SOFREP Daily: Trump Resumes Command, Taiwan Receives First HIMARS, Germany Approves New Draft Law

Good Morning! Start your day with the latest intel: here’s everything you need to know in defense and global affairs for Thursday, November 7.

Trump Resumes Command, Pledges to Keep Troops Out of Foreign Wars

The former president and now president-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to reconnect with the military as he prepares for another term as commander-in-chief.

He’s promising to keep US troops out of foreign wars while potentially using them for domestic purposes.

Trump’s history with the military has been a mixed bag; he often praises their strength but has also claimed they are depleted and need rebuilding.

During his first term, he had some notable clashes with military leadership, even reportedly calling fallen soldiers “losers” and “suckers,” although he denied making those comments.

His recent behavior has raised eyebrows, like an incident involving his staff at Arlington National Cemetery.

There’s concern about Trump’s suggestions to deploy the military for handling domestic issues, such as managing migrants or addressing what he calls “the enemy from within,” which could create complex situations for service members if enacted.

He’s mentioned the possibility of using the National Guard for mass deportations and has even floated the idea of sending special operations forces to deal with drug kingpins in Mexico.

As he steps into office, Trump will face pressing crises in the Middle East and Europe, claiming he’ll resolve them quickly.

However, his relationship with the military has been described as fraught, with some former officials labeling him as a fascist. It remains to be seen how currently serving troops feel about him, given the military’s stance on political neutrality.

Kamala Harris has criticized Trump’s past remarks about the military, vowing to honor the service of troops.

With Trump’s victory, many anticipate significant shifts in US military policy, particularly concerning NATO and support for Ukraine, with experts suggesting we might see a more isolationist approach moving forward.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Warships in the Caspian Sea

Ukraine announced Wednesday that it successfully struck Russian warships in the Caspian Sea, marking a significant achievement more than a thousand kilometers away from its borders.

This is part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to enhance its drone capabilities since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago.

According to a source from Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, their kamikaze drones targeted the missile ships “Tatarstan” and “Dagestan” in Kaspiysk, Dagestan.

This morning, Ukrainian attack drones successfully struck Russia’s Caspian Sea flotilla in the port of Kaspiysk, over 1000 km behind the frontline.

Seen here, a Ukrainian drone flies low over the harbor and slams into a row of docked Russian warships. pic.twitter.com/06vbjUfblQ

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 6, 2024

While Russian officials in the region claimed to have shot down one drone, they didn’t confirm any damage to the warships.

In response, the local administration stated that security measures around military and civilian facilities have been tightened.

Ukraine views these strikes as a justified retaliation for Russian attacks on its territory.

In a related development, overnight, Russia launched two missiles and 63 drones against Ukraine, but Ukrainian air defense managed to take out at least 38 of those drones.

Taiwan Receives First HIMARS from the US for Defense

Taiwan received its first shipment of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the United States, according to the island country’s defense ministry on Wednesday.

This move is part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defenses against a potential Chinese attack. The US has been a key ally and major arms supplier for Taiwan for decades, which has understandably upset Beijing, as it views the island as part of its territory.

Taiwan has purchased a total of 29 HIMARS units, with the first 11 already arriving. These truck-mounted systems can launch multiple precision-guided rockets simultaneously and have been effectively used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Although Deputy Defense Minister Po Horng-huei didn’t disclose the purchase price or exact arrival details, it’s clear that these systems are a significant addition to their military capabilities.

In recent years, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, pushing it to accept Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, which Taiwan firmly rejects.

While US arms sales to Taiwan are backed by law, Washington has maintained a stance of “strategic ambiguity” regarding troop deployments to defend the island.

Defense Minister Po emphasized the island’s commitment to bolstering its self-defense capabilities, regardless of who wins the upcoming US presidential election.

To prepare for potential conflict, Taiwan has ramped up its military spending, with a record allocation of $19 billion for 2024.

However, delays in US arms shipments due to various global factors have created a backlog exceeding $20 billion, which has slowed the delivery of critical military equipment.

Navy SEAL Sheehy Defeats Veteran Lawmaker Tester in Montana Senate Race

In a significant win for Republicans, Tim Sheehy, a Navy SEAL veteran, defeated three-term Democratic Senator Jon Tester in the Montana Senate race.

This victory not only adds to the GOP’s majority in the Senate but also shifts the dynamics of military and veterans policy, as Tester has been a key voice on these issues during his three terms in office.

Sheehy celebrated the victory on social media, expressing his gratitude for the support he received from Montanans.

I’ve been serving our country since I was 18, because when your country calls, you must answer, and I am incredibly honored by your support and the trust you’ve placed in me to fight for you and serve Montana as your next U.S. Senator.

THANK YOU, MONTANA!! pic.twitter.com/FXsmIZftVv

— Tim Sheehy (@SheehyforMT) November 6, 2024

Veterans’ issues played a big role in both candidates’ campaigns, especially in a state where nearly nine percent of adults are veterans.

Sheehy was leading by about 8.6 percent when most votes were counted. His military background was a focal point, but it also sparked controversy regarding his account of being shot in Afghanistan, with conflicting stories causing some to question his claims.

Meanwhile, Tester highlighted his achievements as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, advocating for legislation like the PACT Act, which addresses toxic exposure for veterans.

Despite this, Tester couldn’t hold on to his seat amidst a red wave, concluding that he’s grateful for his 18 years in the Senate and the opportunities he’s had to serve his state and country.

Two Vets Sue US Army Over Burn Pit Illness Benefits

Two veterans, Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Smoke and Lt. Col. Jennifer McIntyre, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Army after their illnesses linked to burn pit exposure were not classified as combat-related. This designation would allow them to receive tax-free medical retirement pay.

Smoke suffers from severe asthma, while McIntyre has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, both conditions recognized by the Veteran Affairs (VA) as resulting from burn pit exposure.

The lawsuit highlights how the Army’s evaluation boards have consistently ruled that their conditions do not qualify as combat-related injuries despite the hazardous nature of burn pits used for waste disposal in combat zones.

The Army did approve Smoke’s claim for special compensation but still taxes his medical retirement pay, according to a recent report by Military.com. Similarly, McIntyre’s cancer was deemed service-connected but not combat-related, leading to her frustration over the situation.

The veterans argue that burn pits should be treated as necessary wartime measures, given the lack of alternatives for waste disposal in combat areas. They cite the PACT Act, which expands benefits for veterans exposed to environmental hazards, and argue that their conditions should be classified as combat-related to ensure they receive the full benefits they deserve.

The lawsuit aims to change the way the Army categorizes these illnesses and seeks tax relief for affected veterans.

US Navy Dismisses Brown for Command Concerns

The US Navy has relieved Capt. Lester Brown Jr. of his duties as commanding officer of the Navy Leadership and Ethics Command in San Diego, citing a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.”

On Tuesday, November 6, Capt. Shawn Bailey announced Brown’s dismissal, making it the 11th firing of a commanding officer this year alone, highlighting the Navy’s ongoing leadership challenges. While “loss of confidence” is a common reason for such firings, it can stem from various issues, including personal conduct problems.

A Navy official confirmed that Brown’s situation was related to personal conduct but clarified it did not involve any allegations that would affect other sailors.

Brown, who took command in September 2022, has an impressive resume with a history of service on various ships, including the USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and the USS McFaul (DDG-74), along with multiple awards for his service.

In the interim, Capt. Richard Zeber from the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center in Newport will step in to lead the San Diego command.

Germany Approves New Military Service Legislation

Germany’s Cabinet has given the green light on Wednesday to new legislation aimed at reintroducing a form of military service.

Presented by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the law requires young men to register for military service when they turn 18, letting the government know who is willing and able to serve.

This move comes as a response to the changing security landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and acknowledges that the country needs to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Germany abolished compulsory military service back in 2011, but the new legislation will help create a military register, something that hasn’t existed since then.

Pistorius emphasized the need for a complete database to know who can be conscripted in the event of a defense emergency.

Yesterday the #German government approved a draft law that would compel young men to answer a survey about their readiness to serve in the German military, the #Bundeswehr. Survey completion would be optional for young women.

Pre 2011, 18-year-old males had to complete either a… pic.twitter.com/qws0tV4Ku5

— Mike Alderson FRSA (@OpenEyeComms) November 7, 2024

Currently, the German military, or Bundeswehr, is facing personnel challenges, with only about 180,000 troops and 60,000 reservists.

To meet NATO requirements, Germany needs around 460,000 soldiers, with a significant portion coming from reserves.

The government plans to offer more training spots and is considering a salary of at least €1,800 (around $1,900) for recruits, possibly more based on specific circumstances.

This new military service will involve six months of basic training, with the option to extend it for specialization.

While compulsory service is mandated only for men under the German Constitution, the registration will be optional for women.

The legislation still needs to pass through both houses of parliament and could take effect as early as May next year.