chris talpas

Pretty standard pathogens that you could see in analytical testing labs serving hospitals or pharmaceutical manufacture.
The geobacillus stearothermophilus for instance is used as a reference organism (Biological Indicator)  in the validation of sterilization cycles  in pharmaceutical applications (primarily those manufacturing sterile dosage forms) since its spores are extremely hardy.
 

Good interview with a Canadian commander who was involved in NATO training of the Ukrainian forces.  She gets into changes that were instituted  in nature of command structure empowering local commanders with taking initiative rather than the Soviet/Russian top down almost micromanagement approach.  The development and importance of the senior NCOs was also discussed.  She also expresses her immense pride in how the Ukrainian forces have performed and her confidence in them.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2011381827562
 
 

Pretty standard pathogens that you could see in analytical testing labs serving hospitals or pharmaceutical manufacture.
The geobacillus stearothermophilus for instance is used as a reference organism (Biological Indicator)  in the validation of sterilization cycles  in pharmaceutical applications (primarily those manufacturing sterile dosage forms) since its spores are extremely hardy.
 

I personally think NATO should go ahead and give the planes to the Ukraine.  We have already delivered countless anti tank and anti air missiles that have killed hundreds of Russian vehicles and many aircraft.  Yes it is some escalation, but we've already sent so much.  I also find it interesting that the Russian cease fire request came shortly after the Polish announcement.  Coincidence? maybe.
I don't think at this stage we want to suddenly have cold feet.  We've been firm and true to our words of no NATO troops on the ground or in the air over Ukraine.  However we have also provided unprecedented material support.
 

I personally think NATO should go ahead and give the planes to the Ukraine.  We have already delivered countless anti tank and anti air missiles that have killed hundreds of Russian vehicles and many aircraft.  Yes it is some escalation, but we've already sent so much.  I also find it interesting that the Russian cease fire request came shortly after the Polish announcement.  Coincidence? maybe.
I don't think at this stage we want to suddenly have cold feet.  We've been firm and true to our words of no NATO troops on the ground or in the air over Ukraine.  However we have also provided unprecedented material support.
 

13th day of war, but our jets still flying. From where? We will know that after the war

Don't want to distract from the main Ukraine thread, but I would love to see a meaningful discussion amongst the Canadian members, and other interested allies in another thread (open to suggestions as to most appropriate sub-forum) on what would be the most effective reforms/rebuilding for the Canadian armed forces?  How steps should Canada take to make our forces more effective in light of the reality of the current world that doesn't appear to believe in the post-national ideal?
It would be interesting to hear what changes could be made to procurement policies: for example, given the realization that we are seriously under-prepared for the present situation, what changes can be made such that purchases of foreign off the shelf kit be made easier?
How do you divide the pie between the Army, Airforce, and Navy?
Then you can get into relative merit of kit.
 

Don't want to distract from the main Ukraine thread, but I would love to see a meaningful discussion amongst the Canadian members, and other interested allies in another thread (open to suggestions as to most appropriate sub-forum) on what would be the most effective reforms/rebuilding for the Canadian armed forces?  How steps should Canada take to make our forces more effective in light of the reality of the current world that doesn't appear to believe in the post-national ideal?
It would be interesting to hear what changes could be made to procurement policies: for example, given the realization that we are seriously under-prepared for the present situation, what changes can be made such that purchases of foreign off the shelf kit be made easier?
How do you divide the pie between the Army, Airforce, and Navy?
Then you can get into relative merit of kit.
 

You have to hand it to President Zelensky, he is quite determined and persuasive.  Much like  people are pleasantly surprised at the unity shown amongst democratric nations against Russia, who've instituted broad and punishing sanctions.  The corporate world is showing significant initiative in instituting measures as well.  No doubt driven in part by a fear by the general public who are quite supportive of the Ukraine's cause.
Many are surprised at how this president, given his 'entertainer' background, would rise to Churchillian stature.
Zenensky's atypical behaviour -he didn't go running to protect his butt, has not only inspired the Ukranian people but the rest of the world as well.  That the Ukrainian people are continuing to resist and shown no signs of surrender against significant odds, tells me that they are a people worth fighting for. 
Forgive me for this politically incorrect statement -but these Ukrainanians are no Afghans.
How much blood and treasure did NATO spend in Afghanistan and for what?
Not only the US, but many of the Alliance's nations served there, bled and died.
Let us remember that when we see these brave Ukrainians begging for help.
How can we be creative without crossing into direct Blue on Red conflict?

If the transfer of planes is going to occur, could get into an almost Battle of Britain feel to it .  One important aspect of that historical success was that shot down British pilots were parachuting into friendly territory unlike the Germans.  Same situation could apply here.
We'll see

You have to hand it to President Zelensky, he is quite determined and persuasive.  Much like  people are pleasantly surprised at the unity shown amongst democratric nations against Russia, who've instituted broad and punishing sanctions.  The corporate world is showing significant initiative in instituting measures as well.  No doubt driven in part by a fear by the general public who are quite supportive of the Ukraine's cause.
Many are surprised at how this president, given his 'entertainer' background, would rise to Churchillian stature.
Zenensky's atypical behaviour -he didn't go running to protect his butt, has not only inspired the Ukranian people but the rest of the world as well.  That the Ukrainian people are continuing to resist and shown no signs of surrender against significant odds, tells me that they are a people worth fighting for. 
Forgive me for this politically incorrect statement -but these Ukrainanians are no Afghans.
How much blood and treasure did NATO spend in Afghanistan and for what?
Not only the US, but many of the Alliance's nations served there, bled and died.
Let us remember that when we see these brave Ukrainians begging for help.
How can we be creative without crossing into direct Blue on Red conflict?

You have to hand it to President Zelensky, he is quite determined and persuasive.  Much like  people are pleasantly surprised at the unity shown amongst democratric nations against Russia, who've instituted broad and punishing sanctions.  The corporate world is showing significant initiative in instituting measures as well.  No doubt driven in part by a fear by the general public who are quite supportive of the Ukraine's cause.
Many are surprised at how this president, given his 'entertainer' background, would rise to Churchillian stature.
Zenensky's atypical behaviour -he didn't go running to protect his butt, has not only inspired the Ukranian people but the rest of the world as well.  That the Ukrainian people are continuing to resist and shown no signs of surrender against significant odds, tells me that they are a people worth fighting for. 
Forgive me for this politically incorrect statement -but these Ukrainanians are no Afghans.
How much blood and treasure did NATO spend in Afghanistan and for what?
Not only the US, but many of the Alliance's nations served there, bled and died.
Let us remember that when we see these brave Ukrainians begging for help.
How can we be creative without crossing into direct Blue on Red conflict?

If the transfer of planes is going to occur, could get into an almost Battle of Britain feel to it .  One important aspect of that historical success was that shot down British pilots were parachuting into friendly territory unlike the Germans.  Same situation could apply here.
We'll see

Sure they are but more like the ones that beat us.  And I am not talking ideology or character but will to fight.  The Taliban fought an insurgency for 20 years against NATO and never thought of tapping out.  
Given what I have seen so far the Ukrainians might be even more hardcore, which is even more bad news for the Russians.

If the transfer of planes is going to occur, could get into an almost Battle of Britain feel to it .  One important aspect of that historical success was that shot down British pilots were parachuting into friendly territory unlike the Germans.  Same situation could apply here.
We'll see

You have to hand it to President Zelensky, he is quite determined and persuasive.  Much like  people are pleasantly surprised at the unity shown amongst democratric nations against Russia, who've instituted broad and punishing sanctions.  The corporate world is showing significant initiative in instituting measures as well.  No doubt driven in part by a fear by the general public who are quite supportive of the Ukraine's cause.
Many are surprised at how this president, given his 'entertainer' background, would rise to Churchillian stature.
Zenensky's atypical behaviour -he didn't go running to protect his butt, has not only inspired the Ukranian people but the rest of the world as well.  That the Ukrainian people are continuing to resist and shown no signs of surrender against significant odds, tells me that they are a people worth fighting for. 
Forgive me for this politically incorrect statement -but these Ukrainanians are no Afghans.
How much blood and treasure did NATO spend in Afghanistan and for what?
Not only the US, but many of the Alliance's nations served there, bled and died.
Let us remember that when we see these brave Ukrainians begging for help.
How can we be creative without crossing into direct Blue on Red conflict?

In a better quality
 

Some interesting analysis -a lot has been mentioned already in this thread, but adds some additional points on command and control and limits on manpower that can be supported by Russian logistics and their need to capture major airports.
 

What a day! Next Su-34 fell down! 58th motorized brigade's work! Probably Chernihiv or Sumy oblast
One of the crew is dead. The emblem belonged to the same 2nd Mixed Aviation regiment, which lost own Su-34 several hours ago.

I'm not sure how 'chilled' I would be if I were in Ukraine now rather than in safety in the west.

Interesting analysis on how Russian civil aviation is set to implode due to sanctions looking at aircraft leases, maintenance facility access and eventually spare parts.
Chris

I loved seeing that guy pop out of the hatch with his phone in hand - I was imagining he's looking up a YouTube video on how to start the tank. Because of course there'd be a YouTube video for that !

An interesting panel discussion on the current Russian Military Campaign in Ukraine put on by Center for Strategic & International Studies:
I thought it had a lot of good analysis and interchange between the panel.  The panel itself was pretty impressive.
Chris

Long time lurker who harkens back to the original beyond overlord days.
Thank you Steve and BFCElvis for letting this thread go on, and your reasonable moderation policy.  Thank you as well Steve for the insightful commentary; I find it a very useful and informed source of information -Your background in Soviet and Russian military history and the time spent beforehand in scoping out the backstory around CMBS which has turned out to be prescient.  Thank you as well for the countless hours of enjoyment I've had over the years playing your creations!
To the contributers -thank you as well for the information and commentary.  It makes for a good sanity check against the other sources of information that bounce around out there.
To Haiduk -I wish you all the best for success and safety in defending against this onslaught driven by one man whose actions right now do not seem rationale
To the people of Ukraine: Slava Ukraini!
To the people of the rest of the world -keep pressure on your governments to continue to help Ukraine with meaningul aid and punish Russia till they withdraw.
Finally to the people of Russia: I hope that Vladamir Putin's days as your leader are short and that you have a real democratic opening.  I think the west bears no ill will to Russian people.  I think most of the world would welcome a democratic and economically thriving Russia.
Chris
 

Long time lurker who harkens back to the original beyond overlord days.
Thank you Steve and BFCElvis for letting this thread go on, and your reasonable moderation policy.  Thank you as well Steve for the insightful commentary; I find it a very useful and informed source of information -Your background in Soviet and Russian military history and the time spent beforehand in scoping out the backstory around CMBS which has turned out to be prescient.  Thank you as well for the countless hours of enjoyment I've had over the years playing your creations!
To the contributers -thank you as well for the information and commentary.  It makes for a good sanity check against the other sources of information that bounce around out there.
To Haiduk -I wish you all the best for success and safety in defending against this onslaught driven by one man whose actions right now do not seem rationale
To the people of Ukraine: Slava Ukraini!
To the people of the rest of the world -keep pressure on your governments to continue to help Ukraine with meaningul aid and punish Russia till they withdraw.
Finally to the people of Russia: I hope that Vladamir Putin's days as your leader are short and that you have a real democratic opening.  I think the west bears no ill will to Russian people.  I think most of the world would welcome a democratic and economically thriving Russia.
Chris