By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Calvin_K]Calvin K
Army boot camps play a vital role in transforming civilians into tough and disciplined soldiers. The people who undergo training at army boot camps or military boot camps are more obedient, prompt and they respond to commands given to them. All these things are required in army, as combat situations require a great deal of intelligence and bravery. These camps help to instill confidence and bravery in an individual.
These camps acknowledge the importance of team work. They encourage recruits to put team before self. The recruits are shaped psychologically, physically as well as mentally so that they can deal with extremely difficult situations that they face during the time of crisis. If any soldier is unable to perform his duties or responsibilities in a rightful manner, he can put himself as well as his unit in grave danger. Thus, it becomes important for a soldier to successfully undergo training in an army boot camp. You will also come across a lot of fitness programs that have borrowed the training and fitness schedules from the military boot camps and devised their weight loss or health plans.
In every camp, training is imparted through a trainer or an instructor, who is well versed and experienced in it. Recruits are formed into groups and trainer is assigned to the group to help them perform various tasks. Also, it's not that all the exercises or training schedules in training program are extremely tough and challenging, you will also find some traditional exercises being used including running sit-ups, thrusts etc. Nevertheless, majority of the exercises that are done in military boot camp are demanding and intense.
Perhaps the biggest benefit that this camp offers is that they make you more disciplined and people tend to continue with their daily workouts even after they leave the training. Also, the relationship between the recruits that is developed during the training program continues even after the training in finished. This also acts as a strong motivational force among the trainees.
Also, there is no place for monotony in these camps. The exercises differ widely. As the training in these camps progress, the exercises become much more challenging, adventurous and complicated. Thus, trainees have to push themselves really hard.
Lastly, if a person continues with the things that he had learnt in these camps, he will discover a healthy lifestyle which will be full of strength and energy. [http://www.armybootcamps.org/]Army Boot Camps are highly adventurous. Look for [http://www.armybootcamps.org/]Military Boot Camps online.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Army-Boot-Camps---Making-You-Fit-and-Disciplined&id=6601885] Army Boot Camps - Making You Fit and Disciplined
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Body Armor Jackets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rusty_Solomon_Russell]Rusty Solomon Russell
For many, the ordinary degrees of defense supplied by the majority of bullet proof jacket professionals is just not enough, and they are searching for maximum security info. If you'd like the greatest degree of security offered in bullet proof vests, you are going to be looking for a degree IV. This most often consists of a vest or jacket that is grouped as a IIIA, which has been fitted using the extra safety of rigid safety measures which might be suited into the expressly constructed slots on the clothing.
This level of protection is not easy to put on. It's bulky, stiff and can limit motion as well as vision in some cases. But if you are to have a chance of with standing what ever an assailant dishes out, even shots from a higher powered gun, then this can be what you may need. Most companies recognize in their maximum security information on bulletproof vest, that a level IV garment isn't designed for complete time use.
It may be extremely difficult to reside with this type of restrictive clothes for long stretches of time. But needless to say, it's better to put on even the most uncomfortable items rather than die from an attack. This kind of bullet proof defense can also be extremely high-priced and this really is a element when folks seek out optimum safety information. The greater the level of safety, the more pricey the garment will likely be. The special shields utilised are usually made from 1 of the higher efficiency shield materials such as Spectra or Dyneema, and are the most expensive element of a level IV garment.
The most recent High Level Maximum Protection Info
If you are looking for cutting edge maximum protection details, it is going to be of interest to you to know that a fully new sort of high level protection is inside the pipeline. Dupont, the designers of Kevlar, is at an extremely advanced point within the advancement of their new liquid shield. This can offer a brand new form of body armor that can be smooth, comfy and flexible at all times, till it comes into make contact with with a projectile. The new technology produces a stiff shield on contact, and is awaited with enthusiasm by people who are thrilled concerning the possibility for an low-cost answer for the whole body that does not limit movement.
More info about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com]Bullet Proof Vests, or about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com/bullet-proof-vest.htm]Bulletproof Vest, can be found at bodyarmornews.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Body-Armor-Jackets&id=6588784] Body Armor Jackets
For many, the ordinary degrees of defense supplied by the majority of bullet proof jacket professionals is just not enough, and they are searching for maximum security info. If you'd like the greatest degree of security offered in bullet proof vests, you are going to be looking for a degree IV. This most often consists of a vest or jacket that is grouped as a IIIA, which has been fitted using the extra safety of rigid safety measures which might be suited into the expressly constructed slots on the clothing.
This level of protection is not easy to put on. It's bulky, stiff and can limit motion as well as vision in some cases. But if you are to have a chance of with standing what ever an assailant dishes out, even shots from a higher powered gun, then this can be what you may need. Most companies recognize in their maximum security information on bulletproof vest, that a level IV garment isn't designed for complete time use.
It may be extremely difficult to reside with this type of restrictive clothes for long stretches of time. But needless to say, it's better to put on even the most uncomfortable items rather than die from an attack. This kind of bullet proof defense can also be extremely high-priced and this really is a element when folks seek out optimum safety information. The greater the level of safety, the more pricey the garment will likely be. The special shields utilised are usually made from 1 of the higher efficiency shield materials such as Spectra or Dyneema, and are the most expensive element of a level IV garment.
The most recent High Level Maximum Protection Info
If you are looking for cutting edge maximum protection details, it is going to be of interest to you to know that a fully new sort of high level protection is inside the pipeline. Dupont, the designers of Kevlar, is at an extremely advanced point within the advancement of their new liquid shield. This can offer a brand new form of body armor that can be smooth, comfy and flexible at all times, till it comes into make contact with with a projectile. The new technology produces a stiff shield on contact, and is awaited with enthusiasm by people who are thrilled concerning the possibility for an low-cost answer for the whole body that does not limit movement.
More info about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com]Bullet Proof Vests, or about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com/bullet-proof-vest.htm]Bulletproof Vest, can be found at bodyarmornews.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Body-Armor-Jackets&id=6588784] Body Armor Jackets
Monday, December 26, 2011
Military UAVs With Keystroke Logging Computer Virus?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
There has been some interesting information in the news recently about US Military UAV tele-robotic computer systems with keystroke logger viruses. They believe these to be pretty benign, and erase them when they see them, reboot software, it goes away for a while and then shows back up. There was an interesting piece on this in Wired Magazine, in their Danger Zone section, a special exclusive report titled; "Exclusive: Computer Virus Hits U.S. Drone Fleet" by Noah Shachtman published on October 7, 2011.
The article indicated that the military was still trying to figure it all out, but was not worried about it, as "who cares if there is a keystroke logger, no one can get the information, as it is a closed loop system," right, that makes sense, still, that information is being recorded begging the question, what other information in other systems is being hacked into; and why, and who is behind it all? Now then, perhaps it is just an old keystroke logger program remnant attached to some patch-ware, or software in the system, or maybe not?
Now then, let's up the ante on this conversation a bit. If you will recall back in 2009 the insurgents learned they could hack into and watch the footage of the UAVs, and there was another interesting article published in the Wall Street Journal on December 17, 2009 titled; "Insurgents Hack US Drones - $26 Software is Used to Breach Key Weapons in Iraq; Iranian Backing Suspected," by Siobhan Gorman, August Cole, and Yochi J. Dreazen. The article stated;
"Senior defense and intelligence officials said Iranian-backed insurgents intercepted the video feeds by taking advantage of an unprotected communications link in some of the remotely flown planes' systems. Shiite fighters in Iraq used software programs such as SkyGrabber -- available for as little as $25.95 on the Internet -- to regularly capture drone video feeds, according to a person familiar with reports on the matter."
When I read that back then, I thought to myself; yah, so what, the insurgents will see they are screwed and watched carefully, and it will actually put the fear of Allah into them. Maybe that's a good thing, but is it really? Surely we need solid protection of our robotic weapons systems, lest they become hacked and turned against us you see. Meanwhile, although this was a minor issue, it seemed to drop off the media's radar screen. However this new news of a keystroke logger makes me wonder if our multi-billion dollar weapons systems are safe?
Okay so, you know, as an entrepreneur I like to take mistakes and problems, and make lemonade. Why not take these vulnerabilities and turn them into assets for our team? Let me explain.
You see, I propose using those key stroke loggers along with the video footage and other date in sequence to determine and record what the tele-robotic pilot did during each circumstance, in each wind turbulence event, during each zooming in of the high-definition camera lens, and of course each time the drone happen to fire a projectile such as a hell-fire missile at a lowly pre-doomed, and pre-destined terrorist. Using all of this information, we can program artificial intelligence computers to fly those drones in the future.
This will prevent human error from fatigue, allow more drones to be flown with less pilots, and it will become the beginning of complete autonomous unmanned air vehicles in the future. Thus, we shouldn't delete the keystroke loggers, we should tap into them, or get rid of them and install our own keylogging, and event logging system to help our AI computers learn through hours of mundane computer game like drone flying. Please be thinking here.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Military-UAVs-With-Keystroke-Logging-Computer-Virus?&id=6613624] Military UAVs With Keystroke Logging Computer Virus?
There has been some interesting information in the news recently about US Military UAV tele-robotic computer systems with keystroke logger viruses. They believe these to be pretty benign, and erase them when they see them, reboot software, it goes away for a while and then shows back up. There was an interesting piece on this in Wired Magazine, in their Danger Zone section, a special exclusive report titled; "Exclusive: Computer Virus Hits U.S. Drone Fleet" by Noah Shachtman published on October 7, 2011.
The article indicated that the military was still trying to figure it all out, but was not worried about it, as "who cares if there is a keystroke logger, no one can get the information, as it is a closed loop system," right, that makes sense, still, that information is being recorded begging the question, what other information in other systems is being hacked into; and why, and who is behind it all? Now then, perhaps it is just an old keystroke logger program remnant attached to some patch-ware, or software in the system, or maybe not?
Now then, let's up the ante on this conversation a bit. If you will recall back in 2009 the insurgents learned they could hack into and watch the footage of the UAVs, and there was another interesting article published in the Wall Street Journal on December 17, 2009 titled; "Insurgents Hack US Drones - $26 Software is Used to Breach Key Weapons in Iraq; Iranian Backing Suspected," by Siobhan Gorman, August Cole, and Yochi J. Dreazen. The article stated;
"Senior defense and intelligence officials said Iranian-backed insurgents intercepted the video feeds by taking advantage of an unprotected communications link in some of the remotely flown planes' systems. Shiite fighters in Iraq used software programs such as SkyGrabber -- available for as little as $25.95 on the Internet -- to regularly capture drone video feeds, according to a person familiar with reports on the matter."
When I read that back then, I thought to myself; yah, so what, the insurgents will see they are screwed and watched carefully, and it will actually put the fear of Allah into them. Maybe that's a good thing, but is it really? Surely we need solid protection of our robotic weapons systems, lest they become hacked and turned against us you see. Meanwhile, although this was a minor issue, it seemed to drop off the media's radar screen. However this new news of a keystroke logger makes me wonder if our multi-billion dollar weapons systems are safe?
Okay so, you know, as an entrepreneur I like to take mistakes and problems, and make lemonade. Why not take these vulnerabilities and turn them into assets for our team? Let me explain.
You see, I propose using those key stroke loggers along with the video footage and other date in sequence to determine and record what the tele-robotic pilot did during each circumstance, in each wind turbulence event, during each zooming in of the high-definition camera lens, and of course each time the drone happen to fire a projectile such as a hell-fire missile at a lowly pre-doomed, and pre-destined terrorist. Using all of this information, we can program artificial intelligence computers to fly those drones in the future.
This will prevent human error from fatigue, allow more drones to be flown with less pilots, and it will become the beginning of complete autonomous unmanned air vehicles in the future. Thus, we shouldn't delete the keystroke loggers, we should tap into them, or get rid of them and install our own keylogging, and event logging system to help our AI computers learn through hours of mundane computer game like drone flying. Please be thinking here.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Military-UAVs-With-Keystroke-Logging-Computer-Virus?&id=6613624] Military UAVs With Keystroke Logging Computer Virus?
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Promotional Products for Military Events
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amin_Ramjee]Amin Ramjee
If you are really proud to be an American, one of the best things that you can do is to show how proud you are an American. With American soldiers serving the country all over the world you can show your solidarity with them by either buying promotional products' or giving then away as gifts. You can show your support for the army, the navy, the marines, the coast guard, the air force and every section of the military by either buying or selling military promotional products during military events. By imprinting a wonderful military giveaway gift, you will truly show that you care for the people in the forces.
There are very many promotional products that can be used during military events because the military is a diverse organization that is made up of people with many different ranks and file and they all can be reached with all types of military promotional products. Military giveaway gifts are cheap military promotional products that are distributed by diverse departments of the military for the purpose of encouraging the confidence and self-esteem of the uniformed men and women.
Most promotional military products will be designed with all the three colors of the flag and will also have the logo and the message of the department that distributes them. During events for recruitment or career days or even the days when the military appreciates the children and spouses of the uniformed people, such items may be distributed among the military people as well as their families. Because such military items are for military people, they are in most cases designed my people who have had a connection with the military or are part of the military.
Because each department of the United States uses different ways to promote their service men, it is not easy exactly pinpoint what promotional products the military uses to enhance its image. Consequently it is not easy to define what the military would allow. Nonetheless the military uses various methods to ensure that they enhance the image of the military. When the military is looking to add recruits to their rank and file, the best way to do so is by having advertisements all over because this truly helps them to reach out to many people who want to join the military.
The best way to look for promotional gifts for military events is to search for them online. This is because placing an order is not easy and especially when dealing with people who are overseas. It is best to place the order online and then have the product sent overseas. There are also different days that are commemorated by the military and these are wonderful times when you can give out the military promotional products. Different types of military products are available and there is a wide variety to choose from. If you want your company to promote with military products, the target market must be people who are either in the military or are closely associated with it.
Here at DiscountMugs, we proudly serve the men and women of the US Military, and offer a variety of [http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/occasion/military-products/]Military Promotional Products to custom design for recruitment events, military balls, graduations, and more. Make your military event and division stand out with cool beer mugs, custom t-shirts, [http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/style/12-3/personalized-glassware/champagne-glasses/]Custom Printed Champagne Flute Glasses, Backpacks and more. You can get these all at DiscountMugs.com for the lowest prices guaranteed.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Promotional-Products-for-Military-Events&id=6619589] Promotional Products for Military Events
If you are really proud to be an American, one of the best things that you can do is to show how proud you are an American. With American soldiers serving the country all over the world you can show your solidarity with them by either buying promotional products' or giving then away as gifts. You can show your support for the army, the navy, the marines, the coast guard, the air force and every section of the military by either buying or selling military promotional products during military events. By imprinting a wonderful military giveaway gift, you will truly show that you care for the people in the forces.
There are very many promotional products that can be used during military events because the military is a diverse organization that is made up of people with many different ranks and file and they all can be reached with all types of military promotional products. Military giveaway gifts are cheap military promotional products that are distributed by diverse departments of the military for the purpose of encouraging the confidence and self-esteem of the uniformed men and women.
Most promotional military products will be designed with all the three colors of the flag and will also have the logo and the message of the department that distributes them. During events for recruitment or career days or even the days when the military appreciates the children and spouses of the uniformed people, such items may be distributed among the military people as well as their families. Because such military items are for military people, they are in most cases designed my people who have had a connection with the military or are part of the military.
Because each department of the United States uses different ways to promote their service men, it is not easy exactly pinpoint what promotional products the military uses to enhance its image. Consequently it is not easy to define what the military would allow. Nonetheless the military uses various methods to ensure that they enhance the image of the military. When the military is looking to add recruits to their rank and file, the best way to do so is by having advertisements all over because this truly helps them to reach out to many people who want to join the military.
The best way to look for promotional gifts for military events is to search for them online. This is because placing an order is not easy and especially when dealing with people who are overseas. It is best to place the order online and then have the product sent overseas. There are also different days that are commemorated by the military and these are wonderful times when you can give out the military promotional products. Different types of military products are available and there is a wide variety to choose from. If you want your company to promote with military products, the target market must be people who are either in the military or are closely associated with it.
Here at DiscountMugs, we proudly serve the men and women of the US Military, and offer a variety of [http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/occasion/military-products/]Military Promotional Products to custom design for recruitment events, military balls, graduations, and more. Make your military event and division stand out with cool beer mugs, custom t-shirts, [http://www.discountmugs.com/nc/style/12-3/personalized-glassware/champagne-glasses/]Custom Printed Champagne Flute Glasses, Backpacks and more. You can get these all at DiscountMugs.com for the lowest prices guaranteed.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Promotional-Products-for-Military-Events&id=6619589] Promotional Products for Military Events
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The US Armed Forces and Muslims in Its Ranks
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Madan_G_Singh]Madan G Singh
America is a society at the cross roads. At one end, it is being besieged by Muslim radicals who have vowed to destroy the 'great Satan' meaning the USA and at the other end a significant number of blacks and a small number of whites have converted to Islam in the USA itself. The fact is that the Muslims as a percentage are the fastest growing community in the USA and the blacks after centuries of subjugation are now asserting themselves and one way they have followed, is by converting to Islam. Remember Cassius Clay converted to Islam 40 years back, to cock a fist at the white Americans.
Wars with Muslim Nations
The United States is involved in wars against the Muslims all over the globe. Though it is not a war against Islam per se, yet most of the opponents of the USA are Muslim Nations. Thus America is embroiled in a war in Afghanistan and is fighting a terrorist movement in Iraq, after the second Gulf war and ouster of Saddam Hussain. Another factor is a militant Iran, Syria and Yemen. Even a fringe in Pakistan led by the Haqqani faction is looking for ways to destabilize America.
Manpower Shortage
In such a scenario there is a need for additional manpower for the US armed forces. With the draft (compulsory military service) a story of the past, the US armed forces are facing man power crunch. To tide over these man power problems, the United States has opened its doors to all races and religions. The result is that sizeable numbers of Muslims have joined the Armed forces. The going was good so long as the USA was not involved in wars with Muslim nations, but once that started, the Muslims in the US armed forces suffered a trauma. They had dual loyalties as Islam is a religion that transcends boundaries.
Muslims in US Armed Forces
After the carnage at Fort Hood where an army Major named Nidal Hussain gunned down 13 of his colleagues as he felt that fighting war against Muslim nations was unjust, the United States army is uneasy. No army can fight a battle if it has an enemy in its own ranks. By that single act the problems in the US army have come to the fore.
There are about 5-7 million Muslims in the USA and their numbers are increasing. The US army has about 10,000 Muslims in its ranks. That's a small number compared to the overall strength of 1.4 million, but they are enough to create a headache. The army is beset with a problem as some Muslim soldiers detailed for duty in Afghanistan pray as per the Muslim custom five times a day. In a battle situation that becomes a liability. In addition, Muslims want special status during the month of Ramadan. Can the army call a truce and not fight during this period? For that matter can any army do that?
Cases are now coming out that soldiers detailed to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan feel its wrong to fight against their own brothers. Many Muslim soldiers have conscientious objections. There is no solution in sight. An Army sergeant detailed for combat duty in Kuwait against Iraq was so incensed that he threw a grenade and killed 2 officers and injured 14.
These are the cases that come out, but there are thousands who for a fact are not happy to fight their brethren at all. The US army is in a dilemma. Despite assertions by the Chief of staff, the fact is the USA while fighting against Muslim nations will have one hand tied behind its back if Muslim soldiers are in combat missions.
The Future
The Muslims were willing recruits once the USA was fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan, but that is all history. The new breed of converts is more fanatic and feels a brotherhood and don't want to kill fellow Muslims. The US Armed Forces will have to tide over this problem on its own. How will they do it? Can there be a loyalty test? The freedom enshrined in the US constitution will not allow it, as America is a free society. Perhaps the United States army will in its own way find a solution, but it won't be easy.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-US-Armed-Forces-and-Muslims-in-Its-Ranks&id=6613131] The US Armed Forces and Muslims in Its Ranks
America is a society at the cross roads. At one end, it is being besieged by Muslim radicals who have vowed to destroy the 'great Satan' meaning the USA and at the other end a significant number of blacks and a small number of whites have converted to Islam in the USA itself. The fact is that the Muslims as a percentage are the fastest growing community in the USA and the blacks after centuries of subjugation are now asserting themselves and one way they have followed, is by converting to Islam. Remember Cassius Clay converted to Islam 40 years back, to cock a fist at the white Americans.
Wars with Muslim Nations
The United States is involved in wars against the Muslims all over the globe. Though it is not a war against Islam per se, yet most of the opponents of the USA are Muslim Nations. Thus America is embroiled in a war in Afghanistan and is fighting a terrorist movement in Iraq, after the second Gulf war and ouster of Saddam Hussain. Another factor is a militant Iran, Syria and Yemen. Even a fringe in Pakistan led by the Haqqani faction is looking for ways to destabilize America.
Manpower Shortage
In such a scenario there is a need for additional manpower for the US armed forces. With the draft (compulsory military service) a story of the past, the US armed forces are facing man power crunch. To tide over these man power problems, the United States has opened its doors to all races and religions. The result is that sizeable numbers of Muslims have joined the Armed forces. The going was good so long as the USA was not involved in wars with Muslim nations, but once that started, the Muslims in the US armed forces suffered a trauma. They had dual loyalties as Islam is a religion that transcends boundaries.
Muslims in US Armed Forces
After the carnage at Fort Hood where an army Major named Nidal Hussain gunned down 13 of his colleagues as he felt that fighting war against Muslim nations was unjust, the United States army is uneasy. No army can fight a battle if it has an enemy in its own ranks. By that single act the problems in the US army have come to the fore.
There are about 5-7 million Muslims in the USA and their numbers are increasing. The US army has about 10,000 Muslims in its ranks. That's a small number compared to the overall strength of 1.4 million, but they are enough to create a headache. The army is beset with a problem as some Muslim soldiers detailed for duty in Afghanistan pray as per the Muslim custom five times a day. In a battle situation that becomes a liability. In addition, Muslims want special status during the month of Ramadan. Can the army call a truce and not fight during this period? For that matter can any army do that?
Cases are now coming out that soldiers detailed to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan feel its wrong to fight against their own brothers. Many Muslim soldiers have conscientious objections. There is no solution in sight. An Army sergeant detailed for combat duty in Kuwait against Iraq was so incensed that he threw a grenade and killed 2 officers and injured 14.
These are the cases that come out, but there are thousands who for a fact are not happy to fight their brethren at all. The US army is in a dilemma. Despite assertions by the Chief of staff, the fact is the USA while fighting against Muslim nations will have one hand tied behind its back if Muslim soldiers are in combat missions.
The Future
The Muslims were willing recruits once the USA was fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan, but that is all history. The new breed of converts is more fanatic and feels a brotherhood and don't want to kill fellow Muslims. The US Armed Forces will have to tide over this problem on its own. How will they do it? Can there be a loyalty test? The freedom enshrined in the US constitution will not allow it, as America is a free society. Perhaps the United States army will in its own way find a solution, but it won't be easy.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-US-Armed-Forces-and-Muslims-in-Its-Ranks&id=6613131] The US Armed Forces and Muslims in Its Ranks
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Fact Vs Fiction - The Bataan Death March on Film
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dan_L_Traub]Dan L Traub
The Bataan Death March, which happened during the first months of WWII, has been covered in very few movies and documentaries. Considering it was the largest surrender of U.S. troops to a foreign nation in America's history, you would think there would have been more films based on the story, and more documentaries produced.
Much confusion exists over what the March really was. One common misconception is that the men who surrendered from Corregidor were part of the Bataan Death March. They were not, they surrendered to the Japanese about a week after the Death March was over.
The History Channel has a documentary (2006), Oliver North covered the March in his Fox News Channel series "War Stories," and there are a few other independent documentaries floating around.
As far as theatrical films on the subject, the most well-known is "The Great Raid," (2005, Miramax) although that film really doesn't focus on the Death March, but on the raid of Camp Cabanatuan in January 1945. This mission was to rescue 500 remaining Death March survivors from Japanese captivity.
Robert Taylor did star in "Bataan" in 1943, along with Desi Arnaz, but that film concerns the battle in defense of the Philippines prior to the U.S. surrender and subsequent Death March.
The Story of the Bataan Death March
During 1940 and 1941, in the Philippine Islands (Archipelago), thousands of newly deployed U.S. troops were enjoying an island paradise. Unbeknownst to many of them, they had been sent through to hold the Japanese in the event of war.
For this was a time of great tensions between the two nations, and the U.S. had recently begun an embargo-prohibiting the sale of U.S. oil or fuel to Japan. Also, Hedeki Tojo had recently taken over as Prime Minister, and he not seen as willing to negotiate on issues such as Japan's long occupation and brutalization of China. He was much more inclined to go to war.
When the Japanese bombed Manila on the same day as they bombed Pearl Harbor, the battle for the Philippines began. Within weeks the Japanese invaded in earnest, and the 31st infantry, The 4th Marine Regiment, and other U.S. Army and Naval units held the Japanese back for four months, commencing an entrenched fighting defense of the Philippines from the Bataan Peninsula. Bataan is at the southernmost tip of the "Big" island of Luzon, and just south of Manila.
Also, over 30,000 U.S. Troops were holed up at the tiny Island of Corregidor, just off Bataan.
As supplies, including food, ammunition and medicine dried up, and General MacArthur himself was evacuated from the Philippines, it became evident that it was only a matter of time until the Japanese would overtake the Americans on Bataan and Corregidor (and on other islands in the Philippines).
So, on April 9th, 1942, General Edward King surrendered his tired, diseased and starving troops, about 10,000 Americans and 60,000 Filipino, to General Homma. What followed was weeks of torture and abuse, as the men were marched north to P.O.W. Camp O'Donnell, and in some cases Bilibid Prison in Manila. Many died and many had dysentery and malaria, but were not provided any care for their illnesses. Rather, the weak fell to the back of the long lines and were shot or beheaded.
Over sixty-eight years later, only a handful of Bataan Death March survivors are still alive, and they still tell their stories every chance they get.
Dan Traub is a writer, producer and host of several documentary features, released by his company Dreamkeeper Films, Inc, Ventura, CA. He is a also member of Screen Actor's Guild Hollywood. He has appeared in several films and reparatory plays, including Othello, Plaza Suite, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Visit [http://heroesfilm.com]Bataan Death March DVD
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fact-Vs-Fiction---The-Bataan-Death-March-on-Film&id=4915989] Fact Vs Fiction - The Bataan Death March on Film
The Bataan Death March, which happened during the first months of WWII, has been covered in very few movies and documentaries. Considering it was the largest surrender of U.S. troops to a foreign nation in America's history, you would think there would have been more films based on the story, and more documentaries produced.
Much confusion exists over what the March really was. One common misconception is that the men who surrendered from Corregidor were part of the Bataan Death March. They were not, they surrendered to the Japanese about a week after the Death March was over.
The History Channel has a documentary (2006), Oliver North covered the March in his Fox News Channel series "War Stories," and there are a few other independent documentaries floating around.
As far as theatrical films on the subject, the most well-known is "The Great Raid," (2005, Miramax) although that film really doesn't focus on the Death March, but on the raid of Camp Cabanatuan in January 1945. This mission was to rescue 500 remaining Death March survivors from Japanese captivity.
Robert Taylor did star in "Bataan" in 1943, along with Desi Arnaz, but that film concerns the battle in defense of the Philippines prior to the U.S. surrender and subsequent Death March.
The Story of the Bataan Death March
During 1940 and 1941, in the Philippine Islands (Archipelago), thousands of newly deployed U.S. troops were enjoying an island paradise. Unbeknownst to many of them, they had been sent through to hold the Japanese in the event of war.
For this was a time of great tensions between the two nations, and the U.S. had recently begun an embargo-prohibiting the sale of U.S. oil or fuel to Japan. Also, Hedeki Tojo had recently taken over as Prime Minister, and he not seen as willing to negotiate on issues such as Japan's long occupation and brutalization of China. He was much more inclined to go to war.
When the Japanese bombed Manila on the same day as they bombed Pearl Harbor, the battle for the Philippines began. Within weeks the Japanese invaded in earnest, and the 31st infantry, The 4th Marine Regiment, and other U.S. Army and Naval units held the Japanese back for four months, commencing an entrenched fighting defense of the Philippines from the Bataan Peninsula. Bataan is at the southernmost tip of the "Big" island of Luzon, and just south of Manila.
Also, over 30,000 U.S. Troops were holed up at the tiny Island of Corregidor, just off Bataan.
As supplies, including food, ammunition and medicine dried up, and General MacArthur himself was evacuated from the Philippines, it became evident that it was only a matter of time until the Japanese would overtake the Americans on Bataan and Corregidor (and on other islands in the Philippines).
So, on April 9th, 1942, General Edward King surrendered his tired, diseased and starving troops, about 10,000 Americans and 60,000 Filipino, to General Homma. What followed was weeks of torture and abuse, as the men were marched north to P.O.W. Camp O'Donnell, and in some cases Bilibid Prison in Manila. Many died and many had dysentery and malaria, but were not provided any care for their illnesses. Rather, the weak fell to the back of the long lines and were shot or beheaded.
Over sixty-eight years later, only a handful of Bataan Death March survivors are still alive, and they still tell their stories every chance they get.
Dan Traub is a writer, producer and host of several documentary features, released by his company Dreamkeeper Films, Inc, Ventura, CA. He is a also member of Screen Actor's Guild Hollywood. He has appeared in several films and reparatory plays, including Othello, Plaza Suite, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Visit [http://heroesfilm.com]Bataan Death March DVD
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fact-Vs-Fiction---The-Bataan-Death-March-on-Film&id=4915989] Fact Vs Fiction - The Bataan Death March on Film
Sunday, December 18, 2011
We Don't Need a Department of Peace - We Have the State Department for That
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
The other day, I was discussing with an acquaintance the potential to slightly modify US policy in the world when it comes to foreign affairs. I suppose there's always been a lot of talk along these lines especially when it comes to the political impasse which often leads to wars, perhaps out of political animosity, ego, pride, or a nation-state dictator who is hostile from the word go. Still, does that mean the US should oblige and go to war?
Indeed, perhaps like you, I hate war, I hate it with a passion, still, sometimes wars happen and we cannot expect, at least in the present period, to assume that we can always maintain the peace. After all, there are some things that we just cannot stomach, and thus, we decide that action is prudent. I often joke with friends that we don't just need a Department of Defense, we also need a Department of Offense, as often a good offense is the best defense. Still, my more liberal leaning friends will tell me we need a "Department of Peace!"
Well, okay, but let's never forget the policy of "Peace through Strength" has served us well, and we must have the strongest military in the solar system if we are to maintain the greatest nation in human history. Remember we are dealing with humans in this dialogue, they are predictable, and although mostly harmless, they cannot always be trusted, thus, a strong defense/offence is needed.
Now then, is it really the US Military's job to promote peace in the world? No, not really, that would be the job for the State Department and the policies of the Administration in charge at the time, working hard to work through differences, working hard to prevent political impasse, continue open dialogue and foster trade and positive relations globally, after all, that is in our best interests in the end.
So, what is the job of the military, well to win wars, protect our nation, work with our allies' militaries, and watch over our strategic interests as outlined by the civilian administration's policies. Okay so, if we ask our military to wage peace, and foster good will, perhaps through military diplomacy, fighting common causes like pirates, or serving in natural disaster aide, that's fine. But our military must remain able to fight and to win wars when necessary, and maintain operational ability at all times. That's their main job, everything else is nothing more than an extension of political expediency. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?We-Dont-Need-a-Department-of-Peace---We-Have-the-State-Department-for-That&id=6629059] We Don't Need a Department of Peace - We Have the State Department for That
The other day, I was discussing with an acquaintance the potential to slightly modify US policy in the world when it comes to foreign affairs. I suppose there's always been a lot of talk along these lines especially when it comes to the political impasse which often leads to wars, perhaps out of political animosity, ego, pride, or a nation-state dictator who is hostile from the word go. Still, does that mean the US should oblige and go to war?
Indeed, perhaps like you, I hate war, I hate it with a passion, still, sometimes wars happen and we cannot expect, at least in the present period, to assume that we can always maintain the peace. After all, there are some things that we just cannot stomach, and thus, we decide that action is prudent. I often joke with friends that we don't just need a Department of Defense, we also need a Department of Offense, as often a good offense is the best defense. Still, my more liberal leaning friends will tell me we need a "Department of Peace!"
Well, okay, but let's never forget the policy of "Peace through Strength" has served us well, and we must have the strongest military in the solar system if we are to maintain the greatest nation in human history. Remember we are dealing with humans in this dialogue, they are predictable, and although mostly harmless, they cannot always be trusted, thus, a strong defense/offence is needed.
Now then, is it really the US Military's job to promote peace in the world? No, not really, that would be the job for the State Department and the policies of the Administration in charge at the time, working hard to work through differences, working hard to prevent political impasse, continue open dialogue and foster trade and positive relations globally, after all, that is in our best interests in the end.
So, what is the job of the military, well to win wars, protect our nation, work with our allies' militaries, and watch over our strategic interests as outlined by the civilian administration's policies. Okay so, if we ask our military to wage peace, and foster good will, perhaps through military diplomacy, fighting common causes like pirates, or serving in natural disaster aide, that's fine. But our military must remain able to fight and to win wars when necessary, and maintain operational ability at all times. That's their main job, everything else is nothing more than an extension of political expediency. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?We-Dont-Need-a-Department-of-Peace---We-Have-the-State-Department-for-That&id=6629059] We Don't Need a Department of Peace - We Have the State Department for That
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tiger VS Sherman Solved Once And For All
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Panzer_Kumar]Panzer Kumar
I saw this issue been discussed on several forums online but with little perfection, so let us analyze and find a solution once and for all. OK let's get started, when it comes to any match up or show down one must know the details on both the sides. So let's first look into both the tanks before we match them up. Let's look some detailed and important facts and information rather than common stats and numbers that can be found everywhere.
A brief look into Sherman tanks:
When talking about Shermans we can't forget that they won the day for the western allies after D-day landings. But what are the real facts and details of these famous tanks?
What made Shermans so powerful?
Shermans were simple but highly reliable tank in terms of manufacturing and repairing furthermore they were easy to use. For instance, they could move comfortably on most surfaces where Tigers will either fail or require special attention like building special bridges and so on. Moreover Shermans are highly simplified tanking solution when compared to most other World War 2 tanks (expect T-34s). And they are far easy to mass produce compared to any German ww2 tank. In fact they shared some spare parts with cars including engines from Ford cars. This interchangeability of parts and a massive automobile industry behind it was a great plus for Shermans. This was not all about the greatness and versatility of Shermans they could perform different tasks in their various versions. Take for an example, they can spray fire (flames), clear mines and even lay bridges in different versions. And above all they had the massive American Automobile industry and economy behind. But once on the battlefield, Sherman's light weight and simplicity proved fatal.
Serious drawbacks in Sherman:
As we had already seen 'Shermans' were much simpler tanks focused primarily on quantity (mass production) and not the Quality (crew comfort or protection). The armor was so light which provided a high speed but little protection, as a result it was easily destroyed by enemy fire. Little importance was given to crew comfort and protection. Furthermore the gasoline engine which powered it was highly inflammable and burned badly upon impact, earning it the nickname "Tommy-cooker". To make things worse Sherman needs to get in 100 meters range to take down any German heavy tanks, while most German tanks(either Panther or Tiger) was capable of taking down a Sherman at a staggering 1000 or in the case of tiger more than 2000 meters.
A short sight on Tigers:
To say in one word, Tiger Tanks were the best and by far the most powerful tank of ww2. They were far advanced and much more deadly to anything that stood in their way.
What made Tigers such so strong?
The German doctrine for tanks during ww2 was "Quality over Quantity" where else the allies believed "Quantity has its own Quality". Thus German tanks were far superior in quality compared to any of their counterparts. For instance the tigers were far advanced and most feared tank during ww2. Tigers were indeed monsters of destruction they were well armored and armed to tooth. Unlike most of us think, tigers were not strong due to their thick armor, in-fact they were armored in an ingenious way. Rather than placing the armor plates vertically, the armor was placed in a sloped manner, some historians' say this tactic was copied from the Russians. But indeed the Germans copied and upgraded the idea of slope armor. In theory, the Russians sloped their armor to 30 degree which increased the frontal armor's thickness effectively without increasing the tanks weight. However, the Germans found that if the armor plate was sloped to a staggering 60 degree, then there will be no grip for the incoming shells to penetrate the armor instead they just bounced off the thick armor. That's the reason why allied tank shells bounced of the Tiger's armor as there was not enough grip to penetrate. This gave the Tiger crews a feeling of invincibility and confidence as there were no weapons to destroy them on the battle field. While the slope armor gave it invincibility its main gun, the 88 mm (originally an antiaircraft gun) gave it a supreme firepower compared to anything the allies had imagined. It was the desert corps under "Erwin Rommel" (desert fox) who first created the idea to use these massive and reliable 88mm anti-aircraft guns in anti tank roles. Later these 88mm cannons were placed on a heavily armored tank resulting in the production of TIGERS. As a result, the Tiger could fire and destroy most allied tanks at a staggering range where the allied tanks can't even see the tiger. Tiger can penetrate the frontal armor of most allied tanks from a massive 1000 -- 2000 meters while almost all allied tanks (except a few later Tanks) must be within a 100 meter range to penetrate the Tiger, that too mostly its rear or side not the frontal armor. With these records and stats there is no surprise when the history says some allied tank crew preferred to run when faced by the overwhelming odds of the Tiger's destructiveness. This caused a psychological fear factor and gave rise to the term "Tiger-phobia". But even the toughest Tigers had some serious issues and draw backs (mostly due to political and economical state).
Flaws within the claws of Tigers:
Perhaps the biggest setback for tigers was its production status, as they were always outnumbered by most allied tanks. As discussed earlier, German doctrine by that time was "Quality over Quantity" unlike the American and Russian "Quantity has its own Quality" as a result the Tigers were always outnumbered. This is because both Sherman and T34 were far cheap and easy to make while the Tiger was a high-tech, Complex and Over Engineered Tank which was far tougher to manufacture let alone mass produce. Manufactured in a very few numbers they always lacked the numbers and were very tough to be replaced. Furthermore tigers were prone to mechanical issues and were very tough to repair (although this issue was fixed soon). Even worse was its bulk size, weighing around 62 tons they were too slow on most terrain. Although for their size they were reasonably fast yet not fast enough to match its counterparts. Their weight restricted them from crossing most small bridges and so forced to either wait till special bridges to be built or cross rivers directly. But as said their worst problem was being Over- Engineered tank they were far ahead of their time and was tough to make and cost more time and materials than any other tank built during the war. Most of these draw backs were to be blamed on Nazis not on German Engineers or army. For it was Hitler's direct wish to make a tank that was stronger than any before while ignoring practicality of mass production.
Sherman Vs Tiger on battle field:
By now there must be no issue to decide which tank will win when faced head on. Even the Sherman crew will agree that it will be hands down to Tiger Tanks. OK if so how was it possible for the allied commanders to deal with Tigers and win the war? Well it was so simple.. as I told already, there was always a Sherman to replace destroyed Shermans while replacing a Tiger was almost impossible. In this showdown it was just a number game and the Shermans were able to win it. In fact the allied commanders made a pathetic strategy to deal with the Tigers; the idea was to sacrifice 4 Sherman tanks to take down a Tiger for Shermans can always be replaced with a massive American automobile industry behind. But here one must not forget that it was not just the mere metal tank that was sacrificed but also the American crew to take down a Tiger. As a result despite a victory here the allies cant claim any show of strength they used Shermans almost in a similar role against the Tigers as the Japanese used their Zeros during the later day of war(Kamikaze).
The final outcome:
Its one of the toughest question to answer but one cant consider a pure number victory as a reason to declare a tank as stronger tank.. I will do that I you could agree that millions of ants capable of killing man can mean that ants are stronger than Humans. Here the answer is simple it was the Shermans who won the war (not the war between the tanks but the ww2) while the Tigers won the Tank vs. tank battle hands down..
I am Panzer Kumar a professional content writer from India. Contact me for article writing, SEO content writing and SEO Ranking. For any SEO or Content related tasks Contact us on [mailto:Catchmeifyoucanp7@yahoo.com]Catchmeifyoucanp7@yahoo.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tiger-VS-Sherman-Solved-Once-And-For-All&id=6619829] Tiger VS Sherman Solved Once And For All
I saw this issue been discussed on several forums online but with little perfection, so let us analyze and find a solution once and for all. OK let's get started, when it comes to any match up or show down one must know the details on both the sides. So let's first look into both the tanks before we match them up. Let's look some detailed and important facts and information rather than common stats and numbers that can be found everywhere.
A brief look into Sherman tanks:
When talking about Shermans we can't forget that they won the day for the western allies after D-day landings. But what are the real facts and details of these famous tanks?
What made Shermans so powerful?
Shermans were simple but highly reliable tank in terms of manufacturing and repairing furthermore they were easy to use. For instance, they could move comfortably on most surfaces where Tigers will either fail or require special attention like building special bridges and so on. Moreover Shermans are highly simplified tanking solution when compared to most other World War 2 tanks (expect T-34s). And they are far easy to mass produce compared to any German ww2 tank. In fact they shared some spare parts with cars including engines from Ford cars. This interchangeability of parts and a massive automobile industry behind it was a great plus for Shermans. This was not all about the greatness and versatility of Shermans they could perform different tasks in their various versions. Take for an example, they can spray fire (flames), clear mines and even lay bridges in different versions. And above all they had the massive American Automobile industry and economy behind. But once on the battlefield, Sherman's light weight and simplicity proved fatal.
Serious drawbacks in Sherman:
As we had already seen 'Shermans' were much simpler tanks focused primarily on quantity (mass production) and not the Quality (crew comfort or protection). The armor was so light which provided a high speed but little protection, as a result it was easily destroyed by enemy fire. Little importance was given to crew comfort and protection. Furthermore the gasoline engine which powered it was highly inflammable and burned badly upon impact, earning it the nickname "Tommy-cooker". To make things worse Sherman needs to get in 100 meters range to take down any German heavy tanks, while most German tanks(either Panther or Tiger) was capable of taking down a Sherman at a staggering 1000 or in the case of tiger more than 2000 meters.
A short sight on Tigers:
To say in one word, Tiger Tanks were the best and by far the most powerful tank of ww2. They were far advanced and much more deadly to anything that stood in their way.
What made Tigers such so strong?
The German doctrine for tanks during ww2 was "Quality over Quantity" where else the allies believed "Quantity has its own Quality". Thus German tanks were far superior in quality compared to any of their counterparts. For instance the tigers were far advanced and most feared tank during ww2. Tigers were indeed monsters of destruction they were well armored and armed to tooth. Unlike most of us think, tigers were not strong due to their thick armor, in-fact they were armored in an ingenious way. Rather than placing the armor plates vertically, the armor was placed in a sloped manner, some historians' say this tactic was copied from the Russians. But indeed the Germans copied and upgraded the idea of slope armor. In theory, the Russians sloped their armor to 30 degree which increased the frontal armor's thickness effectively without increasing the tanks weight. However, the Germans found that if the armor plate was sloped to a staggering 60 degree, then there will be no grip for the incoming shells to penetrate the armor instead they just bounced off the thick armor. That's the reason why allied tank shells bounced of the Tiger's armor as there was not enough grip to penetrate. This gave the Tiger crews a feeling of invincibility and confidence as there were no weapons to destroy them on the battle field. While the slope armor gave it invincibility its main gun, the 88 mm (originally an antiaircraft gun) gave it a supreme firepower compared to anything the allies had imagined. It was the desert corps under "Erwin Rommel" (desert fox) who first created the idea to use these massive and reliable 88mm anti-aircraft guns in anti tank roles. Later these 88mm cannons were placed on a heavily armored tank resulting in the production of TIGERS. As a result, the Tiger could fire and destroy most allied tanks at a staggering range where the allied tanks can't even see the tiger. Tiger can penetrate the frontal armor of most allied tanks from a massive 1000 -- 2000 meters while almost all allied tanks (except a few later Tanks) must be within a 100 meter range to penetrate the Tiger, that too mostly its rear or side not the frontal armor. With these records and stats there is no surprise when the history says some allied tank crew preferred to run when faced by the overwhelming odds of the Tiger's destructiveness. This caused a psychological fear factor and gave rise to the term "Tiger-phobia". But even the toughest Tigers had some serious issues and draw backs (mostly due to political and economical state).
Flaws within the claws of Tigers:
Perhaps the biggest setback for tigers was its production status, as they were always outnumbered by most allied tanks. As discussed earlier, German doctrine by that time was "Quality over Quantity" unlike the American and Russian "Quantity has its own Quality" as a result the Tigers were always outnumbered. This is because both Sherman and T34 were far cheap and easy to make while the Tiger was a high-tech, Complex and Over Engineered Tank which was far tougher to manufacture let alone mass produce. Manufactured in a very few numbers they always lacked the numbers and were very tough to be replaced. Furthermore tigers were prone to mechanical issues and were very tough to repair (although this issue was fixed soon). Even worse was its bulk size, weighing around 62 tons they were too slow on most terrain. Although for their size they were reasonably fast yet not fast enough to match its counterparts. Their weight restricted them from crossing most small bridges and so forced to either wait till special bridges to be built or cross rivers directly. But as said their worst problem was being Over- Engineered tank they were far ahead of their time and was tough to make and cost more time and materials than any other tank built during the war. Most of these draw backs were to be blamed on Nazis not on German Engineers or army. For it was Hitler's direct wish to make a tank that was stronger than any before while ignoring practicality of mass production.
Sherman Vs Tiger on battle field:
By now there must be no issue to decide which tank will win when faced head on. Even the Sherman crew will agree that it will be hands down to Tiger Tanks. OK if so how was it possible for the allied commanders to deal with Tigers and win the war? Well it was so simple.. as I told already, there was always a Sherman to replace destroyed Shermans while replacing a Tiger was almost impossible. In this showdown it was just a number game and the Shermans were able to win it. In fact the allied commanders made a pathetic strategy to deal with the Tigers; the idea was to sacrifice 4 Sherman tanks to take down a Tiger for Shermans can always be replaced with a massive American automobile industry behind. But here one must not forget that it was not just the mere metal tank that was sacrificed but also the American crew to take down a Tiger. As a result despite a victory here the allies cant claim any show of strength they used Shermans almost in a similar role against the Tigers as the Japanese used their Zeros during the later day of war(Kamikaze).
The final outcome:
Its one of the toughest question to answer but one cant consider a pure number victory as a reason to declare a tank as stronger tank.. I will do that I you could agree that millions of ants capable of killing man can mean that ants are stronger than Humans. Here the answer is simple it was the Shermans who won the war (not the war between the tanks but the ww2) while the Tigers won the Tank vs. tank battle hands down..
I am Panzer Kumar a professional content writer from India. Contact me for article writing, SEO content writing and SEO Ranking. For any SEO or Content related tasks Contact us on [mailto:Catchmeifyoucanp7@yahoo.com]Catchmeifyoucanp7@yahoo.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tiger-VS-Sherman-Solved-Once-And-For-All&id=6619829] Tiger VS Sherman Solved Once And For All
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Defeat to Victory - Stalingrad of the East, Kohima
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Madan_G_Singh]Madan G Singh
A battle akin to Stalingrad in importance took place in 1944 when the British-Indian 14th Army under General William Slim made its stand against the Imperial Army at Kohima.
Background
The scenario was in favor of the Japanese Army which had driven the British-Indian army out of Burma. The Japanese were better equipped and had also a favorable air situation and this told in the Japanese advance.
In addition Subhas Chandra Bose had sided with the Japanese and repeatedly asked the Indians to surrender and throw off their British masters. However the mass of Indian soldiery did not support Bose.
The Last Stand at the Gate of India
At the beginning of 1944 the Japanese had reached Kohima which is the gate of India. The Japanese Imperial army was led by General Renya Mutagachi, a die-hard veteran of the war. He commanded the Japanese 15th army with 3 divisions namely the 15th, 31st and 33rd divisions. The morale was high and the Imperial army commander was confident of a victory and advance on to Delhi. He was assisted by about 2 divisions of the Indian national Army.
The British decided to stand firm at Kohima as they were aware that a defeat here would open the gate to a Japanese advance into the Indo-Gangetic plain and Delhi. The British garrisoned Kohima with the 2nd British division and the 7th Indian division. The RAF kept up a regular supply of ammunition and foodstuff in the face of heavy Japanese ack-ack gun fire.
Siege of Kohima
The Siege of Kohima
On 4th April the Japanese mounted an offensive.General Mutagachi planned to encircle the 14th Army. He was sure that the 14th army would surrender. This was based on his past experience. But the army facing him was high on morale and much better equipped. In addition the Indian soldiers had heard of the Japanese massacres in the 'liberated' Andaman islands and were in no mood to surrender. The Indian troops facing the Japanese were hand-picked by General Slim and had a large number of Sikhs and Rajputs.
The Japanese encircled Kohima, but the anticipated surrender did not take place. General Mutagachi now ordered a frontal assault. Repeated Japanese attacks were blunted and there was severe hand to hand fighting but the Imperial Army could make no headway. In addition his own supply lines were extended and with the rains round the corner the Japanese began to have doubts.
The Last Attack of General Mutagachi
The frontal attacks of the Japanese force now began to falter with rising casualties. The Japanese also learnt that reinforcements and heavier guns and tanks were on their way to help the Kohima garrison.General Renya ordered a last assault but was repulsed with heavy loss of life.Bitter hand to hand fighting again took place but the 14 army did not give ground. but the attack failed.
On 22 June 1944, the Japanese commander gave orders to withdraw. It had been a stunning defeat for the Japanese and India was saved. The Indian-British army now counterattacked and the Japanese began to retreat.
The Japanese failure to capture Kohima had wide repercussions and played a big part in their later retreat in Burma. All glory to the British Indian Army that held firm.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Defeat-to-Victory---Stalingrad-of-the-East,-Kohima&id=6633004] Defeat to Victory - Stalingrad of the East, Kohima
A battle akin to Stalingrad in importance took place in 1944 when the British-Indian 14th Army under General William Slim made its stand against the Imperial Army at Kohima.
Background
The scenario was in favor of the Japanese Army which had driven the British-Indian army out of Burma. The Japanese were better equipped and had also a favorable air situation and this told in the Japanese advance.
In addition Subhas Chandra Bose had sided with the Japanese and repeatedly asked the Indians to surrender and throw off their British masters. However the mass of Indian soldiery did not support Bose.
The Last Stand at the Gate of India
At the beginning of 1944 the Japanese had reached Kohima which is the gate of India. The Japanese Imperial army was led by General Renya Mutagachi, a die-hard veteran of the war. He commanded the Japanese 15th army with 3 divisions namely the 15th, 31st and 33rd divisions. The morale was high and the Imperial army commander was confident of a victory and advance on to Delhi. He was assisted by about 2 divisions of the Indian national Army.
The British decided to stand firm at Kohima as they were aware that a defeat here would open the gate to a Japanese advance into the Indo-Gangetic plain and Delhi. The British garrisoned Kohima with the 2nd British division and the 7th Indian division. The RAF kept up a regular supply of ammunition and foodstuff in the face of heavy Japanese ack-ack gun fire.
Siege of Kohima
The Siege of Kohima
On 4th April the Japanese mounted an offensive.General Mutagachi planned to encircle the 14th Army. He was sure that the 14th army would surrender. This was based on his past experience. But the army facing him was high on morale and much better equipped. In addition the Indian soldiers had heard of the Japanese massacres in the 'liberated' Andaman islands and were in no mood to surrender. The Indian troops facing the Japanese were hand-picked by General Slim and had a large number of Sikhs and Rajputs.
The Japanese encircled Kohima, but the anticipated surrender did not take place. General Mutagachi now ordered a frontal assault. Repeated Japanese attacks were blunted and there was severe hand to hand fighting but the Imperial Army could make no headway. In addition his own supply lines were extended and with the rains round the corner the Japanese began to have doubts.
The Last Attack of General Mutagachi
The frontal attacks of the Japanese force now began to falter with rising casualties. The Japanese also learnt that reinforcements and heavier guns and tanks were on their way to help the Kohima garrison.General Renya ordered a last assault but was repulsed with heavy loss of life.Bitter hand to hand fighting again took place but the 14 army did not give ground. but the attack failed.
On 22 June 1944, the Japanese commander gave orders to withdraw. It had been a stunning defeat for the Japanese and India was saved. The Indian-British army now counterattacked and the Japanese began to retreat.
The Japanese failure to capture Kohima had wide repercussions and played a big part in their later retreat in Burma. All glory to the British Indian Army that held firm.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Defeat-to-Victory---Stalingrad-of-the-East,-Kohima&id=6633004] Defeat to Victory - Stalingrad of the East, Kohima
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Future of Space Wars - Can Humans Prevent It?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
The idea of wars in space seem rather unfortunate, but humans, you know they will probably do what humans do, at least history predicts this, along with futuristic science fiction; Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek for instance. But does it have to be this way? Most of the intellectual elite decry weapons in space, personally, I am quite worried about dual-use space tech as the private space industry moves forward, as the last thing we need is Space Jihadists.
Of course, I suppose before too long folks like Tom Clancy will be writing about that too, as have all the Science Fiction writers. Indeed, science is catching up to science fiction writers, so those writers better get their minds in gear, because friends; Space Is Here! Who will participate in space? All nations, all regions, all cultures, that's who.
There was an interesting article recently on SpaceWar [dot] com titled; "China underlines importance of afeguarding peaceful use of outer space," by Staff Writers in
New York NY (XNA) - posted on Oct 19, 2011.
"China said the safeguarding of peaceful use of outer space and preventing the weaponization of and an arms race in outer space; "the outer space is the common wealth of mankind as the global public space," and "The outer space is the common wealth of mankind as the global public space," and "The permanent peace of outer space is correlated to all nations' security, development and prosperity."
Now then, it's not that I do not agree with those comments, truly I do, it's that I do recall that China did shoot down one of its own satellites as a test, and to show the world that it had the capacity to do so. China has war strategy plans to take out enemy surveillance on "high-ground" or space satellites of any enemy if it goes to war and things escalate to that point. Can you imagine the exponential challenge with space debris if a nation starts shooting down or blowing up satellites?
First, the missile will no doubt pre-detonate prior to hitting the satellite so that all the little projectiles go out like a shot gun like a "proximity detonation" strategy. Those projectiles that miss are also space debris and will end up orbiting the Earth endangering other satellites in the future for decades to come. Each time one makes an impact that satellite will shed pieces and so on.
Second, the satellite which is taken out by the missile will come apart into little pieces which will also be orbiting for quite awhile, yes, some pieces will find themselves in orbital decay soon enough, and we will see nice little multi-colored meteor-like streaks overhead now and again.
Why I find China's comments interesting, ironic, and downright hypocritical is because on one hand they are making space weapons, testing them, and on the other hand telling everyone else that we need to do something about this in the future. Well, why not lead by example I dare to ask of the Chinese Government and Military. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Future-of-Space-Wars---Can-Humans-Prevent-It?&id=6643497] The Future of Space Wars - Can Humans Prevent It?
The idea of wars in space seem rather unfortunate, but humans, you know they will probably do what humans do, at least history predicts this, along with futuristic science fiction; Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek for instance. But does it have to be this way? Most of the intellectual elite decry weapons in space, personally, I am quite worried about dual-use space tech as the private space industry moves forward, as the last thing we need is Space Jihadists.
Of course, I suppose before too long folks like Tom Clancy will be writing about that too, as have all the Science Fiction writers. Indeed, science is catching up to science fiction writers, so those writers better get their minds in gear, because friends; Space Is Here! Who will participate in space? All nations, all regions, all cultures, that's who.
There was an interesting article recently on SpaceWar [dot] com titled; "China underlines importance of afeguarding peaceful use of outer space," by Staff Writers in
New York NY (XNA) - posted on Oct 19, 2011.
"China said the safeguarding of peaceful use of outer space and preventing the weaponization of and an arms race in outer space; "the outer space is the common wealth of mankind as the global public space," and "The outer space is the common wealth of mankind as the global public space," and "The permanent peace of outer space is correlated to all nations' security, development and prosperity."
Now then, it's not that I do not agree with those comments, truly I do, it's that I do recall that China did shoot down one of its own satellites as a test, and to show the world that it had the capacity to do so. China has war strategy plans to take out enemy surveillance on "high-ground" or space satellites of any enemy if it goes to war and things escalate to that point. Can you imagine the exponential challenge with space debris if a nation starts shooting down or blowing up satellites?
First, the missile will no doubt pre-detonate prior to hitting the satellite so that all the little projectiles go out like a shot gun like a "proximity detonation" strategy. Those projectiles that miss are also space debris and will end up orbiting the Earth endangering other satellites in the future for decades to come. Each time one makes an impact that satellite will shed pieces and so on.
Second, the satellite which is taken out by the missile will come apart into little pieces which will also be orbiting for quite awhile, yes, some pieces will find themselves in orbital decay soon enough, and we will see nice little multi-colored meteor-like streaks overhead now and again.
Why I find China's comments interesting, ironic, and downright hypocritical is because on one hand they are making space weapons, testing them, and on the other hand telling everyone else that we need to do something about this in the future. Well, why not lead by example I dare to ask of the Chinese Government and Military. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Future-of-Space-Wars---Can-Humans-Prevent-It?&id=6643497] The Future of Space Wars - Can Humans Prevent It?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Improvements on Raytheon's Dirigible Over the Horizon Radar System Prototype
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
There are many great future military technologies on the horizon, some even just over the horizon in fact. One technology which has always intrigued me has been the use of lighter-than-air dirigibles for surveillance and early warning systems. Perhaps, my fascination began from stories about my grandfather and his work in the US Navy with their blimp program. Today, I noted that Northrop, Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed all have dirigible technology programs.
YouTube Video was posted on; October 11, 2011 by YouTube user "USAmilitarypower" titled; "Raytheon's Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor" - and it depicted a rather cool mini-blimp aerostat called J-LENS which is deployed in 120-hours, anywhere in the world and sits up at 10,000 feet AGL.
This is great technology and I'd like to add a tube through the center of the dirigible with a wind turbine generator inside to help with power to run the radar, plus, energy for keeping the compressor up, plus some steering, and morphing for higher winds. This lessens the need for a power cable, making the system safer, less radar signature, and save on fuel for remote locations, if you can do this, I'd like to recommend it.
In other words, using the Bernoulli principle to speed up the air, then a wind turbine system in the tube, so it could I produce enough energy to run the radar system, with perhaps a power plant to help steer the dirigible? This would lighten the load as the power cable wouldn't be needed. Think about it 10,000 feet of power cable weighs quite a bit.
Now there are many who do not have strong positive feelings for high-altitude dirigibles, and I definitely understand why. The winds up high are not always calm, and depending on the region, and jet-stream it is possible that such systems wouldn't work at all, thus, the use of UAVs instead. Using a wind turbine inside of a blimp perpetuates the drag challenging the ability of the blimp to maintain its altitude and putting the cable or tether at an extreme angle, meaning even more is needed, thus more weight too.
The critics on this are correct, however, I suppose the wind at 10,000 feet if it's not in a major jet-stream area is somewhat reliable within a range, and the air-pressure is much less, but I agree, "somewhat" isn't good enough and they have a terrible time with the CA, AZ/ Mexico border dirigibles for surveillance and they don't even go up that high in Yuma or Ft. Huachuca, AZ.
A streamlined flying wing type dirigible could perhaps fly a little, thus, less light-than-air gas would be needed. A morphable dirigible could counter-act for such challenges and end up working well. These are all just preliminary thoughts on the concept, and there are some kids with a start-up at MIT with a dirigible tunnel kite wind generation system testing prototypes now. Anyway, please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Improvements-on-Raytheons-Dirigible-Over-the-Horizon-Radar-System-Prototype&id=6643550] Improvements on Raytheon's Dirigible Over the Horizon Radar System Prototype
There are many great future military technologies on the horizon, some even just over the horizon in fact. One technology which has always intrigued me has been the use of lighter-than-air dirigibles for surveillance and early warning systems. Perhaps, my fascination began from stories about my grandfather and his work in the US Navy with their blimp program. Today, I noted that Northrop, Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed all have dirigible technology programs.
YouTube Video was posted on; October 11, 2011 by YouTube user "USAmilitarypower" titled; "Raytheon's Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor" - and it depicted a rather cool mini-blimp aerostat called J-LENS which is deployed in 120-hours, anywhere in the world and sits up at 10,000 feet AGL.
This is great technology and I'd like to add a tube through the center of the dirigible with a wind turbine generator inside to help with power to run the radar, plus, energy for keeping the compressor up, plus some steering, and morphing for higher winds. This lessens the need for a power cable, making the system safer, less radar signature, and save on fuel for remote locations, if you can do this, I'd like to recommend it.
In other words, using the Bernoulli principle to speed up the air, then a wind turbine system in the tube, so it could I produce enough energy to run the radar system, with perhaps a power plant to help steer the dirigible? This would lighten the load as the power cable wouldn't be needed. Think about it 10,000 feet of power cable weighs quite a bit.
Now there are many who do not have strong positive feelings for high-altitude dirigibles, and I definitely understand why. The winds up high are not always calm, and depending on the region, and jet-stream it is possible that such systems wouldn't work at all, thus, the use of UAVs instead. Using a wind turbine inside of a blimp perpetuates the drag challenging the ability of the blimp to maintain its altitude and putting the cable or tether at an extreme angle, meaning even more is needed, thus more weight too.
The critics on this are correct, however, I suppose the wind at 10,000 feet if it's not in a major jet-stream area is somewhat reliable within a range, and the air-pressure is much less, but I agree, "somewhat" isn't good enough and they have a terrible time with the CA, AZ/ Mexico border dirigibles for surveillance and they don't even go up that high in Yuma or Ft. Huachuca, AZ.
A streamlined flying wing type dirigible could perhaps fly a little, thus, less light-than-air gas would be needed. A morphable dirigible could counter-act for such challenges and end up working well. These are all just preliminary thoughts on the concept, and there are some kids with a start-up at MIT with a dirigible tunnel kite wind generation system testing prototypes now. Anyway, please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Improvements-on-Raytheons-Dirigible-Over-the-Horizon-Radar-System-Prototype&id=6643550] Improvements on Raytheon's Dirigible Over the Horizon Radar System Prototype
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Should WMD Be a Prerequisite for an Iranian Conflict?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Most geo-political analysts assume, wrongly in my opinion, that the United States would need a major event to trigger a war with Iran. Right now, war maybe much closer than many realize, even the major players such as Saudi Arabia, the US, and Israel, and there is a lot up in the air with the major recent events such as the Arab Spring turned summer, fall, and perhaps winter in Syria. A new Palestinian recognized nation-state would be another, and the latest Turkey Earthquake, and Turkey's move into Kurdish dominated Iraq.
Those who believe a major event would be needed to trigger a US involved war with Iran perhaps would consider an event such as Iran would have to;
-Come very close to or create a nuclear weapon
-Start attaching nukes to short range missiles
-Blatantly attack US Troops in Iraq or Afghanistan with massive casualties
-Be caught red-handed in the next rocket attack barrage by Hamas or Hezbollah on the Jewish State of Israel.
One recent acquaintance of mine believes that the burden of proof would be necessary first, and that we'd have to prove that Iran was still making nuclear weapons and had a full-scale nuclear weapons and uranium enrichment process for that purpose busily reaching the needed percentages to make a nuclear bomb. Now then is there a way for the US to prove it?
Well, personally I am unconvinced WMD even matters, as we are already at war with Iran and their regime is interfering with Iraq, Afghanistan, NATO operations, and powering up Hezbollah and Hamas. Their airlines are feeding and flying Qod forces around, they are using trickery to get around sanctions to deliver weapons, we've found cashes of weapons in the theatre in Iraq, Afghanistan, and infiltration into Iraq from several borders, they are interfering with Bahrain where we have one of our fleets, and military bases.
I do not believe WMD is even a box that needs to be checked off. I also do not believe we need 3000 US troops in Iraq as sitting ducks who will be attacked as a reason to go after Iran. Iran is ramping up and building Chinese knock-off anti-ship C-802 missiles, and generally preparing for war in the Gulf, or to stop oil shipments, also interfering with Iran's oil production which is barely 2.6 billion barrels and needs to be 12-13 per year for world supply.
Iran/Venezuela with more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia now wants to stick it to the Western World, and with high oil prices good-luck with jobs in the US, as it is like a tax on our entire economy. Intelligence, IAEA, and other sources confirm Iran is dead-set on building nukes, and we know they have medium range missiles. We also know that 75 Iranian advisers used a Chinese guided missile and the Lebanon air traffic control system to hit an Israeli warship during the last Hezbollah/Israel conflict - it's not like they don't have some advanced technology already, and the Straits of Hormuz are a strategic choke point.
Like Saddam, Amadinejad says he has technological capacity to defend itself and offensive weapons to strike the West. That's enough for me + whatever Bill Gertz would like to add to this. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Should-WMD-Be-a-Prerequisite-for-an-Iranian-Conflict?&id=6645055] Should WMD Be a Prerequisite for an Iranian Conflict?
Most geo-political analysts assume, wrongly in my opinion, that the United States would need a major event to trigger a war with Iran. Right now, war maybe much closer than many realize, even the major players such as Saudi Arabia, the US, and Israel, and there is a lot up in the air with the major recent events such as the Arab Spring turned summer, fall, and perhaps winter in Syria. A new Palestinian recognized nation-state would be another, and the latest Turkey Earthquake, and Turkey's move into Kurdish dominated Iraq.
Those who believe a major event would be needed to trigger a US involved war with Iran perhaps would consider an event such as Iran would have to;
-Come very close to or create a nuclear weapon
-Start attaching nukes to short range missiles
-Blatantly attack US Troops in Iraq or Afghanistan with massive casualties
-Be caught red-handed in the next rocket attack barrage by Hamas or Hezbollah on the Jewish State of Israel.
One recent acquaintance of mine believes that the burden of proof would be necessary first, and that we'd have to prove that Iran was still making nuclear weapons and had a full-scale nuclear weapons and uranium enrichment process for that purpose busily reaching the needed percentages to make a nuclear bomb. Now then is there a way for the US to prove it?
Well, personally I am unconvinced WMD even matters, as we are already at war with Iran and their regime is interfering with Iraq, Afghanistan, NATO operations, and powering up Hezbollah and Hamas. Their airlines are feeding and flying Qod forces around, they are using trickery to get around sanctions to deliver weapons, we've found cashes of weapons in the theatre in Iraq, Afghanistan, and infiltration into Iraq from several borders, they are interfering with Bahrain where we have one of our fleets, and military bases.
I do not believe WMD is even a box that needs to be checked off. I also do not believe we need 3000 US troops in Iraq as sitting ducks who will be attacked as a reason to go after Iran. Iran is ramping up and building Chinese knock-off anti-ship C-802 missiles, and generally preparing for war in the Gulf, or to stop oil shipments, also interfering with Iran's oil production which is barely 2.6 billion barrels and needs to be 12-13 per year for world supply.
Iran/Venezuela with more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia now wants to stick it to the Western World, and with high oil prices good-luck with jobs in the US, as it is like a tax on our entire economy. Intelligence, IAEA, and other sources confirm Iran is dead-set on building nukes, and we know they have medium range missiles. We also know that 75 Iranian advisers used a Chinese guided missile and the Lebanon air traffic control system to hit an Israeli warship during the last Hezbollah/Israel conflict - it's not like they don't have some advanced technology already, and the Straits of Hormuz are a strategic choke point.
Like Saddam, Amadinejad says he has technological capacity to defend itself and offensive weapons to strike the West. That's enough for me + whatever Bill Gertz would like to add to this. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Should-WMD-Be-a-Prerequisite-for-an-Iranian-Conflict?&id=6645055] Should WMD Be a Prerequisite for an Iranian Conflict?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
You Can't Please Everyone in Africa - Now We Wait
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Okay so, in October of 2011 the US committee 100 special forces training advisors to Uganda to help the Uganda Army train to go after the LRA. Yes, the LRA sounds like a bad group, and that would be about right, the acronym stands for Lord's Resistance Army, which at one time claimed some sort of political cause, today, it is just a group of murdering thugs playing guerilla warfare in African Villages along the border region of the Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya.
Now then, do you ever wonder where all those weapons went after the weapons caches of Libya's Army were plundered? Well, we know that many in the Libyan Army were hired from other neighboring African nations on its Southern Borders. As of Qaddafi's demise the NTC - National Transitional Council was busy trying to round up all these hired helpers of the former Libyan Army.
So, where did all those weapons go? Look South I say, and that doesn't play well for those in the border region of the new divide between North and South Sudan, or any of the other hot spots in Sub-Sahara Africa. More weapons in the wrong hands mean more bloodshed, civil wars, terrorist like attacks, and the whole nine-yards. Worse, there are many who rather liked Libya's Qaddafi, due to the fact he was opening more and more trade with these other nations in a little trading block.
Those economic ties, made Qaddafi a lot of loyal friends and supporters, and it created jobs and thus a good bit of public support. No not everyone, but enough to cause a problem for us, people of the region, and as far South as the area where the LRA resides, not to mention many of the oil rich, currently anyway, African nations across Africa's lower-upper center.
There was an interesting article recently in the New York Times titled; "Many in Sub-Saharan Africa Mourn Qaddafi's Death," written by Josh Kron and published: October 22, 2011. The article stated;
"Many sub-Saharan Africans are mourning the death of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, celebrated for standing up to the West. To them, his violent death was another sad chapter in a long-running narrative of Western powers meddling in Africa's affairs. About 30,000 people packed the mosque to pay tribute to the slain leader, according to local news media in Uganda."
Okay so, are you beginning to see the point here? We have US advisors now helping the Uganda Army, and a large number of former Gaddafi supporters in country who have reason to be angered with US involvement on the African Continent. That's not good, more of the same, and we are certainly there stirring up another hornet's nest. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Cant-Please-Everyone-in-Africa---Now-We-Wait&id=6647488] You Can't Please Everyone in Africa - Now We Wait
Okay so, in October of 2011 the US committee 100 special forces training advisors to Uganda to help the Uganda Army train to go after the LRA. Yes, the LRA sounds like a bad group, and that would be about right, the acronym stands for Lord's Resistance Army, which at one time claimed some sort of political cause, today, it is just a group of murdering thugs playing guerilla warfare in African Villages along the border region of the Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya.
Now then, do you ever wonder where all those weapons went after the weapons caches of Libya's Army were plundered? Well, we know that many in the Libyan Army were hired from other neighboring African nations on its Southern Borders. As of Qaddafi's demise the NTC - National Transitional Council was busy trying to round up all these hired helpers of the former Libyan Army.
So, where did all those weapons go? Look South I say, and that doesn't play well for those in the border region of the new divide between North and South Sudan, or any of the other hot spots in Sub-Sahara Africa. More weapons in the wrong hands mean more bloodshed, civil wars, terrorist like attacks, and the whole nine-yards. Worse, there are many who rather liked Libya's Qaddafi, due to the fact he was opening more and more trade with these other nations in a little trading block.
Those economic ties, made Qaddafi a lot of loyal friends and supporters, and it created jobs and thus a good bit of public support. No not everyone, but enough to cause a problem for us, people of the region, and as far South as the area where the LRA resides, not to mention many of the oil rich, currently anyway, African nations across Africa's lower-upper center.
There was an interesting article recently in the New York Times titled; "Many in Sub-Saharan Africa Mourn Qaddafi's Death," written by Josh Kron and published: October 22, 2011. The article stated;
"Many sub-Saharan Africans are mourning the death of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, celebrated for standing up to the West. To them, his violent death was another sad chapter in a long-running narrative of Western powers meddling in Africa's affairs. About 30,000 people packed the mosque to pay tribute to the slain leader, according to local news media in Uganda."
Okay so, are you beginning to see the point here? We have US advisors now helping the Uganda Army, and a large number of former Gaddafi supporters in country who have reason to be angered with US involvement on the African Continent. That's not good, more of the same, and we are certainly there stirring up another hornet's nest. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Cant-Please-Everyone-in-Africa---Now-We-Wait&id=6647488] You Can't Please Everyone in Africa - Now We Wait
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What Are Custom Challenge Coins?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J_Freg_Smith]J Freg Smith
It has been believed that in the First World War, custom challenge coins were first introduced and were introduced in the Air Service of US Army. It was said that one of the Air Force officers, the then in-charge, asked to prepare gold plated medals to present the pilots bearing the respective squadron's emblem. This was the origination of custom challenge coins.
The more popular custom challenge coins include the Marine Corps, navy, the police challenge coins and the Air Force challenge coins. The shades, shapes and designs were selected on the basis of several branches the coins represented. These medals are associated with high sentimental values nonetheless of its costs, which is just a few dollars. Later on the major objective of offering custom challenge coins was associated with the manifestation of honor for the outstanding performances or acts of people and to bolster the morale of the forces.
These days such coins are donned by individuals associated with several organizations and institutions to display they are members of some particular body. Even today these coins symbolize the unity and the bonds between the members who are linked with the same unit in the air force, military, or the navy.
The more prominent aspect of these coins is that it can be facilitated for many other purposes as well. Today such coins are believed to be one of the best ways to shower the special recognition towards those employees or any other member of family for the outstanding services offered. It could be anything like achieving the set target of sales, for spending specific years in a service or doing some exemplary deeds. Usually any company prefers to design these coins differently based on diverse ranking and categories. Moreover, if the presentation of such coins has become a customary in any of the organizations, it offers a special sense of proud to the employees and people of that company who receive these coins. It actually boosts their morals and encourages them to perform better to retain that level of excellence for which they have been awarded with these custom challenge coins.
These medals are also facilitated as a strong marketing device to market and do branding work for the respective company. If you can craft such medals displaying the company logo and the slogan engraved on them, they would really become an impressive handout for all types of trade shows or any type of exhibition.
Custom challenge coins can be made from any type of metal and it can be coated with several shades for a classy and dynamic appeal. A few of the added features, like a protective layer or edge, can actually catapult the layout of such coins. These days, there are myriads of companies offering the manufacturing services of rel=nofollow [http://www.customchallengecoins.com]custom challenge coins. You just need to opt for the desired shape, color design and any text to be engraved and rest will be taken care of by the manufacturing company. These souvenirs have become a great and classy means of developing a feeling of belongingness.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Custom-Challenge-Coins?&id=6628000] What Are Custom Challenge Coins?
It has been believed that in the First World War, custom challenge coins were first introduced and were introduced in the Air Service of US Army. It was said that one of the Air Force officers, the then in-charge, asked to prepare gold plated medals to present the pilots bearing the respective squadron's emblem. This was the origination of custom challenge coins.
The more popular custom challenge coins include the Marine Corps, navy, the police challenge coins and the Air Force challenge coins. The shades, shapes and designs were selected on the basis of several branches the coins represented. These medals are associated with high sentimental values nonetheless of its costs, which is just a few dollars. Later on the major objective of offering custom challenge coins was associated with the manifestation of honor for the outstanding performances or acts of people and to bolster the morale of the forces.
These days such coins are donned by individuals associated with several organizations and institutions to display they are members of some particular body. Even today these coins symbolize the unity and the bonds between the members who are linked with the same unit in the air force, military, or the navy.
The more prominent aspect of these coins is that it can be facilitated for many other purposes as well. Today such coins are believed to be one of the best ways to shower the special recognition towards those employees or any other member of family for the outstanding services offered. It could be anything like achieving the set target of sales, for spending specific years in a service or doing some exemplary deeds. Usually any company prefers to design these coins differently based on diverse ranking and categories. Moreover, if the presentation of such coins has become a customary in any of the organizations, it offers a special sense of proud to the employees and people of that company who receive these coins. It actually boosts their morals and encourages them to perform better to retain that level of excellence for which they have been awarded with these custom challenge coins.
These medals are also facilitated as a strong marketing device to market and do branding work for the respective company. If you can craft such medals displaying the company logo and the slogan engraved on them, they would really become an impressive handout for all types of trade shows or any type of exhibition.
Custom challenge coins can be made from any type of metal and it can be coated with several shades for a classy and dynamic appeal. A few of the added features, like a protective layer or edge, can actually catapult the layout of such coins. These days, there are myriads of companies offering the manufacturing services of rel=nofollow [http://www.customchallengecoins.com]custom challenge coins. You just need to opt for the desired shape, color design and any text to be engraved and rest will be taken care of by the manufacturing company. These souvenirs have become a great and classy means of developing a feeling of belongingness.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Custom-Challenge-Coins?&id=6628000] What Are Custom Challenge Coins?
Friday, December 2, 2011
Missile Design Capable of Penetrating Laser Defense System - Think Ahead of the Game
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Today, the Israelis have put in three "Iron Dome" anti-rocket and anti-missile laser defense systems. You see, they are anticipating future attacks by Hezbollah and Hamas funded by Iran who might use those terrorist organizations as proxy terrorists. Okay so, here is a dilemma with all of this, and that is even if the iron dome concept can shoot down a swarm of incoming rockets and missiles into the Jewish state of Israel today, that doesn't mean that our enemies won't have similar technologies tomorrow.
This means that our enemies could attack us, or hit soft targets with civilians, but when we reciprocate they would be able to defend themselves with a similar laser missile defense system. This is why whenever we build a superior weapon we need to start working right away on the antithesis, or a way to defeat the weapon system which we just created. In this case we developed a defense system which will be copied, and that technology will be stolen by military industrial spies of other nations.
Due to the problems of advanced weapon proliferation, eventually our enemies will have the defense system just like we have, one which is superior in every respect. Therefore we need to figure out right now a way to penetrate laser missile defense systems, and think ahead of the game, a game which is constantly evolving and ongoing and it doesn't stop for anyone, and no military technologist should rest on their laurels. That's not me talking, as that's the spirit of Sun Tzu, Karl von Clausewitz, and other military philosophers of past periods.
Now then what kind of the system could we develop which could defend against a laser defense system capable of defeating incoming missile swarm attacks? Well, I propose that we build offense of missiles which when hit with a laser beam break open and shoot off missiles of a smaller diameter in all directions. I propose that we use the energy from the laser hitting our incoming missile to fire off 100 rockets outward. This would overwhelm the anti-missile laser defense system.
If we send in 100 missiles one behind each other in a train like fashion, and then you had them spread out as they got closer, we could have a low signature incoming target that the enemy might miss until the last minute. And as they were ready to fire off their laser we would overwhelm their system, and as they started taking out our missiles, that number would expand 100 fold, and we only need a few to get through to take out the laser missile defense system of our enemy. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Missile-Design-Capable-of-Penetrating-Laser-Defense-System---Think-Ahead-of-the-Game&id=6647916] Missile Design Capable of Penetrating Laser Defense System - Think Ahead of the Game
Today, the Israelis have put in three "Iron Dome" anti-rocket and anti-missile laser defense systems. You see, they are anticipating future attacks by Hezbollah and Hamas funded by Iran who might use those terrorist organizations as proxy terrorists. Okay so, here is a dilemma with all of this, and that is even if the iron dome concept can shoot down a swarm of incoming rockets and missiles into the Jewish state of Israel today, that doesn't mean that our enemies won't have similar technologies tomorrow.
This means that our enemies could attack us, or hit soft targets with civilians, but when we reciprocate they would be able to defend themselves with a similar laser missile defense system. This is why whenever we build a superior weapon we need to start working right away on the antithesis, or a way to defeat the weapon system which we just created. In this case we developed a defense system which will be copied, and that technology will be stolen by military industrial spies of other nations.
Due to the problems of advanced weapon proliferation, eventually our enemies will have the defense system just like we have, one which is superior in every respect. Therefore we need to figure out right now a way to penetrate laser missile defense systems, and think ahead of the game, a game which is constantly evolving and ongoing and it doesn't stop for anyone, and no military technologist should rest on their laurels. That's not me talking, as that's the spirit of Sun Tzu, Karl von Clausewitz, and other military philosophers of past periods.
Now then what kind of the system could we develop which could defend against a laser defense system capable of defeating incoming missile swarm attacks? Well, I propose that we build offense of missiles which when hit with a laser beam break open and shoot off missiles of a smaller diameter in all directions. I propose that we use the energy from the laser hitting our incoming missile to fire off 100 rockets outward. This would overwhelm the anti-missile laser defense system.
If we send in 100 missiles one behind each other in a train like fashion, and then you had them spread out as they got closer, we could have a low signature incoming target that the enemy might miss until the last minute. And as they were ready to fire off their laser we would overwhelm their system, and as they started taking out our missiles, that number would expand 100 fold, and we only need a few to get through to take out the laser missile defense system of our enemy. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Missile-Design-Capable-of-Penetrating-Laser-Defense-System---Think-Ahead-of-the-Game&id=6647916] Missile Design Capable of Penetrating Laser Defense System - Think Ahead of the Game
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Navy Robotic Submarine Evasion Strategy Considered
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Underwater robotic vehicles hold a lot of promise for our nation's military. After all, why have a nuclear submarine filled with people if you can have one that is filled with artificial intelligent systems running everything. The voyages can last a lot longer, as they don't have to stop for food, or deal with the people aboard. So it only makes sense in the future that the U.S. Navy will have robotic submarines, which will most likely be smaller as they do not need living quarters and they will be able to do things that are submarine force cannot do right now.
Indeed, there will be all sorts of robotic submarine evasion strategies, which can go along with these new vessels. When a Navy nuclear submarine goes on a voyage no one really knows where it is, this is because "loose lips sink ships" and if no one knows where the submarine is, no one can give away its location. Of course the captain of the submarine knows where the submarine is, and his job is to get lost to the world, and then do his mission.
Robotic submarines could have sophisticated algorithms based on ocean water flows, and random sequencing to get themselves lost, and put themselves in, and unexpected, unanticipated, and unknown location at all times. Further, Navy robotic submarines could hide behind ocean going vessels in their wake, or ride up alongside of them. They could shadow a tanker only a few meters from the hull of the ship and be completely cloaked to underwater sonars.
It is even possible that a robotic submarine could shadow a large vessel through the Suez Canal, or other channels, choke points, and even perhaps through the Panama Canal. Now you might say that's far-fetched, but right now we have already produced software which will allow a Navy fighter plane to land on a ship on autopilot. We have also already landed an unmanned aerial vehicle upon a Navy ship or aircraft carrier. We have robotic helicopters which have been doing this for quite a while.
Therefore, I think it would be premature to dismiss this ability, or potential tactic in the future. Not only that, it would be cheaper to produce robotic submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles, and safer. As you could produce lots of smaller units, therefore if one was found out or sunk, the rest could take care of the mission, in a net-centric swarm warfare tactical advantage. Indeed it is my hope that you will please consider all this and develop these future robotic military subs.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Navy-Robotic-Submarine-Evasion-Strategy-Considered&id=6650137] Navy Robotic Submarine Evasion Strategy Considered
Underwater robotic vehicles hold a lot of promise for our nation's military. After all, why have a nuclear submarine filled with people if you can have one that is filled with artificial intelligent systems running everything. The voyages can last a lot longer, as they don't have to stop for food, or deal with the people aboard. So it only makes sense in the future that the U.S. Navy will have robotic submarines, which will most likely be smaller as they do not need living quarters and they will be able to do things that are submarine force cannot do right now.
Indeed, there will be all sorts of robotic submarine evasion strategies, which can go along with these new vessels. When a Navy nuclear submarine goes on a voyage no one really knows where it is, this is because "loose lips sink ships" and if no one knows where the submarine is, no one can give away its location. Of course the captain of the submarine knows where the submarine is, and his job is to get lost to the world, and then do his mission.
Robotic submarines could have sophisticated algorithms based on ocean water flows, and random sequencing to get themselves lost, and put themselves in, and unexpected, unanticipated, and unknown location at all times. Further, Navy robotic submarines could hide behind ocean going vessels in their wake, or ride up alongside of them. They could shadow a tanker only a few meters from the hull of the ship and be completely cloaked to underwater sonars.
It is even possible that a robotic submarine could shadow a large vessel through the Suez Canal, or other channels, choke points, and even perhaps through the Panama Canal. Now you might say that's far-fetched, but right now we have already produced software which will allow a Navy fighter plane to land on a ship on autopilot. We have also already landed an unmanned aerial vehicle upon a Navy ship or aircraft carrier. We have robotic helicopters which have been doing this for quite a while.
Therefore, I think it would be premature to dismiss this ability, or potential tactic in the future. Not only that, it would be cheaper to produce robotic submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles, and safer. As you could produce lots of smaller units, therefore if one was found out or sunk, the rest could take care of the mission, in a net-centric swarm warfare tactical advantage. Indeed it is my hope that you will please consider all this and develop these future robotic military subs.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Navy-Robotic-Submarine-Evasion-Strategy-Considered&id=6650137] Navy Robotic Submarine Evasion Strategy Considered
Monday, November 28, 2011
CDRL: Contract Data Requirements Lists and Military Contracts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_O_Smith]Jerry O Smith
CDRL is Contract Data Requirements List. To explain it in simple terms, it is a list of documents that are usually associated with the US military. It is a list of information that is required for a military contract. A CDRL is explained in the Part Three of a US soldier military contract, explained under Section-J. It includes a numeric identification number which is to be kept secret. Other things that include in the contract include data item description number and also a delivery code. Military documents are often stored in the form of wired cables. So, most of the information is passed electronically. Electronic addresses are also encrypted in it so that it can transfer electronic data within short periods of time.
A Contract Data Requirements List is a list of all important data required for the contract. Usually, it contains three items, the data item description number, the data item title and the data item approval code.
The Data Item Description number or DID is one that describes the data item content. It also provides specific information when necessary. A data item approval code is further subdivided into Code A, Code I and Code S. These codes are approved by NASA. Any changes to the approval code must have consent from NASA. The Aeronautical and Space Agency will go through the changes and will rectify any errors in them.
Several rules and regulations bind CDRLs. According to the rule, a contractor is supposed to deliver documents only according to the contract requirement. All documents that are in the form of electronic cables must be transferred in to the electronic storage box under the American federal government.
A CDRL contains an array of things, each having its own sections and sub-sections. It includes contents under the actual Contractual Data, contents under Program Management and those under Product Assurance and Requirements.
All CDRLs undergo significant changes during a particular period of time. Considerable changes are also made when a government replaces another. Similar modifications to it are also made during emergency and war situations. Hence it will impossible to keep a constant report on a Contract Data Requirement List. Proper management and updating of CDRLs will help in significantly reducing mistakes and reduce burdens. This will also help in managing all military contracts in better way and also increase visibility among counterparts and will serve for effective communication between military and government officials.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/cdrl.aspx]CDRL or [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/cdrl.aspx]contract data requirements list is key to understanding how the military procures its equipment. If you're involved with military contracts, you need to check out our website to learn more about this complex area.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?CDRL:-Contract-Data-Requirements-Lists-and-Military-Contracts&id=6649985] CDRL: Contract Data Requirements Lists and Military Contracts
CDRL is Contract Data Requirements List. To explain it in simple terms, it is a list of documents that are usually associated with the US military. It is a list of information that is required for a military contract. A CDRL is explained in the Part Three of a US soldier military contract, explained under Section-J. It includes a numeric identification number which is to be kept secret. Other things that include in the contract include data item description number and also a delivery code. Military documents are often stored in the form of wired cables. So, most of the information is passed electronically. Electronic addresses are also encrypted in it so that it can transfer electronic data within short periods of time.
A Contract Data Requirements List is a list of all important data required for the contract. Usually, it contains three items, the data item description number, the data item title and the data item approval code.
The Data Item Description number or DID is one that describes the data item content. It also provides specific information when necessary. A data item approval code is further subdivided into Code A, Code I and Code S. These codes are approved by NASA. Any changes to the approval code must have consent from NASA. The Aeronautical and Space Agency will go through the changes and will rectify any errors in them.
Several rules and regulations bind CDRLs. According to the rule, a contractor is supposed to deliver documents only according to the contract requirement. All documents that are in the form of electronic cables must be transferred in to the electronic storage box under the American federal government.
A CDRL contains an array of things, each having its own sections and sub-sections. It includes contents under the actual Contractual Data, contents under Program Management and those under Product Assurance and Requirements.
All CDRLs undergo significant changes during a particular period of time. Considerable changes are also made when a government replaces another. Similar modifications to it are also made during emergency and war situations. Hence it will impossible to keep a constant report on a Contract Data Requirement List. Proper management and updating of CDRLs will help in significantly reducing mistakes and reduce burdens. This will also help in managing all military contracts in better way and also increase visibility among counterparts and will serve for effective communication between military and government officials.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/cdrl.aspx]CDRL or [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/cdrl.aspx]contract data requirements list is key to understanding how the military procures its equipment. If you're involved with military contracts, you need to check out our website to learn more about this complex area.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?CDRL:-Contract-Data-Requirements-Lists-and-Military-Contracts&id=6649985] CDRL: Contract Data Requirements Lists and Military Contracts
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Defense Logistic Agency: Navigating Your Way Through the Maze
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_B_Thompson]Jeremy B Thompson
Navigating your way through the maze that is the defence logistics agency is no easy task. But it can be done! First you need to understand that the defence logistics agency (or DLA for short) is the largest logistics combat support agency operated by the Department of Defense (otherwise known as the DoD).
What exactly does that mean? In layman's terms (kind of) the defence logistics agency obtains, manages, stores, and distributes almost every conceivable consumable item the military needs to operate. Which - if you're counting - totals more than 5 million different items of one type of another.
And if you think its easy navigating your way through this multi-layered retail outlet during peacetime, just imagine what it is like operating during times of conflict! Add to that a laundry list of civilian agencies and foreign countries and you certainly do have a maze of bureaucracy and red tape that is difficult to navigate through. Yet for all its perceived quagmires, the Defense Logistics Agency runs quite smoothly. No easy feat when your work staff totals more than 26,000 men and women.
The Defense Logistics Agency: Four Easy Pieces
In order for the Defense Logistics Agency to do what it does so efficiently, the organization is divided into 4 supply chains located at different locations across the US and split up into the supply categories of Aeronautics, Land/Sea, Medical and Energy, which is further broken down into consumable items such as food, fuel and energy, to uniforms, medical supplies, and construction equipment.
And by the way, as a global enterprise, it can be said that wherever the United States has a military presence, the defense logistic agency is likely there as well, making the world's largest retail outlet "chain".
As confusing as that sounds, the way the DLA operates makes perfect sense. Narrow your focus a little bit more and you can see that the defense logistic agency is servicing actual individuals. Specifically providing logistics support and technical services to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and a variety of other federal agencies.
DLA: Impressive Numbers for an Impressive Mission
Next time you start to gurgle with "oohhhhhh's" and "aaaahhhh's" because you're so impressed with your favorite retail outlet and how they do business, take a step back and look at how the DLA does business:
- The Agency sources and provides nearly 100 percent of the consumable items America's military forces need to operate.
- In fiscal year 2010 the DLA provided over $28 billion dollars in sales and over $41 billion dollars worth of services. That places DLA in the top 10 percentile of the Fortune 500 best run businesses!
A maze to navigate through? Certainly. But in terms of sales volume, return business and amount of customers the defense logistics agency is an amazing operation.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/home.aspx]Defense Logistic Agency is a complicated part of the US government. If your role involves negotiating contracts with the military, check out our website to learn more about this key function.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Defense-Logistic-Agency:-Navigating-Your-Way-Through-the-Maze&id=6649993] The Defense Logistic Agency: Navigating Your Way Through the Maze
Navigating your way through the maze that is the defence logistics agency is no easy task. But it can be done! First you need to understand that the defence logistics agency (or DLA for short) is the largest logistics combat support agency operated by the Department of Defense (otherwise known as the DoD).
What exactly does that mean? In layman's terms (kind of) the defence logistics agency obtains, manages, stores, and distributes almost every conceivable consumable item the military needs to operate. Which - if you're counting - totals more than 5 million different items of one type of another.
And if you think its easy navigating your way through this multi-layered retail outlet during peacetime, just imagine what it is like operating during times of conflict! Add to that a laundry list of civilian agencies and foreign countries and you certainly do have a maze of bureaucracy and red tape that is difficult to navigate through. Yet for all its perceived quagmires, the Defense Logistics Agency runs quite smoothly. No easy feat when your work staff totals more than 26,000 men and women.
The Defense Logistics Agency: Four Easy Pieces
In order for the Defense Logistics Agency to do what it does so efficiently, the organization is divided into 4 supply chains located at different locations across the US and split up into the supply categories of Aeronautics, Land/Sea, Medical and Energy, which is further broken down into consumable items such as food, fuel and energy, to uniforms, medical supplies, and construction equipment.
And by the way, as a global enterprise, it can be said that wherever the United States has a military presence, the defense logistic agency is likely there as well, making the world's largest retail outlet "chain".
As confusing as that sounds, the way the DLA operates makes perfect sense. Narrow your focus a little bit more and you can see that the defense logistic agency is servicing actual individuals. Specifically providing logistics support and technical services to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and a variety of other federal agencies.
DLA: Impressive Numbers for an Impressive Mission
Next time you start to gurgle with "oohhhhhh's" and "aaaahhhh's" because you're so impressed with your favorite retail outlet and how they do business, take a step back and look at how the DLA does business:
- The Agency sources and provides nearly 100 percent of the consumable items America's military forces need to operate.
- In fiscal year 2010 the DLA provided over $28 billion dollars in sales and over $41 billion dollars worth of services. That places DLA in the top 10 percentile of the Fortune 500 best run businesses!
A maze to navigate through? Certainly. But in terms of sales volume, return business and amount of customers the defense logistics agency is an amazing operation.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/home.aspx]Defense Logistic Agency is a complicated part of the US government. If your role involves negotiating contracts with the military, check out our website to learn more about this key function.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Defense-Logistic-Agency:-Navigating-Your-Way-Through-the-Maze&id=6649993] The Defense Logistic Agency: Navigating Your Way Through the Maze
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Defense Acquisition Guidebook
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_O_Smith]Jerry O Smith
The Defense Acquisition Guidebook has had a lot of changes made to it lately. With the economy being in the condition that it is in, and with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan having cost the United States billions of dollars it has been decided that the Department of Defense must cut their spending drastically. Aside from wars, most of the spending done by the government has been for defense contracts. These contracts are given out to local and foreign companies to help improve the conditions of the United States armies. However, lately the problem is that many of these contracts have been over-valued and have under-performed. A lot of money has been spent and not a lot of results have come out of it.
That is why the Defense Acquisition Guidebook has been altered by the Secretary of Defense and his undersecretary. Together, they have come up with steps to ensure that at least a billion dollars is cut in the next five to ten years from the military's budget. This can only be achieved by letting go of the most expensive contracts that are not producing results. These contracts are mostly those that were looking to see returns in the distant future. Some of them are contracts that will not see weapons produced until 2020, or something of the sort. Yet for years no progress has been made and they have been canceled.
From now on, every defense contract that is undertaken by the government will only be done so if there are clear indications that it is necessary. For example, there are plenty of drones in the military so a new contract to produce better, more advanced drones is not a high priority. While it may be in the future, a trillion dollar deficit demands that these things are left aside for now. They may have been feasible in the past but in an era of cost cutting they are not.
Another aspect that must be altered is the amount of money that was given out to foreign sub contractors. This was done in Afghanistan and Iraq, and almost no results came from it. These sub contractors were locals, or people from the region, who would then coordinate with local companies to get the work done that was required. The mistake was made to trust them instead of American companies, and that mistake must not be made in the future. Contracts must be made with American companies as that serves two purposes. It helps our economy and the work done is more reliable and there is greater accountability.
Understanding the [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-acquisition-guidebook.aspx]Defense Acquisition Guidebook is important in order to successfully navigate the procurement process of the US military. Visit our website to learn more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Defense-Acquisition-Guidebook&id=6649997] The Defense Acquisition Guidebook
The Defense Acquisition Guidebook has had a lot of changes made to it lately. With the economy being in the condition that it is in, and with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan having cost the United States billions of dollars it has been decided that the Department of Defense must cut their spending drastically. Aside from wars, most of the spending done by the government has been for defense contracts. These contracts are given out to local and foreign companies to help improve the conditions of the United States armies. However, lately the problem is that many of these contracts have been over-valued and have under-performed. A lot of money has been spent and not a lot of results have come out of it.
That is why the Defense Acquisition Guidebook has been altered by the Secretary of Defense and his undersecretary. Together, they have come up with steps to ensure that at least a billion dollars is cut in the next five to ten years from the military's budget. This can only be achieved by letting go of the most expensive contracts that are not producing results. These contracts are mostly those that were looking to see returns in the distant future. Some of them are contracts that will not see weapons produced until 2020, or something of the sort. Yet for years no progress has been made and they have been canceled.
From now on, every defense contract that is undertaken by the government will only be done so if there are clear indications that it is necessary. For example, there are plenty of drones in the military so a new contract to produce better, more advanced drones is not a high priority. While it may be in the future, a trillion dollar deficit demands that these things are left aside for now. They may have been feasible in the past but in an era of cost cutting they are not.
Another aspect that must be altered is the amount of money that was given out to foreign sub contractors. This was done in Afghanistan and Iraq, and almost no results came from it. These sub contractors were locals, or people from the region, who would then coordinate with local companies to get the work done that was required. The mistake was made to trust them instead of American companies, and that mistake must not be made in the future. Contracts must be made with American companies as that serves two purposes. It helps our economy and the work done is more reliable and there is greater accountability.
Understanding the [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-acquisition-guidebook.aspx]Defense Acquisition Guidebook is important in order to successfully navigate the procurement process of the US military. Visit our website to learn more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Defense-Acquisition-Guidebook&id=6649997] The Defense Acquisition Guidebook
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
How To Build an Affordable and Efficient Procurement Strategy for Defense Programs
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_B_Thompson]Jeremy B Thompson
The United State Department of Defense deals with most military contracts. Their aim is to deliver quality equipment and services to their armies, while ensuring that they remain good stewards of taxpayer's money. In light of the attention being given to the Federal deficit and the fact that costs must be cut, procuring affordable and efficient defense programs has become more important.
Defense procurement has always cost the government a lot of money, with many programs running into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Sometimes these programs do not even generate the kinds of results that were expected, making them very expensive experiments that always have a chance of failing. Now, with the economy being close to a second recession and with spending being reduced, it is time for the DoD to ensure that their programs are both viable and cost effective.
DoD procurement has to change, and change quickly. They must ensure that all their defense programs can produce results quickly and efficiently. It is not efficient to have a missile defense program that costs $2 billion dollars but may produce results fifteen or twenty years in the future, and is just as likely to fail. The DPAP, the branch of the DoD that is responsible for contacting and procurement policies, aims to achieve acquisition excellence through good leadership and integrity. This can only be achieved if the right contracts are selected, based on what positives they will bring to the military, as opposed to selecting the most expensive programs.
A lot of time, DoD procurement focuses on big money projects that steal the limelight and show the might of the United States military. That is all well and good, but with the country needing to balance budgets, the right policy would be to only have DoD contracts that are necessary, legitimate, and will bring immediate benefit to the military. Signing another weapons contract when the army already has plenty of weapons and missiles is a mistake. It may be more important to focus on other areas where the military is lacking.
A major source of concern for the United States is the amount of money that was paid to contractors and sub contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq. Close to $20 billion of defense procurement contract money has been paid out over the years, and very little returns have been seen. While it is easier to pay sub contractors who will do the job locally, these instances should prove to the government that it might be better to give these contracts to United States companies that can be trusted to do a good job, or at least not take the government's money if they know the job cannot be done.
The U.S. military is a steward of their taxpayers' money, as their mission statement suggests, and they must use this money with care. [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-procurement.aspx]Defense Procurement is changing due to new budget constraints forced on the military by the American people and Congress. Visit our website to learn how.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-an-Affordable-and-Efficient-Procurement-Strategy-for-Defense-Programs&id=6650014] How To Build an Affordable and Efficient Procurement Strategy for Defense Programs
The United State Department of Defense deals with most military contracts. Their aim is to deliver quality equipment and services to their armies, while ensuring that they remain good stewards of taxpayer's money. In light of the attention being given to the Federal deficit and the fact that costs must be cut, procuring affordable and efficient defense programs has become more important.
Defense procurement has always cost the government a lot of money, with many programs running into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Sometimes these programs do not even generate the kinds of results that were expected, making them very expensive experiments that always have a chance of failing. Now, with the economy being close to a second recession and with spending being reduced, it is time for the DoD to ensure that their programs are both viable and cost effective.
DoD procurement has to change, and change quickly. They must ensure that all their defense programs can produce results quickly and efficiently. It is not efficient to have a missile defense program that costs $2 billion dollars but may produce results fifteen or twenty years in the future, and is just as likely to fail. The DPAP, the branch of the DoD that is responsible for contacting and procurement policies, aims to achieve acquisition excellence through good leadership and integrity. This can only be achieved if the right contracts are selected, based on what positives they will bring to the military, as opposed to selecting the most expensive programs.
A lot of time, DoD procurement focuses on big money projects that steal the limelight and show the might of the United States military. That is all well and good, but with the country needing to balance budgets, the right policy would be to only have DoD contracts that are necessary, legitimate, and will bring immediate benefit to the military. Signing another weapons contract when the army already has plenty of weapons and missiles is a mistake. It may be more important to focus on other areas where the military is lacking.
A major source of concern for the United States is the amount of money that was paid to contractors and sub contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq. Close to $20 billion of defense procurement contract money has been paid out over the years, and very little returns have been seen. While it is easier to pay sub contractors who will do the job locally, these instances should prove to the government that it might be better to give these contracts to United States companies that can be trusted to do a good job, or at least not take the government's money if they know the job cannot be done.
The U.S. military is a steward of their taxpayers' money, as their mission statement suggests, and they must use this money with care. [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-procurement.aspx]Defense Procurement is changing due to new budget constraints forced on the military by the American people and Congress. Visit our website to learn how.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-an-Affordable-and-Efficient-Procurement-Strategy-for-Defense-Programs&id=6650014] How To Build an Affordable and Efficient Procurement Strategy for Defense Programs
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Defense Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities in 2011
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_O_Smith]Jerry O Smith
The main 2011 logistic challenge and opportunity for U.S. forces is finding new methods to implement cost savings without reducing the service performance. Acquisition programs need to be designed to acquire new equipment without delaying or eliminating deliveries to the forces in the field. Programs need to ensure equipment being used is withdrawn before life cycle expiration. The air force medical logistics teams are looking at methods to ensure the safety of our forces while simultaneously dealing with imposed budgets designed to save money.
Best practices in this effort include consolidating and improving supply chain management while planning provisions to accommodate performance through a single point supporting the full range of military operations. The air force medical logistics team consist of subject matter experts combined with contractor support and material management, which is responsible for identifying system readiness and equipment nearing expiration of life cycles. Systems are being used to track environmental conditions and extraordinary operational duties, reduce redundancy, and improve supply rate efficiency by 34 percent. The objectives are to increase equipment availability by 20 percent and decrease the costs of operations and support functions by 10 percent during the 2011 fiscal year.
Defense logistics teams have been assigned three primary functions: planning for wide enterprise, material maintenance and distribution. The centers exercise command and control from a single point with strategies to reduce personnel costs and maintain functionality of operational executions. Supply chain management will operate under best practices, observing business regulations; their procedures need to meet supply chain system assessments. The procedures are intended to identify needed performance improvement, submitting metrics and analyzed capabilities for review. Concepts will be adapted, and change management, risk mitigation, and planning will be integrated. Supply chain organizations are using enhanced information technology systems with program goals capable of reaching target defense logistic improvements by 2012. Defense logistics teams will be working from multiple support locations performing services with precision to align the entire air force medical logistics supply chain process.
Changes ahead for logistical support of military operations are linked to technologies assisting with responses to unavoidable strategic risks. Immediate stability ensures air force logistics capability of dealing with unpredictable actions with deliberate and practical responses. Instability from all corners of the world is the largest challenge of managing military logistics in new environments with armed conflicts and maintaining global security to support the military's ability to deliver equipment on time. [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/home.aspx]Defense Logistics is a complicated area of the government's procurement activities. If you're tasked with [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense.aspx]air force medical logistics in your organization, visit our website to learn more about this topic.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Defense-Logistics:-Challenges-and-Opportunities-in-2011&id=6649973] Defense Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities in 2011
The main 2011 logistic challenge and opportunity for U.S. forces is finding new methods to implement cost savings without reducing the service performance. Acquisition programs need to be designed to acquire new equipment without delaying or eliminating deliveries to the forces in the field. Programs need to ensure equipment being used is withdrawn before life cycle expiration. The air force medical logistics teams are looking at methods to ensure the safety of our forces while simultaneously dealing with imposed budgets designed to save money.
Best practices in this effort include consolidating and improving supply chain management while planning provisions to accommodate performance through a single point supporting the full range of military operations. The air force medical logistics team consist of subject matter experts combined with contractor support and material management, which is responsible for identifying system readiness and equipment nearing expiration of life cycles. Systems are being used to track environmental conditions and extraordinary operational duties, reduce redundancy, and improve supply rate efficiency by 34 percent. The objectives are to increase equipment availability by 20 percent and decrease the costs of operations and support functions by 10 percent during the 2011 fiscal year.
Defense logistics teams have been assigned three primary functions: planning for wide enterprise, material maintenance and distribution. The centers exercise command and control from a single point with strategies to reduce personnel costs and maintain functionality of operational executions. Supply chain management will operate under best practices, observing business regulations; their procedures need to meet supply chain system assessments. The procedures are intended to identify needed performance improvement, submitting metrics and analyzed capabilities for review. Concepts will be adapted, and change management, risk mitigation, and planning will be integrated. Supply chain organizations are using enhanced information technology systems with program goals capable of reaching target defense logistic improvements by 2012. Defense logistics teams will be working from multiple support locations performing services with precision to align the entire air force medical logistics supply chain process.
Changes ahead for logistical support of military operations are linked to technologies assisting with responses to unavoidable strategic risks. Immediate stability ensures air force logistics capability of dealing with unpredictable actions with deliberate and practical responses. Instability from all corners of the world is the largest challenge of managing military logistics in new environments with armed conflicts and maintaining global security to support the military's ability to deliver equipment on time. [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/home.aspx]Defense Logistics is a complicated area of the government's procurement activities. If you're tasked with [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense.aspx]air force medical logistics in your organization, visit our website to learn more about this topic.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Defense-Logistics:-Challenges-and-Opportunities-in-2011&id=6649973] Defense Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities in 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Base Realigment and Closure Updates and Their Impact on Logistics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_B_Thompson]Jeremy B Thompson
Base Realignment and Closure, which is also known as BRAC, is a United States Federal government procedure to close or realign all military installations that are deemed superfluous or which don't make any significant contribution anymore due to various factors. The BRAC recommends either closing or realigning these installations by overcoming the usual political and military challenges that are faced whenever there are attempts made to reduce or eliminate long-standing institutions. A military set-up can require millions of dollars annually; therefore members of Congress will often put up a stiff fight against such closing them down.
The last BRAC process was initiated in 2005 when the Pentagon released a list of military centers approved for the BRAC process. This commission also suggested that the next round of BRAC processes should be authorized in 2015 and from there on, a BRAC initiative must be conducted every 8 years.
The Base Realignment and Closure initiative has, for its primary goal, the saving Department money by creating efficiencies and reducing overhead. But, as is normal with such types of plans, there is a price to be paid in terms of relocating or replacing the employees; perhaps even the demolition of buildings or rehabilitation of buildings.
In support of the BRAC initiative, many contracts have been awarded to a large number of contractors who help with relocation of personnel, equipment and also perform the function of Information Technology management during the handover process as well as other service providers like housekeeping services.
Although the Base Realignment and Closures process is feared by many because of its potential to create unemployment and the strenuous efforts needed to implement a viable plan to reuse or repurpose bases, research has demonstrated that these realignment and closure procedures do not have the extreme effects feared by many communities. The impact could be less than expected because unlike other major employers, military installations could be considered to be relatively isolated units and therefore economic entities which spend their dollars outside the community where it's located, spending income on the base rather than in the local community. However, in rural areas, the impact could be higher and the economic recovery process slower.
Local government expenditure and services can be adversely affected due to the base realignment and closure initiatives and goals. This of course depends on the magnitude to which the military base is integrated into the local community's fiscal planning.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/base-realignment-and-closure.aspx]Base Realignment and Closure commission made a huge impact on military spending in the USA. Visit our website to learn more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Base-Realigment-and-Closure-Updates-and-Their-Impact-on-Logistics&id=6649981] Base Realigment and Closure Updates and Their Impact on Logistics
Base Realignment and Closure, which is also known as BRAC, is a United States Federal government procedure to close or realign all military installations that are deemed superfluous or which don't make any significant contribution anymore due to various factors. The BRAC recommends either closing or realigning these installations by overcoming the usual political and military challenges that are faced whenever there are attempts made to reduce or eliminate long-standing institutions. A military set-up can require millions of dollars annually; therefore members of Congress will often put up a stiff fight against such closing them down.
The last BRAC process was initiated in 2005 when the Pentagon released a list of military centers approved for the BRAC process. This commission also suggested that the next round of BRAC processes should be authorized in 2015 and from there on, a BRAC initiative must be conducted every 8 years.
The Base Realignment and Closure initiative has, for its primary goal, the saving Department money by creating efficiencies and reducing overhead. But, as is normal with such types of plans, there is a price to be paid in terms of relocating or replacing the employees; perhaps even the demolition of buildings or rehabilitation of buildings.
In support of the BRAC initiative, many contracts have been awarded to a large number of contractors who help with relocation of personnel, equipment and also perform the function of Information Technology management during the handover process as well as other service providers like housekeeping services.
Although the Base Realignment and Closures process is feared by many because of its potential to create unemployment and the strenuous efforts needed to implement a viable plan to reuse or repurpose bases, research has demonstrated that these realignment and closure procedures do not have the extreme effects feared by many communities. The impact could be less than expected because unlike other major employers, military installations could be considered to be relatively isolated units and therefore economic entities which spend their dollars outside the community where it's located, spending income on the base rather than in the local community. However, in rural areas, the impact could be higher and the economic recovery process slower.
Local government expenditure and services can be adversely affected due to the base realignment and closure initiatives and goals. This of course depends on the magnitude to which the military base is integrated into the local community's fiscal planning.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/base-realignment-and-closure.aspx]Base Realignment and Closure commission made a huge impact on military spending in the USA. Visit our website to learn more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Base-Realigment-and-Closure-Updates-and-Their-Impact-on-Logistics&id=6649981] Base Realigment and Closure Updates and Their Impact on Logistics
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
How To Build Affordability Into Defense Contracts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_B_Thompson]Jeremy B Thompson
In today's economic situation, the affordability of weapons systems development projects must be taken into careful consideration. Already, defense contracts are being drawn up with this in mind and many defense contractors are incorporating affordability initiatives into their program development plans. Recently, in an address to defense industry executives, the Pentagon's chief weapons purchaser gave the clear message that affordability will be the new mantra in new weapons programs like the SSBN-X, the ground combat vehicle and long range strike capabilities weapons.
This is because the days of over-sized defense budgets are long gone. As long as the funds gushed in the last two decades, there was plenty of waste and abuse of these budgets. Now, the defense industry will, like any other competitive industry, get "incentivized" to bring in more productivity and efficiency. This is a good thing, as the security of our nation depends on this efficiency.
Defense contractors will now have to think about adapting to the same changes that made the prices of products and services gradually drop in the private sector. Carter's line of reasoning - "Your computer costs less every year, why not defense weapons?"
This new approach is certain to lead to a lot fewer cost-plus contracts and fixed price contracts will be more encouraged. The fact that the government has agreed to cut the planned defense budget over 12 years by $400 billion is sure to affect defense contractors.
There are four basic ways to build affordability into defense contracts. The first is to initiate better management of costs and affordability through improved understanding and management of requirements, schedules and incentives. Two aspects of an affordability initiative are product improvement and process improvements. By adapting new manufacturing methods or materials to enhance the final product and by incorporating changes in detailed production plans, a new workflow can build affordability into defense contracts.
Another way of building affordability into defense contracts is to promote greater competition as well as getting rid of redundant capabilities and more direct acquisition management at all levels. This will also constitute removing obstacles to competition. Negotiation of all single bid offers through cost or price analysis and also through non-certified data will go a long way towards encouraging competition. Evaluation criteria and the time taken for evaluation also must be improved so as to promote real competition. Competition can also be enhanced by requiring more frequent reevaluations of knowledge-based services.
Are you involved with negotiating [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-contracts.aspx]defense contracts? We tackle this complex area on our website, so why not check us out?
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-Affordability-Into-Defense-Contracts&id=6650003] How To Build Affordability Into Defense Contracts
In today's economic situation, the affordability of weapons systems development projects must be taken into careful consideration. Already, defense contracts are being drawn up with this in mind and many defense contractors are incorporating affordability initiatives into their program development plans. Recently, in an address to defense industry executives, the Pentagon's chief weapons purchaser gave the clear message that affordability will be the new mantra in new weapons programs like the SSBN-X, the ground combat vehicle and long range strike capabilities weapons.
This is because the days of over-sized defense budgets are long gone. As long as the funds gushed in the last two decades, there was plenty of waste and abuse of these budgets. Now, the defense industry will, like any other competitive industry, get "incentivized" to bring in more productivity and efficiency. This is a good thing, as the security of our nation depends on this efficiency.
Defense contractors will now have to think about adapting to the same changes that made the prices of products and services gradually drop in the private sector. Carter's line of reasoning - "Your computer costs less every year, why not defense weapons?"
This new approach is certain to lead to a lot fewer cost-plus contracts and fixed price contracts will be more encouraged. The fact that the government has agreed to cut the planned defense budget over 12 years by $400 billion is sure to affect defense contractors.
There are four basic ways to build affordability into defense contracts. The first is to initiate better management of costs and affordability through improved understanding and management of requirements, schedules and incentives. Two aspects of an affordability initiative are product improvement and process improvements. By adapting new manufacturing methods or materials to enhance the final product and by incorporating changes in detailed production plans, a new workflow can build affordability into defense contracts.
Another way of building affordability into defense contracts is to promote greater competition as well as getting rid of redundant capabilities and more direct acquisition management at all levels. This will also constitute removing obstacles to competition. Negotiation of all single bid offers through cost or price analysis and also through non-certified data will go a long way towards encouraging competition. Evaluation criteria and the time taken for evaluation also must be improved so as to promote real competition. Competition can also be enhanced by requiring more frequent reevaluations of knowledge-based services.
Are you involved with negotiating [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/defense-contracts.aspx]defense contracts? We tackle this complex area on our website, so why not check us out?
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Build-Affordability-Into-Defense-Contracts&id=6650003] How To Build Affordability Into Defense Contracts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Affordability and DoD Contracts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_O_Smith]Jerry O Smith
Affordability plays a huge role in the contracts the Department of Defense (DoD) signs for various projects. This DoD acquisition process is now regulated by new laws that were enacted by the government recently. Defense Secretary's $101 billion "efficiency initiative" was created in order to ensure that the Department of Defense makes as many savings as it possibly can in the coming years, in line with the spending cuts that the entire country is trying to push through. Every military service has now been required to find $2 billion of savings in 2012, $3 billion in 2013, and $5 billion by 2014. The list goes on, until 2016 when $10 billion of savings should be achieved by the United States military and its various branches. These savings will fund military pay and benefits as well as weapons acquisition programs.
The fact is that DoD acquisition contracts are now directly linked to how much money they can save. The country has created a deficit of almost $2 trillion and can no longer frivolously spend on defense contracts that the army sees fit to enact. Only money that is being saved can be spent. While Gates came up with a good savings plan, Ashton Carter, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, came up with further contracting reforms to save the military money.
The first principle Carter brought into law is that affordability is as important as technical capability when it comes making decisions about weapons programs, such as the Army Ground Combat Vehicles and the Air Force Long Range Strike Missiles. Any programs that are not financially viable must be let go of and all programs must strictly comply with regulations that inhibit spending on new equipments and maintaining current ones.
Similarly, there are now portfolio capability reviews that will be conducted to ensure that any program that is redundant is let go. The Air Force's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program is one that is particularly at risk of being shut down for its huge costs and limited effectiveness. The Army's Medium Extended Air Defense System is also being threatened, because shutting down these and a few other programs could save the army billions of dollars. They are looking to find programs that cost between $10 to $12 million each and do not rip holes in the United States Treasury's budget.
There are other policies as well, and these are merely two examples of how both the Defense Secretary and his undersecretary are striving to reduce United States Military spending, especially in the DoD acquisition process, while still maintaining our status as the primary army in the world.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/dod-acquisition-process.aspx]DoD acquisition process has changed significantly since the implementation of new directives and budgets. Browse our website for information about this important trend.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Affordability-and-DoD-Contracts&id=6650027] Affordability and DoD Contracts
Affordability plays a huge role in the contracts the Department of Defense (DoD) signs for various projects. This DoD acquisition process is now regulated by new laws that were enacted by the government recently. Defense Secretary's $101 billion "efficiency initiative" was created in order to ensure that the Department of Defense makes as many savings as it possibly can in the coming years, in line with the spending cuts that the entire country is trying to push through. Every military service has now been required to find $2 billion of savings in 2012, $3 billion in 2013, and $5 billion by 2014. The list goes on, until 2016 when $10 billion of savings should be achieved by the United States military and its various branches. These savings will fund military pay and benefits as well as weapons acquisition programs.
The fact is that DoD acquisition contracts are now directly linked to how much money they can save. The country has created a deficit of almost $2 trillion and can no longer frivolously spend on defense contracts that the army sees fit to enact. Only money that is being saved can be spent. While Gates came up with a good savings plan, Ashton Carter, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, came up with further contracting reforms to save the military money.
The first principle Carter brought into law is that affordability is as important as technical capability when it comes making decisions about weapons programs, such as the Army Ground Combat Vehicles and the Air Force Long Range Strike Missiles. Any programs that are not financially viable must be let go of and all programs must strictly comply with regulations that inhibit spending on new equipments and maintaining current ones.
Similarly, there are now portfolio capability reviews that will be conducted to ensure that any program that is redundant is let go. The Air Force's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program is one that is particularly at risk of being shut down for its huge costs and limited effectiveness. The Army's Medium Extended Air Defense System is also being threatened, because shutting down these and a few other programs could save the army billions of dollars. They are looking to find programs that cost between $10 to $12 million each and do not rip holes in the United States Treasury's budget.
There are other policies as well, and these are merely two examples of how both the Defense Secretary and his undersecretary are striving to reduce United States Military spending, especially in the DoD acquisition process, while still maintaining our status as the primary army in the world.
The [http://www.wbresearch.com/defenselogisticsusa/dod-acquisition-process.aspx]DoD acquisition process has changed significantly since the implementation of new directives and budgets. Browse our website for information about this important trend.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Affordability-and-DoD-Contracts&id=6650027] Affordability and DoD Contracts
Saturday, November 12, 2011
UAVs to Monitor Iran's Nuclear Weapons Enrichment Program and Testing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow
Okay so, apparently, the old CIA assessment of Iran and their nuclear enrichment program to make nuclear weapons was wrong, and the Iranians didn't actually stop those centrifuges. Of course, that wouldn't be the first time the CIA assessments of a foreign government's WMD program was incorrect. See that point.
Now then, let's let bygones be bygones and consider where we are today. Is there a way we can for sure know that Iran has stopped enriching uranium? Hard to say if we can be 100% accurate using satellites, or other intelligence, but I have another idea for this.
First, however, I'd like to state that I feel the answer to this issue is somewhat irrelevant, and that pre-emption is more than justified NOW, as Iran has been funding terrorist organizations, Hamas and Hezbollah and that is well known. Further, Iran has assisted in the insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan, meddling in the stabilizing of those nations.
Let's discuss however a concept on how to do proper surveillance to verify that Iran is or isn't working on nuclear weapons. You see, there are many ways to test for nuclear weapons work - spectral imaging from Satellites, downwind air quality checks using sunlight and UAVs (or micro-air vehicles in grid formation) to gather samples
The NOAA has this technology, they use it for weather data, and/or can use it for collecting pollution particulate. Here is how I would envision this happening;
Small micro-air vehicles can penetrate without detection, like small birds, especially using special materials, upload information to satellite, relay to ship in Arabian Sea. Also we can use Sunlight backdrops and long-range frequency scanning for specific concentrations of various gases released in the enrichment process, as we did with N. Korean from the S. Korean side.
The micro-air vehicles can fly in a grid pattern at the proper altitude to collect the air-samples, then send the data to the satellites if the gases that follow uranium enrichment are present. Even if the MAVs or micro-air vehicles cannot make it back, that's okay, at least we have the data we need, and we can self-destruct these units to prevent them from getting into the hands of the enemy in this case.
It seems that the "trust but verify" concept of the Reagan Administration is completely out the window, as the Iranian leadership has been less-than-forthcoming in the past on this issue, not only with the US, NATO, UN, but also with the IAEA. It's time to verify what we already know, so we can feel good about the decisions we are making, but trust must be earned, unfortunately it hasn't in this case. What's that quote; "Shame on Me?"
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?UAVs-to-Monitor-Irans-Nuclear-Weapons-Enrichment-Program-and-Testing&id=6658690] UAVs to Monitor Iran's Nuclear Weapons Enrichment Program and Testing
Okay so, apparently, the old CIA assessment of Iran and their nuclear enrichment program to make nuclear weapons was wrong, and the Iranians didn't actually stop those centrifuges. Of course, that wouldn't be the first time the CIA assessments of a foreign government's WMD program was incorrect. See that point.
Now then, let's let bygones be bygones and consider where we are today. Is there a way we can for sure know that Iran has stopped enriching uranium? Hard to say if we can be 100% accurate using satellites, or other intelligence, but I have another idea for this.
First, however, I'd like to state that I feel the answer to this issue is somewhat irrelevant, and that pre-emption is more than justified NOW, as Iran has been funding terrorist organizations, Hamas and Hezbollah and that is well known. Further, Iran has assisted in the insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan, meddling in the stabilizing of those nations.
Let's discuss however a concept on how to do proper surveillance to verify that Iran is or isn't working on nuclear weapons. You see, there are many ways to test for nuclear weapons work - spectral imaging from Satellites, downwind air quality checks using sunlight and UAVs (or micro-air vehicles in grid formation) to gather samples
The NOAA has this technology, they use it for weather data, and/or can use it for collecting pollution particulate. Here is how I would envision this happening;
Small micro-air vehicles can penetrate without detection, like small birds, especially using special materials, upload information to satellite, relay to ship in Arabian Sea. Also we can use Sunlight backdrops and long-range frequency scanning for specific concentrations of various gases released in the enrichment process, as we did with N. Korean from the S. Korean side.
The micro-air vehicles can fly in a grid pattern at the proper altitude to collect the air-samples, then send the data to the satellites if the gases that follow uranium enrichment are present. Even if the MAVs or micro-air vehicles cannot make it back, that's okay, at least we have the data we need, and we can self-destruct these units to prevent them from getting into the hands of the enemy in this case.
It seems that the "trust but verify" concept of the Reagan Administration is completely out the window, as the Iranian leadership has been less-than-forthcoming in the past on this issue, not only with the US, NATO, UN, but also with the IAEA. It's time to verify what we already know, so we can feel good about the decisions we are making, but trust must be earned, unfortunately it hasn't in this case. What's that quote; "Shame on Me?"
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lance+Winslow#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Future+Concepts&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3AFuture+Concepts]Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?UAVs-to-Monitor-Irans-Nuclear-Weapons-Enrichment-Program-and-Testing&id=6658690] UAVs to Monitor Iran's Nuclear Weapons Enrichment Program and Testing
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The West Coast During World War Two
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Peter_Uzelac]Peter Uzelac
Life on America's West Coast changed dramatically after the December 7, 1941 Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The radical changes enacted after the attack changed how people went about their daily lives and the new laws and social changes that resulted are talked about and debated to this very day.
The driving force behind these changes of course were geographic. Hawaii, while not really next door to California, was close enough for American's to be quite concerned. While you couldn't say there was hysteria, there was a degree of concern about a possible land invasion of the western U.S. While theoretically possible, the probability of such an invasion was low. For the Japanese to carry it out would have been a logistic undertaking like never before. The forces necessary to accomplish such an expedition would have been almost impossible to pull off. The large American population on the west coast along with the terrain would have presented great difficulty. While this was most likely realized by those in our military there were still many other concerns regarding our overall west coast security. One of those concerns were the number of Japanese living on the west coast, mostly in California. Many of these people were Japanese born and had not attained citizenship. On the other hand, many were born on American soil and were indeed U.S. citizens.
The West Coast truly was experiencing a unique situation. Never before had the possibility arisen that the U.S. might be invaded by another nation. You had to have gone back to the War of 1812 for a similar circumstance. The probability of course was small. The Hawaiian Islands would have been taken first and this proved not to be in Japan's game plan. Furthermore, after the Japanese stunning defeat in the Battle of Midway, the tide turned the other way with prospects of an invasion of Japan's home islands. Regardless of the long shot of action being seen on our west coast, there were several other concerns which did emerge.
Anti-Japanese factions, mostly in California, began petitioning the federal government to do something about what they perceived was a security threat. The threat they were alluding to was possible Japanese-American spying and/or sabotage. America's West Coast was home to many naval bases, shipyards and other war related industries. Could a spy secretly radio out American ship movements to submarines positioned off the coast? Could someone sympathetic to Japan's cause sabotage a factory producing war equipment? Both of these were possible. German saboteurs were known to operate on the east coast. Neither of these scenarios were out of the question. In regards to the west coast which had the distinction of being home to thousands of people of Japanese ancestry, the question was..what to do?
The result was Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. This order allowed military commanders to designate areas "from which any or all persons may be excluded."This action come without a lot of prodding. After Pearl harbor there had been a great deal of both discrimination and harassment directed at Japanese-Americans. There were signs posted on storefronts, newspaper editorials, student harassment at schools, property destruction and of course some relatively minor acts of violence all directed toward the Japanese-Americans. When Executive Order 9066 was signed into law the federal government ordered 120,000 Japanese-Americans who lived on the West coast to leave their homes and jobs and live in 10 relocation camps in remote areas in the western states. In many of these cases the Japanese who were rounded up lost their homes and belongings while away at the camps. Two-thirds of the people interned were native-born American citizens. To add to their hardship, the Japanese of the west coast were only allowed to bring along a few possessions and in some cases family members were split up in separate camps. The camps were located in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. The conditions at many of these camps were considered poor, especially in regards to medical treatment. The climate itself at many of these western camps was more harsh than what many had been accustomed to on the west coast and this sometimes caused physical problems. To learn more about personal experiences endured by the internees, there are several very good books available at most public libraries that offer detailed accounts. These are quite interesting and revealing stories.
In December 1944, Public Proclamation 21 finally allowed the internees to return home. Some returned back home and started on the road to rebuilding their lives. What they found back home in regards to the property they left behind was another matter. Many lost everything. Others who had been soured by the experience decided to return to Japan. Another interesting fact was that during the entire war only ten people were convicted of spying in the U.S. and none of these were of Japanese ancestry.
During the war years there were several Japanese attacks along the west coast however what occurred are better described as uncoordinated isolated incidents. One was the shelling by a Japanese submarine of an oil platform in Santa Barbara California resulting in some dam but no injuries. The submarine then left the area never to be seen again. Another incident occurred at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon when n June 21, 1942 a Japanese submarine fired on Fort Stevens. The only damage sustained was to a baseball field backstop. The submarine followed local fishing boats to avoid minefields. Searchlights spotted the sub but there was no return fire from the Americans mainly because the attack was at night and they chose not to give away their positions by firing. Another hazard to people on the west coast were the incendiary devices which were launched from Japan by balloon and taken to the North American continent by natural wind currents. The first bomb balloon was launched on November 3, 1944. From then until April 1945, the Japanese launched an estimated 9,300 balloons, up to 100 a day. Every month the balloons kept appearing, falling, or being sighted in some 26 states and localities from Mexico all the way to Alaska and as far east as the states of Kansas, Iowa, and Michigan. The goal of this effort was an attempt to set the northwest forests on fire. Most balloons never made it to their destination, and of the ones that did, only a few sporadic small fires resulted which were quickly put out by fire fighters. There was an incident with a balloon which apparently landed in the woods in rural Oregon. A group of children led by a Reverend Mitchell and his wife from Bly, Oregon set out for a Sunday afternoon picnic. While Reverend Mitchell parked the car, his wife and the five children explored the area. The group discovered a device the U.S. government knew about but had kept secret. This was the balloon bomb device. When one of them touched the device, it exploded. The explosion killed Mrs. Mitchell and the five children. The six Oregonians became the only known deaths on the United States mainland from enemy attack during all of World War Two. Records indicate that after the Oregon tragedy that claimed six lives, the federal government made the public aware of these dangerous devices sent over from Japan. On August 20, 1950, the company Weyerhaeuser, who owned the land where the explosion occurred, dedicated a bronze memorial plaque to the six victims. The explosion site is now part of a National Forest Service Recreational Area.
The residents of the west coast were certainly more affected by World War Two than many of their counterparts around the nation. With that being said, there were precautions taken in many other areas. The Galveston, Texas and Louisiana area which was a central shipping point for oil was the target of several German U-Boat attacks. As a result, there were regular blackouts in effect and a concerted effort by the Navy and Coast Guard to hunt for the U-Boats. rel=nofollow [http://westerntrips.blogspot.com/2011/05/galvestons-strategic-world-war-two.html]Galveston's World War Two defenses were quite extensive. The same was the case in San Francisco defenses. Spotter planes were launched from the Alameda Naval Air Station and other bases to patrol the coast. San Francisco defenses also included artillery batteries along both side of the inlet to the Bay.
World War Two presented the west coast with a set of problems never before encountered by the American public. Some of the steps taken were extreme and the program of Japanese internment was certainly one of these. It was a controversial move which is still debated to this day. At it's worse, the internment came about by the efforts of anti-Japanese factions within the non-Asian community. These may have been groups of people who disliked the Japanese presence on the mainland even before Pearl Harbor. At it's best, it was an honest effort by the federal government to react to a situation which it never encountered before.
By Peter Uzelac [http://westerntrips.blogspot.com/]westerntrips.blogspot.com
Peter Uzelac enjoys researching the history of America's West. You can contact him at [mailto:peterstripg@aol.com]peterstripg@aol.com or at westerntrips.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-West-Coast-During-World-War-Two&id=6651854] The West Coast During World War Two
Life on America's West Coast changed dramatically after the December 7, 1941 Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The radical changes enacted after the attack changed how people went about their daily lives and the new laws and social changes that resulted are talked about and debated to this very day.
The driving force behind these changes of course were geographic. Hawaii, while not really next door to California, was close enough for American's to be quite concerned. While you couldn't say there was hysteria, there was a degree of concern about a possible land invasion of the western U.S. While theoretically possible, the probability of such an invasion was low. For the Japanese to carry it out would have been a logistic undertaking like never before. The forces necessary to accomplish such an expedition would have been almost impossible to pull off. The large American population on the west coast along with the terrain would have presented great difficulty. While this was most likely realized by those in our military there were still many other concerns regarding our overall west coast security. One of those concerns were the number of Japanese living on the west coast, mostly in California. Many of these people were Japanese born and had not attained citizenship. On the other hand, many were born on American soil and were indeed U.S. citizens.
The West Coast truly was experiencing a unique situation. Never before had the possibility arisen that the U.S. might be invaded by another nation. You had to have gone back to the War of 1812 for a similar circumstance. The probability of course was small. The Hawaiian Islands would have been taken first and this proved not to be in Japan's game plan. Furthermore, after the Japanese stunning defeat in the Battle of Midway, the tide turned the other way with prospects of an invasion of Japan's home islands. Regardless of the long shot of action being seen on our west coast, there were several other concerns which did emerge.
Anti-Japanese factions, mostly in California, began petitioning the federal government to do something about what they perceived was a security threat. The threat they were alluding to was possible Japanese-American spying and/or sabotage. America's West Coast was home to many naval bases, shipyards and other war related industries. Could a spy secretly radio out American ship movements to submarines positioned off the coast? Could someone sympathetic to Japan's cause sabotage a factory producing war equipment? Both of these were possible. German saboteurs were known to operate on the east coast. Neither of these scenarios were out of the question. In regards to the west coast which had the distinction of being home to thousands of people of Japanese ancestry, the question was..what to do?
The result was Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. This order allowed military commanders to designate areas "from which any or all persons may be excluded."This action come without a lot of prodding. After Pearl harbor there had been a great deal of both discrimination and harassment directed at Japanese-Americans. There were signs posted on storefronts, newspaper editorials, student harassment at schools, property destruction and of course some relatively minor acts of violence all directed toward the Japanese-Americans. When Executive Order 9066 was signed into law the federal government ordered 120,000 Japanese-Americans who lived on the West coast to leave their homes and jobs and live in 10 relocation camps in remote areas in the western states. In many of these cases the Japanese who were rounded up lost their homes and belongings while away at the camps. Two-thirds of the people interned were native-born American citizens. To add to their hardship, the Japanese of the west coast were only allowed to bring along a few possessions and in some cases family members were split up in separate camps. The camps were located in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. The conditions at many of these camps were considered poor, especially in regards to medical treatment. The climate itself at many of these western camps was more harsh than what many had been accustomed to on the west coast and this sometimes caused physical problems. To learn more about personal experiences endured by the internees, there are several very good books available at most public libraries that offer detailed accounts. These are quite interesting and revealing stories.
In December 1944, Public Proclamation 21 finally allowed the internees to return home. Some returned back home and started on the road to rebuilding their lives. What they found back home in regards to the property they left behind was another matter. Many lost everything. Others who had been soured by the experience decided to return to Japan. Another interesting fact was that during the entire war only ten people were convicted of spying in the U.S. and none of these were of Japanese ancestry.
During the war years there were several Japanese attacks along the west coast however what occurred are better described as uncoordinated isolated incidents. One was the shelling by a Japanese submarine of an oil platform in Santa Barbara California resulting in some dam but no injuries. The submarine then left the area never to be seen again. Another incident occurred at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon when n June 21, 1942 a Japanese submarine fired on Fort Stevens. The only damage sustained was to a baseball field backstop. The submarine followed local fishing boats to avoid minefields. Searchlights spotted the sub but there was no return fire from the Americans mainly because the attack was at night and they chose not to give away their positions by firing. Another hazard to people on the west coast were the incendiary devices which were launched from Japan by balloon and taken to the North American continent by natural wind currents. The first bomb balloon was launched on November 3, 1944. From then until April 1945, the Japanese launched an estimated 9,300 balloons, up to 100 a day. Every month the balloons kept appearing, falling, or being sighted in some 26 states and localities from Mexico all the way to Alaska and as far east as the states of Kansas, Iowa, and Michigan. The goal of this effort was an attempt to set the northwest forests on fire. Most balloons never made it to their destination, and of the ones that did, only a few sporadic small fires resulted which were quickly put out by fire fighters. There was an incident with a balloon which apparently landed in the woods in rural Oregon. A group of children led by a Reverend Mitchell and his wife from Bly, Oregon set out for a Sunday afternoon picnic. While Reverend Mitchell parked the car, his wife and the five children explored the area. The group discovered a device the U.S. government knew about but had kept secret. This was the balloon bomb device. When one of them touched the device, it exploded. The explosion killed Mrs. Mitchell and the five children. The six Oregonians became the only known deaths on the United States mainland from enemy attack during all of World War Two. Records indicate that after the Oregon tragedy that claimed six lives, the federal government made the public aware of these dangerous devices sent over from Japan. On August 20, 1950, the company Weyerhaeuser, who owned the land where the explosion occurred, dedicated a bronze memorial plaque to the six victims. The explosion site is now part of a National Forest Service Recreational Area.
The residents of the west coast were certainly more affected by World War Two than many of their counterparts around the nation. With that being said, there were precautions taken in many other areas. The Galveston, Texas and Louisiana area which was a central shipping point for oil was the target of several German U-Boat attacks. As a result, there were regular blackouts in effect and a concerted effort by the Navy and Coast Guard to hunt for the U-Boats. rel=nofollow [http://westerntrips.blogspot.com/2011/05/galvestons-strategic-world-war-two.html]Galveston's World War Two defenses were quite extensive. The same was the case in San Francisco defenses. Spotter planes were launched from the Alameda Naval Air Station and other bases to patrol the coast. San Francisco defenses also included artillery batteries along both side of the inlet to the Bay.
World War Two presented the west coast with a set of problems never before encountered by the American public. Some of the steps taken were extreme and the program of Japanese internment was certainly one of these. It was a controversial move which is still debated to this day. At it's worse, the internment came about by the efforts of anti-Japanese factions within the non-Asian community. These may have been groups of people who disliked the Japanese presence on the mainland even before Pearl Harbor. At it's best, it was an honest effort by the federal government to react to a situation which it never encountered before.
By Peter Uzelac [http://westerntrips.blogspot.com/]westerntrips.blogspot.com
Peter Uzelac enjoys researching the history of America's West. You can contact him at [mailto:peterstripg@aol.com]peterstripg@aol.com or at westerntrips.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-West-Coast-During-World-War-Two&id=6651854] The West Coast During World War Two
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