Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Strategic Thinking:US Marines Increasing Presence in Norway
One of the main events for US Marine Forces Europe and Africa this summer was the augmentation of its rotational presence in Norway,at the request of the Norwegian government as stated in a bilateral document.This provides for:
1.More than doubling the number of Marines from about 330 to 700;
2.Establishing a second rotation of Marines in Trom County,Northern Norway,around 250 miles from the Russian border;and
3.Extending the programme for another five years.
The programme began in 2017 with a rotation in Central Norway's Trondheim area,some 900 miles from the Russian border.In a crisis,these troops could be rapidly shifted to Sweden as a Baltic reinforcement.
Besides troop rotations,the Marines have been prepositioning military equipment in the Trondelg area under the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway (MCPP-N).The MCPP-N is intended to supply a full Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) or Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) for 30 days if bolstered with additional supplies.There are 6 caves and 2 storage facilities near air bases in this Central Norway location for Marine Corps vehicles and other gear.The exact locations are classified;but the stated purpose of the caches is to support global operations.
The Marines also utilise the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF),storing their gear on ships.The gear is used for exercises in Northern Europe and Theater Security Cooperation Events,as well as being on hand for crisis response.*
Most of the Marines are based near Trondheim;under the new agreement,an undisclosed number will rotate to the Arctic Trom region.Indeed,even those in Central Norway have concentrated on acquiring Arctic warfighting skills.Norway is very concerned about Russia's Arctic activities,since Norway's land border with Russia is in the Far North;as well,Russia's Northern Fleet transits the Barents Sea,including ballistic missile submarines armed with ICBMs.*
In strategic circles,it is commonly believed Russia might launch a surprise ground attack on the Baltic States,fortified with its anti-access/area denial advantage from its ballistic missile,air power and surface-to-air defence assets in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad,which is located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.
This scenario could also entail a quick strike on Sweden's Gotland Island to establish a second Baltic A2AD chokehold,so the Marines have done some training on Gotland,during the Aurora 17 drills.
1.More than doubling the number of Marines from about 330 to 700;
2.Establishing a second rotation of Marines in Trom County,Northern Norway,around 250 miles from the Russian border;and
3.Extending the programme for another five years.
The programme began in 2017 with a rotation in Central Norway's Trondheim area,some 900 miles from the Russian border.In a crisis,these troops could be rapidly shifted to Sweden as a Baltic reinforcement.
Besides troop rotations,the Marines have been prepositioning military equipment in the Trondelg area under the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway (MCPP-N).The MCPP-N is intended to supply a full Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) or Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) for 30 days if bolstered with additional supplies.There are 6 caves and 2 storage facilities near air bases in this Central Norway location for Marine Corps vehicles and other gear.The exact locations are classified;but the stated purpose of the caches is to support global operations.
The Marines also utilise the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF),storing their gear on ships.The gear is used for exercises in Northern Europe and Theater Security Cooperation Events,as well as being on hand for crisis response.*
Most of the Marines are based near Trondheim;under the new agreement,an undisclosed number will rotate to the Arctic Trom region.Indeed,even those in Central Norway have concentrated on acquiring Arctic warfighting skills.Norway is very concerned about Russia's Arctic activities,since Norway's land border with Russia is in the Far North;as well,Russia's Northern Fleet transits the Barents Sea,including ballistic missile submarines armed with ICBMs.*
In strategic circles,it is commonly believed Russia might launch a surprise ground attack on the Baltic States,fortified with its anti-access/area denial advantage from its ballistic missile,air power and surface-to-air defence assets in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad,which is located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.
This scenario could also entail a quick strike on Sweden's Gotland Island to establish a second Baltic A2AD chokehold,so the Marines have done some training on Gotland,during the Aurora 17 drills.
Monday, August 27, 2018
NATO Names Canadian General to Head Alliance’s Iraq Mission
NATO Names Canadian General to Head Alliance’s Iraq Mission: Canadian army Maj. Gen. Dany Fortin will lead the new NATO mission in Iraq, which will continue NATO’s efforts to train Iraqi forces as they work to prevent a return of the Islamic State of Iraq and
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Strategic Challenges:Arctic Defence Symposium Attended by Military,Academic,Intelligence Community Leaders
A wide range of leaders with an interest and expertise in the emerging Arctic gathered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage,Alaska for the Arctic Maritime Symposium 2018.The symposium is a framework for experienced senior military leaders,intelligence analysts,interagency operators and Arctic maritime subject matter experts to discuss the strategic challenges associated with Arctic maritime operations.
The AMS was held from 14-16 August 2018 and hosted by LTGEN Kenneth Wilsback,US Air Force,commander,Alaska Command.The keynote speakers were ADM Sam J. Locklear,US Navy (Retired),former commander,US Pacific Command and Heather A. Conley,senior vice president for Europe,Eurasia and the Arctic,Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington,D.C.Expert support was provided by the Center for Naval Analysis;the US Naval War College;the National War College;Montclair University;and the Office of Naval Intelligence(ONI).Also represented were the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the US Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center (ICC).
The International Panel included Cmdre Jamie Clark,Royal Canadian Navy,Deputy Director NORAD&USNORTHCOM J5;CDR Jens Peter Holst-Andersen,Vice Chair/Commander,Danish Ministry of Defence;and CDR Julia Tortell,Deputy Commandant,Finnish Naval Academy.*
Attending AMS from the US Navy was RDML Cedric Pringle,commander,Expeditionary Strike Group-3.*
The Symposium was informed by the following advice and authorities:
1.Maritime Homeland Defense EXORD:
Provide an environment of uncertainty for anyone planning or attempting an attack on the United States.
2.(U) 2009 National Security Presidential Directive 66:
the United States must be prepared to safeguard its National Security Interests in the Arctic.
3.(U) 2016 DOD Arctic Strategy:
need for increased maritime surface and subsurface presence,surveillance and capabilities.*
Addressing AMS was the new NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander,GEN Terrence O'Shaughnessy,US Air Force:
Changes in the Arctic environment could give our adversaries the impression that the Arctic offers a soft underbelly in our ability to defend the homeland.The defence of the homeland requires us to reinvigorate our efforts to ensure we remain ready to operate in and through the Arctic.Secretary (of Defense) Mattis recently said that America has got to up its game in the Arctic.
Russia most notably has aggressively built Arctic military capability,securing planes and expanding access along the Northern Sea Route.We must keep in mind that,for the Russians,the Arctic is their front yard and their back yard.
Given the Arctic's unique challenges,coupled with increased accessability,it is vital that we have the capability to respond in and through the Arctic,GEN O'Shaughnessy pointed out.*
Also representing the US Navy at AMS was the guided missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92),which moored at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage.A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet executed a flyby over the Momsen.
The AMS was held from 14-16 August 2018 and hosted by LTGEN Kenneth Wilsback,US Air Force,commander,Alaska Command.The keynote speakers were ADM Sam J. Locklear,US Navy (Retired),former commander,US Pacific Command and Heather A. Conley,senior vice president for Europe,Eurasia and the Arctic,Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington,D.C.Expert support was provided by the Center for Naval Analysis;the US Naval War College;the National War College;Montclair University;and the Office of Naval Intelligence(ONI).Also represented were the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the US Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center (ICC).
The International Panel included Cmdre Jamie Clark,Royal Canadian Navy,Deputy Director NORAD&USNORTHCOM J5;CDR Jens Peter Holst-Andersen,Vice Chair/Commander,Danish Ministry of Defence;and CDR Julia Tortell,Deputy Commandant,Finnish Naval Academy.*
Attending AMS from the US Navy was RDML Cedric Pringle,commander,Expeditionary Strike Group-3.*
The Symposium was informed by the following advice and authorities:
1.Maritime Homeland Defense EXORD:
Provide an environment of uncertainty for anyone planning or attempting an attack on the United States.
2.(U) 2009 National Security Presidential Directive 66:
the United States must be prepared to safeguard its National Security Interests in the Arctic.
3.(U) 2016 DOD Arctic Strategy:
need for increased maritime surface and subsurface presence,surveillance and capabilities.*
Addressing AMS was the new NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander,GEN Terrence O'Shaughnessy,US Air Force:
Changes in the Arctic environment could give our adversaries the impression that the Arctic offers a soft underbelly in our ability to defend the homeland.The defence of the homeland requires us to reinvigorate our efforts to ensure we remain ready to operate in and through the Arctic.Secretary (of Defense) Mattis recently said that America has got to up its game in the Arctic.
Russia most notably has aggressively built Arctic military capability,securing planes and expanding access along the Northern Sea Route.We must keep in mind that,for the Russians,the Arctic is their front yard and their back yard.
Given the Arctic's unique challenges,coupled with increased accessability,it is vital that we have the capability to respond in and through the Arctic,GEN O'Shaughnessy pointed out.*
Also representing the US Navy at AMS was the guided missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92),which moored at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage.A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet executed a flyby over the Momsen.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Death of a Coalition Service Member - Operation Inherent Resolve
Death of a Coalition Service Member: SOUTHWEST ASIA – One Coalition service member was killed and several injured when their aircraft crashed at approximately 10 p.m. GMT Aug. 19 in Iraq.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Afghan War:Taliban Mount Fierce Offensives,Seizing Most of Ghazni Province - Green Beret killed in action further south
Despite having met with US officials in Doha,Qatar recently in an effort to begin a dialogue,the Taliban Islamist extremists showed no desire for peace in recent days as up to 1,000 of them,having seized most of Ghazni Province,overran the provincial captal,Ghazni city on 10 August 2018.The massive assault on the city of about 280,000 took place in the pre-dawn hours and came from every direction.
Afghan National Defence and Security Forces fell back to protect critical defence-related buildings such as the police station,military bases and a prison;while the militants continued to control the neighbourhoods,local residents said.Many residents fled as power,food,water and medicine were cut off in the heat of combat.
The US conducted at least 16 air strikes in support of the ANDSF,killing some 200 Taliban,and a limited number of US troops stayed at the front lines to advise and assist their Afghan colleagues on the ground.About 100 ANDSF and 25 civilians were killed in the brazen seige,and hundreds more were wounded.
The Taliban had "achieved nothing,"NATO said.*
The Taliban were reportedly assisted by a number of foreign fighters from Pakistan and Chechnya,as well as al-Qaida elements.*
Also on 10 August,the Taliban swept over an Afghan SOF base in Ajristar district,killing at least 70 Afghan commandos and police.*
On 12 August,a US Soldier,SSGT Reymund R. Transfiguracion,36,of Waikaloa,Hawaii,was killed in action while on a combat patrol operation to the south,in Helmand Province,when an IED exploded near him.The incident is being investigated.SSGT Transfiguracion,a native of the Philippines,was a member of 3rd Battalion,1st Special Forces Group (Airborne),out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord,Washington State.Initially a member of the Hawaii National Guard,he had previously pulled tours in Iraq and the Phillipines.
Among his decorations were the Purple Heart Medal (second award);Army Achievement Medal (third award);Army Good Conduct Medal (third award);Combat Action Badge;and Air Assault Badge.*
Afghan National Defence and Security Forces fell back to protect critical defence-related buildings such as the police station,military bases and a prison;while the militants continued to control the neighbourhoods,local residents said.Many residents fled as power,food,water and medicine were cut off in the heat of combat.
The US conducted at least 16 air strikes in support of the ANDSF,killing some 200 Taliban,and a limited number of US troops stayed at the front lines to advise and assist their Afghan colleagues on the ground.About 100 ANDSF and 25 civilians were killed in the brazen seige,and hundreds more were wounded.
The Taliban had "achieved nothing,"NATO said.*
The Taliban were reportedly assisted by a number of foreign fighters from Pakistan and Chechnya,as well as al-Qaida elements.*
Also on 10 August,the Taliban swept over an Afghan SOF base in Ajristar district,killing at least 70 Afghan commandos and police.*
On 12 August,a US Soldier,SSGT Reymund R. Transfiguracion,36,of Waikaloa,Hawaii,was killed in action while on a combat patrol operation to the south,in Helmand Province,when an IED exploded near him.The incident is being investigated.SSGT Transfiguracion,a native of the Philippines,was a member of 3rd Battalion,1st Special Forces Group (Airborne),out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord,Washington State.Initially a member of the Hawaii National Guard,he had previously pulled tours in Iraq and the Phillipines.
Among his decorations were the Purple Heart Medal (second award);Army Achievement Medal (third award);Army Good Conduct Medal (third award);Combat Action Badge;and Air Assault Badge.*
Monday, August 13, 2018
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Lockheed Martin Ships Fourth AEHF Satellite - satellite will serve the US,Canadian,Netherlands and the UK militaries
Lockheed Martin Ships Fourth AEHF Satellite: Lockheed Martin has shipped the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, where it will be prepared for an October liftoff aboard an Atlas V rocket, the company confirmed yesterday. Lockheed Martin is under contract to deliver six
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
NATO's Trident Juncture 18:Testing the Alliance in the Northern Reaches
Norway has issued a news release on the upcoming NATO Exercise Trident Juncture 18.It describes TJ 18 as one of the largest drills ever held in Norway,with more than 40,000 NATO and partner personnel taking part.They will be supported by about 130 aircraft;70 vessels;and 10,000 vehicles.*
TJ 18's tactical drills will run from 25 October to 7 November 2018;while the command post exercise (CPX) will run from 14-23 November 2018.The exercise will test the full spectrum of warfighting through its air,land,maritime,Special Operations Forces and amphibious scenarios,challenging both the NATO Response Force and other Allied and partner units with a view to seamless integration.*
Leading the drills will be Admiral James G. Foggo III,US Navy,Commander,NATO Joint Force Command,Naples.*
The exercise will be staged in Central and Eastern Norway and the adjacent waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea,and extending into Finnish and Swedish airspace in the bargain.The potential for adverse Nordic weather conditions may lend realism through additional hazards that need to be overcome by the Allied and partner forces.
TJ 18's tactical drills will run from 25 October to 7 November 2018;while the command post exercise (CPX) will run from 14-23 November 2018.The exercise will test the full spectrum of warfighting through its air,land,maritime,Special Operations Forces and amphibious scenarios,challenging both the NATO Response Force and other Allied and partner units with a view to seamless integration.*
Leading the drills will be Admiral James G. Foggo III,US Navy,Commander,NATO Joint Force Command,Naples.*
The exercise will be staged in Central and Eastern Norway and the adjacent waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea,and extending into Finnish and Swedish airspace in the bargain.The potential for adverse Nordic weather conditions may lend realism through additional hazards that need to be overcome by the Allied and partner forces.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Thursday, August 2, 2018
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