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☆ With tension rising in the Pacific, US special operators have a new goal: Creating 'multiple dilemmas' for China
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

US special operators are aiming to create "multiple dilemmas" for China, SOCOM's commander says. Multiple dilemmasUS Navy SEALs, Philippine Navy special operators, and Australian special-operations soldiers during an exercise in Palawan in April. 1st Class Jared N. GehmannUS special operators need to continue "developing and strengthening the partner and ally piece that's a comparative and competitive advantage for this nation," Fenton said. Moreover, US special operators have been working closely with all US military branches to better understand how those branches operate and how SOCOM can support them in a conflict with China. The Pentagon's top special-operations official said in May 2021 that special operators could be "a key contributor" to resisting a Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan.

☆ The US's experimental 'lighting carriers' are 'much more capable' than China's current carriers, top US admiral says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The Lighting Carrier conceptAn F-35B launches from USS Tripoli in April 2022. A light aircraft carrier embarks with fewer jets than a fleet aircraft carrier — as many as 20, compared to more than 50 on a fleet carrier — but it costs much less and is more versatile. US Marine Corps F-35Bs approach and land on USS Tripoli during an exercise in June. "There is no comparison between a J-15 and an F-35B," Thomas said, referring to China's main carrier aircraft. US Marine Corps F-35Bs aboard USS Tripoli on June 10.

Police arrested two people in connection with the slaying of renowned Migos rapper Takeoff, who was "an innocent bystander" when he was fatally shot last month, Houston authorities said Friday. News of the arrests came one month after Kirshnik Khari Ball, known professionally as Takeoff, was killed on Nov. 1 outside a downtown Houston bowling alley. Officials said Takeoff and Quavo, 31, another member of Migos, were at a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling. Police would not discuss if Clark and Joshua knew Takeoff, or if they were invited to the private party. The group had four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, although Takeoff was not on its multiweek No.

☆ Last of Mexico’s 'Aztec Eagles' World War II veterans dies at age 98
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: 1 min

MEXICO CITY — The last veteran of Mexico’s relatively small contingent of World War II veterans has died, Mexico’s Defense Department announced Thursday. Horacio Castilleja Albarrán was 98 when he died Wednesday. Castilleja Albarrán was one of about 300 Mexican soldiers and airmen in Squadron 201, known as the Aztec Eagles, who were sent from Mexico to help in the U.S. war effort against Japan. Mexico was late to enter World War II, but declared war after German submarines sank several Mexican oil tankers. Castilleja Albarrán joined the army in 1942 at age 18 and was trained as a radio operator.

Khorry Ramey entered the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri, on Tuesday morning to visit her father, Kevin Johnson, for a final time. Khorry Ramey with her father, Kevin Johnson, and her son, Kiaus. While she could not be inside the prison, Johnson's witnesses included his spiritual adviser, the Rev. Khorry Ramey and her father, Kevin Johnson. Kevin Johnson at the courthouse in Clayton, Mo., in 2007.

☆ Caught in 'the green beam': How US Air Force gunship crews let a target know they have it in their sights
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The US Air Force's AC-130 gunship has a reputation for delivering firepower to the battlefield. The green beamAn AC-130J crew identifies a target with green light during an exercise in Florida in May. Ridge ShanWhile discussing the performance of Air Force special-operations crews during the Kabul evacuation, Slife referred to a targeting technology that Air Commandos use and affectionally call "the green beam." AC-130 crews use the green beam — which Slife called a "giant green laser pointer" — both to point things out to friendly forces and to deter adversaries by letting them know that they're in the gunship's sights. Hitting something is not as simple as seeing it, since gravity, elevation, speed, and atmospheric conditions affect the trajectory of the AC-130's artillery and cannon fire, but having those aids is still invaluable for gunship crews.

☆ An often overlooked Swedish fighter may be the jet Ukraine needs to take on Russia now, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Constantine Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet has earned high marks for its capabilities and affordability. But buyers have often passed on the Gripen in favor of other jets, including the US-made F-35. A Saab JAS 39C Gripen jet during an air show in June 2011. US Air Force F-16s with Swedish air force JAS 39 Gripens over the Baltic Sea during an exercise in June 2018. A new Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen at an air base in Brasilia in October 2020.

Ukrainian artillerymen load an M109 self-propelled howitzer during training exercises with US and Norwegian at Grafenwoehr Training Area on May 12. Since the start of the conflict in February, the US has trained only a few thousand Ukrainian soldiers, mostly in small groups, on specific weapons systems. The proposal, which was made at the behest of Ukraine, is still under inter-agency review by the administration. But the primary variable on the battlefield right now is the availability of ammunition on both sides, he said. "The Ukrainians aren't going to be as effective at combined arms maneuvers if they don't have enough artillery ammunition."

A Missouri inmate convicted of ambushing and killing a St. Louis area police officer he blamed for the death of his younger brother was executed Tuesday, officials said. Kevin Johnson, 37, was put to death by lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre. The execution began at 7:29 p.m., and Johnson was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m., said Karen Pojmann, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Corrections. “We miss Bill every day of our lives.”Khorry Ramey with her father, Kevin Johnson, and her son, Kiaus. via ACLUOn July 5, 2005, police were searching for Johnson, who was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend.

☆ A US plan to drop bombs from cargo planes hit another milestone, but the Air Force is still figuring out how it would use it in a war
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

US Air Force special operators launched a cruise missile from a cargo plane over Norway this month. The Air Force wants to have more planes that can launch long-range strikes, but there are logistical hurdles. US Air Force personnel load a Rapid Dragon deployment system on an MC-130J before a test in November 2021. Air Force Research Laboratory"The beauty of that capability is it doesn't require any aircraft modifications. We are intentionally trying to be provocative without being escalatory," said Melnicoff, Special Operations Command Europe's lead officer for Operation Atreus.

☆ The scramble to rearm Ukraine is transforming NATO in a way that would've been hard without Putin's help
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Rachel Nostrant | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

NATO countries have scrambled to rearm and resupply Ukraine as it fights off Russia's invasion. Troops from six NATO countries during a joint terminal attack controller training in Latvia on April 6. Germany has agreed to send some older hardware to countries that send their Soviet-made tanks and armored vehicles to Ukraine. Interoperability with weapons and alignment on tactics will also make it "veritably impossible for these countries to leave NATO," Banerjee added. "The weapons are from NATO, they're going to be from NATO, they will be back-built, and these components will be from NATO countries."

Club customers subdued gunman, officials say Two people subdued the gunman who opened fire at Club Q, a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub late on Saturday, saving lives, officials say. Share this -Link copiedOfficials name suspect in Club Q shooting Police on Sunday named the suspected gunman in the Club Q nightclub shooting as Anderson Lee Aldrich, 22. “Members of the LGBTQ community deserve to live full lives.” Share this -Link copiedSen. Hickenlooper: Nightclub shooting an 'unspeakable act' The Colorado Springs nightclub shooting is an "unspeakable act," Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., tweeted Sunday morning. "Horrendous to hear about the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. Jared Polis called Saturday's attack on an Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub "horrific, sickening and devastating," and commended the the "brave individuals" who stopped the shooter.

Two people subdued the gunman who opened fire at Club Q, a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub late on Saturday, saving lives, officials say. "Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together.”Follow along for the latest coverage of the shootingPolis' statement is supported by Club Q, who said in a statement that "heroic customers" stopped the attack. "We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack," the club posted on its Facebook page. The suspected shooter was injured in the incident at Club Q, apprehended and hospitalized, Colorado Springs Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. The hospitals are helping us to notify family who have been injured,” Castro said.

☆ Defining photos from the Trump presidency
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Dave Lucas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attend a dignified transfer of the remain of U.S. Special Forces soldier Sgt. 1st Class Javier Gutierrez who was killed in an attack in Afghanistan, as the president stopped for the ceremony on his...morePresident Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attend a dignified transfer of the remain of U.S. Special Forces soldier Sgt. 1st Class Javier Gutierrez who was killed in an attack in Afghanistan, as the president stopped for the ceremony on his way back to Washington from New Hampshire, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, February 10, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan ErnstClose

☆ Ukraine is scrambling to shoot down Russian missiles and drones. Here are the weapons other countries are sending in to help.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Here are some of the air-defense systems that countries are sending Ukraine to take on that threat. The US, Britain, and several other countries are sending Ukraine a variety of air-defense systems. Here are some that are being supplied to Ukraine:NASAMSThe National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Norwegian Ministry of DefenseParticularly significant is that rather than custom-designed surface-to-air missiles, NASAMS fires existing air-to-air missiles that are modified to be launched from the ground. Shan Yuqi/Xinhua via Getty ImagesUkraine has already received the first of four German IRIS-T short-range anti-aircraft missile systems.

☆ ‘Revolver Special Edition’ Review: The Beatles’ Best
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Allan Kozinn | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Until about a decade ago, it was generally agreed that “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967) was the Beatles’ creative peak, with “Abbey Road” (1969) a close runner-up. But in recent years, “Revolver,” released in August 1966, has started to eclipse “Sgt. Pepper,” not only as a fan favorite, but also as the band’s most innovative album. The new “Revolver Special Edition,” released by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe on Oct. 28, makes a solid case for that reconsideration.

☆ America's next main battle tank may be a slimmed-down, high-tech version of the iconic Abrams
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The US military has fielded the Abrams tank for more than 40 years. General Dynamics, which builds the Abrams, recently unveiled an updated version of the M1. The diet M1General Dynamics' AbramsX tank. US soldiers do maintenance on an Abrams tank in Germany in August 2017. "If you keep the armor protection at a very minimal level, that's how we achieve the 60 tons," Reese said.

☆ Takeoff’s killing: Details from the coroner’s report and Offset’s subtle tribute
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —New details regarding the death of Takeoff have been revealed as the artist continues to be mourned. Takeoff, who came to fame as one-third of the platinum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed early Tuesday at a private party in Houston, Texas. The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the manner of death as homicide with “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into the arm” stated as the cause of his death. “That’s why I don’t even really post like that, or if I do, I post after I left the spot. I post tomorrow or the next day and you think I’m at a location.

☆ 5 weapons that have allowed Ukrainian troops to turn the tables on Russia's military
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Peter Suciu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Since Moscow attacked in February, Ukrainian troops have halted and pushed back Russian forces. FGM-148 JavelinA soldier with a Javelin anti-tank missile in a Ukrainian Independence Day parade in Kyiv in 2018. T-72 main battle tankUkrainians load a Russian T-72 onto a truck outside the town of Izyum on September 24. However, it has been Moscow that has inadvertently provided scores of the T-72 to Ukraine — as Russian tank crews have abandoned their tanks. REUTERS/Gleb GaranichAnother weapon that has been seen as critical in the Ukrainian war effort is the lightweight M777 155mm howitzer.

☆ The Ukraine war has often been a grinding artillery battle. These are the big guns being sent in to pound Russian forces.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Its array of 122 mm, 152 mm and 203 mm cannon mirrored those used by Russia's military. Denice LopezGermany and the Netherlands have already delivered 10 of the German-designed Panzerhaubitze 2000 armored self-propelled 155 mm howitzers to Ukraine. 1st Class Mikki SprenkleFrance's Caesar is a 155 mm howitzer mounted on a six-wheeled truck. Jacob BradfordThe Zusana-2 is a Slovakian wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. RCH-155The turret of the RCH 155, armed with a 155 mm gun, is unmanned and controlled from the drive module.

CNN —Houston officials vowed to deliver justice in the killing of rapper Takeoff, with the chief of police calling the 28-year-old Atlantan a “peaceful” man and urging any witnesses to the shooting to come forward. There were roughly 40 people at the event, many of whom left “possibly out of fear,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said. “This great city, with our great citizens, with our police department – we will find who’s responsible for it. Finner was clear, however, that investigators do not believe Takeoff was “involved in anything criminal at the time,” he said. Rap star was on an upward trajectoryThe news of Takeoff’s death was a blow to the hip-hop community, still reeling from the fatal shooting of rapper PnB Rock in September.

☆ A secretive US special-operations base in Syria is taking fire from a shadowy Middle East war
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Rachel Nostrant | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

US troops at the al-Tanf outpost in Syria have been conducting counter-ISIS operations since 2016. Israeli, Syrian, and Iranian forces are also active around the base in southeastern Syria. The base was established in 2016, when US forces were in the thick of combat operations against ISIS in Syria. Al-Tanf — in southeastern Syria along the M2 Baghdad-Damascus highway and near the borders with Iraq and Jordan — was the ideal location. DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty ImagesRussia's war in Ukraine may create new problems for US troops at al-Tanf.

In some situations, like a potential war in the Pacific, Marines might be spread over thousands of miles and just as many islands and can’t depend on regular convoys to deliver fresh goods, or even Meal, Ready-to-Eat rations, known as MREs, said Lt. Col. Julian Tsukano, who until recently was in charge of the school that trained Marine cooks.

☆ A first-of-its-kind exercise on a Michigan highway shows the aging A-10 Warthog can still make history
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This summer, the US Air Force conducted a first-of-its-kind test on a Michigan highway. Air Force aircraft landed on a civilian roadway for the first time during a similar exercise in August 2021. 'We own airfield ops'US Air Force combat controllers from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Polk in Louisiana in August 2013. Parker GyokeresThe success of the exercise in Michigan hinged on a little-known career field in the US special-operations community: Combat Controllers. "Setting up an airstrip is one of the most important skill sets" that Combat Controllers have, a former Air Force Combat Controller told Insider.

☆ Michigan librarian dedicated to 41-year-old Halloween cold case
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Sarah Portney | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +12 min

On October 31, 1981, 11-year-old Karl Heikell told his parents he was going out for a walk in his town of Calumet, Michigan. “And sure enough, I found newspaper clippings about Karl Heikell going missing.”The young librarian was eager to learn more about this local mystery. Cleary told Dateline. “It's a shame that so many people have Billy in their heads as this” kind of person, he told Dateline. Detective Cleary told Dateline that after Billy’s suicide, police looked into his possible involvement in the case.

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