The Transformation of Jointness: The Navy and Marines Rework Operations from the Sea

09/24/2015
2015-09-18 By Robbin Laird The Army has so hijacked the concept of jointness that the broader transformation of jointness being shaped by the evolution of the amphibious forces has escaped attention as precisely what it is – the transformation of joint capabilities. In broad terms, amphibious operations has shifted from…

The RAAF’s Air Combat Group in Transition

09/23/2015
2015-09-22 By Robbin Laird In this interview, the discussion continues with Group Captain Robert Denney, Chief of Staff, for the Air Combat Group. In an interview conducted at Williamtown Air base on August 12, 2015, Denney discussed the challenges of current operations and working the transition whereby Super Hornets have…

Aussie C-130s Support Force Insertion

09/23/2015
09/23/2015: A Company of Army Commandos have parachuted out of three Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and dropped into the waters of Exmouth, Western Australia to fight and defeat a simulated enemy during the inaugural Australian Defence Force Exercise Northern Shield. The Special Forces contingent descended into Exmouth against the setting…

Aviation Support to Ready Combat Team in Exercise Northern Shield

09/23/2015
09/23/2015: Brisbane based soldiers from the Ready Combat Team have been bolstered by significant aviation support during Exercise Northern Shield. Hawk 127 jets and Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) have been providing notional combat and close air support against a simulated enemy threat in Exmouth, Western Australia. During one exercise…

F-22s Come to Middle East Operations: The ACC Commander Looks at the Way Ahead

09/22/2015
2015/09/15 By Robbin Laird During my recent visit to Australia, where the Royal Australian Air Force is shaping its path ahead with regard to transformation via what it calls Plan Jericho, its combat experience in the Middle East is providing an important input to the way ahead. As the new Chief…

Osprey as Combat Connector: Landing on JMSFD Hyuga during Dawn Blitz 2015

09/21/2015
09/21/2015: The Osprey operates as a combat connector among ships in an operation and links with land forces as well. In this video, an MV-22 lands on the Japanese JMSFT ship Hyuga during Dawn Blitz 2015. Credit: Defense Media Activity - Navy:9/4/15 Marines and sailors with 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade…

KC-10 Refuels Danish F-16s

09/21/2015
09/21/2015: A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender refuels Danish F-16s over Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, August 30, 2015. Credit:U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs:8/30/15 According to Gary Schaub, Jr.: Denmark has been a stalwart ally of the United States since 1999, participating in operations in…