By Robbin Laird When one thinks of defense infrastructure, a key element is the people in the force and the infrastructure, manufacturing, science, technology, and engineering that support it. But clearly, having a dedicated committed and capable pool of recruits both into the support structure and the force is absolute…
By Richard Weitz In late August, 2018 the Chinese Foreign Ministry published its position paper regarding the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, which will run from September 18 and October 5 in New York. In this document, Beijing has again professed concern about the militarization of space—somewhat awkwardly…
We have followed the building and preparation for the new Queen Elizabeth class submarines by the UK over the past few years. Now the new carrier is coming to the United States for integration with the UK F-35Bs, which are in the United States, and working with the USMC as…
Trident Juncture 2018 is both a major NATO exercise to be operating from Norway and a major test of how the Norwegian Total Defense Concept can support Norwegian-Allied joint efforts in the defense of both Norway and the key countries in the Northern Flank of NATO. According to an article…
By Robbin Laird The heavy lift transition from CH-53E to CH-53K is one of the last modernization efforts of Marine Corps Aviation set in motion when Lt. General Trautman was Deputy Commandant of Aviation. Although this essential capability is last replacing the readiness challenged 30-year-old CH-53E, it is leveraging lessons…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to Australia in August 2018, I was in country as the Pitch Black 2018 exercise was wrapping up and will have more on this exercise later. Very good coverage of Pitch Black 2018 was provided by Jaryd Stock on the website Aviation Photography Digest…
It is obvious that the Australian Army needs to play a key role in providing longer range fires and active defense both on Australian territory as well as in operations not on Australian soil. This subject was discussed at the recent Williams Foundation Seminar held in Canberra on August 23,…
By Robbin Laird During my five years of visits to Australia, I have had the opportunity to meet with and to talk with Air Commodore Heap several times. As the Commander of the Air Force’s Surveillance Response Group, Air Commodore Heap has had the challenge of leading one of the…
