2012-09-29 By Robbin Laird As the United States and its allies deal with the various challenges in the Pacific, including enhanced PRC capabilities and assertiveness, geography has a significant impact. As Robert Kaplan has recently underscored, geography remains significant as an explainer for the world’s conflicts as well as bounding…
Camp Bastion perimeter security was being provided by the UK the evening of the attack. And the Taliban attack itself is detailed in a BBC story which is well worth reading. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19704620 According to this story: Bastion is one of the biggest camps in Afghanistan - its perimeter is 37km…
2012-09-25 Richard Weitz has brought the following interview to the attention of the Second Line of Defense team. In this interview, a Chinese expert underscores the potential impact of the first Chinese aircraft carrier on PRC operations in the Pacific. Naval expert Li Jie said that China's first aircraft carrier,…
2012-09-24 by Ed Timperlake It was a warm early Fall evening at Dover AFC as a C-17, Globemaster III, landed carrying four American sons. Two Army and two Marines, united in death having given everything they had to support and defend our Constitution. All four were lost in Operation Enduring…
2012-09-23 In a continuing dialogue with Lt. Col. Boniface, VMM 266 Commanding Officer, we talked about the future. Where was the Osprey going in terms of Marine Corps operations and what challenges needed to be met to get best value operationally from what this transformational aircraft brings to the fight.…
2012-09-23 by Lt. General (Retired) Deptula Change is constant in the Air Force, and that change needs to be embraced, because out of change comes adaptability to meet the challenges of the times. A strategic reality that affects the US military in the Pacific, is something that you all have…
2012-09-17 In a wide ranging discussion with Lt. Col. Christian Harshberger, Commanding Officer of VMM 365, the Blue Knights, shortly after his return from Afghanistan. He was a CH-46 operator prior to entering the V-22 world a couple of years ago. In January of 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Harshberger reported to…
2012-09-16 By Robbin Laird During my visit to Eglin AFB on August 24, 2012, I had a chance to continue my ongoing conversation with Deputy Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, Col. Tomassetti. In previous visits, Tomassetti showed me the plan, then the buildings being constructed, the classrooms being formed,…
