Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 32

Veteran spotlight: Command Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry

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As part of my continuing efforts to honor veterans, I recently interviewed Command Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry.

Curry has spent the majority of his career in communications, advancing in the field from radios to computers and networks these days.

Here is his interview:

Where were you born? (And/or what was your hometown?)

Augusta, Ga.

When did you serve and where? Also rank attained.

I joined in 1999 and have served at Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Gordon, Ga; Fort Drum, NY; Fort Bliss, TX, and Camp Red Cloud, Korea. I am a Command Sergeant Major.

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What caused you to stay in? Some leader talking you into it or what? Because I think many get out and regret it.

Each time I re-enlisted was based on where I was at. My first reenlistment I got stationed in Korea and in order to get back, I had to reenlist or stay longer and have to get out from Korea. So I re-enlisted. The next one I was in Iraq and needed to reenlist because I made the promotion list. lol

Each time I had leadership from mentors that saw something in me and convinced me to stay. The last reenlistment I did because I loved being with Soldiers. The mentorship and servant leadership I was able to provide for them.

Who was your childhood hero?

My mother has always been my childhood hero to me. I learned my strong work ethic and values from her.

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What made you want to join up?

I joined the Army to be able to provide for my family.

Tell us some of the big lessons you learned from serving.

I have learned about diversity and team building. I learned how having a diverse group helps to aide in mission accomplishment.

What was your most harrowing experience, that you’re willing to share? (This can be a training event, as I think most civilians aren’t aware of how dangerous even peacetime service can be.)

It would be the IED attack during a convoy on my first deployment. We were traveling to a distant base in the middle of the night when the vehicle in front of me was blown up by an IED. We were stuck about midway between the base we had departed from and the base we were headed to. We had to pull security while awaiting support and medical coverage.

What do you wish those who have never served better understood?

How PTSD isn’t tied to only combat experience. There are many other forms of trauma that affect Soldiers.

a.image2.image-link.image2-379-570 { padding-bottom: 66.4835164835165%; padding-bottom: min(66.4835164835165%, 378.95604395604397px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-379-570 img { max-width: 570px; max-height: 378.95604395604397px; } Curry being promoted to Sergeant Major by Sergeant Major of the Army Daily. At right, his wife Master Sgt Shauna Curry.

Are there any service members that you know, or served with, that you’d like to honor their sacrifice by naming?

My beautiful wife, Master Sergeant Curry. Being a military spouse is a challenge if you’re on your own, but to be dual military with children requires a special person.

Tell me the most heroic thing you ever saw, if you can.

It would be during the IED attack on my first deployment. To see all the Soldiers pull together to maintain security and provide assistance to the casualties.

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Share with us a story of a leader who inspired you while you served.

1SG Smith. He was my first Platoon Sergeant arriving to Fort Bragg, which was my first duty station. He was the epitome of a servant leader. A truly engaged and invested leader. From day one, he laid out a career map for me to follow.

What do you wish for the country?

I wish the country could embrace its diversity and pull together. Understand how our country is the land of opportunity and truly a melting pot of numerous cultures that could all benefit from learning from each other.

I wanted to thank Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry for sharing his story.

I really enjoy the veteran interview posts for several reasons. First, I feel the public remains mostly unaware about the sacrifices military members have made (and are continuing to make).

Secondly, veterans aren’t good at sharing their experiences, and I’ve had vets tell me afterward that they had direct family members express surprise after reading the interviews at some of the places the veterans had been and some of the things they had done.

Finally, I appreciate the opportunity to put a fallen vet’s name into the internet world so that their names are always searchable and less likely to be forgotten. (This is something I try to do .)

Enough about the interviews. If you know a veteran that I could interview, please reach out to me at stan@stanrmitchell.com. I would love to feature them on my site. As a general rule, one that HASN’T been broken yet, they will NEVER ask for themselves. So, please, consider nominating someone that you know, if you have a friend or family member who has served. I’ll be happy to reach out to them and twist any arms.

Please share this post if you enjoyed it.

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/19/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

Things continue to be tense along the Ukrainian-Russian border.

David Ignatius writes in The Washington Post that despite outreach from the U.S. to calm things down, “Putin seems to be relishing the West’s anxiety.”

In fact, Ignatius states that Putin made comments yesterday that it wasn’t Russia trying to escalate the situation. It was the West, who was ignoring Russia’s “red lines” and “escalating the situation” with shows of force.

Currently, the situation is as thus, according to Ignatius:

Nearly 100,000 Russian troops have massed along the border, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This faceoff continued Thursday. U.S. officials didn’t detect any change in the Russian military presence, up or down.

There are nearly daily skirmishes in the contested Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. The conflict could escalate if Russia sends “humanitarian” aid convoys into the region under a decree issued Monday by Putin. Ukraine has recently augmented its defense of the Donbass, using Turkish drones to combat pro-Russian rebels — and drawing a protest from Moscow.

You can read his full column here: The U.S. is warning Russia on Ukraine. So far, the message isn’t getting through.

At least for now, this situation certainly bears watching.

You might have remembered a drone attack against Iraq's leader that I mentioned two or three newsletters ago.

There are now reports that Iran likely didn’t order that.

nbcnews.com/news/world/ira… via @NBCNews","username":"tparsi","name":"Trita Parsi","date":"Sat Nov 13 22:49:45 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":25,"like_count":56,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Trita Parsi @tparsi""It's fair to say that Iran does not have as much control over these groups since Soleimani was killed," the defense official said."U.S. officials: Iran likely did not order drone attack on Iraqi leader nbcnews.com/news/world/ira… via @NBCNews

November 13th 2021

25 Retweets56 Likes

A couple of things about this.

First, there’s the lesson of unintended consequences. You may have remembered the killing of Qasem Soleimani. That probably has led to some increased challenges to Iranian control of their various backed groups.

But secondly, Iran uses its “lack of control” of these groups as a strategic weapon, allowing for plausible deniability. Which, in shadowy, covert operations, is often a good thing for a country trying to exert its influence.

Moving along, America continues to strengthen its ties with Taiwan.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) led a congressional delegation to Taiwan last week and met with the Taiwanese government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen.

Cornyn was quoted in the Post saying:

“This has been a discussion about, ‘How do we prevent an invasion of Taiwan?’ This trip convinced me, we need to open the aperture and look at other ways that we can deter China,’ Cornyn said. “The key to deterrence is to rely on the thing the [People’s Republic of China] does not have, which is our friends and allies in the region.”

That was a bit of an obvious statement, since the Biden administration is already pursuing that with great haste and energy. But I share it because it’s important readers understand that defending Taiwan is a bi-partisan issue.

There is plenty of support in D.C. to remain engaged in the defense of Taiwan from Chinese aggression.

Full story here: The battle to protect Taiwan’s democracy is already underway.

While we’re on the subject of China and Taiwan, there’s this bit of news:

@sidhant \n","username":"DerekJGrossman","name":"Derek J. Grossman","date":"Sun Nov 14 02:54:43 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":22,"like_count":59,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.wionews.com/india-news/qu... summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024","description":"Members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--India, the US, Australia, and Japan-- have largely agreed on the annual summit schedule which will happen rotationally between the four countries.","domain":"wionews.com"},"video_url":null}">Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanQuad appears to have some serious staying power, folks. First in-person Quad leadership summit was hosted by US this year. And now, tentatively, here’s the future hosting schedule: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, and Australia in 2024. @sidhant Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024Members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--India, the US, Australia, and Japan-- have largely agreed on the annual summit schedule which will happen rotationally between the four countries.wionews.com

November 14th 2021

22 Retweets59 Likes

In other news, two Iranian men were charged yesterday, accused of a hacking and disinformation campaign that targeted American voters in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Full story below:

The Washington Post @washingtonpostAlleged hackers from Iran charged with targeting U.S. voters in disinformation campaign in 2020 U.S. indicts two Iranian hackers over 2020 election disinformation campaignCharges include hacking state election data and a U.S. media firm in an effort to sow doubt and division in the United States.washingtonpost.com

November 18th 2021

85 Retweets166 Likes

Weighing on this, Clint Watts said the following:

Clint Watts @selectedwisdomwhen the U.S. is in chaos, fighting with itself, its easy for any country to amplify our divisions during an election cycle. Russia, Iran, China or any foreign country that wants to harm the U.S. or pursue their interests by manipulating or tarnishing our democracy.

November 18th 2021

44 Retweets154 Likes

This article is an important reminder that we must come together as Americans. The demonizing of our fellow citizens as communists, socialists, fascists, extremists, etc is not only ineffective as far as persuading goes. It’s also detrimental, un-Christian, and about as immature as watching two seven-year-olds argue.

Please do your part and help discourage this horrendous, constant divisiveness.

This is an old story that probably every Marine knows. (Or at least the ones that served when I did, when the story wasn’t quite so dated.)

But if you’ve never heard this story, it’s worth a couple mins of your time.

Military.com @MilitarydotcomHow a US Marine Single-handedly Stopped Israeli Tanks in Lebanon How a US Marine Single-handedly Stopped Israeli Tanks in LebanonPistol drawn, the Marine told the Israeli tank commander the tanks could advance over his dead body.military.com

November 19th 2021

8 Retweets22 Likes

And while we’re on the topic of Marines, there’s no real reason to have to share this, but I just thought it was a beautiful photo. And what Marine grunt doesn’t love a Cobra? (Although technically, these upgraded helo’s based on the Cobra are called Vipers. Full history here.)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeAn AH-1Z Viper helicopter and two UH-1Y Venom helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 fly over Lamar, Colorado, Nov. 12, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

November 16th 2021

5 Retweets39 Likes

All right, let’s wrap this up. Plus, I see on Twitter that the Kyle Rittenhouse decision has just landed, so it’s not like there’s going to be a lot of folks talking about my little newsletter today anyway. lol

Before we go, for motivation this week, I thought I’d share several things.

First, there’s this:

David Begnaud @DavidBegnaudMEET JULIA HAWKINS:•She’s 105•She started racing at 101•She ran 100 meters & set a world record•She’s a fmr. teacher from Baton Rouge•2 of her fmr. students, ages 90 & 89, watched her set the record•She trains by jogging a mile or so daily

November 10th 2021

169 Retweets1,029 Likes

Then this, from US Army Command Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry.

CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7Patience is a necessary ingredient of genius.-Benjamin Disraeli

November 19th 2021

4 Retweets36 Likes

And finally this:

#Motivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Nov 10 16:00:17 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FD2Bw1...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosAt times, it is right when we are ready to give up that something positive happens. #Motivation

November 10th 2021

77 Retweets188 Likes

That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we depart with this edition that we all need to be kinder in our online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again and constantly remind yourself that the vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

Share

And also, please consider signing up for email notifications if you’re just a visitor dropping by. Here’s why you should.

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/16/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I’ve come across several great reads since the last edition.

First, we’ll start with just an incredible piece by Anne Applebaum in The Atlantic magazine. Titled, “The Bad Guys are Winning,” Applebaum lays out a compelling case for how democracies are losing ground across the world.

Applebaum writes the following: “If the 20th century was the story of slow, uneven progress toward the victory of liberal democracy over other ideologies — communism, fascism, virulent nationalism — the 21st century is, so far, a story of the reverse.”

And then Applebaum lays out a scary set of data points of how democracies have fallen away, in places like Belarus, Turkey, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and other countries. And while in the past, pressure from the West has helped contain (and often reclaim) countries that spiral into authoritarianism, these days those countries are welcomed into all kinds of trade deals and support from countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and other autocrats.

In essence, the West hasn’t found a solution for this growing problem.

One thing that I loved about the piece is that she takes to task both the left and right in America, for no longer wanting to push democracies abroad. Of the right, she says:

The Trump presidency was a four-year display of contempt not just for the American political process, but for America’s historic democratic allies, whom he singled out for abuse. The president described the British and German leaders as “losers” and the Canadian prime minister as “dishonest” and “weak,” while he cozied up to autocrats — the Turkish president, the Russian president, the Saudi ruling family, and the North Korean dictator, among them — with whom he felt more comfortable.

And she also lambasted the left.

At the same time, a part of the American left has abandoned the idea that “democracy” belongs at the heart of U.S. foreign policy — not out of greed and cynicism but out of a loss of faith in democracy at home. Convinced that the history of America is the history of genocide, slavery, exploitation, and not much else, they don’t see the value of making common cause with … any of the other ordinary people around the world forced into politics by their experience of profound injustice. Focused on America’s own bitter problems, they no longer believe America has anything to offer the rest of the world: Although the Hong Kong prodemocracy protesters waving American flags believe many of the same things we believe, their requests for American support in 2019 did not elicit a significant wave of youthful activism in the United States, not even something comparable to the anti-apartheid movement of the 1980s.

Again, it’s a great piece if you get a chance to read it. And subscribing to The Atlantic is inexpensive (I think it’s 4.99 per month from the app) and it’s worth every penny. (I’ve been a subscriber for a while now.) Here’s the link again: “The Bad Guys are Winning.”

The second great read I came across was about China, written by former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul.

McFaul writes that Biden and his team have framed their policy towards China as one of competition, but should also add the words of containment and cooperation to their agenda.

You can read his entire threat below. (I must say it helped open my eyes a bit about our stance toward China.)

Michael McFaul @McFaulBiden & team have framed their policy towards China as one of "Competition," (sometimes adding adjectives like "stiff" or "responsible.") That's a good start, but not enough. 2 more Cs need to be added explicitly -- Containment & Cooperation. THREAD 1/

November 15th 2021

39 Retweets142 Likes

Finally, I came across a BRILLIANT piece on Russia by Tom Nichols, a long-time expert on Russia, who’s taught at the U.S. Naval War College for 25 years and has written too many books to name.

Titled “The Russia Rules: How to think about dealing with Moscow,” the piece talks about the threat that Russia still presents and why things could unfortunately unravel into serious conflict. The piece did a couple of surprising things for me.

First, it actually calmed me down a bit about China; not easy to do.

And it also made me realize that my leaning toward a more-aggressive stance against Putin might be a bit foolish.

Nichols writes:

Russia is a weak but exceptionally dangerous country.

Add to all of this that Russia is an insecure giant, a resource-rich nation whose GDP is still stalled somewhere between Brazil’s and Canada’s but whose military is outfitted with excellent arms—and, of course, nuclear weapons. We actually have more reasons to fight with China in the coming years than with Russia, but China — rich, rising, and in need of continued prosperity — is more committed to the status quo than Russia is.

Putin, by contrast, has nothing to lose from continued conflicts around the world and much to gain by presenting himself as a powerful and levelheaded leader who always backs his friends and never throws them over, no matter how awful they are. (Just ask Bashar al-Assad in Syria.)

Here’s the link again: “The Russia Rules: How to think about dealing with Moscow.” It should be free to read.

Now, for some lighter stuff. Literally.

You probably heard about the Russian space incident this week: Russian anti-satellite missile test endangers space station crew.

To help put the article in perspective, below are a couple of photos that show what even a small piece of plastic in space will do to an object in which it collides.

#Hypervelocity ","username":"megsylhydrazine","name":"Megs H.","date":"Sat Apr 18 15:11:55 +0000 2020","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/EV5S5c...Megs H. @megsylhydrazineThis is what happens to aluminum when hit by a 1/2 oz (~14g) piece of plastic going 15,000 mph (~24000 km/h) in space 💥#Hypervelocity

April 18th 2020

1,799 Retweets5,825 Likes#Hypervelocity ","username":"megsylhydrazine","name":"Megs H.","date":"Sat Apr 18 15:19:17 +0000 2020","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/EV5UlL...Megs H. @megsylhydrazine👆 shows the violence a little piece of orbiting space debris can wreak on a spacecraft 🛰 #Hypervelocity

April 18th 2020

80 Retweets654 Likes

In other news, Iran really pushed its luck with this little stunt.

#Iran military helicopter getting close to what looks like the USS Essex. Would note this comes after US reported the USS Essex had an \"unsafe & unprofessional interaction\" with multiple Iranian drones earlier this month. ","username":"JasonMBrodsky","name":"Jason Brodsky","date":"Sat Nov 13 12:20:39 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...Jason Brodsky @JasonMBrodskyVideo circulating on Iranian Telegram channels today of an #Iran military helicopter getting close to what looks like the USS Essex. Would note this comes after US reported the USS Essex had an "unsafe & unprofessional interaction" with multiple Iranian drones earlier this month.

November 13th 2021

117 Retweets237 Likes

My thoughts on the above video, which apparently involved some drones, as well, is that we allowed them to get too close. No drone, which could potentially be loaded with explosives, should be allowed to get that close.

I'd like to see the Biden administration warn the Iranians in the strongest possible terms that this better never happen again. There’s simply too much risk for our sailors and Marines for them to be doing this.

Now for something much lighter.

In cool, good news this week, there was this:

Travis Akers @travisakersSelf-Driving Farm Robot Uses Lasers To Kill 100,000 Weeds An Hour, Saving Land And Farmers From Toxic HerbicidesSelf-Driving Farm Robot Uses Lasers To Kill 100,000 Weeds An Hour, Saving Land And Farmers From Toxic HerbicidesThe nutrient content of our vegetables is down 40% over the last two decades and our soil health is suffering due to increasingly harsh herbicide use, according to Carbon Robotics founder Paul Mikesell.forbes.com

November 6th 2021

13 Retweets77 Likes

Give it a read if you get a chance.

And finally, let’s wrap up with something motivating. How about this, from Inspired Motivation Quotes.

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That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we depart with this edition that we all need to be kinder in our online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again and constantly remind yourself that the vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

Share

And also, please consider signing up for email notifications if you’re just a visitor dropping by. Here’s why you should.

Subscribe now

Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/12/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

The biggest bit of news of late is the increasing concern among Administration officials of a Russian invasion into Ukraine.

Mike Mason OBE @michrismasonA build up of Russian troops along Ukraine border has led US to warn EU of potential of invasion. Tensions rising as Kremlin claim fighters scrambled to intercept RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft in Black Sea area. (AP)

November 11th 2021

14 Retweets25 Likes

From the AP story:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Washington on Wednesday that the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity is “ironclad” and will not change. He said any Russian escalation along the border would be viewed with “grave concern.”

“We’re concerned by reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine,” Blinken said at the conclusion of a U.S.-Ukraine strategic dialogue meeting. “Any escalatory or aggressive actions would be of grave concern to the United States.”

Blinken said the U.S. did not know Russia’s intentions but said Moscow’s “playbook” has been in the past to invent provocations along its border to justify military intervention.

You can read the full story here: US presses Russia over troop buildup along Ukraine border.

It does kind of make you wonder about this story, though. (Makes you wonder if the U.S. knew and made this happen; or if Russia got angry about what the U.S. did. These are the kinds of things we’ll probably truly never know.)

Military.com @MilitarydotcomUS Warships Sail to Black Sea, Drawing Russian Ire US Warships Sail to Black Sea, Drawing Russian IreThe destroyer USS Porter entered the Black Sea for a routine patrol after participating in NATO exercises in the Aegean Sea.military.com

November 2nd 2021

4 Retweets15 Likes

Moving to the Middle East, Iran is still potentially seeking a nuclear weapon, but Foreign Affairs says that will backfire. (See below.)

Foreign Affairs @ForeignAffairs“When a bomb that the regime had promised would enhance the country’s stature instead merely further drained its treasury, the public outcry will be immense and overwhelming.” Ray Takeyh argues that going nuclear will backfire on Iran’s government.The Bomb Will Backfire on IranTehran Will Go Nuclear—and Regret Ittrib.al

November 4th 2021

2 Retweets7 Likes

Now, to something lighter, this was just something flat-out cool that I came across. (You’re welcome.)

@TheDeadDistrict @ypg_az @santiago2ex @CiroNappi6 @DRatka1 @JonHawkes275 @LASD_off @AmmoLogistics It’s a Nasty multipurpose bad a$$ round. A game changer for Tankers & Cdrs for capacity, capabilities & reduced sustainment requirements 😎🇺🇸 ","username":"jr_liscano","name":"MAJ Michael Liscano Jr.","date":"Thu Nov 04 17:05:16 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...MAJ Michael Liscano Jr. @jr_liscano@TheDeadDistrict @ypg_az @santiago2ex @CiroNappi6 @DRatka1 @JonHawkes275 @LASD_off @AmmoLogistics It’s a Nasty multipurpose bad a$$ round. A game changer for Tankers & Cdrs for capacity, capabilities & reduced sustainment requirements 😎🇺🇸

November 4th 2021

4 Retweets22 Likes

Moving from Army news to Navy news, you probably didn’t see this:

@thewarzonewire @FranticGoat #USNavy #Zumwalt #HypersonicMissile #Hypersonics #Destroyer realcleardefense.com/2021/11/03/nav… ","username":"RCDefense","name":"RealClearDefense","date":"Wed Nov 03 12:58:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDRC8f...RealClearDefense @RCDefenseNavy’s Stealth Destroyers Will Have Hypersonic Missiles | via @thewarzonewire @FranticGoat #USNavy #Zumwalt #HypersonicMissile #Hypersonics #Destroyer realcleardefense.com/2021/11/03/nav…

November 3rd 2021

6 Retweets3 Likes

In old war news that no one wants to see happen again, I saw this bit of concerning news.

BBC News (World) @BBCWorldBosnian leader stokes fears of Balkan breakup Bosnian leader stokes fears of Balkan breakupBosnian Serb Milorad Dodik has threatened to secede, raising fears in Bosnia and the West.bbc.in

November 3rd 2021

35 Retweets136 Likes

And in news that will make you raise your eyebrows, there was this last week:

#NATO Just Practiced Fighting A Nuclear War (Against #Russia?)\n\n","username":"19_forty_five","name":"19FortyFive","date":"Thu Nov 04 11:43:29 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":3,"like_count":2,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/11/n... Just Practiced Fighting a Nuclear War (Against Russia?)","description":"During the last days of October, the U.S. military led NATO in the most significant annual nuclear deterrence exercise in Europe. During Steadfast Noon 21, American, Belgian, Dutch, Turkish, German, Polish, Czech, and Italian aircraft conducted simulated conventional and theater nuclear strikes with…","domain":"19fortyfive.com"},"video_url":null}">19FortyFive @19_forty_five#NATO Just Practiced Fighting A Nuclear War (Against #Russia?)NATO Just Practiced Fighting a Nuclear War (Against Russia?)During the last days of October, the U.S. military led NATO in the most significant annual nuclear deterrence exercise in Europe. During Steadfast Noon 21, American, Belgian, Dutch, Turkish, German, Polish, Czech, and Italian aircraft conducted simulated conventional and theater nuclear strikes with…19fortyfive.com

November 4th 2021

3 Retweets2 Likes

Not to make you too sad, but here’s a nasty reminder of what is still going on in Afghanistan.

politico.com/newsletters/na… ","username":"PaulSzoldra","name":"Paul Szoldra","date":"Fri Nov 12 00:30:16 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FD9ACK...Paul Szoldra @PaulSzoldraThe war is not over for everyone politico.com/newsletters/na…

November 12th 2021

34 Retweets72 Likes

This is heartbreaking stuff, but I still say you can’t lay this one on either political party (as much as both sides want to).

The cold hard truth is “we” as a country abandoned Afghanistan because both parties (and most American voters) were done with our efforts there. (For those with selective memory, quick reminder that Trump wanted out, as badly — or maybe more so — as Biden did.)

Okay, let’s leave that sad news above and move to something lighter. I saw this about the French and thought I’d share it.

Military.com @MilitarydotcomFrance Flexes Muscle, Puts Warship in Eastern Mediterranean France Flexes Muscle, Puts Warship in Eastern MediterraneanCaptain Paul Merveilleux de Vignaux said the Auvergne, with its 150-strong crew, would be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean until January.military.com

November 9th 2021

3 Retweets4 Likes

And in news that might turn into bigger political news at some point, the Army may be awarding up to almost 40 more Purple Hearts for those wounded in the Iranian ballistic missile attack last year back in January.

Now, before we wrap this edition up, I’m not going to lie, I’m posting this because I’m a Marine.

And because The Corps celebrated its birthday on Wednesday. 246 years.

Ooh-rah! Yut!!

U.S. Marines @USMCOn November 10, 2021, U.S. Marines around the globe celebrate a 246-year legacy of battlefield prowess defined by courage, discipline, loyalty, perseverance, adaptability, leadership, and warfighting innovation.

November 4th 2021

1,482 Retweets3,980 Likes

Finally, here’s some motivation to wrap up this edition.

#ThursdayMotivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Thu Nov 11 13:00:15 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FD6iJa...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosTake a break when you're tired, but never give up.#ThursdayMotivation

November 11th 2021

99 Retweets249 Likes

That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we end this that I ask you to be kinder in your online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

We owe it to these guys below, and so many others who have sacrificed for this country, to work hard toward binding the wounds of our land.

#WW2 ","username":"WWIIpix","name":"WWII Pictures","date":"Wed Nov 03 13:28:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDRbxV...WWII Pictures @WWIIpixTwo US soldiers armed with an M1917 Browning machine gun and M3 Grease Gun in Normandy, summer 1944. #WW2

November 3rd 2021

12 Retweets104 Likes

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/9/21 dispatch.

a.image2.image-link.image2-485-1456 { padding-bottom: 33.31043956043956%; padding-bottom: min(33.31043956043956%, 485px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-485-1456 img { max-width: 1456px; max-height: 485px; }

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that your week is off to a good start!

The biggest news of late seems to be this:

@AP Iraq's prime minister is unharmed after surviving an assassination attempt conducted with an armed drone, the Iraqi government said.\n ","username":"AP","name":"The Associated Press","date":"Sun Nov 07 00:42:01 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":51,"like_count":77,"expanded_url":{"url":"http://apne.ws/K8tciMm","im... prime minister survives assassination bid with drones","description":"BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early Sunday and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month…","domain":"apne.ws"},"video_url":null}">The Associated Press @AP@AP Iraq's prime minister is unharmed after surviving an assassination attempt conducted with an armed drone, the Iraqi government said. Iraqi prime minister survives assassination bid with dronesBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early Sunday and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month…apne.ws

November 7th 2021

51 Retweets77 Likes

Here’s more on the issue:

The Washington Post @washingtonpostIran-backed militias try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone after losses in national elections Backers of Iran-linked militias try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone after election lossesAt least 125 were reported wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces.wapo.st

November 5th 2021

27 Retweets67 Likes

And here’s a link from a free news source, if you’re not a Post subscriber: Failed assassination bid against Iraq PM ramps up tension. (This article is from Politico.)

All of this could really start to heat up. Or, it could start to ease some. hahaha. One never knows. Especially with the Middle East.

In news that should surprise absolutely no one…

has constructed mockups in the shape of a US Navy aircraft carrier and US warships, possibly for target practice, according to Maxar satel…","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null}">CNN @CNNChina's military has constructed mockups in the shape of a US Navy aircraft carrier and US warships, possibly for target practice, according to Maxar satellite images reviewed by the independent United States Naval Institute China is building mock versions of US ships in the desertChina’s military has constructed mockups in the shape of a US Navy aircraft carrier and US warships, possibly for target practice, according to Maxar satel…cnn.it

November 9th 2021

75 Retweets233 Likes

I’m not sure how big a deal to make of this, honestly.

In tech news, this happened this week:

trib.al/HiuM2Zd ","username":"defense_news","name":"Defense News","date":"Fri Nov 05 17:13:36 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDcimW...Defense News @defense_newsDARPA nabs Gremlin drone in midair for first time trib.al/HiuM2Zd

November 5th 2021

32 Retweets137 Likes

This was a necessary step toward eventually launching drone swarm attacks from the sky.

Moving along, things might be changing a bit for Navy SEALs.

@SeapowerMag #NavySeals #SOCOM #SpecialForces realcleardefense.com/2021/11/04/nav… ","username":"RCDefense","name":"RealClearDefense","date":"Thu Nov 04 21:55:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDWEaj...RealClearDefense @RCDefenseNavy SEALS to Focus on Strategic Reconnaissance | via @SeapowerMag #NavySeals #SOCOM #SpecialForces realcleardefense.com/2021/11/04/nav…

November 4th 2021

4 Retweets3 Likes

And while we’re on the subject of water…

The Marine Corps is about to change its retention strategy, big time. Full story below:

Jeff Schogol @JeffSchogolThe Marine Corps reveals why 75% of Marines get out after a single enlistment Marine Corps reveals why 75% of Marines get out after a single enlistment“Maturing the force”taskandpurpose.com

November 3rd 2021

3 Retweets19 Likes

Speaking of Marines, I thought this was really interesting from the Royal Marines:

#RoyalMarines have been testing lightweight vehicles for rapid movement across the battlefield, as commandos look to add extra mobility for raiding missions that are increasingly a focus of the UK's Commando Forces.\n\now.ly/bby150FC6ay ","username":"RoyalMarines","name":"Royal Marines","date":"Fri Jul 23 10:03:17 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...Royal Marines @RoyalMarines📽️It's about speed and agility...#RoyalMarines have been testing lightweight vehicles for rapid movement across the battlefield, as commandos look to add extra mobility for raiding missions that are increasingly a focus of the UK's Commando Forces.ow.ly/bby150FC6ay

July 23rd 2021

56 Retweets304 Likes

Moving on, how about this, in news you just can’t make up…

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe Soviets tested a rocket-assisted T-62 tank designed to not get stuck in mud

November 9th 2021

23 Retweets165 Likes

Now, let’s move to something a little more serious. In case you’re needing a little more grit in your life, take a gander at this. (Gratitude, too, that you didn’t have to go through what these service members endured…)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe stories that emerged from that battle are the kind that legends are built on. They're larger than life and in some cases seem unbelievable. But they're true. Unbelievable stories from the Second Battle of FallujahThe stories that emerged from that battle are the kind that legends are built on. They’re larger than life and in some cases seem unbelievable. But they’re true.taskandpurpose.com

November 9th 2021

10 Retweets39 Likes

Finally, let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.

#Quotes ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Nov 03 20:00:05 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDS1gm...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosThere are many ways to make a positive impact on the world, never stop believing that you can make a difference.#Quotes

November 3rd 2021

96 Retweets211 Likes#TuesdayMotivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Tue Nov 02 12:00:15 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDL-HE...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosDon't be overwhelmed by how far off your goal seems to be, be grateful for your progress, and stay focused on the present moment.#TuesdayMotivation

November 2nd 2021

105 Retweets223 Likes#Beautiful","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sun Nov 07 17:00:08 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":88,"like_count":191,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos“Outer beauty has expiration dates. Invest in beautiful minds and beautiful souls, and the intrigue will never fade away.” -- Billy Chapata#Beautiful

November 7th 2021

88 Retweets191 Likes

That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we end this that I ask you to be kinder in your online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

We owe it to these guys below, and so many others who have sacrificed for this country, to work hard toward binding the wounds of our land.

#WW2 ","username":"WWIIpix","name":"WWII Pictures","date":"Wed Nov 03 13:28:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDRbxV...WWII Pictures @WWIIpixTwo US soldiers armed with an M1917 Browning machine gun and M3 Grease Gun in Normandy, summer 1944. #WW2

November 3rd 2021

12 Retweets104 Likes

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

Share

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/5/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week.

I thought I’d start this week off about China again.

Long-time national security expert David Ignatius wrote a piece about the ambiguity the United States has in place regarding if China attacks Taiwan, and how this unstated vagueness has so far served both the United States and Taiwan quite well.

But though this gray area has existed since the 1972 Shanghai Communique, President Biden recently answered that America would defend Taiwan.

“Yes, we have a commitment,” Biden said in a CNN interview.

The White House quickly countered his words.

As Ignatius writes of the episode:

“White House press secretary Jen Psaki affirmed the next day, “There is no change in our policy.” The Chinese, after momentary indigestion, decided to accept that Biden had just made a gaffe. That’s the blessing and curse in being perceived as an old duffer; people don’t take Biden’s words all that seriously.

…

The rhetoric on both sides of the strait is uncompromising. President Xi Jinping vowed last month to pursue reunification by peaceful means — but that came after China sent waves of planes near Taiwan. Taiwan President Tsai defiantly replied a day later: “We will continue to bolster our national defense … to ensure that nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us.”

Ignatius sums up his column with this recap of the standoff:

For now, this is a war that nobody wants. It would puncture Beijing’s economy and derail Xi’s march toward what he calls his “China dream.” For Taiwan, the wreckage would be worse; Tsai frankly says that she wants no more than “maintaining the status quo.” The United States doesn’t want a war that past Pentagon war games have predicted it would lose.

The Taiwan straddle continues, because for now it serves everyone’s interest. But the ambiguity won’t last forever. When Xi says he is determined to achieve reunification, you have to assume he means it.

You can read his entire column below.

No one wants a war over Taiwan. But that won’t last forever.

Moving to a different topic, I came across an outstanding piece this week about Russia.

Ian Kelly had a great piece in The Atlantic about how the West and NATO have allowed Russia to expand its influence beyond its borders in three key neighboring states.

“Russia is now in the driver’s seat as never before. It has troops on the ground in all three Caucasus countries—two with the consent of the host (Armenia and Azerbaijan), and one without (Georgia). Moscow is also pushing a new multilateral mechanism for the region, called the “3+3,” which would include the Caucasus states plus three illiberal (and former imperial) powers, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

Kelly writes that “the Kremlin has exploited its straddling position on pipelines and land routes to punish countries who dare to reorient to the West.”

He concludes by writing:

“By failing to offer realistic alternatives to Russian-centric economic and security mechanisms, the West has left another region to the tender mercies of a predatory power and helped create another zone of instability. The West must step up its diplomatic game before the region slips further beneath the waves of Russia’s illiberal hegemony.”

You can read the full piece by clicking below (or by clicking here: Russia Took Advantage While the West Slept).

@TheAtlantic.\n\n","username":"ikelly731","name":"Ian Kelly","date":"Thu Nov 04 12:51:11 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":24,"like_count":47,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/arc... Took Advantage While the West Slept","description":"By failing to offer realistic alternatives, the U.S. and Europe have left another region to the tender mercies of a predatory power.","domain":"theatlantic.com"},"video_url":null}">Ian Kelly @ikelly731While the West slept, Russia took charge in the Caucasus. My piece in @TheAtlantic.Russia Took Advantage While the West SleptBy failing to offer realistic alternatives, the U.S. and Europe have left another region to the tender mercies of a predatory power.theatlantic.com

November 4th 2021

24 Retweets47 Likes

Moving along, in Middle East news, there’s this:

Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyIt’s time for the Biden administration to craft a plan B to contend with a Yemen controlled by Iranian proxies, writes David Schenker.Biden Needs a Plan B for Yemen If Houthis WinAn end to the war will generate a new set of problems.buff.ly

November 5th 2021

9 Retweets18 Likes

I have briefly touched on the war in Yemen before. It’s been a total nightmare for the Saudi’s. It’s lasted almost seven years and you can read all about it here: Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.

Or if you’re not a fan of Wikipedia, you can read about it here from the BBC: Yemen crisis: Why is there a war?

In technology news this week, I came across this:

@Forbes ","username":"David_Hambling","name":"David Hambling","date":"Thu Nov 04 14:09:17 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":3,"like_count":16,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidham... Army Getting Bulletproof Swarming Attack Robots","description":"Australian robot vehicle makers GaardTech today announced a contract to supply a bulletproof attack robot able to take out tanks to the Australian Army.","domain":"forbes.com"},"video_url":null}">David Hambling @David_HamblingAustralian Army Gets Bulletproof Swarming Attack Robots via @Forbes Australian Army Getting Bulletproof Swarming Attack RobotsAustralian robot vehicle makers GaardTech today announced a contract to supply a bulletproof attack robot able to take out tanks to the Australian Army.forbes.com

November 4th 2021

3 Retweets16 Likes

And let me tell you. This concept robot is incredibly impressive, both in idea and what it could potentially do.

Essentially, it’s a mobile robotic mine. And if tanks approach, it will roll up under them and explode upward, killing the tank from its thin underbelly.

But wait, there’s more.

The weapon would also house a machine gun or sniper rifle. And if infantry come within range, well, it’s bye-bye infantry.

Why, you ask? Because the dang thing is bulletproof, too. So good luck killing it. Especially if it’s moving.

There’s probably still plenty of glitches, but these things are designed to hide in ambush positions and awaken when they detect movement. I can assure you that I wouldn’t want my platoon to go up against about a dozen of them.

If you can’t get to the story above from the Twitter link, here’s the web link: Australian Army Getting Bulletproof Swarming Attack Robots.

Moving still further along, you might’ve remembered me mentioning an underwater collision with a U.S. sub a few weeks back. Apparently, here’s what actually happened in that situation:

Lucas Tomlinson @LucasFoxNewsBREAKING: U.S. Navy relieves senior leadership aboard USS Connecticut citing "loss of confidence" after submarine hit undersea mountain in South China Sea last month. Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Chief of the Boat all sacked: officials

November 4th 2021

307 Retweets669 Likes

And here’s the full story on it: Navy fires two top officers of submarine damaged in collision.

While we’re on the topic of subs, I thought this article was really interesting about it, as well.

How did a $3 billion US Navy submarine hit an undersea mountain?

Fnially, I know this edition has been a bit denser than most, but here’s a small piece of motivation for you.

#Quotes ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Nov 03 20:00:05 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDS1gm...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosThere are many ways to make a positive impact on the world, never stop believing that you can make a difference.#Quotes

November 3rd 2021

92 Retweets201 Likes

That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we end this that I ask you to be kinder in your online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

We owe it to these guys below, and so many others who have sacrificed for this country, to work hard toward binding the wounds of our land.

#WW2 ","username":"WWIIpix","name":"WWII Pictures","date":"Wed Nov 03 13:28:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FDRbxV...WWII Pictures @WWIIpixTwo US soldiers armed with an M1917 Browning machine gun and M3 Grease Gun in Normandy, summer 1944. #WW2

November 3rd 2021

12 Retweets104 Likes

As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it, as well as comment below.

Share

And also, please consider signing up for email notifications if you’re just a visitor dropping by. Here’s why you should.

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 11/2/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I thought I’d start this week’s edition by mentioning an item that one reader chided me for missing last week. Here’s the article:

NATO's flirtation with adding 2 more members runs the risk of starting a war the US can't afford to fight

The article is a free read from Business Insider and discusses the potential of whether Ukraine and Georgia may still join NATO. The author argues that allowing them in is “a dangerous and counterproductive policy,” which could lead to war with Russia.

I personally think the article overstates the risk, but I’d love to know what you all think in the comment section below.

Moving on, The Economist writes that Erdogan rule in Turkey might be coming to an end.

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is facing some steep challenges.

Turkey’s leader is having one of the worst slumps of his long career. An alliance of the two main opposition parties … is polling ahead of Mr Erdogan’s governing coalition. Were parliamentary elections to take place tomorrow (they are not due until 2023, together with the next presidential election), the ruling coalition would lose its majority. Mr Erdogan, meanwhile, trails behind each of the four most likely contenders for the presidency, in some cases by double digits in putative run-offs. The whispers are starting to grow louder: could the Erdogan era be drawing to a close?

The Economist cites one major contributing factor to this is that the lira has lost “over 20% of its dollar value since the start of the year, more than any other major currency.”

But Erdogan may not go easy. Just a couple of years ago, he arrested more than 77,000 for alleged links to terror organizations.

In China news, I found the story below super interesting.

Military.com @MilitarydotcomWith a Wink and a Nod, Japan Has an Aircraft Carrier Again With a Wink and a Nod, Japan Has an Aircraft Carrier AgainThe move gives another platform for a U.S. ally to fly the most advanced fighter jet in the world.military.com

October 28th 2021

12 Retweets31 Likes

A defense analyst for the Rand Corporation said this was a big deal because Japan wants “to be able to have that capability [to launch planes] at sea, because there's an expectation that the runways will be destroyed within the first launch” of a war with China.

The ship, which used to be a helicopter carrier, will primarily host F-35s.

On Oct. 3, a pair of Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter jets successfully did a takeoff and landing off the Izumo's deck. The Marine Corps released a statement announcing the accomplishment, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force publicly released a video.   

Moving on, the Modern War Institute (MWI) at West Point published an interesting article about why the Afghan Army collapsed so quickly. (See below.)

Modern War Institute @WarInstituteAfter years of work and many billions of dollars spent on training the Afghan security forces, they collapsed with extraordinary speed in the face of the Taliban onslaught this summer. Why? Requiem for the Afghan “Fabergé Egg” Army: Why Did It Crack So Quickly? - Modern War InstituteOver the course of two decades and at a price tag of over $88 billion, the United States and its NATO partners built a modern and well-equipped Afghan military—one that, like a Fabergé egg, boasted a glossy exterior but shattered under stress after US military advisors departed. Confronted by a smal…mwi.usma.edu

October 28th 2021

2 Retweets3 Likes

The reasons listed are just as depressing as you’d figure.

In other news, there’s been some additional Afghan-withdrawal fallout.

The Washington Post @washingtonpostPentagon officials, unable to secure basing near Afghanistan, warn of terrorist threat Pentagon officials, unable to secure basing near Afghanistan, warn of terrorist threatColin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy, told senators that the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan could build the capacity to conduct international operations within six months if left unchecked. Al-Qaeda, he said, could have that capability in one to two years.wapo.st

October 27th 2021

37 Retweets86 Likes

The closest major U.S. facilities, in Qatar and Bahrain, are more than 1,500 flight miles away.

Finally, it’s been a big week for tech and drones/unmanned robots.

See two points of interest below:

@USNavy Naval Force Central Command completed exercise New Horizon, the first at-sea evolution for its new unmanned task force.\n ","username":"DeptofDefense","name":"Department of Defense 🇺🇸","date":"Sun Oct 31 22:00:00 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":29,"like_count":199,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/New... Task Force Completes First Unmanned Integration Exercise At Sea","description":"NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain - On Oct. 26, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) completed exercise New Horizon, the first at-sea evolution for its new unmanned task force.","domain":"navy.mil"},"video_url":null}">Department of Defense 🇺🇸 @DeptofDefenseSailing without sailors.@USNavy Naval Force Central Command completed exercise New Horizon, the first at-sea evolution for its new unmanned task force. NAVCENT Task Force Completes First Unmanned Integration Exercise At SeaNAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain - On Oct. 26, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) completed exercise New Horizon, the first at-sea evolution for its new unmanned task force.navy.mil

October 31st 2021

29 Retweets199 Likes@USArmy soldiers integrated a robotic combat vehicle surrogate into the opposing force during a recent rotation at Fort Polk, La. ","username":"ArmedwScience","name":"Armed with Science","date":"Mon Nov 01 12:00:02 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":27,"like_count":98,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://go.usa.gov/xecRu","... Origin robotic vehicles join JRTC rotation in historic first","description":"In an historic first, U.S. Army Soldiers integrated a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) surrogate into the opposing force during a recent rotation...","domain":"go.usa.gov"},"video_url":null}">Armed with Science @ArmedwScienceHistoric first!@USArmy soldiers integrated a robotic combat vehicle surrogate into the opposing force during a recent rotation at Fort Polk, La. Project Origin robotic vehicles join JRTC rotation in historic firstIn an historic first, U.S. Army Soldiers integrated a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) surrogate into the opposing force during a recent rotation...go.usa.gov

November 1st 2021

27 Retweets98 Likes

Both are good reads if you’ve got a moment. And these technological insights are definitely going to help give the U.S. a competitive edge in its next conflict.

Finally, we’ll end with some motivation.

#SundayMotivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sun Oct 17 12:00:12 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FB5kqD...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosGet out of your comfort zone to grow and improve.#SundayMotivation

October 17th 2021

131 Retweets331 Likes

That’s it for this post. Stay safe and be kind. And I’d love to hear any comments that you may have below. And, as always, please share this post if you enjoyed it.

Share

Also, if you haven’t already, please sign up for email notifications. (They’re FREE. Unless would like to support what I’m doing by contributing $5 a month; cancel at any time.) 

Every Tuesday and Friday, I write about conflicts and military matters that are happening throughout the world. I do this from a moderate perspective that focuses on unity in our country. I also don’t believe in clickbait, over-the-top headlines, or other tactics that increase fear or panic, all in the hope of web traffic. You will always get the sober, mature view, with a slight bit of my optimism peering through. 

Subscribe now

Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 10/29/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week.

I thought I’d lead this week’s edition with a pretty scary story from The Economist.

In the October 30th edition, The Economist published the article: “Israel again rattles its sabre at Iran. A military response is readied as hope for a nuclear deal fades.”

The article lays out both the increasing sense of urgency, as well as the increasing potential, for Israel striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, as they’ve done to other countries in the past.

The Economist described a massive recent aerial exercise by Israel, which curiously simulated the strike-package needed for Iran. The article also reminded readers that Israel has twice bombed its enemies’ nuclear facilities — striking an Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 and a Syrian one in 2007.

But this time it would not be simple. This would not be an easy strike for Israel. The attacks would have to occur more than 1,000 miles away, and air-to-air refueling would certainly be required. (See map below.) Additionally, Iran’s anti-air defenses are pretty good, and clearly, this would lead to a war between the two countries, which could spread wider than initially expected.

As The Economist noted:

Iran “sponsors proxy militias—in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon—that give it military reach across the region. Hizbullah in Lebanon has thousands of rockets that can be rained down on Israel’s cities, as well as guided missiles and drones that can strike accurately. Israel, military officials note, has just a handful of power stations and desalination plants, and a single international airport. Hitting these would cause strategic damage.”

Read the article if you get a chance. You can pick up the most recent paper edition or subscribe; it’s definitely a great publication.

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I guess while we’re frightening each other today, I should also share this article below:

buff.ly/3vUkn6m ","username":"DefenseOne","name":"Defense One","date":"Thu Oct 28 18:11:25 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCzjHJ...Defense One @DefenseOneNEW in Ideas: Don’t Assume the US Will Fight China and Russia One at a Time | buff.ly/3vUkn6m

October 28th 2021

7 Retweets15 Likes

The article goes in-depth about recent increasing coordination and training between China and Russia. I’m not going to go too in depth into the article. It’s free to read at the link, if you’re needing that additional pre-Halloween scare:

Don’t Assume the US Will Fight China and Russia One at a Time. Beijing and Moscow are boosting their strategic coordination along with their militaries.

Moving along, for your tech hit this week, there’s this:

trib.al/4jUdDqX ","username":"defense_news","name":"Defense News","date":"Thu Oct 28 19:01:44 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCzuoY...Defense News @defense_newsUnmanned tech dominates Turkey’s border security summit trib.al/4jUdDqX

October 28th 2021

28 Retweets117 Likes

Full article link: Unmanned tech dominates Turkey’s border security summit.

In European news, I thought President Joe Biden did a first-rate job trying to repair the rift with France over the nuclear sub deal. See video below.

If you’ve missed this whole mess, and it WAS a mess, you can read all about that rift here, in a previous edition that I wrote.

Zach Purser Brown @zachjournoBIDEN: "What we did was clumsy" The President tries to smooth over the diplomatic spat that resulted in France recalling its ambassador to the U.S., telling Macron that the handling of AUKUS weapons deal "was not done with a lot of grace".

October 29th 2021

25 Retweets93 Likes

Finally, I thought I’d wrap up this edition with two things.

First, here’s a beautiful picture of an Osprey, just because I love the Marine Corps and all our service members protecting us across the world.

@USNavy sailor directs the landing of an MV-22 Osprey during flight operations aboard #USSKearsarge. ","username":"DeptofDefense","name":"Department of Defense 🇺🇸","date":"Fri Oct 29 19:00:07 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FC4315...Department of Defense 🇺🇸 @DeptofDefenseSunset landing. 🌅A @USNavy sailor directs the landing of an MV-22 Osprey during flight operations aboard #USSKearsarge.

October 29th 2021

27 Retweets148 Likes

And secondly, here’s some habits to make sure you’re practicing.

#Inspirational","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Oct 27 14:00:16 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":112,"like_count":282,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos10 habits of happy people: 1) Kind to others2) Optimistic and appreciative3) No sense of entitlement4) Forgiving5) Honest and humble6) Good manners7) Purposeful work8) Mindful and self-aware9) Physically and mentally fit10) Quality time with loved ones#Inspirational

October 27th 2021

112 Retweets282 Likes

That’s it for this post. Stay safe and be kind. And I’d love to hear any comments that you may have below. And, as always, please share this post if you enjoyed it.

Share

Also, if you haven’t already, please sign up for email notifications. (They’re FREE. Unless would like to support what I’m doing by contributing $5 a month; cancel at any time.) 

Every Tuesday and Friday, I write about conflicts and military matters that are happening throughout the world. I do this from a moderate perspective that focuses on unity in our country. I also don’t believe in clickbait, over-the-top headlines, or other tactics that increase fear or panic, all in the hope of web traffic. You will always get the sober, mature view, with a slight bit of my optimism peering through. 

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 10/26/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I mentioned in last Friday’s newsletter that American troops had been attacked in Syria. I predicted then that it was likely Iranian-backed militias.

Yesterday, U.S. officials confirmed that Iran was behind the drone attack last week. Though the drones were not launched from Iran, intelligence officials stated that Iranian drones were used, and that Iran appeared to have facilitated their use.

The Washington Post added:

Officials said they believe the attacks involved as many as five drones laden with explosive charges, and that they hit both the U.S. side of al-Tanf garrison and the side where Syrian opposition forces stay.

There were no reported injuries or deaths as a result of the attack.

In a follow-up article today, the Post reported that there have been “a series of largely unreported rocket attacks against U.S. bases in the Kurdish-controlled northeast,” according to Michael Knights, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Knights also suggest that things could get worse.

“Toward the end of the year, when the troops are supposed to leave Iraq, and with the nuclear agreement not going that well, we’re going to see the temperature rise,” he predicted.

Moving on to the subject of China, I wrote in the last edition about a China-analyst who argued that, “The Defense Department is taking legitimate concerns about another nation’s military and turning them into cartoon caricatures to boost military spending.”

It’s fair to say that I got some strong pushback on that, so I wanted to quickly address that here. First, as most of you know, I have been GREATLY concerned about the threat of China for months now. I’ve written about it at length and supported our country’s strategic shift toward Asia.

I provided last week’s article as something to help balance my own views and perspective, as well as the beliefs held by our strategic leaders.

As I’m embarrassed to admit, I was wrong about Afghanistan being able to hold out. And how fast it would fall. And while I opposed the exit, I assumed the Afghan people would stand up and fight harder.

I was wrong. Dead wrong on that. (Though I still don’t think I was wrong to say that I think we should have stayed.)

Nonetheless, I write about huge issues that impact the direction of our country, and I don’t want to avoid share opposing views to mine from time-to-time. That was what last week was.

One of those who disagreed with the China piece in the last edition shared this item below for those who might’ve been persuaded that the U.S. is over-stating the threat:

CHINA’S IRREGULAR APPROACH TO WAR: THE MYTH OF A PURELY CONVENTIONAL FUTURE FIGHT.

From fishing fleets to psych ops, the article explains what China (is doing) and could do. It’s definitely worth the read if you get a few minutes.

Moving on to an item that goes along with the attack on U.S. troops mentioned above (and the increasing threat from drones), the Army recently completed its first live-fire of a new system that it’s fielding. (This can’t arrive too soon for ground troops and others out there.)

@The10thAAMDC completed the first live-fire of the maneuver short-range air defense weapon system at the tactical unit level and the first-ever live-fire of the system in #Europe.\n\n➡️ spr.ly/6014JPcUm\n\n#ArmyTech ","username":"USArmy","name":"U.S. Army","date":"Sun Oct 24 01:04:01 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCbRmh...U.S. Army @USArmySoldier TestedMembers of @The10thAAMDC completed the first live-fire of the maneuver short-range air defense weapon system at the tactical unit level and the first-ever live-fire of the system in #Europe.➡️ spr.ly/6014JPcUm#ArmyTech

October 24th 2021

138 Retweets482 Likes

Called the Mobile Short Range Air Defense system, or M-SHORAD, the weapon idea “integrates existing guns, missiles, rockets, and sensors onto a Stryker A1 vehicle,” the Army states in a news release about the system.

You can read more about the weapons system at the link above, but the idea is that these units would move alongside advancing troops (or units at the front).

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Moving along, in not-so-great news this week, a study discovered that U.S. Airmen who flew and worked on planes were far more likely to get cancer. (See below.)

@TaraCopp buff.ly/2XDi2jo ","username":"DefenseOne","name":"Defense One","date":"Sun Oct 24 17:20:03 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCew_x...Defense One @DefenseOneEXCLUSIVE: Cancers Strike US Fighter Pilots, Crews at Higher Rates, Air Force Finds | @TaraCopp buff.ly/2XDi2jo

October 24th 2021

18 Retweets30 Likes

This is one of those things that drives me crazy to no end. So many military members have not only sacrificed their lives and put themselves in danger for this country, but they’ve also paid the price long-term (even when they were lucky enough to survive the actual confrontation).

From Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War syndrome from Operation Desert Shield/Storm, burn pits in Afghanistan, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and dozens of other things I could cite, our veterans always get the short end of the stick.

I am proud that our government is increasingly coming clean about these things, but there have still been countless lives wrecked through reckless indifference and calculated expediency, followed by years of government denials while families of service members suffered financially.

Okay, I better stop before I really get angry about this.

Before wrapping up this week’s news part of the edition, let’s hit a few quick points in case you missed them:

News broke (completely unsurprisingly) that Pakistan is using informal intelligence channels to prop up the Taliban in its operations against ISIS. I say completely unsurprisingly because some elements of the Pakistan government helped the Taliban even as the Taliban fought the U.S.

The U.S. conducted an airstrike in northwest Syria that allegedly killed a senior al-Qaeda leader, Abdul Hamid al-Matar. The strike was conducted by a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.

Several days ago was the anniversary of the massive 1983 suicide bomber attack of a compound in Beirut, Lebanon that killed 220 American military personnel (mostly Marines), as well as 58 French troops and six civilians. (This hits close to home since it was the same Marine battalion (1/8) that I’d join a decade later, and I personally know folks who lost Marines there.)

Finally, we’ll wrap up this edition with a couple of lighter notes.

First, how about this for some artistic motivation?! Doodling and a black magic marker!! (On a luxury car!)

cnn.it/2ZaGZDt ","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Fri Oct 22 09:45:07 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...CNN @CNNThis artist specializes in intricate doodles - and his canvases include walls, sneakers, and even cars. cnn.it/2ZaGZDt

October 22nd 2021

133 Retweets778 Likes

And secondly, how about this for some inspiration that I hope will move you as it moved me.

philip lewis @Phil_Lewis_The students say the intervention Dads on Duty provide is working: “I immediately felt a form of safety. We stopped fighting; people started going to class."The fathers would like to start chapters across Louisiana, and eventually the country

October 23rd 2021

2,295 Retweets13,552 Likes

That’s it for this post. Stay safe and be kind. As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it.

Share

And if you haven’t already, please sign up for email notifications. (They’re FREE. Unless would like to support what I’m doing by contributing $5 a month; cancel at any time.) 

Every Tuesday and Friday, I write about conflicts and military matters that are happening throughout the world. I do this from a moderate perspective that focuses on unity in our country. I also don’t believe in clickbait, over-the-top headlines, or other tactics that increase fear or panic, all in the hope of web traffic. You will always get the sober, mature view, with a slight bit of my optimism peering through. 

Subscribe now

Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.

The 10/22/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone is doing well!

I thought we’d start this edition off with the situation in China and Taiwan again.

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I came across an excellent piece that really got me thinking. Published by the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), the author argues (and describes how) the U.S. military has historically created a powerful enemy to justify its need for massive budgets. He argues that this happened previously with Russia during the Cold War.

And the author says that’s what is happening with this tiff with China.

“The Defense Department is taking legitimate concerns about another nation’s military and turning them into cartoon caricatures to boost military spending.”

Two primary examples of this over-statement by the U.S. Defense Department are cited in the post.

First, the author explains how the Pentagon states that China has the largest navy in the world, with an overall battle force of approximately 350 ships. In comparison, they list the U.S. Navy’s battle force as approximately 293 ships.”

But the author counters this point with something not often discussed. Citing a longtime Pentagon watcher at the Brookings Institution, the author quotes the analyst as saying:

“I have big issues with this simplistic argument. The United States has much larger and more sophisticated ships than China. … America’s Navy remains way ahead in tonnage — still by a factor of at least two-to-one over China’s. It is ahead by at least ten-to-one in carrier-based airpower.”

Secondly, the author lays out a point that I made in the 10/15 edition. Our economies are intricately linked, which should help discourage any kind of skirmish.

As the author, Mark Thompson, writes in his article, “For better or worse, the world’s two largest economies are locked in a chilly marriage, each too heavily dependent on the other to risk war. Put bluntly, a Chinese decision to invade Taiwan, via bombs, or choke it, via a blockade, would be very bad for business. Like gravity, big money can invisibly move things or, more importantly, keep them in place: an analysis from December 2020 estimated that U.S. investors held $100 billion of Chinese debt and $1.1 trillion in Chinese stocks; Chinese investors hold $1.4 trillion in U.S. debt and $720 billion in U.S. stocks.”

Nonetheless, the risk of war remains…

As Thompson notes:

“China’s view is that the U.S. is in decline, and it doubts the American commitment to Taiwan’s defense.”

China even views our withdrawal from Afghanistan as evidence of this. But President Biden views the withdrawal as a pivot. And he has strenuously stated the opposite of what China believes.

“China has … an overall goal to become the leading country in the world, the wealthiest country in the world, and the most powerful country in the world,” Biden said in March. “That’s not going to happen on my watch.”

If you get a moment, read the full article here: The Pentagon's China Syndrome. (It’s not too long and has some great historical examples of our cold war with Russia and how previous reports were overblown.)

And after you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments below. (Or you can email me privately by simply hitting “reply.”)

Moving to other matters, there hasn’t been much news about this yet, but U.S. forces came under attack in Syria recently. That could lead to a counter-response that you may (or may not) hear about.

CNN @CNNA "deliberate and coordinated" attack utilizing drones and indirect fire targeted US troops at the US base at At-Tanf in Syria, close to the border with Jordan, according to US Central Command. Drone attack targets US troops at US base in Syria, initial assessment suggests no US injuriesA “deliberate and coordinated” attack utilizing drones and indirect fire targeted US troops at the US base at At-Tanf in Syria, close to the border with Jordan, on Wednesday, according to US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East.cnn.it

October 21st 2021

60 Retweets146 Likes

The U.S. has about 200 Americans at the position, according to The Washington Post, which is a base that controls a highway that runs from Damascus to Baghdad.

So far, no one has been blamed for the attack, though it is likely Iranian-backed militias.

Why are the troops there? Good question. The military tells the Post:

The United States initially deployed a sizable contingent of troops to Tanf in 2016 to train Syrian fighters to counter the Islamic State. The Syrian and Russian governments oppose the U.S. presence, but the U.S. military continues to partner there with a group called Maghawir al-Thawra.

This situation will definitely be something to keep an eye on.

In other matters, I came across this really cool article this week:

davidmorrell.net/wp-content/upl… ","username":"_DavidMorrell","name":"_DavidMorrell","date":"Wed Oct 20 15:04:40 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCJrmB..._DavidMorrell @_DavidMorrellMy debut novel, FIRST BLOOD, inspired the most-famous knife in modern film history, used by Rambo. Here's the link to a fascinating BLADE magazine article describing the history of the knives.davidmorrell.net/wp-content/upl…

October 20th 2021

10 Retweets81 Likes

Check it out if you get a moment. I remember that knife as if it was yesterday.

I still remember it as a young man, wanting one so desperately. In the end, when I enlisted, I settled for a K-Bar, but always wanted one like Rambo had.

And we’ll end this edition with a positive thought, as usual.

#Quotes ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Oct 20 20:00:13 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCKvS0...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosEven when things are tough, find a reason to be happy and grateful.#Quotes

October 20th 2021

87 Retweets197 Likes

That’s it for this post. Stay safe and be kind. As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it.

Share

And if you haven’t already, please sign up for email notifications. (They’re FREE. Unless would like to support what I’m doing by contributing $5 a month; cancel at any time.) 

Every Tuesday and Friday, I write about conflicts and military matters that are happening throughout the world. I do this from a moderate perspective that focuses on unity in our country. I also don’t believe in clickbait, over-the-top headlines, or other tactics that increase fear or panic, all in the hope of web traffic. You will always get the sober, mature view, with a slight bit of my optimism peering through. 

Subscribe now

Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.