Ukraine has launched a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia, employing U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets deep within Russian territory. The attack has sparked global concerns about the potential for further escalation, with fears of World War III briefly dominating discussions on social media platforms like X.

According to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the pre-dawn strike on Tuesday targeted an ammunition depot in Russia’s Bryansk region. This marked the first known use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine against Russian soil.

• Impact and Damage: Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed that its air defences intercepted five of the six missiles fired, with one successfully hitting a military facility, causing a fire.
• Target Details: Andrii Kovalenko, a member of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, confirmed the strike targeted warehouses containing artillery ammunition, including munitions reportedly supplied by North Korea.

The missile strike came just two days after U.S. President Joe Biden approved the use of ATACMS by Ukraine, a decision that marked a significant shift in U.S. policy.

• Ukraine’s Pleas Answered: Ukraine had been lobbying for months for access to ATACMS, arguing they were essential for hitting high-value military targets deeper in Russian-controlled territory.
• Policy Shift: The Biden administration’s previous reluctance gave way as reports surfaced of North Korean troops and supplies aiding Russia, prompting a more aggressive stance from the U.S.

The deployment of these long-range missiles has heightened fears of an expanded conflict, with Russian officials issuing stern warnings in response.

• Nuclear Concerns: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly lowered the threshold for nuclear weapons use in retaliation, signalling the seriousness with which Moscow views the strike.
• Kremlin Reaction: Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, declared that Biden’s decision “escalates tensions to a qualitatively new level.”
• NATO Implications: Given the technical complexity of ATACMS launches, which often require coordination with U.S. military assets, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested the attack could be interpreted as an act of war by NATO itself.

On social media, speculation about World War III trended almost immediately after news of the strike broke. The use of ATACMS is being viewed as a significant turning point, with some fearing that the conflict could spiral into a broader international war.

This bold action by Ukraine underscores the high stakes of the war and the shifting dynamics of international alliances. While Kyiv celebrates the success of its mission, the global community braces for the Kremlin’s next move in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

A Current Affair

One decade after surviving an IED explosion in Afghanistan, three Aussie war veterans have been reunited with the armoured vehicle that saved their lives.

ED: From my inbox … author’s name withheld on request.

Efforts to implement meaningful cultural change within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Defence have long been fraught with challenges. Despite multiple strategies and inquiries, progress remains inconsistent, and systemic issues continue to hinder reform.

A History of Initiatives

In 2012, the Pathway to Change 2012–2017 strategy was introduced in response to significant cultural failings within Defence, including issues with the treatment of women, alcohol misuse, and inappropriate use of social media. Acknowledging harmful elements within its culture that limited performance and damaged reputation, the strategy outlined 175 recommendations from independent reviews, all of which Defence claimed to have “addressed.”

The subsequent Pathway to Change – Evolving Defence Culture 2017–2022 sought to build on earlier reforms, with Defence asserting the continued relevance of cultural change to sustain public trust and meet government objectives. However, a damning 2021 report from the Australian National Audit Office revealed glaring shortcomings. It found that Defence lacked effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms, preventing assurance that intended outcomes were being achieved.

Leadership and Accountability

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has joined a series of defence ministers critical of Defence leadership. Earlier this year, he described cultural issues within leadership as a barrier to achieving “a culture of absolute excellence.” Marles also highlighted the detrimental effects of frequent ministerial turnover during the previous government, describing it as a “revolving door” that destabilized morale and hindered progress.

According to Associate Professor James Connor of UNSW Canberra, the rapid turnover of defence ministers exacerbates the problem. Ministers often depend heavily on the department and the ADF for expertise, making sustained reform difficult. Connor argues that Defence frequently employs delaying tactics, including accepting recommendations “in principle” and waiting for new inquiries to overshadow earlier ones.

Ongoing Failures and Lessons Unlearned

The recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide underscored Defence’s longstanding resistance to reform. Its final report pointed to the failure of successive governments, the ADF, and associated agencies to implement necessary changes or adequately address the needs of those who serve. Despite over 750 recommendations from prior inquiries, the commission found that meaningful reform remains elusive.

Connor, who testified at the commission, noted that many of its recommendations echo those from a 2004 Senate inquiry into military justice, which called for external oversight of military conduct. “Twenty years later, the same problems persist,” he said. He emphasized the need for accountability, questioning the absence of consequences for senior officers failing to enact required reforms.

The Way Forward

The commission’s findings further highlight systemic issues within Defence leadership, including abuse of power and the perpetuation of toxic subcultures. Frequent rotations of senior officers enable leaders to avoid responsibility, while entrenched behaviours hinder genuine reform.

Connor advocates for increased civilian oversight to ensure sustained accountability and to break the cycle of inaction. Without robust mechanisms to hold leaders accountable, meaningful cultural change in Defence remains a distant goal.

As Defence grapples with the weight of repeated failures, the question remains: how long will it take for the institution to learn from its past and implement the reforms necessary to protect its people and its reputation?

The Viet Cong (VC) were South Vietnamese supporters of the communist National Liberation Front (NLF) during the Vietnam War, also known in Vietnam as the “American War.” Aligned with North Vietnam and the troops of Ho Chi Minh, the Viet Cong aimed to overthrow the South Vietnamese government and unify the country under communist rule.

The name “Viet Cong” originates from the term “cong san Viet Nam” or “Vietnamese communist.” Although widely used, it carried derogatory connotations, with “Vietnamese commie” being a closer translation. The Viet Cong were predominantly guerrilla fighters from South Vietnam but often worked in conjunction with the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN), the regular military force of North Vietnam.

Origins and Goals

The Viet Cong emerged after the French colonial defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which led to Vietnam’s division along the 17th Parallel. Their rise was driven by discontent with the South Vietnamese government, perceived as corrupt and backed by foreign powers. The Viet Cong sought national independence and socio-economic reform after decades of colonial and wartime exploitation.

However, their alignment with the communist bloc introduced external influences from China and the Soviet Union, mirroring the geopolitical struggle between capitalism and communism during the Cold War.

Tactics and Strategy

Initially a decentralized guerrilla force, the Viet Cong rapidly professionalized over the conflict. They used unconventional warfare, including:

• Ambushes and hit-and-run tactics against better-equipped U.S. and South Vietnamese forces.
• Tunnel networks, notably in regions like Cu Chi, to evade detection and launch surprise attacks.
• Infiltration and sabotage, including the use of spies to gather intelligence.
• The Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical supply route running through Laos and Cambodia, provided logistics for troops and equipment from the North.

Despite their resourcefulness, Viet Cong actions were often ruthless. They enforced loyalty through intimidation, forcibly conscripted villagers, and assassinated South Vietnamese officials. The Hue Massacre during the 1968 Tet Offensive remains a grim reminder, with thousands of civilians and prisoners executed.

Australian Engagement with the Viet Cong

Australian troops, deployed as part of the allied effort in Vietnam, encountered the Viet Cong in several key battles, including:

1. The Battle of Long Tan (1966):
   One of the most iconic Australian engagements, a small force of Delta Company, 6RAR, held off a larger Viet Cong regiment in a rubber plantation. Despite being outnumbered, the Australians inflicted significant casualties and showcased exceptional discipline under fire.
2. Operation Bribie (1967):
   Aimed at flushing out Viet Cong forces in Phuoc Tuy province, this operation highlighted the challenges of engaging a well-entrenched guerrilla force in dense terrain.
3. The Battle of Coral-Balmoral (1968):
   Australian forces defended their firebases against repeated Viet Cong and North Vietnamese assaults, demonstrating the growing integration of guerrilla and conventional warfare by communist forces.

These battles underscored the adaptability of the Viet Cong, who used knowledge of local terrain and surprise to challenge superior firepower.

The Decline of the Viet Cong

The Tet Offensive (1968) marked a turning point. Although the Viet Cong achieved tactical surprises, their losses were immense. American and allied forces, including Australians, repelled most attacks, and the Viet Cong struggled to recover operationally. Over time, their role diminished, with the PAVN assuming the primary combat role.

By April 1975, with the fall of Saigon, the Viet Cong ceased to exist as a distinct entity. The reunification of Vietnam under communist rule in 1976 marked the formal disbandment of the organization.

Legacy

The Viet Cong’s actions remain divisive. For some, they symbolize resistance against foreign intervention and the pursuit of national unification. For others, their tactics, including assassinations and massacres, reflect the darker side of their struggle.

For Australians, their encounters with the Viet Cong in Vietnam form an enduring part of military history, emphasizing courage, strategy, and the complexity of guerrilla warfare.

The Straits Times

In response to increasing regional tensions, the United States, Japan, and Australia have announced a significant expansion of military cooperation, highlighted by the first-ever regular deployment of Japanese marines to Australia. The agreement was unveiled during a press conference in Darwin, featuring Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.

“Regular deployments of Japan’s amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to Australia mark a new chapter in our defence partnership,” said Marles. Austin emphasized the momentum of trilateral collaboration, including annual amphibious training exercises and the integration of key bilateral drills into trilateral formats.

Japanese marines will now join Australia’s premier Talisman Sabre exercise starting next year, alongside enhanced participation in Exercise Southern Jackaroo. Australian forces will also increase their involvement in traditionally US-Japan exercises, such as Orient Shield and Yama Sakura, fostering greater interoperability among the three nations.

Approximately 600 Japanese marines are expected to rotate regularly through Darwin, complementing the existing US Marine Rotational Force there. This trilateral cooperation extends beyond drills; the nations aim to expand intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Notably, Australian personnel will join the Japan-US Bilateral Information Analysis Cell (BIAC) at Yokota Air Base, enhancing classified intelligence sharing.

Austin also hinted at Japan’s future involvement in AUKUS Pillar Two, a collaborative defence initiative focusing on advanced technologies such as quantum computing, autonomous systems, and long-range strike capabilities.

The announcement reflects a broader strategy to fortify alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Austin, on a regional tour, will next visit the Philippines, attend ASEAN defence talks in Laos, and make a historic trip to Fiji.

“This is about building a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific,” said Austin. “There’s immense potential for our nations to address emerging challenges together.”

This deepening partnership underscores a shared commitment to countering regional threats and enhancing collective security in the Indo-Pacific.

Ukraine’s military demonstrated its long-range strike capabilities by targeting the Caspian port of Kaspiysk with drones on November 6, damaging at least two Russian Gepard-class frigates. British Military Intelligence assessed that the attack was likely in retaliation for Russian naval strikes on Ukraine, although the damaged vessels had not been directly involved.

CLICK LINK TO READ THE ARTICLE

Ukraine Is ‘Demolishing’ the Russian Navy ‘At Port’ | The National Interest

Dear Korea Veterans, Families, Carers, Friends, ESO and Supporters, I am very pleased to send you this message on behalf of Grace Min and Eddie Grocott – President of AQKV and KS of Gold Coast:

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: 2024 December the 13th (Friday)

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Place: Ashmore Tavern, 161 Cotlew St, ASHMORE QLD 4214 (Gold Coast)

RSVP: Please by December 2, if possible, To Yang Kim – phone / text 0419 919 034 or [email protected]

The party with entertainments, caterings and the traditional generous raffles/lucky door prizes will be organised by the Korean Society of Gold Coast.

Association of QLD Korea Veterans will contribute with the reimbursement of the guests’ transport cost on the day such as cabs / maxi cabs with wheelchair access for those Veterans and Family members attending from Tweed Heads / Gold Coast / Brisbane area – Thanks to the generous donation of $10,000.00 from the partnership of Downer EDI Rail and Hyundai-Rotem Australia last Christmas Party.

Many Korea veterans and their partners are now frail and unable to travel. Their family member attending on behalf of the Veteran or Widows and those surviving family members of any age will be very much appreciated and welcomed with 1950’s X-Mas Grace and 2024’s Joy.

Ashmore Tavern is situated between Nerang and Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast. I trust you can find the place easily on the Google map or you can ring me about how to get there.

I hope you will be there otherwise we will be missing you on the day.

Wishing you the best for the rest of this year and the Happy New Year,

ED: This is from my inbox, not being at all mechanical I found it interesting. 

Every other answer is talking about advanced materials and tolerances… And those have literally NOTHING to do with it.

Engine wear occurs when two moving surfaces touch. It doesn’t matter if those surfaces are soft lead, or diamond, wear will occur extremely fast.

What stops them touching is the film of oil, the oil film fails if it gets too hot and only then will wear start.

The oil film gets too hot when the oil is not pumped around the combustion areas fast enough, and that happens when the oil is cold.

The ONLY reason modern engines last so much longer are the oil used is almost unimaginably better.

Here’s a great example.

In 1951, the A series OHV engine was introduced in the Austin A30 and the Morris Minor. In normal use, this reliable, extremely tough 803cc motor would last around 10,000 to 20,000 miles before it needed a complete rebuild. An official Austin or Morris ‘Gold Seal’ short, (reconditioned crank, pistons, bores but no cylinder head) or complete (including head) engine was a service item and was an expected expense every two to 5 years.

The recommended oil was a straight 50 mineral oil.

In 2000, the last A series was fitted to a Mini. A better fuel injected head, but thinner crank bearings, same engine, same materials used, same techniques and a lot of the same tooling as the 1951 version.

One of these will go 250,000 miles plus on fully synthetic 0w-40. (In the Mini, the gearbox is INSIDE the engine’s oil pan, … What you are seeing there is the complete engine and gearbox!)

Throughout the 49 years of production, one can track the improvements in oil, simply by looking at the average longevity of this engine, fitted as it was to about 80% of cars made and sold in the UK through the 1950’s and ‘60’s. All the small British Leyland cars of the ‘70’s and ’80’s, and the Rover group Mini Metro and Mini until 2000.

At least 5 million were made in the UK and overseas.

Oil is EVERYTHING….

Ironically, although built with tighter tolerances (the amount of difference in a gap allowed during manufacture between two components), today’s engines are built with greater clearances than they used to be…Which is why modern engines need very little ‘running in’. In the olden days engines were tight when new, which was because the cylinder bores were a very snug fit to the pistons. Oil was needed to fail to allow friction to ‘bed’ the surfaces together. Modern oils tend not to fail so the engine must be built ‘looser’ so it will give its full efficiency from the factory.

Fortress Newcastle was the military title given to the protection of the industries of Newcastle in WW2. Proportionately, Newcastle had far more protection that any other city or town in Australia during this time because everything you needed to support the war existed in Newcastle. Our steel factories made almost 10 million tons of Iron and steel for the war effort. Every ship involved in the conflict ran on coal. We made ships, we repaired ships, we made machine guns, uniform, helmets, aircraft parts……… Surrounding the industry were four forts, five army bases, two naval bases, two RAAF bases and seven anti-aircraft guns. It was enormous. This town of less than 100,000 had tens of thousands of troops protecting it, including 40,000 US/UK troops stationed at Port Stephens alone. The is the first time this story has been told and most importantly many of the storytellers lived the history. Prepare to be amazed.