I’m going to try and do some quick, little updates on stuff around the web.  Noah Shachtman, who I had a beer with during MilBlogs two years ago, has a great operation for defense technology and even policy and operations stuff at Wired Magazines blog called Danger Room, I link there frequently.  Wired Magazine is really good at cutting edge of damn near everything, but heavy technology. I don’t read it much but when I do, am always impressed.  On the blog, Noah’s been following the piracy ongoing off the coasts of Somalia and Yemen his latest update here.  He graciously linked to us here about our concept for an insurer like Lloyd’s of London with a private security company to conduct escorts of merchant ships in the danger area.  Now, Blackwater, the company many love to hate, has put out an actual proposal. As I said in the original post, there are surely legal and international stumbling blocks that need addressing but the idea I think is sound.  One other note on Danger Room, some take Noah and his team to task for some individuals and their out of control posting. While Noah exiles the sock puppets, and many of the posts are either ill informed or attack posts (from all sides) they allow free speech, which really isn’t that what we fight for?

This site is getting increasing traffic from many .mil hits and I think the whole light propeller driven aircraft idea is really heating up.  I’ve still seen no confirmation of the Inside  The Air Force article (which I’ve only seen the tease) claiming US Air Force Air Combat Command is (finally!) seriously considering a light prop attack aircraft.  But, interestingly, an article in The Australian News article here  claims that the Sri Lankens have downed one of the Tamil Tigers three known light aircraft.  The says that the LTTE is the only terrorist group believed to have an air force.  They may be the first, but with UAV/model aircraft technology proliferating and becoming increasingly capable, they won’t be the last. 

A week ago, I was on Little Creek Amhib Base and walked  onboard a LARC, really the only amphibious vehicle left in the US military.  I have amended my idea that the Guard should buy amphibious vehicles, I think it should be the Coast Guard.  They have the ability to operate cross state lines and deploy on an instant’s notice, a buddy of mine who works for the USCG Hq. and I were talking and I now think they are the answer.

Finally, Anbar Province handed over to the Iraqis, Marines redeploying, as Mr. Burns would say on The Simpsons: Excellent!