“Europe Urged to Boost Defence Efforts: US Republican Senator’s Warning”

US Republican Senator JD Vance has issued a stern caution to European leaders, urging them to take significant steps towards bolstering their own security measures. He characterizes Europe’s failure to do so as an “implied burden on the American people,” with far-reaching consequences.

Since Russian troops breached Ukraine’s borders in early 2022, Europe’s illusion of a peaceful hiatus from historical conflicts has been shattered. This awakening was long overdue, considering the impact of unfettered economic globalization and the erroneous belief in the absolute triumph of liberal democracy, epitomized by Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” theory.

Today, we find ourselves facing the harsh reality of autocratic powers asserting themselves globally, while the established post-World War II order, both economic and strategic, faces a steady decline. From major powers like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy to smaller yet influential nations like Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, the increasingly multipolar world poses significant security challenges across Europe.

This predicament isn’t new; European nations, especially the larger ones, opted to shirk their defence responsibilities, leaning heavily on the United States’ unparalleled military might following the Soviet Union’s collapse. NATO’s collective security umbrella further entrenched this dependency. European powers focused on niche forces and expensive yet limited military platforms, failing to invest adequately in their own defence.

This approach has bred resentment, particularly in the United States, where a growing consensus questions why America should bear the brunt of defence expenditures. JD Vance, now a Republican senator for Ohio and formerly a venture capitalist, echoes this sentiment in his piece titled “Europe Must Shoulder Its Defence Burden.”

Vance highlights the staggering amount Europe could have invested in defence had it maintained Cold War-era spending levels. He argues that Europe’s reluctance to do so effectively places a burden on American taxpayers for European security.

Criticism of Europe’s defence posture isn’t exclusive to Vance or the Republican Party; it dates back to the Obama administration. President Obama himself chastised European allies for not pulling their financial weight within NATO. Vance emphasizes that this sentiment transcends partisan lines.

The conflict in Ukraine serves as a glaring example of Europe’s weakness. Despite possessing robust economies, European nations have neglected their military capabilities. Vance questions why the US should bear the burden of aiding Europe when it should have the capacity to handle such conflicts independently.

Moreover, the vulnerability of Europe’s defence industrial base has become increasingly evident. Fragmented industries on both sides of the Atlantic struggle to produce essential weaponry swiftly and at scale, leaving Europe ill-prepared to face potential conflicts.

Vance’s message to Europe is clear: it must reassess its defence readiness and commit to rebuilding its military capabilities. He also challenges the US to prioritize rebuilding its defence industrial base to maintain global stability in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.

As Europe grapples with its security challenges, Australia faces similar dilemmas in the Indo-Pacific region. The need for a robust defence posture and industrial capacity has never been more urgent. Failure to act decisively could leave both regions vulnerable to aggression and coercion from revisionist powers.

In conclusion, Vance’s warning underscores the imperative for both Europe and its allies to step up their defence efforts in an increasingly uncertain world.

 

NO AMOUNT OF MONEY SEEMS TO HELP!

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW) reveals concerning statistics regarding Indigenous children in Australia’s care and protection system. As of June 2022, approximately 24,600 Indigenous children were under care and protection orders, marking an increase to 72 per 1,000 children from 62 per 1,000 four years prior. Notably, nearly a third of these children fall within the age bracket of 10 to 14.

Despite constituting only 5 percent of Australia’s child population, Indigenous children comprise almost half of those within the child protection system. The percentage of Indigenous children placed with relatives for out-of-home care rose from 50 percent in 2017 to 54 percent in 2022. However, out of the total 19,000 children in out-of-home care, not all could be placed with family, with 14,000 classified as being in long-term care, separated from their primary family for two years or more. Additionally, 70 percent of those with at least one sibling in out-of-home care were fortunate enough to be placed with at least one sibling.

These figures underscore a worrying trend, indicating a failure to meet the objectives outlined in the “Closing the Gap” strategy, which aims to reduce Indigenous children’s placement in out-of-home care by 45 percent by 2031. Despite substantial government spending, estimated at $4.2 billion annually on Indigenous children related issues, progress toward this goal remains inadequate.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his address regarding the Closing the Gap initiative, announced the establishment of a national commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, emphasizing the imperative of strengthening families and ensuring children’s safety. However, reports such as the one by the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, April Lawrie, highlight ongoing challenges. Lawrie’s report suggests that if current trends persist, the number of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care could increase by 50 percent over the next decade.

Key recommendations include the establishment of Aboriginal Children’s Commissioners in each State and Territory, along with a national coordinating body. Additionally, there’s a call for the development of a national strategy to address the over-representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care.

Issues such as lack of access to safe and stable housing further exacerbate the situation. Data from AIHW and the National Indigenous Australians Agency indicate significant housing disparities, with Indigenous people being disproportionately impacted. They are significantly more likely to live in social housing, access homelessness services, and reside in overcrowded homes, reflecting broader socio-economic challenges that contribute to the vulnerability of Indigenous families and children.

 

Parliament Contemplates Legislation to Safeguard Defence Secrets.

In a recent session of the Senate Committee on February 22nd, officials from the Defence Department elaborated on the proposed duration former defence personnel must wait post-retirement to gain clearance for employment with foreign entities under the military secrets legislation.

The bill, introduced in September 2023, aims to thwart efforts by hostile actors to pilfer Australian classified information. This initiative followed alarming reports indicating that the Chinese Communist Party had been recruiting former military personnel from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States to impart training to its armed forces.

The government’s objective is to establish a “reasonable” timeframe concerning the obsolescence of an individual’s expertise and competencies. This timeframe is crucial to ensuring that the knowledge and skills of retired defence personnel no longer pose a significant risk to national security.

The duration will be contingent upon the nature of the roles individuals held during their military tenure. Various job categories will have distinct timeframes, with some entirely exempted and others subject to shorter durations, typically around five years. For roles where knowledge retention is more enduring and integral to national security, the timeframe may extend up to 10 years.

However, it’s essential to note that exemptions do not extend to former defence personnel possessing insights into tactics, techniques, procedures, and sensitive data concerning export-controlled goods. Restrictions on such individuals remain lifelong to uphold the integrity of national security protocols.

There’s no fast track to acquiring vessels.

THERE is no maritime equivalent of Sydney’s famed Parramatta Road Magic Mile of Motors, where on a whim you can buy a new or used car to suit your needs and budget.

No doubt there are mercenary Arthur Daleys about offering to move superannuated naval stock, “one careful owner, low wars, never mind the rust it’ll paint over”, but you get what you pay for.

Nor can you always requisition unneeded stock from a full inventory, especially when the need is pressing, and now.

The last time Britain “requisitioned” two almost completed ships, both paid for by and destined to serve Turkey’s navy caused such outrage Germany stepped in with a “gift” of two of its surplus-to-requirement vessels.

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There’s no fast track to acquiring vessels | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

Very Clever – Worth Watching

Terry Wayne Fator is an American ventriloquist, impressionist, stand-up comedian, and singer. Born in Dallas, Texas, he developed an interest in ventriloquism from a young age, honing both this skill and his talent for singing. After initially performing with two bands, Terry Fator eventually conducted solo performances, combining ventriloquism and singing with comedy. His breakthrough came when he won the second season of America’s Got Talent, which significantly boosted his career. As a result of his success, he secured a five-year multi-million-dollar contract to headline shows in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 2009 to 2020, he headlined at the Mirage Las Vegas, and since 2021, he performs regularly at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Terry Fator has also used his performances and talent to contribute to charitable causes, and he consistently ranks among the world’s highest-paid comedians.

And I thought I had heard everything? Apparently not!

Hands up all those who thought judges were learned people who weigh evidence and make sensible, informed decisions …..

Work on Australia’s most expensive resources project has been halted because of the danger it poses to Spirit Whales. Woodside Energy Group has been ordered to halt work on a $16b gas project off the coast of Western Australia that, if completed, will power 8.5 million homes for the next 30 years. But the Federal Court ordered work to stop after hearing evidence the area was home to mythical whales. The Spirit Whales, according to Indigenous fables, tell the fish of the sea what to eat, when to mate and where to migrate. If the gas project was to go ahead, the Spirit Whales would be endangered. And if the Spirit Whales were killed, none of the creatures of the sea would know what to do.

Short of Aqua Man stepping in to save the day, the planet would be sunk. How did the Federal Court know all of this? Raelene Cooper!

Ms Cooper, or as her activist friends like to call her, the Custodian of Whale Dreaming, speaks to the Spirit Whales. And they speak to her.

Seriously.

This was in evidence presented to the Federal Court.

Apparently, the Spirit Whales aren’t thrilled about the Woodside Energy Group’s project which, coincidentally, puts the Spirit Whales and environmentalists on exactly the same page.

Whoever would have imagined?

The Environmental Defenders Office, a group that received $8m in public money to help it oppose projects benefiting the public, brought Cooper’s Spirit Whale baloney to the urgent attention of the Federal Court.

Even Nemo knows that the greenies at the EDO don’t buy the Spirit Whale crap. But that doesn’t mean they won’t manipulate Indigenous mythology and those who sprout it to stop major projects.

So, the case was put to the court of Australia. ” … but Your Honour, the Spirit Whales!”

And Judge Craig Colvin, whilst not confirming or denying that Spirit Whales existed, ruled that Woodside had a duty to consider “cultural harm” caused by their project.

Now what I think that means is that whilst absolutely no-one believes that Spirit Whales exist, it would be against the law to upset the wild fantasies of a woman who imagines she talks to whales.

Because the woman is Indigenous.

And evidently Indigenous fantasies must be indulged, as a mark of respect.

Woodside argued that they had invested significant time, energy and money liaising closely with Indigenous groups for more than a decade. And yet this was the first it had heard that Spirit Whales were blowing their lids over the project. Woodside had done all of the environmental checks and had been given clearance to begin the project.

Not so fast, ruled Judge Colvin.

He ordered Woodside to conduct a more thorough environmental assessment of the project.  In other words, work out terms with the Spirit Whales.

Oh, and Woodside were ordered to pay Ms Cooper’s costs.

 

Just because it’s Friday.

  1. I used to be an artist before I joined the army. Afterward, they told me I’d never be an army officer. Probably because I was always drawing fire.
  2. My friend recently got promoted from captain to a higher military rank. It was a major day for him.
  3. Last week, I sent my baby to the army. Weirdly, they put her in the infantry.
  4. People who wear sleeveless shirts in the army are basically defending their right to bare arms.
  5. If you feel like you’re not being thanked enough in the army, don’t worry about it. Cavalry officers never say tanks.
  6. My instructor just told me that he never saw me at the camouflage training. I replied, “Thank you, sir!”
  7. Writers should be comfortable joining the Navy. They are already familiar with magazines.
  8. Brooms would make such great army officers. They can easily perform good sweeps.
  9. I once heard a story about a Roman army that got famous for selling milk products. It was Legion Dairy.
  10. The veteran is now a volleyball coach. He told his students that the most important skill is knowing how to serve.
  11. An army general was known to retreat from a Navy fleet that was wearing sandals. He was scared of de-feet.
  12. The first thing pigs learn when they join the army is ham-to-ham combat.
  13. I had no idea that you can’t eat ice cream in the Air Force. Apparently, you get arrested for deserting.
  14. When the commanding officer told the Emperor that they had 385 volunteers, the Lord told him to round them up. He just replied in return, “Okay. 400, my liege.”
  15. During the American Civil War, on the first day of the third month of last year, both sides’ armies had to March first and then have breakfast.
  16. I know a great joke based on the National Guard and Army Reserve. But it only works on one weekend of the month.
  17. I served under the calmest commander of the US Navy. General Anaesthesia helped put all disputes between fellow soldiers to bed.
  18. I was once in the Army, but when I came back home, I started working with animals. Now I’m a military vet.
  19. My father used to work as a baker when he was serving. He used to go in all buns glazing.
  20. I had a senior officer that didn’t like playing the minor scales. So I always had to tell him, “Play a flat major.”
  21. A guy named Will decided that he never wanted to be a soldier. I found out it was because he once heard them say, “Fire at will!”
  22. Old Macdonald’s son chose to join the army rather than do farm work. I guess now he is E.I. G.I. Joe.
  23. There was once an army of drawing tools. Their commanding officer was the ruler.
  24. My grandfather used to work as a mime in the Army during the world war. He doesn’t like talking about it.
  25. Two PFCs were walking down the street when one of them suddenly said, “Oh! Is that a dead bird?” The second PFC got worried, looked up toward the sky, and said, “Where? I can’t see it!”
  26. The soldiers had to get rid of some bugs. They did it with a raid.
  27. There’s only one kind of plant that grows in a soldier’s garden. It’s called an ambush.
  28. Why does the militaryhave a strict dress code for ceremonies and events? To minimize civilian casual tees.
  29. How do army soldiers greet each other when they ride in helicopters? “Helo!”
  30. How do the soldiers freshen their breath? With a tic attack.
  31. What kind of sergeant usually carries a long stick along with them wherever they are going? The Staff Sergeant.
  32. What would you call it if a soldier leaves to go to play games? A deplayment.
  33. Why did the soldier bring a blanket to an active battle zone? He needed cover.
  34. What would you call a soldier who makes you stay beside them at all times? The company commander.
  35. What do the soldiers read whenever they get bored? Their magazines.
  36. What is a soldier’s least favourite day of the year? March 4th.
  37. What do you call it when two low-ranking officers are discussing? A Private conversation.
  38. Which area of an army base usually needs the most cleaning up? The mess hall.
  39. How do soldiers move when they want to get an orange slice? In a wedge.
  40. What happened to the Air Force pilot who tried his stand-up act at a comedy club? It was the bomb!
  41. What military branch is the favourite of the horses? The Neigh-vy.
  42. Which officer in the army uses the bathroom the most? The lootenant.
  43. What is the main similarity between the army and musical composition? They both have majors.
  44. What do you call a baby that was born on an Air Force plane? Airborne.
  45. What would you call an unknown army ranger who tries talking to you? Ranger Danger.
  46. What would you call a soldier who’s good at caring for animals? A vet.
  47. Where do soldiers get their shoes? At Boot Camp.
  48. What did the man reply when his father told him, “You wanna join the navy? You can’t even swim!”? He said, “No one can fly in the Air Force either.”
  49. What would you call a drill sergeant who’s polite? A Drill Sergeantlemen.
  50. What would you call the Private if they get exposed? The Public.
  51. How did Steve get his lungs injured when he was serving? He tried to blow up the tank.
  52. What did the Colonel say when someone asked him the lowest rank in the Army? He replied, “It’s Private.”
  53. Did you hear about the man that shared a rented property with another man in the army? He took the right half, and the soldier was the left tenant.
  54. Have you heard that the American soldiers recently arrested a pigeon on suspicion of being a spy? It seems that it was staging a coo.
  55. How do you play Air Force Bingo? A-10 … B-52 … F-16!

 

Keating calls for Australia to step up.

On his 80th birthday, former Prime Minister and Treasurer Paul Keating has used the occasion to call for a bold departure from what he perceives as Australia’s pervasive timidity across various domains. Keating’s remarks, made in an interview with The Australian Financial Review, underscore his belief that Australia must redefine itself intellectually, economically, constitutionally, and in its international relations.

Keating expresses disappointment in what he sees as a lack of self-assurance and innovation in Australia’s national psyche. He contends that the country’s reluctance to assert its own capabilities and chart its own course forward is hindering its progress. He laments the nation’s attachment to outdated structures, such as its constitutional ties with Britain and its dependence on the United States for security.

In the interview, Keating touches on a range of topics, including the evolution of Australia’s superannuation system and the need for greater representation of union-backed industry super funds on corporate boards. He criticizes high marginal tax rates as confiscatory and advocates for tax scale indexation. Keating also shares his perspective on international affairs, opining on the leadership of Joe Biden and the future relationship between Australia and Indonesia under Prabowo Subianto.

Furthermore, Keating discusses Indigenous issues, revealing his opposition to the proposed constitutional “Voice” to the Australian parliament. He suggests alternative approaches, such as a legislated representative Indigenous body, emphasizing the importance of empowering Indigenous communities to manage their own affairs.

Throughout the interview, Keating emphasizes the need for Australia to shed its timidity and embrace a more confident and proactive stance on both domestic and international fronts. He reflects on his extensive experience in public life to underscore his critique of the status quo and his vision for a more assertive and self-assured Keating Australia.

 

 

UK Trident Missile Fails

Trident missile test failure occurred during launch attended by UK defense secretary, Grant Shapps. Ministry of Defence (MoD) cited an “anomaly,” reassuring it wouldn’t happen in war. Details remain undisclosed. Former defense committee chair, Tobias Ellwood, suggests equipment failure. This marks the second Trident test mishap; previous was in 2016. Concerns raised over nuclear deterrent’s efficacy. Labour seeks reassurance from defense secretary. Expert highlights significance of failure given recent Trident upgrades. MoD affirms submarine and crew capability despite anomaly. HMS Vanguard, part of UK’s nuclear deterrent, encountered the incident during a routine test. MoD asserts national security reasons for lack of details, insisting broader Trident system remains reliable.

The Extreme Solution Germany Found to Destroy Dangerous Enemy Drones

Welcome back to the Fluctus Channel. In this captivating episode, we embarked on an informative journey through the world of modern air defense technologies. We began by discussing the evolution of counter-drone strategies and delved into the sophisticated systems developed by companies like Rheinmetall, including the Skynex and Oerlikon Skyranger.