Karl W. Schlegel (MA, MM, BS)’s Post

🎙In the latest RUSI Journal Radio episode, we're joined by Professor David Ucko, Professor at the College of International Security Affairs, National Defense University, in Washington, DC, who discusses the history of counterinsurgency and irregular warfare, and the role of special operation forces in contemporary conflict. Listen here: https://bit.ly/4dGbDq3

Preparing for the last war. One of many failures of nations throughout time. Heck, as we correctly turn to prepare for war with China and Russia, and pivot from CT and COIN, this, if past is prologue, only assures we will eventually be ill prepared for COIN and CT, and depending on time, which we don’t control, perhaps ill prepared for all of the above. I wonder, as I read this article, how does this article help assess, for example, the internicine conflict in the USMC regarding FD 2030, and any debate that, as I see it, is attendant to the ever changing character of warfare, efforts to account for it, and those who are anchored to established notions. All I have personally concluded is that the Marine Corps needs to change, and is generally on a good path. However, not with everything. I further conclude that the US Navy needs to defy time, space, and physics to change across warfighting functions, warfare areas, and culture. That’s a bigger risk to the nation. https://lnkd.in/eYg3JPsa

It's good to see that problems with our Navy is now getting some exposure and attention it has needed badly for years. We could look the other way and pretend there were no problems when Trump was POTUS as he has a special knack for solving conflicts without going kinetic by leveraging all our assets simultaneously, masterfully, and winning. But we now have to look at dealing with China and all our enemies in a different way as we do not have any national leaders in office who can handle conflicts and win without going kinetic, the way Trump could and still can. If you are interested in our national defense, article at the link below may be helpful: https://lnkd.in/gdxqJtQH

#OTD 20 Dec 1989 Operation JUST CAUSE. Learn more about the role of the USMC in the link below. Read: https://lnkd.in/eEe5tdv6

The latest publication from the Marine Corps University Press is Volume 2 of "On Contested Shores: The Evolving Role of Amphibious Operations in the History of Warfare," Edited by Timothy Heck, B. A. Friedman and Walker D. Mills. I was honored to have my article about the history of the development of amphibious assault equipment by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army during World War 2, "Amphibious Juggernaut." In this article, I trace the origins of the marriage of the Landing Ship, Tank (LST) and the Amphibious Tractor (LVTs, or "Amtracks) and how the synergy achieved revolutionized how the three services carried out amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater from 1943-45. If you would like to download a free E-book version, click here: https://lnkd.in/efgZ2VtF

A succinct 5 minute explanation of why the Stennis needs to be renamed, and the incoherent policies that have been applied to naming aircraft carriers. There is nothing "wrong" with the USS John C Stennis, but there is something wrong with the continued silence on the the Navy regarding this issue. For half the cost of paying the SGLI death benefits of one deceased servicemember, the Navy could put this issue in the wake. That it has not done so is baffling to me. Decades from now, this ship will have had many thousands of sailors and Marines cycle through and complete their tours of duty. What name they will do it under depends on the courage of the leaders of today, and perhaps tomorrow. Like deferred maintenance, delay on this can be costly in the long run. All the necessary ingredients exist to complete this change, with the obvious exceptions of courage and resolve. Without those two, silence is the logical choice. The other choice is to explain why the name will not or should not change. Given the history of naming carriers, "tradition" as a defense won't stand up to scrutiny. https://lnkd.in/eqghcjHp

Wondering about the latest NEPA regulation changes? We've got you covered! Check out Scout’s newest monthly blog post written by Melanie Hernandez, with guest author Ronald Lamb, former NEPA program manager for the U.S. Marine Corps, as we break down the top 10 key updates you need to know. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gTDeENzC

"Amphibious operations use maneuver principles to employ ready-to-fight combat forces from the sea to the shore to achieve a position of advantage over the enemy. During combat operations, maneuver, in conjunction with organic and supporting fires, is essential to gaining access where the enemy least expects it. It provides a position of advantage to destroy or seriously disrupt the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused, and unexpected actions that create a turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope." Volume 2 382p 2024 Marine Corps University Press https://lnkd.in/gNduGZdu Volume 1 On Contested Shores: The Evolving Role of Amphibious Operations in the History of Warfare Marine Corps University Press 452p 2020 https://lnkd.in/gGSeWx_q

Deception in All That You Do – an insightful article by Major Dilan Swift, U.S. Marine Corps, featured in Proceedings Magazine. In modern battlefields, the lethal realities of 21st-century warfare are clear: to be detected is to be targeted; to be targeted is to be killed. The U.S. Marine Corps is pioneering a culture of deception, integrating training, education, and strategic deception planning to ensure that #deception is embedded in every aspect of their operations. At INFLATECH, we are proud to support these efforts with our advanced #decoys, offering evolutionary, battle-proven protection against loitering munitions and #counter_UAS threats. Our newest offerings go even further, featuring both passive and active #radar_signatures that adapt to modern threats and enhance #survivability on the battlefield. Stay informed about how we contribute to military safety and strategic advantages through innovative deception technologies. https://lnkd.in/gZqvnWiu

Very likely the proper approach to take!!