Midrats

With a few days now behind us, most of the general facts are in on our raid into Caracas, Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro and, it appears, his wife as well.

Now that Maduro is a guest of the Southern District of New York, it is time to not just look at some of the details of the buildup and execution of this raid, but the initial lessons we can take from it, and what it means in the larger strategic environment.

Summary

In this episode of Midrats, Mark and Sal discuss the recent military operation in Venezuela, reflecting on its execution and implications for national security. They explore the potential for Venezuela’s recovery, the role of governance, and the international reactions to the operation. The conversation also touches on the economic impact of Venezuelan oil, China’s influence in the region, and the effectiveness of international organizations like the UN.

Takeaways

• The military operation in Venezuela was well-planned and executed.
• The ages of service members involved ranged from 20 to 49.
• Venezuela has the potential for economic recovery if governance improves.
• China’s influence in Latin America poses challenges for U.S. interests.
• The UN’s effectiveness in international law is questioned.
• Venezuelan oil could impact global energy prices.
• The operation sends a strong signal to adversaries.
• Governance and rule of law are crucial for Venezuela’s future.
• The U.S. military’s capabilities are unmatched globally.
• The situation in Venezuela is a test for U.S. foreign policy.

Chapters

00:00: New Year, New Beginnings
02:11: Operation in Venezuela: A Military Success
09:36: Venezuela’s Future: Opportunities and Challenges
16:25: International Reactions and Implications
23:08: The Role of Governance in Venezuela’s Recovery
28:16: The Economic Impact of Venezuelan Oil
36:38: China’s Influence and Global Fishing Rights
43:17: The UN and International Law: A Critical View
48:38: Looking Ahead: The Path for Venezuela

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

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 Links

• The End of the Road, Bryan McGrath
• In Praise of the Military-Industrial Complex, Bryan McGrath

Summary

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

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 Links

• The Last 600 Meters
• Does Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D NH) really have your back?
• NORK labor to Russia to build drones
• Nauru President visits PRC
• Corbett, China, and Counterintelligence
• The Navy’s new unmanned acquisition office
• Tactical quantum
• Small Wars Journal on the Future Fight

Chapters

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

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 Links

• Cavas Ships Podcast
• Provision 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

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.

Showlinks

• Maritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter Stires
• The Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. Lambert
• The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer Mahan
• Shipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR Salamander
• Shareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin Bollinger
• Episode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark Tempest

Takeaways

• The 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.

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

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 Links

• Midrats Podcast with Kirk Lippold
• Japan Will Arm Its Submarines With Long-Range Cruise Missiles, Thomas Newdick at TWZ.
• Can the President Pay Troops During a Government Shutdown?, at GovFacts
• Hypersonic-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 Affairs
• U.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 Interest

Takeaways

• The 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

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 Links

• Xi Jinping hails ‘unstoppable’ China at landmark military parade, Financial Times
• More than pageantry, China’s military parade shows off new missiles, drones and other equipment, The Independent
• YJ-15 missile, YJ-19, YJ-17, YJ-20 hypersonic missiles, Global Times
• NASA Names Astronauts to Next Moon Mission, First Crew Under Artemis

Summary

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

Yes, September is Australian Appreciation Month on the Midrats Podcast. Building on our discussion earlier this month with Liz Buchanan, we are returning to the perspective from the Antipodes with returning guest Gray Connolly.

From Afghanistan, to the Antarctic, to the approaches to the Arctic through the Pacific, we’ll have a broad-reaching discussion of allied national security concerns from the Australian perspective.

Gray Connolly served as a Naval Intelligence officer in the Royal Australian Navy. He graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College and holds the King’s Commission. 

Gray is a graduate in Arts (Honours - History) from the University of Sydney and in Law (Dean’s Merit List) from the University of New South Wales.

Gray served previously in Asia and the Middle East, including service in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, East Timor, and the Middle East. Gray served in the Iraq War (two deployments) and Afghanistan.

Gray is now a Barrister-at-Law in Sydney. He has advised the Australian Government on national security and public law matters and served as a Senior Member of the federal Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

He keeps a blog at “Strategy Counsel” and his Twitter is @GrayConnolly

All of Gray’s comments and opinions are his alone and do NOT represent the view of the Australian Government.

Summary

In this episode of Midrats, the discussion revolves around Australia's national security, particularly in the context of the AUKUS agreement, its relationships with major powers like China and India, and the importance of alliances. Gray shares insights on the public support for AUKUS, the challenges posed by Australia's geographic isolation, and the historical context of Australia's military contributions. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Australia's relationship with Indonesia and the implications of China's influence in Antarctica.

Takeaways

• AUKUS is popular among Australians, reflecting a bipartisan agreement.
• Australia's geographic isolation necessitates strong military capabilities.
• The AUKUS agreement is crucial for Australia's national security.
• Australia's resource management is complicated by economic dependencies.
• Alliances are vital for Australia due to its size and population.
• Australia values its historical military contributions to global conflicts.
• The Australian character emphasizes internationalism and support for allies.
• China's influence in Antarctica poses significant concerns for Australia.
• Australia's relationship with Indonesia has improved over the years.
• Cricket serves as a cultural bridge between Australia and India.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to MidRats and Australia Appreciation Month
02:30: AUKUS Agreement: A National Security Perspective
03:50: Public Support for AUKUS in Australia
06:20: Australia's Resource Management and Economic Dependencies
08:28: The Importance of Alliances in National Security
10:00: Australia's Geographic Challenges and Military Needs
11:04: Australia's Commitment to the Alliance
12:32: The Impact of European Defense Spending on Australia
13:00: Australia's Historical Military Contributions
15:22: The Australian National Character and Internationalism
18:23: Concerns Over China's Influence in Antarctica
40:06: Australia's Relationship with Indonesia55:04: Australia's Growing Ties with India