Notes and Links

- I've fixed the links in the Daily Read section - removed and added a few. I've decided against changing the ads, so no new ads. Yeah I'm not going to get rich with that approach, but I'm not blogging for the money either.

- I missed the SASC nomination hearings today, but this observation from Capital Alpha Partners, LLC as part of their overall analysis on the Senate hearings is noteworthy.

Witnesses were asked several times about what happens if Pakistan shuts off the supply routes that the U.S. uses to support operations in Afghanistan. Gen. Fraser stated that 35% of supply for Afghanistan comes by ground through Pakistan. Since the question was asked, there must be legitimate concern.

How many heavy lift aircraft would be needed to create an air bridge to Afghanistan in order to deliver 35% of the military's daily war supply in Afghanistan if something like this happens? The political ramifications of such an event occurring would not be trivial, because I'm not quite sure how Americans would react if suddenly 100,000+ American soldiers and Marines suddenly lost 35% of their lines of communication in a land locked country in Asia.

- Carl Pines post titled A Woman For All Reasons is interesting. Admittedly I added GrEaT sAtAn"S gIrLfRiEnD to the ole RSS after this May article, and have followed ever since. What kindof disturbs me is that I can actually read the language there without an interpreter. She's sharp, but she's young. She's also starting to talk - which suggests study - the merits of seapower. Once her delusion balloon on the merits of COIN busts into a fireball of disappointment, we might have a winner. Until then I'll still keep reading.

- Have you heard the one about China and ASEAN agreeing on behavior ‘guidelines’ for settling disputes on the South China Sea? Call me a skeptic. Rory Medcalf has a different take than mine, and is worth reading. I think ASEAN is an economic body trying to punch above it's weight class, and the EU has proven that doesn't work well. Something tells me China won't be impressed.

- Tom Ricks is keeping score on the number of Navy COs fired, now up to 15. I agree completely with his comment: "I do admire the sea service for continuing its tradition of accountability, and for being public about it." Amen.

- CDR Salamander had one take on the recent report regarding the performance of the MQ-8B Fire Scout, and the Navy apparently has a different take. I think they are both right, and as a matter of fact the winner here is all of us for finally seeing some transparency regarding a NAVSEA program. If NAVSEA isn't stupid, and that's a big IF, NAVSEA will use the MQ-8B program as a test of more transparency by NAVSEA and learn how to discuss important programs in the context of development evolution. Like I said last month, I am very pleased to see that field testing the Fire Scout included putting the system in a position where it could be shot down.