A New Capability for the USN-USMC Team By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake 07/12/2011 - The USN is buying the LCS but its Con-Ops remain to be developed. No platform fights alone, and this asset is best understood in terms of the synergy which can be brought to it by…
By Dr. Richard Weitz 07/11/2011 - The recent successful launch of Russia’s RSM-56 Bulava (NATO code name SS-NX-30) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) may finally mark a turning point for this troubled weapons system. On June 28, a Bulava left a submerged next-generation Borey-class submarine, the Yuri Dolgoruky, and flew…
The United States and the Arctic By Rear Admiral Jeffrey M. Garrett, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired) 07/07/2011 - Long relegated to the periphery of world affairs—occupying the distorted top edge of a conventional Mercator projection of the world—the Arctic has been rediscovered in the first decade of the new millennium.…
07/05/2011 MONDAY, MAY 9, 2011 As one of the Coast Guard’s newest assets, the national security cutters bring operational capabilities the fleet needs for mission success. Compass has asked the wardroom of Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the service’s first NSC, to share their unique perspective on how the fleet’s newest…
06/28/2011 by Ed Timperlake “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” John Lennon A tremendous and unnoticed US Air Force victory is being won right off the shores of America. And this victory highlights the impact of a Hi-Lo mix of technology. “Brazilian planes silence Dominican…
06/19/2011 by Ed Timperlake CNN recently reported from the deck of a French assault ship that as the night arrives over Libya. French Attack helicopters go into battle. The Tiger helicopter is being used in Afghanistan and operates off of French helo carriers as well. Helicopter gun ships leave as…
A Wrap Up Discussion with Captain Brockhoff 06/16/2011 - After an overview briefing and a visit to the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) command center, Second Line of Defense sat down with Captain Brockhoff to focus on several items highlighted in the morning briefing. Captain Justin Brockhoff is the Chief…
The Planning Piece An Interview with Major Fuller [caption id="attachment_18862" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Major Fuller During the SLD Interview (Credit: SLD)"][/caption] 06/16/2011 - Major Christopher Fuller of the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) kicked off the roundtable by discussing airlift planning for missions into Iraq, Afghanistan and for humanitarian operations. A…
