By Robbin Laird As the Marines rework how they approach distributed operations, a key focus is upon how to shape what they call Expeditionary Advanced Operations or EABO. This requires reworking how the air and ground elements operate together to shape a more effective distributed force with reduced force signature…
According to 2nd Marine Wing, the attack helo squadron HMLA-269 after being sunsetted two years ago has now returned. That is why we might call them the "Phoenix Squadron." In this story by 2nd MAW published on July 1, 2024 we learn about its rebirth: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron…
By Robbin Laird My recent discussions with LtGen Heckl and visits to MAWTS-1 have both reinforced the nature of the USMC and its role within the overall strategic shift the U.S. military is undergoing. The U.S. military is being reshaped to enhance its survival and lethality through an enhanced ability…
In an article by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, published on July 6, 2024, interchangeability between the RAAF and the USMC was emphasized as follows: In a demonstration of the ever-increasing interchangeability between U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Australian Air Force aviation, two F-35B Lightning II pilots with…
By Robbin Laird On June 7, 2024, the CH-53K moved from the VMX-1 detachment at New River to join the core of the unit which is located at Yuma. This means that the VMX-1 aircraft is co-located with MAWTS-1 and becomes an integral part of the ongoing transformation of the…
By Robbin Laird Ed Timperlake and I are publishing a book on the MAWTS-1 training center later this year. As we note in our preface: Training for military forces is in the throes of significant change. The threats are dynamic; there is always the reactive enemy; and technology fosters new…
By Gregor Ferguson The Australian Department of Defence’s response to the Royal Australian Navy surface fleet review, Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet, published in February, announced the RAN would field six Large Optionally Manned Surface Vessels (LOSVs) from the 2030s to carry missile launch systems. Interestingly, the RAN program closely…
By Robbin Laird I had a chance to talk with LtCol Howard DeCastro, the first CO of MAWTS-1 and LtGen Barry Knutson, the eighth commander of MAWTS-1, the day before the change of command ceremony at MAWTS-1. We talked about the approach of MAWTS-1 from the beginning and the importance…
