FRIDAY PDB – Middle East-focused Marine command cancels birthday ball. The Marine Corps component of U.S. Central Command (MARCENT) canceled its annual birthday ball, citing “unforeseen operational commitments.”
Marine Corps Forces Central Command's birthday ball had been slated for Nov. 16 as a celebration of the Marine Corps' Nov. 10 birthday.
“Because of the uncertain situation, the MARCENT Commander wants to avoid a last-minute cancellation that would burden Marines, families, veterans, and members of the community with trying to recoup money from ticket sales, reservations, etc.”
The “tough decision” to cancel the ball was attributed to “the dynamic and uncertain security environment in the CENTCOM (area of responsibility).”
The command counts 21 countries in the Middle East and surrounding regions in its area of responsibility, but it is located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, just south of Tampa.
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here's a roundup of today's other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
Not the President's Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL'S DAILY BRIEFING – the PDB:
ISRAEL'S WAR AGAINST HAMAS TERROR
Satellites and social media offer hints about Israel's ground war strategy in Gaza. Technology is providing clues about where Israeli forces are moving, and the overall strategy.
Haredi Jews, exempt from Israel's military service mandate, sign up to fight. ‘During wartime, we must all do the maximum. Anyone who isn't studying Torah full time should contribute.'
Israel uses F-35I to shoot down cruise missile, a first for Joint Strike Fighter. While this is the first known use of an F-35 to take down an incoming missile, the concept, at least on paper, is not new.
US says it has intelligence showing Russia's Wagner group may send air defense system to Hezbollah. The Russian paramilitary group may soon aid the Iran-backed Lebanese terror militia.
As tensions rise over Israel's fight in Gaza, why a UAE official says Trump-led Abraham Accords will endure. As anger in the Arab world grows, analysts said Abu Dhabi is looking further into the future and at the economic and defense benefits of the 2020 deal.
US SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
US flying drones over Gaza in search of hostages. American surveillance drones have been flying Hamas territory since the Palestinian terrorist group attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
GOING TO PRESSURE ISRAEL FOR A ‘PAUSE'? – 74 US dual nationals have left Gaza Strip as Biden dispatches Blinken to Mideast. Joe Biden announced the development as his top diplomat lands the Middle East for consultation with Israeli and Jordanian leaders.
How arming Saudi Arabia helped Israel and the U.S. The more Saudi Arabia can intercept missiles and drones headed north from Yemen, the less effort Israel will have to spend on defeating those attacks.
House passes Israel military aid bill. The House on Thursday passed 226-196 a $14.3 billion Israel military aid bill mainly along party lines, with most Democrats objecting to the Internal Revenue Service cuts in the bill as they push to take up a larger package that also includes Ukraine assistance.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Inflection point: How to reverse the erosion of US and allied military power and influence. As diplomatic efforts in Europe and Asia intensify, so too should U.S. military planning and preparations for a world that is drastically different and more dangerous than it was just a decade ago.
ANTI-CAS AIR FORCE MANIPULATED TESTS – BURIED RESULTS – The A-10 and F-35 competed in close air support (CAS) tests years ago. The report just surfaced. One prominent HASC member said he sticks behind the F-35.
HOMELAND SECURITY – LAW ENFORCEMENT
Trump White House aide points to Jan. 6 National Guard call-up in 14th Amendment trial. Kash Patel on Wednesday denied claims that President Trump chose not to call up the National Guard during the Jan. 6 riots or delayed efforts to approve their deployments. AS I HAVE REPEATEDLY DOCUMENTED.
Former soldier who threatened mass shooting at Fort Irwin arrested. Beyer was previously arrested for assault with intent to inflict harm, domestic violence, and disrespect toward an NCO.
CHINA THREAT
US, Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, China says US ‘hyped up' transit. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed through the Taiwan Strait Thursday.
Chinese jet fired flares close to Canadian submarine-hunting helicopter in South China Sea. The flares were recklessly fired in front of the military helicopter over international waters last Sunday. They could have downed the aircraft.
RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR
As Ukraine braces for winter drone attacks, allies rush to provide defenses. But some of the very latest U.S. systems are being held back—so far.
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 618. Two people were killed, and the power supply was disrupted in Russian shelling of Ukraine's southern Kherson region. “Hell's night in Stanislav. There were more than 40 hits in the village.”
Top Ukrainian general's gloomy view of Russia war fuels military aid debate. Gen. Valery Zaluzhnyy wants more weapons from the West to break through a “stalemate.”
War in Ukraine loosens Russia's grip on its own backyard. Members of Moscow-led military and economic alliances move to diversify ties, turning to China and the West.
IRAN THREAT
DO SOMETHING, BIDEN! – Heavily armed drone hit US barracks in Iraq, failed to detonate. A drone laden with explosives believed to have been launched by an Iranian-backed militia crashed into the upper floor of a U.S. barracks at a base in Iraq but failed to detonate. It could have killed dozens of troops.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Space Force takes over missile-warning ground stations previously run by the Army. Joint Tactical Ground Stations in Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Qatar receive data from missile-warning satellites.
Pact nearly ready that would widen US military access in Finland. It would give U.S. forces exclusive access to a range of bases in Finland, where weaponry and other gear could be stored as part of a new bilateral defense agreement.
Uganda captures chief of ISIL-linked militia blamed for tourist murders. The ADF chief is arrested in a raid that kills six members of his squad, according to the government.
US MILITARY
Inside the Air Force's newest SOF career: special reconnaissance. In most professions, the path of least resistance is the best, but the opposite is often true for the Air Force's newest special warfare field: special reconnaissance (SR).
Another new B-21 photo shows mysterious vertical features. New tail-end images of the first B-21 bomber undergoing engine and taxi tests outside Northrop Grumman's facilities in Palmdale, Calif. show new vertical features that have industry experts scratching their heads.
Senate finally confirms Adm. Franchetti as Navy's top officer. Lisa Franchetti becomes the first woman to serve as the Navy's chief of naval operations and as a Joint Chiefs of Staff member.
No. 2 Marine confirmed by Senate amid top Marine's health crisis. Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney will perform the duties of commandant while Commandant Gen. Eric Smith remains hospitalized.
END of PDB
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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