Midrats

Midrats
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Midrats

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.

  1. Episode 711: The Defense Reformation, with Shyam Sankar

    1 DAY AGO

    Episode 711: The Defense Reformation, with Shyam Sankar

    When a report has an opening like this, you know you have to find a way to get the author on Midrats. As a nation, we are in an undeclared state of emergency.…This is a hot Cold War II. The West has empirically lost deterrence. We must respond to this emergency to regain it. We have a peer adversary: China. “Near-Peer” is a shibboleth, a euphemism to avoid the embarrassment of acknowledging we have peers when we were once peerless. That quote is from The Defense Reformation, written last October by Shyam Sankar the Chief Technology Officer for Palantir. So many of the issues my cohost and I have been covering on Midrats the last decade and a half; personnel reform, Goldwater-Nichols, COCOM reform, the accretion encumbered acquisition program, and more are not just addressed in Sankar’s 18 Thesis, as I outlined in my Substack on it a few months ago, he provides solutions and new approaches. Get a fresh cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy an impactful hour of conversation for those interested in reforming the US military towards a stronger, more responsive steward of our nation’s defense. Summary In this conversation, Sal, Mark, and Shyam Sankar discuss the need for innovation within the Department of Defense. They explore historical parallels, the importance of creativity, and the role a Silicon Valley mindset can have in national security. The discussion emphasizes the need for agility in budgeting, the impact of monopsony on procurement, and the significance of software in modern warfare. They also highlight the importance of founders and innovative thinking in driving change within the defense sector. TakeawaysThe historical context of the Reformation can inform modern defense strategies.Creativity and innovation are essential for overcoming bureaucratic structures in defense.Silicon Valley's involvement in defense technology is crucial for national security.Lessons from the automotive industry can be applied to improve defense procurement.Founders play a vital role in driving innovation and change in organizations.People, processes, and policies must be aligned to optimize defense operations.Monopsony in defense procurement limits competition and innovation.Agility in budgeting is necessary to respond to changing defense needs.Stockpiles are less important than the ability to produce weapons quickly.Software is a key component in achieving asymmetric advantages in warfare.Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Defense Reformation 03:21: Historical Context: The Reformation and Defense Reform 06:18: Creativity and Innovation in Defense 09:04: The Role of Silicon Valley in National Security 11:42: The Legacy of McNamara and Defense Management 14:30: Protecting Innovative Personalities in Defense 17:14: The Need for Modernization in Defense Policies 20:05: Monopsony in Defense Procurement 22:59: Encouraging Founders and Innovation in Defense 32:36: The Nature of Venture Capital and Innovation 33:08: Learning from Failure: The SpaceX Approach 34:21: Breaking Down Bureaucracy: The Need for Reinvention 36:24: Institutionalizing Rebellion: Encouraging Innovation 38:46: Leveraging Free Market Principles in Military Operations 41:06: The Role of...

    1h 3m
  2. Episode 710: Affordable Approaches to Improve US and Allied Shipbuilding and Ship Repair with Michael Roberts & Bryan Clark

    JAN 13

    Episode 710: Affordable Approaches to Improve US and Allied Shipbuilding and Ship Repair with Michael Roberts & Bryan Clark

    There is almost a cottage industry in appreciating the decades-long shortfall in America’s maritime industrial base for shipbuilding and repair.After more than a decade of self-delusion in labeling the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as merely a ‘Pacing Challenge’, people are increasingly waking up to the fact that the PRC has overtaken the USA in the maritime arena—a domain in which we were globally unchallenged since the end of WWII. When considering both its vast commercial capacity and its development of the world’s largest navy, it is a fair argument to make that the maritime challenge posed by the PRC now eclipses the threat posed by the Soviet Union at its peak. With time being short, are there solutions? There are, as outlined by our guests for today’s Midrats, Michael Roberts & Bryan Clark and their report Shoring Up the Foundation: Affordable Approaches to Improve US and Allied Shipbuilding and Ship Repair from The Hudson Institute. Mike Roberts joined the Hudson Institute beginning in 2022. Before then Mike was the general counsel and a senior leader with Crowley Maritime, a top American shipping company, and president of the American Maritime Partnership. His focus is on commercial shipping and shipbuilding industries, and specifically, how fundamental changes in US maritime policies are needed to compete with China. Bryan Clark is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at Hudson Institute. He studies naval operations, cyber and electromagnetic warfare, autonomous systems, military competitions, and wargaming. He is a retired enlisted and officer submariner and his last job in the Navy was as Commander’s Action Group Director for the CNO. Summary This conversation delves into the pressing challenges facing the U.S. maritime industry, particularly the shipbuilding sector, in light of China's overwhelming shipbuilding capacity. The discussion highlights the need for affordable solutions, legislative support, and workforce development to revitalize the U.S. maritime industrial base. The guests, Mike Roberts and Bryan Clark, present their report from the Hudson Institute, which outlines actionable policies to enhance U.S. and allied shipping and ship repair capabilities. They emphasize the importance of a consistent demand signal from the government to stabilize the industry and attract skilled workers. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the US Navy in maintaining maritime readiness and resilience in the face of potential conflicts, particularly with China. It discusses the need for a robust US-flagged shipping fleet, the implications of supply chain vulnerabilities, and the importance of leveraging allied shipbuilding capacities. The speakers emphasize the necessity of innovative shipbuilding strategies, improved maintenance practices, and a shift in mindset to prepare for future military operations effectively. TakeawaysThe U.S. maritime industrial base faces significant challenges.China's shipbuilding capacity far exceeds that of the U.S.Affordable solutions are necessary for immediate impact.Legislative support is crucial for revitalizing shipbuilding.Workforce development is essential for the shipbuilding industry.The Ships for America Act aims to increase U.S. flag fleet.Educational benefits can attract skilled workers to...

    58 min
  3. Episode 709: Midrats 15th Anniversary Show with Claude Berube

    JAN 6

    Episode 709: Midrats 15th Anniversary Show with Claude Berube

    Happy New Year to everyone…and Midrats is back with you. Join us today for a broad-ranging discussion for our 15th Anniversary Show with a regular guest since the start, Claude Berube. The conversation will go who knows where, but we will begin by reflecting on how the defense media and information environment has evolved since 2010—not just from the perspective of the information consumer, but also in terms of where decision-makers turn for opinions and ideas. We’ll include some inside baseball as well, starting with how the relationship between the PAO world and the broader number and flavor of media has evolved. Here’s to the 16th Season! Claude Berube, PhD, is a retired Navy Commander and retired professor from the Naval Academy. He's worked on Capitol Hill and as a contractor for Naval Sea Systems Command and the Office of Naval Research. He also worked at the Office of Naval Intelligence. He is the author or co-author of eight books including his most recent. He is working on his ninth book, about the Navy and the lead up to World War 2. His new podcast about the United States Senate will begin later this month. ShowlinksPowerline Blog and Dan Rather’s MemogateMWI’s “Spear” podcastThe Failure of the InstitutionsClaude’s “Siren’s Song” and other booksWar on the RocksCIMSECBill Roggio & Long War JournalSal Mergcogliano’s What’s Going on With ShippingJohn Konrad’s gCaptainGeopolitics Decanted PodcastInformation Dissemination blog, by Raymond PritchettSummary In this episode of the MidRats podcast, hosts Sal and Mark celebrate the 15th anniversary of their show with guest Claude Berube. They discuss the evolution of information in national security, the impact of media on public perception, and the changing landscape of military communication. The conversation highlights the importance of accountability, transparency, and credible voices in media, as well as the collaborative nature of modern information sharing. They also look ahead to future projects and initiatives in the realm of military and national security communication. br...

    1 hr
  4. Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski

    12/15/2024

    Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski

    With one of the most militarily and energy strategic states in our union, Alaska, being in the Arctic, and the extensive interests we have on the other side of the planet in Antarctica, do you wonder why our nation’s icebreaking “fleet”—being what it is—amounts to an antique road show? Are you curious how our plan to replace them is making the LCS program look like a successful and well-run program? Can a nation of 335 million souls learn something from a nation of 5.5 million? Today’s Midrats is for you with our guest, Peter Rybski. Pete is a retired nuclear-trained surface warfare officer who has served on six different ships and a couple of overseas staffs. His last job on Active Duty was as the U.S. Naval Attache to Finland. It was in that position that he began a deep dive into icebreakers and icebreaking technology. Pete retired in 2021, but remained in Finland, where he and his family live 106 miles from the Russian border.Forgot the most important part- He writes about icebreakers, security policy, and general life in Finland over at his Substack, Sixty Degrees North. Showlinks Sixty Degrees North article on USCG Polar Security Cutter ProgramSea ice trackerUSCGC Healy (WAGB-20)gCaptain article on Chinese icebreakersPolar Security Cutter Program from WikipediaWind Class icebreakersIcebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE)Sam LaGrone article on the VT Halter icebreaker programLe Commandant Charcot, French icebreaking cruise shipFinland icebreaking Missile CorvettesAker ArcticDr Elizabeth Buchanan on XSummary This conversation delves into the critical role of icebreakers in U.S. Arctic strategy, highlighting the challenges faced by the U.S. Coast Guard in maintaining and expanding its icebreaker fleet. Guest Peter Rybski shares his experiences in Finland, where he developed a keen interest in icebreakers, and discusses the historical context of U.S. icebreaker capabilities compared to other nations. The dialogue also addresses procurement issues, legal challenges, and the necessity for armed icebreakers in the Arctic, culminating in a discussion about international cooperation through the Icebreaker Coalition. Takeaways The U.S. has not...

    56 min
  5. Episode 707: Who is on the Damascus Road, with Seth Folsom

    12/08/2024

    Episode 707: Who is on the Damascus Road, with Seth Folsom

    Trying to get your mind around who the actors are in Syria as this 'frozen conflict' from the last decade begins to thaw?If you are concerned about international jihadist organizations, the security of Israel, instability caused by mass migration, rights of religious minorities in the Middle East, or human suffering, the cascading events in Syria should be in your scan. Well, this Midrats is just for you. Returning to Midrats for the full hour to give an overview of the different players in the conflict, from the perspective of a US Marine who helped lead the fight in an earlier phase of this long conflict, will be Seth W.B. Folsom. Seth is a retired Marine Corps colonel who served more than twenty-eight years in uniform. Throughout the Global War on Terror, he deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he commanded in combat at the company, battalion, and task force levels. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Naval Postgraduate School, and the Marine Corps War College, he also is the author of “The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq;” “In the Gray Area: A Marine Advisor Team at War;” “Where Youth and Laughter Go: With ‘the Cutting Edge’ in Afghanistan;” and the forthcoming “Nothing Here Worth Dying For: Task Force Lion in Iraq.” He lives with his family and their needy cat in Southern California.You can listen here or at the Spotify widget below: ShowlinksNothing Here Worth Dying For: Task Force Lion in Iraq, by Seth FolsomHardcore History Series, Dan CarlinSummary In this conversation, Sal, Mark, and Seth discuss the complexities of the Syrian conflict, drawing connections to historical events and the role of various actors involved. They explore the implications of the recent developments in Syria, including the potential for humanitarian crises and the influence of external forces. The discussion also touches on military strategies, the significance of ethnic and religious groups, and the challenges faced by the international community in addressing the situation. TakeawaysThe Syrian conflict is deeply intertwined with historical and regional complexities.Jihadist groups in Syria present a complicated landscape that defies simple categorization.Comparisons to past conflicts, such as the Afghan Civil War, highlight potential future challenges in Syria.Ethnic and religious divisions in Syria complicate the political landscape and future governance.External actors, including Turkey and Iran, play significant roles in shaping the conflict's outcome.Humanitarian concerns are paramount as the situation in Syria evolves.The international community's response to the crisis will be critical in determining future stability.Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Syrian Conflict 03:00: Task Force Lion and Its Role in Iraq and Syria 11:09: The Complexity of Syrian Factions 13:48: Comparisons to Historical Conflicts 19:49: The Future of Syria and...

    57 min
  6. Episode 706: The Midrats Horn of Plenty

    11/25/2024

    Episode 706: The Midrats Horn of Plenty

    Before everyone dives into a week of family and fasting, time to catch up with Sal and Mark on Midrats.From the retention crisis to some stark comments from senior leaders about the Western Pacific, we’ll cover the waterfront and more. Showlinks Fighter pilot burnoutAdmiral Paparo at BrookingsDereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to VietnamSummary In this episode, Sal and Mark discuss the complexities of national defense, focusing on the importance of personnel in the military, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and the impact of deployment lengths on service members' lives. They explore the zero-sum nature of military personnel management, the strategic decisions that need to be made regarding deployments, and the role of allies in global military dynamics. The conversation critiques current military strategies and reflects on the future of military engagements, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of military policy and priorities. In this conversation, Sal and Mark discuss the economic vulnerabilities of nations, particularly focusing on the UK's reliance on maritime access and the implications for military readiness. They explore the challenges of budgetary pressures on defense spending, the inefficiencies within government bureaucracy, and the need for a reevaluation of military strategy in light of current geopolitical realities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of joint operations and the necessity for a more efficient allocation of resources to ensure national security. Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Thanksgiving Greetings 03:02: The People Behind National Defense 06:10: Challenges in Retention and Recruitment 08:54: The Zero-Sum Game of Military Personnel 11:49: The Impact of Deployment Length on Retention 15:08: Strategic Decisions in Military Deployments 17:51: The Role of Allies and Global Military Dynamics 21:01: Critique of Current Military Strategies 23:58: The Complexity of International Conflicts 27:12: The Future of Military Engagements 29:56: Conclusion and Reflections on Military Policy 32:15: The Economic Vulnerability of Nations 35:52: Military Readiness and Strategic Realities 39:42: Budgetary Pressures and Social Welfare Challenges 43:17: Government Efficiency and Bureaucratic Challenges 49:10: Rethinking Military Strategy and Deterrence 57:11: The Future of Military Operations and Joint Forces

    1h 1m
  7. Episode 705: the Opportunities With Trump's Return, with Jerry Dunleavy

    11/18/2024

    Episode 705: the Opportunities With Trump's Return, with Jerry Dunleavy

    With 63 days until President Trump’s second inauguration and a new national security team lining up, what are the expected opportunities they will be looking to make an impact quickly? What should people be looking at? Where is the fruit ripe for the picking? For the full hour we have returning guest, Jerry Dunleavy IV, author of Kabul: The Untold Story of Biden’s Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End, Former investigative journalist for the Washington Examiner, & former senior investigator for the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  Summary: In this conversation, Jerry Dunleavy discusses the implications of Trump's presidency, focusing on the shock experienced in Washington during his election and the subsequent challenges faced by the administration. He emphasizes the need for accountability regarding the Afghanistan situation and the potential pushback from entrenched bureaucracies. The conversation also touches on Trump's agenda for government reform and the overlooked threats posed by COVID and fentanyl, highlighting the intelligence community's lack of interest in these issues. The discussion concludes with reflections on the topics covered. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 02:22: Accountability in the Trump Administration 08:47: Lawfare and Political Resistance 09:09: Consequences of Intelligence Failures 09:34: The Hunter Biden Laptop Controversy 11:51: Politicization of Intelligence 14:01: Accountability in Intelligence and Military 19:54: Challenges in Military Leadership 28:43: National Security Challenges Ahead 33:49: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Military 44:43: China's Influence and Accountability 55:49: Future Directions and Closing Thoughts

    59 min
  8. Episode 704: A Post-Election Midrats Melee

    11/11/2024

    Episode 704: A Post-Election Midrats Melee

    Summary The conversation delves into various themes surrounding innovation, customization, and future planning. It highlights the importance of bespoke solutions in development and addresses the challenges faced in implementing these ideas. The speakers reflect on their insights and look forward to new developments in the field.Show LinksTrump Declares No Mercy on CartelsChris Cappy from Task & Purpose on the Cartel WarsRed Hill Fuel Storage ReportWho Put Quartermaster Bloomfield in Charge of Defending Guam?Elbridge Colby on Tucker Carlson’s ShowElbridge Colby on MidratsReturn to TinianBuilding Navy Bases in WWIIThe Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces, by Edward N. LuttwakChapters 00:00: Introduction and Veterans Day Reflection02:55: Post-Election Analysis and Military Implications 09:05: National Security and Fuel Storage Concerns 13:54: War on Cartels: A New Approach 18:35: Military Cooperation with Mexico 23:33: Political Polarization and Bureaucratic Challenges 27:08: International Relations and Energy Policies 29:14: Political Landscape and Defense Spending 32:52: Innovations in Military Technology 35:36: Strategic Military Planning and Leadership 38:17: Naval Strategy and Regional Security 40:58: Impact of Political Changes on Foreign Policy 44:25: Military Readiness and Resource Allocation 49:14: Bureaucratic Challenges in Defense5 4:43: Critique of Diversity Initiatives in the Military

    59 min
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4.8
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Midrats
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    545
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Midrats
  • Show Website
    Midrats

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