Afghanistan: An Army Prepares

An informative video showing the training of new Afghan troops. Past users of the M16 will immediately recognise why the rifle is causing problems for the Afghans.

1. faulty magazines, especially at the magazine feed lip area
2. dirty rifles, specifically carbon built-up after usage of blank rounds

Armadillo

Useful tactical vignettes; shows the positive "thinking soldier" attitude

1. Danish soldier who speaks Pashtun; critical in Afghanistan
2. understanding the environment; soldiers were told that they were trampling over farmland
3. seeing the signs of impending combat; civilians suddenly running away
4. good usage of mini-UAVs & wheeled armoured vehicles to provide cover
5. realising that civilians moving casualties away, could actually be Taliban moving weapons away

Deadly impact of conflict on healthcare

The Bomb Squad - episode 1

Amazing details on IED clearance procedures, and that within the first 15 minutes. Addictive to watch such pros at work.


The Bomb Squad E01 by Mazanga_Von_Badman

The Battle for Marjah

Robotic targets on trial on the firing ranges

Great idea to use moving robots for target practice. Looks quite rudimentary at the moment, as it is a prototype.

Current movement is more like a vehicle, and less like a human, which would normally execute fire and movement.

24th MEU's Alpha Co., BLT 1/2, live-fire urban training

Now this is a complex live-firing environment.

A realistic test of actual combat scenarios, with

1. multiple teams (danger of fratricide is always just around the corner)
2. elevation (notice some buildings with a 2nd floor)
3. support arms (usage of SAW for suppressive fire, usage of training grenades)

GGK on the History Channel

USMC team deployed after death of US ambassador

Anti-terror Marine team heading to Libya to reinforce security at diplomatic facilities - The Washington Post

And the reaction begins. Good article that provides comprehensive background information on the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team that deployed to Libya.

ICRC course on International Humanitarian Law

Malaysia: South-East and East Asia teaching session on IHL
Looks like a good programme, with lots of interaction time and exercises. Would love to attend one of these sessions.