Extended edition: Episode 4-3-23

Good morning, my friends!

Here’s today’s brief round-up of news and some daily motivation.

If you just happened to stumble by, here’s what I’m doing with The View from the Front extended edition.

My name is Stan R. Mitchell and I’m a prior Marine, journalist, and man who loves this country with all of my heart. I also like to focus on covering our military and looming hot spots, while also trying to unite the country as best I can.

I truly do appreciate all my supporters and listeners, and The View from the Front extended edition is just a small way I want to add value and repay those who have signed up as paid subscribers. (And it also is another step forward toward the long-term dream and vision I currently have.)

I will also continue to do my weekly podcast each Thursday.

If you’d like to upgrade and go from free to paid, here’s the link:

But no pressure. I’ve already got a nice contingent of awesome, paying supporters.

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Before we talk defense, I have some news…

I am now writing some politics, too. You can find that here:

You might say, there are already a lot of political newsletters out there. What makes you different?

I’m doing this — in part — because I couldn’t find anyone speaking with kindness, calm, and love about politics; as well as hope.

In my opinion, there is too much anger in politics. And I will do my best to bring the spirit of Lincoln into each thought I share on here.

I will also have an optimistic and positive tone to every post. I’m actually optimistic about the future, but I’m not naive. Even if we take some punches or get knocked down in the days and weeks to come, the “better angels of our nature” must climb back to our feet and never surrender.

My first post is here if you want to take a look: The light of dawn emerges.

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Moving to defense news…

Russia and Ukraine news:

This is not great news for Russia.

Rob Lee @RALee85

Yurii Ihnat said that Ukraine is using JDAMs. pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/….

(For those who don’t know, JDAMs are just regular, unguided gravity bombs that have been turned into precision-guided munitions by the attachment of a guidance system and wings. They are accurate to within 20 to 30 feet. Learn more here.)

Nor is this great news for Russia. They’re running out of counter-battery radar for their artillery forces.

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I’m always looking for actual numbers versus speculation, and here’s an update on how many Ukrainians we’ve trained to date. (And this doesn’t include the European countries, who have trained thousands, as well.)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurpose

The US has trained more than 7,000 Ukrainian fighters in the last year

trib.alThe US has trained more than 7,000 Ukrainian fighters in the last yearThousands of Ukrainians completed training in new Stryker and Bradley vehicles in March, returning to Ukraine as spring begins.

And speaking of fighting forces, it really is incredible from just how many countries volunteers have left to help defend Ukraine. A compilation video was recently shared on the matter.

UKRAINIAN SQUAD🇺🇦 @ukrainiansquad

Many volunteers came from over the world to help Ukraine and defend their freedom. Thanks to all volunteers.❤️ Tell us where are you from if you support Ukraine 🇺🇦

Finally, I know it might be spring here in America and finally starting to warm up, but put up a kind thought and prayer for those still fighting in eastern Ukraine. It is frigid and freezing there, and buried in snow.

NOËL 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 @NOELreports

If you want to understand how much snow there is in Bakhmut now ❄️

China news:

A reminder that we can often over-hype our fears in the short-term…

Defense One @DefenseOne

‘Lower the Rhetoric’ on China, Says Milley | We’re not on the “brink of war” with China, and Taiwan is not so easy to conquer, says the top U.S. general. Read the story from @DefenseBaron's exclusive interview:

buff.ly‘Lower the Rhetoric’ on China, Says MilleyWe’re not on the “brink of war” with China, and Taiwan is not so easy to conquer, says the top U.S. general.

But you still have to prepare for possibilities, so in that line of thinking, this news came out.