Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 27
June 10, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 6/10/22.
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Hi friend,
Happy Friday! Hope you have big plans for the weekend!
I thought we’d start today’s newsletter with a hype video.
Probably every single subscriber of mine has either served, wanted to serve, or knows someone who’s served (or is serving).
And the below video by PFC Duke Edwards is one of the best hype videos I’ve seen in quite a while. (If you’re not ready to enlist or re-enlist after watching it, then you probably need your pulse checked.)
@18airbornecorps!!\n\nThe @3rd_Infantry continues to enhance and upgrade warfighting capabilities with the most lethal ground and rotary-wing combat equipment available in the world. \n\n 🎥 ➡️ Pfc. Duke Edwards\n\n#Army247 | #AlwaysReady ","username":"USArmy","name":"U.S. Army","date":"Thu Jun 09 19:03:36 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
U.S. Army @USArmyThe Hammer of @18airbornecorps!!The @3rd_Infantry continues to enhance and upgrade warfighting capabilities with the most lethal ground and rotary-wing combat equipment available in the world. 🎥 ➡️ Pfc. Duke Edwards#Army247 | #AlwaysReady June 9th 2022
132 Retweets330 LikesMoving along, I’m going to share a bit about Ukraine in a moment, but before I do, let’s honor the five Marines who died in a training accident this week.
@USMC: 5 Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) died in the crash of an MV-22B Osprey in California yesterday. ","username":"PaulSzoldra","name":"Paul Szoldra","date":"Thu Jun 09 17:02:57 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FU03jZ...
Paul Szoldra @PaulSzoldraSad news, now confirmed by the @USMC: 5 Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) died in the crash of an MV-22B Osprey in California yesterday. 
June 9th 2022
59 Retweets141 LikesMost non-military folks have no idea how dangerous even peace-time training is for our various services, and we overlook the price our troops pay even when we’re not in war.
I myself lost a great buddy from a sister platoon in 1999, who died in a highly-dangerous river crossing while training in Okinawa.
And it looks like we lose almost 30 per year to training accidents, based on just the past couple of years. (I’m not sure anyone has tracked it over say 20 or 30 years.)
Regardless, spare a moment of thought for the five Marines above, and the next time you see a family member or friend who’s serving, look them in the eye when you shake their hand and tell them you know how dangerous their jobs are.
I’ll bet you they look back in shock that you realize this, and I’ll bet you it might help them to loosen up and share a bit about their job.
(I know, I know. We military types rarely share anything, but open up that door a bit by saying the above and see if it doesn’t get them talking. Trust me, they probably DON’T want to talk about their deployments or horrible things they’ve seen. But they might just tell you about the mountain they rappelled off of or the live-fire range they just completed, where bullets zinged by overhead or to their front while they charged like madmen across some open field.)
Now, let’s talk about the situation in Ukraine for just a moment.
There is no breaking news there. And I don’t think there will be any time soon.
The war drags on and lingers, with both sides lobbing artillery at each other and clutching for ground to seize.
Roughly 100 Ukrainian soldiers die every day and I’d wager probably twice as many Russians meet the same fate.
There will be no massive flanking movements or epic battles. Both sides lack the punch to pull off such a move, and satellites and other electronic intelligence prevent surprise of that nature.
Instead, this will be a fight of guts and determination. It will be muddy, bloody, and tiring. Exhausting beyond your wildest dreams, if you’re unlucky enough to be on the frontlines.
The Ukrainians will begin to edge out the Russians with better artillery, morale, and training. And they will push back the great Russian bear like a pissed-off wolverine defending its territory.
But we the American public must not get bored or take our eyes off this fight.
There will be other, more-exciting things happening, but we owe it to the Ukrainian people and the many brave soldiers and fighters who have already died in this war against tyranny to never let our focus wane.
Moving along, one really cool thing I wanted to share this week comes from distinguished journalist and prior Marine James LaPorta. (See below.)
James LaPorta @JimLaPortaTraditionally, military officers never salute an enlisted person first, as it is the duty of the enlisted to pay respect to the officers appointed over them. Here, Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the JCS, is the first to salute a former Army private from World War II. June 7th 2022
272 Retweets2,096 LikesThis is definitely something you don’t see very often.
Moving to news I didn’t expect to see, check out this story below, about a woman who used to live in Kansas.
NPR @NPRAllison Fluke-Ekren admitted to operating an all-female ISIS military group and training women and girls on how to use explosive devices. 
A U.S. woman pleads guilty to leading an all-female ISIS battalionAllison Fluke-Ekren admitted to operating an all-female ISIS military group and training women and girls on how to use explosive devices.n.prJune 8th 2022
36 Retweets93 LikesYou know, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I’ve got to say, you can almost see the cruelty and hatred in that photo.
She’s facing up to 20 years in prison, so I think she’s going to have some time to reflect upon her actions.
Sadly, it’s not just former women from Kansas in hot water.
Turns out there’s a Marine 4-star officer facing his own legal issues.
@AP investigative reporters @AlanSuderman and @JimMustian.The FBI has seized the electronic data of the retired four-star general who leads @BrookingsInst ","username":"nixonron","name":"nixonron","date":"Wed Jun 08 01:12:55 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":916,"like_count":2120,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://bit.ly/3xtkojZ","im... seizes retired general’s data related to Qatar lobbying","description":"The FBI has seized the electronic data of a retired four-star general who authorities say made false statements and withheld “incriminating” documents about his role in an illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.","domain":"bit.ly"},"video_url":null}">
nixonron @nixonronNEW: From @AP investigative reporters @AlanSuderman and @JimMustian.The FBI has seized the electronic data of the retired four-star general who leads @BrookingsInst 
FBI seizes retired general’s data related to Qatar lobbyingThe FBI has seized the electronic data of a retired four-star general who authorities say made false statements and withheld “incriminating” documents about his role in an illegal foreign lobbying campaign on behalf of the wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.bit.lyJune 8th 2022
916 Retweets2,120 LikesFrom reading the story, I’d say this doesn’t sound good for him at all.
Finally, you’re starting to see Somalia come up in the news a bit again. And we’ve got a small number of troops now fighting there. (See below.)
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe airstrike happened two weeks after the Pentagon said it was sending troops back to the country. 
The U.S. is bombing al-Shabaab in Somalia, againThe airstrike happened two weeks after the Pentagon said it was sending troops back to the country.bit.lyJune 7th 2022
10 Retweets26 LikesI think this little hotspot will start to make it into the news more and more in the coming weeks.
And if you’re wondering about where you kind of remember hearing about Somalia in the back of your head, you probably remember Somalia best (in recent years) from the book and movie Black Hawk Down.
Back in the early ’90s, American troops attempted to capture Somali faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. That eventually led to the Battle of Mogadishu, which resulted in two Black Hawk helicopters being shot down, as well as 18 American soldiers killed and more than 70 wounded.
Let’s wrap up today’s edition with some motivation and wisdom, as always.
I thought I’d begin by sharing the threat below.
It has some incredible wisdom in it.
Maybe some of the best writing advice that I've ever read.
And I'd argue if you're chasing ANY kind of dream, it applies. So, read it if you're in the arena, getting some right now, or planning to in the near future.
Lindsay Buroker @GoblinWriterIt’s hard not to have any expectations when you publish your first book (or 20th), but the more certain you are that it’s going to be a life-changing success, the more you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. 1/11May 26th 2022
29 Retweets159 Likes
Life Quotes @RTLifeQuotesA pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. — Harry S. TrumanJune 10th 2022
13 Retweets45 Likes
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qotPsychology says silence is often better than explaining.June 10th 2022
11 Retweets46 Likes
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions be louder than your words."June 10th 2022
86 Retweets257 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesFor a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. – Johann Wolfgang von GoetheJune 9th 2022
12 Retweets49 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotThe future depends on what you do today.June 8th 2022
22 Retweets89 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"6 months of focus and hard work can put you 5 years ahead in life."June 9th 2022
1,721 Retweets8,338 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesLife's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can. — Vince LombardiJune 9th 2022
37 Retweets134 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotTrain your mind to be stronger than your feelings.June 8th 2022
1,575 Retweets6,194 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Say goodbye to the past. It is time to move on and be happy. Amazing things are on their way.June 8th 2022
201 Retweets841 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
And if you love what you’re reading, throw a couple bucks in the hat by subscribing below. (Here’s why you should.)
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
June 7, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 6/7/22.
Hi friend,
Happy Tuesday! Hope your week is off to a great start!
I thought we’d begin by sharing several quick items about Ukraine, then bring up some news about China, then finish with several cool pieces of tech news. Following it all up with plenty of motivation and wisdom, of course.
In Ukraine news, Vladimir Putin claimed “that Russia was not blocking Ukrainian wheat from being exported,” according to an article in The Economist. Putin made the comments while meeting with Macky Sall, the head of the African Union. There have been many countries in Africa concerned about the wheat situation in Ukraine, since high prices will impact the continent worse than most countries.
In fact, The Economist stated that Africa is on the brink of famine because of Russia’s war, something the United Nations has been warning about. Prior to the war, Russia and Ukraine combined for almost 30 percent of international wheat sales each year.
Back to what Putin stated, this is certainly an interesting comment by Putin.
On the one hand, I don’t trust a word the man says. But on the other, Russia wants to continue to have influence in Africa. And I could see him allowing the grain out as a way to show that the West is hyperventilating and over-reacting to Russia’s actions.
But while we wait to see what will happen with the wheat, Ukrainian farmers are already paying a higher price. (See below.)
#KhersonOccupation\n\nThe price of this year's bread in the South of Ukraine. People are blown up by mines in the fields, trying to cultivate agricultural land. ","username":"hliebushkina","name":"Oksana Hliebushkina","date":"Mon Jun 06 03:54:47 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FUimZP...
Oksana Hliebushkina @hliebushkina#KhersonOccupationThe price of this year's bread in the South of Ukraine. People are blown up by mines in the fields, trying to cultivate agricultural land. 
June 6th 2022
3,437 Retweets7,050 LikesBesides worrying about whether these folks survived the mines, you also have to wonder who’s going to pay to replace the tractors. Does Ukraine have an operating insurance system? Does the government have the money in place to do so?
These are the kinds of questions that I’m not sure there are pleasant answers to.
But the leadership happening inside Ukraine is still OFF the charts good, in my opinion.
As proof, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy actually visited the most-active part of frontline. (See below.)
Oliver Carroll @olliecarrollZelensky actually went right into the Severodonetsk salient. Remarkable June 6th 2022
6,910 Retweets42,803 LikesAs I saw someone mention on Twitter, this would have been as if FDR or Churchill had visited the frontline during the Battle of the Bulge.
I’m sure anyone who’s served will tell you that having a leader visit bolsters your morale and inspires you to even greater efforts. It’s no wonder these Ukrainians are fighting so hard.
Moving along, one other thing I wanted to share was the increase in attacks against Russians on ground they already control. (See below.)
economist.com/europe/2022/06… from @TheEconomist ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell","date":"Mon Jun 06 01:49:39 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":4,"like_count":22,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.economist.com/europe/2022... partisans are hitting Russian soldiers behind their own lines","description":"In Russian-occupied cities like Melitopol, covert resistance continues","domain":"economist.com"},"video_url":null}">
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellUkraine’s partisans are hitting Russian soldiers behind their own lines economist.com/europe/2022/06… from @TheEconomist 
Ukraine’s partisans are hitting Russian soldiers behind their own linesIn Russian-occupied cities like Melitopol, covert resistance continueseconomist.comJune 6th 2022
4 Retweets22 LikesFrom the story, which documented the attacks in the strategic rail-hub city of Melitopol:
Every few days brings a surprising report: an armoured train destroyed and a grenade attack on a command post (May 18th); railway tracks and a radar station blown up (May 22nd); a pro-Ukrainian rally (May 29th); and a collaborator’s house hit by an explosion (May 30th). Ukraine claims its partisans have killed more than 100 Russian soldiers behind enemy lines in Melitopol.
Besides these partisan attacks, Russia is also waking up to new realities on the artillery front, as shown below.
Julian Röpcke🇺🇦 @JulianRoepckeSign of hope?Russian propagandists with Tos-1 flamethrower.50 seconds after the first launch, Ukrainian counter artillery fire begins.130 seconds after the first launch, they are running for their lives. June 3rd 2022
4,632 Retweets25,854 LikesSpeaking of artillery, this news isn’t going to help anything for the Russians.
Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrerIN THE NORWEGIAN WAY: Without fanfare, Norway reveals that it delivered 20 upgraded M109/A3GN 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. Oslo made the announcement days AFTER these weapons entered service with Ukrainian forces. Norway's M109/A3GNs are on the front lines now. 
June 5th 2022
2,699 Retweets16,430 LikesBut so far, the Russian population seems more than willing to pay the price of this foolish war, as evidenced below.
Visegrád 24 @visegrad24Russian “Z woman” confronts another Russian woman who is protesting against the Russian war of aggression in public.According to independent pollsters, most Russians still support Putin and the war. June 4th 2022
302 Retweets931 LikesMoving away from Russia to China, this bit of news broke, which seems pretty significant.
Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanChina’s second *official* base is coming soon in Cambodia. Djibouti has stood alone since 2017 as only base. But unofficially, Beijing has maintained bases in the Spratly & Paracels in SCS for years. Plus, starting ~2016, a paramilitary base in Tajikistan.
China secretly building PLA naval facility in Cambodia, Western officials sayThe establishment of a Chinese naval base in Cambodia — only its second such overseas outpost and its first in the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region — is part of Beijing’s strategy to build a network of military facilities around the world in support of its aspirations to become a true g…washingtonpost.comJune 7th 2022
39 Retweets59 LikesThe scramble for allies in the Pacific clearly continues.
Moving to tech news, I had written several months ago about Project Origin, an unmanned system, that uses a vehicle armed with medium and heavy-weight machine guns (M240 or M2/MK19 automatic grenade launchers).
At that time, the unmanned system was being used by Green Berets of the 1st Special Forces Group. But in the time since I last wrote about the weapon system, it’s now being used by regular troops, as you can see below.
In the video above, soldiers with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment out of Germany are doing some basic training with the weapon.
Not sure how soon this vehicle will be issued and used by all units, but the weapon system is clearly moving forward rapidly with development and delivery.
Two other quick tech news items.
First this.
Defense One @DefenseOneIN COMMENTARY: Outside the United States, weaponized drones have already been used to attack heads of state and government officials 
We Need a New Law to Counter Domestic Drone ThreatsThe White House sent Congress a plan to protect Americans. It’s not a moment too soon for lawmakers to act.buff.lyMay 26th 2022
7 Retweets7 LikesSecondly, there was this.
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeNavy leaders are eyeing a drone that can fly up to eight times longer than the MQ-9 Reaper and at a much lower cost. 
The Navy is eyeing a drone that can fly for a week without refuelingNavy leaders are eyeing a drone that can fly up to eight times longer than the MQ-9 Reaper and at a much lower cost.bit.lyMay 18th 2022
3 Retweets15 LikesFinally, let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Success doesn’t just find you. You have to go out and get it."June 7th 2022
10 Retweets36 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_It's never too late- to change yourself- to be better- to become what you might have beenJune 7th 2022
186 Retweets691 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Stop thinking. Start doing. Do what you have to do. Start. Now.June 6th 2022
165 Retweets771 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesBe kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. – PlatoJune 6th 2022
24 Retweets96 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase."June 6th 2022
592 Retweets2,332 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Win in silence. Let them think you're losing."June 6th 2022
17 Retweets91 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_It only takes one person to change your life: YOUJune 5th 2022
350 Retweets1,691 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesBe like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there. – Josh BillingsJune 5th 2022
41 Retweets236 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotPsychology says, sometimes you have to stay busy so you don’t have time to feel.June 7th 2022
7 Retweets32 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
And if you love what you’re reading, throw a couple bucks in the hat by subscribing below. (Here’s why you should.)
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
June 3, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 6/3/22.
Hi friend,
Happy Friday!! Hope you have some wonderful plans for the weekend!
The biggest news since Tuesday was the below, which is huge for Ukraine.
Natasha Bertrand @NatashaBertrandNews: The Biden admin is preparing to send Ukraine advanced, long-range rocket systems—known as MLRS and HIMARS—that are now the top request from Ukrainian officials, multiple officials say.Approval could be announced as soon as next week. 
US preparing to approve advanced long-range rocket system for Ukraine as Russian TV host warns of crossing a ‘red line’The Biden administration is preparing to step up the kind of weaponry it is offering Ukraine by sending advanced, long-range rocket systems that are now the top request from Ukrainian officials, multiple officials say.cnn.comMay 26th 2022
5,225 Retweets25,705 LikesIf you want to know why this is a HUGE deal, check out the incredibly-detailed thread below. It’s absolutely worth the read to see the edge these have over Russian weapons systems.
Thomas C. Theiner @nocladorAngry thread about M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS 🧵and a bit about BM-27 Uragan and BM-30 Smerch too.Angry, because every M270 and M142 thread I have seen on twitter so far is FULL OF MIND BOGGLING ERRORS... because all of them (!) use as source of their "knowledge" the1/n 
May 29th 2022
1,276 Retweets4,240 LikesMoving along, this wasn’t exactly a small deal for Ukraine in itself.
Michael Weiss 🌻🇺🇸🇮🇪 @michaeldweissWow. "The Biden administration plans to sell Ukraine four MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones that can be armed with Hellfire missiles for battlefield use against Russia, three people familiar with the situation said." 
EXCLUSIVE U.S. plans to sell armed drones to Ukraine in coming days -sourcesThe Biden administration plans to sell Ukraine four MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones that can be armed with Hellfire missiles for battlefield use against Russia, three people familiar with the situation said.reuters.comJune 1st 2022
618 Retweets3,489 LikesMoving from land to sea matters, I’ve been writing about the Russian blockade for several editions, and another potential solution came up this week.
Alex Marquardt @MarquardtAThe US is working to get temporary storage containers - like bags or boxes - for Ukrainian grain into the country to try to salvage some the 22+ million tons of grain currently stuck inside Ukraine. 
US officials looking to salvage Ukrainian grain with no good solution yet to Russia’s export blockadeThe Biden administration is working to get temporary storage containers for Ukrainian grain into the country, a stopgap measure as it seeks to mitigate a growing food crisis caused by Russia’s months-long blockade of Ukrainian ports, administration officials told CNN.cnn.comJune 1st 2022
1 Retweet22 LikesFrom the story:
These storage containers -- such as bags or boxes -- could help salvage some of the more than 20 million tons of grain that are currently stuck inside Ukraine. They could also help Ukraine load the grain onto trains or trucks out of the country once overland routes are established, a senior administration official explained.
Pretty cool idea for sure, and I’m glad the Administration and the world is working hard on this serious problem.
While all of this is happening from the Ukraine side of the house, Russia continues to show some strain and weakness happening. As proof, take a gander at this.
Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrerITS SPREADING: Russian troops are refusing to return to fight in Ukraine. It's estimated that a sizeable minority of Russian contract soldiers who fought in the initial invasion have refused to go back. 
The Russian soldiers refusing to fight in UkraineBecause of their experiences on the front line, some troops are seeking legal advice to avoid being redeployed.bbc.comJune 3rd 2022
74 Retweets327 LikesI really can’t blame those quoted in that story. I mean, would you want to go back after learning the glaring realities of combat in Ukraine (after being sold a total spin job about Nazi’s)?
But, the Russians being Russians, this news broke, as well.
@HannaLiubakova reports that RU troops occupying the Chernobyl nuclear plant looted more that $120M worth of critical safety gear, computers, vehicles, radiation dosemeters, reactor software-- and nearly all of the fire-fighting equipment. ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Thu Jun 02 17:40:29 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FUQ8co... list of what #Russia’s occupying forces stole from Chernobyl’s laboratories was compiled by @washingtonpost: \n- 689 computers\n- 344 vehicles\n- 1,500 radiation dosimeters\n- Irreplaceable software\n- Almost every piece of firefighting equipment\nThe estimated cost $135 million https://t.co/DbVqCwQJjQ","u... Liubakova"},"retweet_count":17,"like_count":22,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrerPUTIN’s LOCUSTS: @HannaLiubakova reports that RU troops occupying the Chernobyl nuclear plant looted more that $120M worth of critical safety gear, computers, vehicles, radiation dosemeters, reactor software-- and nearly all of the fire-fighting equipment. 
Hanna Liubakova @HannaLiubakova
The list of what #Russia’s occupying forces stole from Chernobyl’s laboratories was compiled by @washingtonpost: - 689 computers- 344 vehicles- 1,500 radiation dosimeters- Irreplaceable software- Almost every piece of firefighting equipmentThe estimated cost $135 million https://t.co/DbVqCwQJjQJune 2nd 2022
17 Retweets22 LikesHave I mentioned this week yet that my opinion of Russians continues to plummet lower and lower? (Calm down, Stan. No rant needed here. Keep moving, like they told you in the Marines.)
Despite so many atrocities and violations of laws, Ukraine continues to inspire with its apparent abundance of leadership. From the lowest ranks to the highest (such as its President, who didn’t flee, and this billionaire below), it’s almost mind-boggling how the country and its residents are pulling together.
Check out this amazing story.
NPR @NPROne of Ukraine's wealthiest men, Vsevolod Kozhemyako, has set up his own battalion to fight Russian forces. He funds, trains and leads a light infantry unit on the front lines.
A look inside the Ukrainian ‘billionaire’s battalion’ fighting Russian forcesVsevolod Kozhemyako, one of Ukraine’s wealthiest men, has set up his own battalion to fight Russian forces. He funds, trains and leads a light infantry unit on the front lines.n.prJune 2nd 2022
385 Retweets2,294 LikesMoving to a different part of the globe, let’s move to China now. There are a couple of news items I want to share, and then a brief bit of conjecture.
First, in news, there’s this, which is a little jarring.
OSINTdefender @sentdefenderIn the next 10 years by 2030 China is planning to have 6 Full-Aircraft Carriers to lead 5 Carrier Strike Groups around the World, with a further 8 Amphibious Assault Ships which can launch Helicopters and possibly limited Fixed-Wing Aircraft depending on the situation. 
May 31st 2022
41 Retweets244 LikesThat’s quite a naval threat, which will push out and expand the influence of China.
Secondly, China has hit some recent bumps in the road. (I guess jailing people who speak out and loading up people on trains is starting to hurt their brand a bit.)
BBC News (World) @BBCWorldHave China's Pacific ambitions been thwarted? 
Have China’s Pacific ambitions been thwarted?Ten Pacific countries have declined to sign a sweeping security deal proposed by China.bbc.inJune 2nd 2022
48 Retweets190 LikesNow for that bit of conjecture.
I had a kind and loyal reader/subscriber reach out after the last newsletter, in which I dinged President Biden for making three gaffes on the same point (about American defending Taiwan).
The reader asked two questions regarding Biden’s statement. His questions were that given that China flew 30 fighters near Taiwan:
1. Which Nation is overreacting?
2. Which message is received more in the Pacific?
After thinking on those two questions, and thanking him for the question, I told the reader that I think China was going to fly those fighters near Taiwan no matter what Biden said.
But upon a little more reflection, here’s what I think is happening (which I shared with him and I’ll now share with you).
I think Biden making the same mistake three times is not an accident. I think our government is telling allies that he absolutely means it. That this is the stubborn, cranky Biden that means it. The one with the backbone that left Afghanistan no matter what how bad that destroyed his poll numbers.
But while they’re saying this to allies to re-assure them of American commitment to Asia, I think these same administration folks are telling China and the media that the statements are nothing. That Biden is just a gaffe machine and we shouldn’t sweat what he’s saying. That he “mis-spoke.”
Doing this accomplishes a couple of things. First, it keeps China from being pushed over the edge in the short term into attacking Taiwan pre-maturely. At the same time, it buys our country some runway, so that America can continue its pivot and re-alignment to counter the great dragon in the East.
What do you all think? Am I crazy? (Or am I dead on the mark like the time I got lucky predicting a possible solution to breaking up the Russian blockade?)
I welcome any comments below or by email or social media.
As a brief reflection on history, I thought I’d share this since this was beaten into nearly every Marine’s brain from the first day of boot camp.
#OTD in 1918, U.S. Marines sent to support the Allies at the Battle of Belleau Wood were advised to withdraw by the retreating French forces. Captain Lloyd Williams responded with his now famous quotation. The Marines would push the Germans out of Belleau Wood three weeks later. ","username":"NavalInstitute","name":"U.S. Naval Institute","date":"Thu Jun 02 16:34:05 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FUQtkf...
U.S. Naval Institute @NavalInstitute#OTD in 1918, U.S. Marines sent to support the Allies at the Battle of Belleau Wood were advised to withdraw by the retreating French forces. Captain Lloyd Williams responded with his now famous quotation. The Marines would push the Germans out of Belleau Wood three weeks later. 
June 2nd 2022
20 Retweets88 LikesFinally, let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.
First, let’s begin with this. Somebody out there needs to see this.
And here’s some more motivation for your soul.
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Believing in yourself is the first secret of success."June 3rd 2022
38 Retweets161 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesBefore success comes in any man’s life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and, perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is to quit. That is exactly what the majority of men do. — Napoleon HillJune 2nd 2022
14 Retweets68 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be savage, Not average"June 1st 2022
234 Retweets1,161 Likes
Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.June 2nd 2022
554 Retweets2,262 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done."June 3rd 2022
23 Retweets69 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesA dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. — Colin PowellJune 2nd 2022
33 Retweets142 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason that it will.June 2nd 2022
1,119 Retweets4,887 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotThe calmer you are, the clearer you think.June 2nd 2022
1,968 Retweets8,297 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesFriendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words. – George EliotJune 1st 2022
15 Retweets103 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.June 1st 2022
219 Retweets1,216 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Just follow your joy. Always. I think that if you do that, life will take you on the course that it’s meant to take you.May 29th 2022
154 Retweets609 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
And if you love what you’re reading, throw a couple bucks in the hat by subscribing below. (Here’s why you should.)
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 31, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/31/22.
Hi friend,
Happy Tuesday! Hope you had an incredible Memorial Day weekend!
The better half and I really had a great weekend. We managed to get in a great run, pull off some pool-side time, and see the movie Top Gun.
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellThree tough, hot miles on Memorial Day with my two favorite peeps to honor those paid the ultimate price. 
May 30th 2022
10 LikesAnd before we get to the news, let me say this: do not miss going to see Top Gun in theaters…
I expected something that was kind of cheesy or maybe somewhat decent and reminiscent. A movie I’d enjoy, but one that wouldn’t necessarily crack even the top 100 great movies I had seen.
I was wrong.
Top Gun absolutely rocked my world and inspired the hell out of me as a creator. Even Jaimie agreed it was one of the best movies we have ever seen. Make sure you go see it in theaters. (You’ll want the full experience on this one.)
Let’s begin today’s news portion with a quick re-visit.
As my regular readers know, I have written about the surrounded defenders in the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol in almost every edition for the past two months or so.
And weeks and weeks ago, I had speculated that I thought Ukrainians had been resupplying the cut-off troops at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.
I’m going to share exactly what I said in The Stan R. Mitchell report for 4/22/22.
If I had to guess, I’d say there’s some kind of resupply happening by sea or something. Or maybe even by large drones or something. (They do, after all, make a drone that can carry 500 pounds of supplies; and that was a civilian version on a video from a year ago.)
Well, it’s taken some time, but it’s now confirmed that the defenders were being resupplied. (See below.)
#Russia #Ukraine ","username":"Blue_Sauron","name":"BlueSauron👁️","date":"Tue May 31 10:10:19 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
BlueSauron👁️ @Blue_SauronFor the first time, footage has been released of Ukrainian helicopters while facing the odds and resupplying Mariupol defenders during the siege.#Russia #Ukraine May 31st 2022
238 Retweets1,058 LikesI’d love to say I’m a genius for suggesting this, but it’s really just common sense. I knew they had to be getting some supplies.
Partly, this is because I know how much ammunition modern battles require. You have to suppress the enemy. Obtain fire superiority. Fire and move. Etc.
And the reality is that most fighters barely carry enough ammo for a single day. Even a couple of hours of hard fighting.
While I assumed they had some stored and pre-staged ammo, I just knew they had to be running out. And more than likely, they were. But they were getting re-supplied. (Just not by some kind of crazy drone that can carry 500 pounds of supplies! That must have been the crazy fiction writer in me talking. lol)
Sadly, however, it seems like Russia is going to make an example out of those who stood up so bravely against them. (See below.)
espresso.economist.com/67249303d47d37… ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell","date":"Thu May 26 10:26:09 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":0,"expanded_url":{"url":"http://espresso.economist.com/6724930... defenders redefined in Russia","description":"For 12 improbable weeks Ukraine’s Azov regiment held out against Russian troops in the city of","domain":"espresso.economist.com"},"video_url":null}">Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellMariupol’s defenders redefined in Russia espresso.economist.com/67249303d47d37… 
Mariupol’s defenders redefined in RussiaFor 12 improbable weeks Ukraine’s Azov regiment held out against Russian troops in the city ofespresso.economist.com
May 26th 2022
From the story: “Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, said on Wednesday that no swaps would happen before those who surrendered have been ‘properly convicted and sentenced.’”
It looks to me like the horrendous suffering of those who stood up to the Russians hasn’t come close to being done.
In bigger news this week, the European Union voted to halt the majority of Russian oil imports. The AP called it “the most significant effort yet to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine.” (See below.)
The Associated Press @APEuropean Union leaders agreed to cut about 90% of Russian oil imports, in a significant new push by the West to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine.The tense EU summit negotiations in Brussels succeeded in papering over some of the cracks in unity. 
In big bid to punish Moscow, EU bans most Russia oil importsBRUSSELS (AP) — In the most significant effort yet to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine, the European Union agreed to ban the overwhelming majority of Russian oil imports after tense negotiations that exposed the cracks in European unity.apne.wsMay 31st 2022
108 Retweets301 LikesIn other Ukraine news, the idea of a multi-national navy to break the Russian blockade continues to potentially gain steam. It’s gone from nobodies like me throwing the idea out to actual admirals now discussing it.
From Admiral James Stavridis: How to Break Russia’s Blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports.
Moving along, this is not a big news story, but as a former infantryman, let me just say this VERY LOUDLY, almost in my war yell, “Pump this STRAIGHT into my veins.”
#Russia #Ukraine ","username":"Blue_Sauron","name":"BlueSauron👁️","date":"Fri May 27 06:02:56 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...BlueSauron👁️ @Blue_SauronIncredible footage of American volunteers in Ukraine striking a Russian BTR.#Russia #Ukraine May 27th 2022
8,750 Retweets48,561 LikesMoving along to larger news, the rush for a better foothold against China continues. (See below.)
espresso.economist.com/8f51d048845867… from @TheEconomist ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell","date":"Mon May 30 12:35:04 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":1,"expanded_url":{"url":"http://espresso.economist.com/8f51d04... battle for influence in the Pacific","description":"In the second world war, America thwarted Japan’s advance by leapfrogging across the Pacific","domain":"espresso.economist.com"},"video_url":null}">Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellThe battle for influence in the Pacific espresso.economist.com/8f51d048845867… from @TheEconomist 
The battle for influence in the PacificIn the second world war, America thwarted Japan’s advance by leapfrogging across the Pacificespresso.economist.comMay 30th 2022
1 LikeFrom the article: “China has embarked on a diplomatic island-hopping campaign to secure a foothold in the region. America hopes to slow it down. China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, is on an eight-nation Pacific tour. Since Thursday, Mr Wang has signed economic deals in Kiribati and Samoa. In Fiji on Monday he is expected to unveil a pact covering fisheries, security and other areas with ten Pacific nations.”
President Biden visited the region to help strengthen the alliances there, but he created confusion with his comments (how did he make this gaffe again?!).
This was the third time in recent months that he made the wrong comment regarding whether America would defend Taiwan.
Some Biden supporters say he’s playing three-dimensional chess, but I’d argue it’s not working and makes him look foolish. If he wants to change our policy toward Taiwan, then change it.
It’s absurdly silly to make a comment that goes against national policy, only to then have it immediately countered by staffers. (I think Biden believes he’s showing strength, but he looks like a man who has to be corrected by the smarter, better-informed experts.)
China clearly isn’t impressed. It sent 30 fighters into Taiwan’s air defense zone, the largest number since January.
The irony is I’d say he’s done a strong job of creating and strengthening alliances in the region to counter China. But he can never seem to get out of his own way on things.
Let’s wrap things up there for today. And end with some motivation and wisdom.
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qotRemember the days you prayed for what you have now.May 29th 2022
30 Retweets108 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Just follow your joy. Always. I think that if you do that, life will take you on the course that it’s meant to take you.May 29th 2022
144 Retweets580 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotTrust your intuition. It never lies.May 27th 2022
32 Retweets146 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.May 31st 2022
286 Retweets1,508 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotBe proud, you survived the days you thought you couldn’t.May 28th 2022
97 Retweets316 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesPain never really goes away; you just elevate and get used to it by growing stronger. – Philippos SyrigosMay 31st 2022
20 Retweets85 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qot"Don’t waste your time stressing over things you can’t change."May 30th 2022
84 Retweets331 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesDon't dare to be different, dare to be yourself - if that doesn't make you different then something is wrong. – Laura BakerMay 30th 2022
25 Retweets76 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotDon’t lose hope, you never know what tomorrow will bring.May 30th 2022
278 Retweets1,229 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesA strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug. – Patricia NealMay 30th 2022
13 Retweets95 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretendingMay 29th 2022
216 Retweets1,121 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotNever stop believing in hope because miracles happen everyday.May 31st 2022
27 Retweets80 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesNot until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. – Henry David ThoreauMay 30th 2022
50 Retweets253 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Don't let one cloud obliterate the whole sky.May 29th 2022
198 Retweets1,059 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotIf you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t really trying.May 31st 2022
11 Retweets36 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesEvery child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. – Pablo PicassoMay 30th 2022
22 Retweets115 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotDon't complain. Rebuild your life.May 26th 2022
442 Retweets1,719 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 27, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/27/22.
Hi friend,
Happy Friday! Hope you have some awesome plans for the weekend!
Quick commercial to pay the bills here. If you’ve been enjoying the newsletter, I’d really appreciate it if you would consider subscribing. (It’s $5 per month and can be canceled at any time.)
That would not only encourage me, but it’d also help justify the increasing amount of time that I devote to these posts. I love doing these and I’d love to honestly help make them even better than they currently are.
If you’re newer or can’t pull that off, no problem at all! Maybe consider sharing the post with someone you know, either by Facebook, email, or Twitter.
Here’s the link to share:
And here’s the link to sign up, if my sales pitch worked:
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic, I’m so appreciative to all my new subscribers and those who recently signed up as paid supporters!
In Ukraine news, the biggest news of late is this.
Natasha Bertrand @NatashaBertrandNews: The Biden admin is preparing to send Ukraine advanced, long-range rocket systems—known as MLRS and HIMARS—that are now the top request from Ukrainian officials, multiple officials say.Approval could be announced as soon as next week. 
US preparing to approve advanced long-range rocket system for UkraineThe Biden administration is preparing to step up the kind of weaponry it is offering Ukraine by sending advanced, long-range rocket systems that are now the top request from Ukrainian officials, multiple officials say.cnn.comMay 26th 2022
4,418 Retweets20,824 LikesBut that is actually huge news because of late, Ukraine has been dealing with this:
Defence of Ukraine @DefenceUrussian TOS-1A shelling Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region. This is what the the largest and most horrific war of the 21st century looks like. Ukraine is ready to strike back. To do this, we need NATO-style MLRS. Immediately. May 26th 2022
4,528 Retweets12,950 LikesThe rockets we’re talking about have far greater range than the artillery that’s been sent, so it would help equalize the fight.
The rockets shown above are partly why Russia has made some slight advances in part of their lines. I’ll show that in three images below.
First, here’s a broad perspective of where the fighting is currently happening:
Ukraine War Map @War_MapperA map of the approximate situation on the ground in Ukraine as of 00:00 UTC 27/05/22. 
May 27th 2022
126 Retweets501 LikesAnd here it is zoomed in around that purple in the middle of the image above:
Ukraine War Map @War_MapperUpdates:🇷🇺 continued their advance SW of Popasna, capturing Ilovaisk.🇷🇺 have captured the city of Lyman after the remaining 🇺🇦 troops in the city withdrew across the Siverskyi Donets river. 
May 27th 2022
110 Retweets440 LikesAnd finally, here’s a look at the changes over the past two weeks. If you pause on the image below a moment, you’ll see it’s a gif that changes and shows you the changes.
Ukraine War Map @War_MapperA look at the control changes in the Donbas over the last 2 weeks.00:00 Friday 13 May --> 00:00 Friday 27 May 
May 27th 2022
184 Retweets515 LikesAs you can tell in the bottom image, the moving image is just slightly above the purple areain that second map.
The Russians are trying to advance in that narrow zone, primarily, as well as trying to cut off some additional Ukrainian cities.
Moving along, I mentioned in the last newsletter (and the one before that) the situation regarding the Russian blockade of Ukraine’s grain. (If you haven’t read up on that, definitely give it a quick read.)
But so far, there’s been no changes to the situation. (See below.)
news.usni.org/2022/05/26/ukr… ","username":"NavalInstitute","name":"U.S. Naval Institute","date":"Thu May 26 21:50:15 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FTtzDv...U.S. Naval Institute @NavalInstituteUkrainian Grain Still Trapped By Russian Naval Blockade, Pentagon Says - USNI Newsnews.usni.org/2022/05/26/ukr… 
May 26th 2022
12 Retweets26 LikesFurther moving along, while the war drags on and the wheat sits, Europe and the West has split into two main sides on how to end the war.
The Economist explained that on one side is the “peace party,” which desires an end to the fighting and a deal cut with Russia as quickly as possible.
On the other side is the “justice party,” which seeks to punish Russia and pummel the outcast country for its outrageous and illegal conduct. (See below.)
economist.com/europe/2022/05… ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell","date":"Thu May 26 16:52:56 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":1,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.economist.com/europe/2022... and how might the war in Ukraine end?","description":"Western allies are starting to split over the conditions for a peace","domain":"economist.com"},"video_url":null}">Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellWhen and how might the war in Ukraine end? economist.com/europe/2022/05… 
When and how might the war in Ukraine end?Western allies are starting to split over the conditions for a peaceeconomist.comMay 26th 2022
1 LikeThe Economist states that the peace camp is comprised of Germany, Italy, and France (who wants a peace deal without “humiliation” for Russia). On the other side is Poland, the Baltic states, and Britain.
In the middle, stands the United States, which seems torn about which side to stand on. The article lays out instances of when America has seemed to seek peace and other examples of when it’s seemed to seek justice.
The article also makes a chilling point I had never considered, as well as hints to the impermanence of the conflict.
“The paradox of the situation is that both sides still believe they can win,” says Volodymyr Fesenko, a political analyst in Kyiv. “Only if we really reach a stalemate, and Moscow and Kyiv recognise it as such, can any talk of compromise be possible. Even then, it is likely to be temporary.”
That is certainly an unsettling thought to consider, but as we used to say in the Marines all the time, “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Let’s end with the military matters there. (Honestly, I could go on quite a bit longer, but I never know how much you all want. My fear is that if the newsletters become too much, they will never get opened and could become seen as “work” to read. And I certainly don’t want that.)
Nonetheless, here’s some motivation and wisdom to chew on, before you head out for your weekends.
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_Mastery begins with beginnershipMay 27th 2022
96 Retweets512 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Life has two rules: 1 Never quit. 2 Always remember rule 1.May 27th 2022
1,114 Retweets4,267 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Train your mind to be stronger than your feelings."May 26th 2022
698 Retweets3,117 LikesLife Quotes @RTLifeQuotesFreedom from effort in the present merely means that there has been effort stored up in the past. – Theodore RooseveltMay 26th 2022
9 Retweets43 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotDon’t rush the process. Good things take timeMay 26th 2022
60 Retweets181 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Don't waste your life trying to impress other people. Do what you love, love what you do.May 25th 2022
2,721 Retweets10,317 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 24, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/24/22.
Email subscribers: For best viewing experience, click the headline above, “The view from the front: military matters and motivation for …” Otherwise, your email service will clip/summarize the report.
Hi friend,
Hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a great start!
I discussed at length in the last issue the growing problem that Ukraine is facing with not being able to export its wheat by sea routes.
After writing that, and seeing some more news about how it’s going to affect especially the poor in places such as Africa and India, I just found myself getting madder and madder about the situation.
And in complete frustration, I finally wrote the following two things on Twitter.
Stan R. Mitchell, author, vet, and nice guy @StanRMitchellMaybe we should gather ships from most of the countries of the world, put them in a convoy, and tell Russia if they fire at any vessel, the whole world is going to take part in sinking every ship they have in a 300-mile area. Let Putin decide what he wants to do about that. The Telegraph @Telegraph
🚨 The world has just ten weeks' worth of wheat left after Ukraine warFood supplies are being rocked by Russia's invasion of the 'breadbasket of Europe' 🧵👇https://t.co/ar8F6hPhfs https://t.co/OxZU6QplyRMay 21st 2022
7 LikesStan R. Mitchell, author, vet, and nice guy @StanRMitchellI wrote about this earlier today. It's clear we need to move the wheat out by ship.But I've just gotten angrier about it all day long.Seems it's about time the whole neighborhood stand in the street and tell the crazy neighbor we've had it. No more.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/20/22.What options are there for Ukraine breaking the Russian blockade? What’s the latest news about the brave defenders of the steel plant in Mariupol called Azovstal? And what all is in the latest defense bill from America for Ukraine? Plus, some inspiring motivation. All for free.stanrmitchell.substack.comMay 21st 2022
2 Retweets7 LikesMuch to my surprise, three days later, my crazy idea might not be so crazy after all. (Not that someone saw my idea, but I guess someone else had the same kind of thinking.)
Regardless, it looks like countries are legit talking about it and considering it. (See below.)
Euromaidan Press @EuromaidanPressBritain supports in principle Lithuanian call for a naval coalition ‘of the willing’ to restart exports of Ukrainian agricultural products.A naval escort operation could protect the grain ships as they headed through the Black Sea past Russian warships.
Lithuania wants naval coalition to lift Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s grainBritain supports in principle the call for a naval coalition ‘of the willing’ to restart exports through Black Seatheguardian.comMay 24th 2022
271 Retweets882 LikesTo bolster this effort, there was even this news. (See below.)
The Washington Post @washingtonpostDenmark’s plan to send Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a launcher to Ukraine would provide Kyiv with an advanced weapon that can poke a hole in Russia’s naval blockade, potentially allowing for the resumption of grain exports via the Black Sea.Denmark offers Ukraine Harpoon missiles to fight Russia’s Black Sea blockadeThe anti-ship missiles have been compared to the Javelins that have destroyed many Russian tanks during the war.wapo.stMay 24th 2022
194 Retweets752 LikesAnd here are more details on that Harpoon deal. (See below.)
#Ukraine will be getting, thanks to #Denmark as announced today. Seems we're looking at a range of 140 km, and training time of 14 days. \nMagic numbers for much needed coastal A2/AD!\n\n","username":"EHunterChristie","name":"Edward Hunter Christie","date":"Mon May 23 20:13:32 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":145,"like_count":801,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/.... may boost Ukraine’s defense with Harpoon missiles - Naval News","description":"Unconfimed reports suggest that the U.S. is planning to send Ukraine Harpoon missiles to break the Russian blockade off the coast of Odessa.","domain":"navalnews.com"},"video_url":null}">
Edward Hunter Christie @EHunterChristieA bit of background about the land-based variant of the Harpoon that #Ukraine will be getting, thanks to #Denmark as announced today. Seems we're looking at a range of 140 km, and training time of 14 days. Magic numbers for much needed coastal A2/AD!
U.S. may boost Ukraine’s defense with Harpoon missiles - Naval NewsUnconfimed reports suggest that the U.S. is planning to send Ukraine Harpoon missiles to break the Russian blockade off the coast of Odessa.navalnews.comMay 23rd 2022
145 Retweets801 LikesThis is a bit unrelated to the naval spectrum of the war we just discussed, but I wanted to share the video below to give you a taste of life in the cities there. Even the condition of the roads.
Status-6 @Archer83AbleA drive through the outskirts of the city of Lyman in the Luhansk Oblast, where heavy clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces are underway.Piles of smoke rising above the city can be seen on the video and nearby shelling can be heard. May 23rd 2022
29 Retweets86 LikesI joked after watching it on Twitter that this guy is either nuts or his wife told him to go get some milk and bread.
Either way, I’m not a fan of driving toward artillery fire. (And yes, the above is a joke. Relax.)
In other big news since Friday, President Biden stated that America’s armed forces would step in to defend Taiwan if China attacks Taiwan. This is a change from the “strategic ambiguity” normally adopted on the island.
And in other big news, Ukraine ruled out conceding territory to Russia as part of a ceasefire deal.
One final point about the situation in Ukraine that will probably start making bigger news soon is the crisis of lack of fuel. (See below.)
The Economist @TheEconomistFor the past three weeks Ukraine has found itself in the midst of an acute fuel shortage. All but a handful of pumps nationwide are closed to the public 
Much of Ukraine is paralysed by a petrol shortageBut at least the army gets first dibsecon.stMay 23rd 2022
13 Retweets42 LikesFrom the story, The Economist states:
Before the war began on February 24th, 80 percent of the country’s fuel was imported. Most of that came by rail from Belarus, now an enemy and participant in the war. A smaller part came by sea, into Black Sea ports now closed by a Russian naval blockade. The only significant local producer, the Kremenchuk oil refinery, was taken offline in April after a series of rocket attacks. … Ukraine needs about 540,000 ton of petrol products a month. It currently has the means to cover only around 70 percent of that. … With the war effort and agriculture taking priority, very little is left for anyone else.”
Moving along, here’s a deep thought for the day, which from my experience is very true.
Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 @IAPonomarenkoThere’s a special thing about war. It cleanses your head. It shows you what’s really important in life and what is not. What really matters and what is trash not worth wasting time on or being overly worried about. So-called “problems” are blown away like dust in the wind. 
May 20th 2022
2,451 Retweets17,857 LikesMoving to historical matters, check out the Scaligero Castle below.
History Defined @historydefinedThe Scaligero Castle is a fortress built in the 14th century in Sirmione, Italy. 
May 20th 2022
1,247 Retweets27,143 LikesIs that an incredible fortification or what?! And the internal dock above is the only surviving example of a 14th Century fortified port. (You can read more about it here.) And Atlas Obscura states, “The castle served a defensive function, but also acted as a small port with its docks serving as a safe haven for Scaliger and Venetian fleets. The entire castle, even the dock, is surrounded by towers and battlements.”
That’s a good place to wrap up today’s edition. Let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_Success doesn't lead to happiness. It's the other way. Happiness leads to success. It's only when you love what you are doing that you have any shot at succeeding.May 24th 2022
65 Retweets273 LikesMotivational Quotes @motivation_qotYour best teacher is your last mistake.May 23rd 2022
17 Retweets80 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_If you think big, believe big, act big - then the results will be big.May 22nd 2022
520 Retweets2,137 Likes
philosophy for life @philosophy_life“A man is great not because he hasn't failed; a man is great because failure hasn't stopped him.”― ConfuciusMay 21st 2022
2,455 Retweets10,603 Likes
Psyche Poetry @PsychePoetrySelf belief propels one to Action.Actions lead to progress.Progress builds Confidence.Confidence reinforces self-belief.This sets consistent long-term discipline in motion for a Grander Achievement.March 12th 2022
42 Retweets130 Likes
Coach Hines 🇺🇸 @CoachKurtHinesTwo types of people who walk into a gym… May 21st 2022
25 Retweets132 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 20, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/20/22.
Email subscribers: For best viewing experience, click the headline above, “The view from the front: military matters and motivation for …” Otherwise, your email service will clip/summarize the report.
Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week! And that you have some great plans for the weekend.
One personal note before we begin today. Because I’ve written a pretty bad-ass Western, I was interviewed about the best books regarding the Wild West.
![Little Man, and the Dixon County War by [Stan R. Mitchell, Danah Mitchell]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1653235149i/32968886.jpg)
Here’s the link: The best books about the Wild West that you’ll ever read. (Or, you can click the link below.)
Stan R. Mitchell, author, vet, and nice guy @StanRMitchellBecause I've written a Western, I was interviewed about the best books I've read about the Wild West. Here are the best five I've ever read. 
The best books about the Wild West that you’ll ever readDiscover the best books on the Wild West. Stan R. Mitchell and other experts share the best books on every topic you can imagine.shepherd.comMay 18th 2022
1 LikeMoving to the news, I thought we’d start today’s newsletter with one of the larger (and growing) issues facing Ukraine.
economist.com/europe/2022/05… from @TheEconomist ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell, author, vet, and nice guy","date":"Thu May 19 02:33:57 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":0,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.economist.com/europe/2022... to unblock Ukraine’s ports to relieve world hunger?","description":"There are few good options to get Ukrainian grain to global markets","domain":"economist.com"},"video_url":null}">Stan R. Mitchell, author, vet, and nice guy @StanRMitchellHow to unblock Ukraine’s ports to relieve world hunger? economist.com/europe/2022/05… from @TheEconomist How to unblock Ukraine’s ports to relieve world hunger?There are few good options to get Ukrainian grain to global marketseconomist.com
May 19th 2022
With a full blockade from the Russians preventing the export of wheat (and other things) that Ukraine needs to deliver, how does Ukraine break this serious blockade?
The Economist carried a terrific piece about this issue in its most recent edition. The issues for Ukraine (and the world) are stark.
The winter wheat from months ago is already in storage and there isn’t room for this year’s crop.
Andrei Stavnitser, the owner of Ukraine’s largest private shipping-terminal operator, (TransInvestService), was quoted in the article as saying, “Unblocking Odessa is as important as providing weapons to Ukraine,” he said.
The Economist states that while the European Union is working on expanding alternative routes by rail and road, such measures can only support a small part of what Ukraine needs to export. (And while I’ve not looked this up, can we all agree that building new railroad lines is probably NOT something one can do quickly?)
Samuel Ramani @SamRamani280% of Ukraine's food exports passed through the Black Sea Russia's port blockade has created serious complications as alternative road and rail routes might only recoup 25% of Ukraine's pre-war Black Sea exportsMay 17th 2022
142 Retweets468 LikesThat means the wheat (and other items, but especially the wheat) has to go out by sea.
Some analysts are suggesting naval convoys to escort merchant vessels, such as occurred in the 1980s in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war. (Former President Reagan authorized U.S. Navy ships to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers against Iranian attacks. Read all about it here: Operation Earnest Will.)
There are a couple of issues to this idea.
First, it would be like a no-fly zone. America would have to be willing to risk confrontation with Russia if it brought U.S. warships into the Black Sea. (See image below.)
The Black Sea. (Source: The World Factbook, public domain/copyright free.)Secondly, there are the issue of mines. Ukraine spread them all around Odesa, the primary port the wheat would need to be extracted from.
But clearing mines is far more difficult than placing them. From the research I’ve done, clearing them is much harder and more dangerious. (Plus, many have broken free from their chains and are floating freely.)
One idea now starting to emerge is to send deadly-serious anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. (See below.)
msn.com/en-us/news/wor… ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Thu May 19 20:14:02 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FTJZdw...Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrerBLOCKADE BUSTERs: Washington is considering sending anti-shipHarpoon and Naval Strike Missiles to Ukraine. These weapons have the capability of destroying all Russian warships in the Black Sea-- and lifting Moscow’s naval blockade.msn.com/en-us/news/wor… 
May 19th 2022
41 Retweets182 LikesThere are no easy solutions, but keep an eye on this in the coming days and weeks. I’m confident we’ll be hearing more about it.
I wrote in the last newsletter about a Russian analyst on state TV finally admitting some hard truths to Russia. Well, it happened again.
This time, a different analyst even called it a “war,” which is supposed to carry a possible penalty of up to 15 years.
You can see the clip below.
Tim McMillan @LtTimMcMillanUPDATE: Another interesting exchange on Russian-state TV last night. The commentator says things are “proceeding quite difficultly,” described actions in Ukraine as “war,” and said Russia is fighting against Russian soldiers and officers, with "the same mentality.” May 20th 2022
1 Retweet19 LikesMoving to the brave defenders of the steel plant in Mariupol called Azovstal, in my last newsletter, I discussed the breaking news that a prisoner exchange with Russia was to happen in an effort to save the defenders.
That exchange actually happened, but now there are some growing questions about what might happen to them. (See below.)
Military.com @MilitarydotcomWhat Might Happen to 100s of Ukrainian POWs? 
What Might Happen to 100s of Ukrainian POWs?The Red Cross says it has registered “hundreds” of Ukrainians POWs who have left the giant Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.bit.lyMay 20th 2022
2 Retweets5 LikesThere are also apparently some who didn’t surrender. (See below.)
#Mariupol defenders remain at #Azovstal, - Sviatoslav \"Kalyna\" Palamar denied claims of russian media that he has left the plant.\nEnglish subtitles\n#AzovstalExtraction #UkraineUnderAttack ","username":"Gerashchenko_en","name":"Anton Gerashchenko","date":"Thu May 19 18:33:09 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
Anton Gerashchenko @Gerashchenko_enCommanders of #Mariupol defenders remain at #Azovstal, - Sviatoslav "Kalyna" Palamar denied claims of russian media that he has left the plant.English subtitles#AzovstalExtraction #UkraineUnderAttack May 19th 2022
987 Retweets4,729 LikesI have such mixed feelings about the entire situation.
Personally, I still don’t feel great about the surrender of the troops.
There is no guarantee of a prisoner swap. AND, it’s coming out that they will be at a minimum “interrogated.” Some could be tried in a “court.” And who knows what will happen to others.
Speaking entirely for myself, there’s no way I’d have surrendered unless I was down to my last bullet or breath. (And I’m not sure I would have then.)
Let’s just hope that those who have are treated better than other prisoners have been. And that those who are still there can hang on somehow.
The commander I linked to above mentioned some kind of possible operation. Let’s hope it involves a rescue or re-supply.
Moving to some larger news, the United States agreed to send even more aid to Ukraine since my last newsletter.
zpr.io/eG393JpvXkcG ","username":"defense_news","name":"Defense News","date":"Thu May 19 20:41:27 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FTJgK_...
Defense News @defense_newsUkraine getting battalion’s worth of artillery in new $100 million aid packagezpr.io/eG393JpvXkcG 
May 19th 2022
7 Retweets32 LikesHere’s a quick over-view if you don’t want to follow the link.
#Ukraine: Includes 18 Howitzers, 18 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers and 18 artillery tubes; artillery battalion and three AN/TPQ-36 counter-artillery radars.\" Brings total Howitzers committed to Ukraine to 108","username":"TaraCopp","name":"Tara Copp","date":"Thu May 19 18:46:05 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":34,"like_count":88,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">
Tara Copp @TaraCoppBREAKING: Pentagon announces next round of weapons to #Ukraine: Includes 18 Howitzers, 18 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers and 18 artillery tubes; artillery battalion and three AN/TPQ-36 counter-artillery radars." Brings total Howitzers committed to Ukraine to 108May 19th 2022
34 Retweets88 LikesLet’s wrap it up there for this edition. And let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.
Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.May 20th 2022
369 Retweets1,618 Likes
That’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 17, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/17/22.
Email subscribers: For best viewing experience, click the headline above, “The view from the front: military matters and motivation for …” Otherwise, your email service will clip/summarize the report.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a rocking start!
We’ll begin this edition with some good news: it appears cracks are emerging in the Russian certainty of victory on their homefront.
This incredible clip came out Monday night, which is worth watching if you have a moment.
Francis Scarr @francis_scarrIn an extremely rare moment of candour on Russian state TV today, defence columnist Mikhail Khodaryonok gave a damning assessment of Russia's war in Ukraine and his country's international isolation. It's fairly long but worth your time so I've added subtitles. May 16th 2022
9,281 Retweets29,837 LikesWhat’s so stunning about it is that video runs behind him of modern NATO weapons the entire time that he’s speaking. So, to me at least, it seems planned. Not an accident at all. (And typically, this channel runs nothing but nonsense of certain Russian victory.)
Tom Nichols, an expert on Russia, discussed in a thread that perhaps this is the beginning of Putin acknowledging that he can’t win, so he has to soften things up for the public so it’s not too big of a shock. But Nichols also stated that this could be the beginning of someone taking a chance? That is, someone (or many someones) making their move in a coup.
I’ve written for weeks about the brave defenders of the steel plant in Mariupol called Azovstal.
Late Monday, news broke that a prisoner exchange with Russia will happen in an effort to save the defenders.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video statement, “Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every reasonable person will understand these words.”
Let’s hope the prisoner exchange happens. I have been worried the garrison would have to surrender and then possibly deal with torture or execution by the Russians.
Adding to what I wrote last week, Russia is most certainly losing. And here’s an excellent summary of the current situation in Ukraine.
Dr Mike Martin, a defense analyst at the War College, said the war has hit a tipping point. Martin argues that:
Ukrainian morale is high; its supplies are increasing (from the West); and they are on the offensive.
Russian morale is low, and in some places collapsing; its supplies are becoming constrained (it has probably run out of precision munitions for instance); and sanctions will increasingly constrain its ability to make new weapons.
Martin thinks that Ukraine will begin not only counter-attacking, but also making bold moves that will create panic among the Russian defenders, such as cutting “the coastal link up the Russians have created between Donbas and Crimea.”
Adding to the evidence that Russia is getting absolutely pummeled, was this news, which seems like a big deal.
Arrow Intel @IntelArrowKharkiv front update:Pro-Russian war correspondents report that Ukrainian army managed to cross Siverskiy Donets river East of Stary Saltiv and capture several villages.This is significant since it creates a huge threat to Russian supply lines running from Belgorod to Izyum. 
May 16th 2022
27 Retweets102 LikesIn the end, victory will have to be made on the ground. As this excellent video shows, here is how the Russians negotiate, simplified.
@McFaul This is exactly how they operate. @kajakallas the Estonian PM explaining with astonishing clarity how Russians use appeasement to achieve their agenda. ","username":"overdryven","name":"Øve","date":"Sun May 15 19:10:05 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
Øve @overdryven@McFaul This is exactly how they operate. @kajakallas the Estonian PM explaining with astonishing clarity how Russians use appeasement to achieve their agenda. May 15th 2022
3,586 Retweets9,585 LikesBefore we leave the topic of Ukraine, let’s share a lame joke I came up with, after seeing the below video.
#Russia #Ukraine ","username":"Blue_Sauron","name":"BlueSauron👁️","date":"Mon May 16 16:03:48 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...BlueSauron👁️ @Blue_SauronTwo Russian BMPs were destroyed after entering a minefield.#Russia #Ukraine May 16th 2022
1,244 Retweets8,736 LikesAnd here’s my joke:
"Sir, we've entered a minefield. First vehicle destroyed. What are your orders?"
Commanding officer: "There are no mines. Intelligence says there are no mines. That's just propaganda."
"Roger that, sir."
Vehicle 3, ten seconds later: "Sir, vehicle two also hit a mine..."
Moving to a different subject, I’m assuming most have heard this news by now (and I’ve stated in previous newsletters that this would likely happen), but now it’s going down.
Sweden wants to join NATO, in addition to Finland.
The Washington Post @washingtonpostSweden joins Finland in seeking NATO membership 
Sweden joins Finland in seeking NATO membershipPutin said Finland and Sweden’s entry into NATO did not represent an imminent danger to Russia, but he warned the same would not be true if NATO staged a military buildup in the two countries.wapo.stMay 17th 2022
94 Retweets567 Likes(And just when you think it can’t get any crazier, even long-time neutral Switzerland is thinking about joining NATO.)
Moving away from Europe, America’s own wars are expanding, with the breaking news below.
@EricSchmittNYT ","username":"charlie_savage","name":"Charlie Savage","date":"Mon May 16 14:03:04 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":2318,"like_count":4668,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/16/us... Approves Plan to Redeploy Several Hundred Ground Forces Into Somalia","description":"The president also signed off on targeting about a dozen Shabab leaders in the war-torn country, from which Donald J. Trump largely withdrew in his final weeks in office.","domain":"nytimes.com"},"video_url":null}">
Charlie Savage @charlie_savageEXCLUSIVE: Biden secretly signed an order in early May authorizing the military to redeploy 100s of Special Forces into Somalia & to target about a dozen Al Shabab leaders. Reverses Trump's last-minute decision to withdraw from Somalia. w/ @EricSchmittNYT 
Biden Approves Plan to Redeploy Several Hundred Ground Forces Into SomaliaThe president also signed off on targeting about a dozen Shabab leaders in the war-torn country, from which Donald J. Trump largely withdrew in his final weeks in office.nytimes.comMay 16th 2022
2,318 Retweets4,668 LikesYou can read more about Al-Shabaab at this link.
Moving to tech news, there were a couple of items I wanted to share that I thought you might be interested in.
First, this.
And secondly, this story, which is almost too impossible to believe.
Lee Hudson @LeeHudson_NEWS: For the first time, a Stryker equipped with a 50kw laser shot down multiple 60mm mortars. 
May 13th 2022
19 Retweets49 LikesYou can read the actual story here: Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Kord team-up to defeat multiple mortars and large drones with Stryker-mounted high-energy laser.
All right, enough news for this edition. Let’s end with some cool historical photos. And then some motivation and wisdom.
Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Love doesn't make the world go round, Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.May 16th 2022
98 Retweets415 Likes
Motivational Quotes @spreadcheer1If you can't makeup your mind despite constant internal debate, allow your heart to lead you. It knows the way. It knows what you want yet you resist. If something can't be resolved by logic let your intuition hold your hand & guide you. It'll never take you to wrong destination.May 13th 2022
29 Retweets123 Likes
That’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Want to talk to me directly? Email me at the following address: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com. I love hearing feedback, compliments, and even constructive criticism. : )
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 13, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/13/22.
Email subscribers: For best viewing experience, click the headline above, “The view from the front: military matters and motivation for …” Otherwise, your email service will clip/summarize the report.
Happy Friday, everyone! Hope you’ve had a great week and are looking forward to the weekend!
Speaking for myself, my weekend started early!
I had to work last Sunday in my day job, but as a part of that, I got today off. So I played a round of golf this morning and had a great time. (This might be a photo of me.)
Golf is a new-found love of mine. I’ve hated golf for most of my life, and even tried it for a few months almost fifteen years ago.
But the sport frustrated me to no end and I gave it up at that time until about two years ago, when a new friend of mine discussed his love for it. Ever since then, it’s been pretty much all-out for me, and I even went so far as to join a golf training center where I could hit an unlimited amount of balls each month on the driving range. (And let me tell you, I have — to the point of injury, when I finally slowed up — because I never half-do anything. lol)
This weekend, I’ll be spending much of it at the baseball field. My 13-year-old stepson plays travel baseball, which is pretty much its entirely own world. (I expect a comment or two about golf or travel baseball, by the way, by my ever-so-awesome readers.)
Back to travel baseball, though. It’s almost all-consuming. Conditioning lessons, organized team practice, individual practice focused on hitting and fielding, weekend tournaments (often an hour or more away). These weekend tournaments take up much of your Saturdays and Sundays.
But you pretty much adjust to it and actually begin to enjoy the rhythms of it, as well as enjoy the growth that each ball player goes through as they compete and make memories that will last a lifetime. (Many of these players he has played with for several years or more, so you get to know the parents and it sort of becomes its own family/lifestyle.)
So, that was my day and will be my weekend. If any of you want to share yours, you’re free to comment or email me. (I’m weird in two ways. First, I actually do want to get to know my followers/supporters. Two, I think online friends can actually be real-life friends, and I cherish and appreciate every one of you.)
Moving to the news, we begin with the defenders of the Mariupol steel plant, who are STILL hanging on somehow.
The Washington Post @washingtonpostWith swollen faces and missing limbs, Ukrainian fighters who for weeks have been defending Mariupol’s steel plant issued a desperate plea for help, seeking escape as pro-Russian forces in the city appeared to threaten an acceleration of strikes.
Mariupol fighters — faces bruised, limbs missing — plead for rescueThe last Ukrainian fighters in Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant are in dire conditions as Russian strikes continue.wapo.stMay 11th 2022
95 Retweets154 LikesI still don’t know how they have, but news reports say the Russians let up on their assault some yesterday and the day prior. I think the Russians have almost given up. Or maybe they’re preparing for a final push. (Heck, maybe they’ve actually decided to do what they initially said, which was to starve out the defenders.)
But none of this means that the situation is anything less than horrible and desperate. In fact, it’s so bad that the defenders have even asked Elon Musk for help in their evacuation.
Let’s hope and pray they find some kind of rescue (or even a form of re-supply of food and ammunition in the short term).
And if you want more about the details of those at the steel plant, check out this excellent thread.
#Azov regiment who resists #Russia in Azovstal plant in #Mariupol tell during the press-conference via Zoom, that about 25,000 civilians have been killed in the city by Russia. \nIn this thread you can read the most important things they tell. ","username":"KSergatskova","name":"katerina sergatskova","date":"Sun May 08 12:04:25 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSPAXN...
katerina sergatskova @KSergatskovaCommanders of #Azov regiment who resists #Russia in Azovstal plant in #Mariupol tell during the press-conference via Zoom, that about 25,000 civilians have been killed in the city by Russia. In this thread you can read the most important things they tell. 
May 8th 2022
5,501 Retweets17,418 LikesMoving from that specific situation, I wanted to write more broadly about something happening in the war as our next topic.
That issue is the war for supremacy of the skies: typically one of the most important factors for victory going back to World War II.
And yet Russia failed to destroy the small Ukranian air force in the beginning of the war. In the weeks that followed, an increasing parity has evolved.
There are even videos of Ukrainian jets flying across the skies. (Sometimes, even in pairs!)
@BILD ","username":"ronzheimer","name":"Paul Ronzheimer","date":"Thu May 05 14:19:41 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
Paul Ronzheimer @ronzheimerOn a highway in east ukraine we got overtaken by two fighter jets (SU-25). First we thought they were russians, but thank god they were ukrainian jets. @BILD May 5th 2022
1,121 Retweets9,427 LikesAnd here’s two of them striking Snake Island. (Yes, THAT Snake Island, where a small detachment of sailors on the island radioed in the first days of the war, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself.")
Tim McMillan @LtTimMcMillanVIDEO: Extraordinary footage of two Ukraine Su-27 fighter jets hitting Russian targets on Snake Island. The action was filmed by a Bayraktar TB-2 drone. May 7th 2022
21 Retweets145 LikesI’m not the only one to notice the (gaining?) strength of the Ukrainian Air Force. In fact, The Atlantic published a great article about the surprising equality in the air.
@PhillipsPOBrien in @TheAtlantic , with a little hindrance from me.\n ","username":"edwardstrngr","name":"Edward Stringer🇺🇦","date":"Mon May 09 17:35:29 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":2,"like_count":8,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc... Biggest Reason Russia’s Military Is Struggling","description":"Russia has failed to understand the importance of airpower.","domain":"theatlantic.com"},"video_url":null}">
Edward Stringer🇺🇦 @edwardstrngrSome thoughts from @PhillipsPOBrien in @TheAtlantic , with a little hindrance from me. 
The Biggest Reason Russia’s Military Is StrugglingRussia has failed to understand the importance of airpower.theatlantic.comMay 9th 2022
2 Retweets8 LikesFrom the article:
Airpower should have been one of Russia’s greatest advantages over Ukraine. With almost 4,000 combat aircraft and extensive experience bombing targets in Syria, Georgia, and Chechnya, Russia’s air force was expected to play a vital role in the invasion, allowing the Russian army to plunge deep into Ukraine, seize Kyiv, and destroy the Ukrainian military. But more than two months into the war, Vladimir Putin’s air force is still fighting for control of the skies.
The Russian air force’s failure is perhaps the most important, but least discussed, story of the military conflict so far.
…
The Ukrainians have integrated a range of air and anti-air capabilities to stymie the much larger Russian air force. Starting with cheap, handheld, portable surface-to-air missiles, the Ukrainians have been able to restrict Russian airpower to a few eastern and southern areas, greatly limiting Russian freedom of maneuver. The addition of much more potent, and longer-range, S-300 missile systems from Slovakia makes the Russians even more vulnerable. The threat of the S-300s forces individual Russian aircraft, which generally lack refueling, electronic-warfare, and command-and-control support, to fly low to the ground to screen themselves from attack. This, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to the handheld surface-to-air missiles.
It’s a great article that describes how America and other countries might learn lessons from Ukraine, which could be applied in situations where we don’t dominate the skies. (Say, in Taiwan if China threw its full power at the island and we only had a couple of carriers nearby.)
But back to Ukraine, this kind of poor outfitting isn’t exactly helping the Russian cause in the skies. (Hat tip @JoshuaMcGuoirk.)
@StanRMitchell \n\nDowned Russian fighter jets are being found with basic GPS 'taped to the dashboards,' UK defense minister says ","username":"JoshuaMcGuoirk","name":"Joshua McGuoirk","date":"Tue May 10 11:00:36 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":0,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/... Russian fighter jets are being found with basic GPS ‘taped to the dashboards,’ UK defense minister says","description":"As the invasion of Ukraine drags on, evidence is emerging that much of Russia’s military equipment is outdated and often ineffective.","domain":"msn.com"},"video_url":null}">
Joshua McGuoirk @JoshuaMcGuoirk@StanRMitchell Downed Russian fighter jets are being found with basic GPS 'taped to the dashboards,' UK defense minister says 
Downed Russian fighter jets are being found with basic GPS ‘taped to the dashboards,’ UK defense minister saysAs the invasion of Ukraine drags on, evidence is emerging that much of Russia’s military equipment is outdated and often ineffective.msn.com
May 10th 2022
I never cease to be amazed at just how pathetic the Russian military continues to be: in both equipment and morale.
Moving from the air back to the ground, I’ve written in previous newsletters about how Russia has been stalled in Donbas, and even losing some ground.
But it’s not for lack of effort, as you can see below.
trib.al/rGfDU6U ","username":"Forbes","name":"Forbes","date":"Wed May 11 21:16:06 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSgbZ9...
Forbes @ForbesThe Russians Lost Nearly An Entire Battalion Trying To Cross A River In Eastern Ukraine trib.al/rGfDU6U 
May 11th 2022
96 Retweets291 LikesFrom the article.
The better part of a Russian army battalion — 50 or so vehicles and up to a thousand troops — in recent days tried to cross a pontoon bridge spanning the Siverskyi Donets River, running west to east between the separatist provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian artillery caught them at the river bank—and destroyed them. … It’s unclear how many Russians died or were wounded, but it’s worth noting that no battalion can lose three-quarters of its vehicles and remain capable of operations. In one strike, the Ukrainians removed from the battlefield one of roughly the 99 Russian battalion tactical groups in Ukraine.
Here are some photos of what remains of that battle.
t.me/dvish_alive/13… ","username":"RALee85","name":"Rob Lee","date":"Wed May 11 15:28:52 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSfL7R...
Rob Lee @RALee85Ukraine’s 17th Tank Brigade reportedly targeted a Russian pontoon bridge crossing with several destroyed tanks and BMPs. t.me/dvish_alive/13… 
May 11th 2022
848 Retweets7,664 Likest.me/conflictzone/2… ","username":"RALee85","name":"Rob Lee","date":"Wed May 11 15:58:48 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSfSxu...Rob Lee @RALee85Photos of more destroyed Russian armored vehicles (multiple companies’ worth) along the Siverskyi Donets river. 2/t.me/conflictzone/2… 
May 11th 2022
196 Retweets1,689 LikesThese were horrific losses for a single day’s battle, even by Russian standards.
And if you really want to get into the weeds of this battle, here’s the story that’s gone viral about the Ukrainian soldier who predicted where the crossing would happen based on map study and a recon of the area. (Click the link below and follow the thread; it’s quite the story.)
Максим @kms_d4kWhat I did to destroy Russian pantonne bridge over Siverskyi Donets - a thread 🧵Here you go -> -> ->May 11th 2022
10,147 Retweets44,729 LikesSpeaking of Russian losses and Ukrainian superiority, I wanted to share a slightly different topic that’s struck me.
This entire time, I’ve mostly attributed the dominance of the Ukrainians to their fighting spirit and eight-plus years of war experience in fighting the Russians, which has mostly featured conscripts.
But if you watch the clip below of a Ukrainian sniper, who now “owns” a tank that he uses to hunt Russian vehicles, you’ll learn he’s new to war.
What’s so striking about the clip is that he and the next person interviewed aren’t hardened veterans.
Instead, they are people who were soft citizens even just two months ago (he was a software engineer), but they have become efficient fighters in a very short time under the toughest of conditions. A great clip, if you have a moment to watch it.
Also, in the same line of thinking, the below clip shows an older gentleman also fighting the Russians, and I don’t think any of us would say he’s regular Ukrainian military age or rank. (Hat tip: @JaradStout.)
Visegrád 24 @visegrad24“Welcome to Ukraine” May 10th 2022
374 Retweets2,437 LikesOne final bit of news about Ukraine before we leave that topic. The battle for Snake Island is continuing, and you really need to read the thread about what’s happening in the video below.
ChrisO @ChrisO_wikiToday everyone seems to be talking about this video of an Mi-8 helicopter being destroyed on Ukraine's Snake Island by a loitering Bayraktar TB-2. A short 🧵 on what the Russians' behaviour on this video tells us about the situation there. /1 May 8th 2022
831 Retweets4,595 LikesOn the off chance that you don’t go read that thread, the author of it takes a single event and then further elaborates on what is likely happening on the island. Especially, how the events happening paint a larger picture of the troubles the Russians are having both on Snake Island and out at sea.
Moving along, I had some other defense news to share, but I think we’ve gotten our fill in this edition. I’ll share plenty more on Tuesday, which will allow me to go into more details about it. (Teaser: it’ll involve ships, lasers, and maybe even fighter jets; maybe even A-10s, too.)
But let’s end with some motivation and wisdom. First, this inspiring story of courage.
@IsaCNN brings us the story of a 15 year old Ukrainian girl who drove two wounded men through battlefields to safety even after she was shot in the leg. ","username":"brikeilarcnn","name":"Brianna Keilar","date":"Mon May 09 12:57:48 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
Brianna Keilar @brikeilarcnn.@IsaCNN brings us the story of a 15 year old Ukrainian girl who drove two wounded men through battlefields to safety even after she was shot in the leg. May 9th 2022
36 Retweets145 LikesSecond, how about this?!
This is a local story about a local high school kid, who barely made the baseball team, who’s going to be making millions before too long.
The lesson: Never give up. Always believe. Work your ass off.
Now, for some humor because man, these war realities in Ukraine can be heavy for all of us.
Alexis Benveniste @apbenvenmy favorite kind of content now: animals interrupting baseball games May 11th 2022
23 Retweets114 LikesAnd finally more motivation. Because that’s what half of you are paying for, right?!
Motivational Quotes @motivation_qotNobody cares about your story until you win, so win.May 13th 2022
27 Retweets98 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Can we choose our emotions?No.Can we choose our reactions?Hell Yes!May 13th 2022
63 Retweets317 Likes#ThursdayThoughts ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Thu May 12 12:00:11 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSjlwK...
Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” -- Oprah Winfrey #ThursdayThoughts 
May 12th 2022
58 Retweets155 Likes
Motivational Quotes @therandomvibezStay patient. The best things happen unexpectedly.May 12th 2022
116 Retweets475 LikesA quick reminder that there are so many good Americans out there, and that we are so good as a people (despite the loud and obnoxious ones who scream the loudest).
bit.ly/3l0W8Pf ","username":"WPBF25News","name":"WPBF 25 News","date":"Wed May 11 19:33:29 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
WPBF 25 News @WPBF25NewsINCREDIBLE MOMENT: Boynton Beach police sent this video out in the hopes to honor the people who got out of the car to help the woman who had a medical episode while driving. bit.ly/3l0W8Pf May 11th 2022
59,059 Retweets348,383 Likes(Hat tip on the previous video to Atticus Finch, who said, “Despite it all, most Americans are still stand up people. The kind of people who help each other without thinking twice. Good job to these folks!”)
Okay, one or two more, because I’m relentless, just as you should be.
Life Quotes @RTLifeQuotesWhat a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner. – Sidonie-Gabrielle ColetteMay 11th 2022
7 Retweets59 Likes
On this note, there is this, from a man who lost his father to suicide 22 years ago.
Todd Anderson @ande9547If you are struggling with anything in your life do not hesitate to reach out for help. The people in your life would much rather have you around than have to carry the pain of your absence for the rest of their livesMay 9th 2022
5 LikesTodd, who gave me permission to share this, said, “Over the years I’ve battled my own issues, particularly after tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. I just want everyone to know — even in the darkest of times, there are people who will drop everything to be there for you.”
An important message for sure. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone. If you’re not, reach out to someone who might be that you haven’t heard from in a while.
Okay, now let’s end on a lighter note.
Inspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.April 20th 2022
49 Retweets212 Likes#TuesdayMotivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Tue Mar 22 12:00:07 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FOc8pw...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosOur mindset plays a large role in our level of happiness in life.#TuesdayMotivation 
March 22nd 2022
109 Retweets266 Likes
That’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Want to talk to me directly? Email me at the following address: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com. I love hearing feedback, compliments, and even constructive criticism. : )
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
P.P.S. And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter.
May 10, 2022
The view from the front: military matters and motivation for 5/10/22.
Email subscribers: For best viewing experience, click the headline above, “The view from the front: military matters and motivation for …” Otherwise, your email service will clip/summarize the report.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day and have gotten off to a great start with this week!
The biggest news this week was the big May 9 parade held by Russia, and what it might’ve meant for Ukraine.
As stated in the interview below, Putin blinked (not declaring war or a mass mobilization), which is great news for Ukraine.
The Lead CNN @TheLeadCNNFormer U.S. Ambassador to NATO: Putin's muted response on May 9 shows "he blinked" May 9th 2022
8 Retweets26 LikesAnother important point made in the interview is that Russia has lost more troops in ten weeks of war with Ukraine as it lost in ten years in Afghanistan.
That’s almost impossible to comprehend.
One final thing mentioned in the video above was the liberation of Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine (after Kyiv).
Ukrainians drove Russian forces so far back that the Russians can no longer target the city with artillery. Map below.
Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 @IAPonomarenkoYet another success as Ukraine’s military go on liberating territories northeast of Kharkiv. I think we indeed should expect our troops to come up to the Russian border in the coming days. 
May 10th 2022
1,129 Retweets8,150 LikesWe’ve discussed the delivery of artillery and drones to Ukraine in previous newsletters, but here’s a quick update on those efforts.
Jack Detsch @JackDetschDoD update on 🇺🇸 training of 🇺🇦 forces:• 🇺🇸 has NOW trained 310 🇺🇦 troops on M777 howitzers, 50+ still training (85/90 howitzers now in 🇺🇦)• 🇺🇸 has trained 20 🇺🇦 troops on Phoenix Ghost drones (20/121 drones now in 🇺🇦)• 🇺🇸 has $100m left in military aid from DoD's stocksMay 9th 2022
189 Retweets970 LikesBoth the fact that Putin didn’t announce a mobilization/declaration of war along with the combined delivery of superior weapons from the West have some analysts predicting Ukraine will certainly will.
John Spencer @SpencerGuardPutin concludes his speech without declaring mobilization or war on Ukraine. Ukraine has the initiative. Backed by 40 nations, better weapons, better supplies. Russian troops running out of time. They committed 80% of their BTGs, lack sufficient ground units. Ukraine will win!May 9th 2022
617 Retweets4,292 LikesTwo final points before we leave the topic. First, the desperate defenders in Mariupol at the steel plant are still somehow holding out.
Patrick Tucker @DefTechPatOn the Ukrainian soldiers under siege in the Azovstal steel plant, a senior Defense official says "We still believe they're there. We still believe they're resisting."May 9th 2022
2 Retweets15 LikesA flag still flies there, even as artillery rounds continue to strike it.
#UAarmy ","username":"DefenceU","name":"Defence of Ukraine","date":"Mon May 09 18:31:56 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...Defence of Ukraine @DefenceUA Ukrainian flag flies over Azovstal. A Ukrainian flag over Mariupol. On the 75th day of the defence. The true Flag of Victory is not somewhere in a foreign capital. It flies over its own land.#UAarmy May 9th 2022
4,465 Retweets26,895 LikesMy final point on Ukraine (at least militarily speaking) for this edition comes from the remarkable video below. Take the twenty seconds and watch it.
ТРУХА⚡️English @TpyxaNewsUkrainian soldier eating chocolate as artillery shells land nearby. April 19th 2022
906 Retweets6,375 LikesIt is my firm belief that our very own George Washington himself would have stood and clapped for the Ukrainians and the fighting spirit that they are showing.
They are indomitable.
Moving away from the conflict side of things in Ukraine, there were a couple of other points I wanted to share about the Ukrainian people.
First, in an article in The Washington Post titled “Ukraine is rebuilding cities as fast as Russia destroyed them,” the efforts of Ukrainians to throw themselves into fixing the mess Russia has caused is almost too unreal to believe.
In recently liberated Kharkiv, volunteers fill buses to go into parts of the city to sweep-up glass, stack bricks that might be re-used, and pull together piles of rubble, all while mending things as best they can.
They’re doing this for no pay and working in neighborhoods that aren’t even their own. And the fact that someone is pulling together buses to load people on?! And that groups as large as sixty or more are gathering each day to do it?! Fo no pay?!
In that same article, there’s this:
In Irpin, a suburb that was formerly home to about 60,000 people, municipal workers have worked on half-pay to repair dozens of water and sewage pumps.
“We worked day and night without a day off,” said Artur Zahodirenko, the director of Irpin’s municipal water service, which relied on equipment supplied by aid agencies.
About 16,000 people have returned to Irpin in recent days, said the mayor, Oleksandr Markushin. If the progress in restoring services continues apace, he said, he’ll formally invite all residents back on May 15.
I mean, I’d really like to think Americans would do the same. And on my positive days, I think they would. But on other days? I’m not so sure.
I feel like there’s a good chance that we’d be complaining services were being restored somewhere else too quickly, or that the federal government should come and do this or do that.
We complain about so much and if we lost cell service for an entire day, I’m not sure most of us could make it.
On the other hand, the clean-up efforts in Kharkiv include mowing grass and planting tulips while worried about incoming fire.
Continued shelling in Kharkiv has done little to deter the volunteers. Tulips have been planted throughout downtown, and city workers were cutting the grass in hard-hit neighborhoods.
In front of the city’s destroyed regional administration building, Valentina Orlova, 73, hurriedly planted yellow pansies early this past week. It was around noon, and the work needed to be done by 2 p.m.
“That’s when the shelling usually starts, so we need to finish quickly to get home,” she said.
I’m not sure about you, but I can name numerous streets near my own that have yards that need to be mowed, and no one around here is worried about lack of power or incoming shells.
This is what Kharkiv looks like right now.
Maxim Dondyuk 🇺🇦 @maximdondyukWhen I saw the city center of Kharkiv, destroyed by air bombs, I was shocked. Last time I saw such images on the photographs of the WWII. Then it was bombed by the Germans, 76 years later it is bombed by the Russians. 
May 10th 2022
3 LikesAnd yet despite the impossible amount of work that must be done, already you are seeing this.
#Flowers continue to be planted in #Kharkiv. Garbage in city districts is regularly removed - mayor's office #Kharkov #War_in_Ukraine ","username":"HarZizn","name":"Харьков_Живет Kharkiv_Lives","date":"Tue May 10 07:14:00 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSXbu8...
Харьков_Живет Kharkiv_Lives @HarZizn#Flowers continue to be planted in #Kharkiv. Garbage in city districts is regularly removed - mayor's office #Kharkov #War_in_Ukraine 
May 10th 2022
1 LikeAnd they’re doing this with fighting less than an hour’s drive away.
The other thing I wanted to share is just how thoughtful the Ukrainians are. In a time when most are worried about living or having enough food, the Ukrainians are still worried about their animals.
I know that nothing good comes from war, but if we can learn from these incredible examples, then it’s not all a complete waste.
Moving along, I mostly try to avoid politics, but the interview below was so full of wisdom that I just had to share it. It’s from a man who served both parties, having worked in the administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton.
It’s worth the listen if you have a few minutes, I assure you.
cbsn.ws/3w9kMT3 ","username":"CBSSunday","name":"CBS Sunday Morning 🌞","date":"Sun May 08 14:27:45 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/...
CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 @CBSSundayDavid Gergen, the advisor to presidents from both parties believes today's aging leaders should step aside for a younger generation cbsn.ws/3w9kMT3 May 8th 2022
173 Retweets695 LikesMoving to other matters, in tech news, I thought you’d be interested in seeing this report, if you’re into the development of lasers and their battlefield applications.
news.usni.org/2022/05/10/rep… ","username":"NavalInstitute","name":"U.S. Naval Institute","date":"Tue May 10 15:23:25 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSaBFm...U.S. Naval Institute @NavalInstituteReport to Congress on Navy Shipboard Lasers - USNI Newsnews.usni.org/2022/05/10/rep… 
May 10th 2022
3 Retweets14 LikesThe Congressional report isn’t too dense and makes a couple of important points regarding ships trying to stop attacks from missiles and drones/UAVs. From the report:
Two key limitations that Navy surface ships currently have in defending themselves against UAVs and anti-ship missiles are limited depth of magazine and unfavorable cost exchange ratios. Limited depth of magazine refers to the fact that Navy surface ships can use surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and their Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) Gatling guns to shoot down only a certain number of enemy UAVs and anti-ship missiles before running out of SAMs and CIWS ammunition — a situation (sometimes called “going Winchester”) that can require a ship to withdraw from battle, spend time traveling to a safe reloading location (which can be hundreds of miles away), and then spend more time traveling back to the battle area.
The report states that as far as costs go, it can cost more to defend a ship currently than the inexpensive UAVs cost to create, since some of the defensive missiles cost millions of dollars a piece.
In combat scenarios against an adversary with a limited number of UAVs or anti-ship missiles, an unfavorable cost exchange ratio can be acceptable because it saves the lives of Navy sailors and prevents very expensive damage to Navy ships. But in combat scenarios (or an ongoing military capabilities competition) against a country such as China that has many UAVs and anti-ship missiles and a capacity for building or acquiring many more, an unfavorable cost exchange ratio can become a very expensive — and potentially unaffordable — approach to defending Navy surface ships against UAVs and anti-ship missiles, particularly in a context of constraints on U.S. defense spending and competing demands for finite U.S. defense funds.
Lasers could be the solution to both limited depth of magazine and cost, the report states. Lasers “offer a potential for dramatically improving depth of magazine and the cost exchange ratio:”
Depth of magazine. Lasers are electrically powered, drawing their power from the ship’s overall electrical supply, and can be fired over and over, indefinitely, as long as the laser continues to work and the ship has fuel to generate electricity.
Cost exchange ratio. Depending on its beam power, a laser can be fired for an estimated marginal cost of $1 to less than $10 per shot (much of which simply is the cost of the fuel needed to generate the electricity used in the shot).
The report then goes on to discuss the current status of laser development and its future. It notes the strong possibilities in for the future, but also warns that critics of lasers have been correct that the potential abilities of laser have been oversold in the past, and that their development is expensive and risky.
In Marine Corps news, additional specifics have emerged about the Commandant’s plans for the Corps.
news.usni.org/2022/05/09/few… ","username":"NavalInstitute","name":"U.S. Naval Institute","date":"Mon May 09 22:54:20 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FSWetQ...U.S. Naval Institute @NavalInstituteFewer Marines, More Sensors Part of Berger’s Latest Force Design Revision - USNI Newsnews.usni.org/2022/05/09/few… 
May 9th 2022
3 Retweets22 LikesMoving further along, this isn’t news, but both of these photos caught my eye and seemed eminently sharable. First, this.
History Defined @historydefinedThe ornate helmet of Ferdinand Hapsburg II, the Holy Roman Emperor. 16th century AD. 
May 9th 2022
1,778 Retweets18,040 LikesAnd then this one, which I found oddly touching.
History Defined @historydefinedRed Bird, elderly Comanche woman, 1911 
May 9th 2022
74 Retweets829 LikesMoving to the next topic, I must be getting increasingly sentimental, but I wanted to share this.
Not that it’s news, but there is something truly special about a dog’s love. I think we could learn something from their example.
Ross McCulloch @Rossmac212When the dog finally recognises him😃 May 9th 2022
3 Retweets28 LikesAnd while we’re learning from animals, take a look at this.
TG @TG22110One thing Twitter has taught me is how smart and compassionate so many creatures on this planet are. 🐢 💙 May 7th 2022
104,794 Retweets679,970 LikesIf turtles can do this, then I’m pretty sure we can all do a better job of caring for each other.
And I am pretty sure all of us are kind of flipped on our backs at least one or twice a week. Please, check on your friends, family, and neighbors.
Okay, let’s end with some wisdom and motivation (but perhaps a little less this week given how emotional I’ve made this edition).
Othman Designer @OthmanDesignerVisualization works if you work hard. Jim Carrey April 20th 2022
100 Retweets375 LikesInspirational Quotes @TheQuoteBoook_Don't miss out on something that could be great, just because it could also be difficult.May 9th 2022
297 Retweets1,256 LikesIn the wisdom category, here’s another chapter in the endless saga of why women live longer than men, as John Setter so perfectly said.
Dave @hike_charityants in the garden ? Run a hose from your bbq gas cylinder and put it into the ants nest and turn it on, just a little, removed hose and carefully light the hole… what could possibly go wrong?? April 14th 2022
39,621 Retweets240,697 LikesThat’s it for this edition.
As a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love your fellow Americans. We need to pull this country together, and that starts with all of us.
The view from the front: military matters and motivation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it! (You can share it on your Facebook page or any other social media platform, or even email it to a friend.)
Want to talk to me directly? Email me at the following address: authorstanrmitchell@yahoo.com. I love hearing feedback, compliments, and even constructive criticism. : )
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 leadership/biography book, and two realistic war novels: one about World War IIand one about Afghanistan.
And here’s a short bio about me and what I’m trying to do with the newsletter. And if you’d like to support me, you can subscribe to my newsletter for $5 per month (it comes out twice a week). Or, you can check out my books at this link: http://amzn.to/3p6lAnQ. I’ve sold 70,000-plus copies and had thousands of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I’m confident you’ll enjoy them.
