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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed disappointment over the recent decision to honour  war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, highlighting a significant failure to recognize the complexities surrounding the case. Albanese notably refrained from offering congratulations to Roberts-Smith, underscoring his distance from King Charles’ decision.

Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, appeared at Western Australia’s Government House this week to receive a coronation medal from King Charles III. This special honour, bestowed on all Victoria Cross recipients, was awarded despite the contentious circumstances surrounding Roberts-Smith. Although he retains his Victoria Cross due to the absence of criminal charges, a defamation trial concluded he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan. This verdict, however, is currently being appealed by Roberts-Smith’s lawyers.

In a statement today, Albanese made it unequivocally clear that the decision to recognize Roberts-Smith was entirely the prerogative of the King and not influenced by the Australian government. “This was the decision of the Palace to give all Victoria Cross recipients a further award,” he stated in an interview. Albanese continued, “It certainly wasn’t a government decision.”

The first 2024 Presidential debate has come to a close. For many, it served as a moment of clarity, while for others, it brought about a wave of confusion.

My Impressions

The new microphone system didn’t pose significant issues. While it reduced the likelihood of heated exchanges, it maintained order during the debate. Contrary to some online concerns, CNN did not “abuse” this system. However, CNN did attempt to assist Biden at times by cutting him off when he appeared to be mumbling. This intervention sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to protect the President, while others saw it as a necessary measure to keep the debate on track.

Despite this, it appears that people across the political spectrum agree that Biden should step down due to his apparent difficulty in remembering things and forming coherent sentences and thoughts. Even left-wing media outlets went into panic mode. CNN reported that Democrats found Biden’s performance “dismal.”

Overall, the first 2024 Presidential debate has set the stage for a contentious and closely watched election season. As candidates continue to campaign and prepare for future debates, the issues raised, and impressions formed during this initial encounter will undoubtedly influence the strategies and narratives moving forward.

The first batch of Advanced RACU (Rifle Accessory Control Unit) Commander Systems, developed by Canberra-based Kord Defence, will be supplied to Ukrainian special operations soldiers. This delivery is part of the Australian government’s $100 million military assistance package announced in April by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

The RACU Commander System, a weapon-mounted, programmable control unit, allows soldiers to manage electronic devices such as radios, torches, and lasers without removing their hands from their rifles. At a launch event in Canberra on June 19, Kord confirmed the system’s compatibility with rifles of both Western and Eastern designs.

Ukrainian Ambassador Myroshnychenko expressed gratitude for Australia’s support, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the international coalition backing Ukraine. He thanked Deputy Prime Minister Marles for his visit to Ukraine and for including Kord’s systems in the latest aid package.

The systems are expected to be operational in the conflict zone within a week, following the earlier donation of ten units for evaluation. Kord’s managing director, Dr. Peter Moran, emphasized the system’s benefits, enabling soldiers to maintain focus and control on the battlefield.

The RACU system features a programmable three-button controller that can be mounted on a quad rail or similar system. It allows for various control configurations and can be used with a range of adapters for wired or wireless operation. Each system includes a radio, headset, torch, laser, and a training app to ensure proper use.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment during a section attack on Exercise Septimus Stride 24 at Townsville Field Training Area.

LIKE venereal diseases, it’s difficult to argue nuclear power effect differs vastly between civilian and military applications.

Both have common, attendant myths.

Painful premature unnecessary deaths, genetic mutations, weeping sores which don’t get better, these foolish things remind us the only certainties are in the minds of ill-informed, though perhaps well intentioned activists.

Physicists Marie and Pierre Curie pioneered nuclear research, particularly medical applications, though without the safety precautions which have since been applied.

Marie died of radiation complications, Pierre was killed by a horse and cart.

The risks of fatal exposure to uncontained radioactive elements have been all but eliminated, save for tea drinking Russian dissidents.

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Sensible precautions can contain reaction | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

For your information, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host a National Commemorative Service to mark the 25th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in Timor-Leste. This significant event will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024, starting at 9:30 am at The Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Campbell, Canberra.

The Talking Parrot: A man goes to a pet shop and buys a talking parrot. He takes the parrot home and tries to teach the parrot how to say a few things, but instead, the parrot just swears at him. After a few hours of this, the man finally gets fed up and throws the parrot into the freezer to teach it a lesson. He hears the parrot squawking and kicking for a few minutes, but then all goes quiet. The man opens the freezer up, the parrot calmly steps out onto the man’s outstretched arm and says, “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’ll endeavour to correct my behaviours.” The man is astounded. As he’s about to ask the parrot what’s caused this sudden change in attitude, the parrot continues, “May I ask what the turkey did?”

The Wise Farmer: A big-city lawyer went duck hunting in rural areas. He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a farmer’s field on the other side of a fence. As the lawyer climbed over the fence, an elderly farmer drove up on his tractor and asked what he was doing. The litigator responded, “I shot a duck and it fell into this field, and now I’m going to retrieve it.” The old farmer replied, “This is my property, and you’re not coming over here.” The indignant lawyer said, “I’m one of the best trial attorneys in the city, and if you don’t let me get that duck, I’ll sue you and take everything you own.” The old farmer smiled and said, “Apparently, you don’t know how we settle disputes in the countryside. We settle small disagreements with the ‘Three Kick Rule.'” The lawyer asked, “What is the ‘Three Kick Rule’?” The farmer replied, “Well, because the dispute occurs on my land, first I kick you three times and then you kick me three times and so on back and forth until someone gives up.” The attorney quickly thought about the proposed contest and decided that he could easily take the old codger. He agreed to abide by the local custom. The old farmer slowly climbed down from the tractor and walked up to the attorney. His first kick planted the toe of his heavy steel-toed work boot into the lawyer’s groin and dropped him to his knees. His second kick to the midriff sent the lawyer’s last meal gushing from his mouth. The lawyer was on all fours when the farmer’s third kick to his rear end sent him face-first into a fresh cow pie. The lawyer summoned every bit of his will and managed to get to his feet. Wiping his face with the arm of his jacket, he said, “Okay, you old coot. Now it’s my turn.” The old farmer smiled and said, “Nah, I give up. You can have the duck.”

The decision by the U.S. to purchase the F-15EX instead of more F-35 fighter jets is driven by several key factors. The F-15EX offers immediate operational readiness, cost-effectiveness, and significant enhancements in capability, making it an optimal choice for updating the tactical fighter fleet. Here’s a closer look at why the F-15EX is seen as a superior option at this time.

Here's Why the U.S. Is Buying the F-15EX Instead of More F-35 Fighter Jets (youtube.com)

Immediate Operational Readiness

One of the primary advantages of the F-15EX is its readiness to engage in combat operations straight off the production line. Unlike the F-35, which requires a more extensive integration and training period, the F-15EX can be deployed immediately. This rapid deployment capability is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and addressing current and near-term threats without delay.

Cost-Effectiveness

In terms of affordability, the F-15EX stands out as a more economical option compared to the F-35. The procurement and operational costs of the F-15EX are significantly lower, making it a financially prudent choice for expanding the fighter fleet. This cost-effectiveness does not come at the expense of performance; rather, it allows for a larger number of units to be acquired and maintained within budget constraints.

Enhanced Capability and Performance

The F-15EX brings substantial enhancements in capability that make it a formidable addition to the U.S. Air Force’s tactical fleet. It boasts a weapons payload that is four times greater than that of other fighters, allowing it to carry a more extensive array of armaments. Additionally, the F-15EX offers twice the fuel capacity, range, and speed, providing superior endurance and operational flexibility.

Reliable and Proven Platform

The F-15EX is built on a proven and reliable platform with a track record of performance and dependability. Its design incorporates advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons systems that enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness. This reliability reduces maintenance demands and ensures a higher mission readiness rate compared to newer, less mature platforms.

Global Appeal and Compatibility

The F-15EX is also designed to meet the needs of global Air Forces, making it an attractive option for international partners. Its compatibility with existing infrastructure and support systems enables seamless integration into current operations, reducing the time and cost associated with fielding a new aircraft type.

Strategic Considerations

Strategically, the F-15EX complements the F-35 by filling different roles within the tactical air fleet. While the F-35 excels in stealth and advanced sensor capabilities, the F-15EX provides superior payload capacity and range. This combination enhances the overall versatility and strength of the air fleet, ensuring a balanced approach to various mission requirements.

In conclusion, the U.S. decision to invest in the F-15EX is driven by its immediate readiness, cost-effectiveness, enhanced capabilities, reliability, and strategic value. These factors collectively make the F-15EX a modern and practical solution for refreshing and augmenting the tactical fighter fleet in a timely and efficient manner.

During WW1 and WW2 America’s celebrities such as sports figures, actors and musicians joined the war effort supporting the troops overseas and most even enlisted in the military to serve in whatever capacity they could. During the Korean War, a few celebrities still served especially athletes although there was not the enthusiasm for the support as in prior conflicts. But Vietnam was completely different. Many celebrities actually condemned the military fighting the war as well as the government and presidents in office. But one actress took it to another level and she should have been tried for treason according to some. Who is Jane Fonda? Written and Hosted by Colin D. Heaton. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.