Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 17
April 17, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-17-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
U.S. news:US helicopter raid in Syria targets an Islamic State leader
A helicopter raid by U.S. forces in northern Syria early on Monday resulted in the “probable death” of a senior leader of the militant Islamic State group, the U.S. military said.
The U.S. Central Command said in a statement that the IS leader, who was not named, was “responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe.” Two other “armed individuals” were killed along with the target of the raid, CENTCOM said. The statement said no civilians or U.S. troops were hurt in the operation.
Syria’s White Helmets, a civil defense group operating in opposition-held areas of northern Syria, said it transported two people wounded during the raid to a local hospital, which later said they had died. A third person was killed when the U.S. forces landed for the raid, the White Helmets said.
Suspect charged in US classified documents leak case
The suspect in the US classified documents leak was charged in a federal court Friday with unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information, as well as unauthorized removal of classified information and defense materials.
Jack Teixeira, who was arrested by the FBI on Thursday, was an airman with the Massachusetts Air National Guard, where he worked as a low-ranking IT official. He held a top secret security clearance and allegedly began posting about the documents online around December, court documents show.
Teixeira, 21, is believed to be the head of an invite-only Discord chatroom, multiple US officials told CNN, where information from the classified documents was first posted months ago.
The leaked US documents included detailed intelligence assessments of allies and adversaries alike, including on the state of the war in Ukraine
Russia and Ukraine news:
The Russian government has become far more successful at manipulating social media and search engine rankings than previously known, boosting lies about Ukraine’s military and the side effects of vaccines with hundreds of thousands of fake online accounts, according to documents recently leaked on the chat app Discord.
The Russian operators of those accounts boast that they are detected by social networks only about 1 percent of the time, one document says.
That claim, described here for the first time, drew alarm from former government officials and experts inside and outside social media companies contacted for this article.
“Google and Meta and others are trying to stop this, and Russia is trying to get better. The figure that you are citing suggests that Russia is winning,” said Thomas Rid, a disinformation scholar and professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He added that the 1 percent claim was probably exaggerated or misleading.
The death toll from Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine’s city of Sloviansk rose to 11 Saturday as rescue crews tried to reach people trapped in the rubble of an apartment building, Ukrainian authorities said.
Ukraine’s air force said the country would soon have weapons with which to try to prevent attacks like the one on Friday. The delivery of the Patriot air defense system promised by the U.S. was expected in Ukraine sometime after Easter, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said.
…
A group of 65 Ukrainian soldiers completed their training last month at Fort Sill, a U.S. Army post in Oklahoma, and returned to Europe to learn more about using the defensive missile system to track and shoot down enemy aircraft.
Slovakia gives Ukraine remaining 9 of 13 promised warplanes
China news:
Slovakia has delivered the remaining nine of the 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets that it promised to Ukraine, the Slovak Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry said the warplanes were transported overland for security reasons in a “complicated logistics operation.” The first four were flown from Slovakia to Ukraine by Ukrainian pilots on March 23.
“We are doing the right thing,” Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said in a statement.
China’s defense minister visits Russia and meets with Putin.
The Chinese defense minister has hailed the “substantial achievements” of close cooperation with Russia’s military and said China is ready to deepen the partnership to “make new contributions to stability and security” globally, in the latest sign of Beijing’s commitment to its relationship with Moscow.
“Mutual trust between the Chinese and Russian militaries is growing stronger by the day, and our cooperation has resulted in substantial achievements,” Li Shangfu told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a meeting on Sunday as he began a three-day visit to Moscow.
China is willing to “further improve strategic communication and strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation to make new contributions to stability and security in the region and globally,” Chinese state media on Monday reported Li as saying.
Why China Won't Invade Taiwan Anytime Soon
From the opinion piece in Time Magazine:
Middle East news:
More importantly, Xi is spending considerable energy these days on playing a larger role on the global stage, particularly as a peacemaker. He has offered a 12-point peace plan for Ukraine he hopes will encourage others to see China as a global mediator, even if this particular plan has no chance of success. This past weekend, Xi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission Chairman Ursula Von der Leyen to Beijing for discussion of the Ukraine war and the future of China’s relations with Europe more broadly. Though Xi didn’t promise his European guests to lean harder on Russia, the Chinese and French governments issued a joint statement pledging they would work together to bring Russian and Ukrainian negotiators to the bargaining table.
This follows the remarkable visit to China of the foreign ministers of Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, where they agreed under China’s mediation to improve their historically contentious relationship. Most importantly, just days ago, Taiwan’s former president Ma Ying-jeou became the first current or former Taiwanese leader to visit the mainland since Taiwan broke away in 1949, and during his visit he spoke of the “common inheritance of blood, language, history and culture” between the two sides, raising hopes in Beijing that reunification can still be achieved without risking a potentially catastrophic conflict. In short, Xi Jinping wants to be (at least perceived as) a peacemaker, and though Taiwan’s future remains of far more importance to him that any of these issues, China’s president is unlikely to reverse all these diplomatic victories by stumbling into a costly war.
April 13, 2023
Podcast Episode 4-13-23
Hey guys,
Welcome to the View from the Front podcast. If you just happened to stumble by, let me say a quick word about what we’re doing here.
For those who don’t know, my name is Stan R. Mitchell, and I’m a prior Marine and journalist.
Every week, I primarily do three things with my podcast:
Work to highlight what our military troops are doing around the world, while also trying to better educate Americans about looming hotspots and foreign policy news you absolutely should know. (Why I focus on foreign policy...)
Attempt to unite our country and remind us of how lucky we are to live in America. Our division and animosity toward each other is dangerous, and I want to do my small part to remind us that more unites us than divides us, and that most Americans are good and not screaming, crazy extremists like you see on the news all the time. (My thoughts on the division in this country...)
Finally, I always share plenty of motivation and wisdom at the end of the episode, because I want to do my small part to help encourage you and lift you up. Life is certainly hard, and I think it’s fair to say all of us need all the motivation and encouragement that we can possibly get.
In this episode, we’ll be discussing several topics, that I think will really interest you, and that I almost guarantee you haven’t seen in the news! T
The work I do each week is primarily a podcast. You can listen to it from the player above, or from whatever podcast you listen to it from.
And if you love what I’m doing here, please sign up for email notifications. It’s FREE. Unless you choose to subscribe and support what I’m doing. It’s $5 per month should you choose that option, and you can cancel at any time.
Subscribing also gets you The View from the Front Extended. This is a daily edition that comes out each weekday and is a way to provide value and thank my paying subscribers.
Also, people are always asking me on social media how to best support my dreams, including getting out future books sooner. Believe me, the best way to support me is by signing up for a paid subscription here. Or, you can sign up at Patreon or at Venmo (@authorstanrmitchell).
But you don’t have to do any of these things. I’ve already had incredible support and feel called to do this. As long as I’m making enough to cover the time I invest each week, I’m not going anywhere. Why paid subscriptions help, and what they’d help me do more of...
Enough of the sales pitch, I hope you enjoy today’s edition. Again, you should listen to it from the player above.
Short announcement regarding publication scheduleI wanted to make a short announcement regarding the future publication schedule of The View from the Front.
From this point forward, I’ll be putting out the podcast on Thursdays and publishing on Mondays the news update that I call “The View from the Front Extended.”
I had originally planned to do The View from the Front Extended periodically, but being the overly-ambitious person that I am, I changed that to each weekday, Monday through Friday (even on Thursdays when I put out the podcast, because yes, I’m that foolish).
I did this because of “goals” and “dreams” and all that. And even Monday through Friday wasn’t enough for my overly-optimistic brain so I made it mornings, as well, because why not? lol.
I think I secretly hoped a regular schedule with so much content would skyrocket the growth of the endeavor and get me closer to my dreams — and out of the day job.
It helped the growth a small amount, but nowhere near what I thought it might. (Believe me: I’m a used car salesman's dream customer. You can get me to believe anything in my head sometimes!)
As you could probably guess, this high level of production wasn’t sustainable with my current life circumstances, which my wife warned me about weeks ago as I blundered into this quicksand of my own making, lol. But like so many men, sometimes we can be hardheaded, obtuse, and poor of hearing.
Regardless, from this point forward, The View from the Front Extended newsletter will come out on Mondays for paid subscribers (with a short preview to free subscribers) and the podcast will come out on Thursdays as a free edition for everyone.
Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding. (And if you want to pile on in the comments about the foolishness of men and the wisdom of women, I grant you that right. Believe me, I recognize women have been more wise and perceptive than men for centuries. lol.)
Love and peace,
Stan R. Mitchell
That’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and try your best to love your fellow Americans.
So many men and women have sacrificed, fought, and died to keep this country together the past 240-plus years. Please work daily to unite our country again. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.
Also, please try to be a better person each and every day. Try to be kinder on social media and how you interact with others with whom you disagree.
Please join me again in our next episode, and please stay safe until then.
And with that, I’m out.
Love and peace,
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I’ve written a CIA/Marine sniper series, a detective series, a private investigator series, an action-packed Western, a motivational self-help book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan. You can find all of these books on Amazon.
P.P.S. Want to know more about me? Click here: About me. You can also learn more about my journey here: Writers are crazy, and I’m crazier than most.
April 12, 2023
Short announcement regarding publication schedule
Good morning, my friends,
I wanted to make a short announcement regarding the future publication schedule of The View from the Front.
From this point forward, I’ll be putting out the podcast on Thursdays and publishing on Mondays the news update that I call “The View from the Front Extended.”
I had originally planned to do The View from the Front Extended periodically, but being the overly-ambitious person that I am, I changed that to each weekday, Monday through Friday (even on Thursdays when I put out the podcast, because yes, I’m that foolish).
I did this because of “goals” and “dreams” and all that. And even Monday through Friday wasn’t enough for my overly-optimistic brain so I made it mornings, as well, because why not? lol.
I think I secretly hoped a regular schedule with so much content would skyrocket the growth of the endeavor and get me closer to my dreams — and out of the day job.
It helped the growth a small amount, but nowhere near what I thought it might. (Believe me: I’m a used car salesman's dream customer. You can get me to believe anything in my head sometimes!)
As you could probably guess, this high level of production wasn’t sustainable with my current life circumstances, which my wife warned me about weeks ago as I blundered into this quicksand of my own making, lol. But like so many men, sometimes we can be hardheaded, obtuse, and poor of hearing.
Regardless, from this point forward, The View from the Front Extended newsletter will come out on Mondays for paid subscribers (with a short preview to free subscribers) and the podcast will come out on Thursdays as a free edition for everyone.
Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding. (And if you want to pile on in the comments about the foolishness of men and the wisdom of women, I grant you that right. Believe me, I recognize women have been more wise and perceptive than men for centuries. lol.)
Love and peace,
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
P.P.S. Want to know more about me? Click here: About me. You can also learn more about my journey here: Writers are crazy, and I’m crazier than most.
April 10, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-10-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
Russia and Ukraine news:The United States is scrambling to trace the source of highly classified intel leak.
In a statement on Sunday, the Pentagon said it was reviewing the validity of the photographed documents that "appear to contain sensitive and highly classified material."
You can read all about it at the link above.
China news:China military displays force toward Taiwan after Tsai trip
China’s military sent warships and several dozen warplanes toward Taiwan in a large-scale exercise that simulated sealing off the island in an attempt at intimidation in response to the Taiwanese president’s trip to the U.S. last week.
The Chinese military earlier announced three-day “combat readiness patrols” named Joint Sword as a warning to Taiwan, a self-governed island which China claims as its own. The military exercises are similar to ones last August when China conducted missile strikes on targets in the seas around Taiwan in retaliation for then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi visit to Taiwan, but are smaller and less disruptive.
Military experts say the exercises serve as both psychological warfare and an opportunity for Chinese troops to practice sealing off Taiwan by blocking sea and air traffic, an important strategic option the Chinese military might pursue in the event it uses military force to take Taiwan.
GZERO had this to say about the Chinese drills:
On the one hand, China's simulation is a clear message to Taiwan and the US: We’re not messing around so don’t test our resolve. But on the other, the scale and scope of the drills fall short of China's fiery response to Pelosi's trip, which might indicate that Beijing doesn't want to be the one to escalate.
Also adding commenting on the move was Australian retired general Mick Ryan.
April 7, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-7-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
Russia and Ukraine news:This is horrendous news…
But I will add a caveat. These could be faked, planted documents — I hope. I haven’t been able to read the details of the story yet (because that’s about the one news organization that I DON’T have a subscription to), but I’ll keep digging and find out.
An important reminder for the looming spring offensive. It’s logistics such as these trucks that are going to help make the difference.
All eyes are on the tanks that Ukraine’s European allies have pledged to the war effort, and which could lead the coming counterattack: 14 Challenger 2s, 71 Leopard 2s and a hundred or more Leopard 1s.
But pay close attention to the support equipment the United States is providing as part of a $2.6-billion aid package the U.S. Defense Department announced on Tuesday.
That equipment—armored recovery vehicles, tank-transporters, fuel tankers and armored bridgelayers—arguably is even more critical to the success of any counteroffensive.
With careful planning, it could help the Ukrainians swiftly to reposition heavy forces, and then deploy those forces to punch through the dense fortifications the Russians have built along much of the front line.
April 6, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-6-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
This week’s podcast will drop later today.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
U.S. news:I debated whether to share this… Because the sheer stupidity of those in Congress, and that a U.S. general would even have to state the obvious — that we shouldn’t invade Mexico because of drug problems and immigration issues — almost insults my intelligence too much to even type it.
Russia and Ukraine news:
The U.S. military should not lead American counter-drug efforts in Mexico, nor operate against cartels there without the express consent of the Mexican government, said Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.
Republicans and conservative media pundits have seized on border security, often accusing the Biden administration of devoting insufficient attention and security forces to the issue. In recent Senate and House hearings about the president’s defense budget request, Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced multiple questions from Republicans asking about the possibility of U.S. military intervention or for some greater role for troops in stopping the inbound flow of drugs, including fentanyl, and people.
President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has asked for “battle plans” to invade Mexico to “conduct specific military operations to destroy the cartels”, Rolling Stone reported this week.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron traveled to China and met with President Xi Jinping today.
Macron wants Xi “to bring back Russia to reason” and get “everyone back to the negotiating table."
But not everyone agrees that now is the right time to be negotiating. Here’s the counter view.
April 5, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-5-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
Russia and Ukraine news:Here’s an update on MiG figther jets from Poland.
Status-6 @Archer83AblePoland has already handed four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, the other four are in the process of delivery. Aside of that, Poland is ready to deliver six more MiG-29s, Polish President Duda said.Duda added that Poland will retain MiG-29s modernized to NATO standards. 
Status-6 @Archer83AbleUkrainian President Zelensky and Polish President Duda met in Warsaw today.Duda awarded the Ukrainian leader with the Order of the White Eagle - Poland's highest state decoration. https://t.co/bDabpyBsdv12:34 PM ∙ Apr 5, 202338Likes8RetweetsAnd here’s two views on the coming spring offensive in Ukraine.
The first thread is a “don’t-get-your-hopes up thread.”
You can read it at the link below.
MarkHertling @MarkHertlingLast night, I tweeted that I had been assessing & considering the challenges Ukraine's Army (UA) Commanders were facing in preparing for the “spring offensives. I said I'd share some thoughts on what I would be thinking if I were among them.This is that 🧵 1/4:00 PM ∙ Mar 30, 20234,332Likes671RetweetsAnd here’s the counter view, which is more optimistic and focuses on the mentality of those fighting.
April 4, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-4-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
U.S. news: Officials: US providing Ukraine $2.6 billion in military aidFrom the story:
Russia and Ukraine news:
The U.S. will send Ukraine about $500 million in ammunition and equipment and will spend more than $2 billion to buy an array of munitions, radar and other weapons in the future, U.S. officials said, as the Ukrainian troops prepare for a spring offensive against Russian forces.
The ammunition rounds, along with grenade launchers and vehicles, will be taken from military stockpiles so they can be in the war zone quickly, the officials said.
The $2.1 billion in longer-term aid, which is being provided under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will buy missiles for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, as well as radar and other weapons, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the aid had not yet been announced. An announcement is expected as soon as Tuesday.
In news that will absolutely not happen, there’s this.
This didn’t really make the news when it was said, but it’s pretty big news nonetheless. And I’d make about a dozen points on why it’s not true, but no one already subscribing to The View from the Front needs to hear that.
You all know that such a statement is ludicrous, and I’m not talking about the rapper Ludacris.
And the news regarding Finland is finally official.
Finland joins NATO, dealing blow to Russia for Ukraine warFrom the story:
China news:
Finland joined the NATO military alliance Tuesday, dealing a major blow to Russia with a historic realignment of the continent triggered by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Finland’s membership represents a major change in Europe’s security landscape: The country adopted neutrality after its defeat by the Soviets in World War II. But its leaders signaled they wanted to join the alliance just months after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine sent a shiver of fear through Moscow’s neighbors.
Finland shares a 1,340 kilometer (832 mile) border with Russia, so its membership doubles Russia’s border with the world’s biggest security alliance.
U.S. Naval Institute @NavalInstituteChina’s dependence on extended overseas supply lines makes it politically and economically vulnerable. 
bit.lyExploiting China’s Maritime VulnerabilityChina’s dependence on extended overseas supply lines makes it politically and economically vulnerable.11:00 PM ∙ Apr 3, 202377Likes18RetweetsMiddle East news:
However, there is another option. China has the second largest economy in the world and, as such, has an enormous appetite for raw materials. In a single year, it imports upward of $150 billion of crude petroleum, $99 billion of iron ore, $36.6 billion in gasoline, and $31.7 billion of refined copper.2 Much of this arrives by sea.
Several different types of ships transport this cargo, and interdicting even one could disrupt Chinese commerce. For example, a single tanker can carry from 500,000 barrels of oil (Panamax tankers) up to 4,000,000 barrels (the Ultra Large Crude Carrier).3 Container ships that transport goods measure their capacity in 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), after the standard 20 by 8 by 8 foot containers. Panamax ships can load 3,000–3,400 TEUs. The Very Large and Ultra Large Container Ships can transport more than 24,000 TEUs.4
China’s dependence on extended overseas supply lines makes it politically and economically vulnerable. This is a critical vulnerability that, in the event of conflict, could be targeted. And U.S. Marines could help.
I predicted the news below in my last podcast, that America would reinforce its forces following attacks by drones on American troops and contractors, but there was no independent verification of that at the time. I was just following my gut and what I felt confident would happen.
It’s now been confirmed.
CNN International @cnniThe US has bolstered its military forces in the Middle East following a series of attacks on US troops in Syria attributed to Iranian-affiliated militias, the Pentagon said 
cnn.itUS bolsters forces in Middle East following series of attacks on US troops in Syria | CNN PoliticsThe US has bolstered its military forces in the Middle East following a series of attacks on US troops in Syria attributed to Iranian-affiliated militias, the Pentagon said Friday.8:03 PM ∙ Mar 31, 202369Likes24Retweets
The US has bolstered its military forces in the Middle East following a series of attacks on US troops in Syria attributed to Iranian-affiliated militias, the Pentagon said Friday.
A squadron of A-10 attack aircraft are deploying to the region ahead of a scheduled deployment. The deployment of the attack aircraft was expedited by several weeks following the attacks in Syria, according to Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Phil Ventura.
In addition, the US ordered a carrier strike group to remain in the region to support US forces in Central Command, which covers the Middle East
Unfortunately, additional news has emerged from those earlier attacks.
April 3, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 4-3-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
Before we talk defense, I have some news…I am now writing some politics, too. You can find that here:
Thoughts from a Southern Gentleman. I’m a prior Republican -- now a proud moderate -- who’s tired of the extremes on both sides, but optimistic about our country’s future. Most Americans are good, and that really loud, half-crazy person you just heard is wrong. Pull up a chair.By Stan R. MitchellYou might say, there are already a lot of political newsletters out there. What makes you different?
I’m doing this — in part — because I couldn’t find anyone speaking with kindness, calm, and love about politics; as well as hope.
In my opinion, there is too much anger in politics. And I will do my best to bring the spirit of Lincoln into each thought I share on here.
I will also have an optimistic and positive tone to every post. I’m actually optimistic about the future, but I’m not naive. Even if we take some punches or get knocked down in the days and weeks to come, the “better angels of our nature” must climb back to our feet and never surrender.
My first post is here if you want to take a look: The light of dawn emerges.
Moving to defense news…
Russia and Ukraine news:This is not great news for Russia.
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/…. ","username":"RALee85","name":"Rob Lee","date":"Sat Apr 01 02:19:25 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FsmDz0...
Rob Lee @RALee85Yurii Ihnat said that Ukraine is using JDAMs.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/…. 
2:19 AM ∙ Apr 1, 2023910Likes93Retweets(For those who don’t know, JDAMs are just regular, unguided gravity bombs that have been turned into precision-guided munitions by the attachment of a guidance system and wings. They are accurate to within 20 to 30 feet. Learn more here.)
Nor is this great news for Russia. They’re running out of counter-battery radar for their artillery forces.
I’m always looking for actual numbers versus speculation, and here’s an update on how many Ukrainians we’ve trained to date. (And this doesn’t include the European countries, who have trained thousands, as well.)
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe US has trained more than 7,000 Ukrainian fighters in the last year 
trib.alThe US has trained more than 7,000 Ukrainian fighters in the last yearThousands of Ukrainians completed training in new Stryker and Bradley vehicles in March, returning to Ukraine as spring begins.10:22 PM ∙ Apr 1, 202364Likes9RetweetsAnd speaking of fighting forces, it really is incredible from just how many countries volunteers have left to help defend Ukraine. A compilation video was recently shared on the matter.
UKRAINIAN SQUAD🇺🇦 @ukrainiansquadMany volunteers came from over the world to help Ukraine and defend their freedom. Thanks to all volunteers.❤️Tell us where are you from if you support Ukraine 🇺🇦 4:46 PM ∙ Mar 29, 202316,146Likes2,879RetweetsFinally, I know it might be spring here in America and finally starting to warm up, but put up a kind thought and prayer for those still fighting in eastern Ukraine. It is frigid and freezing there, and buried in snow.
NOËL 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 @NOELreportsIf you want to understand how much snow there is in Bakhmut now ❄️ 10:17 PM ∙ Mar 31, 20233,421Likes517RetweetsChina news:A reminder that we can often over-hype our fears in the short-term…
@DefenseBaron's exclusive interview: ","username":"DefenseOne","name":"Defense One","date":"Mon Apr 03 03:03:00 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":7,"like_count":28,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://buff.ly/3KlZM3A","i... the Rhetoric’ on China, Says Milley","description":"We’re not on the “brink of war” with China, and Taiwan is not so easy to conquer, says the top U.S. general.","domain":"buff.ly"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
Defense One @DefenseOne‘Lower the Rhetoric’ on China, Says Milley | We’re not on the “brink of war” with China, and Taiwan is not so easy to conquer, says the top U.S. general. Read the story from @DefenseBaron's exclusive interview: 
buff.ly‘Lower the Rhetoric’ on China, Says MilleyWe’re not on the “brink of war” with China, and Taiwan is not so easy to conquer, says the top U.S. general.3:03 AM ∙ Apr 3, 202328Likes7RetweetsBut you still have to prepare for possibilities, so in that line of thinking, this news came out.
March 31, 2023
Extended edition: Episode 3-31-23
Good morning, my friends!
Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.
If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.
I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)
I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.
If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:
But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.
I wanted to begin this edition by honoring some brave warriors who passed in the last couple of days.
First, there was this tragic training collission between two helicopters: 9 soldiers killed in Army helicopter training crash in Kentucky.
Additionally, our country lost one of its most fierce warriors:
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeMike Day, Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq, dies 
trib.alMike Day, Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq, diesMike Day, a decorated Navy SEAL shot 27 times during a firefight in Iraq in 2007, passed away on March 27.8:35 PM ∙ Mar 29, 2023107Likes23RetweetsRussia and Ukraine news:In other news, Russia acted like the complete, out-of-control police state that it is again: Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in Russia on spying charges.
But the bigger question is, “Was this why he was arrested?”
And my firm belief is that all Americans need to just get out of Russia as fast as they can. The country is as out-of-control as Iran on false imprisonments and bogus detainments.
I’m probably over-reacting — not really — but I don’t even think we should have State Department folks there anymore. Russia is no longer a country that even comes close to following the rule of law.
I have talked so many times about what a terrible strategist Putin is, but these two summaries were so concise and strong that I couldn’t NOT share them.
James Jay Carafano @JJCarafanoPutin just added 832 miles of border with NATO. If he really believed NATO was a threat and a problem he would have just left Europe alone. He is lucky NATO is an alliance about collective defense and not the aggressor.9:32 AM ∙ Mar 31, 202357Likes8RetweetsJames Jay Carafano @JJCarafanoPutin’s accomplishments so far 1) wiping out his first line military 2) Finland in NATO 3) ensured strongest army in Europe on his border and fighting mad 4) crashing economy 5) vassal of China 6) got himself declared war criminal. Super impressive8:57 AM ∙ Mar 31, 2023152Likes32RetweetsOn the flip side, Ukraine did something smart, in my opinion.
Zelensky invites China’s Xi to visit Ukraine.
Summarizing my thoughts perfectly, Alec Bertina, a journalist and conflict analyst, call the move “good diplomacy.”
“If Xi (Jinping, China’s President) doesn't turn up,” Bertina said, “it does not make him look like the impartial mediator he is trying to come across. If he does turn up, it is an uncomfortable situation for Russia. Plus it shows Ukraine is open to diplomatic input from anyone.”
Finally, I’ve been meaning to squeeze this story in:
Military.com @MilitarydotcomNot Stopping Russia in Ukraine Would Force 'Doubling' of US Defense Budget, Milley Says 
bit.lyNot Stopping Russia in Ukraine Would Force ‘Doubling’ of US Defense Budget, Milley SaysMilley’s remark at a House Appropriations Committee defense subcommittee hearing comes amid growing skepticism from Republicans about the price tag of U.S. aid to Ukraine.12:14 AM ∙ Mar 24, 20236Likes9RetweetsChina news:This seems potentially concerning.
@WSJ reported that Chinese cargo cranes control 80% of American ports.\n\nPentagon officials expressed concern that CCP agents could weaponize Chinese Cargo cranes and disrupt American trade flows, including sensitive military components. ","username":"committeeonccp","name":"The Select Committee on the CCP","date":"Thu Mar 30 20:37:43 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
The Select Committee on the CCP @committeeonccpRECAP: Earlier this month, @WSJ reported that Chinese cargo cranes control 80% of American ports.Pentagon officials expressed concern that CCP agents could weaponize Chinese Cargo cranes and disrupt American trade flows, including sensitive military components. 8:37 PM ∙ Mar 30, 2023243Likes130RetweetsTech news:These are TWO different impressive tech news stories…
