Topic: Ebola Military

The United States deployed approximately 80 troops to Gabon in response to potential violence following the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hosts note that mainstream media has largely ignored this deployment and the ongoing Ebola crisis in the region.

The U.S. is reportedly funneling money into Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad via USAID contracts to combat Boko Haram. This approach uses government contractors rather than direct military subsidies to ensure the funds are not simply absorbed by local corruption. The presence of "security types" with serious attitudes indicates an increasing reliance on private military contractors in West Africa.

The Republican Party took control of the Senate following an election cycle defined by "fear factor" messaging regarding ISIS and Ebola. Senator John McCain is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee, signaling a shift toward increased military spending and ground advisors in Iraq. The hosts discuss the economic implications of a revitalized military-industrial complex and the missed opportunity in the drone industry.

General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that up to 4,000 U.S. troops will be deployed to West Africa for six-month rotations. Dempsey described the mission as a "major military operation" of "global importance" involving infantry and supply clerks rather than just medical personnel. The hosts highlight his unusual reference to "factoring in physics" during the decision-making process.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest faced criticism for comparing the 21-day Ebola quarantine for returning troops to the "sacrifice" of getting a military haircut. Earnest argued that restricted movement is a standard part of military policy used to maintain unit cohesion and monitor health. The analogy was widely mocked for equating a life-altering medical isolation with routine grooming standards, leading to further questions about the administration's coordination of the Ebola response.

President Obama announced a major military escalation to combat the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, including the establishment of a command center in Liberia. Major General Darrell Williams is leading 3,000 troops to provide logistics and engineering support, including the creation of an "air bridge." The hosts speculate that the military presence may be a cover for testing experimental Ebola vaccines on soldiers.