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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
Episodes
  • Episode 749: Operation Epic Fury Free for All

    Episode 749: Operation Epic Fury Free for All
    Mar 2 2026
    Hard to think of a better time to have a Midrats Podcast Free-for-All.2026 continues to produce more content than we know what to do with, but we’ll give it our best.

    Show Links
    • CENTCOM’s Epic Fury Day-1 Summary
    • LUCAS attack drone
    • Intifada Podcast: Hamas in the U.S.
    • UK gives a nod for base use
    • Sal Mercogliano on the Strait of Hormuz
    • Israeli bomb shelter dating app
    Summary

    Join Sal and Mark as they analyze the recent military operations, geopolitical implications, and strategic considerations surrounding Operation Epic Fury and the broader Middle East tensions. This episode offers in-depth insights into military assets, regional dynamics, and the future of Iran and its neighbors.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction
    02:04: Main Focus: Operation Epic Fury and Iran
    03:07: Details of US Military Assets Used in the Strike
    06:28: Targeting Command and Control Centers in Iran
    08:12: Iran’s Military Capabilities and Regional Impact
    09:38: Iranian Public Sentiment and Future Opportunities
    11:25: Support for Iranian People and Regime Dynamics
    13:46: Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Sleeper Cells
    16:52: Impact of Expatriates and International Support
    18:14: Challenges of Leadership and Control in Iran
    20:09: Strategic Goals and Limitations of the Operation
    22:02: Analysis of Military and Political Leadership Decisions
    25:24: Logistics, Risks, and Future Outlook
    28:43: Potential for Further Actions and Regional Stability
    31:17: European and Global Reactions to the Strike
    34:38: International Responses and NATO’s Role
    37:11: Iran’s Response and Proxy Activities
    41:54: Intelligence, Misinformation, and Media Challenges
    45:18: Implications for US and Allies’ Security
    49:25: Operational Successes and Future Risks
    54:31: Technological Innovations and Regional Impact
    55:57: Humor and Human Element in Military Operations
    01:00: Conclusion
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    1 hr
  • Episode 748: The 21st Century Battleship, with Robert Farley

    Episode 748: The 21st Century Battleship, with Robert Farley
    Feb 23 2026
    So, is this the time to make battleships great again?I would be hard-pressed to think of a better guest to help us explore that question than returning guest, Rob Farley. A starting point for our conversation will be his article from December, The Trump-Class Battleship Summed Up In 1 Word.

    Show Links
    • The Battleship Book, by Robert Farley’s
    • Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
    • Lawyers, Guns, and Money
    • Dr. Robert Farley’s X Profile
    • Dr. Robert Farley’s Blue Sky Profile
    • My thoughts on SLCM-N
    Summary

    In this episode, Dr. Robert Farley discusses the concept of battleships, their historical significance, and the strategic considerations for modern naval warfare. The conversation covers technological challenges, political implications, and future force structure planning.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction to the Battleship Debate
    02:31: Historical Context and Modern Relevance of Battleships
    07:44: Survivability and Modern Warfare Challenges
    13:11: The Role of Nuclear Capabilities in Battleships
    20:11: Political and Strategic Implications of Battleship Armament
    23:15: Technological Innovations and Future of Naval Warfare
    32:36: Design Philosophy and Size of Modern Warships
    39:32: Historical Lessons and Future Capabilities
    46:03: Political Implications of Naval Procurement
    52:30 Shipbuilding Challenges and Future Directions

    Dr. Robert Farley has taught security and diplomacy courses at the Patterson School since 2005. He received his BS from the University of Oregon in 1997, and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2004. In addition to the book of the moment, The Battleship Book (Wildside, 2016), Dr. Farley is the author of Grounded: The Case for Abolishing the United States Air Force (University Press of Kentucky, 2014), and Patents for Power: Intellectual Property Law and the Diffusion of Military Technology (University of Chicago, 2020). He has contributed extensively to a number of journals and magazines, including the National Interest, the Diplomat: APAC, World Politics Review, and the American Prospect. Dr. Farley is also a founder and senior editor of Lawyers, Guns and Money.
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    56 mins
  • Episode 747: Mid-February Free for All

    Episode 747: Mid-February Free for All
    Feb 16 2026
    Need a moment to recover from Valentine’s Day? Of course you do!

    Showlinks
    • Truxtun-Supply Collision
    • Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference
    • Maritime Action Plan
    Summary

    In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss various topics related to national security, starting off with the Truxton-Supply collision. They also delve into Secretary Rubio’s speech regarding NATO relations, the decline of the international order, and the challenges posed by China’s global influence. Additionally, they explore the Maritime Action Plan and its significance for the future of shipbuilding and economic policy in the U.S.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction
    02:10: The Truxtun-Supply Collision
    11:55: Operational Tempo and Navy Readiness
    17:24: Secretary Rubio’s Speech and NATO Relations
    27:18: The Decline of the International Order
    37:03: China’s Global Influence and Fishing Practices
    45:51: Maritime Action Plan and Economic Policy
    57:59: Strategic Capabilities and Future of Shipbuilding
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    1 hr and 1 min
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