Podcasts about Space force

This week, Laci is joined by actress, comedian, and musician Tawny Newsome (Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, Space Force) to hear the sales pitch from the star fraud salesman himself, Don Lapre. Plus more proof that love is blind (and expensive), as Jenifer Lewis discovered. Stay Schemin'! (Originally released 06/08/2020)   CON-gregation, keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com.   Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Tawny Newsome: @trondynewman   Research Assistant: Sharilyn Vera   Sources:  https://thegrio.com/2020/05/10/jenifer-lewis-victim-of-con-artist-nearly-400000-scheme/amp/ https://ktla.com/news/local-news/santa-monica-man-allegedly-conned-4-women-including-actress-jenifer-lewis-out-of- [ktla.com]nearly-400000-in-a-romance-scam/ [ktla.com] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWSCOQlicoU Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textToday's Daily Drop covers a mix of hard news, weird internet drama, and the usual military chaos.Peaches breaks down a KC-135 crash in Iraq that killed six Airmen, a major B-21 production expansion, and the continued ripple effects of David Goggins entering the Pararescue pipeline. On the Army side, leaders are pushing modernization through munitions production, autonomous systems, and new drone concepts designed to operate without traditional infrastructure. Meanwhile the Navy keeps rotating forces across the Pacific while the Marine Corps highlights real-world readiness moments—from marksmanship competitions to Marines pulling civilians out of a rollover accident.There's also a look at Space Force missile-warning satellites, Coast Guard rescues during a shutdown paycheck drought, and what the White House says the goals are for Operation Epic Fury.In other words: modernization, tragedy, recruiting exposure, and the usual government circus—all in one briefing. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Ones Ready intro and sponsor 01:10 Goggins pipeline update and episode recap 02:40 Army modernization and munitions expansion 03:35 New vertical takeoff reconnaissance drone concept 05:20 Mission autonomy office for connected unmanned systems 06:00 Old Dominion shooting and ROTC response 07:30 Navy Gerald R. Ford onboard fire update 08:20 LCAC 115 amphibious connector delivery 09:00 USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. destroyer commissioning 10:00 Pacific force rotation and cruiser phase-out 11:00 Marines rescue family in Camp Pendleton rollover 12:00 Marine Corps marksmanship competition East 13:00 Operator Training Summit Nashville announcement 14:30 KC-135 crash in Iraq and crew loss 15:50 B-21 bomber production expansion 16:40 B-21 testing with KC-135 tanker 17:30 Space Force missile warning constellation update 18:40 Vandenberg launch mission growth 19:30 Space Force medical summit 20:20 Coast Guard Antarctic mission completion 21:00 Maine fishermen rescue operation 22:00 Pentagon legal structure review 23:10 White House messaging on Operation Epic Fury 24:00 Wrap up and cSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERE Register for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY...

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00:00 Well, Zoran Mondani has got his problems up in New York. There's a new video out that shows Mondani's wife celebrating the October 7th attacks. We'll get to that coming up in a little bit. Let's go to Gerald in Calpins. Gerald, welcome. How are you? All right. Happy Friday, brother. You too. Charlie, back in the 50s, we had the measles, the mumps, and chickenpox. Right. 00:27 They'd rub us down with buttermilk and we survived, you know, there was no big deal. With buttermilk, I'd never heard of that, but I'm pretty sure they did. I appreciate it, Gerald. Thank you very much. Okay. Do you guys remember when President Trump in his first administration announced that he was creating the Space Force? Do you remember that? And do you remember how everybody made fun of Space Force? You remember them doing that? No one asks. 00:57 how we're gonna pay for this Space Force. There's no threat in space. Who are we fighting? Satellites? When Trump talks about Space Force, he makes it sound like we're gonna be on a rocket riding to the moon like, Space Force! Riding up down, a killing alien! Well, they're not laughing now. Because we are using Space Force in Iran. This might be the first time that Space Force was used. That's maybe, I don't know. We might have used it down in Venezuela. 01:28 But Space Force, with their technology and satellites, they are able to detect a rocket launch in Iran within milliseconds. Like pretty much exactly when it happens that it's detected, the coordinates are locked, and we send a missile to those coordinates and make sure that that rocket launcher or that rocket site 01:56 does not operate again. And it can also track the trajectory of the missile that was shot from that site. So when Donald Trump said, he said this a few months ago, he said, we've got weapons you've never, this was back before Venezuela. It was back before Venezuela. He said, we've got weapons nobody's even ever heard of. 02:22 He wouldn't go into specifics, of course, but he's like, you wouldn't believe the stuff we got. 02:29 So Space Force is being used, but there's another thing that's being used and that's Odin. O-D-I-N. Listen to this. This is cool as well. A US destroyer. are at least two destroyers deployed in Operation Epic Fury that are equipped with the Odin. It's a new laser seen here a few days ago. Odin blinds drone sensors causing them to crash. It's a last ditch weapon used to defend ships from drone attacks. 02:58 We're told it has not been used yet in Epic Fury. Now the US has deployed the EA-18G Growler to jam electronic signals causing dozens of Iranian drones to fall out of the sky and is using advanced precision laser guided rockets to shoot down drones from the air, ground or sea. The US and Israel do continue their offensive strikes against drone storage depots and launchers. CENTCOM released this video showing it destroying an Iranian drone carrier. 03:28 roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. This multi-layered strategy counters Iran, which seemingly is trying to flood the zone with these cheap $35,000 Shaheed drones until the Gulf states run out of expensive counter drone munitions like the $4 million Patriot missiles. Ukraine is also helping to fight Iran's drones. is... So, pretty amazing. Just imagine... 03:57 Just imagine you're China, you're North Korea, you're Russia, whomever. Seeing they're going like, oh, oh, they got that. They got, they got those things. It reminds me of Dr. Evil. They've got lasers that can take out drones. We've got, we've got Odin, the God of the Dead. 04:26 We've got Space Force detecting rocket launches within a millisecond of them being launched. I'm telling you what, I wouldn't even, I don't even think that's the extent of it. I think that's just the stuff that they're showing off. Hey, look at that. Hey, hey, hey, Fox News, come here, let me show you this. Let me show you, no, don't look behind there. No, just look a ...

From space lasers taking out ballistic missiles to shocking crimes in sanctuary cities, today's episode exposes how modern military tech and political decisions collide with public safety. We break down the latest on U.S. Space Force directed energy weapons, Iran and Israel missile strikes, and a deadly incident in Fairfax, Virginia involving an illegal immigrant with a long criminal record. Episode Summary Today's show spans cutting-edge military tech, U.S. foreign operations, and domestic policy failures. Directed Energy & Space Force: Lasers from U.S. Space Force are now operational, tracking missile launches from Iran via infrared signatures. Over 200 Iranian ballistic missiles have reportedly been destroyed, along with dozens of launchers. Israel has similar technology. Precision strikes and next-generation space targeting are changing modern warfare, making conventional attacks less relevant. Trump's Calculus & Shock & Awe: Insights from interviews with Jonathan Carroll and John Carroll reveal how these technologies influence U.S. strategy in Iran and Venezuela, including the high-risk operation to extract Nicholas Maduro with minimal troops. Sanctuary City Tragedy: Back home, a shocking case in Fairfax, Virginia saw Stephanie Minter, 41, fatally stabbed by Abdul Jala, an illegal immigrant with over 30 prior arrests and a final deportation order ignored by local authorities. The incident raises questions about sanctuary city policies and ICE cooperation, highlighted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release. National Immigration Impact: Thousands of noncitizens with convictions for murder or sexual assault are reportedly released into the U.S., according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Investigative reporting reveals how even convicted sex offenders are released under federal policies, emphasizing gaps in safety and enforcement. Health & Addiction Update: New studies suggest popular weight-loss drugs may have unexpected benefits in addiction treatment, potentially helping those with alcohol or drug dependence. Today's episode exposes the intersection of advanced military technology, immigration policy, and public safety, asking Americans: who really has your protection in this country? Key Topics U.S. Space Force & directed energy weapons Missile defense in Iran and Israel Nicholas Maduro extraction operation Sanctuary city policy and Fairfax, Virginia murder case ICE detainers and enforcement failures (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Federal & state conflicts over immigration law Weight-loss drugs and addiction treatment

Remember when critics mocked the creation of Space Force? Now it may be the backbone of a new era of warfare. Reports of advanced directed-energy weapons, space-based targeting systems, and cutting-edge military tech are reshaping the battlefield in the Middle East. The discussion explores how these capabilities are intercepting missiles, destroying drones, and shifting global power dynamics—while raising questions about how adversaries like China and Iran are responding. Episode Summary A new generation of military technology is changing the rules of modern warfare, and Space Force is playing a central role. Reports suggest advanced directed-energy weapons and space-based targeting systems are being used to intercept ballistic missiles and drones in real time, potentially neutralizing threats at a fraction of the cost of traditional weapons systems. These systems rely on space-based infrared tracking to detect missile launches the moment their heat signatures appear. Once identified, missiles can be destroyed using precision interceptors or powerful directed-energy weapons. Supporters argue the technology dramatically reduces the cost and logistical burden of missile defense, since lasers require only power rather than traditional ammunition. The conversation also examines broader geopolitical implications, including how these technologies could alter deterrence calculations for major powers like China and Russia. Reports of recent U.S. military operations and rapid strike capabilities are fueling speculation that adversaries may be reassessing the balance of power. Beyond technology, the discussion explores how modern warfare is shifting toward electronic disruption, cyber capabilities, and rapid special operations. The combination of space-based intelligence, electronic countermeasures, and precision forces may represent a fundamental shift in how conflicts are fought in the 21st century. Key Topics The role of Space Force in modern warfare Directed-energy weapons and missile defense technology Space-based infrared tracking of ballistic missiles Drone swarms and new electronic countermeasures Shifting global military strategy and deterrence U.S. operations and rapid strike capabilities How emerging technology could reshape future conflicts

In this special bonus livestream, Sam Whitfield breaks down the shocking geopolitical developments following the reported death of Iran's Ayatollah and what it could mean for the future of the Islamic Republic. Could this moment mark the beginning of a long-awaited liberation for the Iranian people, or is the world simply entering another volatile chapter in Middle Eastern politics?Sam pushes back against the narrative that Donald Trump's actions were purely in service of Israel, arguing instead that decisive action against the Iranian regime has been consistent with Trump's views for decades. A resurfaced 1980 interview clip shows Trump advocating strong measures to protect American interests against Iran—demonstrating that this policy stance is nothing new.The episode also explores reports suggesting the United States Space Force may have played a pivotal role in the operation by disrupting Iranian radar and communications systems, potentially enabling the precision strikes that reshaped the region overnight.Later in the stream, Sam reacts to remarks from Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah of Iran, who thanks Trump and expresses hope that the Iranian people may finally reclaim their country from the regime.Along the way, Sam also shares updates on Rumble Studio, discusses the technical side of running the livestream, and promotes his upcoming political thriller American Inferno.The death of the Ayatollah and its potential geopolitical consequencesTrump's decades-long stance on IranThe possible role of U.S. Space Force in modern warfareReza Pahlavi's message to the Iranian peopleLivestream production updates on Rumble StudioUpdates on Sam Whitfield's upcoming novel American Inferno

Send a textThe Navy just dropped a torpedo strike video that looks straight out of a movie… except it's real.Peaches walks through the latest from Operation Epic Fury: submarine strikes on Iranian vessels, B-1 bombers hammering ballistic missile sites, and the ongoing fallout from the Kuwaiti F-18 friendly-fire shootdown of three U.S. F-15Es.We also hit Marine security actions in Pakistan, Air Force promotion numbers, Minuteman nuclear logistics upgrades, and why the Space Force is pushing for a much bigger slice of the defense budget.Meanwhile the bigger picture keeps shifting: casualties are rising, embassy evacuations are underway, cyber and space operations are already shaping the battlefield, and the White House says the conflict could last four to five weeks… maybe.No hype. Just the wave-tops and context you actually need.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Torpedo Strike Video Everyone Is Talking About 02:00 Navy Operations Crushing Iranian Naval Assets 04:00 Army Casualties in Kuwait and What Happened 06:00 Marines Defend U.S. Consulate in Pakistan 08:30 Operator Training Summit Nashville Update 09:40 B-1 Bombers Strike Iranian Missile Facilities 11:30 Air Force Promotion Rate Drops to 11% 13:00 Minuteman Nuclear Logistics Modernization 14:30 Space Force Budget and Acquisition Problems 16:00 War Timeline and Ground Troop Possibility 18:30 U.S. Casualties and Escalation Risks 20:00 Friendly Fire F-15 Investigation Update 22:00 Cyber and Space Attacks Behind the Scenes 24:00 Embassy Evacuations and UK Base Approval

The show opens with tensions rising in the Middle East as a U.S. Space Force squadron is temporarily barred from alcohol during heightened operations connected to U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets (13:07).  Back stateside, a West Point cadet is dismissed after allegedly threatening to release AI-generated nude images of a woman, highlighting a growing challenge the military is facing with deepfakes, digital harassment, and how emerging technology is colliding with military discipline and ethics (23:37). But it's not all scandal and strategy. We also spotlight an Air Force pilot who's turning Guinness World Records into a force for good, using record-breaking achievements to raise money and awareness for veterans and charitable causes (30:22).  Then we dive into Unheralded History. Before the Navy SEALs became legends, there was the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), the frogmen who swam into heavily defended beaches during World War II to clear obstacles before amphibious invasions. These daring pioneers laid the foundation for the modern SEAL teams (40:22). From there we revisit Operation Praying Mantis, the largest U.S. naval combat operation since World War II. In 1988, the U.S. Navy unleashed devastating force against Iranian naval units in the Persian Gulf after a U.S. warship struck an Iranian mine, sinking ships and crippling Iran's ability to threaten shipping lanes (47:27). Finally, we crack open one of the strangest intelligence operations of the Cold War: Operation Merlin, a CIA plot that attempted to sabotage Iran's nuclear ambitions by secretly passing flawed nuclear weapon designs through a Russian scientist. As you might expect, the operation didn't exactly go according to plan (54:30). From Space Force readiness and AI scandals to frogmen, naval battles, and CIA spycraft, this episode of Late For Changeover delivers another mission-packed ride through military news, history, and the stories you probably didn't hear anywhere else.

Send a textTwo days. One Daily Drop. And a whole lot of chaos.Peaches breaks down Operation Epic Fury, the reported F-15 shootdown over Kuwait, B-2 strike fallout, and what's real vs what's AI nonsense circulating online. If you're sharing that fake pilot photo… stop. Zoom in. Use your brain.We hit Army transformation moves, Navy battleship announcements, Marine Corps fitness standards, Air Force mobility modernization, Space Force satellite tracking, and Coast Guard ops. Plus the bigger question: is this a four-week campaign… or something longer?No panic. No hype. Just wave-top clarity with context you're not getting in headlines.This is the Daily Drop.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Two-Day Catch-Up + Sponsor 02:00 Army Dining, Indo-Pac Moves, Espionage Warning 06:30 Iran Conflict: Naval Engagements + Security Posture 10:00 Marine Corps Body Standards Debate 15:00 F-15 Friendly Fire + AI Image Breakdown 19:30 B-2 Strikes and Casualty Clarification 23:00 Air Mobility Modernization Priorities 26:00 Suicide Awareness + Service Member Loss 29:00 Battleships, War Powers, and What Happens Next

What does courage look like under fire? In captivity? In command? In service? This edition of Long Blue Leadership was recorded on location at the U.S. Air Force Academy's 33rd National Character and Leadership Symposium. We've explored these questions with our guests and captured the conversations for you. Ted Robertson, Multimedia and Podcast Specialist for the Air Force Academy Association and Foundation, hosts this special episode featuring voices shaped by combat, crises and lifelong service. Their message to cadets is clear: Leadership is earned through character, and character is forged in hard moments. - Seg. 1: Lt. Col. Mark George and C1C Jaime Snyder, officer and NCLS cadet director, respectively, set the stage for this year's NCLS and for the podcast. - Seg. 2: Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel "DT" Del Toro on courage in times of crisis. - Seg. 3: Task Force Hope developer and facilitator Maj. Tara Holmes on preparing future leaders to handle crisis before it happens. - Seg. 4: Former POW Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier '64, on leading in circumstances out of your control. - Seg. 5: Annapolis grad and Vietnam-era aviator, Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb on how character breeds courage. All of our guest's lives and careers reflect the reality of this year's theme through combat, crisis and service.     CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS:  - Host, Ted Robertson, Multimedia and Podcast Specialist, United States Air Force Academy Association and Foundation  - Seg. 1: C1C Jaime Snyder, NCLS Cadet Director; Lt. Col. Mark George, NCLS Officer  - Seg. 2: Senior Master Sargent Israel Del Toro  - Seg. 3: Maj. Tara Holmes, Task Force Hope  - Seg. 4: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier '64  - Seg. 5: Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb   Ted Robertson 0:00 Welcome to Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of the 33rd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium. I'm Ted Robertson, multimedia and podcast specialist for the Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, coming to you from Polaris Hall located here at the United States Air Force Academy. This year's symposium centers on the theme Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat and Crisis-tested Character, where attendees and cadets will explore how courage in all its forms shapes leaders when uncertainty, fear and consequence are real. Our coverage will start with the Center for Character and Leadership Development's Lt. Col. Mark George and NCLS director, Cadet 1st Class Jaime Snyder. They'll set the stage not only for NCLS, but for today's coverage. Then we'll talk with four key leaders speaking at the symposium, including Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel Del Torro on keeping courageous during times of crisis. We'll also talk with Task Force Hope developer and facilitator, Maj. Tara Holmes, on preparing leaders to handle crisis before it happens. Then, former POW, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier, USAFA Class of '64, on leading in circumstances out of your control. And finally, Annapolis grad and Vietnam-era aviator, Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb, on how character breeds courage. All of our guests' lives and careers reflect the reality of this year's theme through combat, crisis and service. So I want to bring in our first two guests to help, as I said, frame the discussion today. We're going to dig in to learn what this is all about and sort of the “why” behind it. Cadet Jaime Snyder, 2026 NCLS director. Cadet Snyder, you've helped lead the organizing of the National Character and Leadership Symposium — 33rd year for this, as you know, and part of that work, you've trained cadets and permanent party. I'm going to ask you to explain permanent party, all of which helps strengthen your own public speaking and leadership communication skills. You want to kind of expound on that a bit? C1C Jaime Snyder 2:20 Yes, sir. So a part of my role being in NCLS is to, one, provide the guidance, the support and resources on the cadet side to succeed. But what really makes NCLS special is that we integrate permanent party with cadets. So oftentimes me, in supporting and training permanent party, is giving them cadet perspective, because while they're over here and the Center for Character and Leadership Development, we're over there in the Cadet Wing, and I can be the mediator between both parties. Ted Robertson 2:46 Let's talk a little bit about permanent party. What does that term mean? Who does that describe? C1C Jaime Snyder 2:52 Oh yes. Permanent party describes the civilian and military faculty that works in the Center for Character and Leadership Development that assists with the execution of NCLS — the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Ted Robertson 3:05 How big is the team behind this event every year? C1C Jaime Snyder 3:08 It's kind of complex where we'll get search cadets. We'll get a large number of volunteers, approximately around 300 from the Cadet Wing. Internal staff consists of 50 cadets who work it throughout the entire year, and around 50 staff members who are permanent party who work in the Center for Character and Leadership Development. Ted Robertson 3:29 I want to bring in next Lt. Col. Mark George, who is the experiential and training division chief and NCLS program director, the very fortunate man that gets to work for some incredibly talented cadets. Col. Mark George 3:43 That is absolutely true. Thanks to for having us on. Cadet Snyder has done an outstanding job leading this team. I came into this a little bit late. You know, we've had some reorganization here at the Academy, and after some shuffling, I got the honor and the privilege to take over NCLS while the planning was well underway. So my job was to just make sure this train kept rolling, that people had the resources that they needed, the top cover they needed. And as Jamie said, he was training me as a permanent party member to make sure that I had the cadet perspective. And then, you know, we were moving this ball forward as we got to this event. Ted Robertson 4:23 So coming up in the podcast we'll get to the sort of “why” and what's at the core of NCLS. Colonel, let's start with you. What is National Character and Leadership Symposium designed to do for cadets?   Col. Mark George 4:38 Sure. The National Character and Leadership Symposium — NCLS — is designed to bring exemplars that embody the core values and the traits that we want cadets to have when they become leaders on Day 1 and inspire them to a lifetime of service.   Ted Robertson 4:57 Cadet Snyder?   C1C Jaime Snyder 4:59 We definitely see at USAFA, there is a clear correlation with NCLS and character development. One thing we want cadets to get out of NCLS is to further develop leaders of character who are going to join the fight in the Air Force and Space Force, and that's why I see the epitome of NCLS as it's an opportunity to hear people's perspectives as well as learn from it and apply it to their daily lives. Ted Robertson 5:24 Gentlemen, this year's theme focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. Cadet Snyder, we'll start with you. How did that theme come together, and why is it especially relevant for cadets right now? C1C Jaime Snyder 5:40 With our current structure at USAFA, we've had some implement of change. We recognize that the future war conflict is more prevalent than ever, and that it's important for the cadets to understand that we're changing the way we approach training, as well as what we're learning in curriculum. So this NCLS was an incredible opportunity to discuss courage when leading in the profession of arms, but furthermore, courage and crises-tested character. Which is what we're trying to further push along with what we do in training as well as what we teach in leadership. Ted Robertson 6:15 You make good decisions when your character is strong. You make those decisions with integrity when your character is intact and it's strong. Would you agree with that, Colonel? Col. Mark George 6:25 Absolutely. And I think Cadet Snyder hit the nail on the head that we really want the cadets to understand that the environments that they're stepping into are going to require that courage to do hard things. In my day, like we didn't necessarily think about the fight in that way. You know, we were kind of stovepiped in. And these cadets, whatever environment they may be stepping into, the next conflict is going to require a lot, a high demand of them, and their character is their foundation for that. Ted Robertson 6:59 One of the things you can say about this event is that it brings together voices from combat, crisis, athletics, academia and industry. How intentional is that mix, Cadet Snyder, and what do cadets gain from hearing such different perspectives on leadership and character? C1C Jaime Snyder 7:18 I think by hearing different perspectives, you get to see how universal courage is. When we say courage, it's not just one thing, it's also moral, social, spiritual. And by looking at different versions of courage, you can understand that there's different ways to actually apply courage. Understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, also knowing that courage is not simply being a confident individual. That it's more complex than you may define courage, and so you can then apply it that way — by looking at different perspectives. Ted Robertson 7:53 Colonel, I'll address this one to you as well. Col. Mark George 7:56 Sure. Courage — we're talking about courage here, and there's a heavy focus on the combat side with this year's speakers. The thing that sticks out to me is that courage always involves a decision to do the hard thing. And that's what all of our speakers brought this year. They're showing how in different environments, whether it's in a prison cell in Hanoi or up on the Space Station or — there's a hard decision and the right thing is sometimes pretty obvious, but it doesn't mean it's easy. It does not mean it's easy to do. And so courage always involves a decision to do the right thing. Ted Robertson 8:39 Cadet Snyder? C1C Jaime Snyder 8:40 What he said I find to be very true — understanding that courage is not simply doing something physical, but also in a leadership role, especially — we're talking to cadets who are going to soon be commissioned officers. It's important to know that you need to make the right decision on and off the battlefield. Ted Robertson 8:58 So from your perspective as a cadet — and this one is just for you, Cadet Snyder — what does it mean to help shape an event like NCLS while you're still developing as a leader yourself? C1C Jaime Snyder 9:10 What I've seen through NCLS is taking the time to relax. Don't focus on the future and focus where you're at right now, and that's character development. So don't let the pursuit of tomorrow diminish the joy today. We all have this aspiration to graduate, throw our hats in the air, Thunderbirds fly over. But right now it's important to focus on character development as that's going to be important as future officers. Ted Robertson 9:35 That makes 1,000% very clear sense. But I do want to ask you, less than 100 days from the day you toss your hat — you're giving me a big smile right now — talk about how that feels right now for you. C1C Jaime Snyder 9:47 It's incredible, and a part of it is less daunting, because I can say this institution has really prepared me to commission, and so it's more liberating than daunting for me. Ted Robertson 9:58 Col. George, I'm going to direct this one straight to you, and this is an ask of you from the leadership perspective: How do we events Like NCLS fit into the broader effort to intentionally develop leaders of character here at the Academy. Col. Mark George 10:14 So I get the honor of leading the experiential and training division in the Center for Character and Leadership Development. So we're all about creating experiences and those opportunities for cadets to have different types of environments where they'll learn about character. And right now, NCLS is an opportunity to listen to where people's character was tested, how they overcame it. And then we also have different events that we try to put the cadets in where we'll actually test their character. And that could be on the challenge tower, it could be through our character labs where we're having discussions. NCLS is a huge part of that, because the planning cycle is so long. Ted Robertson 10:59 Cadet Snyder? C1C Jaime Snyder 11:00 Yes, sir. One thing I wanted to add on to that is with NCLS, one thing that makes this event the most unique experience that I've had is the fact that we get to engage in meaningful dialog. This isn't a brief. This is an experience for everyone who attends. I've had the opportunity to talk to Col. George's son, who aspires to possibly come to the Air Force Academy. So I don't want to say this is just for cadets, but it's also a promotion tool. And understand that what we do at NCLS is very important. And anyone who wants to attend can come and see what we're doing and how important it is.   Col. Mark George 11:33 I want to thank you for that, by the way. He looks up to you, and that meant a lot.   Ted Robertson 11:37 That's pretty visionary stuff. That's touching the next generation. That's fantastic. All right, this is for you both. When cadets look back on NCLS years from now, what do you hope they're going to remember feeling or being challenged to do differently?   C1C Jaime Snyder 11:56 There is a very strong human component to NCLS, and with that, there's a human experience. Understanding that we're getting speakers and we'll see their bios that they're incredible. They have incredible stories of making the right decision when tensions were high, and getting to hear their stories and understand that they ultimately were no different than we are. Some of them were Air Force Academy graduates. Some graduated from the Naval Academy, West Point, other colleges, but they were young, 20-year-old people like we were as cadets. And so getting to understand where they're coming from, human experience is vital to NCLS, and how do we grow and understand where they're coming from? Ted Robertson 12:38 Col. George? Col. Mark George 12:39 Yeah, I think what I would want the cadets to remember is how these speakers made them feel. You're right, you won't remember every nugget of wisdom that was said. I just had the opportunity to talk with Gen. Scott Miller, and he was an incredible leader. And I feel like everything he was saying was gold. I wish I'd been able to write it down. But he really makes you feel like you understand just how important your role is going to be as a young leader. And when you come away as second lieutenants from this place, you've had incredible opportunities and now you're stepping out in the real world. I would think I want the cadets to remember that like, “Hey, what I do matters, and how I lead is very important to getting this mission done.”   Ted Robertson 13:24 Lt. Col. Mark George and C1C Jaime Snyder, officer and cadet in charge of the 33rd NCLS. Congratulations on the event. Well done, and thank you for spending time here with us on the podcast today. Hearing from both the cadet perspective and the senior leadership behind NCLS makes one thing very clear: This symposium is intentionally designed not just to inspire but to prepare future leaders for moments when character will be tested. And that brings me to my first featured guest, a man whose life story embodies what combat and crisis-tested character truly means. Israel “DT” Del Toro, welcome to the podcast. It's an honor to be with you here at the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel Del Toro 14:18 Thank you, Ted. Thanks for having me. Good to see you again.   Ted Robertson 14:21 Yes, it's not the first time we've gotten to spend some time together. Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 14:24 It's always great to talk to people, try and spread the word of the whole spark and the promise of my dad. Ted Robertson 14:30 The spark and the promises are the two things that really stood out to me about that interview — your heart and your soul man, from a very, very early age. Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 14:39 You know, losing my dad at 12, and then a year and a half later, losing my mom to a drunk driver, and being the oldest, you know, having to now kind of step up to be, like, the parent figure to my younger siblings. It was challenging.   Ted Robertson 14:55 Out of all of that, you wound up as a retired — you are currently a retired senior master sergeant. You took responsibility for your siblings, as you say, after you were orphaned as a teenager, and ultimately in the service combat-wounded airmen, and you survived catastrophic injuries against incredible odds, and that did not keep you down. One of the things that you did was you became an Invictus Games gold medalist. You're now a national speaker, and you talk a lot about resilience and purpose.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 15:27 Yes, sir. Yeah, Invictus, I won gold in shot put. It was pretty awesome. You know, everyone was just going nuts. Ted Robertson 15:37 You kind of make me feel like that was a soul-feeding, motivating time for you.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 15:42 It was. At that time, I was probably one of the senior guys, kind of. Obviously, I was one of the senior guys, wounded guys on the team, and so a lot of people looked up to me. And sometimes I wish — people would say, “Man, it's great. You're such trailblazer.” You're sometimes like, “Man, I just want to be one of the guys. I just, I just want to be No. 10.” You know, everything's all done, and no one's focusing everything on me. But it's a burden that I'm willing to carry on to try and continue to help people.   Ted Robertson 16:19 I want to linger here in your background a bit, because it's more than just impressive. I think impressive is pretty trite to describe what your background is. Let's start with before the Air Force and before combat, and just how your life demanded responsibility at such a young age. And what I want to ask is, how did stepping up for your family shape the leader that you became? Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 16:40 Well, I contribute that totally to my dad. I truly do. My dad was there. My dad, you know, I went everywhere with my dad. My dad — you know, he came from Mexico to this country, and he gave up a lot. You know, my family in Mexico is very wealthy, their ranchers and all that. He came here with nothing. And he always used to tell me, he's like, “Don't ever be envious of someone that's successful. Learn from them. Ask them questions.” He also used to tell me, “If you don't succeed, it's no one else's fault by yourself. Don't blame where you came from, where you grew up from, the situation. It is only your fault.” So my dad always had told me these little lessons and obviously the last lesson he gave me the night before he passed: Always take care of your family. And that just stayed with me, that kind of continued to shape me all throughout my life, all through my journey, at a young age to teenager to young adult to the military and to now, to this day, that really guided me to who I am. Now, it's like, I always hear people say, “Oh, man, I don't know if I can do it.” I was like, “Yeah, you can. You Just never know. You weren't ever put in that situation” I always believe — you always hear the fight or flight. “What are you gonna do?” I just fight, and I continue to fight. I just don't see the flight in me. And, you know, being the promise of take care of your family. Yes, I tell people, that originated with my family — my brothers and sisters. But throughout time it has evolved to now anyone I see that's having a hard time that needs maybe to hear a story or read a book or hear a journey to help them find that spark, because I see them now as my family. I see that as my family, as my mission now.   Ted Robertson 18:50 Let's stay with spark for a minute. It's just one of my favorite things that you've ever talked about. You're down, you've been badly burned, you're worried about whether you're going to survive, and a medic is helping you out, and he does something for you. He says something to you.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 19:07 Yeah, you know, the medic — I always like to say, you know, yes, I'm Air Force. Those guys were Army, and we bust each other's chops. But, we're all brothers and sisters, and we're down range, you know? We take care of each other, we tell stories, we talk about our family. So these guys knew what had happened in my past with my family. So when I'm, you know, laying there, after I coordinate getting air, and I started the adrenaline going down, I started getting scared. I was having a hard time breathing, and I just wanted to lay down and sleep. The medic came and reminded me, “DT, remember what you promised your son, that you'll never let him grow without his dad. Fight for your son. You got to fight for your son.” And he's just making me yell it. You use anything you can to keep your guy motivated, to help that spark go, keep going. And that's what he did. He found that spark to keep me going, to keep me fighting until that medevac came and to get me on that helicopter, to the FOB, to the hospital, and then to eventually San Antonio. Ted Robertson 20:24 After that injury, that's when the fight shifted. You had to get off the battlefield. You had to get that out of your head. You had to start battling for your recovery. So what did courage look like when progress seemed like it was slow and at one point nothing was guaranteed? Israel Del Toro 20:46 Yeah, it, you know, when he had a shift from now being on the battlefield to now a different kind of battle and your recovery, your way of life — it's difficult because you have people telling you this is what your life's going to be. You know, being told that you're never going to walk again. You got to be in a hospital for another year and a half, respirator for the rest of your life and your military career is pretty much over. You know, I like to say there's two choices again: Who you're going to be? Are you going to take the easy path, which is, I'm going to sit in a chair, accept what they say, hate life, you know, curse the world. Are you going to take the hard path where I want to fight? I'm going to show you I can do this. I'm going to prove that I still have value, and I want to come out of this ahead and show not only my son but the rest of the world. You stay positive, you find that spark, you will come out ahead. Ted Robertson 21:48 All right, last question on your background, because we're going to roll all this into why you're here and what messages you want to share with the cadets and the attendees that are here. You did something I don't think most human beings would even think about after that ordeal that you had been through all those years, everything. You reenlisted, and it wasn't just a medical milestone. It wasn't because you could, it was a conscious decision. So what internal commitment had to come first for you to make that decision. Israel Del Toro 22:22 You know, I guess it was, for me it was I loved my job. I knew I could teach, I could be prepare these next guys to [be] the next generation operators. Ted Robertson 22:38 You've never stopped being committed. You've never stopped. So it brings you to NCLS. This is the 33rd year for NCLS, and when you speak to cadets here, what message do you want them to take away with them? Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 22:53 I guess my message more is about that when you're in the military, no matter whatever happens to you, you still have a role to play. Even when I got hurt, did I miss being with my teammates? Yes, but now refocusing, OK, I'm here in this hospital, and I see all these wounded guys here as I guess I'm wounded also, but in my head is like I was still NCO in the Air Force. I still have a job to do. Yes, I'm hurt, I'm wounded, but the job of a leader is, no matter where you're at, is you try and take care of your troops. You try and make things better for them, even if you never see any of the benefits — that is your role. And so that's kind of what I want to leave with these guys that, you know, you're going to always have  challenges throughout your career, but you've always got to remember it's not about you, it's about the guys under you to take care of you. You know, I had a group of cadets yesterday and they were just asking me about leadership. So you know what? The best way to be a great leader is to earn the respect of yourtroops. If you demand it, you're not a leader, but when you earned the respect and they'll die for you, that is the greatest feeling. You know, I gave an example of one of the best moments I had after my injury, is after I got hurt, they sent my replacement, and he comes in and obviously introduce him to the scout team, to the Army company, individuals in leadership, and then the SF team, and all these guys I'm supporting. And the guy comes in like, “Hey, I'm here to replace DT.” And all of them, “You can't replace DT.” And I told that was the best moment that that's the best moment of respect, because I had Army guys saying, “He's our guy.” And that's the thing I told them, it's like, when you get to that moment when your guys say, “Nah, he's our guy,” I was like, “He can't replace him.” That is where you've truly earned the respect of your troops.   Ted Robertson 25:21 Israel, the only word that I can pull out of myself right now for your journey to describe it as “remarkable,” and you continue to give of yourself, and that's a wonderful thing. Your opportunity for a couple of final thoughts here, before we close out.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 25:38 Final thoughts, man, putting me on the spot, aren't you. I guess my final thoughts would be, you can't do it on your own. I'm not here right now, because I did it my own. I did it. I'm never gonna say that I did. I had friends, I had family, I had my wife that were by my side all throughout my journey to medical individuals. And I had those dark times, and I'm going down that spot, that rabbit hole, they were there to pull me out of it. So I think it's like, you know, don't try and do it on your own. We all need help. You know, the goal is, don't be prideful. There's a reason pride is one of the seven deadly sins. But, you know, ask for help, ask for advice. It's not going to hurt you. If anything, it will make you stronger and better. That's parting thoughts for the individuals listening to this. Ted Robertson 26:53 Perfect. Israel “DT” Del Toro, what a privilege to sit with you again. Want to say thank you from all of us for your service and continuing to lead by the example, which is a very rich and broad and deep example. Your story reminds us, and should remind us, that courage doesn't end with just survival. It always continues in service to others. Israel, thank you for being here.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 27:18 Thanks, Ted. I appreciate it. Thanks for having me again.   Ted Robertson 27:21 Israel's story reminds us that crisis and moral injury don't always arrive on a schedule, and that leaders are often expected to navigate those moments without ever having been taught how. That's where our next conversation takes us: into the intentional work of preparing leaders before crisis arrives. Maj. Tara Holmes, welcome to the podcast. It's great to have you with us as part of the National Character and Leadership Symposium.   Maj. Tara Holmes  27:46 Thanks for having me; glad to be here.   Ted Robertson 27:48 You are currently deputy chief of staff here at Headquarters USAFA. You are formerly chief of cadet development for CCLD, the Center for Character and Leadership development. By way of background, you flew.   Maj. Tara Holmes  28:01 So I am a B-52 electronic warfare officer by trade, and then moved over into white jets. So instructed in the in the T-1 and I've kind of been in education and training for, I'd say, since about 2017.   Ted Robertson  28:19 You also hold a Doctorate in Business and Management, and you are an AETC master instructor. I will let you explain AETC.   Maj. Tara Holmes  28:27 Air Education Training Command, that's one of the that's our majcom that's responsible for education and training, and they have a pathway to become a master instructor. So I finished the qualifications for that while I was in white jets and working over at Squadron Officer School.   Ted Robertson  28:46 So let's talk about your work with Task Force Hope. We'll talk about what Task Force Hope is, but you are and have been a developer and facilitator of Task Force Hope, which is a crisis and moral injury leadership workshop.   Maj. Tara Holmes  29:01 Task Force Hope is about providing immediately useful tools to our workshop participants to prepare them to lead through crisis, whether that is no-kidding combat related, or whether that's crisis on the home front, going through stuff in life that's really hard. We work through a series of key concepts and exercises, through storytelling and participant engagement that hopefully provides our participants some self-awareness and some tools to recover as it deals with their relationships.   Ted Robertson  29:39 We talked about this. There's a lot of nuance in what you're teaching these people. There's discernment in it. Who should you talk to, who you should trust with information that you want to share? Because ultimately, some of this becomes a pressure release valve, right?   Maj. Tara Holmes  29:52 Yeah, so one of the key concepts that we talk about is worthiness, right? I think often people feel pressure to not share what they're going through because they don't think their problems are worthy of attention, whether theirs or someone else's. That's one thing that we spend a lot of time on. And like you said, you know, who to who to share with, and at what level, some people are more free with sharing than others, and that's OK. So we work through some frameworks that help illustrate how people can kind of work through those levels, or gain some self-awareness and some clarity around where they fall. Something that is a, you know, deep seated secret for you, maybe something that somebody else is willing to openly share, they just don't see it as that big of a deal. So it's definitely about self-awareness and learning some tools to help relieve some of the pressure and drain on our batteries, as it were, that comes from holding these things in.   Ted Robertson  30:52 People who are attending the workshop are going to learn some things that they may not realize are draining their batteries. You're teaching them to discern what those are, and to be careful to try to avoid those. It sounds like an example to me of things that we don't realize we do, that drains us, right, instead of energizes us.   Maj. Tara Holmes  31:10 So we use the kind of metaphor of a smartphone, right? So there are things that drain us, that are big, that we're taking a lot of energy to conceal the hard things that we're dealing with in our life. But then there's, like, the pesky background apps, there's the things that are always running in the background of our lives that drain our energy without us really even noticing it. You know, so for me as an officer, but also as a mom and a spouse, some of the things that are always draining my batteries are my to-do list, the laundry app, maybe social media apps. Sometimes I've probably spend way too much time reading the news these days. That's kind of always on for me. We have these big things that are draining our batteries, but then we have these like small things that are constantly going on, right? So Task Force Hope is about recognizing what those things are for us and then making a commitment to ourselves to make this space and time to recover.   Ted Robertson  32:09 So that brings us to a really unique place. You kind of function at the intersection of character, leadership and development pretty much every day. So how do you define character when you're responsible for shaping it across an entire Cadet Wing.   Maj. Tara Holmes  32:24 To me, character is the essence of who they are. It is how you show up day after day. It's the habits that you have. That's why, when you do something out of character, people are able to say that. You know, we talk about building character strengths as building blocks towards certain virtues. And virtues is really excellence of character. So it's easy to talk about how to be an excellent athlete, or how to be an excellent academic, right? And that's one of our core values, is being excellent. Well, how do you have excellent character? It's really about leveraging your character strengths in a way that can lead you to be more virtuous, and that's the goal.   Ted Robertson  33:05 You've served, both operationally and as an instructor. Tell me how those things shape the way you think about preparing leaders not just to perform but to endure.   Maj. Tara Holmes  33:19 What comes to mind is the importance of training and building those habits. We're, you know, in the previous question, we talked about it in terms of character. You know, you can, you can use any kind of training. It's about building readiness, right? And being able to build those habits so that when you are faced with a challenge, you have a way to work through the challenge, right? That really came out for me, both operationally and as an instructor. So operationally, you rely on your training to get your job done, and then as an instructor, you're helping others build those habits so that one day when your students are faced with challenges, they can rely on their training as well.   Ted Robertson  34:01 We've talked a bit about your experiences and how they shape the way you think about preparing leaders, not just to perform but to endure. And now let's bring it right down to the direct connection between Task Force Hope and why you are here talking about this program to attendees at NCLS. When we talk about Task Force Hope, it's a program that is really designed to prepare leaders to navigate crisis and recover from both emotional and moral injury. What can you tell me about a gap that a workshop like this fills, that traditional leadership education sometimes or often misses?   Maj. Tara Holmes  34:38 Task Force Hope is preventative in nature. It's training to prevent people from letting their burdens get the best of them so that they can show up. They have the tools to show up fully charged when stuff hits the van. And not only that they do that for themselves, but then they can help their teammates or their subordinates also get there. It's self-awareness, because we all perform self-care differently, and what you need to recharge your batteries is different from the way that I would do it. So it's being intentional and having some tools to be able to identify what works for you and then how to make space in your life, and building that commitment to yourself, to make that space so that the next time that you face a crisis, you're not facing it at 10%, you're full up, you're ready to go. So it's that sustained self-care, if that's what you want to call it. And it's important to say that you know, in a 75-minute session, we're really doing our best to provide exposure to key concepts and these tools. What we hope is that people walk out with the start of something. It's not it's not the end of their work to be done.   Ted Robertson  35:54 How often do you hear the question, “Why didn't I hear this earlier in my career?”   Maj. Tara Holmes  36:00 Every workshop. Last year, after the workshop, we had a 1970-something graduate say that exact thing. For me personally, I had four people say something, you know, “Hey, I was a cadet here in '90-something, '80-something, 2000-something. And, you know, I really wish that I would have had this earlier.” So that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to bring it as early as we can.   Ted Robertson  36:26 OK, so our last question of our visit, if cadets take just one lesson from Task Force Hope and NCLs this year, what is your hope for that lesson to be?   Maj. Tara Holmes  36:39 My hope is that they're worth it. No problem is too big or too small to be dealt with, and like we talked about earlier, I think often people keep things to themselves because they feel like they shouldn't bother others, or there's their supervisors or their teammates with what's going on in their lives. And that's a drain. Like, that's a drain on the system. It eats up your energy, right? But our cadets are worth it. Whatever they're dealing with, big or small, is worthy of being addressed. I hope that's the takeaway, and that we all deal with things, right? We don't always know what other people are dealing with.   Ted Robertson  37:22 Maj. Holmes. Thank you for the work you're doing to prepare future leaders, not just to lead in moments of clarity, but to stand firm in moments of crisis. We appreciate you being here.   Maj. Tara Holmes  37:32 Thanks, Ted.   Ted Robertson  37:33 That focus on preservation, resilience and moral courage brings us to our next conversation, one shaped by combat, captivity and a life of service under the most demanding conditions. Coming up next, my conversation with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier. Gen. Mechenbier, welcome to the podcast. It is a huge honor having you here, sir.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 37:56 I hope you feel that way in a half hour so well,   Ted Robertson  37:59 Well, the conversation does promise to be interesting, because your life is… interesting. That was a pregnant pause, sir.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 38:07 Yeah, I've enjoyed it. It's different.   Ted Robertson  38:11 Just to sort of frame things, you retired as a major general, and what year was that, sir,   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 38:15 2004   Ted Robertson  38:16 And you were USAFA Class of '64. You're a Vietnam-era pilot, having flown F-4s, you were shot down on your 113th combat mission, but that was you also your 80th over North Vietnam. OK, prisoner of war. Then for almost those entire six years following that, being shot down. You come with 3,600 flying hours across lots of different aircraft.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  38:42 I was privileged fly either for primary capability or for familiarization with 43 different airplanes.   Ted Robertson  38:49 And now you describe yourself as a lifelong advocate for veterans and public service.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  38:56 Well, yeah, I mean, I go to a couple prisons in Ohio, and “work with” is probably overstating my role. Veterans who are incarcerated for long periods of time. But my role is just to go there, spend some time, shoot the breeze with them, no agenda, no desired learning objective and let them know that somebody outside knows that they're there.   Ted Robertson  39:19 What I want to do is spend some time in your background. All right, I want to start with combat and captivity and how that tests leadership in its most extreme forms. And this is in course in keeping with the theme of NCLS here, what did character mean to you when circumstances were entirely beyond your control?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  39:38 The Vietnamese kept us in small groups of one and two or three guys. I mean, we never really until near the end and later on when we got a little organization. But it got very down, very personal, when at one time, I was in a cell with four guys, three Class of 1964 Air Force Academy graduates and one poor Oklahoma State University graduate, and amongst the four of us, we had a senior ranking officer. And of course, you got the same rank, you go alphabetical. And so we made Ron Bliss the senior ranking officer in our room. We had a communication system. We had guidelines that, you know, which were basically consistent with the code of conduct. You know, name, rank, serial number, date of birth, don't answer further questions. Keep faith with your fellow positions. That was the key. Keep faith. Never do anything that you'd be embarrassed to tell somebody you did.   Ted Robertson  40:34 What you're explaining is how different leadership looks, and even how you describe it, how different it is from command. So now it comes down to trust and accountability and courage, and how do those show up in those conditions?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  40:51 It was really a matter of, we always knew we were still in the fight. That was one thing that was with us, and so you just kind of conducted yourself with, OK, I'm not going to let myself be used. Now, we also knew that the more you resisted pushed back, the less likely they were to make you go meet an antiwar delegation or write a confession or do something else like that. So they tend to pick on, if you will, the low-hanging fruit or the easier guy to get to. So we always wanted to set the bar just a little bit out of their reach.   Ted Robertson  41:25 All right, having gone through all of that, it really can change people quite profoundly. So when you look back at it, what leadership lessons stayed with you long after you got out of captivity?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  41:39 In the movie Return of Honor. Capt. Mike McGrath, Navy guy, describes the guys in their ability to resist torture and do things. And that's what you learn. Everybody's got a breaking point. If mine's here and somebody else's is there, that doesn't make me better or worse than them. So you learn to appreciate the talents and the weaknesses. If you know the foibles, the cracks in everybody around you and not to exploit them, but to understand them, and then to be the kind of leader that that they need.   Ted Robertson  42:12 Sir, one of the recurring themes when you're discussing leadership with leaders right is knowing something about each of your people so that you can relate to them in a way that that works for them and motivates them.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  42:23 Yeah. Mark Welch, who's also a graduate and he is a chief of staff of the Air Force, always had a saying: “If you don't know what's going on, it's because you didn't ask.”   Ted Robertson  42:32 Now we're going to roll all that into your long journey between captivity and your visit here to NCLS this year. When you're speaking to the cadets at this year's event, what's your main hope? What do you hope they understand about courage before they even ever face combat?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  42:54 Well, courage is a reaction to a clear and present threat. Nobody knows how they're gonna — know he's gonna say, OK, I'm gonna go to Vietnam and I want to get shot down, and when the Vietnamese capture me, I'm going to give them a middle finger and I'm going to be the meanest bad ass and hardest-to-break prisoner. Yeah, it's how you respond to the to the immediate perception of bodily harm or being used or something else like that. So courage is, yeah, it just happens. It's not something that you can put in a package and say, “OK, I've got courage.” It's how you respond to the situation, because you might respond quite differently than what you think.   Ted Robertson  43:35 And I have to say, you presented your story and you delivered your message in kind of a unique way. You drew from some contemporary references, specifically three clips from a movie that you like, that I was curious. How did you sum up your entire life in three movie clips from Madagascar? How did you do that?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  43:57 Well, the three movie clips — when I watched the movie, I was looking at it, I have got two favorite movies. Madagascar is one, and the other is a Kelsey Grammer movie, Down Periscope. I mean, I think that is a perfect study in in leadership. But in the movie Madagascar, the premise was penguins can't fly, but yet it opens up with them applying resource, innovation imagination, and they eventually get this airplane to fly. OK, great. Success. Well, like everything else in life, things go wrong, and you got to have, No. 1, a backup plan, an exit ramp or a control mechanism for the disaster that's pending. So that's the second movie clip we saw. And then the third one was towards the end of the movie, when the crash landing has happened and the skipper asks for an accounting, and he's told that all passengers are accounted for, except two. And he says, that's the number I can live with. And the message there is, you go through life — you're going to have successes, but you're going to have failures, and failure has a cost, and it's not always pleasant, but that's OK, because that's life.   Ted Robertson  45:15 How do you explain how leaders can prepare themselves morally and mentally for moments they can't predict or control.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  45:25 Watch movies like Madagascar and Down Periscope. You know, there's a breadth of unintentional, if you will, guidance on how to be a leader, if you know where to look or if you're looking for it. I mean, that's part of the whole progress program at the Academy. Nobody's going to say, OK, here's a scenario, lead these resources to a proper conclusion. It's kind of like, OK, here's the situation. What do we do? What can we do? What can't we do? It's like, in my presentation, I talk about being able to run across a pasture in nine seconds, in 10 seconds, but if the bull can do it, you're in trouble. So you got to realign your thinking, you got to realign your goals and you got to realign the application of resources. So that's the leadership part, right there. It's a realization of what you can and what you can't do. It's a realization of what you, your people, your resources, can and can't do. It's a realization of what the technology you have at your disposal to do your mission can and can't do. So it's all about workarounds and being flexible. And then the other thing is, we live in a world that just seems to be everything's got a prescription and a protocol on exactly how to do everything. Doesn't work that way. You got to be able to go left and right. You got to be able to be a little imaginative.   Ted Robertson  46:42 What parting thought did you leave the cadets with?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  46:45 That failure is part of life. It's not death. And I'm part of an organization called American 300 — we go around and talk to young enlisted people and all the services to get them to understand that failure is a learning opportunity. It's not a dagger in the heart, and don't be afraid or ashamed to try, because if you don't, you'll never know what your true potential is. So with the cadets, we close with that last part from the movie Madagascar that basically said, OK, success comes with a price. Be aware and accept it.   Ted Robertson  47:23 All right, we've got to close it out here, but recap, if you would one more time that message that you want cadets to leave here with from having heard you speak.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  47:32 You are now a living, breathing, viable, productive part of our United States Air Force. You bring talents that are unique. Apply them, but understand that they're all very transitory, and you have part of a larger community. If you stick with a community rather than the “I did,” “I want,” I have,” you'll go a long way.   Ted Robertson  47:54 All right, and stepping outside of that very briefly for your final thoughts, what would you like to leave listeners with today.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  48:01 Be proud of the young men and women who are in our military now, not just those at the Air Force Academy. You know, our whole military structure has changed over the years. You know, it's a dynamic world. You got to be flexible and embrace change. We're so reluctant to change. Change is fine, except when you try to change me, is the old saying, but we all have to change. We have to be part of the world in which we live.     Ted Robertson  48:26 Gen. Mechenbier, I want to thank you from all of us for being here sharing those leadership lessons of yours and a lifetime of service that will continue to shape others — future leaders — for a very, very long time to come. We appreciate you very much.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  48:43 Thank you much.   Ted Robertson  48:44 Our final conversation brings us to leadership at the strategic level, where decisions affect institutions, alliances and the nation itself. Capt. Charles Plumb, welcome to the podcast today, sir.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  48:56 Thanks, Ted. Appreciate being here.   Ted Robertson  48:59 It is a privilege to have you. You retired as a Navy captain in 1991 and you have not slowed down, not one inch since. We're going to talk a little bit about the work that you're doing in some very interesting spaces. And what informs all of that. Naval Academy, Class of '64.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:15 Yep, the Great Class of '64.     Ted Robertson  49:17 The great —that's how you express class pride?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:20 Everybody knows the Great Class of '64.   Ted Robertson  49:23 So you are an Annapolis man.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:25 I am, in fact.   Ted Robertson  49:26 No doubt. And a pilot. You flew F-4 Phantoms, and you are a Vietnam-era pilot. You spent most of your time over North Vietnam. Sometimes you got sent to South Vietnam, depending on what was going on. But you said that you have flown 74 combat missions.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:45 Actually 74 and a half, Ted. I have one more takeoff and I have landings.   Ted Robertson  49:50 We should remember that, because it's a very important part of your life we haven't talked about yet. Since you got out of captivity, and then you retired a few years later, you became a published author and a speaker, and as such, you have been to every state, several countries, 5,000 presentations you've delivered in the leadership and character development space. Is there any reason you should not be here at NCLS?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:24 Well, I appreciate that. You know, this is a great symposium, and I'm really proud to contribute to it.   Ted Robertson  50:32 Captain, you are a former POW.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:36 Yes, I was shot down on my 75th mission and captured, tortured and spent the next 2,103 days in communist prison camps.   Ted Robertson  50:49 You said you got moved around a lot.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:52 We did. I was in six different camps, and some of those camps more than once. We never really understood why. We kind of suspected that they wanted to try to deny any fraternization with their guards, and they wanted to keep us on our toes, because they recognized that being military guys, we were going to have leadership, and we were going to have organization and community and we were going to organize, to fight them, and they didn't want that. So they moved us around and kind of shuffled us up, which didn't work. We always had a military organization in every camp that I ever went to.   Ted Robertson  51:31 You found ways to support each other. You found ways to have a leadership structure, even in captivity.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  51:39 We were all fighter pilots or air crews and most of us were we, you know, we had 10 Air Force Academy grads from '64 in five Naval Academy grads from '64 and so we had in a lot of other academy grads. I don't remember how many, but probably 70 total academy grads. And so, you know, we were, we were dedicated. We were lifers. We were, you know, we were very focused guys, which helped out a lot that we knew a lot about military leadership.   Ted Robertson  52:11 You grew up in the Midwest, and you married a Midwestern girl.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  52:15 I did, my high school sweetheart the day after I graduated from Annapolis, we got married in the chapel, and my buddies were holding up their swords as we came out of the chapel. So it was a beautiful day.   Ted Robertson  52:27 Let's go back to how you found your way to the Naval Academy.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  52:32 I was a farm kid from Kansas. Never seen the ocean, never been out of the four states of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri. Never been in an airplane, and I needed an education. Found that the Naval Academy offered me an education.   Ted Robertson  52:50 Outside of Air Force Academy circles, you probably already know that we think of, you know, salty sea dog sailors when we think of people going in the Navy, but you chose aviation.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  53:02 I did. As a kid, I would see these Piper Cubs fly over and I was fascinated by flight, and wondered if I'd ever be able to ride in an airplane. That was my thought when I was a kid. I didn't have any hopes of ever being a pilot, you know, let alone a fighter pilot. That was, I was out of the realm. Nobody, as I grew up, ever told me that I could do that, or I should do that, or, you know, it would be a hope of mine to ever pilot an airplane. But I went to the Naval Academy and found out that was one of the options, and I took advantage of that option.   Ted Robertson  53:43 Yeah, and it led you, of course, to over North Vietnam, and the rest is that part of your history   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  53:51 Launched on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk on my wife's birthday, the 5th of November, wave goodbye to her, and promised her I'd be back in eight months. I didn't make it.   Ted Robertson  54:04 Hard. Very hard story to hear. Let's talk about all of that informing your presentation now, again, 5,000 of these delivered in the leadership and character development space, but you talk a lot about, in your presentation — and you keynoted here at NCLS — the mental game side of this, the integrity, the choices that you have to make, and character that sort of frames all of that.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  54:38 My message to the cadets, and really to most of my audiences, is around challenge and adversity. And I tell the cadets that they work awfully hard trying to get a degree. They study, they go to computers, they read books all to get a degree. And what I point out to them is that more important than the degree that they will get from the Air Force Academy is a character that they build while they are here. That the integrity first, you know, is part of their motto. And if, in fact, they can learn and live that integrity, if they can learn and live the commitment that they have, if they can learn in and live these kind of ethereal things, the things that you can't measure, things you can't define, the things that, you know, that crop up in your in your mind, in the back of your mind, are more important than the lessons they learn from a computer. And so that's kind of my message.   Ted Robertson  55:49 You know, we're in a leadership laboratory here. The art and the science is character development. And you're talking about a kind of character that leads people to make good decisions and make those decisions with integrity in mind. How did that play into your captivity and getting you through that?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  56:09 You know, of course, I studied leadership at the Naval Academy, and I think that my period of experience more than teaching me anything, it validated what I had learned. And the whole idea — and I love the fact that this is called, you know, the Character and Leadership Symposium, because lots of times you see leadership without character, that's a negative kind of leadership. And if a leader does not have character, he doesn't last very long, and he's not very effective. And so if you can keep your character up front, the leadership can follow easily. And that's pretty much what we had in the prison camps. Several of the qualities of leadership that I promote are the things that almost came natural in a prison camp. First of all, we had to find a focus, a reason. We had to find, you know — and that was developed by our leadership in the prison camp. Return with honor — that was our motto, return with honor. And we all rallied around that.   Ted Robertson  57:22 So all of that said, you're standing here in front of a really big group of people as a keynote speaker, lot of cadets, mostly cadets, yeah.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  57:31 Now there were cadets. I'm speaking on a panel with Ed Mechenbier, my good buddy, and we're on a panel with mostly cadets. The first presentation, the keynote was by invitation only. So there were a number of civilians in the audience, number of cadets. There were Naval Academy midshipmen in my audience today. And we had ROTC people, and, you know, from all over the country. So it was quite a wide audience.   Ted Robertson  58:04 Quite a wide audience. And so if we were just focusing on what you leave with cadets, what do you want them to take away from their experience today?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  58:15 I hope they understand my message, that more important than the degree that they graduate with, is the character that they graduate with, and the importance of the integrity that that they learned here, because that was vital in the prison camp, is integrity. We had to have each other's back, and when we when we finally were released, we refused to be released until all the sick, injured and enlisted men had gone home, and it was a question of integrity, is a question that this is the right thing to do. It's not the easy thing to do. Largely, the integrity thing to do is not the easiest thing to do, and that's what I wanted to leave with the cadets. In addition, I want them to know that regardless of what situation they're in, they still have a choice, and their choice is the way they respond to the surrounding adversity situation that they're in.   Ted Robertson  59:21 An Annapolis grad of '64, Midwest kid from Kansas who makes it into the cockpit, and like you said, 74 and a half flights, then some time in captivity, then to a published author with thousands of presentations all over the country, and some in in other countries. What final thoughts would you like to leave today, sir?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  59:47 Well, you know, I think I've already told you, you know, you're a great interviewer, Ted, and I appreciate your questions. I think, finally, this whole idea of self-determination and I think that we all, and not just the cadets, but graduates and families and business people, families. You know that we all have choices, and sometimes when we deny the choice and give up that ability to make our life better for ourselves. And you know, we do it sometimes even when we're not even thinking about it. It's just automatic to blame somebody else for the problem, and in doing so, we give away that choice.   Ted Robertson  1:00:34 Don't give away the choice. Yeah, build that character and stick by your integrity all the time. Capt. J. Charles Plumb, what a privilege it is to meet you, sir. Glad that you're here at NCLs and keynoting like you are, and I do hope that our paths cross again.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  1:00:52 Ted, thank you very much. I appreciate your willingness to tell my story. Thanks for that.   Ted Robertson  1:00:57 You're welcome, sir. Thank you. Ted Robertson Close As we've heard throughout these conversations, courage isn't a single moment. It's a lifelong practice, from cadets just beginning their journey to leaders shaped by combat and crisis to senior commanders responsible for forces and futures. Character is tested when certainty disappears and it's revealed by how we choose to lead. That's the challenge of the National Character and Leadership Symposium, and it's a challenge that extends far beyond these walls. I'm Ted Robertson, thank you for joining me for our Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of the 33rd National Character and Leadership Symposium. This podcast was recorded on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.         The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation      

Send a textWe weigh the case for growing the force against real concerns from families and leaders, then connect it to strikes on Iran and a messy awards show moment that tested grace and accountability. Rap beef, recruiting math, and geopolitics meet in one fast, frank run.• active-duty growth plans by service and why now• deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and allied burden-sharing• what recruits ask and what actually retains people• uniform standards, training culture and early professionalism• BAFTAs slur, Tourette's context and measured responses• TI vs 50 Cent, lines crossed and catalog strength• Iran strikes, authorization, risks and support for troops• immigration, oaths, and political theater at home• leadership, clarity and credibility as the common threadLike, share, and subscribe. Support the show on Cash App. “If you're on YouTube and not a subscriber, help us get monetized. Drop a super chat.” “Leave your notifications on and catch us next Sunday.” “Look forward to a show with the Space Force.”

NASA rewrites the Artemis roadmap, the Space Force grounds Vulcan Centaur, astronomers peer back 11 billion years to the universe's most extraordinary construction site, water bears reveal surprising secrets about Martian soil, NASA passes a key milestone in extracting oxygen from lunar regolith, and ancient stellar lighthouses rewrite the Milky Way's origin story. Plus — six planets in tonight's sky.

Send a textThis one moves fast.West Point dismisses a cadet for using generative AI to create fake explicit images. Zero tolerance for abusing emerging tech. Meanwhile, the Army drops a $186 million order for Switchblade loitering munitions and tank-killer variants. Drone warfare isn't theoretical anymore—it's procurement reality.The Navy rotates leadership in Submarine Force Atlantic and rehearses anti-ship strikes with a B-2 off California. Maritime targeting is a different animal, and joint integration matters.The Air Force arrests a former pilot accused of training Chinese military personnel after gaining exposure to F-35 simulator operations. If proven, it's a brutal breach of trust.Space Force openly discusses offensive posture against China's expanding spy satellite network while also pausing Vulcan launches over an anomaly.VA formally rescinds the medication-based disability ratings rule. Barracks standards get mandatory upgrades across the services. And Russia launches a massive drone and missile barrage ahead of talks.No fluff. Just movement.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 West Point AI misconduct dismissal 04:00 Fort Hood murder arrests 06:00 $186M Switchblade drone order 08:00 Submarine Force Atlantic leadership shift 10:00 B-2 anti-ship strike rehearsal 12:00 Marine body composition changes 14:00 Former Air Force pilot charged in China case 17:00 Space Force offensive posture remarks 19:00 Vulcan rocket launch pause 21:00 VA rule rescinded 23:00 Barracks standards issued 25:00 Russia drone and missile barrage

Send a textPeaches and Trent riff on an uncomfortable truth the Air Force rarely markets well: per capita, it's the most lethal force in modern warfare. From GWAT kill ratios and budget realities to why “Chair Force” jokes might actually be strategic misdirection, this episode spirals into a candid breakdown of how the services really operate. They dig into logistics versus lethality, why the Army wins wars by sustaining them, how the Navy quietly controls the underwater domain, and why the Space Force affects everyone whether they realize it or not. The conversation also tackles SOCOM funding myths, why selection and pipelines aren't interchangeable, the reality of special mission units, and how expensive it is to create—and keep—elite capability. Messy, funny, blunt, and very Ones Ready.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and sponsor plug 03:00 OTS explanation and what it is not 06:45 Peaches' per-capita lethality hot take 09:30 Air Force vs Army vs Navy reality check 12:00 Budget myths and service comparisons 14:00 Space Force impact explained simply 16:00 GWAT lethality and air dominance 18:30 Logistics wins wars—Army perspective 21:00 Why ST isn't a unilateral force 23:30 SOCOM funding myths clarified 26:30 Selection vs pipeline differences 31:00 Why SOCOM doesn't “shut down” pipelines 35:30 Competition, standards, and why comparison is dangerous 40:00 Cost of training elite forces 45:00 Life in special mission units vs white side 49:00 Panels, recruiting, and community outreach 54:00 Lethality, truth, and why the Air Force undersells itself 56:30 Closing thoughts and upcoming OTS events

Jake and Anthony catch up on Starliner's no good very bad report, Artemis II's no good very bad fueling tests, and Vulcan's no good very bad solid rocket boosters. Topics Off-Nominal - YouTube Episode 230 - Bequeathed in the divorce - YouTube NASA Invites Media to Discuss Next Steps for Artemis Campaign - NASA NASA says it needs to haul the Artemis II rocket back to the hangar for repairs - Ars Technica NASA chief classifies Starliner flight as "Type A" mishap, says agency made mistakes - Ars Technica Bowersox to retire from NASA - SpaceNews Audrey Decker on X: “Senate Commerce's reauth bill would prohibit NASA from acquiring more than 50% of launch services from one provider, according to bill text I obtained. SpaceX currently dominates the market. However, bill says the administrator can seek waivers” ULA isn't making the Space Force's GPS interference problem any easier - Ars Technica Follow Off-Nominal Subscribe to the show! - Off-Nominal Support the show, join the Discord Off-Nominal (@offnom) / Twitter Off-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Follow Jake WeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to Mars WeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | Twitter Jake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | Twitter Jake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Follow Anthony Main Engine Cut Off Main Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | Twitter Main Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Anthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | Twitter Anthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

Send a textThis Daily Drop is all movement, no filler.The Army is doubling down on its auction-style warrant officer retention bonus experiment. Market-driven talent management? Maybe. Hunger Games for CW5s? Also maybe. At the same time, lessons from Ukraine are reshaping armored warfare training, drone integration, and electronic warfare acquisition speed.The Navy installs a new Submarine Force Atlantic commander and rehearses an anti-ship strike with a B-2 off California. Targeting ships at sea isn't the same as dropping bombs on dirt—and that joint integration matters.The Air Force mobility enterprise is waving red flags. Aging tankers and airlift fleets aren't getting replaced fast enough, and timelines stretching into the 2030s aren't comforting. Meanwhile, Reserve and Guard leaders are pushing for equal benefits when serving identical missions.Space Force pauses Vulcan rocket launches over an anomaly—national security missions now in holding.And at the policy level, legal tension continues over military speech and disciplinary authority.A lot moving. A lot worth watching.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Warrant officer retention bonus auction system 04:30 Ukraine armored warfare lessons 06:30 Electronic warfare acquisition overhaul 08:30 New Submarine Force Atlantic commander 10:00 B-2 and Navy anti-ship strike rehearsal 12:30 Mobility fleet modernization concerns 15:00 Equal benefits push for Guard and Reserve 17:30 Space Force Vulcan rocket launch pause 19:00 Legal dispute over military speech limits

We are joined by Sam Konowitch, a software engineer contracting for Space Force, to learn every single detail we could ever need to know about fully utilizing the capabilities of our GPS watches. From extending battery life to maximizing route accuracy in every location imaginable, this is the episode to nerd out on all things run tracking!

Last night’s State of the Union Address was, though indirectly, in many ways largely indicative of the ‘State of our Union’; irascible, beleaguered, gaslighted, schizophrenic. Despite getting sidetracked for a bit on today’s episode, below you’ll find my extensive coverage of last night’s SOTU, including a timestamped breakdown of my live observations while watching. You’re sure to find some things the MSM has obfuscated or ignored… #Links American civil religion, ceremonial deism, apotheosis American civil religion – Wikipedia The Apotheosis of Washington – Wikipedia Ceremonial deism – Wikipedia Biblical Religion and Civil Religion in America by Robert N. Bellah The Network / Enterprise / Octopus Unlimited Hangout podcast, Ep. #37, One Nation Under Blackmail[1] Bruce Hemmings quote 37-Audiogram.mp4 Linda McMahon – Wikipedia #SOTU 2026 Coverage Online sources: Video: C-SPAN LIVE: Trump delivers State of the Union address (full speech) – AP – YouTube Video + Transcript: Donald Trump: State of the Union Address – Roll Call SOTU Donald Trump: State of the Union Address – Roll Call Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address, 2026 – Ballotpedia President Donald J. Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address – The White House – YouTube President Trump 2026 State of the Union Address & Democratic Response – C-SPAN – YouTube WATCH: Trump delivers State of the Union address, Va Gov. Spanberger gives Dem response – Fox News – YouTube Rebuttal Democratic Response to State of the Union Address | Video | C-SPAN.org State of the Union Democratic Response: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to deliver party’s rebuttal | FOX 5 DC Reaction Pelosi Joins CNN Following The State of The Union Address – Nancy Pelosi – YouTube WATCH: Key moments from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union – PBS NewsHour – YouTube Key moments from Trump’s State of the Union – Washington Post – YouTube Jimmy Kimmel Reacts to Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address 2026 – Jimmy Kimmel Live – YouTube Pod Save America Hosts on Trump’s State of the Union, the Epstein Files & Writing Speeches for Obama – Jimmy Kimmel Live – YouTube LIVE Monologue: A Dark Speech Filled With Divisive Lies | USA Women’s Hockey Gets A Better Offer – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – YouTube Fact-Checking Fact checking Trump’s State of the Union address | CNN Politics PolitiFact | Live fact-check: Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address Fact-checking Trump’s State of the Union address | ABC News Fact checking Trump’s SOTU speech live: His remarks on Iran, tariffs, ICE, Supreme Court, and more | Hindustan Times Live fact-checking Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address | PBS News Follow PolitiFact’s live fact-check of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union – Poynter A look at Trump’s false and misleading claims in his State of the Union address | AP News Fact checking President Trump’s State of the Union address A Pre-SOTU Guide to Trump’s Economic Claims – FactCheck.org The State of the Union (According to Trump): Live Updates Protests Democratic Lawmakers Protest Pres. Trump’s State of the Union Address | Video | C-SPAN.org Celebrities, Lawmakers & Fmr. Gov’t Officials Gather to Protest State of the Union Address | Video | C-SPAN.org WATCH LIVE: Epstein survivors join House Democrats ahead of Trump’s State of the Union – PBS NewsHour – YouTube Epstein Saga Lawmakers & Epstein Survivors Hold Briefing Ahead of State of the Union | Video | C-SPAN.org Epstein Abuse Survivor Attending State of the Union Asks, “Where Are the Rest of the Files?” | Video | C-SPAN.org SOTU Related Headlines Trump boasts of a ‘golden age’ in State of the Union amid sharp partisan divisions | LA Times Trump says State of the Union will be ‘long speech’: What’s the record? | The Hill Trump set an all-time record with his second joint address on March 4, 2025, clocking in at one hour, 39 minutes and 32 seconds. Viewers disturbed by Trump’s ‘joyous look’ describing graphic violence and murder | Alternet Iran reacts to Trump’s 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of “big lies” | CBS News Trump brutally shut down when he tried to give himself the Medal of Honor | The Mirror Woman severely injured by Trump’s ICE thrown out of State of the Union | Raw Story Trump’s stare down with Mark Kelly ignites MAGA meltdown | Alternet Trump defends immigration crackdown at State of Union as approval ratings plummet | LA Times Speechwriters split after Trump’s record-breaking SOTU: ‘Living in his own reality’ vs. ‘Resounding speech’ | Fox News Here are all the awards Trump announced during his State of the Union | CBS News Yelling Trump Gets Into Wild Screaming Match with Democrats | The Daily Beast I went to Trump’s State of the Union. This was the moment when the room’s mood shifted. | Business Insider Pelosi explains white buttons at State of the Union address | The Hill Takeaways from Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress | Reuters Other Headlines Regarding the ‘State of the Union’ Judge Aileen Cannon bars the release of special counsel report on Trump’s handling of classified documents | CNN Politics Ro Khanna Claimed Epstein Visited ‘CIA Headquarters.’ It Was Almost Certainly An Hermès Design Studio. Another Black Man Found Hanging Quickly Ruled a Suicide Grandfather kidnapped from his bed and murdered in case of mistaken identity, police say 4 people fatally stabbed outside home near Seattle, suspect shot dead by deputy 2 Missouri deputies killed, 2 wounded after suspect opens fire Kristi Noem, DHS violated 1st Amendment by using facial recognition software to intimidate citizens observing them, complaint says Discord cuts ties with Peter Thiel–backed verification software after its code was found tied to U.S. surveillance efforts BMW to recall nearly 59,000 vehicles in US over damaged wiring harness, NHTSA says | Reuters US senators demand answers about utility companies’ ‘secret contracts’ with tech giants: ‘Forcing local communities to sign NDAs’ Bill Gates admits he had 2 affairs with Russian women, apologizes to staff over Jeffrey Epstein ties Trump’s ICE Is Quietly Stockpiling Weaponry—and It Should Alarm Us All Trump Administration Moves to Allow Intelligence Agencies Easier Access to Law Enforcement Files Son turns on his lawmaker dad for using ‘Epstein loophole’ to avoid jail for allegedly touching kids: ‘Inexplicable trauma’ ‘This should terrify you’: Meta Superintelligence safety director lost control of her AI agent—it deleted her emails Nearly two-thirds of companies have lost track of their data just as they’re letting AI in through the front door to wander around #Fact Check Drawn from CNN’s Fact checking Trump’s State of the Union address. For more balanced, detailed coverage, see PolitiFact article. Claim Rebuttal Source Rebuttal ‘$18 trillion’ in investments CNN’s Daniel Dale “…the White House’s own website said the figure for “major investment announcements” during this Trump term was “$9.7 trillion,” and even that is a major exaggeration; a detailed CNN review in [Oct 2025] found [WH counting trillions in] vague investment pledges, pledges that were about “bilateral trade” or “economic exchange” rather than investment in the US and vague statements that didn’t even rise to the level of pledges.” Low gas prices (2.30, 1.99, 1.85) CNN’s Daniel Dale According to AAA: only 2 states w/ avg < $2.50/gal; GasBuddy: 4:150k (.003%) gas stations w/ gas < $2/gal Inherited record inflation CNN’s Daniel Dale Dec, 2024 Y-O-Y inflation (CPI): 2.9% Inherited stagnant economy CNN’s Daniel Dale False (see details) Passed largest tax cuts (GBBB) in American history CNN’s Tami Luhby “It ranks seventh in terms of share of GDP since 1918, according to Chris Towner, policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan watchdog group.” Biden allowed ‘11,888 murderers’ to enter US as migrants CNN’s Daniel Dale ““11,888” number is about non-citizens who entered the US not just under Biden but over the course of multiple decades, including during Trump’s own first administration.” Foreign countries are paying T47 tariffs CNN’s Daniel Dale “In an analysis released in February, officials at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York wrote, “We find that nearly 90 percent of the tariffs’ economic burden fell on U.S. firms and consumers.”…[CBO] wrote in a February report that “the net effect of tariffs is to raise U.S. consumer prices by the full portion of the cost of the tariffs borne domestically (95 percent)”…” Fraud in Minnesota CNN’s Daniel Dale “…Walz admin official said in December that they had “evidence of tens of millions of dollars in fraud to this point,” not $9[/18/19] billion…” US elections claims CNN’s Daniel Dale Disputed (see details) More Americans are working today than ever CNN’s Daniel Dale “The labor force participation rate, which measures the percentage of the population that is employed or actively looking for work, has been almost unchanged…” Ended eight wars CNN’s Daniel Dale Largely disputed (see details) Achieved no tax on Social Security CNN’s Tami Luhby Disputed, misleading (see details) Balancing the federal budget by ending fraud CNN’s Tami Luhby 2024 GAO estimate “found that [$233–521B] is lost to fraud annually. But the federal budget deficit came in at just under $1.8 trillion for the most recent fiscal year, which ended in September, according to the Treasury Department – more than triple the highest estimated fraud total.” #Contemporaneous Notes Duration: 01:47:43 (longest SOTU in history – breaking the modern record he set last year.) Timestamp (approx. w/ lag) CH Notes N/A No mention of Epstein or Trump / Epstein Files! Despite many survivors in chamber. No mention of Renee Good, Alex Pretti. T19:13:57-07:00 …our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before. T19:13:58-07:00 “This is the Golden age of America.” T19:14:36-07:00 “…we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before and a turnaround for the ages. It is indeed a turnaround for the ages.” T19:15:04-07:00 And we will never go back to where we were just a very short time ago. We’re not going back. T19:16:03-07:00 “Illegal aliens” / border T19:16:35-07:00 past 9 mo “ZERO illegal aliens admitted” T19:18:22-07:00 Inflation: 1.7% T19:18:37-07:00 Gas as low as 2.30 – 1.99 – 1.85 T19:19:08-07:00 Mortgage rates T19:20:25-07:00 $18T [in foreign investment] “pouring in from all over the globe.” T19:21:14-07:00 70k new construction jobs (AI Data centers?) T19:21:34-07:00 Oil, ‘new partner’, Venezuela: 80M barrels of oil T19:22:35-07:00 100% of all new jobs created, private sector T19:22:42-07:00 We ended DEI in America T19:23:32-07:00 The State of our Union is Strong T19:23:43-07:00 Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me, please, please, please, Mr. President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore. We’re not used to winning in our country. Until you came along, we were just always losing, but now we’re winning too much. And I say no, no, no, you’re going to win again. You’re going to win big; you’re going to win bigger than ever. (Narcissistic rant) T19:24:40-07:00 U.S. Men’s Olympic (Gold Medal) Hockey Team… Connor Hellebuyck… T19:26:22-07:00 U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team “will soon be coming to the White House” (the team declined invitation to attend WH SOTU)[2][3] T19:28:57-07:00 I will soon be presenting Connor with … the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom T19:31:05-07:00 World Cup and Olympics coming to America T19:36:20-07:00 …government answers to the people, not the powerful… T19:37:27-07:00 GBBB, Republicans voted for it, all Democrats voted against it. T19:38:04-07:00 only if car is made in America T19:38:29-07:00 Megan [Hemhauser]’s story (child tax credit) T19:39:44-07:00 Trump Accounts, “Tax-free child investment accounts”, supporters; Michael & Susan Dell, Brad Gerstner (“hedge fund mgr”, founder, Altimeter Capital) T19:41:14-07:00 “$100k by the time they turn 18 – or a lot more (Uh…??) – go to TrumpAccounts.gov” T19:41:55-07:00 Dow hit 50k, S&P hit 7k T19:43:43-07:00 Tariffs: ‘country-saving, peace-protecting, time-tested and approved’… taking the great financial burden off the people… T19:44:47-07:00 A POTUS who put’s America first. I love America T19:45:11-07:00 For decades before I came along… T19:45:47-07:00 11,888 (illegal alien) murders T19:46:46-07:00 “They [Democrats] knew their statements were a dirty, rotten, lie.” T19:47:13-07:00 ” The cost of chicken, butter, fruit, hotels, automobiles, rent, is lower today than when I took office, by a lot. And even beef, which was very high, is starting to come down significantly.” T19:47:56-07:00 Crushing cost of healthcare. I want to stop large pmts to healthcare co’s, and give it to the people. (Isn’t it already the peoples’ money??) T19:49:25-07:00 Deflating prescription drug costs… Other presidents said they would, tried… didn’t do it… I got it done… T19:50:29-07:00 “So in my first year of the second term, should be my third term, but strange things happen.” (doublespeak, like Whitney Webb’s Bruce Hemmings quote[1:1]) T19:50:54-07:00 “… price differences of 300, 400, 500, 600 percent and more, (impossible) all available right now at a new website called TrumpRX.gov – and I didn’t name that one either, BTW.” T19:51:15-07:00 Catherine Rayner (IVF) story T19:54:34-07:00 We want homes for people, not corporations T19:54:49-07:00 Making it easier for people to save. Protecting Social Security & Medicare T19:55:24-07:00 Avg. 401k bal up $30k (How the AF can they possibly know that??? WH / POTUS should NOT know those numbers! If they know that, what else do they know??) T19:56:11-07:00 Members of Congress should not benefit (What about WH & friends???) from using inside information (ironic! Based on last point) Pass the Insider Trading Act right away. T19:57:19-07:00 MN – members of Somali community pillaging community, $19B. War on Fraud to be led by JD Vance. T19:59:32-07:00 Dalilah Coleman’s story (child, hit by illegal alien w/ CDL – interesting NOTE: spelling variations: Delilah / Dalilah Law) T20:01:34-07:00 Angel moms & families. Lizbeth Medina’s story (stabbed 25+ times by Rafeal Govea Romero) T20:04:00-07:00 Democrat(‘s) shutdown. Helping people clean up the snow. T20:05:20-07:00 First responsibility of American Gov is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. T20:07:13-07:00 You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up (Heckling: Justice Democrats [Omar, Tlaib][4][5][6][7] primarily shouting back) T20:08:11-07:00 I’m asking you to approve the SAVE America Act. It’s very simple: all voters must show voter ID, proof of citizenship to vote. No more crooked mail-in ballots, except for… Polling at 89%, incl Dems. Even Communist NY Mayor wants shovelers to show 2 forms of ID + SS card T20:11:37-07:00 Sage Blair (& mom, Michelle), gender transition story T20:13:47-07:00 Look – nobody stands up. These people are crazy. … Democrats have destroyed the country. But we’ve stopped it, just in time. T20:14:27-07:00 First Lady – now a movie star. T20:15:29-07:00 Sierra Burns (Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Program participant) and Everest Nevraumont (11-year-old Alpha School student, AI-advocate, and TedX speaker) representing Melania Trump’s BE BEST Fostering the Future initiative.[8] T20:16:22-07:00 [Then, immediately after] …Christianity, and belief in God. … My great friend, Charlie Kirk. … martyred… Erika is with us tonight. [Fake Tammy Faye tears – and did she mouth ‘I miss you’ to Trump??] T20:17:35-07:00 America is one nation under God, and we must reject political violence of any kind T20:17:59-07:00 We love religion. It’s making a great comeback T20:18:50-07:00 [Aug 22, 2025 killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee] Iryna Zarutska T20:20:41-07:00 Starting last summer, I deployed National Guard and federal law enforcement to restore law and order to our most dangerous cities, incl.; Memphis TN, New Orleans LA, Washington DC T20:22:15-07:00 Sarah Beckstrom’s story T20:27:23-07:00 In my first 10 months I ended eight wars, incl.; (1) Cambodia and Thailand, (2) Pakistan and India, (3) Kosovo and Serbia, (4) Israel and Iran, 5 Egypt and Ethiopia, (6) Armenia and Azerbaijan, (7) the Congo and Rwanda “and, of course, (8) the war in Gaza”. Isn’t it funny? They’re sick people. Cambodia and Thailand… Thank you Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for your help. And I also want to thank the man they report to; Sec. of State, Marco Rubio. … I think he’ll go down as the best ever. Under the cease fire, every hostage, living & dead, has been returned home. T20:31:42-07:00 And we’re working very hard to end the ninth war, the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine… 25k soldiers die each mo. T20:32:12-07:00 Operation Midnight Hammer (Iranian attack) T20:33:57-07:00 [Iran] building weapons that will soon reach America… Renewing their sinister efforts… We haven’t heard those words; ‘We will never have a weapon…’ I will never allow the world’s #1 sponsor of terror (U.S.?!?) to have a nuclear weapon. (Are we de-nuking, then???) T20:35:43-07:00 we call ‘peace through strength’… and it’s been very effective. (and Orwellian) T20:38:06-07:00 We got a lotta money… (Really??? Not the American people???) T20:40:39-07:00 In January (Venezuela) …one of the most spectacular and impressive military feats. … Space Force is my baby. Nicolas Maduro, to face justice… New Pres. of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. T20:42:24-07:00 Alejandra Gonzalez (Venezuela) and her uncle story. Uncle released – and here tonight! Enrique, please come down. … Thank you, Enrique. Have a good time. (CREEPY! Esp. since I was thinking ‘Epstein Files’ – unmentioned, BTW! – in back of mind as Alejandra & Enrique embraced, but mostly emotionless) T20:46:34-07:00 CWO Eric Slover (Venezuelan invasion) story, wife Amy [Slover]‘s holy water… Nation’s highest military award: Congressional Medal of Honor T20:50:19-07:00 Met w/ [Slovers] at Fort Bragg – we got the name back. … Eric’s fellow warriors will soon be receiving awards @ WH. T20:51:14-07:00 One last living legend to honor before we go… WWII / Korean ‘War’ Navy pilot, Royce Williams (100 yr-old): Congressional Medal of Honor T20:54:54-07:00 [Draft dodger!] I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, they say I can’t give it to myself. But, if they ever open that up… T20:58:18-07:00 “And when God needs a nation to work his miracles, He knows exactly who to ask. There is no challenge Americans cannot overcome, no frontier too vast for us to conquer, no dream too bold for us to chase, no horizon too distant for us to claim. For our destiny is written by the hand of Providence and these first 250 years were just the beginning.” T20:59:07-07:00 From TX to MI to FL to Dakotas, from Philly to DC, “the Golden Age of America is upon us.” The Revolution that began in 1776 has not ended… b/c Flame of Liberty and independence still burns… Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless America. #Footnotes Unlimited Hangout podcast with Whitney Webb, Ep. #37, One Nation Under Blackmail (Aug 10, 2022) ︎ ︎ Why Team USA women’s hockey turned down invitation to White House State of the Union address – Yahoo Sports ︎ Trump joked he is being forced to invite the women’s hockey team to DC. Now, they’ve turned down his request ︎ WATCH: Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib Heckle Trump During State Of The Union, ‘You Killed Americans’ | US News – Times Now ︎ Ilhan Omar And Rashida Tlaib Leave State Of The Union Early After Heckling Trump ︎ ‘You have killed Americans’: Ilhan Omar tries to shout down Trump’s immigration attacks | CNN Politics ︎ Midwest ‘Squad’ members shout down Trump during GOP’s biggest State of the Union applause lines: ‘You’re killing Americans’ | The Independent ︎ First Lady Melania Trump’s State of the Union Guests Reflect Her Impact on Education, Tech, and the Foster Community – The White House ︎

Send a textThis Daily Drop covers multiple days of movement across the force—and there's a lot to unpack.The Army is integrating AI into doctrine writing, launching drone competitions, and standing up a rapid soldier innovation office. The Navy is chasing new anti-radar missile capability while looking at sailor burnout and at-sea tour changes. The Marine Corps is digitizing the battlefield and pushing hard on mental health messaging.The Air Force? It's a mix of progress and pain. The A-10 depot mission at Hill is officially ending. The B-21 Raider just got a $4.5B acceleration deal targeting 2027. Collaborative combat aircraft are entering armed testing. AI is moving into air operations centers.Space Force is arguing for faster expansion after real-world operational demand in Iran and Venezuela highlighted capability gaps.Plus: VA disability rule backlash, Medal of Honor news, fraud indictments, pet PCS warnings, and why abandoning your dog makes you a terrible human.No hype. Just what's moving.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Army using AI in doctrine development 04:00 Drone warfighter competition 06:00 Delayed Purple Heart recognition 08:00 Rapid soldier innovation office 10:30 Pet PCS warning to Korea 12:30 Navy anti-radar missile requirement 14:30 Sailor burnout and at-sea tour review 16:30 Marine digital battlefield push 18:00 Mental health leadership appeal 20:30 A-10 depot mission ends 22:00 B-21 acceleration contract 24:00 Collaborative combat aircraft testing 26:00 Space Force expansion push 28:00 VA disability rule halted 30:00 Medal of Honor recognition

Cristina Gomez discusses Pete Hegseth confirming Pentagon compliance with Trump's UAP file release directive, Tulsi Gabbard's statement that UFO files will be released soon, the Space Force's growing role in UAP detection, and Jeremy Corbell's claim that an active debate about radical honesty is happening at the Pentagon and White House right now.To see the VIDEO of this episode, click or copy link - https://youtu.be/2ZGpgEd-QqoVisit my website with International UFO News, Articles, Videos, and Podcast direct links -www.ufonews.co00:00 - The UFO Bingo Card 00:49 - Hegseth's on UFOs03:11 - Space Force & UFO Data04:22 - UFOs Go Quiet at AARO 05:03 - DNI's UFO Yes Moment07:46 - Congress Demands UFO Files08:20 - The UFO Honesty DebateBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/strange-and-unexplained--5235662/support.

Send a textA lazy Sunday vibe turns into a sharp conversation about standards, pride, and who pays the price when professionals take shortcuts. We celebrate USA hockey's surge on the Olympic stage, then press into the NBA's tanking problem and why “rest” nights land hardest on the fans who saved up to see stars play. That same tension—expectation versus delivery—fuels a candid debate on military culture, leadership, and accountability.We revisit the senior NCO graduation photos that set comment sections on fire and ask the hard questions: Where did inspections break down? How should responsibility climb from student to instructor to commandant? Are we teaching people to lead peers, or just to correct subordinates? From everyday etiquette—when to speak up about appearances, how to give humane feedback—to high-stakes symbolism—uniforms, promotions, ceremonies—we connect small choices to big culture.Midway through, a Marine advancement course alum jumps in with a bracing contrast. In that environment, consequences arrive on time: show up late, go home; miss the physical standard, go home. The content wasn't the heavy lift; the culture was. We explore how PME can matter again by tightening inspections, selecting and rewarding elite instructors, and delivering leadership education earlier so it shapes habits instead of summarizing them. We close by reframing identity—why “Airman” lands differently than “Marine” or “Soldier,” and why Space Force deserves more respect as the center of future conflict across space and cyber.If you care about winning—on the ice, on the court, or in uniform—you'll find something here to argue with and something to take back to your team. Listen, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and drop a review with the one standard you think we need to enforce tomorrow. Subscribe so you never miss the next conversation that actually moves the needle.

In this hard-hitting 15-minute episode of The Right Side, Doug Billings addresses the rumor that one Kansas governor candidate has a transgender child and lays out exactly what real conservative leadership looks like on the most important issues facing families today.Doug speaks directly to the rumor with respect for the family while making it crystal clear: voters have every right to know where any candidate stands on protecting children. He then delivers a powerful “If I were governor” vision that includes:• Defining sex by biological reality in every school and state facility• Directing the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas National Guard to hunt child traffickers in every zip code and partner with ICE on deportations• Returning full curriculum control to local school boards and parents — stripping power from the Kansas State Board of Education• Banning medical transitions for minors and protecting women's sports and spaces• Meeting with Elon Musk to bring a SpaceX manufacturing facility to Wichita• Requesting a new Space Force base in Kansas from President Trump• Reviewing every option to exit the Kansas City Chiefs relocation stadium deal that burdens Kansas taxpayersThis is straight-talk conservative policy on protecting kids, securing the border, creating high-paying jobs, and putting parents back in charge of education. No hedging. No compromise.If you want fearless leadership that actually fights for Kansas families, this episode is a must-listen.Recorded February 19, 2026 | The Right Side with Doug Billings✅ Hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or favorite platform – it really helps!✅ Share this with every Kansas voter and parent you knowWatch on YouTube @TheRightSideDougBillingsListen everywhere podcasts are found.#KansasGovernor2026 #Trans #ProtectOurKids #SpaceX #ElonMusk #Trafficking #ParentalRights #ConservativeSupport the show

On this episode of the cajun Knight Live we start off by talking about DARPA's Fleetwood program and the new unveiling of the Lomgshot air-to-air missle system. We also talk about the Space Force exceeding their recruiting quotas already for the year! New Zealand has created a system where anti gravity can be acheived, and they belive this may be the perfect enviroment to make nuclear fusion happen. Iraq has pushed forward with removing Russia from their oil fields and Chevron is moving in this year. Doctors have discovered screen time for kids is actually effecting white matter of the brain in their development! US troops are getting pulled from Syria, and at the same time US troops are being sent to Nigeria. An 18 year old attempted to run into the Capital building with a shotgun, and was stopped by Captal City Police. Spokeswoman for the Dept of Homeland Security has stepped down amid ICE scrutiny. And we finish with Zoran doing exactly what we thought he would...Run NYC into the groud in WEEKS of taking office.To join in on the conversation next week come to patreon.com/CajunKnightBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cult-of-conspiracy--5700337/support.

Send a textPeaches runs a fast Daily Drop Ops Brief and opens by correcting his earlier miscall on the USS collision—owning it and fixing it. The Army wraps up a $27M digital network overhaul in South Korea, surges troops into Hawaii housing pressure, conducts nighttime Arctic air assaults in Alaska, and tests new Apache anti-drone rounds. The Air Force pushes the Sentinel ICBM timeline into the early 2030s, delays F-15EX deliveries to Kadena, repaints Air Force One, and faces renewed debate about expanding the Air Force Academy versus giving the Space Force its own pipeline. Space Force pushes SWORD readiness platforms and surveys satellite refueling concepts, while the Coast Guard prepares for Indo-Pacific port defense. The episode closes with commercial on-orbit surveillance efforts and nuclear talks with Iran. No panic. Just context.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro, sponsor plug, and OTS countdown 02:30 Members-only platform issue update 03:30 USS Truxton correction and ownership 04:30 Army South Korea digital network overhaul 05:50 Hawaii housing surge pressure 06:40 11th Airborne Arctic night air assault 07:40 Apache anti-drone live fire test 09:00 Sentinel ICBM restructure timeline 10:30 F-15EX delay to Kadena 11:40 Air Force One repaint update 12:30 Air Force Academy growth recommendation 14:00 Space Force basic training debate 15:40 SWORD warfighter readiness platform 17:00 Satellite refueling viability discussion 19:00 Coast Guard Indo-Pacific port defense 20:30 Commercial satellite on-orbit inspection push 22:00 US-Iran nuclear talks update 23:30 Wrap-up

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and this one's got everything: an Army Futures and Concepts Command elevation, a retired colonel sentenced for sharing classified war plans with a honeypot, and a battalion leader getting four years for secretly recording guests. The Navy manages to collide two ships in the Caribbean, debates doubling ship procurement, and asks for historic funding levels—while the Pentagon eyes a $1.6 trillion defense budget increase. A Marine is declared lost at sea, the Marine Corps passes another clean audit, and an Afghan adoption case survives court. The Air Force wrestles with healthcare access and collaborative combat aircraft software, Space Force pushes quality-of-life fixes, the Coast Guard uses an anti-drone laser near El Paso, and SECDEF skips a NATO meeting while POTUS leans on military leaders for diplomacy. No conspiracy. Just context.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor plug 01:10 Army Futures & Concepts Command elevation 02:45 Retired colonel sentenced in honeypot case 04:10 Battalion leader sentenced for secret recordings 05:15 Two Navy ships collide in Caribbean 06:30 Potential increase in ship procurement 07:00 Historic funding push and budget debate 09:30 Marine declared lost at sea 10:10 Marine Corps clean financial audit 11:00 Afghan adoption ruling upheld 12:00 OTS Alabama plug 13:00 Air Force healthcare access complaints 14:20 Collaborative Combat Aircraft advancement 15:20 Coast Guard anti-drone laser use 16:00 SECDEF skips NATO meeting 16:45 POTUS using military leaders in diplomacy 17:30 Syria base handover 18:00 Ongoing counter-narcotics strikes 18:30 Wrap-up

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and this one's got everything: an Army Futures and Concepts Command elevation, a retired colonel sentenced for sharing classified war plans with a honeypot, and a battalion leader getting four years for secretly recording guests. The Navy manages to collide two ships in the Caribbean, debates doubling ship procurement, and asks for historic funding levels—while the Pentagon eyes a $1.6 trillion defense budget increase. A Marine is declared lost at sea, the Marine Corps passes another clean audit, and an Afghan adoption case survives court. The Air Force wrestles with healthcare access and collaborative combat aircraft software, Space Force pushes quality-of-life fixes, the Coast Guard uses an anti-drone laser near El Paso, and SECDEF skips a NATO meeting while POTUS leans on military leaders for diplomacy. No conspiracy. Just context.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor plug 01:10 Army Futures & Concepts Command elevation 02:45 Retired colonel sentenced in honeypot case 04:10 Battalion leader sentenced for secret recordings 05:15 Two Navy ships collide in Caribbean 06:30 Potential increase in ship procurement 07:00 Historic funding push and budget debate 09:30 Marine declared lost at sea 10:10 Marine Corps clean financial audit 11:00 Afghan adoption ruling upheld 12:00 OTS Alabama plug 13:00 Air Force healthcare access complaints 14:20 Collaborative Combat Aircraft advancement 15:20 Coast Guard anti-drone laser use 16:00 SECDEF skips NATO meeting 16:45 POTUS using military leaders in diplomacy 17:30 Syria base handover 18:00 Ongoing counter-narcotics strikes 18:30 Wrap-up

On this week's show, Rush is ready for Space Force, DJ Pre-K is getting a lotta love from loyal "Ride Pimpers," Randy's been out in the rain, the Louisiana pickup crew hits a snag, and much more!

The Space Force has surpassed its fiscal 2026 recruiting goal just five months into the year. The service has already exceeded its recruiting goal by 25% for recruits who have shipped to basic military training or entered the delayed entry program. Despite that progress, service officials warn the current force is too small to meet growing national security demands. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna said while “achieving a force of just over 10,000 uniformed guardians in 2025 was a landmark milestone, it is insufficient for the missions we have been assigned.” Bentivegna also told lawmakers that the service needs to increase its infrastructure and double its size to “effectively fulfill our national mandate.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery unpack six major space stories. China has achieved a crucial milestone in its crewed lunar programme, successfully testing the Mengzhou capsule's abort system at maximum dynamic pressure while also demonstrating SpaceX-style rocket recovery with the Long March 10 first stage. ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket is set to launch its longest mission yet, delivering GSSAP space surveillance satellites directly to geosynchronous orbit for the US Space Force. We explain why NASA's Artemis 2 Moon mission has remarkably few launch opportunities — just 11 dates across March and April — and what orbital mechanics, solar power constraints, and hydrogen leaks have to do with it. In astronomy news, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has produced its clearest image yet of the Egg Nebula, a pre-planetary nebula offering a rare glimpse of a Sun-like star in its death throes. A provocative new study in the journal Astrobiology argues that the 1976 Viking missions may have detected signs of Martian life after all, with perchlorates masking the organic signatures. And finally, astronomers continue searching for remnants of Comet C/2019 Y4 ATLAS, which spectacularly disintegrated during the 2020 pandemic — but may not be entirely gone.   Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [01:30] China's Mengzhou capsule abort test & Long March 10 rocket recovery [05:30] ULA Vulcan USSF-87 launch — GSSAP satellites for Space Force [08:30] Artemis 2 launch windows — why only 11 chances in 2 months [11:30] Hubble's stunning Egg Nebula image — a dying star's final act [14:00] Did NASA's Viking missions find life on Mars? New evidence says maybe [16:30] The mystery of 'dead' Comet ATLAS — could fragments survive? [18:00] Sign-offBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Atombeam CEO Charles Yeomans joins Chris Lustrino to break down a deceptively simple idea with massive implications: make data smaller while it's streaming so you can move and process more of it—without upgrading networks.Charles explains Atombeam's commercial product NeurPack, how it can often quadruple effective bandwidth, and why this matters across IoT, smart meters, satellites, defense, oil & gas wells, fintech, and eventually data centers and GPU utilization. They also dig into the realities of commercialization—choosing near-term deals that close fast while still pursuing multi-year “industry standard” opportunities—and why execution (not invention) is the real differentiator.00:00 What Atombeam does (pizza analogy)03:13 NeurPack explained05:35 Why 95% of IoT data doesn't move09:38 “Like launching 3 more satellites”13:57 Commercialization + customers16:31 Data centers + GPU utilization24:29 Defense traction + partnerships26:44 What success looks like (distribution)

Send a textPeaches runs a fast Daily Drop Ops Brief with no fluff and no patience for nonsense. This episode hits Army quality-of-life updates at Fort Hood, joint U.S.–Italian training for the German Badge, and why the Navy is openly talking about shifting toward smaller, more agile platforms instead of relying solely on massive carriers. From missile defense recognition aboard USS Arleigh Burke to expanded Headspace access for sailors and families, Peaches walks through what matters and why. The Air Force side covers Super Bowl flyovers, F-22s getting pulled for real-world taskings, smart glasses being banned in uniform, William Tell getting postponed, and a blunt take on the OA-1K Skyraider 2 and Red Wolf missile integration. The episode closes with Space Force housing fixes and a reminder that real ops always outrank optics.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and OTS registration push 01:20 Army dining facility pilot at Fort Hood 02:10 Joint U.S.–Italian training for German Badge 02:55 Navy leadership on smaller, agile platforms 03:45 USS Arleigh Burke Armed Forces Service Medal 04:30 Navy expands Headspace mental health access 05:10 New Navy fixed-wing pilot helmets 05:35 Navy Digital Warfighting Symposium overview 06:20 Marine receives Navy & Marine Corps Medal 06:55 Marine Corps drone and AI fellowship program 07:25 Super Bowl flyovers and deployed aircraft 08:30 F-22s pulled due to operational requirements 09:15 Ban on smart glasses in Air Force uniforms 09:50 William Tell Weapons Meet postponed 10:25 Red Wolf missile proposed for OA-1K Skyraider 11:40 Peaches' Skyraider reality check 12:40 Space Force housing and barracks task force 13:10 Subscribe reminder and wrap-up

The Space Show Present Dr. Greg Autry, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026Quick Summary: The group explored various aspects of the Artemis program, including its challenges, timeline concerns, and comparison with China's space efforts, while discussing the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration. The conversation concluded with discussions about space policy, commercial space activities, and educational challenges facing the U.S., with emphasis on the need to generate public enthusiasm for space exploration initiatives.Detailed SummaryDavid introduced Dr. Greg Autry, a space policy expert and economics professor at UCF, to discuss his work and recent developments in space exploration. They touched on the Artemis II mission, commercial space launches in Florida, and concerns about the U.S. moon landing timeline. Greg expresses skepticism about the political commitment to space exploration under potential new leadership, noting that candidates like Vance and Harris may not prioritize space initiatives. The conversation concludes with a brief overview of Greg's background and upcoming programs at UCF.Dr. Autry discussed his role at the University of Central Florida, where he helped launch the world's first space MBA program in collaboration with Professor Zahir Ali. He highlighted the program's space-relevant curriculum, notable faculty, and upcoming guest speakers, including Pam Melroy and Jim Bridenstine. Autry also introduced the Space Ideation Challenge, a competition offering $125,000 in prize money for innovative space policy ideas. Greg also mentioned the delay of the Artemis launch due to cold weather affecting the hydrogen seals. He expressed pride in contributing to the decision to return to the moon in 2016 and shared his thoughts on the public's perception of the Artemis program.Our Wisdom Team group discussed the challenges and potential of the Artemis program, particularly focusing on the Starship mission and the complexities involved. They expressed concerns about the timeline for meeting 2028 deadlines, given the complexity of the technology and the need for political appointments. Despite these challenges, Greg expressed optimism about Administrator Jared Isaacman's leadership and the potential for a sustainable and permanent presence on the moon. Greg also compared the U.S. approach to the moon with China's simpler program, viewing the U.S. effort as a more ambitious but worthwhile endeavor.Our team discussed the Artemis program and space exploration strategy, with Phil sharing insights from a space historian's video that criticized NASA's approach as being too focused on quick wins rather than long-term scientific objectives. Greg noted that Americans typically prefer a “poker” approach to waiting for lucky breaks rather than the Chinese “Go” style of careful long-term planning, but emphasized that the Orion capsule and Space Launch System have been under development since 2003 and 2010 respectively, with continuity through multiple administrations. The discussion concluded with Marshall raising questions about launch facility readiness, which Autry addressed by explaining that the United States has three human-rated launch pads, with facilities at Cape Canaveral and the Space Force side being prepared for Starship launches.Our team discussed the need for infrastructure and base building on the moon, with Ajay emphasizing the importance of starting construction to save face for the Trump administration and prevent future program cancellations. Autry noted that while Artemis II will be significant, they need to generate public enthusiasm. Ajay proposed using Falcon Heavy to transport 14 tons of payload to the moon's surface. David questioned the likelihood of private companies alone achieving these goals, to which Greg responded that while private companies could theoretically fund it, they might be reluctant to make donations to a government program.The group discussed space policy and commercial space activities, with Dr. Greg Autry emphasizing that NASA's Artemis program should continue while exploring additional initiatives like Ajay's proposed lunar lander concept, which Autry suggested could be an addition rather than replacement for existing programs. The discussion covered concerns about China's space program and the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space, with Autry noting that completing the Artemis moon program is crucial to avoid having China claim superiority over the U.S. The conversation also touched on educational challenges facing the U.S. and the need to better prepare students for science and engineering careers, while David highlighted growing public interest in space science among younger generations.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4502 Zoom Steve Wolfe, Elizabeth Change | Tuesday 10 Feb 2026 700PM PTGuests: Steven WolfeZoom: Steve Wolfe , Elizabeth Change on the Beyond Earth Upcoming Symposium and more BE newsBroadcast 4503: Hotel Mars with Rick Fisher | Wednesday 11 Feb 2026 930AM PTGuests: Rick Fisher, John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonRick Brings us news regarding United States and China are also locked in a contest regarding Solar System domination between China and the USBroadcast 4504 Zoom: Frank Pietronigro | Friday 13 Feb 2026 930AM PTGuests: Frank PietronigroZoom: Frank discusses the Zero Gravity Arts Commission and moreBroadcast 4506 Zoom Open Lines | Sunday 15 Feb 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonOpen Lines discussion. All topics welcome Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Many Americans by now have received their W-2s or other important tax documents, which can only mean one thing: it's officially tax filing season. You might be ready to submit your documents, but is the IRS itself ready? That's a big question mark looming over the 2026 filing season after the tax agency unleashed seismic cuts to its workforce last year and has pumped the breaks on many of its efforts to modernize. Matt Bracken, editor in chief of FedScoop, has kept close watch of the IRS under the second Trump administration, chronicling the cuts made in 2025 and measuring the possible impact that could have on processing times and backlogs during this filing season. Matt joins the podcast to discuss the outlook for 2026 tax filing, how AI comes into play and much more about the tax agency's ongoing efforts to modernize. The Defense Department announced Monday that it will incorporate OpenAI's ChatGPT into the military's generative AI platform that's already being used by more than a million personnel. ChatGPT has been wildly popular in the commercial sector since it was widely released in 2022. Now the Pentagon plans to add the tech to its GenAI.mil system, which DOD leadership — including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — have been pushing hard for the department's employees to use since it was launched in December. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Marine Corps have already adopted the system as their preferred generative AI platform. The Department of Energy is launching a Genesis Mission Consortium as its latest move to deepen the public-private partnerships fueling the AI platform. The initiative, announced Monday, will facilitate structured partnerships as well as working groups, which will focus on ensuring model validation and reliability, addressing data governance and compliance standards, enabling federated data sharing and accelerating research throughput via reduced operational bottlenecks. The consortium will act as a “collaborative hub” and a “single, coordinated access point” for members and resources, according to the agency. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Nathan Tierney joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a retired Army Warrant Officer and former Navy rescue swimmer. After transitioning from a career as a helicopter pilot to the civilian sector, Nathan ascended to senior executive roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer. Throughout his career, he has relied on the discipline and drive learned in the military, paired with the guidance of key mentors, to navigate large-scale organizational transformations. The conversation also covers Nathan's book, Rebel Leaders GSD, which he wrote to provide leaders with the practical education needed to handle high-pressure environments. He outlines the three core sections of the book and emphasizes the fundamental importance of mastering the basics to ensure success. Today, Nathan focuses on helping leaders make clear, decisive calls in the face of uncertainty and high-stakes consequences. Episode Resources: Nathan Tierney - Gartner | LinkedIn Rebel Leaders GSD on Amazon   About Our Guest Nathan Tierney is a special operations veteran, former senior federal executive, and author of Rebel Leaders GSD. Over a 25-year career, he has led teams in combat, crisis response, and large-scale federal transformation, including serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, he helps leaders make clear, decisive calls when pressure, uncertainty, and consequences are real.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you purchase via the link provided.

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief covering multiple days of military news after a short recording gap. The episode opens with a posthumous Medal of Honor awarded to Staff Sgt. Michael Alice for shielding a Polish soldier during a 2013 Taliban attack—followed by a blunt reminder of why people actually serve. From a 10th Mountain Division deployment to CENTCOM, Golden Knights season prep, and the rising age of Army recruits, the brief moves into jungle medicine training in Hawaii, artillery and demolitions live fire at Schofield Barracks, and Arctic testing of small unmanned aerial systems where batteries and cold collide. Peaches also breaks down Navy deployments, changes to naval aviation training pipelines, Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton and why honeypots are real, a $700 3D-printed Marine Corps drone, AH-1Z missile upgrades, Air Force no-notice ORIs returning, micro-nuclear reactors at Eielson, cheaper cruise missile tests, housing overhauls in the UK, and why USAFA Superintendent Gen. Tony Bauerfeind's departure matters. The episode closes with Space Force warfighting expansion, drone-pilot mental health studies, and renewed Iran nuclear talks. Context, experience, and zero sugarcoating.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and Daily Drop setup 01:00 Medal of Honor for SSG Michael Alice 02:40 Why people actually serve 03:40 10th Mountain Division deployment to CENTCOM 04:30 Golden Knights 2026 season prep 05:10 Rising average age of Army recruits 06:10 Jungle medicine training in Hawaii 07:30 Artillery and demolitions at Schofield Barracks 08:30 Arctic sUAS testing and battery reality 10:10 USS Truxtun deploys to Middle East 11:00 T-45 replacement training concerns 12:30 Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton 14:00 Honeypots explained 15:40 $700 Marine Corps 3D-printed drone 17:00 AH-1Z long-range missile upgrade 18:00 Operator Training Summit Alabama plug 19:40 Air Force no-notice ORIs return 21:00 Micro-reactor program at Eielson AFB 23:00 Rapid cruise missile live-fire test 24:00 UK Air Force housing refurbishment 25:30 USAFA Superintendent departure preview 28:00 Space Force warfighting role expanSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERE Register for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY...

Communication is the backbone of every military operation. How well our forces talk to each other across air, land, sea and space is what sets the American military apart from everyone else. Without communication leaders can't lead, and militaries can't win. From the Global Special Operations Symposium in Athens, Greece, Fran Racioppi sat down with Dr. Lisa Costa, a leading technologist, former Chief Information Officer for U.S. Special Operations Command, and the first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the U.S. Space Force, to discuss how innovation, cyber, and modernization are reshaping Special Operations across all domains.Dr. Costa brings decades of experience at the crossroads of defense, technology, and strategic innovation. From running one of the Department of Defense's largest IT enterprises supporting elite global SOF operations to spearheading digital transformation efforts in the Space Force, she has helped architect the future of how our forces fight, communicate, and adapt.She addressed the evolving threat landscape, including cyber attacks, space domain challenges and why staying ahead through technology, data, and innovation is no longer optional. She emphasized the importance of agility, integration, and forward-thinking capability as the bedrock of a modern force ready for tomorrow's missions.This discussion is about building advantage through technology, strengthening alliances across domains, and protecting America by ensuring the force evolves with the threat.Highlights0:00 Introduction1:36 Welcome to GSOF Europe3:15 USSOCOM CIO & Space Force's CTIO6:02 Communications Evolution8:51 DoD Civilian Workforce13:43 Special Operations LSCO16:41 SOF Space Cyber Triad19:24 The Space Battlefield22:17 Lunar South Pole24:35 War Today26:18 Combatting misinformation28:38 Defining AI30:22 Human in the loop31:33 Guardrailing AI Weaponization34:06 Advancing Time to Technology35:48 Citizen Based37:06 Ground Level Innovation40:46 Buying Commercial Resources45:10 The Next BattlefieldQuotes“I might be the only person wearing both a SOCOM and Space Force pin.” “Communications is absolutely critical.” “It has gone from big bulky equipment to a binary signal.” “Civilians are part of the force.” “I look at SOF as the tool and capability to prevent us going to war.”“The best battle space is the one we never have to put a boot into.” “There is not even a position, navigation, and timing capability on the lunar surface.” “Is it the person who discovered it or the person who gets there first?”“We're fighting for data.”“It's not there because we're using AI.”“I do not define AI as just Large Language Models.”“There are going to be mission specific incidents where AI is going to have to be trusted to make that decision.”“Don't sign up for Chinese AI.”“Operation Spiderweb was one pilot to every drone. That is not scalable.”“It's going to have to take everyone.”“It comes down to the operational planners that are doing that risk assessment.”“I believe that we will rely greatly on commercial assets.”“There are areas of space that we have not taken advantage of.”“I hope that the future of the battle space is much more cognitive.”“I always put the operator in charge of a project, not a PhD.”“Always prepare for the next unknown mission.”Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

This week, David's kids have no spacial awareness, Gavin tries to sneak his kids vegetables, David gets visciously bullied, we come up with new names for "Space Force," and this week we are joined by fashionista and our favorite Brit Charlotte Lyons aka "Disco Baby" who talks to us about starting a clothing brand, the music festival scene, and she finally answers the question: do Europeans have more fun than Americans?"Questions? Comments? Rants? Raves? Send them to GaytriarchsPodcast@gmail.com, or you can DM us anywhere @GaytriarchsPodcast

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and cuts through a wide slate of military news with zero patience for nonsense. From the Army's recruiting age creeping up and a 10th Mountain deployment to the Middle East, to a soldier sentenced for murder at Fort Novosel, this episode stays grounded in accountability and reality. Peaches breaks down why the Army paused the soldier-built VECTOR data tool, what Navy pilots flying Air Force F-35As actually learn from it, and why a former Marine drill instructor's post-release arrest is indefensible. The Air Force brings back no-notice ORIs, lessons learned from Midnight Hammer drive comms upgrades, Space Force stands up a Northern Command component, the Coast Guard responds to deadly maritime incidents, SECDEF Hegseth takes aim at legacy procurement at Blue Origin, and the White House pushes to end the government shutdown. Context over outrage—again.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and Daily Drop kickoff 01:10 Hoist Hydration sponsor 02:30 OTS Alabama 2026 rundown 04:40 Army recruit age increase explained 05:10 10th Mountain Division Middle East deployment 05:45 VECTOR AI tool suspended pending review 07:10 Soldier sentenced for murder at Fort Novosel 08:10 Navy pilots fly Air Force F-35A jets 09:30 Marine drill instructor arrested after early release 10:00 Air Force reinstates no-notice ORIs 11:20 Comms lessons from Midnight Hammer 12:45 Space Force stands up NORTHCOM component 13:20 Coast Guard rescues 27 mariners near Galapagos 14:00 Lily Jean sinking investigation 14:50 SECDEF Hegseth criticizes legacy procurement 15:50 POTUS urges end to government shutdown 16:40 Counter-narcotics strikes continue 17:00 Iran rhetoric and regional posturing 17:40 Russian cargo aircraft arrives in Cuba 18:30 Wrap-up and final thoughts

Space Force & Headlines

In this episode, filmmaker Jake Isham shares how he went from making short films to creating content with over one billion views for brands like Grant Cardone and Callaway. Jake discusses the challenge of balancing creative passion with the business side of marketing and explains why every entrepreneur must be willing to put themselves out there to grow. He breaks down the straightforward "Three Ps" process—Produce, Promote, and Persist—to help you stop blending in and start building a reputation that people notice. Listen in to learn how to use simple storytelling to turn your professional experience into a clear, visible advantage Episode Resources: Jake Isham - Creative Minds | LinkedIn   About Our Guest Jake Isham is a filmmaker-turned-brand strategist and creative director who helps founders and entrepreneurs turn their expertise into authority through powerful storytelling.Over the past decade, Jake has worked with more than 150 entrepreneurs and companies including Grant Cardone, Callaway, 5.11 Tactical, and Travis Mathew creating content that's generated over 1 billion views online. Jake focuses on blending his background in filmmaking with deep marketing strategy, with creating digital shows and social media content for CEOs and entrepreneurs to cut through the noise by crafting content that builds trust, drives visibility, and creates true omnipresence across platforms. Whether scaling a founder-led brand or launching a thought leadership show, Jake brings a unique creative lens and proven playbooks that turn storytelling into growth.     About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and cuts through another stack of headlines the internet is already misreading. From Army AI platforms and Navy F-35A cross-service testing to Marines flying to Norway on a Patriots jet, Space Force acquisition moves, Coast Guard jet skis, and growing counter-drone authorities, this episode is all about context over outrage. Peaches also explains why some Air Force details stay quiet, why AI in cockpits makes people uneasy, how fraud keeps targeting service members, and why another government shutdown feels inevitable. No hype. No speculation. Just what matters—and what doesn't.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and Daily Drop tone 01:40 OTS Alabama plug and pipeline context 03:00 Army Fort Hood case update 03:45 Army CAMO GPT vs GenAI debate 05:00 Navy flying Air Force F-35As at China Lake 06:10 Littoral Combat Ship retention decision 07:30 Marines fly to Norway on Patriots jet 09:20 Air Force Middle East exercise silence 10:30 E-4C airborne command post expansion 12:15 AI cockpit assistance debate 15:30 CENTURY ALOHA exercise overview 16:45 Space Force rapid acquisition tools 18:00 GEO satellite contractor selection 19:10 Coast Guard jet skis for border ops 21:00 Anti-fraud push for service members 22:30 Free TRICARE prescriptions for remote families 23:45 Counter-drone authority expansion 25:00 DoD drone vulnerability report 26:30 Government shutdown outlook 28:00 Final thoughts and wrap-up

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief covering what actually matters across the force—without the internet losing its mind. From a massive Army AI data contract and Navy fatigue countermeasures to Marine Corps technical excellence, Air Force deployment model changes, Space Force's role in Venezuela, and Coast Guard operations in the Pacific, this episode connects policy to reality. Peaches also digs into broken acquisition timelines, submarine delays, NATO dependency truths, Arctic deterrence, defense contracting fraud, household goods reform, and why nuance beats outrage every time. No hype. No fear porn. Just experience, context, and why most headlines miss the point.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Daily Drop intro and attributes-based lens 01:30 Army court-martial and accountability 02:30 $5.6B Army AI / data analytics contract 04:45 Gen AI on government systems explained 06:00 Navy fatigue light therapy trials 07:45 Mine countermeasure ships exit Middle East 08:45 Submarine delays and industrial base issues 10:15 Marine radar repair recognition 11:30 Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 rollout 13:45 A-10 deployment and nose art 15:00 OTS Alabama plug and permissive TDY 17:30 Space Force role in Venezuela operations 18:45 Coast Guard Pacific strike aftermath 20:00 DoD criticism of 8(a) contracting 22:30 Household goods reform explained 24:30 NATO defense reality check 26:00 Arctic unmanned systems 27:30 Global ops roundup and wrap-up

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and covers a wide-open slate of military news the internet is reacting to—often without context. From Army suicide-prevention efforts and Navy substance bans to Marine retention bonuses, Space Force growth pains, Coast Guard legal reversals, and housing infrastructure failures, this episode connects the dots between policy, readiness, and reality. Peaches also breaks down Venezuela's ripple effects, Arctic deterrence, China's AI-driven drone swarms, NATO politics, and why military infrastructure is paying the price for two decades of operational neglect. No panic. No hype. Just context, experience, and why nuance still matters.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and Daily Drop format 01:15 OTS Alabama update and permissive TDY explained 03:00 Army suicide-prevention initiative 04:10 Navy bans kratom and substances 05:10 Navy non-combat death in Djibouti 06:00 Bahrain housing modernization 06:45 Marine Corps retention bonuses 07:40 Air Force helicopter incident findings 09:20 Space Force growth and role confusion 11:30 Coast Guard manslaughter appeal 12:45 New National Defense Strategy questions 14:00 Pentagon vending machine controversy 15:00 Military housing water and mold issues 17:10 Golden Dome missile defense delays 18:20 NATO remarks and allied sacrifices 20:00 Venezuela operation global reactions 21:30 Arctic readiness and deterrence 22:30 China AI drone swarm concerns 24:00 Global naval moves and defense deals 25:30 Final thoughts and wrap-up

SHOW SCHEDULE1-17-251895 PARISLAS VEGAS TUNNELS AND THE RELOCATION OF THE ATHLETICS Colleague Jeff Bliss. Jeff Bliss reports on the expansion of The Boring Company's tunnels in Las Vegas, which use Tesla cars to alleviate traffic congestion. He also discusses the Athletics baseball team's temporary move to Sacramento and the legal complications regarding their team name as they prepare for a permanent move to Las Vegas in 2028. NUMBER 1BIG SUR REOPENS AND COPPER THEFT PLAGUES CALIFORNIA Colleague Jeff Bliss. Highway 1 in Big Sur has reopened after landslide repairs featuring new concrete canopies to protect the road. Bliss also details how copper thieves have crippled infrastructure in Sacramento and Los Angeles, contributing to broader political dissatisfaction with Governor Gavin Newsom regarding crime and the state's management. NUMBER 2FEDERAL IMMUNITY AND THE ICE SHOOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein. Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the legal battle over whether ICE agents have immunity from state prosecution following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. He explains the complexities of absolute versus qualified immunity, arguing that the agents' aggressive conduct might weaken their defense against state charges in this specific instance. NUMBER 3SUPREME COURT LIKELY TO STRIKE DOWN TRUMP TARIFFS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein. Epstein predicts the Supreme Court will invalidate the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, arguing there is no statutory basis for the trade imbalances cited as justification. He anticipates a fractured decision where a centrist block of justices joins liberals to rule that the executive branch exceeded its authority. NUMBER 4MEXICO'S ALIGNMENT WITH DICTATORS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's ideological support for the Cuban and Venezuelan regimes, including increased oil shipments to Havana. She also details a recent train derailment on Mexico's interoceanic line, attributing the failure to secrecy and no-bid contracts managed by the military. NUMBER 5ITALY STABILIZES PENSION COSTS AND CELEBRATES PASTA TARIFF CUTS Colleague Lorenzo Fiori. Lorenzo Fiori reports that despite high pension costs, Italy's economic reforms under Prime Minister Meloni have stabilized the system by increasing employment. Fiori notes that Italy's deficit and inflation have dropped significantly, and he celebrates the US decision to slash tariffs on Italian pasta imports. NUMBER 6SPACE STATION RETURNS, NUCLEAR MOON PLANS, AND BOEING STRUGGLES Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman discusses the early return of an ISS crew due to a medical issue and expresses skepticism about NASA's plan for a lunar nuclear reactor by 2030. He also highlights that the Space Force is shifting launches from ULA to SpaceX due to reliability concerns. NUMBER 7GLOBAL SPACE FAILURES AND CHINA'S REUSABLE CRAFT CLAIMS Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman analyzes a failed Indian rocket launch that lost multiple payloads, though a Spanish prototype survived. He also critiques the European Space Agency for delays in debris removal missions and casts doubt on China's claims regarding a "new" reusable spacecraft, suggesting it relies on older suborbital technology. NUMBER 8DATA CENTERS STRAIN THE ELECTRICAL GRID Colleague Henry Sokolski. Henry Sokolski discusses the surging demand for electricity driven by AI data centers and the White House's proposal to auction power access. He argues that tech companies should finance their own off-grid generation, such as nuclear or gas, rather than forcing ratepayers to subsidize new transmission infrastructure. NUMBER 9ELON MUSK AND THE GOLDEN DOME DEFENSE PROPOSAL Colleague Henry Sokolski. Sokolski evaluates Elon Musk's proposal to create a "Golden Dome" missile defense system for the US. While the concept involves space-based sensors, Sokolski notes concerns regarding monopoly power, the reliance on a single contractor for national security, and the undefined costs of ground-based interceptors. NUMBER 10ECONOMIC LIBERTY AND THE LABOR MARKET IN THE AGE OF AI Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier explores how AI is reshaping the economy, noting that liberal arts graduates may be better positioned than STEM majors to handle new information synthesis. He advises legislators to focus on job creation and a fluid labor market rather than trying to protect obsolete professions through regulation. NUMBER 11EDUCATION REFORM AND THE AVOIDANCE OF A FEDERAL AI DEPARTMENT Colleague Kevin Frazier. Frazier argues for updating education, starting with teacher training in elementary schools and vocational partnerships in high schools, to prepare students for an AI future. He advises against creating a federal Department of AI, suggesting society should adapt to it as advanced computing rather than a unique threat. NUMBER 12SOVIET UNION'S SECRET 1972 LUNAR BASE AMBITIONS AND THE N1 ROCKET FAILURE Colleague Anatoli Zak, Publisher of RussianSpaceWeb.com. Anatoli Zak explains that in 1972, the Soviet Union pursued the L3M project to establish a permanent lunar base, refusing to concede the moon race immediately. However, repeated failures of the N1 rocket and the financial strain of competing with the US Space Shuttle eventually forced the program's cancellation. NUMBER 13ISS LAUNCHPAD ACCIDENT AND RUSSIA'S NUCLEAR ROLE IN CHINESE MOON BASE Colleague Anatoli Zak, Publisher of RussianSpaceWeb.com. A launchpad collapse has halted Russian cargo missions to the ISS, endangering the propellant supply required for critical orbit maintenance. Zak also details Russia's attempt to join China's lunar ambitions, with the Kurchatov Institute developing a nuclear reactor to provide electricity for a future Chinese moon base. NUMBER 14PERU NAMED NON-NATO PARTNER AS US COUNTERS CHINESE INFLUENCE Colleague Oscar Sumar, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Universidad Científica del Sur. Oscar Sumar discusses Peru's designation as a US non-NATO partner, a move designed to counter Chinese geopolitical expansion through infrastructure like the Chancay port. Sumar warns that while cultural ties are strong, the Chinese Communist Party poses a threat to Peru's democratic stability and political transparency. NUMBER 15ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN INDICATORS AND SECRECY AT THE WHITE HOUSE Colleague Jim McTague, Former Washington Editor of Barron's. Jim McTague observes unusually light traffic and retail activity in Washington, D.C. and Lancaster, signaling a potential economic slowdown. He notes blocked views of White House construction and predicts a recession driven by rising state taxes and the depletion of pandemic-era stimulus funds for local governments. NUMBER 16

SPACE STATION RETURNS, NUCLEAR MOON PLANS, AND BOEING STRUGGLES Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman discusses the early return of an ISS crew due to a medical issue and expresses skepticism about NASA's plan for a lunar nuclear reactor by 2030. He also highlights that the Space Force is shifting launches from ULA to SpaceX due to reliability concerns. NUMBER 71953

SHOW SCHEDULE1-14-251920 SALT RIVER China Urges Canada to Break from US Influence. Guests: CHARLES BURTON and GORDON CHANG. China is pressuring Canada to adopt "strategic autonomy" and distance itself from US influence as PM Mark Carney visits Beijing. Despite myths of economic salvation through Chinese trade, experts argue Canada'sexports to China remain minimal. Concerns persist regarding fentanyl production, Arctic neglect, and Chineseespionage. China's "Hollow Power" in Iran and Venezuela. Guests: GORDON CHANG and CHARLES BURTON. China's influence appears limited as it fails to substantively support struggling allies like Venezuela's Maduro or the Iranian regime. While China remains a major purchaser of discounted Iranian oil, it has proven unable to dictate events against US pressure. Experts describe China as a "hollow power." Trump's Iran Tariff Threat and China Trade Rift. Guest: ALAN TONELSON. President Trump's threat of a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran significantly impacts China, which values this trade for political and symbolic reasons. China has already failed to meet its previous trade obligations, including soybean purchases and rare earth export licenses. Europe remains economically vulnerable. Electricity Costs, AI Demand, and Venezuela's Oil Reality. Guest: BUD WEINSTEIN. Rising US electricity prices, up 30-35% over five years, are driven by data center and AI growth alongside infrastructure underinvestment. Meanwhile, Venezuelan oil is deemed impractical for US demand due to high extraction costs and political instability. Rebuilding these fields would require massive, high-risk investments. Chinese Sinister Intentions in Cuba and Nicaragua. Guest: STEVE YATES. China maintains a significant presence in Cuba, utilizing the island for intelligence gathering and signals facilities targeted at the United States. As Venezuela's oil subsidies to Cuba potentially end, the island faces economic collapse. The US may utilize travel restrictions and economic pressure as leverage. The Risks of Venezuelan Oil and Soaring Copper Prices. Guest: SIMON CONSTABLE. American oil companies remain reluctant to invest in Venezuela due to the historical risk of nationalization and decayed infrastructure. In commodity markets, copper has reached an "astronomical" price of over $6 per pound, leading to a surge in theft from electronics and bridges globally. Artemis 2 Safety Concerns and SpaceX Dominance. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. The Artemis 2 manned mission faces controversy over unresolved Orion heat shield damage observed during previous tests. Meanwhile, SpaceX has secured a monopoly on recent Space Force contracts, signaling a shift toward prioritizing reliability and cost over redundancy. China has filed for 200,000 new satellites. Scouting Mars for Helicopters and the Search for Alien Life. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. Scientists are scouting landing sites for future Mars helicopters in areas containing near-surface ice, potentially for future Starship missions. Research suggests liquid water may have existed on Mars three billion years ago under protective ice sheets. Recent SETI results analyzed billions of data points without finding definitive alien signals. Venezuela's Power Vacuum and the Path Forward. Guest: MARY KISSEL, Executive Vice President at Stephens Incorporated. Mary Kissel discusses the "unfinished" state of Venezuela following the removal of Maduro, characterizing the remaining leadership as "thugs" and "gangs" focused on drug money. She explores the roles of Cuba, regional neighbors like Colombia and Brazil, and the Vatican's new moral leadership in the region. Iran in Transition: Assessing a Regime on the Brink. Guest: MARY KISSEL, Executive Vice President at Stephens Incorporated. John Batchelor and Mary Kissel analyze reports of Iran's potential collapse, citing internet blackouts and regime brutality. They discuss potential U.S. interventions, such as kinetic strikes or Starlinkaccess, and evaluate whether Reza Pahlavi is a credible transitional leader amidst concerns of the country breaking into ethnic factions. The Intellectual Factions of the "New Right". Guest: PETER BERKOWITZ, Hoover Institution Senior Fellow. Peter Berkowitz outlines the fracturing of the "New Right" into factions like national conservatives and post-liberals. Referencing Laura K. Field's book, Furious Minds, he notes these groups often reject Lockeanprinciples in the Declaration of Independence. However, he distinguishes these intellectuals from typical, non-ideological Trump voters. The New Right's Radical Rejection of Traditional Republicanism. Guest: PETER BERKOWITZ, Hoover Institution Senior Fellow. Berkowitz contrasts the New Right's desire for state-led social reform with the Republican Party's traditional focus on liberty and limited government. He discusses Michael Anton's views on the "right of revolution" and warns that attacking classical liberalism risks eroding essential protections against bigotry and persecution in America. Plunging Russian Oil Prices and the Impact of Global Sanctions. Guest: MICHAEL BERNSTAM. Russian oil prices are dropping significantly, with some major brands selling between $34 and $35 per barrel. Westernsanctions and global supply gluts allow buyers like China and India to extract massive discounts. Future stability in Iran could further increase competition, driving Russian revenues and taxes even lower. Pakistan's $1.5 Billion Arms Deal with Sudan and China's Strategic Influence. Guests: RICK FISHER and GORDON CHANG. Pakistan is nearing a deal to supply jets and drones to Sudan, likely funded by Saudi Arabia. China uses these transactions to establish alternative security structures in the Middle East. Experts suggest China prefers ongoing conflict over peace to maximize profits and regional influence. The Collapse of the Chinese Real Estate Market and Economic Stagnation. Guests: ANNE STEVENSON-YANG and GORDON CHANG. China's property sector faces a permanent downturn, with prices dropping 30–60% and enough vacant apartments to house billions. The government lacks the funds for a rescue. Xi Jinping'sfocus on high-tech is insufficient to replace real estate, which previously accounted for 25% of GDP. The China-Iran Partnership: Oil, Surveillance, and Regional Stability. Guest: JACK BURNHAM. Chinamaintains a pragmatic "partnership" with Iran, focused on extracting discounted oil. Beijing provides surveillance technology to help the Iranian regime suppress internal protests while officially calling for stability. Additionally, Chinese or Russian technology is suspected of disrupting Starlink satellites to hinder military communications.

Artemis 2 Safety Concerns and SpaceX Dominance. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. The Artemis 2 manned mission faces controversy over unresolved Orion heat shield damage observed during previous tests. Meanwhile, SpaceX has secured a monopoly on recent Space Force contracts, signaling a shift toward prioritizing reliability and cost over redundancy. China has filed for 200,000 new satellites.1963