Stan R. Mitchell's Blog, page 32

The 12/24/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! And Merry Christmas!!

First, we begin with a Christmas miracle…

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From the article:

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I figure if Trump and Biden can get along, even if for just a few moments in time, then we can all do a better job of being kind to our fellow Americans on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Also, while we’re on the subject of Christmas… Take a look at his!

Chris @mama_c6Someone in my county set up a tree by her wildlife camera and caught these. Guess what I’m doing tomorrow?

December 23rd 2021

20,321 Retweets128,928 Likes

And also, one final thing while we’re on the subject… Never forget:

@TaskandPurpose taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/… ","username":"JamesWClark","name":"James Clark","date":"Tue Dec 21 22:09:24 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FHKfRo...James Clark @JamesWClarkSanta has seen some shit.Santa at War: A visual history of Jolly Old St. Nick in the unlikeliest of places | @TaskandPurpose taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/…

December 21st 2021

11 Retweets20 Likes

Moving along, and today will be super brief because it’s Christmas Eve, after all.

Almost nothing has changed in Ukraine regarding the situation in Russia. Things remain really tense.

And Ukraine is preparing for an attack by the Russians. (See below.)

Nolan Peterson @nolanwpetersonMy latest video dispatch from Kyiv:Ukrainian officials are now taking concrete, public steps to prepare the country for a wider war — specifically, a Russian air campaign.DISPATCH: Ukrainians Prepare for Russian BombingWith Russian forces massed on the border raising concerns of a major offensive this winter, Ukrainian officials are now taking concrete, public steps to prep...youtu.be

December 23rd 2021

153 Retweets314 Likes

Also, this:

dpsu.gov.ua/ua/news/%20VID… ","username":"Archer83Able","name":"Status-6 🎄","date":"Wed Dec 22 00:27:08 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...Status-6 🎄 @Archer83AbleUkraine's Border Guard informed about measures to strengthen the state border in 'endangered areas' and published video of its equipment digging up anti-tank ditches in the Sumy Oblast bordering Russia.dpsu.gov.ua/ua/news/%20VID…

December 22nd 2021

149 Retweets436 Likes

Putin continues to blame the West.

Stan R. Mitchell, author @StanRMitchellAmid fears Russia will invade Ukraine, Putin points finger at U.S. and NATO in marathon news conference Amid fears Russia will invade Ukraine, Putin points finger at U.S. and NATO in marathon news conferenceFacing a television audience domestic and international, Russia’s leader said the West was to blame for tensions on the Ukraine border and fears of war.washingtonpost.com

December 23rd 2021

1 Like

Two quotes from the article:

"Though Putin was given two opportunities to say definitively that Russia would not invade Ukraine, he instead reiterated his demand for a promise in writing that NATO would not expand eastward."

...

“Not Russia but the West should give guarantees — and immediately, now, rather than bury it for decades, and under the soft talk about the need for security for all to do what they planned,” Putin said. “Are we threatening anyone?”

I’m going to answer that question…

Putin massed 100,000-plus troops on the border. And Putin already invaded Ukraine twice, from two different directions. (Crimea & Donbas.)

Putin also tried to prop up former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, during Euromaidan and the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.

All of this is easily fact-checked by anyone who has even just a moment or two. So, yes, I'd say Putin is threatening someone.

Don’t let the propaganda from Russia fool you.

As a reminder, the travel advisory from the U.S. State Department remains in effect.

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And you can read lots of information about the situation in my last newsletter, in case you missed it: The 12/21/21 dispatch.

Before we get to a little motivation and wisdom at the end, I wanted to share this story before we all run off to our own Christmas festivities.

@18airbornecorps ","username":"MarkHertling","name":"Mark Hertling","date":"Thu Dec 23 18:16:22 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{"full_text":"1 of 9:\n\nOne of the most-quoted stories from the Battle of the Bulge is a tale that's wrapped in legend. While the myth built around a famous quote is a good one, the TRUE story at the heart of this oft-told tale speaks to the ethos of the American Soldier. \n\nHere's that story. https://t.co/0jLOZ8rN47","u... Airborne Corps"},"retweet_count":16,"like_count":104,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Mark Hertling @MarkHertlingThis is a great story, in a great thread. If you’ve even been to St Vith or Bastogne in the winter (I have, twice, but not under fire!) it is even more poignant and powerful. Remember, though, they were waiting for tanks! Thanks @18airbornecorps

XVIII Airborne Corps @18airbornecorps

1 of 9:One of the most-quoted stories from the Battle of the Bulge is a tale that's wrapped in legend. While the myth built around a famous quote is a good one, the TRUE story at the heart of this oft-told tale speaks to the ethos of the American Soldier. Here's that story. https://t.co/0jLOZ8rN47

December 23rd 2021

16 Retweets104 Likes

Here is the link that Mark is referring to:

XVIII Airborne Corps @18airbornecorps1 of 9:One of the most-quoted stories from the Battle of the Bulge is a tale that's wrapped in legend. While the myth built around a famous quote is a good one, the TRUE story at the heart of this oft-told tale speaks to the ethos of the American Soldier. Here's that story.

December 23rd 2021

122 Retweets365 Likes

And finally, here are some closing positive thoughts. (As I said above, today is a brief edition.)

@DavidSRoza) ","username":"TaskandPurpose","name":"Task & Purpose","date":"Wed Dec 22 20:48:40 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":1,"like_count":23,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-f... Santa, this enlisted airman just gifted 1,300 pairs of shoes to Honduran kids in need","description":"Senior Airman Britney Donnelly donated 1,368 pairs of shoes for kids in need during her deployment to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.","domain":"taskandpurpose.com"},"video_url":null}">Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeForget Santa, this enlisted airman just gifted 1,300 pairs of shoes to Honduran kids in need(By @DavidSRoza) Forget Santa, this enlisted airman just gifted 1,300 pairs of shoes to Honduran kids in needSenior Airman Britney Donnelly donated 1,368 pairs of shoes for kids in need during her deployment to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.taskandpurpose.com

December 22nd 2021

1 Retweet23 Likes#Quotes ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Wed Dec 22 21:00:14 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FHPZMQ...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosIntelligence, Beauty, Love.#Quotes

December 22nd 2021

110 Retweets264 LikesLeigh Anne Tuohy @LeighAnneTuohyEverything we do and everything we don’t do makes a difference so be a good person with a good heart! Be the person that offers hope, love and happiness. Use your smile, your words and your actions to be a difference maker! Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God❤️

September 24th 2021

46 Retweets380 Likes

That’s it for this edition. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans. 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.

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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 12/21/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a great week and excited about Christmas here in just four days. (For the males out there, a quick reminder: four days isn’t long. And the longer you wait, the more you’re going to spend… Wait till the day before? And you’re going to end up buying diamonds or serious amounts of gold. Trust me on this. I speak from experience!)

Speaking of gifts, did you know you have the option for this?

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And also this?

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Moving along to news, which unfortunately isn’t good and will quickly end whatever good cheer you were feeling, things remain tense in Ukraine.

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Increasingly, this is looking like it might be some kind of conflict in Ukraine.

I’ll share some insights I’ve come across of late. Here’s some context of what is on Ukraine’s border currently, and in the past, in regards to Russian battalion tactical groups (BTGs). This is from a Russian expert.

Michael Kofman @KofmanMichaelFor context, August 2014 op was likely 4-6 BTGs. Winter 2015 offensive, maybe 8-10 committed. No air strikes, no long range PGM strikes, minimal employment of high power artillery or long range MLRS. Current deployment ~50 BTGs available backed by joint force.

December 17th 2021

94 Retweets305 Likes

PGMs are precision-guided munitions (PGM, smart weapon, smart munition, smart bomb) and MLRS is a multiple launch rocket system, something that can fire almost 20 miles.

Michael Kofman @KofmanMichaelNow a fair share of that comprises permanent formations established or based near Ukraine post-2014. But the influx of forces = 80-100% increase on top of those garrisoned units. Meaning about half the BTG available number represents the buildup.

December 17th 2021

9 Retweets48 LikesMichael Kofman @KofmanMichaelIn 2014-2015 Russia had far more forces available and deployed than actually committed. So X battalions does not mean that X would be used. But, as the thread suggests, the force being positioned in 2021 is quite sizable and trending upwards.

December 17th 2021

8 Retweets44 Likes

And there’s more than mere tweets from analysts who have studied Russia.

Take a look at this piece from David Ignatius at The Washington Post:

Richard Engel @RichardEngelUS weighing an option effectively used against it’s military quite a bit. | The Biden administration weighs backing Ukraine insurgents if Russia invades - The Washington Post Opinion | The Biden administration weighs backing Ukraine insurgents if Russia invadesA problem that bedeviled the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan could be Putin’s problem if he orders troops to enter Ukraine.washingtonpost.com

December 20th 2021

22 Retweets96 Likes

From the story:

The planning, described Sunday by a knowledgeable official, includes ways to provide weapons and other support to the Ukrainian military to resist invading Russian forces — and similar logistical support to insurgent groups if Russia topples the Ukrainian government and a guerrilla war begins.

The weapons the United States might provide include shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles. The CIA’s delivery of such weapons, known at the time as “Stingers,” had a devastating effect on Soviet forces during their 10-year war in Afghanistan, from 1979 to 1989.

The administration task force, which includes the CIA and other key agencies, has been studying how insurgencies were organized against the Soviets in Afghanistan and Russian-backed forces in Syria — and also against the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s an ironic example of turning the tables, weighing whether and how to inflict harm similar to what U.S. forces have suffered in recent years.

The task force includes a legal team that is studying how any assistance to a Ukrainian insurgency could be provided without violating U.S. or international laws.

So the bottom line is, if you had any Christmas plans to visit Ukraine, you might want to re-consider. And I’ll continue to keep a close eye on this little, I mean BIG, hotspot.

Moving along to another pressure cooker, whose heat is getting hotter…

I’m not sure of the intent of this story:

Liz Sly @LizSlyDespite all its threats to attack Iran, Israel doesn’t have the ability to take out Iran’s nuclear program and so probably won’t. The US has the ability but seems disinclined. Israeli Defense Officials Cast Doubt on Threat to Attack IranIsrael has threatened military action to destroy Iran’s nuclear program if need be. But defense officials say Israel does not have the ability, at least not anytime soon.nytimes.com

December 20th 2021

8 Retweets12 Likes

But I’ll throw out two quick theories.

Theory one is Israel is trying to pressure America into conducting the attack, so their analysts are leaking out that they CAN’T pull off the attack.

Theory two is Israel DOES plan on doing the attack, as some previous articles I’ve linked to has alluded to, but Israel wants Iran to think that it CAN’T.

And I’ll add one more. Let’s say theory three is just a “let’s try to freak out the public and get these dumb Americans talking about this issue again instead of Covid or Spiderman.

As you can tell, these things can get complicated and deep in a hurry.

But the Iran-nuclear situation isn’t going away.

I’m still leaning toward Washington telling Israel to simply deal with Iran procuring a nuclear weapon. (After all, Israel has probably 300 or so of them.)

The Department of Defense is still trying to make sure it doesn’t have Congress come after it any time soon.

@AP. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members took part in the U.S. Capitol riot. ","username":"AP","name":"The Associated Press","date":"Mon Dec 20 17:54:55 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":931,"like_count":2833,"expanded_url":{"url":"http://apne.ws/9jfP4xw","im... issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism | AP News","description":"WASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials issued detailed new rules Monday prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the…","domain":"apne.ws"},"video_url":null}">The Associated Press @APBREAKING: Pentagon to issue rules aimed at curbing rise in extremism among troops, officials tell @AP. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members took part in the U.S. Capitol riot. Pentagon issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism | AP NewsWASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials issued detailed new rules Monday prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the…apne.ws

December 20th 2021

931 Retweets2,833 Likes

From the article:

Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials issued detailed new rules Monday prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol, triggering a broad department review.

According to the Pentagon, fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year. But they warn that the number may grow given recent spikes in domestic violent extremism, particularly among veterans.

Officials said the new policy doesn’t largely change what is prohibited but is more of an effort to make sure troops are clear on what they can and can’t do, while still protecting their First Amendment right to free speech. And for the first time, it is far more specific about social media.

Full story here: Pentagon issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism.

Continuing to move along, here’s a more general story about foreign policy, America, and the world.

The Economist had a great story recently: Why medium-sized autocracies are projecting more hard power abroad from.

The Economist stated that “as America retreats from its role as globo-cop, it has opened space for medium-sized powers to become more assertive.”

As evidence, the article went on to say:

Turkey has occupied a chunk of Syria, sent troops to Libya, helped Azerbaijan vanquish Armenia and dispatched its navy in support of dubious claims to Mediterranean waters. Iran backs militias that prop up Syria’s despot, have a chokehold on Lebanon and were accused this month of trying to murder Iraq’s prime minister with an explosives-laden drone. Pakistan helped a group of misogynistic jihadists take over Afghanistan. Belarus hijacked a plane and has been giving migrants bolt-cutters and ordering them to cut through Poland’s border fence. Cuba trains Venezuelan spooks. Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen. Medium-sized menaces are on the march. They are making the world more confusing and more dangerous. 

While The Economist says none of this is good for global stability, it predicts “these newly assertive countries will find that the costs of adventurism outweigh the benefits. Wielding hard power is expensive, and hard to do effectively.”

Turkey has gained swagger and territory, but alienated nearly all its allies. Saudi Arabia is stuck in a quagmire in Yemen. The uae’s missions failed not only in Yemen but in Libya, too. Pakistani colonels gloated over President Joe Biden’s hasty retreat from Afghanistan. The Taliban are friendly with Pakistan and hostile to India. But Kabul’s new rulers have no idea how to govern. Afghanistan is in economic meltdown and their ruthless, exclusive approach could provoke another war on Pakistan’s doorstep.

And in the end, The Economist states some of these mis-steps might bring down these leaders.

Moving along (quickly now, because I know you’re about to bounce), here’s a short blip that barely made the news (if it did at all):

Jennifer Griffin @JenGriffinFNCA sr US defense official tells me the US shot down a rocket that was fired at the US Embassy in Baghdad. A C-RAM (counter rocket and mortar anti missile) intercepted one of two rockets fired, neither landed in the US Embassy compound in the Green Zone.

December 19th 2021

239 Retweets618 Likes

Just remember that our troops continue to face danger around the world. And most of the time, you’ll never even hear of it.

Before ending this post, let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.

a.image2.image-link.image2-405-603 { display: inline; padding-bottom: 67.16417910447761%; padding-bottom: min(67.16417910447761%, 405px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-405-603 img { max-width: 603px; max-height: 405px; } CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7

December 18th 2021

1 Retweet13 Likes#Motivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sun Dec 19 16:00:09 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FG-3ux...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosMake efforts to develop the self-control to avoid negative temptations, and the courage to take advantage of good opportunities.#Motivation

December 19th 2021

69 Retweets201 Likes

That’s it for this edition. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans. 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

Give a gift subscription

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 12/17/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

I feel like I need to keep this edition focused on the situation in Russia and Ukraine.

Tensions remain high there, and since Tuesday, several things have happened that you need to know.

NATO and Europe have not backed down. And they have remained joined and in agreement that an invasion will not be allowed.

#NATO scale back cooperation with Ukraine, Sec Gen Stoltenberg says, \"It is for Russia to change behavior. It is for Russia to change course.\" \n\nHe says there will be no \"compromise\" on the right of NATO and Ukraine to work closely together. ","username":"terischultz","name":"Teri Schultz","date":"Thu Dec 16 10:01:04 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGuIC9...Teri Schultz @terischultzIn response to Putin's demands that #NATO scale back cooperation with Ukraine, Sec Gen Stoltenberg says, "It is for Russia to change behavior. It is for Russia to change course." He says there will be no "compromise" on the right of NATO and Ukraine to work closely together.

December 16th 2021

394 Retweets1,229 Likes

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul had a few astute things to say about the situation, as well.

Michael McFaul @McFaulOn the one hand, Putins wants you to believe that Russia is a great power. On the other Putin claims that mighty Russia is threatened by Ukraine. Both of these claims cannot be true.

December 15th 2021

2,559 Retweets13,639 LikesMichael McFaul @McFaulPutin fears Ukrainian democracy, not NATO expansion. So "security guarantees" will not stop Putin's campaign to undermine Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty.

December 17th 2021

869 Retweets3,308 Likes

And along that line of thinking, there was this:

Jim Goldgeier @JimGoldgeierIf Putin played nice in Europe, he'd have a lot better odds of weakening NATO. Manufacturing crises and trying to intimidate Ukraine and others just brings the members of the alliance closer together. Since 2014, he's pushed Ukraine closer to the West and given NATO more purpose.

December 16th 2021

142 Retweets752 Likes

Getting down to the nitty-gritty of the current situation, Max Boot suggested this as one way to prepare for an invasion:

The Washington Post @washingtonpostOpinion by Max Boot: To deter a Russian attack, Ukraine needs to prepare for guerrilla warfare Opinion | To deter a Russian attack, Ukraine needs to prepare for guerrilla warfareThe West can help Ukrainians resist invasion by the Russians.wapo.st

December 16th 2021

41 Retweets149 Likes

Boot points out that the Afghan mujahideen during the 1980s succeeded because “they received copious aid from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other countries.”

He goes on to say:

Putin, who was a young KGB officer in those days, has no desire to blunder into another Afghanistan-style war. Having Russian troops come home in body bags would sap popular support for his regime. In fact, this makes me doubt that he would actually try to occupy all of Ukraine, a country of 44 million people. (The population of Afghanistan in the 1980s was only 13 million.)

…

Ukrainians are already talking about waging guerrilla warfare if the Russians invade. Gen. Oleksandr Pavlyuk told the New York Times that Ukraine has 500,000 people with military experience, and if necessary “we’ll start a partisan war.” A senior Ukrainian military official “said that if all else failed, the military would simply open its weapons depots and allow the Ukrainian people to take whatever they need to defend themselves and their families.”

…

The United States and its NATO allies should let the Kremlin know that, in the event of a Russian occupation, they will keep supplying Ukrainian freedom fighters with potent weapons, including Javelin antitank missiles and Stinger antiaircraft missiles. U.S. officials should point out to their Russian counterparts that Ukraine shares a lengthy border — nearly 900 miles in total — with NATO members Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. Good luck controlling that frontier.

Boot says the “threat of guerrilla warfare is the most potent deterrent to a Russian invasion of Ukraine, and it is one that Ukraine and its supporters in the West need to play up to make Putin think twice before he launches another war of aggression.

Before we change subjects, there were two other piece of Russia-related news.

The first was this:

#Finland Needs @LockheedMartin's F-35: Fear Of Russian Aggression\n\n","username":"19_forty_five","name":"19FortyFive","date":"Wed Dec 15 23:54:51 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":2,"like_count":3,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/w... Finland Needs the F-35: Fear of Russian Aggression","description":"On December 10, Finland became the 14th country to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II fighter. Why did Finland do it? One word: Russia.","domain":"19fortyfive.com"},"video_url":null}">19FortyFive @19_forty_fiveWhy #Finland Needs @LockheedMartin's F-35: Fear Of Russian AggressionWhy Finland Needs the F-35: Fear of Russian AggressionOn December 10, Finland became the 14th country to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II fighter. Why did Finland do it? One word: Russia.19fortyfive.com

December 15th 2021

2 Retweets3 Likes

And then there was this:

thedailybeast.com/russian-politi…&quo... Davis","date":"Wed Dec 15 22:00:29 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":1927,"like_count":2949,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Julia Davis @JuliaDavisNewsRussian Politician Calls for Kidnapping of U.S. Congressman on Live TV: “This is how we should be dealing with these bastards,” the Russian lawmaker said after advocating for the abduction of Rep. Ruben Gallego over his recent comments on Ukraine.thedailybeast.com/russian-politi…

December 15th 2021

1,927 Retweets2,949 Likes

The Congressman, who was a prior Marine, responded as only a Marine could respond.

Ruben Gallego @RubenGallegoFuck around and find out. 🇺🇸

Julia Davis @JuliaDavisNews

Russian Politician Calls for Kidnapping of U.S. Congressman on Live TV: “This is how we should be dealing with these bastards,” the Russian lawmaker said after advocating for the abduction of Rep. Ruben Gallego over his recent comments on Ukraine.https://t.co/5rPn5mLfu2

December 15th 2021

5,718 Retweets30,517 Likes

Since we dove in pretty deep with Russia, we’ll only barely touch on China news this edition.

In the world of, and you thought YOU had a hard job, there was this:

Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanWe now have a confirmed US ambassador heading to China. Godspeed.Senate confirms Nicholas Burns as ambassador to China after Rubio releases holdBurns will inherit the most important bilateral relationship in the world.axios.com

December 17th 2021

8 Retweets20 Likes

And there was also this idea:

@ChiefMI6, explains why his top priority is China, on “The Economist Asks” podcast econ.st/3pHXsbH ","username":"TheEconomist","name":"The Economist","date":"Thu Dec 16 02:01:10 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...The Economist @TheEconomist“The Chinese have a narrative of Western frailty, of decline and the rise of China. The danger is that this makes them overconfident.” Richard Moore, @ChiefMI6, explains why his top priority is China, on “The Economist Asks” podcast econ.st/3pHXsbH

December 16th 2021

33 Retweets54 Likes

In Afghanistan, a tragedy is rapidly approaching (even though it’s barely making the news because Americans remembered once again that they don’t care about the country, unless it’s simply a political whipping stick to be wielded against the other party once every couple of decades).

BBC News (World) @BBCWorldAppeal to help Afghanistan over starvation fears Afghanistan: UK charities launch winter crisis appealA million children in the country at risk of starving to death this winter, UK aid agencies warn.bbc.in

December 15th 2021

89 Retweets276 Likes

In Marine Corps news, there were a couple of things I wanted to highlight.

First, there was this big news:

Military.com @MilitarydotcomThe Marine Corps' Aging Amphibious Vehicle Fleet Will Be Kept Out of the Water The Marine Corps’ Aging Amphibious Vehicle Fleet Will Be Kept Out of the WaterEight Marines and a Navy corpsman died when an AAV sank hundreds of feet into the ocean during exercises on July 30, 2020.military.com

December 15th 2021

1 Retweet10 Likes

And then one other bit of Marine Corps news worth sharing. This story below also shows a larger trend and history of the Marine Corps that has come up several times in the past couple of decades. (Definitely worth the read.)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeA Marine colonel may have wrecked a high-profile manslaughter caseThe Marine Corps may have blown its case against special operators accused of killing a former Green Beret‘I think this is one of the most direct examples of unlawful command influence that I have seen in a number of years.’taskandpurpose.com

December 15th 2021

4 Retweets13 Likes

Also since Tuesday, there was remarkable valor recognized and praised:

@OrenCNN reports ","username":"TheLeadCNN","name":"The Lead CNN","date":"Fri Dec 17 00:14:19 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...The Lead CNN @TheLeadCNNBiden awards Medal of Honor to 3 soldiers, two posthumously, for remarkable acts of valor @OrenCNN reports

December 17th 2021

99 Retweets497 Likes

But, not everything in the military is rosy. Sadly, this situation continues:

Chief Danny Prichard @chief_prichardAnyone out there in the media or politics, this is a travesty and isn't get anywhere near enough attention. Toxic water consumes daily lives of many Hawaii military families, with no end in sightNothing can alleviate ‘the complete mental load that we’re all bearing right now.’militarytimes.com

December 15th 2021

Finally, before we end, here’s some wisdom and motivation.

CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7

December 11th 2021

5 Retweets23 Likes#Motivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Mon Dec 13 16:00:22 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGf-P0...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosMake efforts to find your inner strength, and turn every negative situation into a positive. #Motivation

December 13th 2021

89 Retweets253 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans. 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

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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 12/14/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a good weekend and that you’re week is off to a good start! (And also that you have your Christmas list mostly knocked out! Don’t procrastinate on that!)

In news about Russia, the tensions haven’t died down any. Here’s just one update I came across. (The warnings for Putin continue to remain loud and vocal.)

BBC News (UK) @BBCNewsBoris Johnson warns Vladimir Putin of deep concern over Ukraine Boris Johnson warns Vladimir Putin of deep concern over UkraineBoris Johnson told the Russian president any “destabilising action” would lead to “significant consequences”.bbc.in

December 13th 2021

77 Retweets294 Likes

If you missed it last edition, I discussed the serious threats Biden is tossing out as possible repercussions, including disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT international payment system used by banks around the world.

And here’s a bit more about the timing of all of this:

Defense One @DefenseOneNo one quite knows why Putin appears to be choosing this moment to go after Ukraine. Diplomacy Alone Can’t Save DemocracyDomestic actors, not global summits, drive democratization.buff.ly

December 14th 2021

2 Retweets7 Likes

And more here:

trib.al/2jyqevY ","username":"MilitaryTimes","name":"Military Times","date":"Mon Dec 13 16:26:46 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGgES_...Military Times @MilitaryTimesRussian invasion of Ukraine could be costly even without US troops involved, experts saytrib.al/2jyqevY

December 13th 2021

8 Retweets27 Likes

Moving on to the situation in Iran…

I came across a really thought-provoking piece that for the first time (that I’ve seen) suggests the world may have to simply live with Iran developing a nuke. (That’s honestly one of the first times I’ve come across this, though I’m sure pacificists/non-interventionists have argued this in the past.)

But this came from the conservative writer and analyst Max Boot, who wrote in The Washington Post, “Because Trump left the nuclear deal, we might have to learn to live with a nuclear Iran.”

Re-iterating that Iran is not interested in negotiating again, and that many in Israel blame Benjamin Netanyahu for urging Trump to leave the deal,1 Max Boot writes:

That means the United States and Israel might be drawing closer to the decision they have long dreaded: Do they bomb Iran or allow Iran to get The Bomb? In the past, I would have said that bombing was the least-bad option, but I no longer believe that.

A nation of 85 million people, Iran is much larger and much stronger than the adversaries that America couldn’t defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And its nuclear program is far more advanced than those of Iraq or Syria when Israel bombed suspected nuclear facilities in those countries in 1981 and 2007, respectively.

The Iranian nuclear program is dispersed across dozens of hardened, hidden sites, all protected by a sophisticated air-defense system. The Fordow fuel enrichment plant is buried deep inside a mountain. Taking down Fordow, if it can be done at all, would probably require the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator. Israel does not have this bomb or the bomber — either a B-2 or B-52— needed to drop it.

Max Boot finishes the column by saying, “The Biden administration should keep trying to peacefully stop the Iranian nuclear program, but that might no longer be possible because of Trump’s catastrophic decision to leave the accord. And if those efforts fail? Well, we have lived with nukes in the hands of other vile and abhorrent regimes, such as the Soviet Union/Russia, North Korea and China. If we have to, we could learn to live with a nuclear Iran, too.”

If I had to guess, I’d say this will quickly become the leading opinion of those in Washington. After all, the U.S. is overstretched across the globe. We can’t confront Russia in Ukraine, China in Asia, and fight Iran at the same time.

Here’s the link to Max Boot’s column:

Max Boot @MaxBootBibi's defense minister Moshe Yaalon: “The main mistake was the withdrawal of the US... from the agreement.”Ex-Mossad director Tamir Pardo described the pullout as a “tragedy.” Gen. (Ret.) Isaac Ben Israel called it "the worst strategic mistake.” Opinion | Because Trump left the nuclear deal, we might have to learn to live with a nuclear IranEven former Israeli security officials now admit that Trump’s decision to leave the Iranian nuclear deal was a disaster.wapo.st

December 13th 2021

126 Retweets253 Likes

It’s been quite a while since I mentioned the terrible fire that hit the USS Bonhomme Richard, but there’s news on that.

@DavidSRoza) ","username":"TaskandPurpose","name":"Task & Purpose","date":"Mon Dec 13 16:00:41 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":6,"like_count":19,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-... the charge sheet of the sailor accused of setting a $1.4 billion warship on fire","description":"Seaman Apprentice Ryan S. Mays, 20, is charged with setting the fire that destroyed the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.","domain":"taskandpurpose.com"},"video_url":null}">Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeHere’s the charge sheet of the sailor accused of setting a $1.4 billion warship on fire(By @DavidSRoza) Here’s the charge sheet of the sailor accused of setting a $1.4 billion warship on fireSeaman Apprentice Ryan S. Mays, 20, is charged with setting the fire that destroyed the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.taskandpurpose.com

December 13th 2021

6 Retweets19 Likes

Moving along, I’ve been seeing some rumblings that things aren’t looking so good in Bosnia these days.

Chris Murphy @ChrisMurphyCTAll eyes are on Ukraine right now, but close by another crisis is brewing.1/ Please read this short thread on the threat to Balkans peace posed by increasing Bosnian Serb separatist rhetoric.I want to explain why it matters.Peace Is Threatened Again in Bosnia, A Quarter Century after DaytonSeparatist provocations pose the greatest danger to the country’s peace and cohesion since the accords were forged 26 years ago.justsecurity.org

December 13th 2021

292 Retweets731 Likes

And previously:

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 Retweets135 Likes

In other news, I wrote in the previous edition about the passing of Navy Commander Brian Bourgeois, 43, commanding officer of SEAL Team 8. One cool update from the truly sad news is below.

taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-foot… ","username":"TaskandPurpose","name":"Task & Purpose","date":"Tue Dec 14 11:55:10 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe family of Brian Bourgeois, the commander of SEAL Team 8 who was killed in a training accident last week, was honored at the Army-Navy football game Saturday.Here, his youngest son is tossed in the air by Navy players celebrating their win.taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-foot…

December 14th 2021

12 Retweets79 Likes

And as a reminder, if you would like to donate to Commander Bourgeois’s family, a link to a donation page was linked to by Jake Tapper: link here.

Finally, before we wrap up, I wanted to share this because it’s such a striking photo, as well as a horrendous reminder of the costs paid almost daily in World War II.

#WW2 ","username":"WWIIpix","name":"WWII Pictures","date":"Wed Nov 24 13:34:33 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FE9moO...WWII Pictures @WWIIpixhis day in 1943, Japanese submarine I-175 sank escort carrier USS Liscome Bay. Only 23 minutes after the explosion, she listed to starboard and sank; 53 officers and 591 enlisted men were killed.Her loss is the deadliest sinking of a carrier in the history of the US Navy. #WW2

November 24th 2021

103 Retweets705 Likes

All right, and here at the end, we’ll end with some motivation. This was something I really needed to see:

CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7Please share this…

December 11th 2021

15 Retweets61 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 { display: inline; padding-bottom: 121.55688622754491%; padding-bottom: min(121.55688622754491%, 636.9580838323353px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 img { max-width: 524px; max-height: 636.9580838323353px; }

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.

1

Max Boot lists the following folks as blaming Benjamin Netanyahu: former defense minister, Moshe Yaalon, said last month: “Looking at the policy on Iran in the last decade, the main mistake was the withdrawal of the U.S. administration from the agreement.” Former Mossad director Tamir Pardo described the pullout as a “tragedy.” Retired general Isaac Ben Israel, chairman of the Israeli Space Agency, called “Netanyahu’s efforts to persuade the Trump administration to quit the nuclear agreement … the worst strategic mistake in Israel’s history.”

The 12/10/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

As you know, President Biden had a two-plus-hour-long call with Biden regarding the situation on Ukraine’s border. It’s too soon to know what effect that might have, but Biden’s stern warning might have been enough to give Putin pause.

If you missed Tuesday’s edition and want to see what an invasion might look like, go here: The 12/7/21 dispatch.

Also, it’s not real clear that an actual invastion would help Putin. (As outlined below.)

@samagreene and Graeme B. Robertson write in @PostEverything ","username":"PostOpinions","name":"Washington Post Opinions","date":"Thu Dec 09 01:47:06 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":15,"like_count":37,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://wapo.st/331b9L5","i... | Threatening to invade Ukraine will help Putin at home. Actually invading won’t.","description":"When he intervenes abroad, Putin tends to use proxies or mercenaries, to minimize the impact on public opinion.","domain":"wapo.st"},"video_url":null}">Washington Post Opinions @PostOpinionsThreatening to invade Ukraine will help Putin at home. Actually invading won’t, @samagreene and Graeme B. Robertson write in @PostEverything Perspective | Threatening to invade Ukraine will help Putin at home. Actually invading won’t.When he intervenes abroad, Putin tends to use proxies or mercenaries, to minimize the impact on public opinion.wapo.st

December 9th 2021

15 Retweets37 Likes

Additionally, Biden reportedly threatened that the United States could “include the extreme step of disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT international payment system used by banks around the world.” (Link to article: Biden to warn Putin of economic consequences of Ukraine invasion, says official.)

That’s a serious threat and could give Putin reason to hold off, since it’s hard to launder money when you can’t wire it from overseas. Finally, the U.S. might rapidly ramp up its arms sales to Ukraine, much as it did when Russian invaded Afghanistan back in the ’80s.

That war forty years ago bled Russia out for nearly a decade, and it helped lead to the fall of the Soviet Union.1

In other concerning news happening out there, there’s this:

Liz Sly @LizSlyTop Israeli officials are traveling to Washington this week to push the Biden administration to take military action against Iran, in light of the evident lack of progress in the Vienna nuclear talks, according to multiple Israeli media reports. Israel to urge US to act militarily against Iran amid stalled nuke talks — reportsIsraeli TV says Gantz, Mossad chief will also press for tougher sanctions against Tehran during their meetings in Washington this weektimesofisrael.com

December 10th 2021

27 Retweets53 Likes

There have been numerous articles of late that Iran has not been serious about its most recent negotiations. There aren’t many options left other than an attack by Israel or the U.S. (That is, if we’re serious about not allowing Iran to get a nuke.)

Of course remember, if Iran is allowed to get a nuke, then Saudi Arabia will probably quickly want to join that list of nations with nuclear weapons. Also remember that Israel has pretty much vowed that it will NEVER allow Iran to get a nuke, so a war between the two would be quite likely.

In China news, there was this:

@caitlinmkenney ","username":"DefenseOne","name":"Defense One","date":"Sun Dec 05 20:23:01 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":2,"like_count":7,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://buff.ly/3xL8hNP","i... Would Have 5 ‘Core Tasks’ in a Pacific Conflict","description":"Secretary Wormuth said the service is keenly watching U.S. talks with regional allies over access to bases, including for new weapons.","domain":"buff.ly"},"video_url":null}">Defense One @DefenseOneThe Army will have five “core tasks” in an Indo-Pacific conflict, which it can accomplish without a dramatic expansion of its permanent presence, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said | @caitlinmkenney Army Would Have 5 ‘Core Tasks’ in a Pacific ConflictSecretary Wormuth said the service is keenly watching U.S. talks with regional allies over access to bases, including for new weapons.buff.ly

December 5th 2021

2 Retweets7 Likes

Not that this is breaking news, but our forces continue to change their strategic focus toward Asia and the threat from China.

In tech news, there was this:

@KenDilanianNBC reports from the Utah desert where he saw a demonstration of the so-called “killer” drone being directed to an empty truck before exploding. ","username":"NBCNightlyNews","name":"NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt","date":"Tue Dec 07 02:00:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt @NBCNightlyNewsThe Switchblade drone doesn’t launch missiles, but is itself a missile.@KenDilanianNBC reports from the Utah desert where he saw a demonstration of the so-called “killer” drone being directed to an empty truck before exploding.

December 7th 2021

26 Retweets48 Likes

One thought I had after seeing this is how exactly would our military defend against a swarm of these things flying in?

I’ve put some thought into that and the best I can come up with is electronic counter-measures and using artillery to keep enemy forces more than a few miles away.

Clearly, I’m glad I’m not having to come up with the answer on how to stop a swarm of these because quite frankly: I don’t think we have a current answer.

In stories that make me smile this week — I’m kind of a HUGE fan of the A-10 — there was this:

#USAF to report to the committees if an #A10 needs to be retired following a crash and certifying that it isn't \"due to lack of maintenance or repairs or other reasons.\" #Congress is serious about protecting the Hawg. ","username":"dan_grazier","name":"Dan Grazier","date":"Tue Dec 07 17:57:40 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGBeG8...Dan Grazier @dan_grazierThe latest version of the NDAA includes a provision for the #USAF to report to the committees if an #A10 needs to be retired following a crash and certifying that it isn't "due to lack of maintenance or repairs or other reasons." #Congress is serious about protecting the Hawg.

December 7th 2021

2 Retweets10 Likes

Now I know that drones (large ones, not like the small ones from the video above) probably will make the A-10 obsolete at some point. (Maybe already.)

But the infantryman in me just has a hard time letting them go. (Also, if there were some kind of massive electronic countermeasures from a sophisticated enemy such as China, which could stop our large drones, such as Reapers armed with anti-tank missiles, wouldn’t it be nice to have some pilots who could fly in with A-10s to mop up some tank columns and enemy troops in the open?)

I’m just spit-balling here.

Moving on, I do have to share some sad and tragic news this week.

#RemembertheFallen\n\nRead more: navy.mil/Press-Office/P… ","username":"USNavy","name":"U.S. Navy","date":"Thu Dec 09 01:30:01 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGIQr0...U.S. Navy @USNavyFair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate - We Have the Watch ⚓ 🇺🇲Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, 43, commanding officer of SEAL Team 8, died on Dec. 7 after sustaining injuries during training on Dec. 4 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. #RemembertheFallenRead more: navy.mil/Press-Office/P…

December 9th 2021

362 Retweets1,830 LikesJohn Noonan @noonanjoSEAL left behind 5 kids two weeks before Christmas. Crushing. If you can, please consider helping this family out.

Jake Tapper @jaketapper

If you would like to help his family please consider, if you can afford to, donating here:https://t.co/9mC2wHVZFB https://t.co/tYkJBcNyOf

December 9th 2021

54 Retweets143 Likes

I wanted to make just a couple of comments on this.

Back in the ’90s, when I was in the Marine Corps, my infantry platoon as part of one deployment spent months learning how to get better and better at fast-roping, which is how he died.

We started with static attempts from a tower, then from there to a helo to ground. Then from there to a helo to a ship in port (with barely any waves/movement.) And then from there to moving ships from moving helicopters.

I can’t even begin to tell you how dangerous this entire process is. The helicopter is moving. The ship is moving — at speed. Plus, up and down.

And you’re carrying a ton of gear, with which I can promise you that you don’t want to try to swim with. (You also have no kind of harness or anything latching you onto the rope; the only thing you hold onto the rope with is with your boots and two pairs of gloves — because they get so hot going down.)

I only say all of this because I don’t think most Americans have any idea just how dangerous even routine training is. And I’m confident that since this involved SEALs, they had probably found ways to make it even more dangerous: like darkness, potentially foul weather, etc.

The bottom line is we have young men and women doing highly dangerous things, day in, day out, around the world.

We should be BEYOND grateful and thankful for their sacrifices and just how often they put their lives on the line, even in training.

If you would like to donate to Commander Bourgeois’s family, a link to a donation page was linked to by Jake Tapper: link here.

Okay, I know that was a sad thing above, so let’s end with some motivation and something more positive because we must all press on, with whatever challenges and obligations we face in our lives.

#Motivation ","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Tue Dec 07 16:00:19 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FGBEsh...Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosBe willing to put in the hard work and time necessary to achieve the success you desire.#Motivation

December 7th 2021

77 Retweets169 Likes#Inspiration","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Fri Oct 15 14:00:10 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":184,"like_count":420,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosStop stressing over things you can't control or change. Overthinking leads to negative thoughts. Be grateful and focus on the positive.#Inspiration

October 15th 2021

184 Retweets420 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 { display: inline; padding-bottom: 121.55688622754491%; padding-bottom: min(121.55688622754491%, 636.9580838323353px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 img { max-width: 524px; max-height: 636.9580838323353px; }

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.

1

(The Soviets' failure in the war[88] is thought to be a contributing factor to the fall of the Soviet Union.[55]) Soviet–Afghan War link.

The 12/7/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that your week is off to a good start! (Also, that you’ve at least started your Christmas shopping!)

Beginning with the biggest story, the Russian drama on the border of Ukraine continues un-abated.

The U.S. and Russia held a two-hour call today, regarding the issue.

Reporting on the issue, CBS stated:

The two leaders held a video call for two hours on Tuesday, after U.S. intelligence officials warned of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine as soon as January.

"President Biden voiced the deep concerns of the United States and our European Allies about Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation," the White House summary of the call said. "President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy."

It’s still too early to know if the phone call achieved anything, but I thought a great summary of the situation is provided below, in this short interview with the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul.

Asked if he thinks Russia will invade, he says the CIA director doesn’t know, the U.S. doesn’t know, he (as an expert on Russia) doesn’t know, and more importantly, even Putin doesn’t know.

McFaul claims Russia is certainly prepared to invade, but reminds the audience that Putin plays up the unpredictability. It’s a great four-min video, if you have a moment.

Also, here’s an updated reminder of what an invasion could look like:

washingtonpost.com/national-secur… ","username":"RALee85","name":"Rob Lee","date":"Sat Dec 04 00:16:49 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FFuPWF...Rob Lee @RALee85"U.S. intelligence has found the Kremlin is planning a multi-front offensive as soon as early next year involving up to 175,000 troops" "The plans involve extensive movement of 100 battalion tactical groups with an estimated 175,000 personnel"washingtonpost.com/national-secur…

December 4th 2021

559 Retweets938 LikesRob Lee @RALee85The Ukrainian MoD graphic from late November showed 40 Russian BTGs near Ukraine's borders, but the US IC assesses there are now 50 (maybe they used different distances). 100 BTGs would be 2/3rds of Russia's total BTGs. There are also more units nearby not in the red areas. 2/

December 4th 2021

87 Retweets177 Likes

In other news, the U.S. showed China that it’s not messing around regarding human rights in the country of a billion people. Though it’s already being downplayed by the Chinese, this was a pretty big deal to me. And it could lead to other Western companies deciding to veer away from China. You can almost feel the momentum in the West turning against wanting to cooperate/build/invest in China.

BBC Breaking News @BBCBreakingUS announces diplomatic boycott of China's 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing US diplomats to boycott 2022 Beijing Winter OlympicsThe White House says no US diplomats will attend the games in China, over human rights concerns.bbc.in

December 6th 2021

799 Retweets2,505 Likes

Also, while we’re on the topic of China, I had meant to share this weeks ago, but rarely have the space. But here it is now, better late than never. And still relevant.

apne.ws/b43IwqB ","username":"AP","name":"The Associated Press","date":"Fri Sep 24 20:30:09 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...The Associated Press @APChina has the world's largest distant water fishing fleet.After decades of overfishing close to home, thousands of Chinese ships have pushed into the high seas off South America, stirring concerns about exhausting fish stocks and illegal fishing. apne.ws/b43IwqB

September 24th 2021

213 Retweets302 Likes

I haven’t mentioned India in a long time, but here’s one of the challenges that it (and the U.S.) faces as we try to wean countries off of Russian-made weapons.

@archchaudhary\n","username":"DerekJGrossman","name":"Derek J. Grossman","date":"Sun Dec 05 20:18:44 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":8,"like_count":23,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl... - Are you a robot?","description":null,"domain":"bloomberg.com"},"video_url":null}">Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanIndia’s continued dependence on ex-Soviet and Russian military equipment inherently circumscribes US military assistance and hence the overall defense relationship. It’ll take decades to reverse, if it ever happens at all. @archchaudharyBloomberg - Are you a robot?bloomberg.com

December 5th 2021

8 Retweets23 Likes

Moving along, this hasn’t been in the news in a while, but I doubt this is welcome news for the Saudis…

The Washington Post @washingtonpostFrench authorities detain suspect in 2018 killing of Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi France detains suspect in murder of Jamal Khashoggi at Paris airportKhaled al-Otaibi has been identified as part of the team believed to behind the columnist’s murder at the Saudi consulate.washingtonpost.com

December 7th 2021

54 Retweets212 Likes

Now for tech news, here were a couple of items worth sharing. First, this:

U.S. 5th Fleet @US5thFleetYesterday, NAVCENT's unmanned task force tested a MANTAS T-38 unmanned surface vessel as it sailed alongside USS Squall (PC 7) in the Arabian Gulf. Ongoing evaluations of new unmanned systems in U.S. 5th Fleet helps drive discovery, innovation and fleet integration.

December 5th 2021

51 Retweets197 Likes

And also this:

#thriller #AssassinsEdge #amwriting\nThe US Navy and the Future of Directed-Energy Weapons ","username":"wardlarsen","name":"Ward Larsen","date":"Fri Nov 19 18:51:18 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":5,"like_count":22,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://interestingengineering.com/th... Pew: The US Navy is Really Getting into Directed-Energy Weapons","description":"Directed-energy weapons promise a future of highly accurate, highly potent, and nearly unlimited firepower on the ground, sea, and in the air.","domain":"interestingengineering.com"},"video_url":null}">Ward Larsen @wardlarsenDE weapons are no longer science fiction. They’re here. They also play a part in my next book, Assassins Edge. Arrives 4.12.22!#thriller #AssassinsEdge #amwritingThe US Navy and the Future of Directed-Energy Weapons Pew Pew: The US Navy is Really Getting into Directed-Energy WeaponsDirected-energy weapons promise a future of highly accurate, highly potent, and nearly unlimited firepower on the ground, sea, and in the air.interestingengineering.com

November 19th 2021

5 Retweets22 Likes

Finally, before we wrap up, let’s end with some motivation!

CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7The race doesn’t always go to the swift but sometimes to the one that keeps running.

November 20th 2021

5 Retweets51 Likes#Motivation","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Tue Nov 16 14:00:32 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":76,"like_count":168,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_VideosYour belief in your success influences your power of persistence. It is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Having a confident expectation of success will make obstacles melt before your eyes.#Motivation

November 16th 2021

76 Retweets168 LikesCSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7

November 24th 2021

3 Retweets16 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

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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 12/3/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

We’ll begin this newsletter with the situation in Ukraine again. Not much has changed, which in itself is quite worrying given the ramped-up tensions already in the area. (If you want a look at what a second Russian invasion of Ukraine would look like, check out Tuesday’s newsletter. I covered that in depth.)

But The Economist pointed out that some military analysts predict an invasion might begin in January. (See article below.)

The Economist @TheEconomistThe 100,000 Russian troops massed near the border are more than mere theatre; Russia is setting up field hospitals and calling up its reserves The Ukrainian army has got better at fighting Russian-backed separatistsBut now war of a different kind loomsecon.st

December 1st 2021

75 Retweets105 Likes

The list of reasons for this are the following, according to the article:

The flat, muddy terrain of south-eastern Ukraine will be frozen solid by then, allowing Russian tanks to roll in. It is in the middle of the deployment cycle for the conscripts who make up much of Russia’s ground forces. And Russia may find itself with a pretext for invasion, since the new year has in the past brought front-line flare-ups in Ukraine’s war against Russian-backed separatists. Besides, the 100,000 Russian troops massed near the border are more than mere theatre; Russia is setting up field hospitals and calling up its reserves.

The article ends by saying that Putin is “probably bluffing.”

But the thing about Putin is you can never be sure.

And as stated below, Russia will often blame others for doing what it planned to do all along.

Alexander Marquardt @MarquardtABlinken warned of this on Tuesday, saying that part of Russia's "playbook is to attempt to create or manufacture a so-called provocation as justification for something Russia has been planning to do all along."

Olga Tokariuk @olgatokariuk

'Blinken is likely to warn NATO allies Wednesday that Putin may be preparing a ploy in which he falsely claims that Russian-backed forces have been attacked by Ukraine, as a pretext for taking action'https://t.co/TdZFvynj0X

December 1st 2021

73 Retweets122 Likes

One thing Russia ISN’T happy about are stories such, as this:

Department of Defense 🇺🇸 @DeptofDefenseNEWS: Aegis Ashore in Poland on Target for 2022Aegis Ashore in Poland on Target for 2022The Aegis Ashore capability planned for Poland is moving ahead and is scheduled to be operational by the end of next year, the program executive officer for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense said.defense.gov

November 19th 2021

65 Retweets225 Likes

Russia is increasingly frustrated with NATO’s westward expansion, but it’s Russia’s aggression that continues to fuel that push. As a reminder, American forces were leaving Europe in droves until Putin decided to get violent again, invading parts of Ukraine ten years ago, sending jets to Syria, etc.

In news that isn’t too big, but could end up becoming big, there was this today:

Blinken says Iran does not seem serious about returning to compliance with nuclear deal.

As a reminder, not only has Israel said it would never allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, but even U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the same article that “Washington will pursue other options if diplomacy fails.”

And finally, in news that shouldn’t surprise anyone, China continues to try to push around its neighbors.

Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanIndonesian lawmaker responds to Chinese threats in SCS: “Our reply was very firm, that we are not going to stop the drilling because it is our sovereign right.”EXCLUSIVE China protested Indonesian drilling, military exercisesChina told Indonesia to stop drilling for oil and natural gas in maritime territory that both countries regard as their own during a months-long standoff in the South China Sea earlier this year, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters.reuters.com

December 1st 2021

4 Retweets28 Likes

It’s actions such as these, and the one below, that continues to galvanize the world against China. (It didn’t have to be this way.)

Stan R. Mitchell, author @StanRMitchellGreen sky at night over Taiwan’s islands heralds a different kind of squid game Green sky at night over Taiwan’s islands heralds a different kind of squid gameChinese fishing boats mounted with green LED lights surround the Matsu chain, unnerving local residents.washingtonpost.com

October 16th 2021

1 Like

Moving along, in tech news, here were a couple of cool stories that I came across:

trib.al/d2YA6B3 ","username":"defense_news","name":"Defense News","date":"Wed Oct 20 17:26:45 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCKMLD...Defense News @defense_newsIsrael and South Korea to boost collaboration on loitering munitions trib.al/d2YA6B3

October 20th 2021

13 Retweets28 Likes

@armyfutures is hard at work looking for the #USArmy's next generation of combat vehicles!\n\nFrom robotic battle #tanks to other combat vehicles, their Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team is exploring ways to advance future #Soldier lethality.\n\n#ArmyTech ","username":"USArmy","name":"U.S. Army","date":"Sun Oct 24 22:06:01 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FCfyc6...U.S. Army @USArmy.@armyfutures is hard at work looking for the #USArmy's next generation of combat vehicles!From robotic battle #tanks to other combat vehicles, their Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team is exploring ways to advance future #Soldier lethality.#ArmyTech

October 24th 2021

230 Retweets904 Likes

Finally, before we end with some motivation, I came across the following below. As a huge fan of A-10 Warthogs, this just completely blew my mind.

Did you know that A-10s are great fighters against other aircraft if the confrontation is up close and personal? (Yeah, I didn’t either.)

#AvGeek #Aviation #USAF #Warthog ","username":"RealAirPower1","name":"Air Power🎄","date":"Sat Nov 27 16:42:39 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FFNufi...Air Power🎄 @RealAirPower1This badass A-10 has "killed" it all, including an F-16 AND an F-22 👀 Must have been a epic dogfight! #AvGeek #Aviation #USAF #Warthog

November 27th 2021

145 Retweets841 LikesAir Power🎄 @RealAirPower1At low speeds the A-10 can take on the best of the best, AND win. Check out this cool HUD video: F-16 vs A-10 Old-School DogfightConventional wisdom says slow attack jets like the A-10 can’t dogfight. Watch and learn ...youtu.be

November 27th 2021

8 Retweets70 Likes

Thanks for sticking around to the end. Here’s some motivation to round out your week:

CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7

December 1st 2021

8 Retweets19 Likes a.image2.image-link.image2-407-589 { display: inline; padding-bottom: 69.10016977928693%; padding-bottom: min(69.10016977928693%, 407px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-407-589 img { max-width: 589px; max-height: 407px; }

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

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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 11/30/21 dispatch.

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

This weeks’ big news continues to be the fear of large-scale wra in Ukraine. And while I typically cover quite a few topics, there’s a lot to share about the situation with Russia, so today’s newsletter will mostly focus on that.

As this perfectly-worded headline states, this truly is a big test for America right now.

James LaPorta @JimLaPortaThreat of Russian invasion of Ukraine tests Biden administration Threat of Russian invasion of Ukraine tests Biden administrationSecretary of State Antony Blinken left Monday on a trip to Europe and Washington is looking to consolidate a position among allies.washingtonpost.com

November 30th 2021

8 Likes

From the story above:

The White House is reviewing options to deter a feared Russian invasion of Ukraine, including providing more military aid to Kyiv and threatening sanctions, to dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from escalating the simmering conflict into a full-blown transatlantic crisis.

The deliberations come as President Biden and his aides prepare for a virtual call with Putin next month, a moment that analysts see as an opportunity to signal the costs of an invasion to the Kremlin but also present a path for reducing tension.

…

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said Russia had massed a “large and unusual concentration of forces in the region,” including tanks, artillery, armored units, drones and electronic warfare systems, as well as combat-ready troops. Ukraine says Russia has about 94,000 troops near the border.

NATO is already warning Russia not to invade.

Military.com @MilitarydotcomNATO Warns Russia to Avoid Costly Mistake in Ukraine NATO Warns Russia to Avoid Costly Mistake in UkraineNATO is worried about a Russian buildup of heavy equipment and troops near Ukraine’s northern border.military.com

November 30th 2021

3 Retweets13 Likes

From the military.com story:

The United States has shared intelligence with European allies warning of a possible invasion of Ukraine. European diplomats acknowledge the Russian troop movements, but some countries have played down the threat of any imminent invasion ordered by Moscow.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the NATO ministers will “together send an unmistakable message to the Russian government: NATO’s support for Ukraine is unbroken and its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty are not up for discussion.”

“Russia would have to pay a high price for any form of aggression,” Maas said. “Honest and sustainable de-escalation steps, which can only go via the route of talks, are all the more important now. I will not tire of stressing that the door to such talks is still open to Russia.”

Making this story a little more alarming was this news from Belarus, a neighbor of Ukraine and country closely allied to Russia (or at least its leaders are).

Tadeusz Giczan @TadeuszGiczanSeems like Belarusian military decided to go full Red Alert today. Apart from threatening Ukraine, Belarus Defence Ministry has just signed a memorandum on military cooperation with China and discussed joint plans with Chinese colleagues for 2022. Details are not disclosed.

November 29th 2021

91 Retweets197 LikesTadeusz Giczan @TadeuszGiczanReports are coming that as early as today the entire Belarusian 6th Tank Brigade is due to start moving from Grodno, where it is normally based, to the border with Ukraine.Belarus and Russia to hold exercise at the border with UkraineAccording to our information, a full tank brigade should depart from Folush.motolko.help

November 29th 2021

122 Retweets240 LikesTadeusz Giczan @TadeuszGiczanLukashenko has just promised that if there is a new war in Donbas, "Belarus will not stay aside. And it is clear whose side we will be on." Seems like this map from the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence Kyrylo Budanov is not that alarmist after all.

November 29th 2021

414 Retweets863 Likes

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All right, that was a lot about the situation in Russia, so we’ll move to a few other things before ending with some motivation.

In Iran, there’s been some unrest now over water shortages.

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Here’s more on that topic: Iran water: What's causing the shortages? - BBC News

Moving over to Afghanistan, there were a couple of stories of note there:

@margheritamvs⁩ ","username":"yarotrof","name":"Yaroslav Trofimov","date":"Sun Nov 28 14:47:21 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":140,"like_count":207,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.wsj.com/articles/taliban-... Covert Operatives Seized Kabul, Other Afghan Cities From Within","description":"Success of Kabul’s undercover network, loyal to the Haqqanis, changed balance of power within Taliban after U.S. withdrawal","domain":"wsj.com"},"video_url":null}">Yaroslav Trofimov @yarotrof“We had agents in every organization and department, even the office I’m occupying today.” Our look at the Taliban’s clandestine network of operatives - many of them clean-shaven and beyond suspicion - who took Kabul from the inside. W @margheritamvs⁩ Taliban Covert Operatives Seized Kabul, Other Afghan Cities From WithinSuccess of Kabul’s undercover network, loyal to the Haqqanis, changed balance of power within Taliban after U.S. withdrawalwsj.com

November 28th 2021

140 Retweets207 Likes

And also this one:

washingtonpost.com/world/2021/11/…\nw @khan_haq & @EzzatMehrdad","username":"sgreports","name":"susannah george","date":"Sat Nov 27 19:43:30 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":5,"like_count":12,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/... sends hundreds of fighters to eastern Afghanistan to wage war against Islamic State","description":"The escalating, brutal fight in Nangahar province risks overstretching limited Taliban resources and further alienating many Afghans.","domain":"washingtonpost.com"},"video_url":null}">susannah george @sgreportsCheck out the whole story here:washingtonpost.com/world/2021/11/…w @khan_haq & @EzzatMehrdadTaliban sends hundreds of fighters to eastern Afghanistan to wage war against Islamic StateThe escalating, brutal fight in Nangahar province risks overstretching limited Taliban resources and further alienating many Afghans.washingtonpost.com

November 27th 2021

5 Retweets12 Likes

Sadly, there was also this: The Taliban executed scores of Afghan security forces members after surrender, HRW report alleges.

And the country remains on the verge of economic collapse. UN envoy: Afghanistan on brink of `humanitarian catastrophe.'

All right, apologies that today’s newsletter was filled with anxiety-producing and sad news.

Let’s end with some motivation:

#Life","username":"IMQuotes_Videos","name":"Inspired Motivation Quotes","date":"Sun Nov 28 15:00:00 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":186,"like_count":423,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null}">Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos6 Things to always remember:1) Everything takes time.2) Other people are not the answer to your happiness.3) Grow and never stop working on yourself.4) Change is inevitable.5) Your mistakes don’t define you.6) You are a beautiful, powerful being, capable of so much.#Life

November 28th 2021

186 Retweets423 Likes

And also one thing, a blast from the past if you will !

I’m sharing this because you need to see this photo today. And because Top Gun back in the day helped convince me and half of the dudes I served with to sign up.

(I learned, much to my sadness, that real vets don't play vollebyall wearing dog tags though... lol)

#AvGeek #Aviation #USNavy #Tomcatat50 #TOPGUN ","username":"RealAirPower1","name":"Air Power","date":"Tue Nov 30 15:12:51 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FFc2tV...Air Power @RealAirPower1Can you feel the photo? An F-14A from VF-211 "Fighting Checkmates" (Circa 1976). Via Rick Alvarez (on Facebook). #AvGeek #Aviation #USNavy #Tomcatat50 #TOPGUN

November 30th 2021

20 Retweets90 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

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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 11/26/21 dispatch.

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Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

As a quick thank you to my readers, I wanted to share this:

#NickWoods thriller, and a third #DannyAcuff novel. ","username":"StanRMitchell","name":"Stan R. Mitchell, USMC","date":"Thu Nov 25 14:31:00 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FFC7fo...Stan R. Mitchell, USMC @StanRMitchellThree-mile run to kick off Thanksgiving! So thankful for health, family, friends, supporters, and readers out there. I’ve been working hard on my craft and will probably drop three books next year. A leadership book, a fifth #NickWoods thriller, and a third #DannyAcuff novel.

November 25th 2021

1 Retweet7 Likes

And now let’s get to the good stuff.

The concerns of a Russian re-invasion of Ukraine remain strong. (I say “re-invasion” because Russia has already invaded once in the past few years.)

I thought this video was a great look (and description) into what the front-line of part of the front currently looks like.

bbc.in/3DTMyW2 ","username":"BBCWorld","name":"BBC News (World)","date":"Thu Nov 25 09:10:41 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://cdn.substack.com/image/upload...BBC News (World) @BBCWorldRussian troops building on the border with eastern Ukraine has led to speculation over an invasionbbc.in/3DTMyW2

November 25th 2021

133 Retweets291 Likes

Staying on the topic of Russia, this isn’t exactly surprising news, but it’s certainly somewhat concerning news.

Derek J. Grossman @DerekJGrossmanRussian DM: “China and Russia have been strategic partners for many years…Today, in conditions of increasing geopolitical turbulence and growing conflict potential in various parts of the world, the development of our interaction is especially relevant.”Russia, China sign roadmap for closer military cooperation | AP NewsMOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s defense chief on Tuesday signed a roadmap for closer military ties with China, pointing to increasingly frequent U.S. strategic bomber flights near both countries’ borders. During a video call, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe “expressed a …apnews.com

November 25th 2021

22 Retweets33 Likes

One final thing on the topic of Russia. This has come out, as well.

John Hudson @John_HudsonSCOOP: CIA Director Bill Burns warns Russian spies of “consequences” if they are behind “Havana Syndrome” incidents 1/ CIA director warns Russian spies of ‘consequences’ if they are behind ‘Havana Syndrome’ incidentsWilliam J. Burns said that causing debilitating aliments among U.S. personnel and their family members would be beyond the pale for a “professional intelligence service.”washingtonpost.com

November 24th 2021

256 Retweets680 Likes

But an important reminder on this subject, and just how crazy this story remains…

John Hudson @John_HudsonThe fact that Burns formulated the warning by saying “if” suggests that after four years of investigations across multiple administrations, the U.S. government remains unable to determine a cause of the unusual incidents. 3/

November 24th 2021

17 Retweets97 Likes

Now we’re going to move to a topic that’s a bit hard for me to share. I am as patriotic as one can be.

I’ve raised my right hand to voluntarily enlist, I’ve DEMANDED to be guaranteed infantry (even threatening to join the Army if the Marine Corps couldn’t find a slot), and I went back to serve after fulfilling my commitment after 9/11 because I thought my limited combat experience in 1997 might help a force that had NO combat experience in 2001. (Just to save you some research, here are the two questions everyone always asks: The details of my military career. Also, Tell us about your Combat Action Ribbon. What’s the story behind it?)

I only share all of this as a pre-amble because I try to be pro-military. I try to be as rah-rah as possible when our nation says “go.” And I always try to support our military leaders.

But we must be clear. Our military leaders often fail those on the ground. They often fail the families back home.

And the story below is one of the most sickening things I’ve read or heard about in some time.

Here’s just a couple of small parts of it:

“3212: UN-REDACTED,” the culmination of years of investigative reporting by ABC News’ James Gordon Meek, pieces together a story that’s entirely at odds with the Pentagon’s version of events of what happened that day in Tongo Tongo. A story of soldiers who followed orders from senior officers who were continents away, after concerns about the mission’s safety voiced by the commander on the ground were overruled. A story about families who say they were deeply misled by Army officials and lied to on a number of occasions. A story about senior military officials who sought to cover their tracks and allowed more junior leaders to take the fall for the mission’s outcome — including an Army officer who was back in the United States with his wife while his baby daughter was being born.

You really have to read this one:

@meekwire @ABC of the 2017 Niger ambush, now on Hulu... \n","username":"halbritz","name":"Haley Britzky","date":"Wed Nov 17 16:05:33 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":40,"like_count":99,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-... were painted as rogue Green Berets. This is the truth the Pentagon doesn’t want you to hear","description":"“They didn’t care that there was no backup for those boys.”","domain":"taskandpurpose.com"},"video_url":null}">Haley Britzky @halbritz“The Army let me down. They let my son down. And then they lied about it.”There is *a lot* to learn and discuss in "3212: UN-REDACTED," the result of a years-long investigation by @meekwire @ABC of the 2017 Niger ambush, now on Hulu... They were painted as rogue Green Berets. This is the truth the Pentagon doesn’t want you to hear“They didn’t care that there was no backup for those boys.”taskandpurpose.com

November 17th 2021

40 Retweets99 Likes

And I hope investigations by Congress are opened and heads roll for this kind of despicable conduct.

The military leadership not only mis-directed who was actually to blame, and they not only got great men killed on a beyond-stupid mission, but the military also smeared at least two great officers, who were actually in the right.

As one father of a fallen soldier said:

I was left with the impression that this guy (the commanding officer of the unit) was a screw-up who carried my son off and got him killed.” 

“That’s what I was led to believe,” the father said. “And I think that’s probably the biggest injustice … I walked around pissed off for a year and my anger was directed towards somebody that was completely innocent of what they told me he did.” 

The father is referring to his son’s commander who strenuously objected to the very dangerous mission of the unit that was already exhausted and pushed to the limit after days of chasing false reports. The worst part is that the unit was eventually not even supported by an American unit that was supposed to have been involved.

These men were left hanging out to dry and the military defamed them as a bunch of gung-ho cowboys acting recklessly. It’s beyond shameful.

You really need to read the article. Here’s the link again:

They were painted as rogue Green Berets. This is the truth the Pentagon doesn’t want you to hear. “They didn’t care that there was no backup for those boys.”

Okay, deep breath. I need to let that go. Sort of, but not really.

Nonetheless, let’s end on a much better note, since the vast majority of the military is not like that described above.

I wanted to share this short clip to help remind everyone of the tremendous example that the vast majority of men and women in our armed forces attempt to uphold every single day.

Marine Corps Reserve @MarForResFinal HonorsMarines, family, and friends pay their final respects to Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. Duane E. Dewey, and his late spouse at a funeral service and ceremony in Florida, Nov. 16, 2021.

November 24th 2021

83 Retweets396 Likes

And before we end this post, let’s share some wisdom and motivation:

a.image2.image-link.image2-405-578 { padding-bottom: 69.93288590604027%; padding-bottom: min(69.93288590604027%, 404.21208053691277px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-405-578 img { max-width: 578px; max-height: 404.21208053691277px; } a.image2.image-link.image2-392-572 { padding-bottom: 68.40052015604682%; padding-bottom: min(68.40052015604682%, 391.2509752925878px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-392-572 img { max-width: 572px; max-height: 391.2509752925878px; } CSM Nicholas M. Curry @realPatriot_7

November 24th 2021

3 Retweets16 Likes

That’s it for this post. And as a reminder, please be kind and endeavor to love and support your fellow Americans:

a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 { padding-bottom: 121.55688622754491%; padding-bottom: min(121.55688622754491%, 636.9580838323353px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-637-524 img { max-width: 524px; max-height: 636.9580838323353px; }

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 11/23/21 dispatch.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start and that you have some good Thanksgiving plans coming up!

We’ll start with plenty of bullet points on the massing of Russian troops on the Ukranian border.

First, this.

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From the story:

Clint Watts @selectedwisdom

November 22nd 2021

50 Retweets95 Likes

And this is a look at what it could be like if Putin gave the “go” signal.

Dara Massicot @MassDaraIf this assessment is true— and as someone who lived this at the pentagon in 2014- Javelins, drones, pictures of pallets of bullets delivered, saying the words “ironclad”, will not stop a force like this, if it moves. The choices are now go all in, or find the off-ramp.

November 21st 2021

252 Retweets773 Likes

Finally, here’s some additional details about the situations and options the United States has.

#Ukraine's eastern border, the #Biden administration may providing #Kyiv with battlefield intelligence. #NATO #Russia #Military\n","username":"Robert4787","name":"Robert Morton","date":"Sat Nov 20 22:13:08 +0000 2021","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":15,"like_count":19,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://thehill.com/opinion/internati... Russia about to make a ‘serious mistake’ in Ukraine?","description":"Now is probably not the best time to be breathless about the risk of increased Russian threats in Ukraine.","domain":"thehill.com"},"video_url":null}">Robert Morton @Robert4787With some 100,000 Russian troops now massed on #Ukraine's eastern border, the #Biden administration may providing #Kyiv with battlefield intelligence. #NATO #Russia #MilitaryIs Russia about to make a ‘serious mistake’ in Ukraine?Now is probably not the best time to be breathless about the risk of increased Russian threats in Ukraine.thehill.com

November 20th 2021

15 Retweets19 Likes

I know that was a lot to take in about the threats from Russia, so here’s some lighter news on the China tensions:

RAND Corporation @RANDCorporation"Is it possible Xi is plotting a sneak attack [on Taiwan]? Sure, but thus far, there is no evidence that he is, and what we do know speaks to the contrary." Taiwan Is Safe Until at Least 2027, but with One Big CaveatAlthough Chinese President Xi Jinping clearly seeks to bring Taiwan to heel, and by force if necessary, he also continues to promote “peaceful reunification” as Beijing’s preferred means. Xi likely would have toughened up his language by now if he thought war was a real possibility.bit.ly

November 20th 2021

16 Retweets25 Likes

However, this was a little concerning.

a.image2.image-link.image2-501-607 { padding-bottom: 82.53706754530478%; padding-bottom: min(82.53706754530478%, 501px); width: 100%; height: 0; } a.image2.image-link.image2-501-607 img { max-width: 607px; max-height: 501px; } cdn.cnn.com/cnn/2021/image… ","username":"ProfTalmadge","name":"ProfTalmadge","date":"Fri Nov 19 19:15:38 +0000 2021","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FElEwR...ProfTalmadge @ProfTalmadgeFor anyone interested, Milley's "days if not weeks" line is from this document earlier this year, p. 4. cdn.cnn.com/cnn/2021/image…

November 19th 2021

2 Likes

Moving along, in military news, there was this push back from the federal government regarding the Oklahoma National Guard not having to get vaccinated.

WATE 6 On Your Side @6NewsUS Army Secretary: National Guard members who refuse vaccine will not ‘continue service’ US Army Secretary: National Guard members who refuse vaccine will not ‘continue service’U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth this week warned members of the National Guard that they may be barred from “continued service” if they refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19.trib.al

November 20th 2021

1 Retweet8 Likes

Moving to an area of operations that we just departed, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command elaborated some on the situation in Afghanistan, saying in part:

"I don't see them as a partner — I'll just be frank," Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, said Friday at the annual Halifax International Security Forum event in Nova Scotia, Canada. "I think we have an interest from the U.S. perspective that the ISIS threat that is in Afghanistan is disrupted, that it can't roost [so that it could actually affect one of our nations. But I wouldn't, as we look at the Taliban, I don't think they're an entity, today, that should be ... a counterterrorism partner."

He also discussed the situation in the country and what options and strategies the United States have for the recently-departed country. Full story below, and well worth the read:

Department of Defense 🇺🇸 @DeptofDefenseNEWS: Socom Commander Says Taliban Aren't Counterterrorism Partners in AfghanistanSocom Commander Says Taliban ArenFollowing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of August, the only semblance of government remaining there is the Taliban. But the Taliban are not partners in defeating terrorism there, thego.usa.gov

November 22nd 2021

33 Retweets123 Likes

Now jumping to tech news, there was this:

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeThe U.S. Navy and Boeing conducted ground testing of the MQ-25 Stingray at Chambers Field onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aerial refueling aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sam Jenkins)

November 22nd 2021

1 Retweet16 Likes

Finally, let’s end with some motivation.

First, this:

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Plus, this:

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And finally this:

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That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we depart that I’d like to provide a gentle reminder that we all need to be more kind 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.

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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.