Topic: Us Military

The U.S. Navy is preparing to deploy untested underwater drones to clear potential mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Skepticism is raised regarding the timeline for these operations, which has shifted from three weeks to several months. The hosts suggest the delay may be a marketing tactic for new military hardware and private contractors.

U.S. officials confirmed that offensive operations in Iran have ceased immediately following President Trump's announcement. Despite 13,000 strikes over five weeks, reports indicate that half of Iran's ballistic missile launchers and thousands of attack drones remain intact in underground stockpiles. The resilience of the Iranian military was demonstrated by the recent shootdown of a U.S. F-15 fighter jet using a shoulder-fired heat-seeking missile.

A crowdsourced investigation into the "steak and lobster" military deployment theory reveals that while the Navy uses "surf and turf" to boost morale before bad news, most other branches simply serve it every Friday. Producers with decades of service clarify that these meals are often a routine part of the weekly menu cycle rather than a definitive signal of imminent combat.

Members of the British House of Lords reportedly discussed bypassing President Trump by working directly with the U.S. Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act. Despite Trump's stated security goals, Congress passed an NDAA with $150 billion more than requested, ensuring continued troop presence in Europe. This is viewed as an attempt by the military-industrial complex and foreign interests to outlast the current administration.

President Trump announced the creation of the "Golden Fleet," a series of massive 880-foot naval ships equipped with hypersonic weapons and rail guns. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner and retired Admiral Michael Smith, question the $10 billion per ship price tag and the shift away from smaller, faster vessels. Trump also criticized defense contractors for prioritizing executive pay and stock buybacks over rapid production facilities.

President Trump hosted a massive military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, featuring tanks, historical uniforms, and robot dogs. Media coverage from the BBC and PBS highlighted that the event coincided with the President's own birthday, leading to accusations of politicizing the military. Correspondents noted that while the administration claimed high attendance, many seats on the National Mall appeared empty under overcast skies.

Scott Bataglioli donated from Okinawa, Japan, where he is serving in the military. He requested the "Shapeshifting Jews" jingle, which the hosts discuss as a controversial but long-standing piece of satire provided by a Jewish producer. They debate whether to retire the jingle to avoid being flagged as fascists by new listeners.

The Iraqi government condemned US airstrikes on the Al-Assad airbase, which killed eight Iraqi troops. While the US claimed the targets were Iranian-backed forces, Iraqi officials stated the fighters belonged to the Ministry of Defense's mobilization units. The incident has led to renewed calls in the Iraqi parliament for the removal of US military "advisors" from the country.

French soldiers have begun withdrawing from Niger following orders from the military junta that took power in July. While the U.S. has formally designated the takeover as a coup and suspended aid, officials stated they have no plans to remove the 1,000 U.S. military personnel currently stationed in the country. The hosts highlight the irony of the U.S. remaining while the French are ousted.

President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with the full U.S. Senate to plead for continued military support. This visit comes as some lawmakers demand more accountability for the billions already spent and a clear plan for victory. The meeting is described as a high-stakes sales pitch to a deeply divided Congress.

General Moussa Salou Barmou, a leader of the recent coup in Niger, was revealed to have been trained by the U.S. military and recently met with U.S. Special Operations commanders. This marks the 11th coup in West Africa involving U.S.-trained officers since 2008. The junta has appointed Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a former finance minister and banker, as the new Prime Minister.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed support for transitioning the entire U.S. military fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. Granholm argued that this move would enhance energy security by reducing reliance on global fossil fuel markets. Critics mock the practicality of using EVs in active combat zones and remote desert locations where charging infrastructure is non-existent.

The U.S. Army recently grounded its entire fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters due to engine fires caused by faulty O-rings. The discussion touches on concerns regarding the depletion of U.S. military stockpiles sent to Ukraine and the vulnerability of the supply chain when critical parts are sourced from foreign entities like China.

Taiwan is conducting live-fire artillery exercises to prepare for a potential assault by Chinese forces, citing the war in Ukraine as a reason for increased vigilance. China has expressed anger over Taiwan's latest military equipment deals with the United States, accusing the island of seeking independence by force. Reservist training in Taiwan has been doubled from seven to 14 days.

The hosts discuss why COVID-19 vaccinations remain voluntary for the U.S. military due to their Emergency Use Authorization status. However, they note that under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), service members are considered government property, allowing for potential future mandates or testing.

The US military has deployed medical troops to assist overburdened hospitals in Los Angeles County. Reports indicate that 96% of local hospitals had no room for emergency patients, forcing some to treat people in gift shops and conference rooms.

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 necessity of a large US military is discussed in the context of maintaining global stability and preventing "great power war." General Milley notes that there are currently 180,000 US soldiers deployed in 140 countries. The discussion weighs the cost of this global presence against the historical alternative of continental-wide slaughter.

RT reports that US military advisors are assisting Philippine forces in Mindanao against ISIS-linked groups, despite President Rodrigo Duterte claiming he never personally requested the aid. The Philippine Army reportedly went over the president's head to ask for surveillance equipment. Analysts suggest Duterte is in a vulnerable position and must accept the pro-American stance of his generals to avoid a coup.

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced that transgender individuals are now welcome to serve openly in the US military. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, expressed frustration that he was not briefed beforehand and plans to hold hearings regarding the fiscal costs of the policy change.