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What is the most powerful flying bug?
This poll is closed.
🦋 15 3.71%
🦇 115 28.47%
🪰 12 2.97%
🐦 67 16.58%
dragonfly 94 23.27%
🦟 14 3.47%
🐝 87 21.53%
Total: 404 votes
[Edit Poll (moderators only)]

 
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Pener Kropoopkin
Jan 30, 2013

by Jeffrey of YOSPOS

(and can't post for 26 days!)

The biggest hole in Brown Note Moses's cope thread is the total lack of any OSINT evidence demonstrating genocide.

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Ardennes
May 12, 2002

BadOptics posted:

I would have thought referencing the soon to be shuttered Oryx (on the start of the US fiscal year no less!) would have given away the sarcasm but....

Don't worry everyone is being sarcastic, Oryx is a f'ing joke.

Endman
May 18, 2010

That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even anime may die


Lostconfused posted:

Nobody gives a poo poo about Ukraine, Americans and Europeans just want to feel good about being on the right side of history again.

They managed to do it once during wwii and have been chasing that high ever since.

this is funny considering how much of Europe actually united behind the Nazis

Lostconfused
Oct 1, 2008

BadOptics posted:

I would have thought referencing the soon to be shuttered Oryx (on the start of the US fiscal year no less!) would have given away the sarcasm but....

:same:

Pener Kropoopkin
Jan 30, 2013

by Jeffrey of YOSPOS

(and can't post for 26 days!)

V. Illych L. posted:

i, and i don't say this lightly, don't get the impression that anyone here thinks that there haven't been war crimes (at least in the abstract; specific allegations have varied) from the russian side. the issue in contention is the specific allegation of genocide. obviously this isn't saying that there definitely isn't an ongoing genocide, but it is certainly a good reason to object to people saying that there definitely is an ongoing genocide, which is a real tendency in my country's media as well as on these very forums

If doing war crimes was the threshold for "genocide" then the UN would also be on the hook for it. They've reduced the meaning of "genocide" to any time our enemies do bad things.

BadOptics
Sep 11, 2012

Pener Kropoopkin posted:

The biggest hole in Brown Note Moses's cope thread is the total lack of any OSINT evidence demonstrating genocide.

I guess next week is payday week.

Lostconfused
Oct 1, 2008

Endman posted:

this is funny considering how much of Europe actually united behind the Nazis
Helping nazis never stopped anyone from taking credit for beating nazis.

Second Hand Meat Mouth
Sep 12, 2001

Pener Kropoopkin posted:

If doing war crimes was the threshold for "genocide" then the UN would also be on the hook for it. They've reduced the meaning of "genocide" to any time our enemies do bad things.

though they also found no genocide in xinjiang and your explanation doesn't hold there

Horseshoe theory
Mar 7, 2005

Lostconfused posted:

Helping nazis never stopped anyone from taking credit for beating nazis.

Nazis like killing other Nazis (see the Night of the Long Knives)!

Pener Kropoopkin
Jan 30, 2013

by Jeffrey of YOSPOS

(and can't post for 26 days!)

Second Hand Meat Mouth posted:

though they also found no genocide in xinjiang and your explanation doesn't hold there

Not sure how this contradicts what I said.

Second Hand Meat Mouth
Sep 12, 2001

Pener Kropoopkin posted:

Not sure how this contradicts what I said.

never said it did, your explanation just doesn't cover the whole gamut of genocide investigation refusals

DancingShade
Jul 26, 2007

by Fluffdaddy

Ardennes posted:

That is the whole trick with the OSINT concept: it is sold as "democratizing intelligence gathering" when it is really just about gaslighting the public from a different utilizing data or images that while open source are clearly not verified.

It's a laundromat but for information real or otherwise rather than money. They'd like the money too though.

Clip-On Fedora
Feb 20, 2011

Pener Kropoopkin posted:

Bad news for the credibility of Lord of Pie - the Gunthering continues:

https://twitter.com/GunterFehlinger/status/1698728435323990495?s=20

I like to imagine Gunther sobbing and flailing his arms around as ran away from Austria

Horseshoe theory
Mar 7, 2005


Is he going to Kosovo to instigate an international incident with Serbia? :thunk:


"I'm crushing your head!"

Popy
Feb 19, 2008

Gunther wishes he was a real german

Ardennes
May 12, 2002

Popy posted:

Gunther wishes he was a real german

No Austrian in history has ever wanted more than anything to be German and to remap Europe

DancingShade
Jul 26, 2007

by Fluffdaddy
Love Gunther's lifestyle. Travelling and living it up as a silver haired paid influencer. Maybe the oryx team can get into selfie camera pro NATO travel blogs in their new enterprise.

Lostconfused
Oct 1, 2008

This is all Bismarck's fault.

Officer Sandvich
Feb 14, 2010
https://twitter.com/georgewbarros/status/1698811406798225464

Endman
May 18, 2010

That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even anime may die


to be fair to Austria, they were the heart of Germany before Prussia (a bunch of angry, German speaking Poles) ruined everything

Frosted Flake
Sep 13, 2011

Semper Shitpost Ubique

I thought this article was interesting and aligns with the very long book I read about the leadership and culture of the Soviet military, plus the papers on Russian military reform, Myths and Realities of the Russian/NATO NCO Systems

The article argues, persuasively, that Russia's armed forces demonstrate a significant degree of small unit leadership, autonomy, and initiative, contrary to Western characterizations that often portray these attributes as absent or underdeveloped in the Russian military context.

One example is the "Alyosha tank" crew. This unit acted autonomously to eliminate a Ukrainian column of vehicles, making on-the-spot decisions about routes, targets, and modes of engagement. They did this without higher-level oversight, exhibiting a level of initiative and autonomy that belies the prevailing Western narrative. This autonomy isn't limited to tanks or even regular military units but extends to other entities operating within the Russian sphere, like the Wagner private military company, adding a layer of complexity to the operational landscape. Russian military strategy isn't a reflection of innate brilliance but is shaped by the current state of technology and the demands of modern warfare. The article suggests that should the U.S. find itself in a high-stakes, high-intensity conflict, it would likely also adapt to enable similar levels of small unit autonomy. However, the inertia of bureaucratic structures could potentially slow down such an evolution in the context of Western militaries, which are often critiqued for their rigidity.

The article also links this to a theory about Russia's current attritional approach. Russia is possibly waiting for a 3:1 force ratio advantage to emerge, a conventional prerequisite for minimizing casualties during assaults. In contrast to this 'wait-and-see' approach by Russia, Ukraine's future actions, particularly its success or failure in mass mobilization, could significantly influence the strategic calculus for both sides. Depending on how Ukraine's mobilization efforts pan out, Russia might either escalate its operations to take advantage of a weakened Ukrainian military or continue its current attritional approach for a more extended period. It's a refreshing counterpoint to stereotypical Western views on the Russian military's capabilities, emphasizing its small unit autonomy and flexibility. The situation is fluid, influenced by technological changes and strategic considerations like force ratios and attrition rates. The next few months will probably be the test if Russia's tactical successes can be translated into strategic advantages.

I would like to present a Third Way, however.

The American Model: The NCO as the Backbone

In the American military system, Non-Commissioned Officers serve as pivotal figures in the operational fabric. Often dubbed the "backbone" of the military, NCOs act as critical conduits between enlisted men and commissioned officers. Their roles are diverse, encompassing both leadership and technical expertise. NCOs are groomed to take initiative and be decision-makers, thus fostering a balance between command from above and tactical creativity from below. However, despite the merits, the American model has faced criticisms for being too reliant on technology and perhaps less agile in complex, fluid battle scenarios.

The Russian Model: Autonomy and Hierarchical Harmony

Contrary to Western stereotypes that paint the Russian military as monolithic and rigid, the truth is far more nuanced. Russian military leadership has undergone significant transformations, especially evident in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Here, the Russian forces demonstrated a surprising degree of tactical autonomy, so much so that it often confounded Western military analysts. Russian officers, trained in "operational management in combat," facilitate a blend of overarching strategy and ground-level decision-making. Moreover, the atomized structure of Russian units, incorporating everything from militias to semi-private military companies like Wagner, creates an unconventional, flexible force. Yet, this structure may lack the operational cohesion required for large-scale, coordinated maneuvers.

The British Model: Shoulder to Shoulder, Blade by Blade

The British Army of 1908 sets the standard of operational and tactical prowess. Emerging from the crucible of conflict in Afghanistan (1878 to 1880) and the Boer War, the British military has undergone reforms aimed at responding to the new strategic environment and building individual skill in the ranks. The intent, as articulated by eminent figures like Leo Amery and Brigadier General Michael Rimington, is to cultivate "active, conscious discipline" and "individual initiative" at all levels—from the commissioned officer to the non-commissioned officer and the rank-and-file.

The British officer class is not merely a product of elite education; they are embodiments of an intricate blend of bookish knowledge and practical combat experience. Unlike their American counterparts, who, despite their merits, have been critiqued for an over-reliance on technological aids, or the Russian officer cadre, who often overshadow their NCOs, British officers stand out as holistic military leaders. They are groomed to be more than commanders; they are instructors, strategists, and at times, even philosophers of warfare.

The Non-Commissioned Officers in the British Army are not merely subordinate extensions of the officer class. They are highly trained professionals, capable of individual leadership and intricate tactical decisions. They benefitted from a dedicated NCO school, founded in 1904, aimed at augmenting their command and combat responsibilities. While the American military model positions the NCO as the "backbone," British NCOs are akin to the nervous system—translating high-level strategic directions into ground-level actions with an added layer of sophistication and experience.

Beneath them, The rank-and-file of the British Army are not mere cogs in a military machine but individuals trained for "individual efficiency." They are groomed for individual marksmanship and encouraged to think on their feet. In contrast to the atomized and multi-faceted Russian structure, the British Army maintains both unity and individuality, allowing for a tightly-knit but flexible operational force.

In India, the British Army is also enriched by one other thing the Russians and Americans lack: Martial Races, Daffadar and the Sepoy. These are not just soldiers but representations of an empire where the sun never set a rules-based international order. They have proven themselves as critical elements of Britain's imperial reach high readiness, rapidly deployable intervention forces, leveraging native valour in a framework of British military doctrine. Their presence adds an intricate layer of complexity and capability that neither the American nor Russian models can replicate.

The British Army's regimental culture is unique. Rooted in a blend of tradition and tactical evolution, each regiment had its distinct ethos and combat style. This uniqueness is not a hindrance but an asset, creating a multi-faceted force capable of adapting to varying combat scenarios. Unlike the American model, which has sometimes been criticized for its homogeneity, or the Russian model with its complex amalgamations, the British regimental system is a proven formula for creating a cohesive yet versatile fighting force.

The Unsurpassed Ideal

The British Army of 1908 represents a pinnacle in military organization and effectiveness. Unlike the American forces, which, despite their merits, face criticisms for technological dependency and less agile maneuvering, or the Russian forces, lauded for their flexibility but questioned for their operational cohesion, the British Army stands as an unparalleled example of what a balanced, versatile, and effective military force can be. It is an army where officers, NCOs, Daffadars, sepoys, and common soldiers work in concert, shaped by a regimental culture that is both unifying and empowering. In sum, the British Army of Victoria and Edward is not just a military organization; it is the embodiment of an ideal—an ideal that has yet to be surpassed.

Slavvy
Dec 11, 2012

Lostconfused posted:

This is all Bismarck's fault.

:hai:


Lol they have literally just reached the first actual defensive line. The definition of the word line is where the war will be won or lost now.

Pener Kropoopkin
Jan 30, 2013

by Jeffrey of YOSPOS

(and can't post for 26 days!)

DancingShade posted:

Love Gunther's lifestyle. Travelling and living it up as a silver haired paid influencer. Maybe the oryx team can get into selfie camera pro NATO travel blogs in their new enterprise.

Guys like Gunther come from a totally different lifestyle and career path than the computer touchers who get into osint. None of them are going to be as photogenic as our Fuhrerlinger.

Danann
Aug 4, 2013

Frosted Flake posted:

People ITT are going to laugh but it reduces Military Science to the level of Political Science or Econ when they do poo poo like this. If the purpose of the discipline is to Slava and get people killed making avoidable mistakes, what the gently caress are we doing here? Why bother with the years of study and methodology and everything else if we're going to just push vibes based public outreach?

If Military Science is going to be falsified at the public outreach level, and has been in the think tanks for years, why not reports to government as well? All of the journals from the first half of last year are unreadable as they contorted themselves to reach overoptimistic conclusions that cut against basic principles like "industrial base", "military aged male population", "weight of shellfire". Nobody wanted to hear that, barring Russian political will and morale causing government to decide to exit the conflict, the outcome of the war was predetermined. That doesn't mean it's not true and everyone working in defence could evaluate that it was true. This is important because being able to identify factors like that is very important to our own planning and policy.

If we're going to suspend disbelief and reject basic principles of the operational art, tactics and national defence strategy, then why bother with the professional track education? Why not merge War Studies and Defence Studies into one vibes based field that supports the public facing government policy in every eventuality?

It's the logical endpoint of the tendency you postulated about how there is a heavy reliance on information warfare and other unconventional warfareisms due to the reduced material base from which to draw solutions from. The one shell factory in all of America is maxed out for years, throughput increase is slated for war's end, and any extra money thrown at it just results in shuffling around premium deliveries; meanwhile there's still capability for intensifying information warfare and everyone still agrees on the narrative including those Russian liberals who naturally are the only free souls in all of Russia.

In other words, because the only strong manufacturing left is manufacturing narratives, the Democrats may as well try to narrative harder because anything else is to admit that they've miscalculated and started a war that they will lose.

Pener Kropoopkin
Jan 30, 2013

by Jeffrey of YOSPOS

(and can't post for 26 days!)


It looks like they just captured 5 farm fields.

Truga
May 4, 2014
Lipstick Apathy
good job on pushing through those lines against all odds, but if this is a 3rd and final layer, what are all those other red lines behind it?

BearsBearsBears
Aug 4, 2022

Pener Kropoopkin posted:

It looks like they just captured 5 farm fields.

You have to look at it holistically. Ukraine didn't just capture 5 farm fields but also denied the 5 farm fields to the enemy. Ukraine is now up 10 farm fields relative to Russia since this time yesterday.

Lostconfused
Oct 1, 2008

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1698278897752686891

Hedenius
Aug 23, 2007





Lithuanians when people point out that 95% of the Lithuanian Jews were murdered:

tristeham
Jul 31, 2022

Raskolnikov38 posted:

https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/1698731654909440477
https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/1698733153869803933

you see serious bodies rely upon things like evidence and facts whereas open sores intel is vibe and bribe based and thus much better

lol

Majorian
Jul 1, 2009

Raskolnikov38 posted:

you see serious bodies rely upon things like evidence and facts whereas open sores intel is vibe and bribe based and thus much better

Ah, the Robert Conquest model.

Dokapon Findom
Dec 5, 2022

But have you considered whether the child murdered by the driver of that truck was riding an oversized bike?!?! Children riding oversized bikes are the scourge of our roadways!!
Permaban the United Nations for bad vibes

Ytlaya
Nov 13, 2005

Ardennes posted:

That is the whole trick with the OSINT concept: it is sold as "democratizing intelligence gathering" when it is really just about gaslighting the public from a different angle: utilizing data or images that while open source are clearly not verified.

Or in the case of something like the genocide thing, just drawing completely bizarre and arbitrary conclusions from the data/images.

Like I imagine their reasoning is similar to the Zenz stuff, where they're taking some photos (though in the Zenz case it's just anecdotes) from Bucha or whatever and being like "now if we assume that the number of people killed was actually roughly 100x this and also applied in every single Ukrainian village and city, you can see that it's a genocide."

Officer Sandvich
Feb 14, 2010

:(

Lostconfused
Oct 1, 2008

Уголок Ситха posted:








A model, from a reader, of the T-72B3 tank with an SMO theme.
#modeling
(from t.me/Ugolok_Sitha/16026, via tgsa)

tristeham
Jul 31, 2022
osint deez nuts

Dokapon Findom
Dec 5, 2022

But have you considered whether the child murdered by the driver of that truck was riding an oversized bike?!?! Children riding oversized bikes are the scourge of our roadways!!
The UN said no genocide... I can’t believe it! :wth:

speng31b
May 8, 2010

Dokapon Findom posted:

Permaban the United Nations for bad vibes

Done.

Psycho Society
Oct 21, 2010
💤

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Ardennes
May 12, 2002

The Ukrainians are a bit overdue for a big stunt.

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