Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 23
September 16, 2022
Episode 9-16-22
My friends, thank you so much for joining us today on The View from the Front podcast. My name is Stan R. Mitchell and in a nice guy, who’s working as hard as I can to unite this country. This show is mostly about military and defense news, and I’ll explain in a moment why I think it’s important we stay informed on this topic, but the show also includes plenty of motivation, which I hope inspires you and helps you in your daily journey toward your goals.
You know, just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. And we all know that opportunities don't happen, you create them.
So, I want to make sure I do my best to feed you mentally. As you’ve probably heard, people often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing, that's why we recommend it daily.” That was said by the great Zig Ziglar.
And I may not be the great Zig Ziglar, but my friends say I’m pretty motivating.
But this show is about more than just trying to help you as you confront whatever struggles you’re dealing with. This show is about a bigger issue confronting us, and that’s the great division that we face in America.
A house divided cannot stand, and I will not remain silent while politicians and media personalities throw gas on a dangerous fire. These hotheads and extremists are simply seeking their own personal gain, and with every waking moment of their day, they’re doing their best to tear this country apart. And they're doing it so that they can advance to a higher office, or so that they can get more followers and advertising dollars.
These hotheads and extremists are a danger to our country -- a serious one -- but I don’t think they speak for most Americans. Most Americans are good people, who would help you in a heartbeat. I’ve been helped out in the country, and I’ve also been helped in major cities.
My friends, most Americans are good. And I think you need to hear this said out loud on a regular basis.
Let’s not let the loud, angry politicians and media personalities darken our hearts. And let’s also not let them rip apart this country that we all love.
I fully understand how frustrated most Americans feel at how divided we are, and it’s time for a better way.
That’s why I’m doing this. I couldn’t find a podcast designed for people who love their country, and for people who are tired of their news being over-the-top and scary, so I decided to create one.
This is a show designed for people who are also tired of hysterical, over-the-top politicians and media pundits, who manipulate and take advantage of an under-informed public.
It’s a show for average citizens, who I know are too busy to really study al of the issues that confront us. I’ll do my absolute best to explain things as simply as I can.
I feel I need to say just a bit about why I’m convinced that foreign-policy decisions matter. Foreign policy decisions can be tragic and heartbreaking, and it’s important that we get them right. When we get them wrong, such as we did during the Vietnam War, our very country can be ripped apart by division and chaos. It’s also crucial that when we get them wrong, as we did in Vietnam, then the faster we can course correct, the faster we can reduce how many lives we lose.
America is the world’s leading power, and we mostly lead the world from a position of moral authority, showing other countries how they should behave in regards to ethics, restraint, and providing freedom for their citizens.
We are a force of good for the world, although I will acknowledge that we are not perfect.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I know that our democracy doesn’t work without informed voters. And I also know we need to grow closer together and show more patience and kindness.
I strongly believe that more unites us than divides us, and while we face great challenges as a country, America has stood together for more than 240 years.
It’s only by pulling our country closer together that we can pass on a better future for our kids, and we need to hold and cherish the beliefs that got us here today. Beliefs such as patience, kindness, and a strong belief that our best days lie before us. These are the beliefs that got us to this point. And they’re also the kind of optimistic beliefs that will get us to a brighter future.
So, let’s get a little better informed, which I’ll do my best to help you do, while also keeping it interesting and brief. And let’s also work to get a little more united as a people.
And with that, let’s get started.
The View from the Front by Stan R. Mitchell is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Ukraine-Russia news:
Dr Mike Martin 🔶 @ThreshedThoughtThe Ukrainians are now definitely past the Oskil River. The advance continues.September 15th 2022
7 Retweets101 LikesDr Mike Martin 🔶 @ThreshedThoughtWhen will the Russians learn?You’ve got to deliver supplies without using railways. They are far to easy to interdict. 
September 15th 2022
15 Retweets120 LikesRapid loss of territory in Ukraine reveals spent Russian military
Moscow’s rapid loss of more than 2,300 square miles of territory in northeastern Ukraine has raised the prospect that the Russian military is spent as an offensive force for the foreseeable future, which could limit Russian President Vladimir Putin to defending the Ukrainian territory he already holds while leaving him open to additional defeats, according to military analysts.
The situation is a sobering reality for Putin, whose forces barreled into Ukraine on Feb. 24 on a mission to “demilitarize” and “denazify” the country but retreated from Kyiv just over five weeks later to concentrate on expanding control over Ukraine’s east through artillery warfare.
As Ukrainian forces roll back those eastern gains, Putin faces obstacles in replenishing the battered ranks and degraded equipment of his military to any degree that would allow Russia to again take the initiative on the battlefield. The result is an opportunity for Ukrainian forces, which despite significant losses of their own, are hoping to make more territorial gains before winter conditions harden battle lines. Further gains by Ukraine — particularly around the southern city of Kherson — would deal additional blows to Russian morale and increase pressure on Putin, who is already facing calls by hard-line Russians to announce a general mobilization that could be politically toxic for his regime.
Ukraine’s Coming Winter of Decision, by Richard N. Haass, a long-time analyst and foreign-policy advisor.
With Russia cutting off gas supplies, Ukraine’s recent military success will make it easier for European governments to justify economic and personal sacrifice during what promises to be a difficult winter.
Ukraine’s counteroffensive is having a powerful impact on Russian politics as well. Putin, facing growing criticism from conservative, nationalist forces at home, will have to decide whether to double down on the war effort and, if so, how to go about it. Doing more and asking more of the Russian people is not without domestic political risks, but arguably it could be less risky for him than a course of action that leads to additional, cascading military defeats.
For now, there is the prospect of several more months of intense fighting in the northeast and south of the country. Eventually, though, the scale will diminish as a result of frigid weather and the inability of either side to sustain large military operations.
‘The Russians are in trouble,’ U.S. official says of latest war analysis
“The Russians are in trouble,” one U.S. official said bluntly. “The question will be how the Russians will react, but their weaknesses have been exposed and they don’t have great manpower reserves or equipment reserves.”
The officials were skeptical that Putin, who has resisted calling up additional forces, would resort to extreme tactics such as the use of chemical or tactical nuclear weapons. For all their shortcomings, the Russians still have the capability to regroup and hit back hard, some officials cautioned.
Hat tip on the below goes to Steven Pifer, former US ambassador to Ukraine.
Ia Meurmishvili @iameurmishviliYou can’t make this up - some of the Russian units in Ukraine used (probability are still using) “Atlas of the Automobile Roads of the USSR” for directions. This is the second largest army of the world. 
September 15th 2022
534 Retweets2,307 LikesPutin Alludes to China’s ‘Concerns’ as Xi Stays Quiet on the War
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia said on Thursday that Moscow understood that China had “questions and concerns” about the war in Ukraine — a notable, if cryptic, admission from Mr. Putin that Beijing may not fully approve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
And his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping — in his first face-to-face meeting with Mr. Putin since the invasion began — struck a far more subdued tone than the Russian president, and steered clear in his public comments of any mention of Ukraine at all.
Taken together, the remarks were a stark sign that Russia lacks the full backing of its most powerful international partner as it tries to recover from a humiliating rout in northeastern Ukraine last week.
Michael McFaul @McFaulThis is remarkable. Xi is not supporting Putin. No weapons, no ammo, no chips, no real words of solidarity. Just a willingness to buy Russian energy at very discounted prices. max seddon @maxseddon
Putin tells Xi Jinping that Russia “understands your questions and concerns” about Ukraine. Does that mean… China has some? https://t.co/Zd5XNW7cMDSeptember 15th 2022
1,884 Retweets9,331 LikesWhy the Russian Military Brutalizes UkraineChina news:Nick Gvosdev: At all levels of Russian society, from the cab driver in the street to the Kremlin insider, there was a strongly held belief that Russian forces would be greeted as liberators, especially in the Russian-speaking areas of Ukraine. Indeed, the initial Russian military plan was based on the assumption that Ukrainian soldiers would refuse to fight and Ukrainian politicians would defect. This turned out not to be the case. Even more striking, it was the two largest Russian-speaking cities in Ukraine—Kharkiv and Odesa–which proved to be focal points of the successful blunting of the Russian invasion. … almost all the atrocities we’ve seen have targeted people precisely in those parts of Ukraine that are part of the Russian-speaking world. There does appear to be a strong undercurrent of giving these “traitors” their due recompense.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Philippines Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Jose Faustino, Jr. on the phone today to discuss opportunities to further modernize and strengthen the U.S.-Philippines alliance. This was their first phone call since Senior Undersecretary Faustino assumed his current roles.
The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, especially in light of changing regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Austin noted that the U.S. commitment to Philippine security is ironclad, and that U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty commitments extend to Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft in the South China Sea. Secretary Austin and Senior Undersecretary Faustino agreed to continue close operational coordination in the region.
Both leaders noted the importance of enhancing the posture of the alliance to address new and emerging challenges, including by deepening cooperation under the Visiting Forces Agreement and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Secretary Austin also expressed his thanks for the Philippines’ support for the people of Ukraine.
The Secretaries closed the call by underscoring the importance of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Department of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:
Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Ely Ratner co-chaired the 2022 U.S.-Vietnam Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) with Vietnam Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien in Hanoi, Vietnam on September 12, 2022. The U.S.-Vietnam DPD is the highest-level forum for advancing bilateral defense cooperation.
The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive partnership, especially in light of changing regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Ratner noted that the U.S. commitment to a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam is enduring, and also highlighted continued U.S. support for ASEAN centrality. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based international order and agreed to work collectively and with like-minded partners to peacefully address and resolve disputes in the region.
The two leaders underscored the importance of practical cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. Dr. Ratner and LTG Chien highlighted the importance of collective efforts to recover remains of both U.S. and Vietnamese missing personnel, and Dr. Ratner noted the Department’s enduring commitment to dioxin remediation efforts. Dr. Ratner shared new data, collected by Harvard University, to help identify missing Vietnamese personnel. Looking forward, the two leaders agreed to focus on enhanced cooperation on defense trade, maritime security, information sharing, cyber security, and military medicine.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh today to discuss a range of recent security developments of shared interest, including in East Asia, the Indian Ocean Region, and beyond. Their call came on the heels of a productive set of engagements in New Delhi last week for the 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogues.
The Secretary congratulated Minister Singh on the commissioning of the INS Vikrant, noting the significance of the event for India’s role as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific. In light of the evolving regional security environment, the two defense leaders committed to expanding information-sharing and logistics cooperation as the U.S. and Indian militaries operate and coordinate more closely together. Secretary Austin expressed his support for additional mid-voyage repairs of U.S. Navy ships in India following the historic visit of the USNS Charles Drew to Chennai in August.
They agreed to initiate a dialogue later this year to deepen bilateral collaboration in space, cyber, artificial intelligence, and other new defense domains. Secretary Austin and Minister Singh highlighted their commitment to strengthening defense technology and industrial cooperation to support India’s rise as an industry leader and regional security provider.
They also underscored the value of advancing cooperation through the Quad partnership to sustain regional peace, stability, and prosperity, including through coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The two leaders committed to an ambitious set of initiatives leading up to the 2+2 Ministerial in India early next year, as the United States and India work to swiftly expand the depth and breadth of their cooperation. They concluded the call by reaffirming the centrality of the U.S.-India defense partnership to their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Learn more about RIMPAC here: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/RIMPAC.
Motivation and wisdom:#NT4S","username":"Martin_Dempsey","name":"GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey","date":"Wed Sep 14 11:02:47 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":21,"like_count":91,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey @Martin_Dempsey“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Napoleon Hill. The good news is that we often see this. It’s all about attitude. We are only inconsequential if we choose to be. #NT4SSeptember 14th 2022
21 Retweets91 Likes
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_Make sure you read something every day that inspires youSeptember 14th 2022
341 Retweets1,606 Likes
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qotDon't rush. Great things take time.September 14th 2022
36 Retweets97 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Just like a computer, your mind slows down when it has too many tabs open."September 13th 2022
418 Retweets1,906 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"I will never, ever give up."September 13th 2022
952 Retweets4,058 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotIf it drains you, it's not for you. Always remember that.September 13th 2022
64 Retweets249 Likes
billionaire_Secrets @bilionaire_sec"If you can dream it, you can do it."September 10th 2022
124 Retweets482 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotDon't wish for it, work for it.September 10th 2022
43 Retweets113 Likes
Life Quotes @RTLifeQuotesOpportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas EdisonSeptember 8th 2022
8 Retweets50 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Focus on issues you can control, not on those you can't.September 8th 2022
281 Retweets1,479 Likes
Words of Wisdom @billionair_keyRemember that you can touch so many lives by simply being in joy.September 8th 2022
174 Retweets940 LikesI always like to end with this one:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people."August 21st 2022
354 Retweets1,398 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
For those who want to know just a little bit more about me, here’s the short version.
I’m from Knoxville, Tenn., and I left home to join the Marine Corps at the age of 17. I was also crazy enough to demand that the Marine Corps put me down for guaranteed infantry, even though the recruiter lied and said they didn’t have any infantry slots. He was trying to get me into intelligence because I managed to somehow score high on the ASVAB test. Maybe he would have gotten a bonus if he’d been successful.
But I was a persistent little SOB and I started talking to the Army and even did a weekend training drill with their recruiters. They told me I could get infantry with them with a chance to become a Ranger. I was just about to sign when lo and behold, my Marine recruiter somehow found a guaranteed infantry slot.
It’s been said that I don’t usually stop when I make my mind up to make something happen, and I suppose that’s true to this day. I served four years in the infantry, saw enough danger to decide I no longer had anything else to prove, and exited military service in 1999.
I earned a degree from the University of Tennessee in journalism and spent ten-plus years in the news business. I worked initially as a reporter, but then went on to start a weekly newspaper. What can I say? Anyone crazy enough to start a weekly newspaper at the age of 27 is probably a dreamer and an optimist, and I confess that I’m both.
I owned that weekly newspaper for nine years, from 2004 to 2013, but once it was clear that owning a newspaper wasn’t the best path to financial security, I went on to become an author. To date, I’ve written eleven books, and while I still have my sights set on the tallest peaks in the writing world, I’m now here, as well, a twice-a-week podcaster, who’s still in love with both this country and the news.
And I see this podcast as a small way to continue serving our country, doing my best to inform and unite us in a time that we’re as divided as we’ve probably been in a hundred years.
Well, I’ve talked enough about me. I really hope you’ll consider at least signing up to be a free subscriber. It sounds cheesy, but every new subscriber I get — and I promise you I get an email for each one — they really do help make my day.
And if you can, consider at some point becoming a paid subscriber.
The View from the Front is a reader-supported publication. The best way to make this work sustainable, and to help improve it, is with a paid subscription. But at the same time, free ones are appreciated, too!
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email, so you’ll never miss a show.
As a reminder, please be kind and try your best to love your fellow Americans.
Let’s all work together to unite this country.
So, 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.
Also, if you have a dream kicking around in the back of your mind? Go after it. If you have that friend or family member that you know you should reach out to? Reach out to them.
Finally, and this especially goes to all my awesome military folks listening out there, if you need help, reach out to someone. Please. Call that friend or family member. Do it for us all. We’ve already lost too many of the greatest folks that this country has produced to suicide. So I’m asking you to be brave once more, and show some vulnerability. Take a deep breath, breathe, and call a friend or family member or someone who can help.
I appreciate each and every one of you. Every tweet, every share, every email, etc. I can’t even tell you how much those mean to me, and I love each and every one of you all.
Please join me again in our next episode, and please stay safe until then.
Thanks again, everyone! You guys are the best. As always, don’t forget to check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
And with that, I’m out.
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/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
September 13, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The View from the Front podcast for 9-13-22
Welcome to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military and defense news, designed for serious people who love their country more than they love their political party. It’s a show for moderates, who are tired of their news being from the left or the right, or being over-the-top and scary. I fully understand how frustrated most Americans feel a…
September 9, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 9-9-22.
Welcome to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military and defense news, designed for serious people who love their country more than they love their political party. It’s a show for moderates, who are tired of their news being from the left or the right, or being over-the-top and scary. I fully understand how frustrated most Americans feel at how divided we are, and I am the very opposite of most news organizations, who often write articles that are too alarming.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior infantry Marine, who dropped the sword and picked up the pen. After joining the Marine Corps at the age of 17 to serve four years in the infantry, I exited military service, earned a degree, and spent ten-plus years in the news business; initially as a reporter, but then going on to start a weekly newspaper. What can I say? Anyone crazy enough to start a weekly newspaper at the age of 27 is probably a dreamer and an optimist, and I confess that I’m both.
I owned that weekly newspaper for nine years, from 2004 to 2013, but once it was clear that owning a newspaper wasn’t the best path to financial security, I went on to become an author. To date, I’ve written eleven books, and while it’s true I’m still writing, I’m now here, as well, a twice-a-week podcaster, who’s still in love with both this country and the news.
And I see this podcast as a small way to continue serving our country, doing my best to inform and unite us in a time that we’re as divided as we’ve probably been in a hundred years.
If you were to ask anyone who lived in Oak Ridge during the nine years that I owned that weekly newspaper, they would tell you that I sought to downplay controversy, I worked hard to understate headlines, and I did my absolute best to never create panic, which is a terrible way to sell newspapers (but a responsible way for a media outlet to act).
I plan to do these same things with my podcast. I love the news, and we need the news, but we need to have news that’s less over-the-top. News that folks don’t dread to hear, because it’s too scary. And news that isn’t so blown-out-of-proportion and fear-based, that it was clearly written to be shared and scare the devil out of people. The news shouldn’t be a game intended to grab eyeballs and monetize dollars.
It is an absolute fact that our democracy doesn’t work if we don’t have informed voters, and since we’re talking about the news and informed voters, let me say this: I’m convinced that foreign-policy decisions are the most important decisions that we face as a country.
They lead to greater consequences on the world stage, and they can lead to tragic deaths. Either because we shouldn’t have intervened somewhere. Or perhaps because we should have. America is the world’s leading power, and we mostly lead the world from a position of moral authority, showing other countries how they should behave in regards to ethics, restraint, and providing freedom for their citizens.
Foreign policy decisions can be tragic and heartbreaking, and it’s important that we get them right. It’s also crucial that when we get them wrong, such as when we did in the Vietnam War, then the faster we can course correct, the faster we can reduce how many lives we lose.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do think much can be gained from discussing these issues, and creating a community where we intelligently discuss the troubles confronting us, and where we work to come closer together and respect each other’s views with more patience and kindness.
A house divided cannot stand, and I strongly believe that more unites us than divides us. I will not remain silent while politicians seeking their own personal gain try to throw gas on a dangerous fire, doing their best to tear apart this country so that they can advance to a higher office. I will also not remain silent when we have media organizations doing great harm to our country by scaring people or creating panic.
We face great challenges as a country, but America has stood together for more than 240 years, and it’s only together that we can pass on a better future for our kids. So, let’s get a little better informed. And let’s work to get a little more united as a people.
Thank you for being patient and allowing me to share that monologue. I think it’s important people hear what I’m about before they listen for too long. And I think it’s also important my regular listeners hear this message enough that it sinks in. That it affects what they believe. That it affects how they act.
We need to hold and cherish the beliefs that got us here today. Beliefs such as patience. Kindness. And a strong belief that our best days lie before us. These are beliefs that got us to this point. And they’re also the beliefs that will get us to a brighter future.
Thanks again for your patience on this intro. I know it’s not the sort of fast-paced, really hip, Twitter-friendly, Tik-tok cool intro that fits most podcasts that go viral, but maybe we’ve got a few too many podcasts that are like that. Maybe we need to go back to something deeper. To something firmer and more solid. To something we can build a foundation from. And that’s what I’m offering.
And with, let’s get started.
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. I apologize that I don’t have time to type up well-written, full episodes as I used to do. I’m still working a full-time job and squeezing in my research and recording the episodes as best I can. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to do full write-ups, as well.
The view from the front by Stan R. Mitchell is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Source notes follow below, with subject heading in bold. (I again apologize for not being able to do full write-ups at this time.):
Ukraine:Ukraine's success in Kherson, Kharkiv encouraging -Pentagon chief
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv and Kherson have recaptured more than 270 square miles of territory in the south and in the east, where they advanced up to 31 miles into Russian lines and have retaken more than 20 villages.
“We have not lost anything and will not lose anything,” Mr. Putin said at an economic conference in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok.
Showing no sign of stopping the invasion, now in its seventh month, an ever-defiant Mr. Putin said that Moscow had raised its international stature and rid itself of “harmful” elements inside the country. He also reasserted his interpretation of the war in Ukraine as the culmination of his effort to subvert an unjust world order led by the United States.
U.S. dials up shipments of radar-hunting missiles for Ukraine
The Biden administration is sending the Ukrainian military more radar-hunting missiles, U.S. officials said Thursday, a move intended to bolster its aerial-attack capabilities against invading Russian forces.
…
The weapons, known as high-speed, antiradiation missiles, or HARMs, are part of a $675 million arms package that President Biden has newly approved for transfer to the government in Kyiv. The military aid also includes additional rounds for rocket artillery systems that Ukraine has used against Russian positions hundreds of times, remote-detonated antitank mines and 105mm howitzer cannons and rounds for them.
“Ukraine is fighting for its life,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a news conference at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he announced the latest weapons transfer at a meeting of several countries supporting Ukraine’s war effort. “It’s fighting for its sovereign territory, and its democracy and its freedom. But the stakes reach far beyond the front lines. They affect us all.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing
As far as your first question, yes, we do have indications that Russia has approached North Korea to request ammunition. I'm not able to provide any more detail than that at this point in time, but it does demonstrate and is indicative of the situation that Russia finds itself in terms of its logistics and sustainment capabilities as it relates to Ukraine. Certainly, as has been said, we assess that things are not going well on that front for Russia, so the fact that they're reaching out to North Korea is a sign that they're having some challenges on the sustainment front. Thank you.
Q: Just a quick follow then. You talked about they're in a process getting these weapons. Does that mean they have, like, sent the money over? They're waiting for the shipment? Have they not sent money over? What part of the process are they in?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so the information we have is that they have approached North Korea, but beyond that, I don't have any further details to provide.
Q: And just to follow up, why declassify this information now? Is it because you received it now, or because the process of declassification took awhile? I guess why now?
GEN. RYDER: So what I would say, Idris, is that as this campaign has unfolded, we've tried to make an effort to ensure that the public and the international community understand the situation that Russia finds itself as they, again, continue to wage their campaign in Ukraine. This information is relevant to the fight in the sense that, again, it's indicative of the situation that Russia finds itself in and shows the fact that they are trying to reach out to international actors like Iran and North Korea that don't have the best record when it comes to international stability.
Sea drones captured by Iran:
Q: Just to follow up on that, we heard from Colin Kahl a couple of weeks ago that there were no new assessments that China was going to invade Taiwan any sooner than we've previously thought. Is that now that a couple of weeks have passed since these exercises happened and we've seen China, you know, continuing to violate Taiwan's airspace, is there any new assessments going on about the prospect of this happening in the next five, 10 years?
RYDER: Yes, I'm not aware of any new assessments.
Q: Hey, yes, Liz Friden with Fox News. Thanks for taking my question.
As far as the Iranian capturing the sea drones last week, there were two different incidents in the Middle East. Does the U.S. make anything of this happening suddenly, as the Iran negotiations are ongoing with the nuclear deal?
And is this part of a greater trend?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks for the question, Liz.
So we do not see the two as connected. Again, as you're aware, in the case of the saildrones, we did recover the drones and it's just another example of Iranian activity in this region that is unprofessional and problematic.
And so certainly we'll continue to keep an eye on that front, but again, to answer your question, we do not see those two as connected.
Watch Iran try (and fail) to kidnap an American drone boat at sea
Q: Oh, okay, sorry. Look, going back to the Saildrones, can you say on what basis these were recovered, what demands did you -- did the U.S. Navy make to the Iranians, and was there a threat leveled, was there a kinetic force considered?
And stepping back more broadly, can you say how many of these have you deployed in the Gulf and are they only there or is the Navy using them in such a large number elsewhere in the world?
RYDER: Sure. To answer your first question -- so as I understand it, the Iranian Navy held these Saildrones on their deck of their ship overnight and returned them the next morning. In terms of how long they've been operating in the vicinity or in this area, these drones are operated as part of 5th Fleet's Task Force 59.
They've been operating in the region since the beginning of the year, so January of 2022. And they are a way that we are able to provide information to NAVCENT quickly, as far as safely transiting the area, providing information in terms of potential issues or threats in the area, but bottom line is that, again, there was no situation in which forces were, as you put it, hostile. They took them and then the two U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers that were operating in the vicinity responded, moved into the area, but then shortly after, like I said, overnight, the Iranians released them. Thank you.
NY Times: ‘Playing With Fire’: U.N. Team Calls for No-Fire Zone at Ukraine Nuclear Plant
Bonus material:The Artemis I launch has been scrubbed after the team was unable to work through an issue on one of the rocket’s four engines. The uncrewed rocket was due to launch on a journey around the moo…","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
On Tuesday, the inspectors reported having found Russian military equipment parked inside buildings, as well as damage to buildings housing fresh nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Plant operators, they said, were being denied access to some parts of the facility, including the cooling ponds. And even the on-site emergency center has been compromised, and is now being used by Russian military personnel, the inspectors said.
For Europeans alarmed at the prospect of a Chernobyl-like nuclear disaster in the heart of the continent, the visit by the inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the report that resulted made it only clearer that there is little the world is able — or willing — to do. Not only is the agency powerless to stop the fighting around the plant, the shelling persisted even while they were there, at one point forcing inspectors to take cover.
CNN International @cnniThe US military is racking up deals with commercial rocket companies to explore the idea of using rockets to shuttle military cargo around the world at record speeds.
These companies are looking at using rockets to blast cargo across the planetThe Artemis I launch has been scrubbed after the team was unable to work through an issue on one of the rocket’s four engines. The uncrewed rocket was due to launch on a journey around the moo…cnn.itSeptember 8th 2022
27 Retweets69 LikesIran thought it had impunity until Albania reacted- analysisMotivation and wisdom:
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellSometimes, I think super-deep, super-silly thoughts. (The curse of being a writer.)And I am at the ballfield tonight watching my stepson play, and I noticed that full moon, and the players trying their best, dreaming BIG dreams on a small field, as the light turns to dusk. 
September 9th 2022
3 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotYour future needs you. Your past doesn't.September 8th 2022
3 Retweets12 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Degrees get you jobs. Skill get you freedom.September 8th 2022
220 Retweets1,118 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesAct as if what you do makes a difference. It does. - William JamesSeptember 8th 2022
17 Retweets70 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Forget all the reasons why it won't work. Believe the one reason why it will.September 7th 2022
277 Retweets1,088 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Let your HUSTLE be louder than your wordsSeptember 7th 2022
244 Retweets1,195 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesIf you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances. - Julia SorelSeptember 7th 2022
8 Retweets29 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesYou shouldn’t focus on why you can’t do something, which is what most people do. You should focus on why perhaps you can, and be one of the exceptions. - Steve CaseSeptember 7th 2022
18 Retweets60 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesWhen you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Franklin D. RooseveltSeptember 7th 2022
25 Retweets120 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotKeep grinding, Your day is coming.September 3rd 2022
33 Retweets92 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Shock everyone. Do what they said you couldn't.September 3rd 2022
585 Retweets2,546 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesWe should not criticise those who trip by taking a more difficult than usual step. - Dick HubbardSeptember 3rd 2022
7 Retweets34 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Continuous learning. Continuous improving. Continuous succeeding.September 3rd 2022
612 Retweets1,815 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesPeople of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. - Leonardo da VinciSeptember 3rd 2022
6 Retweets51 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Talent won’t get you paid. But Hustle will"September 2nd 2022
209 Retweets1,007 LikesFinal three, and then we’re done:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_When you speak, always speak with strong confidence. Watch the difference it makes.August 28th 2022
471 Retweets2,170 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot"August 29th 2022
631 Retweets2,833 LikesAnd then I always like to end with this one:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people."August 21st 2022
354 Retweets1,398 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
The View from the Front is a reader-supported publication. The best way to make this work sustainable, and to help improve it, is with a paid subscription. But at the same time, free ones are appreciated, too!
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email, so you’ll never miss a show.
As a reminder, please be kind and try your best to love your fellow Americans.
Let’s all work together to unite this country.
So, 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.
Also, if you have a dream kicking around in the back of your mind? Go after it. If you have that friend or family member that you know you should reach out to? Reach out to them.
Finally, and this especially goes to all my awesome military folks listening out there, if you need help, reach out to someone. Please. Call that friend or family member. Do it for us all. We’ve already lost too many of the greatest folks that this country has produced to suicide. So I’m asking you to be brave once more, and show some vulnerability. Take a deep breath, breathe, and call a friend or family member or someone who can help.
I appreciate each and every one of you. Every tweet, every share, every email, etc. I can’t even tell you how much those mean to me, and I love each and every one of you all.
Please join me again in our next episode, and please stay safe until then.
Thanks again, everyone! You guys are the best. As always, don’t forget to check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
And with that, I’m out.
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/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
September 6, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 9-6-22.
Welcome to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military and defense news, designed for serious people who love their country more than they love their political party. It’s a show for moderates, who are tired of their news being from the left or the right, or being over-the-top and scary. I fully understand how frustrated most Americans feel a…
September 2, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 9-2-22.
Hi friends!
Welcome to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military and defense news, designed for serious people who love their country more than they love their political party. It’s a show for moderates, who are tired of their news being from the left or the right, or being over-the-top and scary. I fully understand how frustrated most Americans feel at how divided we are, and I am the very opposite of most news organizations, who often write articles that are too alarming.
My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior infantry Marine, who dropped the sword and picked up the pen. After joining the Marine Corps at the age of 17 to serve four years in the infantry, I exited military service, earned a degree, and spent ten-plus years in the news business; initially as a reporter, but then going on to start a weekly newspaper. What can I say? Anyone crazy enough to start a weekly newspaper at the age of 27 is probably a dreamer and an optimist, and I confess that I’m both.
I owned that weekly newspaper for nine years, from 2004 to 2013, but once it was clear that owning a newspaper wasn’t the best path to financial security, I went on to become an author. To date, I’ve written eleven books, and while it’s true I’m still writing, I’m now here, as well, a twice-a-week podcaster, who’s still in love with both this country and the news.
And I see this podcast as a small way to continue serving our country, doing my best to inform and unite us in a time that we’re as divided as we’ve probably been in a hundred years.
If you were to ask anyone who lived in Oak Ridge during the nine years that I owned that weekly newspaper, they would tell you that I sought to downplay controversy, I worked hard to understate headlines, and I did my absolute best to never create panic, which is a terrible way to sell newspapers (but a responsible way for a media outlet to act).
I plan to do these same things with my podcast. I love the news, and we need the news, but we need to have news that’s less over-the-top. News that folks don’t dread to hear, because it’s too scary. And news that isn’t so blown-out-of-proportion and fear-based, that it was clearly written to be shared and scare the devil out of people. The news shouldn’t be a game intended to grab eyeballs and monetize dollars.
It is an absolute fact that our democracy doesn’t work if we don’t have informed voters, and since we’re talking about the news and informed voters, let me say this: I’m convinced that foreign-policy decisions are the most important decisions that we face as a country.
They lead to greater consequences on the world stage, and they can lead to tragic deaths. Either because we shouldn’t have intervened somewhere. Or perhaps because we should have. America is the world’s leading power, and we mostly lead the world from a position of moral authority, showing other countries how they should behave in regards to ethics, restraint, and providing freedom for their citizens.
Foreign policy decisions can be tragic and heartbreaking, and it’s important that we get them right. It’s also crucial that when we get them wrong, such as when we did in the Vietnam War, then the faster we can course correct, the faster we can reduce how many lives we lose.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do think much can be gained from discussing these issues, and creating a community where we intelligently discuss the troubles confronting us, and where we work to come closer together and respect each other’s views with more patience and kindness.
A house divided cannot stand, and I strongly believe that more unites us than divides us. I will not remain silent while politicians seeking their own personal gain try to throw gas on a dangerous fire, doing their best to tear apart this country so that they can advance to a higher office. I will also not remain silent when we have media organizations doing great harm to our country by scaring people or creating panic.
We face great challenges as a country, but America has stood together for more than 240 years, and it’s only together that we can pass on a better future for our kids. So, let’s get a little better informed. And let’s work to get a little more united as a people.
Thank you for being patient and allowing me to share that monologue. I think it’s important people hear what I’m about before they listen for too long. And I think it’s also important my regular listeners hear this message enough that it sinks in. That it affects what they believe. That it affects how they act.
We need to hold and cherish the beliefs that got us here today. Beliefs such as patience. Kindness. And a strong belief that our best days lie before us. These are beliefs that got us to this point. And they’re also the beliefs that will get us to a brighter future.
Thanks again for your patience on this intro. I know it’s not the sort of fast-paced, really hip, Twitter-friendly, Tik-tok cool intro that fits most podcasts that go viral, but maybe we’ve got a few too many podcasts that are like that. Maybe we need to go back to something deeper. To something firmer and more solid. To something we can build a foundation from. And that’s what I’m offering.
And with, let’s get started.
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. I apologize that I don’t have time to type up well-written, full episodes as I used to do. I’m still working a full-time job and squeezing in my research and recording the episodes as best I can. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to do full write-ups, as well.
Source notes follow below, with subject heading in bold. (I again apologize for not being able to do full write-ups at this time.):
Ukraine:
The Washington Post @washingtonpostInternational Atomic Energy Agency inspectors arrived at Ukraine's embattled nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia to address fears of a radioactive disaster. 
Bombs fall as U.N. inspectors reach embattled Ukrainian nuclear plantInternational Atomic Energy Agency inspectors arrived at Ukraine’s embattled nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia to address fears of a radioactive disaster.wapo.stSeptember 2nd 2022
16 Retweets43 LikesFrom the story, which quoted Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency:
The goal of his multiday inspection was to set up a permanent monitoring mission at the plant and assess the safety situation there. It is unclear how extensive his team’s access will be after his departure.
The nuclear plant, Europe’s largest, is controlled by Russian forces but operated by Ukrainian engineers. Over the past few months, it has experienced a frightening array of artillery barrages, uncontrolled fires and power outages with a skeleton crew of workers sometimes held at gunpoint.
…
Grossi had been negotiating a visit to the plant since March, when Russian forces first seized the facility. A proposal to enter through Russian-occupied Crimea was rejected by Ukraine, which viewed that itinerary as an affront to its sovereignty.
The Kyiv Independent @KyivIndependent⚡️CNN: US conducted 'war games' with Kyiv before Kherson counteroffensive. The U.S. suggested keeping the offensive limited in geography to avoid overextension along the extensive front line, CNN reported citing multiple U.S., Ukrainian, and Western officials.August 31st 2022
737 Retweets6,949 LikesPentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told CNN that “the United States has routine military-to-military dialogue at multiple levels with Ukraine. We will not comment on the specifics of those engagements. Generally speaking, we provide the Ukrainians with information to help them better understand the threats they face and defend their country against Russian aggression. Ultimately, the Ukrainians are making the final decisions for their operations.”
David Ignatius @IgnatiusPostIn Ukraine (as everywhere) the best defense is a good offense. If Ukraine’s drive toward the coast succeeds, it will relieve pressure on Odessa and threaten Russia’s occupation of Crimea by cutting into the land bridge to the Donbas. Opinion | Ukraine’s counteroffensive is more than just bravadoNot only can Ukraine survive, it can regain some of its occupied land.washingtonpost.comSeptember 1st 2022
1 Retweet7 Likes
The Russian military is disoriented because of the pounding they’ve received, U.S. officials believe. Analysts estimate that Russia has lost thousands of officers, including hundreds of colonels and dozens of generals. The relentless attacks have forced Russian commanders to keep moving headquarters posts, adding to their command and logistical problems.
Ukraine’s other big advantage in this new phase of the war is the “partisan” campaign behind the lines against the Russian occupiers. U.S. military commanders warned their Russian counterparts to expect this brutal irregular warfare, based on the U.S. experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Russian officials didn’t listen, and now they’re facing attacks they don’t see coming and can’t root out, despite all their firepower. Every Ukrainian with a cellphone is an artillery spotter or intelligence collector.
Natasha Bertrand @NatashaBertrandThe chairman of Russian oil and gas giant Lukoil — which spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine — has died after falling out of a hospital window, state news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS reported Thursday….
Head of Russian oil giant Lukoil dies after falling from hospital window, reports state mediaA team of international experts have arrived at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for a planned inspection of the facility on Thursday despite the “significant” risks of their mission, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said. Follow here for the latest.cnn.comSeptember 1st 2022
2,314 Retweets5,404 LikesDeputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Provides Virtual Keynote Remarks to the DARPA Forward Conference, Fort Collins, Colorado
The chairman of Russian oil and gas giant Lukoil — which spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine — has died after falling out of a hospital window, state news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS reported Thursday.
Ravil Maganov died at the Central Clinical Hospital west of Moscow, according to the reports, which cite the hospital and law enforcement sources.
"The incident occurred around 07:00 am Moscow time in the Central Clinical Hospital ... The man fell out of the sixth-floor window and died as a result of his injuries," a source told TASS.
Lukoil confirmed Maganov’s death in a statement published on its website, saying only that the executive died "following a severe illness" and making no mention of a fall.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE KATHLEEN HICKS:
Motivation and wisdom:
As you've probably gathered over the last day and a half, in the Department of Defense, there's no shortage of big challenges that we're thinking about every day. We face a pacing challenge in the People's Republic of China, which is today the most consequential strategic competitor to the United States on the global stage. We face in Russia an acute threat to the international system, as illustrated by its ongoing, brutal war of choice against Ukraine. We face persistent regional threats, like those emanating from North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations. And we face threats that transcend national and regional borders, including pandemics like COVID-19 and climate change.
…
To be clear, the United States faces these many challenges with many strategic advantages, and you're one of them. All over America, we have an incredibly vibrant innovation ecosystem that is the envy of the world. DARPA's part of it and so are all of you.
Because of this innovation ecosystem, which also draws strength from our partnerships with like-minded friends and allies around the world, we're able to figure out some really wicked problems, like how to resupply and reinforce Army and Marine Corps units spread out on islands across half a hemisphere with capabilities like distributed additive manufacturing and proliferated low signature delivery systems so they can operate and be sustained no matter what an enemy does or how contested the logistics environment gets, or how we integrate sensors and fuse data across every domain while leveraging cutting edge decision support tools to enable high tempo operations, a Joint All-Domain Command and Control approach that will make us even better than we already are at joint operations and combat integration.
…
DR. HICKS: First of all, AUKUS is right at the top of that, and for those who may not be aware, AUKUS is the U.S., Australia and Great Britain coming together in an intentional way to focus on how we can achieve mutual advantage by sharing on the research and development, and ultimately, production side on technology. There are a couple of different aspects of that. The -- the -- the one big -- pillar one, it's called -- one big area is undersea warfare capability and making sure we can mutually strengthen our undersea capabilities. Again, that's an area of advantage for the United States and its Western allies. So making sure we can keep that as an enduring advantage will require us to continue staying at the cutting edge of that technology.
…
But we don't stop there. We have many other bilateral, trilateral, and even in the case of Asia, a quad approach where we're constantly working with others on the operational challenges they face. I'll say again, some of our Asia-Pacific partners are focused more than anything on climate change. So sometimes it's something like that where their defense communities are very focused on the existential risk, if they're island nations, for instance. And sometimes it's all the way up at the higher end of potential warfare, making sure that they can protect themselves against anything from hypersonic missile systems to nuclear capabilities that could be put forward, and everything in between. We need allies and partners where they are on the things they want to work on together. There's a lot of opportunity in that. And we also, by taking that approach, by focusing on ensuring stability in the region rather than trying to increase tensions, we become the partner of choice for many in the region. That protects us economically and it protects us in our security realm.
Danny Deraney @DannyDeraneyThe baby elephant chasing birds video never fails to make me smile. Credit: Boras Zoo August 29th 2022
5,543 Retweets48,508 Likesbillionaire_Secrets @bilionaire_secDo it alone. Do it broke. Do it tired. Do it scared. Just do it.August 30th 2022
75 Retweets232 Likes
Daily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner."- Lao TzuAugust 21st 2022
252 Retweets1,051 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_The only downside of improving yourself:It gets lonely.August 31st 2022
187 Retweets890 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Get better. All the time. That's how you succeed.September 1st 2022
406 Retweets1,835 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotForgive your old self, you've changed.August 31st 2022
20 Retweets98 LikesDaily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”- Margaret MeadSeptember 2nd 2022
91 Retweets371 Likes
Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Love yourself, respect yourself. Never sell yourself short. Believe in yourself regardless of what other people think. You can accomplish anything, absolutely anything, if you set your mind to it.August 31st 2022
180 Retweets599 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesI hated every minute of training, but I said 'don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' - Muhammad AliAugust 31st 2022
62 Retweets289 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Give yourself credit for trying. Working on yourself can be hard, but the rewards of not giving up can really change your life. Keep going.August 31st 2022
314 Retweets1,119 LikesFinal three, and then we’re done:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_When you speak, always speak with strong confidence. Watch the difference it makes.August 28th 2022
471 Retweets2,170 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot"August 29th 2022
631 Retweets2,833 LikesAnd then I always like to end with this one:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people."August 21st 2022
354 Retweets1,398 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
The View from the Front is a reader-supported publication. The best way to make this work sustainable, and to help improve it, is with a paid subscription. But at the same time, free ones are appreciated, too!
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email, so you’ll never miss a show.
As a reminder, please be kind and try your best to love your fellow Americans.
Let’s all work together to unite this country.
So, 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.
Also, if you have a dream kicking around in the back of your mind? Go after it. If you have that friend or family member that you know you should reach out to? Reach out to them.
Finally, and this especially goes to all my awesome military folks listening out there, if you need help, reach out to someone. Please. Call that friend or family member. Do it for us all. We’ve already lost too many of the greatest folks that this country has produced to suicide. So I’m asking you to be brave once more, and show some vulnerability. Take a deep breath, breathe, and call a friend or family member or someone who can help.
I appreciate each and every one of you. Every tweet, every share, every email, etc. I can’t even tell you how much those mean to me, and I love each and every one of you all.
Please join me again in our next episode, and please stay safe until then.
Thanks again, everyone! You guys are the best. As always, don’t forget to check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
And with that, I’m out.
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/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
August 30, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-30-22.
Hi friends! Welcome to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military and defense news, designed for people who are serious about their love for this country, and who love their country more than they love their political party. It’s a show for moderates, who are sick of their news being from the left or the right, or being over-the-top and scar…
August 26, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-26-22.
Hello everybody, this is Stan R. Mitchell and you’re listening to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military matters happening around the world, followed by some motivation at the end of each episode! Because who doesn’t need all the motivation they can get?! At least once or twice a week!
Every Tuesday and Friday, I discuss military and defense news, as well as some history, motivation, and wisdom. (And I do all of this from a moderate perspective.)
I am your host, and I’m a prior infantry Marine, who dropped the sword and picked up the pen. After joining the Marine Corps at the age of 17 to serve four years in the infantry, I exited military service, earned a degree, and spent ten years as a journalist, learning about our government and how it works.
I went on to become an author and have written eleven books to date, and now I’m here, a twice-a-week podcaster, who’s still in love with both this country and the news. And I see this podcast as a small way to continue serving our country, doing my best to inform and unite us in a time that we’re as divided as we’ve probably been in a hundred years.
Thanks so much for joining us today! I really enjoy talking about military matters and motivation, and I truly am honored that you’re here.
I will also say our democracy doesn’t work if we don’t have informed voters, and that I think foreign-policy decisions are the most important decisions that we face as a country.
They lead to greater consequences: more deaths, higher spending, etc. Foreign policy decisions can be tragic and heartbreaking, and it’s important that we get them right. And when we get them wrong, such as we did in Vietnam, then the faster we course correct, the faster we can reduce how many lives we lose.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do think much can be gained from discussing this, and creating a community where we all talk about these issues twice a week and do our best to make the correct decisions.
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. I apologize that I don’t have time to type up well-written, full episodes as I used to do. I’m still working a full-time job and squeezing in my research and recording the episodes as best I can. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to do full write-ups, as well.
Source notes follow below, with subject heading in bold. (I again apologize for not being able to do full write-ups at this time.):
Ukraine:
Rob Lee @RALee85The official # for servicemen in the Russian military was previously more than 1 million but the actual size was ~850k. There is no easy way for Russia to increase its size at this point, other than simply declaring LDNR, Wagner, or volunteer units part of the Russian military. Liveuamap @Liveuamap
Putin signed a decree to increase number of servicemen in Armed Forces of Russia to 1.15 million(adding 137000) https://t.co/pM5e0DqHV1 https://t.co/BJHeGS6pBKAugust 25th 2022
289 Retweets1,224 LikesLink to thread by retired General Mick Ryan.
Mick Ryan, AM @WarintheFuture3/ The most important observation is that there are still those who believe war is the best way to get what they want. This is an old idea, as ancient as human societies. There are always those who want what others have. So too it goes with nations & their leaders.August 23rd 2022
23 Retweets259 Likes#ukraine ","username":"ford_nik","name":"🌻Dr. Nik Ford🌻","date":"Tue Jun 07 22:04:14 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FUrpVp...
🌻Dr. Nik Ford🌻 @ford_nikThis is how the 58th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are sleeping at the front to be as safe as possible. Please help support the soldiers. Link threaded below! #ukraine 
June 7th 2022
5 Retweets30 Likes@sofmagpublisher @173rdAbnBde sofmag.com/jumping-into-c… ","username":"SpencerGuard","name":"John Spencer","date":"Mon Aug 22 23:28:03 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FazU-Q...
John Spencer @SpencerGuardThis photo of my unit became synonymous w/the soldier's load. Every soldier had over a 100 lbs ruck (all weighed on the airfield). Read about the challenges of that night/morning in the excerpt of my book posted today @sofmagpublisher @173rdAbnBde sofmag.com/jumping-into-c… 
August 22nd 2022
88 Retweets664 Likes@StanRMitchell Fakers gonna fake. And the respect SEALs have to Devil Dogs is real. And respect is earned, not given. Been in some tough, tough spots with Marines. And I’m still here-- because of them, Stay frosty, brother.","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Wed Aug 17 19:55:19 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":2,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrer@StanRMitchell Fakers gonna fake. And the respect SEALs have to Devil Dogs is real. And respect is earned, not given. Been in some tough, tough spots with Marines. And I’m still here-- because of them, Stay frosty, brother.August 17th 2022
2 Likes@CedricLeighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country. Watch:\n","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Fri Aug 26 00:42:30 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":38,"like_count":94,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://cnn.it/3Raa4Vg","im... Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is stopping Ukraine’s advance. Retired Colonel explains why - CNN Video","description":"Retired Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country.","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
CNN @CNNRetired Air Force Col. @CedricLeighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country. Watch:
Video: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is stopping Ukraine’s advance. Retired Colonel explains why - CNN VideoRetired Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country.cnn.itAugust 26th 2022
38 Retweets94 Likes@DeptofDefense announced today approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). (1/2) ","username":"PentagonPresSec","name":"Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder","date":"Wed Aug 24 18:51:34 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa8pQd...
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder @PentagonPresSecToday, Ukraine’s Independence Day, the @DeptofDefense announced today approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). (1/2) 
August 24th 2022
57 Retweets211 Likes
KyivPost @KyivPostIn Zelensky’s latest address on Tuesday evening, August 23, the Ukrainian President spoke about Independence Day and the desire to retake all Ukrainian territories currently being occupied by Russia. Read more on our website. 
READ: Zelensky’s Latest Daily Address - KyivPost - Ukraine’s Global VoiceIn Zelensky’s latest address on Tuesday evening, August 23, the Ukrainian President spoke about… - Aug. 24, 2022. By Kyiv Postkyivpost.comAugust 24th 2022
68 Retweets356 Likes
Visegrád 24 @visegrad24President Erdogan says that Russia is required by international law to leave Crimea and give it back to Ukraine.🇹🇷🇺🇦 August 23rd 2022
3,624 Retweets18,837 Likes
Patrick FoxOpportunity in Operational Command SouthThe Kherson front in Ukrainian Operational Command South (OCS) has been largely overshadowed in media reporting by Russian activity in the Donbas region, with its brutal artillery barrages, heavy casualties, and modest gains for assaulting Russian army forces. However, it is at Kherson that Ukraine has a genuine chanc…Read more2 days ago · 1 like · Patrick FoxChina: 
Ken Dilanian @KenDilanianNBC“In this scenario, China would attempt to subdue Taiwan by choking it and its 23 million people in a ring of ships and aircraft, cutting it off physically, economically and even digitally.” 
How China Could Choke TaiwanChina is honing its ability to blockade Taiwan, giving Beijing the option of cutting off the self-ruled island in its campaign to take control of it.nytimes.comAugust 25th 2022
8 Retweets8 LikesFrom the story (hat tip to David Mitchell):
dlvr.it/RQ8hxN ","username":"onlmaps","name":"OnlMaps","date":"Sun Feb 16 19:04:05 +0000 2020","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/EQ61di...
Taiwan’s geography leaves it vulnerable to a blockade. Its population, industry and ports are concentrated on its western flank, closest to China.
China could impose a blockade, by sending ships and submarines to prevent vessels from entering or leaving Taiwan’s ports. It could use warplanes and missiles to dominate the skies.
OnlMaps @onlmapsPopulation density map of Taiwan dlvr.it/RQ8hxN 
February 16th 2020
5 Retweets23 LikesSyria:centcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMEN… ","username":"CENTCOM","name":"U.S. Central Command","date":"Wed Aug 24 02:16:39 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa5FV0...
U.S. Central Command @CENTCOMStatement Regarding Precision Strikes in Syriacentcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMEN… 
August 24th 2022
718 Retweets1,507 Likescentcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RE… ","username":"CENTCOM","name":"U.S. Central Command","date":"Wed Aug 24 23:58:46 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa9vfo...U.S. Central Command @CENTCOMCENTCOM forces respond to attempted coordinated rocket attacksat Conoco, Green Village bases in northeast Syriacentcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RE… 
August 24th 2022
145 Retweets315 Likes
Jennifer Griffin @JenGriffinFNCBackground on US airstrikes targeting Iranian backed militias in Syria in past 24 hours 
US airstrikes target Iran-backed militia in eastern SyriaBEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. military said early Wednesday it carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria that targeted areas used by militias backed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and activist collective Deir Ezzor 24 said the airst…apnews.comAugust 24th 2022
32 Retweets53 LikesQuestions are good.
Idrees Ali @idreesali114It’s a good question: what is the vital U.S. national security interest in having 900 troops in Syria? https://t.co/86vNgEYhYqConnor O'Brien @connorobrienNH
Of note from Sen. Chris Murphy’s statement on US strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria: “It is past time for a rethink about the wisdom of having so many Americans so thinly spread across the region.” https://t.co/KZ7RvWyYGzAugust 26th 2022
5 Retweets12 Likes
Connor O'Brien @connorobrienNHOf note from Sen. Chris Murphy’s statement on US strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria: “It is past time for a rethink about the wisdom of having so many Americans so thinly spread across the region.” 
August 25th 2022
27 Retweets103 LikesAfghanistan:Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellAn important reminder. Never forget. 
August 26th 2022
And if you missed the previous podcast, where I talk about the Afghanistan withdrawal and you can actually hear the emotion in my voice, see below (or go to this link):
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellIt's been one year since America withdrew from Afghanistan. I talk about this thorny, emotional topic at length in Friday's podcast. What did I get wrong? Or right? Would love to hear your thoughts. 
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-19-22.My latest podcast of military and defense news (plus, some history, motivation, and wisdom).stanrmitchell.substack.com
August 21st 2022
Bonus material:
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeNukes seem like something you don't want to be missing, but the US is missing 6 of them
The US military is still missing 6 nuclear weapons that were lost decades agoThe U.S. military had 32 nuclear accidents during the Cold War, and several nuclear weapons remain unaccounted for.taskandpurpose.comAugust 26th 2022
14 Retweets24 LikesThe US military is still missing 6 nuclear weapons that were lost decades ago
@AmbJohnBolton, tells CNN’s @jaketapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration. Watch: ","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Wed Aug 17 22:43:11 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":18,"like_count":61,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://cnn.it/3AtxGOU","im... ‘State terrorism of an unprecedented level’: Bolton on Iran - CNN Video","description":"John Bolton, a former National Security Advisor in the Trump White House, tells CNN’s Jake Tapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration.","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">CNN @CNNFormer Trump national security advisor @AmbJohnBolton, tells CNN’s @jaketapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration. Watch: 
Watch: ‘State terrorism of an unprecedented level’: Bolton on Iran - CNN VideoJohn Bolton, a former National Security Advisor in the Trump White House, tells CNN’s Jake Tapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration.cnn.itAugust 17th 2022
18 Retweets61 Likes
Defense News @defense_newsThe $64 million package of weapons makes Britain a leading donor to Ukraine. 
New British aid package for Ukraine includes micro-dronesThe $64 million package of weapons makes Britain a leading donor to Ukraine.defensenews.comAugust 25th 2022
6 Retweets19 Likesnytimes.com/live/2022/08/2… ","username":"nycjim","name":"Jim Roberts","date":"Fri Aug 26 11:05:44 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FbFRzJ...
Jim Roberts @nycjimThe U.S. State Department and Yale identify 21 detention/deportation sites in Russian-controlled territory.*Satellite images show signs of mass graves.nytimes.com/live/2022/08/2… 
August 26th 2022
402 Retweets586 Likes@alexbward Among the goodies: Six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) with additional munitions for NASAMS. ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Wed Aug 24 18:49:38 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa8oy4...Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrer@alexbward Among the goodies: Six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) with additional munitions for NASAMS. 
August 24th 2022
2 Retweets29 LikesMotivation and wisdom:Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Your thoughts shape your future."August 25th 2022
145 Retweets769 LikesDaily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"A disciplined mind brings happiness."- BuddhaAugust 25th 2022
13 Retweets79 LikesDaily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"You are what you do, not what you say you'll do."- Carl JungAugust 20th 2022
311 Retweets1,494 Likesbillionaire_Secrets @bilionaire_sec"It's never too late to become what you might have been."August 25th 2022
20 Retweets84 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Wake up with energy and optimism. New opportunities are waiting for you today.August 24th 2022
159 Retweets648 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Always be kinder than you feel."August 24th 2022
246 Retweets1,427 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesI don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously. - Ray BradburyAugust 24th 2022
15 Retweets55 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Don't chase, don't beg, don't stress, don't be desperate, just relax. When you relax, it will come to you. Make your wants want you.August 24th 2022
234 Retweets994 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Never feel sorry for yourself. Greatness is in you."August 20th 2022
473 Retweets2,545 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"You're always one decision away from a totally different life."August 20th 2022
663 Retweets3,044 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Believe in your vision no matter what anyone else says."August 20th 2022
666 Retweets2,595 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_You weren't born to just pay bills and die... Live up to your fullest potentialAugust 19th 2022
373 Retweets1,533 Likes@StanRMitchell Aloha and perfect pronunciation. The line is attributable to one helluva Warrior Leader @PMEHardTrox \nHere’s one for next week, “worry about your disposition and not your position.” \nGreat stuff this week. Continue to do great deeds and endure. #SemperFi","username":"aaspadaro","name":"Anthony Spadaro","date":"Wed Aug 24 19:23:19 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":1,"like_count":1,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
Anthony Spadaro @aaspadaro@StanRMitchell Aloha and perfect pronunciation. The line is attributable to one helluva Warrior Leader @PMEHardTrox Here’s one for next week, “worry about your disposition and not your position.” Great stuff this week. Continue to do great deeds and endure. #SemperFiAugust 24th 2022
1 Retweet1 LikeAnd then I always like to end with this one:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people."August 21st 2022
354 Retweets1,398 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email or in iTunes, Stitcher, or your other favorite channel, so you’ll never miss a show.
While you’re at it, if you found value in this show, we’d appreciate a rating on iTunes – or if you’d simply tell a friend about the show, that would help us out too. And if you really want to really show us some love, throw a few bucks in the hat by subscribing. That will get you the Tuesday edition without the one-day delay, and it’ll also help us grow and improve the show. And if you dig military matters as much as me, make sure you check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
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/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
August 23, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-23-22.
What’s going on, guys?! Hope everyone is doing well!
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. (I’ll talk about the show below.)
So, if you just happen to be stopping by on the internet, or you’ve arrived here from the Apple Podcast, you’ll find the source notes here on my substack.
On the other hand, if you’re on Apple Podcast or one of the othe…
August 19, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-19-22.
What’s going on, guys?! Hope everyone is doing well!
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. (I’ll talk about the show below.)
So, if you just happen to be stopping by on the internet, or you’ve arrived here from the Apple Podcast, you’ll find the source notes here on my substack.
On the other hand, if you’re on Apple Podcast or one of the other podcast apps, you’ll need to click the “episode website” button at the bottom to reach those notes. Otherwise, not all of them will show up, as tweets don’t appear in the text-only summary of the podcast apps.
And I apologize that I don’t have time to type up well-written, full episodes as I used to do. I’m still working a full-time job and squeezing in my research and recording the episodes as best I can. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to do full write ups, as well.
With that out of the way, welcome to the View from the Front!!
A podcast about military matters happening around the world, followed by some motivation at the end! Because who doesn’t need all the motivation they can get?! At least once or twice a week!
Every Tuesday and Friday, I discuss military and defense news, as well as some history, motivation, and wisdom. (And I do all of this from a moderate perspective.)
I am your host, and my name is Stan R. Mitchell. I’m a prior infantry Marine, who dropped the sword and picked up the pen. After spending ten years as a journalist, I became an author and have written eleven books to date!
Source notes:
Ukraine:
Mark Hertling @MarkHertlingRU will find it difficult to hold (large) cities, establish governance with a population that is countering their actions, fight UKR territorials, defend their bases, resupply southern forces while keeping supply lines open.How do I know this? Experience in an insurgency. 16/August 17th 2022
5 Retweets66 LikesMark Hertling @MarkHertlingUkraine's army may appear to be moving slowly, but I'd suggest - even know - they are "preparing the battlefield."That sometimes takes a long time, and as Mick said, time is sometimes the most important factor. 17/August 17th 2022
7 Retweets81 Likes
Max Boot 🇺🇦🇺🇸 @MaxBootSooner or later, if the Ukrainians want to liberate their land, they will have to attack and drive the Russians out. But they are being savvy in doing everything possible to weaken the invaders before that happens. Opinion | Why Kyiv’s ‘thousand bee sting’ strategy is costing Russia dearlyUkraine is making brilliant use of the “indirect approach” to warfare.wapo.stAugust 17th 2022
20 Retweets168 Likes
OSINTtechnical @OsinttechnicalUK MOD- "Russian commanders will highly likely be increasingly concerned with the apparent deterioration in security across Crimea, which functions as rear base area for the occupation" 
August 17th 2022
177 Retweets1,745 Likes@McKenzieCNN report on @TheLeadCNN ","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Tue Aug 16 22:10:07 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":53,"like_count":236,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://cnn.it/3C7vG08","im... Russia says Crimea ammo depot explosion result of ‘sabotage’ - CNN Video","description":"An explosion at an ammunition depot in Russian-occupied Crimea has been branded “sabotage” by Russia’s military. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the incident, but a Ukrainian presidential adviser referred to the blast as “demilitarization in action.”","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">CNN @CNNAn explosion at an ammunition depot in Russian-occupied Crimea has been branded “sabotage” by Russia’s military. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the incident. Watch @McKenzieCNN report on @TheLeadCNN 
Video: Russia says Crimea ammo depot explosion result of ‘sabotage’ - CNN VideoAn explosion at an ammunition depot in Russian-occupied Crimea has been branded “sabotage” by Russia’s military. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the incident, but a Ukrainian presidential adviser referred to the blast as “demilitarization in action.”cnn.itAugust 16th 2022
53 Retweets236 Likes@bayraktar_1love posts video showing that RU has assembled ammunition and military vehicles inside the turbine hall of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear facility. Earlier today, RU foreign ministry rejected a proposal to de-militarize the plant. ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Fri Aug 19 01:57:21 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FafQSK... placed equipment and ammunition directly in the engine room of the Zaporizhzhya NPP. \nMultiple vehicles with “Z” markings could be seen starting from 0:25 on the video - \n#Ukraine https://t.co/axmDourTaP","u... Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦"},"retweet_count":65,"like_count":186,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrerNUCLEAR THREAT: Special Kherson Cat @bayraktar_1love posts video showing that RU has assembled ammunition and military vehicles inside the turbine hall of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear facility. Earlier today, RU foreign ministry rejected a proposal to de-militarize the plant. 
Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 @bayraktar_1love
Russians placed equipment and ammunition directly in the engine room of the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Multiple vehicles with “Z” markings could be seen starting from 0:25 on the video - #Ukraine https://t.co/axmDourTaPAugust 19th 2022
65 Retweets186 LikesCNN: Russian vehicles seen inside turbine hall at Ukraine nuclear
The one-year anniversary of our Afghan withdrawal notes:Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchell"Afghanistan is my sucking chest wound, and always will be because — despite what we’ve seen these recent weeks — wars do not end with a withdrawal or retreat or retrograde or the signing of a peace treaty." 1/3 James LaPorta @JimLaPorta
In the aftermath of Kabul falling to the Taliban, I wrote this story. About a curious Afghan boy whose name I didn’t know. About how I think of him often. About that horrible day I saw him disappear into a dust cloud of fire and ripped flesh. https://t.co/b4fDgCVd8FAugust 15th 2022
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchell"Instead, they ebb and flow within the memories of those who were there and the ones who received an unfortunate knock on the door one day from people in uniforms. On those battlegrounds, there is a permanent shattering. It’s the real “forever war.”" 2/3
August 15th 2022
@JimLaPorta, prior U.S. Marine. \n\nRead this story, and never forget all of those who served (and fight daily battles, even back here in the States). 3/3","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell","date":"Mon Aug 15 20:31:29 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":0,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellBy @JimLaPorta, prior U.S. Marine. Read this story, and never forget all of those who served (and fight daily battles, even back here in the States). 3/3
August 15th 2022
A U.S. Marine, a curious Afghan boy, an unfathomable moment
The Marine Corps: @USMC @CMC_MarineCorps @USMCSgtMaj ","username":"jwlarson2","name":"Joshua W. Larson","date":"Thu Aug 04 11:28:42 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
Joshua W. Larson @jwlarson2“The current debate about whether the Marines should be fighting this way or that way… in terms of the adapted doctrine… the Commandant is doing exactly what is right.”-James Mattis (Jul 29, 2022)@USMC @CMC_MarineCorps @USMCSgtMaj August 4th 2022
34 Retweets126 LikesMotivation and inspiration:The world's smallest sea turtle nests in Louisiana for the first time in 75 years
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_Change your language to "what if it Does work out". Believe in possibilities. Think of the best-case scenario. Retraining your mind will lift you higher out of the overthinking, stress, and worry of negative thoughts.August 16th 2022
139 Retweets552 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Chase your vision. The money will follow.August 17th 2022
410 Retweets1,833 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesAll that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become. - BuddhaAugust 19th 2022
68 Retweets302 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Master your mind or it will master you."August 17th 2022
334 Retweets1,597 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesManagement is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things. - Peter F. DruckerAugust 16th 2022
12 Retweets65 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Dear past, thank you for all your lessons. Dear future, I am ready."August 16th 2022
885 Retweets3,445 LikesWords of Wisdom @billionair_keyIf you keep carrying the bricks of your past, you’ll keep building the same house.August 16th 2022
340 Retweets1,191 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Your growth is a continuous process."August 16th 2022
26 Retweets140 Likesbillionaire_Secrets @bilionaire_secSilence is the best response to a fool.August 16th 2022
67 Retweets214 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email or in iTunes, Stitcher, or your other favorite channel, so you’ll never miss a show.
While you’re at it, if you found value in this show, we’d appreciate a rating on iTunes – or if you’d simply tell a friend about the show, that would help us out too. And if you really want to be a rock star, throw a few bucks in the hat by subscribing. That will get you the Tuesday edition without the one-day delay, and it’ll also help us grow and improve the show. And if you dig military matters as much as me, make sure you check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
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/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
August 16, 2022
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-16-22.
What’s going on, guys?! Happy Friday!
Hope everyone is doing well!
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. (I’ll talk about the show below.)
So, if you just happen to be stopping by on the internet, or you’ve arrived here from the Apple Podcast, you’ll find the source notes here on my substack.
On the other hand, if you’re on Apple Podcast or on…
