Welcome to another action-packed episode of Open Comms, proudly brought to you by Alpha Elite Performance! Save 15% off your first order from Alpha Elite Performance with code RATEDRED: https://alphaeliteperformance.com/    In today's epsiode, Zach and Erik discuss the following topics: Pentagon Sends Marines to Middle East Amid Iran Hijacking Attempts: The tension rises as Iran attempts to seize commercial ships in the Middle East. In response, a Marine Expeditionary Unit is deploying to the CENTCOM area of operations. Discover the measures being taken and the implications on regional security. U.S. Soldier Ditches Flight Home, Crosses into North Korea: A daring tale unfolds as a U.S. service member defies all odds by crossing into North Korea during an orientation tour. We explore the soldier's backstory, potential motives, and the ramifications of his actions. Competing Bills in Congress on Army Combat Fitness Test: The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) sparks debates in Congress, with two bills offering contrasting approaches. One seeks gender-neutral standards, while the other proposes a return to the previous APFT. We analyze the implications and the impact on the Armed Forces. Why Some Liquors Are Designated 'Navy Strength': Ever wondered why certain liquors are known as 'Navy Strength'? We dive into history, exploring the reasons behind this classification and the role it played during naval operations. National Guard's Missing Humvee in California A puzzling case unfolds as a Humvee goes missing from the Santa Rosa National Guard Armory. We discuss the mysterious disappearance and the ongoing search for the vehicle. Chechen Military and UFC Fighters: Who Reigns Supreme? We explore the world of the Chechen military and their reputation for being formidable warriors. We speculate on how famous Navy Seals and Special Forces members would fare in the octagon against UFC fighters. Stay tuned for all this and more on Open Comms, your one-stop podcast for military news, captivating stories, and intriguing insights. Remember to use code "RatedRed" for 15% off your order at Alpha Elite Performance, a veteran-owned business. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now! Zach Bell, Veteran With A Sign: https://veteranwithasign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/veteranwithasign  https://www.tiktok.com/@veteranwithasign  https://www.facebook.com/veteranwithasign    Erik Bartell: https://www.erikbartell.com/  https://www.instagram.com/realerikbartell/  https://www.tiktok.com/@realerikbartell    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/realratedred  Twitter - http://twitter.com/realratedred  Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/realratedred  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedred    For all of today's stories head over to: http://www.RatedRed.com

Join us for another episode of Open Comms where we delve into the latest news and stories affecting the U.S. military. This week we cover the leadership vacuum in the U.S. Marine Corps, Senator Tommy Tuberville blocking military promotions, the alleged fraud carried out by an Army Reserve Major against Gold Star families, and more. In addition, we discuss a touching story about a service dog killed in a violent arrest and how the far-right's obsession with fitness is going digital. We also talk about Buc-ee's and how the biggest one is now in Tennessee. Save $50 with Carmigo today: https://app.carmigo.io/#/origin/OPENCOMMS350    Save 15% off your first order from Alpha Elite Performance with code RATEDRED: https://alphaeliteperformance.com/    Zach Bell, Veteran With A Sign: https://veteranwithasign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/veteranwithasign  https://www.tiktok.com/@veteranwithasign  https://www.facebook.com/veteranwithasign    Erik Bartell: https://www.erikbartell.com/  https://www.instagram.com/realerikbartell/  https://www.tiktok.com/@realerikbartell    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/realratedred  Twitter - http://twitter.com/realratedred  Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/realratedred  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedred    For all of today's stories head over to: http://www.RatedRed.com

Save $50 with Carmigo today: https://app.carmigo.io/#/origin/OPENCOMMS350 Save 15% off your first order from Alpha Elite Performance with code RATEDRED: https://alphaeliteperformance.com/ Join hosts Zach Bell and Eric Bartell as they kick things off by celebrating the Army's birthday and teasing a special video by Chandler Messi. They delve into an impactful Medal of Honor speech by David Bellavia and announce the retirement of US Marine Corps member, Tyler Vargas Andrews.  This episode takes a deep dive into the high-profile OceanGate submarine implosion incident, analyzing the motivations and risks involved. The hosts also discuss the halted rebellion by the Wagner Group and provide an in-depth analysis of the conflict's potential fallout and Russia's response. Transitioning to fitness and wellness, the discussion explores Robert F Kennedy Jr's workout video, gym culture, and the need for dedicated workout spaces.  The show promotes Alpha Elite Performance as a leading fitness solution. The conversation takes a futuristic turn as the hosts introduce robotic dogs equipped with flamethrowers, discussing their potential for surveillance and their depiction in popular culture. The episode concludes with a commentary on generational differences in the military, focusing on the use of cell phones in boot camp and sharing humorous anecdotes from their personal experiences. (00:00): Introduction to the Open Comms show by Zach Rebel and Eric Bartell, mention of a video by Chandler Messi. (01:21): David Bellavia's Medal of Honor speech discussion. (03:12): Retirement announcement of Tyler Vargas Andrews from the US Marine Corps. (05:42): Discussion on the OceanGate submarine implosion incident. (13:27): Start of the discussion on the halted rebellion by the Wagner group. (15:42): Analysis of the tension between Putin and his right-hand man concerning the Wagner Group. (21:41): Transition into fitness discussion, promotion of Alpha Elite Performance, and review of Robert F Kennedy Jr's workout video. (27:32): Introduction of robotic dogs with flamethrowers and their potential spying capabilities.  (33:13): Commentary on generational differences in the military and discussion on cell phones usage in boot camp. (36:19): Promotion for Alpha Elite Performance and closing remarks by hosts. Zach Bell, Veteran With A Sign: https://veteranwithasign.com/  https://www.instagram.com/veteranwithasign/ https://www.tiktok.com/@veteranwithasign https://www.facebook.com/veteranwithasign Erik Bartell: https://www.erikbartell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/realerikbartell https://www.tiktok.com/@realerikbartell Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/realratedred Twitter - http://twitter.com/realratedred Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/realratedred TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedred For all of today's stories head over to: http://www.RatedRed.com

Welcome to another episode of Open Comms, brought to you by Carmigo, the easiest way to sell your car on the internet. Save $50 with Carmigo today: https://app.carmigo.io/#/origin/OPENCOMMS  On this week's Open Comms episode, Zach and Erik tackle the recent UFO whistleblower news and analyze the mysterious footage that's emerging. Also on the docket: discussion about the Navy's recent commander dismissal and a look back at the military celebrity softball game. We have a blend of intriguing news, military updates, and some good old banter in this episode.  0:00 - Intro 0:49 - Wearing Shorts 2:35 - Celebrity Military Softball Game 5:28 - Zach Recounts Snake In Trees Incident 7:50 - D-Day Anniversary 10:49 - UFO Whistleblower 14:28 - Support Our Show 15:47 - Navy Fired Another Commander 18:50 - Military Denying Medical Malpractice of Dead Soldier Zach Bell, Veteran With A Sign: https://veteranwithasign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/veteranwithasign https://www.tiktok.com/@veteranwithasign https://www.facebook.com/veteranwithasign Erik Bartell:  https://www.erikbartell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/realerikbartell/  https://www.tiktok.com/@realerikbartell    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/realratedred  Twitter - http://twitter.com/realratedred  Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/realratedred  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedred    For all of today's stories head over to: http://www.RatedRed.com

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.

Welcome to Open Comms! Today they're discussing the disrespect at the WWII memorial, transitioning out of the Marine Corps, the recent news surrounding Camp Lejeune and the VA. 0:00 - Open 0:22 - World War II Memorial Disrespected 5:06 - VA Article (Research To Save Veterans) 7:46 - Transitioning Out Of The Marine Corps 13:56 - News Surrounding The Taliban 16:23 - Discussing Tyler Vargas Andrews 20:20 - Erik Recounts Experience In Afghanistan 23:07 - Recent Study On Chemicals At Camp Lejeune 26:39 - Fort Moore, formerly Fort Benning 32:40 - Talking About The VA service in Korea and Vietnam, and the impact his memoir had on infantry circles.