Recommended by a Friend: Dr Jim Greer at the Maneuver Warfare Symposium.

On my "To Do List" to watch: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS-YSz9LkjA

WW2 American Infantry Experience in European Theatre of Operations (ETO) - Audible Book: Closing With The Enemy

I can highly recommend my current Audible book on the US Army in the ETO (European Theatre of Operations) and how they fought .. or .. rather how they changed the way they fought from the Normandy beaches, through the bocage through France and into Germany. Incredible detail, particularly with reference to the urban combat (Brest and Aachen) and the ingenuity employed (see below, another book I pick away at during car journeys and walking the dog): 

Particularly as it gives great reference to US learning experience and their adaptation in confronting challenges - on the fly changes and inventing doctrine that worked (like pulling a M12 155mm SP howitzer into a street fight to emphasise a point to some defending Germans and positioning artillery perpendicular [aka already flanking the position to be attacked] to teh axis of attack on a village, so that there is no longer a problem of short rounds [blue-on-blue] and the attacking infantry can "pounce" on still stunned defenders). 

1/72 ArmourFast M18 Hellcat US Tank Destroyer WWII

This made me a happy man, a US 20mm WWII M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer (see below, a long lost prize is found):

The M10 Wolverine and M36 Jackson have been acquired but I held getting the M18 as it was only available in expensive metal to my knowledge. I think now my WWII US Tank Collection is complete .. unless you want an M6 or T14. The kit is quick and simple to build (see below, it is a boon getting two kits in a box):

These will be perfect for those late 1944-45 battles into the Reich (see below, now get on with that painting):

My wish list of "tanks I want to get" (in 20mm) now is reduced to:

• American: None (Note: I am foolishly forgetting about the Pacific)
• British: Archer Tank Destroyer (probably end up getting a metal one)
• German: Pz II FlammPanzer (Pink Flamingo), Pz I "Heavy" Tank, Dicker Max SP Gun, (another) 35t, Pz IIIC
• French: To be fair "numerous" ones from Early War Miniatures inclusing a Char 2c
• Soviet: Aerosans
• Japanese: "Various little Tankettes", Type 28
• Hungarian: Turan
• Italian: L6, L3-33, M11/39

Not that big(ish) a list anymore!

Semi-Autonomous and Autonomous Robots in the US Military

From the document: "This Directive: a. Establishes DoD policy and assigns responsibilities for the development and use of autonomous and semi-autonomous functions in weapon systems, including manned and unmanned platforms. b. Establishes guidelines designed to minimize the probability and consequences of failures in autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems that could lead to unintended engagements."

https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=726163

The above does not quite make me sleep any more easy ...

Interesting Blog .. Historical and Cultural Music references not Wargaming ;)

https://havechanged.blogspot.co.uk

Note: It does include video clips (sporting) that contain er, strong language.

Ranger's Lead The Way

I picked up this interesting "hit the beach" packet of Pegasus Miniatures WWII US Rangers (D-Day) aka "Saving Private Ryan". Almost as exotic as the Soviet Naval Infantry from Pegasus  I already have, I hear them calling me from the loft (see the Rangers below):

The other item of passing interest is a Russian  1/144 WWII fighter from Zevezda (see above and below):

Need to find some quiet time in the Greenhouse with these methinks ;)

WW2 US 1/144 aircraft production line

While I was on holiday I settled down to an industrialized production line of US 1/144 aircraft (as well as the 28mm Sparabara). A collection of US Pacific aircraft (see below):

• Hellcat
• Aircobra
• Corsair
• Warhawk

Cheap and tantalizing enough these Revell mini-kits are perfect to build up into formations of flights of three. Revell also do the Japanese opposition but I have not seen hem in the shops yet.

I will have to did out my "Battle of Britain" Spitfires, Hurricanes, Stukas and Me109s from the sam erange, I remember a bit of a bulk buy I made last year still residing up in the loft

Interesting US Modern (Naval) Site URL

http://thediplomat.com/the-naval-diplomat/

PS Navwar: I'll get there in 1/3000 eventually, but I've just got to finish off the WWI and WWII fleets first, the 1982 Falklands Conflict then I can get into the 21st Century

US Armoured Infantry

Here's one I've done previously, to use the infamous 'Blue Peter' presenter catch-all phrase. A mixed manufacturer picture of an Esci White Scott Car (OK so there are no decals, what's new there then), part of a Hasagawa M3 Half Track and some (squad of) my Revell WW2 American Ardennes infantry. These were done as a trial batch a couple of years ago.

The plan was/is to set a factory production system and "go through the lot" (and there is an awful lot of bare green plastic) in a week. They were my first attempt at the PVA pre-coat system, but suffer methinks from too much PVA covering too much detail.

The paint scheme is taken from the back of the Revell box and is now in question. These are slightly later figures than the Valiant Miniatures 1942-44 GI but I do so like Valiant's painting guide. Also, although not a fan (or rather I am ignorant of the Flames of War system) their 'all the colours you need' US painting pack looks quite an attractive option too.

The above however will remain painted as is for posterity and more importantly are wargame ready :)