The hottest Military Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

February 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Trump has removed several top military leaders and replaced them with people he views as loyal to him. This raises concerns about the independence and integrity of the military.
  2. The idea of having a military that answers only to one leader, rather than to the Constitution, can lead towards authoritarianism. It's worrying when military leaders are replaced simply for being critical or not compliant.
  3. There is a troubling shift toward portraying military actions and immigrant deportation as something entertaining or pleasurable. This reflects a broader disrespect for the values of humane treatment in warfare and governance.

He Just Can't Win: After Enduring Chinese Balloon Criticism, Republican Calls Biden 'Trigger-happy'

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Republicans criticize Biden for not acting on Chinese spy balloon, then call him 'trigger-happy' for taking down other objects.
  2. US shot down multiple unidentified flying objects after the Chinese balloon incident, raising security concerns.
  3. Increased vigilance post-balloon incident leads to heightened detection of aerial objects in the US and Canada.

Horse Therapy for War Trauma; Chinese Military Shakeup; Russian Cybercriminals in Turkey; China's "Combat Talent"

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Horse therapy, like equine-assisted services, can provide respite and restoration for war-traumatized individuals, helping them project calm authority, boost self-esteem, and find moments of happiness.
  2. The disappearance of China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu raises questions about political and military implications under President Xi Jinping, potentially affecting US-China military communication.
  3. Russian cybercriminals and their Turkish counterparts are collaborating in Turkey, engaging in online scams and fraud that challenge the dominance of traditional cybercrime groups.

The Festival of Jackasses

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. We elect the members of Congress, so their behavior reflects us as a society. There's always been a presence of 'jackasses' in politics, but we notice them more as we become jaded to their actions.
  2. Senator Tommy Tuberville's abuse of power in blocking military officer nominations is causing significant disruptions in the military's functioning. His actions are impacting readiness and causing distractions within the defense establishment.
  3. Tuberville's actions highlight the risk of one individual holding national defense hostage based on personal opinions. This emphasizes the importance of preventing such instances to maintain a strong defense and safeguard against exploitation by adversaries.
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Back Story Newsletter

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Russian nationalists conducted a raid on Russia's border towns, further complicating the conflict in Ukraine.
  2. Groups like the Free Russia Legion seek to distract Russian forces and gain support through cross-border attacks.
  3. Florida Gov Ron DeSantis entered the U.S. presidential race, and the U.S. is facing a looming default if spending cuts are not agreed upon.

Blinken In Ukraine

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. U.S. Secretary Blinken impressed by Ukrainian counter strikes on Russian forces.
  2. Ukraine may receive rocket artillery systems from the U.S. for deeper strikes into Russian lines.
  3. Blinken emphasizes U.S. support for Ukraine to win, highlighting the importance of preventing Russia from expanding borders.

Russian Missiles

Dana’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Russia launched a heavy air assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with 18 missiles, all of which were intercepted.
  2. Ukraine is receiving more weapons and support from European countries like Germany and the UK.
  3. The upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive aims to take back territories in south-eastern Ukraine, potentially cutting off Russia's land bridge to Crimea.

Coaxial Drones

Barn Lab • 19 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🕹 Technology Military
  1. Coaxial drones have improved flight efficiency and longer flight durations due to their balanced torque effect from counter-rotating rotors.
  2. Coaxial drones are simpler in design with fewer motors and Electronic Speed Controllers, resulting in reduced weight and complexity compared to quadrocopters.
  3. Coaxial drones offer larger payload capacities, less noise, and are easier to transport, but their flight mode complexity presents challenges in control design.

The Death of Captain Waskow

Comment is Freed • 118 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💾 History Military
  1. Captain Waskow was deeply respected by his soldiers, as seen in their reactions to his death
  2. Ernie Pyle's war reporting focused on humanizing ordinary soldiers and their experiences
  3. Infantry soldiers play a crucial and challenging role in wars, facing death and being vital for combat operations

From J-10 to J-XD - History

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. China's fighter jet development has evolved significantly from earlier models, with newer jets like the J-10 and J-20 showing vast improvements in technology and performance.
  2. The transition from 4th to 5th generation fighter jets has been important for the PLAAF, highlighting advancements in stealth, electronics, and weaponry.
  3. Looking ahead, the next generation of fighters, like the J-XD, will likely rely on AI and integrate with drones for enhanced combat capabilities.

‘NETANYAHU IS FINISHED’

Seymour Hersh • 92 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The belief that Netanyahu could control Hamas has led to a compromise in Israeli security.
  2. Decades ago, there was a policy of American presidents looking the other way as Israel built an atomic bomb.
  3. The post discusses recent events in Israel from the perspective of someone with inside knowledge of national security.

February 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Ukraine has managed to resist Russia's invasion for three years, showing strong determination and military growth despite heavy losses.
  2. Russia's economy is struggling due to sanctions and military losses, while the U.S. has recently shifted its stance on supporting Ukraine.
  3. European leaders are stepping up to fill the gap left by the U.S. under Trump's leadership, as they seek to strengthen their position against Russia.

Supreme Command: Its not a Celebrity Contest

Phillips’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. General Zaluzhny was relieved of his military command in Ukraine, leading to speculation about the reasons behind it.
  2. There were tensions between President Zelensky and General Zaluzhny, with reports of Zaluzhny's imminent replacement circulating.
  3. The situation with General Zaluzhny reflects historical dynamics of leadership and command changes during times of crisis.

McClellan in the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
💾 History Military
  1. George B. McClellan was sent to the Pacific Northwest to survey for a railroad route and a military road, but he struggled with both tasks.
  2. His writings show he was quite critical of the landscapes and conditions, often describing them as bleak and unimpressive.
  3. Despite his challenges, McClellan's journey helped him leave a mark on the region, with places named after him and a few observations about the local Indigenous people.

Time for Ukraine's Offensive?

Comment is Freed • 116 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Pentagon leaks reveal concerns about Ukraine's offensive capability and readiness
  2. The Russian offensive has faced setbacks and challenges, highlighting weaknesses in their strategy
  3. The Ukrainian offensive strategy may involve subtle, strategic maneuvers rather than direct frontal assaults to change the course of the war

The US Surrenders!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Trump has lost a lot of power in his dealings with Russia, making him appear weak. This puts Russia in control of peace talks and future negotiations.
  2. The U.S. economy is struggling, similar to how Rome fell in the past. There are calls to cut military spending and close bases abroad to improve the situation.
  3. Trump is in a difficult position, being blamed for economic problems and conflicts. Both Democrats and Republicans seem to want him to take the fall for these issues.

A Note on the Changing Faces of (D)ARPA

The Good Science Project • 22 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. DARPA has undergone significant changes over the years due to increased oversight and bureaucratic rules, impacting how projects are managed and funded. Initially more flexible, DARPA now operates under stricter regulations that slow down decision-making.
  2. The role of leadership has evolved where major visions for projects often come from office directors rather than project managers. This shift affects how projects are pursued and who gets to drive new ideas.
  3. Timelines for project payoffs and the focus on military needs greatly influence which projects get started and how they develop. Changes in political climates or military demands can quicken or slow down the pace of innovation at DARPA.

We Need a New Language to Discuss Air Power

Phillips’s Newsletter • 54 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌐 International Military
  1. Current language used to discuss air power may be insufficient in the context of modern warfare.
  2. There is a need for a new conceptual framework to engage with the evolving nature of air power tactics and strategies.
  3. Previous terms like air superiority, tactical airpower, and strategic airpower may not fully capture the complexities of contemporary air power discussions.

Pentagon is Combining Corporate Records and Social Media Surveillance to Guide Hacking and Influence Operations

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 101 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Pentagon is combining corporate records and social media surveillance for hacking and influence operations.
  2. Corporate surveillance firms were discussing providing bulk surveillance data for purposes like protecting the NATO brand.
  3. U.S. military and intelligence agencies are developing offensive information warfare industry using social media surveillance, corporate records analysis, and cellphone location-tracking.

On the former head of Google Cloud AI joining U.S. Central Command

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 101 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Former head of Google Cloud AI, Andrew Moore, has joined U.S. Central Command as an advisor on AI, Robotics, and Cloud Computing.
  2. Moore has had a history of moving between Google and Carnegie Mellon University in roles related to AI and technology.
  3. Moore's new role at CENTCOM involves contributing to integrating artificial intelligence into battlefield tasks for Army, Navy, and Air Force.

AI and the Future of War (even in Ukraine)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 57 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. Uncrewed aircraft have significant operational and cost advantages over crewed aircraft, making them likely to dominate future warfare.
  2. Uncrewed aircraft can fly longer, make maneuvers that stress the human body, and be more flexible due to not needing to support human life onboard.
  3. The absence of human pilots reduces decision-making pressure, operational limitations, and costly training needs, giving a strategic advantage in warfare.

A Victory Parade Without Victories - Take Two

Comment is Freed • 93 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Moscow victory parade lacked its usual grandeur and was scaled down significantly.
  2. Putin's military efforts in Ukraine have been met with little success and he faces challenges of mobilization and dwindling resources.
  3. Putin continues to blame the West for the conflict, but Russia's fight appears more heroic than hopeful.

Swarm Geopolitics: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once: Hamas, Houthis, SMERSH, Spies, Ecuador and Organized Crime

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 55 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Geopolitical conflicts are emerging globally and may be connected in a web of strategies.
  2. Russia and China are utilizing a clever swarm strategy to create problems for the US and NATO on multiple fronts.
  3. There are concerns about fake intelligence feeds and sophisticated cyberattacks influencing international events.

Can Ukraine's Air Defence Systems Cope?

Comment is Freed • 86 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine is seeking more modern weaponry and air defense systems to cope with Russian air power.
  2. Russian attacks on Ukraine are causing real damage and stress, especially targeting critical infrastructure.
  3. Ukraine has shown improvement in its air defense capabilities, successfully intercepting Russian missiles and drones.

THE GENERAL WHO WOULD NOT BE SILENCED

Seymour Hersh • 48 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. James C. Pfautz had a successful military career, flying combat missions in Vietnam and holding high-ranking positions in Air Force intelligence.
  2. Pfautz was known to push his staff hard, aiming for excellence in the intelligence work they produced.
  3. An intriguing story revolves around the 1983 shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 by a Soviet pilot, highlighting the critical question of whether the pilot knew he was targeting a commercial airliner.

The SDA’s Inertia-imposed Challenges

Ill-Defined Space • 19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is struggling with supply chain issues for satellite manufacturing. This is partly due to a past focus on slow production, which created a system that favors large companies over smaller, more agile ones.
  2. The SDA's contracts often go to established companies that have experience writing proposals but may lack the capability to produce satellites quickly. This means the SDA risks getting solutions that aren't as effective as what smaller, more innovative companies could offer.
  3. The SDA aims to increase the number of satellites produced swiftly, but many contractors may not be able to meet these high demands. This situation emphasizes the need for a more responsive and effective satellite manufacturing base.

THE UKRAINE REFUGEE QUESTION

Seymour Hersh • 80 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Ukraine's neighbors are urging President Zelensky to pursue peace to handle the influx of displaced individuals into Europe.
  2. Zelensky's intentions for military action against Russia are a matter of concern, even though the White House believes he has not violated any agreements.
  3. Countries like Poland are pressuring Zelensky to end the war and start rebuilding Ukraine, even hinting at the possibility of his resignation if necessary.

Decapitation Strike Part 1

Autodidact Obsessions • 8 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. There are new ways for hostile groups to infiltrate a country without needing a military. They can use existing immigration systems and legal frameworks to hide their movements.
  2. Technology and loopholes in laws allow these groups to arm themselves and communicate effectively without being detected. This makes them more dangerous.
  3. The current legal and administrative systems are not prepared to handle such threats, making a country vulnerable to internal attacks from organized groups growing right under its nose.

The Reconnaissance Mission of the Topographer Zelenin to Khiva 1842 - Ivan Zakharin (Yakunin), 1894

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
💾 History Military
  1. The mission was about gathering secret information and maps of Khiva, which was important for trade between Russia and Khiva.
  2. Topographer Zelenin used clever tactics, like pretending to be a traveler, to get around and gather information discreetly.
  3. Zelenin faced real dangers during this mission, as being discovered could have put his life and the lives of others at risk.

Stop Aiming at the Wrong Targets

Polymathic Being • 54 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🚌 Education Military
  1. In war, success requires looking at targets in front of you and those over the horizon.
  2. In technology and business, it's important to focus not just on immediate targets, but also on targets further away.
  3. Systems thinking involves engaging deeply across domains to find solutions for complex problems, even those that are not immediately visible.

Is China Preparing for War?

Pekingnology • 79 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The article may have misunderstood routine practices and legal changes in China.
  2. Xi Jinping's speeches contained familiar messaging that aligns with past Chinese leadership.
  3. Understanding the nuances of language and context in Chinese official statements is key to interpreting the situation accurately.

Giving Veterans More than "Thanks"

Humanities in Revolt • 59 implied HN points • 11 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. Understanding veterans' experiences requires more than empty gestures like saying thanks. It involves empathetic dialogue and genuine exploration of their challenges.
  2. War is often abstract to many, shaped by media portrayals that oversimplify the complexities and realities of military service. A deeper understanding is needed beyond superficial praise.
  3. As citizens, we bear responsibility for the decisions our elected officials make regarding war. Genuine appreciation for veterans involves engaging in civic responsibility by questioning the rationale and ethics of sending individuals to war.

One Step at a Time: The Stages of War

Comment is Freed • 81 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The duration of the war and the steps involved are uncertain, with constant speculation about its eventual end.
  2. Both sides are preparing for potential offensives, with the outcome of each stage shaping the next.
  3. Diplomatic efforts for peace face challenges due to differing priorities and the complexity of issues like war crimes and border demarcation.

How to Help Ukrainians, a Year In

Thinking about... • 77 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Support initiatives like Documenting Ukraine that empower Ukrainians to document the war themselves.
  2. Consider donating to organizations like the Centre for Civic Engagement that help Ukrainian scholars affected by the war.
  3. Support efforts like the Ukrainian Children's Action Project aimed at helping children affected by war and displacement.

MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: Federal Whistleblower Called “Credible” by Intelligence Community Inspector General Says U.S. Military Has “Quite a Number” of Spacecraft in Custody of “Non-Human” Origin

Proof • 65 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. A federal whistleblower with credible credentials claims the US military has recovered spacecraft of non-human origin.
  2. The evidence provided could establish the existence of highly advanced intelligent life beyond Earth.
  3. The story has sparked official hearings, expert endorsements, and a wave of public interest in UFO and alien technology claims.