Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 18

Extended edition: Episode 3-30-23

Good morning, my friends!

Podcast will drop later today.

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.

Subscribe now

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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.

U.S. news: Senate votes to repeal Iraq War power authorizations, 20 years after US invasion

The Senate voted Wednesday to repeal authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq, a significant moment as lawmakers aim to reassert authority in military intervention abroad.

The legislation now goes to the US House of Representatives for a vote. Speaker Kevin McCarthy has signaled support for it and said it would likely be brought to the floor. With bipartisan support for the repeal, the measure appears to have a good chance of passing the chambers, though it’s still unclear if lawmakers will try to amend it.

The vote comes on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq.

The White House said it supports the measure to repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of force in Iraq. If it passes both chambers, it would mark a formal conclusion to the conflicts and a symbolic reassertion of Congress’ ability to declare war.

In other news, it appears America is pulling back a bit from flying too close to Russian forces in the southern part of Ukraine, even though it is international air space.

Pentagon Chief Won’t Deny Ceding Airspace to Russia After Drone Confrontation

America’s top military official would not deny that the U.S. is now limiting its intelligence-gathering operations in international airspace over the Black Sea following a confrontation this month in which two Russian fighter jets downed a U.S. drone.

Speaking before Congress on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would say only that the U.S. “will fly the paths we feel necessary to collect intelligence information” in response to questions about recent reports – based on anonymous officials – that say the U.S. is only conducting surveillance operations in the southern half of the strategically critical seaway directly south of Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine news:

I’ve got a feeling tanks are soon going to worsen Putin’s nightmares…

NOËL 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 @NOELreportsBritish Challenger 2 tanks are on Ukrainian soil🇺🇦👊🇬🇧 6:11 AM ∙ Mar 28, 20235,950Likes522Retweets#Leopards have landed. As promised, we've delivered 18 Leopard A6 tanks to #Ukraine's forces. ","username":"GermanAmbUSA","name":"Emily Haber","date":"Mon Mar 27 19:53:18 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FsQFMq...Emily Haber @GermanAmbUSAThe #Leopards have landed. As promised, we've delivered 18 Leopard A6 tanks to #Ukraine's forces. 7:53 PM ∙ Mar 27, 20236,607Likes775Retweets#Germany #Ukraine ","username":"Tendar","name":"(((Tendar)))","date":"Wed Mar 29 12:09:26 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...(((Tendar))) @TendarAnd here are the Marders in Ukraine, delivered from Germany.Good hunting to the Ukrainian crews and godspeed.#Germany #Ukraine 12:09 PM ∙ Mar 29, 20233,039Likes204Retweetst.me/operativnoZSU/… ","username":"EuromaidanPress","name":"Euromaidan Press","date":"Wed Mar 29 10:02:00 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...Euromaidan Press @EuromaidanPressThe first AMX-10RC "wheeled light tanks" donated by France are already in Ukraine📹t.me/operativnoZSU/… 10:02 AM ∙ Mar 29, 2023867Likes77Retweets#Ukraine.\n\nAccording to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 172 900 Russian soldiers have already died in Ukraine, as of March 30, 2023. ","username":"KyivPost","name":"KyivPost","date":"Thu Mar 30 11:24:50 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fsdtl8...KyivPost @KyivPost📈British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace estimated Russian losses at 220,000 dead and wounded soldiers in the war against #Ukraine.According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 172 900 Russian soldiers have already died in Ukraine, as of March 30, 2023. 11:24 AM ∙ Mar 30, 202343Likes16Retweets

There’s also more proof that the fighting around Bakhmut has turned against the Russians. Here’s the head of the Wagner fighters — who have been doing the bulk of the fighting — saying things aren’t going so well…

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Extended edition: Episode 3-29-23

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.

Subscribe now

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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.

Russia and Ukraine news:

The AP had a great story about Zelenskyy, which involved a series of interviews they had with him as he toured various parts of the country — including the frontline — by train.

Obviously, the trip was secret and the interviews weren’t published until after the trip ended.

But the story is remarkable and absolutely worth the read.

@AP traveled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for two days on a train across the country.\n\nHere’s what he shared. ","username":"AP","name":"The Associated Press","date":"Wed Mar 29 10:15:04 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":23,"like_count":63,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-ze... Zelenskyy: Any Russian victory could be perilous","description":"ON A TRAIN FROM SUMY TO KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Tuesday that unless his nation wins a drawn-out battle in a key eastern city, Russia could begin building international support for a deal that could require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises.","domain":"apnews.com"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">The Associated Press @AP@AP traveled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for two days on a train across the country.Here’s what he shared. apnews.comUkraine’s Zelenskyy: Any Russian victory could be perilousON A TRAIN FROM SUMY TO KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Tuesday that unless his nation wins a drawn-out battle in a key eastern city, Russia could begin building international support for a deal that could require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises.10:15 AM ∙ Mar 29, 202363Likes23Retweets

Here are just a few nuggets from it:

On why Bakhmut had to be defended…

If Bakhmut fell to Russian forces, their president, Vladimir Putin, would “sell this victory to the West, to his society, to China, to Iran,” Zelenskyy said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press.

“If he will feel some blood — smell that we are weak — he will push, push, push,” Zelenskyy said in English, which he used for virtually all of the interview.

On what might happen in the spring and in the future of the war…

The president makes few predictions about the biggest question hanging over the war: how it will end. He expressed confidence, however, that his nation will prevail through a series of “small victories” and “small steps” against a “very big country, big enemy, big army” — but an army, he said, with “small hearts.”

On what has happened to Ukraine as a country since it was invaded more than a year ago…

While Zelenskyy acknowledged that the war has “changed us,” he said that in the end, it has made his society stronger.

“It could’ve gone one way, to divide the country, or another way — to unite us,” he said. “I’m so thankful. I’m thankful to everybody — every single partner, our people, thank God, everybody — that we found this way in this critical moment for the nation. Finding this way was the thing that saved our nation, and we saved our land. We are together.”

Russia definitely appears to be on its back foot, anticipating a brutal Ukrainian attack in the coming weeks and months.

Here’s an example of the defensive positions being dug in Crimea, the southern part of Ukraine.

google.com/maps/d/edit?mi… ","username":"bradyafr","name":"Brady Africk","date":"Mon Mar 27 20:45:00 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...Brady Africk @bradyafrRussian forces in occupied Crimea are digging new trenches along the roads leading into the peninsula.This interactive map shows many of Russia's field fortifications in Ukraine and links each point to satellite imagery: google.com/maps/d/edit?mi… 8:45 PM ∙ Mar 27, 20231,301Likes348Retweets

And here’s how that peninsula might be attacked, since this is the current reality of the place:

@general_ben @DefMon3 @Andreas_Hopf @SecretNofun @camicroq @BarackO56350307 @AndrewPerpetua @konrad_muzyka @OAlexanderDK @J_JHelin @emilkastehelmi @The_Lookout_N @CovertShores @oryxspioenkop @Rebel44CZ @COUPSURE @GeoConfirmed @tom_bullock_ @Mortis_Banned @RuslanLeviev @CITeam_ru @AricToler @wartranslated @bayraktar_1love How would you attack Crimea? It's a narrow swampy isthmus with one road. Most of which is already covered in Ukraine's own mines, nevermind whatever Russia builds there.","username":"ppitm","name":"Esra Kayır","date":"Mon Mar 27 20:51:22 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":3,"like_count":9,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Esra Kayır @ppitm@general_ben @DefMon3 @Andreas_Hopf @SecretNofun @camicroq @BarackO56350307 @AndrewPerpetua @konrad_muzyka @OAlexanderDK @J_JHelin @emilkastehelmi @The_Lookout_N @CovertShores @oryxspioenkop @Rebel44CZ @COUPSURE @GeoConfirmed @tom_bullock_ @Mortis_Banned @RuslanLeviev @CITeam_ru @AricToler @wartranslated @bayraktar_1love How would you attack Crimea? It's a narrow swampy isthmus with one road. Most of which is already covered in Ukraine's own mines, nevermind whatever Russia builds there.8:51 PM ∙ Mar 27, 20239Likes3Retweets

The answer:

Ben Hodges @general_benMake it untenable...isolate it by severing the two 'bridges' that connect it to Russia. Then, with long-range precision fires, hit Sevastopol and Dzankoy and Saky and the other sites where Russia has assets, facilities, or hq's. Esra Kayır @ppitm@general_ben @DefMon3 @Andreas_Hopf @SecretNofun @camicroq @BarackO56350307 @AndrewPerpetua @konrad_muzyka @OAlexanderDK @J_JHelin @emilkastehelmi @The_Lookout_N @CovertShores @oryxspioenkop @Rebel44CZ @COUPSURE @GeoConfirmed @tom_bullock_ @Mortis_Banned @RuslanLeviev @CITeam_ru @AricToler @wartranslated @bayraktar_1love How would you attack Crimea? It's a narrow swampy isthmus with one road. Most of which is already covered in Ukraine's own mines, nevermind whatever Russia builds there.8:53 PM ∙ Mar 27, 20233,005Likes421Retweets

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Extended edition: Episode 3-28-23

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.

Subscribe now

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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.

Russia and Ukraine news:

Putin continues to do a great job of uniting Europe against him.

Nordic countries move toward linking their air forces: 250 planes.

From the story:

The first of its kind between the Nordic states, the declaration was signed March 16 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany by the commanders of the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish air forces.

The concept of a joint Nordic air force, comprising about 250 modern front-line combat aircraft, has been the subject of periodic discussions between the regional governments since the mid-1990s.

Sweden’s and Finland’s unaligned status remained an impediment to advancing talks and joint initiatives. But with the two countries primed to join NATO, Nordic governments find themselves on more solid ground to discuss a common action plan to create a so-called mini-NATO that would deliver a formidable and unified air force capability.

And even before the ink is dry on the above story, there’s talk about this:

@DaliborRohac argues. The Polish-Ukrainian Union would become the second-largest country in the EU and arguably its largest military power.\n","username":"ForeignPolicy","name":"Foreign Policy","date":"Tue Mar 28 02:30:00 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":6,"like_count":18,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://buff.ly/3JKsfP1","i... Time to Bring Back the Polish-Lithuanian Union","description":"A political construct created nearly 700 years ago offers solutions for Europe today.","domain":"buff.ly"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyImagine that, at the end of the war, Poland and Ukraine form a common federal or confederal state, @DaliborRohac argues. The Polish-Ukrainian Union would become the second-largest country in the EU and arguably its largest military power.buff.lyIt’s Time to Bring Back the Polish-Lithuanian UnionA political construct created nearly 700 years ago offers solutions for Europe today.2:30 AM ∙ Mar 28, 202318Likes6Retweets

Also, Putin tried to threaten the world again: Putin says Russia will station tactical nukes in Belarus.

But that was knocked down pretty fast by new friend and ally China.

Visegrád 24 @visegrad24BREAKING:China is against Russia’s plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning:"A nuclear war cannot be won or fought. Wars between nuclear-weapon states should be avoided and strategic risks should be reduced." 2:09 PM ∙ Mar 27, 202318,183Likes2,524RetweetsChina news:POLITICO @politicoSince Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Europeans are starting to pay more attention to President Joe Biden’s message about the dangers of dependence on dictatorships. politico.comU.S. wants allies to line up against China. Europe is starting to listen.Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is finally forcing the EU to get real about reliance on authoritarian states.9:57 AM ∙ Mar 28, 202335Likes14Retweets U.S. wants allies to line up against China. Europe is starting to listen.

In Biden’s alliance of democracies, Europe has been at best ambivalent on China. Some of the most important countries, such as France and Germany, have worried that decoupling from China would cause too much economic pain.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Europeans are starting to pay more attention to Biden’s message about the dangers of dependence on dictatorships. With urgency like never before, they are restricting exports of chip-making equipment to China, banning TikTok on government devices and pushing protectionist trade policy. Even long-time holdout Germany, the European Union’s biggest economy and a heavy investor in China, is starting to question its business-first ethos.

Middle East news:

This should relieve some tension in Israel.

politico.com/newsletters/po…",&q... Mar 27 23:21:38 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":15,"like_count":41,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.politico.com/newsletters/... Netanyahu is deepening Israel’s fault lines","description":null,"domain":"politico.com"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">POLITICO @politicoAfter fierce protests and international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delaying the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary. 👇politico.com/newsletters/po…politico.comHow Netanyahu is deepening Israel’s fault lines11:21 PM ∙ Mar 27, 202341Likes15Retweets

Although foreign policy expert Richard Haass says this is about oh-so-much more than simply the judicial plans.

Richard N. Haass @RichardHaassEvents in Israel about much more than judicial independence & authority, as critical as that is. It is also about the secular-religious divide, policy toward the Palestinians, & whether Israel will be a liberal or illiberal democracy. Israel's future & ties to US in the balance.10:47 PM ∙ Mar 27, 2023106Likes27Retweets

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Extended edition: Episode 3-27-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news, thoughts, etc.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

Subscribe now

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 loomi…

Read more

Extended edition: Episode 3-24-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news, thoughts, etc.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

Subscribe now

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 loomi…

Read more

Podcast Episode 3-23-23

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.

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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.

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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.

Source notes:

Russia and Ukraine news:

In life, actions have consequences.

Just a few days after Russia again upped the ante on their aggression by downing an American drone in international air space, the NATO of country of Poland has expedited some of its plans.

CNN International @cnniPoland will transfer four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days, the Polish president said, becoming the first NATO country to do so. cnn.itPoland to transfer four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in coming days, president says | CNNPoland is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday, becoming the first NATO country to do so.2:30 PM ∙ Mar 16, 2023165Likes26Retweets

And as I discussed as a possible option two weeks ago on the podcast, Slovakia is moving forward to donate its fleet of 13 MIGs.

The Associated Press @APSlovakia’s government has approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets. Slovakia is the second NATO member country after Poland to agree to fulfill Kyiv's persistent pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russia. apnews.comSlovakia, after Poland, agrees to give Ukraine Soviet jetsPRAGUE (AP) — Slovakia’s government on Friday approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, becoming the second NATO member country to heed the Ukrainian government’s pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russia’s invasion.9:50 AM ∙ Mar 17, 2023558Likes179Retweets

All-in-all, Ukraine can expect to receive around 20 MiG-29s from Poland, as well as the 13 that Slovakia will provide.

While we’re talking about weapons…

This won’t matter in the short term, but this will be pretty big news in the fall.

U.S. will speed transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Pentagon says

From the story:

The Pentagon, in a significant shift, said Tuesday that it will send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine by the fall, after facing scrutiny for initially saying it could take a year or two to procure the powerful weapons and get them to the battlefield.

The new plan calls for refurbishing tank hulls already in the U.S. arsenal, officials said. President Biden, under intensifying pressure from Ukrainian officials, agreed in January to pledge 31 M1 tanks as part of a long-term arrangement that afforded German leaders political cover so that they could approve the immediate provision of Leopard battle tanks.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is finally moving back in the right direction on the issue of Ukraine (which used to be his original position).

Annie Karni @anniekarniDeSantis on Ukraine, take two nytimes.comDeSantis Calls Putin a ‘War Criminal,’ Clarifying Earlier Comment on UkraineThe Florida governor and presumed G.O.P. presidential candidate previously described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a “territorial dispute” and did not mention the Russian president.1:36 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2023602Likes145Retweets

A quick reminder of his past positions:

DeSantis has a history of supporting U.S. aid to Ukraine. As a member of Congress in 2014, DeSantis voted for the Ukraine Support Act, which authorized President Obama to send arms to Ukraine to repel Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region. 

The following year, 2015, DeSantis said on Bill Bennett’s radio show that “We in Congress have been urging the President … to provide arms to Ukraine. They want to fight their good fight. They’re not asking us to fight it for them.” 

And last year, in the early days of the war, he called on Biden to get tough with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “This is a guy who basically is an authoritarian gas station attendant — OK?” he was reported as saying, and he advised Biden to “hit him where it counts.” 

And even though it’s clearly a walk-back, it’s the right position. I’ll take what we can get, especially if he can stabilize support for Ukraine on the right.

In other news, I wanted to share something that isn’t the biggest news, but to me, this is SUCH a moving (and inspiring) video.

NOËL 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 @NOELreportsZelenskyi reportedly visited Ukrainian troops in the Bakhmut area. 11:18 AM ∙ Mar 22, 202313,552Likes1,669Retweets

In other news, most worried Russia would succeed in destroying Ukraine’s energy system this winter with the relentless attacks on the energy grid.

But now, not only are air defense system better, but so too is the country’s ability to repair its electric grid.

The Economist @TheEconomistEngineers are now repairing Ukraine’s energy system faster than it can be destroyed econ.stHow Ukraine tamed Russian missile barrages and kept the lights onAs winter ends, Russia has lost this phase of the conflict10:18 AM ∙ Mar 18, 2023655Likes141Retweets

From the story:

"It tested the tenacity of energy planners for the 15th time this winter. But with most of the country swiftly brought back on line, it did not change the fundamentals; Ukraine is still winning a battle in which few had expected it to prevail."

Finally, here’s more talk about the must-discussed spring offensive by Ukraine.

Lucas Webber @LucasADWebber‘Ukraine doesn’t have any time to waste’: U.S. races to prepare Kyiv for spring offensive"U.S. officials are more focused on getting Ukraine ready for a major spring offensive to retake territory, which they expect to begin by May" politico.com‘Ukraine doesn’t have any time to waste’: U.S. races to prepare Kyiv for spring offensiveWashington is increasingly concerned about Ukraine’s dwindling supply of ammo and air defenses.11:15 PM ∙ Mar 18, 202324Likes6Retweets

From the story:

Instead, U.S. officials are more focused on getting Ukraine ready for a major spring offensive to retake territory, which they expect to begin by May. Hundreds of Western tanks and armored vehicles, including for the first time eight armored vehicles that can launch bridges and allow troops to cross rivers, are en route to Ukraine for the offensive. The U.S. and European partners are also flowing massive amounts of ammunition and 155mm shells, which Ukraine has identified as its most urgent need.

U.S. aid packages “going back four or five months have been geared toward what Ukraine needs for this counteroffensive,” said one U.S. official, who was granted anonymity due to the administration’s ground rules.

While U.S. officials are careful not to appear to tell Kyiv how to fight the war, Pentagon leaders said Wednesday that the equipment and training being provided will enable Ukraine to win the war — where and when it chooses to do so.

China news:

China’s leader Xi Jinping is in Russia for a three-day visit. Day one included a four-and-a-half hour meal and NOT meeting Jinping at the airport, because that’s official Russian protocol (Is this not MORE proof that the Russians are a cold-hearted people? I jest. But only a little. lol.)

The Associated Press @APRussian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the Kremlin, sending a message to Western leaders allied with Ukraine that their efforts to isolate Moscow have fallen short. apnews.comPutin sticks to protocol during Chinese leader Xi’s visitMOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin wasn’t waiting at the end of the red carpet to greet Chinese leader Xi Jinping upon his arrival in Russia on Monday for a high-profile visit .8:30 PM ∙ Mar 20, 202382Likes28Retweets

The Washington Post stated that Putin and Xi appear to be positioning themselves as the leaders of a new global order opposed to U.S. power.

Interestingly, Japan’s leader is in Kyiv to back Ukraine as China’s Xi visits Russia.

Putin may be glad to finally have a friend, so to speak, in the short term, but he may regret the imbalance between China and Russia. As Russia’s economic and military might crater further, Putin will soon find China using its clout with the Kremlin to extract further political concessions, including Chinese access to Arctic naval bases owned by Russia or pressuring Russia to alter its own dealings with China’s regional rivals, such as India, argues a group of experts in an analysis piece of The Washington Post.

This comment, by esteemed analyst David Ignatius, reinforces the above point: that China is increasingly becoming the dominant partner between these two.

David Ignatius @IgnatiusPostA strong China is bolstering a weak Russia. That’s the real headline that describes the showy meetings in Moscow this week between the two countries’ leaders. washingtonpost.comOpinion | Here’s the real lesson from the showy Xi-Putin meetingThe Chinese leader is trying to strengthen his sway over Eurasia. If he succeeds, we will live in a darker world.2:00 AM ∙ Mar 22, 202337Likes23Retweets

From The Washington Post column:

A strong China is bolstering a weak Russia. That’s the real headline that describes the showy meetings in Moscow this week between the two countries’ leaders. The Chinese aren’t providing weapons (yet), but Xi certainly offered moral and psychological support in what might be described as a get-well visit to an ailing relative. White House spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday rightly called Putin a “junior partner.”

The paradox of the Ukraine war is that Putin’s bid for greater power in Europe has made him weaker. This diminished Russia will fall increasingly under China’s sway — unless there’s an unlikely turn post-Ukraine and a Western-leaning leader replaces Putin. Maybe that’s the biggest reason for Xi’s fraternal visit: He is bolstering a flank against America and the West.

Perhaps the most shocking thing is how quickly this is already happening.

AlexandruC4 @AlexandruC4BREAKING: Xi Jinping invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in May for the "first China-Central Asia Summit" - AFP 7:01 PM ∙ Mar 21, 20231,160Likes265Retweets

As Patrick Fox states, China is already starting to influence and lead former Soviet satellite states.

Patrick Fox @RealCynicalFoxThis tracks with what we're seeing come out of Xi's recent sit down with Putin. The PRC is taking the role of the senior member in that relationship and moving to reorient former soviet satellites in central Asia towards Beijing. AlexandruC4 @AlexandruC4BREAKING: Xi Jinping invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in May for the "first China-Central Asia Summit" - AFP https://t.co/70AMktGpzl1:58 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2023346Likes76Retweets

Here’s an update and a bit more on the submarine deal between the US, UK, and Austraila.

Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanWhat exactly is Australia deterring with AUKUS? “Australian military planners have been increasingly concerned about the increase of grey-zone warfare: acts including trade embargoes that fall somewhere between what is traditionally viewed as war & peace.”smh.com.auNew submarines will deter blockades that cut us off from the world: MarlesNuclear-powered submarines would mean potential adversaries have to think twice before attempting to disrupt shipping routes to Australia, Defence Minister Richard Marles said.1:59 AM ∙ Mar 19, 202318Likes2Retweets

From the story:

Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will help deter a foreign adversary from launching a shipping blockade which could cut off the country’s trading routes from the rest of the world.

With 99 per cent of Australia’s trade coming from ships, Marles says the nation is very reliant on trade by sea and that needed to be protected.

…

Without naming China or any other country, Marles said the nation needs a “capability which would give any adversary pause for thought about disrupting the trading routes to Australia and the way in which we connect to the world”.

Moving along, I had a great question from a reader, that I wanted to answer here.

Thomas D stated:

As far as China goes, I love the sub deal. However, I've heard the straight where the Taiwan invasion would take place is pretty much impervious to submarines due to the shallow depths.

So, that’s a great question.

And here was how I answered that.

Those are great points about the straight. I think it's not to get there and actually block with the subs, but to have platforms that can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. Those have a range of 1,300-plus miles, and the subs are a platform not easily destroyed by China's ballistic missiles or air force if the subs remain undetected.

Also, here’s an update from news from a couple of weeks ago about a new base the US will use.

news.usni.org/2023/03/20/u-s… ","username":"USNINews","name":"USNI News","date":"Mon Mar 20 21:45:34 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FrsbwZ...USNI News @USNINewsU.S. Begins Air Base Rehab in Philippines as Part of Basing Agreement - USNI Newsnews.usni.org/2023/03/20/u-s… 9:45 PM ∙ Mar 20, 202318Likes9Retweets

From the story:

The United States and the Philippines started rehabilitating the runway of the Basa Air Base in Pampanga on the island of Luzon, one of the five original Philippine military sites identified to host rotating American troops and their equipment under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

And then, in the category of absurdity, check out this video below.

max seddon @maxseddonPomp and circumstance in the Kremlin as Putin's talks with Xi get underway. 12:47 PM ∙ Mar 21, 2023859Likes207Retweets

This video is pretty much a synonym for every dictatorship in the world. Let us just blow you away with our military parades and complete shallowness and huff puffery.

And you better be awed and afraid, do you hear me?

DO YOU HEAR ME?!

I'll pass.

Afghanistan news:

We all TOTALLY saw this coming. (Hat tip @aida74432322)

U.S. Commander: ISIS in Afghanistan 6 Months Away From Foreign Attack Capability

This is of course why one of the big reasons to keep a force of a couple of thousand American soldiers in country was made by so many, including me. (Also, that it wasn’t that big a burden to the military, it kept a somewhat pro-Western government in place, it helped protect women’s rights there, it helped show the world Western resolve, and the importance we place on protecting and supporting allies.)

Tech news:

In tech news, how cool is this?

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeDARPA wants to recharge drones mid-flight with a ‘whisper beam’ of energy trib.alDARPA wants to recharge drones mid-flight with a ‘whisper beam’ of energyThe military put $250,000 on recharging drones mid-flight, which could be a boon for ground troops who need eyes in the sky.3:00 AM ∙ Feb 2, 202329Likes10Retweets@brentrose tries his hand at stress testing Roam Robotics' latest military leg brace as well as domestic options built for aiding walking up stairs: ","username":"WIRED","name":"WIRED","date":"Fri Jan 06 07:00:01 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...WIRED @WIREDRobotic exoskeletons have captivated us for years. They are major tropes in sci-fi movies and video games. @brentrose tries his hand at stress testing Roam Robotics' latest military leg brace as well as domestic options built for aiding walking up stairs: 7:00 AM ∙ Jan 6, 202365Likes17RetweetsMotivation and Wisdom:Inspirational Quotes @SeffSaidGood advice 12:44 AM ∙ Mar 17, 20232,423Likes600RetweetsJon Gordon @JonGordon11Encouragement is the oxygen that all teams need. In order to provide our teams with encouragement, we must first learn to feed ourselves with positivity. Speak encouragement. Neutralize negativity. https://t.co/uEDVGkA5qr 12:37 PM ∙ Mar 16, 2023132Likes43RetweetsInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Don't give up on the person you are becoming.7:07 PM ∙ Mar 16, 202325Likes6RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidRemember 12:58 PM ∙ Mar 16, 20233,820Likes764Retweets

Be unique and don’t feel like you have to conform:

Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Believe in yourself. Stay in your own lane. There’s only one you.12:06 AM ∙ Mar 9, 2023216Likes69RetweetsWords of Wisdom @billionair_keyWork hard but make sure you enjoy life too.7:54 PM ∙ Mar 19, 2023576Likes172RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidRemember 1:03 AM ∙ Mar 20, 20233,840Likes985RetweetsSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_What's meant for you,... 10:30 AM ∙ Mar 19, 20233,175Likes739RetweetsFearless Motivation @fearlessmotivat2:00 AM ∙ Mar 8, 2023179Likes30RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidRemember 10:28 AM ∙ Mar 16, 202312,587Likes3,561RetweetsWords of Wisdom @billionair_keyTime heals everything. Time corrects everything. Time is the solution to every problem, I believe. A lot of things can happen with time. All that has to be there is the intention.6:38 AM ∙ Mar 21, 2023159Likes44RetweetsInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_It’s about who stays, not who promised.12:05 AM ∙ Mar 18, 2023370Likes112RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidDon't give up 9:38 AM ∙ Mar 21, 2023422Likes101RetweetsSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Remember 4:00 AM ∙ Mar 20, 20238,174Likes2,668RetweetsFearless Motivation @fearlessmotivat8:01 AM ∙ Mar 21, 202343Likes7RetweetsDaily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"Make life fun. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed."5:00 PM ∙ Mar 12, 2023145Likes31RetweetsSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Make things happen! 1:35 PM ∙ Mar 21, 20231,615Likes416RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidLive life today 11:52 PM ∙ Mar 21, 2023321Likes86RetweetsFearless Motivation @fearlessmotivat7:00 AM ∙ Mar 8, 202398Likes19RetweetsWords of Wisdom @billionair_keyIn three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.7:38 PM ∙ Mar 21, 2023121Likes30RetweetsYouVersion @YouVersionProverbs 12:25 6:00 PM ∙ Mar 21, 20234,175Likes714RetweetsMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotTrust your process. Patience is power.4:01 AM ∙ Mar 22, 202357Likes37Retweets@SeffSaid \"Sensitive people either love deeply or they regret deeply. There really is no middle ground because they live in passionate extremes.\"\n\n~ Shannon L. Alder","username":"_SuccessMinded_","name":"Success Minded","date":"Wed Mar 22 20:37:51 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":9,"like_count":59,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_@SeffSaid "Sensitive people either love deeply or they regret deeply. There really is no middle ground because they live in passionate extremes."~ Shannon L. Alder8:37 PM ∙ Mar 22, 202359Likes9RetweetsMotivation @6amsuccessDon't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.8:00 AM ∙ Mar 23, 202311Likes3RetweetsFearless Motivation @fearlessmotivat2:00 AM ∙ Mar 8, 2023178Likes30RetweetsFearless Motivation @fearlessmotivat8:00 AM ∙ Mar 23, 202340Likes11RetweetsMotivation @FreakyTheoryProgress everyday 6:42 AM ∙ Mar 22, 20232,051Likes633RetweetsInspirational Quotes @SeffSaidLove this 2:26 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2023562Likes118Retweets

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.

Subscribed

Semper Fidelis,

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.

Extended edition: Episode 3-23-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news, thoughts, etc. (I’ll have the weekly podcast dropping later today!)

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

Subscribe now

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.

In every edition, I primarily share a combination of news currently happening, as well as my thoughts. I send these out each morning.

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 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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters, and this is mostly for them.

If you have any questions, you can email me at: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com.

Love and peace,

Stan R. Mitchell

Russia and Ukraine news:

I wanted to start today by sharing something that isn’t the biggest news, but to me, this is SUCH a moving (and inspiring) video.

NOËL 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 @NOELreportsZelenskyi reportedly visited Ukrainian troops in the Bakhmut area. 11:18 AM ∙ Mar 22, 202313,552Likes1,669Retweets

Ron DeSantis is finally moving back in the right direction on the issue of Ukraine (which used to be his original position).

Annie Karni @anniekarniDeSantis on Ukraine, take two nytimes.comDeSantis Calls Putin a ‘War Criminal,’ Clarifying Earlier Comment on UkraineThe Florida governor and presumed G.O.P. presidential candidate previously described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a “territorial dispute” and did not mention the Russian president.1:36 AM ∙ Mar 23, 2023602Likes145Retweets

A quick reminder of his past positions:

DeSantis has a history of supporting U.S. aid to Ukraine. As a member of Congress in 2014, DeSantis voted for the Ukraine Support Act, which authorized President Obama to send arms to Ukraine to repel Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea region. 

The following year, 2015, DeSantis said on Bill Bennett’s radio show that “We in Congress have been urging the President … to provide arms to Ukraine. They want to fight their good fight. They’re not asking us to fight it for them.” 

And last year, in the early days of the war, he called on Biden to get tough with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “This is a guy who basically is an authoritarian gas station attendant — OK?” he was reported as saying, and he advised Biden to “hit him where it counts.” 

And even though it’s clearly a walk-back, it’s the right position. I’ll take what we can get, especially if he can stabilize support for Ukraine on the right.

Russia better hope a peace deal is drawn up fairly soon this spring or summer, because this news broke regarding American tanks.

The Washington Post @washingtonpostThe Pentagon, in a significant shift, said that it will send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine by the fall, after facing scrutiny for initially saying it could take a year or two to procure the powerful weapons and get them to the battlefield. wapo.stU.S. will speed transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Pentagon saysThe new plan calls for refurbishing tank hulls already in the U.S. arsenal rather than procuring new vehicles, which had been expected to take up to two years.2:12 AM ∙ Mar 22, 2023276Likes68Retweets

And since we’re on the subject of tanks, I’m thinking this is probably not the best sign if you’re on Team Russia.

@CITeam_en reports that even older Soviet tanks - T-54/T-55 from the late 1940s - were spotted in transit by rail\n\neuromaidanpress.com/2023/03/22/mor…","username":"EuromaidanPress","name":"Euromaidan Press","date":"Wed Mar 22 11:16:42 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":128,"like_count":475,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Euromaidan Press @EuromaidanPressAs Russia continues to demothball the T-62 tanks from the 1960s, the Russian OSINT group @CITeam_en reports that even older Soviet tanks - T-54/T-55 from the late 1940s - were spotted in transit by raileuromaidanpress.com/2023/03/22/mor…11:16 AM ∙ Mar 22, 2023475Likes128Retweets@CITeam_en The serial production of the T-54 tanks began in 1947, its upgraded versions - T-54A, T-55, T-55B - saw serial production starting in 1955, 1956, and 1957 respectively. \n\nThe T-54s are known for their wide use in the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956.","username":"EuromaidanPress","name":"Euromaidan Press","date":"Wed Mar 22 11:20:04 +0000 2023","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":35,"like_count":192,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Euromaidan Press @EuromaidanPress@CITeam_en The serial production of the T-54 tanks began in 1947, its upgraded versions - T-54A, T-55, T-55B - saw serial production starting in 1955, 1956, and 1957 respectively. The T-54s are known for their wide use in the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956.11:20 AM ∙ Mar 22, 2023192Likes35Retweets@CITeam_en Reportedly fresh video of the T-54 tanks transported by train in Russia\n\n📹via t.me/uniannet/93178 ","username":"EuromaidanPress","name":"Euromaidan Press","date":"Wed Mar 22 21:19:00 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...Euromaidan Press @EuromaidanPress@CITeam_en Reportedly fresh video of the T-54 tanks transported by train in Russia📹via t.me/uniannet/93178 9:19 PM ∙ Mar 22, 2023149Likes29Retweets

And we’ve talked about this before, but the Ukrainians are fast learners.

edition.cnn.com/2023/03/21/pol… ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings |","date":"Wed Mar 22 17:01:51 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fr1tdf...Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | @ChuckPfarrerUKRAINIAN PATRIOTS: UKR troops training on Patriot air defense systems are impressing their US instructors. One said: “I’ve trained numerous countries... these guys smoke them.” Patriot batteries will protect Ukraine's cities. edition.cnn.com/2023/03/21/pol… 5:01 PM ∙ Mar 22, 20231,425Likes232Retweets

One other weapons system bit of news. Here’s a follow-up to Slovakia giving up its MIG fighters to Ukraine.

Read more

Extended edition: Episode 3-22-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news, thoughts, etc.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

Subscribe now

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.

In every edition, I primarily share a combination of news currently happening, as well as my thoughts. I send these out each morning.

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 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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters, and this is mostly for them.

If you have any questions, you can email me at: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com.

Love and peace,

Stan R. Mitchell

Check these four:

AP

NPR

Washington Post

put links in bold

U.S. news:Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeHere is a breakdown of weapons systems that the military services want to buy in the 2024 fiscal year: trib.alMilitary buying more missiles and other weapons to fight China, RussiaHere is a breakdown of weapons systems that the military services want to buy in the 2024 fiscal year.1:21 AM ∙ Mar 19, 202314Likes2Retweets

From the story:

If you had any doubt that the Defense Department is pivoting away from fighting terrorists to getting ready for the big war against China or Russia, just look at the missiles and other munitions that the military branches plan on buying in fiscal year 2024.

The Department of the Navy in particular plans to invest in buying and upgrading a total of 830 of various types of Tomahawk missiles in the coming fiscal year, compared with the 552 Tomahawks that it procured for this fiscal year, according to the service’s proposed budget.

And if you want a glimpse into the kinds of things strategists debate inside our Defense Department, here’s a glance:

Mike Yeo 杨启铭 is also at post.news/thebaseleg @TheBaseLeg“One lesson the US may take from this conflict is that towed artillery – like the M777 howitzer system – may be a thing of the past. Those systems are harder to move quickly to avoid return fire (in a world of ubiquitous drones & overhead surveillance)” cnn.comHow Ukraine became a testbed for Western weapons and battlefield innovation | CNN PoliticsLast fall, as Ukraine won back large swaths of territory in a series of counterattacks, it pounded Russian forces with American-made artillery and rockets. Guiding some of that artillery was a homemade targeting system that Ukraine developed on the battlefield.9:42 AM ∙ Jan 19, 2023190Likes25Retweets

Here’s a better look at a towed piece of artillery, the M777, which has to be pulled behind a truck.

@1st_Marine_Div, fire an M777 Howitzer in a 'Top Gun' competition between batteries during Fire Exercise 19 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. ","username":"USMC","name":"U.S. Marines","date":"Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 +0000 2019","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/EAvZ85...U.S. Marines @USMCClear Skies with a Chance of RainMarines with @1st_Marine_Div, fire an M777 Howitzer in a 'Top Gun' competition between batteries during Fire Exercise 19 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. 12:00 AM ∙ Aug 1, 20191,942Likes403Retweets

And here’s why it’s not the worst thing to be lightweight and manueverable.

Rob Lee @RALee85Self-propelled artillery have been critical in this war, but the terrain in Ukraine suits them better. M777 are lighter, can be transported by helicopter, and can be deployed in mountainous, jungle, and other environments where self-propelled howitzers would be less useful. Mike Yeo 杨启铭 is also at post.news/thebaseleg @TheBaseLeg“One lesson the US may take from this conflict is that towed artillery – like the M777 howitzer system – may be a thing of the past. Those systems are harder to move quickly to avoid return fire (in a world of ubiquitous drones & overhead surveillance)” https://t.co/aFoBCsoc269:21 PM ∙ Jan 19, 2023989Likes73Retweets

And here’s an example of a great piece of self-propelled artillery. (It can shoot and drive off before the enemy can track the round and fire back.)

news.yahoo.com/sweden-send-8-… ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings |","date":"Fri Mar 17 22:19:16 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FrdF8-...Chuck Pfarrer | Indications & Warnings | @ChuckPfarrerLONG RANGE ARCHERS: Sweeden confirms that it will transfer 'Archer' self-propelled 155mm howitzwes to UKR. The Archer's computerized fire control systems and Excalibur shells make it deadly against point targets. news.yahoo.com/sweden-send-8-… 10:19 PM ∙ Mar 17, 20232,699Likes294Retweets

So, how would you like to be the person trying to plan purchasing plans for artillery for the next five to ten years?

And which do you pick? Something towed and light-weight, such as the M777, which can be moved easily by air using helo’s?

Or something self-propelled? That can fire and move but costs far more?

Russia and Ukraine news:

Moving to Russuia-Ukraine news, one thing to consider as the talk of a spring offensive for Ukraine increases is that Russian troops will be even worse this year than they were when they invaded a year ago.

economist.com/graphic-detail… ","username":"biannagolodryga","name":"Bianna Golodryga","date":"Wed Mar 08 22:54:49 +0000 2023","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fqu4io...Bianna Golodryga @biannagolodryga“the troops killed in 2022 were many of Russia’s best young officers and most experienced soldiers. The men who replace them will have less training, discipline and skill. Nor will they have the same quality of equipment.”economist.com/graphic-detail… 10:54 PM ∙ Mar 8, 2023314Likes95Retweets

And not only are they less skilled and trained, but their equipment is also worse and Ukrainian training is FAR superior. (Some of it is even conducted by NATO countries.)

Read more

Extended edition: Episode 3-21-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news, thoughts, etc.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

Subscribe now

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.

In every edition, I primarily share a combination of news currently happening, as well as my thoughts. I send these out each morning.

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 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:

Subscribe now

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters, and this is mostly for them.

If you have any questions, you can email me at: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com.

Love and peace,

Stan R. Mitchell

Russia and Ukraine news:

China’s leader Xi Jinping is in Russia for a three-day visit. Day one included a four-and-a-half hour meal and NOT meeting Jinping at the airport, because that’s official Russian protocol (Is this not MORE proof that the Russians are a cold-hearted people? I jest. But only a little. lol.)

The Associated Press @APRussian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the Kremlin, sending a message to Western leaders allied with Ukraine that their efforts to isolate Moscow have fallen short. apnews.comPutin sticks to protocol during Chinese leader Xi’s visitMOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin wasn’t waiting at the end of the red carpet to greet Chinese leader Xi Jinping upon his arrival in Russia on Monday for a high-profile visit .8:30 PM ∙ Mar 20, 202382Likes28Retweets

The Washington Post stated that Putin and Xi appear to be positioning themselves as the leaders of a new global order opposed to U.S. power.

Interestingly, Japan’s leader is in Kyiv to back Ukraine as China’s Xi visits Russia.

Putin may be glad to finally have a friend, so to speak, in the short term, but he may regret the imbalance between China and Russia. As Russia’s economic and military might crater further, Putin will soon find China using its clout with the Kremlin to extract further political concessions, including Chinese access to Arctic naval bases owned by Russia or pressuring Russia to alter its own dealings with China’s regional rivals, such as India, argues a group of experts in an analysis piece of The Washington Post.

While Putin is feasting with Jinping, more and more bad news is happening in Ukraine.

Poland is delivering four Soviet Mig-29 fighters.

The Washington Post @washingtonpostPoland will deliver an initial batch of four its Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Thursday, ramping up pressure on other NATO allies to make similar commitments. wapo.stPoland says it will be first NATO country to give fighter jets to UkrainePolish President Andrzej Duda said the country would deliver the first Soviet-made MiG-29s in the coming days.12:45 AM ∙ Mar 17, 2023417Likes80Retweets

And as I discussed as a possible option two weeks ago on the podcast, Slovakia is moving forward to donate its fleet of 13 MIGs.

The Associated Press @APSlovakia’s government has approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets. Slovakia is the second NATO member country after Poland to agree to fulfill Kyiv's persistent pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russia. apnews.comSlovakia, after Poland, agrees to give Ukraine Soviet jetsPRAGUE (AP) — Slovakia’s government on Friday approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, becoming the second NATO member country to heed the Ukrainian government’s pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russia’s invasion.9:50 AM ∙ Mar 17, 2023558Likes179Retweets

All-in-all, Ukraine can expect to receive around 20 MiG-29s from Poland, as well as the 13 that Slovakia will provide.

Finally, in weapons news for Ukraine news, I wanted to share this really cool video of the tank training that Ukrainians are getting in the United Kingdom.

What’s interesting is how each person gets their own individual training alone, and then are only brought together at the end. It’s far more complicated and complex than you’d initially imagine.

Something tells me Russian training is far simpler.

Read more

Extended edition: Episode 3-20-23

Good morning, my friends!

Read more