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Step 2 of the 10-part series on military finance essentials. After setting up your 5% Roth TSP contribution in Step 1, now you need to create your TSP account online and make sure your money is invested in the right fund. Spencer and Jamie explain how to set up your account at tsp.gov, enable two-factor authentication, and allocate contributions to the appropriate L (lifecycle) fund based on your retirement age. What to Do Action Steps: 1. Create TSP Account Go to tsp.gov Create account/login Set up two-factor authentication Verify account is active 2. Check Your Fund Allocation Ensure contributions go to correct L Fund (lifecycle fund) Not the G Fund (too conservative for young investors) 3. Update Allocations Set current balance to appropriate L Fund Set future contributions to same L Fund Example: L 2060 or L 2065 for younger service members Key Information What is an L Fund? Which L Fund Should You Choose? Why Not the G Fund? Blended Retirement System (BRS) Resources TSP Website: tsp.gov MyPay: mypay.dfas.mil (from Step 1) TSP Course: militarymoneymanual.com/tsp Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 22,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free, Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Military Money Manual may receive compensation from JPMC. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
Is the Be Your Own Bank dream a nightmare for most people? While the Bitcoin community has preached self custody as the only path to freedom, many are terrified of losing savings to a single technical error. Obi Nwosu (@obi) argues we have hit a wall with traditional sovereignty. Unless we make Bitcoin as easy as a group chat, we will never see the mass adoption required to topple the legacy financial system.We are entering a dark economic era where holding Bitcoin is a physical risk. Obi breaks down why privacy is the ultimate superpower to protect families from a wrench attack. When wealth is transparent on a public ledger, you become a target. By utilizing e-cash protocols, users regain the anonymity of physical cash while maintaining digital hardness. It is the shift from public target to private sovereign.The true innovation is happening within the circular economies of the Global South. From Bitcoin Beach to Nigeria, people use the lightning network to bypass failing banks. Obi explains these communities lack financial privilege. They need tools that work today, even with intermittent internet, proving utility is highest where the old world is broken.Fedimint miniaturizes exchange security for local communities. This model uses e-cash so guardians cannot see your balance or spending. It bridges the gap between the friction of self custody and the danger of centralized exchanges.Fedi integrates money and identity through open standards like NOSTR. This removes technical barriers, allowing the lightning network to act as global glue. Sovereignty becomes a byproduct of design rather than a chore.—Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Obi Nwosu:X: https://x.com/obiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obinwosuWeb: https://www.fedi.xyz/Web: https://fedimint.org/Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: https://www.twitter.com/BitcoinBeach IG: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 Intro01:25 What can the West learn from Bitcoin circular economies?09:02 Why is the Global South front-running Western Bitcoin adoption?13:17 Why do major exchanges still lack Proof of Reserves?19:01 How to identify Bitcoin-only exchanges with ethical listing standards?37:24 Is Bitcoin self-custody too difficult for mass adoption?46:34 How to set up community-led Bitcoin custody with Fedimint?48:53 How does Chaumian e-cash provide total Bitcoin anonymity?1:12:38 How to execute peer-to-peer Bitcoin payments without internet?1:25:33 How to prevent wrench attacks using advanced Bitcoin OpSec?Live From Bitcoin Beach
It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!), our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: How big is this gas crisis and could releasing oil reserves help? Also, Live Nation gets a deal from the government. Related episodes: Are concert tickets UNDER priced? Will Trump's shipping insurance plan work? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Julia Ritchey and Corey Bridges. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Today, we're talking about the International Energy Agency releasing 400 million barrels of oil; updates in the wide world of sports; British Parliament voting to abolish 92 hereditary members' seats; and other top news for Friday, March 13. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Looking to support us? You can choose to pay here Check out our sponsors! We actually use and enjoy every single one. Cru Wild Alaskan HelloFresh Safe House Project QAVA CCCU Upside Mosh LMNT Bible Gateway Plus Life Application Study Bible Unto Compelled Podcast I Choose Love TPO Corrections Page
If your flip isn't profitable before you buy it, it won't magically become profitable later. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes real estate investors make—buying deals with margins that are simply too thin.I share lessons from my early days working in a high-volume real estate investing company where we were doing dozens of deals a month but still getting burned by projects that didn't have enough profitability built in. We talk about how to reverse-engineer your profit margin before you make the offer, how to account for the unexpected costs that always show up in flips, and why understanding where your profit will go after the deal closes is just as important as estimating it upfront.Timeline Highlights[0:00] Why flips must be profitable before you ever buy the deal[0:49] Lessons from doing 25 deals a month and still losing money[1:32] Why unexpected repairs destroy thin margins[1:57] The common formulas investors use to calculate flip offers[2:18] Why beginner investors need larger buffers in their deals[2:39] A real story of a first deal that became a losing deal[3:03] Why managing multiple flips increases risk[3:31] How reserves give you the confidence to walk away from bad deals[4:22] Using Profit First to allocate profits from each deal[5:20] Why turning failed flips into rentals can create long-term problems[6:16] Reverse engineering your profit goal before buying the deal[7:11] Why your minimum profit target may need to increase[8:12] Building a financial buffer before you even submit the offer[9:16] Taking control of your flip business instead of reacting to itKey TakeawaysA flip must be profitable on the front end—not hoped for on the back end.Thin margins leave no room for unexpected repairs or delays.New investors should prioritize larger profit buffers.Reserves give you the freedom to pass on risky deals.Reverse engineer your profit goals before making the offer.Profit should be allocated intentionally after every deal.Strong financial systems protect your business from bad deals.Links & ResourcesBook a free discovery call to build profitability systems into your real estate business: profitrei.comClosingThanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you rethink how you analyze flip deals, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another investor who wants to build more profitable deals. And if you're ready to build systems that help you keep more of what you make with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating financial clarity and freedom.
Australia is rolling out 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from emergency fuel reserves to address ongoing shortages stemming from the Iran war.
TOPICS: Iran Cyber Attack IEA Oil Reserves Kamala Harris Book Tour "Coffee Talk with David Eon" (LIVE WEEKDAY DAILY NEWS TALK) for Thursday, March 5th, 2026.
Raymond joins Manpreet to explore the investment strategy implications arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Raymond also shares his perspective on Chinese Internet firms ahead of the upcoming earnings report next week, and takes a closer look at the outlook across commodities and related commodity currencies.You can read our latest Weekly Market View today here.Speakers: Manpreet Gill, CIO of Africa, Middle East & Europe (AME/E), Standard Chartered Bank Raymond Cheng, Chief Investment Officer, North Asia, Standard Chartered BankFor more of our latest market insights, visit Market views on-the-go or subscribe to Standard Chartered Wealth Insights on YouTube.
As the war in the Middle East continues, the Federal Government is set to release hundreds of millions of litres of fuel from Australia's national stockpiles, as farmers and motorists complain of shortages and soaring prices.
Headlines: – Welcome To Mo News (02:00) – Iran Strikes Three Vessels In Strait of Hormuz Warning About $200 A Barrel Oil (08:30) – Why You Shouldn't Expect Gas Prices To Fall After US Taps Oil Reserves (12:40) – Reality Check: Is Iran Going To Retaliate Against Americans On U.S. Soil? (18:00) – Scams Could Now Cost Americans $119 Billion A Year, Study Finds (26:40) – Deadly Tornadoes, Massive Hail Rip Through U.S. From Texas To Michigan (29:00) – Meta AI Glasses Capture People In Bathroom, Having Sex — And Contractors Review The Videos (31:00) – Target Shopper Boycott Over DEI Changes Ends: Mo News Talks To Target CEO (35:30) – McDonald's Filet-O-Fish May Have A Gross Surprise Inside: A Worm, And Experts Say It's Normal (41:50) – On This Day In History (44:10) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – Industrious - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Code: MONEWS50 – Surfshark - 4 additional months of Surfshark VPN | Code: MONEWS – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Code: MONEWS – Factor - 50% off your first box | Code: monews50off – ShipStation - Try for free for 60 days | Code: MONEWS – Shopify – $1 per-month trial | Code: MONEWS
David Stewart discusses Minera Alamos' recent resource update at the Pan Gold Mine which showed Proven and Probable Reserves of 222 thousand ounces. David also discusses the Gold Rock project integration plans into the Pan Complex and a highly anticipated PFS for the Copperstone asset. The company is also planning a strategic rebranding to focus on US growth.
World governments, deeply worried about the impact of the Iran war on energy prices, have approved a record release of strategic petroleum reserves. Plus: interviews with UAE minister of state, Noura Al Kaabi, the British Council for Offices at Mipim and Australian singer Sam Quealy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The price of oil has continued to rise as emergency reserves are released around the world. The International Energy Agency, agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil in an effort to maintain stable flow of fuel to try and prevent further price surges.
A.M. Edition for Mar. 11. The International Energy Agency is considering releasing 400 million barrels of oil into the market to counter the surge in crude prices from the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. WSJ reporters Matt Dalton and Rebecca Feng explain why the strategic release would be unprecedented and how it could drive oil prices up, instead of down. Plus, we look at how some of the biggest hedge funds got caught off guard by the war. And WSJ's Alex Leary has the scoop on why Trump is obsessed with these $145 shoes. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The decision by the International Energy Agency to tap into oil reserves is historic in its size and scope. The 400 million barrel release dwarfs the number released after Russia invaded Ukraine. But there are many questions about whether this more ambitious effort will stop a surge in oil and gas prices if the war endures. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Clay Seigle. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Plus: Four people are injured after a pair of Iranian drones fell near Dubai International Airport. And Oracle shares rally as the company's sales outlook improves on demand for AI cloud computing. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed on March 11 to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves. This is the largest withdrawal on record as governments attempt to mitigate the spike in global energy prices.Major storms whipped up tornadoes that killed at least two people in northwest Indiana and leveled buildings in Kankakee, Illinois, authorities said Wednesday, as another round of rain, hail and strong winds made its way through the region.
Energy markets just got a major jolt. In today's episode, we break down the latest move by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release 400 million barrels of oil from global strategic reserves. This is one of the largest coordinated reserve actions in history—and it raises some big questions for traders and investors. Will this massive injection of supply calm volatile energy markets, or is it just a temporary bandage on a deeper geopolitical problem? With oil prices reacting sharply and global supply chains already strained, the implications reach far beyond the energy sector. We'll also look at how the move could impact Crude oil prices, inflation expectations, and broader financial markets. When governments start tapping emergency reserves, it usually means something bigger is brewing beneath the surface. If you trade commodities, equities, or macro themes, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Listen now:
AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on an international move to release oil reserves to help tamper down high prices and limited supply.
Ian Hoch drops the 2 O'clock News Bomb and talks about the International Energy Agency saying they'll release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves ever.
The International Energy Agency has recommended a release of 400 million barrels of oil from stockpiles, the largest such move in its history. The IEA said all 32 member countries backed the release.
The International Energy Agency has proposed a record release of emergency oil reserves, in an attempt to stabilise the market. Correspondent Olly Barratt spoke to Corin Dann.
Send a textIn this episode of the WTR Small‑Cap Spotlight Video Podcast (recorded on 3/9/2026), members of the Water Tower Research Energy Team — Jeff Robertson, Richard Tullis, and Chris Degner — join host Tim Gerdeman to break down the rapid surge in oil prices following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.With elevated oil prices and disruptions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a corridor that typically handles about 20% of global oil flows — the team examines how supply interruptions, strategic petroleum reserve releases, and OPEC dynamics may shape energy markets in the weeks ahead.They also explore how quickly U.S. shale producers could respond, why gasoline prices are rising so rapidly, what the oil futures curve is signaling about tightening supply, and which segments of the energy sector may be best positioned if elevated prices persist.
Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - ZCheck out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANCIn this episode, I respond to a question I hear often in boardrooms when presenting final accounts:“Why aren't the reserves shown on the face of the accounts?”It's a fair question, and a healthy one.But answering it requires translating between governance thinking and accounting structure, so that what I do - unpack 'reserves'.This episode is for trustees, chairs, treasurers, CEOs, and anyone responsible for financial oversight who wants to feel more confident reading charity accounts.KEY TAKEAWAYReserves are not a separate accounting line, they are part of unrestricted funds.Not all unrestricted funds are freely available; some may be designated or tied up in assets.The face of the accounts shows classification and not governance interpretation.Strong boards monitor reserves during the year, not just at year end.Questions Trustees Can Ask (about reserves)How many months of operating costs do those reserves cover?Are we meeting our reserves target? If not, what is the plan?What assumptions underpin our reserves policy?BEST MOMENTS“When trustees ask where the reserves are, it comes from responsibility.“If you want to understand reserves properly, look in three places.”“Reserves are not missing from your accounts, they're embedded within them.”ABOUT YOUR HOSTAishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector.With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit's mission.She is the author of Charity Finance from A to Z“ – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector.Beyond her professional endeavours with non-profits, Aishat is deeply committed to supporting single mothers in navigating financial challenges and champions financial literacy among young Black adults. She thrives in conversations about money, empowerment, and purposeful work.Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.ukCONNECTInstagramTikTok
John Maytham speaks to Peter Morgan, who explains the precarious balance between supply, pricing, and potential oil rationing in South Africa. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is the late afternoon show on CapeTalk. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic, and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30 pm. CapeTalk fans call in to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plus: Live Nation and the Justice Department have reached an antitrust settlement. And Novo Nordisk will sell weight-loss drugs through Hims & Hers, ending a legal dispute. Anthony Bansie hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if you could set yourself up for financial success in the military with just ONE action that takes 5 minutes? Spencer and Jamie kick off their 10-part "If You Don't Have Time for Anything Else" series with the absolute first thing every military service member needs to do: Start a 5% contribution to your Roth TSP. This bite-sized episode cuts through the confusion and gives you the exact steps to take right now. What to Do Action: Set up 5% Roth TSP contribution Steps: Go to mypay.dfas.mil Click TSP tab Select 5% to Roth TSP Done Time required: 5 minutes Key Information What is TSP? Thrift Savings Plan = military's 401(k) Automatic retirement account from Department of Defense Two types: Roth and Traditional Why 5%? Months 1-24: DoD contributes 1% automatic Month 25+: DoD contributes 5% automatic + matches your 5% (total: 9%) You must contribute 5% to get full match Why Roth? After-tax contributions Tax-free growth Tax-free withdrawals at retirement (age 59½+) Best choice for most military members Auto-Enrollment New members: Often auto-enrolled at 5% Existing members: May be re-enrolled at 5% in January Check MyPay to verify Resources MyPay: mypay.dfas.mil TSP Course: militarymoneymanual.com/tsp Related Episode: Episode 2 of MMM - The Thrift Savings Plan (most popular episode) Book: The Military Money Manual Bottom Line: 5% Roth TSP = free DoD matching money. Takes 5 minutes to set up. Do it now. Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
We appreciate just how amazing Dubai Police and the government have been handling the situation and one residential building was unfortunately affected and we speak to a resident + We speak to Tom Harvey, General Manager of Spinneys about panic buying in the UAE + Kris Fade is into Pilates nowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Brown, Managing Director of Baggot investment partners.
APAC stocks sold off heavily with global markets rattled after the Iran war entered a second week with no signs of abating; US equity futures extended on their post-NFP declines.Oil prices surged some 30% at one point to just shy of USD 120/bbl as the continued Iran conflict forces producers to begin cutting output.Crude futures pulled back following FT reports that the G7 is to discuss a joint release of emergency oil reserves in an emergency meeting on Monday.European equity futures indicate a much lower cash market open, with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 2.1% after the cash market closed with losses of 1.1% on Friday.Looking ahead, highlights include German Industrial Production (Jan), US NY Fed SCE, Australian Westpac Consumer Confidence (Mar), & Japanese GDP Final (Q4). Speakers include ECB's Elderson & Cipollone.US clocks moved forward an hour over the weekend to Daylight Saving Time, with the London-NY time difference at 4 hours.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk
Are you coaching your substitutes — or just managing them?
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Oil prices across the globe have surged to multi-year highs, as the war in Iran expands into a broader regional conflict. A prolonged war risks disrupting energy supply chains, particularly as key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are effectively closed. Analysts say impacts are already being felt - and that has implications for the global economic outlook and inflation.
Joseph Sternberg reports that Kevin Warsh aims to reduce the Federal Reserve's $2.9 trillion in bank reserves, sparking a debate over the central bank's size relative to the economy. 5.1890 PERSIA
Lee Lambert is the Chancellor at Foothill-De Anza Community College District and a visionary leader who has served as a senior-level community college executive for more than two decades. Prior to Foothill-De Anza, Lambert served as chancellor of Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, where he led a transformation of the college into Centers of Excellence in applied technology, health care, hospitality, information technology and cybersecurity, public safety, and the arts. Lambert is a dynamic advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, student success, and community engagement. He also believes and invests in employee professional development and growth to better serve students and the community. Among Lambert's many achievements and recognitions, he was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) awarded him with the Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year Award, and the National Guard and Reserves of the U.S. named him a Patriotic Employer. Earlier this year, Lee was named Tucson Man of the Year. He currently serves on several committees and boards, including the Advisory Committee of Presidents for ACCT and the National Association of Workforce Boards' executive committee. He previously served on the American Association of Community Colleges board. In addition to his published writings, Lee is an international and nationally recognized speaker on the future of work and learning. Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up on three continents, and served in the U.S Army. He received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law.
30+ premium credit cards—including the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve—without paying a single dollar in annual fees? Spencer Reese breaks down exactly how active duty service members, Guard/Reserve on orders, and military spouses can access over $10,000 in annual fee waivers through the Military Lending Act (MLA) and SCRA. Recorded on Veterans Day, this episode is packed with tactical strategies for building wealth while traveling the world in luxury. Summary Spencer Reese joins Ross from Itinerary Boss for a comprehensive breakdown of military credit card benefits. Spencer explains the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), revealing how active duty members and military spouses can access premium cards like the $895 Amex Platinum with zero annual fees. The conversation covers optimal credit card sequencing, what happens when you transition from active duty to veteran status, how to leverage OCONUS assignments for incredible award travel, hotel status strategies, and Spencer's personal redemption stories including luxury stays in Dubai and business class flights around the world. Spencer also addresses common misconceptions about credit cards, shares tracking tools and automation tips, and explains why most military families are "stepping over dollars to pick up pennies" by not taking advantage of these benefits. Key Topics & Questions Covered Understanding Military Credit Card Benefits The Legal Foundation Eligible Cards & Annual Fee Savings Multiple Cards Strategy Credit Card Sequencing Strategy Building Your Foundation Optimal Application Order Why Order Matters Maximizing Credit Card Benefits Annual Recurring Credits Per Card Stacking Strategy Example International Usage Transitioning from Active Duty to Veteran What Happens to Your Cards Chase Timeline American Express Timeline Downgrade Strategy Travel Redemption Strategies OCONUS Assignment Advantages Spencer's Success Stories Hotel Status Strategy Common Mistakes & Misconceptions Biggest Mistakes Military Families Make Stopping at one card - Missing thousands in benefits Opening Amex Platinum first - Should start with Chase Using wrong card for purchases - Groceries on Platinum instead of Gold Fear of credit cards - Dave Ramsey's influence Not checking MLA database first - Missing automatic waivers Buying too much car - #1 financial mistake Spencer sees Ignoring hotel status cards - Missing upgrade opportunities Dave Ramsey Debate Credit Score Myths Tools & Automation Tracking Apps & Software Card Pointers - Credit optimization MaxRewards - Best card for each purchase Travel Freely - Track card opening dates, 5/24 status Use Your Credits - Find Resy restaurants with e-gift cards Spreadsheet method - Spencer's preferred approach Automation Tips Batching Strategy Hotel & Airline Status Hotel Status Cards Why Hotel Status Matters Hyatt Globalist Priority Resources & Links Mentioned Military Benefits Resources MLA Database - Check your Military Lending Act eligibility SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) DOD MWR Libby App - Free ebook/audiobook access to Spencer's book Credit Card Tools Card Pointers - Credit card optimization app MaxRewards - Best card selector Travel Freely - Card tracking for 5/24 status Use Your Credits - Find Resy restaurants with e-gift cards United Travel Bank - Trigger airline credits Key Tactical Takeaways Immediate Actions (This Week) Verify MLA eligibility at mla.dmdc.osd.mil (print PDF for records) Check credit score - Need 720+ for premium cards Open Chase Freedom or Freedom Unlimited if no Chase relationship Set up automatic payments on all existing cards Calculate current annual fee savings if already have cards Short Term (This Month) Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred (check welcome bonuses) Open Amex Green → Start the Amex family progression Verify military status on existing accounts Set up recurring digital entertainment credits Create spreadsheet to track cards and credits Medium Term (This Quarter) Add Amex Gold after 90 days from Green Apply for hotel status cards (Hilton Aspire, Marriott Brilliant) Set quarterly reminders for Resy credits Purchase United Travel Bank in January for airline credits Book TDY/deployment hotels to build status Long Term (This Year) Add Amex Platinum after Amex Gold established Upgrade Freedom to CSR after 12 months (if desired) Build toward hotel Globalist status with Hyatt Plan OCONUS travel using points from home airport Prepare transition strategy if separating Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
He built a “sexy” real estate portfolio in the early 2000s…Then 2008 hit.Reserves drained.Assets liquidated.Eventually — bankruptcy.Most investors never come back from that.In this episode, Jon St. Leger breaks down:• What the 2008 crash really felt like• Why he keeps his portfolio at 33% LTV• How to prepare for the next recession• What “Equity Manifestation” actually means• How he turned a 20-room motel into a 47-key boutique hotel• Why delayed gratification builds real wealth• The blue-collar advantage most people ignoreJon now owns 13+ short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and is breaking ground on a beachfront boutique hotel in the Outer Banks.If you're serious about building generational wealth in real estate — this one is different.Follow Jon on Instagram: @jon_boy14 Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/TimeStamps:00:00 – Equity Manifestation & The $100M Vision02:00 – Identity, Mindset & Future Self Thinking05:30 – From Blue Collar Beginnings to Construction Company09:45 – Building a Portfolio… Then 2008 Hit12:30 – The Mental Toll of Bankruptcy14:45 – Lessons From the Crash: Reserves & Exit Strategies17:00 – Why He Keeps 33% Loan-to-Value19:00 – Not Overleveraging in Growth Cycles21:30 – From STR Portfolio to Boutique Hotel Developer24:00 – Turning a 20-Room Motel into 47 Keys27:00 – Getting Town Buy-In & Emotional Attachment30:00 – Leading Teams & Maintaining Morale32:30 – The Power of Delayed Gratification35:00 – Return on Sweat Equity (R.O.S.E.)37:00 – Blue Collar Wealth Strategy39:00 – The $100M Real Estate Target41:00 – Where Opportunity Lives & Final Advice
02 Mar 2026. Amid heightened regional tensions and airspace disruptions, UAE authorities are urging residents not to panic-buy. We speak to Spinneys and Choithrams on food stocks and supply levels, a hotelier on supporting guests during disruption, energy expert Matt Stanley on oil and supply chains, and Deliveroo and logistics operators on keeping goods moving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He built a “sexy” real estate portfolio in the early 2000s…Then 2008 hit.Reserves drained.Assets liquidated.Eventually — bankruptcy.Most investors never come back from that.In this episode, Jon St. Leger breaks down:• What the 2008 crash really felt like• Why he keeps his portfolio at 33% LTV• How to prepare for the next recession• What “Equity Manifestation” actually means• How he turned a 20-room motel into a 47-key boutique hotel• Why delayed gratification builds real wealth• The blue-collar advantage most people ignoreJon now owns 13+ short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and is breaking ground on a beachfront boutique hotel in the Outer Banks.If you're serious about building generational wealth in real estate — this one is different.Follow Jon on Instagram: @jon_boy14 Get FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/TimeStamps:00:00 – Equity Manifestation & The $100M Vision02:00 – Identity, Mindset & Future Self Thinking05:30 – From Blue Collar Beginnings to Construction Company09:45 – Building a Portfolio… Then 2008 Hit12:30 – The Mental Toll of Bankruptcy14:45 – Lessons From the Crash: Reserves & Exit Strategies17:00 – Why He Keeps 33% Loan-to-Value19:00 – Not Overleveraging in Growth Cycles21:30 – From STR Portfolio to Boutique Hotel Developer24:00 – Turning a 20-Room Motel into 47 Keys27:00 – Getting Town Buy-In & Emotional Attachment30:00 – Leading Teams & Maintaining Morale32:30 – The Power of Delayed Gratification35:00 – Return on Sweat Equity (R.O.S.E.)37:00 – Blue Collar Wealth Strategy39:00 – The $100M Real Estate Target41:00 – Where Opportunity Lives & Final Advice
Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: How do saints become the patrons of specific things? Is Mark 10:25 meant to be taken literally or as a warning? When an adult is baptized, is all sin removed? Does the Catholic Church fully reject the death penalty? Are the General Intercessions at Mass supposed to address particular situations? Can priests lay "curses" on objects? What's the Catholic perspective on euthanasia? Why did Jesus tell some people not to tell others he healed them? Can a cross that's not a crucifix be blessed by a Catholic priest? Could our general judgment be different from our particular judgment? And more! Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Think your real estate portfolio is solid? What happens when rent stops, a tenant trashes the place, or you get hit with a $5,800 plumbing surprise out of nowhere? In this episode, Justin sits down with Mike and Dave to talk about the part of investing no one posts about on social media: reserves. Not flashy. Not exciting. But absolutely critical. Justin shares real stories from his own journey—including months with little to no payouts (even with paid-off properties), major turnovers, evictions, weather damage, and a painful $50K loss in a syndication deal. They break down how vacancies, CapEx (roofs, HVACs, water heaters), maintenance, and even slow property management timelines can crush unprepared investors. You'll learn: Why reserves are non-negotiable if you want to last in this game How much you should actually keep per property (at 1, 5, and 10+ doors) Why scaling reduces risk and stress The crucial difference between cash flow and distributions When to hold back profits—and when it's finally okay to take them How building reserves positions you for long-term wealth (and even tax advantages like REPS status) This episode is about staying calm when others panic, thinking long term, and building a portfolio that can weather any storm. If you're serious about real estate—and want confidence instead of anxiety—hit play.
Bo Hines is the CEO of Tether US and a former White House crypto advisor who helped shape U.S. digital-asset policy during a critical moment for the industry. This conversation was recorded live at Bitcoin Investor Week in New York. In this conversation, we discuss Bo's work in the White House on crypto policy, including the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the GENIUS Act, and the push for regulatory clarity. We also cover stablecoin adoption, why UX matters more than yield, how Tether is connecting global markets to U.S. capital, and why stablecoins could be the on-ramp to the next phase of bitcoin and financial infrastructure.=======================Simple Mining makes Bitcoin mining simple and accessible for everyone. We offer a premium white glove hosting service, helping you maximize the profitability of Bitcoin mining. For more information on Simple Mining or to get started mining Bitcoin, visit https://www.simplemining.io/=======================Arch Public is an agentic trading platform that automates the buying and selling of your preferred crypto strategies. Sign up today at https://www.archpublic.com and start your automated trading strategy for free. No catch. No hidden fees. Just smarter trading.=======================0:00 - Intro0:19 - White House crypto policy & Bo Hines' role2:52 - How important is the Clarity Act?4:10 - Tether: scale, growth & global impact10:49 - Stablecoin yield debate12:37 - Financial access, wallets & the unbanked14:19 - Tether's relationship with Bitcoin15:46 - Reserves, transparency & risk17:24 - Interoperability & the future of stablecoins
What if you could have SIX Chase Sapphire Reserve cards—each with zero annual fees—while maxing your TSP and living an incredible life of travel? Air Force Captain Jared Mataitusi reveals exactly how he and his wife stack premium credit cards, earn elite status, fly family to Europe for free, and still save aggressively toward financial independence. This is the ultimate military financial strategy you've been waiting for. Jared shares how he went from credit card float in college to managing 32 cards with his wife, earning six-figure travel benefits annually while maintaining a high savings rate. The conversation covers upgrading Freedom cards to multiple Sapphire Reserves, using deployment sprints to accelerate wealth, flying family overseas on points, TSP automation strategies, and how military service is a "cheat code" to financial independence when approached intentionally. Key Topics & Questions Covered Credit Card Strategy Building Wealth on Active Duty Travel & Lifestyle Military Life & Financial Independence Philosophy & Mindset Resources & Links Mentioned Jared's Content: The Military Miler Podcast https://militarymiler.com/ Military Travel Rewards https://militarytravelrewards.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/military_miler Credit Card Tools: Chase Sapphire Reserve & Freedom card upgrade strategy Amex Platinum multiple card strategy United Travel Bank for airline credits StubHub credit usage internationally Budgeting & Tracking: YNAB (You Need A Budget) https://www.ynab.com/ Monarch Money https://www.monarch.com/ Net worth tracking tools (Kubera, Google Sheets) https://www.kubera.com/ Books & Concepts: The Motivation Myth by Darren Hardy Die With Zero by Bill Perkins The Second Mountain by David Brooks Dave Ramsey's debt snowball method Morgan Housel on moving goalposts TSP & Investing: Military Money Manual TSP Course https://militarymoneymanual.com/tsp LADS Method: Low-cost, Automated, Diversified, Simple Financial Order of Operations (Military Version) Other Resources: Reddit Military Finance community https://www.reddit.com/r/MilitaryFinance/ Jesse Mecham (YNAB founder) on lifestyle creep Ramit Sethi: "No prize for living a smaller life" Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/ Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.
Magna Mining published their initial mineral reserves for the McCreedy West Mine, located in the North Range of the Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada. They also have a new round of drill results out from Levack. Great Pacific Gold, Cartier Resources, Hemlo Mining and Onyx Gold also have new drill results out this morning. Li-FT Power has closed its acquisition for the 50% interest in the Galinée property from Azimut Exploration.This episode of Mining Stock Daily is brought to you by... Revival Gold is one of the largest pure gold mine developer operating in the United States. The Company is advancing the Mercur Gold Project in Utah and mine permitting preparations and ongoing exploration at the Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project located in Idaho. Revival Gold is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “RVG” and trades on the OTCQX Market under the ticker symbol “RVLGF”. Learn more about the company at revival-dash-gold.comVizsla Silver is focused on becoming one of the world's largest single-asset silver producers through the exploration and development of the 100% owned Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in Sinaloa, Mexico. The company consolidated this historic district in 2019 and has now completed over 325,000 meters of drilling. The company has the world's largest, undeveloped high-grade silver resource. Learn more at https://vizslasilvercorp.com/Equinox has recently completed the business combination with Calibre Mining to create an Americas-focused diversified gold producer with a portfolio of mines in five countries, anchored by two high-profile, long-life Canadian gold mines, Greenstone and Valentine. Learn more about the business and its operations at equinoxgold.com Integra Resources is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho, and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Learn more about the business and their high industry standards over at integraresources.com
Jason Jessup, CEO of Magna Mining, joins the podcast today for a thorough update out of their portfolio of projects in the Sudbury Basin of Ontario. The company published their initial reserves and resources for the McCreedy West Mine along with new drill results out of the Levack Mine and the R2 Zone.
Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: Is everyone predestined for either Heaven or Hell? Why is the Hail Mary prayer sometimes referred to as the Angelic Salutation? Is it okay to keep decorative lights up during Lent? Did the saints agree that we have to pray the Rosary every day to be eligible for the 15 promises? Why did Jesus specifically choose bread and wine as the matter in the sacrament of holy communion? Questions about Lenten fasting and abstinence. What happens to a priest's chalice when they die? How often does Fr. Duesterhaus wear his collar outside of Mass? What is the best way to lead those we know through the conversion process? Does the Holy Spirit lead you, no matter which denominational church you attend? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Nomohan incident. On the fringes of Manchuria, the ghosts of Changkufeng lingered. It was August 1938 when Soviet and Japanese forces locked in a brutal standoff over a disputed hill, claiming thousands of lives before a fragile ceasefire redrew the lines. Japan, humiliated yet defiant, withdrew, but the Kwantung Army seethed with resentment. As winter thawed into 1939, tensions simmered along the Halha River, a serpentine boundary between Manchukuo and Mongolia. Major Tsuji Masanobu, a cunning tactician driven by gekokujo's fire, drafted Order 1488: a mandate empowering local commanders to annihilate intruders, even luring them across borders. Kwantung's leaders, bonded by past battles, endorsed it, ignoring Tokyo's cautions amid the grinding China War. By May, the spark ignited. Mongolian patrols crossed the river, clashing with Manchukuoan cavalry near Nomonhan's sandy hills. General Komatsubara, ever meticulous, unleashed forces to "destroy" them, bombing west-bank outposts and pursuing retreats. Soviets, bound by pact, rushed reinforcements, their tanks rumbling toward the fray. What began as skirmishes ballooned into an undeclared war. #189 General Zhukov Arrives at Nomohan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Though Kwantung Army prided itself as an elite arm of the Imperial Japanese Army, the 23rd Division, formed less than a year prior, was still raw and unseasoned, lacking the polish and spirit typical of its parent force. From General Michitaro Komatsubara downward, the staff suffered a collective dearth of combat experience. Intelligence officer Major Yoshiyasu Suzuki, a cavalryman, had no prior intel background. While senior regimental commanders were military academy veterans, most company and platoon leaders were fresh reservists or academy graduates with just one or two years under their belts. Upon arriving in Manchukuo in August 1938, the division found its Hailar base incomplete, housing only half its troops; the rest scattered across sites. Full assembly at Hailar occurred in November, but harsh winter weather curtailed large-scale drills. Commanders had scant time to build rapport. This inexperience, inadequate training, and poor cohesion would prove costly at Nomonhan. Japan's army held steady at 17 divisions from 1930 to 1937, but the escalating China conflict spurred seven new divisions in 1938 and nine in 1939. Resource strains from China left many under-equipped, with the 23rd, stationed in a presumed quiet sector, low on priorities. Unlike older "rectangular" divisions with four infantry regiments, the 23rd was a modern "triangular" setup featuring the 64th, 71st, and 72nd. Materiel gaps were glaring. The flat, open terrain screamed for tanks, yet the division relied on a truck-equipped transport regiment and a reconnaissance regiment with lightly armored "tankettes" armed only with machine guns. Mobility suffered: infantry marched the final 50 miles from Hailar to Nomonhan. Artillery was mostly horse-drawn, including 24 outdated Type 38 75-mm guns from 1907, the army's oldest, unique to this division. Each infantry regiment got four 37-mm rapid-fire guns and four 1908-era 75-mm mountain guns. The artillery regiment added 12 120-mm howitzers, all high-angle, short-range pieces ill-suited for flatlands or anti-tank roles. Antitank capabilities were dire: beyond rapid-fire guns, options boiled down to demolition charges and Molotov cocktails, demanding suicidal "human bullet" tactics in open terrain, a fatal flaw against armor. The division's saving grace lay in its soldiers, primarily from Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, long famed for hardy warriors. These men embodied resilience, bravery, loyalty, and honor, offsetting some training and gear deficits. Combat at Nomonhan ramped up gradually, with Japanese-Manchukuoan forces initially outnumbering Soviet-Mongolian foes. Soviets faced severe supply hurdles: their nearest rail at Borzya sat 400 miles west of the Halha River, requiring truck hauls over rough, exposed terrain prone to air strikes. Conversely, Hailar was 200 miles from Nomonhan, with the Handagai railhead just 50 miles away, linked by three dirt roads. These advantages, plus Europe's brewing Polish crisis, likely reassured Army General Staff and Kwantung Army Headquarters that Moscow would avoid escalation. Nonetheless, Komatsubara, with KwAHQ's nod, chose force to quash the Nomonhan flare-up. On May 20, Japanese scouts spotted a Soviet infantry battalion and armor near Tamsag Bulak. Komatsubara opted to "nip the incident in the bud," assembling a potent strike force under Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata of the 64th Infantry Regiment. The Yamagata detachment included the 3rd Battalion, roughly four companies, 800 men, a regimental gun company, three 75-mm mountain guns, four 37-mm rapid-fires, three truck companies, and Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma's reconnaissance group, 220 men, one tankette, two sedans, 12 trucks. Bolstered by 450 local Manchukuoan troops, the 2,000-strong unit was tasked with annihilating all enemy east of the Halha. The assault was set for May 22–23. No sooner had General Komatsubara finalized this plan than he received a message from KwAHQ: "In settling the affair Kwantung Army has definite plans, as follows: For the time being Manchukuoan Army troops will keep an eye on the Outer Mongolians operating near Nomonhan and will try to lure them onto Manchukuoan territory. Japanese forces at Hailar [23rd Division] will maintain surveillance over the situation. Upon verification of a border violation by the bulk of the Outer Mongolian forces, Kwantung Army will dispatch troops, contact the enemy, and annihilate him within friendly territory. According to this outlook it can be expected that enemy units will occupy border regions for a considerable period; but this is permissible from the overall strategic point of view". At this juncture, Kwantung Army Headquarters advocated tactical caution to secure a more conclusive outcome. Yet, General Michitaro Komatsubara had already issued orders for Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata's assault. Komatsubara radioed Hsinking that retracting would be "undignified," resenting KwAHQ's encroachment on his authority much as KwAHQ chafed at Army General Staff interference. Still, "out of deference to Kwantung Army's feelings," he delayed to May 27 to 28. Soviet air units from the 57th Corps conducted ineffective sorties over the Halha River from May 17 to 21. Novice pilots in outdated I 15 biplanes suffered heavily: at least 9, possibly up to 17, fighters and scouts downed. Defense Commissar Kliment Voroshilov halted air ops, aiding Japanese surprise. Yamagata massed at Kanchuerhmiao, 40 miles north of Nomonhan, sending patrols southward. Scouts spotted a bridge over the Halha near its Holsten junction, plus 2 enemy groups of ~200 each east of the Halha on either Holsten side and a small MPR outpost less than a mile west of Nomonhan. Yamagata aimed to trap and destroy these east of the river: Azuma's 220 man unit would drive south along the east bank to the bridge, blocking retreat. The 4 infantry companies and Manchukuoan troops, with artillery, would attack from the west toward enemy pockets, herding them riverward into Azuma's trap. Post destruction, mop up any west bank foes near the river clear MPR soil swiftly. This intricate plan suited early MPR foes but overlooked Soviet units spotted at Tamsag Bulak on May 20, a glaring oversight by Komatsubara and Yamagata. Predawn on May 28, Yamagata advanced from Kanchuerhmiao. Azuma detached southward to the bridge. Unbeknownst, it was guarded by Soviet infantry, engineers, armored cars, and a 76 mm self propelled artillery battery—not just MPR cavalry. Soviets detected Azuma pre dawn but missed Yamagata's main force; surprise was mutual. Soviet MPR core: Major A E Bykov's battalion roughly 1000 men with 3 motorized infantry companies, 16 BA 6 armored cars, 4 76 mm self propelled guns, engineers, and a 5 armored car recon platoon. The 6th MPR Cavalry Division roughly 1250 men had 2 small regiments, 4 76 mm guns, armored cars, and a training company. Bykov arrayed north to south: 2 Soviet infantry on flanks, MPR cavalry center, unorthodox, as cavalry suits flanks. Spread over 10 miles parallel to but east of the Halha, 1 mile west of Nomonhan. Reserves: 1 infantry company, engineers, and artillery west of the river near the bridge; Shoaaiibuu's guns also west to avoid sand. Japanese held initial edges in numbers and surprise, especially versus MPR cavalry. Offsets: Yamagata split into 5 weaker units; radios failed early, hampering coordination; Soviets dominated firepower with self propelled guns, 4 MPR pieces, and BA 6s, armored fighters with 45 mm turret guns, half track capable, 27 mph speed, but thin 9 mm armor vulnerable to close heavy machine guns. Morning of May 28, Yamagata's infantry struck Soviet MPR near Nomonhan, routing lightly armed MPR cavalry and forcing Soviet retreats toward the Halha. Shoaaiibuu rushed his training company forward; Japanese overran his post, killing him and most staff. As combat neared the river, Soviet artillery and armored cars slowed Yamagata. He redirected to a low hill miles east of the Halha with dug in Soviets—failing to notify Azuma. Bykov regrouped 1 to 2 miles east of the Halha Holsten junction, holding firm. By late morning, Yamagata stalled, digging in against Soviet barrages. Azuma, radio silent due to faults, neared the bridge to find robust Soviet defenses. Artillery commander Lieutenant Yu Vakhtin shifted his 4 76 mm guns east to block seizure. Azuma lacked artillery or anti tank tools, unable to advance. With Yamagata bogged down, Azuma became encircled, the encirclers encircled. Runners reached Yamagata, but his dispersed units couldn't rally or breakthrough. By noon, Azuma faced infantry and cavalry from the east, bombardments from west (both Halha sides). Dismounted cavalry dug sandy defenses. Azuma could have broken out but held per mission, awaiting Yamagata, unaware of the plan shift. Pressure mounted: Major I M Remizov's full 149th Regiment recent Tamsag Bulak arrivals trucked in, tilting odds. Resupply failed; ammo dwindled. Post dusk slackening: A major urged withdrawal; Azuma refused, deeming retreat shameful without orders, a Japanese army hallmark, where "retreat" was taboo, replaced by euphemisms like "advance in a different direction." Unauthorized pullback meant execution. Dawn May 29: Fiercer Soviet barrage, 122 mm howitzers, field guns, mortars, armored cars collapsed trenches. An incendiary hit Azuma's sedan, igniting trucks with wounded and ammo. By late afternoon, Soviets closed to 50 yards on 3 fronts; armored cars breached rear. Survivors fought desperately. Between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., Azuma led 24 men in a banzai charge, cut down by machine guns. A wounded medical lieutenant ordered escapes; 4 succeeded. Rest killed or captured. Komatsubara belatedly reinforced Yamagata on May 29 with artillery, anti tank guns, and fresh infantry. Sources claim Major Tsuji arrived, rebuked Yamagata for inaction, and spurred corpse recovery over 3 nights, yielding ~200 bodies, including Azuma's. Yamagata withdrew to Kanchuerhmiao, unable to oust foes. Ironically, Remizov mistook recovery truck lights for attacks, briefly pulling back west on May 30. By June 3, discovering the exit, Soviet MPR reoccupied the zone. Japanese blamed: (1) poor planning/recon by Komatsubara and Yamagata, (2) comms failures, (3) Azuma's heavy weapon lack. Losses: ~200 Azuma dead, plus 159 killed, 119 wounded, 12 missing from main force, total 500, 25% of detachment. Soviets praised Vakhtin for thwarting pincers. Claims: Bykov 60 to 70 casualties; TASS 40 killed, 70 wounded total Soviet/MPR. Recent Russian: 138 killed, 198 wounded. MPR cavalry hit hard by Japanese and friendly fire. Soviet media silent until June 26; KwAHQ censored, possibly misleading Tokyo. May 30: Kwantung Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai assured AGS of avoiding prolongation via heavy frontier blows, downplaying Soviet buildup and escalation. He requested river crossing gear urgently. This hinted at Halha invasion (even per Japanese borders: MPR soil). AGS's General Gun Hashimoto affirmed trust in localization: Soviets' vexations manageable, chastisement easy. Colonel Masazumi Inada's section assessed May 31: 1. USSR avoids expansion. 2. Trust Kwantung localization. 3. Intervene on provocative acts like deep MPR air strikes. Phase 1 ended: Kwantung called it mutual win loss, but inaccurate, Azuma destroyed, heavy tolls, remorse gnawing Komatsubara. On June 1, 1939, an urgent summons from Moscow pulled the young deputy commander of the Byelorussian Military District from Minsk to meet Defense Commissar Marshal Kliment Voroshilov. He boarded the first train with no evident concern, even as the army purges faded into memory. This rising cavalry- and tank-expert, Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, would later help defend Moscow in 1941, triumph at Stalingrad and Kursk, and march to Berlin as a Hero of the Soviet Union.Born in 1896 to a poor family headed by a cobbler, Zhukov joined the Imperial Army in 1915 as a cavalryman. Of average height but sturdy build, he excelled in horsemanship and earned the Cross of St. George and noncommissioned status for bravery in 1916. After the October Revolution, he joined the Red Army and the Bolshevik Party, fighting in the Civil War from 1918 to 1921. His proletarian roots, tactical skill, and ambition propelled him: command of a regiment by 1923, a division by 1931. An early advocate of tanks, he survived the purges, impressing superiors as a results-driven leader and playing a key role in his assignment to Mongolia. In Voroshilov's office on June 2, Zhukov learned of recent clashes. Ordered to fly east, assess the situation, and assume command if needed, he soon met acting deputy chief Ivan Smorodinov, who urged candid reports. Europe's war clouds and rising tensions with Japan concerned the Kremlin. Hours later, Zhukov and his staff flew east. Arriving June 5 at Tamsag Bulak (57th Corps HQ), Zhukov met the staff and found Corps Commander Nikolai Feklenko and most aides clueless; only Regimental Commissar M. S. Nikishev had visited the front. Zhukov toured with Nikishev that afternoon and was impressed by his grasp. By day's end, Zhukov bluntly reported: this is not a simple border incident; the Japanese are likely to escalate; the 57th Corps is inadequate. He suggested holding the eastern Halha bridgehead until reinforcements could enable a counteroffensive, and he criticized Feklenko. Moscow replied on June 6: relieve Feklenko; appoint Zhukov. Reinforcements arrived: the 36th Mechanized Infantry Division; the 7th, 8th, and 9th Mechanized Brigades; the 11th Tank Brigade; the 8th MPR Cavalry Division; a heavy artillery regiment; an air wing of more than 100 aircraft, including 21 pilots who had earned renown in the Spanish Civil War. The force was redesignated as the First Army Group. In June, these forces surged toward Tamsag Bulak, eighty miles west of Halha. However, General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division and the Kwantung Army Headquarters missed the buildup and the leadership change, an intelligence failure born of carelessness and hubris and echoing May's Azuma disaster, with grave battlefield consequences. Early June remained relatively quiet: the Soviet MPR expanded the east-bank perimeter modestly; there was no major Japanese response. KwAHQ's Commander General Kenkichi Ueda, hoping for a quick closure, toured the Fourth Army from May 31 to June 18. Calm broke on June 19. Komatsubara reported two Soviet strikes inside Manchukuo: 15 planes hit Arshan, inflicting casualties on men and horses; 30 aircraft set fire to 100 petroleum barrels near Kanchuerhmiao. In fact, the raids were less dramatic than described: not on Kanchuerhmiao town (a 3,000-person settlement, 40 miles northwest of Nomonhan) but on a supply dump 12 miles south of it. "Arshan" referred to a small village near the border, near Arshanmiao, a Manchukuoan cavalry depot, not a major railhead at Harlun Arshan 100 miles southeast. The raids were strafing runs rather than bombs. Possibly retaliation for May 15's Japanese raid on the MPR Outpost 7 (two killed, 15 wounded) or a response to Zhukov's bridgehead push. Voroshilov authorized the action; motive remained unclear. Nonetheless, KwAHQ, unused to air attacks after dominating skies in Manchuria, Shanghai (1932), and China, was agitated. The situation resembled a jolt akin to the 1973 North Vietnamese strike on U.S. bases in Thailand: not unprovoked, but shocking. Midday June 19, the Operations Staff met. Major Masanobu Tsuji urged swift reprisal; Colonel Masao Terada urged delay in light of the Tientsin crisis (the new Japanese blockade near Peking). Tsuji argued that firmness at Nomonhan would impress Britain; inaction would invite deeper Soviet bombardments or invasion. He swayed Chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and others, including Terada. They drafted a briefing: the situation was grave; passivity risked a larger invasion and eroded British respect for Japanese might. After two hours of joint talks, most KwAHQ members supported a strong action. Tsuji drafted a major Halha crossing plan to destroy Soviet MPR forces. Hattori and Terada pressed the plan to Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai, an expert on Manchukuo affairs but not operations; he deferred to Deputy General Otozaburo Yano, who was absent. They argued urgency; Isogai noted delays in AGS approval. The pair contended for local Kwantung prerogative, citing the 1937 Amur cancellation; AGS would likely veto. Under pressure, Isogai assented, pending Ueda's approval. Ueda approved but insisted that the 23rd Division lead, not the 7th. Hattori noted the 7th's superiority (four regiments in a "square" arrangement versus the 23rd's three regiments, with May unreliability). Ueda prioritized Komatsubara's honor: assigning another division would imply distrust; "I'd rather die." The plan passed on June 19, an example of gekokujo in action. The plan called for reinforcing the 23rd with: the 2nd Air Group (180 aircraft, Lieutenant General Tetsuji Gigi); the Yasuoka Detachment (Lieutenant General Masaomi Yasuoka: two tank regiments, motorized artillery, and the 26th Infantry of the 7th). Total strength: roughly 15,000 men, 120 guns, 70 tanks, 180 aircraft. KwAHQ estimated the enemy at about 1,000 infantry, 10 artillery pieces, and about 12 armored vehicles, expecting a quick victory. Reconnaissance to Halha was curtailed to avoid alerting the Soviets. Confidence ran high, even as intel warned otherwise. Not all leaders were convinced: the 23rd's ordnance colonel reportedly committed suicide over "awful equipment." An attaché, Colonel Akio Doi, warned of growing Soviet buildup, but operations dismissed the concern. In reality, Zhukov's force comprised about 12,500 men, 109 guns, 186 tanks, 266 armored cars, and more than 100 aircraft, offset by the Soviets' armor advantage. The plan echoed Yamagata's failed May 28 initiative: the 23rd main body would seize the Fui Heights (11 miles north of Halha's Holsten junction), cross by pontoon, and sweep south along the west bank toward the Soviet bridge. Yasuoka would push southeast of Halha to trap and destroy the enemy at the junction. On June 20, Tsuji briefed Komatsubara at Hailar, expressing Ueda's trust while pressing to redeem May's failures. Limited pontoon capacity would not support armor; the operation would be vulnerable to air power. Tsuji's reconnaissance detected Soviet air presence at Tamsag Bulak, prompting a preemptive strike and another plan adjustment. KwAHQ informed Tokyo of the offensive in vague terms (citing raids but withholding air details). Even this caused debate; Minister Seishiro Itagaki supported Ueda's stance, favoring a limited operation to ease nerves. Tokyo concurred, unaware of the air plans. Fearing a veto on the Tamsag Bulak raid (nearly 100 miles behind MPR lines), KwAHQ shielded details from the Soviets and Tokyo. A June 29–30 ground attack was prepared; orders were relayed by courier. The leak reached Tokyo on June 24. Deputy Chief General Tetsuzo Nakajima telegrammed three points: 1) AGS policy to contain the conflict and avoid West MPR air attacks; 2) bombing risks escalation; 3) sending Lieutenant Colonel Yadoru Arisue on June 25 for liaison. Polite Japanese diplomatic phrasing allowed Operations to interpret the message as a suggestion. To preempt Arisue's explicit orders, Tsuji urged secrecy from Ueda, Isogai, and Yano, and an advanced raid to June 27. Arisue arrived after the raid on Tamsag Bulak and Bain Tumen (deeper into MPR territory, now near Choibalsan). The Raid resulted in approximately 120 Japanese planes surprising the Soviets, grounding and destroying aircraft and scrambling their defense. Tsuji, flying in a bomber, claimed 25 aircraft destroyed on the ground and about 100 in the air. Official tallies reported 98 destroyed and 51 damaged; ground kills estimated at 50 to 60 at Bain Tumen. Japanese losses were relatively light: one bomber, two fighters, one scout; seven dead. Another Japanese bomber was shot down over MPR, but the crew was rescued. The raid secured air superiority for July. Moscow raged over the losses and the perceived failure to warn in time. In the purge era, blame fell on suspected spies and traitors; Deputy Mongolian Commander Luvsandonoi and ex-57th Deputy A. M. Kushchev were accused, arrested, and sent to Moscow. Luvsandonoi was executed; Kushchev received a four-year sentence, later rising to major general and Hero. KwAHQ celebrated; Operations notified AGS by radio. Colonel Masazumi Inada rebuked: "You damned idiot! What do you think the true meaning of this little success is?" A withering reprimand followed. Stunned but unrepentant, KwAHQ soon received Tokyo's formal reprimand: "Report was received today regarding bombing of Outer Mongolian territory by your air units… . Since this action is in fundamental disagreement with policy which we understood your army was taking to settle incident, it is extremely regretted that advance notice of your intent was not received. Needless to say, this matter is attended with such farreaching consequences that it can by no means be left to your unilateral decision. Hereafter, existing policy will be definitely and strictly observed. It is requested that air attack program be discontinued immediately" By Order of the Chief of Staff By this time, Kwantung Army staff officers stood in high dudgeon. Tsuji later wrote that "tremendous combat results were achieved by carrying out dangerous operations at the risk of our lives. It is perfectly clear that we were carrying out an act of retaliation. What kind of General Staff ignores the psychology of the front lines and tramples on their feelings?" Tsuji drafted a caustic reply, which Kwantung Army commanders sent back to Tokyo, apparently without Ueda or other senior KwAHQ officers' knowledge: "There appear to be certain differences between the Army General Staff and this Army in evaluating the battlefield situation and the measures to be adopted. It is requested that the handling of trivial border-area matters be entrusted to this Army." That sarcastic note from KwAHQ left a deep impression at AGS, which felt something had to be done to restore discipline and order. When General Nakajima informed the Throne about the air raid, the emperor rebuked him and asked who would assume responsibility for the unauthorized attack. Nakajima replied that military operations were ongoing, but that appropriate measures would be taken after this phase ended. Inada sent Terada a telegram implying that the Kwantung Army staff officers responsible would be sacked in due course. Inada pressed to have Tsuji ousted from Kwantung Army immediately, but personnel matters went through the Army Ministry, and Army Minister Itagaki, who knew Tsuji personally, defended him. Tokyo recognized that the situation was delicate; since 1932, Kwantung Army had operated under an Imperial Order to "defend Manchukuo," a broad mandate. Opinions differed in AGS about how best to curb Kwantung Army's operational prerogatives. One idea was to secure Imperial sanction for a new directive limiting Kwantung Army's autonomous combat actions to no more than one regiment. Several other plans circulated. In the meantime, Kwantung Army needed tighter control. On June 29, AGS issued firm instructions to KwAHQ: Directives: a) Kwantung Army is responsible for local settlement of border disputes. b) Areas where the border is disputed, or where defense is tactically unfeasible, need not be defended. Orders: c) Ground combat will be limited to the border region between Manchukuo and Outer Mongolia east of Lake Buir Nor. d) Enemy bases will not be attacked from the air. With this heated exchange of messages, the relationship between Kwantung Army and AGS reached a critical moment. Tsuji called it the "breaking point" between Hsinking and Tokyo. According to Colonel Inada, after this "air raid squabble," gekokujo became much more pronounced in Hsinking, especially within Kwantung Army's Operations Section, which "ceased making meaningful reports" to the AGS Operations Section, which he headed. At KwAHQ, the controversy and the perception of AGS interference in local affairs hardened the resolve of wavering staff officers to move decisively against the USSR. Thereafter, Kwantung Army officers as a group rejected the General Staff's policy of moderation in the Nomonhan incident. Tsuji characterized the conflict between Kwantung Army and the General Staff as the classic clash between combat officers and "desk jockeys." In his view, AGS advocated a policy of not invading enemy territory even if one's own territory was invaded, while Kwantung Army's policy was not to allow invasion. Describing the mindset of the Kwantung Army (and his own) toward the USSR in this border dispute, Tsuji invoked the samurai warrior's warning: "Do not step any closer or I shall be forced to cut you down." Tsuji argued that Kwantung Army had to act firmly at Nomonhan to avoid a larger war later. He also stressed the importance, shared by him and his colleagues, of Kwantung Army maintaining its dignity, which he believed was threatened by both enemy actions and the General Staff. In this emotionally charged atmosphere, the Kwantung Army launched its July offensive. The success of the 2nd Air Group's attack on Tamsag Bulak further inflated KwAHQ's confidence in the upcoming offensive. Although aerial reconnaissance had been intentionally limited to avoid alarming or forewarning the enemy, some scout missions were flown. The scouts reported numerous tank emplacements under construction, though most reports noted few tanks; a single report of large numbers of tanks was downplayed at headquarters. What drew major attention at KwAHQ were reports of large numbers of trucks leaving the front daily and streaming westward into the Mongolian interior. This was interpreted as evidence of a Soviet pullback from forward positions, suggesting the enemy might sense the imminent assault. Orders were issued to speed up final preparations for the assault before Soviet forces could withdraw from the area where the Japanese "meat cleaver" would soon dismember them. What the Japanese scouts had actually observed was not a Soviet withdrawal, but part of a massive truck shuttle that General Grigori Shtern, now commander of Soviet Forces in the Far East, organized to support Zhukov. Each night, Soviet trucks, from distant MPR railway depots to Tamsag Bulak and the combat zone, moved eastward with lights dimmed, carrying supplies and reinforcements. By day, the trucks returned westward for fresh loads. It was these returning trucks, mostly empty, that the Japanese scouts sighted. The Kwantung interpretation of this mass westbound traffic was a serious error, though understandable. The Soviet side was largely ignorant of Japanese preparations, partly because the June 27 air raid had disrupted Soviet air operations, including reconnaissance. In late June, the 23rd Division and Yasuoka's tank force moved from Hailar and Chiangchunmiao toward Nomonhan. A mix of military and civilian vehicles pressed into service, but there was still insufficient motorized transport to move all troops and equipment at once. Most infantry marched the 120 miles to the combat zone, under a hot sun, carrying eighty-pound loads. They arrived after four to six days with little time to recover before the scheduled assault. With Komatsubara's combined force of about 15,000 men, 120 guns, and 70 tanks poised to attack, Kwantung Army estimated Soviet-MPR strength near Nomonhan and the Halha River at about 1,000 men, perhaps ten anti-aircraft guns, ten artillery pieces, and several dozen tanks. In reality, Japanese air activity, especially the big raid of June 27, had put the Soviets on alert. Zhukov suspected a ground attack might occur, though nothing as audacious as a large-scale crossing of the Halha was anticipated. During the night of July 1, Zhukov moved his 11th Tank Brigade, 7th Mechanized Brigade, and 24th Mechanized Infantry Regiment (36th Division) from their staging area near Tamsag Bulak to positions just west of the Halha River. Powerful forces on both sides were being marshaled with little knowledge of the enemy's disposition. As the sun scorched the Mongolian steppes, the stage was set for a clash that would echo through history. General Komatsubara's 23rd Division, bolstered by Yasuoka's armored might and the skies commanded by Gigi's air group, crept toward the Halha River like a predator in the night. Fifteen thousand Japanese warriors, their boots heavy with dust and resolve, prepared to cross the disputed waters and crush what they believed was a faltering foe. Little did they know, Zhukov's reinforcements, tanks rumbling like thunder, mechanized brigades poised in the shadows, had transformed the frontier into a fortress of steel. Miscalculations piled like sand dunes: Japanese scouts mistook supply convoys for retreats, while Soviet eyes, blinded by the June raid, underestimated the impending storm. Kwantung's gekokujo spirit burned bright, defying Tokyo's cautions, as both sides hurtled toward a brutal reckoning. What began as border skirmishes now threatened to erupt into full-scale war, testing the mettle of empires on the edge. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Patrols in May led to failed Japanese offensives, like Colonel Yamagata's disastrous assault and the Azuma detachment's annihilation. Tensions rose with air raids, including Japan's June strike on Soviet bases. By July, misjudged intelligence set the stage for a major confrontation, testing imperial ambitions amid global war clouds.
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Thomas Halliday recounts the Permian in Niger with mega-monsoons and desert reptiles like Bunostegos preyed upon by Gorgonops, explaining how Carboniferous swamp forests formed coal reserves and discussing the mysterious Tully Monster.