STONE COLD COOPER!

[william]

Admiral Cooper just SHUT DOWN the munitions scare in one answer.

Asked how worried he is about a shortage of U.S. weapons to stop Iranian missiles and drones, he said: “I'm NOT CONCERNED AT ALL!” The United States, he said, is well armed and ready for any contingency. Pressed on estimates that 45 percent of Patriot interceptors and more than half of THAAD stock have already been fired, he did not flinch: “I’m not.” That is a combat commander, not a panel guest, telling the country the arsenal is not empty.

Why is the press selling a readiness crisis? I think we know why!

https://twitter.com/x/status/2099157823913414728

 

[RiffRaff]

On one hand, I thought those reports had to be BS when they first came out. US military policy has always been to be capable of fighting two major wars and one minor conflict simultaneously. I don't know if that's changed in the 21st century with their increasing reliance on technology, but still, to run short of weapons in only a few months while fighting a technologically and militarily inferior enemy? Didn't sit right with me.

On the other hand, ALL the news media is reporting on this - both right-leaning and left-leaning sources. When Fox News and CNN agree on something, that usually gets my attention. And it's not just American media reporting this. Plus factor in that it usually takes three missile interceptors to shoot down one incoming missile, and it's not just missiles we're trying to shoot down; it's also drones. Iran has launched over 2,000 ballistic missiles and over 5,000 drones, mostly half of which were fired in the first six weeks of the war. 7,000 incoming projectiles = 21,000 interceptor missiles fired. Now, granted, not all of those interceptor missiles were fired by the US, but 800 Patriot missiles were fired by the US in the first five days of the war. Makes it seem like the US is fighting a defensive war, and statistically, that's a losing war.

Finally, the only way for Cooper to keep his job is for him to say what he said, and if you think about it, he never really answered the question. "I'm not concerned" is a statement that neither confirms nor denies the assertion. Ultimately, I don't know who to believe.

 

[Torch]

On one hand, I thought those reports had to be BS when they first came out. US military policy has always been to be capable of fighting two major wars and one minor conflict simultaneously. I don't know if that's changed in the 21st century with their increasing reliance on technology, but still, to run short of weapons in only a few months while fighting a technologically and militarily inferior enemy? Didn't sit right with me.

We had switched to fighting one major a winning

and

fighting one major and holding
( or one minor and winning) by 1996 and the “peace dividend” RiF (reduction in forces) circ Bill Clinton So fighting in: Kosovo or Korea, plus China.

Obviously these things change, but that was the latest that I heard before we broke it down to one Major and many minors following 9/11.Today I understand we are One Major and One minor.

Iran has launched over 2,000 ballistic missiles and over 5,000 drones, mostly half of which were fired in the first six weeks of the war. 7,000 incoming projectiles = 21,000 interceptor missiles fired. Now, granted, not all of those interceptor missiles were fired by the US, but 800 Patriot missiles were fired by the US in the first five days of the war. Makes it seem like the US is fighting a defensive war, and statistically, that's a losing war.

A great many where not engaged as they were off course or not engaging an important point target. I hate to say this but Iran has been, generally, very good about its targets (far better then russia)

Further out a great many drones where engaged and destroyed by attack helicopters. Then Avengers and VAD’s.

No numbers but it is happening and successful.

Stepping it up fixed wing are intercepting drones and cruise missile.

That cuts down the numbers of ground launched interceptors required

Finally, the only way for Cooper to keep his job is for him to say what he said, and if you think about it, he never really answered the question. "I'm not concerned" is a statement that neither confirms nor denies the assertion. Ultimately, I don't know who to believe.

100%

 

[RiffRaff]

That cuts down the numbers of ground launched interceptors required

Excellent point, thank you.