Ben Hodges

Geting some nice experience and education at the NATO School in Oberammergau.

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Geting some nice experience and education at the NATO School in Oberammergau.

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The Ukrainian operation in Kursk is almost into its third week. How might Russia respond in the coming days and weeks, and what are its medium and long term options for dealing with the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory? My latest at Futura Doctrina. #Ukraine #strategy #military #leadership #adaptation https://lnkd.in/gS2XkDaY

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Berlin tames its bear back into the family of European nation-states with independent defense capabilities. Die WELT (Kristian Frigelj) reports how the Federal Minister of Defense is working on various models to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr. There are three options to choose from for a return to military service. Option one provides for voluntary military service, in which all citizens from the age of 18 are sent information, fill out an online questionnaire if interested and can take advantage of voluntary counseling. Option two is a selective military service with an obligation for men to fill out the questionnaire and possibly be mustered, while there is still voluntariness for women. The third option is considered the most far-reaching model, because the online questionnaire would be equally mandatory for men and women aged 18 and over. While the left-wing coalition government is hosting Eurojackpot, for instance the FDP parliamentary group rejecting compulsory service or military service, the opposition AfD group has a clear-cut recipe: "Option two is currently the best choice. It can be implemented quickly by the legislator and ties in with the familiar system. Option three could be prepared and finally implemented in parallel. Conscription for all must be seriously discussed," said defence policy spokesman Rüdiger Lucassen. For his parliamentary group, it is clear that conscription can only take place "in the German interest". According to the AfD, this means "not sending troops to Ukraine, neither today nor in the future," Lucassen said. Well, the fact remains that Bundeswehr has faced years of deprivation on their home soil. While the approval ratings for Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) and his left-wing coalition government are sinking in a spiraling way, it seems to oppose defense related spending, including the compulsory conscription. The peacetime scale of at least 230,000 German soldiers is appropriate and realistic. In addition, a reserve of at least 100,000 men integrated into the active troops is needed, half of which is a permanent reserve unit with compulsory military service. For Germany, a mixture of "option two and option three" type of conscription is necessary. And there is lot to be learned from the old ally in up North, namely Finland - in the area of compulsory military service and how to secure the vital functions of society, keeping them apart from ever fluctuating internal politics and and ideologically loaded devaluations, some severe consequences.  #germany #europeandefense #afd #fdp #spd #bundeswehr #berlin #finland Check out the WELT report:

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Potential for Regional Escalation: Israel’s Strategic Response to Recent Iranian Attacks and the Absence of Coordinated Aggression Israel links the strategic necessity of a military response to recent Iranian attacks with preparations for a potential larger conflict in the region. The targets struck last night were, therefore, hardly surprising. The lack of coordination between Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria allows Israel to address these actors individually and systematically weaken their capabilities before they can unite for a coordinated strike. The question remains as to why, fortunately, no coordinated attack by these groups occurred on October 7, and whether there are agreements extending beyond the Middle East with China and Russia (Moscow-Tehran-Beijing axis).

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The event saw participation from senior level representatives from NATO Member Nations and Partners, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) and the Joint Force Command. During the discussion, Major General Folmer highlighted the need for #collaboration across the Alliance to achieve #multidomain operations and affirmed that "NCIA will continue working towards enhanced #interconnectivity across all domains and greater multi-domain #situationalawareness to achieve MDO and address current and #future challenges." Strategic Command Belgian Cyber Command Cyber and Information Domain Service German Armed Forces | Cyber- und Informationsraum Bundeswehr National Security Agency U.S. Cyber Command French cyber command Parsons Corporation SentinelOne Geollect Intelligent Waves Ofek 324 Unit - IAF Sekoia.io SpiderOak Mission Systems

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My latest regular update on conflict and confrontation in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Pacific, accompanied by recommended readings on the character of modern war and planning for future conflict is now available. #Ukraine #Kursk #military #leadership #strategy #adaptation #war https://lnkd.in/gJ63XcmR

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The Future of Warfare U.S. Military: Competition and Contestation | GSF Seth Jones with a panel of the U.S. vice chiefs https://lnkd.in/dB5kgj5z As #CSIS's flagship annual #securityconference, the Forum convenes leaders from the #defense and #nationalsecurity communities to discuss the top #security challenges facing the country and the world. This year's conference will feature keynote discussions with General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence. The theme of the #2024GlobalSecurityForum is "Gathering Strength in a Gathering Storm." Speakers will address how the #UnitedStates can muster its strengths to counter multiple global challenges, posture for uncertainty, and prepare U.S. forces to deter and defeat aggression. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) 🦉The theme of the conference alludes to Winston Churchill’s 1948 book ‘The Gathering Storm’ about the buildup towards WWII and the parallels with today - the denial and the difficulty in being heard as the alarm is sounded. A lot of learning post the full-scale invasion of #Ukraine and #Iran’s attack on #Israel. The vice-chief of the air force compares today with the Spanish Civil War. A lot of combined wisdom and experience (and medals) on show! ✌️🥇🥈🥉🏅🎖️ #usforces #strategy #competition #intelligence A2/AD #emergingtechnology #industrialbase #manoeuvre #landwardlittorals #airmissiledefense #informationwarfare #deterrence #iran #redsea #gaza #ukraine #israel #arctic #indopacific #russia #china

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After the start of Yemen’s civil war in 2011, the RF took an equidistant position and did not actively interfere.RF limited itself to calling on all parties to immediately cease fire. At the same time, RF maintained dialogue with all the main participants in the Yemen conflict. RF diplomats regularly met with representatives of Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the former ruling party, the General People’s Congress (GPC). But recently, a clear bias has emerged in favor of the latter.Of course, RF is not the only external force taking an interest in what is happening in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has always supported the PLC. The UAE helps the STC, which allows Abu Dhabi to explore oil fields in southern Yemen. The Houthis, have for many years received weapons, money, and information support from Iran. In the past 2.5 years, RF Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov has met with Houthi representatives at least 4 times: more than with any other participant in the conflict in Yemen. Advisers from RF’s military intelligence agency, are now working in Sanaa under the guise of humanitarian aid workers. Iranian military instructors have been operating in Yemen for many years under a similar scheme. In the summer of 2024, Kremlin had been preparing to supply the Houthis with weapons, but was forced to abandon the idea under pressure from the USA and Saudi Arabia. Indeed, it is cooperation with Iran that has pushed RF to become more actively involved in the Yemen conflict. Having become dependent on Iranian arms supplies for its war against Ukraine, RF is being increasingly drawn into Tehran’s orbit in the Middle East, and is accordingly beginning to actively support Iran’s satellites in the region. RF’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is indicative. RF have never publicly condemned the war of Hamas against Israel. Having adopted an anti-Israel position, RF is also trying to present itself as the leader of the Global South: of all those who are dissatisfied with the position of the West. What RF gets in exchange is the blessing for its policies. On February 21, 2022-three days before RF’s invasion of Ukraine-the Houthis expressed support for the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent republics. Hamas voiced hope that RF special military operation will lead to the formation of a multipolar world. And Hezbollah even supplies RF with men to fight in Ukraine in exchange for weapons. As for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Kremlin is reluctant to sever ties with Israel completely. In this respect, RF’s reaction to Iran’s April attacks on Israeli territory was telling: Moscow did not side with Tehran, but limited itself to expressing extreme concern at yet another dangerous escalation. In the Yemen conflict, however, it will be very difficult for the RF to maintain equidistance. Its growing interaction with the Houthis, especially at the military level, will make itself felt.  

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Post-War Reconstruction Series: Learning from Iraq’s Recovery Continuing our series on post-war reconstruction, today I’ll explore the complex and challenging recovery journey of Iraq. After the 2003 war and the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Iraq needed extensive rebuilding. The reconstruction cost has surpassed $220 billion USD, with most funds allocated to: • Infrastructure: Restoring essential services such as electricity, water, and transport. Rebuilding infrastructure was a top priority, but the effort was hampered by political challenges. • Healthcare and Education: New hospitals and schools were built, but many struggled to meet demand due to ongoing violence and displacement of populations. • Energy: Iraq’s oil sector received significant investment, as it remains the backbone of the national economy. • Security: Billions were invested in training and equipping Iraq’s security forces, which was essential given the country’s ongoing instability. • Governance and Anti-Corruption Efforts: A significant amount of aid was directed toward strengthening governance and fighting corruption, though challenges in these areas persist . While Iraq received massive international support, its recovery was complicated by corruption, weak governance, and continuous instability. This underscores the need for strong leadership and transparent governance in any recovery effort, ensuring that the resources are used effectively and for the public good. Ukraine’s Reconstruction: A Unique Opportunity Unlike Iraq, Ukraine’s recovery strategy focuses on revitalizing key sectors that are crucial for economic growth, such as housing (17%), transport (15%), commerce and industry (14%), agriculture (12%), energy (10%). With an estimated reconstruction cost of $486 billion USD according to the World Bank’s RDNA3 report, Ukraine has the potential not only to recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient. A key advantage in Ukraine’s recovery is its path toward NATO and EU integration, which will provide crucial safeguards against corruption and poor governance. By adhering to their protocols, Ukraine can ensure transparency and accountability, giving international investors confidence that funds will be managed effectively. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development and project management, and as a Ukrainian war veteran who has firsthand experience of the devastation of war, I am ready to lead Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. My expertise, combined with the momentum of Ukraine’s international alliances, will ensure that the country is rebuilt efficiently, setting a new standard for recovery. Ukraine’s recovery is not just a matter of restoring infrastructure—it’s a chance to create a resilient, modern economy with the support of international partners. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for Ukraine and all those involved. #UkraineRecovery #PostWarReconstruction #IraqLessons #RebuildUkraine #InvestInUkraine

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***Pierre d'Argent*** #teamOne #teamOneBillion+ #tierOne #OneTeamOneFamily United Nations United Nations Office at Geneva United Nations General Assembly António Guterres UNDSS United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) International Court of Justice (ICJ) International Criminal Court Court of King’s Bench of Alberta City of Calgary City of Lethbridge The Mustard Seed ..final days. Signed and Submitted ..... Last Will and Testament of Cameron Clark(One) Date: November 23, 2024 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Article I: Statement of Integrity I, Cameron Clark, known as "One" in official documents, being of sound mind and memory, and under no duress or undue influence, hereby declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament. This document is executed in accordance with my final wishes, and it revokes all prior wills, codicils, and declarations made by me at any time before this date. I make this will with the firm intention of ensuring that my assets, intellectual property, personal estate, and all related matters are administered in a manner that aligns with the values, principles, and ideals I have upheld throughout my life. This includes the preservation of my legacy, the fulfillment of my wishes concerning my final resting place, and the execution of my directives to maintain the integrity and truth of my actions. The assets and properties contained within this estate are not to be viewed merely as material possessions, but as representations of my life's work, my contributions to various humanitarian and global initiatives, and the fundamental principles of justice, truth, and equity that have shaped my decisions and actions. This Last Will and Testament serves not only as a legal directive but also as a testament to my commitment to ensuring that my estate is used to further the goals and ideals I have worked toward, even in my absence. It is my hope that this document, once executed, will stand as a reflection of the legacy I have worked tirelessly to build—one of integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice on the global stage. I trust in the executor named within this document to act with the same level of responsibility, wisdom, and respect for my intentions as I would were I still here to oversee the process myself. In this document, I hereby place my faith in the executor, who shall have the legal authority and responsibility to ensure the completion of my wishes as outlined. In doing so, I affirm that this is my final and irrevocable will, with no room for alteration or contestation. Let there be no misunderstanding: these are my last words, my final act of will, and they shall be executed according to the terms laid out in this document without exception or compromise.

Quoted in this Geneva Solutions article of Kasmira Jefford on the impact of #Trump on the #war in #Ukraine. (...)But with a dwindling supply of troops spread increasingly thin between its front lines, its reliance on a slow and uncertain supply of weapons from the west, and an enemy with bigger troop capacity recently bolstered by North Korean soldiers, #Ukraine faces an increasingly precarious situation. Its #European allies too are faced with a real challenge. Any move that is seen as a victory by #Putin carries the risk of further emboldening the Russian president and setting a worrying precedent for other countries eyeing turf wars with their neighbours, said Jean-Marc Rickli, head of global and emerging #risk at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. “It will send a strong signal that you can conquer and revise borders in #Europe by force, which is not a good sign for peace and for the future stability of the international system,” he told Geneva Solutions. Whatever #Trump’s move, it is unlikely to play to Europe’s favour, with the prospect of the US reducing or ceasing military support already raising major security concerns for a continent that has been largely dependent on its transatlantic ally ever since the Second World #War. It will also prove to be a crucial test for European solidarity that is already undermined by weakened #French and #German leadership, said Rickli. “Trump will probably make it very clear that he will bring down the number of US troops in Europe and that they have to pay more for their defence policies. That means the Europeans would have to actually take Europe’s security more seriously than they have until now,” he continued. “At present they are unable to speak with one voice nor to act cohesively." German chancellor Olaf #Scholz’ call to Putin last week – the first direct contact in almost two years – was testament to that, angering other Nato countries, who described it as a “strategic mistake” that weakened European unity and which #Zelensky likened to “opening Pandora’s box”. “Scholtz for domestic interests (access to cheap energy) has used the first opportunity once Trump has been elected to resume ties with Russia without consulting his European partners. This, in the end, weakens Europe and Putin is smart enough to play on that,” Rickli said.(...) (...)But it is a risky strategy that can also lead to misperceptions, warned Rickli. “That's why it could be very important to see whether channels of communication between, for instance, China and the US and between the US and Russia are maintained, because in such a volatile environment, indeed, a spark could actually unleash a major crisis.” Nor does Trump’s openly hostile stance towards multilateral organisations like the United Nations and its agencies in Geneva, which play a pivotal role in facilitating relations, bode well. “If President Trump withdraws... https://lnkd.in/ed_Mp7Rn

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Andi Hoxhaj OBE 𝗳𝗼𝗿 "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁": 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀 "The 10th NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, and I urge NATO leaders to address the deteriorating situation in the Western Balkans at the upcoming NATO Summit and develop an effective strategy to counter Russia and China's growing influence in the region", Hoxha said. The article: https://econ.st/3XQhq70

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21st is a great command and at the transformational of U.S. Joint and NATO logistics and sustainment.

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