| Small Wars Journal

Editor's Note: This entry was also posted in slightly different form at the Disruptive Thinkers blog. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the bureacracy surrounding naval aviation, what may seem like a relatively simple effort to gain approval to use iPads in the cockpit of an attack aircraft is no small feat. The lesson here lies not only in the innovation, but also in the persistence in pushing the system to serve the need, and not a small bit of luck in having a former test pilot who was not only willing, but eager to be disruptive in an unresponsive system - and had the knowledge to do so productively - on staff at 3rd MAW.

Most Marine Corps aviators who have served in Afghanistan in a close air support (CAS) role have used or heard of iPads being used to store and view the over 1000 maps that make up the Helmand Valley. These maps are made using high resolution imagery on which every compound is identified by a unique number. This allows aircrew to quickly correlate friendly and enemy locations and more effectively provide accurate and timely aviation fires in support of ground forces, ultimately saving the lives of young Americans and their allies. The downside of this system, which originally required aircrew to carry all 1000 map sheets, is that they had to sort through 30 lbs of maps to find the appropriate map sheet. In fact, there are so many maps sheets that they won’t all physically fit in the cockpit. Finding the right map could take several minutes, precious time during a fire fight.

In order to solve this problem an enterprising AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter pilot, Captain Jim “Hottie” Carlson, developed a system to electronically stitch these maps sheets together so that a pilot could view them on an iPad. With the iPad’s embedded GPS the Cobra now had a moving map, something that the early 1990’s era helicopter is lacking. On his own initiative and without official Marine Corps support Captain Carlson was able to provide the aging aircraft with a navigational system as advanced any available in the civilian world, all for less than $1000 per aircraft. So efficient was his solution that an entire HMLA can be outfitted with iPads for less than the cost of fuel for one day of combat operations in Afghanistan.

While the technical details of the “Combat iPad” are best left for another discussion the interesting story lies in discussing the key factors that allowed Captain Carlson, along with several other individuals, to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles they faced in bringing this program to bear.

First and foremost Captain Carlson was the right person in the right place at the right time. As one of the senior pilots on the deployment Captain Carlson had the tactical expertise and credibility to 1) understand the problem and 2) to navigate the bureaucratic morass of the Marine Corps. Additionally, he had a technical background (a computer science major) that allowed him to view the problem from a different angle and come up with a unique solution.

Second, Captain Carlson had the support of key players both in the squadron and at 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). LtCol William “Hoss” Bufkin, a Cobra pilot who served on the Wing staff was in the perfect position to help work through the bureaucratic red tape needed to bring these tablets to the battlefield. LtCol Bufkin had previously served as an evaluation pilot with the AH-1Z upgrade program and was no stranger to the aviation procurement process. With his experience he was able to work through or around many of the top level bureaucratic challenges of procuring iPads and getting approval for their use in flight. LtCol Bufkin knew that the bureaucracy would tell him “no” when it came to asking for this new technology, but had the will to effectively fight the system in order to get this critical piece of equipment to the fleet.

Third, Captain Carlson had the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic needed to solve this problem. It is interesting to note that many (but not all) of those Marines involved in the original iPad solution and those who have continued to improve on the program have had experience as civilians before joining the Marine Corps. Did their experiences before entering military service help them in solving this unique problem? Some may argue that because they began their professional careers in places where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit were valued that they were already comfortable working in environments where unique approaches to problem solving existed. This is not to say that those who have worked in the civilian world are more likely to be Disruptive Thinkers than those without civilian experience (Colonel John Boyd, inventor of the OODA loop and one of the most influential military thinkers of the 20^th Century began his military career by enlisting in Army at age 17). However, it would be fair to say that we in the military too often write off potential solutions to problems because they do not fit into our preconceived notions of what fits into doctrine. The real question is whether we want to promote this entrepreneurial problem solving spirit. If so how do we do it in a large organization like the Marine Corps?

I would argue the Marine Corps is going to need more of these types of Marines as we enter the next 10-15 years of fiscal austerity. As is often quoted, “we’re out of money, its time to think”. We as Marines, especially the Staff NCOs and company grade officers, need to do better at taking responsibility for our own organization. The following are some ideas of how Disruptive Thinkers can be more effective.

1-Be a Disruptive Doer, not just a Disruptive Thinker. Good ideas are a starting point but actions speak louder than words. Captain Carlson put in hundreds of hours of his own time, in addition to flying combat missions, in order to get the Combat iPad up and running. If he and LtCol Bufkin had simply talked about their solution and hadn’t put in the work we would still be sifting through 30 lbs of paper maps.

2-Be ready for a bureaucratic knife fight. It often takes a strong personality who is willing to get his nose bloodied to affect the bureaucratic inertia of large organizations. Choose your battles wisely and have your proverbial “stuff in one sock”. You may only get one chance to convince someone that you have a better way. Make it count. Nixon summed it up best when spoke about Admiral Rickover, the father of the modern nuclear Navy:

"I don't mean to suggest ... that he is a man who is without controversy. He speaks his mind. Sometimes he has rivals who disagree with him; sometimes they are right, and he is the first to admit that sometimes he might be wrong. But the greatness of the American military service… is symbolized in this ceremony today, because this man, who is controversial, this man, who comes up with unorthodox ideas, did not become submerged by the bureaucracy, because once genius is submerged by bureaucracy, a nation is doomed to mediocrity."

3-Don’t forget that the Marine Corps is a warfighting institution, not a think tank. The Marine Corps isn’t an organization like Google that requires constant innovation out of its employees. The Marine Corps more like McDonalds, in that it needs employees to uphold a standard to ensure that customers can get the same hamburger in New York as they can in Tokyo. With the Marine Corps you can expect that any given battalion will perform just as well another. To provide this service both McDonalds and the Marine Corps have had to develop and enforce a single standard throughout their organizations. While this process may seem at times anathema to innovation or Disruptive Thinking, it is as at our core what makes us good.

4- Sometimes you can do more good outside of the military. There is a great tradition of American citizens leaving military service and going on and changing the world. FBI director Robert Mueller and FedEx founder Fred Smith (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-leadership-fred-smith-fedex-ceo-video-highlights/2011/07/15/gIQASV7PGI_video.html) both earned Purple Hearts as Marine infantry officers in Vietnam. While the Marine Corps is a great organization, there are other great organizations out there. America, not just the military, needs innovative leaders.

With that being said, some responsibility does lie on leadership. We do a very poor job at leveraging our best minds and our most talented leaders. The Marine Corps leadership can change this in several different ways:

1-Bring “centralized command, decentralized control” back to the Marine Corps. Innovation is often a bottom up process, where those closest to the fight have the best solutions. Giving subordinate commanders flexibility to make these decisions will allow the most creative junior leaders to develop innovative solutions to existing problems. As General Patton said, “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

Avoiding micro-management is risky for the commander and managing that risk is a difficult task, but giving someone “enough rope to hang himself” does two important things. First, it provides a learning environment for that junior leader, and second it helps to separate the mediocre from the exceptional. Anyone can follow orders, but the best will excel in the absence of direction.

2-Strive to keep the best and brightest officers and SNCOs in the Marine Corps. Every organization from Apple to FedEx to the CIA deals with loosing talent. However, the military has a unique problem in that it is an “agricultural” organization, meaning that it can’t hire on mid level leaders like other organizations. Majors and colonels must be “grown” from the ground up. If you want effective Colonels and Generals you need to keep effective Lieutenants and Captains. As Colonel Paul Yingling (USA) said, “It is unreasonable to expect that an officer who spends 25 years conforming to institutional expectations will emerge as an innovator in his late forties. “

The post-OIF/OEF Marine Corps will present unique challenges and opportunities for the next generation of Marines. Fewer resources and an undefined mission will pose challenges that most Marines have yet to experience. However, this also offers an opportunity for innovative Disruptive Thinkers and Doers to reshape the Marine Corps into the organization that will fight our nation’s future enemies, whoever they may be. Hopefully they stick around.

15 May SWJ Roundup

Small Wars Journal Daily Roundup

US Naval Institute Daily - USNI

Real Clear World - RCP

Afghanistan

Afghan Local Police Units Tangled in Criminal Activity - LAT

Blast Kills 9 in Afghan Market - VOA

Blast in Busy Afghan Marketplace Kills at Least 7 - LAT

7 Dead in Afghan Bombing - WP

ISAF Operations Summary - AFPS

Beyond the Sandbags and Steel, 12 Lanes to Another Afghanistan - NYT

Pakistan

Pakistan Signals NATO Supply Routes Could Be Reopened - VOA

Pakistan May Reopen Border to NATO - AP

Pakistan Drone Strikes Lead to Lawsuits - WP

2 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Restive Southwest - VOA

Syria

Syrians Defy Leaders to Aid Those in Need - NYT

UN, Syria at Odds Over Control of Aid Distribution - Reuters

Syrian Activists Say 23 Soldiers Killed in Fighting - VOA

23 Syrian Soldiers Reported Killed by Rebels - NYT

Syria Unrest Still Spilling into Lebanon - AP

North Lebanon Calm After Syria Spillover Clashes - NYT

Kosovo Voices Strong Support for Syria Opposition - Reuters

What Options are Left in Syria? - CNN

Iran

Iran Sees Success in Stalling on Nuclear Issue - NYT

Iran Official Says Talks With IAEA Good, Constructive - Reuters

IAEA Presses Iran Ahead of P5+1 Talks - VOA

India Targets 11 Percent Iran Oil Import Cut in 2012/13 - Reuters

US Unimpressed With India's Efforts to Cut Iran Oil Buys - Reuters

Iranian President: Israel 'Nothing More than a Mosquito' to Iran - CNN

Iran Hangs 'Israel Killer Spy' - BBC

Iran Hangs Man for Killing Nuclear Scientist - AP

Rapper Faces Death Threats in Iran Over Song - NYT

Middle East / North Africa

Saudi Arabia Seeks Union of Monarchies in Region - NYT

Factbox: Gulf Arab Countries' Population, Economy, Military - Reuters

Fierce Clashes Between Yemeni Army, Al-Qaida - AP

At Least 32 Killed in New Yemen Offensive on Militants - Reuters

Palestinian Prisoners Agree to End Hunger Strike - VOA

Palestinians in Jails End Hunger Strike - NYT

Palestinians End Hunger Strike - BBC

EU Slams Israel over Settlements, Evictions - AP

Iraq: Secret Prison Still Open in Baghdad, Group Claims - AP

Egypt's Politics Move Ahead, Economy Lags Behind - VOA

Egypt: Presidential Candidates Bring Israel to Forefront - WT

Egypt Presidential Candidate Blasts Islamist MP - AP

NATO Disputes Libya Deaths Claim - BBC

Libyan Islamist Quits Militia to Enter Politics - Reuters

Perverse Palestinian Pride - WT editorial

NATO

NATO Summit to Focus on Afghanistan, Missile Defense - AFPS

Police, Protesters Prepare for NATO Summit in Chicago - VOA

US Department of Defense

Afghanistan Commander Allen in Line for Top Europe Post - S&S

Afghanistan Commander Allen Eyed for Promotion - WP

Pentagon Opens 14,000 Jobs to Women - WT

Republicans Order Navy to Quit Buying Biofuels - DR

United Nations

2 More Years for UN Rights Chief - AP

United States

Budget Time Bomb Sends Shivers Across Economy - WP

Asian-American Vote Could Impact US Election - VOA

Hold Holder in Contempt - WT editorial

Overseeing Dangerous Skies - WP editorial

DC Grabs Guns from Soldier - WT editorial

Capture, Don’t Kill - WP opinion

Can Dual Citizens Be Good Americans? - NYT opinion

False-flag Operation on LOST - WT opinion

Africa

UN: African Growth Depends on Food Security - AP

Airlift Begins for South Sudanese Stuck in North - VOA

South Sudan Refugees Flown Home - BBC

Uganda Displays Captive Kony Lieutenant - CNN

Kenya Refugee Camp Fills Again With Sudanese Refugees - VOA

12 Killed, Villages Razed in Northeast Nigeria - AP

Somali Piracy: EU Forces in First Mainland Raid - BBC

EU Carries Out First Strikes on Somali Pirates - AP

EU Says Hits Pirate Targets on Somali Coast by Air - Reuters

ICC Seeks to Arrest Ntaganda, Mudacumura for DRC Crimes - VOA

ICC Seeks DR Congo Arrest Warrants - BBC

Seven UN Peacekeepers Shot at Congo Protest - Reuters

Congo Police Investigate Former PM for Corruption - VOA

ECOWAS Plans Action on Mali, Guinea-Bissau - VOA

ECOWAS Threatens Mali Sanctions - BBC

Islamists in Northern Mali Smash TVs - AP

A Landmark Ruling in South Africa - NYT opinion

Americas

Mexico’s Front-runner is Handsome, Popular and a Mystery - WP

NAFTA Key to Economic, Social Growth in Mexico - WT

Mexico Candidate Blames Opposition as Bodies Pile Up - Reuters

Mexico Cartel War Latest Toll: 49 Headless Bodies - AP

Mexico Massacre Highlights Unknown Drug War Victims - Reuters

Mexican Couple Admit to 27,000-Round Ammo Cache in Texas - Reuters

Mexican Pro-Migrant Priest Flees Death Threats - AP

Venezuela: US Must Turn Over Fugitive Judge - AP

Argentine Vice President Faces Inquiry - BBC

Illegal Enrichment Probe Looms for Argentine VP - AP

Second Retired General Joins Peruvian Cabinet - Reuters

Haiti's Wannabe Soldiers Say They Met With Leader - AP

Asia Pacific / Central

White House: Obama Won’t Attend Asia-Pacific Summit in Russia - AP

McCain: US Slow to Seek Trade Pacts in Asia - AP

Scandal Not Affecting China’s Political Calendar - NYT

China’s Obsession With Stability Can Come at the Cost of Laws - NYT

Foreign Investment in China Slips - BBC

China Military Paper Warns Officers to Toe Party Line - Reuters

China 'Raises Australia-US Ties' - BBC

South Korean President Visits Burma - VOA

South Korea's Lee Visits Burma Memorial - BBC

Prosecutors Say Philippine Chief Justice Had $28 Million - NYT

Europe

Greek Political Deadlock Fans Eurozone Worries - VOA

Europe Chain Reaction Feared in Greek Standoff - WP

Risk of Greek Euro Exit Rattles Markets, Hints of More Talks Emerge - NYT

Greek, European Woe Could Cause Problems for US - AP

Germany: Merkel Says Election Loss Won't Alter Europe Policy - AP

German Economy Returns to Growth - BBC

Francois Hollande Becomes French President - Reuters

President of France to Open Term by Getting to Know Neighbor Better - NYT

First on Agenda for New French leader? Woo Germany - AP

France's Economy Fails to Grow in 1st Quarter - AP

Czech Economy Remains in Recession - AP

Serb Mladic Tries Again to Delay War Crimes Trial - AP

Bosnian Victim Eager to See Ratko Mladic in Court - AP

A Chance for Ukraine - WP editorial

Read more about 15 May SWJ Roundup

The "Dear Boss" Saga

The Air Force has a storied tradition called the "Dear Boss" letter. While there may have been previous iterations, and certainly the feeling was out there before, the "Dear Boss" letter as it is known started with a letter penned by then-Captain Ron Keys in the late 1970s to General Wilbur Creech, Tactical Air Command commander. The below is just a snippet of the opening of his missive.

Dear Boss,
Well, I quit. I’ve finally run out of drive or devotion or rationalizations or whatever it was that kept me in the Air Force this long. I used to believe in, “Why not the best,” but I can’t keep the faith any longer. I used to fervently maintain that this was “My Air Force,” as much or more than any senior officer’s…but I can’t believe any more; the light at the end of my tunnel went out. “Why?” you ask. Why leave flying fighters and a promising career? Funny you should ask— mainly I’m resigning because I’m tired. Ten years and 2,000 hours in a great fighter, and all the time I’ve been doing more with less—and I’m tired of it. CBPO [Central Base Personnel Office] doesn’t do more with less; they cut hours. ...

I’m too tired, not of the job, just the Air Force. Tired of the extremely poor leadership and motivational ability of our senior staffers and commanders. (All those Masters and PMEs [professional military educators] and not a leadership trait in sight!) Once you get past your squadron CO [Commanding Officer], people can’t even pronounce esprit de corps.

The rest of the letter can be found here. The letter could have been written today, judging from recent discussion. As a matter of fact, the letter has come back, purposefully copied numerous times including in 1997 and 2009. And if you delete the Air Force-specific references, the same has been cited in all of the services.

The themes are the same. Young officers aren't chafing against high operational tempo or demanding tactical requirements. They are chafing against a bureaucracy that misplaces its incentives, fails to penalize underperformers, rewards overperformers only with more work (but not removing the incompetents from the ranks around and above them), fails to prioritize the institutions' efforts and expenditures (empty MWR facilities, embarassing swing bands, etc), fails to properly care for its people (this is not a money problem - most officers are vastly overcompensated today - but a personnel management problem), and focuses on inane superficialities rather than combat excellence, just to name a few.

Many readers will be falling all over themselves to point out that Captain Ron Keys did not actually quit - he in fact stayed in and became Gen Ron Keys. This will add a drumbeat to the chorus of those who would label frustrated dissidents as quitters. "See - Ron Keys didn't quit - he stayed in and made a difference."

The fact that these observations keep coming up, however, makes one wonder if those who stay around truly do make a difference. Broadly termed, of course those who keep plugging away will make a difference. They can do good in the organizations they staff and command, they can influence and care for those around them, and they can find personal and professional fulfillment. Really, this is all one can ask for. If making a difference, however, means changing the system then good luck. It reminds me of those politicians who say they would change Washington. It never happens. Likewise, reform of the military's most flawed systems - the personnel and procurement systems - seemingly never happen. Placing these two examples - Washington and the military - side by side invites the obvious observation that the military doesn't change because the personnel and procurement systems are controlled by the politicians in the form of law and Congressional appropriations, approvals, and appointments. While this is very true, this does not completely absolve senior military officers of their culpability in the shortcomings of the system. There is room for reform within the authorities given them by Congress.

There is a more important reason why these two examples line up. Just as Washington changes those who would seek to change it, so too does the bureaucracy of the military. Quite simply, any bureaucracy - military, political, or otherwise - has its own set of incentives and disincentives that socialize those who would climb its ranks. This socialization generally tends to promote the status quo and the survival of the system as it is. As accretions grow around the system (i.e., special interests), it begins to bog down and distort from its true form. This will go on as long as the socialized guardians of the institution and the surrounding environment do not see these distortions as a true threat. The problem is, just as in Washington, the insiders' view can often be myopic, fixed on the incentive structure, until it is too late.

It is interesting to note that these Dear Boss letters have tended to percolate up when the institution is facing a post-conflict reset: post-Vietnam, post-Cold War, and post(ish)-OEF/OIF. These are times when visions of the future are clashing and when the interests of the system-as-bureaucracy begin to reassert themselves over the interests of the system-as-warfighting-organization. It is in these times that clarity of vision and communication up and down the ranks are most important. Visions of the future threat and the future force are surely anything but clear today. The services are struggling to define themselves against an uncertain world and too many are falling back on the trite mantra of back to the (garrison) basics and the sanctuary of service parochialities. These are an anathema to the minds of many mid-level and junior officers and staff non-commissioned officers who have spent nearly a decade trying to hone a combat mindset.

Many more Dear Boss letters will be forthcoming. Despite the sluggish economy, there are many motivated and talented officers who after years of combat operations need the dynamism of fluid environments, meaningful challenges, and new and different responsibilities to keep them going. If the military cannot articulate that it will give them these challenges, these meat-eaters will keep moving forward to find new careers - and the economy will absorb the best of them. The leaf-eaters will contine to graze safe pastures, rest assured. The coming drawdown will expose a growing crisis of vision, communication, and trust between the ranks. It is therefore critical that the institutional leadership begins to enter a dialogue with its younger officers. Institutional leaders must lay out their vision, set meaningful priorities, seek to create buy-in from their officers, and address the growing and consistent chorus of concern that the U.S. military culture is increasingly irrational and risk averse. If these steps are not taken, the U.S. military will become, once again, and army at dawn, losing its edge and its knowledge until a new adversary bloodily forces the reforms that so many are crying out for today.

An Air Force officer raises this issue once again today on Small Wars Journal. "Dear Boss..." Many will find tones that resonate. Many will also find much to criticise. The critical thing is not to agree or disagree point by point, but to understand that there is a growing crisis of trust that the institutional leadership must address, or fail to do so at its peril. Read the letter here.

Dear Boss, I Don't Just Quit, I Give Up

Editor's Note: For background and history of the "Dear Boss" letter, see this post.

Dear Boss,

I don’t just quit. I give up.

Why should I keep on bleeding myself and my family dry on MQT, CMR, FMC, UTE, RAP, FLUG, DTS, TDYs, OPRs, ATSO, SARC, CBTs, AT/FP, IA/IP, UCIs, SORTS,OREs, ORIs, AEFs, IPUG, BMC, when in the end nothing that I do seems to matter? To put it another way, why should I put service before self when my Chief is systematically dismantling my service? To use a perhaps appropriately joint analogy, I’m a strong swimmer – so why stay aboard a ship whose captain is running it aground?

You might think that out in the field we don’t notice what’s going on at Headquarters. You might think that we’re too busy doing more with less, coping with the administrivia of yet another ancillary ground training requirement from some staff puke’s rice bowl, trying to magically improve our “readiness” reporting with geriatric jets that can’t make UTE [See Note 1] and a glut of inexeperienced wingmen that we can’t absorb – that we are too busy to notice that what leadership is doing. Well, we aren’t. When I was an FNG [New Guy], all I cared about was sounding good on check-ins, staying visual, flying good formation, and studying the 3-1. But now I know that senior leadership matters, and what my leadership is showing me is that nothing I do matters or ever will.

As if twelve years wasn’t enough of boring meaningless holes in the sky while our most demanding combat skills atrophied and we prematurely aged our inventory. Now, after a decade of drinking “green” tea and filling “in-lieu-of the Army doing its job” taskings and the “Cult of COIN,” I’m not sure if I’m in the Army or in the Air Force. I’m “all in”: CAS is king, and my Chief publically endorses Gate’s decision to kill the F-22 because Airpower is really just airborne artillery (who needs air dominance in Low Intensity Conflicts?). We’ve instituted two weeks of bivouacking and other mud-infested activities into our basic training so our young enlisted troops are better equipped to integrate and employ with the Army as the Army. We’re all hooah, nation building, and winning hearts and minds. Last I checked, infantry wasn’t an AFSC, and occupation wasn’t part of our 4+1. [See Note 2]

Even AirSea Battle is a setback for the Air Force. Tell me how AirLand Battle, a linear, sequential, and attrition based doctrine in which Airpower is subordinated to Land maneuver, is a good inspiration for AirSea Battle? Tell me how the Navy has the necessary expertise to have input and a vote regarding the requirements and design of our new bomber, or anything else in our portfolio? Tell me how AirSea Battle exploits the inherent asymmetric, parallel, strategic, and effects-based advantages of Airpower, and how USAF senior leadership is championing Airpower so we can do what is needed in this pivot to the Pacific? Joint does not mean the same or subordinate, but we’ve clearly forgotten that over the last decade. We’ve bent over backwards to prove that we’re “all in,” eviscerating our unique, core capabilities in order to prove that we’re good joint team players. I have no trust that AirSea Battle will end up any different.

Why should I have any hope? Being a good joint team player, my leadership offered up $4.8B in cuts (out of a total $5.2B cuts across the DOD baseline) while the Navy only lost $900M and the Army grew inside their baselines. I understand that this might be a rational approach to managing my household budget, but this is not home economics. Is this how we signal that Airpower is an essential element of AirSea Battle and our new strategic guidance? The last time we bought this few aircraft was in 1916, when we were still the Aviation Section of the Army Signal Corps. In just FY13, the Army and the Navy will buy more aircraft than the Air Force will buy in the entire FYDP [Future Years Defense Plan]! Everything I see indicates that senior leadership doesn’t understand, or worse, doesn’t care, why we have an independent Air Force. I thought the job of the CSAF was to organize, train, and equip – and be the strongest advocate for those responsibilities? When will my Chief have the integrity to put service before self? When will my Chief have the moral courage to stop being a yes-man and start telling the truth, start protecting our unique capabilities, start advocating for, even championing his Air Force?

I’ve never heard a Marine apologize for being a Marine. Every Soldier I know will proudly and loudly promote the Army. Sailors don’t feel compelled to marginalize or deny the Navy as a “Global Force for Good.” Yet my Chief can only say that we’re “all in” and are committed to being good, supporting partners in the joint team – as if we are just auxiliary members. Has my Chief ever read FM 100-20? What about the Key West Agreement? I’m accused of being an “Airpower zealot” because I proudly believe in my Air Force, what is unique about it, and what we do. I have worked with and have tremendous respect for and admire the other services. They are consummate professionals and an integral part of our national power as Littoral, Land, and Sea forces. But I became an Airman for a reason and I’m tired of apologizing for being an Airman. None of the other services can do their jobs without us. We bring policy options, capabilities, and alternatives to our Nation that no other service can. If you don’t have an Air Force, you don’t have a joint force. The Navy is buying twice as many fighters as the Air Force is this year, and you wonder why my faith is shaken?

So now my Chief tells me that we will get smaller, but that we will remain a ready force. Really? We’ve already divested so many fighters that our squadrons are broken. It doesn’t matter how much O&M you throw at us (as if there were any budget left after the cuts our leadership offered up); we cannot make the UTE necessary to create the training capacity required. Now we’re divesting more aircraft, and we’ll never be able to adequately train our young guys. We’re getting smaller and less capable and we can’t stop it. Although we never received as many Raptors as the national strategy requires, senior leadership emphatically denied any fighter shortfall. We refused a “4.5 Generation” gap-filler, and now the F-35 is slow-rolled with no plan B on the table. Our force was humiliated and betrayed by the shameful and disingenuous capitulation written by the Chief and Secretary after the F-22 cancellation. What happened to our core values? Instead, we’re changing the scenario to fit the tactics! Drop the requirements to meet force structure realities which are dropping to meet budget bogies. So much for a strategy-driven force structure, or even any strategy at all. Next we’ll probably drop experience definitions to meet our aging rate and PCS cycle. Avoiding a “Hollow Force” is a nice talking point; but at least in the 1970s we got the F-15, F-16, and A-10, while simultaneously developing the B-1 and F-117. My Chief is out of airspeed with full aft stick and a boot-full of rudder in an unrecoverable spin [See Note 3].

So you can keep your Bonus Take Rate and whatever other variables go into your Rated Distribution and Training Management models. Money isn’t going to keep me here. I didn’t become a fighter pilot because I wanted to get rich. I became a fighter pilot because I believed. And after everything I’ve seen, my trust and faith in the Air Force is so broken I don’t know why I’m doing this anymore. This flight path marker is buried in the dirt. I’m punching out.

Editor's Note: If you didn't click through to the link at the beginning of the letter, please go there now to read about the history of the storied USAF "Dear Boss" letter and for some additional background.

Note 1: UTE is Utilization rate, the number of times an aircraft can fly per month. Mission capacity, whether training or combat, is dictated by the number of aircraft available in a squadron (based on maintenance and depot availability) multiplied by UTE. The less aircraft a squadron has, the more each aircraft has to fly.

Note 2: "4+1" Refers to the unique Air Force capabilities, also known as the Air Force enduring contribution: (4) Air & Space Control (which includes Air Dominace), Global ISR, Global Mobility, and Global Strike; (+) plus Command and Control in Air, Space & Cyberspace.

Note 3: Aft stick and full rudder deflection are pro-spin control inputs; that is, they are deliberate and conscientious control inputs that will cause an aircraft to enter a spin and will keep the aircraft in the spin condition.

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #10

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #10

by David A. Kuhn and Robert J. Bunker

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #10: Claymore Anti-Personnel Mine (and Other Military Hardware) Recovered in Zacatecas

Note—The key information has not been translated into English. It is being provided below as raw Spanish language OSINT for context/to allow for more in depth future analysis due to the significance of the Claymore anti-personnel mine that was recovered. We wish to thank Chris Covert for alerting us to this weapons recovery incident.

Key Information: Personal militar repele agresión armada, asegura droga y armamento en diferentes municipios del estado de Zacatecas. Guadalupe, Zac., a 28 de enero del 2012. Guadalupe, Zac., a 28 de enero del 2012. http://www.sedena.gob.mx/index.php/sala-de-prensa/comunicados-de-prensa-de-los-mandos-territoriales/8389-28-de-enero-del-2012-guadalupe-zac:

Hay cinco personas detenidas.

La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, a través de las Comandancias de la V Región Militar y 11/a. Zona Militar, informa a la opinión pública que en el marco de la Estrategia Integral del Estado Mexicano en contra del Narcotráfico y Delincuencia Organizada, los días 26 y 27 de enero del presente año, personal militar jurisdiccionado a este mando territorial, en atención a una denuncia ciudadana efectuaron reconocimientos terrestres en los municipios de Teul de González Ortega, y Florencia de Benito Juárez, Zac., donde fueron agredidos con disparos de armas de fuego por un número indeterminado de personas, por lo que en defensa de su integridad física y de la población civil, los efectivos militares repelieron la agresión, falleciendo en el lugar de los hechos tres agresores y logrando la detención de cinco individuos más; realizando los siguientes aseguramientos.:

    * 181 kilos con 400 gramos de mariguana.

    * 6 armas largas.

    * 1 arma corta.

    * 122 cargadores para diversas armas.

    * 1,052 cartuchos de diferentes calibres.

    * 1 mina antipersonal.

    * 2 granadas de mano.

    * Equipo táctico diverso.

    * 5 vehículos asegurados (3 con reporte de robo).

Con acciones como esta, La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, ratifica su compromiso de continuar combatiendo frontalmente al narcotráfico y crimen organizado, con el objeto de devolver la seguridad y paz social que demanda el pueblo de México, invitando a la sociedad a denunciar cualquier actividad ilícita que observe, al número telefónico lada sin costo 01800 507 6081 y correo electrónico denuncia.11zm@mail.sedena.gob.mxEsta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar

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Key Information: Decomisa Sedena, mina antipersonal en Zacatecas (Teúl y Florencia). Escrito por El Eco del Cañón on ene 29th, 2012 y presentadas en Regionales, Teúl, Zacatecas. Puedes seguir cualquier respuesta a esta entrada a traves de la RSS 2.0. Ambos comentarios y pings estan actualmente cerrados. http://www.elecodetlaltenango.com/?p=6940:

Guadalupe, Zac.- La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena), informó que tras sendos enfrentamientos en Teúl de González Ortega y Florencia de Benito Juárez, en el que fallecieron tres sicarios y cinco más fueron detenidos, se decomisó la primera mina personal en la entidad.

En comunicado de prensa, la Sedena informó que los días 26 y 27 de enero del presente año, personal militar jurisdiccionado a las Comandancias de la V Región Militar y XI Zona Militar, fueron agredidos con disparos de armas de fuego por un número indeterminado de personas.

Así, en respuesta y defensa de su integridad física y de la población civil, los efectivos militares repelieron la agresión, falleciendo en el lugar de los hechos tres agresores y logrando la detención de cinco individuos.

En el operativo posterior se decomisaron 181 kilos con 400 gramos de mariguana; seis armas largas; un arma corta; 122 cargadores para diversas armas y mil 52 cartuchos de diferentes calibres.

También una mina antipersonal, dos granadas de mano, equipo táctico diverso y cinco vehículos asegurados tres con reporte de robo).

Who: Narcotics (marijuana) traffickers in Zacatecas.

What: Engagement between Mexican military personnel and traffickers who had a large amount of marijuana and military weapons and hardware in their possession. 3 traffickers were killed and 5 were arrested. No military casualties reported.

When: January 26-27, 2012.

Where: The municipalities of Teul de González Ortega and Florencia de Benito Juárez in the state of Zacatecas. Military Region V and XI Military Zone.

Why: Defensive action by deployed Mexican military forces against criminal (narco) insurgent forces.

Photo Analysis: The photograph of the weaponry recovered and shown on the tarp is from La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA). The weapons and other military hardware have been labeled from 1 to 10 and are as follows:

Cartel Weapons / Explosives on Tarp

(SEDENA/For Public Distribution)

Ammunition, .30 cal., exact cartridge type unknown.
AK-47 action; set into a polymer stock (folding).
M-26A1 Hand grenade, delay fragmentation.
40mm HE or HEDP, Spin-stabilized (model not identifiable).
M18A1 Claymore Anti-personnel Mine (or exact foreign production copy). [See note].
M18A1 electrical wire (detonating) and storage reel.
Firing Device, electric impulse, hand, M18A1 Claymore AP Mine.
Electrical wire, supplemental, M18A1.
Magazines, 7.62 x 39mm, 30-round capacity; Magazine count: 53; Total rounds: 1,590 rnds. (Note the magazine on the extreme left. It appears to have sustained gunfire damage.)

10) The area identified as “10” appears to be improvised body armor sets totaling three in number.

The body armor appears to be of carbon steel alloy, and constructed using professional fabrication techniques and machinery. It appears to be constructed of at least 4-gage (.204-inch) sheet steel or greater. There may be additional ceramic plate armor and padding on the interior of the armor that is out of view.

Note:

M18A1 Claymore AP Mine [Item No. 5]: The U.S. M18A1 Claymore Anti-personnel Mine is widely copied by a number of countries; however, there are only a few that can be considered “exact,” or “close” copies for the purposes of general appearance. Two examples of these would be the South African Shrapnel Mine No. 2 and the Chinese Type 66 (the Type 66 does not have “FRONT TOWARD ENEMY” in raised lettering across the face of the mine that appears on the standard M18A1). The mine shown face down in the photograph could, in fact, be one of these close foreign copies.

Items #5-8 composing the Claymore Anti-personnel Mine system is a significant weapons recovery. Earlier reports of such mines being in the inventory of cartel enforcers and traffickers have been made but no photographic evidence has been provided. The effects of such a mine can be viewed at: M18A1 Claymore Directional AP Mine, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDqaeMGMAWk.

The M18A1 Claymore: These mines can be effectively used in ambushes and booby traps against dismounted Mexican military and law enforcement personnel. The M18A1 “Claymore” Anti-personnel Mine carries an explosive weight of 682-grams (1.50-lbs. of Composition C-4). It will deliver steel fragments over a 60° fan-shaped pattern that is 50-meters wide and 2-meters in height, and is effective up to a range of 100-meters. These blast fragments are still dangerous up to 250-meters forward of the mine. Their fielding and use in tandem with low yield car bombs (VBIEDs) and/or hasty assaults to create kill zones in to which military and federal police small units are forced/drawn and channeled into must now be considered. Additionally, terrorists favor mines such as these as they often contain additional fuze wells (for blasting cap detonators) that will allow the mine to be detonated as a boobytrap device in a variety of scenarios that are well outside of a conventional battlefield environment. The M18A1 Claymore is equipped with two separate fuze wells.

Significance: Ambushes, Booby Traps, Cartel Weaponry

Tags: El Centro, Mexican Cartel Note, Tactical Note

14 May SWJ Roundup

Small Wars Journal Daily Roundup

US Naval Institute Daily - USNI

Real Clear World - RCP

Afghanistan

Obama Welcomes New Stage of Afghan Security Transition - AFPS

Panetta Hails Next Stage of Afghan Security Transition - AFPS

Gen. Allen Hastily Transforming Afghan Mission - WP

ISAF Welcomes Third Stage of Security Transition - AFPS

Military Officials Participate in Pakistan Meetings - AFPS

US, Pakistan Negotiate Reopening NATO Supply Line - AP

Moderate Taliban Speaks of ' Two Kinds of Taliban' - AP

Afghan Peace Council Member Gunned Down - VOA

Ex-Taliban Leader-turned Peace Negotiator Shot Dead in Kabul - WP

Member of Afghan Peace Council Assassinated - NYT

Afghan Peace Negotiator Shot Dead - BBC

Gunman Kills Afghan Peace Council Member in Kabul - AP

ISAF: Murdered Afghan Official Rejected Insurgents’ Agenda - AFPS

US Senator: Assassination Reveals Taliban Strategy - VOA

As Foreign Troops Leave, Afghan Refugees and Poverty Increase - Reuters

8 NATO Forces Killed in 3 Days as Afghanistan Extends Authority - CNN

Afghan Police Kill UK Servicemen - BBC

Bomb Kills 9 at Market in Northern Afghanistan - AP

Idahoan’s Unlikely Journey to Life as a Taliban Prisoner - NYT

Photo Essay: Patrolling for Hearts and Minds - S&S

Pakistan

Manifesto Claims Islamist Groups Recruit within Pakistani Military - AP

Secret Case Against Pakistan Officer - AP

Military Officials Participate in Pakistan Meetings - AFPS

US, Pakistan Negotiate Reopening NATO Supply Line - AP

Syria

A Month after 'Cease-fire,' Where Does Syria Stand? - CNN

Syrian Troops Storm Rebellious Village; Violence Spills Into Lebanon - VOA

Activists: Syrian Troops Attack Rebel-held Town - AP

Syrian Clashes 'Kill 23 Soldiers' - BBC

Syria Rebels Kill 23 Soldiers in Rastan - Reuters

Iran

Iran, Unable to Sell Oil, Stores it on Tankers - WP

UN Nuclear Watchdog Urges Iran Access as Talks Start - Reuters

Drawing Focuses on Iran's Nuke Work - AP

Official Says Israel Familiar with Image From Iran - AP

Iran Says Pressures May Damage Nuclear Talks - Reuters

The Clear Red Line - WP opinion

Iran, the Next Cyberthreat - WT opinion

Tragic Farce of Voting in Iran - TNY opinion

Yemen

‘Pursuit of Terrorists Is Irreversible,’ Yemen’s President Says - NYT

28 Dead as Yemen Launches Anti-Qaida Assault - VOA

Drone Strikes Kill Suspected al Qaeda Militants in Yemen - CNN

30 al-Qaida Militants Killed in Fighting in Yemen - AP

Militants Blow Up Yemen Gas Pipeline Again - Reuters

American Drones Will Not Save Yemen - TA opinion

Middle East / North Africa

Gulf Arab Envoys Study Proposals for Greater Ties - AP

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Expected to Seek Union - Reuters

Palestinian Forces Seize ex-Fighter in West Bank - AP

Egypt Brokers Palestinian Hunger Strike Deal - Reuters

US May Scrap Costly Efforts to Train Iraqi Police Force - NYT

Period of Relative Calm in Iraq Is Brought to End - NYT

4 Killed in Bombings in Iraq - AP

Two Killed in Sectarian Clashes in Tripoli, Lebanon - BBC

Egypt’s Coptic Christians Fear Rise of Islamists - WP

Thousands of Libyans Struggle With Recovery of Property - NYT

NATO Pressed over Libya Deaths - BBC

Libyans Want Answers over Deadly NATO Airstrikes - AP

Drowned Libya Oil Chief Feared Going Home - Reuters

EU, US Congratulate Algeria on Elections - VOA

Yemen a Lab for Obama's Way of War - FP opinion

Can Islamists Be Liberals? - NYT opinion

It's Not Maliki Pushing Iraq into Civil War - Commentary opinion

Urban Warfare, the Modern Arab Scourge - DS opinion

NATO

NATO Chief Says Alliance Moving Forward with Missile Shield - VOA

Can Obama Save NATO from Disaster in Chicago? - CSM opinion

US Department of Defense

Domestic Terror Victims Deserve Purple Hearts, Lawmakers Say - S&S

Father Wins ‘Military Spouse of the Year’ Award - WT

United States

Lawmakers: Probe, Punish 'Bomb' Leak - WT

Obama Targets New Group in Battleground States: Veterans - WP

More TSA Lies - WT editorial

Diplomats and Dissidents - NYT opinion

Africa

US Trains African Soldiers for Somalia Mission - WP

Uganda Captures a Top LRA Commander - VOA

Rebel Officer is Captured by Uganda - NYT

Ugandan LRA 'Commander' Seized - BBC

Time for the US to Arm South Sudan - WP opinion

Americas

Mexican Violence Leaves Behind Trail of Doubts - NYT

Mexico Police Find 49 Headless Bodies - BBC

49 Torsos Found Along Mexican Highway - WP

Police Find 49 Bodies by a Highway in Mexico - NYT

Mexico Drug War's Latest Toll: 49 Headless Bodies - AP

Notable Violence in Mexico Over Past Year - AP

Leftist Mexican Presidential Candidate Rises in Poll - Reuters

Colombia: ICRC Says FARC Planning to Free French Journalist - AP

Getting Ready for Life After Castro - FP opinion

Asia Pacific / Central

East Asia Nations Seek Regional Trading Pact - AP

China, Japan, S. Korea Warn North to Stop Provocations - VOA

China, S. Korea, Japan Try to Ease N. Korea Tensions - AP

US-Philippine Ties Deepen Amid China Tensions - AP

'No China War Footing' over Shoal - BBC

Analysts Expect China to Broaden Stimulus - NYT

Dalai Lama Alleges Poison Plot; China Cries Foul - AP

S. Korea President in Burma visit - BBC

Ex-Leader’s Detention Tests Mongolia’s Budding Democracy - NYT

Why Philippines Stands Up to China - TD opinion

Europe

In German Vote, Social Democrats Rebuke Merkel - NYT

German: Election Blow for Merkel - BBC

Greek Radical Left Leader Refusing Coalition Talks - VOA

More Talks Set as Leaders in Greece Seek Unity Coalition - NYT

Fresh Blow to Greek Cabinet Talks - BBC

Greece’s New Elections Delay Talks - WP

For Many in Greece, Austerity Is a False Choice - NYT

Tens of Thousands Protest in Spain - VOA

Tens of Thousands Protest Austerity in 80 Spanish Cities - NYT

Austerity Bites Deep into Spain - WP

Thousands March in Russian Capital - VOA

Russian Protesters’ Peaceful Stroll - WP

EU Ministers Mull Euro 2012 Boycott of Ukraine - AP

Obama Still Sweet on Putin - WP opinion

South Asia

More than 100 Hurt in Bangladesh Clashes - AP

Read more about 14 May SWJ Roundup

13 May SWJ Roundup

Small Wars Journal Daily Roundup

US Naval Institute Daily - USNI

Real Clear World - RCP

Afghanistan

Gen. Allen Hastily Transforming Afghan Mission - WP

US Commander in Forced to Change Mission Tactics - S&S

US Commander Holds Talks with Pakistani Army Chief - AP

Afghan Gunmen in Uniform Target NATO Troops - VOA

Gunmen in Afghan Police Uniforms Kill 2 NATO Soldiers - NYT

Men in Afghan Police Uniforms Kill 2 NATO Troops - AP

Spy Balloons Become Part of the Afghanistan Landscape - NYT

Army General Removed from Job in Afghanistan - S&S

Syria

7 Killed in Syria as More UN Observers Arrive - VOA

Islamists Claim Damascus Blasts - BBC

In Video, Militants Claim Deadly Syria Bombings - AP

Syria Bombings Could Signal al-Qaida’s Engagement - VOA

Syria’s Resurgent Muslim Brotherhood - WP

Clashes Rage in Syria, Opposition Meets Abroad - Reuters

Fragmented Syrian Opposition Debates Leadership - Reuters

Syria Says US Allied to 'Terrorists' in Country - Reuters

Iran Wins Release of Turkish Journalists in Syria - Reuters

Middle East / North Africa

Yemen: US Drone Strikes Kill 11 al-Qaida Militants - AP

Yemen Militants 'Killed by Drone' - BBC

US May Scrap Costly Efforts to Train Iraqi Police Force - NYT

In Iraq, Car Perk Overrides Promises to Public - AP

Exiles: Iran Advancing Active Nuclear Arms Program - Reuters

Saudi Arabia King Sacks Cleric Who Attacked Social Reform - Reuters

Israelis Rally Over Living Costs, Social Issues - AP

Israel Envoy Meets With Palestinian President - AP

West Bank Leader Says Security Forces Can’t Get Guns - NYT

Panetta, Bahraini Crown Prince Meet at Pentagon - AFPS

Bahrain Protesters Clash With Police Outside Capital - Reuters

Egypt Court Rules to Keep Elections on Schedule - AP

Egypt’s Coptic Christians Fear Rise of Islamists - WP

In Egypt Turmoil, Thieves Hunt Pharaonic Treasures - AP

Candidate in Egypt Makes an Insider’s Run for President - NYT

Libya Minister Warns Italy on Clandestine Immigration - Reuters

EU Observers Suggest More Transparency for Algeria - AP

Iraq's Wounds - NYT At War video

First Arab World Debate Lacks Substance - DS editorial

Yemen a Lab for Obama's Way of War - FP opinion

Israel's New Kind of Coalition - FA opinion

Tragic Farce of Voting in Iran - TNY opinion

US Department of Defense

Breedlove Tapped to Replace Welsh as USAFE Commander - S&S

Officer: Military Could Learn from Civilian Courts - AP

United Kingdom

New Amenity on London Roofs for the Olympics: Missiles - NYT

London 2012 Security: 'Sonic Weapon' to Be Used - AP

Royal Navy 'Top Gun' Pilots Train to Fly US Fighters - BBC

Africa

Refugees Begin Journey to South Sudan - BBC

Sudan Says It's Ready to Talk With South Sudan - AP

'Militant Leader' Held in Nigeria - BBC

Senior Boko Haram Commander Caught in Nigeria - Reuters

Nigerian 'Gold Rush' Poisoning Children - VOA

Congo Clashes as Deadline Expires - BBC

Kenya Seeks German Man for Info on Terror Group - AP

EU Force Frees Iranian Dhow From Somali Pirates - Reuters

Togo Opposition Leader Threatens Poll Boycott - AP

Time for the U.S. to Arm South Sudan - WP opinion

Americas

Mexican Violence Leaves Behind Trail of Doubts - NYT

Mexico Spending Heavily on Troubled Oil Field - Reuters

Crossword Plot? Probe Ridiculed in Venezuela - AP

With Burial, Nicaragua Party Tries to Create Hero - AP

New York Meets Cuba in Art-Fair Chef Exchange - AP

Modest Gains Mark Haitian Leader's First Year - AP

Asia Pacific / Central

US-Philippine Ties Deepen Amid China Tensions - AP

'No China War Footing' over Shoal - BBC

China to Free Cash for Lending - NYT

Out of Texas, Chinese Voice of Dissent for Religious Freedom - NYT

Burma's Exiled Activists Consider Returning Home - VOA

American Family Believes Missing Son Held in N. Korea - TC

Human Rights, Not So Pure Anymore - NYT opinion

Europe

Russia: Putin's First Week Sees Wave of Challenges - AP

Greek President Attempts to Form New Government - VOA

Greek Leader Will Attempt to Broker a Coalition - NYT

Greek President in Last-Ditch Coalition Effort - AP

Key Talks Loom for Greek Parties - BBC

Germany’s Merkel Faces Tough Election Test - BBC

Merkel Risks Setback in German State Vote - AP

Thousands March Against Economic Gloom in Spain and Britain - NYT

Spain Activists Mark Protest Year - BBC

At Least 100,000 March in Spain Over Austerity - AP

Hungarian Far-Right Protests Against Govt Austerity - Reuters

Fire Bombs Target Tax Office in Italy - Reuters

Irish Support for EU Treaty Rises Sharply - Reuters

Serb Nationalists Call for Protests Over Vote - NYT

Greek Tragedy - NYT opinion

Read more about 13 May SWJ Roundup

Promises to Keep?

In an essay at Foreign Affairs, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon asks if we truly understand the costs of the promises we have made in Afghanistan, even given the 2014 withdrawal timeline.

The administration must come clean about what international forces can and can't execute before world leaders assemble later this month at the NATO summit in Chicago to discuss the future of Afghanistan. If this gathering is to be more than an exchange of lofty speeches and question-riddled commitments, it is time to take a hard and realistic look at the promises that the United States and others are making to Afghanistan -- and whether they are too big to keep.

...In [the recently signed strategic agreement with Afghanistan], Obama affirmed the United States' commitment to direct financial support to Afghanistan's economic development. But whether the U.S. Congress will continue to underwrite such funding is far from certain, since dollars will have to be approved each year through the traditional congressional appropriations process. Presumably there will be no funding workaround possible, since Overseas Contingency Operations funding will likely end in 2014. ...

In the United States, the war's popularity has fallen steadily since Obama entered office, reaching a nadir in April, when only 30 percent of Americans polled said that the war in Afghanistan "has been worth fighting." In the coming months, and, should he win a second term, the coming years, Obama will have to expend political capital to convince the American public that the billions poured into South Asia are an investment in global security, not a zero-sum game that needlessly depletes already strained U.S. coffers, as so many of his own party have argued.

Read it all here.

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