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Midrats

Midrats

By: Midrats
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 Navy Milbloggers Sal from "CDR Salamander" and EagleOne from "EagleSpeak" discuss leading issues and developments for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and related national security issues.Copyright Midrats Political Science Politics & Government World
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Episodes
  • Episode722: China's Overseas Bases & the Transition to War, with T.X. Hammes

    Episode722: China's Overseas Bases & the Transition to War, with T.X. Hammes
    May 5 2025
    The People’s Republic of China continues to expand its already well-established contestation of ownership, access, and control of ports throughout the world.

    They have done this in parallel with building the world’s largest navy and a diverse set of military capabilities clearly designed with one purpose—defeating the U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific.

    Returning to Midrats to discuss this and related topics is be T. X. Hammes.

    T.X. is a distinguished research fellow at the Center for Strategic Research, National Defense University. He served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

    Show Links
    • China’s exploitation of overseas ports and bases
    • Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
    • Ares anti-ship cruise missile
    • Typhon
    • MWI Podcast: The Future Battlefield, from Europe to the Indo-Pacific
    • The Eastern Front
    Summary

    In this conversation, Sal, Mark, and T.X. Hammes discuss the implications of China's global expansion, particularly its military strategy and naval capabilities. They explore how China is leveraging its control over ports and logistics to challenge U.S. dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The discussion also delves into operational planning assumptions for potential conflict with China, the historical context of long wars, and the challenges facing U.S. military readiness. Innovative solutions for naval warfare, the importance of economic exhaustion and sea control, and the role of mines in modern warfare are also examined. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of military technology and the potential for leveraging civilian resources in military operations.

    Takeaways
    • China's global expansion poses significant challenges to U.S. interests.
    • The U.S. Navy must adapt to China's growing naval capabilities.
    • China's unconventional use of ports can disrupt global trade.
    • Long wars are historically common between healthy powers.
    • U.S. military readiness is not sufficient for a prolonged conflict.
    • Innovative solutions like missile barges could enhance naval warfare.
    • Economic exhaustion is a critical factor in long-term conflicts.
    • Mines could play a crucial role in modern naval strategy.
    • The focus should shift from platforms to payloads in military planning.
    • Leveraging civilian resources can enhance military capabilities.
    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to China's Global Expansion
    02:36: China's Naval Capabilities and Strategic Ports
    10:42: Planning Assumptions for Potential Conflict
    21:29: Control of the Sea and Economic Exhaustion
    30:26: Utilizing Merchant Ships in Warfare
    33:27: Investing in Future Military Technologies
    35:44: Innovative Solutions for Pacific Defense
    40:11: The Role of Unmanned Systems in Modern Warfare
    42:57: Lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian War
    44:59: Adapting Combined Arms for Modern Conflicts
    48:44: The Importance of Flexibility in Naval Operations
    53:10: Building a Resilient Merchant Fleet
    55:57: Exploring New Strategies for Warfare
    01:00:50: Future Directions in Military Strategy
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    58 mins
  • Episode 721: Reforming the Pentagon, with Gary Anderson

    Episode 721: Reforming the Pentagon, with Gary Anderson
    Apr 28 2025
    With each new administration, there is opportunity for change and reform. In the new Trump Administration, reform isn’t seen as a secondary effect of a leadership change but as a requirement.What reform options should the new Pentagon leadership explore under the Trump Administration?

    Joining us to discuss this and related topics is Gary Anderson, Colonel, USMC (Ret.).

    A starting point for our conversation will be his recent article in The American Spectator, Real Military Reform Begins: Will Pete Hegseth be able to reverse our military’s decline.

    Gary retired as the chief of staff of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. He served as a special adviser to the deputy secretary of defense. He is an adjunct professor at George Washington University.

    Summary

    In this episode, Sal and Mark engage with Gary Anderson to discuss the current state of America's military, focusing on the need for reform and the implications of the Goldwater-Nichols Act. They explore the challenges facing the Marine Corps and Navy, the importance of revitalizing the defense industrial base, and the recent uptick in military morale and recruitment. The conversation also critiques the Force Design 2030 initiative and emphasizes the need for a more effective military education system and logistics support.

    Takeaways
    • America's military has been adrift for some time.
    • The rot in military effectiveness goes back decades.
    • The Goldwater-Nichols Act has had unintended consequences.
    • Careerism and ticket-punching are detrimental to military readiness.
    • Morale among military personnel is currently high.
    • The defense industrial base needs revitalization to keep up with adversaries.
    • Military education has shifted focus away from essential warfighting skills.
    • Logistics has been neglected in recent military operations.
    • War games should not be used to validate military concepts without scrutiny.
    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to Military Reform and Change
    02:35: The State of America's Military
    10:42: Challenges in Military Education and Careerism
    18:36: The Need for Honest Feedback in Military Leadership
    26:16: Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base
    29:15: Addressing the Crisis in Submarine Maintenance
    32:12: Revitalizing the Fleet: Innovative Solutions for Shipbuilding
    36:18: The Drone Dilemma: Quality vs. Quantity in Warfare
    41:04: Logistics in Modern Warfare: Lessons from the Past
    45:17: Morale in the Military: A Shift in Attitude
    51:15: Leadership Changes: Navigating New Directions
    54:00: Accountability in Military Decisions: The Need for Integrity
    58:44: War Games and Military Strategy: The Importance of Honest Analysis
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    51 mins
  • Episode720: Sen. Tim Sheehy on the Challenges and Opportunities Revitalizing the Navy

    Episode720: Sen. Tim Sheehy on the Challenges and Opportunities Revitalizing the Navy
    Apr 22 2025
    Many frustrated by the perceived lack of understanding of our nation’s maritime heritage requirements want new leaders with fresh ideas, unburdened by legacy entanglements. It is hoped that a younger cohort with military experience, preferably naval, in the House of Representatives and the Senate who bring to the job an additional background in business and industry will emerge to promote constructive change.

    Today’s guest fits the bill perfectly: the new Senator from Montana, Senator Tim Sheehy.

    Tim Sheehy is a father, husband, combat veteran, patriot, and an entrepreneur. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 2008 with a B.S. in History, Tim completed several deployments and hundreds of missions as a US Navy SEAL Officer and Team Leader, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region. Tim was honored to serve alongside many American heroes and was involved in dozens of engagements with enemy forces, earning him multiple combat decorations. Additionally, Tim completed a joint tour with Army Special Operations forces where he was privileged to complete US Army Ranger School and serve alongside the 5th Special Forces Group, 75th Ranger Regiment and other units within US Army Special Operations Command.

    Tim completed his active duty service as a mini submarine pilot and navigator specializing in sensitive undersea operations. After his active duty service, Tim fulfilled reserve duty as a recruiter and assessor for future naval officers. Tim was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserve in 2019.In 2014, Tim founded Belgrade-based Bridger Aerospace with all of his savings and an all-veteran team. Under his leadership, Bridger Aerospace and its sister company, Ascent Vision Technologies experienced rapid growth and created hundreds of Montana jobs. Ascent Vision Technologies was acquired by CACI in 2020, and Bridger Aerospace went public on the NASDAQ in 2023.

    Tim sits on the Senate Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

    Summary

    In this conversation, Senator Tim Sheehy discusses his journey from Naval Academy graduate to U.S. Senator, emphasizing the need for a new generation of leaders in the maritime domain. He highlights the importance of revitalizing the Navy, addressing challenges in shipbuilding, and fostering bipartisan support for maritime strength. The discussion also touches on the need for innovation in naval strategy and acquisition processes, advocating for a shift in mindset towards risk-taking and adaptability in the face of modern challenges.

    Show Links
    • Operation Red Wings
    • Six Frigates
    • The Fall of Kabul
    Takeaways
    • Tim shares his journey from the Naval Academy to the Senate.
    • The importance of revitalizing the Navy is highlighted.
    • Challenges in shipbuilding and acquisition processes are discussed.
    • Bipartisan support for maritime strength is crucial.
    • Innovation in naval strategy is necessary for future readiness.
    • Quantity in naval assets is as important as quality.
    • A new shipbuilding paradigm is needed to meet modern demands.
    • Risk-taking should be encouraged in military leadership.
    • The Navy's historical context is essential for understanding current challenges.
    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to Maritime Challenges and New Perspectives
    12:47: Senator Tim Sheehy's Journey: From Navy to Politics
    18:44: Revitalizing the Navy: Challenges and Opportunities
    24:37: Acquisition Paradigms and the Future of Naval Strategy
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

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