Russian Mediterranean Naval Build-Up Challenges NATO Sixth Fleet Domination

Defense Update News Analysis
A good analysis of the deployment of the Russian aircraft carrier (Admiral Kuznetsov) to the Mediterranean.

Colt M4 Carbine Finishes Last in Latest U.S. Army Small Arms Reliability Test

Defense Review
Based on the results of the test, should the US Army drop the M4 and try the other 3 rifles? Well, opswarfare finds that more tests should be done to verify the findings, plus look into other areas, for example lethality. The age old question of the power of the 5.56mm round still remains. Instead of the 6.5mm or 6.8mm round being promoted in some circles, opswarfare recommends a return to the 7.62mm round.

This solves a few problems. Existing 5.56mm rounds can still be used by the 5.56mm light machine guns. Also, choosing the 7.62mm means that you get a round with more power, and yet without the disadvantages of introducing a new round, since the 7.62mm round is already in use for medium machine guns.

A more powerful round also compensates for the decreasing length of rifle barrels to suit urban warfare, which is one of the reasons cited for the lack of "punch" of the 5.56mm round.

7.62mm SCAR anyone?

Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS)

A Counter-Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars (C-RAM) system in action. This is the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS).

Back to basics

Regular readers of opswarfare know that opswarfare loves to write about warfare returning to the basics. Well, opswarfare has spotted 3 fresh articles on this topic...
How Technology Almost Lost the War: In Iraq, the Critical Networks Are Social — Not Electronic
Labouchere of Arabia
Iran-Syria vs. Israel, Round 1: Assessments & Lessons Learned

Exercise Pacemaker 07

Österreichs Bundesheer - Evaluierungsübung Pacemaker 07
Exercise setting:

Based on a UN Security Council Resolution, military forces separated 2 conflicting parties, within a fictitious Europe, into A-Land and B-Land.

Subsequently, UN Forces were maintaining a safe and secure environment within a demilitarized zone set up between both countries.

After renewed attacks of terrorists organizations, which UN Troops were not able to prevent, A-Land started again attacks against B-Land and occupied parts of its territory.

On demand of the UN, the EU committed military forces to the conflict area. Under the lead of the Austrian 7th Infantry Brigade, a Multinational Task Force is on its way to this area in order to re-establish a safe and secure environment and to separate the conflicting parties, if necessary by force.

Quite a scenario, I must say. More great photos at Military photos.

Ford Everest SUV replaces Landrovers in SAF

The Straits Times has reported that the Ford Everest has been selected to replace the Landrover Defender in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). In the photo published, one can see the following add-ons to the normal Ford vehicle

1. bull-bar
2. roof rack
3. bracket for antenna
4. snorkel
5. tow hook

opswarfare previously wrote about the situation faced by various armies about how to replace the venerable Landrover.

Austrian Armed Forces

Austrian Armed Forces

Worth a look, especially the "Publications" section.

Army Combat Shirt

Latest Version of Army Combat Shirt Debuts

One of the few benefits of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) are rapid fielding initiatives like the new Army Combat Shirt (ACS). The ACS sounds like a great idea, as heat and burn injuries occur quite often in Iraq and Afghanistan.
-------------------------
Latest Version of Army Combat Shirt Debuts

Sep 14, 2007
BY Debi Dawson

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 14, 2007) - In response to Soldier feedback, Program Executive Officer-Soldier has designed the new Army Combat Shirt to be even more breatheable.

The flame-resistant ACS is in development for use under body armor. It is designed to replace two layers, the Army Combat Uniform jacket and moisture-wicking T-shirt, thus reducing bulk and heat stress.

"As providers of the world's best equipment to the world's best Soldiers, we collect and rely on Soldiers' input and ideas to constantly improve all of our products," said Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier. "All of our clothing and equipment is battle-proven and live-fire tested. Those labels can't be earned in a laboratory."

The ACS features a mock-turtleneck, long sleeves in the universal camouflage pattern, flat seams that reduce bulk and chafing and built-in anti-abrasion elbow pads. The shirt is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

The latest version of the shirt includes upgrades based on Soldier feedback collected since the shirt was first distributed in the spring for limited-user evaluations.

"Even though we developed the Army Combat Shirt to be lighter, more comfortable and breathable, we listened to Soldiers who tested it and said they wanted it to be even more breathable and comfortable," said Maj. Clay Williamson, assistant product manager for clothing and individual equipment. "The fabric that made up the torso of the ACS was replaced with a fabric that provides breathability that is off the charts."

However, to retain modesty, the original fabric was maintained in the mid-chest area. Both fabrics have a four-way stretch.

Another change that increased breathability was replacing the elastic cuffs designed to keep out sand with adjustable cuffs similar to ACU jacket cuffs. The cuffs can be loosened for ventilation or tightened to keep out sand and other debris. Changes were also made to the neck band.

Although the ACS was designed to be worn under the Interceptor Body Armor, test participants noted the short breaks between patrols made it impractical to change into the ACU jacket. They wanted changes to the ACS that would identify them and their unit. In response, hook and loop tape was added to the right sleeve to accommodate a name tape, rank and infrared flag. The left sleeve also sports hook and loop tape for a unit patch.

The ACS with the most recent improvements will be available in late September for follow-on user evaluations. The shirt is still a developmental garment, and further fielding will be determined by the Department of the Army.

(Debi Dawson works for the PEO Soldier Strategic Communications Office.)