CDR Salamander

CDR Salamander delves into national security, focusing on maritime and naval challenges, with insights into historical and potential conflicts, defense strategies, and leadership accountability. It critiques military preparedness, strategy, and commitments amid geopolitical tensions, offering perspectives on global naval power dynamics, defense industry issues, and diversity in military priorities.

National Security Maritime and Naval Challenges Military Strategy and Preparedness Leadership and Accountability Geopolitical Tensions Defense Industry and Military Capabilities Diversity and Inclusion in the Military

The hottest Substack posts of CDR Salamander

And their main takeaways

The Costs of War at Sea

1650 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Warfare History
  1. Large war at sea is inevitable and will have significant costs in terms of lives and resources.
  2. When war erupts, naval and air battles in the Pacific will be intense and potentially overwhelming.
  3. The historical context of war at sea highlights the challenging nature of such conflicts and the need for readiness and action.

Fullbore Friday

1100 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History World War I Navy Military American history
  1. The author pays tribute to their grandfathers who served in the Navy during WWI.
  2. The post reflects on the American effort in WWI and the importance of humility.
  3. Acknowledgement is given to the author's grandfathers and their fellow servicemen.
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Restore Factory Settings at The Pentagon

1650 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Leadership Security Policy
  1. The Secretary of Defense's lack of transparency about his serious medical complications caused controversy and confusion among Pentagon officials and congressional leaders.
  2. Important government officials were not notified promptly about the Secretary of Defense's hospitalization, raising concerns about the management of critical information and decision-making during his absence.
  3. There are calls for the Secretary of Defense to resign due to the breach of trust and lack of transparency surrounding his medical condition, highlighting the importance of trust and accountability in leadership positions.

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military Security International relations NATO
  1. Germany is facing a security challenge due to political issues more than industry problems.
  2. Europe struggles to defend against threats with minimal naval power from major Continental European nations.
  3. The lack of military strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, poses significant challenges due to demographic shifts, political disruptions, and economic factors.

Fullbore Friday

1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Military World War II Awards
  1. The article discusses a submarine mission during World War II targeting a Japanese cruiser.
  2. The crew faced challenges like cramped conditions, faulty equipment, and the risk of being detected by the enemy.
  3. Despite these difficulties, the crew successfully completed the mission, showcasing bravery and teamwork.

Fullbore Friday

1002 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History War Military World War II Navy
  1. USS Arkansas (BB-33) had a remarkable service history through two World Wars with only one casualty.
  2. Arkansas provided important gunfire support during key events like the invasion of Normandy and Operation 'Anvil'.
  3. The pilots of VCS-7, a US Navy Spotter Squadron, transitioned from float planes to flying Supermarine Spitfires during combat operations.

The CNO Stated Her Priorities

1179 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military National Security
  1. The CNO emphasized the importance of understanding the growing strength of the PRC over the years.
  2. Numbers are crucial, and there needs to be a more open conversation about the implications of the evolving naval landscape.
  3. The CNO provided a clear and focused direction while highlighting specific areas of attention.

Diversity Thursday

923 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies
  1. Naval War College emphasizes Gender Studies as part of a broader political project
  2. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program is deeply integrated into the curriculum at NWC
  3. The political project initiated in the Obama Administration continues to impact NWC's focus and resource allocation

Fullbore Friday

845 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💾 History Military Conflict Diplomacy War
  1. The importance of responsibility and trust in wartime scenarios.
  2. The story of the SMS Dresden and its fate during WWI.
  3. Highlighting the decision-making process of a German Commanding Officer during a crucial moment.

The Philippines and the People's Republic at Center Stage with Ray Powell on Midrats

511 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics National Security
  1. Serious developments are happening between The Philippines and the Peoples Republic of China in the Western Pacific.
  2. The Philippines is at the center of the main game in the Western Pacific.
  3. Ray Powell, with his extensive experience in the U.S. Air Force, is discussing the ongoing story between these two nations.

Speaking of the Russian Navy

1336 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🌍 World Politics Navy Alliances US Military
  1. High profile alliance units like SNMG2 are important for refining cooperation and professionalism among nations.
  2. The condition of warships like USS James E. Williams reflects on the nation's Navy and impacts perceptions of health, morale, and respect.
  3. Proper maintenance and stewardship of warships are crucial for representing the nation well and maintaining credibility with allies and competitors.

Diversity Thursday

963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Legislation Military Social justice Government
  1. Change can come suddenly, like the amendments to promote a cohesive and inclusive military force.
  2. A law bans using federal funds for certain divisive ideologies in the military, sparking optimism for change.
  3. Elimination of certain diversity-related positions and the restriction on funding for specific programs signal a shift in defense priorities.

The PRC's Legacy Bond Bomb

884 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics China Global order International Law
  1. In the past, many underestimated the threat from the People's Republic of China.
  2. It is crucial to address the economic leverage that the PRC holds through legacy bonds.
  3. There is an opportunity for the US to take a tough stance on the defaulted sovereign debt held by American bondholders.

Our Navy Needs More of the War, Less of the College

1100 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Education Gender Security Navy
  1. Largest land war in Europe is happening, China surpassing the US in navy size, and Iran hijacking oil tankers are pressing issues.
  2. Naval War College's focus has shifted away from war to topics like gender and peace, raising questions about its alignment with naval priorities.
  3. The symposium at the Naval War College focused on gender issues, peace, and security, rather than warfighting and maritime challenges.

Fullbore Friday

864 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History WWII Military tactics
  1. Even if you can only go 80% speed, as long as your weapons are good, you can still go
  2. Luck and tactics can play a big part in naval battles
  3. Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's strategy during the Battle of Cape St. George was very successful, earning it the nickname "Trafalgar of the Pacific"

A Tale of Two 4-Stars

982 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Relations Leadership Strategic Planning National Security
  1. The People's Republic of China is strategically moving to become the premier world power.
  2. Admiral Charles A. Richard provides a fact-based, direct analysis of China's military capabilities and suggests proper responses.
  3. General Mark Milley's approach to discussing China's rise lacks clear analysis and consistency compared to Admiral Richard.