Staff Sgt. Jessie Johnson and her dog Crach

Short video, but shows that sniffer dogs remain an important part of IED detection.

Gilad Schalit and his capture - useful operational lessons

Gilad Schalit's capture: In his own words
Gilad Schalit's capture, in his own words, part II

2-part Jerusalem Post report on Gilad Schalit, the Israeli soldier who was captured, and kept in captivity for 5 years.

The reporter was a little condescending at certain junctures, but look beyond it, to read the details of the incident, which provides very useful learning points, to serving servicemen.

In Singapore, we often find ourselves limited in the real life case studies that are used. Many are from the way back in the past, either during World War 2, or the Konfrontasi.

opswarfare thinks there is real utility in using foreign case studies, especially when they are more recent, and involve conscripts. Our NSFs may switch off when they hear case studies from US, UK, etc, because they don't see the direct relevance, as those soldiers are fully professional.

But case studies like Gilad Schalit are hopefully more relevant. His candidness also helps here, e.g. he mentioned that he didn't pay attention to the security briefing, as he thought “The commander was listening, and that was enough. I trusted him.”.

This is a great example to show our NSFs, to tell them that one cannot always rely on your commanders. Every soldier needs to be armed, not just with their weapon, but with information.

Battle Damage Assessment - Satellite imagery shows scale of strike in Syria

http://www.janes.com/article/25125/satellite-imagery-shows-scale-of-strike-in-syria

More OSINT gems from Jane's. This time, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the recent attack on military facilities in Syria.

Saudi Arabia & China missiles?

Strange to see China missiles being used by Saudi Arabia.

IHS Defense and Security: After recent IHS #satellite imagery analysis revealed a ballistic #missile facility near Al-Watah (http://bit.ly/14dQiZc), this IHS infographic shows potential strike ranges of #SaudiArabia's DF-21 and DF-3 #nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capabilities - with #Israel and #Iran well within range.

Original Facebook Status from Jane's: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=490814041002432&set=a.344906415593196.80373.118688984881608

Close Quarters Marksmanship - British Army

Weird camera effect (quadrotor steadicam?) + the commentary that's rhythmic (almost like rapping) by the trainer = cool video :)

Make NS meaningful for every recruit

Also see the milnuts discussion on this article.

Make NS meaningful for every recruit

After completing basic military training (BMT) back in 2004, two platoon mates and I found to our dismay that we were being dispatched to be trained as logistics supervisors.

We were medically fit and while not exactly top performers, we had passed all the physical, marksmanship and field craft tests reasonably well. So we were mystified that the army had found us unsuitable for combat roles.

I went where I was sent, and it was not a "slack" non-combat role. That stint providing logistical support to about 100 men proved mentally draining at times, but I soon grew frustrated with a job I simply had no interest in.

After months of fighting administrative battles, I managed to get redeployed as a radio signaller. Relaying coded messages and bridging communications may not sound like much, but it was a world of excitement after dealing with inventory logs and ration schedules.

SMX-26 submarine concept

Navy Open House 2013 - Key things to note

Some key essentials if you are attending the Navy Open House this weekend

1. 18-19 May 2013 (Saturday & Sunday), 9am - 7pm
2. Entry is by shuttle bus only
3. Free shuttle services between Singapore EXPO Hall 3 & Changi Naval Base (CNB) 
4. 1st bus - 8am (18 May)
5. 1st bus - 8.30am (19 May)
6. be mentally prepared for long queues and jams on the way to CNB
7. Dynamic Display showtimes
1. 18 May (Sat) - 9.30am and 2.30pm
2. 19 May (Sun) - 10.30am and 2.30pm
8. Sea cruise (by balloting)
1. both days - 11.30am, 1pm, 3.30pm and 5pm

Suitable attire (text from Navy Open House website)

Ladies, strong winds and metallic edges will be your adversaries at the Naval Base. As such, we do not recommend skirts, dresses, heels, sandals and slippers. We suggest wearing sturdy shoes, shorts, trousers or jeans – for our gentlemen too.

What to bring

1. water
2. sun-block; cap/hat

Link to photos taken during preview of Navy Open House

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.461936633890232.1073741832.100002216990104&type=1&l=f98dcedd76

Akan Datang - Navy Open House 2013

Putting up photos first
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.461936633890232.1073741832.100002216990104&type=1&l=f98dcedd76

Will follow up with photo captions & report, including my observations.

p.s. details on the Navy Open House below.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/navyopenhouse/

Feedback on National Service

Talking NS without fear or favour | Breakfast Network | An Eye on the News Singapore
Quite a few valid points in this article. Hope to find time to pen down my thoughts and send to the Committee to Strengthen National Service.