Tag Archives: war

Business/Economics, Technology

Vehicle I-D: NATO Romania’s Mowag Piranha-5

Video

The ‘Class-5’ Piranha prototype was completed in 2008.

Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sergeant First Class Theresa Gualdarama, 04MAY2023.

The production Mowag/General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Piranha-5 was revealed to the public on 15JUN2010.

Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sergeant First Class Theresa Gualdarama, 05MAY2023.

NATO-Romania placed an order for 227 of the Mowag/GDELS Piranha-5 in 2017.  Part of the deal includes production of most of the Romanian Piranha-5s to be done in Romania by a company called Uzina Mecanică București.

During NATO wargame Anakonda23, 06MAY2023. Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sergeant First Class Theresa Gualdarama.

Romania began receiving their new Piranha-5 in October 2020.  In the beginning of 2023, it was reported that Romania had ordered an additional 150 Piranha-5s.

Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sergeant First Class Theresa Gualdarama, 06MAY2023.

So far Romania has shown-off the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) version of the Piranha-5, but it is also being produced as a mortar carrier, ambulance and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) vehicles.

During NATO wargame Anakonda23. U.S. Army photo by Private First Class Jason Klaer, 15MAY2023.

Here is some video I edited together from U.S. Army videos recorded between April 2022 and June 2023:

The IFV Piranha-5 is armed with a 30-millimeter gun.

Hawaii Army National Guard photo by Sergeant First Class Theresa Gualdarama, 15MAY2023.

More Romanian military equipment: MLI-84M1 Jder, not your father’s BMP!

BMP Ambulance, ROMÂNIA style.

Gun Boats; guardians of the Danube.

International

Never Ending Korean War; Germany joins In!!!

Video

At the end of June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, aka North Korea) invaded Republic of Korea (RoK, aka South Korea).  The United Nations condemned the attack and essentially declared war by creating the United Nations Command (UNC), and designating the United States as the leader of the UNC.

At the end of July 1953, an armistice (a type of truce/ceasefire) was established, but it did not officially end the war.  It is a true ‘Cold War’ that never ended.

Photo via U.S. Forces Korea, 02AUG2024.

On 02AUG2024, at a ceremony on Camp Humphreys in the RoK, NATO Germany became the 18th country to join the UNC operations: “By joining the UNC, we are contributing substantially to stability on the Korean Peninsula.”-Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defense of Germany

U.S. Armed Forces Network (AFN) video report, recorded on 02AUG2024 but not released until 15AUG2024:

In 1954, the Cold War era West Germany established the Red Cross Hospital in Busan (aka Pusan), RoK.

In 1953, many people were lead to believe the war was over:

Never Ending Korean War, 28MAR2024: Russia blocks U.S. sponsored sanctions against North Korea!

1951: Ethiopia invades Korea?

1950: South African Red Nosed Mustangs stampede!

How to fuel & arm your USAF F-86 Sabre in Korea

International

NATO vehicle I-D: The Swedish Griffen

SAAB JAS (Jakt- Attack- Spaningsflygplan) 39 Gripen

During the never officially declared Cold War, Sweden decided that its fighter aircraft should be able to use silly-vilian highway systems as runways.  In May 2024, the Gripen took part in landings and take-offs from a highway near Gothenburg. Video via NATO:

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.

Taking part in Bomber Task Force Europe, May 2020. Försvarsmakten photo.

JAS 39C Gripen during the 2019 Royal International Air Tatoo, over the United Kingdom. U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Aaron Thomasson, 20JUL2019.

JAS 39D Gripen, on Kallax Air Base, Luleå, Sweden, during the Arctic Challenge wargame in May 2019. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John M. Hageman.

June 2014, a U.S. Air Force (USAF, 100th Air Refueling Wing) KC-135 refuels a Swedish Gripen during NATO wargame BaltOps (Baltic Operations), video by Senior Airman Laura Yahemiak:

Normally a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier instructor pilot, Major Eric Grunke (hometown Weiser, Idaho) straps into the back seat of a Gripen-D for a FAC training mission over Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. USMC photo by Sergeant Tatum Vayavananda, 21AUG2013.

In January 2013, Sweden sent their Griffins to take part in the USAF Red Flag wargame over Nellis, Nevada.  I edited this take-off video from videos recorded by the USAF:

I edited this landing video from videos recorded by the USAF:

NATO vehicle I-D: THE ARCHER FROM SWEDEN

Technology, U.S.

Oregon: F-15EX Eagle-2 has landed!

Video

On 05JUN2024, the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing received its first Boeing F-15EX Eagle-2 (aka Super Eagle).

Oregon Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Nichole Sanchez, 05JUN2024.

Tail number 008 arrived at Portland Air National Guard Base, just in time for lunch.  I edited this together from video recorded by Steven Conklin and Technical Sergeant Kyle Mergeler:

Tail #008 was built in Berkeley, Missouri.

Berkeley, Missouri, 05JUN2024. Oregon National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins.

It is the first of 18 Super Eagles heading to Oregon’s 142nd Wing.

#008 departs Berkeley, Missouri, on its way to Portland, Oregon, 05JUN2024. Oregon National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins.

More about the F-15EX, 2021: F-15EX HAS ARRIVED! COMMANDER SAYS “IT’S AN EX-CITING DAY!”

F-15EX-CITEMENT!

Oregon Eagles in Finland: OREGON KOTKAT LENTÄÄ SUOMEN YLI

International

NATO vehicle I-D: The Archer from Sweden

Video

Artilleristystem 08, aka Archer, using the Bofors FH77 155mm gun. Supposedly, as of March 2023, Ukraine received eight of these auto-loading wheeled self-propelled gun systems.

Near Tolga, Norway, during wargame Trident Juncture, 31OCT2018. Svenska Armén photo by Marcus Nilsson.

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

Virginia Air National Guard video report (by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr) of Archer artillery system being demonstrated during wargame Bold Quest, on Camp Atterbury and Mascatatuck Urban Training Center in the U.S. state of Indiana, 15NOV2021:

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

Camp Atterbury, Indiana, 15NOV2021. Virginia Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Bryan Myhr.

NATO vehicle I-D: SWEDEN’S TRACKED VEHICLES

International

NATO vehicle I-D: Sweden’s Tracked Vehicles

Video

Sweden has long been a ‘partner’ of NATO, but in March 2024 Sweden became a full NATO Member.  This is an incomplete list of tracked vehicles used by the Svenska Armén.

The specially outfitted Strv-122 (Leopard 2A5):

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 23SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

At least 44 Strv 122s are being upgraded with the longer barreled L55 gun.

NATO promotional video from 2024 BaltOps (Baltic Operations) wargame:

See more Strv-122 photos and a video here.

German designed Bergepanzer (Bärgningsbandvagn 120):

Towing a ‘broke-dick’ Strv 122 during Trident Juncture in NATO Norway, 02NOV2018. Svenska Armén photo by Jesper Sundström.

Quick video of Bergepanzer and CV90 during NATO wargame Aurora, May 2023:

CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (aka Stridsfordon 9040, or CV9040):

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 22SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

NATO promotional video from 2024 BaltOps wargame:

See more CV-90 photos and a video here.

CV90-Mjölnir, 120mm mortar carrier:

U.S. Marines learn how to load the CV90-Mjölnir. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 12JUN2024.

Bandvagn 410 (Bv410):

Gotland län, Sweden, 10JUN2024. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.

Near Stockholm, Sweden, 23SEP2017. Minnesota Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Anthony Housey.

NATO vehicle I-D, 2023: IRON SPEAR AFV & IFV

International, Technology

Can a Leopard change its spots?

Video

Strv = Stridsvagn (battle wagon).

Swedish Strv 122 smashed a passenger car during Strong Europe Tank Challenge, on Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, 04JUN2018. Svenska Armén photo via Christian Marquardt.

The Strv 122 is an up-armored version of the German Leopard battle tank, with more advanced electronics, and designed specifically to fight in arctic conditions.

During wargame Baltic Operations (BaltOps) on the Tofta Training Area, Sweden, 08JUN2022.
U.S. Navy photo by Robert L Kunzig.

I edited this from various U.S. Army and NATO videos of Swedish Strv 122 battle tanks, during wargames, between 2018 and 2023:

Gunnery during Strong Europe Tank Challenge on Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, 07JUN2018. U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach.

The Rheinmetall ammo does not use a metal case, it is a combustible plastic case, the silvery color is the explosive powder inside. At the end of the case is a metal ‘afcap’ containing the primer. USN photo by Robert L. Kunzig.

U.S. Army video (by Kevin S. Abel) of timed track repair during Strong Europe Tank Challenge, in June 2018:

U.S. Marines get an introduction to the Strv 122, 08MAR2018. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Raul Torres.

NATO vehicle I-D: SWEDEN’S CV-90

Technology, U.S.

Oregon: “Smoke ’em if you got ’em!”

Video

Oregon Army National Guard photo by Major Wayne Chris Clyne, 22JUN2024.

On 22JUN2024, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, conducted M82 smoke grenade launching with their M1127 Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV) Strykers.

Oregon Army National Guard photo by Major Wayne Chris Clyne, 22JUN2024.

Apparently, this was the first time for such training since 2016.

Oregon Army National Guard photo by Major Wayne Chris Clyne, 22JUN2024.

I edited this video together from a couple of Oregon Army National Guard videos (by Major Wayne C. Clyne):

It was part of weekend training on the Biak Training Center, in Powell Butte, east of Redmond, in the center of Oregon.

Oregon Army National Guard photo by Major Wayne Chris Clyne, 21JUN2024.

Oregon National Guard: OREGON GETS NEW WEAPONS, PROOF THE U.S. MILITARY IS OWNED BY FOREIGNERS!

International, Technology

NATO Vehicle I-D: Sweden’s CV-90

Video

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 15JUN2024, Gotlands Län, Sweden.

12-17JUN2024, Swedish CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), and mortar tracks (named Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer), take part in combat training during NATO’s Baltic Operations (BaltOps) 24.

USMC photo by Captain Mark Andries, 16JUN2024.

Move, move now! (I edited this from U.S. Marine Corps videos recorded by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.):

USMC photo by Captain Mark Andries, 16JUN2024.

Live-Fire (I edited this from a USMC video recorded by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez.):

Grkpbv 90 (Granatkastarpansarbandvagn, mortar track version of CV90:

CV-90 Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer). USMC photo by Sergeant Andy O. Martinez, 12JUN2024.

More CV-90: Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway

NATO Vehicle I-D: IRON SPEAR AFV & IFV

Steadfast Defender, 2024: NATO’S “UNPRECEDENTED” WARGAME BEGINS!

U.S. military controlled by foreigners?: OREGON GETS NEW Swedish made WEAPONS, then SHOOTS-UP IDAHO? 

U.S.

The deadly difference between Memorial Day & Veterans Day!

Video

Washington Post cartoon depicting Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia honoring Decoration Day, 30MAY1901.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, it was created to honor those who were killed during the War Between the States (U.S. Civil War) and from 1868 to 1970 it was observed on the 30th of May.

Decoration (Memorial) Day observance, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, 30MAY1919. 

On 30MAY1943, ‘imprisoned’ Japanese-American boys conducted Decoration (Memorial) Day ceremonies, despite being forced to live in the Granada Relocation Center in Amache, Colorado.

Silent film from 30MAY1946; General George S. Patton is honored with a posthumously awarded medal, as well as Allied officials honoring all the fallen U.S. military personnel buried in the American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg:

Because many U.S. states, and cities, preferred to say ‘Memorial Day’, in 1967 the U.S. Congress officially changed the name of Decoration Day to Memorial Day.

In 1968, the observance of Memorial Day was changed to the last Monday in the month of May, an intentional move by the U.S. Congress to create a three day weekend holiday, however, the date change did not go into effect until 1971.

2018 U.S. Department of Defense video explaining the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day:

Memorial Day: The First 101 years (1868 – 1968)

Biden’s War, 2022: RHODE ISLAND MILITIA DEPLOYS ON MEMORIAL DAY!