#Arctic Warfare Training

[warsofasoiaf]

Would it be politically possible for NATO nations to specialize? Meaning perhaps Germany specializes in tank warfare and air power for its engineering output, Italy and Britain in naval warfare, and other nations in specific parts of combined arms, and if they could would this be beneficial?

In some ways, no. Every country will need to be able to properly achieve its defense objectives with its own national armed services. Countries will need modern, combined arms under its own power to secure their country's territory both terrestrial and aquatic along with its airspace. After all, what if the alliance collapses?

In other ways, you can argue that they already do. Certain countries cultivate and develop engineering talent for certain military needs. Cold-weather countries like Canada excel at training for arctic warfare. Finland has the largest artillery corps in NATO. However, that is usually not done due to specialization with the hopes that other countries can fulfill other requirements, it's due to the country's own defense policy. However, NATO's policy of interoperability means that allied members can deploy and fight effectively together. Being a member of NATO also means being able to purchase equipment from other members, and as I mentioned before, arms purchases are long-term endeavors, including training, software patching, etc.

Thanks for the question, Cle-Guy.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[mariacallous]

IVALO, FINLAND—Only 20 miles of forest separate the Lapland Border Guard base in the Finnish town of Ivalo from Russia. From here, well above the Arctic Circle, the Border Guards monitor the activities of their not-so-friendly neighbor. And now, after Finland joined NATO in April last year and Helsinki and Washington decided to further strengthen their cooperation by signing a defense cooperation agreement in mid-December, the United States is officially authorized to position troops and equipment at the base.

The United States has similar agreements facilitating military collaboration with the other NATO members bordering mainland Russia: Norway, Estonia, and Latvia. These agreements also specify which of the hosting country’s bases can be used by U.S. forces. After Finland and the United States signed the agreement, Ivalo became the closest base to mainland Russia immediately accessible to U.S. troops.

“It is premature to assess what will possibly be invested in Ivalo, and the criteria are not public,” says Ville Ahtiainen, the deputy commander of the Lapland Border Guard, “but the overall result will be good, and it will deepen the cooperation between our countries.��

NATO’s new 830-mile-long border in Finland draws the alliance’s attention much more to the north, says Kristine Berzina, the managing director of the Geostrategy North program at the German Marshall Fund think tank. The area, she says, has “not received much consideration in the past, especially from a land forces domain.”

This despite Russia’s powerful forces nearby, which include its crown jewels: the Northern Fleet and its nuclear submarines, held in and around the Russian port of Murmansk. The strategic harbor is so close that road signs point to it in Ivalo’s icy streets.

While Finland is counterbalancing Moscow’s superiority in the high north, the enhanced military presence comes with a trade-off. As Berzina notes, the new border also “increases exposure to Russian threats.” After the signing of the December agreement, Moscow declared that it “would take the necessary measures to counter the aggressive decisions of Finland and its NATO allies,” and it has many tools at its disposal. Whether it is weaponized migration, covert operations against infrastructure, or airspace violations, these hybrid attacks are now not only Finland’s problems, but also NATO’s.

In joining NATO, Finland abandoned the policy of military neutrality it had maintained since shortly after World War II. Despite being a NATO partner since 1994, the Nordic country had never been able to count on the protection of allies. Consequently, for decades it took care of its own defense, developing impressive military capabilities and a society trained to fight. According to military experts and security officials, Finland’s presence in NATO brings to the club a sort of Arctic Sparta, a highly trained force that will move the alliance’s center of gravity to the north. (The missing brick in the anti-Russian northern wall is Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance soon, once Hungary gives the green light.)

“Our biggest asset is the concept of total defense that we have developed in all these years,” says Ville Sipilainen, a special advisor to the Finnish defense minister, who closely followed the cooperation agreement’s negotiations. “As a small country, we had to use the entire society for defense. We have very developed infantry, artillery, and of course, the expertise in Arctic warfare.”

On Feb. 11, Finland will go to the polls to elect its new president. The two candidates, Alexander Stubb and Pekka Haavisto, share a decisive anti-Russian position, and no major changes in foreign policy are expected after the vote.

In Ivalo, dozens of young conscripts (usually between 19 and 21) have just arrived and shaved their heads to start military service. They can be seen marching around the base and learning the basic concepts of discipline in the first days. Finland is one of the few EU countries where military service is mandatory, and with 285,000 soldiers ready to be armed, it has one of the largest wartime infantries in NATO. (Around 900,000 people out of a total population of 5.5 million have had military training.)

The Border Guard in Ivalo trains the conscripts especially in reconnaissance along the frontier, where the atmosphere has recently been tense. Last fall, about 1,300 asylum-seekers from countries such as Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco, and Pakistan started showing up at Finland’s border crossing points, including the one close to Ivalo. Helsinki has accused Moscow of transporting the migrants to the border and pushing them to seek refuge on the other side, posing “a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order.” At the end of November, the government closed the entire border, which will remain shut at least until April 14. Also last year, Helsinki started building a 124-mile fence along its eastern frontier.

Weaponized migration is not the only hybrid attack Moscow has been accused of recently. In October, a pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia was severely damaged by what Finnish investigators think was the anchor of a Chinese cargo ship. Rumors of Russian involvement have inflamed the debate in the media since. In the last weeks, GPS disturbances have also affected Finland and the Baltic region, and many Finns suspect that Russia is the source.

During the migrant crisis, the Border Guard received the support of one of, if not the, most skilled Arctic formations in the world: the Finnish Jaeger Brigade. Located in Sodankyla, 100 miles south of Ivalo, it owes its name to a unit of Finnish nationalists created in Germany during World War I, when the grand duchy of Finland was still part of the Russian Empire. For Finland’s NATO allies, the Jaegers and the winter combat course that they organize have become the go-to guys when it comes to Arctic warfare, and Western countries—including the United States—have been sending their troops there to train for years. Since Finland’s accession to NATO, those requests have increased.

The Arctic section leader of the brigade, Maj. Mikael Aikio, 39, has been an instructor at the winter combat course since it was created 10 years ago. Originally from the region, he is a quarter Sámi—an Indigenous people of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia. He recently helped design the country-cross skis used by the Finnish Army. This year, he’s teaching 14 Finns and 15 foreign soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Estonia, France, and Belgium. “One of the strengths of the Finnish army is that there is a lot of initiative even at low levels,” he says in his office in the Arctic section of the base. “Squads and platoons can make decisions themselves and do things independently. That’s the culture.”

But to make good decisions autonomously, you need skills. While preparing for a day with his students, he puts some newspaper in his boots to absorb moisture. “The devil is in the details,” Aikio says while remembering a training day spent with temperatures that reached 38 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Celsius) below zero.

The brigade’s barracks are scattered across the snow-covered spruce of the Finnish taiga. In mid-January, daylight is less than three hours, but the 29 winter combat course trainees can take advantage of the high latitudes’ long twilights. One of them, Staff Sgt. Cameron Daniels, 29, arrived in Sodankyla at the beginning of January from Fort Drum, New York, where he serves in the 10th Mountain Division. The Finns equipped him with many layers beneath a surprisingly light jacket, three different kinds of gloves, and rubber boots made by a Nokia spinoff company, with a means to attach the skis. “They have excellent gear and great skills I’ll bring back home,” Daniels says, packing his bag. “Their camouflage is great.”

Daniels’s division was founded during World War II, after the U.S. Army observed, impressed, the Finnish feats against the Soviet Union. After signing the nonaggression pact with Germany in 1939, the Soviet Union had launched an offensive against Finland to increase the buffer territory around Leningrad in case of a future attack from Berlin. Then, as in today’s Ukraine, Moscow justified the invasion of the old imperial province by pretending to come to the aid of a minority in Finnish territory. Then, as today, the operation didn’t go as expected. The Red Army suffered huge losses against the Finnish troops, which were much more prepared to fight in the harsh winter conditions. The Finns were particularly effective in small units, and they had some good snipers in their ranks. The most famous of them, Simo Hayha, earned the nickname “White Death” after at least 505 confirmed kills, making him widely considered to be the deadliest marksman ever.

“After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were hopes that Russia would move closer to Europe,” says Henrik Meinander, a history professor at the University of Helsinki. “Moreover, Finland joined the EU in 1995, and it was expected that a common European defense would be created. Nobody felt the urgency of a NATO membership.” A few steps from the campus, the statue of Tsar Alexander II dominates the capital’s main square. But Russian tourists, the most numerous in Finland before the Ukraine invasion, have almost disappeared. “If Russia had not attacked Ukraine, Finland would not have joined NATO,” Meinander says.

Finland doesn’t just bring massive infantry and ski troops to the table. The country boasts a stronger artillery than any in Western Europe, with about 1,500 weapons and substantial heavy ammunition production. In December, the Defense Ministry announced that it would more than double production to build up its own capabilities as well as to keep supplying Ukraine’s forces. Helsinki recently bought the David’s Sling high-altitude air defense system from Israel and 64 F-35s from the United States. The F-35s purchase brought the country’s expenditure on defense in 2023 above 2 percent of GDP, which is the theoretical minimum required for NATO countries but followed by only a third of the members.

Unlike Estonia or Latvia, Finland will be able to take care of its airspace by itself without the support of NATO allies. According to Sipilainen, the Ministry of Defense advisor, airspace violations from Russia were quite common before Finland joined NATO, but there have been none since then: “Clearly, there is respect for NATO airspace.”

On the other side of the border, Finland’s old enemy is struggling to maintain a solid conventional ground force. The Russian counterparts of the Jaeger Brigade, the 80th Motorized Rifle Brigade and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade, have suffered hefty casualties in Ukraine.

“There is not much left,” says Col. Kimmo Kinnunen, the commander of the Jaeger Brigade. “But they have a lot of other capabilities,” pointing to air and naval forces as well as the nuclear submarines based near Murmansk.

In Ivalo, the passage to Murmansk is now closed. Along the border, the situation is quiet, but the Border Guard are tight-lipped about the confrontation with Russia. “We don’t know what will happen, but I hope it will be back to normal,” says a conscript. His superior is in the room, and they exchange glances to be sure he is using appropriate words.

Cpl. Topi Kinnunen, in his early 20s, has just finished his first mandatory six months of service and has now decided to start another six months to train and lead the newcomers. “I chose to come here because it is a tough place, but rewarding,” he says while the recruits come to grips with the Finnish-made RK 62 rifles, designed on the model of the Soviet Kalashnikovs.

Over the past decades, Finland has produced enough to arm its entire reserve. Soon, the armory in Ivalo could also open its doors to weapons from the Pentagon.

[tyrannuspitch]

been thinking about worldbuilding and. oh my god guys. i know it's a throwaway joss whedon line, but even so... i think bilgesnipe might be jotun wildlife, not asgardian.

what do we know about bilgesnipe?

they have an insulting-sounding name, which at first glance inspection doesn't make much sense. normally, a "snipe" is a small game bird. this could just be a sort of joke, like a tall man nicknamed "tiny", but it could also imply that asgardians see these creatures primarily as things to shoot at. (fun fact: the word "sniper" actually comes from the amount of skill it takes to shoot snipe! bilgesnipe definitely aren't small targets, but they might still be hard to take down.)

meanwhile, "bilge" means the bottom of a ship, and the water that gathers inside it. this might imply that these creature live somewhere dirty... or that they tend to try to sink ships? (let's also remember that asgardian ships often travel the air, not the sea.)

thor summarises bilgesnipe as: "huge, scaly, big antlers". this doesn't precisely match the jotun creature we see in t1 (which i've taken to calling a dragon, for lack of other terms), but it's close. that creature is the size of a whale, with hairless, leathery blue skin and spines down its back - which could easily lead to the misconception that it was scaly. between this creature and the jotuns themselves, massive size and tough skin seem like they might be typical traits of species from jotunheim.

thor calls bilgesnipe destructive and repulsive, and uses them as an example of "uncivilised" behaviour. this reflects asgardian attitudes towards the jotun people, but it's an unusual level of animosity to hold towards an animal - especially considering that aggressive megafauna, even "exotic" ones, are often valorised by hyper-military cultures (all those european coats of arms with lions and tigers...), unless they're frequently in direct opposition.

so what is this opposition? IRL the mediaeval norse has an ambivalent relationship to wolves, because wolves preyed on their livestock. but bilgesnipes have antlers, which, at least on earth, are a herbivore trait. deer/etc can be aggressive when competing for mates or defending their young, but the danger is simple enough to avoid if you just stay out of their way. they're rarely seen as monsters for it...

but large herbivores are very often domesticated as beasts of burden - horses, donkeys, llamas, camels, elephants, and in the arctic, reindeer. and, depending on social context and the hardiness of the animals themselves, some of these beasts of burden go on to be used in warfare.

we already know that jotuns have domesticated large carnivores for military use (or maybe, originally, hunting) - specifically, they run down enemy foot-soldiers like prey on command. it's not a stretch to say there might be other species jotuns use for other military purposes.

SO. specifically. i think bilgesnipe could be giant jotun war-deer, trained to rake and crash low-flying enemy ships ("bilge"-snipe), and to stampede enemy armies ("destroy everything in their path".)

of course, the phrase (idiom?) "battling like bilgesnipe" itself could very easily refer to some natural phenomenon like rutting stags, as a metaphor for hypermasculine competitiveness, rather than anything about the animals in a real military context... but the way thor describes these creatures and the extreme negative attitude he takes to them still feel like something more to me. (and it's just more fun that way.)

(and finally, since it didn't flow above: thor assumes that midgard has, or at least knows about, bilgesnipe. and yes, this could be read as implying they're a completely everyday animal to thor, and therefore asgardian - but i would argue it could also go the other way: they're an exotic-but-familiar creature to him, like lions to a european, and he's carelessly conflating his "lesser realms", like a european thinking lions live in "the jungle".)

[ski-schutze]

“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” That’s probably the most common mistake, but we can’t really complain about the image above? Valmets and Aimpoints in the Winter Warfare Training during Arctic Forge 2023, in our Photo Of The Day.

Above you see Spc. Grey, a U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, Virginia Army National Guard, aiming at a target downrange with a Finnish RK62M1 rifle during foreign weapon familiarization training at the Sodankylä Garrison, Finland.

Below: This is how you support your Valmet during winter! Get some!

Exercise Arctic Forge 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led umbrella exercise that leverages the host nation exercises Defense Exercise North in Finland, and exercise Joint Viking in Norway, taking place Feb. 16 through March 17, 2023, focused on building capabilities and cooperation in support of the U.S. Army’s Arctic Strategy.

Multicam versus something slightly better in the snow.

It looks a bit cold, but you wish you were there, don’t you?

[yuvraajsinghchauhan2000]

Blog 9

Transmedia and Intertextuality - How to train your dragon short animated recap by Cas van de Pol.

Dutch YouTuber, animator, and filmmaker Cas van de Pol, also known as just Cas, is most renowned for his "The Ultimate Recap Cartoon" series. His animations are inspired by television shows, Disney movies and occasionally video games as well. He has well over 6.7 million members and more than 1.8 billion views on his YouTube account as of April 2024.

Fig 1 : Cas van de Pol

This blog post is about how Cas van de Pol created a engaging and popular short animated recap of the first film from the How to train your dragon series and also how he made a animated meme out of a scene from the HTTYD 3 that became very popular and its relation to the broader world of Transmedia and Intertextuality. On the 9th of December 2023, Cas uploaded a short up to 12 minutes animation of the 2010 film "How to train your dragon".

Vid 1 : The Ultimate “How To Train Your Dragon” Recap Cartoon

This short yet amazing animation is basically a quick recap of the film but in a unique funny way. He replaces the important highlights of the film with his own creative ways. For example in the film, Hiccup uses a trap thrower to catch Toothless but in the animation (Fig 2), Cas recreates the same scene with Hiccup using a sniper to make Toothless fall (Vid 1). The sniper Cas uses is A.W.M (Arctic Warfare Magnum), a extremely popular sniper in the combat gaming world (Fig 2). This creates an engaging visual for the viewer as anyone who has played games like PubG will instantly relate to the scene.

Fig 2 : A still from the movie of hiccup with the trap thrower.

Fig 3 : A screenshot of Hiccup holding the A.W.M.

Fig 4 : Hiccup aiming at Toothless.

As I learned in the seminars, Transmedia refers to multiplatform storytelling, the How to train your dragon franchise is based across multiple media platforms. DreamWorks Dragons is a large animated franchise from DreamWorks Animation loosely based on the How to Train Your Dragon book series by Cressida Cowell. Before the release of the first movie, DreamWorks released a series of mini shorts as a way to advertise the film during the 2010 Winter Olympics, titled Racing for the Gold, but as of now the franchise consists of three feature films, four television series, six short films, three specials, eight comics, three graphic novels, and several tie-in games as well and is a great example of transmedia storytelling. Animators like Cas provide a unique version to this storytelling as now, aside of books, games or films, the story of HTTYD exists in a short funny cartoon animation on youtube in which the same story is shown in different creative ways. Throughout the animation, Cas adds several creative ideas that give a fresh, funny and even modern outlook to the story, this also leads to the concept of Intertextuality which is a term first given by Julia Kristeva in the 1960s. It basically means that every creative work in someway is inspired or influenced by previous works. In the module, Intertextuality was explained in two types, conscious and self conscious, however I relate more with the version of Intertextuality given by Chris Heckmann who is a Professor of Media & Communication at Roger Williams University. He defines Intertextuality in three types, Explicit, Implicit and Allusory. Chris defines implicit intertextuality as, "when one text is implicitly replicated through parody or satire" (Heckmann, 2023). The work of Cas van de Pol comes under the Implicit form of Intertextuality as the animation by Cas is somewhat of a prody. There is another work of Cas where he basically made a meme (Vid 3) out of a dance done by Toothless in the third sequel of the film (Vid 2).

Vid 2 : Youtube.com, HTTYD The Hidden World Toothless' Mating Dance

Vid 3 : Toothless Dancing Meme [NEW VARIATIONS]

This Toothless dancing meme was uploaded by Cas on 3rd January 2024 and has over 19 million views on youtube, which is a testimony as to how a story or a scene from a movie can be made into a fun engaging clip and how new ideas can be created out of the old ones. Intertextuality is not necessarily a new version of the same older context but it can be an entirely new thing and can bring in new audience interaction giving them a whole new experience and it does not matter whether the idea is entirely original or not. As stated by Anusha M Shashidhar, "The thing with intertextuality is that whether or not you’re aware of it, in all probability your writing already includes it. But if you can make it a deliberate tool in your craft, it can bring a whole new level of creativity to your writing and a complete other experience to your reader’s understanding" (Shashidhar, no date).

References

Fig 1 : Cas van de Pol, Wikitubia, (online) Available at : https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/Cas_van_de_Pol

Fig 2 : Drogon-Vibe.com, (online) A still from the movie of hiccup with the trap thrower, Available at : https://dragon-vibe.com/blogs/dragon-blog/toothless-the-black-dragon

Fig 3 : Pol, C. (2023) A screenshot of Hiccup holding the A.W.M, Youtube.com, Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dDUWRWqcIo

Fig 4 : Pol, C. (2023) Hiccup aiming at Toothless, Youtube.com, Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dDUWRWqcIo

Vid 1 : Pol, C. (2023) The Ultimate “How To Train Your Dragon” Recap Cartoon, Youtube.com, Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dDUWRWqcIo

Vid 2 : Youtube.com, HTTYD The Hidden World Toothless' Mating Dance, Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wTAVYr0i3U&t=262s

Vid 3 : Pol, C. (2024) Toothless Dancing Meme [NEW VARIATIONS], Youtube.com, Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MCiixIkzUk&list=PLaDjIaCz34z3VJEE0gG12H5rTRusB5NnU&index=2

Heckmann, C. (2023) What is Intertextuality — Definition and Examples, Available at : https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-intertextuality-definition/

Shashidhar, M. (no date) What Is Intertextuality? A How-To Guide With Examples, Available at : https://jerichowriters.com/what-is-intertextuality-a-how-to-guide-with-examples/

[dietplanssite]

Four New York Times photographers in 2024

They talk about the historical moments they captured that defined this year – the migrant crisis, the war in Ukraine, training for Arctic warfare, the return of hostages.

[nationnow]

NATO war base risks Putin's wrath after being set up on Russia's Arctic doorstep - World News - News

NATO has established a warfare hub in Srreisa, Norway, right on Russia’s Arctic doorstep. The unique center provides amphibious training for US, British, and Dutch personnel. Despite Norway not having its own amphibious forces, some of its key military units are based in the region. This development follows Norway’s increased investment in military facilities since the invasion of Ukraine. The…

[howizernews]

Finnish K9 Howitzer Debut at NATO’s Artillery Exercise

The Finnish Army made a significant impact during NATO’s Dynamic Front 25 artillery exercise, held from November 4 to 24, 2024. For the first time since joining NATO, Finland participated in this large-scale event, which spans operations across multiple countries, including Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania. The highlight of Finland’s contribution was the K9 Moukari (Sledgehammer), a 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer, which demonstrated its capabilities in the Arctic conditions of the Ravajärvi Training Area near Rovaniemi on November 18, 2024.

The exercise showcased Finland’s readiness to integrate with NATO forces and underlined the K9 Moukari’s role in strengthening NATO’s northern defense strategy.

The K9 Moukari: A Cutting-Edge Arctic Howitzer

The K9 Moukari, a Finnish adaptation of South Korea’s K9 Thunder, is a modern artillery system designed to excel in extreme Arctic environments. With specialized modifications such as enhanced insulation, advanced heating systems, and Arctic-grade lubricants, the K9 Moukari operates reliably in sub-zero temperatures. Its precision and power set it apart: the Moukari can fire over 40 km with standard ammunition and up to 50 km using rocket-assisted projectiles. It delivers rapid strikes with three rounds in just 15 seconds and maintains a sustained fire rate of eight rounds per minute.

Powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, the Moukari is capable of navigating harsh terrains at speeds of up to 67 km/h. Its hydropneumatic suspension further enhances maneuverability, ensuring it can maintain accuracy even in rugged, snow-covered conditions. Finland’s acquisition of the K9 began in 2017, with the system becoming fully operational by 2020. It has since become a cornerstone of Finland’s artillery modernization, replacing aging systems and aligning the country’s military capabilities with NATO standards.

During Dynamic Front 25, the K9 Moukari demonstrated its adaptability and reliability in live-fire drills. It excelled in “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, swiftly relocating after delivering precision strikes to evade counter-battery fire. This capability is critical in modern warfare, where agility and survivability are as important as firepower.

Finland’s Strategic Role in NATO’s Defense

Finland’s participation in Dynamic Front 25 highlights its growing importance within NATO. The Arctic-focused exercise tested not only Finland’s K9 units but also its ability to coordinate with multinational forces, including U.S. systems such as the M777 howitzers and HIMARS rocket launchers. Finland’s seamless integration into NATO’s operations reinforces the Alliance’s ability to project firepower across diverse terrains, from the Arctic to Eastern Europe.

The Arctic conditions at Ravajärvi were a proving ground for both personnel and equipment. Finland’s successful demonstration of its Arctic-optimized military technology underscores its commitment to securing NATO’s northern flank, a region of increasing strategic importance due to heightened geopolitical tensions. The K9 Moukari’s ability to deliver long-range, precise artillery strikes while operating in extreme cold reflects Finland’s dedication to modernizing its military forces to meet NATO’s collective defense goals.

Dynamic Front 25 not only strengthened NATO’s artillery synchronization capabilities but also affirmed Finland’s readiness to contribute to the Alliance’s defense posture. By showcasing the K9 Moukari’s performance in challenging conditions, Finland demonstrated its role as a key player in NATO’s expanding Arctic strategy, ensuring security in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Source:

[scentedchildnacho]

A huge gigantic really huge jail......they have discovered everything geological ever...no Frankenstein running into the Arctic everything geologic ever has been discovered

The riverside police state about the freedom of information act that incidents that appear like trespassing.....a heavy industrial feel with a lot of pressure or nuclear introversion is they conduct trainings sometimes and they dont open that to public viewing....correct signs are the police work and train there sometimes and situations public are subject to random closings

Trespassing signs do need to be removed for online accuracy date and time police will be working

Hokulea and Hawaiian islands they for years have claimed that police were drone warfareing at u.s. territory and that trespassing signs could go everywhere to claim this indigenous resistance is everywhere and that's not what's going on at all their public lands and public urbanity and it's a very different civil action

Otherwise the graffiti reads mice the gang leader mice is who causes trespassing signs...stromatolites in Australia they were thieving out of churches daemonic research in theological anthropology and forcing us to believe in the one African or Indian woman origin....or whites carry diseases

Daemonics is often about European cultural attempts in indigenous dominant landscapes so biblical interpretations like the haida gwai are not relevant

Poe does the narcotics....

Mice....ultimately it's really aggravating because Germans stole American self governing systems like yahshuas children and they are Americans

Huge jail gigantic jail if it's not complete the feminine dragon out of the religious empire will keep coming back to retaliate

Homeless children those people are not barbie that was housing cliques children and you cannot steal them to barbie and ken

Lies from path staff like verbal threats will be kicked out....actual management they have navy on staff or veterans and they refuse in paperwork to admit their military staff and call them homeless men so people dont realize their there for that reason or narcotics trade....aggressives will need to speak with a military staff so they can get their mind together to move on.....

Thats that statement on aggressives their not integrated....

DSS....is the triage call of importance call the police about a universal situation like a shelter isn't relevant here

Adult protective services about missing persons

Other lies holiday gratuity is not given because shelter grant funding of course gave me a homeless job and a social work family to look in on me......though I as homeless am not trained to work for military ways I am trained by God sisters

My homeless jobs do not allow men to know where homeless women are....it's a form of temporary residentcy and men may not ever walk into a battered women's facility

If i jobbed as homeless things have to be done the right way not the military way

Homeless women are severely battered people and forcing male obligation was a physical expectation so they of course didn't call us not special

No I would never job at path I have to work for God martin Luther werke homeless women don't live that crowded and invaded homeless women migrate

BYU TV.....

[sjvllsblog]

German KSK operators during Arctic warfare training in Canada, early 2024.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.9 (after 1870)

1875 – The Herzegovina Uprising against Ottoman rule begins, which would last until 1878 and have far-reaching implications throughout the Balkans. 1877 – The inaugural Wimbledon Championships begins. 1893 – Daniel Hale Williams, American heart surgeon, performs the first successful open-heart surgery in United States without anesthesia. 1896 – William Jennings Bryan delivers his Cross of Gold speech advocating bimetallism at the 1896 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 1900 – The Federation of Australia is given royal assent. 1900 – The Governor of Shanxi province in North China orders the execution of 45 foreign Christian missionaries and local church members, including children. 1918 – In Nashville, Tennessee, an inbound local train collides with an outbound express, killing 101 and injuring 171 people, making it the deadliest rail accident in United States history. 1922 – Johnny Weissmuller swims the 100 meters freestyle in 58.6 seconds breaking the world swimming record and the 'minute barrier'. 1926 – Chiang Kai-shek accepts the post of commander-in-chief of the National Revolutionary Army, marking the beginning of the Northern Expedition to unite China under the rule of the Nationalist government. 1932 – The state of São Paulo revolts against the Brazilian Federal Government, starting the Constitutionalist Revolution. 1937 – The silent film archives of Fox Film Corporation are destroyed by the 1937 Fox vault fire. 1943 – World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk. 1944 – World War II: American forces take Saipan, bringing the Japanese archipelago within range of B-29 raids, and causing the downfall of the Tojo government. 1944 – World War II: Continuation War: Finland wins the Battle of Tali–Ihantala, the largest battle ever fought in northern Europe. The Red Army withdraws its troops from Ihantala and digs into a defensive position, thus ending the Vyborg–Petrozavodsk Offensive. 1955 – The Russell–Einstein Manifesto calls for a reduction of the risk of nuclear warfare. 1958 – A 7.8 Mw  strike-slip earthquake in Alaska causes a landslide that produces a megatsunami. The runup from the waves reached 525 m (1,722 ft) on the rim of Lituya Bay; five people were killed. 1961 – Greece becomes the first member state to join the European Economic Community by signing the Athens Agreement, which was suspended in 1967 during the Greek junta. 1962 – Starfish Prime tests the effects of a nuclear test at orbital altitudes. 1977 – The Pinochet dictatorship in Chile organises the youth event of Acto de Chacarillas, a ritualised act reminiscent of Francoist Spain. 1979 – A car bomb destroys a Renault motor car owned by "Nazi hunters" Serge and Beate Klarsfeld outside their home in France in an unsuccessful assassination attempt. 1982 – Pan Am Flight 759 crashes in Kenner, Louisiana, killing all 145 people on board and eight others on the ground. 1986 – The New Zealand Parliament passes the Homosexual Law Reform Act legalising homosexuality in New Zealand. 1993 – The Parliament of Canada passes the Nunavut Act leading to the 1999 creation of Nunavut, dividing the Northwest Territories into arctic (Inuit) and sub-arctic (Dene) lands based on a plebiscite. 1995 – The Navaly church bombing is carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force killing 125 Tamil civilian refugees. 2002 – The African Union is established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The organization's first chairman is Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa. 2004 – The Senate Report on Iraqi WMD Intelligence is released by the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, casting doubt on the rationale for the Iraq War. 2011 – South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan.

[armynavyusa]

7 Key Environments Where Militaries Rely on Corcoran Boots

The military world is challenging, with special force operations, military campaigns, combats, maritime operations, and dangerous aerial missions. There is also rigorous training and parades. Corcoran Boots has earned a distinguished reputation among civilians and within military circles worldwide. Renowned for their durability, convenience, and reliability, these boots are essential for soldiers operating in diverse environments. This blog will explore seven crucial places where militaries rely on these Boots for optimal performance and protection.

Combat Zones:

Soldiers need footwear they can trust in the confusion of combat. Corcoran Boots excels in combat zones, offering sturdy construction, ankle support, and traction on varied terrain. Whether navigating through wild landscapes or urban environments, these boots provide stability and confidence to soldiers in the heat of battle.

Training Grounds:

Before soldiers face the rigors of combat, they undergo stringent training. Corcoran Boots are a common sight on military training grounds, enduring long marches, impediment courses, and simulated battle scenarios. 

Their ability to withstand intense use without compromising comfort makes them indispensable during the formative stages of a soldier's career.

Arctic Conditions:

Proper footwear is essential in icy landscapes where temperatures plummet to prevent frostbite and ensure mobility. Corcoran Boots designed for extreme cold weather offer insulation and waterproofing, keeping soldiers' feet warm and dry even in the harshest Arctic environments. Whether on patrol or at remote outposts, these boots provide essential protection against the elements.

Desert Environments:

The unforgiving terrain of desert environments presents unique challenges for military footwear. Corcoran Boots created for desert conditions feature breathable materials, protective toe caps, and specialized outsoles to fight sand, rocks, and intense heat. 

Soldiers operating in desert regions rely on these boots to maintain comfort and agility while traversing vast expanses of arid terrain.

Jungle Operations:

Navigating dense vegetation and swampy terrain requires footwear that can resist moisture and provide trustworthy traction. Corcoran Boots, with their breathable canvas uppers and drainage vents, are ideal for soldiers conducting jungle operations. 

These boots offer superior grip on slippery surfaces and help prevent fungal infections by keeping feet dry in humid environments.

Urban Warfare:

In urban warfare scenarios, where soldiers encounter rubble-strewn streets, debris, and potential hazards around every corner, footwear must offer protection and maneuverability. 

Corcoran Urban Assault Boots are designed to meet these demands, featuring lightweight construction, reinforced ankles, and slip-resistant soles. 

Whether conducting raids, patrols, or humanitarian missions in urban settings, these boots provide the stability and agility soldiers need to navigate complex environments safely.

Specialized Operations:

From airborne assaults to maritime operations, specialized military units require footwear tailored to their unique missions. Corcoran Boots offers specialized variants for paratroopers, divers, and other elite forces, providing the performance and reliability demanded by these high-stakes operations. 

Whether jumping from an aircraft or conducting amphibious landings, soldiers can trust these Boots to deliver optimal performance in the most demanding circumstances.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Corcoran Boots have earned their place as trusted companions for military personnel operating in various environments and scenarios. From combat zones to specialized operations, these boots available at Army Navy USA provide the durability, comfort, and protection soldiers need to carry out their missions effectively. By understanding the specific challenges faced in different environments, Corcoran continues to innovate and refine its footwear, ensuring that military forces worldwide can rely on their boots to meet the demands of modern warfare.

[thxnews]

UK Commandos Gear Up for Arctic Drills

Braving the Arctic Cold

In the frostbitten expanses of Norway, hundreds of UK Royal Marines and Army Commandos are currently undergoing intensive cold weather training. This preparation is critical as they gear up for Exercise Nordic Response, set to be one of the largest NATO exercises since the Cold War. Operating in temperatures that can nosedive below –50C, these commandos are not only testing their endurance but also fine-tuning their warfare techniques in one of the planet's most demanding environments.   Camp Viking: The UK's Arctic Hub The heart of the UK's Arctic operations beats at Camp Viking in Øverbygd. Established just last year, this camp serves as the UK's primary base in the High North expected to remain so for the coming decade. Here, around a thousand commandos are engaging in specialized training regimes that encompass cold weather and mountain warfare skills, alongside evaluating new tactics and equipment.   A High-Level Visit The significance of this training was underscored by a visit from the Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey. His trip, coinciding with bilateral defense talks with Norwegian officials, offered a firsthand look at the rigorous preparation undertaken by UK forces. These discussions also touched on broader security concerns, including the situation in Ukraine and securing the Barents Sea region.   A Testament to UK-Norway Ties Minister Heappey highlighted the deep-seated alliance between the UK and Norway, a bond forged during the tribulations of the Second World War and now more pivotal than ever. This enduring partnership plays a crucial role in enhancing readiness and delivering a strong message of deterrence, particularly in light of current geopolitical tensions.   Training for Every Contingency The UK Commando Force's annual pilgrimage to Norway is more than a tradition; it's a vital part of their operational readiness. Working alongside international military personnel, these commandos rehearse a spectrum of cold weather combat scenarios, from high-intensity conflicts to counter-terrorism operations. The versatile training at Camp Viking is designed to ensure that if UK forces can operate in the Arctic, they can operate anywhere.   Exercise Nordic Response and Beyond This year's Exercise Nordic Response will seamlessly dovetail with the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender, thereby showcasing a significant coalition of forces aimed at testing and refining NATO's defense strategies. Furthermore, with the UK contributing a substantial portion of the land forces, this exercise symbolizes the unity and strength of NATO allies, including the newest participant, Sweden.  

Ready for the Challenge

As the UK's Royal Marines and Army Commandos continue their rigorous preparation in Norway's harsh conditions, their commitment to excellence and resilience is clear. These exercises not only sharpen their warfare capabilities but also reinforce the UK's commitment to its NATO allies and to maintaining security in the High North. With their eyes fixed on Exercise Nordic Response and Steadfast Defender 24, the UK's commando force is ready to confront any challenge, anywhere.   Sources: THX News, Ministry of Defence & The Rt Hon James Heappey MP Read the full article

[mandyjane-lifedesign]

Lone Helicopter Crash Survivor

Medical Marvel describes his journey to walk again Amazing Human Interest Nicholas Barnes is living proof that luck is not always about avoiding misfortune but rather triumphing over adversity. His remarkable story, though tinged with darkness, reveals the indomitable spirit of the human condition. He's not just a survivor; he's a beacon of resilience. Nicholas's life was intertwined with the military from the start. Raised in a family with strong military ties, he was destined for a life in service. His mother was a chef, his father a corporal in the Hampshire regiment. His childhood was marked by constant relocation, having moved six times by the age of 10. His life's path led him to a boarding school from the age of 11 to 18, where he was recognized as a positive influence, displaying maturity beyond his years. At 18, eager to follow his calling, he enlisted for basic training, but his journey took an early detour when he broke his arm falling out of a military lorry weighing 4.5 tons. Following a hiatus to pursue a business and computing degree, the events of September 11th, 2001, shook him to the core, leading him back into the military through rigorous basic training. Over the next 3.5 years, his service took him to various hotspots, from guarding Buckingham Palace for the Royal Family to missions in Northern Ireland and even Arctic warfare in Antarctica. However, it was a mission behind enemy lines at the age of 26 that changed everything. The military helicopter he was on malfunctioned, plunging from the sky. Nicholas and one fellow serviceman found themselves dangling from the side of the aircraft as it spiraled downward. In a desperate attempt to survive, they parachuted into the unknown. Tragically, the parachute couldn't fully open due to the short drop distance, causing Nicholas to land on his feet, sending shockwaves through his entire skeleton. The year was 2007, and of the eight people onboard the helicopter, seven lost their lives. Nicholas was left as the sole survivor, but he was now paralyzed from the waist down. The subsequent year brought hospitalization, depression, PTSD, and deep emotional and mental scars. His ability to perform basic tasks such as holding a knife and fork, as well as speaking, was impaired. He developed debilitating diabetes and various health complications. Yet, the strength of the human spirit burned bright within him. Despite being told by doctors that he would never walk again, he found himself addicted to the pain medication necessary for his daily functioning. A devastating blow hit when his wife, who had been battling womb cancer, passed away. Their marriage had been a testament to love and support, with Nicholas caring for her during her illness. "Her death changed it all for me," he says. "It was the turning point. From that moment, I fought with unwavering determination to recover and make a difference." This marked the beginning of a medical miracle that defied doctors' expectations. In just three years, Nicholas not only regained the ability to walk unaided but also became a dedicated athlete and founded "Incredible Warriors." His purpose shifted toward supporting people and making the world a better place. He is now a qualified linguistic practitioner, a master neuro hypnotherapist, a pain expert, an emotional intelligence coach, and a mindfulness teacher. His remarkable journey of recovery has astonished many, and his story is poised to become the focus of an upcoming and significant documentary. Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash Read the full article