrates a naval fighter/strike fighter you can bet the others will not want to fall behind.

One sale and the F-35's future got much brighter.

Its official. The Brits ARE crazy. Slo-Mo deer headshots.

Why headshots?  You can't mount your trophy if you blow it apart like that!  The Brits are crazy!

Singapore to announce buy of F-35B.

I told ya that the F-35B would be the best seller of the models on the foreign market.  via AOL.

Singapore is expected to announce sometime in the next 10 days that it plans to buy its first squadron --12 planes -- of some 75 of Lockheed Martin's F-35Bs, further bolstering what had been the flagging fortunes of the world's most expensive conventional weapon system.

You want the truth about the F-35?

China is saving the program.

If China had been more strategic about displaying its new stealth jets...if they had been more reasonable when it came to flexing its muscles against smaller nations...if they had been willing to negotiate over island claims then everyone would be willing to concentrate on other things and let their armed forces wither.

Instead they've started an arms race.

SIDENOTE:  A few more buys of the "B" model and you'll see a flip that few saw coming.  By virtue of numbers alone the "B" will become less expensive than the "C".  Everyone is always pointing to the "B" model for cancellation but if the US Navy is the only buyer of that model and they're willing to wait then maybe a reconsideration should be made....Fewer carriers will mean that the Marines can skip the need to fill carrier aviation slots so no need to buy the "C" model either.   

The RAF has been insufferable with this...

The RAF Infantry has been insufferable with the publicity seeking over the airfield defense role.

Lets be honest.

There was a catastrophic failure a short time ago and then as well as now they continue to thump on their chest about "the job they do".....Quite honestly its not at all the British way and I'm disappointed.  Reading RAF press releases they repulsed the attack, they took the fight to the insurgents and nothing was lost.

Not what I remember reading.

Marine News.

Thanks for the heads up Lee.

OK guys, this is really deserving of a rant but I'm still punching walls so I'll try and keep it to a low roar...via Inside Defense.

Special-Purpose MAGTF To Have 500 Marines, Rely On MV-22, KC-130J
The Marine Corps' new special-purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force crisis-response team will be about one-sixth the size of a traditional MAGTF but will allow the service to place more units in places like Africa to provide the range and speed needed to respond to crises, a Marine Corps official said last week
Brig. Gen. Matthew Glavy, assistant deputy commandant for aviation, told Inside the Navy on March 20 that the special-purpose MAGTF would have about 500 Marines versus about 3,200 in a traditional MAGTF but would still be a "very capable" crisis response force.
"When you can't sortie the ships required to have an enduring presence, how do you get the same effects to the combatant commander?" he told ITN after giving a presentation at an amphibious operations symposium hosted by the Defense Strategies Institute. "The V-22 [Osprey tiltrotor aircraft] provides the depth and range, combined with the KC-130J air refueling capability, combine that with a company of Marines, and you're kind of onto something."

And...

USMC Looks To Existing Technologies For Amphibious Combat Vehicle
The Marine Corps is focusing on leveraging existing technologies to define requirements for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle through an ongoing feasibility study, according to a service official.
The study will help the service better understand the risks and best approach for developing an affordable, survivable, high water speed vehicle, John Burrow, ACV director, told Inside the NavyMarch 19 during an interview at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA.
"This vehicle will be in the Marine Corps serving the nation for a long time, so we've got to get it right," he said.
The study, which just began, will last about six months, but Burrow does not see it significantly impacting the program's time line because of its nature. . . ."Some of the concept design work we're going to be exploring will help to mitigate, I think, the time line, number one. And number two, because we're leveraging some of the existing technology, then we can minimize some of the development time associated with that," he said.

First.  On the Special MAGTF.  I despise duplication of effort.  I don't like it when a new wheel is invented when a tried and true one will get the job done.

MEU's could handle those situations that this new MAGTF is being designed for.  Instead, we're about to stand up a new formation.  If an MEU isn't in range then what about Rangers, SEALs, MARSOC or hell even the 82nd?  If the issue is really AFRICOM and having a force that can rapidly deploy throughout that continent then why aren't we looking at a joint solution?  I just don't see this as a wise use of limited resources.

On the Amphibious Combat Vehicle...did I just read that it is again going to be delayed?  I am speechless.

Just a refresher.  This is what the Commandant said...

“There are two answers to that, one is as Commandant of the Marine Corps’s answer which is Before I leave leave office four years from now … we’ll have a program of record, we’ll have steel, there will be a vehicle and I’ll be able to drive it,” Amos said

and....

“I’m trying to pressurize industry, I’m trying to pressurize the acquisition folks, I want the word to get out. If we followed the standard acquisition timeline, which in some cases got us to where we are today, it’ll be 2024.”

and...

“Something probably that resembles the sense of urgency that we had for the MRAP but probably a little bit more scheduled, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Mark my words.  The US Army will have the GCV and the AMPV in service before a Marine drives the ACV.

DHS buys even MORE ammo?

Thanks Mike for the link.

Ok gents.  I don't care.  Call me a tinfoil hatter but this is getting crazy.  Now it appears that they are purposefully causing confusion and consternation.

DHS is buying even more ammo according to this solicitation.

Synopsis:
Added: Mar 21, 2013 4:48 pmThis is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.The solicitation number is HSFLAR-13-Q-00020 and is issued as an invitation for bids (IFB), unless otherwise indicated herein.The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2005-65. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 332993 with a small business size standard of 1,500.00 employees.This requirement is a [ Small Business ] set-aside and only qualified offerors may submit bids.The solicitation pricing on www.FedBid.com will start on the date this solicitation is posted and will end on 2013-03-28 17:00:00.0 Eastern Time or as otherwise displayed at www.FedBid.com.FOB Destination shall be Artesia, NM 88210
The DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center requires the following items, Brand Name or Equal, to the following:
LI 001: Ammunition, Commercial leaded training ammo (CLTA) Pistol .40 caliber 165 grain, jacketed hollow point (JHP) p/n P40HSTS3G or equal - Brass casing. Quantity of 360,000 rounds - newly loaded unit price per 1000 rounds with FOB Destination., 360, CA; 

Read it all here.

This type solicitation, at this time in our nations history, during the current debates seems designed to produce some type of reaction from the citizenry.

I hope no one falls for the psy-ops and I hope this is just stupidity on the Feds part.

But they sure leave the impression that they're gearing up.

Just sayin.

Extended Area Protection and Survivability

Lockheed Martin Press Release.

Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) program successfully conducted the first Guided Test Flight to characterize the seeker, guidance, navigation and control systems of its Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor. The very small and agile interceptor is designed to defeat Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (RAM) targets at ranges greatly exceeding those of current systems.
The test was conducted on March 22 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command/Aviation Missile Research Development & Engineering Center (RDECOM/AMRDEC). This test is another milestone in a series of technically challenging events completed under the EAPS Integrated Demonstration Science and Technology program.
The test closely replicated a tactical situation in which an enemy launches a mortar at an area protected by the MHTK intercept system. A radar successfully detected and tracked the threat in flight. The tactically configured MHTK interceptor launched vertically and flew a trajectory positioning it to detect energy from a ground illuminator reflected off the mortar target. Responding to the reflected energy, the MHTK interceptor maneuvered to fly very close to the target and gather data through its seeker as it passed the mortar in flight. Intercepting the target was not an objective of this flight test.
In addition to gathering data to characterize the interceptor’s performance, this test integrated and exercised the entire intercept system for the first time. The data collected will support an intercept flight test planned for later this year.

Hopefully this works and gets into service.  Quite honestly they had me sold when they showed the possibility of taking down 155mm cannon fire or MLRS.

But does it have any naval applications?  Regardless, more info is here.

NY State SWAT.

I'm sure you've seen the pic of the SWAT guy in NY with his EOTECH attached backwards on his rifle.

I was gonna let this one go but its just too perfect.

These are the guys that MARSOC, SEALs, Rangers (I don't hear much about Special Forces working with local law enforcement) all go to big cities to work with.

These are the same Cops that have begun calling themselves "operators"....its just too rich, too juicy, too laugh out loud funny to not post it here.

A nice little chuckle to get the day started.

The UK is a strange place.

Have you ever heard of the "bedroom tax"?

Me either but it seems to be causing trouble for people across the pond.  I don't quite get the "what" and "whys" behind the issue but after reading an article here  it seems like people are really and truly pissed off.  I love it.

Required F-35 reading.

In order to fully appreciate the tremendous leap ahead in capabilities that the F-35 will bring its essential to understand the origins of the program.

Two websites give the best overview.  JSF.mil and Aerospace Website.

On JSF, its recommended that you take a few minutes and read the ENTIRE history of the program...including pre-JAST info.  On Aerospace, I suggest you look at all galleries and examine the different concepts that were proposed for each program.  I can't imagine the frustration for designers to work on designs only to see them scrapped and a new program started.

One thing can't be denied.  Work has been going on since the 1990's to replace the F-16, F-18, A-10 and Harrier.

Advanced Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) 1983-1994

Advanced Tactical Aircraft (ATA) 1983-1991

Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) 1994-1996

Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) 1994-1996

Advanced/Fighter-Attack (A/F-X) 1992-1993

Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) 1990-1993

Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) 1990-1993

Gun guys have a kind of madness.

via The Truth About Guns from Yahoo News.

Apparently, there will be no ban on assault weapons.
Never mind that Adam Lanza used a Bushmaster AR-15 assault-type rifle to rip apart the bodies of children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Forget the fact that James E. Holmes, the alleged Aurora, Colo., movie theater shooter, fired, among other weapons, an AR-15.
Nor does it seem to make any difference that Jared Loughner -- the man who shot Gabby Giffords and killed six others, including a 9-year-old girl -- used a high-capacity magazine that the Clinton-era assault-weapons ban rendered illegal. A high-capacity magazine also enabled the massacre committed by Seung-Hui Cho, who killed 32 people at Virginia Tech.
The political climate has changed since the 1994 ban: Democrats have cowered before the gun lobby; the National Rifle Association has grown even more extreme; the U.S. Supreme Court has moved much further to the right. And, in the 20 years since Congress banned assault-type weapons and high-capacity magazines, Americans have heard a steady drumbeat of pro-firearms rhetoric that fetishizes the Second Amendment. In other words, the climate around firearms has gotten crazier.
Even before the current debate over more restrictive gun laws began, most political observers knew it would be difficult to get Congress to stand up to the firearms lobby. So it's no great surprise that Majority Leader Harry Reid, who runs from the shadow of the National Rifle Association, slammed the door on Sen. Dianne Feinstein's effort to re-up the assault-weapons ban.
Still, I find myself once again wondering just how bad things have to get before the fever breaks -- before the country comes to its senses on firearms. We're in the throes of a kind of madness, a mass delusion that assigns to firearms the significance of religious totems.

I rarely enjoy reading opinion pieces left leaning opinion pieces. But this one had me giggling like a school girl.

I read it, laughed, read it again and still can't get the smile off my face.

I don't know what conclusion you'll come to once you've read this but I find the fear, the amazement that many don't agree with her opinion and the conclusion that anyone who disagrees must by overcome with a kind of "madness" somewhat pleasing.

What she fails to realize is that 99.9% of the gun guys just want to be able to enjoy the shooting sports, protect their families and not have government infringe on their rights.

Meanwhile, Congress keeps burning up the clock angering gun guys and putting their own members from conservative states between a rock and a hard place.  As much as I want this controversy over with.  As much as I want a settlement of this issue so that gun and ammo prices can go back to normal.  I'll gladly put up with the nonsense.  The longer this is brewing the less time the Congress has to devote to other parts of the agenda.

A submersible AAV?

If nothing else its interesting...

  Submersible AAV

101st patrolling a hilltop.

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan " Soldiers assigned to Blue Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct a dismounted patrol through the mountainous terrain in the Musa Khel District, Afghanistan, March 6, 2013. Soldiers conducted a 12-mile dismounted patrol in order to reach a village in the valley in hopes to disrupt suspected insurgent activity. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton TF 3/101 Public Affairs)

SMSS will help Women get into the Infantry.

The one undeniable fact that has prevented Women from serving in the Infantry is the issue of strength.  Biologically Women are not as strong as Men.  You can find examples of where this isn't true but as a rule its just simply the way things are.

So how do you defeat biology in a physically demanding field?  You do it with technology.  And the long in development Squad Mission Support System is just the thing to help push open a door that has remained closed.

Even with this system (and others like it) the physicality required will be difficult to overcome and I truly believe that it will cripple some Women (its done it to Guys).  But we'll see. Now glance at the pic below and imagine a 130 pound female cross fit athlete dealing with that load.  Gym strength and military strength are two different things.

CAESAR Artilley in action (Mali)