Havok Journal owner Charles Faint joins us for an update on some of the topics covered on their website. Charles is a 27-year Army Veteran with seven combat tours in Iraq & Afghanistan, many in an intelligence capacity with Special Operations Forces. He currently serves as Managing Editor at the Modern War Institute.
We begin with a discussion on several topics regarding China. Several years ago Charles published an article about China and the tiny Pacific Island nation of Kiribati. If the Chinese can secure airbase rights on Kiribati, that would put them within 2,400 miles of US Territory. In fact, the range of their H-20 bomber would allow them to strike targets in California.
Charles most recent Havok Journal article is titled: “Toothless Dragon – The Five Incapables of the Chinese Military”. In short, he proposes that because their military hierarchy is base on political loyalty more than merit, many PLA officers cannot think critically, can’t interpret orders, can’t plan effectively, can’t maneuver and can’t adapt when things go sideways. He contrasts that with our military where senior enlisted personnel are trained and expected to lead, often driven only by their observations in the field. One of the most interesting thing about these observations is that the Chinese government acknowledged them publicly.
We delve deeper into this topic by discussing his article “Logistics is Destiny; What Taiwan and the Pacific Theatre Tell Us About Sustainment Warfare”. In World War II we were able to hold Guadacanal not just because of the grit of the Marines, but also because the food, fuel and ammunition kept coming. Should we need to engage in a battle for Taiwan, we must be prepared to address the “brutal tyranny of distance”. Charles acquaints us with the concept of “Agile Logistics”.
We wrap up with “Military Leadership Lessons From Ukraine and Gaza”. Chales points out how those conflicts are changing the way we look at modern warfare.
Havok Journal is my “go to” website for all things military and first responder. I highly recommend a visit.