With a name like “Air Serbia’, it has to be trustworthy, Right? Right?? -SF BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia’s authorities are investigating reports that a cargo package bound for Portland contained two missiles with explosive warheads on a passenger flight from Lebanon. N1 television said the package with two guided armor-piercing missiles was discovered Saturday by…
Smart Guns: An Unproven Technology
An Interview with Wayne Weber, President of Heckler and Koch USA. The trend of making conventional objects “smart” is continuing unabated, and now even firearms are beginning to have computers integrated into them. The Cipher Brief spoke to Wayne Weber, President of Heckler & Koch USA, about the rise of smart guns. He says that…
WW2 Book Review Combo
Today I will be reviewing two books that deal with “Behind-the-Lines” Operations during World War Two. I have been doing quite a bit of research lately on the OSS and SOE Operations throughout the War, and both of these book are rich with material. It is amazing to me that even after 60+ years after…
World War Two History: 10 Mind Blowing Secret Operations from WW2
During World War II, tons of secret operations were conducted by both sides. While many were daring, some of them stand out as incredible, with mind-blowing operations that seem straight out of a historical thriller novel. . 10. The Olterra The plan sounds like something from a spy movie—to use a secret underwater base as…
Brush-Up On Your History: Why the Civil War Was NOT about Slavery
Conventional wisdom of the moment tells us that the great war of 1861—1865 was “about” slavery or was “caused by” slavery. I submit that this is not a historical judgment but a political slogan. What a war is about has many answers according to the varied perspectives of different participants and of those who…
Curio and Relic Firearms: Experimental Muzzle Cover for 1893 Mauser
(Note: this rifle was removed from the auction, so I have no link to provide for it) I have been unable to find any history on this particular rifle, which is an experimental mixture of parts, including a bayonet lug and a sporter-style rear sight on a 7x57mm 1893 model Mauser action. What is interesting…
Support the EOD Warrior Foundation
Support the EOD Warrior Foundation EOD stands for Explosive Ordinance Disposal. These are the men and women who disarm, contain, and dispose of bombs and IEDs. When things go wrong for an EOD Tech, it does so catastrophically. A wounded EOD Tech may suffer loss of limbs, burns, paralysis, blindess, Post Traumatic Stress or Traumatic…
Military Weapons from the Past: WW1 German Gewehr 98 Sniper
a Very Unique and RARE Weapon from the Great War. What is amazing to me is the scope actually had a BDC dial on it! This is early 20th Century Equipment and snipers had the ability to “dial in”!? Wow.
Military Humor: Lt. Who Would not sign for Billion Dollar Power Armor Facing Court Martial
FORT BLISS, Texas — Army 2nd Lt. James Patterson is facing court-martial after refusing to sign for his platoon’s four experimental powered exoskeletons, totalling $2.3 billion in value. “They just assumed I’d take responsibility for this gear I can’t afford to replace,” Patterson complained. “We took inventory and couldn’t even find one of the power suits…
Crusader Corner: Terrorist Strike Ivory Coast Beach resort in Africa, Death Toll at 16
“Ivory Coast shooting: ’12 dead including four Europeans’ in gun attack on Grand-Bassam beach resort popular with Western tourists,” by Samuel Osborne, Independent, March 13, 2016 (thanks to Steve): Several people are feared dead after at least four heavily armed gunmen attacked a beach resort in the Ivory Coast. At least 12 people are reported…