Command Post: Iran Is Doing More Damage to the U.S. Military Than We Knew
Summary
Command Post discusses the escalating Middle East conflict, analyzing satellite imagery of damaged US military installations and the spiraling economic fallout from Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. The hosts review the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of $38 billion in war costs and the resulting strain on defense readiness and global supply chains. They also address the unexpected House impeachment motion filed against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration’s approval of a massive sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
Topics discussed
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Introduction and welcome to Command Post
Bulwark Plus subscription and community comments
Analysis of strikes on Middle East command posts
Damage to military infrastructure and T-walls
Context of 20-year regional conflict and unit pride
Escalation beyond Washington's control
Saudi pipeline attack and proxy forces
Saudi air power and the Houthi threat in Yemen
US refusal to aid Saudi Arabia and economic warfare
Spiraling regional tensions and diplomatic failures
China's reaction to oil supply disruptions
Houthi expansion in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb
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JD Vance statement and domestic economic impact
Rising diesel prices and long-term winter outlook
Bulwark mission and staff contributions
CBO report on Iran war costs and inflation
General Hurtle on $38B war cost and budgeting
Impact on military readiness and OCO funds
Combatant commander dissent and acquisition budgets
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Impeachment motion against Pete Hegseth
Military testimony and the Shinseki example
US approval of 40,000 2,000lb bombs for Israel
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