Holy Doctrine - The Pope - The Jews - The Muslims, Dog and Pony Shows, F-22 Replacements, Childcare Opportunities, Active Duty Militia deployed to Africa, Surveil the World, and more.

I remember having to play "dress-up" every time a MOTARD CO or SNCO wanted to mandate it, stating it would "Boost Morale." Yeah, fuck that garbage.

Alright, enough of the BS - Let's smoke straight to the butt of these headlines.

Topics

• Trump’s Middle East Strategy: Economic Prosperity and Regional Stability Through Expanded Abraham Accords
• Pope Leo XIV and VP JD Vance Collaborate on U.S.-Led Ceasefire Efforts for Ukraine Conflict
• U.S. Army Plans Massive Parade on Trump’s Birthday, Housing Troops in Federal Buildings
• 400 New Mexico National Guard Members Deploy to Djibouti for Security Mission in Horn of Africa
• USAF Targets 185+ Boeing F-47 Fighters to Replace F-22 Raptor Fleet
• Australia Invests $186 Million in Boeing Contract to Enhance P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Capabilities
• Congressman Proposes Coastal Surveillance Towers After Deadly Smuggling Incident Off San Diego
• Mexican Navy Tall Ship Crew Returns Home After Fatal Brooklyn Bridge Collision
• Iceye’s Commercial SAR Satellites Poised to Enhance U.S. Missile Defense Under Golden Dome Initiative
• Air Force’s Activation of Space National Guard Units, Including 138th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, Ignites Controversy
• Rubio Condemns Cuba’s Refusal to Extradite 11 Fugitives as State Department Highlights Terrorism Noncompliance
• Air Force Sets Abrupt May 20 Deadline for Selective Retention Bonuses, Citing High Retention Rates
• DoD Opens Over 600 New Child Care Slots in Virginia to Address Military Family Waitlist Crisis

💼 POLITICS

Trump’s Middle East Strategy: Economic Prosperity and Regional Stability Through Expanded Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump’s second-term vision for the Middle East, articulated in a May 2025 Riyadh address, centers on fostering regional stability and prosperity by expanding the Abraham Accords, countering Iran’s influence, and promoting economic integration. The strategy builds on three pillars: broadening normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, enhancing economic and security connectivity via initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC+), and neutralizing destabilizing actors like Iran and its proxies, such as the Houthis in Yemen. Trump emphasizes regional self-determination, encouraging Middle Eastern nations to drive their own development through commerce and innovation rather than conflict. Key actions include U.S.-led military strikes against the Houthis to secure Red Sea trade routes, support for Saudi Vision 2030, and potential diplomatic overtures to Iran for a nuclear deal to reduce tensions. Challenges include Saudi Arabia’s cautious stance on normalization without Palestinian statehood progress, unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, and domestic resistance in Arab states. The strategy also involves economic incentives, like a proposed tanker port in Gaza and an oil pipeline from Saudi Arabia to Israel’s Eilat, aiming to lower global oil prices and weaken Iran’s economy. While ambitious, the plan faces hurdles from geopolitical rivalries and the complex post-October 7 regional dynamics.

Pope Leo XIV and VP JD Vance Collaborate on U.S.-Led Ceasefire Efforts for Ukraine Conflict

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in May 2025, inviting the pontiff to visit the United States to support U.S.-led initiatives for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting underscores a unique blend of spiritual and political diplomacy, with the U.S. leveraging the Pope’s global moral authority to advance peace talks. The discussions focus on halting the ongoing war, now in its fourth year, which has caused thousands of casualties and displaced millions. The U.S. proposal emphasizes a neutral framework for negotiations, involving Ukraine, Russia, and international mediators, with Vatican support to encourage dialogue. Pope Leo XIV, known for his advocacy of peace, expressed willingness to mediate, though challenges remain due to Russia’s reluctance and Ukraine’s insistence on territorial integrity. Critics question the feasibility of the ceasefire amid entrenched positions, while supporters see the Vatican’s involvement as a potential catalyst for de-escalation. The talks reflect the Trump administration’s broader strategy to resolve global conflicts through high-profile partnerships.

🪖 LAND

U.S. Army Plans Massive Parade on Trump’s Birthday, Housing Troops in Federal Buildings

The U.S. Army is organizing a large-scale military parade on June 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C., to celebrate its 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The event, which aligns with Trump’s long-standing desire for a grand military display, will involve approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles (including tanks, Strykers, and Humvees), 50 aircraft, and seven bands. The parade, part of a week-long festival on the National Mall, will feature fireworks, a fitness competition, and equipment displays. Soldiers from all 10 active-duty Army divisions will be housed in federal buildings, such as those managed by the General Services Administration and the Agriculture Department, due to the scale of the event. Estimated costs range from $25 million to $45 million, though no final figure has been confirmed. The parade has sparked debate, with critics arguing it prioritizes spectacle over fiscal responsibility, citing Trump’s earlier attempt at a similar event in 2018 due to high costs and logistical issues, including concerns about damage to city infrastructure from heavy vehicles. Security measures are being coordinated with local law enforcement, the U.S. Park Police, and the Secret Service to ensure safety amid potential protests.

400 New Mexico National Guard Members Deploy to Djibouti for Security Mission in Horn of Africa

Over 400 members of the New Mexico Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, are deploying to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, marking the state’s largest Guard deployment since a 2012 peacekeeping mission in Egypt. The 10-month mission, part of a 1,100-soldier task force including units from Louisiana, Oregon, and Washington, focuses on providing security at forward operating bases across three countries and six outstations under U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The task force aims to enhance regional stability amid U.S. strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, though specific mission details are limited for operational security. Guard members, including first-time deployees, underwent a year of preparation, with farewell ceremonies held in Rio Rancho and Las Cruces reflecting community pride and concern. The deployment aligns with increased U.S. military presence in Djibouti, a key hub for countering regional threats from groups like al-Shabaab and addressing geopolitical competition, particularly with China’s nearby military base. Challenges include adapting to the region’s harsh environment and navigating complex local dynamics.

✈️ AIR

USAF Targets 185+ Boeing F-47 Fighters to Replace F-22 Raptor Fleet

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has announced plans to acquire at least 185 Boeing F-47 sixth-generation fighters as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, aimed at replacing the aging Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fleet. Unveiled on March 21, 2025, by President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin, the F-47 is designed for air superiority with a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, a top speed above Mach 2, and advanced stealth capabilities. The aircraft, set to be operational by 2029, is expected to cost $160–300 million per unit, significantly more than the F-35 but less than the F-22, with improved adaptability, sustainability, and lower manpower needs. Boeing secured the contract in March 2025 after a competitive process involving prototype testing since 2020. The F-47 will integrate with Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones and requires enhanced tanker support, raising questions about the affordability of concurrent stealth tanker development. The program’s high cost and strategic importance have drawn attention, with some critics questioning budget priorities amid evolving global threats.

Australia Invests $186 Million in Boeing Contract to Enhance P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Capabilities

The Australian government has signed a A$291 million (approximately $186 million USD) contract with Boeing Defence Australia to sustain and upgrade its fleet of 12 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Announced in May 2025, the agreement focuses on enhancing the aircraft’s anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search-and-rescue capabilities through advanced sensor upgrades, improved data processing, and enhanced maintenance support. The upgrades aim to maintain the P-8A’s operational edge in the Indo-Pacific, addressing growing regional security challenges, particularly from China’s expanding naval presence. The contract, extending through 2030, includes local industry participation to boost Australia’s defense sector and create jobs. Supporters highlight the deal’s role in strengthening maritime security and interoperability with allies like the U.S., which also operates the P-8A. Critics, however, question the high cost amid budget constraints and argue for diversifying defense investments. The upgrades are expected to keep the RAAF’s P-8A fleet at the forefront of maritime patrol technology, ensuring robust monitoring of Australia’s vast coastline and strategic sea lanes.

🛥️ SEA

Congressman Proposes Coastal Surveillance Towers After Deadly Smuggling Incident Off San Diego

Following a tragic smuggling incident off the Del Mar coast near San Diego, where a panga boat carrying 18 people capsized, resulting in three deaths and the presumed drowning of a missing 10-year-old girl, a congressman has proposed installing coastal surveillance towers to enhance maritime security. The initiative aims to improve monitoring and response capabilities along the Southern California coastline, a known route for human and drug smuggling. The proposed towers would use advanced radar, cameras, and sensors to detect small vessels like pangas, enabling faster intervention by the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol. Supporters argue the towers could prevent future tragedies and deter illegal activities, citing increased smuggling attempts amid heightened border enforcement. Critics, however, question the cost, estimated in the tens of millions, and raise concerns about privacy and environmental impacts on coastal communities. The proposal, still in early discussions, requires approval and funding from Congress, with local stakeholders calling for community input to balance security and public interests.

Mexican Navy Tall Ship Crew Returns Home After Fatal Brooklyn Bridge Collision

Following a tragic collision on May 17, 2025, between the Mexican Navy’s training tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, many of the surviving crew members and cadets have returned to Mexico, as announced by officials on May 19, 2025. The incident, caused by a mechanical malfunction leading to a power cut, resulted in the ship’s masts striking the bridge, killing two crew members and injuring 22, with half in critical condition. The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot vessel with 277 personnel on board, was part of a global goodwill tour and cultural exchange, docked in New York before continuing to Iceland. The collision snapped all three masts, leaving some sailors dangling in harnesses, though all were accounted for with no one falling into the water. The Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major damage and reopened after inspection. The Mexican Navy has expressed solidarity with the crew and families, following protocols for repatriation. The incident shocked New Yorkers, with witnesses describing panic and disbelief, while the event has raised questions about maritime safety and navigation protocols in busy urban waterways.

🚀 SPACE

Iceye’s Commercial SAR Satellites Poised to Enhance U.S. Missile Defense Under Golden Dome Initiative

Iceye, a Finnish company operating the world’s largest synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, is positioning its commercial radar satellites to support the U.S. missile defense transformation, specifically through the Trump administration’s “Golden Dome for America” executive order. With over 40 SAR satellites capable of high-resolution imaging through clouds and darkness, Iceye aims to complement traditional infrared sensors used by the U.S. military for missile launch detection. The company’s U.S. subsidiary, based in Irvine, California, is in early discussions with defense industry partners to integrate its capabilities into the Pentagon’s plans. Iceye’s satellites offer persistent monitoring, rapid data delivery, and cost-effective solutions, potentially reducing latency between detection and response. While no formal proposal has been made for Golden Dome, the company’s prior collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Technical Center since 2021 highlights its growing role in defense applications. Challenges include securing long-term government contracts, as commercial SAR providers face uncertainty after a surge in short-term funding for conflicts like Ukraine and Israel. Iceye’s technology could transform missile defense by enhancing battlefield awareness and intelligence sharing, but sustained Pentagon investment remains critical.

Air Force’s Activation of Space National Guard Units, Including 138th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, Ignites Controversy

The U.S. Air Force’s decision to activate seven Space National Guard units, including the 138th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, under a 2025 federal law has sparked intense debate. The move, part of a broader effort to integrate space-focused National Guard units into the U.S. Space Force, aims to bolster capabilities in electromagnetic warfare, satellite operations, and space domain awareness. The 138th, alongside units from states like California and Hawaii, will transition from Air National Guard to Space Force oversight, aligning with the military’s growing emphasis on space as a contested domain. Proponents argue this enhances national security against threats from adversaries like China and Russia, who are advancing in space technology. However, critics, including state governors and some lawmakers, contend the transfer undermines state authority over Guard units, raises funding concerns, and risks mission creep without clear cost estimates. The debate reflects broader tensions over the Space Force’s role and the balance between federal and state control, with potential implications for future space operations and resource allocation.

➕ MORE

Rubio Condemns Cuba’s Refusal to Extradite 11 Fugitives as State Department Highlights Terrorism Noncompliance

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has sharply criticized Cuba’s ongoing refusal to cooperate with counterterrorism efforts, following a State Department report identifying 11 fugitives, including individuals wanted for terrorism-related charges, currently harbored on the island. The report, released in May 2025, underscores Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 2021, citing its unwillingness to negotiate the extradition of these fugitives to the U.S. for legal proceedings. Cuba’s government has defended its stance, claiming the fugitives are political refugees and rejecting U.S. demands as violations of its sovereignty. Rubio, a vocal advocate for stricter policies against Havana, has called for increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure to compel compliance. The situation complicates U.S.-Cuba relations, already strained by trade embargoes and human rights disputes, and raises concerns about regional security. Critics argue that Cuba’s actions hinder international counterterrorism efforts, while supporters of Havana’s position view the U.S. stance as politically motivated. The State Department continues to monitor the situation, urging Cuba to align with global counterterrorism standards.

Air Force Sets Abrupt May 20 Deadline for Selective Retention Bonuses, Citing High Retention Rates

The U.S. Air Force announced a sudden deadline of May 20, 2025, for airmen to apply for selective retention bonuses (SRBs), closing the program over four months early due to unexpectedly high retention rates of 89.3% since October 2024. With a $172 million budget for fiscal year 2025, the program, targeting 89 critical career fields like tactical air control and explosive ordnance disposal, has seen increased demand after the Air Force expanded eligibility and allowed reenlistments up to a year early. Bonuses, capped at $180,000 per reenlistment and $360,000 over a career, vary by job and contract length (up to eight years). The abrupt cutoff, announced on May 15, 2025, gives airmen just five days to decide, sparking frustration among some who feel rushed. The Air Force assures those who apply before the deadline will receive full bonuses, including installment payments. The decision reflects budget constraints and a strategic shift to manage workforce planning, amid challenges like missing 2023 recruitment goals by 10%.

DoD Opens Over 600 New Child Care Slots in Virginia to Address Military Family Waitlist Crisis

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a significant initiative to address child care shortages for military families by opening more than 600 new child care spaces across three new centers in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Arlington, Virginia, starting in May 2025. Managed by the Armed Services YMCA, these centers aim to alleviate a waitlist exceeding 2,000 families in the region, offering infant care and adhering to DoD standards for safety, quality, and fee structures. The expansion responds to long-standing concerns about access to affordable, reliable child care, which impacts military readiness and family well-being. The program includes staff training and oversight to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Supporters praise the move as a critical step to support service members, particularly dual-military and single-parent families, while critics note that the new slots only partially address the nationwide shortage. The initiative is part of a broader DoD effort to enhance family support, with potential plans for further expansions in other high-demand areas.

🏦 VA Mortgage Updates

The baseline for these mortgage updates are set to 30 Year Fixed Rate VA Mortgages. Interest rates can further change depending on consumer's credit report, discount points, down payments, entitlements, and more.

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