ROK-U.S. “2+2” Ministerial Strengthens Joint Defenses But Faces New Threats

10/30/2014
2014-11-03 By Richard Weitz The United States and South Korea just completed their most important series of national security meetings this year. On October 24, the South Korean and U.S. foreign and defense ministers held their third so-called “2+2 meeting,” which was the first such ministerial since Park Geun-hye became…

The German Grand Coalition Government, Arms Exports and Defense: Playing Politics or a Global Role?

10/29/2014
2014-10-29 by Julien Canin Recently, the German press has underscored the perilous condition of the Bundeswehr. In part due of the Euro crisis, the government has made economies on the supply chain and spare parts with, for result, the currently atrophy of German capabilities. Indeed, between 2008 and 2014, the defense…

The USN Combat Learning Cycle: Prepare An Air Wing For Deployment While Supporting One Deployed

10/28/2014
2014-10-28 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake Training is crucial to combat success. As Admiral Nimitz confronted the last century’s challenges he concluded a core lesson for this century’s Pacific warriors: “Having confronted the Imperial Japanese Navy’s skill, energy, persistence, and courage, Nimitz identified the key to victory: ‘training, TRAINING…

Visiting Fallon Naval Air Station

10/28/2014
10/24/2014: Part of the Second Line of Defense team visited Fallon Naval Air Station in Nevada in October 2014. We had a chance to talk with the commanding Admiral and several of his key staff to gain an understanding of what this important training facility provides for the fleet and…

The US, Taiwan and Its Defense: The Missing Arms Exports

10/23/2014
2014-10-23 By Julien Canin With the protests in Hong Kong reminding the world how democracy challenges the leadership of the PRC, Taiwan remains a clear reminder that it is possible to be both Chinese and democratic. But for it to remain democratic, it needs to remain free.And that requires the successful…

Meeting the Pacific Threats: Japan and the US Rework Their Defense Relationship

10/23/2014
2014-10-15 By Richard Weitz Last week, the Japanese and U.S. governments released an interim report on their progress in revising the guidelines for their militaries’ roles and missions in the joint defense of Japan. 20141003_INTERIM_REPORT The interim report does not identify specific threats or discuss detailed scenarios for joint military…