• Post Date

C3 and the Way Ahead for the USMC: The Perspective from the C3 Department Head at MAWTS-1

12/04/2023
By Robbin Laird C3 is the key tissue allowing for the shaping of a distributed force which can be integrated to create the desired combat effect. During my November 2023 visit to MAWTS-1, I discussed the way ahead in this crucial area with Major Christopher Werner, the C3Department Head. Werner…

Heavy Lift Helo Support in WTI-1-24

12/04/2023
U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion and a CH-53K King Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, perform external lifts during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-24 at Yuma Auxiliary Army Airfield 2, Arizona, Oct. 3, 2023. WTI is an advanced, graduate-level course for selected pilots…

The Technology is Important: But the Con-ops Against a Reactive Enemy is Determinate

12/03/2023
By Robbin Laird With the coming of maritime autonomous systems, we are reminded once again about the importance of understanding what a technology does and does not do for an organization. If you keep the structure of the organization the same, you simply wait for the technology to be useful…

The USMC Ground Combat Element and Shaping a Way Forward: Challenges to be Met

11/30/2023
By Robbin Laird During my visit to MAWTS-1 in November 2023, I had a chance to talk with Maj Scott Mahaffey, the Department Head for the Ground Combat Department. Maj Mahaffey has been at MAWTS for three years but prior to that has had a number of deployments, including Afghanistan,…

Osprey and KC-130J Training in WTI-1-24

11/29/2023
U.S. Marine MV-22B Osprey and KC-130J Hercules aircrafts, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, participate in Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-24, at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, Oct. 11, 2023. WTI is an advanced, graduate-level course for selected pilots and enlisted aircrew providing standardized advanced tactical…

French Air Force Takes Up NATO Air Police Mission on the “Eastern Flank”

11/29/2023
By Pierre Tran Paris -  The French air force will fly Nov. 28 four Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Lithuania in a Nato air police mission in the skies of the allied Baltic nations, amidst Ukraine’s concerns on waning Western support for its fight back against Russian forces. The despatch of…

ISR, Mission Planning and Enabling a Distributed Force: An Ongoing Challenge

11/28/2023
By Robbin Laird I spent parts of March and April this year in Australia and then flew to Hawaii where I visited PACFLEET and PACAF. The Australians and the American commands are both working to build a path to enhance deterrence of China and then augment capabilities which work to…

“Our excellence is a key part of deterrence.”

11/27/2023
By Robbin Laird During my November 2023 visit to MAWTS-1, I had a chance to talk with Major Kyle “Elton” McHugh, tactical air department head at MAWTS-1. McHugh was originally a Harrier pilot who transitioned to the F-35B and served for three years with the first forward deployed F-35B squadron,…