And even if they were, what exactly can the Indonesian military to Australia?

The risk is that Indonesia becomes a failed state: islamic militants running riot or a dictatorship.

So what I don’t understand is why does the RAN seem set on such a narrow specification for its new OPVs? 1,200t-2,000t? Way too restrictive. …. :confused:

The currrent boats are 270t.

2,000t is rather generous. Quantity also matters. Anything larger is frigate territory – there are frigate replace plans too. The OPV is also suppose to becommon with minehunters and hydrographic vesesls. The White Paper makes it sounds the US Litorral Combat Ship program.

Even a declaration of war….?

They’re already at war. It’s just long ceasefire.

IF it was hostile. it’d be interesting to see what the South Korea does. Everyone (besides NK) in th region wants to avoid a conflict.

…. “equipment output for every dollar spent”

Air Forces and Navies are expensive.

It is unclear whether any RAAF or other international classic Hornet operators have been affected by this grounding.

Carrier landings means a hard life. No word whether the USMC is troubled.

Hmm. That’s a good point, & one I hadn’t thought of.

The Saudis built an entire city to house foreign troops. To defend Saudi Arabia, you need armor. C-130 won’t cut it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Khalid_Military_City

USN Pilot

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/officerjo2/a/pilot.htm

….

Special Info:

– Must be within anthropometric limits. No waivers.
– Height restrictions: 62″ – 78″ (male) 58″ – 78″ (female) (Note: * applicants under 63″ will not likely pass anthropometric measurements)

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS:

In order to lower attrition rates and provide better quality applicants for Officer Candidate School and follow on training pipelines, CNRC is working closely with aviation community representatives in all areas. One particular area of concern is the anthropometrics measurements of pilots and naval flight officers. A strict process is used in Pensacola to measure applicants in order to determine which air frames they may qualify to fly. These measurements are based on several factors including height, weight, functional reach, buttocks knee length, and sitting height which are used to ensure the aviators safety on sitting in the cockpit as well as emergency ejections. These measurements include everything we have measured previously with the exception of buttock leg length. After studying the data the aviation community has come up with more accurate guidelines to apply for measurement ranges. The following are the accepted guidelines that should ensure compatibility with all pipelines. For applicants who may be close to limits I have access to the anthro website to enter data directly to check measurements. For qualified applicants who are possible selects who are close to limits we may also explore the option of sending them to Pensacola to check their measurements first hand.

FOR MALE SNA:

1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 29.5 inches or greater
2. Buttock Knee Length: greater than 22 inches, but less than 26.5 inches
3. Sitting Height: greater than 34 inches, but less than 38.8 inches

FOR FEMALE SNA:

1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 29.5 inches or greater
2. Buttock Knee Length: greater than 22 inches, but less than 26.5 inches
3. Sitting Height: greater than 33.5 inches, but less than 38.8 inches

FOR SNFO (MALE OR FEMALE):

1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 27.5 inches or greater
2. Buttock Knee Length: 20.5 inches or greater
3. Sitting Height: 32 inches or greater

The following guidelines give directions as far as height concerns. Generally an applicant between 66″ and 74″ will be compatible for all pipelines. [5’6 to 6’2]