E2: Russia’s “Frankenstein” Tanks, F-16s to Ukraine, Military Pay Raises

Open Comms

Jun 2 2023 • 30 mins

Welcome to another episode of Open Comms, brought to you by Carmigo, the easiest way to sell your car on the internet.

In today's episode, Zach and Erik discuss an interesting article from Task & Purpose titled "Russia is so low on armor it’s putting artillery and naval guns on old vehicles." The article highlights Russia's shortage of armor and how they are repurposing old vehicles by equipping them with artillery and naval guns. This development could potentially indicate Russia's need to adapt to their limited resources.

Next, we dive into one of this week's top stories from We Are The Mighty about the United States greenlighting the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine. During the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, President Biden informed his counterparts about the United States' support for training Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter aircraft. The details of the transfers, including the timing and delivery logistics, are yet to be determined. This decision opens up possibilities for Ukraine to receive F-16s and other Western fighters.

Another article from We Are The Mighty reports on the firing of the commanding officer of the Navy destroyer USS John Finn. The reasons behind this action are not specified, but it highlights the importance of accountability and leadership within the military.

We also discuss the impact of military pay raises in 2023. While the pay raises offer a fighting chance against inflation and the potential to improve recruitment, there are concerns about the strain it can put on the federal budget and the argument that the raise isn't sufficient.

Lastly, we delve into an entertaining article about the various indicators that make someone look like a Marine. The article humorously highlights elements such as a distinctive haircut, an EGA (Eagle, Globe, and Anchor) emblem, a specific watch or bracelet, a knife, and other obscure indicators that contribute to the Marine aesthetic.

Join us on this episode of Open Comms as we explore these topics and discuss their implications. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the world of military and veteran culture.

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