Category Archives: Foreign Policy Research & Analysis
The Biden Administration’s Attempts to Micromanage Israel
I wrote this quote several years ago. It seems to be appropriate for the Biden Administration’s constant carping about Israel’s operational methods in eradicating Hamas.
RNSK Vol 2, Edition 6
China: Getting to Know America’s Main Competitor
Published July 8, 2022
Americans need to start familiarizing themselves with China beyond knowing that they have a Great Wall, good food, and a high percentage of our consumer goods are made there! Friction between China and America will increase, and each country needs to prepare for the possibility of severing relations due to armed conflict. As the saying goes, “Know Your Enemy.” Obviously, no one wants a war between the two countries, but it would be foolish to not be prepared. Shown below is a basic primer about China.
Ciao,
Steve Miller, IAPWE – Certified & Member
Managing Editor
The Report on National Security Kinetics™
Seattle, WA. USA
vietvetsteve@millermgmtsys.com
Steve Miller © 2022 – All Rights Reserved
RNSK Vol 2, Edition 5
UPDATE: American Weaponry & Gear Sent to Ukraine
Published July 8, 2022
In the 12 months preceding Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, the U.S. supplied approximately $700 million in military weaponry & gear. From the commencement of hostilities until July 1st, Ukraine has received $6.9 billion in military equipment, weaponry, and munitions from the U.S. The DoD announced on July 1st that an additional $820 million in military hardware was on its way to Ukraine.
For anyone familiar with the cost of military logistics, which encompasses the purchasing, transportation, storage, repair and inventorying of everything a military unit needs to function, it’s a massive, complex and costly endeavor. Numerous estimates have been reported on the annual cost of a soldier deployed to a war zone. It runs from $850,000-$1.4 mil. Granted, these are U.S. military costs, and Ukraine’s are likely half as much, if that. Regardless, you get the point that combat forces burn through an incredible amount of money to sustain the fight. By time U.S. and NATO equipment arrives in Ukraine, it’s quickly distributed. They don’t have the luxury of stockpiling.
Here’s a list of military gear that comprises the new $820 million package.
• 36,000 105mm artillery rounds;
• 126 Tactical Vehicles to tow 155mm Howitzers;
• 19 Tactical Vehicles to recover equipment;
• Eight High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and ammunition;
• Two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS);
• 20 Mi-17 helicopters;
• 400+ Up-Armored Humvees;
• 200 M113 Armored Personnel Carriers;
• 10,000+ M203 grenade launchers, M4 Rifles and M9 Pistols;
• 59+ million rounds of small arms ammunition (including AK-47 ammo);
• 75,000 sets of body armor and helmets;
• 121 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• 1,000 AGR-20 70mm APKWS Laser-guided rocket systems;
• Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• Six Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels;
• 26 counter-artillery radars;
• Four counter-mortar radars;
• Four air surveillance radars;
• Two harpoon coastal defense systems;
• 18 coastal and riverine patrol boats;
• Explosive ordnance disposal protective gear;
• Medical supplies, including first-aid kits, and CBRNE protective gear;
• Electronic jamming equipment;
• Training, maintenance & sustainment
Ciao,
Steve Miller, IAPWE – Certified & Member
Managing Editor
The Report on National Security Kinetics™
Seattle, WA. USA
vietvetsteve@millermgmtsys.com
Steve Miller © 2022 – All Rights Reserved
RNSK Vol 2, Edition 3
How Knowledgeable Is The Average American About World Events & Trends?
Published July 3, 2022
In a nutshell: Americans are not as knowledgeable as they could, or should be.
Most people are aware of the American phrase,“Land of the Free.” Many Americans translate this freedom into “doing-their-own-thing,” meaning: “I am free to know as little as possible about anything happening at home or abroad.”
An amusing example of this philosophy can be found numerous times on You Tube. One of America’s best known comedians, Jay Leno, hosted a late night talk show for two decades. Leno frequently recorded a shtick during the day for use on the show later that night. He called it “Jay Walking.” Leno would go outside with a microphone and cameraman, and talk to passersby on the streets of Hollywood. One of his favorite questions was showing someone a picture of President Bush, and asking, “Who is this?” A high percentage of people had no clue who Bush was!
Here are some examples of legitimate questions asked by major polling organizations, such as, Gallup, the New York Times, and others. The question results are pretty scary!
1. 28% of those surveyed thought the United States and the Soviet Union fought each other in World War II; 44% did not know they were allies.
2. Three previous nuclear weapons treaties had already been completed by time the fourth nuclear treaty, SALT II, was inked. Right after SALT II was signed, American adults were polled about the two participants; 77% of the respondents did not know the treaty was between the Soviets and Americans.
3. Only 10 years after the Vietnam War was over – a war that claimed 58,000 American lives – less than 60% of American adults knew the U.S. fought on the side of South Vietnam.
These are just a few examples that demonstrate the frustrating apathy that is ever-present in American society. I am proud to be an American; but, it does not make the foregoing any easier to rationalize.
Even though globalization is spreading like wildfire, a large segment of the American population still lives their life in isolation, much like they did 100 years ago. The biggest difference back then versus now is: In 1920 a hard-scrabble life was common among Americans, but they still strongly believed in a participative democracy where the individual was subordinated to the whole.
Today’s America is more about redefining the meaning of democracy to focus on individualism, and the subordination of the whole.
Ciao,
Steve Miller, IAPWE – Certified & Member
Managing Editor
The Report on National Security Kinetics™
Seattle, WA. USA
vietvetsteve@millermgmtsys.com
The REPORT on NATIONAL SECURITY KINETICS™ 