04/21/2014: The Marines are engaged in a series of exercises to re-shape the capability of the ground combat element to operate with much greater situational awareness prior to disembarking from the Ospreys for a mission. This is also required because of the amount of time the GCE might have on…
2014-04-21 The evolution of USMC concepts of operations under the influence of the proliferation of the numbers and experience with the Osprey has been significant. It is clearly to be anticipated that a similar experience will unfold, as the F-35B becomes part of the MAGTF in the decade ahead. For…
2014-04-21 By Ardan Zentürk The banner hung by the demonstrators who occupied the regional government building in the center of Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine, where the Russian population is dense, can be characterized as the symbol of the new era in Eurasia: "Russia! Save us from slavery!" The…
2014-04-20 Marines with the Infantry Officer's Course conducted a long-range raid on San Clemente Island, Calif., March 24. The Marines were lifted approximately 70 miles off the coast of southern California by Third Marine Aircraft Wing and East Coast aircraft. The Marines also used new technology to plan before boots…
2014-04-19 Clearly, the seizure of Crimea is not the end of the Ukrainian crisis. The seizure has direct complications for the rest of Ukraine and for the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, a good deal of European response reminds one of the 1930s where guilt over Versailles led to acceptance of Nazi rhetoric…
2014-04-18 Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the best sources of good analysis of the impact of the Russian annexation of Crimea on European and global affairs is the Polish Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW). A number of recent analyses are recommended to further understanding of the dynamics of change unleashed…
2014-04-17 The F-35 training process started at Eglin but now the Marines are moving from Eglin to Marine Air Station Beaufort with the USN taking over the USMC facilities at Eglin. At Second Line of Defense we have regularly followed the standing up of the training processes for the F-35…
2014-04-17 We have focused on the Russian intervention in Crimea as part of an overall resurgence strategy crafted by Putin. A key part of that strategy is shaping one's alliance to manage a way ahead and to deflect pressure from the West. Clearly, this is happening in shaping a proactive…
