The hottest Military Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Loose Lips, Loose Cannon

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. General Milley faced criticism for making secret calls to China to prevent war threats during Trump's presidency. He believed it was necessary to calm fears about US intentions.
  2. Milley reassured political leaders and the military about the controls in place for launching nuclear weapons, indicating a serious concern about Trump's behavior during that time.
  3. Despite the controversies, Milley emphasized his loyalty to the country and commitment to civilian control over the military, highlighting the importance of military independence from politics.

Still Bleeding Talent

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Having centralized and coercive talent management systems can drive out top talent. It's crucial to create a talent market with incentives and agency for individuals.
  2. Military services, like the Army, need to address actual root causes of officer attrition such as lack of control over their futures, poor leadership, and excessive stress on family and relationships.
  3. Outdated talent management models within military services contribute to high attrition rates and lead to the rise of poor leaders. Reevaluating these models is essential for the services to reach their full potential.

Here Come The Drones

Gradient Ascendant • 20 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Military
  1. Drones are now a major part of modern warfare, making up a big percentage of military casualties. They are being used in conflicts worldwide, showing how advanced and dangerous drone technology has become.
  2. Anti-drone measures are evolving as quickly as drones themselves, with new technologies like fiber-optics and AI making drones harder to jam or intercept. This back-and-forth between attack and defense is changing how wars are fought.
  3. The predictions about drone warfare and its implications have largely come true, with autonomous drones making complex decisions on their own. Meanwhile, the practical use of drones for delivery and other peaceful purposes hasn’t developed as expected.

Dereliction of Duty

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Privatized military housing has led to neglect and substandard living conditions for military families, with reports of black mold, sewage, and pest infestations.
  2. The use of non-disclosure agreements by private landlords to silence complaints from military families about poor living conditions is unethical and unjust.
  3. The decision to privatize military housing has resulted in a lack of accountability and oversight, leaving servicemembers and their families vulnerable to exploitation.

KILLING FOR KILLING’S SAKE IN GAZA

Seymour Hersh • 47 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Gaza has become a dangerous place with extreme violence, largely due to the actions of the Israeli military. Many civilians are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict.
  2. The leadership within the Israeli Defense Forces is shifting, with many officers coming from settlements and carrying strong religious beliefs. They often view all Palestinians as threats.
  3. There are alarming reports of military orders to kill Palestinians indiscriminately. This situation reflects a severe breakdown in morality and has turned into what some see as a chaotic and fanatical effort.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Musk to audit the Pentagon?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Elon Musk's involvement with the Pentagon raises concerns about conflicts of interest, especially since his companies benefit from military contracts. People question if he can truly audit the Pentagon without bias.
  2. Many believe the U.S. government's budget decisions prioritize military spending over helping the American public. This leads to frustration among citizens who feel their tax money is wasted.
  3. There is skepticism about whether genuine change will happen in military spending or audits, as past experiences indicate little accountability for budgeting issues in defense contracts.

Written in Blood

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Air Force missileers are falling ill due to toxic exposure in underground bunkers, highlighting lack of preventive measures by the chain of command.
  2. Official military review underway to establish link between toxic exposure in missile bunkers and illnesses like cancer.
  3. US military's budget constraints often lead to downplaying of facility issues and public health hazards, showing a disconnect between popular moral support for wars and lack of material support for those who wage them.

More thoughts on 6th generation projects

TP’s Substack • 43 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. The J-36 aircraft is designed to handle very high power demands for its various technologies, like radar and electronic warfare. This means it needs advanced electrical systems to support all its capabilities.
  2. The J-36 is a multi-role aircraft that acts as a central hub, coordinating various other unmanned vehicles and aircraft during missions. This makes it a crucial part of modern combat strategies.
  3. With its potential long range and high speed, the J-36 can launch attacks from great distances while remaining hard to detect. It's designed to be a tough target for enemies, making it a valuable asset in air operations.

Choosing Wisely: NRO and SDA Acquisitions

Ill-Defined Space • 38 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is ahead in deploying satellites compared to the Space Development Agency (SDA). This is important because faster satellite deployment can improve national security.
  2. The missions of the NRO and SDA are different. The NRO supports a wide range of intelligence needs, while the SDA is focused mainly on helping U.S. military forces detect missile threats.
  3. Both agencies are trying to fix slow satellite acquisition processes. The NRO's partnership with SpaceX is helping them deploy quickly, while the SDA is still working on building a robust supply chain for their satellites.

What should Ukraine do next?

Comment is Freed • 130 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine needs to prepare for a long war and focus on strengthening its position for the future.
  2. Putin wants substantive political concessions from Ukraine and may prefer a prolonged conflict over a quick resolution.
  3. Ukraine should be ready for ongoing fighting, retaliation strategies, and potential threats to critical infrastructure.

NATO ascendant

Model Thinking • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. NATO's support for Ukraine during the war against Russia is crucial for Ukrainian victory
  2. A model using Cobb-Douglas production function estimates Western support needed at maximum Russian mobilization to achieve objectives
  3. The model suggests Russian victory in Ukraine is highly unlikely, with NATO likely able to finance Ukrainian victory or stalemate at current front lines

By Toppling The Syria, The US Has Guaranteed The End Of America In The Middle East.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 42 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The U.S. involvement in Syria may lead to negative consequences for America in the Middle East. People there could react strongly against Americans and their presence.
  2. There is a belief that American ignorance about its history and global actions contributes to its problems. Many feel that the U.S. needs to acknowledge its past mistakes and take responsibility.
  3. The current state of America's government and society is seen as corrupt. Some believe that a significant change is needed, potentially putting more power in the hands of indigenous people.

Grandad's Cash

backstory • 193 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💾 History Military
  1. Grandfather's banknote from Germany was a significant memento from the war.
  2. Grandfather's wartime notebook revealed his experiences at the Battle of Cambrai.
  3. The banknote symbolized a topic he could discuss, unlike his war experiences.

Weekend Update #72: The Weimar Triangle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 95 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Weimar Triangle, consisting of Macron, Scholz, and Tusk, plays a crucial role in determining Europe's support for Ukraine.
  2. Speaker Johnson's statements in Washington regarding aid for Ukraine lack concrete plans, leading to uncertainty.
  3. The actual war in Ukraine has seen the front line remain static, with Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries showing strategic promise.

That was the coup that was

Comment is Freed • 156 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's treasonous behavior led to a near coup in Russia, but he backed down in the end.
  2. The lack of mass support and negotiations led to Prigozhin's retreat from his march on Moscow.
  3. Putin's handling of the situation showed weaknesses, raising questions about his leadership in the face of challenges.

THE SEALS AND THE DHOW

Seymour Hersh • 94 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. A Navy SEAL mission in the Gulf of Aden went wrong, resulting in two deaths and one critical injury due to a risky boarding attempt on a dhow suspected of carrying weaponry.
  2. The decision to proceed with the mission in rough seas, despite safety concerns, led to tragedy and prompted questions about the reasoning behind it.
  3. The outcome of the mission revealed outdated cargo not matching the initial intelligence, sparking criticism and calls for accountability within the SEAL community.

We Are Not Going to Have Another Civil War. What Happens Instead May Be Far Better. And Far Worse.

Think Future • 6 HN points • 25 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. There is no modern circumstance for American states to go to war with each other. Geographic areas won't battle one another.
  2. The National Guard forces in American states won't act as military forces. The U.S. military will stay on base.
  3. Concerns about a Second Civil War are fueled by fears, but there are no real plans, organization, or large-scale armies for such a conflict.

How to Achieve Victory

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine can win against Russia if they receive proper support from the U.S. This support is not just crucial for Ukraine, but also helps the U.S. maintain its global standing.
  2. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to bigger threats to Europe and even the U.S. Russia's ambitions might not stop at Ukraine, and NATO could be faced with more challenges.
  3. The U.S. can help Ukraine by sharing its advanced technology and military resources. This will improve Ukraine's defense capabilities and strengthen the overall strategic situation for the West.

Ukraine's Counter-Offensive: Setting Expectations

Comment is Freed • 138 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Putin's determination to avoid loss in the war has had heavy consequences for both Ukraine and Russia.
  2. The success of Ukraine's offensive relies on their armed forces liberating territory to have a significant impact on Putin's positions.
  3. Ukraine faces challenges in their offensive due to Russian formidable defenses, coordination issues, and the need for caution in military progress assessments.

Weekend Update #28

Phillips’s Newsletter • 156 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Russian Winter Offensive of 2022-23 ended with the initiative moving to Ukrainian hands.
  2. There was a noticeable shift in momentum during the week.
  3. Phillip P. OBrien's Weekend Update #28 discusses these recent developments.

Wolf Packs: Battle of the Atlantic

Big Serge Thought • 2 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
💾 History Military
  1. Submarines were a key part of WWII, with U-boats used by Germany and American submarines achieving great success in the Pacific. They significantly impacted shipping and the war economy of their opponents.
  2. The U-boat campaign in the Atlantic was important, and it was seen as a real threat to Britain. Many historians debate whether Germany could have won the war if they had managed their U-boat strategy better.
  3. Karl Dönitz, the Commander of the U-boats, used innovative communication strategies to coordinate pack attacks on enemy convoys, allowing multiple submarines to target a single convoy effectively. This tactical shift posed new challenges for the Allies.

Wars Within Wars: Deep State/Counter State, 4th Estate, AI & SPQR (Part One)

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 37 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. There was a possibility for peace in Ukraine, with leaders agreeing to negotiate, but actions by the US and UK changed that.
  2. The introduction of long-range weapons by the US and UK means they are now seen as direct targets by Russia, escalating the danger.
  3. Many experts agree this war is unwinnable for Ukraine, so continuing the fight raises serious concerns about a larger conflict, including nuclear risks.

Ukrainians sink another valuable Russian warship

Phillips’s Newsletter • 87 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukrainians have successfully hit and sunk multiple valuable Russian warships in recent months, showcasing potential technological advancements or weaknesses in the Russian Navy.
  2. The reliability of Ukrainian claims regarding attacks on large Russian warships have been largely accurate, with visible evidence backing their actions.
  3. The recent sinking of the Russian Ropucha Class landing vessel, Caesar Kunikov, marks the third such incident within the span of seven months, indicating a consistent trend.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

Explosion over the Kremlin

Thinking about... • 149 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for an explosion over the Kremlin without evidence, raising doubts about their claims.
  2. The staged incident at the Kremlin could be a Russian ploy to justify war crimes and rally public support for the war in Ukraine.
  3. Canceling parades commemorating the victory of the Red Army may have been an underlying motive for staging the attack at the Kremlin.

Weekend Update #30

Phillips’s Newsletter • 142 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. This is the 30th weekend update post on Substack.
  2. The author started writing these weekend updates as a protective measure when Elon Musk took over Twitter.
  3. Moving the updates from Twitter to Substack has improved communication.

January 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💾 History Military
  1. The Battle of the Bulge was a major World War II fight where the German army tried to break through Allied lines. General McAuliffe famously replied 'NUTS!' when asked to surrender, showing strong resistance.
  2. After the war, the Allies worked to promote democracy and prevent fascism, creating institutions like the United Nations and NATO. They also invested in American citizens through programs like the G.I. Bill to support education and employment.
  3. In recent times, there has been concern about the dismantling of democratic principles and civil rights established post-war. Political decisions have raised fears of a shift away from the inclusivity and equality the U.S. fought for during World War II.

Israel's strike on Iran, Part II

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Israel's recent attacks on Iran have targeted key military leaders and nuclear facilities. This suggests that Israel aims to weaken Iran's military strength significantly.
  2. The situation is creating a power vacuum within Iran, as seen by a degree of support among Iranians for the strikes against their oppressive regime. Some Iranians feel relieved to see their oppressors targeted.
  3. There are concerns that without further action, like targeting more fortified facilities, Israel's military efforts may not achieve long-term success in stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi

Phillips’s Newsletter • 82 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. General Oleksandr Syrskyi's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has divided opinions.
  2. Syrskyi is a controversial military figure in Ukraine, causing much talk and debate.
  3. President Zelensky's decision to appoint Syrskyi is seen as risky due to the divided opinions surrounding him.

Musk Reveals, He Really Is A Pentagon Stooge! Covering The Paper Trail With Lies.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. There's a belief that some big players, like Musk, might be trying to hide government connections to COVID-19 research that could link back to the Pentagon. This raises questions about accountability and the protection of military budgets.
  2. Many people think the Pentagon has a history of obscuring its actions and misusing taxpayer money. There's a call for more transparency to uncover what really happens with military funds.
  3. The idea of whistleblowers is highlighted as being crucial for revealing the truth. Some believe they can connect the dots better than any written record and that they play a key role in holding powerful entities accountable.