US forces must relearn old skills and practices in case an adversary denies them access to the services’ advanced-technology capabilities, the top Marine Corps officer said Tuesday. With the growing threat of being forced to operate in an information-denied environment, the Marine Corps is adjusting its training to make its forces relearn how to use paper maps, basic voice radios, and camouflage, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said at a Center for Strategic and International Studies event. “We’ve developed a system of warfighting that‘s very dependent upon the internet, and the network in space,” he said. Looking at potential adversaries, “do we think that’s going to be there, that network is going to be there?” he said. “I don’t think you can assume that.” Neller said there has to be a balance. “We have to leverage the technology we have for its operational advantage,” but adjust training “to be prepared to fight if it’s not there,” he said. (See also: Never Assume Space is Safe, Hyten Cautions.)
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
