Midrats

By: Midrats
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • Episode 709: Midrats 15th Anniversary Show with Claude Berube

    Episode 709: Midrats 15th Anniversary Show with Claude Berube
    Jan 6 2025
    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 PritchettSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysThe Midrats podcast has been a consistent platform for naval discussions for 15 years.The evolution of information access has transformed national security discourse.Public Affairs Officers have become more cautious in their engagement with the media.The military's communication strategies have shifted significantly over the years.Accountability and transparency are essential for maintaining public trust in the military.A culture of untruth can undermine the credibility of official statements.Independent media sources are increasingly important for accurate information.Collaboration among information producers enhances the quality of discourse.Future initiatives in military communication will focus on transparency and engagement.Sound Bites"It's amazing how fast time flies.""This is the C-SPAN for the Navy.""The future is disaggregated."Chapters00:00: Celebrating 15 Years of Midrats Podcast02:16: The Evolution of Naval Information06:28: Democratization of Media and Its Impacts14:54: The Changing Role of Public Affairs in the Navy27:11: Navigating a Culture of Untruth in Media32:48: Independence in Media: The Value of Non-Sponsorship35:31: The Role of Personalities in Information Dissemination37:59: The Importance of Open Dialogue and Accountability42:01: Self-Correction in New Media44:48: The Credibility of Online Sources47:40: The Future of Media and Influence55:25: Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
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    1 hr
  • Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski

    Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski
    Dec 15 2024
    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.ShowlinksSixty 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 XSummaryThis 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.TakeawaysThe U.S. has not built an icebreaker in 50 years.80% of the world's icebreakers are designed in Finland.The Coast Guard has been slow to prioritize icebreaker needs.China is rapidly expanding its icebreaker fleet.The procurement process for U.S. icebreakers is dysfunctional.International cooperation is essential for icebreaker capabilities.The U.S. needs to consider purchasing foreign-built icebreakers.Armed icebreakers are necessary for Arctic security.The Icebreaker Coalition aims to enhance collaboration among allies.Political will is crucial for advancing U.S. icebreaker strategy.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Icebreakers and Arctic Strategy06:10: Transitioning to Finland: A Personal Journey13:03: The Importance of Icebreakers in Global Trade18:12: Challenges in U.S. Icebreaker Procurement24:34: The Complexity of Icebreaker Design and Construction30:00: Understanding the Delays in Icebreaker Development31:15: Legal and Political Constraints in Shipbuilding34:34: The Need for a Comprehensive Icebreaker Strategy37:17: Arming Icebreakers: A Strategic Discussion43:52: The Icebreaker Coalition: Collaboration and Challenges47:19: Finland's Defense Purchases and U.S. Relations51:42: China's Growing Influence in Antarctica53:53: Future Insights and Closing Thoughts
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    56 mins
  • Episode 707: Who is on the Damascus Road, with Seth Folsom

    Episode 707: Who is on the Damascus Road, with Seth Folsom
    Dec 8 2024
    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:

    Showlinks
    • Nothing Here Worth Dying For: Task Force Lion in Iraq, by Seth Folsom
    • Hardcore History Series, Dan Carlin
    Summary

    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.

    Takeaways
    • The 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 Regional Implications
    30:43: Historical Context and Military Logistics
    36:20: The Evolving Threat of ISIS
    38:03: Geopolitical Dynamics in the Middle East
    44:27: Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
    52:34: Reflections on Military Experience and Future Implications
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    57 mins

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