One deeply ahistorical aspect of most films and shows set during the Middle Ages is their extreme sanitization of combat which reduces it to child's play and thus fails to approximate anywhere near reality. To illustrate this we will here take an example from early medieval Kent. pic.twitter.com/LOgb1j7ahr
#1
It wasn't just the Middle Ages. Nearly all films of WW2 were sanitized. It wasn't till Saving Private Ryan that the brutality of modern combat was clearly displayed, up front and in your face.
#3
This is totally different from the understanding that I gained from the three Renaissance Festivals that my wife dragged me to in the 90s so I am skeptical. Maybe Kent just ticked off some dudes at the pub.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
03/01/2024 10:22 Comments ||
Top||
#4
Hacksaw Ridge was gruesome..
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
03/01/2024 11:30 Comments ||
Top||
#5
Watched a deal about Thermopylae recently; could you, on Team Persian, imagine the absolute goop and wounded you'd have to traverse to even get into weapon range?
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. by Vadim Bondar
[REGNUM] On Sunday, Exercise Dragon-24 kicked off in Poland, which will be a key element of the largest NATO exercise since 1988, Steadfast Defender 2024. A total of about 20 thousand troops and 3.5 thousand pieces of equipment from 10 NATO countries are participating in them. But scale is not the main thing here. This series of military maneuvers of the alliance is interesting primarily because for the first time, apparently in test mode, combat coordination and integrated management of all elements of a new type of war begin to be worked out.
Thus, in addition to the traditional types of armed forces and branches of the armed forces, Dragon-24 involves special forces, territorial defense (including semi-guerrilla formations), cyber troops, special information warfare units, as well as special groups of air and sea drones formed at the corresponding headquarters. According to the Polish Ministry of Defense, the exercise will test “interaction and execution of combat missions on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace.”
Work is underway to speed up the flow of data from all types of reconnaissance, from satellite to electronic, directly to headquarters and units making decisions on inflicting one type of fire or another on the enemy. Battlefield headquarters for analyzing and processing all this intelligence data are still in test mode, but are already being equipped with elements of artificial intelligence. This allows you to respond very quickly and as adequately as possible to changes in the situation, assess the degree of threats and determine the priority of targets for strikes. Or, on the contrary, avoid enemy fire. The entire vertical of combat work is trained, from satellite to ordinary soldier. During the exercises, each intermediate link in this vertical is subjected to a thorough check to see how expedient and effective it is, how it specifically contributes to high-quality combat work, what shortcomings it has and how to eliminate them.
Two years of conflict in Ukraine, as well as military operations in the Middle East and the Red Sea, indicate that the armed struggle is entering a qualitatively new stage and requires conceptually new approaches. Our potential adversary understands this very well and is already trying to put these new approaches into practice. But these are all tactics and exercises in the field of operational art.
In strategic terms, there is nothing to work out yet. In this area, at the theoretical level there is still a painful search for the defining form of warfare against such an enemy as Russia.
Regarding the ongoing exercises, the Poles write that they “are not directed against any country, but are a demonstration of the ability to resist any aggressive policy,” including “provocative actions of the Russian Federation.” This is the usual political chatter, behind which one can see the absence of a new doctrine of war. What should it be, offensive or defensive, with or without nuclear elements, limited or comprehensive? This understanding obviously does not exist yet.
During 2009–2012, the US Department of Defense completed the development of the Prompt Global Strike (PGS) operational-strategic concept and intensified activities aimed at the practical implementation of key provisions of this concept. In particular, in November 2021, large-scale exercises of the aviation, sea and ground components of the US strategic offensive forces Global Thunder 22 were held, with the testing of BGU variants using nuclear weapons against Russia simultaneously from the western and eastern directions.
However, the emergence in Russia of new stations and satellites for a missile attack warning system, hypersonic weapons, new missiles with multiple warheads capable of penetrating any missile defense, as well as other elements of a global response, has cast doubt on the effectiveness of such a strike from the United States and NATO. Now this concept is being “creatively rethought.” In particular, for this rethinking, American strategic reconnaissance drones RQ-4 Global Hawk are hovering near Crimea, Kaliningrad and other places, new swarms of small electronic reconnaissance satellites are being launched, and other events are being carried out. Ukraine, as a non-staff member of NATO, helps our Western “partners” a lot in these events.
Nevertheless, doubts about the previous doctrine have arisen and are growing. It is within the framework of these doubts and the nervousness they engender that the recent hysteria over Russia’s alleged plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space should be viewed. In fact, Americans and the West as a whole are not afraid of nuclear weapons themselves, which can be used to attack ground targets from space. This is already a fact. Last year, the British edition of the Daily Express wrote that the Russian Avangard missile system is capable of striking several targets in different parts of the world in less than half an hour, while the missile can be launched outside the earth's atmosphere and accelerate to a speed of 9.5 kilometers per second. They are afraid of new Russian developments in the fight against the enemy’s satellite constellation, which use certain nuclear elements. There is no open data on these developments, but Westerners are afraid and are rethinking their strategic concepts, obviously for good reason.
The next question is, if you try to fight with Russia without a global strike, within the framework of some “sobering and sending a signal” local operation, then what should it be, offensive or defensive?
And here, too, there is a thorough analysis, but of two years of fighting in Ukraine. The notorious counter-offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was developed and carefully prepared with the direct participation of Western commanders and military analysts. The West prepared personnel for this, trained personnel of strike brigades, supplied these units with weapons, equipment, ammunition, provided intelligence data, and in some cases directly remotely controlled high-precision fire systems and drones.
But the successes of this strategically important operation turned out to be insignificant and did not justify the conceptual plan. The Economist magazine writes with regret about this: “Russian defensive structures in the south and east of Ukraine have become the longest defensive structures in Europe since the Second World War.” Yes, but it’s not just about the structures themselves. The ability to effectively use these structures for their intended purpose is important. This also discourages Western strategists in a certain way.
Prior to this, NATO’s strategy in Europe was based on the principle of mobile defense with the harmonious integration of a disarming global strike (strikes) into the entire depth of enemy territory. Now the situation is changing. A global strike may be immediately followed by an equally global and more destructive irresistible retaliatory strike, and stationary defense has proven to be more effective than mobile defense, which is now pouring in along the entire length of the Ukrainian front. Now, as the Economist writes, NATO is thinking about whether to start building bunkers and some kind of multi-lane fortifications along the borders with Russia?
But a return to the Maginot, Siegfried and Mannerheim lines will not bring military success to Europe in the event of a clash with Russia. Here, as with the global impact, there should be no illusions either. The West again did not understand anything and made the wrong conclusions. We are not waging a war in Ukraine, we are conducting a local special operation with many reservations. If Russia begins to wage a full-fledged war, using the entire arsenal of what it has, and not sparing anyone, then these stripes will be torn apart in a few days. We must not forget that Russia in particular has the “father of all bombs” (ODAB-9000, a volumetric detonating aerial bomb with an explosive mass of about seven tons, the explosion power is 44–45 tons in TNT equivalent).
According to Western military experts, Russia is the only country that possesses such a powerful weapon, with characteristics close to a nuclear operational-tactical charge. The explosion of such a bomb completely destroys any fortified structures within a radius of 100 meters from the epicenter and unfortified reinforced concrete structures within a radius of 200 meters from the epicenter of the explosion. It is unknown how many such ammunition are in Russia's arsenal. There is no such information in open sources. But apparently more than one hundred, since these weapons are not for parades and are not a piece of experimental work, but a serial product.
There are other ammunition designed specifically for wormholes. For example, the newest glide bomb “Drill” is just perfect for opening all sorts of bunkers, tunnels and various buried fortifications. Finally, the Kinzhal system missiles, the reserves of which are now being actively replenished and accumulated. There are other developments as well. They are improved based on the results of the SVO experience. That is why Putin said: “We haven’t started anything seriously yet.” And this scares the West most of all. What will happen if they start in earnest? What to prepare for, what war? Russia must certainly lose. But how to achieve this? Which war should we play with Russia?
The West does not want a heroic war. Nuclear exchange of strikes even more so. I really wanted to implement the plan of the early forties so that Hitler would “tear to shreds” the Red Army and bleed himself dry. And the Anglo-Saxons then entered, finished off both of them and divided everything. But then the number did not go through. The USSR emerged from the war with an 11-million-strong experienced and motivated army, a huge amount of the most advanced equipment and incredible support among the population of many countries around the world. Including in Europe. Now they are trying to apply the same Hitlerite option, but with Ukraine and, possibly, their own hybrid participation, which is being practiced in exercises.
But they don’t yet know how to act strategically at the final stage of this plan.
#1
Based on the NYT article, it looks like Victoria Nuland has been fighting a secret war on our behalf for a while. Hopefully, we can vote an end to this 💩 in a couple months.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
03/01/2024 10:10 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Conducting military exercises so close to the Russians presents problems. The Russians will presumably monitor the ELINT signature of the event as well as track it visually. If NATO rehearses as they actually plan to act in the event of war they betray their capabilities and provide insights into their “tells.” If they deliberately dumb down the exercises then they may as well stayed at home as the vaunted coordination benefits will be foresaken (and the line doggies will have learned inappropriate lessons). Presumably it’ll go better than Reforger 85
[Bee] President Joe Biden underwent his annual physical exam, and despite evidence to the contrary, he is apparently still alive. That's not the only startling discovery that came out of the exam, however.
The Babylon Bee has obtained copies of the medical record and can now reveal the following surprise findings:
He arrived with his stool sample already in his pants: The doctor appreciated the president's initiative.
The suspicious mole on his arm turned out to just be melted chocolate ice cream: This was discovered when he licked it off mid-exam.
There was a crayon up his nose that's been pressing on the frontal lobe of his brain this whole time: Well, that explains a lot!
There's a tapeworm living in Biden's intestines that he nicknamed "Barack": Sounds about right.
His lungs are half-filled with hair from young girls: Stop sniffing so hard, Joe!
He's under the impression that his wife is a doctor: Poor guy.
His carotid arteries are 98% blocked with chocolate chip ice cream: Two percent of blood reaching the brain - not bad.
His cognitive ability is the best of any president in history: Wait a minute...
There are currently three different types of dementia warring for supremacy in his brain: That sounds more like it.
All in all, much less concerning than anyone would have predicted. He's still every bit as fit to lead as Jimmy Carter!
Posted by: Frank G ||
03/01/2024 09:08 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[33 views]
Top|| File under: Tin Hat Dictators, Presidents for Life, & Kleptocrats
#1
Can’t they use AI to show him playing hopscotch or breakdancing? What is AI good for?
Posted by: Super Hose ||
03/01/2024 9:45 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Was talking about AI possibilities and limits with some people and implications, and made the joke that if Brandon gave a speech and it all made sense, the AI has taken over.
[American Thinker] Cook County has been labeled "Crook County" for good reasons. Chicago Circuit Judge Tracie Porter decided that former President Donald Trump should be disqualified from appearing on the Republican presidential primary ballot in Illinois. This decision was based on allegations tied to his involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. The judge’s ruling, invoking the insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, has sparked a significant debate over the balance of free speech, political activism, and the boundaries of legal disqualification from public office.
Insurrection? Give me a break. Trump was not part of the demonstration and even if he were, it’s free speech and not an "insurrection."
This ruling, while currently delayed in anticipation of an appeal, underscores a concerning trend towards the politicization of legal mechanisms and the potential for judicial overreach, to say the least; it is paramount to recognize the implications such decisions may have on the democratic process, especially when considering the role of the judiciary in electoral matters.
It is disingenuous to apply the 14th Amendment in this context and in doing so raises critical questions about the interpretation of the term "insurrection" and who gets to define such actions as such. Even rational opponents of Trump know it is bogus to weaponize the 14th Amendment simply for Trump urging his supporters to "fight like hell." Remember, he also told them to "stay peaceful."
Moreover, the decision by a state-level judge affecting national electoral eligibility brings forth the issue of federalism and the potential for a patchwork of state-level decisions impacting the national political landscape. If every state can independently adjudicate the eligibility of presidential candidates based on divergent interpretations of constitutional clauses, the result could be an electoral chaos undermining the uniformity and predictability essential to the U.S. electoral system. Yes, as conservatives, we advocate for states’ rights, but this is over the top. Imagine what historians will say someday about how a highly crooked and totally Democrat Chicago-area court made the decision on whether or not a Republican could be on the ballot. Ah, memories of Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley "fixing" the election for John F. Kennedy.
#2
Let's just suppose the Supreme Court steps in and forbids the States from removing Trump. What happens when the States, or a single State, simply refuses to comply with the Supreme Court ruling ?
The election process is destroyed.
The Supreme Court is destroyed.
Constitution as we know it, is destroyed.
Whomever is president now, stays president.
Rhetorical of course, but whom might be the beneficiaries of such a debacle ?
#3
The constitution requires a 'republican' form of government in each state. If states do not comply, they are not republican in nature, ergo they forfeit their electoral votes.
Section 4
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
#5
The fact that a traffic court judge can take jurisdiction over statewide ballot eligibility for national office will probably have some bearing on Supreme Court arguments about immunity. Not sure how the are calling Trump a Tin Pop Dictator in the same universe as this judge.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
03/01/2024 9:49 Comments ||
Top||
[BEE] BROWNSVILLE, TX — Amid record-breaking illegal immigration at the southern border, President Biden arrived in Brownsville Texas to address his voters, who had crossed into the United States the previous night.
"Welcome, voters, make yourselves at home!" said Biden to a group of military-aged male Chinese nationals and a crowd of convicted felons from a maximum security Venezuelan prison. "My nurse Jill always says you people are unique breakfast tacos and I couldn't have said it better. We're excited for you to live here. You have plenty of great states to choose from, like Ohio, Pennsylvania, or any other crucial battleground states. I was... I... I..."
"... well, anyway."
The confused migrant crowd was then directed to a welcome station to receive their smartphones, visa gift cards, and mail-in ballots.
Trump, who also visited the border today, was quick to condemn Biden's speech and his handling of the border. "Biden is possibly the worst president of any country in the history of the world, or maybe even the entire universe, and maybe all the other universes as well, possibly," said Trump to reporters. "He is going to destroy this country unless he's stopped by people buying my new Trump sneakers. Look at these beautiful gold sneakers. They're the greatest sneakers ever made. So, so beautiful."
Following the Biden border visit, the White House confirmed that there is no crisis at the border. "Everything is fine and there are no illegal immigrants," said gay black Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre. "There is no crisis and Biden is doing a great job and he's very smart and sharp and mentally with it and you are a racist."
At publishing time, illegal immigrant support for Biden increased another 33 points.
by Daniel Greenfield
[FrontPage] When Aaron Bushnell, an Antifa member and Air Force Airman, set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., Hamas supporters in this country made him into a martyr.
Cornel West praised Bushnell’s “extraordinary courage and commitment”, Roger Waters celebrated him as an “All-American Hero” and the media emphasized his military role.
In reality, Aaron Bushnell was a member of radical anarchist groups on social media, he wanted to leave the Air Force and cheered the killings of members of the U.S. military.
When three black Army soldiers were murdered in an Iranian-backed Islamic terror attack back in January, Aaron Bushnell posted it to the Antifa ACAB (All Cops are Bastards) Reddit group with a mocking “OhNoAnyway.jpg” meme.
“The cops are the domestic military and the military is the international police. They are bad for the exact same reasons,” Aaron Bushnell posted in the ensuing debate.
Bushnell believed that Islamic terrorists killing U.S. military personnel was justified, arguing that, “I work for the air force and would also have no right to complain about violent resistance against my actions.”
In a previous exchange he warned another user against joining the military and argued again that the murder of Americans was justified. “The US DoD is one of the most powerfully evil institutions to ever disgrace the face of this planet. You will have blood on your hands that you will never be able to wash off. There are many people who suffer under the imperial boot who would have every reason to wish you dead, and they would be justified. Don’t do it.”
When asked by another anarchist as to whether joining the military would provide him with the skills to conduct domestic terrorism, Bushnell appeared skeptical. “
It’s very unlikely that you get any kind of ‘proper training’ that would be useful in a revolutionary context,” he suggested. The military was “a neo-feudal institution plugged into the broader neoliberal system. It runs on nothing but coercion, toxic masculinity, and brainwashing.”
Aaron Bushnell’s comments reveal that he wanted out of the Air Force and believed it was evil.
“I joined thinking I was doing my part to make the world a better place. Then I realized we’re the baddies, and the only way to make the world a better place is to get out,” Read the rest at the link
Posted by: Too Old To Work ||
03/01/2024 9:17 Comments ||
Top||
#9
This guy cost us a lot less than the USMA grad. The security clearance system is more broken than the Maricopa County election infrastructure.
Posted by: Super Hose ||
03/01/2024 10:17 Comments ||
Top||
#10
I wonder what his evals looked like, especially any comment by his CO
Posted by: lord garth ||
03/01/2024 11:40 Comments ||
Top||
#11
He got in — and stayed — because again only rightwing radicalism is considered a concern, those on the left being thought caring and conscientious good citizens despite Antifa/BLM/etc’s long record of violence.
#15
The eval system is a farce. How I know: My son had an 'entertaining' session with CID (Criminal Investigation Division) in Iraq because he was Bradley Manning's NCOIC. Entertaining because he had never met him, was always a couple of hundred klicks away, but was required to review him. (He failed him, BTW.)
Posted by: ed in texas ||
03/01/2024 14:18 Comments ||
Top||
#16
I wish more with his beliefs would follow his example.
#19
One person was killed, and two others were woundedin a shooting incident at a dentistry office in San Diego, police confirmed on Friday. Media reports confirmed that the victim killed was an Orthodox Jewish man.
The shooter, a former client of the dentist, is currently in police custody and was named by police as 29-year-old El Cajon resident Mohammed Abdulkareem. Obviously a Christian Nationalist.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
