Paul, you don't want to know the truth. You cannot handle the truth.

By A David Merritt (Adm) on Saturday, October 03, 2026 - 10:13 pm: Edit

The MSM have been talking about Secretary Hesgeth's plan to reduce the number of flag officers in the military 20% overall.

Is this a reasonable idea? Should more, or less be put out to pasture?

Should more be promoted?

i.e. what would be the optimal amount of flag officers for the size of our military?

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Saturday, October 03, 2026 - 10:50 pm: Edit

UKRAINE'S TOP ACCOMPLISHMENT: DELTA BATTLEFIELD MANAGEMENT

Most modern armies have a "battlefield management system" running on computers. This takes input from all kinds of sources (ground units, observers behind enemy lines, drones, aircraft) and builds it into a display of the battlefield. Anyone with access to the system (say, a battalion commander whose unit just arrived on the front to replace a shot-up battalion) can see what's in front of him just like anyone could do that with your average city builder computer game.

Lieutenants leading platoons would see a smaller area in more detail; colonels commanding brigades would see a bigger area with less detail, but either could switch modes if he had a reason to do so. Air Force and drone planners behind the lines could literally go shopping for targets. If a drone or F16 got to the target and found nothing worth bombing, the base could almost instantly check the area the aerial asset is in and see if anything else is around.

Some of this data is minute to minute. A recon drone over Highway 26 would report trucks based on location, direction, and speed and an approaching drone operator could get to Highway 26 and take a quick check to see "what's on special?" and go attack it.

Like I said, everyone his. The US, Russia, Nato, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, everybody.

But Ukraine's "delta system" is a little better, in some cases a lot better, because of two reasons.

1. They are engaged in an active war which gives some urgency to software improvements. Some commander a year ago said he wanted to click on a Russian tank that hadn't moved and see who reported it and when and if anyone had shot at it since then. Software designers tried several solutions and the one that worked got built into Delta on the next update, which is about once a week.

2. Ukraine's system wasn't built by an agency or a contractor, but by a bunch of computer nerds who just decided to see what they could come up with. Today over a hundred computer nerds in Ukraine are working on upgrades, often listening to chat room chatter about what front line commanders would like to have, or sometimes about information that forward observers or drone operators say "we have this data but the form in the software has no place to enter it". Several of them will take a shot at creating such things, and when one works reliably it gets added. (Government agencies and contractors are doing the same thing but the independent nerds usually beat them to it.)

So Bill, if you want somewhere that Ukraine has outrun the entire world, here ya go.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Saturday, October 03, 2026 - 10:52 pm: Edit

Here is a post I made a few days ago. I'm repeating it since that's more reliable than posting a link, but it's still up there on 30 Sept 2026.

Information Warfare: Deadly Ukrainian Delta System
September 30, 2026: Before the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian A2724 organization developed the Delta battle management system. This system was made public in October 2022. Delta is a cloud-based platform that combines real-time data from satellite stills/video, radar, drone reconnaissance, and HUMINT (civilian and military reports) from the combat zone, displaying it on an interactive digital display. Ukrainian Defense officials point out that Delta is a digital battle management system that gives Ukrainian soldiers, battalions, and brigades a major advantage, as it enables them to observe the combat zone live and quickly know what has to be done next while automatically sharing information within a unit or, if necessary, with NATO allies. This produced dramatic results on the battlefield. Before Delta, once you identified a Russian target, it took about three days to launch an attack. With Delta, it takes seconds, or up to a minute in difficult circumstances.
Delta is a software-based system that can run on any desktop, laptop, tablet, or, in a limited fashion, on a smartphone. The system requires no special hardware and runs on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. That means any soldier or civilian operating near the fighting can contribute or quickly use Delta data. NATO specialists who have seen and used Delta call it militarized Google and urge NATO militaries to adopt and use the system quickly.
Delta does this by capturing video from surveillance drones to provide overall battlefield data, with all Ukrainian troops using the system. The system detects Russian troop positions and adds them to the battle map in real time. This enabled automated warfare, in which enemy targets were assigned to specific Ukrainian units, which then carried out the attacks. This has caused many Russian troops to spend most of their time hiding from the Delta system, because detection usually means death.
Using an AI/Artificial Intelligence system, the Ukrainians can track over 10,000 Russian weapons systems, troop positions, and drone operators each week. The map of these contacts is continually updated as the Russians move or are destroyed. At the same time, Ukrainian commanders can also see the positions and movements of their own troops. This has dramatically reduced the incidents of friendly fire when Ukrainian soldiers are hit by Ukrainian drones or artillery fire.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian drone operators joined in a NATO military exercise in Estonia. As the wargame proceeded, the NATO officers were shocked to see two of their battalions hit repeatedly and rendered ineffective. Ukrainians urged NATO to adopt Delta or develop something similar. After the demonstration, NATO commanders clamored for more information and helpsetting up their own Delta systems.
One of last year’s innovations in drone warfare was the Ukrainian use of AI for drone targeting systems. The AI drone contains a targeting system that finds targets. The AI drone operator confirms which targets are real and, once a target is confirmed, the AI targeting system needs no further communication. It resists all forms of jamming.
Modern warfare has been radically changed by the introduction of First Person View/FPV drones. These drones are an omnipresent aerial threat to armored vehicles and infantry. Each FPV drone costs less than $1,000. Operators use the drone's camera to see below and find targets. Armed FPV operators are several kilometers away to decide when their FPV drones will drop explosives on an armored vehicle, which has thinner armor on top, or infantry in the open or in trenches. To do so, drone operators often work in pairs, with one flying behind the other and focusing on the big picture while seeking a likely target. When the reconnaissance drone finds a target, the armed drone is directed to it. The two FPV drone operators are usually in the same room or tent and can take control of new drones, which are lined up and brought outside for launch when needed. The reconnaissance drones are often unarmed so they can stay in the air longer while searching for a target.
FYEO

By William Jockusch (Verybadcat) on Saturday, October 03, 2026 - 11:06 pm: Edit

RE: Delta. Yes. This is also part of why Ukraine's drones are so effective.

I still think you are missing my motive on harping on the drone situation so much. It's not to hype Ukraine. It's to wake up the US.

I obviously want my country to succeed. For most of my life, I have been confident its military was the best in the world. I want it to stay that way.

By Ryan Opel (Ryan) on Saturday, October 03, 2026 - 11:29 pm: Edit

In Memory of the service members lost during Operation Gothic Serpent.

Battle of Mogadishu
3-4 October 1993

1st SOF-D
MSG Gary Gordon
SFC Randy Shughart
SSG Saniel Busch
SFC Earl Fillmore
SFC Matt Rierson
MSG Tim "Griz" Martin

3rd Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment
CPL Jamie Smith
SPC JAmes Cavaco
SGT Casey Joyce
PFC Richard "Alphabet" Kowalewski
SGT Dominick Pilla
SGT Lorenzo Ruiz

160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
SSG William Cleveland
SSG Thomas Field
CW4 Raymond Frank
CW3 Clifton "Elvis" Wolcott
CW2 Donovan "Bull" Briley

1/14th Ingfantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division
SGT Cornell Houston
PFC James Martin


Rest in Peace Warriors

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 09:48 am: Edit

Apparently, Russia reads this board. The suggestion I made about having Ukraine start targeting Russian bridges has resulted in a Russian drone hitting a Ukrainian bridge in Kivv. Zelensky, are you listening?

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 10:21 am: Edit

For a moment there, when SVC was listing all the different kinds of drones, I thought he was taking about SFB rules.

()


Garth L. Getgen

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 03:23 pm: Edit

Bill: Waking up the US is a good thing, but the need to give more money to Ukraine, the need to give Ukraine our existing stocks of weapons, the need to license Ukraine to build key classified US weapons, and the need to build factories specifically so we can GIVE the production from those factories to Ukraine, all of which you call for constantly, doesn't seem to have much to do with waking up the US.

By William Jockusch (Verybadcat) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 04:02 pm: Edit

Well that's a different issue from whether or not US drones are good.

My contention is that stopping Putin now is cheaper than stopping him later. He has been threatening the Baltics, also he recently had threatening exercises near Kazakhstan. He has been launching attacks in Europe, there was a recent news story about his assassination plot in the US, he is helping the Iranians, he was partly behind the Minneapolis riots, and have we forgotten the Havana Syndrome.

Supporting Ukraine is the easiest way to contest all of that, aside from just being the right thing to do.

How expensive was the Cold War? Did Ukraine's incorporation into the USSR increase the challenge level?

And Ukraine has plenty to teach the US, if only we would choose to learn it.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 04:28 pm: Edit

The point, Will, is that I cannot square your claim you want to wake up the US with your constant demands that 'the right thing' is to support your relatives. If I had relatives there, or if Putin was threatening Colchester or Valkenburg, I would be campaigning to give money, weapons, and technology to the Netherlands. Just don't continue to claim you're being altruistic about your positions. Waking up the US is in the bottom half of your top 10 list; Ukraine has the top five spots. We all know it.

Look, you're the closest thing to a Ukrainian we have; so enjoy it, and just stop claiming that the US is first if your mind. Your words to date cannot support that claim. Welcome to the forum, Ambassador! We are genuinely glad you are here. Did you meet Paul, the UK ambassador?

By Paul Howard (Raven) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 05:07 pm: Edit

Off to bed.... so full details not yet seen - but it appears the B1's are being withdrawn from RAF Fairford.

I would guess they are going back to the States.

Either President Trump isn't happy with the UK response so far.... or there is a big enough risk still to them?

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 05:10 pm: Edit

I think it's not the UK response but the overall security situation. Trump would not do this because he is personally upset with the UK; he's doing it because the Air Force asked him to and make a case that it was the right thing to do.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 06:31 pm: Edit

Sadly, there are those who will be critical of any decision made by the President. (Heads I win, tails , you lose.)

Irrational haters will not make any attempt at judging the merits or consequences of any decision, just use it to attack in a partisan way.

Keeping the bombers safe and able to continue hitting terrorist targets is worth more than a flamboyant “ha ha, you missed!” Photo op that could only spur the Iranians to try again.

By William Jockusch (Verybadcat) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 06:34 pm: Edit

Pointing out a dangerous weakness in someone's military position is an act of kindness. If my only concern were Ukraine, I would not have gone off on that theme, to the point where it pissed you off.

The fact is I'm concerned about both.

Actually my number 1 concern is the potential for further lab leaks. This is why I voted for DJT, despite understanding that he would probably be worse for Ukraine.

By Mike Erickson (Mike_Erickson) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 07:38 pm: Edit

Also, bear in mind the B1s could always come back if the situation warrants and circumstances on the ground change.

--Mike

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 08:52 pm: Edit

Will, or do you prefer Bill, I'm good with the one you pick.

My analysis is based on your actions. As an act of kindness, I will note that if you had a different position you would have said different things. Your statements for the last year do not support the claims you make now. We can only tell where your heart is by your consistent positions. We all know very well where it is.

For the record, you have not "pissed me off" just raised concerns over your dogmatic adoption of positions that just aren't true. For now, just avoid sweeping statements like "all that is blue/gold is better than anything anywhere" and focus on "Flamingo has advantages over Tomahawk and Storm Shadow such as..." I have already shown just a few of the many examples where Ukraine is NOT superior to US technology. Feel free to state cases where that is true. Stop claiming every case is true when it is clearly not. Ukraine doesn't even have the kind of drones that submarines launch to do sneaking underwater things, to give just another example.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Sunday, October 04, 2026 - 11:37 pm: Edit

SVC:
Ukraine has demonstrated underwater drones able to navigate rivers large enough to handle river barges.

They have attacked river barges, river ships and bridges.

Granted, they are not as sophisticated as blue water capable western drones operated by U.S., U.K., or France… but have been sophisticated enough to identify the barges loaded with S-400 air defense missiles (as reported by several sources normally known as Main Stream Media.)

Ukraine was lucky that The Russians were stupid enough to put six months supply of S-400 missiles on the same barge.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 03:01 am: Edit

And, to be sure, Ukraine doesn't need that kind of drone. But the point is there are a lot of kinds of drones and Ukraine doesn't have the world lead in every single one of them.

By Ted Fay (Catwhoeatsphoto) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:29 am: Edit

Regarding waking up the U.S.: We're too insulated and too inured by images and videos on the internet. For most, Ukraine and Russia are "over there," and seldom if ever think about it or other threats. As a whole, the population cares about entertainment and pet causes, unconsciously assuming our military and superiority make a total and impregnable shield.

The U.S. likely won't "wake up" until it's directly attacked. Let us pray it won't be too late.

By Johnsonleu on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 12:17 pm: Edit

Authentication Error

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 03:41 pm: Edit

Ted, Will and I gave up trying to wake up the American people. We'll settle for waking up the Department of War.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 04:05 pm: Edit

Looks like the Department of War is in good hands.

Someone above posted a question about the DoW Secretary Hegseth reducing the number of flag officers by 20%, and asked if that was a good thing.

Some history for those who might have forgotten or never knew it.

The “reorganization” of the military establishment under then President Truman (I think it was in 1947), set up the structure for a rapid expansion of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

The idea was that there would be experienced flag officers (of all services) who would be in place for future emergencies. It was a complicated system of reserves, national guard and selected active duty officers in place waiting for orders.

it worked for the Korean War, Vietnam War.

It is long past the time for a review, but no president saw a need for taking on a fight with the congress (both house and senate) to fix something that many people don’t see is broken.

I do not know if the 20% reduction in officer slots is warranted, but a review sounds reasonable.

For a current example, the United Kingdoms Royal Navy now has more admirals on active duty, than the number of commissioned warships in service.

If there is to be a war with China in the near future, cleaning up the active duty officers ranks would be a good idea.

By Jessica Orsini (Jessica_Orsini) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 04:47 pm: Edit

Regarding the relocation of the bombers from RAF Fairford, Pres. Trump said roughly half an hour ago that "some threats" prompted the move.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:05 pm: Edit

Turns out that Ukraine imports and uses several US drones including Switchblade and Raven which demolishes the claim that all Ukrainian drones are better than US drones or the Ukrainians would be using the US drones.

They ARE using the US drones.