A Chinese naval vessel was observed patrolling near Hawaii this week, as confirmed by an Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) spokesperson. The military is monitoring the vessel operating in international waters near Hawaii, though the vessel’s specific location and mission remain undisclosed. This event follows recent displays of Chinese naval power in the Pacific, including deployments of aircraft carriers and increased military maneuvers around Taiwan. The presence of the Chinese vessel aligns with China’s growing naval capabilities, which include the largest navy globally, highlighting the ongoing strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Russia Sees France as Its Main Enemy in Europe, French General Says – Hmm, so the word is out, isn’t it? Apparently, a French General has dropped the bombshell that Russia considers France to be its primary adversary within Europe. That’s a bold claim, and it immediately sparks a flurry of questions and, let’s be honest, a bit of a chuckle. I mean, for a while there, it seemed like every week the “main enemy” title was being tossed around like a hot potato. One week it was the UK, the next it was Germany. And now, it’s France? What gives?… Continue reading
Russia is reportedly considering retiring and scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, after years of costly repairs and setbacks. The vessel, plagued by mechanical failures and accidents since its launch in 1990, has been undergoing an extensive overhaul since 2018 with repeated delays. With the work suspended, discussions are now underway between the Russian Navy and shipbuilding authorities. Experts believe the carrier is outdated, and its retirement would leave Russia without an operational carrier, prompting debate about future naval capabilities and priorities.
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Japan has lodged a strong protest with China following multiple instances of Chinese fighter jets flying dangerously close to Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft over the East China Sea. The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber came within 30 meters of a Japanese YS-11EB aircraft. Japan’s Foreign Ministry conveyed “serious concern” to the Chinese Ambassador, urging China to prevent accidental collisions and cease such actions. These incidents follow previous accusations of close encounters, occurring amid warming economic ties between the two nations, highlighted by the recent agreement on animal health and quarantine as well as China’s partial lifting of the ban on Japanese seafood imports.
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Overnight on July 6, reports emerged from Russian media indicating a drone attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai. While Ukraine has not confirmed involvement, air raid sirens were activated and air defenses engaged. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted numerous drones across several regions, including Bryansk, Kursk, and Oryol Oblasts. The attacks caused flight disruptions at several airports, including Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
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Military communities are grappling with the implications of deploying the armed forces domestically, a situation that has broken constitutional norms and sparked internal concerns. Veterans like Brittany Ramos DeBarros see this as a catalyst for organizing, as service members and their families seek support and grapple with difficult moral choices. The legal complexities surrounding unlawful orders are also a significant issue, with service members facing the potential for court-martial and imprisonment for defiance, or moral injury for compliance. Ultimately, the situation places military personnel in a challenging position, forcing them to navigate a complex landscape of legal and ethical considerations.
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On July 5th, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in coordination with other defense forces, conducted an attack on the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast. The base houses Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft. The General Staff reported that the strike hit a stockpile of guided aerial bombs and a military training aircraft, with other aircraft likely damaged as well. Further information regarding the attack’s consequences is still being confirmed.
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As the specter of fascism looms, some U.S. military members grapple with whether to defy potentially illegal orders. Calls to the GI Rights Hotline and the Center on Conscience & War have surged, indicating growing concerns about the military being used as a tool for authoritarianism. Service members fear being forced to participate in actions that violate their principles, particularly concerning anti-immigrant policies and the erosion of democratic norms. These concerns extend to military families who worry about the blurring lines between military, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement, and potential damage to community relationships. While service members have the right to refuse illegal orders, the consequences of dissent can be severe, leading to loss of benefits, rank, and even imprisonment.
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US military says 200 Marines being sent to support ICE in Florida.
Wow, the news that 200 Marines are being deployed to support ICE in Florida is definitely stirring up a lot of strong reactions. It’s hard to ignore the immediate questions that come to mind: Why? What exactly is the role they’ll be playing? And perhaps most importantly, what are the implications of blurring the lines between the military and civilian law enforcement? The initial reaction seems to be a mix of disbelief, concern, and outright anger. It’s understandable, really.
Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks.
It’s important to note that, officially, these Marines are being assigned to administrative and logistical tasks.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood