It's a Midrats Free For All!
drone trucks > taco food trucks?
Mark and I are back from most of May taking care of business!
Time for a MIDRATS!
You can listen at this link, or via the Spotify widget below.
Show Links
Pentagon chief tells Asian allies: Raise defence spending to 5% of GDP like Europe
Claude Berube on OSS developing deep strike drone boats against Japanese bridges and tunnels in WW2
The Atlantic on Who Killed America’s Shipbuilding Industry?
Navy Secretary "Shocked and Dismayed" at Condition of Base Housing on Guam
Summary
In this episode, Sal and Mark discuss the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine War, focusing on Ukraine's innovative strategies and the implications for modern warfare. They explore the role of AI in military operations, the importance of strategic home porting, and the vulnerabilities in military infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the future of U.S. defense spending and the need to revitalize America's shipbuilding industry.
Takeaways
The Ukraine conflict has highlighted innovative military strategies.
AI is becoming increasingly integrated into modern warfare.
Strategic home porting is essential for national security.
Military infrastructure vulnerabilities need urgent attention.
Dispersing military assets can reduce risk in conflict scenarios.
Revitalizing shipbuilding is crucial for military readiness.
Simplifying the acquisition process can enhance military capabilities.
Caring for military personnel is a priority for effective defense.
Lessons from Ukraine can inform future military strategies.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Overview of Current Events
02:11: Analysis of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
06:35: Technological Advancements in Warfare
12:18: Strategic Homeporting and Military Vulnerabilities
18:42: Lessons from Historical Military Engagements
24:51: Infrastructure and Operational Challenges
32:09: Rebuilding Naval Bases and Infrastructure
34:39: Hardening National Defense and Infrastructure
36:08: Geopolitical Concerns: China and Russia
40:18: Shipbuilding Industry Challenges and Innovations
46:13: Defense Spending and Budget Allocation
50:36: Leadership and Accountability in Defense Programs
53:32: The Future of Warfare and Military Strategy
The Ukraine vs Russia will be the new Palestine vs Israel a war that will never go away.
It will heat up, people will die and then it will cool off. We need to back off and let one or the other end it decisively.
In regards the Ukraine drone attack
https://xcancel.com/Rebel44CZ/status/1929147704141119911#m or https://x.com/Rebel44CZ/status/1929147704141119911
Parking military aircraft out in the open has to stop. No idea how much it will cost to build even simple hangers let alone ones that are hardened to withstand attack, but they have to be built.
Because, with the possible exception of remote bases like Diego Garcia, every airbase can have a container of drones launch from a mile or two (or 10) away and no realistic way to detect them before launch
Of course a) we should have known about this possibility from the wars in Syria a decade or so ago and b) this doesn't just apply to the US it also 100% applies to both Taiwan and West Taiwan.
Regarding the latter. Not even the Chicoms can hope to inspect every container that arrives in their ports, not can they possibly track them reliably. Nor can they inspect them far enough away from sensitive military bases to stop attacks.