Look for coverage of the 2012 Modern Day Marine expo here on SSD.
Archive for the ‘Admin’ Category
Modern Day Marine – We’re Live
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011Leaders Outline USSOCOM Budget Concerns
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Michael D. Lumpkin, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SOLIC), and Navy Adm William H McRaven, commander of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), recently discussed future SOF budget issues in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
The thrust was that SOCOM is worried it will fall in the level of disrepair of the 1970s. Truth be told, ALL of the services need to worry about this. The Honorable Mr Lumpkin reiterated the five SOF truths that have been around since SOCOM’s inception over 20 years ago.
-Humans are more important than hardware
-Quality is better than quantity
-Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced
-Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur
-Special Operations require non-SOF assistance
One of the major points of contention is that, even if the SOF budget is not affected, that SOF enablers will be cut which will in turn, adversely affect the Nation’s ability to conduct SOF missions. While the idea of SOF enablers isn’t new, the concept has become more prominent since the beginning of the war. In particular, SOF relies heavily on non-SOF expertise in three areas; Intelligence, Communications, and Logistics. The first two areas are basically self-explanatory but the last area would include transportation, material support, and base support.
Hopefully the testimony will have an impact during future budget discussions and impress the impact of non-SOF organizations on SOF missions.
If you too are concerned about the SOF budget go take a look at the Armed Forces Press Service article.
Modern Day Marine Reminder
Friday, September 23rd, 2011It’s next week, September 27-29 at Quantico and they’ve sent us a few helpful parking pointers.
From MDM:
Please disseminate widely to your teams. It’s that time of year – and Modern Day Marine is again looking for Leaders to help us ease traffic congestion on Base during the show. Year-after-year, this is the single-biggest hurdle (well, an occasional hurricane too) we face. Getting there early is not a solution as the goal is to have less total cars on post. Remember, on set-up day (Monday), parking on Chapel Field (across from the show) is fine, although avoiding the gates between 0700-0900 is recommended. The problem is during the show – e.g. Tues-Thurs. Here are some practical things you can do to help:
1) CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL.
2) Utilize our shuttle service. We have four, terrific shuttle options. See the attached map. Notably, we have shuttle service from the Museum of the Marine Corps and the Quantico Corporate Center and both of these are located right outside the Quantico gates. These shuttles will drop you off right at the entrance to the show. Shuttle service runs in peak hours in the morning (7:00am-10:00am) and the afternoon (2:30-7:00pm). We also have shuttles leaving from hotels north and south of base (in Dumfries, Hampton/Comfort/Holiday Inn Express; in Stafford, the Windgate) – if you are staying in the hotels there, please utilize this service. You are also permitted to park at these hotels and ride the shuttles in.
Soldier System Publishes 24/7
Thursday, September 15th, 2011Not only do we publish everyday, we publish multiple times per day. So far, our record has been 18 article in one day, established last week. If you aren’t checking us regularly, you are missing out. Consider following us in Twitter, liking us on Facebook, using the iPhone app, or using our RSS feed with your favorite reader.
Not All of the Action is at DSEI
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011Live updates today from the Maneuver Conference at Ft Benning, Georgia.
Anything you want to see?
Never Forget
Sunday, September 11th, 2011Here we are on the 10th anniversary of the worst attack on these United States. I hate to use the term anniversary as even it almost sounds celebratory. It’s a somber day for most of us, having sacrificed in so many ways.
To me, this is a day of remembrance. I spent the week thinking back on the last decade. I thought about that day, the ensuing weeks, and my service since then. I thought about my friends, the ones I had lost and the ones still out there. And then, I thought about my kids. Essentially, they’ve all grown up with war. For one, it’s all he’s ever known. Already, the older ones are becoming adults and joining the service themselves. I’m very proud. But, I leads me to my next point.
To my brothers and sisters in the fight, you have my utmost respect. So do your families. They die a little bit every time you go away. No man is an island. You are doing this for them, so make the most of what you have, when you can.
One percent of America knows it is at war. That part of America is sacrificing and doing the right thing. The rest, at least the ones who still care about this nation and our way of life need to get involved. Support our troops and their families.
Remember the Fallen, no matter how, no matter where. Bring those who would do us harm to justice, no matter how, no matter where.
Most of all…Never Forget
NBOW 2011 – It’s a Wrap
Sunday, September 11th, 2011SSD would like to thank GSS Gear for inviting Us out to New Breed of Warrior 2011. We had a great time and hope our readers enjoyed the coverage.
Our Condolences
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011Our condolences go out to the victims of the Carson City shooting and their families.
-SSD Team
