MARINE FRIEND - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Autayvia K. Mitchell interacts with local children during a patrol through Tajik Khar, Garmsir, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2009. Mitchell is assigned to the Female Engagement Team, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The FET works with Afghanistan women to determine medical and humanitarian assistance needs. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dwight A. HendersonForgetting Combat Basics -- Armchair Generalist
Tom Ricks has been following the ruminations of Marine Corps CWO2/Gunner Keith Marine (yes, a Marine named Marine) in observations of how combat troops have been neglecting the basics in Afghanistan.
Recognize small arms fire for what it is in accordance with the enemy's local TTPs. If it is just a few pop shots, more than likely the enemy is attempting to get a reaction from you and see what you do.Read more ....
MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS
New Spyplane Lands in Afghanistan, Ready to Snoop -- Danger Room
The SecDef gives the definitive analysis of the situation, a must-read -- Fabius Maximus
Destiny of the Frigate Pt 2 -- New Wars
Iran nuclear plant 'immune to conventional strike' -- AFP
Russia's Nerpa nuclear attack submarine passes final trials -- Defpro
The Great Geek Shortage At Sea -- Strategy Page
USAF Seeks To Replace UH-1N Helicopter -- Defense News
Robots to shape wars of the future -- Navy Times