Podcasts about manpads

The trafficking of weapons meant for warzones often involves complex networks of arms dealers, corrupt officials, and organized crime groups. Here's a summary of how this process generally unfolds:AcquisitionConflict Zones: Weapons are initially acquired from conflict zones, where they are often plentiful due to ongoing wars or civil unrest.Military Surplus: Arms dealers obtain surplus weapons from military stockpiles. These might be obsolete or excess to the needs of the armed forces.Black Market: Weapons can also be sourced from the black market, where they are sold illegally by corrupt military personnel or officials.TransportationSmuggling Routes: Arms dealers use established smuggling routes to transport weapons. These routes often overlap with those used for drug trafficking.Bribes and Corruption: Bribes are paid to corrupt border officials, customs agents, and police to facilitate the smooth transit of weapons across borders.Disguised Shipments: Weapons are hidden in shipments of legal goods, such as food or machinery, to avoid detection.DistributionCriminal Networks: Weapons are sold to organized crime groups, gangs, or other non-state actors. These groups use their existing distribution networks to move the weapons further.Drug Cartels: Arms dealers often trade weapons directly for drugs. This is particularly common in regions where drug cartels operate, as they have both the resources and the demand for firearms.Barter System: In some cases, weapons are bartered for other illicit goods or services, including drugs, making it a mutually beneficial exchange for both parties.Final Sale or TradeEnd Users: The end users of these trafficked weapons can range from gang members and drug cartels to terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.Profit Generation: The sale or trade of weapons for drugs allows arms dealers to profit significantly, which they reinvest into further illegal activities.Market Dynamics: The illicit arms market is influenced by supply and demand. As conflicts flare up or as the need for drugs increases, the trafficking patterns and prices fluctuate accordingly.ImpactViolence and Instability: The influx of trafficked weapons exacerbates violence and instability in both conflict zones and areas plagued by drug-related crime.Enforcement Challenges: Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tracking and intercepting these illegal arms due to the sophisticated methods used by traffickers.About a year ago we were having the discussion about MANPADS and other shoulder fired systems falling into the hands of the cartels and the legacy media was quick to deny it.   Well, like usual, it would seem as if the legacy media wasn't exactly telling you the truth.    So in this episode, we are going to swim through the muck and find some clarity.(commercial at 12:59)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Mexican cartels boast of increased firepower, including U.S. weapons (usatoday.com)

The British right is starting to fracture on the Ukraine issue. Where once they would reliably be called upon to paint themselves blue and yellow and raise a whip-round down the dog & duck for more MANPADS – now, as the endgame approaches, a group of the plugged-in are leaving the big tent. The civil war that follows may be its own Donbas. Meanwhile, further evidence is in that US firms are quietly reorienting their capital expenditure away from data centres and chips, and towards efficiency gains. Some say this is down to the DeepSeek effect. So will the hardware lite business model this implies end up driving a slow puncture into Silicon Valley?Finally, have you heard of the Trump Put? A backstop against the crazy risks the Trump regime might be running. One that relies entirely on assuming that at some point the government intervenes to arrest a Wall Street bloodbath. It worked in the Greenspan era. But is this a bungee cord without a tether?

On the eve of the invasion of Ukraine, there were around 31,000 servicewomen and female MOD employees in the Ukrainian armed forces. This represented around 15% of the total force with one in ten serving as officers (but rarely above major rank). Following Soviet-era practice, servicewomen were mainly restricted to non-combat roles such as medical staff and clerks. The neglect of servicewomen was such that there were no female-standard uniforms on issue, a deficit addressed in typical Ukrainian fashion by volunteers such as the Arm Women Now project that enlisted help to sew uniforms more compatible with the female body shape. How has the war changed this? There are a lot more Ukrainian female soldiers now: Post the invasion restrictions were eventually lifted with women able to serve in any branch, subject to selection procedures. The age limit for women enlisting was also raised to 60, matching that of men. However, compulsory mobilisation remained only for males. This meant all women enlisting were, and today continue to be, volunteers. At first, recruitment was slow, mainly due to a lack of organisation and opportunities. Many found employment through 'private' recruiting (units posting job applications), rather than centralised recruiting through MOD schemes. By October 2023, female volunteer numbers had jumped 40%. But this only added another 12,000 servicewomen, bringing the total to 43,000 after two years of war. By March 2024, the numbers had risen to 62,000, including 5,000 in officer posts, and with 10,000 serving in active combat zones. By this point, 14,000 servicewomen in total had qualified as 'participants in hostilities' (effectively 'veteran' status for which there is a financial benefit). In the summer, the number rose to 67,000, but with clarification, 19,000 were 'employees with non-military tasks'. By the end of 2024, the number had stabilised around the 68,000 mark where it stands at the time of writing. The opening of over 40 nationwide recruitment centres - a programme which only started a year ago - has helped boost numbers. Today, roughly one in five applicants at the recruitment centres are women. The roles they fill are tabulated below: Female applicants at recruitment centres and roles assigned Staff positions 24% Combat medics, doctors and nurses 22% Drone units 13% Chefs 12% Snipers (shooting specialists) 6% Communications and Cyber 6% Psychologists 3% Examples of frontline service have been varied. In March 2024, the first all-female drone unit was raised. Tetyana Bondarenko was a theatre actress before the war. Today she is call sign 'Bond' (after 007) and an expert drone pilot. Layla, call sign Saratsyn, a former IT worker with striking red dreadlocks, now commands a drone strike unit. Olga Yehorova - a keen sportswoman before the war - is an example of female sniper. She has been wounded twice, once catching shell splinters in her stomach ('the pain became unbearable' she remembered), and on a second occasion receiving a bloodied eye from a shell blast. Liudmyla Meniuk joined 24th Aidar Separate Assault Battalion in 2016 and eventually progressed from clerk, to chief sergeant of an assault company, to commander of an armoured service unit. Some have achieved fame: in November 2024 soldier Natalia Hrabarchuk downed a cruise missile with a MANPADs. Before the war she was a kindergarten teacher. This was her first launch. From left to right, and top to bottom: Sniper Olga Yehorova, theatre actress now drone pilot Tetyana Bondarenko, Commander of Armoured Service Unit Liudmyla Meniuk, and former IT worker today strike drone platoon commander Layla. Former kindergarten teacher Natalia Hrabarchuk downs a cruise missile with a MANPADs then falls to her knees with the realisation of what she has just achieved. Source: United 24 Media It is not all about the frontline. Servicewomen also serve in the GUR and SBU (Intelligence Directorate and Security Service) where they have been praised for their ...

Rácz András: A kurszki művelet célja az lehet, hogy széthúzza az orosz erőket Telex     2024-08-11 13:05:46     Külföld háború Az ismert Oroszország-szakértő szerint ugyanakkor a "háború köde" néven ismert jelenség ebben a műveletben fokozottan érvényesül. Három Intercity menetideje is nőhet decembertől 24.hu     2024-08-11 16:44:07     Belföld A főbb változásokat a teljesség igénye nélkül tételesen, vonalankénti bontásban is közölték. Súlyos árat fizet Kurszk fölött az orosz légierő – Rég elfeledett fegyverrel lőtték le a legmodernebb gépüket Portfolio     2024-08-11 16:57:00     Külföld Ukrajna Helikopter Közvetett bizonyítékok szerint Oroszország elvesztette második Ka-52 "Alligator" harci helikopterét Kurszk felett, a kifejezetten ritka forgószárnyas vesztét egy ukrán MANPADS okozta. Párizsi olimpia: magyar éremesőt hoztak az ötkarikás játékok vg.hu     2024-08-11 15:31:46     Gazdaság Olimpia Párizs Magyarország összesen 19 érmet szerzett a párizsi olimpián, a szurkolók rengeteg sportágban örülhettek magyar sikernek. Alexander Lukasenko: Az ukránok tetteikkel demonstrálják, hogy nem állnak készen a békére HírTV     2024-08-11 13:33:00     Külföld Ukrajna Drón Nagykövet Fehéroroszország Belarusz Alekszandr Lukasenko Beidézték az ukrán nagykövetet Minszkben, akit a külképviselet bezárásával is megfenyegettek. A belarusz tárca így reagált arra, hogy állításuk szerint ukrán drónok léptek a légterükbe. Megelőzték a magyarokat Erdélyben Privátbankár     2024-08-11 15:51:03     Utazás Románia A tavalyinál kevesebb magyar turista kereste fel Romániát az idei első félévben, miközben a szomszédos ország idegenforgalma szépen erősödött az egy évvel korábbihoz képest. Megszűnik a Vodafone egyik ingyenes szolgáltatása Liner     2024-08-11 12:40:04     Belföld Vodafone A Vodafone Magyarország november 30-án kivezeti a Mini Bázis térerőpótló szolgáltatást, helyette a korszerűbb VoWiFi technológiát javasolja az ügyfeleknek. A petefészekrák két tünete Magyar Hírlap     2024-08-11 11:55:00     Egészség A petefészekrák többségében az idősebb korosztályt veszélyezteti, de sajnos fiatal nők is tapasztalhatják. Mi történt az MKSZ konferencián? Interjú Kéry Ferenccel, a Magyar Kommunikációs Szövetség elnökével Media1     2024-08-11 17:11:01     Média Interjú Zala Trend Keszthely A Media1 Kéry Ferenccel, a Magyar Kommunikációs Szövetség (MKSZ) elnökével készített beszélgetéséből kiderül, milyen kurrens témákról beszélgettek a televíziós műsorterjesztők és internetszolgáltatók az MKSZ legutóbbi, keszthelyi nagy konferenciájának résztvevői, milyen trendek és kihívások foglalkoztatják a magyarországi hírközlési szolgáltatókat. Matteo Salvini nemzeti kulturális örökséggé nyilvánítaná a Vespát 444.hu     2024-08-11 11:02:48     Autó-motor Olaszország Matteo Salvini Így az olasz robogó mentesülne az emissziós határértékek miatti regisztrációs korlátozások alól. Dupla fiókamentés a nógrádi Palotáson Sokszínű vidék     2024-08-11 17:54:40     Utazás Az egyik fióka lábára a fészekbe rakott bálaháló tekeredett úgy rá, hogy a madárnak elhalt a lábfeje. A három érmet szerző Csipes Tamara kapja a legnagyobb olimpiai jutalmat, 111 millió forintot 444.hu     2024-08-11 11:45:17     Olimpia Olimpia Milák Kristóf Csipes Tamara Milák Kristóf és Gazsó Alida a következő a listán. Összegyűjtöttük a legjobban keresőket. Szem nem maradt szárazon: videón a női öttusa verseny éremátadója Demokrata     2024-08-11 15:41:16     Sport Párizs A világrekorddal győztes Gulyás Michelle a magyar küldöttség hatodik aranyát szerezte meg Párizsban. Mutatjuk, mikor ér el minket a hőségzáró hidegfront Kiderül     2024-08-11 15:06:51     Időjárás Kánikula Az előttünk álló hét nagy részében tartós hőhullámra kell felkészülnünk. Jelentősebb felfrissülésre vasárnaptól számíthatunk, amikor egy erősebb hidegfront vonul át hazánk felett. A további adásainkat keresd a podcast.hirstart.hu oldalunkon.

Rácz András: A kurszki művelet célja az lehet, hogy széthúzza az orosz erőket Telex     2024-08-11 13:05:46     Külföld háború Az ismert Oroszország-szakértő szerint ugyanakkor a "háború köde" néven ismert jelenség ebben a műveletben fokozottan érvényesül. Három Intercity menetideje is nőhet decembertől 24.hu     2024-08-11 16:44:07     Belföld A főbb változásokat a teljesség igénye nélkül tételesen, vonalankénti bontásban is közölték. Súlyos árat fizet Kurszk fölött az orosz légierő – Rég elfeledett fegyverrel lőtték le a legmodernebb gépüket Portfolio     2024-08-11 16:57:00     Külföld Ukrajna Helikopter Közvetett bizonyítékok szerint Oroszország elvesztette második Ka-52 "Alligator" harci helikopterét Kurszk felett, a kifejezetten ritka forgószárnyas vesztét egy ukrán MANPADS okozta. Párizsi olimpia: magyar éremesőt hoztak az ötkarikás játékok vg.hu     2024-08-11 15:31:46     Gazdaság Olimpia Párizs Magyarország összesen 19 érmet szerzett a párizsi olimpián, a szurkolók rengeteg sportágban örülhettek magyar sikernek. Alexander Lukasenko: Az ukránok tetteikkel demonstrálják, hogy nem állnak készen a békére HírTV     2024-08-11 13:33:00     Külföld Ukrajna Drón Nagykövet Fehéroroszország Belarusz Alekszandr Lukasenko Beidézték az ukrán nagykövetet Minszkben, akit a külképviselet bezárásával is megfenyegettek. A belarusz tárca így reagált arra, hogy állításuk szerint ukrán drónok léptek a légterükbe. Megelőzték a magyarokat Erdélyben Privátbankár     2024-08-11 15:51:03     Utazás Románia A tavalyinál kevesebb magyar turista kereste fel Romániát az idei első félévben, miközben a szomszédos ország idegenforgalma szépen erősödött az egy évvel korábbihoz képest. Megszűnik a Vodafone egyik ingyenes szolgáltatása Liner     2024-08-11 12:40:04     Belföld Vodafone A Vodafone Magyarország november 30-án kivezeti a Mini Bázis térerőpótló szolgáltatást, helyette a korszerűbb VoWiFi technológiát javasolja az ügyfeleknek. A petefészekrák két tünete Magyar Hírlap     2024-08-11 11:55:00     Egészség A petefészekrák többségében az idősebb korosztályt veszélyezteti, de sajnos fiatal nők is tapasztalhatják. Mi történt az MKSZ konferencián? Interjú Kéry Ferenccel, a Magyar Kommunikációs Szövetség elnökével Media1     2024-08-11 17:11:01     Média Interjú Zala Trend Keszthely A Media1 Kéry Ferenccel, a Magyar Kommunikációs Szövetség (MKSZ) elnökével készített beszélgetéséből kiderül, milyen kurrens témákról beszélgettek a televíziós műsorterjesztők és internetszolgáltatók az MKSZ legutóbbi, keszthelyi nagy konferenciájának résztvevői, milyen trendek és kihívások foglalkoztatják a magyarországi hírközlési szolgáltatókat. Matteo Salvini nemzeti kulturális örökséggé nyilvánítaná a Vespát 444.hu     2024-08-11 11:02:48     Autó-motor Olaszország Matteo Salvini Így az olasz robogó mentesülne az emissziós határértékek miatti regisztrációs korlátozások alól. Dupla fiókamentés a nógrádi Palotáson Sokszínű vidék     2024-08-11 17:54:40     Utazás Az egyik fióka lábára a fészekbe rakott bálaháló tekeredett úgy rá, hogy a madárnak elhalt a lábfeje. A három érmet szerző Csipes Tamara kapja a legnagyobb olimpiai jutalmat, 111 millió forintot 444.hu     2024-08-11 11:45:17     Olimpia Olimpia Milák Kristóf Csipes Tamara Milák Kristóf és Gazsó Alida a következő a listán. Összegyűjtöttük a legjobban keresőket. Szem nem maradt szárazon: videón a női öttusa verseny éremátadója Demokrata     2024-08-11 15:41:16     Sport Párizs A világrekorddal győztes Gulyás Michelle a magyar küldöttség hatodik aranyát szerezte meg Párizsban. Mutatjuk, mikor ér el minket a hőségzáró hidegfront Kiderül     2024-08-11 15:06:51     Időjárás Kánikula Az előttünk álló hét nagy részében tartós hőhullámra kell felkészülnünk. Jelentősebb felfrissülésre vasárnaptól számíthatunk, amikor egy erősebb hidegfront vonul át hazánk felett. A további adásainkat keresd a podcast.hirstart.hu oldalunkon.

The trafficking of weapons meant for warzones often involves complex networks of arms dealers, corrupt officials, and organized crime groups. Here's a summary of how this process generally unfolds:AcquisitionConflict Zones: Weapons are initially acquired from conflict zones, where they are often plentiful due to ongoing wars or civil unrest.Military Surplus: Arms dealers obtain surplus weapons from military stockpiles. These might be obsolete or excess to the needs of the armed forces.Black Market: Weapons can also be sourced from the black market, where they are sold illegally by corrupt military personnel or officials.TransportationSmuggling Routes: Arms dealers use established smuggling routes to transport weapons. These routes often overlap with those used for drug trafficking.Bribes and Corruption: Bribes are paid to corrupt border officials, customs agents, and police to facilitate the smooth transit of weapons across borders.Disguised Shipments: Weapons are hidden in shipments of legal goods, such as food or machinery, to avoid detection.DistributionCriminal Networks: Weapons are sold to organized crime groups, gangs, or other non-state actors. These groups use their existing distribution networks to move the weapons further.Drug Cartels: Arms dealers often trade weapons directly for drugs. This is particularly common in regions where drug cartels operate, as they have both the resources and the demand for firearms.Barter System: In some cases, weapons are bartered for other illicit goods or services, including drugs, making it a mutually beneficial exchange for both parties.Final Sale or TradeEnd Users: The end users of these trafficked weapons can range from gang members and drug cartels to terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.Profit Generation: The sale or trade of weapons for drugs allows arms dealers to profit significantly, which they reinvest into further illegal activities.Market Dynamics: The illicit arms market is influenced by supply and demand. As conflicts flare up or as the need for drugs increases, the trafficking patterns and prices fluctuate accordingly.ImpactViolence and Instability: The influx of trafficked weapons exacerbates violence and instability in both conflict zones and areas plagued by drug-related crime.Enforcement Challenges: Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tracking and intercepting these illegal arms due to the sophisticated methods used by traffickers.About a year ago we were having the discussion about MANPADS and other shoulder fired systems falling into the hands of the cartels and the legacy media was quick to deny it.   Well, like usual, it would seem as if the legacy media wasn't exactly telling you the truth.    So in this episode, we are going to swim through the muck and find some clarity.(commercial at 12:59)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Mexican cartels boast of increased firepower, including U.S. weapons (usatoday.com)

The trafficking of weapons meant for warzones often involves complex networks of arms dealers, corrupt officials, and organized crime groups. Here's a summary of how this process generally unfolds:AcquisitionConflict Zones: Weapons are initially acquired from conflict zones, where they are often plentiful due to ongoing wars or civil unrest.Military Surplus: Arms dealers obtain surplus weapons from military stockpiles. These might be obsolete or excess to the needs of the armed forces.Black Market: Weapons can also be sourced from the black market, where they are sold illegally by corrupt military personnel or officials.TransportationSmuggling Routes: Arms dealers use established smuggling routes to transport weapons. These routes often overlap with those used for drug trafficking.Bribes and Corruption: Bribes are paid to corrupt border officials, customs agents, and police to facilitate the smooth transit of weapons across borders.Disguised Shipments: Weapons are hidden in shipments of legal goods, such as food or machinery, to avoid detection.DistributionCriminal Networks: Weapons are sold to organized crime groups, gangs, or other non-state actors. These groups use their existing distribution networks to move the weapons further.Drug Cartels: Arms dealers often trade weapons directly for drugs. This is particularly common in regions where drug cartels operate, as they have both the resources and the demand for firearms.Barter System: In some cases, weapons are bartered for other illicit goods or services, including drugs, making it a mutually beneficial exchange for both parties.Final Sale or TradeEnd Users: The end users of these trafficked weapons can range from gang members and drug cartels to terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.Profit Generation: The sale or trade of weapons for drugs allows arms dealers to profit significantly, which they reinvest into further illegal activities.Market Dynamics: The illicit arms market is influenced by supply and demand. As conflicts flare up or as the need for drugs increases, the trafficking patterns and prices fluctuate accordingly.ImpactViolence and Instability: The influx of trafficked weapons exacerbates violence and instability in both conflict zones and areas plagued by drug-related crime.Enforcement Challenges: Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tracking and intercepting these illegal arms due to the sophisticated methods used by traffickers.About a year ago we were having the discussion about MANPADS and other shoulder fired systems falling into the hands of the cartels and the legacy media was quick to deny it.   Well, like usual, it would seem as if the legacy media wasn't exactly telling you the truth.    So in this episode, we are going to swim through the muck and find some clarity.(commercial at 12:59)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Mexican cartels boast of increased firepower, including U.S. weapons (usatoday.com)

The trafficking of weapons meant for warzones often involves complex networks of arms dealers, corrupt officials, and organized crime groups. Here's a summary of how this process generally unfolds:AcquisitionConflict Zones: Weapons are initially acquired from conflict zones, where they are often plentiful due to ongoing wars or civil unrest.Military Surplus: Arms dealers obtain surplus weapons from military stockpiles. These might be obsolete or excess to the needs of the armed forces.Black Market: Weapons can also be sourced from the black market, where they are sold illegally by corrupt military personnel or officials.TransportationSmuggling Routes: Arms dealers use established smuggling routes to transport weapons. These routes often overlap with those used for drug trafficking.Bribes and Corruption: Bribes are paid to corrupt border officials, customs agents, and police to facilitate the smooth transit of weapons across borders.Disguised Shipments: Weapons are hidden in shipments of legal goods, such as food or machinery, to avoid detection.DistributionCriminal Networks: Weapons are sold to organized crime groups, gangs, or other non-state actors. These groups use their existing distribution networks to move the weapons further.Drug Cartels: Arms dealers often trade weapons directly for drugs. This is particularly common in regions where drug cartels operate, as they have both the resources and the demand for firearms.Barter System: In some cases, weapons are bartered for other illicit goods or services, including drugs, making it a mutually beneficial exchange for both parties.Final Sale or TradeEnd Users: The end users of these trafficked weapons can range from gang members and drug cartels to terrorist organizations and insurgent groups.Profit Generation: The sale or trade of weapons for drugs allows arms dealers to profit significantly, which they reinvest into further illegal activities.Market Dynamics: The illicit arms market is influenced by supply and demand. As conflicts flare up or as the need for drugs increases, the trafficking patterns and prices fluctuate accordingly.ImpactViolence and Instability: The influx of trafficked weapons exacerbates violence and instability in both conflict zones and areas plagued by drug-related crime.Enforcement Challenges: Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tracking and intercepting these illegal arms due to the sophisticated methods used by traffickers.About a year ago we were having the discussion about MANPADS and other shoulder fired systems falling into the hands of the cartels and the legacy media was quick to deny it.   Well, like usual, it would seem as if the legacy media wasn't exactly telling you the truth.    So in this episode, we are going to swim through the muck and find some clarity.(commercial at 12:59)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Mexican cartels boast of increased firepower, including U.S. weapons (usatoday.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Paul Cormarie - Can the US Guarantee Armenia's Security?Conversations on GroongTopics:  - US Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus  - The Challenge of Armenia's Neighborhood  - Weaponry that could help Armenia  - Clear Expectations and Limits  - The Turkish Factor  - The Iranian FactorGroong Links:* https://linktr.ee/groong* https://podcasts.groong.org/donateTimestamps:Guest:  - Paul CormarieHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 321 | Recorded: March 26, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Mia and James discuss the recent release of videos showing the HPG shooting down Turkish drones, as well as the arrival of MANPADS in Myanmar.  https://gerilla.tv//newroz-piroz-be-20_mart_2024_696b1e257.html  https://www.ciedcoe.org/index.php/reports/technical-reports/197-0011-20161222-report-improvised-batteries-for-manpads-v2/file See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RR The Wire 2330Z November 03, 2023 PRECEDENCE: ROUTINE RRDTG: 233003Z NOV 23ICOD: 223003Z NOV 23CONTROLS: Public ReleaseQQQQBLUF: WAR CONTINUES IN THE MIDDLE EAST, HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA WORSENS.-----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East Front: The situation in Northern Gaza remains fluid as the invasion continues. Hamas has made claims that Israeli forces have withdrawn numerous times in response to failed assaults, whereas Israel has not addressed specific engagements during this invasion. The UN reports that the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is not enough, and fuel shortages in particular have resulted in substantial issues at UN hospitals.This afternoon, the Pentagon has reportedly suspended all official Congressional flights into Israel citing the deterioration of the security situation on the ground. Dozens of members of Congress have visited Israel via AIPAC-sponsored delegations since the war began.Pacific: The US conducted a test of the LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM last night. The test was a failure which resulted in the US Air Force safely terminating the exercise. The last failure of this missile system was in 2021, in which the test was aborted on the ground. The last in-flight failure of this system was in 2018.-HomeFront-USA: Domestic threats remain a constant as Pro-Palestine protests/rallies continue around the US. Since hostilities in the Middle East began, many domestic terror groups such as ANTIFA/BLM have been observed to increase hostile online rhetoric, to include direct threats of terrorism.SC: An assailant tried to breach the perimeter of the Oconee Nuclear Station last night by conducting a vehicle ramming attack on the ECP. After his unsuccessful breach attempt he fled the facility where a local homeowner fired warning shots at him as he attempted to trespass down their driveway, before fleeing again. Local authorities have identified the suspect as Doyle Wayne Whisenhunt, who remains at large. A BOLO notice has been issued for his 2002 Toyota Camry with Arkansas plate: 380-VDR.-Analyst Comments-Notes on sources: As Palestinian civilians continue to be targeted by Israeli forces, most of the least-biased information sources on the ground are UN aid workers. Ordinarily the UN would not be considered to be a reliable information source, but in this special circumstance official press statements are the best we can do, as most media on all sides remains agenda-driven. Consequently, UN workers are going to become a primary source for documenting the increasingly desperate humanitarian crisis that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of refugees. If the cessation of official Congressional flights into Israel is true, this is likely related to Hezbollah and/or Hamas increasing usage of MANPADs. So far, several Igla-1 (NATO: SA-18 GROUSE) and Strela-2 (NATO: SA-7 GRAIL) launches have been confirmed by posts on social media. Details on the success of these attacks have been largely unverifiable, though Hamas has claimed to have downed several IDF helicopters and drones.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst: S2AEND REPORTNNNN

Unprecedented for the podcast- 4 x Naval Stories ( 2 x US; 1 x Japan; & 1 x Spain). Plus, we have two stories from Finland- one concerning the Saab MANPADS RBS-70 & one that discusses three variants of the SPIKE Missile. Finally, we have another SWITCHBLADE 600 story- this time from Lithuania. 

1.  Introduction  2. Evolution of the conflict   3.  Where things stand    4. Putin  5. The Battlefield – land, air, sea   6. Predictions and conclusions  7.   PS The intelligence gameOver three months in the grinding war in Ukraine, events have shifted their focus to the Donbas.  Even here, where the Russians have a distinct advantage in artillery and rocket forces, and where its supply lines are shorter, the Ukrainians continue to go toe to toe with their enemy.  Russian gains have been slow and often amount to little more than squeezing out salients and pushing out Ukrainian forces from areas already dominated by Russia. Attrition of Russian forces has been heavy, witnessed by their recourse to 1960's vintage T62 tanks.  Ukrainian losses have also been heavy in this relentless campaign, yet large supplies of weaponry from the US and others will continue to be a game changer and allow Ukraine both to defend its territory and to mount selective counter- offensives.  Kherson, northeast Ukraine and the east of the Dnieper will all be areas to watch. Russian failures will continue to mount and its inability to dominate the air space will undermine any offensive thrusts that it chooses to make.We believe that by the end of August, after a war lasting 6 months, Russia will have truly lost its way and its aggressive impetus.So it goes,Tom Assheton & James Jackson Reading reference:Putin the Putrid - essay by James Jackson Feb 2015 read by Jo Pelissier See also:YouTube: BloodyViolentHistoryhttps://www.instagram.com/bloodyviolenthistory/https://www.jamesjacksonbooks.comhttps://www.tomtom.co.uk If you enjoy the podcast, would you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or Google Podcast App? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps to spread the wordSee https://simplecast.com/privacy/ for privacy information

Welcome back to Five Minute Military! Today I wanted to take a look at MANPADs and their use in Ukraine! Thank you again for listening and make sure you follow the podcast @five_minute_military! Intro: ARMY ESP on YouTube Outro: March of the New Ukrainian Army Sources: https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/manpads https://www.reuters.com/world/risk-worth-taking-us-rushes-manpads-ukraine-despite-proliferation-concerns-2022-03-11/ https://2009-2017.state.gov/t/pm/wra/c62623.htm https://www.gmfus.org/news/west-needs-keep-supporting-ukraine-manpads#:~:text=Many%20countries%20have%20provided%20Ukraine's,fired%20by%20a%20single%20individual. https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/140330/SAS-Research-Note-1.pdf https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/manpads-in-ukraine-the-return-of-russian-aircrafts-biggest-fear/ https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/03/death-by-stinger-how-russias-helicopters-are-getting-torched-in-ukraine/

Three Ukrainian peace negotiators showed signs of poisoning after meeting their Russian counterparts earlier this month, including Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who has been enlisted to facilitate discussions. Two German states have outlawed public displays of the letter "Z," which has become synonymous with support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukraine is poised to introduce a new ground-based air defense system to its war against Russia's invasion forces, with the announcement that the British-supplied Starstreak main-portable air defense system, or MANPADS, is “ready to be used imminently.” Ukraine's military intelligence on Monday published the names and contact details of 620 people it alleged were officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) involved in "criminal activities" in Europe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. State of play 2. Should we have seen it coming  3.  Can Russia win    4. Long term prospects for Putin and Russia  5. Prospects for Ukraine   6. Prospects for the WestAggression and mendacity are shared characteristics of many Russian leaders and territorial expansion an on ongoing pastime.  Ivan the Terrible sought to capture the Baltic region and eventually has to settle for Siberia, while Peter the Great shifted the centre of gravity of Russia towards Europe, and established the mighty capital of St Petersburg.  Putin has similar pretension to power and glory, and his current invasion of Ukraine follows the same hubristic vein.  Yet the modern Russian armed forces are not what they were.  They have forgotten how to operate combine arms and rapid advance; and they are suffering from the deadly effect of handheld anti-tank weaponry.  This episode examines the calamitous Russian invasion of Ukraine today and looks for the reasons and the historic threads that led to this moment.So it goes,Tom Assheton & James Jackson Reading reference:Cold Cut by James Jackson read by Jo Pelissier See also:YouTube: BloodyViolentHistoryhttps://www.instagram.com/bloodyviolenthistory/https://www.jamesjacksonbooks.comhttps://www.tomtom.co.uk If you enjoy the podcast, would you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify or Google Podcast App? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps to spread the wordSee https://simplecast.com/privacy/ for privacy information

Correction: Slight clarification on the Developing Tech slides: When I said "heat-seeking" I was referring to the new generations of air-to-ground anti-tank missiles with thermal seekers...NOT the classic HEAT round. This can get confusing. Most tanks use several types of rounds for different tasks, and the HEAT round, or the High-Explosive Anti-Tank round is a common round that is used by tanks, to kill other tanks. Obviously, there is no thermal component to this...the round itself is unguided and cannot "home in" on anything. However, there are a lot of new munitions in the world (like loitering munitions) that are designed to target tanks by using a missile with a thermal seeker. This can target tanks in much the same way that traditional MANPADs target aircraft by homing in on the heat generated by the vehicles exhaust. But obviously, this is for air-to-ground targeting, or other non-tank systems. Perhaps not too common these days in actual warfare, but Russia has already developed several "heat seeking missiles" for targeting tanks, and these weird snorkel things might be a way of Russia trying out some new countermeasures. So for the meantime, tanks will have to continue using HEAT rounds (NOT heat-seeking rounds) to target other armored vehicles. But as far as to if this is a new countermeasure system, eh, who knows. Certainly not I (nor anyone else here), so this could all just be a farce. But it's good to be aware of, just in case.Oh, and while I'm at it, the cages on turrets are almost certainly useful for certain kinds of loitering munitions (at least in theory), which I am kicking myself for not mentioning. Loitering munitions are a MAJOR force-multiplier and are already becoming a massive threat for conventional forces, such as armored units.Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_killings_under_communist_regimesDISCLAIMER: This content is purely educational and does not advocate for violating any laws. Do not violate any laws or regulations. This is not legal advice. Consult with your attorney.If you would like to support us, we're on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30479515Our Reading List!https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/133747963-s2-actualThe War Kitchen Channel!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYmtpjXT22tAWGIlg_xDDPAAnd here's our Linktree page, for even more links: https://linktr.ee/S2_underground

Photo:  Hand Cross (mäsqäl qǝddase or yäǝṭan). Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2/2.  Who gave manpads to the Tigray Popular Liberation Front, and why?  Gregory Copley, Defense & Foreign Affairs

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we speak to Shephard's Asia-Pacific editor for the  monthly round up of the news from his region, and in a conversation with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space we talk about developments in satellite ground systems. Newsround [00:47]Rheinmetall and  BAE Systems Land officially received an £800 million ($1.12 billion) contract on 7 May from the UK Ministry of Defence to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger3 main battle tanks.The US Army confirmed on 12 May it plans to retire its Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) by the end of FY2022.In Italy, Elettronica is to equip Italian U212 Near Future Submarines with an electronic warfare suite.A contract from Fincantieri covers the provision of two suites for the first batch of submarines and an optional two additional suites.Moscow's Red Square hosted the annual Russian Victory Day parade on 9  May.  This year the Moscow event was notable for the lack of new equipment on display compared with previous years. There were still parade debutants, including the Buk-M3 SAM system, Taifun-PVO armoured MANPADS vehicle and ISDM remote minelaying system.In focus: The team discusses the deployment of the Carrier Strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, both from a Royal Navy capability perspective and also looking at the wider UK political interests in strengthening relationships with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish comments on news that Poland is moving ahead with its Narew SHORAD programme. While this programme could fill a gap in Polish air defence, key questions still remain to be answered.In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the current state of UK MoD plans to put forward requirements for medium helicopter acquisitions. Deep dive: News from the Asia Pacific [24:50] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss recent defence news from the region. Topics of conversation include India's progress in the acquisition of new light tank for mountain operations; Australian procurement of heavy armour;  and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet rapidly growing with three new ships entering service. Industry Voice – Interview with Raytheon Intelligence Space [45:10]Creative Director Tony Skinner talks to Cristy Cox, programme director for satellite ground systems, and Karen Casey, chief engineer for satellite ground systems at Raytheon Intelligence and Space, to discuss satellite ground systems and data sharing that allows for faster decision making.

The ever-present threat of MANPADS attacks on civil aircraft continues to concentrate minds around the world and is the subject of our latest Armada EW podcast. Since 1978 293 people have lost their lives in during attacks on civilian aircraft executed by Man-Portable Air Defence Systems. Bird Aerosystems produces self-defence equipment designed to protect civilian and military aircraft against these threats. Mr. Mazor shares his thoughts on the trajectory of the civilian counter-MANPADS market, its drivers and restraints in our latest Armada International Electronic Warfare podcast.

Los eventos del pasado 30 de abril en Venezuela permiten afirmar que la salida a la crisis de gobernabilidad se escapó de las manos de los factores internos en conflicto. Tanto la Operación Libertad de Juan Guaidó como el llamado a “la movilización popular” de Nicolás Maduro no lograron imponer la agenda política ese día, ni en los días subsiguientes. Aunque Guaidó sigue tratando de quebrar el círculo que sostiene a Maduro. El 30-A dejó desnudo a Maduro, porque su entorno inmediato -los que se conocen: el ministro de la Defensa, el presidente del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, el jefe de la Casa Militar y el director de los Servicios de Inteligencia- estuvo comprometido con el “cese de la usurpación”. Había negociado una hoja de ruta de 15 puntos, según la información del enviado especial de Estados Unidos para Venezuela. El gobierno de Trump, el presidente interino y su círculo íntimo, y el sector madurista del régimen usurpador alcanzaron un acuerdo para que la transición hacia una democracia en Venezuela fuese un aterrizaje suave (“soft landing”). Hasta ahora el Pentágono ha estado renuente a una acción militar en Venezuela. Las nuevas reglas de la guerra de 5° generación se dan en “sombras complicadas”. Son de naturaleza asimétrica. Una intervención internacional para acabar con “el cese de la usurpación” generaría el colapso de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana como institución del Estado, lo que dejaría al gobierno de transición sin unidad de mando central. Una situación que crearía grupos armados o ejércitos irregulares ocupando territorios, dificultando la gobernabilidad del país. En ese sentido, los 5.000 misiles tierra-aire MANPADS de fabricación rusa que tiene la FANB, según Reuters, podrían caer en manos equivocadas en el momento de un conflicto bélico con fuerzas internacionales, lo cual podría generar una desestabilización en la región. Por ello, la opción de la intervención militar de Estados Unidos tiene que controlar los riesgos que representa el Estado mafioso que hoy opera bajo la sombra del Estado-nación en Venezuela. Por lo tanto, la realidad del 30-A -ninguna de las fuerzas en pugna logra imponerse sobre la otra- ha abierto otras opciones para resolver la crisis de gobernabilidad en el país caribeño. Los presidentes de Estados Unidos y Rusia conversaron por teléfono sobre Venezuela, y de otros países el 3 de mayo. La portavoz de la Casa Blanca aseguró que el mandatario norteamericano “reiteró la necesidad de una transición pacífica”. Y, el jefe del Estado ruso afirmó que “corresponde a los propios venezolanos definir el futuro de su país, (...) la injerencia externa y los intentos de cambio de poder por la fuerza socavan las posibilidades de una solución política a la crisis”. Rusia busca sacar ventaja de la posición que tiene en Venezuela para resolver la crisis de Ucrania por la anexión de la península de Crimea en 2014. En Venezuela -aparte de seguir superando a Estados Unidos en los conflictos regionales a nivel mundial- su interés es como acreedor de la venta de armas y el colateral que tiene sobre Citgo, además de propietario de varios activos petroleros, importantes para Igor Sechin. Una deuda que asciende a 10.000 millones de dólares. Por otro lado, el 4 de mayo, el presidente de Cuba se comunicó con el primer ministro de Canadá para enfatizar en “la necesidad del diálogo con Maduro basado en el respeto a la soberanía de Venezuela y al derecho internacional sin amenaza ni intervención extranjera”. Ambos mandatarios se comprometieron a “trabajar juntos para encontrar una solución a la crisis” en el país bolivariano. Para Cuba, Maduro es el garante de la sobrevivencia económica de la isla. Además, los cancilleres del Grupo de Lima acordaron el pasado viernes en Lima invitar a Cuba y al Grupo de Contacto Internacional sobre Venezuela a participar de manera conjunta en una solución a la crisis política en Venezuela, tras una reunión de emergencia del bloque...

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act grants permission for next year's wars. In this episode, we look at how the new law, in partnership with a reckless Executive Order, will provide weapons to terrorists and legalize American wars fought with foreign humans. Also in this episode, learn about the new Ministry of Propaganda (the "Global Engagement Center") that the United States will open in July. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: Congressional Dish 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bill Highlighted in This Episode National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 Explanatory Statement Title III—Operation and Maintenance Subtitle B—Energy and Environment   Sec. 312. Waiver authority for alternative fuel procurement requirement. The Secretary of Defense can waive the requirement that Federal agencies only purchase alternative fuels if the greenhouse gas emissions are equal or lower to the conventional fuel typically used, as long as he notifies Congress. Sec. 316. Sense of Congress on funding decisions relating to climate change. “It is the sense of Congress that... "decisions relating to the funding of the Dept. of Defense … should prioritize the support and enhancement of the combat capabilities of the Dept" funds should be allocated among the programs of the Dept in the manner that best serves the national security interests of the US decisions relating to energy efficiency, energy use, and climate change should adhere to the principles described above Title VI—Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances     Sec. 601. Fiscal year 2017 increase in military basic pay. Effective January 1, 2017, the rates of monthly basic pay for military members is 2.1 percent Sec. 604. Reports on a new single-salary pay system for members of the Armed Forces. Gives the Defense Dept one year to report to Congress on a new pay structure: A “single salary system,” which will take effect on January 1, 2018.   Subtitle E—Commissary and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality Benefits and Operations     Sec. 661. Protection and enhancement of access to and savings at commissaries and exchanges. They are going to test a "variable pricing program” which would price commissary goods “in response to market conditions and customer demand" Sec. 662. Acceptance of Military Star Card at commissaries.       Subtitle F—Other Matters     Sec. 671. Recovery of amounts owed to the United States by members of the uniformed services. Allows the Secretary of Defense is allowed to waive collections of overpayments to military service members if the collection starts over 10 years after the overpayment occurred. The Defense Department will conduct a review of the bonuses paid to California National Guard members from 2004 - 2015, determine how many bonuses were awarded improperly, and determine which ones will be granted a repayment waiver. Waivers will be denied only if the board can make an affirmative determination that the member “knew or reasonably should have known that the member was ineligible for the bonus pay”   Title VII—Health Care Provisions Subtitle A—Reform of TRICARE and military health system     Sec. 701. TRICARE Select and other TRICARE reform. Creates TRICARE Select: “Eligible beneficiaries will not have restrictions on the freedom of choice of the beneficiary with respect to health care providers.” Cost sharing table   Title VIII—Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Subtitle F—Provisions Relating to Commercial Items     Sec. 874. Inapplicability of certain laws and regulations to the acquisition of commercial items and commercially available off-the-shelf items. Exempts the purchase of “commercial items” from a bunch of procurement laws Sec. 876. Preference for commercial services. Prohibits defense agencies from entering into contracts for services that are NOT commercial services, unless it’s determined in writing that there are no commercial services available. Subtitle G—Industrial Base Matters Sec. 881. Greater integration of the national technology and industrial base. Orders a written plan to be completed by the end of 2017 to” reduce the barriers to the seamless integration between the persons and organizations that comprise the national technology and industrial base" Entities to be “integrated” include government entities, universities, nonprofits, and private contractors (including weapons manufacturers) operating in the United States, Canada and (added) the UK, Northern Ireland, and Australia. Title IX—Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle B—Organization and Management of the Department of Defense Generally   Sec. 915. Repeal of requirements relating to efficiencies plan for the civilian personnel workforce and service contractor workforce of the Department of Defense. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Defense have policies and procedures to determine the most appropriate cost efficient mix of military, civilians, and contractor personnel to perform the mission of the Dept. of Defense.   Title X—General Provisions Subtitle B—Counterdrug Activities   Sec. 1011. Codification and modification of authority to provide support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime of civilian law enforcement agencies. "The Secretary of Defense may provide support for the counter drug activities… of any department or agency of the Federal Government or of any State, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agency for…: "Training of law enforcement personnel of the Federal Government, of State, local, and tribal governments…" “Intelligence analysis services" “Aerial and ground reconnaissance” Sec. 1013. Extension of authority to support unified counterdrug and counterterrorism campaign in Colombia. Extended through 2019   Subtitle D—Counterterrorism   Sec. 1032. Prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cub, to the United States.   Sec. 1033. Prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facilities in the United States to house detainees transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.   Sec. 1034. Prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release to certain countries of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Specifically prohibits transferring anyone to Libya, Somalia, Syria, or Yemen. Sec. 1035. Prohibition on use of funds for realignment of forces at or closure of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.     Subtitle G—Other Matters     Sec. 1090. Cost of Wars. Secretary of Defense needs to post the costs of each the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria wars onto a public website. No due date or web address.   Title XII—Matters relating to foreign nations Subtitle A—Assistance and training   Sec. 1201. One-year extension of logistical support for coalition forces supporting certain United States military operations.   Sec. 1202. Special Defense Acquisition Fund matters. Authorizes the amount of money appropriated to the fund to more than double, from $1.07 billion to $2.5 billion. $500 million must be to purchase precision guided munitions for partner and allied forces   Sec. 1203. Codification of authority for support of special operations to combat terrorism. The Defense Secretary is allowed to spend $100 million per year to “support foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals engaged in supporting or facilitating ongoing military operations by United States special operations forces to combat terrorism" The money will come from the money appropriated for operations and maintenance  Repeals a provision from the 2005 NDAA that provided $25 million a year for this purpose   Subtitle B—Matters relating to Afghanistan and Pakistan   Sec. 1218. Extension and modification of authority for reimbursement of certain coalition nations for support provided to United States military operations. The United States can use $1.1 billion to pay any country that helps our military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and the United States can pay Pakistan for “activities meant to enhance the security situation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region and for counterterrorism"   Subtitle C—Matters relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran   Sec. 1221. Modification and extension of authority to provide assistance to the vetted Syrian opposition. Extends the authority to “provide assistance to the vetted Syrian opposition” until December 31, 2018. Sec. 1224. Limitation on provision of man-portable air defense systems to the vetted Syrian opposition during fiscal year 2017. State Dept: “Countering the proliferation of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems is a top U.S. national security priority. In the hands of terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors, MANPADS - also known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles - pose a serious threat to passenger air travel, the commercial aviation industry, and military aircraft around the world. The United States is working closely with numerous countries and international organizations to keep the skies safe for all." The 2015 NDAA authorized the transfer of “man-portable air defense system” or “MANPADs” to the “vetted Syrian opposition”. They are allowed to continue to do so after a 30-day waiting period if a report is submitted to Congress   Subtitle D—Matters relating to the Russian Federation     Sec. 1233. Extension and modification of authority on training for Eastern European national military forces in the course of multilateral exercises. Amends Section 1251 of the 2016 NDAA to extend the authority to pay to train “national security forces” in “multilateral exercises” through 2018. Adds the European Reassurance Initiative to the list of authorized activities, although it has been renamed the “European Deterrence Initiative” This training is allowed to go to NATO countries and “countries that are a signatory to the Partnership for Peace Framework Documents, but not a member of NATO” Sec. 1237. Extension and enhancement of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Increases the amount allowed to be spent on “security assistance” to Ukraine by $50 million, up to $350 million A minimum of $50 million MUST be spent on “Lethal assistance” including anti-armor weapon systems, mortars, grenade launchers,  small arms, and ammunition This NDAA adds equipment and technical assistance for a border surveillance network for Ukraine to the list of authorized uses of funding $175 million will be withheld until the Secretary of State certifies that Ukraine has taken steps towards reforms including civilian control of their military and “potential opportunities for privatization in the defense industrial sector”   Subtitle E—Reform of Department of Defense Security Cooperation     Sec. 1241. Enactment of new chapter for defense security cooperation. Repeals the authorization from the 2012 NDAA that allowed civilian employees of the DoD to be “advisors” to foreign defense ministries Inserts a new chapter into law outlining procedures for training and equipping foreign militaries The training can be for the following purposes: Counterterrorism Counter weapons of mass destruction Counter-drug trafficking operations Repeals a law limited the support that can be provided to Columbia & Peru Counter organized crime Border security Intelligence “Operations or activities that contribute to an international coalition operation that is determined by the Secretary to be in the national interest of the United States” Repeals the law that authorizes programs only for counter-terrorism, support of on-going military operations, and border security. The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State will develop and plan train and equip programs together Repeals the law saying that the Secretary of State will be responsible for coordinating development activities The Secretary of Defense is allowed to change the definition of “developing country” “from time to time” The Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency will be responsible for “all security cooperation programs" The train and equip programs are authorized to provide “defense articles”, training, “defense services”, supplies, and construction valued under $750,000 per project. The “support” programs are limited to five years unless a written justification for extending it is provided or if funding is shifted to another part of the government or another country. 2017 Funding: Will come from: The Operations and Maintenance account, the “defense-wide” section and “Defense Security Cooperation” section = $6.6 billion + $621 million = $7.2 billion Funds for “Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense-Wide” = $720 million Funds for “Operations and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for overseas contingency operations” and money for the “Defense Security Cooperation Agency” = $7.1 billion Money appropriated for the “Counter-ISIL fund" in Iraq and Syria can be spent in countries other than Iraq and Syria as long as Congress is told = $1.1 billion Funds for “Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense-Wide for overseas contingency operations” = $191 million + $24 million = $215 million Money made available in previous years = unknown Total = At least $16.3 billion   Subtitle H—Other matters     Sec. 1281. Enhancement of interagency support during contingency operations and transition periods. The Secretaries of Defense and State can enter an agreement to swap “support” to each other’s departments during and up to two years after any “contingency operation" “Support” = food, transportation, petroleum, oils, communication services, medical services, ammunition, base operations support, use of facilities, spare parts, and maintenance services. Sec. 1285. Limitation on availability of funds to implement the Arms Trade Treaty. Prohibits any funds being used to implement the Arms Trade Treaty, which is a 2013 UN treaty designed to regulate and limit the international weapons trade. We signed it in September. Sec. 1287. Global Engagement Center By mid-June 2017, the Department of State will create a Global Engagement Center Purpose: “To lead, synchronize, and coordinate efforts of the Federal Government to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United States national security interests” Functions Track and evaluate stories abroad that threaten the interests of the US and the US allies and partner nations. Support the creation and distribution of “fact-based narratives” to counter propaganda and disinformation directed at the United States, our allies, and partner nations. Promote “fact-based narratives” to audiences outside the United States The head of the Global Engagement Center will be appointed by the President Any Federal Government employee may be assigned to the Global Engagement Center for a maximum of three years. The State Department can hire domestic and foreign contractors to work for the Global Engagement Center for a maximum of four years each, with a maximum of 50 employees The Global Engagement Center can pay (“provide grants”) to “civil society groups, media content providers, nongovernmental organizations, federally funded research and development centers, private companies, or academic institutions” to: Collect and store examples in print, online, and on social media of disinformation and propaganda directed at the US, its allies, and partners. To “counter efforts” to use information to influence the policies and stability of the United States, it’s allies and partner nations. The Global Engagement Center will end in December 2024 (8 years after enactment) Sec. 1288. Modification of United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994.   The Broadcasting Board of Governors is a global media agency tasked with “informing” other countries in a way that pursues US national interests (aka: our propaganda networks). BBG networks include: Voice of America Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty Office of Cuba Broadcasting Radio Free Asia Middle East Broadcasting Networks Changes made by NDAA The head of the Broadcasting Board of Governors will be a Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the President, instead of a Director who has been appointed by the Board. Extends immunity from civil liability to all board members at Radio Free Liberty/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, or “any organization that consolidates such entities” Sec. 1294. Extension and expansion of authority to support border security operations of certain foreign countries. The 2016 NDAA authorized $150 million per year for each Jordan and Lebanon for border security “support" This provision adds Egypt and Tunisia to the list of counties eligible for “support” funding The money is authorized until the end of 2019 Title LIV—Court-Martial Jurisdiction Detailed procedures for court martial cases Title LX—Punitive Articles A list of all the offenses eligible for a court martial Executive Order Executive Order: Presidential Determination and Waiver - Pursuant to Section 2249a of Title 10, United States Code, and Sections 40 and 40A of the Arms Export Control Act to Support U.S. Special Operations to Combat Terrorism in Syria, The White House Office of the Press Secretary, December 8, 2016 Sound Clip Sources Hearing: U.S. Strategy and Policy in the Middle East, Senate Armed Services Committee, January 20, 2016. - Available on C-SPAN Witness General Jack Keane Chairman, Institute for the Study of War Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army during the key Bush years, 1999-2003. Board of Directors at General Dynamics Timestamps & Transcripts 27:30 General Jack Keane: Partnering for training and military education is essential to raise the level of operational competence. There is no substitute for an effective ground force supported by air power. Air power is an enabler; it is not a defeat mechanism. This is about alliance members providing the predominant military response. It’s not the United States military. The United States military would provide a certain level of support. Hearing: U.S. Policy and Russian Involvement in Syria, House Foreign Affairs Committee, November 4, 2015, Witness Anne W. Patterson Assistant Secretary Department of State->Near Eastern Affairs Ambassador to Columbia during Bush years Ran the drug war for Bush in 2005 Ambassador to Pakistan Bush/Obama Ambassador to Egypt right after the “uprising” Timestamps & Transcripts 16:40 Anne Patterson: We are pursuing four interlinked goals: (1) to defeat ISIS militarily in both Syria and Iraq, (2) to develop a political transition that gives Syria a future without Bashar al-Assad, (3) to ease the suffering of the Syrian people, and (4) to stabilize our allies as they cope with massive refugee outflows. 36:44 Anne Patterson: Patterson: The idea is to have a transitional government, to work on a time table for Assad’s departure—and let me be clear that that’s a critical element of this policy—and then to work on constitutional review, and, ultimately, an election in Syria. That’s the basic outlines of Secretary Kerry’s strategy. Rep. Karen Bass: So, at this point, if there were to be a transitional government, who do you see composing that? Anne Patterson: Well, a number of opposition figures and people already on the ground. It would be key—and this was in the communiqué—that Syria’s institutions—the military, intelligence, police, civil service—would remain intact, so you wouldn’t have a total collapse of state authority. The idea is just to remove Bashar Assad… Rep. Bass: Like that happened in Iraq? Patterson: …and his cronies from power. 1:30:50 Anne Patterson: The president and certainly the secretary has said many times that Assad’s departure is absolutely critical to any future in Syria. 1:32:45 Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: Those allies, do they see Assad’s removal from power as imperative to deal with this situation? Anne Patterson: Currently, our European allies, our Gulf allies, and Turkey do see that. They’re absolutely determined that he will not remain in power. 1:47:30 Anne Patterson: There’s broad consensus in the international community that these institutions in Syria would remain intact—the intelligence; the military; the police; the civil service; the ministerial structures, like health structures; and that the goal is to remove Bashar al-Assad and his closest advisors and have this political process that would lead to a new government. 1:56:10 Anne Patterson: Let me stress that that is our goal, to get Assad out. Press Conference: Arms Trade Treaty, US State Department, September 25, 2013 Transcript Secretary of State John Kerry: What this treaty does is simple: It helps lift other countries up to the highest standards. It requires other countries to create and enforce the kind of strict national export controls that the United States already has in place. Additional Reading Article: Rex Tillerson's Company Exxon, Has Billions at Stake Over Sanctions on Russia by Andrew Kramer and Clifford Krauss, New York Times, December 12, 2016. Article: Adding 200 more troops to Syria, U.S. deepens involvement by Robert Burns, Associated Press, December 10, 2016. Press Release: Senate Passes Major Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill as Part of NDAA, Senator Rob Portman, December 8, 2016. See S. 3274: Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act See H.R. 5181: Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act Article: Pentagon buries evidence of $125 billion in bureaucratic waste by Craig Whitlock and Bob Woodward, The Washington Post, December 5, 2016. Article: Congress authorizes Trump to arm Syrian rebels with anti-aircraft missiles by Julian Pecquet, Al-Monitor, December 2, 2016. Article: U.S. arms export boom under Obama seen continuing with Trump by Mike Stone and patricia Zengerie, Reuters, November 9, 2016. Report: Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response by Carla E. Humud, Christopher Blanchard, and Mary Beth Nikitin, Congressional Research Service, September 28, 2016. Article: How Many Guns Did the U.S. Lose Track of in Iraq and Afghanistan? Hundreds of Thousands. by C.J. Chivers, New York Times Magazine, August 24, 2016. Blog Post: Resurrecting the Special Defense Acquistition Fund (SDAF) and Why It Matters to You by Todd Dudley, LinkedIn, February 23, 2016. State Department Cable: "The best way to help Israel with Iran's growing nuclear capability is to help the people of Syria overthrow the regime of Bashar Assad", author unknown, November 30, 2015. Also available in the Wikileaks directory Report: The Defense Business Board's 2015 study on how the Pentagon could save $125 billion, January 22, 2015. Article: Syria intervention plan fueled by oil interests, not chemical weapon concern by Nafeez Ahmed, The Guardian, August 30, 2013. Article: U.S. Repeals Propaganda Ban, Spreads Government-Made News to Americans by John Hudson, The Cable, July 14, 2013. Bill provision: Section 1078: Dissemination abroad of information about the United States, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. Article: Iraq, Iran, Syria Sign $10 Billion Gas-Pipeline Dead by Hassan Hafidh and Beniot Faucon, The Wall Street Journal, July 25, 2011. Article: The Redirection: Is the Administration's new policy benefitting our enemies in the war on terrorism? by Seymour Hersh, The New Yorker, March 5, 2007. Webpage: Arms Trade Treaty, US Department of State Webpage: Federal Spending: Where Does the Money Go, National Priorities Project Document: S. 2943: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 summary, House Armed Services Committee, December 2017. Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

Man-portable air defence systems--MANPADS--are lightweight, usually shoulder-launched, surface-to-air missiles. These weapons systems have proliferated in conflict zones, and their widespread acquisition by non-state armed groups has attracted attention and caused disquiet amongst the security sector. In this podcast the Small Arms Survey's Matt Schroeder discusses the use of MANPADS and the challenges they present to the research community and to security providers.

welcome to Syria The Truth, our episode title for today is: Qatar: US Proxy in America’s Terror War in Syria By Phil Greaves. Global Research, July 01, 2013 A recent report in the New York Times (NYT) claims, through trusted “sources”, that Qatar began weapons shipments to opposition militants in Syria at the same time they “increased” support for Al Qaeda linked militants fighting Colonel Gaddafi in Libya in 2011. Gaddafi was ousted (murdered) in October 2011; one must assume that any “increase” in Qatari efforts to arm the militants in Libya were delivered long in advance of Gaddafi’s ouster, meaning the synonymous shipments to “rebels” in Syria also commenced well before October 2011. This information again sheds further light on a timeline of events in Syria that have been purposefully obscured within mainstream media to suit certain actors agendas, and to enable the false and misleading narrative of “Assad killing peaceful protesters” to become dominant in the discourse surrounding the Syrian conflict. As was revealed earlier this year – known by many for much longer – it has been Qatar at the forefront of efforts to arm and fund the insurgency in Syria. As the resilience of the Assad regime and the Syrian Army prolonged the Syrian conflict far beyond the timeframe the backers of the insurgency foresaw; more and more evidence has become available as to the exact nature of this US-led proxy-war, and the ideologies of the militants fighting it. In turn, timelines have constantly been altered, misinformed and manipulated to suit the desired narratives of actors who claim to be on the side of “freedom and democracy”. In sum, previous to the aforementioned NYT article, there had been no reports – in mainstream press at least – of any arms shipments or covert state activity against Syria before “early 2012″. Now that timeline has once again been revised, to at least the same time of an “increase” of Qatari covert policy in Libya; which would have necessarily come before the fall of Gaddafi in October 2011. The latest “revelation” in the NYT seems to be an intentional leak, designed to pass responsibility for the extremist dominated insurgency currently destroying Syria, onto Qatar’s doorstep. Considering the timing of this report, and several others in recent mainstream media that have pointed the finger at Qatar being the main sponsor of the Syrian insurgency, it also begs the question: was there more to the Qatari Emir’s, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (and his trusted and longtime Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani’s) recent departure and handover of power to his son Tamim than meets the eye? A slap on the wrist from the US for Qatar’s destructive foreign policy maybe? Who knows, it seems most knowledgable Middle East analysts really have no clue as to why the Emir chose to suddenly step down and relinquish power. If there is one message coming from this unprecedented handover in the Western press it is this: “what goes on in Qatar, stays in Qatar”. The NYT cites a “Western diplomat” (anonymous of course) who states that Qatar: “punch immensely above their weight,… They keep everyone off-balance by not being in anyone’s pocket… Their influence comes partly from being unpredictable,” Again, this seems to be a desired caveat to remove culpability from Western actors, and is highly likely the same “source” that provided the leak on Qatar’s covert actions. What is counterintuitive to the theory that Qatar acts of its own accord in such instance; is the fact that Qatar’s military and intelligence apparatus is entirely built and run by the United States. Qatar and the US have held an intimate relationship on all things military since the early 90′s. Qatar is also the Forward Operations center of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), and the US Combined Air Operation Center (CAOC). The US enjoys the luxury of the use of three airbases in the tiny nation of Qatar, one of which (Al Udeid) is the prime location of Qatari arms flights to Syria. Considering this close military relationship; it would be foolish to believe the United States would be unaware of Qatari covert activity, particularly when one also considers the broad and global spying and SIGINT powers we now all know the Pentagon, and US government have at their disposal. It should also be noted that Doha acts as a primary base in the region for US diplomacy, as the Taliban can happily attest to. Furthermore – as covered extensively in a previous article – once Gulf covert arms shipments to Syrian “rebels” became public knowledge, the Obama administration made distinct efforts in the media to portray the CIA as the key “coordinator” and oversight of the shipments to allay concerns of weapons ending up in the “wrong hands”. The US, through the CIA has been using its logistic, diplomatic, and military power to bypass international laws and help to organise a multi-national covert arms supply chain to “rebels” in Syria. Furthermore, in a recent interview for The National Interest given by renowned former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, – a declared advocate of the US policy of arming Osama Bin-Laden and fellow ideologues in the Afghan-Soviet war of the 80′s – went as far as to openly admit the joint US-Saudi-Qatari policy of orchestrating the Syrian crisis, but refrained from revealing an explicit timeline: (my emphasis) In late 2011 there are outbreaks in Syria produced by a drought and abetted by two well-known autocracies in the Middle East: Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He [Obama] all of a sudden announces that Assad has to go—without, apparently, any real preparation for making that happen. Then in the spring of 2012, the election year here, the CIA under General Petraeus, according to The New York Times of March 24th of this year, a very revealing article, mounts a large-scale effort to assist the Qataris and the Saudis and link them somehow with the Turks in that effort. Was this a strategic position? Yet contrary to this long-revealed policy, the NYT claims: “The United States has little leverage over Qatar on the Syria issue because it needs the Qataris’ help on other fronts.” For the NYT to claim the US has no control of arms shipments from a key ally is disingenuous at best, outright propaganda at worst. Moreover, the CIA has been in direct “consultation” with Qatar on arms shipments, and who exactly those arms should be sent to, (vetted “moderates” of course!!) as Qatari officials stated in this Reuters article from May this year: (my emphasis) “There’s an operations room in the Emir’s diwan (office complex), with representatives from every ministry sitting in that room, deciding how much money to allocate for Syria’s aid,” the Qatari official said. There’s a lot of consultation with the CIA, and they help Qatar with buying and moving the weapons into Syria, but just as consultants,” Are we seriously supposed to believe that Qatar, a tiny resource-rich nation that is totally dependent on US militarism and diplomatic protection is acting of its own accord, without any US assistance, right under the US military’s nose? The NYT report goes on to state: (my emphasis) “Qatar’s covert efforts to back the Syrian rebels began at the same time that it was increasing its support for opposition fighters in Libya trying to overthrow the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi…The Obama administration quietly blessed the shipments to Libya of machine guns, automatic rifles, mortars and ammunition, but American officials later grew concerned as evidence grew that Qatar was giving the weapons to Islamic militants there.” The Obama administration was fully aware of who Qatar were arming, and sending special forces to fight alongside in Libya. It was exactly the same variety of militants and extremist ideologues that are currently waging war upon the Syrian State. Islamic radicals had used Benghazi as a base since the very start of the Libyan “revolution”, and the US knew they formed the core of the militia Qatar were shipping arms to in efforts to oust Gaddafi. The Obama administration’s concern of MANPADS falling into the “wrong hands” (a la Afghanistan) is belied by Obama’s tacit approval of his Gulf allies’ policy of allowing tonnes of arms, explosives and military materiel to extremist dominated militia. A few MANPADS simply increases the likelihood of blowback upon a civilian target, and the consequent exposure; which is the Obama administration’s major concern. As the NYT report states, one of the shipments of MANPADS that has entered Syria, came from the very same former Gaddafi stockpiles of Eastern bloc weapons looted by Qatari backed militants in Libya. In summary, the current media leaks on arms shipments to Syria can be construed as the Obama administration attempting to build plausible deniability. The constant revision of the Syrian timeline also points to the retroactive smoke-screen being applied to US-led covert policies that have already been exposed. Indeed, this tactic of using client states to gain deniability of US aggression is nothing new. The policy has provided the United States with the ultimate get-out-clause through decades of subversion and aggression upon sovereign nations. If – as is the current trajectory in Syria – the militants that the United States ad its clients foment, fund and arm, become an uncontrollable monster and fail to achieve the desired short-term objectives; the US can simply disassociate and point the finger to one of its lesser allies, on this occasion, that finger seems to point directly at the former Emir of Qatar. One wonders if in twenty years time US “diplomats” will portray the same vacant regret for their role in the creation of Jabhat al Nusra and fellow ideologues; as they do now for their role in the creation of Al Qaeda itself. As the United States continues its divisive and destructive policies to desperately cling to hegemony; the mantra of “lessons have been learned” is more hollow than ever. Phil Greaves is a UK based writer/analyst, focusing on UK/US Foreign Policy and conflict analysis in the Middle East post WWII. Thats All every body, thanks for listening. Goodnight and goodbye