The hottest Military Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Lost at Sea.

News Items • 569 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Military Population Global events
  1. The U.S. military has ended the search for two Navy SEALs lost at sea during an operation.
  2. China's population has decreased for the second year in a row, with a significant decline projected for the future.
  3. China's working-age population is expected to dramatically decrease by 2100.

A Tale of Two 4-Stars

CDR Salamander • 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.

The Arsenal of the Damned

Anarchonomicon • 511 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Military Tactics Weapons
  1. Motorcycles offer high maneuverability and speed, but Western governments struggle with their high injury rates.
  2. Using civilian pickups with mounted weapons can provide cost-effective mobility in combat scenarios.
  3. ISIS's successful tactics in Mosul, using pickup trucks for mobility and heavy weapons, led to a quick victory over a larger force.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 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.
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Ukraine: Stalemate or Checkmate

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Military Geopolitics International relations Conflict Security
  1. The war in Ukraine is currently stuck in a stalemate, and new technology from the West is needed to change that. Many believe Ukraine is losing, but they've actually done significant damage to Russia's military.
  2. Ukraine's counteroffensive slowed down due to delays in receiving promised military support from NATO, giving Russia a chance to prepare defenses.
  3. The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza is drawing attention and resources away from Ukraine, which could be part of Putin's strategy to gain an advantage in the war.

US Authorizes (limited) Long-Range Strike

Phillips’s Newsletter • 102 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military International relations Foreign Policy Defense
  1. The Biden Administration has allowed Ukraine to use US long-range strike systems, which is a significant approval after many months of conflict.
  2. President Zelensky emphasized that actions, not announcements, will define their response, implying that military actions will soon take place.
  3. There are still many unanswered questions about this decision, and its impact may depend on future developments and limitations imposed on Ukraine.

German leftist lawmaker says US soldiers and nukes must leave her country

Geopolitical Economy Report • 916 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Nuclear Weapons Geopolitics
  1. German Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dağdelen called for US soldiers and nuclear weapons to leave Germany, emphasizing the need for a shift in the relationship with the US.
  2. Dağdelen addressed the Bundestag, highlighting concerns about US military bases in Germany operating as extraterritorial areas outside German law, and called for an end to this situation.
  3. She criticized Germany's alignment with US foreign policy decisions, such as supporting NATO actions in Ukraine and failing to condemn the US war of aggression in Iraq, calling for a more independent stance on international issues.

The Eternally, Irreplaceably Vulnerable: Aircraft Carrier at War - with Dr. John T. Kuehn on Midrats

CDR Salamander • 432 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌐 International Military History Warfare
  1. Aircraft carriers are highly vulnerable due to their design and the nature of their operations.
  2. Aircraft carriers play a crucial role in projecting power and national will globally at sea.
  3. Proper utilization of aircraft carriers involves managing their limited resources effectively to maximize their value.

The USA is Trump's Now, Europe Must Get Ready

Phillips’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy NATO Military Leadership
  1. Trump is becoming president again with a strong majority, and this changes things for Europe. They need to prepare for new challenges ahead.
  2. Trump's stance on NATO could make the alliance less effective. US forces might not defend Europe if Trump doesn't want them to.
  3. European leaders might try to win Trump over, but it's uncertain if it will work. They need to face the reality that things cannot stay the same.

Biden's Cluster Munitions Blunder

Eunomia • 884 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Military International Law Allies
  1. Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate and pose a threat to civilians long after a war ends.
  2. Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine may lead to more harm than good, as they can maim and kill civilians and soldiers.
  3. Exporting cluster munitions contradicts previous condemnations of their use, creating political problems and potential hypocrisy.

The Prigozhin Puzzle

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Russia Military Power Dynamics
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's death raises many questions. People are wondering if it was an accident or if he was murdered, and what this means for the future of Russia and the Wagner Group.
  2. The U.S. is starting to train Ukrainian pilots, showing a shift in support for Ukraine against Russia. This could help Ukraine strengthen its military position.
  3. Prigozhin's demise could lead to more instability in Russia. Without his presence, the country might see further divisions among its leaders and military, speeding up its economic problems.

TGIF: Nutrition News

Unsettled Science • 818 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Diet Obesity Military
  1. Ketogenic diet can help reduce alcohol cravings based on a small study, which also showed benefits in mice and humans.
  2. NIH is investing $190 million in short-term nutrition studies with questionable value, sparking concerns about meaningful data and focus.
  3. Weight-loss prescriptions among U.S. service members, along with rising obesity rates in military, raise questions about the effectiveness of current dietary guidelines and the impact on national security.

Lessons in Excellence from the Tuskegee Airmen

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 816 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Military Leadership History
  1. The Tuskegee Airmen were groundbreaking African American military pilots who excelled in their roles despite facing discrimination. They proved their capabilities and earned numerous honors.
  2. Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, exemplified resilience, excellence, and selflessness throughout his military career, becoming an inspirational figure.
  3. The Tuskegee Airmen's story reflects the importance of unity, hard work, and shared values in overcoming challenges. Their achievements emphasize the significance of traditional values and meritocracy.

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 Foreign Policy Military Colonialism Civil Rights Political Economy
  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.

Debt ceiling hypocrisy: US boosts military budget while restricting food stamps for poor

Geopolitical Economy Report • 757 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economy National Debt Military
  1. The US government prioritizes boosting the military budget over providing assistance to those in need, like restricting access to food stamps for the poor.
  2. US politicians across parties show little concern for the national debt, as evident from the bipartisan agreement to increase the military budget significantly.
  3. The US economic dominance, particularly with the dollar as the global reserve currency, affords it privileges that other nations, especially in the Global South, do not have, allowing the US to handle debt and deficits uniquely.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Humanitarian Diplomacy International relations
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.

This is a big problem that needs to be talked about

Tilting At Windmills • 373 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Sexual Assault Investigation Allegations Gender Equality
  1. Sexual harassment and assault are serious issues that need to be addressed, even if the offenders are women.
  2. There should be repercussions and fair investigations for all accusations of sexual harassment and assault.
  3. Institutions, like the military, need to uphold justice and accountability for all, regardless of gender.

Purges and the PLA: Corruption in the Ranks

ChinaTalk • 874 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military Taiwan China
  1. Corruption within the Chinese military has led to major purges, affecting Xi Jinping's military actions.
  2. Predicting Xi Jinping's actions regarding Taiwan is difficult due to his secretive nature and complex decision-making process.
  3. Taiwan needs to focus on enhancing its defense capabilities with a balance of investments in munitions, technology, and strategic planning.

China report excoriates 'US hegemony', war crimes, CIA coups, 400 foreign interventions

Geopolitical Economy Report • 777 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Political Military Economic Cultural
  1. The Chinese government criticized US hegemony and its destructive impacts around the world.
  2. China highlighted the US history of violence and expansion through military means, including hundreds of interventions and wars since independence.
  3. The report also addressed the economic, technological, and cultural aspects of US hegemony, pointing out coercive tactics and manipulation in various fields.

From J-10 to J-XD - History

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Aerospace Military Engineering Innovation History
  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.

Chartbook 224 The Wagner uprising and the centrifugal force of war.

Chartbook • 1616 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics War Military Rebellion State power Violence
  1. The Wagner group in Russia had a major impact on the world economy, particularly on energy markets.
  2. The dynamics of war show the complexity and rivalry within armed forces, particularly evident during conflicts like the Russian-Ukrainian war.
  3. The Wagner group's mutiny and Putin's response highlight the potential risks of power struggles and succession disputes in Russia, posing concerns for the future.

He Hunted al-Qaeda. Now He Hunts Neo-Nazis

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 626 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Extremism Security Military Terrorism Justice
  1. Kristofer Goldsmith founded Task Force Butler to combat neo-Nazi terrorism in the US, facing credible threats and dangerous situations as a former Army sergeant.
  2. Task Force Butler infiltrates and monitors online Nazi groups, providing legal evidence that has led to convictions and lawsuits against extremist organizations.
  3. Goldsmith's personal journey, from Army veteran suffering from undiagnosed PTSD to leading an effort to dismantle white supremacist groups, highlights his resilience and dedication to fighting against hate.

Vignettes: War #3

Myth Pilot • 628 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🌐 International War Military Investigation Operations
  1. Captain Price transformed a struggling company into a top-performing unit through rigorous training and leadership.
  2. Captain Price conducted unauthorized missions on deployment, sparking a major investigation.
  3. There were rumors that Captain Price's missions involved search patterns and interrogations, hinting at a secretive agenda.

German Militarism and the Virtues of Hypocrisy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1048 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💾 History Politics Culture Military Monarchy
  1. Otto von Bismarck's 'blood and iron' speech was a pivotal moment that shaped Prussia's history and led to Germany's unification.
  2. Jonathan Steinberg's biography offers insight into the politics and culture of 19th-century Germany through direct quotes from major figures like Bismarck.
  3. Despite impressive accomplishments during and after Bismarck's reign, Germany faced challenges including maintaining a powerful monarchy and conservative elite, which played a role in the tumultuous first half of the 20th century.

A military and civilian aviation veteran explains Wednesday night's crash

Unreported Truths • 100 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📰 News Aviation Accidents Military Regulations Safety
  1. The crash was influenced by multiple failures in communication, coordination, and pilot training. Better planning and checks could have prevented it.
  2. Weather conditions, like strong winds, played a significant role in the incident. These factors made flying more complicated for both the helicopter and the airplane.
  3. The helicopter was flying higher than allowed, which was a big mistake. Following the set altitude rules could have avoided the crash completely.

A Note on the Changing Faces of (D)ARPA

The Good Science Project • 22 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research Military Innovation Bureaucracy History Regulation
  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.