Ken Chamberlain, Author at Defense News

New recruits get acquainted with Parris Island

Ken Chamberlain — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:10:31 +0000

A whole new group of recruits arrived at Parris Island, S.C., this week for 12 weeks of fun and relaxation.

Well, maybe not “relaxation,” and “fun” is questionable, but if they can get through the months of arduous training, they do get to call themselves Marines, which is pretty awesome.

Every year, thousands of recruits do make it through to become Marines, which must be on the minds of those pictured below, who are a part of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Battalion.

New U.S. Marine Corps recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, call their next-of- kin Jan 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. Each recruit gets in contact with either their next-of-kin or their recruiter when they arrive on the depot. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

New U.S. Marine Corps recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, wait before the iconic silver doors Jan. 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. If successful these recruits will earn the title Marine. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

A Marine Corps drill instructor orders new recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, through the iconic silver doors on Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 8, 2018. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Michael Means Jr. gives instructions to new recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Jan. 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. This begins their 13-week challenge to become a Marine. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

Marine Corps Sgt. Luis M. Lora gives recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, orders as they begin their processing Jan. 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

New Marine Corps recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, inventory their clothing issue Jan. 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. The uniform items are a part of the initial issue that every recruit receives when they arrive on Parris Island. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

Marine Corps Rct. Mitchell Sanchez, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receives his first recruit training haircut Jan. 8, 2018, on Parris Island, S.C. Sanchez, from Mansfield, Conn., is scheduled to graduate April 6, 2018. (Cpl. Vanessa Austin/Marine Corps)

Satellite images: A different view of Russia’s Vostok 2018

Ken Chamberlain — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 20:38:45 +0000

WASHINGTON — You might have been hearing about Vostok 2018 these past few days, and you might have even seen one or two ground-level photos. But have you seen Vostok from space?

Vostok 2018, which is Russia’s largest show of power in 40 years, is five days of military drills and includes Chinese and Mongolian troops.

The photos below were taken with DigitalGlobe’s high-resolution imaging satellites (GeoEye-1 and WorldView-3) above the Tsugol training area in eastern Russia. The imagery captured an airborne paradrop in progress with Il-76 Candid airplanes in flight dropping airborne fighting vehicles, equipment and personnel with parachutes, according to DigitalGlobe.

The images also reveal the scale and scope of the exercise, with thousands of armored vehicles, artillery and equipment assembled in formation and conducting a parade while Russian President Putin reportedly observed the forces.

Two of DigitalGlobe’s high-resolution imaging satellites (GeoEye-1 and WorldView-3) collected new imagery on Sept. 13, 2018, of the large Russian military exercise, Vostok 2018, being conducted at the Tsugol training area in eastern Russia. The imagery captured an airborne paradrop in progress with Il-76 Candid airplanes in flight dropping airborne fighting vehicles, equipment and personnel with parachutes, according to DigitalGlobe. The images also reveal the scale and scope of the exercise, with thousands of armored vehicles, artillery and equipment assembled in formation and conducting a parade while Russian President Putin reportedly observed the forces. (Satellite image ©2018 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company.)

Here are some of the highlights so far from RIMPAC 2018

Ken Chamberlain — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:51:34 +0000

WASHINGTON ― Were you at the Rim of the Pacific exercise this year? If not, you missed all sorts of ships, aircraft and PowerPoint presentations.

Yes, PowerPoint presentations.

RIMPAC, which began in 1971, runs from June 27 to Aug. 2. This year’s RIMPAC, the 26th of the series, included 25 nations, 46 ships, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel, plus five submarines.

Below are photos highlighting some of the training so far ― including riveting presentations ― and off-hour happenings.

180703-M-FW387-0217 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 3, 2018) – Canadian Army Pte. Felix Belanger, a line gunner with the Royal 22e Régiment prepares for a simulated raid with his squad at a combat town as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 3, 2018. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jon Spencer)

180706-N-FV745-1144 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2018) Navy Divers, assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, transit to the USS Arizona Memorial for a dive during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise, July 7. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel James Lanari/Released)

180706-N-CW570-2247 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 6, 2018) U.S. Navy Divers, assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1, and Royal Australian Navy Divers dive the USS Arizona Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion watch a USMC CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter depart the drop zone after dropping military members into the ocean during helicopter casting training at Blue Beach during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello)

180708-O-N0842-3008 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 8, 2018) Members of the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Recon battle the surf during amphibious landing training on rigid-hull inflatable boats at Blue Beach training area during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 8. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)

180708-N-OW019-1066 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 8, 2018) Royal Canadian Navy coastal defence vessel HMCS Yellowknife (706) sails alongside the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) on July 8 in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018. 25 nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC, provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Logan C. Kellums/Released)

180707-G-DX668-1114 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 7, 2018) An aircrew member from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento communicates with an aircrew aboard an HC-130 from Air Station Barbers Point Hawaii after the HC-130 aircrew landed in Sacramento, Calif., July 7. Twenty-five nations, more than 46 ships and 5 submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi/Released)

180709-O-N0842-1002 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 6, 2018) The Royal Canadian Navy’s Interim Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ship, Motor Vessel Asterix departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on July 9 to participate in the sea phase of Exercise RIMPAC 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Imagery Technician Sgt Devin VandeSype/Released)

180706-N-VR594-1005 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2018) Chilean Navy Commodore Pablo Niemann, maritime component commander, from Valparaíso, Chile, addresses participants of a legal symposium held during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey J. Hockenberger/Released)

180703-M-WI555-0063 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 3, 2018) Mexican marines with the Marine Amphibious Infantry Brigade maneuver through a live-fire range during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 3, 2018. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)

180704-N-PM193-0072 PEARL HARBOR (July 4, 2018) Guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) sit moored during the harbor phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2018. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander C. Kubitza/Released)

180705-M-FA245-1012 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 5, 2018) An Indonesian surfaces from the water during shallow water egress training as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 5, 2018. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adam Montera)

180706-M-KC456-1114 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2018) Philippine and U.S. Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, disembark from a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter and post security during an air-assault rehearsal as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 6, 2018. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Miller)

180708-N-ZZ513-1180 PEARL HARBOR (July 8, 2018) Indonesian sailors aboard the Republic of Indonesia Navy landing dock ship KRI Makassar (590), perform a traditional Indonesian dance at a reception during Rim of the Pacific exercise on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 8. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Natalie M. Byers/Released)

180706-O-N0842-3007 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 6, 2018) Members of the Canadian 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment signal the start of an attack by firing the C6 General Purpose Machine Gun during a live-fire exercise at range 208 Charlie during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)

180706-O-N0842-3016 CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 6, 2018) United States Marine Corps Sergeant Andrew Springer discussing the FGM-148 Javaline Missile Launcher and control system with members of the Canadian 1st and 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Camp Pendleton, July 6. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces Photo by Ordinary Seaman Justin Spinello/Released)

180709-M-QG131-0001 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 9, 2018) A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, provides overwatch during an integrated squad exercise with Mexican marines assigned to the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade as they navigate the infantry immersion trainer (IIT) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. The IIT provided the Marines with “hands on” practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Maida K. Zheng)

180706-O-N0842-2034 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2018) A Canadian Aurora aircraft (CP140118) arrives at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Canadian Armed Forces photo by Imagery Technician Cpl Trevor Matheson/Released)

X-ray bombs: When conventional explosives just won’t do

Ken Chamberlain — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:38:06 +0000

WASHINGTON ― We’ve all been there … well, some, at least: You have a pile of chemical or biological weapons you want to destroy, but you don’t want to risk spreading the toxic mess over a wide area.

What do you do?

You could be extremely careful, making sure no stray missiles hit something other than their target. Or you could use X-rays.

The U.S. Defense Department is researching how to use an X-ray bomb to neutralize chemical and biological weapons without damaging the structures that hold the weapons, New Scientist reports.

Outside the X-ray suite at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Although the technology behind such a bomb isn’t publicly available, the article notes that researchers have looked at using conventional explosives to compress aluminum or helium to the point that the compressed material emits bursts of X-rays.

However, to be effective in destroying either chemical or biological materials, an X-ray bomb would have to produce radiation tens of thousands of times stronger than the typical chest X-ray. This would not just destroy the weapons, but would also kill anyone unlucky enough to be standing near the X-ray burst.

Safety tips for ‘not a flamethrower’ thanks to … Dr. Seuss?

Ken Chamberlain — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 19:52:09 +0000

When is a flamethrower not
When its flame is still mighty hot?

Is it When you agree to conditions and terms
Is it When your pants catch fire and burn

Is it when you cook your steak
Is it when you toss you burning steak into a lake

Is it when your point it at a friend
Is it when you his hair burns to the end

This device from Boring
Might send your insurance bills soaring
Into the sky, into the dusk
Thanks to its founder Elon Musk.

USA Today video

If you feel the need for speed, should you go Navy … or Air Force?

Ken Chamberlain — Thu, 31 May 2018 18:06:52 +0000

If you feel the need for speed, do you fly Navy or do you fly Air Force?

Actor Tom Cruise might opt for the former, especially after he implied on Twitter today that the sequel to the movie “Top Gun” had begun production. The original movie was about Navy Top Gun aviators.

The Air Force, however, gently reminded Cruise that if he truly felt the need for speed — a famous line from the movie —he should try flying an Air Force F-15E …

… to which the Navy took exception:

.@usairforce Remember, boys, no points for second place. @flynavy
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) May 31, 2018

Oh, we know that the original “Top Gun” wasn’t exactly … accurate, as We Are the Mighty pointed out in exhaustive detail back in 2015. In fact, Defense News reporter Valerie Insinna had some ideas of how to make the new movie better:

What do you think? What do you want to see in the movie?

And regardless if the Air Force is correct or the Navy, the new movie will be a great chance to feel the need for speed, again.

#Day1 pic.twitter.com/7jjPL277Es
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) May 31, 2018

If Maverick really had a need for speed, he could hop into one of our F-15E Strike Eagles! #DYK: They have a top speed of 1,875 miles per hour. https://t.co/RQtJoWfGJo
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) May 31, 2018

Things I want in #TOPGUN2 :

1. FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS
2. Cool fighter jets, obvi
3. Sweaty men hugging each other
4. Full, well-groomed mustaches
5. An X-32 appearance
6. Throw an F-35 in there too, why not
7. Charlie coming back for a minute to punch Maverick in the face.
— Valerie Insinna (@ValerieInsinna) May 31, 2018

US Army uses laser to test explosives without the explosion

Ken Chamberlain — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:32:57 +0000

WASHINGTON ― It may soon be possible to test a stockpiled explosive without having to set off an explosion.

All stored explosives ― from blasting caps to nuclear weapons ― need to be tested every now and again to make sure they work and that they won’t accidentally go off while in storage.

But “large-scale explosives testing” (to make sure everything is copacetic) is “time-consuming, expensive and poses numerous safety hazards,” according to Jennifer Gottfried, a research at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

Snapshots from high-speed video showing the formation of a laser-induced plasma (8.9 mm tall) on an explosive residue; the resulting shock wave, which can give researchers a good idea of the explosive’s volatility, is shown in the first frame. (David McNally/Army)

Instead, the laboratory has come up with a way to use a high-powered laser to blast off from the explosive a few thousandths of a gram, in a process that takes only a few billionths of a second.

The energy released from the laser colliding with its target can be then measured to give researchers (and eventually service members) an idea of the volatility of explosives that have been stored for some time.

The “laser-based technique developed at ARL will enable the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to cheaply and easily monitor the quality of their weapons stockpiles to ensure that the weapons soldiers are using are safe and effective,” the service said.

How many bombs have been dropped in Afghanistan?

Ken Chamberlain — Tue, 01 May 2018 17:56:11 +0000

Just how many munitions have been released in Afghanistan and Iraq/Syria during the past few years?

Well, a lot.

This is particularly true during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. At its height in August, more than 5,000 weapons were released before subsequent months as the fight against ISIS ramped down a bit, according to U.S. Air Forces Central Command.

Meanwhile, more munitions were dropped in Afghanistan during the first three months of this year than were dropped during the same time period in 2011.

Scenes from the airstrikes on Syria, and the aftermath

Ken Chamberlain — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 15:04:21 +0000

What happened during and after the United States on Friday night launched a retaliatory strike against Syria for its use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians? Below are images and video from the attacks and after:

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile early Saturday, April 14, 2018, as part of the military response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons on April 7. The United States, France and Britain launched military strikes in Syria to punish President Bashar Assad for an apparent chemical attack against civilians and to deter him from doing it again. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trey Fowler/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile Saturday, April 14, 2018, as part of the military response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons on April 7. The United States, France and Britain launched military strikes in Syria to punish President Bashar Assad for an apparent chemical attack against civilians and to deter him from doing it again. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trey Fowler/U.S. Navy via AP)

In video released Saturday morning, the USS Monterey, a guided missile cruiser deployed to Fifth Fleet, launches Tomahawk missiles at Syria as part of an allied strike on April 13, 2018.

The Damascus sky lights up missile fire as the U.S. launches an attack on Syria targeting different parts of the capital early Saturday, April 14, 2018. Syria’s capital has been rocked by loud explosions that lit up the sky with heavy smoke as U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes in retaliation for the country’s alleged use of chemical weapons. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford, explains the U.S. role in joint airstrikes with the United Kingdom and France against Syria during a Apr. 13 press conference. (U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith/Defense Department)

Smoke rises after airstrikes targeting different parts of the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria, early Saturday, April 14, 2018. Syria’s capital has been rocked by loud explosions that lit up the sky with heavy smoke as U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes in retaliation for the country’s alleged use of chemical weapons. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows the damage of the Syrian Scientific Research Center which was attacked by U.S., British and French military strikes to punish President Bashar Assad for suspected chemical attack against civilians, in Barzeh, near Damascus, Syria, Saturday, April 14, 2018. A Syrian military statement said in all, 110 missiles were fired by the U.S., Britain and France and that most of them were shot down or derailed. Russia’s military said Syrian air defense units downed 71 out of 103 cruise missiles launched by the U.S. and its allies. (SANA via AP)

CORRECTS TO SUNRISE – Smoke rises at sunrise after airstrikes targeting different parts of the Syrian capital Damascus, early Saturday, April 14, 2018. Syria’s capital has been rocked by loud explosions that lit up the sky with heavy smoke as U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes in retaliation for the country’s alleged use of chemical weapons. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Director, Joint Staff, US Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., shows a damage assesment image of the Him Shinshar Chemical Weapons Storage site as he briefs the press on the stikes against Syria, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on April 14. 2018. The Pentagon said Saturday that a joint US-British-French operation against Syria’s regime had “successfully hit every target,” countering assertions from Russia that dozens of missiles were intercepted. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Planet, a commercial satellite company, released two images of an area of Damascus, one taken before the coalition airstrikes and one after.

Syrian government supporters wave Syrian, Iranian and Russian flags as they chant slogans against U.S. President Trump during demonstrations following a wave of U.S., British and French military strikes to punish President Bashar Assad for suspected chemical attack against civilians, in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, April 14, 2018. (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is pictured during his meeting with Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin in Moscow on April 14, 2018. Russia’s defense ministry said on April 14 the Western strikes claimed no victims among Syrian civilians or military. (Mikhail Klimentiev/AFP/Getty Images)

Syrians wave the national flag and portraits of President Bashar al-Assad as they gather in Aleppo’s Saadallah al-Jabiri square on April 14, 2018, to condemn the strikes carried out by the United States, Britain and France against the Syrian regime. (George Ourfalian/AFP/Getty Images)

In this picture released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks at a meeting in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, April 14, 2018. Khamenei said that the U.S.-led attack on Syria is a “crime” and said the countries behind it will gain nothing. The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the strikes and warned of unspecified consequences. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

How much do NATO member nations spend on defense?

Ken Chamberlain — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 16:26:05 +0000

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced on Friday that NATO member countries that are seeking exemptions from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs might be asked to step up their contributions to the organization.

President Trump has long sought to get NATO allies to spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense.

But how close are NATO members to that 2 percent threshold? Use the arrows in the chart below to scroll through the years: