In the latest that is coming in from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, former russian president Dmitry Medvedev has warned of a potential nuclear attack on Ukraine. In a stern warning issued, he stated that any Ukrainian attacks on missile launch sites within Russia using weapons supplied by the United States could provoke such an attack.
In response to President Biden’s commitment to safeguard Red Sea shipping, the US executed an additional strike on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, targeting a radar site. The strike followed numerous American and British attacks on facilities of the Iran-backed group. The guided missile destroyer Carney deployed Tomahawk missiles to degrade the Houthis’ ability to target maritime vessels. The US and UK conducted airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. Despite Houthi threats of retaliation, President Biden warned of more strikes if attacks on vessels persist in the vital waterway. Witnesses reported explosions at military bases, and the US military claimed success in reducing Houthi capabilities. The Pentagon stated that 60 targets across 28 sites were hit, while the Houthis vowed to persist in their attacks. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a Houthi leader, denounced the strikes as terrorism on Yemen.
When the shearing sheds are silent, and the stock camps fallen quiet
When the gidgee coals no longer glow across the outback night
And the bush is forced to hang a sign, ‘gone broke and won’t be back’
And spirits fear to find a way beyond the beaten track
When harvesters stand derelict upon the wind-swept plains
And brave hearts pin their hopes no more on chance of loving rains
When a hundred outback settlements are ghost towns overnight
When we’ve lost the drive and heart we had to once more see us right
When ‘Pioneer’ means a stereo and ‘Digger’ some backhoe
And the ‘Outback’ is behind the house. there’s nowhere else to go
And ‘Anzac’ is a biscuit brand and probably foreign owned
And education really means brainwashed and neatly cloned
When you have to bake a loaf of bread to make a decent crust
And our heritage once enshrined in gold is crumbling to dust
And old folk pay their camping fees on land for which they fought
And fishing is a great escape; this is until you’re caught
When you see our kids with Yankee caps and resentment in their eyes
And the soaring crime and hopeless hearts is no longer a surprise
When the name of RM Williams is a yuppie clothing brand
And not a product of our heritage that grew off the land
When offering a hand makes people think you’ll amputate
And two dogs’ meeting in the street is what you call a ‘Mate’
When ‘Political Correctness’ has replaced all common sense
When you’re forced to see it their way, there’s no sitting on the fence
Yes, one day you might find yourself an outcast in this land
Perhaps your heart will tell you then, ‘ I should have made a stand’
Just go and ask the farmers that should remove all doubt
Then join the swelling ranks who say, ‘ Don’t sell Australia out!’
Author credit- Chris Long
Far North Queensland
There are soldiers, plus others who stand out from the crowd, then those few who might be deemed exceptional.
They latter don’t need to be remarked upon for some single or multiple gallant behaviour, simply that they understand their tradecraft and, if entrusted with leadership responsibility know how to inspire their subordinates.
They instinctively understand the difference between example and compunction when compassionate understanding will often motivate rather than fear of punishment or rebuke.
All these characteristics are part of their leadership set, to ensure their subordinates have the prerequisite skills to perform what is asked or expected of them.
Some learn these skills through training and experience, an exceptional few have them in their genes.
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Australia Day holds immense significance for many Australians, symbolizing the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity, and shared identity. While retailers have the right to decide which products to sell, when their decisions are driven by political motivations, it introduces another layer of complexity. The celebration of Australia Day is deeply rooted in the majority of citizens, and for newcomers, it represents an acknowledgment and acceptance into the Australian community.
In response to corporate entities using their decisions as political statements, there is a grassroots approach that citizens can adopt to express their support for Australia Day. My proposed action is for individuals to unite and demonstrate their appreciation for the celebration by purchasing Australia Day merchandise from a retailer like Coles. This symbolic act not only signals support for the significance of Australia Day but also serves as a tangible way for people to engage in the conversation about the cultural and national importance of the day.
The call to wear Australia Day merchandise in other major retailers like Woolworths and Aldi could be seen as a peaceful and collective way for citizens to voice their disagreement with the political statements made by certain corporations. By doing so, individuals send a clear message that they value the traditional celebration of Australia Day and are choosing to express their views through their purchasing decisions.
This proposed action is a form of civic engagement, encouraging people to actively participate in the public discourse surrounding Australia Day. It harnesses the power of collective action to demonstrate the importance of the celebration and, in turn, highlights the impact of political statements made by corporations on the sentiments of the community.
In essence, the idea is not just about buying merchandise; it’s a symbolic act of unity and expression of shared values. It’s a way for citizens to assert their voice and demonstrate that Australia Day is a day worth celebrating and preserving for its cultural and historical significance.
By Ray Payne OAM
The Australian Infantry Obstacle Course poses the question: will it beat you? Army physical training, especially infantry training worldwide, utilizes the obstacle course as a test of toughness, leadership, and teamwork for the simple reason that it works. You will go from a standing start to exhaustion in moments, and you will then spend the next however long feeling like you are in the last minute of a crucial football game. Knowing that if your section does not perform, you are doing it again. Infantry training doesn’t care about your feelings; it is designed to identify breaking points and test weaknesses of both body and mind. It aims to see who emerges as a leader under pressure, getting the team going, or the character that turns inward, becoming selfish and the weak link.
There is no hiding on the Infantry Obstacle Course at the School of Infantry. You will be watched the whole time, and you must succeed at every single hurdle, or you and the section will fail. You will be wet and weighed down with the equipment you wear into battle. This is the ultimate CrossFit test, and the secret ingredients are muscular endurance, mental and physical toughness, and mateship.
The Infantry Obstacle Course will expose weaknesses in men, and if you are only Kapooka fit, you will fail this course. Then, good luck looking your team in the eye when they get told to get ready to go through it again. You are tested as a section, not just as an individual, and we don’t care about your feelings. Every infantry soldier has done this before; now it’s your turn to prevail or fail. What you do to prepare determines your ability to pass.
Duty First
Analysis by Brad Lendon, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 2:00 AM EST, Fri January 12, 2024
After repeated warnings, United States and British forces have followed through on threats to retaliate against Iran-backed Houthi rebels for their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Under the cover of darkness they launched missiles and bombs on targets in Yemen from air and sea overnight Friday. Here’s what we know about the weapons and military hardware employed by the US and the UK.
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What kind of weapons are the US and UK using to strike the Houthis? | CNN
The B-17 Flying Fortress, hailed as a potential war-winning weapon, faced a harsh reality by the end of 1943. The American 8th Air Force, heavily relying on these iconic bombers, found themselves teetering on the edge of operational collapse. The menacing combination of German anti-aircraft flak and agile fighter planes systematically shot down B-17s in alarming numbers, forcing a reckoning with the impracticalities of existing strategic bombing doctrines.
As the aerial warfare landscape became increasingly perilous, the United States recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul in leadership, tactics, and technology. In a mere year, the 8th Air Force underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as masters of the skies over Europe and dealing a decisive blow to the formidable German Luftwaffe.
The catalyst for this turnaround was a multifaceted approach. Firstly, leadership underwent a strategic shift, with seasoned commanders implementing innovative and adaptive tactics. This change in mindset was crucial, as it allowed for a departure from predictable flight patterns that had previously made the B-17s vulnerable to German defences.
Tactical evolution played a pivotal role in the 8th Air Force’s resurgence. Pilots and crew members embraced new formations and defensive manoeuvres, enhancing the survivability of their missions. The adoption of tighter formations, such as the famous “combat box,” maximized the firepower of the B-17s while minimizing their vulnerability to enemy attacks.
Technological advancements also played a crucial role in turning the tide. The introduction of long-range fighter escorts, most notably the P-51 Mustang, provided the B-17s with much-needed protection deep into enemy territory. The extended range of these fighters allowed them to accompany the bombers throughout their entire mission, ensuring a continuous shield against marauding German fighters.
Additionally, improvements in radar technology and the development of electronic countermeasures allowed the 8th Air Force to gain a significant edge in the electronic warfare domain. This denied the Luftwaffe the element of surprise and enabled American bombers to navigate through hostile territory with greater precision.
In essence, the triumphant turnaround of the 8th Air Force can be attributed to a holistic approach that encompassed leadership adaptability, tactical innovation, and technological superiority. This transformation not only safeguarded the B-17s but also paved the way for a strategic dominance that played a pivotal role in the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. This video explores the intricacies of these changes, shedding light on a crucial chapter in the history of aerial warfare during World War II.