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This Week in the Blackwater Tactical Weekly…
Afghanistan–Pakistan Developments
Homeland Security–First Responder
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| QUOTE OF THE WEEK |
| “Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die." – Herbert Hoover |
| WEEKLY SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS |
Fort Hood shooting suspect sent money to Pakistan, Texas congressman saysDallas Morning NewsAn Austin congressman said that he has confirmed that Fort Hood massacre suspect Nidal Malik Hasan wired money to Pakistan, which Muslim extremist groups use as a base to raise funds and carry out terrorist attacks. |
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| U.S. DEFENSE NEWS |
The Osprey Has LandedDefense TechThe Marine Corps sent over the first contingent of MV–22s to Afghanistan last week, and as suspected, the Corps decided to fly VMM–263’s birds off the Bataan, through Pakistan and into Camp Bastion in Helmand. In a release from Task Force Leatherneck in Helmand, the service said all ten of the squadron’s aircraft made the trip and that aviators, crew and maintainers from VMM 261 were en route. Full StoryMarines Quiet About Brutal New WeaponDefense TechWar is hell. But it’s worse when the Marines bring out their new urban combat weapon, the SMAW–NE. This is a version of the standard USMC Shoulder Mounted Assault Weapon but with a new warhead. Described as NE – “Novel Explosive”– it is a thermobaric mixture, which ignites the air, producing a shockwave of unparalleled destructive power, especially against buildings. Full StorySensors May Warn Troops of Vehicle DamageAmerican Forces Press ServiceScientists at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center are researching armored vehicles made with built–in sensors that automatically report when they are damaged. Thomas Meitzler, a research scientist at the Michigan–based organization, said the aim is to give troops real–time situational awareness of the health, condition and structural integrity of their vehicle’s armor. Full StoryUncoordinated EW Procurement Creates Combat IssuesDefense NewsA lack of coordination and networking of electronic warfare equipment used in Iraq and Afghanistan is becoming a hazard for U.S. and allied troops over the past two years, the Army's chief of electronic warfare told defense analysts and investors. Full StoryGates Sets Up New Counter–IED Task ForceDefense NewsU.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has established a senior–level task force to streamline the efforts of military services and agencies to find and destroy roadside bombs, which have plagued American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Full Story |
| INTERNATIONAL MILITARY NEWS |
Pakistan–China in $1.4 billion fighter jet dealDaily TimesChina has agreed to sell Pakistan at least 36 advanced fighter jets in a landmark deal worth as much as $1.4bn, Pakistani and western officials said. China will supply two squadrons of J–10 fighter planes in a preliminary agreement, which could lead to further sales in future, a Pakistani official said. Full StoryDelivery of advance missiles to Iran under review: RussiaZee NewsRussia is yet to finalize the delivery of advance air defense systems to Iran and will not freeze the contract as a concession to the US, an official said. Russia signed a contract with Iran for the supply of S–300 air defense systems in December 2005. Full StoryRussian military to get 30 new ICBMs, 3 nuclear subs in 2010Ria NovostiRussia's Armed Forces are to receive 30 new ground and sea–launched ballistic missiles, three nuclear submarines, and an assortment of other weapons. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the list would also include "five Iskander [tactical] missile complexes, about 300 modern armored vehicles, 30 helicopters, 28 warplanes, one corvette–class warship, and 11 spacecraft." Full StoryClassified Bids Submitted For UK UAVDefense Tech (First appeared in Aviation Week & Technology)Three companies are vying to secure an unmanned air vehicle demonstrator contract at the heart of the British Defense Ministry’s so–called Novel Air Capability Vision, but details of their respective proposals for the program are being treated as classified. BAE Systems, missile manufacturer MBDA and Cranfield Aerospace are understood to have submitted proposals at the end of October. The contract for the selected concept could be awarded early in 2010. Full Story |
| AFGHANISTAN–PAKISTAN DEVELOPMENTS |
U.S. tests 'ink spot' strategy in AfghanistanWashington PostU.S. forces are testing a modified strategy dubbed "ink spots" in which coalition forces pick certain districts to flood with reconstruction projects and permanently defend from Taliban insurgents. In Logar province, 50 miles south of Kabul, a newly arrived contingent of U.S. and Czech troops is putting the ink–spot idea into practice. Full StoryTV footage shows Afghan insurgents with US ammoAssociated PressTelevision footage broadcast Tuesday showed insurgents handling what appears to be U.S. ammunition in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan that American forces left last month following a deadly firefight that killed eight troops. The U.S. military said the forces that left the area said they removed and accounted for their equipment. Full StoryEnvoy Questioning More Troops in Afghanistan Was Military Hawk Under BushFox NewsKarl Eikenberry's turn toward resisting more troops in the country sends a signal about the eroding confidence officials have in the credibility of the Hamid Karzai–led Afghan government. The American ambassador who has told President Obama he has serious concerns about increasing troop levels in Afghanistan urged the Bush administration repeatedly not to withdraw forces while he was the top military commander there.. Full StoryIs Pakistan’s Internal War Spinning Out Of Control?TehelkaAs the military is striving to wipe out insurgents from South Waziristan, the Mecca of world terrorism, political chaos, economic turmoil and a deliberate shift in the terrorists’ targets from security forces to civilians has virtually brought Pakistan to a standstill. |
| HOMELAND SECURITY–FIRST RESPONDER |
Northrop Grumman gets Homeland Security contractAssociated PressNorthrop Grumman Corp. said it won a $46 million contract to provide communication help to U.S. immigration and customs enforcement. The contract from the U.S. Homeland Security Department runs for one base year with four one–year options. Full StoryDHS Official Outlines Federal Support to State–based Fusion CentersSecurity ManagementDuring a speech, a high–level official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained how his office will support the nation's rapidly expanding network of state–based intelligence fusion centers created to share information across all levels of government to help prevent terrorist attacks. 'Vibrant Response' Teams Train for Homeland EmergenciesCornerstone Government AffairsThe federal emergency response exercise Vibrant Response taking place at Camp Atterbury and other sites in Indiana is training troops how to respond to an emergency on American soil. |
| FROM OUR FRIENDS AT TOTAL INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS |
Venezuela: Chavez Prepares for War with ColombiaHighlights
On November 8, 2009 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered his military to ‘Prepare for war’ with Colombia, stating the country should be ready should the United States (US) attempt to provoke conflict between the South American neighbors. Tensions along the Venezuela–Colombia shared border have been exacerbated in recent weeks by a series of violent slayings. Chavez’s harsh rhetoric has also been particularly heightened surrounding the recent signing of a US–Colombia military base agreement. We believe Chavez’s heated rhetoric is largely an attempt to distract public attention away from pressing domestic issues, notably high crime and weakened energy and water supplies. While we maintain that Chavez does not currently possess the military capacity or the international backing to engage in an offensive against Colombia or the US, we anticipate that Chavez will intensify relations with anti–US regimes, including Iran with the aim of strengthening his military clout in the medium to long–term. US Base Dealings On October 30, 2009, the governments of Bogotá and Washington finalized an agreement to lease at least seven military bases throughout the Andean nation, making Colombia a hub for US anti–drug operations in South America. The deal was aimed at replacing similar – although less extensive – base agreements formerly operating out of Manta, Ecuador, until the government terminated the US’ 10–year lease there earlier this year. The Chavez administration has argued that a US air force document presented to the US Congress in May 2009 provides evidence that Washington intends to confront his regime. According to Venezuelan authorities, the document states that one of the bases would provide a “unique opportunity” for “conducting full–spectrum operations throughout South America,” which it describes as a “critical region” under constant threat from “anti–US governments”. We note that the US has also maintained a similar presence in El Salvador and Aruba–Curacao. We believe Chavez is attempting to play up a renewed US military presence, suggesting American influence in the region would do more harm than good. Chavez Issues War Warnings on the Radio On November 5, 2009 Chavez deployed 15,000 troops to the border states of Zulia, Tachira, Apure, Amazonas, and Bolivar, allegedly in order to tighten security efforts against drug trafficking and paramilitary activities. In his order, Chavez stated, “We must prepare ourselves for war and help the people prepare for war, because this is the responsibility of all.” In his weekly television show, Aló Presidente, President Chavez asked citizens and the military to denounce the agreements between Colombia and the US, warning that the US could use them for an attack on Venezuela. Chavez stated, “The Empire is more threatening than ever (referring to the US). Don't make a mistake, Mr. Obama, by ordering an attack against Venezuela by way of Colombia." We note that Chavez has repeatedly accused Washington of attempting to collapse his government in order to seize Venezuelan oil reserves. Colombia retaliated that it would submit an appeal over Chavez’s ‘warmongering’ to the UN Security Council and the Organization of American States. Smokescreen While Chavez has touted that confrontation asserted by Colombia or the US would provoke a “regional” and “over 100–year war,” we believe that Chavez still lacks the backing to fulfill his claims. The Brazilian Senate, which this week is expected to vote on the entry of Venezuela into Mercosur, stated that Chavez’s war claims are ''certainly a factor that can greatly complicate the vote.'' One critical senator argued that the threats were “another sign that Chavez's intentions are burning the region.” We believe Chavez’s build up at the border with Colombia is largely an attempt to distract public attention away from pressing domestic issues, notably crime, energy and water supplies. Compulsory cuts in water and electricity supplies began on November 2, 2009 in Caracas and other areas of Venezuela. Despite Chavez’s claims that the shortages are the result of “capitalism,” many officials claim the crisis is due to a combination of factors, including global warming, surging demand, and insufficient supplies due to decades of inadequate infrastructure investment and maintenance. We note that Chavez nationalized a number of public services in 2007, including the country’s vast electrical grid – the moves showed few signs of improving the efficiency associated with each or a tangible benefit to the people of Venezuela. We believe, based in part on those investment failures, that Chavez is likely distracting rising public dissatisfaction with fears of war and militarization. Regardless of Chavez’s claims, we believe that Venezuela’s offensive capabilities remain too weak to perpetuate any sizeable confrontation with Colombia. We do assert, however, that Chavez will continue developing relationships with anti–US powers, including Iran and Russia, in order to achieve a greater military capability in the long–term.. The preceding article is part of subscription service created byTotal Intelligence Solutions (TIS). For additional information, please contact Brad Slade at bslade@totalintel.com. |
| BUMPER STICKER |
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| FRANKS REVIEW |
Tactical Equipment EvaluationThose Beloved .45sYears ago; more than I want to admit in fact, I was introduced to the Colt 1911 Government Model .45ACP pistol. It was my first duty weapon. The year I got out of the Army, the Beretta M9 9mm replaced the venerable old .45. It didn’t change out the value of the .45ACP as I saw it. These many years later, I still have a fondness for and appreciation of the .45ACP and have personally appreciated the impact that big hole at the end of the barrel can have when someone sees it pointed at them. Last week we celebrated Veterans Day. This week I’m taking a look at a different veteran: the .45ACP and those pistols I’ve enjoyed carrying it around in.Full Story Can Be Viewed At: http://www.newamericantruth.com/reviews/guns/beloved45s.htm Recreational Equipment ReviewSeasonal Gun CoversNo, this isn’t about special blankets you can use to keep your guns warm. It IS a look at some of the outer garments we can use to conceal our handguns while out and about. Some of these garments were specifically designed for that purpose. Others are simply utilitarian but serve the purpose well. From EOTac to 5.11 Tactical to BLACKHAWK! and simple “gansta” hoodies, this week I’m going to take a look at some of the fall and winter apparel that can make it so much easier to conceal your handgun as well as to either carry or hide the accessories we often find ourselves needing.Full Story Can Be Viewed At: http://www.newamericantruth.com/reviews/clothing/coldseasonguncovers.htm |
| CHAPLAINS CORNER |
CONTRASTThis whole week my heart and my brain have been dwelling on one question… How long will it take for all of my country to wake up? Most of the Peace Keepers at the doing the job level are awake.How much does it take to prove that we are targets and the stalker is using every method possible from extreme deception to outright personal attack to bring this country down? This is happening wherever our people are, whether at home, in the market place, on our highways or on foreign fields. The murder rates in our large cities are atrocious… The death rates on our highways are horrible… The toll from Drunken Drivers alone is unbelievable… We as a people are throwing away our lives and not seeing the causes because we do not want to see the causes… Those causes point their fingers back to us, the people. Those causes tell us we, as a people, have abdicated our responsibilities for pleasure and personal gain. We do not see because we are too busy not learning and not doing what should be done. Full article can be seen at: http://www.ustraining.com/new/btw/chaplain/111609chaplain.htm |
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The Blackwater Tactical Weekly is a free weekly e–publication. The Mission of the Blackwater Tactical Weekly is to provide readers with valuable information from diverse sources regarding tactical, strategic, and geo–political security issues. Editor–in–Chief – N Conley (btw@ustraining.com) Questions regarding US Training (252) 435–2035 To subscribe to the Blackwater Tactical Weekly, Click Here To view an archived edition of the Blackwater Tactical Weekly, Click Here |
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