1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

Lance Cpl. John Clark, (left), and Cpl. Phillip Rial, both support Marines with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) mix concrete and water to make a mold for a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, a welder, and Rial, a bulk fuel specialist, have completed multiple tasks on the compound to help support EOD Company's mission while deployed.

Lance Cpl. John Clark, a welder and support Marine with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) puts concrete into a mold while constructing a mock Afghan compound that will serve as a training aide on the EOD compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Clark, along with 15 other Marines and sailors, support EOD Co. by performing multiple tasks - some of which fall outside of their traditional military occupational specialty.

Sgt. Cliff Lucker, (left), an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) instructs Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines on counter improvised explosive device tactics on the EOD Co. compound at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 31. Lucker and other EOD technicians have the ability to train and teach Marines utilizing the IED lanes the support personnel of EOD Co. built throughout their deployment.

43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines...

I don't quite know how to label this post.  I'd love to say 43 Commando was back but in a sense they never went away.  This is what the Royal Navy had to say....

One of the most famous names in Royal Marines history has returned with the re-formation of 43 Commando at Faslane.
The new unit – officially 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – is the largest in the Corps and is responsible for protecting the nation’s nuclear deterrent as well as taking the fight to modern-day pirates in specialist boarding teams.
 From today Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines – who safeguard Britain’s nuclear deterrent and are the Navy’s experts in board and search/counter-piracy operations – are 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, resurrecting the title of a legendary wartime formation.

So I guess in US Marine Corps language these guys would be a mix of FAST Company and Maritime Raid Force along with VBSS Teams.

Pretty impressive skill sets...I wonder how they have it broken down with in the Unit.  Do they have different "Squadrons" or Platoons assigned to each mission or is everyone cross trained?

Doesn't matter.  I'm just glad to see the Royal Marines beefing up a bit.  Good Stuff.

Blast from the past...Special Warfare Armored Transport.

The vehicle above is called the Special Warfare Armored Transport.  The image and information on it can be found at War Wheels Website...

Amazing isn't it.

In 1966 the US Army developed a set of requirements that pretty much spelled out the Stryker and Marine Personnel programs.

Except for probably not being IED resistant, I bet you could dust off the specs and maybe win a contest or two even today.

Sidenote:

Cut the modelers some slack.  In most cases they're doing a better job of perserving our armored and avaition history than most of the corporations and the various governments world wide.  Even if you're not a hobbyist I highly recommend you frequent a few of the sites.  You'd be surprised at the wealth of info you can find.

Now you want to defend the program?

via Military.com

The Defense Department’s F-35 Lightning II fighter program is “achieving stability” after its latest record-breaking cost estimate was unveiled last week, a top Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday, and he reaffirmed DoD’s commitment to the huge international effort.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little acknowledged to reporters “there had been issues in the past with respect to development and testing, and with respect to cost,” but that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had made getting them under control a top priority.
“We do believe we’re achieving stability over time with respect to development and testing and with respect to cost,” Little said. He alluded to the next batch of F-35s that DoD expects to order from prime contractor Lockheed Martin, a deal that would require Lockheed to cover more of the costs for develop the fighters even as they’re also in production.

Read the whole thing....but....

Its pretty fucking pathetic.

Only now do the clowns at the Pentagon realize that this program is under assault and needs to be defended.  Want proof?  Read the latest from Sweetman over at Aviation Week.  I'd quote it here but to be honest it makes me sick.

The sad thing is that this all could have been avoided.

But they didn't take the misinformation campaign seriously.  They didn't realize that an old hack (who was once a hero, now turned pure politician) named McCain would latch onto the critics of the program to burnish his maverick theme.

They just didn't think.  But that's ok.  The line is running out on the Defense/Aviation writers that think they can make a name on bashing the F-35.

The way I figure it...One wrong move and they'll end up the ass lickers....

How long before SOCOM gets this shiny new toy for the SEALs?

I'd bet money that a procurement officer is on his way to make an urgent operational request for a couple of these boats for SEAL use.

The 30mm cannon is unique though.  I don't think I've seen one of these "pursuit"/"insertion" boats with one before.

F-16 Living Legacy

A quick thought on the Scout Helicopter Program.

 Just a quick thought on the US Army's Scout Helicopter Competition.

EADS and Sikorsky have practically driven Boeing and Bell out of contention.

Why do I say that?

Because both helicopters offer something that neither OH-58II or the AH-6 can offer.

Utility.

The Sikorsky offers technological innovation and drastic improvements in speed and performance.

The EADS offering gives you a proven, affordable platform that you already have a supply chain established for and the potential for a low price.

The ball is in the Army's court but it would appear from this outsiders view that they can whittle this comp down to two helos before the contest even begins.