The hottest Military Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The Rainy Day Problem

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The Air Force's lack of planning has left Airmen and families in uncertainty and chaos due to funding shortfalls.
  2. The 'Rainy Day Problem' highlights how organizations, like the Air Force, must plan to protect their stakeholders from foreseeable issues.
  3. Failure to address the funding shortfall swiftly and improve planning could lead to erosion of trust within the Air Force and impact readiness.

August 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Trump met with Putin in Alaska, which was controversial since Putin is accused of serious crimes. This meeting appeared more like a power play for Putin than a productive dialogue.
  2. There were conflicting signals about what both leaders wanted from the summit. While Trump seemed optimistic, it was unclear if any real progress was made on important issues like Ukraine.
  3. Russia's presence at this meeting suggested that they want to reestablish their power on the world stage. This worried leaders in Ukraine and Europe, who thought Trump might make concessions to Putin.

Russians Accused of Doctoring Leaked Western Documents on Ukraine War

The Newsguy -- Steve Herman • 58 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Classified U.S. and NATO planning documents about the Ukraine war were leaked online and suspected of being altered by Russians.
  2. The leaked documents show altered casualty numbers to manipulate public opinion, especially in Russia.
  3. There are claims that the leaked documents were part of a propaganda operation by either side to mislead and gain advantage.

«Большой брат» берется за оружие

Faridaily • 58 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Russian government is implementing a significant military reform, involving a complex digital system to track and monitor military-eligible citizens.
  2. The reform aims to militarize society through strong enforcement of military service, with military gaining unprecedented power over citizens.
  3. The new law allows for electronic conscription notifications, restrictions on individuals avoiding military service, and cross-agency data sharing to enhance military registration.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Talibanistan

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 16 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan shows that military actions alone can't solve complex political issues. After years of involvement, the Afghan government fell apart quickly without Western support.
  2. History shows that invading countries often leads to more problems, like the rise of terrorist groups. Similar mistakes made in Iraq created chaos and suffering that continue today.
  3. Effective ways to fight terrorism might be better funding for early warning systems and surveillance instead of waging wars. Wars rarely lead to peace and stability.

2024 Year in Review (Part 2)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine's Kursk offensive showed that surprises are still possible in modern warfare. This campaign was unexpected and changed the course of their struggle.
  2. In the first half of 2024, Ukraine faced tough challenges due to reduced U.S. aid and heavy losses in battles. However, they adapted and found ways to fight back effectively.
  3. The Russian military strategy of micro-advances faced setbacks, allowing Ukraine to regroup and launch a strong counter-offensive later in the year.

Notes on the News

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Israel is racing a ticking clock because international support is weakening and regional alignments could shift quickly. It needs to repair its reputation and build strategic autonomy now before changes in U.S. politics or regional players make that much harder.
  2. U.S. domestic politics and rising isolationist or extremist factions threaten reliable American backing for allies. Silence from leaders on antisemitism or extremist groups risks normalizing those forces and accelerating the loss of support.
  3. Military accountability matters: unlawful orders and reprisals must be investigated and punished to prevent a culture of impunity. Remote or distant warfare is no excuse for war crimes, and policing the chain of command is essential to maintain moral authority and public trust.

208: Idaho

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Military
  1. Felix, a former infantry soldier, is finding a new path after leaving the military due to health issues. He’s excited about a job opportunity at a nuclear waste facility that fits his skills and pays well.
  2. The training at Idaho National Laboratory is intense and hands-on, mixing real-life tactics with safety lessons. Felix stands out in the training because of his extensive military experience and leadership skills.
  3. The local culture in Idaho is shifting as many people move there from different states, affecting its politics and social conversations. There's a sense of change happening in the community, making it an interesting place.

The Ultimate Airman

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Robin Olds is considered one of the most iconic figures in American combat aviation, embodying the spirit of airpower.
  2. Olds' insightful letter to Major Schwalier highlights systemic issues within the Air Force, like loss of authority and leadership diluted by bureaucracy.
  3. Olds' legacy reminds us that a combination of intellectual reflection and warrior spirit is essential in military leadership, and many of the Air Force's issues have persisted over time.

Thomas Cochrane

How the Hell • 220 HN points • 01 Jan 24
💾 History Military
  1. Thomas Cochrane was a rogue and performer who applied explosives wisely to solve problems
  2. He executed brilliant plans that others thought too dumb to attempt, leading to unexpected success
  3. Cochrane was a man of uncompromising principles and leadership, showing the power of perseverance and creativity

Zero Waste

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Military
  1. Quilty was a charming and talkative general who shared engaging stories about his experiences, especially regarding 9/11.
  2. His wife, Joelle, had a very different perspective, reflecting on the impact of war and her life as a military spouse with honesty.
  3. Joelle emphasized the need to recognize the moral complexities of military life, revealing a desire to distance herself from that past.

The Great Emu War

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History Military
  1. The Great Emu War of 1932 happened in Australia, where soldiers fought against emus wreaking havoc on farmland.
  2. The military's attempts to use machine guns against emus were futile, resulting in a humorous battle where the emus often escaped.
  3. Despite initial defeats, the military eventually resorted to different tactics, such as bounties, to control the emu population after a humiliating retreat.

A Top Secret Bunker and a Nobel Prize

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
💾 History Military
  1. A secret underground bunker at Pigeon Point in Seattle was built during World War II for secure radio communications. It was designed to be bomb-proof, which is pretty fascinating.
  2. After the war, the bunker was used for medical research, including cancer studies by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas. His work led to him winning a Nobel Prize for advancements in bone marrow transplants.
  3. Now, the area where the bunker once operated is part of a school and park, but the original underground facility still exists with no visible signs or entrances.

Debunking the SCMP report that shaved 36 bln HKD off Baidu

Pekingnology • 188 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. The SCMP report falsely claimed a link between Baidu and the Chinese military, resulting in a significant financial impact on Baidu.
  2. The Chinese journal paper discussed theoretical ideas, not real 'military AI' experiments, and lacked academic rigor in its approach.
  3. The paper's experiments were basic simulated scenarios, not real tests, and did not provide actionable insights or findings for military application.

Is America Failing or Kicking Ass?

Fake Noûs • 300 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Fears of decline are common but America is doing extremely well in most respects
  2. America excels in economy, military, culture, intellectual work, sports, and well-being
  3. The United States is highly successful historically and people should appreciate and preserve its system

315: Soldier Breaks Down

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Military
  1. Felix, a soldier with 15 years of service, shared his story during an interview unexpectedly, capturing everyone's attention.
  2. He is about to be medically retired, which indicates he might have health issues related to his service.
  3. The documentary aims to highlight experiences like his, emphasizing the personal stories of soldiers.

Vlad's Rad

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The Havana Syndrome is a mysterious illness affecting U.S. diplomats and spies, with symptoms linked to strange sounds and neurological damage. This has prompted an investigation by a CIA task force.
  2. Officials suspect that advanced microwave technology may be involved, but there’s still no clear evidence of how it works or who is responsible. This raises concerns about hybrid warfare tactics.
  3. Past incidents, like the attacks on diplomats in Cuba and China, indicate a pattern of targeting U.S. officials, leading experts to believe the attacks could qualify as acts of war.

July 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. A large federal operation in Los Angeles showed a strong presence of immigration enforcement agencies. It seemed to be more about making a statement than actually making arrests.
  2. The Trump administration is increasing military involvement in immigration enforcement, including deploying National Guard troops and Marines to assist with deportations.
  3. There are serious concerns about using immigration policies to bypass legal protections, with reports of mistreatment of deported individuals and a push to strip legal status from many migrants.

The Lords of Chaos

The Chris Hedges Report • 307 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The politicians and media figures behind military debacles in the Middle East should be held accountable for their actions.
  2. The Iraq war and its aftermath led to immense suffering, atrocities, and billions of dollars wasted.
  3. There is a need for a national reckoning to address the consequences of permanent war and to hold those responsible accountable.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

China’s Russia Dilemma

The Upheaval • 315 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. China has not yet sent any arms to Russia, despite alleged considerations.
  2. China is conflicted about supporting Russia due to conflicting economic and diplomatic interests.
  3. Chinese material military support could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict in Russia's favor.

Hamas attacks Israel

Comment is Freed • 204 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Hamas attacks on Israel were well planned and orchestrated, not impulsive responses to recent events.
  2. Israel is facing political backlash and may form an emergency unity government with opposition parties for support.
  3. The conflict with Hamas poses challenges for Israel in terms of security, containment, and potential involvement of other groups like Hezbollah.

None of Us is As Dumb As All of Us

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Processes, rules, and policies should not be substitutes for leadership. Bureaucracies lead to inefficiency and hindrance in decision-making.
  2. Bureaucracies treat customers and adversaries the same, making it difficult to get requests handled efficiently. They drown common sense and generate unnecessary rules and policies.
  3. Leaders should rely on their presence and values rather than creating new structures as substitutes. Avoid bureaucracy as much as possible, as it can turn against its creators.

ISREAL TO ENTER GAZA

Dana’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Israeli ground forces will enter Gaza to attack and finish off Hamas
  2. Netanyahu seeks a national unity emergency government to address the crisis
  3. Israel is preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza despite the dense population and expected challenges

What Right Looks Like

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Recognition is a powerful motivator in organizations, lifting spirits and incentivizing people to contribute more.
  2. Effective leadership involves recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
  3. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the culture of their organizations by what they choose to recognize and prioritize.

Ukraine War Defense $$$

Dana’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine relies on U.S. funding for defense supplies like artillery shells and tanks.
  2. Without American funding, Ukraine may struggle in its counteroffensive against Russia.
  3. Political infighting in the U.S. risks interrupting crucial support for Ukraine's defense.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Fast Communication Loops: In complex operations, keep communication channels direct and rapid to maintain agility and outpace competition.
  2. Don't Compound Mistakes: Avoid making a bad situation worse by questioning decisions and empowering individuals to prevent wasteful actions.
  3. Never Take Advantage of Your People: Ensure that organizational values are upheld to prevent disillusionment and maintain intrinsic motivation among team members.

The Importance of Composure and Perspective

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Maintaining composure and perspective is crucial in leadership roles to guide teams effectively through challenges.
  2. Creating unnecessary urgency and pressure can be detrimental to team performance and lead to compromises on core values.
  3. Leaders should prioritize staying calm and focused in challenging situations to reassure their teams and keep everyone thinking clearly.

Right on cue, the military-industrial complex

Silicon Reckoner • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Military
  1. There are concerns about the involvement of tech companies in military-industrial complex activities.
  2. Booz Allen Hamilton's connections to surveillance activities and collaborations raise questions about their motives.
  3. The concept of 'human compatible' AI is questioned in relation to corporate interests and ethical considerations.

Camp Century

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History Military
  1. Camp Century was a unique nuclear plant experiment in an extreme environment
  2. The project showed the potential of non-traditional approaches in nuclear power
  3. Camp Century contributed valuable insights into climate history and nuclear reactor technology

Houthi Attacks: What Happens Next?

Comment is Freed • 153 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The longer the Gaza War continues, there is a risk of it escalating.
  2. Hezbollah has engaged in clashes with Israel but aims to avoid expanding the conflict.
  3. The US and UK conducted strikes against Houthi capabilities in response to threats against international shipping.

The Dilemma of the Pacifist Lion

Breaking Smart • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Leaders often struggle to balance their desire for peace with the need to show strength. This can lead to awkward situations where they want to appear strong while promoting non-violence.
  2. Actions speak louder than words, especially in tough situations. Doing something significant, like military action, may seem necessary for leaders to prove their strength.
  3. The unpredictable outcomes of bold decisions create doubt, and even those in power may act against their perceived nature to manage expectations and counter narratives about their reliability.

June 13, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The Continental Army was formed in 1775 to fight against British oppression after the initial conflicts in Lexington and Concord. This marked a significant shift in the American fight for independence.
  2. General George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, balancing the need for a strong army with the fear of it becoming a tool for tyranny.
  3. Despite facing many hardships like lack of supplies and cold winters at Valley Forge, the army eventually succeeded in defeating the British, leading to the establishment of a nation where all men are seen as equal.

Israel Is Field-Testing Autonomous Weapons, Cops and Pre-Crime News, Congressional Trading Fun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Israel is using autonomous weapons that can operate without human control. This raises concerns about accountability for their actions.
  2. Weapons tested on Palestinians are being developed for global markets, increasing demand for Israeli military technology.
  3. There are troubling ties between police actions and corporate interests, highlighting how law enforcement can be used to serve business goals.

Luftwaffe brass hold unsecure online Webex meeting about using Taurus missiles to blow up the Kerch Bridge, are shocked when Russia Today publish the full audio recording of their spitball session

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 130 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
📰 News Military
  1. Luftwaffe brass held an unsecure online Webex meeting regarding using Taurus missiles to potentially target the Kerch Bridge, which was later leaked by Russia Today, causing a major security scandal.
  2. The controversy revolved around the challenge of secretly providing military assistance to Ukraine without direct German involvement, highlighting the complexity of international military cooperation and the need for discretion.
  3. Despite discussions on arming Ukraine with Taurus missiles, there were concerns over their effectiveness, the need for training the Ukrainians, and doubts about how much impact these missiles could have on the war.