Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 30, 2009

MARINE FRIEND - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Autayvia K. Mitchell interacts with local children during a patrol through Tajik Khar, Garmsir, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2009. Mitchell is assigned to the Female Engagement Team, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The FET works with Afghanistan women to determine medical and humanitarian assistance needs. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dwight A. Henderson

Forgetting Combat Basics -- Armchair Generalist

Tom Ricks has been following the ruminations of Marine Corps CWO2/Gunner Keith Marine (yes, a Marine named Marine) in observations of how combat troops have been neglecting the basics in Afghanistan.

Recognize small arms fire for what it is in accordance with the enemy's local TTPs. If it is just a few pop shots, more than likely the enemy is attempting to get a reaction from you and see what you do.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

New Spyplane Lands in Afghanistan, Ready to Snoop -- Danger Room

The SecDef gives the definitive analysis of the situation, a must-read -- Fabius Maximus

Destiny of the Frigate Pt 2 -- New Wars

Iran nuclear plant 'immune to conventional strike' -- AFP

Russia's Nerpa nuclear attack submarine passes final trials -- Defpro

The Great Geek Shortage At Sea -- Strategy Page

USAF Seeks To Replace UH-1N Helicopter -- Defense News

Robots to shape wars of the future -- Navy Times