2015-10-03 By Robbin Laird As Air Commodore Westwood, the Commander the Surveillance and Response (SRG) put it: “The goal is seamless integration which is always a work in progress, but that is why I think we are a key part of the shaping of an effective Jericho policy.” Clearly, working…
2015-09-24 By Robbin Laird The USMC is as integrated a force as exits as a 21st century combat force. They use their KC-130Js in a very flexible role supporting their air-ground-sea combat team. They have seen a major transformation with the coming of the Osprey, whereby they are the paired…
2015-09-20 By Robbin Laird In 2008, the USAF selected the Airbus A300MRTT tanker. It was a clear winner from the standpoint of what the USAF wanted from a tanker. But politics and the anomalies of the US acquisition process intruded and the next Administration picked a Boeing tanker, one which…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
