UNCLAS Read Board with CDR Salamander

Summary

In Episode 49 of the UNCLASS Read Board Podcast, Sal reflects on voting ahead of election day, how Washington-area Navy leadership can shape civilian perceptions of the service, and why he believes demographic and fiscal pressures will reshape the postwar international order. He also revisits his “Terrible Twenties” forecast, comparing it with de…

Summary

Sal discusses current geopolitical tensions, the state of Iran, the importance of reindustrialization, and the resilience of Western systems, providing insights into global security and policy strategies.

Key Topics

* Gaza conflict and its implications

* Iran’s strategic trajectory towards Cubanization

* Reindustrialization efforts in the US, especially n…

Summary

This episode explores recent developments in US military strategy, technology, and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and realistic planning in national defense.

Key Topics

* US-Greenland-US relations and strategic agreements

* Impact of NATO and European NATO capabilities

* Development and deployment of the MQ-25A

* Challenges in mai…

Show Links

* Operation Economic Outcast is a recipe for success against Iran, Richard Goldberg

* USS Abraham Lincoln Commander Dan Keeler arrives in Pattaya, Thailand

* U.S. Navy Ships deployed in Iran conflict graphic, @Schizointel

* The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945, Rick Atkinson

* Germany says Russia behind Leipzig airport drone attack

S…

Key Topics:

* Reflection on America’s 250th celebration and patriotic observances, including the significance of the World Cup and tall ships.

* Analysis of Iran’s naval activities and the prospects of extended punitive campaigns in the Gulf.

* Insights into Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, new missile capabilities, and the normalization of long-range conventional st…

Summary

Sal discusses recent geopolitical developments including Iran’s negotiations, US military operations, UK military decline, Ukraine’s resilience, and global strategic shifts. This episode offers insights into current international security dynamics and future implications.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Iranian Conflict

02:55 Goals an…

Show Links

* Ukrainian FP-1/2 drone attacks Russian frigate Admiral Essen at the Novorossiysk Naval Base

* Ukrainian attack on the Kronstadt Naval Base

* Attack on Kuwait International Airport

* Saronic commentary by John Konrad on gCaptain

* AV-8B closes its story

* MQ-25A opens its story

* AUKUS update

Summary

Sal discusses the ongoing Ukraine conflict, its historical cont…

Summary

In this episode, Sal discusses recent congressional testimonies by Navy leaders, the MQ-25 Stingray, and the realities of directed energy weapons on ships. He emphasizes learning from past military delays, the importance of technological progress, and the significance of understanding bureaucratic growth through Parkinson’s Law.

Show Links

* Acting S…

Summary

A shorter than usual UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, with look around current naval developments, military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, the state of the Royal Navy, and Japan’s growing ties with its Western Pacific neighbors.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Overview of Current Naval Issues

03:24: The State of the Royal Navy

06:04: Japan’s Military D…

Show Links:

* Substack posts

* Did China Culminate and No One Noticed?

* I’ll take LCC-21, 22, and yes, 23 and 24, thank you

* So, the SECNAV has Departed

* CVN Status

* The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, by Rick Atkinson

Summary

Sal discusses current naval operations, geopolitical developments, and strategic insights, including the state of the US …