Chinese Military Build Up - Sun Tzu and Chinese War Machine by Lance Winslow

We are currently seeing a build up in China of their military, with 7 new classes of warships. Buying of 15 Billion worth of jet fighters from Russia, advances in Space which can lead to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, Electromagnetic Weapons, training and recruiting of personal for army. Taiwan is extremely concerned as is Japan, Russia is thrilled having been able to sell them technologically advanced weaponry. Our defense industry is upset seeing sales go to other countries, also alarming in our trade deficit and money flows out of our country to China, which is being used to buy the weapons in the first place. Airbus is establishing a military division to catch some of that money flow too, having watched Boeing which also sells military and commercial make major end roads to markets thru R and D partially coming from US Government, which as we know has been a debate in the EU and fair trade rules as Airbus is funded in part and subsidized by European governments who are simultaneously deficit spending. The selling of weapons in the world is quite alarming and makes the case for Iranian or North Korea’s nuclear weapon ambitions a tough one, in that shouldn’t a country have the right to defend itself? A worthy debate although a government, which has proved untrustworthy in the past obviously should never be trusted with such destructive power which once used would surely change the history of mankind.

China is aware of the World’s concern with the largest population base in the World and expanding industrial might, such concerns are warranted. One issue of supreme insight would be that of Dr. Einstein; “You cannot simultaneously prepare and prevent war.” China says it wants to defend itself. Which is a noble cause of any nation, right? Yes, but the question is from whom? No one country on Earth is up to a challenge of the Chinese Military, except maybe the US, which of course is a trading partner whose purchases are funding their economy and their war machine. Having the world’s largest and most powerful Army, Air Force and Navy has been for over 25 years undisputed territory of the United States. Chinese war theory predicts forcing political will without use of force or if possible not fighting a single battle as adequate method. If China wishes to force its political will with Taiwan, then who might defend them? Will the US show up for a political game poker game where each side tries to bluff the other. Chinese culture is much different than Western Culture despite the closeness in the end goals of the civilizations (certainly worthy of discussion for another topic). China is well aware of the tension created by this build up and the power and what that means for its future forceful negotiations of will. China currently does not wish to rock the boat until it has the military might to play at the poker table with the EU or with the United States and has suggested a Hotline to Washington DC in the interim. Keeping up communication is important to peaceful solutions to military issues, but are we playing into a grander plan. By opening military force hotline are we in fact admitting and raising their status as a World Power?

China, US Discuss Setting Up Defense Hotline
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/china-05o.html

“Beijing (XNA) Feb 01, 2005 - Chinese Defense Ministry and its US counterpart rounded off their first special policy dialogue here Tuesday with both voicing their satisfactions, a sign of warming ties between two militaries of the two countries.”

China is also testing its power and practicing the modern art of war:

China, Russia To Hold First Ever Joint Military Drill
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/china-05n.html

“Beijing (AFP) Feb 01, 2005 - Russia and China will conduct their first ever joint military exercises in August or September to better coordinate the fight against terrorism, state media reported Tuesday.”

The United States if it really expects to remain the world leader militarily ought to take notes of these trends and set a course to maintain the ability to negotiate from a position of strength and be prepared to make an example of any nation which tries to force our their will against us or our allies with annihilating force so that China realizes that we are not into the bluffing game and will not tolerate imperialism from any other nation in the future periods. Without such a demonstration China will test us with Taiwan and then other allies to see how far we can be pushed. Such a series of signs will be very similar to a previous set of threats which history had showed us during Germany’s build up to power. We should be ready to negotiate but not fear the ultimate example and display of power to put away any possible attempt for any other nation to bluff us into backing down on what we know to be right.

This should not be a considered a warning of future events to come, but we should be ready and prepared to defend the free world and use unheard of force if necessary and all those in the wake should know in advance that we do not do threats, we do not play with bluffers and we will prevail no matter what. Do not challenge the free world and never mistake the United States’ acts of kindness for a sign of weakness.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

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New Weapons For The US Military by Victor Epand

I have read the article about the M-468. I believe it is a superior firearm in terms of ease of integration into the US military inventory. Those of you who read history in terms of US military small arms may remember that General Douglas McArthur wanted a rifle that would shoot the 30.06 since the US had millions of crates of it in storage. That is how Garand won the contract with the M-1 since his rifle did chamber the 30.06 round while the contenders were using other type rounds.

This sounds like a great replacement for the M-16 and the sole consideration in selecting the replacement should be what is best for the troops and not what is best for the bean counters. If this increased stopping power saves one American life what value do we place on that life if we stay with the 5.56 mm and lose that life so it fits into some neat budget of someone who will not be in harms way.

I hope the armed services accept the M-468 as the primary weapon. Shoot to wound is the most stupid statement ever made by any military, ever. The purpose of the military is to kill the enemy. I thought the 7.56 was bad, the 5.56 was worse. I don't think any enemy we have, has a shoot to wound philosophy. I'm glad our defense dept is looking to upgrade our weapons.

I have read the article about the M-468 and was quite impressed by its lethality and transitional ease. We do need a more lethal round than the 5.56mm NATO round that we use today. I as an individual soldier would like to see the U.S. Army and the military as a whole convert to this M-468. The article also added the reality check in there about the U.S. military having millions of 5.56mm in stock. My answer would simply be this in that we would still have use for the 5.56mm round due to the fact that we still have the M-249 S.A.W. in our inventories. We could get the rounds converted into drum ammunition for that purpose.

Then again what would the cost be? That is what it unfortunately boils down to. Not saving soldiers lives on the battlefield but what does it cost and what amount of effort has to go into it. I hope that the military goes to this new rifle but in all of my 17 years in the Army I am not expecting miracles.

The M-468 sounds like a great upgrade to the basic infantryman's needs. Proven technology, and small upgrades in foreshock and sir, main problem is going to be retooling to a 6.8 round. But considering how much a Y-22 air superiority plane costs, I think the cost is minimal, just cut one plane and you got all the money you need to retool. Also why do we need such a high tech toy when most of today's conflicts are infantry necessities?

The issue in general with the 5.56x45mm ball ammo (whether the original 55 grain or the newer 62 grain SS109 projectile) isn't so much a question of velocity (which is superior) or ballistic coefficient (which is adequate) but of bullet construction...it is 'ball' or full metal jacket ammunition, designed not to expand.

If it is truly the philosophy of the US military to "shoot to kill" then stop piddling around with changing calibers and allow some decent, expanding bullets to be issued. Supposedly these bullets are not allowed by the Geneva Convention, which is madness..if it is "legal" to shoot the enemy then it should be "legal" to use properly designed ammunition. The current M4 round makes a neat .223 caliber hole in the target and keeps on going. The suggested 6.8x43mm will make a nice .270 hole and keep going.

The idea is to have a bullet that expands and transfers all of its energy to the target, not one that punches little holes. I guarantee the shot/kill ratio would improve significantly...and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than adopting a whole new weapons system. The current M4/M16 system is fine...just feed it some decent ammo!

Source www.goarticles.com

New Body Armor For Troops by Victor Epand

When the first body armor was ever issued, it was sent to some of the outfits in Korea (Wpns Cn, 2nd Bn, 5th Marines) was on the list of the first to try it out. They were in the mountains, in the summer, and most of their movements were on foot. After only a few days no one was wearing the heavy, hot vests even though the brass wanted us too. I am sure today's technology has improved greatly but I see the Marine has not changed his practical approach to solving problems in combat.

The armor is good, even by today's standards, but it's still not light enough. Average Marines or GI carries about 70 lbs of gear. No one wants an addition twenty five pounds of armor on, especially when doing foot patrols from sector A to b. Right now, light armor is only good against turning small caliber rounds. Soldiers and Marines are faced with armor defeating calibers like 7.62x39 and well you know the list.

Marines Iraq turned down the armor because it was too heavy, and you need some thick plating to turn heavy calibers. I mean my father was in the Army Rangers and he said those damn plates they carried weighed like bricks. So the technology still has to step up a notch. I am sure they will come up with something.

The Army no longer wants to reimburse for personally purchased body armor. As a Vet with over 1500 hours of flying as a "gunner" as part of a pink team I tell you now. The M16 was crap and the M60 not much better. I purchased an M3 grease gun and used it for backup, not an M16. That old piece of crap saved a few lives in the year I had it. Most of our LOH pilots carried a 45, not the 38 they were issued.

I had 1 that I purchased for myself, had to use it on occasion, never failed to knock down what it hit (did not hang around long enough to check bodies) The REMFs at many bases could not understand our liking for older weapons, but they never put it on the line, either. If someone wants a better weapon or armor so be it. It is time to pass laws stating that ex military types cannot be hired by defense contractors or forfeit pensions and benefits. In about 10 years we would have the absolute world's best.However, I have been studying ballistics and armor for a long time and have two patents pending on nxtgen armor.

Anyways, I know someone from a company that makes body armor now for several years, and he is a man of his word. I have spoken personally to several security contractors whom wear it, like it. And saw, and talked on the phone to one person that was hit in the sandbox with it on. Dragon Skin Armor is a great idea. My personal opinion, is that its just too expensive.

That is just too much for someone to go out and buy if they only want to use it for a little while. Well, based on how they are made, that's the deal. In case you are not following me, I'm talking about the SOV Vest. There are people out here with ideas and ways to keep safe the people whom go into harms way on our behalf, I personally, have devoted the rest of my life, after working in private/contractor type security overseas from Africa to S. America to make this a reality.

Source www.goarticles.com

The F-22 Fighter Plane Is Needed by Victor Epand

The F-22 Fighter Plane (Which started life as the Advanced Tactical Fighter {ATF} and later became the Air Dominance Fighter {ADF}) and the Typhoon were programs started in the early 80's. The F-22 is intended to replace the F-15C/D While the Euro fighter plane is intended to replace a whole plethora of aircraft.

The JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) is a replacement for aircraft types such as the Harrier (VSTOL variant slated for the USMC; Britain), the F-16 (CTOL Variant for the USAF) and the F/A-18C/D (Naval Variant for the USN).

While the Jury is still out on the JSF (As far as I am concerned) I think the F-22 has turned into one of those "Projects that won't die" like the M2/M3 Bradley. The US Government has spent so much money on it that they can't afford to buy it.

Do we need it? That question is already moot. We are getting it whether we "need" it or not. I think, however, that the F-22 may be the last manned fighter to be deployed. The focus will, IMHO, switch to highly capable UCAVs...

From a military perspective, yes. What will stop these European countries from selling this aircraft to any country that wants it? What will stop members of the design team from selling plans to other countries? It is possible that our aircraft will infact have to fly against the euro fighter.

Keep in mind, there was a time when Iraq was our ally (of sorts). Just because someone is my ally today does not mean they will be tomorrow. If I'm putting you in a hunk of metal that for all intents and purposes is one large explosive. That you will have to fly faster than the speed of sound while being fired at.... call me crazy, but I think you would like to be sitting in the most technologically advanced thing you could get your hands on.

Being on the cutting edge of military advancement doesn't come cheap or easy. But the most powerful country in the world is ALWAYS the country with the most powerful military. You can't very well impose your will if you... can't impose your will.

Our military isn't just judged based upon its ability to fight those we will likely have to in the near future. But, everything out there. including our own weapons.

A lot of Russian/European Fighter planes are at par or has exceeded the F-15E's capability. This puts the US at a disadvantage. Besides, F-15 will be at least 25+ years old. For a military that's taking the fight into the OPFOR's own backyard, the US has to dominate its battle space. And that means having an Air Superiority to operate with impunity.

Sure, it's expensive. But whoever said that Air Superiority was cheap? If you looked back into the 70s when the F-15 was still in its R&D phases lawmakers said the same damn thing: "that plane's too expensive!" And now, we got hundreds of them.

The F-22 may be the single biggest waste of money since the B-1. Large, heavy, bad E-M (energy-maneuverability) ratings it simple is not a good air plane. Instead of being based on the E-M theory like the F-15 and 16 were it has instead reverted back to the bigger-higher-faster doctrine. It simply puts to many gizmos into a plan that doesn't need it. The E-M theory proved that the lighter the plane the better it will be able to maneuver, the F-22 is one of the heaviest planes designed.

It also has far surpassed its budget and its cost per plane is simply unacceptable. By the time the air force has enough money to replace its fleet with these flying boxes they will be long obsolete.

Source www.goarticles.com

Military Uniforms Then and Now by J Stone

Around the world, organized military forces of governments have many different types of military uniforms that they wear. Clearly being one of the founding fathers of the uniform, the militaries of countries have contributed greatly towards what constitutes a good uniform today.

In addition to offering protective features from the elements or even enemy fire military uniforms are also worn to signify a specific job role within the military. After the early 1900's, uniforms stopped being supplied in bright colors and instead, were supplied in more drab colors. Partially to aid in combat, these colors would often blend in with the surrounding areas on the battlefields. The dress uniforms, however, would continue to remain colorful and elaborate.

Uniforms have been designed to serve many purposes. Among these purposes are distinction, camouflage, logistics and psychological warfare. A brief description of each purpose follows:

Distinction:

One main reason for having uniforms is so that combatants can distinguish individuals protected by the laws of war and those who are allowed to carry weapons. Some individuals in war who carry weapons and fight back are often not protected by these laws. One other reason was to prevent army deserters from being able to modify their clothing to reflect more ordinary civilian clothing. The uniforms themselves were so distinct in design and style that these deserters could be easily identified.

Visibility & Camouflage:

The evolution of military uniforms from bright colors (to help in identification on a battle field) to more camouflaged ones (where they become virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding landscape) is a clear indication of the purpose of a uniform. While previously important to find units in battle, the evolution of warfare has necessitated the more stealthier aspects of armies and hence more attention to camouflage.

Logistics:

During large wars, it is significantly easier to produce and equip armies with standard sized uniforms. This becomes a more economical way to outfit thousands of soldiers quickly and efficiently during a war.

Psychological Warfare:

In the past, uniforms were also used as a sort of psychological warfare. Form enhancing gear that make the soldiers appear larger and more formidable often strike fear into the opposing sides. Large caps, capes, specific colors all add to the psychological warfare of the military uniforms.

Modern day military uniforms are much more simpler. The US Army soldiers wear standard camouflage utilities for practically all purposes unless there is a dress parade or formal occasion where they will wear their full dress uniforms. Today, the tradition and reasons for wearing military uniforms still remain. It is unlikely that this tradition will change drastically in the future.

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Military Technology - The Future Technology of War - USA by Jon Burton

More research and development is put into military technology and innovation then any other industry or field. The evolution of the battlefield has occurred right in front of us, yet many people are unaware of how advanced the weaponry of the United States army and its allies has become. The battlefields our troops currently fight on are occupied by drones known as MQ-9 reapers and Predators, as well as a variety of unmanned land vehicles such as the SWORDS weapon system. Also we can't forget about the advances in Fighter technology with the F-22 Raptor being on the forefront of aviation innovation.

The evolution of military technology has allowed the US military to move many of its troops out of harms way by implementing precision weaponry coupled with unmanned technologies. In the near future our battlefields could look like something from the movie Terminator with robots fighting each other and actually operating on artificial intelligence. The machines deployed in unfriendly territory will actually be linked to each other and communicate with soldiers and commanders to warn them of enemy positions or suspicious activities. Also systems like the YAL-1A airborne laser that the United States air-force has developed will keep our skies clear of ballistic missile threats.

Not only have the ground and air reconnaissances and attack vehicles been converted to unmanned applications, rifle and gun technology has developed at an incredible pace with applications such as the as50 British accuracy Sniper Rifle or the objective individual combat weapon. The Military technology that the soldier will be working with in the future will include upgraded ammunition and assault rifles as well as better and lighter armor such as the Dragon Skin system. There are many more new weapons system applications that seem lifetimes away but are being developed as we speak.

For the most up to date pictures of Military Technology, Aerospace Defense, and great videos and pictures of the newest battlefield innovations, check out my website: http://www.futurefirepower.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Burton

Unmanned Robotic Warfare - State of the Technology by Lance Winslow

Currently there are many different robotic options available to modern military. Robots can be run by wire from a distance, run by remote control, steered thru tele-robotics or semi or fully autonomously. There are plenty of "fire and forget" weapons, dumb weapons and smart munitions as well. The line between categories is often blurred with steerable big gun rounds, aircraft swarm UAV control and Tele-robotic machines which can fire thru human command or by way of software rules that include target identification and firing.

How fast is this technology moving? Very fast as we noted the first fully autonomous vehicles made it thru a grueling course set up by DARPA. Contestants in the Grand Challenge borrowed technologies from any industry they could find them and thanks to all the various sponsors of all the teams, they too learned a thing or two.

These companies and industry sponsors will enjoy the findings of their research and the transfer technologies that come forth in the future. Such new technologies into the marketplace will increase efficiency and productivity. But that is just the start as these technologies will save tens or thousands of lives on our Nation's Highways thru SmartCar Systems and Net-Centric Automobiles of the future.

There have already been many Military Contracts awarded for robotic systems in the United States, some have already been introduced to the modern battlespace and there will be many more to follow. Including fully autonomous logistic convoys, submarines, ground combat vehicles and more UAV models and all these future promises have already been outlined in the Army's Future Force and Air Force Road Maps. Many are fully funded in the Nation's budget

Many other allied nations have also added monies to their budgets and rightfully so. Allied nations must protect against rogue nation technologies, International Terrorists sponsored by rogue nation-states and technologies sold to rogue nations by quasi-friendly super powers. As the technology of robotic warfare progresses so to will the technologies of our declared and undeclared enemies, as well as our future potential enemies and their aligned rogue-alities.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

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