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Before I have expanded on how the arms of ISIS/similar groups are the result of regional arms supplies, the purchasing decisions of armed groups in the area, etc, but this isn't so much the case with accessories, such as optics, suppressors & other non-lethal items.
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Before I have expanded on how the arms of ISIS/similar groups are the result of regional arms supplies, the purchasing decisions of armed groups in the area, etc, but this isn't so much the case with accessories, such as optics, suppressors & other non-lethal items.
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Items such as optics are a v. interesting case in point, 'cos by their nature they are less regulated than firearms, things like ITAR notwithstanding. What's more, penalties for smuggling of such are likely to be less. This means high-end optics can reach armed groups.
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This is demonstrated by Pulsar, Fortuna, ATN, Dedal and other civilian thermal optic manufacturers' scopes appearing in places like Iraq, Syria & Afghan.
Many of these optics would've be military grade only quite recently, and may exceed government forces' equipment locally!
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Many of these optics would've be military grade only quite recently, and may exceed government forces' equipment locally!
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However, other things apart from thermals are quite easily smuggled. This includes civilian red dots (Such as from Bushnell, Aimpoint etc), generic copies, as well as things like body armour
Globalisation means these items are much more easily obtained, even internationally.
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Globalisation means these items are much more easily obtained, even internationally.
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This can also include non-lethal firearm-related items that can greatly assist armed non-state organisations' abilities, such as tactical accessories, gun chronographs, and other shooting resources. Not to mention tactical training resources, and medical equipment.
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Also, the internet has made things like crafting a well-built, effective suppressor much easier, given the abundance of information online. The suppressor is a very useful tool for a non-state force. One that has any workshop ability and an internet connection can build them.
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What does this all mean?
Simply, globalisation & the information age means that equipment/abilities that previously would only really be limited to state or state-linked organisations are now available. Such as NATO-style small unit tactics with an entirely suppressed squad.
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Simply, globalisation & the information age means that equipment/abilities that previously would only really be limited to state or state-linked organisations are now available. Such as NATO-style small unit tactics with an entirely suppressed squad.
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This is a rather modern challenge to Western (& Eastern) forces & is a fascinating discussion point.
Whilst small unit tactics/body armour/optics/suppressors do not mitigate air power/arty etc, having guaranteed equipment overmatch, particularly at night, is no longer given.
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Whilst small unit tactics/body armour/optics/suppressors do not mitigate air power/arty etc, having guaranteed equipment overmatch, particularly at night, is no longer given.
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We haven't even considered the transfer of knowlege from organisations that were once state/state sized (Like Baa'thist iraq or IS) to their successors. Like organisational skills, or Intelligence Skills, or even VBIED construction knowlege.
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This isn't intended to be an exhaustive or even detailed take on the subject. I just think it's something worthy of discussion.
cc @MENA_Conflict @AbraxasSpa @thinkdefence @thegrugq @HKaaman
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cc @MENA_Conflict @AbraxasSpa @thinkdefence @thegrugq @HKaaman
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