Tag Archives: nato

Technology

Car crushing tracked vehiculars!

Video

 

The pland-emic didn’t stop the U.S. Marine Corps from conducting ‘Gator Week’ on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 06APR2023.  The event included crushing cars with an AAV7A1 (Amphibious Assault Vehicles-7A1).

U.S. Army M1A2 SEP wows the crowd on the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, in Poland.

Polish Leopard 2A5(?) and United Kingdom Challenger-2 battle-tanks do damage to puny little European cars, on Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany. I edited together videos via Kevin S. Abel and Daniela Vestal (recorded between 04-06JUN2018):

Swedish Stridsvagn (Strv) 122 Leopard crushing cars during Strong Europe Tank Challenge-2018.

Austrian and German Leopard battle-tanks smash PT Cruiser, and more! I edited from videos (recorded from 05-07JUN2018) via Emily Houdershieldt & Markus Rauchenberger:

They created a pile of crushed European cars.

United States M1A2 Abrams crushing cars on Grafenwöhr Training Area, 06JUN2018. Video via Kevin S. Able:

Here is some more car crushing courtesy the M1A2 Abrams, video  via Emily Houdershieldt:

Austrian Leopard 2A4(?) and German Leo 2A6(?) attempt to smash puny VW cars on Grafenwöhr Training Area, MAY 2017.

I edited this from videos via the U.S. 7th Army Training Command:

HERCULES stands for Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction System, only ‘A2’ version is called HERCULES.

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) video of their M88A2 crushing a car on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 24APR2014:

Check out more tank videos on my ‘Forever Wars’ Playlist on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkZrLGwZbnj93-HZy9E6tQvyrXyMi_-x7

BBN Vehicle I-D: M88A2 HERCULES (another tool of the British empire?)

NORINCO’s drone carrying VT4A1 Battle Tank

Whatever happened to Ukraine’s Tanks? or, How to shoot yourself in the foot, and make NATO pay for it!

Technology

Is the combat proven A-10C being replaced by a crop-duster on steroids?

Video

The use of crop-duster aircraft as combat aircraft is nothing new, and it seems the United States is simply following a global trend, because the agricultural aircraft are relatively cheap and easy to maintain.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Special Operations Command (SOC) loves its latest crop-duster, the OA-1K, which is actually based on the Air Tractor (based in Olney, Texas) crop-duster and fire-fighting aircraft.  The USAF boasts that its new Skyraider-2 is “cost effective”.  Air Tractor calls their combat crop-duster the AT-802U Sky Warden (the AT-802 first flew in 1990).

In January 2025, the finalized version of the crop-duster on steroids arrived on Hurlburt Field, Florida.  In February, USAF-SOC christened the OA-1K the “Skyraider-2”.

On 03APR2025, the USAF-SOC officially accepted its first OA-1K during a ceremony on Hurlburt Field: “Skyraider-2 represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs. It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare.”-Lieutenant General Michael Conley, SOC commander.

I edited this together from two USAF promotional videos:

The Skyraider-2 is already being offered for sale to Central American and Caribbean countries.  On 27AUG2024, the OA-1K was flown to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, being presented during the Industry Day/Air Chiefs conference for the air forces of those countries.

Actually, most A-10C units are turning in their Thunderbolt-2s for the F-35 Lightning-2.  The OA-1K Skyraider-2 is specifically a ‘special operations’ aircraft, the crew are known as Air Commandos.

This is the AT-802U trainer version.

Training on the OA-1K will officially take place on Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, in Oklahoma.  Interestingly, the training version has been arriving on Will Rogers Air National Guard Base since July 2024, months before the official acceptance of the OA-1K.

The A-10C:

Idaho’s heritage A-10C ‘8N’

Afghan Phase Inspection

 

Technology

Vehicle I-D: M88A2 HERCULES (another tool of the British empire?)

Video

Development of the M88A2 was started in 1991, after it was realized the A1 version could not tow the M1 Abrams by itself; it required two M88A1s to tow the 70-ton battle-tank. The first M88A2 went into service in July 1997. Only the A2 is called the HERCULES, which stands for Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction System.

U.S. Marine Corps HERCULES near Al-Karmah, Iraq.

In May 2010, the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was on the National Training Center (Fort Irwin, California) preparing for deployment to Iraq. Here’s a quick explanation of what the M88A2 can do:

U.S. Marine Corps HERCULES lifts a battle damaged French Mirage 2000D, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

(See more of the Mirage 2000D crash by clicking here.)

From 1961 to 1994 the M88 was built by a company originally called Bowen & McLaughlin. Here is some confusion; Bowen & McLaughlin supposedly started in Phoenix, Arizona, during World War Two. However, by 1950 Bowen & McLaughlin apparently setup shop in York, Pennsylvania, changing their name to Bowen McLaughlin York (BMY).  BMY became a division of U.S. based Harsco Corporation, which ‘went public’ in 1956.  In 1994, Harsco and FMC (Food Machinery Corporation) joined forces and created United Defense.  Harsco still exists today, but changed its name to Enviri Corporation.

U.S. Marine Corps HERCULES pulls the ‘power pack’ (turbine-transmission combo) of an M1 Abrams, on Combat Outpost Shir Gazay, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

More confusion; from 1994-2005, M88 production was done by United Defense and Anniston Army Depot.  In 2005, BAE Systems took-over United Defense. BAE Systems was created in 1999 when the Italian Marconi Electronic Systems merged with the United Kingdom’s British Aerospace. Since 2005 production is officially done by BAE Systems.  The estimated cost of each M88A2 HERCULES is a little more than $2-million (as of the year 2000).

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) video of their M88A2 crushing a car on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 24APR2014:

The ‘A2’ is larger and heavier than the previous versions. A more powerful Diesel piston motor, and efficient transmission, allows the use of only one recovery vehicle to tow the M1 Abrams.

U.S. Army HERCULES about to lift a Cold War era M47 range target on Hohenfels, Germany.

In 2017, the U.S. Army requested that eleven M88A2s be modified with even more powerful power-packs (engine/transmission combo), a hydro-pneumatic suspension and a seventh roadwheel (per side), for a cost of $28-million.

USMC HERCULES lifts a bulldozer onto a trailer, on Twentynine Palms, California.

Vehicle I-D: M88A1 ‘mud-bug’

Yankee tools of the British empire: National Guard, older than the United States itself!

A-M-P-V making profits off U.S. taxpayers, for the British Empire!

BAE’s M109A7, DON’T CALL IT A PALADIN!

M777 artillery, more proof the Yankees are the Tools of the Red Coats!

U.S.

LDS connection to new military training center in Utah!?

Video

The federal U.S. Army Reserve is having a new training center built on the Utah Army National Guard’s Camp Williams.  Army Reserve training personnel will be redeploying from their home on Fort Douglas, Utah, to Camp Williams.

Fort Douglas was one of many locations, during World War One, where German prisoners of war (PoW) were held. This photo purports to show German PoWs building model ships.

Fort Douglas was established during The War Between the States, in 1862.

In the 1960s, the Army deployed a mobile recruiting post out of Fort Douglas. The photo was made by J. Hargreaves in Murray, Utah, 12OCT1965.

The Civil War era base was officially shutdown in 1991, at least for active duty (Regular Army) use as the federal Army Reserve continued to conduct their training on the now historic site.

The project would not be possible without direct help from the University of Utah and the people of Utah: According to the Army Reserve’s 358th Public Affairs Detachment, the taxpayers of Utah will spend “…$17 million to purchase the land and an additional $100 million to build the new Army Reserve Center and a maintenance facility.”  

Construction is being done by a contractor (Jacobsen Construction) who builds/renovates temples for the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Video report via Specialist Ronald D. Bell, 06MAR2025:

The Army Reserve expects to move onto Camp Williams by Spring 2026.

Soldiers on Fort Douglas taking a University of Utah carpentry course in 1917, during World War One.

The University of Utah has a long history of cooperation with Fort Douglas and will takeover the remaining 50 acres of the historic site.

August 2023: Utah State Militia

2022: Utah’s new FEMA Region 8 Urban Disaster Training Site

2014: Utah, home base for massive NSA data center, training National Guard to spy on you using LLVI!

Utah not only home to massive NSA data centers, but to massive military intelligence wargames aimed at you?

2013: ebay, Dell, HP, federal & state governments build World’s largest data collection spy center system in Utah! Real time data stream monitoring!

2012: Utah National Guard base to become site of largest personal data center in the U.S. You are the target!

International, Technology, U.S.

Like Riceburners? Join the U.S. Air Force, see Japan!

Video

To boost lagging recruitment (and apparent lack of desire to deploy to Japan), the U.S. Air Force is promoting its Auto Hobby Shop on Yokota Air Base. It is open seven days per week, with six self-service lift bays, an oil-change pit, and they provide the tools!

U.S. Armed Forces Network video report released 17MAR2025:

Cold War to Near Peer Threats:Japan’s ‘lowrider’ Type 74, finally retired?

Idaho: British Austin + Japanese Suzuki = The Duke!?

Idaho’s Bold Tigers invade Japan?

Technology, U.S.

Saving Private Boeing, with a ‘Top Secret’ price tag?

Video

On 21MAR2025, U.S. President Donald John Trump announced the purchase of a top secret fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force (USAF), called the F-47. He also revealed that the cost of the aircraft is ‘top secret’, ostensibly claiming that revealing the cost would also reveal the latest and greatest ‘top secret’ technologies used by the ‘6th Generation’ fighter:

A USAF news release revealed that “Over the past five years, in strong partnership between the Air Force and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, X-planes have been laying the foundation for the F-47.” 

The USAF news release also points out that the contract for the F-47 is for only “a small number of test aircraft”, a price for production aircraft is still up-in-the-air.

Education Revolution: Idaho among several states praised by Trump for the Education Revolution!

International, U.S.

‘Democracy & Inclusion’ equal new anti-Iran/Russia military pact!

Video

On 14JAN2025, during the last days of the Biden regime, a Strategic Partnership ‘agreement’ was signed between Armenia and United States of America. It includes, among other things, “nuclear cooperation”. Armenia sits on the southern border of Georgia (which itself sits on the southern border of Russia) and the northern border of Iran.

Video via U.S. Department of State, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in the Harry S. Truman building, Washington DC:

U.S. Embassy Armenia: Charter on Strategic Partnership Between the United States of America and the Republic of Armenia

2021: USACE spends your money building fire stations for Armenia!

Vehicle I-D: Armenian Armor Հայկական զրահ

International, U.S.

Gaza? Lebanon? Syria? It has always been about Iran!

Video

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio conduct press conference on 16FEB2025, blaming Iran for the regional wars launched by Israel.

Video via U.S. Department of State, Jerusalem, Israel:

May 2024: U.S. DoS halts weapons deliveries to Israel! Says Israel has killed too many civilians!

April 2024: False Flag? Israel bombs ex-U.S. base in Iraq?

Idaho, U.S.

Task Force-DC: Massive National Guard mobilization for the U.S. Capital City!

Video

Since the beginning of January 2025, Air & Army National Guard units have been pouring into the U.S. Capital of Washington-District of Columbia (DC).  Never mind all the other government security organizations who are also deploying there.  This is just a little bit of what the National Guard is doing.

New York National Guard in-process for Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) at the DC Armory, Washington DC. Photo via Sergeant First Class Steven Eaton, 18JAN2025.

As many as 8-thousand militia personnel, from at least 40 states, deployed to Washington DC for Joint Task Force District of Columbia (JTF-DC), as part of the 60th Presidential Inauguration.

On 18JAN2025, Idaho based 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (wearing ‘Snake River Brigade’ patch) gets sworn in as deputies, along with other Guard units from other states. I edited from a video via Technical Sergeant Missy Sterling:

Connecticut National Guard discuss preparations for assigned Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC), 17JAN2025. Photo via Private First Class Emmanuel Gibson.

On 17JAN2025, Virginia Army National Guard used buses and HMMWV to deploy to Washington DC, video via Staff Sergeant Marc Heaton:

17JAN2025, about 1-hundred Oklahoma National Guard personnel deployed for the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Video interviews, via Matthew Hilborn, explains why:

On 17JAN2025, a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 delivered Idaho Army National Guard personnel to Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland.  About 350 Idahoans deployed.  Video via Technical Sergeant Andrew Enriquez:

District of Columbia Army National Guard inspect their dress uniforms as part of the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Photo via Staff Sergeant Simone Sampson.

On 17JAN2025, Tennessee Air National Guard Security Police and Army National Guard Military Police deployed, video interviews via Sergeant Olivia Gum:

National Guard board a C-17 Globemaster-3, Photo by Sergeant N.W. Huertas, 16JAN2025. About 500 Florida militia personnel will take part in JTF-DC.

On 16JAN2025, Maryland Army National Guard personnel reported for duty in the DC Armory, video via Thomas Lamb:

Pennsylvania Army National Guard gets food from the USO, after arriving for JTF-DC, 16JAN2025. Photo via Sergeant First Class Shane Smith.

Massachusetts Army National Guard helps to in-process other Guard units, in the DC Armory, 16JAN2025. Photo via Staff Sergeant Tyrone Williams.

Wyoming National Guard takes part in riot control training, in preparation for Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, 15JAN2025. Photo via Staff Sergeant Cesar Rivas.

On 15JAN2025, Virgin Islands deployed Army National Guard personnel to the upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration. Video via Technical Sergeant Andrew Enriquez:

I edited together videos via Vincent De Groot and Technical Sergeant Adam Welch; on 15JAN2025, Iowa deployed Air National Guard medics to the upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration:

South Carolina Army National Guard board busses bound for Washington DC, 15JAN2025. Photo via Sergeant Duran Jones.

On 15JAN2025, Alaska National Guard C-17 Globmaster-3 delivered National Guard militia personnel from Puerto Rico, I edited video via Staff Sergeant Natalie Filzen:

I edited down a long video (via Staff Sergeant Katherine M. Jacobus); on 15JAN2025, about 140 Illinois Air National Guard Security Police and Army National Guard Military Police deployed, they explain why:

06JAN2025: Militarizing the Police: Army Guard deputized as Capitol Police!

U.S.

Militarizing the Police: Army Guard deputized as Capitol Police!

Video

On 06JAN2025, about 5-hundred Army National Guard personnel from Maryland, Pennsylvania and District of Columbia (DC), were deputized by Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, for the Counting and Certification of the Electoral Votes, and the transfer of the U.S. Office of The President, which is a National Security event.

The induction took place in the Washington DC Armory. Video via Second Lieutenant Paige Bodine, and the 60th Presidential Inauguration Joint Information Center:

Actually, military personnel, both part-time and active duty, have routinely been deputized for various civilian and military events around the United States, and even in other countries.

In June 2024, U.S. Marines (Combat Logistics Battalion 13-Combat Logistics Regiment 17-1st Marine Logistics Group) were deputized by the Palau Bureau of Public Safety, in order to allow them to be ‘weapons-ready’ during an international wargame called Valiant Shield.

During the night of 16-17JAN2021, more than 2-thousand Air and Army National Guard personnel were deputized as Capitol Police in front of the Capitol building in Washington, DC.

National Guard: End of year operations, 2024.

Mega Taxpayer Project: What is USACE doing with the Upper Ohio River, in Pennsylvania?