Midrats

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.

  1. Episode 741: The Lessons of Pearl Harbor at 84, with John Keuhn

    2D AGO

    Episode 741: The Lessons of Pearl Harbor at 84, with John Keuhn

    History isn’t just about the past; it’s a guide for today!  On this episode, we unravel the myths surrounding Pearl Harbor and what they teach us about current global tensions with returning guest, John Keuhn. Dr. John T. Kuehn is Professor of Military History at the Army Command and General Staff College. He served in the US Navy as a naval flight officer flying in EP-3s and ES-3s, retiring in 2004. He has authored or co-authored seven books and was awarded a Vandevort Prize from the Society for Military History in 2023 for his article “Zumwalt, Holloway, and the Soviet Navy Threat Leadership in a Time of Strategic, Social, and Cultural Change.” His latest book from is Strategy in Crisis (Naval Institute, 2023). Summary In this episode, Sal, Mark and guest John Kuehn discuss the historical significance of the Pearl Harbor attack, exploring its lessons for modern military strategy and the importance of public support in warfare. They analyze the complexities of the attack, the role of logistics in sustaining naval forces, and the geopolitical implications of sea lines of communication. The conversation also touches on the current state of the U.S. Navy and the strategic calculations of China in the context of potential conflict over Taiwan. Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Context of Pearl Harbor 04:22: Understanding the Surprise Attack 10:41: Lessons from Pearl Harbor for Modern Warfare 17:27: The Role of Public Support in War 25:12: The Importance of Selling Naval Power 31:08: Logistics and Sustaining Naval Forces 39:42: Geopolitical Implications of Sea Lines of Communication 46:00: China’s Strategic Calculations and Modern Warfare 56:40: Conclusion and Future Considerations

    1h 8m
  2. Episode 740: The Better Part of a Decade and a Half with the Navy & Midrats, with Bryan McGrath

    DEC 8

    Episode 740: The Better Part of a Decade and a Half with the Navy & Midrats, with Bryan McGrath

    One of our guests on Episode 3 of Midrats was Bryan McGrath, CDR, USN (Ret.). Over the years he’s returned often, and has even graced us with the pleasure of a few guest posts here.As he’s let people know for years, he was going to retire for good at 60. True to his word, he hung it up a few weeks ago. Earlier this year before he got too focused on his figs and vines, I asked Bryan to come on for a broad-ranging conversation. What a great hour. A retired Naval Officer, Bryan spent 21 years on active duty including a tour in command of USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), a guided-missile destroyer homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. In command, he received the “Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Inspirational Leadership” from the Surface Navy Association and his ship earned the USS ARIZONA Memorial Trophy signifying its selection as the Fleet’s most combat-ready warship. His final duties ashore included serving as Team Lead and Primary Author of the US Navy’s 2007 Maritime Strategy “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower”. Bryan was formerly the Deputy Director of the Hudson Institute Center for American Seapower. In this capacity, he helped develop the Surface Navy’s “Distributed Lethality” concept and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments’ 2017 Navy Alternate Fleet Architecture Study. Bryan earned a BA in History from the University of Virginia in 1987, and an MA in Political Science (Congressional Studies) from The Catholic University of America. He is a graduate of the Naval War College. He retired again in November 2025 after 13 years in defense consulting. Show LinksThe End of the Road, Bryan McGrathIn Praise of the Military-Industrial Complex, Bryan McGrathSummary In this episode of Midrats, hosts Sal and Mark welcome back Bryan McGrath to discuss his reflections on retirement, the changes in the naval environment over the years, and the importance of relationships in naval policy. They delve into the challenges facing shipbuilding and naval strategy, the need for diverse naval capabilities, and the influence of Congress on naval development. The conversation also touches on personnel and leadership in the Navy, learning from past naval conflicts, and the impact of historical events on naval leadership. Bryan shares insights on future directions for naval operations, praises recent naval performance, and emphasizes the role of technology in naval warfare. The episode concludes with a discussion on collaboration between industry and military and Bryan’s final thoughts on future advocacy in the naval sphere. Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Guest Background 04:46: Reflections on Retirement and Career Path 07:35: Changes in Naval Environment Over the Years 11:17: The Importance of Relationships in Naval Policy 14:47: Challenges in Shipbuilding and Naval Strategy 18:03: The Need for Diverse Naval Capabilities 21:25: Congressional Influence on Naval Development 24:40: Personnel and Leadership in the Navy 28:14: Learning from Past Naval Conflicts 32:45: The Impact of Historical Events on Naval Leadership 36:08: Future Directions for Naval Operations 39:00: Praise for Naval Performance in Recent Operations 43:23: The Role of Technology in Naval Warfare 46:57: Collaboration Between Industry and Military 50:48: Final Thoughts and Future Advocacy

    58 min
  3. Episode 739: Pre-Thanksgiving Free for All

    NOV 24

    Episode 739: Pre-Thanksgiving Free for All

    Summary In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss various aspects of national security, including military deployments, the influence of drug cartels, and the geopolitical dynamics in South America. They delve into the implications of China’s growing presence in the Western Hemisphere and the challenges posed by information warfare. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations surrounding military orders and reflects on the representation of military experiences in media, particularly in relation to the Vietnam War. Show LinksThe Last 600 MetersDoes Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D NH) really have your back?NORK labor to Russia to build dronesNauru President visits PRCCorbett, China, and CounterintelligenceThe Navy’s new unmanned acquisition officeTactical quantumSmall Wars Journal on the Future FightChapters 00:00: Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections 02:11: Military Deployments and National Security 04:41: Venezuela and Drug Cartels 10:47: South America: Political Dynamics and Security 12:54: China’s Influence in the Western Hemisphere 20:31: Information Warfare and Disinformation 25:59: China’s Global Relationships and Military Strategy 30:03: The Role of Smaller Nations in Global Security 35:05: Technological Challenges in Modern Warfare 48:25: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Military Orders 01:00:34: Reflections on Vietnam and Military Representation

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 738: Is the Navy Missing its Moment, with Chris Servello

    NOV 17

    Episode 738: Is the Navy Missing its Moment, with Chris Servello

    For a decade and a half, since President Obama’s Pacific Pivot speech, there has been a rising tide in the conversation about the need to fix the US Navy’s shortfall to meet the challenge of the People’s Republic of China.Faced with systemic and cascading failures in everything from surface ship design to maintenance, and distractions as frivolous as Great Green Fleets at sea and as serious as the Islamic State ashore, navalists have been waiting for serious action on the waterfront to match the rising tide of the strategic situation. Rhetorically at least, the second Trump administration came in saying all the right things to give hope that, at last, we would turn into the wind. Are we? Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Chris Servello, CDR, USN (Ret.), cofounder of Provision Advisors PR Consultancy.  Show LinksCavas Ships PodcastProvision Advisors Summary In this episode of Midrats, Mark, Sal, and Chris Servello discuss the current state of the U.S. Navy, focusing on leadership challenges, the importance of communication, and the need for innovation in naval strategy and technology. They explore the cultural issues within the Navy that hinder progress and the necessity for reform in acquisition processes. The conversation also touches on the role of allied navies and the importance of domestic shipbuilding capabilities in maintaining American sea power. Takeaways The Navy is at a critical juncture in reclaiming its sea power.Leadership changes are necessary to address the Navy’s challenges.Communication with Congress and the public is vital for naval support.Cultural issues within the Navy contribute to a lack of innovation.The Navy must learn from allied navies and their practices.Acquisition processes need significant reform to be effective.Risk-taking and creativity are essential for naval success.Domestic shipbuilding capabilities must be prioritized over outsourcing.The current political climate affects national security discussions.The Navy’s future depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.Chapters 00:00: Introduction 05:04: Reflections on Naval Strategy and Leadership 09:51: Challenges in Navy Leadership and Administration 14:47: Comparative Analysis of Military Services 19:50: The Importance of Communication and Public Engagement 24:51: Innovations in Naval Technology and Acquisition Reform 30:07: Concluding Thoughts on Naval Future and Leadership 32:18: Navigating Leadership Challenges in the Navy 34:28: The State of American Sea Power 36:42: Balancing Domestic and Foreign Shipbuilding 40:52: The Future of Naval Strategy and Technology 45:18: The Role of Congress in Naval Affairs 48:32: Innovating Beyond Traditional Naval Constructs 51:43: Cultural Barriers to Risk and Innovation 56:40: Reviving Experimentation in Naval Programs 01:00:07: Learning from Global Naval Practices

    58 min
  5. Episode 737: Maritime Statecraft and its Future, with Hunter Stires

    OCT 27

    Episode 737: Maritime Statecraft and its Future, with Hunter Stires

    How are naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, and commercial shipping linked together to create a healthy and effective national seapower ecosystem? What did the 1990s “Last Supper” get wrong, and what can be done to correct the error?Our guest this week is Hunter Stires, founder and CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group, returning to Midrats to discuss this and more. We will be using as a starting point for our discussion the recent article that he co-wrote with Steve Brock at CIMSEC, Maritime Statecraft and its Future. Summary In this conversation with Sal and Mark, Hunter Stires discusses the interconnectedness of naval shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and the broader maritime strategy of the United States. He emphasizes the historical context of U.S. maritime power, the importance of bipartisan support for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the role of allies like South Korea in enhancing U.S. capabilities. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, the need for competition in the shipbuilding sector, and the strategic imperative of maintaining a robust maritime ecosystem. ShowlinksMaritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter StiresThe Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. LambertThe Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer MahanShipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR SalamanderShareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin BollingerEpisode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark TempestTakeawaysThe U.S. maritime ecosystem is interconnected and requires a holistic approach.Bipartisan support is crucial for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry.Historical lessons from figures like Mahan are relevant today.South Korea’s investment in U.S. shipbuilding symbolizes a strong partnership.Workforce challenges in shipbuilding can be addressed through better pay and training.Outsourcing shipbuilding undermines U.S. strategic interests.Competition in the shipbuilding sector leads to innovation and efficiency.The U.S. must leverage its allies for technological advancements in shipbuilding.A maritime revival is possible with the right political will and strategy.Investment in shipbuilding is essential for national security.Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Maritime Strategy and Ecosystem 02:05: The Interconnection of Naval and Commercial Shipbuilding 07:06: Historical Context: Lessons from Mahan and the Past 14:40: Bipartisan Support for Maritime Revival 18:16: The Role of South Korea in U.S. Shipbuilding 31:00: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding and Workforce 41:50: Future Directions and Strategic Partnerships Hunter Stires served as the Maritime Strategist to the 78th Secretary of the Navy, completing his term in June 2025. He has been recognized for his work as one of the principal architects of the Maritime Statecraft strategy put into action by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to rebuild America’s comprehensive maritime power, both commercial and naval. Mr. Stires serves as a Non-Resident Fellow with the Navy League’s Center for Maritime Strategy and as the Project Director of the U.S. Naval Institute’s Maritime Counterinsurgency Project. A graduate of Columbia University, Mr. Stires previously served in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and in several positions on the Navy Staff, including in OPNAV N96 Surface Warfare Directorate, OPNAV N95 Expeditionary Warfare Directorate, and OPNAV N522 Navy Irregular Warfare Group. Since departing government, Mr. Stires founded and now serves as CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group. Mr. Stires has been recognized twice with the U.S. Naval Institute’s General Prize, the premier writing award of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, judged in the blind by active duty Sea Service professionals each year since its inception in 1879. He was awarded 1st Prize for “The South China Sea Needs a ‘COIN’ Toss,” published in Proceedings in May 2019; he was awarded 2nd Prize for “Win Without Fighting,” published in June 2020. His article in the Summer 2019 issue of the Naval War College Review, “‘They Were Playing Chicken:’ The U.S. Asiatic Fleet’s Gray-Zone Deterrence Campaign against Japan, 1937-40,” was selected for inclusion in the Newport Papers monograph Deterrence. Mr. Stires’s published work has been cited in a wide range of outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, War on the Rocks, The National Interest, 19FortyFive, the Liberty Times, Rappler, and the South China Morning Post —as well as the Chinese language edition of the Global Times.

    57 min
  6. Episode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose

    OCT 20

    Episode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose

    Summary In this conversation, Chris Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Anduril, joins Sal and Mark to discuss the company’s mission to revolutionize defense technology by integrating commercial innovations into military applications. He emphasizes the need for mass-producible military capabilities, the importance of adaptability in modern warfare, and the challenges posed by the current U.S. acquisition system. Brose also highlights the significance of collaborative combat systems and international partnerships, particularly through the Ghost Shark program with the Australian Navy. He expresses optimism about the future of U.S. defense, advocating for a shift towards a more agile and innovative approach to military production and strategy. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Anduril and Its Mission 04:26: The Unique Position of Anduril in Defense 09:02: The Shift in Military Strategy and Production Needs 13:11: Designing for Mass Production and Scalability 17:50: Innovations in Collaborative Combat Systems 23:35: The Ghost Shark Program and International Collaboration 28:02: Challenges in the U.S. Acquisition System 34:34: Deployability and Operational Integration of New Systems 39:41: Cost-Effective Solutions for Modern Warfare 45:01: Optimism for the Future of U.S. Defense

    54 min
  7. Episode 735: October NATSEC Melee

    OCT 13

    Episode 735: October NATSEC Melee

    Summary In this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss a range of topics related to national security, military strategy, and current events. They reflect on the 25th anniversary of the USS Cole attack, analyze the ongoing dynamics in the Middle East, and explore the implications of military presence and partnerships. The conversation also delves into submarine capabilities, logistics challenges, and innovations in supply chain solutions. Additionally, they touch on mine warfare, military pay issues, and the Navy’s upcoming 250th anniversary, concluding with a debate on the relevance of battleships in modern warfare. Show LinksMidrats Podcast with Kirk LippoldJapan Will Arm Its Submarines With Long-Range Cruise Missiles, Thomas Newdick at TWZ.Can the President Pay Troops During a Government Shutdown?, at GovFactsHypersonic-Armed Destroyers and Submarines are Relocating to Hawaii, Carter Johnson at Naval News.Fighting China, Fast and Slow: The Real Logistics Challenge in the Taiwan Strait, Maximilian K. Bremer and Kelly A. Grieco at Foreign AffairsU.S. Guided-missile Sub Makes Rare Appearance in the Philippines, Sam LaGrone at USNI News.The Battleship Continues to Haunt the US Navy, by James Holmes at The National InterestTakeawaysThe USS Cole attack marked a significant turning point in U.S. military operations overseas.Current peace efforts in the Middle East may provide a unique opportunity for stability.Military presence in strategic regions is crucial for maintaining alliances and deterrence.Submarine capabilities are essential for modern naval warfare and need to be prioritized.Japan’s military developments indicate a shift in regional security dynamics.Logistics challenges remain a critical concern for U.S. military operations.Innovative supply chain solutions are necessary for sustaining military forces in conflict zones.Mine warfare is an underappreciated aspect of naval strategy that requires attention.Military pay and accountability are fundamental responsibilities of leadership.The Navy’s 250th anniversary serves as a reminder of its historical significance and ongoing evolution.Chapters 00:00: Introduction 03:40: Reflecting on the USS Cole Attack 10:27: Current Middle East Dynamics and Peace Efforts 15:22: Military Strategy and International Relations 20:11: Logistics Challenges in Modern Warfare 29:33: Creating Targeting Problems in Warfare 32:29: Addressing Cargo Capacity Challenges 33:23: Leveraging Allies for Shipbuilding 35:37: The Importance of Mine Warfare 37:10: Ensuring Military Pay During Budget Crises 41:06: Supporting Military Relief Organizations 43:44: Celebrating the Navy’s 250th Anniversary 46:50: The Debate on Battleships’ Relevance 53:13: Future of Naval Warfare and Technology

    57 min
  8. Episode 734: Parades, Carriers, and China's Military Signaling, with Dean Cheng

    SEP 29

    Episode 734: Parades, Carriers, and China's Military Signaling, with Dean Cheng

    For decades, while the rest of the world’s powers have distracted and tangled themselves with wars of choice and blunder, the People’s Republic of China has been watching, learning, and building. To what end? Returning to Midrats to discuss this and more will be Dean Cheng. Dean is a Senior Advisor, United States Institute of Peace; Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 13 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009. Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex. He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China’s Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs. Show LinksXi Jinping hails ‘unstoppable’ China at landmark military parade, Financial TimesMore than pageantry, China’s military parade shows off new missiles, drones and other equipment, The IndependentYJ-15 missile, YJ-19, YJ-17, YJ-20 hypersonic missiles, Global TimesNASA Names Astronauts to Next Moon Mission, First Crew Under ArtemisSummary In this conversation, Dean Cheng and the hosts discuss the implications of China’s recent military parade, the evolution of its nuclear capabilities, and the modernization of its conventional military forces. They focus on China’s ambition to establish a new world order and the strategic importance of its space and cyber capabilities. The discussion also touches on the role of coercion and deterrence in China’s military strategy, as well as the challenges posed by its growing influence on the global stage. Takeaways China’s military parade reflects its growing power and ambition.The presence of foreign leaders at the parade indicates shifting alliances.China is expanding its nuclear capabilities significantly.The PLA is focusing on both conventional and nuclear modernization.China’s approach to military strategy includes both coercion and deterrence.The Chinese space program aims for long-term presence on the moon.China’s cyber capabilities are evolving rapidly and pose a threat.The PLA’s indigenous production capabilities are improving.China’s military strategy is influenced by its historical context.The geopolitical landscape is changing with China’s rise. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Discussion on China and Military Parades 03:07: Analysis of the Recent Military Parade and Its Implications 06:05: The Evolution of China’s Nuclear Capabilities 12:07: China’s Conventional Military Strategy and Modernization 16:04: China’s Global Influence and New World Order 20:06: The Role of Coercion and Deterrence in Chinese Strategy 26:12: China’s Space Program and Technological Advancements 34:59: China’s Cyber and Information Warfare Capabilities 43:46: The Future of China’s Military and Strategic Developments

    56 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    575
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Midrats
  • Show Website
    Midrats

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