U.S. Army Central’s Best Squad being congratulated in Patton Hall, on Shaw AFB, South Carolina, 04AUG2023. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Amber Cobena.
On 04AUG2023, it was revealed that a squad from Idaho based 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (aka ‘Snake River Brigade’, one of my military alma maters) had completed the U.S. Army Central (USArCent, which is based on Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina) Best Squad training to move forward to the U.S. Army Forces Command (ForsCom) Best Squad competition.
USA photo by Sergeant Amber Cobena.
The U.S. Army ForsCom Best Squad competition is held on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
USArCent (aka ‘Patton’s Own’) video report by Sergeant Egypt Johnson, Sergeant Amber Cobena and Sergeant Dwayne Bryant:
Video interview (by Sergeant Egypt Johnson, recorded on 03AUG2023), the Snake River Best Squad for ‘Patton’s Own’ USArCent practicing their combat-medic skills for the ForsCom Best Squad contest:
USArCent photo by Sergeant Dwayne D. Bryant, 21JUL2023.
The squad from Idaho also practiced Land Navigation, which they better be good at because Idaho is a rural mountainous state!
USArCent photo by Sergeant Dwayne D. Bryant, 17JUL2023.
They also prepped for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) on Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
‘Patton’s Own’ video report by Sergeant Amber Cobena, 12JUL2023, Idaho Snake River (116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team) Specialist talks about machine gun (M2s and M240s) practice for the ForsCom Best Squad competition:
USArCent photo by Sergeant Amber Cobena, 12JUL2023.
Flooding in Montpelier, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Denis Nunez, 11JUL2023.
The Army National Guard’s 224th Aviation Regiment/1st Battalion (which has units in Maryland, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia) used their UH-72 Lakota to conduct recon of the recent flood. Video by Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Michael Davis, 11JUL2023:
Flooding in Berlin, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Denis Nunez, 11JUL2023.
On 11JUL2023, Vermont Army National Guard respond to rescue call after recent flooding, using an Austrian Steyr designed MTV (Medium Tactical Vehicle). Video by Sergeant Denis Nunez:
Drinking water delivery in Marshfield, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard, 13JUL2023.
On 13JUL2023, the Vermont Army National Guard (Alpha Company-186th Brigade Support Battalion-86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team) distributed FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) bottled water to the flood survivors near Marshfield. Drone video (by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard), no audio:
Stocking drinking water in Ludlow, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard, 14JUL2023.
On 14JUL2023, the Vermont Army National Guard (Alpha Company-186th Brigade Support Battalion-86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team) delivered FEMA bottled water to the flood survivors near Ludlow. Drone video (by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard), no audio:
Delivering fans and dehumidifiers to Bridgewater, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard, 17JUL2023.
The Vermont National Guard also distributed fans and dehumidifiers to 25 towns, as well as PVC pipe to create temporary water lines.
Delivering PVC pipes to Woodstock, Vermont. Vermont Army National Guard photo by First Lieutenant Nathan Rivard, 17JUL2023.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) says residents can eat their fruits and vegetables , but they are not allowed to bring fruit/vegetables outside the quarantine area, also fruit trees and vegetable crops must be inspected and sprayed with a bacteria-based insecticide called Spinosad. Unwanted fruit must be disposed of by double bagging and placed in specially marked trash bins.
21 July 2023 (12:20-UTC-07 Tango 06) 30 Tir 1402/03 Muharram 1445/04 Ji-Wei(6th month) 4721/21 июль 2023 года
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is suspending pay raises and bonuses, as well as extending current deployments of personnel around the world, blaming it on higher than expected cost-of-operations, wants increase in taxpayer funding for paychecks (Military Personnel appropriations)!
The USAF is waging war on climate change, not to save the ‘world’ but to “maintain air and space dominance”!
USAF General CQ Brown Junior testified to Congress that “…all parts of government…” are included in national security/defense!
12 July 2023 (09:53-UTC-07 Tango 06) 21 Tir 1402/23 Dhu l-Hijja 1444/25 Ji-Wei 4721/12 июль 2023 года
“This is an important settlement which reduces the environmental impacts from one of the leading fertilizer manufacturers. This settlement advances EPA’s goals by creating environmentally beneficial waste management practices and ensures that the U.S. taxpayer will not be responsible for future costs associated with closure of this facility. Additionally, this settlement ensures that any future expansion of Simplot’s operations will be conducted according to strict requirements to minimize impacts to surrounding communities, including the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.”-Larry Starfield, United States EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Simplot Don Plant is actually in Power County. The mailing address is for Pocatello, Bannock County, because at one time Simplot’s HQ was in Pocatello (it’s now in Boise).
The settlement also directly affects operations with Simplot’s Don Plant, near Pocatello (but not in Pocatello as typically reported by news media and even government officials, it is actually in Power County), Idaho: “This settlement will bring important benefits to Idaho and the communities that have been affected by the Don Plant’s operations. We are grateful that our state partner, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, helped formulate and will oversee work that Simplot will fund to mitigate the impacts of its phosphate operations on water quality and the environment along the Portneuf River, working in cooperation with both the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and the City of Pocatello.”-Josh Hurwit, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho
07 July 2023 (21:41-UTC-07 Tango 06) 16 Tir 1402/18 Dhu l-Hijja 1444/20 Ji-Wei 4721/07 июль 2023 года
While Serbia is not a member of NATO, it is a ‘partner’ in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. Alliances between Serbia and Russia can be traced all the way back to the 14th Century.
Photo by Sergeant First Class Zach Sheely, 07JUN2023.
U.S. National Guard Bureau General Daniel Hokanson shakes hands with Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, 07JUN2023.
On 16JUN2023, it was announced that a Serbian Sergeant First Class had been killed in a vehicle accident near the disputed boundary line with Kosovo and Metohija, in the village of Drenovac. Metohija is the province claimed by Serbia, yet disputed by Kosovo and NATO. Apparently, rumors were being spread that the accident actually happened during the Platinum Wolf wargame.
Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia photo of Ohio Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk, 22JUN2023.
It should be realized that U.S./NATO wargames almost always have a scenario involving social collapse, where the public turns against the government! Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia video, Platinum Wolf VIP (very important person) display, 22JUN2023:
Serbia has hosted Platinum Wolf since 2014. This year’s wargame ended on 27JUN2023.
Ministry of Defense Republic of Serbia photo of U.S. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, 22JUN2023.
U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Christopher R. Hill, attended the VIP ceremony.
Incomplete (tip of the iceberg) list of U.S. state National Guard developments (which should prove that the National Guard has become the ‘crutch’ for the Regular/active duty Army and Air Force), for the month of June 2023:
NATO-Europe is conducting the largest airpower wargame, ever, and multiple U.S. states have deployed their National Guard units to take part in Air Defender 2023.
On the African Continent, the largest wargame there was concluded in mid-June, several U.S. states deployed their Guard units to take part in African Lion 2023.
There was also the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NorAD) wargame called Noble Defender, as well as a cyber security wargame called Cyber Shield 2023.
CALIFORNIA: The Air National Guard’s 146th AW/146th Contingency Response Flight helped with loading of cargo planes, and air traffic control, for Air Defender 2023.
For the first time since the United Nations ordered the Korean Police Action (as requested by the United States in 1950), California has deployed an entire division! On 11JUN2023, a deployment ceremony was held for the 40th Infantry Division, which is being sent to the Middle East for the ongoing operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. Video by Sergeant Marla Ogden:
COLORADO:
Colorado Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Amanda Geiger, 11JUN2023.
The Air Guard’s 140th Wing deployed F-16 Falcons to Schleswig-Jagel Air Base, NATO-Germany, for Air Defender 2023.
GEORGIA:
Georgia Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Caila Arahood, 12JUN2023.
The 165th Airlift Wing deployed a C-130 Hercules to the Siauliai International Airport, NATO-Lithuania, during Air Defender 2023 (AD23).
IDAHO: Deploying to the continents of Africa and Europe:
Idaho Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Becky Vanshur, 13JUN2023.
A ‘Gem State’ 124th Fighter Wing A-10C arrives on Lechfeld Air Base, NATO-Germany, for wargame Air Defender, 13JUN2023.
ILLINOIS:
Illinois Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Paul Helmig, 19JUN2023.
The 182nd Airlift Wing (AW) deployed their C-130 Hercules cargo plane to Wunstorf Air Base, NATO-Germany.
Louisiana Air National Guard photo by Major Larissa Lambert, 12JUN2023.
159th Fighter Wing (FW) F-15C Eagles on Hohn, NATO-Germany, for Air Defender, 12JUN2023.
MARYLAND:
Maryland A-10Cs equipped with long range external fuel tanks, about to take-off for NATO-Europe, 04JUN2023. Photo by Senior Airman Rachel Underwood.
The 175th Wing/104th Fighter Squadron deployed A-10C Thunderbolt-2s to Air Defender 2023.
MASSACHUSETTS:
Photo by Staff Sergeant Hanna Smith, 23JUN2023.
104th FW on Hohn Air Base, NATO-Germany, 23JUN2023.
Photo by Master Sergeant Bryan Hoover, 26JUN2023.
The 104th FW also took part in NorAD’s Noble Defender, over the Canadian-U.S. region.
MICHIGAN: Air National Guard’s 127th Wing A-10C Thunderbolt-2s get bombed-up & fueled-up (aka Integrated Combat Turn) on Lielvārdi Air Base, Latvia, 13JUN2023 (the video was not released until 16JUN2023). The militaries of Michigan and Latvia have been working together for more than 30 years. Video by Technical Sergeant Andrew Schumann:
MINNESOTA:
Photo by Staff Sergeant Jared Bounds, 05JUN2023.
133rd AW deployed a C-130 to Wunstorf Air Base, NATO-Germany, for Air Defender.
MISSISSIPPI: The 172nd AW/172nd Contingency Response Flight helped with loading of cargo planes, and air traffic control, for Air Defender 2023.
MISSOURI:
Photo by Master Sergeant Caila Arahood, 05JUN2023.
139th AW on Wunstorf Air Base, NATO-Germany, for Air Defender.
MONTANA:
Photo by First Lieutenant Jaycee Baker, 07JUN2023.
The Air Guard’s 120th Medical Group, out of Great Falls, provided dental care to Moroccans during African Lion 2023.
NEVADA: Nevada Air National Guard’s 152 Wing ‘High Rollers’/152nd Civil Engineer Squadron deployed to NATO-Spain. Video interview, recorded on 21JUN2023 by Staff Sergeant Michelle Brooks, explains why:
NEW YORK: Titan search;
OKLAHOMA: More than 25 U.S. states, territories, and five countries with the State Partnership Program, took part in Cyber Shield 2023. Video (by Mireille Merilice-Roberts) explaining how Oklahoma helped grade this year’s Cyber Shield:
PUERTO RICO: The 156th Wing/156th Contingency Response Group helped with loading of cargo planes, and air traffic control, for Air Defender 2023.
SOUTH DAKOTA:
Photo by Technical Sergeant Sarah M. McClanahan, 15JUN2023.
114th Fighter Wing on Jagel Airfield, NATO-Germany, during exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23).
TENNESSEE:
Photo by Staff Sergeant Laura Weaver, 08JUN2023.
164th AW used their C-17 Globemaster-3 cargo planes to delivery Air Guard personnel to NATO-Estonia, for Air Defender 2023.
The Tennessee National Guard also took part in a cyber security wargame called Cyber Shield 2023. It was run from the Professional Education Center in Little Rock, from 11 to 15JUN2023.
UTAH:
Photo by Sergeant James J. Bunn, 08JUN2023.
Army National Guard CBRN (Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear) personnel train the Ghana Armed Forces during African Lion 2023.
Photo by Technical Sergeant Nicholas Perez, 05JUN2023.
The Air Guard’s 151st Medical Group helped operate a field hospital for sily-vilians, in Morocco.
Video by Specialist Shae Cox, Utah Air National Guard band playing in Morocco during this year’s African Lion wargames. It might be the last time as the U.S. Air Force is shutting down Air National Guard bands;
WISCONSIN: 128th Air Refuel Wing explains their role in Air Defender, video report by Staff Sergeant Josh Halverson;
The Lockheed C-130H Hercules is a Cold War era cargo plane still in use today. The first C-130s began arriving for military service in 1956, the ‘H’ version of the Hercules began service in the mid-1970s.
1971: Prepping for our first ‘Space Available’ C-130E trip, Rhein Main AFB, West Germany. You might be able to make out my younger sister’s (Tina) head in lower right corner. Photo by William L. Hutchins.
In the early 1970s I got my first ride on a U.S. Air Force C-130E, flying from West Germany to Iran with my parents (part of the Space Available service offered by the USAF).
1977: My little brother, Ernie, enjoying his tour of a C-130 during the Edwards AFB ‘Open House’. Photo by William L. Hutchins.
In the mid-1980s I was an Iso-Dock Crew Chief for C-130Hs on Dyess Air Force Base, in Texas. Even after my time in the USAF, as a California, and later a Idaho, Army National Guardsman I continued to catch rides on the C-130H.
Last ride on a C-130H, this time as a M1A2 TC with the Idaho Army National Guard, on the way back from a ‘friendly’ with Canadian armor in Alberta, 2002.
U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 10JUN2023.
In the above photo you see two types of C-130H; one is the older type used by the Kingdom of Morocco, the other is an upgraded type used by the United States. The older C-130H has four propeller blades per engine, the upgraded type has eight.
94th AW’s upgraded C-130H sits on the flightline of Kenitra AFB, Morocco. USAF photo by Senior Airman Jan K. Valle, 14JUN2023.
African Lion is the largest wargame on the African continent, involving the United States and other NATO members, as well as Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, from 13MAY-18JUN2023.
The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, help show you how to setup a C-130 for medical evacuation. U.S. Air Force (USAF) video by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 07JUN2023:
Emergency medical treatment onboard a C-130H. USAF video by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 08JUN2023:
Moroccan C-130H cargo planes take part in para-drop during African Lion 2023, USAF video recorded by Technical Sergeant Steven Adkins, 10JUN2023:
USA video by Sergeant Christian Dela Cruz, 10JUN2023:
U.S. Air Force Reserve’s Cold War era C-130H based on Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, flew all the way to Morocco to play in the dirt! USA video by Sergeant Christian Dela Cruz, 15JUN2023:
94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, USAF report by Senior Airman Jan Valle:
For all you happy taxpayers, African Lion wargames have been conducted since 2008.
Oregon’s 3-116th Combined Arms Battalion (one of three CABs belonging to Idaho based 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team [CBCT], aka Snake River Brigade) is taking part in this year’s African Lion 2023.
Bore-sighting the M1A2 SEP, in Tan-Tan, Morocco. Oregon National Guard video by Staff Sergeant Ariel J. Solomon, 08JUN2023:
African Lion took place in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia from 13MAY-18JUN2023. African Lion is the largest wargame on the African continent, involving the United States and other NATO members, as well as Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.
Bore-sighting aligns the Gunner’s sights with the end of the main gun tube, greatly increasing the chance of a ‘first-round-hit’.
More boring bore-sighting video from Staff Sergeant Ariel J. Solomon, 08JUN2023:
Photo by Staff Sergeant Ariel J. Solomon, 10JUN2023.
4TH TIME IS THE CHARM, IDAHO ‘HAWGSMOKES’ THE COMPETITION, AGAIN!
IDAHO NOW PREMIERE SITE FOR WAR-FIGHTER TRAINING!
