"RECAP is a deep dive into the top Intel shared on social media, spotlighting what resonated most with my audience. In this segment, I unpack why these topics matter, break down my findings, and provide the latest updates on the stories driving the conversation."

Today's Hits.

• USS Kyle Carpenter: Honoring a Hero’s Sacrifice
• Reviving the 'Shark Attack': Hegseth's Push to Toughen Army Training
• Irish President Calls for UN Chapter VII Action to Secure Gaza Aid Corridors

USS Kyle Carpenter: Honoring a Hero’s Sacrifice

In a powerful tribute to courage and selflessness, the U.S. Navy has announced that a new destroyer will be named USS Kyle Carpenter, honoring Marine Corporal Kyle Carpenter, a Medal of Honor recipient. In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Carpenter heroically threw himself onto a grenade to shield a fellow Marine from the blast, an act of extraordinary valor that left him severely wounded but saved his comrade’s life. The decision to name a warship after him reflects the Navy’s deep respect for his sacrifice and serves as a lasting testament to his unwavering devotion to duty. Secretary of the Navy Phelan lauded Carpenter’s bravery, emphasizing that his actions embody the highest ideals of service and heroism.

Carpenter’s story is one of remarkable resilience and sacrifice. At just 21 years old, he sustained catastrophic injuries in the grenade blast, including a shattered jaw, multiple fractures, and the loss of his right eye. Despite enduring dozens of surgeries and a grueling recovery, Carpenter’s spirit remained unbroken. His Medal of Honor, awarded in 2014 by President Barack Obama, recognized not only his instinctive act of bravery but also his embodiment of the Marine Corps’ ethos of putting others before self. Naming a destroyer after him ensures that his legacy will inspire future generations of sailors and Marines, symbolizing the strength and unity of the U.S. military.

The USS Kyle Carpenter, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will carry forward the mission of defending the nation while honoring the values Carpenter exemplified. These advanced warships are equipped for multi-mission operations, from air defense to anti-submarine warfare, and are a fitting tribute to a hero whose actions protected his fellow service members. As the Navy continues to uphold its tradition of naming ships after distinguished individuals, the USS Kyle Carpenter stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. It will sail as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring bond among those who serve.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

The Navy will name a new destroyer, USS Kyle Carpenter, after Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, who earned the Medal of Honor for saving a fellow Marine by jumping on a grenade in Afghanistan in 2010. Secretary Phelan praised his valor and devotion.

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Reviving the 'Shark Attack': Hegseth's Push to Toughen Army Training

Nearly five years ago, the U.S. Army made a significant shift in its basic training approach by phasing out the infamous "shark attack" practice, where drill sergeants would swarm new recruits, shouting commands and creating intense stress to simulate combat pressures. This tradition, long a staple of military indoctrination, was largely ended in 2020 and replaced with a more structured and less aggressive method called "The First 100 Yards." The change aimed to foster a healthier training environment, reducing unnecessary trauma while still building discipline and resilience among trainees. Critics at the time argued that the shark attack was outdated and potentially harmful, contributing to higher dropout rates and mental health issues, but supporters viewed it as essential for preparing soldiers for the realities of warfare.

Fast forward to today, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is eyeing a potential reversal of this ban, sparking renewed debate within military circles and beyond. Hegseth, a veteran and vocal critic of what he calls "woke" influences in the armed forces, has expressed interest in reinstating the shark attack to restore a sense of toughness and urgency to Army recruitment and training. Pentagon officials, including press secretary Kingsley Wilson, have confirmed that while no formal directive has been issued, the idea is under serious consideration as part of broader efforts to enhance combat readiness. This move aligns with Hegseth's broader agenda to roll back perceived softenings in military protocols, though it raises questions about balancing tradition with modern understandings of psychological well-being.

The proposal has quickly ignited online discussions, with veterans, active-duty personnel, and civilians weighing in. Some hail it as a return to effective, no-nonsense training that weeds out the unprepared, while others decry it as regressive and potentially abusive. Posts range from nostalgic endorsements—"Bring back the knife hand!"—to concerns about its impact on retention and diversity in the ranks. As the conversation gains momentum, it underscores deeper tensions in the military about tradition versus progress, with no clear resolution in sight until Hegseth makes a definitive call.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Nearly five years after the Army ended the “shark attack” practice of drill sergeants yelling at trainees, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering its return. No formal direction has been issued yet, but the idea has gained attention online.

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Irish President Calls for UN Chapter VII Action to Secure Gaza Aid Corridors

In a bold and impassioned plea, Irish President Michael D. Higgins has urged the United Nations to invoke Chapter VII of its Charter to authorize an international force to secure humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza. Speaking at the opening of the Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford on August 3, 2025, Higgins described the ongoing crisis in Gaza as the “incredible, incredible destruction of an entire people,” emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the starvation and suffering caused by Israel’s blockade. He specifically criticized current aid delivery methods, such as airdrops, as inadequate, noting that they fail to reach the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and the disabled—effectively. His call for Chapter VII, a rarely invoked mechanism that allows the UN to bypass Security Council gridlock and use force if necessary, underscores the severity of the humanitarian catastrophe and the failure of diplomatic efforts to halt it.

Higgins highlighted the “outrageous” obstruction of approximately 6,000 aid trucks, which he stated carry enough food to sustain Gaza’s population for three months but remain blocked by Israeli authorities. This bottleneck has exacerbated famine conditions, with over 60,000 Palestinian deaths reported, predominantly women and children, since the escalation of Israel’s military operations in October 2023. The President’s proposal aligns with the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, which obligates the international community to intervene when a state fails to protect its population from atrocities like genocide or war crimes. Higgins’ advocacy for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to use Chapter VII powers reflects a growing frustration with Israel’s defiance of international calls for a ceasefire and its alleged use of starvation as a weapon, condemned by 32 nations in a July 2025 joint statement.

The proposal has sparked significant attention online, with posts reflecting a mix of support and debate. Some praise Higgins for his moral clarity and willingness to challenge the status quo, with one user noting that his call for armed international intervention “crosses a red line” by prioritizing humanitarian need over political stalemate. Others question the feasibility of Chapter VII action, given the UN Security Council’s history of vetoes and political divisions. As Gaza faces ongoing bombardment and a deepening humanitarian crisis, Higgins’ statement serves as a stark reminder of the international community’s responsibility to act decisively. Whether his call will translate into concrete UN action remains uncertain, but it has undeniably amplified the urgency of addressing Gaza’s plight.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Irish President Michael D. Higgins urged the UN to invoke Chapter VII to authorize an international force for humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza. He criticized current aid delivery methods and highlighted 6,000 blocked aid trucks as “outrageous.”

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What else is smoking?

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to oppose current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to eliminate the non-partisan redistricting commission, calling gerrymandering “evil.” Newsom aims to redraw maps for more Democratic districts ahead of the midterms.

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That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed an agreement with ICE, allowing local law enforcement in five counties to assist in tracking illegal immigrants. This is only the second state-level pact with ICE, following Florida’s similar agreement.

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