Midrats

Midrats
  • 4.7 (88)
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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.

  1. Episode 760: Rethinking Force Design on the Midrats Podcast with General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.)

    19h ago

    Episode 760: Rethinking Force Design on the Midrats Podcast with General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.)

    It has been a bit more than six years since then Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger, USMC, initiated what became known as Force Design 2030 (now just known as Force Design). What followed was a controversial change to the structure of the United States Marine Corps intended to address the challenge posed by the People's Republic of China in the western Pacific. Now more than halfway to the original 2030 target, and informed by events from Ukraine and Southwest Asia since 2020, both long-standing critics of the design and other voices are readdressing the changes—and the critique—to see if it remains the right path. Joining the Midrats Podcast is General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.). Summary In this episode, retired General Anthony Zinny discusses the evolution of Marine Corps force design, its strategic implications, and the importance of a flexible, well-analyzed approach to military modernization. Show LinksGeneral Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.) full bioForce Design 2030Marine leaders drop ‘2030’ from name of ambitious overhaul planUSMC Force Design Update from 2023The Marines Must Think Bigger Than Small Units, Real Clear Defense, December 09, 2025, Anthony Zinni & Jerry McAbee , Timothy WellsMore funding for the wrong programs won’t fix the Marine Corps, Washington Times, July 10, 2025, by Gen. Charles Krulak and Gen. Anthony ZinniOn the Future of the Marine Corps: Assessing Force Design 2030, CSIS, May 16, 2022What is the role of the Marine Corps in today’s global security environment?, Task & Purpose, Apr 19, 2022, Anthony ZinniGeneral Anthony Zinni (ret.) on Wargaming Iraq, Millennium Challenge, and Competition, CIMSEC, October 18, 2021, by Mie Augier and Major Sean F. X. BarrettUSNA lecture: The Obligation to tell the truthChapters 00:00: Introduction to Force Design 2030 03:28: General Zinni’s Perspective on Force Design 17:33: Critique of Current Military Strategy 24:08: Cultural Dynamics within the Marine Corps 32:25: Logistics and Equipment Considerations 35:40: Strategic Military Logistics 38:01: Challenges in the Strait of Hormuz 40:37: Marine Corps Littoral Regiments 43:21: Logistics and Mobility in Modern Warfare 46:49: Lessons from Military History: The 70s and 90s 49:11: Innovation in Military Strategy 52:32: The Importance of a Structured Development Process 56:14: Future Threats and Military Preparedness General Zinni’s record of 35 years of service in uniform covers the breadth of service from the Vietnam War to his tour as Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) from 1997 to 2000. Following his retirement from active duty, General Zinni continued to serve in senior diplomatic roles, including as the U.S. Special Envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority (2001–2003) and later as Special Envoy to Qatar (2017–2019). He is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestsellers Battle Ready (with Tom Clancy) and The Battle for Peace, as well as Leading the Charge and Before the First Shots Are Fired. Additionally, he continues working in academic positions and as a speaker on geopolitics, ethical leadership, and America’s role in the world.

    59 min
  2. Episode 759: Maritime Service Revival, with Brent Sadler

    Jun 8

    Episode 759: Maritime Service Revival, with Brent Sadler

    In creating a maritime renaissance in the U.S., there is a lot of work, discussion, and money going toward not just buying more ships, but also expanding the industrial base and training skilled tradespeople to make that expansion possible. A cornerstone of this should be training more dedicated Merchant Mariners and employing their skills in a better way. Returning to Midrats is Brent D. Sadler to discuss this and related topics. Along with Hollins Randolph and Peter Lynch, he co-authored a report at Heritage, Time to Bring Back the U.S. Maritime Service to Support America’s Maritime Revival and a Wartime Economy, that we will use as a basis for our conversation. Brent is Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, and a retired U.S. Navy Captain. Summary This episode features Brent Sadler from the Heritage Foundation discussing the urgent need to revitalize the US maritime industry, focusing on the reactivation of the US Maritime Service, improving merchant marine training, and enhancing logistics for national security and wartime readiness. Chapters 00:00: Revitalizing Naval Power and Merchant Marine Support 02:34: The Importance of Merchant Mariners 06:19: Organizational Challenges in Maritime Operations 12:17: Credentialing and Training Issues 15:06: The TidalWave Project and Sea Lift Requirements 20:03: Leadership and Cultural Shifts in Maritime Services 25:10: Immediate Solutions for Maritime Needs 30:39: Addressing Vulnerabilities in Maritime Logistics

    33 min
  3. Episode 758: Mid Month Free for All

    May 18

    Episode 758: Mid Month Free for All

    Blockades, 11-month deployments, the Vietnam War, shipbuilding plans, and some love for our friends from The Philippines…a full plate for a Midrats Free for All. Summary This episode covers the recent return of the USS Gerald Ford after a 326-day deployment, the significance of naval operations, shipbuilding plans, and geopolitical considerations in the Indo-Pacific region. The hosts analyze naval readiness, technological advancements, and strategic challenges facing the US Navy. Show LinksFORD Carrier Strike Group receives Presidential Unit Citation.USS Mahan (DDG-72) returns from deploymentUSS Midway (CV-41) off Vietnam 1973Easter Offensive of 1972Hong Kong’s Mary SooExecutive Orders:141921426514269Latest Shipbuilding PlanDecades-long requirement for a nuclear powered escortMobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III,by Shyam Sankar and Madeline HartEpisode 393: Building the right carrier; heavy, medium, or light with Tal ManvelBalikatan 2026China, the unwanted guestChapters 00:00: Introduction and Overview of the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment 10:01: Lessons Learned from the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment 14:24: Historical Context of Carrier Deployments 22:29: Life on Deployment: Experiences and Morale 30:27: Current Naval Operations and Future Considerations 33:02: The Ongoing Naval Operations in the Persian Gulf 38:55: Challenges in Aircraft Carrier Deployment 44:47: The Future of Shipbuilding and Naval Assets 50:54: The Role of Nuclear Power in Modern Naval Warfare 56:52: International Naval Cooperation and Exercises

    1h 1m
  4. Episode 757: May Maritime Melee

    May 4

    Episode 757: May Maritime Melee

    Summary This episode explores the strategic maritime operations off the Straits of Hormuz, the impact of economic sanctions on Iran, and the future of naval amphibious forces. Experts discuss the nuances of naval blockade effectiveness, the importance of leadership in amphibious ships, and the broader geopolitical implications. Show LinksDVIDS Hub - Defense Visual Information Distribution ServiceSecretary of the Treasury Bessent on Operation Economic FuryWilliam Toti, CAPT, USN (Ret.)USS Indianapolis and Captain McVeigh - Court Martial Records Story of the USS Indianapolis, as told by Quint in the movie JawsVenezuelan oil output changesKarim Sadjadpour’s overview of economic impact of embargoSWOs take the amphibs backMidrats, Episode 712: Condition of the Navy’s Amphibious Fleet And Its Impacts on Marines: the View from GAONavy’s MQ-25A StingrayChapters 00:00: Introduction to Maritime Topics 01:58: The Blockade in the Straits of Hormuz 06:47: Understanding the Impact of Blockades 09:56: Economic Pressure on Iran 12:57: The Role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps 18:01: Challenges of Regime Change in Iran 24:00: Lessons from Iraq and Venezuela 31:26: Naval Readiness and Command Changes 34:54: Navigating Command Structures in the Navy 39:00: The Role of Surface Warfare Officers 42:03: Career Pathways in Amphibious Warfare 45:47: The Future of Amphibious Forces 53:02: Leadership Changes in the Navy \01:00:04: Foreign Ship Designs and Naval Strategy

    1 hr
  5. Episode 756: Latin American Policy, with Dr. Colin Dueck

    Apr 26

    Episode 756: Latin American Policy, with Dr. Colin Dueck

    Summary This episode features Dr. Colin Dueck, with Mark and Sal, discussing the historical and strategic importance of U.S. policy towards Latin America, the evolution of the Monroe Doctrine, and current challenges and opportunities in the hemisphere. Discussion is centered on how U.S. foreign policy can shape the future of the region amid great power competition. Show Links Why the Monroe Doctrine Still Matters, Colin DueckDr. Colin Dueck’s AEI pageChina’s Growing Influence in Latin America, Council on Foreign RelationsBolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our AmericaThe band The Minutemen circa 1985Chapters 00:00: Introduction to U.S. Policy in Latin America 03:08: Historical Context of U.S. Influence 06:10: The Monroe Doctrine and Its Evolution 08:49: Cold War Dynamics in Latin America 11:30: Post-Cold War Attitudes and Challenges 14:37: Recent Political Shifts in Latin America 17:22: The Rise of Conservative Governments 19:53: Crime and Governance in Latin America 23:02: Future Implications for U.S.-Latin America Relations 28:33: Revitalizing Latin America: Opportunities and Challenges 29:26: Political Dynamics in Latin America: A Regional Overview 36:00: Energy Resources: The Key to Economic Development 37:51: China’s Influence in Latin America: A Double-Edged Sword 47:03: Strategic U.S. Engagement: Priorities for the Future Dr. Colin Dueck is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he is focusing on the interconnection between US national security strategies and party politics, conservative ideas, and presidential leadership. He is also a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, where he is the faculty adviser for the Alexander Hamilton Society. A senior nonresident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, he has also served as a foreign policy adviser on several Republican presidential campaigns. Dr. Dueck is the author of three books on American foreign and national security policies: The Obama Doctrine: American Grand Strategy Today (Oxford University Press, 2015), Hard Line: The Republican Party and US Foreign Policy Since World War II (Princeton University Press, 2010), and Reluctant Crusaders: Power, Culture, and Change in American Grand Strategy (Princeton University Press, 2006). He has testified before Congress and has been published in academic journals and the popular press. These include International Security, Orbis, Political Science Quarterly, the Review of International Studies, Security Studies, World Policy Journal, The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, RealClearPolitics, and National Review. A Rhodes scholar, Dr. Dueck has a PhD in politics from Princeton University and an MPhil in international relations from Oxford University. He was also awarded a John M. Olin Postdoctoral Fellowship in national security studies by Harvard University. His earlier degrees in history were obtained from the University of Saskatchewan.

    55 min
  6. Episode 755: Mid-April Free for All

    Apr 20

    Episode 755: Mid-April Free for All

    Summary This episode features a lively free-for-all discussion covering recent naval operations, geopolitical tensions, naval maintenance issues, and international defense collaborations. The hosts share insights on maritime security, shipbuilding, and the strategic importance of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. Key TopicsNaval operations in the Strait of HormuzUS Navy maintenance and readiness issuesInternational defense collaborations in the Indo-PacificNo one in the Navy has ever been hungry underwayByron Audler: a good yardbirdShow LinksCharge of the Love Boat BrigadeMogami Class FrigateNew Fuel Storage Location in the Southern PhilippinesUSA vs. China GDP Gap GrowsUSS Boise (SSN 764) 2015 Change of CommandChapters 00:00: Introduction 02:19: Recent Strait of Hormuz Activity 07:26: US Navy Intercepts Iranian Ship in Gulf of Oman 11:47: Maintenance Challenges 16:58: USS Boise Maintenance and Accountability 21:40: Naval Readiness and Fleet Sustainability 29:46: Japan-Australia Defense Cooperation and Shipbuilding 38:55: Pacific Region Security and Naval Assets 45:24: China’s Demographics and Economic Outlook 47:26: NASA Moon Mission and Space Exploration 53:14: US-Philippines Relations and Strategic Partnerships 58:41: Naval Food and Morale Myths 59:57: Remembering Byron Audler

    1h 3m
  7. Episode 754: European Navies' Lessons, with Alessio Patalano

    Apr 13

    Episode 754: European Navies' Lessons, with Alessio Patalano

    The last four years’ conflicts from the Strait of Hormuz through the Red Sea to the Black Sea have presented a raft of lessons to the navies of Europe. How are they positioned to address the lessons, and what moves are already taking place? Returning to the Midrats Podcast to discuss this and related topics is Alessio Patalano. Alessio is a Professor of War and Strategy in East Asia and senior fellow at the Center for Statecraft and National Security at King’s College London, where he specializes in maritime strategic issues. Summary In this episode, Alessio Politano, Mark, and Sal engage in a deep discussion on the evolving landscape of naval security, strategic innovation, and the importance of historical and contemporary insights in shaping maritime defense policies.  Main topics include:The significance of maritime history and its influence on current naval strategiesChallenges facing the UK Royal Navy and European navies amid funding and technological gapsModern threats in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and beyond, including missile and drone warfareInteroperability and technological advancements in NATO naval forcesThe strategic importance of autonomous systems and undersea infrastructure resilienceTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of current naval strategic challenges 02:11 - Major recent regional conflicts and their global implications 03:09 - Mritime strategy and how history informs modern security 04:48 - The importance of understanding maritime history in policy making 05:45 - Lessons from past empires and their relevance today 07:36 - Strategic literacy among policymakers and military leaders 08:49 - The impact of natural disasters and supply chain disruptions (e.g., Japan 2011) 10:28 - Europe’s response to emerging naval threats and fleet modernization efforts 11:51 - The role of anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) systems in modern warfare 13:23 - Challenges faced by European navies in resource allocation and modernization 14:48 - The Red Sea operations: European and NATO approaches to maritime security 17:01 - Lessons learned from Ukraine and how they influence fleet development 18:24 - The state of the Royal Navy’s readiness and funding issues 19:48 - Upgrades and challenges regarding naval guns and missile defense systems 20:45 - British Navy’s current strategic considerations and historical perspective 22:23 - Political and financial factors impacting UK naval capabilities 23:13 - The importance of strategic investments and capability development 26:33 - The role of autonomous systems and unmanned vessels in future naval missions 33:24 - Regional missile threats, focusing on Iran and Chinese developments 37:18 - Europe’s plans for missile defense and cooperation with the U.S. 44:36 - The significance of interoperability and joint exercises 50:07 - Building resilience through technology, autonomy, and international collaboration 55:09 - Critical infrastructure protection in the Baltic and North Sea 62:57 - Future trajectories for European and Asian navies 63:13 - Alessio’s upcoming projects and publications Resources & Links:Books by Alessio PatalanoThe Sun Also Rises — by Ernest HemingwayFleet Tactics and Naval Operations, Third Edition — by Wayne Hughes:Centre for Statecraft and National Security at King’s College LondonBooks by Sam J. TangrediProject BeehiveRussia probing of the UK seabed resourcesNATO’s Baltic Sentry

    1h 4m
  8. Episode 753: The Case for Pacific Optimism, with Blake Herzinger

    Mar 30

    Episode 753: The Case for Pacific Optimism, with Blake Herzinger

    Having trouble keeping up with the world around you? Head swirling with too much? You’re not alone. Good news…we’ll get you all caught up and set right. Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Blake Herzinger. Blake Herzinger is Microsoft’s Defense and National Security Policy Lead for Asia. Previously, he led policy strategy and advocacy at Citi across North and South Asia and Australia, advised senior leaders on geopolitical and regulatory trends at Indo-Pacific Advisors, and held roles at Twitter and Booz Allen Hamilton focused on defense policy, risk, and market strategy. He has been affiliated with think tanks including the American Enterprise Institute and the US Studies Centre in Sydney. From 2008 to 2017, Blake served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer; he continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He holds an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) and a B.A. in Political Science from Brigham Young University.  He speaks English and Bulgarian.  In this episode:The significance of Japan increasing its defense expenditure to 2% of GDP and regional implicationsJapan’s soft power growth through development aid and maritime security contributionsThe increasing security cooperation between Japan, Australia, South Korea, and regional partnersHow regional maritime choke points affect security and trade resilienceThe digital revolution in shipbuilding and defense modernization effortsThe strategic importance of AUKUS and integrated supply chains for alliance strengthInsights into Singapore’s strategic posture and its partnerships in Southeast AsiaChallenges in defense procurement, cyber security, and digital infrastructure resilienceThe shifting dynamics of global energy supply and regional economic interestsTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the regional security context 02:05 - Blake Herzinger’s role and current focus in Asia 02:33 - Japan’s defense spending increase and regional security implications 03:56 - Japan’s relationships with neighbors and regional development efforts 04:50 - Japan’s soft power in Southeast Asia and maritime security contributions 05:43 - Japan’s defense export initiatives and security cooperation 07:43 - Personal experiences with Japan-U.S. naval exercises and alliance benefits 08:13 - Japan’s assertiveness regarding Taiwan and regional security alignments 08:46 - Building security networks among U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific 09:36 - The evolution of regional defense partnerships and trilateral arrangements 10:01 - Historical context of Pacific conflicts and current opportunities for cooperation 11:20 - The non-expansionist nature of current regional disputes and interests overlap 12:15 - The growing economic and security ties around Southeast Asia 13:26 - Japan’s defense uplift post-Shangri-La Dialogue and its regional impact 14:01 - Ukraine’s influence on Japan and regional resilience initiatives 15:04 - Cyber warfare, critical infrastructure, and future regional security challenges 16:17 - Maritime choke points’ strategic importance and regional defense planning 17:41 - U.S. and regional shipbuilding efforts, technological modernization 18:48 - Evolving international relationships beyond traditional hubs 20:01 - The growing defense collaborations across Asia and beyond 21:35 - The importance of digital infrastructure and cyber security in defense 22:53 - The challenge of modernizing shipbuilding through data and digital supply chains 24:07 - Regional energy security, oil dependencies, and diversifying supplies 26:21 - Australia’s energy policies and regional resilience strategies 29:33 - The potential of nuclear energy and green energy initiatives in Asia 31:18 - The strategic significance of AUKUS and regional perceptions 36:54 - Modernizing defense logistics, munition production, and industrial cooperation 38:21 - Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles in defense modernization and tech sharing 40:30 - The ongoing efforts to evolve U.S. defense capabilities and partnership standards 43:18 - Australian and Japanese shipbuilding cooperation and regional interoperability 46:49 - Singapore’s strategic posture, partnerships, and regional stability efforts 51:24 - Final thoughts: emerging issues and the importance of optimism in security 54:12 - Blake’s recent publications, ongoing initiatives, and staying connected Resources & Links:Managing the Unbreakable Alliance: Agreements, Core Instruments, and Related Documents, by Blake HerzingerJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)As the US Navy just demonstrated, war at sea is global, John Andrews at ASPIMobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III, Shyam Sankar and Madeline Hart

    56 min
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4.7
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    594
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Midrats
  • Show Website
    Midrats

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