Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Combat Air:US Responds as Iran-Backed Militia Attacks Coalition Forces
On 30 December 2019,three US State Department officials gave a Special Briefing on background (anonymously) by telephone to the press about 29 December's US air strikes in Iraq and Syria.
Official One:
I think it's essential to understand that the strikes that the President ordered yesterday was a defensive action designed to protect American forces and American citizens in Iraq, but it is also aimed at deterring Iran.*
The strikes were targeting Kitaib Hizballah,an Iranian-organised,trained and equipped militia in Iraq and Syria.KH has attacked 11 Iraqi bases that host Coalition Forces in the last two months.In the most recent attack,KH fired a rocket barrage at a base in Kirkuk,Iraq, killing a US contractor and wounding US and Iraqi troops.*
Official One:
So President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have been making clear for some time now that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour, not tolerate attacks on US citizens, its military or its allies.
Official Three:
I would say that this is obviously a campaign...And if there's any further escalation,it lies directly at the feet of Iran's proxies in Iraq, and not us.
Official One:
We don't preview future military action.We don't discuss our military options.Since May,we have moved an additional 14,000 troops to the region. We have established the International Maritime Security Initiative.We've enhanced our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, which we know has helped to disrupt and deter many of the attacks that Iran had been plotting, either by land,sea or air.KH is very well armed and trained by Iran, and they are responsible for many of these attacks against American troops and Iraqi troops.*
Some or all of the attacks may have been carried out by US Air Force F-35A fighters, which were featured in a photo spread on
social media yesterday by US CENTCOM.The fighters were being refueled by USAF KC-10 tankers out of Al Dhafra Air Base,UAE.
Official One:
I think it's essential to understand that the strikes that the President ordered yesterday was a defensive action designed to protect American forces and American citizens in Iraq, but it is also aimed at deterring Iran.*
The strikes were targeting Kitaib Hizballah,an Iranian-organised,trained and equipped militia in Iraq and Syria.KH has attacked 11 Iraqi bases that host Coalition Forces in the last two months.In the most recent attack,KH fired a rocket barrage at a base in Kirkuk,Iraq, killing a US contractor and wounding US and Iraqi troops.*
Official One:
So President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have been making clear for some time now that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour, not tolerate attacks on US citizens, its military or its allies.
Official Three:
I would say that this is obviously a campaign...And if there's any further escalation,it lies directly at the feet of Iran's proxies in Iraq, and not us.
Official One:
We don't preview future military action.We don't discuss our military options.Since May,we have moved an additional 14,000 troops to the region. We have established the International Maritime Security Initiative.We've enhanced our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, which we know has helped to disrupt and deter many of the attacks that Iran had been plotting, either by land,sea or air.KH is very well armed and trained by Iran, and they are responsible for many of these attacks against American troops and Iraqi troops.*
Some or all of the attacks may have been carried out by US Air Force F-35A fighters, which were featured in a photo spread on
social media yesterday by US CENTCOM.The fighters were being refueled by USAF KC-10 tankers out of Al Dhafra Air Base,UAE.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Green Beret Killed in Afghan War Identified
The Green Beret killed on 23 December in Afghanistan has been identified by the US Army as SFC Michael James Gobel,33,of Westwood Township, New Jersey.He was killed in Kunduz Province, Northern Afghanistan while supporting combat operations in the province, several districts of which are controlled by the Taliban.*
The Taliban claimed they blew SFC Gobel's
vehicle up with an IED in Chardara District as the US and Afghan National Defence and Security Forces conducted a joint combat operation in the stategically significant province,a gateway to Northern Afghanistan.*
SFC Gobel was a member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.In his third deployment to Afghanistan, he had completed several courses, including the Special Forces Sniper Course; Military Freefall Advanced Tactical Insertion Course; Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course; Special Operations Force Surveillance Operator; and Advanced Special Operations Techniques-Level III Course.
Among his decorations were the Bronze Star Medal (4) and the Army Commendation Medal with combat "V" device.*
SFC Gobel is survived by his partner and a young daughter.*
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
- Ephesians 6:10-11
The Taliban claimed they blew SFC Gobel's
vehicle up with an IED in Chardara District as the US and Afghan National Defence and Security Forces conducted a joint combat operation in the stategically significant province,a gateway to Northern Afghanistan.*
SFC Gobel was a member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.In his third deployment to Afghanistan, he had completed several courses, including the Special Forces Sniper Course; Military Freefall Advanced Tactical Insertion Course; Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course; Special Operations Force Surveillance Operator; and Advanced Special Operations Techniques-Level III Course.
Among his decorations were the Bronze Star Medal (4) and the Army Commendation Medal with combat "V" device.*
SFC Gobel is survived by his partner and a young daughter.*
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
- Ephesians 6:10-11
Monday, December 23, 2019
Bulletin:US Service Member Killed
A US service member was killed in action in Afghanistan today,NATO's Resolute Support Mission in the Afghan Capital Kabul announced.
The service member's identify is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of family,in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
It is the twentieth combat death of a US service member in Afghanistan this year.
The service member's identify is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of family,in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
It is the twentieth combat death of a US service member in Afghanistan this year.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
The US Air Force’s UH-1N Huey replacement helicopter has a new name
The US Air Force’s UH-1N Huey replacement helicopter has a new name: The first helicopter was delivered to the Air Force on Dec. 19.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Iron Sword:US, Greek Soldiers Firm Up Alliance
From 18-26 November 2019,US Army and Hellenic Army troops conducted Exercise Iron Sword at the Urban Warfare National Training Center in Kiklis, Central Macedonia, Greece.Participating were Soldiers from the US Army 173rd Airborne Brigade and 17th Cavalry Regiment; and the Hellenic Army 71st Air Mobile Brigade.*
US troops experienced a Greek squad qualification course and explosives training.Rappelling and fast-roping drills sharpened the NATO Allies' airborne assault skills.The Americans attended a Greek class in tactical combat casualty care.*
The aim of Iron Sword was to strengthen the interoperability of the US Army and Hellenic Army.The drills were reinforced by a concluding joint force air assault and attack on objective.The joint force traversed a field of buildings, clearing them systematically until the entirety was secured.The attack involved close air support from Hellenic helicopters; military working dogs; and infantry operations.It served to enhance the Soldiers' squad and fire team tactics,as well as their combat lifesaving capability.*
US troops experienced a Greek squad qualification course and explosives training.Rappelling and fast-roping drills sharpened the NATO Allies' airborne assault skills.The Americans attended a Greek class in tactical combat casualty care.*
The aim of Iron Sword was to strengthen the interoperability of the US Army and Hellenic Army.The drills were reinforced by a concluding joint force air assault and attack on objective.The joint force traversed a field of buildings, clearing them systematically until the entirety was secured.The attack involved close air support from Hellenic helicopters; military working dogs; and infantry operations.It served to enhance the Soldiers' squad and fire team tactics,as well as their combat lifesaving capability.*
Friday, December 13, 2019
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Heading Forward:NATO Strategy After the London Leaders Meeting
The North Atlantic Council met in London from 3-4 December 2019 to celebrate NATO's 70th anniversary.
Details of the defence plans agreed may be classified, or not yet completed,but the outlines have been presented in the concluding statement by the North Atlantic Council and the closing press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Here are some interesting points from the statement:
As an Alliance,NATO faces distinct threats and challenges emanating from all strategic directions:
Russia's aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security;
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a persistent threat to us all;
State and non-state actors challenge the rules-based international order;
Instability beyond our borders is also contributing to irregular migration;
We face cyber and hybrid threats.*
We have taken decisions to respond to any threat,at any time, from any direction.*
We stand firm in our commitment to the fight against terrorism and are taking stronger action to defeat it.We are addressing and will continue to address in a measured and responsible way Russia's deployment of new intermediate-range missiles, which brought about the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and which pose significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security.We are increasing action to protect our freedom at sea and in the air.We are further strengthening our ability to deter and defend with an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, which we continue to adapt.*
As long as nuclear weapons exist,NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. We remain open to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia's actions make that possible.*
North Macedonia was represented in London and will soon be our newest and 30th ally, demonstrating NATO's open door policy.*
We will continue to increase the resilience of our societies,as well as of our critical infrastructure and our energy security.*
NATO and Allies, within their respective authority, are committed to ensuring the security of our communications, including 5G, recognising the need to rely on secure and resilient systems.*
We have declared space as a fifth operational domain for NATO, recognising its importance in keeping us safe and tackling security challenges, while upholding International law.*
We are increasing our tools to respond to cyber attacks, and strengthening our ability to prepare for, deter, and defend against hybrid tactics that seek to undermine our security and societies.*
We recognise that China's growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges that we need to address as an Alliance.*
We invite the Secretary General to present to Foreign Ministers a Council-agreed proposal for a forward-looking process under his auspices, drawing on relevant expertise, to further strengthen NATO's political dimension, including consultation.*
From the Secretary General's news conference:
NATO is responding to Russia's deployment of intermediate-range, nuclear-capable missiles in a defensive and coordinated way.And we have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force, so we can quickly reinforce.And then we today launch the new Readiness Initiative, where we add even more forces to act quickly and reinforce if needed.
And today we have agreed to the updated plan for the Baltic countries and Poland.So I welcome that.We have just implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence in a generation.*
Details of the defence plans agreed may be classified, or not yet completed,but the outlines have been presented in the concluding statement by the North Atlantic Council and the closing press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Here are some interesting points from the statement:
As an Alliance,NATO faces distinct threats and challenges emanating from all strategic directions:
Russia's aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security;
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a persistent threat to us all;
State and non-state actors challenge the rules-based international order;
Instability beyond our borders is also contributing to irregular migration;
We face cyber and hybrid threats.*
We have taken decisions to respond to any threat,at any time, from any direction.*
We stand firm in our commitment to the fight against terrorism and are taking stronger action to defeat it.We are addressing and will continue to address in a measured and responsible way Russia's deployment of new intermediate-range missiles, which brought about the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and which pose significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security.We are increasing action to protect our freedom at sea and in the air.We are further strengthening our ability to deter and defend with an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, which we continue to adapt.*
As long as nuclear weapons exist,NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. We remain open to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia's actions make that possible.*
North Macedonia was represented in London and will soon be our newest and 30th ally, demonstrating NATO's open door policy.*
We will continue to increase the resilience of our societies,as well as of our critical infrastructure and our energy security.*
NATO and Allies, within their respective authority, are committed to ensuring the security of our communications, including 5G, recognising the need to rely on secure and resilient systems.*
We have declared space as a fifth operational domain for NATO, recognising its importance in keeping us safe and tackling security challenges, while upholding International law.*
We are increasing our tools to respond to cyber attacks, and strengthening our ability to prepare for, deter, and defend against hybrid tactics that seek to undermine our security and societies.*
We recognise that China's growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges that we need to address as an Alliance.*
We invite the Secretary General to present to Foreign Ministers a Council-agreed proposal for a forward-looking process under his auspices, drawing on relevant expertise, to further strengthen NATO's political dimension, including consultation.*
From the Secretary General's news conference:
NATO is responding to Russia's deployment of intermediate-range, nuclear-capable missiles in a defensive and coordinated way.And we have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force, so we can quickly reinforce.And then we today launch the new Readiness Initiative, where we add even more forces to act quickly and reinforce if needed.
And today we have agreed to the updated plan for the Baltic countries and Poland.So I welcome that.We have just implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence in a generation.*
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Answers Call of OIR
On 22 November 2019, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG 12) began supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, which seeks the lasting defeat of Islamic State.Air assets of Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7) provided close air support and defensive counter air support operations in the context of broader US CENTCOM counter-terror operations in the region, CENTCOM said.According to US Navy CAPT William R. Reed,Commander,CVW 7:
Today's operations are a testament to how carrier air power can project well beyond the shore.It has tremendous reach.The Carrier Strike Group as a whole provides a robust military capability in the region, and CVW 7 remains ready to deliver that capability at any time if called upon.*
Said USN CAPT Walt Slaughter, Commanding Officer of USS Abraham Lincoln:
As we navigate throughout the theatre,we will exercise our vast capabilities and interoperability with international partners,as a mobile and lethal force.We are the tip of the spear, and we will continue to work with our coalition allies to ensure regional security.*
The Abraham Lincoln is flagship of the deployed Strike Group assets, including the Sailors, Marines, ships and aircraft of CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW 7.The CSG was deployed to the Middle East on 5 May 2019.*
Today's operations are a testament to how carrier air power can project well beyond the shore.It has tremendous reach.The Carrier Strike Group as a whole provides a robust military capability in the region, and CVW 7 remains ready to deliver that capability at any time if called upon.*
Said USN CAPT Walt Slaughter, Commanding Officer of USS Abraham Lincoln:
As we navigate throughout the theatre,we will exercise our vast capabilities and interoperability with international partners,as a mobile and lethal force.We are the tip of the spear, and we will continue to work with our coalition allies to ensure regional security.*
The Abraham Lincoln is flagship of the deployed Strike Group assets, including the Sailors, Marines, ships and aircraft of CSG 12, Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW 7.The CSG was deployed to the Middle East on 5 May 2019.*
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