By Robbin Laird The strategic shift from counter-insurgency to force-on-force conflict is not only or simply preparing for a major conflict with peer competitors; it is about crisis management and escalation dominance. On the one hand, the military capabilities are being reshaped to operate in such an environment, and there…
After being awarded a United States Coast Guard (USCG) contract award, Insitu’s ScanEagle UAS will be used to provide small UAS ISR services aboard the entire U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter fleet. Valued at approximately $117 million, the service contract covers the installation and deployment of small UAS for…
By Robbin Laird During my latest visit to MAWTS-1, I had a chance to focus upon recent developments generated by the latest WTI course. Last year, I had a chance to talk with Col Wellons and LtCol Ryan Schiller, the Aviation Development, Tactics and Evaluation Department Head, about work on…
By Richard Weitz Although the results of the summit are still unclear given the vague joint statement and lack of North Korean comments, on the surface it looks like President Trump made major concessions now in order to achieve hoped-for US gains later. The mere fact that the presidential summit…
By Robbin Laird During my visit to MCAS Yuma in early May 2018, I had a chance to talk with several components of MAWTS-1. We recently published the interview with the MAWTS-1 Commanding Officer prior for his departure to his next assignment. Colonel Wellons highlighted the importance of readiness for…
By Robbin Laird The strategic shift is a crucial one for the liberal democracies. That strategic shift is from a primary focus on counter insurgency and stability operations to operating in a contested environment with high tempo and high intensity combat systems as a primary tool set. It is about managing conflict…
The arrival of the first F-35s from the United States to Britain on June 6, 2018 to their operating base at RAF Marham required a change in the sign entering RAF Marham as can be seen in the featured photo. The entire effort to rebuild Marham to support the UK…
In an article published on June 2, 2018 by the Royal Australian Navy and written by Lt. Ryan Zerbe the Royal Australian Navy's participation in Indio-Pacific Endeavour was the focus of attention. A Joint Task Group of Royal Australian Navy ships and embarked soldiers and marines has set sail from Townsville, bound…
