- *U.S.* Lost Control of 1/9 of Nuclear Arsenal on Saturday Due to Engineering Failure
Not widely picked up by the major news organizations. Quite scary if true!
- Top 10 Veterans Stories in Today's News
Sad, but we will be ...
USMC passes on Army upgrades to M4
The Marine Corps Times reports that the USMC has decided to pass on the US Army upgrades to M4
Key Highlights:
- As the Army moves to field more than 10,000 conversion kits designed to make the 5.56mm M4 deadlier and more reliable, the Marine Corps says it has no plans to update its inventory. Upgrades will integrate a heavier, more durable barrel, strengthened site rails, a piston-charged operating system and ...
Insurgent Lose Momentum in Helmand Province, Afghanistan
According to a recent article published by the Department of Defense, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills says Nato and Afghan forces are seeing a reduction in violence in Helman Province in Afghanistan.
Key Highlights:
- Insurgents in Afghanistan’s Helmand province have lost the momentum to NATO and Afghan forces, and those forces will continue to take on the Taliban all through the winter, the commander of NATO’s Regional Command Southwest said today. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills ...
Military News you may have missed – October 16
Logistics in Afghanistan Taxes US Troops
In yet another CLOSE HOLD story entitled “‘King for a Day’ Kit-Wise,” a veteran military writer describes some of the major military logistics problems faced by “grunts” in the killing fields of Afghanistan. With Afghanistan’s inhospitable terrain and stretched supply lines, our troops are expected to carry increasingly heavy loads because they have no certainty that they can be supported in a timely manner. Found below is an excerpt of “‘King for Day’ Kit-Wise.”
“From 2005 until this ...
Continue Reading →Military News you may have missed – September 1, 2010
- to learn more about suicide prevention – NEVER LEAVE A MARINE *…*
August 28, 2010 – There is help out there. Let’s make sure our brave heroes have the best medical care possible.
- Privatising war
August 27, 2010 – Quite a thoughtful article on the risks of ceding effective control of our US military to private contractors. It is often simply question of loyalty and integrity vs. ...
Supplying US Military Forces in Afghanistan
Supplying US military forces in Afghanistan has become a logistical nightmare. Sources from the field suggest that US combat troops are “asked” to carry increasing loads since resupply opportunities are limited. Found below is an excerpt from CLOSE HOLD which accurately describes the dilemma and increasing kit loads of US forces in Afghanistan: “‘King for a Day’ Kit-Wise”
“From 2005 until this past spring US forces have had a short stock of gear that could be tailored to ...
Continue Reading →“‘King for a Day’ Kit-Wise”
As counter-intuitive as it sounds, the Pashtun tribal code in Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan is inhospitable to outsiders to the point of hostility. The history of the valley is marked with violent encounters and campaigns where these isolated tribes defeated their unprepared foes time and time again. In fact, US forces recently ceded ground and treasure by abandoning the valley after five years of futile fighting where they learned the painful lessons of the limits of power and lack ...
Continue Reading →M-ATV Letter to USMC General Brogan
June 01, 2010
Brigadier General Michael M. Brogan
Commander
Marine Corps Systems Command
2200 Lester St.
Quantico, Virginia 22134-6050
Dear General,
I realize I’m the last person you wanted to hear from, yet again. But I felt it was essential after reading about the doors jamming on the M-ATV, that’s why I have reached out to you as the Commander of System Command with my thoughts. The issue at hand is the M-ATV doors, I’m well aware you know all about the issue at hand. I ask ...
Continue Reading →Body Armor: Open Letter to General Conway
April 21, 2009
Commandant of the Marine Corps
General James T. Conway
Headquarters USMC
2 Navy Annex (CMC)
Washington, D.C. 20380-1775
Dear General,
I would like to thank for your response to my letter dated 03-28-08, as well, as the time you took out of your demanding schedule. I know you and I are the same in many ways as acknowledged in your letter, but yet very different. The Command you lead and the Stars you wear are one of great responsibilities. The tasks that are put ...
Continue Reading →