The hottest Military Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Lightning Strikes Twice

imetatronink • 3085 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Russian military strategy involves careful planning, patience, and adaptability.
  2. The Battle of Kursk in 1943 exemplified the use of Russian military deception known as maskirovka.
  3. Current events in Ukraine suggest Russian strategic prowess and an unexpected turn of events may be imminent.

Blood and Baptism

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
💾 History Military
  1. The Vikings—by raiding, trading, and settling—helped turn scattered Scandinavian clans into the ancestors of new peoples and the building blocks of emerging countries. They created diasporas like Normandy, the Danelaw, and the Rus' through both violence and colonization.
  2. Violence and the pursuit of treasure were central to state formation: sea-kings used raids to fund ships and armies, and military victory let rulers absorb rivals and consolidate larger realms.
  3. Trade brought foreigners and ideas like Christianity, and rulers adopted the faith because it gave divine legitimacy and administrative tools; that religious unification helped pave the way for secular, bureaucratic nation-states.

The Costs of War at Sea

CDR Salamander • 1650 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Military
  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.
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Iran War, Day Three. All hell breaks loose.

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The war escalated sharply as US and Israeli strikes hit Iranian targets, killing and injuring many people, including several US service members, while Iran launched missiles and drones in retaliation. The fighting also involved friendly-fire losses of US jets and reports of senior Iranian figures killed.
  2. The conflict is spilling across the region: Hezbollah fired into northern Israel and Israel hit Lebanon hard, Gulf energy infrastructure was struck (including an Aramco refinery and Qatar’s LNG facility), and regional powers and European countries are preparing to defend partners or target Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
  3. There is a high risk of wider instability and asymmetric attacks, with Iran declaring a global "fire and revenge" campaign, authorities warning about lone-wolf and cyber attacks, and angry rhetoric and talk of possible US ground forces raising the chance of further escalation.

US Armed Forces: No Whites Need Apply

Daily Dreher • 1631 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. US Armed Forces are experiencing a significant decline in white recruits, raising concerns about recruitment strategies and a potential lack of interest among white individuals.
  2. The military's focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives has raised questions about discrimination and its impact on recruiting efforts.
  3. Reports suggest that the Pentagon's embrace of anti-white ideology and DEI efforts have created a division and lack of trust within the ranks, potentially contributing to the decline in white recruits.

Restore Factory Settings at The Pentagon

CDR Salamander • 1650 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  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.

The Fire Next Time

Persuasion • 1474 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. During Trump's first term, the military faced challenges from its commander-in-chief.
  2. Concerns arise about potential misuse of military power in a second Trump term.
  3. The military may face impossible choices in a second Trump term, impacting civil-military relations.

After Ukraine, US readies 'transnational kill chain' for Taiwan proxy war

Geopolitical Economy Report • 1076 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The US approved the sale of the Link 16 system to Taiwan as a key step in completing a 'transnational coalition kill chain' against China for potential war.
  2. Link 16 system enables coordination between various military platforms and forces, including sea, air, land, nuclear bombers, fighters, satellites, and more, positioning Taiwan as a critical link in the potential war offensive against China.
  3. US's preparations for war involve dispersed, network-centric warfare strategies focused on surrounding China with allies, further facilitated by military sales like Link 16, indicating a push towards a multifront war approach.

Americans to Celebrate: The Prophet of the Atomic Age

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
💾 History Military
  1. John von Neumann was an extraordinarily brilliant Hungarian-born mathematician who invented game theory and helped shape America’s nuclear strategy.
  2. He warned that the technologies he helped create could threaten humanity and thought we were entering a rapidly maturing crisis.
  3. In the 1950s he predicted that military advances, early signs of global warming, and growing resource demands would make the coming decades dangerously unstable.

Abyss for the Titans

DARK FUTURA • 2555 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The societal burden of 'wokeism' and DEI policies is increasing and affecting various aspects of society.
  2. The push for diversity and inclusion is leading to a decline in competence and proficiency in different industries.
  3. Merit-based hiring should be prioritized over identity-based hiring to ensure competency and safety in critical operations.

Ride Across the River

imetatronink • 2535 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Russian military strategy in the ongoing war in Ukraine focuses on attrition
  2. Ukrainian Armed Forces face significant challenges with depleted resources and ammunition shortages
  3. Speculation on potential Russian actions includes allowing a Ukrainian counter-offensive towards Crimea before a strategic Russian move

Tower 22's White Swan

CDR Salamander • 1297 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Iranian proxies conducted a successful attack at 'Tower 22' base in NE Jordan near the borders of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria.
  2. Over 170 attacks on US forces in the area by Iranian proxies have occurred, leading to casualties and injuries.
  3. There is a need for a strategic response to deter Iranian proxies and prevent escalation in the region.

OpenAI for Military Use? 💣 Game on.

AI Supremacy • 1375 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. OpenAI is potentially working with the Pentagon on military projects.
  2. There are concerns about the implications of OpenAI's involvement in military technology.
  3. OpenAI aims to prevent abuse and increase transparency in AI, despite potential military collaborations.

War Analysis

Black Mountain Analysis • 2397 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Artemovsk has fallen, marking the beginning of the collapse of Ukraine.
  2. Russian military strategy is goal-driven and not date/time-driven.
  3. The war efforts in Ukraine are financed in Rubel, allowing Russia to produce war equipment without financial concerns.

'Maya' from 'Zero Dark Thirty' consulted with investor behind militarized Gaza aid organization within days of retiring

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1180 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. A former CIA official, Michael Anne Casey-Tyler, consulted for a company involved in a controversial Gaza aid organization less than two weeks after retiring.
  2. This organization, linked to the U.S. and private military contractors, has faced severe criticism for its role in Palestinian casualties while distributing aid.
  3. Casey-Tyler had previously held significant positions within the CIA, including overseeing technology-focused espionage efforts.

Weekend Update #162: The Best Week Since November 5, 2024

Phillips’s Newsletter • 270 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The US has shifted toward accommodating Russia and is no longer committed to strongly defending Ukraine or European security. That shift suggests the US would accept a weaker, territorially reduced Ukrainian state.
  2. The Tomahawk episode was a deliberate public tease that made people believe the US would give Ukraine long-range strike weapons, but it was never a realistic policy and served to mislead European and Ukrainian leaders. That false hope distracted Europeans from mobilizing their own urgent support.
  3. Russia is conducting mass drone and missile attacks that cause major power outages while Ukraine struggles with limited air defenses and heavy fighting around places like Pokrovsk. European states need to urgently provide anti-air systems and long-range capabilities because US support is unreliable.

Blood Feud

imetatronink • 1926 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The conflict in the Holy Land is deeply rooted and complex, potentially leading to a 'Blood Feud.'
  2. Proposed solutions like a Two-State Solution and Pre-1967 Borders are widely debated.
  3. Israel's military strength may face challenges in a significant conflict involving global powers.

Imminent Bomber Attack

Black Mountain Analysis • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. American B1 Lancer bombers en route to Middle East for strike missions against militias linked to Iran.
  2. Public announcement of bombers' departure and objectives implies a desire to minimize escalation by allowing Iranians time to prepare.
  3. Discussion thread open to share thoughts on anticipated attack, potential targets, and possible consequences.

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Military
  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.

First US Deaths in the 2024 Counter-Piracy Campaign

CDR Salamander • 1257 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Two Navy SEALs lost in a ship-boarding operation near Somalia while searching for suspected Iranian weapons
  2. The Gulf of Aden is a significant body of water where attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea occur
  3. There is concern about escalating tensions and the need to intercept ships transporting weapons to prevent attacks

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1100 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Military
  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.

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

CDR Salamander • 1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  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.

The Royal Navy's Familiar Problem

CDR Salamander • 1218 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. The Royal Navy is facing challenges with recruitment, aging ships, and maintenance issues.
  2. The Navy is encountering difficulties with insufficient battle force ships, limited air support, and outdated weaponry.
  3. The Royal Navy's struggles are part of a larger trend of neglect in naval capabilities.

Beijing appears to warn it could intercept Evergreen ships transporting HIMARS to Taiwan, in war or peace.

Pekingnology • 150 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. China signaled it might intercept and seize civilian cargo ships carrying HIMARS or other military supplies, and presented such actions as lawful both in wartime and peacetime.
  2. The warning was unusually specific and was pushed through multiple official channels — coast guard and PLA posters, state media, and a foreign affairs account — making the scenario explicitly highlighted.
  3. Because that specific message may not have registered widely outside Chinese-language outlets, there is an information gap that could increase the risk of miscalculation if an interception happens.

The Aesthetics of a Recapitalized Maritime Industry

CDR Salamander • 1061 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💼 Business Military
  1. The post-industrial landscape in America is bleak due to offshoring and neglect of industries.
  2. Many coastal towns have derelict shipyards that could be revitalized for economic and military benefit.
  3. Investing in maritime industry can bring back jobs, improve infrastructure, and support national interests.

Ottoman America

Daily Dreher • 1218 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. The US Secretary of Defense was hospitalized without informing the president during a time of daily attacks on US troops.
  2. The head of the Joint Chiefs was aware of the Secretary of Defense's situation before the president was.
  3. Consider subscribing to Rod Dreher's Diary for more insights and a 7-day free trial.

The CNO Stated Her Priorities

CDR Salamander • 1179 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  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.

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1002 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History Military
  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.

If AI Thinks George Washington is a Black Woman, Why Are We Letting it Pick Bomb Targets?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6843 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Military
  1. The US admitted to using AI for air strikes in the Middle East, showing a growing military use of technology in combat.
  2. Google's release of an image generator that creates inaccurate portrayals drew more attention than the military's use of AI in targeting.
  3. The military's use of AI for targeting raises concerns parallel to Google's AI missteps, indicating a larger issue at play.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's private military contractor hires crisis comms firm led by former Biden and Obama spokespersons

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 956 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military
  1. A private military contractor named UG Solutions is working on aid distribution in Gaza, but it faces criticism for its connections to military operations.
  2. UG Solutions hired a PR firm led by former government spokespersons to help manage the negative publicity they've received about their actions in Gaza.
  3. There have been reports of violence near UG Solutions' aid sites, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of their humanitarian efforts.

China Has The Whip-Hand In The War

Phillips’s Newsletter • 188 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Military
  1. Modern wars are decided by who can produce and sustain weapons at scale. The ability to adapt and mass-produce new systems like drones matters more than the forces you start with.
  2. China dominates commercial drone and component production, supplying cameras, engines, electronics, and whole airframes at mass scale. That gives China the power to sharply reduce other countries' drone output if it stops shipments.
  3. The US and many allies lag China’s production capacity, leaving countries like Ukraine and Russia vulnerable to supply cuts. Reliance on Chinese parts is a strategic risk that could change the outcome of conflicts if China uses that leverage.