Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-26-22.
Hello everybody, this is Stan R. Mitchell and you’re listening to The View from the Front podcast, a show about military matters happening around the world, followed by some motivation at the end of each episode! Because who doesn’t need all the motivation they can get?! At least once or twice a week!
Every Tuesday and Friday, I discuss military and defense news, as well as some history, motivation, and wisdom. (And I do all of this from a moderate perspective.)
I am your host, and I’m a prior infantry Marine, who dropped the sword and picked up the pen. After joining the Marine Corps at the age of 17 to serve four years in the infantry, I exited military service, earned a degree, and spent ten years as a journalist, learning about our government and how it works.
I went on to become an author and have written eleven books to date, and now I’m here, a twice-a-week podcaster, who’s still in love with both this country and the news. And I see this podcast as a small way to continue serving our country, doing my best to inform and unite us in a time that we’re as divided as we’ve probably been in a hundred years.
Thanks so much for joining us today! I really enjoy talking about military matters and motivation, and I truly am honored that you’re here.
I will also say our democracy doesn’t work if we don’t have informed voters, and that I think foreign-policy decisions are the most important decisions that we face as a country.
They lead to greater consequences: more deaths, higher spending, etc. Foreign policy decisions can be tragic and heartbreaking, and it’s important that we get them right. And when we get them wrong, such as we did in Vietnam, then the faster we course correct, the faster we can reduce how many lives we lose.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do think much can be gained from discussing this, and creating a community where we all talk about these issues twice a week and do our best to make the correct decisions.
What follows are the source notes for this podcast. I apologize that I don’t have time to type up well-written, full episodes as I used to do. I’m still working a full-time job and squeezing in my research and recording the episodes as best I can. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to do full write-ups, as well.
Source notes follow below, with subject heading in bold. (I again apologize for not being able to do full write-ups at this time.):
Ukraine:
Rob Lee @RALee85The official # for servicemen in the Russian military was previously more than 1 million but the actual size was ~850k. There is no easy way for Russia to increase its size at this point, other than simply declaring LDNR, Wagner, or volunteer units part of the Russian military. Liveuamap @Liveuamap
Putin signed a decree to increase number of servicemen in Armed Forces of Russia to 1.15 million(adding 137000) https://t.co/pM5e0DqHV1 https://t.co/BJHeGS6pBKAugust 25th 2022
289 Retweets1,224 LikesLink to thread by retired General Mick Ryan.
Mick Ryan, AM @WarintheFuture3/ The most important observation is that there are still those who believe war is the best way to get what they want. This is an old idea, as ancient as human societies. There are always those who want what others have. So too it goes with nations & their leaders.August 23rd 2022
23 Retweets259 Likes#ukraine ","username":"ford_nik","name":"🌻Dr. Nik Ford🌻","date":"Tue Jun 07 22:04:14 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FUrpVp...
🌻Dr. Nik Ford🌻 @ford_nikThis is how the 58th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are sleeping at the front to be as safe as possible. Please help support the soldiers. Link threaded below! #ukraine 
June 7th 2022
5 Retweets30 Likes@sofmagpublisher @173rdAbnBde sofmag.com/jumping-into-c… ","username":"SpencerGuard","name":"John Spencer","date":"Mon Aug 22 23:28:03 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FazU-Q...
John Spencer @SpencerGuardThis photo of my unit became synonymous w/the soldier's load. Every soldier had over a 100 lbs ruck (all weighed on the airfield). Read about the challenges of that night/morning in the excerpt of my book posted today @sofmagpublisher @173rdAbnBde sofmag.com/jumping-into-c… 
August 22nd 2022
88 Retweets664 Likes@StanRMitchell Fakers gonna fake. And the respect SEALs have to Devil Dogs is real. And respect is earned, not given. Been in some tough, tough spots with Marines. And I’m still here-- because of them, Stay frosty, brother.","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Wed Aug 17 19:55:19 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":0,"like_count":2,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrer@StanRMitchell Fakers gonna fake. And the respect SEALs have to Devil Dogs is real. And respect is earned, not given. Been in some tough, tough spots with Marines. And I’m still here-- because of them, Stay frosty, brother.August 17th 2022
2 Likes@CedricLeighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country. Watch:\n","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Fri Aug 26 00:42:30 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":38,"like_count":94,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://cnn.it/3Raa4Vg","im... Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is stopping Ukraine’s advance. Retired Colonel explains why - CNN Video","description":"Retired Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country.","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
CNN @CNNRetired Air Force Col. @CedricLeighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country. Watch:
Video: Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is stopping Ukraine’s advance. Retired Colonel explains why - CNN VideoRetired Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton says the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant held by Russia is essentially stopping Ukraine’s advance in the southern part of the country.cnn.itAugust 26th 2022
38 Retweets94 Likes@DeptofDefense announced today approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). (1/2) ","username":"PentagonPresSec","name":"Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder","date":"Wed Aug 24 18:51:34 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa8pQd...
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder @PentagonPresSecToday, Ukraine’s Independence Day, the @DeptofDefense announced today approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). (1/2) 
August 24th 2022
57 Retweets211 Likes
KyivPost @KyivPostIn Zelensky’s latest address on Tuesday evening, August 23, the Ukrainian President spoke about Independence Day and the desire to retake all Ukrainian territories currently being occupied by Russia. Read more on our website. 
READ: Zelensky’s Latest Daily Address - KyivPost - Ukraine’s Global VoiceIn Zelensky’s latest address on Tuesday evening, August 23, the Ukrainian President spoke about… - Aug. 24, 2022. By Kyiv Postkyivpost.comAugust 24th 2022
68 Retweets356 Likes
Visegrád 24 @visegrad24President Erdogan says that Russia is required by international law to leave Crimea and give it back to Ukraine.🇹🇷🇺🇦 August 23rd 2022
3,624 Retweets18,837 Likes
Patrick FoxOpportunity in Operational Command SouthThe Kherson front in Ukrainian Operational Command South (OCS) has been largely overshadowed in media reporting by Russian activity in the Donbas region, with its brutal artillery barrages, heavy casualties, and modest gains for assaulting Russian army forces. However, it is at Kherson that Ukraine has a genuine chanc…Read more2 days ago · 1 like · Patrick FoxChina: 
Ken Dilanian @KenDilanianNBC“In this scenario, China would attempt to subdue Taiwan by choking it and its 23 million people in a ring of ships and aircraft, cutting it off physically, economically and even digitally.” 
How China Could Choke TaiwanChina is honing its ability to blockade Taiwan, giving Beijing the option of cutting off the self-ruled island in its campaign to take control of it.nytimes.comAugust 25th 2022
8 Retweets8 LikesFrom the story (hat tip to David Mitchell):
dlvr.it/RQ8hxN ","username":"onlmaps","name":"OnlMaps","date":"Sun Feb 16 19:04:05 +0000 2020","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/EQ61di...
Taiwan’s geography leaves it vulnerable to a blockade. Its population, industry and ports are concentrated on its western flank, closest to China.
China could impose a blockade, by sending ships and submarines to prevent vessels from entering or leaving Taiwan’s ports. It could use warplanes and missiles to dominate the skies.
OnlMaps @onlmapsPopulation density map of Taiwan dlvr.it/RQ8hxN 
February 16th 2020
5 Retweets23 LikesSyria:centcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMEN… ","username":"CENTCOM","name":"U.S. Central Command","date":"Wed Aug 24 02:16:39 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa5FV0...
U.S. Central Command @CENTCOMStatement Regarding Precision Strikes in Syriacentcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMEN… 
August 24th 2022
718 Retweets1,507 Likescentcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RE… ","username":"CENTCOM","name":"U.S. Central Command","date":"Wed Aug 24 23:58:46 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa9vfo...U.S. Central Command @CENTCOMCENTCOM forces respond to attempted coordinated rocket attacksat Conoco, Green Village bases in northeast Syriacentcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RE… 
August 24th 2022
145 Retweets315 Likes
Jennifer Griffin @JenGriffinFNCBackground on US airstrikes targeting Iranian backed militias in Syria in past 24 hours 
US airstrikes target Iran-backed militia in eastern SyriaBEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. military said early Wednesday it carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria that targeted areas used by militias backed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and activist collective Deir Ezzor 24 said the airst…apnews.comAugust 24th 2022
32 Retweets53 LikesQuestions are good.
Idrees Ali @idreesali114It’s a good question: what is the vital U.S. national security interest in having 900 troops in Syria? https://t.co/86vNgEYhYqConnor O'Brien @connorobrienNH
Of note from Sen. Chris Murphy’s statement on US strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria: “It is past time for a rethink about the wisdom of having so many Americans so thinly spread across the region.” https://t.co/KZ7RvWyYGzAugust 26th 2022
5 Retweets12 Likes
Connor O'Brien @connorobrienNHOf note from Sen. Chris Murphy’s statement on US strikes against Iran-backed forces in Syria: “It is past time for a rethink about the wisdom of having so many Americans so thinly spread across the region.” 
August 25th 2022
27 Retweets103 LikesAfghanistan:
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellAn important reminder. Never forget. 
August 26th 2022
And if you missed the previous podcast, where I talk about the Afghanistan withdrawal and you can actually hear the emotion in my voice, see below (or go to this link):
Stan R. Mitchell @StanRMitchellIt's been one year since America withdrew from Afghanistan. I talk about this thorny, emotional topic at length in Friday's podcast. What did I get wrong? Or right? Would love to hear your thoughts. 
Stan R. Mitchell: The view from the front podcast for 8-19-22.My latest podcast of military and defense news (plus, some history, motivation, and wisdom).stanrmitchell.substack.com
August 21st 2022
Bonus material:
Task & Purpose @TaskandPurposeNukes seem like something you don't want to be missing, but the US is missing 6 of them
The US military is still missing 6 nuclear weapons that were lost decades agoThe U.S. military had 32 nuclear accidents during the Cold War, and several nuclear weapons remain unaccounted for.taskandpurpose.comAugust 26th 2022
14 Retweets24 LikesThe US military is still missing 6 nuclear weapons that were lost decades ago
@AmbJohnBolton, tells CNN’s @jaketapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration. Watch: ","username":"CNN","name":"CNN","date":"Wed Aug 17 22:43:11 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":18,"like_count":61,"expanded_url":{"url":"https://cnn.it/3AtxGOU","im... ‘State terrorism of an unprecedented level’: Bolton on Iran - CNN Video","description":"John Bolton, a former National Security Advisor in the Trump White House, tells CNN’s Jake Tapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration.","domain":"cnn.it"},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">CNN @CNNFormer Trump national security advisor @AmbJohnBolton, tells CNN’s @jaketapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration. Watch: 
Watch: ‘State terrorism of an unprecedented level’: Bolton on Iran - CNN VideoJohn Bolton, a former National Security Advisor in the Trump White House, tells CNN’s Jake Tapper why he believes Iran’s threats against Americans should be handled aggressively by the Biden administration.cnn.itAugust 17th 2022
18 Retweets61 Likes
Defense News @defense_newsThe $64 million package of weapons makes Britain a leading donor to Ukraine. 
New British aid package for Ukraine includes micro-dronesThe $64 million package of weapons makes Britain a leading donor to Ukraine.defensenews.comAugust 25th 2022
6 Retweets19 Likesnytimes.com/live/2022/08/2… ","username":"nycjim","name":"Jim Roberts","date":"Fri Aug 26 11:05:44 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/FbFRzJ...
Jim Roberts @nycjimThe U.S. State Department and Yale identify 21 detention/deportation sites in Russian-controlled territory.*Satellite images show signs of mass graves.nytimes.com/live/2022/08/2… 
August 26th 2022
402 Retweets586 Likes@alexbward Among the goodies: Six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) with additional munitions for NASAMS. ","username":"ChuckPfarrer","name":"Chuck Pfarrer","date":"Wed Aug 24 18:49:38 +0000 2022","photos":[{"img_url":"https://pbs.substack.com/media/Fa8oy4...Chuck Pfarrer @ChuckPfarrer@alexbward Among the goodies: Six additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) with additional munitions for NASAMS. 
August 24th 2022
2 Retweets29 LikesMotivation and wisdom:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Your thoughts shape your future."August 25th 2022
145 Retweets769 Likes
Daily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"A disciplined mind brings happiness."- BuddhaAugust 25th 2022
13 Retweets79 LikesDaily Dose of Philosophy @PhilosophyDose_"You are what you do, not what you say you'll do."- Carl JungAugust 20th 2022
311 Retweets1,494 Likes
billionaire_Secrets @bilionaire_sec"It's never too late to become what you might have been."August 25th 2022
20 Retweets84 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Wake up with energy and optimism. New opportunities are waiting for you today.August 24th 2022
159 Retweets648 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Always be kinder than you feel."August 24th 2022
246 Retweets1,427 Likes
Life Quotes @RTLifeQuotesI don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously. - Ray BradburyAugust 24th 2022
15 Retweets55 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_Don't chase, don't beg, don't stress, don't be desperate, just relax. When you relax, it will come to you. Make your wants want you.August 24th 2022
234 Retweets994 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Never feel sorry for yourself. Greatness is in you."August 20th 2022
473 Retweets2,545 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"You're always one decision away from a totally different life."August 20th 2022
663 Retweets3,044 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Believe in your vision no matter what anyone else says."August 20th 2022
666 Retweets2,595 LikesSuccess Minded @_SuccessMinded_You weren't born to just pay bills and die... Live up to your fullest potentialAugust 19th 2022
373 Retweets1,533 Likes@StanRMitchell Aloha and perfect pronunciation. The line is attributable to one helluva Warrior Leader @PMEHardTrox \nHere’s one for next week, “worry about your disposition and not your position.” \nGreat stuff this week. Continue to do great deeds and endure. #SemperFi","username":"aaspadaro","name":"Anthony Spadaro","date":"Wed Aug 24 19:23:19 +0000 2022","photos":[],"quoted_tweet":{},"retweet_count":1,"like_count":1,"expanded_url":{},"video_url":null,"belowTheFold":true}">
Anthony Spadaro @aaspadaro@StanRMitchell Aloha and perfect pronunciation. The line is attributable to one helluva Warrior Leader @PMEHardTrox Here’s one for next week, “worry about your disposition and not your position.” Great stuff this week. Continue to do great deeds and endure. #SemperFiAugust 24th 2022
1 Retweet1 LikeAnd then I always like to end with this one:
Success Minded @_SuccessMinded_"Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people."August 21st 2022
354 Retweets1,398 LikesAnd with that, thanks for joining us this week on The View from the Front.
Make sure to visit our website, stanrmitchell.substack.com, again, that’s stanrmitchell.substack.com. From there, you can subscribe to the show by email or in iTunes, Stitcher, or your other favorite channel, so you’ll never miss a show.
While you’re at it, if you found value in this show, we’d appreciate a rating on iTunes – or if you’d simply tell a friend about the show, that would help us out too. And if you really want to really show us some love, throw a few bucks in the hat by subscribing. That will get you the Tuesday edition without the one-day delay, and it’ll also help us grow and improve the show. And if you dig military matters as much as me, make sure you check out my books. You can find all 11 of them on Amazon.
Semper Fidelis,
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I’ve written a CIA/Marine sniper series, a detective series, a private investigator series, an action-packed Western, a motivational/biography book about President Obama, and two realistic war novels: one about World War II and one about Afghanistan.
