It's a Midrats Pre-Halloween Spooktacular!

...well, every Midrats is a spooktacular, really

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Showlinks

• Joint Sword 2024 off Taiwan.

• TAFFY-3 off Samar.

• USAF NGAD Pause.

• Narrow Seas, Small Navies, and Fat Merchantmen: Naval Strategies for the 1990s.

• USS Carney’s 1 year anniversary.

• Debt service now greater than spending on defense.

Summary

In this episode of Midrats, Sal and Mark discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, focusing on China's strategic maneuvers around Taiwan and the implications for US military preparedness. They explore the potential for conflict, the challenges facing the US Navy, and the need for a reevaluation of military strategy and acquisition processes. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations and the shifting balance of power in the region. In this conversation, Mark and Sal delve into the complexities of naval strategy, fleet composition, and the lessons learned from historical engagements like Taffy 3. They discuss the limitations of wargaming, the need for modernization in naval warfare, and the challenges of military production in times of peace. The dialogue also touches on the shifting global power dynamics and the implications for military strategy, particularly in relation to Israel and the broader international community.

Takeaways

• The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea highlights the complexities of modern warfare.

• China's maneuvers around Taiwan reflect a strategic approach to territorial claims.

• The use of non-military assets by China complicates international responses.

• The US military faces significant challenges in terms of preparedness and resources.

• China's strategy may involve a slow strangulation of Taiwan's economy.

• International recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty is dwindling.

• The US's military pivot to the Pacific has not been adequately supported by resources.

• Naval strategy must adapt to the realities of modern warfare in narrow seas.

• The acquisition process for military assets is slow and risk-averse.

• There is a pressing need for change in military development and strategy. The importance of having a diverse fleet for various combat scenarios.

• Historical engagements like Taffy 3 provide valuable lessons for modern naval strategy.

• Wargaming often fails to capture the unpredictability of real-world engagements.

• Smaller, well-led units can outperform larger forces under the right conditions.

• The U.S. Navy needs to modernize its approach to warfare and fleet composition.

• Production capabilities must align with wartime needs to ensure readiness.

• Understanding global power dynamics is crucial for effective military strategy.

• The international community's perception of military actions can impact alliances.

• Decisive action is necessary when dealing with irrational adversaries.

• Military strategy must evolve to address contemporary threats effectively.

Sound Bites

• "Halloween's spooktacular, but all our shows are spooktacular."

• "We need to think about smaller, highly armed boats."

• "Wargames are limited by assumptions and math."

• "Taffy 3 turned around a massive Japanese force."

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Context Setting

01:55: China's Strategic Maneuvers Around Taiwan

09:55: The Implications of China's Actions

18:13: US Military Preparedness and Response

26:05: Challenges in Naval Strategy and Acquisition

32:07: Future of Military Development and Change Management

33:47: Navigating Naval Strategy and Fleet Composition

39:49: Lessons from History: The Taffy 3 Engagement

45:40: The Need for Modernization in Naval Warfare

52:19: Production Challenges in Military Readiness

56:05: Understanding Global Power Dynamics and Military Strategy