Forces in Profile: Iraqi Special Operations Forces

The Iraqi Special Operations Forces are a group of Elite soldiers created in 2003 by the Coalition. This force, who draws the majority of its personnel from Kurdish and Shia Iraqis, was initially trained by US special forces in Jordan, and as a result sports much of the same tactics and equipment as their US counter parts.
Given the Secular nature of the conflict in Iraq there have been, and are constant fears that this mostly Kurdish/Shia force would follow the pattern set by other Iraqi

forces of persecuting Sunnis. However given the highly professional Nature of this force incidents that are, and were endemic of the Iraqi National Police, and secular Iraqi Army Units are largley absent from this unit.

Additional Resources:
ISOF
Strategy Page Article
ISOF Gold Face Book Page

Military News: QF16 , the $15+mil target

Recently the US Air-force (USAF) announced the flight of its first QF16. They had recently given Boeing a contract ($70mil) to convert its aging fleet of F16 trainers into QF16 target drones. At the average cost of $15mil a pop at construction, these trainers are not cheap targets, however the USAF figures it will be a bargain since the Aircraft are available (First QF16 to take flight had been mothballed for 15 years). So there is no build cost, just the contract and conversion costs.



After the announcement there are two questions that quickly come to mind. 
One: Is it worth spending so much money on these one shot targets? Surely at our level of technology and logistical pull we could create and field low cost, high speed/mobility drones.
Two: Would it be feasible, and probably more cost effective, to convert these Trainers into Attack Drones rather than Targets?
Three: With the US contracts to foreign Nations, would they not be able to sell these surplus aircraft for pure gain?

Additional Resources:
Wired: QF16 Article
Boeing: QF16
BBC: QF16

Song of the Day 26 Sep 13 PT2: Heavan Shall Burn- Hunters Will be Hunted

Song of the Day 26 SEP 2013: Marathonmann - Holzschwert

Song of the Day 24SEP13: Sabaton - Swedish Pagans

Kit: Israeli Mitznefet

The Israel Defence Force(IDF)'s Mitznefet, is a doubled sided helmet cover, and is fairly said a rather goofy looking item that is unique to this country. Issued first in 1994 this now standard piece of kit is designed to break up the distinctive outline of the infantry man’s rigid round helmets. It does this rather well, also covering up large portions of the soldiers neck and face if arranged properly; this helps immensely when trying to avoid the sun as well. With its elastic band this helmet cover can be used by its self or with a ball cap to achieve an over all better camouflaged state. This is a great piece of kit which is not all together hard to get out side of Israel; I highly recommend it to all people serious about effective camo yet unwilling to commit to a full gillie suit.

Additional Resources:
Nahal’s Elite Unit Field Exercises Israel FEB 2013
Israel

Camouflage: Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces

The Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) is the Army of Japan in all but name(which is directed by the Japanese constitution). In 1985 this camouflage pattern, a 4 color variation of the German Flecktarn, was introduced as standard issue. This camo is presented in two cuts, summer and winter weight, with the only differences being fabric thickness and the addition of vent panels on the shoulder blades of the blouse for the summer weight. An addition variation exists only for the winter field jackets and gortex gear, these feature more brown in the pattern then the standard variation. Theoretically this simulates the absence of foliage, which is typical for the winter season. There is no Desert version of this Camouflage.
Overall I really like this camo, it suits the green non urban zones of Japan and would be well suited in many other woodland regions of the world. However, due to the limited GOV only issue of these camies it is nearly impossible to get your hands on an authentic set unless you are willing to settle for chinese knock offs. I was lucky enough to find one of my coworkers who was a JGSDF reservist and now this camo mixed with German Flecktarn are my forest go to camies.

Additional Resources:
Flecktarn
Kamouflage.net Article
Japan

Military News: Russian Foreign Legion

The Russian Foreign Legion (RFL)is a new idea (2010) for the former Soviet power house, and is aimed primarily at recruiting the 25million or so Ethnic Russians that currently reside in former Soviet states. While bringing these Ethnic Russians back into the fold is the primary goal, any one who does not already hold duel citizenship can join (Provided they meet the requirements). Contracts will be for 5 years, and members will be eligible for Russian Citizenship after 3.

Opinion:While learning Russian would be cool, and serving in a Foreign Legion is always great for the adventurous among us who lament in the posh western lives we live, one must never forget that this is Russia we are talking about. Russia, while it has come leaps and bounds in terms of military professionalism and modernization since the since the 2008 Russian-Georgia War, the pay is still poor, the equipment antiquated, and moral is usually abysmally low due to a culture of abuse and alcoholism. If you are seeking adventure, the French Foreign Legion (FFL) is still going to be your better option.

Side note:
Currently no Internet or English related websites that substantiate recruitment or requirements for the RFL.

Additional Resources:
Foreign Legions
Russia