heywood on 29/3/2020 at 16:28
Quote Posted by SubJeff
The military will still be ready. Even if some of the leaders are taken out by the virus - and the way you describe it heywood, that's not the likely case - defence capability would not be affected. You'd need a different virus that's less discriminating on age.
A virus that's less discriminating based on age would be more effective, sure. But even this coronavirus is proving to be pretty good at degrading military readiness. I'm a former military officer and still keep in touch with a fair number of friends in the DoD. From what I've been hearing, most of our domestic bases are operating on minimal staff, there are sick-outs, supplies are getting short, equipment isn't moving. Moreover, the major defense suppliers and contractors are operating at maybe 50% of normal despite being declared essential businesses in all states that have imposed shut down orders.
One thing we have going for us, militarily, is our huge Navy and Marine Corps. They normally operate in inherent isolation, and can deliver a significant military response almost anywhere in the world in relatively short order. But other countries don't have that. And even in our case, once you need more than a rapid response, we're dealing with a degraded force.
Keep in mind that conventional warfare is 80% logistics, 15% air superiority, and 5% everything else. One can quibble with the numbers, but the relative importance of logistics can't be understated. Infantry, airborne, armor, etc. are literally the tip of a long spear that starts back in the continental US with a civilian workforce. If your objective is to degrade an adversary's ability to wage war, you target the base of the spear, not the tip.
Prior to this virus, I was sure that any major military action against one of world's largest powers would be preceded by a cyber attack. Now I think we've exposed our greater vulnerability.
SubJeff on 29/3/2020 at 16:35
In future, with something slightly different, slightly more virulent, sure.
Starker on 29/3/2020 at 16:41
Quote Posted by heywood
Prior to this virus, I was sure that any major military action against one of world's largest powers would be preceded by a cyber attack. Now I think we've exposed our greater vulnerability.
And thanks to your Senate botching the response in January-February, the earliest you can deal with it is in November.
lowenz on 29/3/2020 at 17:17
Quote Posted by Vae
3) The Wuhan virus is a bioweapon that was released purposefully - In the case, China would be guilty of
homicide...which would instantly place us at war with China.
Yes, to kill chinese population too......are these fever-induced dreams?
Starker on 29/3/2020 at 17:21
The virus has a theme song now (caution -- NSFW lyrics):
[video=youtube;e0-2XxgHIXk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0-2XxgHIXk[/video]
Vae on 29/3/2020 at 17:28
Quote Posted by lowenz
Yes, to kill chinese population too......are these fever-induced dreams?
I am simply presenting three possibilities, and their significance. As of right now, regardless of likelihood, it hasn't been ruled out.
Starker on 29/3/2020 at 17:56
What's the point of deploying a bioweapon within your own borders? To give the enemy time to take precautions?
