Let’s be frank about why a company of M1 Abrams tanks are being added to the fight in Helmand province – because of their survivability and the firepower they bring to the fight against the current threat in Helmand (i.e. IED’s that disrupt lines of communications, concentrated enemy positions supported by complex IED/minefields, lack of local support). The reality on the ground is that in order to ...
Continue Reading →Raytheon has developed a XOS-2 exoskeleton “Iron Man” suit, which they hope to deploy to the field no later than 2015 – the initial application is to support material handling and logistics. It’s incredulous the amount of science and technology creative energy being expended on this project when the obvious emphasis should be placed on improving core soldier platforms (i.e. Body Armor, Helmet, Carbine, Side Arm, and Combat Boots) of which ...
Continue Reading →Happy Birthday Hack!
Today we honor of all Veterans who put their lives on hold to serve their country – the sacrifices made on behalf of our freedoms are immeasurable.
Thank you for your service!
A slight kerfuffle erupted yesterday on the wires when McClatchy Newspapers reported that the Administration was getting wobbly on the plan to ...
Continue Reading →To all the Devil Dogs out there today, congratulations on the 235th Birthday of the Marine Corps!
If there was any question as to whether the M4 Carbine currently issued to Soldiers and Marines will be replaced for a more durable and lethal carbine or not, one only needs ...
Continue Reading →In interviews conducted in Australia, where public support for the war in Afghanistan is faltering, Secretary Gates made it very clear that only one option exists, and that is to maintain an increased US/NATO presence in Afghanistan past the July 2010 date and forgo significant troop reductions. In fact he wants the Taliban to believe that July 2010 will be the end date for US/NATO operations – he wants them to be surprised. ...
Continue Reading →The narrative is set for the Administrations pending Afghanistan Policy Review slated for this December – who to believe whether sufficient progress is currently being made, the lack of viable options to address the ongoing threat that emanates from Pakistan’s tribal regions, and how soon will Karzai’s government be capable of providing security on its own? The following news reports provide background on this Gordian Knot.
Sure, “Bloody Sunday” shows sports helmets need fixing. But what still resonates for me is the shocking state of our young warriors’ helmets and the little attention paid to the “Bloody Days” everyday in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The key issues of course are what’s being done to prevent these egregious combat-related head injuries and exactly who is responsible?
Our senior military leaders? Congress? A combination of both?
If you Google “TBI congressional hearings” you get 23,000 hits, the majority of which ...
Continue Reading →The Army Times had an interesting article on Equipping the soldier of the future. Found below are key highlights of the article and SFTT’s analysis.
Key Highlights and SFTT Analysis:
Highlights on the brave efforts of the Angels of Mercy published by Stars and Stripes entitled: More missions, more contact’ for Task Force Shadow
Highlights:
In a compelling story published today by the Washington Post, “Military medics combine ultramodern and time-honored methods to save lives on the battlefield” of Afghanistan.
Key Highlights: