2012-12-13 By Robbin Laird Leadership always looks easy in the rear view mirror. We often hear that it was easier in the Cold War because the landscape was so black and white. Now it is much harder, we are frequently told, because the enemy is diffuse, complex and asymmetric. When…
2012-12-13 by Robbin Laird President Obama has declared the Syrian preparation for possible use of chemical weapons a “red line” and the NATO alliance has responded also along these lines. A “red line” should mean something when it has been crossed and if you declare a “red line” to someone…
2012-12-12 In the first piece from our interview with Col. Michael Orr, VMX-22 squadron commander, we focused on the co-location of the F-35 squadrons, MAWTS and VMX-22 and its impact on innovation. In this second part, Col. Orr discusses some of the consequences of having such a process in place.…
2012-12-11 By Robbin Laird We recently interviewed General Jacoby the dual hatted NORTHCOM and NORAD Commander. This inteview will be published in the near future, and focuses upon the Arctic as a strategic challenge and opportunity. [caption id="attachment_48434" align="alignnone" width="300"] WASHINGTON (February 9, 2007) A Coast Guard helicopter passes over Washington…
2012-12-11 by Richard Weitz As we pointed out earlier, “defense against missile attacks [and chemical weapons] involves offensive operation as well as defense itself. Indeed, an attack and defense enterprise is required and not a pure defense system.” http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/war-in-gaza-the-40-year-anniversary-of-the-lebanese-war-in-practice/ http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/israels-iron-dome-an-initial-assessment/ In this regard, it is important to note how missile defenses,…
2012-12-10 By Richard Weitz One factor driving interest in regional missile defense systems is to counter WMD-armed rockets and missiles. Chemical munitions could even be launched on artillery shells. There are three main types of missile defenses in the works in this area—the short-range systems like Israel’s Iron Dome, the…
2012-12-10 By Richard Weitz Recently we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the signature of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The accord prohibits Russia and the United States from developing, manufacturing, or deploying ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500-5,500 kilometers. It includes an unprecedented set of intrusive…
2012-12-09 The Marines have stood up their first squadron of F-35 Bs at MCAS Yuma. But the Marine Corps approach to the aircraft is built on recognition that in addition to its role as a strike aircraft, it has C2 and Information Warfare capabilities, which will make it a central…
