Ryan Manning, P.E.

Did you know, between the four types of WTIs SMWDC produces, there are 640 active duty Warfare Tactics Instructors in the Fleet? Of those 640, can you put them in the correct order from most to least of each type? 1. Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) 2. Mine Warfare (MIW) 3. Anti-Submarine / Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW) 4. Amphibious Warfare (AMW)

71

11 Comments

Ron Fizer, ARServices Counter Threat Fellow and CWMD/CBRN Senior Subject Matter Expert, attended the excellent NCT USA event at Aberdeen Proving Ground- Edgewood area. This event brought together a mixture of Countering WMD and CBRNe Defense Senior Leaders along with representatives from capability development organizations, industry, and first responders to advance knowledge and solutions to address CBRNe threats and hazards. This event included two days of excellent presentations from DEVCOM, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense-JPEO-CBRND, @BARDA, ODASD CBD, USAMRIID, USAMRICD, NATO, ROK CBRN School, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and others. The great exhibits, presentations, and training sessions showcased the progress in addressing these threats while highlighting the ongoing need for enhanced prevention, response, and recovery efforts to tackle current and emerging CBRNe hazards and threats. Our thanks go to DEVCOM, CMA, and NCT for providing this outstanding CBRNe event, which included relevant presentations, key insights from senior leaders, excellent exhibits, and awesome networking opportunities. While there is much work to do, this conference has provided a solid waypoint to the journey from current capabilities and limitations to a future filled with improved CBRNe capabilities. #NCTUSA2024 #CBRNe #Innovation #Defense #Networking #PROeXperience

35

"The committee continues to be concerned about the viability of aircraft carrier logistics support in both uncontested and contested environments. The committee is aware of the ongoing material deficiencies affecting the V-22 fleet and specifically the operational limitations that have been imposed on the CMV-22 because of such deficiencies. The committee understands that current CMV-22 operations are limited to flights and missions that stay within 30 minutes of a suitable divert airfield. This prohibits the use of the CMV-22 for carrier onboard support of deployed aircraft carriers once they have left their homeport. The Navy is now relying on the aging C-2A, which was the primary aircraft for carrier onboard logistics that the CMV-22 was in the process of replacing. With no other option available, the committee supports this interim solution but recognizes it is not a viable long-term solution beyond 2026. The committee further notes that the CMV- 22 inherently requires a substantial logistics tail for its own support given its unique peculiar support equipment (PSE) which relies on Navy C-130 and C-40 support. This only further complicates the logistics situation of the carrier strike group." So....not only can it not perform the COD mission it also requires its own "substantial" unique logistics tail to sustain its operations. Wouldn't it be funny if they used old C-2s to support it? The V-22 is an amazing aircraft, but it's being forced into roles, such as COD, to justify all the R&D taxpayer money that went into its development, that it's just not suitable for. All at the cost of more taxpayer dollars and, based on recent history, the cost of lives of those serving in Naval Aviation, and USAF too. Time to kill it and move on before it's too late. https://lnkd.in/ey3sQicr

6

1 Comment

BORDER DEFENSE & SECURITY - Multi-Energy Portal inspection device added to the Laredo Sector I-35 Checkpoint - LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol announced the deployment of a Multi-Energy Portal (MEP), a Non-Intrusive Inspection device for commercial vehicles. The release of the MEP at the I-35 Border Patrol Checkpoint incorporates advanced technology to meet the safety of the traveling public while facilitating and expediting trade. - The MEP is an x-ray machine that is used to enhance inspections of commercial vehicles through heavy shielding, thus providing a safe and expedited examination. - NOTE: The system is able to scan more than 150 containers per hour in the typical flow of traffic at the checkpoint. - CBP employs an in-depth, layered enforcement strategy to stop illegal activity, including narcotics smuggling, at our borders. CBP continues to utilize all of its available resources including non-intrusive technology as part of our layered enforcement strategy to stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities. We are continuing to find new and better ways to target these dangerous drugs. https://lnkd.in/eb9uNDPR

1

Pole Star Defense Joins Forces with U.S. Coast Guard in Strategic Partnership for Baltimore Bridge Collapse Response In the wake of the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD, Pole Star Defense is privileged to support the U.S. Coast Guard and the Unified Command through a strategic partnership. We are providing critical, live AIS data streaming to enhance operational clarity and safety for all emergency response activities at the scene. Our advanced capabilities and streaming technology services are being deployed to ensure that the area remains clear of unauthorized vessels, thereby safeguarding the rescue and recovery teams during their vital work. This partnership reflects Pole Star Defense’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions under the most demanding circumstances. Pole Star Defense is dedicated to supporting the brave individuals at the forefront of this tragedy. We are here not only as a provider of technological solutions, but as a partner in the collective effort to manage this crisis with precision and dignity. We encourage other government entities facing similar critical challenges to reach out to see how our advanced maritime data solutions can support your missions. For ongoing updates and more information about our services, find us on www.polestardefense.com. Alex Field Managing Director, Pole Star Defense Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-vRhJnS #MaritimeSafety, #DefenseContracting, #PublicSafety, #GovernmentCollaboration #MaritimeData, #EmergencyResponse, #InfrastructureSafety, #TechInGov, #InnovationInDefense, #BridgeCollapse, #FrancisScottKeyBridge

31

Did you hear? The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations has released the 2024 Navigation Plan. The 2024 NAVPLAN is the Navy’s strategic guidance from the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. The NAVPLAN focuses on two strategic ends: 1) Readiness for the possibility of war with the People’s Republic of China by 2027, and 2) Enhancing long-term advantage We pursue these ends through two mutually reinforcing ways: 1) Implement Project 33, and 2) Expand the Navy’s contribution to the Joint warfighting ecosystem Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gc8wwgdd

25

Time for another Special - Disaster Response, Relief, & Recovery Edition of the Maritime Minute, brought to you by Maritime Support Concepts. In a press release today from the US Army by Matthew Olay of DoD News entitled "DoD, FEMA working in unison on relief efforts", the article highlights a number of efforts underway in the joint response supporting North Carolina post-Helene as well as in Florida post-landfall of hurricane Milton. In terms of National Guard Bureau, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, North Carolina National Guard, US Army, and other military personnel currently mobilized and deployed in the hardest impacted areas of these historic storms in North Carolina and Florida respectively, the article provided the following details of personnel and equipment on the ground currently, working in close coordination with FEMA and other state and local agencies: In North Carolina: "The National Guard has approximately 5,000 guardsmen, 80 high-water vehicles and 50 helicopters from 17 states mobilized. More than 1,500 active duty members are deployed to North Carolina as well, working with federal, state and local partners on the coordinated response effort" In Florida: "More than 6,500 National Guardsmen, 26 helicopters, over 500 high-water vehicles and just over a dozen watercraft from 12 separate states are mobilized to participate in a response and recovery mission following the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton" These quotes are from Pentagon Press Secretary, United States Air Force Major General Pat Ryder. [Link to this full article will be included in the comments below] National emergency and disaster response efforts like these illustrate the importance of unified command and control, as well as the need for integrated unity of effort and joint coordination between the military, federal/state/local government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector in times of crisis. Date is October 11th, 2024, and this has been your Maritime Minute. ----- At Maritime Support Concepts our mission is simple. We design, develop, source, procure, and facilitate turnkey maritime logistical support solutions for coastal, offshore, and deep-sea tactical training and real-world operations for National Defense & Security-related activities, using cost effective industrial-grade and commercially proven platforms and assets. Whenever they need us, wherever they are, we’ll be there.

11

3 Comments

MAVERICK M8 - for when you need ‘eyes on’, quickly. Deployed from backpack to operational in less than seven minutes, it effortlessly detects and tracks objects in the airspace, on the ground, and at sea, delivering real-time situational awareness data without compromising your position or mission. Situational awareness. Anytime, anywhere, so you can protect what matters. #MAVERICKM8 #situationalawareness #passiveradar #covertdetection

90

3 Comments

When SgtMaj Meltesen and I were the command team of 3d Marines we tackled the longstanding retention challenge of the regiment with the highest deployment to dwell issue in the following steps. The results were very positive, a regiment that had struggled for years to meet the retention goal transformed itself. Here were the steps that made it possible (simultaneous actions with a bias for action): 1. Command priority: We spoke with all levels about why we weren't retaining the Marines we needed. At Monthly Staff meetings each units metrics were displayed. Subordinate commanders' challenges were discussed and action items created and tackled. 2. We brought the career planners in from the Regiment to work with HQMC or on their own to create the talking point products (cheat sheets) for every level of the command. 3. We created simple products that NCOs, SNCOs, Junior Officers, and all hands could use to talk to the Marines we needed to retain. We initiated the retention discussion at onboarding, instead of just signing a check-in sheet, various entities now had talking points to share with new joins, whether they be first time enlistees, or career Marines. 4. We informed all the SNCOs and Officers of the Regiment that every Marine was a retention specialist and we explained the expectations and enabled them to take the initiative. 5. We worked with our senior headquarters and Marine Corps Manpower to find solutions unique and to the benefit of the Marines we wanted to retain. 6. We tried to empower our NCOs as much as we could, such as allowing them to certify as non-live fire range safety officers. We energized our promotion system, turned the standard meritorious selection panel board into a combat physical application test where candidates had to not only look good in uniform they had to perform warfighting tasks under pressure and they were graded by Marines of the rank they wanted to be; Corporals and Sergeants. SgtMaj and other SNCOs manned the selection board and we added the Non-Commissioned Officers who got a vote on who should join their ranks. 8. And we talked to Marines wherever they were. Even in the field, if a Marine wanted to discuss his options, we called in the career planner on the spot (point of service at the customers convenience). Anecdote: One of our SNCOs would ask the young Marines in front of the Marine we wanted to retain if they thought he was a good leader and if he should reenlist and why? When those young NCOs heard the impact they were having on their Marines a paradigm shift often happened in front of us. Summary: There is no secret to talent retention, you have to care, and you have to have a plan. It is not HR or the Career Planners job, it is every member of the organization's job to identify, engage, and retain the best. What gets paid attention to, gets done. Good hunting Marines, we need the best.

42

4 Comments

I know that most national security professionals are busy fighting the crisis of the day and often don’t have the time or energy to get their head out of their cubical or office and look out the window, so I am trying to help. I evaluate around 50 open source national security news stories every day from two dozen or more reputable sources that I know many people in national security don’t see, let alone read. I try to filter the noise and post the 3-5 stories that I think deserve attention. I use several criteria to separate the wheat from the chaff: -Is the story important? Is there a greater principle that is being illustrated? -Is it credible? -Is it interesting (at least to me)? -Is it being underreported relative to its importance? -Do I have a different perspective to add to the topic? -Sometimes the natural reaction will be “Duh!” - but sometimes we need to repeat the obvious to make sure it remains obvious. -I prefer to post positive stories, but sadly they are hard to find. I try to avoid the following: - Politics and personalities. If you see a story you think I have overlooked that meets the criteria above, please send it to me!

18

2 Comments

Maritime Security Bulletin and Geopolitical Update Re: The U.S. Military Bombed Yemen Houthi Military Positions in Retaliation for the Downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Drone. Issued by Sanborn Analytics   Contact: outreach@sanbornanalytics.us | Phone: (+1) (617) 539-6114   Media Credit: CNN News (see link) Summary of Event:    Sanborn Analytics issues this maritime security bulletin and geopolitical update to advise the maritime shipping community and the armed naval forces at sea of continued military action in the Red Sea region. The United States military executed a series of strategic airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled weapon storage facilities in Yemen late Saturday, according to a U.S. defense official. The targeted sites, spanning multiple locations, were reported to house advanced conventional weaponry used by Houthi forces to conduct attacks on maritime vessels within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. Fighter jets were deployed in this operation to neutralize these threats. For several months, Houthi forces, with Iranian support, have escalated their targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, citing retaliation for Israel’s ongoing operations against Hamas in Gaza. However, through independent drone surveillance, Sanborn Analytics has verified that the recent U.S. strikes did not fully degrade Houthi military capabilities, with the group maintaining operational capacity in the region. Advisory Notice:   Sanborn Analytics advises vessels transiting through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and extending to the Indian Ocean to proceed with heightened caution. The persistence of Houthi military resources underscores a continued risk to shipping operations, necessitating reinforced vigilance and adherence to recommended security protocols within these critical maritime corridors. #maritimesecurity #israel #israelhamaswar #hezbollahisraelwar #hezbollah #hamas #gaza #palestine #iran #lebanon #nationalsecurity #homelandsecurity https://lnkd.in/e4APCBy4

3

#BREAKINGNEWS #Yemen - U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) - CENTCOM Forces Strike Multiple Houthi Targets: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted multiple precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Sana’a and coastal locations within Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, Dec. 30 and 31. On Dec. 30 and 31, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV). These facilities were used in Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In addition, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft destroyed a Houthi coastal radar site and seven cruise missiles and one-way attack UAVs over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment in either incident. The strikes are a part of CENTCOM's effort to degrade Iran-backed Houthi efforts to threaten regional partners and military and merchant vessels in the region. https://lnkd.in/edQ3j4rt

12

1 Comment

Did you know the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific Marine Mammal Program (MMP) turns 65 this year? 🐬 🎉 You can learn more about MMP and the history of the program in the article — that includes videos of the US Navy dolphins and California sea lions! — on The Navy Times website. #NAVWAR #OneNAVWAR #NIWCPacific #MarineMammalProgram #MMP #MarineResearch

167

3 Comments

Selfless service means serving when called - We never know when our moments arrive. Even our daily routine benefits from readiness to recognize opportunities and holding the confidence to act in spite of risk. Soldiers and Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Defeneder and Cuttermen don’t serve for medals. They serve for opportunities to take action and make a difference, typically in smaller ways that add up over time. A rare few find themselves in circumstances requiring truly selfless and decisive acts. We are right to honor their service and embrace their ability to inspire and share their experiences. We can be certain that in those moments, there were no thoughts of medals. It was all about survival and overcoming the immediate challenge, protecting their team. Focus on your immediate challenge this week, and then reflect on what it helps you overcome. #dreambigger

30

5 Comments

America’s next fight will require forces capable of operating in the extended deep—the denied area of an adversary that only a highly specialized force can penetrate. These are Green Beret Problems. Major General Gil Ferguson, Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command, joined Fran Racioppi for a conversation on the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies at unknown times, and how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries. General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and what needs to stay the same as our units evolve. Episode 142 is live! Listen, Watch, or Read: https://lnkd.in/gcBhjdjv The opinions presented on The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of the guests and the host. They do not reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy. #SpecialForces #GreenBerets #USArmy #SpecialOperations #MilitaryCulture #SpecialForcesGroups #RegionalConflicts #PeerAdversaries #DeepSensorFight #SOF #SOFSpaceCyber #MilitaryStrategy

267

3 Comments

#SafetyAwareness Saturday After tragic incidents in 2018 and 2024, the Navy has revamped its small boat operation policies. Despite these changes, mishaps persist, with human error as the top cause. Read more about the findings and actionable steps ➡ https://lnkd.in/eEm__rkf #NavySafety #USNavy #SmallBoats

6

NTSB Marine Investigation Preliminary Report - Contact of Containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Subsequent Bridge Collapse On May 14th, 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the Marine Investigation Preliminary Report entitled, “Contact of Containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Subsequent Bridge Collapse.” Mike Schuler provides a very good summary of the report in gCaptain (an on-line publication for Maritime News) https://lnkd.in/ewPP2unh. The gCaptain article contains a link for the preliminary report. This report is recommended reading for anyone who ever stood watch in the pilot house, or in engineering, while the ship was in restricted maneuvering. While report states the findings, seafarers who ever stood the watch on deck can simultaneously imagine the horror of the quickness as the ship uncontrollably approached the bridge, while feeling the agony of slowness of the responses – restoring power, dropping anchor, communication, response of a tug , etc. It is also easy to imagine the engineering watchstander’s sense of urgency knowing the ship was in restricted maneuvering but lacking the situational awareness of the ship’s position.  Again, quickness and slowness experienced simultaneously. Always remember, “The sea is selective, slow at recognition of effort and aptitude but fast in the sinking of the unfit.” — Felix Riesenberg     Warren K. Vaneman, Ph.D., ESEP Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

9

1 Comment

Austal USA welcomed VADM Tom Allan, U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, to the company’s Mobile, Ala. ship manufacturing facility for the first time last week. Vice Admiral Allan was joined by Rear Admiral Mike Campbell, Director of Acquisition Programs, Program Executive Officer (CG-93). While onsite, they toured the shipyard’s manufacturing facilities, including the site where the new 192,000 square-foot final assembly structure is being built, and discussed the company’s progress on the Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. Austal USA leadership provided an update on the production activity in the company’s highly automated steel shipbuilding production line and the new final assembly building (FA2) complete with a shiplift capable of launching and recovering the OPC. The company broke ground on FA2 this summer, which is scheduled to be operational in 2026.

263

4 Comments

DYK: PM CSS’s revolutionary Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS) helps shield Marines from adversarial threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, ensuring warfighters—and their gear-- remain invisible and secure on the modern battlefield's most contested frontier. ⚔️🛡️ According to Col. Paul Gillikin, Program Manager for Combat Support Systems, “Due to advances in peer competitor technologies, operating securely in the electromagnetic spectrum is foundational to contested logistics operations. It ensures our ability to sustain forces in adversarial environments, enhancing both our resilience and tactical flexibility.” 🦅🌍⚓ Read this article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e52iQEFW #EquippingOurMarines #ULCANS #Invisibility #Innovation #ElectroMagnetic #ForceDesign

33