News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. U.S. says OPCON transfer will be impossible by 2022

2. Non-weapon materials brought into THAAD base after dispersal of protesters

3. N. Korean nukes highlight importance of strategic deterrence: U.S. commander

4. North Koreans Scoff as Government Mobilizes Them for '80-Day Battle'

5.  North Korea Tells Citizens to Report on Illegal Contact with Foreigners

6. Does Size Matter? North Korea's Newest ICBM

7. Analyst: North Korea making strides in solid propellant ballistic missiles

8. North Korea's Kim Lauds Chinese War Dead On Anniversary

9. South Korea Tries to Quell Anxiety Over Flu Shots After 13 Unexplained Deaths

10. FDD | Russia and China Obstruct UN Reporting on North Korea

11. North Korea outbreak: Panic as new disease spreads through hermit state - markets impacted

12. North Korea PARANOIA: Kim Jong-un launches desperate bid to stop spies at border

13. Head of South Korea ruling party sees chance of inter-Korean 'breakthrough'

14. South Korea Is Caught Between China and the United States

15. South Korea's Asean strategy needs sturdy pillars of understanding to succeed

16. International humanitarian institutions managed by central power in Pyongyang - retired US diplomat

17. U.S., South Korea alliance facing setback, ex-U.S. commander says

1. U.S. says OPCON transfer will be impossible by 2022

donga.com – 22 October 2020

This is not good.  I am getting very worried about the alliance.  This is a more significant problem than the SMA stalemate.

2. Non-weapon materials brought into THAAD base after dispersal of protesters

en.yna.co.kr · by 유청모 · October 22, 2020

This is one of the issues few Americans are aware of.  Very hardcore anti-American leftist and well organized activists continue to protest the THAAD deployment and work to prevent resupply of the THAAD battery. They block the access road 24-7 and the ROK government has been unable to remove them.  These are not the same type of protestors we see in Seoul.  These are sophisticated activists who know how to manipulate the government with their activities and through social media.  

3. N. Korean nukes highlight importance of strategic deterrence: U.S. commander

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · October 22, 2020

Is Kim Jong-un deterred?  What does deter him?  Do "traditional" methods of deterrence work?  Have we been lulled into a false sense of security because we have successfully deterred the resumption of hostilities for the past 67 years?  How do we know deterrence is actually working?  As Sir Lawrence Freedman says, "Deterrence works. Until it doesn't."

4. North Koreans Scoff as Government Mobilizes Them for '80-Day Battle'

rfa.org

Again, I am grateful for the reporting Radio Free Asia and Voice of America do to provide us insights into what is happening inside north Korea.

5.  North Korea Tells Citizens to Report on Illegal Contact with Foreigners

rfa.org

As Dr. Jung Pak often asks:  Who does Kim Jong-un fear more? The US or the Korean people living in the north?  It is the Korean people who he fears the most and he really fears the people when they are armed with information.  Therefore, he must prevent foreign contacts.

6. Does Size Matter? North Korea's Newest ICBM

38north.org · by Michael Elleman · October 21, 2020

Yes, it does. But, as Michael Ellemna notes, the real capability we need to be concerned with is the development of solid-fuel ICBM.  Conclusion: "As it stands today, Kim Jong Un cannot be certain that his ICBMs will succeed in striking the US mainland. Perhaps the development of the Hwasong-16 is a near-term solution to the perceived need for a mobile, multiple-warhead ICBM. But North Korea has an active solid-fuel development and production infrastructure in place to facilitate the creation of large solid-fuel boosters for an ICBM. Thus, a more prudent and cost-effective path forward would focus on the longer-term development of solid-fuel technologies and a solid ICBM. In a best-case scenario, it will take longer than four or five years to succeed in this enterprise. The resulting ICBM, however, would be far more survivable and operationally flexible than a Hwasong-16, which will have limited mobility. Which direction the North's ICBM development program will take remains to be seen."

7. Analyst: North Korea making strides in solid propellant ballistic missiles

upi.com – by Elizabeth Shim – 20 October 2020

8. North Korea's Kim Lauds Chinese War Dead On Anniversary

Barron's · by AFP - Agence France Presse

Another indication that Kim wants to sustain close relations with China.

9. South Korea Tries to Quell Anxiety Over Flu Shots After 13 Unexplained Deaths

The New York Times · by Choe Sang-Hun and Sui-Lee Wee · October 21, 2020

I hope they can determine the cause of these deaths.  This can obviously have long term negative effects on fighting COVID-19. 

10. FDD | Russia and China Obstruct UN Reporting on North Korea

fdd.org · by Andrea Stricker · October 21, 2020

Important analysis from our FDD colleague Andrea Stricker.  Russia and China cannot get a pass for their complicity in helping north Korea evade sanctions even if it is only hindering the Panel of Experts (but it goes well beyond that).

11. North Korea outbreak: Panic as new disease spreads through hermit state - markets impacted

Express · by Steven Brown · October 22, 2020

Another food source for the Korean people is compromised.  Why can the north supposedly prevent a spread of COVID-19 but not Swine Flu?

12. North Korea PARANOIA: Kim Jong-un launches desperate bid to stop spies at border

Express · by Luke Hawker · October 22, 2020

Paranoia is in the DNA of all authoritarian leaders, but I think it courses through the veins of the Kim family regime.

13. Head of South Korea ruling party sees chance of inter-Korean 'breakthrough'

upi.com – by Thomas Maresca – 21 October 2020

With all due respect there is only one word to describe this: delusional.  I urge the Moon administration to re-examine its assumptions upon which it is basing its policy toward north Korea.  I think it is wrong to assume that Kim shares President Moon's vision for engagement and for peace and reconciliation.  A better assumption is that Kim Jong-un seeks the domination of the Korean peninsula. There is much more evidence to support this assumption.

14. South Korea Is Caught Between China and the United States

carnegieendowment.org · by Chung Min Lee

Important analysis from a former National Security Advisor.

15. South Korea's Asean strategy needs sturdy pillars of understanding to succeed

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3106500/south-koreas-asean-strategy-needs-sturdy-pillars-understanding - by Pou Sothirak – 22 October 2020

My Korean friends tell me the ROK's Southern Strategy is complementary to and supportive of the US strategy for a Free and Open INDOPACIFIC.

16. International humanitarian institutions managed by central power in Pyongyang - retired US diplomat

rnz.co.nz · October 22, 2020

This is what the Kim family regime does.  All the "Friendship Society" are exploited and controlled by the regime.

17. U.S., South Korea alliance facing setback, ex-U.S. commander says

upi.com – by Elizabeth Shim – 21 October 2020

I participated in this conference. General Brooks provided important advice on how to repair and manage the alliance in the mutual interests of both the ROK and US.  He provided one of the best descriptions of what is and is not OPCON transition and what it means and does not mean.

"Reasoning will never make a man correct an ill opinion which by reasoning he never acquired."

- Jonathan Swift

"The sign of an intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the application of reason."

- Marya Mannes

"Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology. The fog of information can drive out knowledge."

- Daniel J. Boorstin

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Andrew Narloch

1. 'Significant shift': Trump driving 'the Quad' to unite against rising China threat

2. China's embrace of hostage diplomacy is no idle threat

3. Marines vs. China - the Corps just put these tactics to the test

4. Is Esper's New Plan for the Navy Enough for the Indo-Pacific?

5. Resource-Sustainable Counterterrorism in an Era of Great Power Competition

6. The Night that the Lights Went Out in Taipei

7. The Real Divide in America Is Between Political Junkies and Everyone Else

8. U.S. Diplomats and Spies Battle Trump Administration Over Suspected Attacks

9. Top Universities Took Billions in Unreported Foreign Funds, U.S. Finds

10. U.S. Spy Agency Warns That Chinese Hackers Target Military, Defense Industry

11. Exclusive: Indonesia rejected U.S. request to host spy planes - officials

12. Russia's military intelligence is behind Olympics cyberattacks

13. The spread of conspiracies and disinformation by women on social media

14. Power in Asia in five charts

15. FDD | UN Secretary-General Condemns Iran for Human Rights Abuses

16. Revision of the Commandant's Professional Reading Program

17. Analysis | Even if they haven't heard of QAnon, most Trump voters believe its wild allegations

18. College students struggle to spot misinformation online as 2020 election approaches

19. How U.S. Spy Flights Against China Undermine the International Order

20. Gabbard Leaves Hawaii National Guard for California Unit

21.  Reinventing the Leader Selection Process

1. 'Significant shift': Trump driving 'the Quad' to unite against rising China threat

washingtontimes.com · by Guy Taylor

My comments below.  I think the Quad (and Quad Plus) is the right way forward for US and our mutual national security interests.  But I do not envision a MATO like structure and I would be cautious of comparing it to NATO.  We need an Asia-unique security architecture. 

2. China's embrace of hostage diplomacy is no idle threat

Axios · by Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian

Hostage Diplomacy, Wolf Diplomacy.  What other names can we find to describe the PRC?  I would be cautious traveling to China these days.

3. Marines vs. China - the Corps just put these tactics to the test

marinecorpstimes.com · by Philip Athey · October 20, 2020

4. Is Esper's New Plan for the Navy Enough for the Indo-Pacific?

warontherocks.com · by Mark Montgomery · October 21, 2020

From my FDD colleague. It is all about the "Benjamins."  How do we fund it?  We need a strong, large, and extremely capable Navy. Conclusion: "Esper has described a naval force structure designed to deter, and if needed, defeat China, one that will be equally applicable to national security decision-makers in a Biden or second Trump administration, but he has left the critical question about how to fund it unanswered. The next administration will have to answer this question if it wants to prepare the military for great-power competition with China. In the meantime, Congress can immediately help the Department of Defense achieve some momentum on this by adding the second Virginia-class submarine back into the FY2021 budget and providing the offset from non-Navy funding. It will be an initial signal to Beijing that the United States will match its words with deeds."

5. Resource-Sustainable Counterterrorism in an Era of Great Power Competition

Small Wars Journal-Kevin Bilms and Douglas A. Livermore-10/20/2020

Yes, change is hard. As the saying goes: "The only thing harder than getting a new idea into a military mind is getting an old one out."Conclusion: Change is hard. But realizing the changes necessary to adopt a resource-sustainable approach to CVEO, as prescribed by the NDS IW Annex, does not have to be painful. The framework provided by the NDS IW Annex allows the Department to align its CT efforts more closely with other elements of the U.S. Government, and calls for enabling partner nations to assume their share of the burden. Meanwhile, it allows the Department to redirect its focus on returning to steady-state activities against state competitors. These directives fully align with the NSS and NDS. If implemented alongside the NDS IW Annex's direction to institutionalize IW as a long-standing competency for DoD, these changes should position the Defense Department and the nation to compete against all challenges in an increasingly complex security environment.

6. The Night that the Lights Went Out in Taipei

Small Wars Journal-Brent W. Thompson-10/20/2020

Isn't there a song about this?  Seriously we must beware of Chinese subversion and operations below the threshold of conflict.  Conclusion: "The United States has insisted it would assist Taiwan in the event of an unprovoked attack.55 It is much less clear what the United States would do if China were able to conceal its coercive behavior or competed at a level below armed conflict. The United States has long stated it supports peaceful unification of China and Taiwan.56 If China and Taiwan integrate under unclear or more-or-less peaceful circumstances, the United States may have little appetite to risk a bloody war to make a moral statement. In such a case, China would have fulfilled another adage from Sun Tzu: "To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill."

7. The Real Divide in America Is Between Political Junkies and Everyone Else

The New York Times · by Yanna Krupnikov and John Barry Ryan · October 20, 2020

Well now this explains everything.  It puts it all in perspective :-)

8. U.S. Diplomats and Spies Battle Trump Administration Over Suspected Attacks

The New York Times · by Ana Swanson · October 19, 2020

It is like everything else from Agent Orange to Gulf War Syndrome to burn pits.  Our government never seems to believe that those who serve our nation are victims and suffer either from our own mistakes or the attacks of our enemies.

9. Top Universities Took Billions in Unreported Foreign Funds, U.S. Finds

WSJ · by Aruna Viswanatha and Melissa Korn-Oct. 20, 2020

This pains me to read.  Why is Georgetown such a target?  Its School of Foreign Service is one of the largest contributors of graduate students to the intelligence community.  School is a good place to being cultivating long term relationships.

Excerpt: "The report said a school, identifiable as Georgetown University, has worked with the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, "derived $2,360,807" from an arrangement that demonstrated "significant intermingling" with China, and supported an academic exchange with Communist officials through the central committee's Party School. A Georgetown spokeswoman said the school's tax filings show a nearly identical dollar amount in expenditures in the region, but not gifts or contracts from foreign entities, and that the details in the report were "a bit puzzling to us."

10. U.S. Spy Agency Warns That Chinese Hackers Target Military, Defense Industry

WSJ · by Dustin Volz

Should be no surprise but it is important to provide this information and "evidence."

11. Exclusive: Indonesia rejected U.S. request to host spy planes - officials

Reuters · by Tom Allard · October 20, 2020

This is certainly a disappointment. I guess we have a ways to go to rebuild trust.

12. Russia's military intelligence is behind Olympics cyberattacks

donga.com-Youn-Jong Kim-October. 21, 2020 

The Russians target everyone.  I remember the attacks.  The question is how well did South Korea defend against them? It seemed like it was able to react and mitigate the effects quickly and pretty well. 

13. The spread of conspiracies and disinformation by women on social media

19thnews.org · Mariel Padilla-October 19, 2020

I admit this article caught me off guard.  I guess for some naive reason I thought men were more susceptible to conspiracy theories and responsible for spreading them. (though as the article notes even though more than half the spread on Instagram is caused by women, many do so unintentionally).

14. Power in Asia in five charts

lowyinstitute.org · by Alyssa Leng

There is a lot of data at this "power index."  https://power.lowyinstitute.org/. Please go to the link to view the charts. I have to admit that the data and charts require some serious thought for understanding (at least for me!).

15. FDD | UN Secretary-General Condemns Iran for Human Rights Abuses

fdd.org · by Tzvi Kahn Research Fellow · October 20, 2020

From my  FDD colleague.

16. Revision of the Commandant's Professional Reading Program

marines.mil-David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps-10/20/2020

17. Analysis | Even if they haven't heard of QAnon, most Trump voters believe its wild allegations

The Washington Post · By Philip Bump-October 20, 2020

I do not think this is accurate.  Although my "evidence" is anecdotal, most all of the Trump voters I know or observe on social media do not believe the QAnon conspiracy theories.

18. College students struggle to spot misinformation online as 2020 election approaches

USA Today · by Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY

We need our college students to do better.

19. How U.S. Spy Flights Against China Undermine the International Order

lawfareblog.com · October 20, 2020

Sigh.. We need to conduct ISR operations.  I think the PRC is doing a lot more to undermine the international order.

Conclusion:Despite U.S. denials and obfuscations, some spy flights may indeed violate international norms that are important components of the international order. Also, after years of persuasion, China finally agreed to the U.S.-proposed nonbinding Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea that strives to prevent incidents or their escalation. But if these latest allegations of flying false electronic flags are true, why should China abide by the code - or trust the U.S. regarding future "confidence-building" agreements? Indeed, the Global Times, a Chinese Communist Party sponsored newspaper, has reported that the agreement may be close to collapsing.If the suspicious flights do not violate norms, the U.S. should explain why they do not and release details so that neutral observers can judge for themselves. By not explaining its actions and apparently violating such norms in the South China Sea, the U.S. undermines its public policy campaign against China for doing the same.                                             

  20. Gabbard Leaves Hawaii National Guard for California Unit                                                

military.com · by The Associated Press · October 19, 2020          

21.  Reinventing the Leader Selection Process

HBR-by Everett Spain-November-December 2020

The Army gets its leadership assessed in Harvard Business Review.

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"Big groups solve small problems; whereas small groups solve big problems, and guess what?  We have a lot of big problems."

- Adrian Bogart

"The freedom to criticize ideas, any ideas - even if they are sincerely held beliefs - is one of the fundamental freedoms of society."

- Rowan Atkinson

"Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilled, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men and women lost in battle so that we as individuals might have a say in governing our country? Honor the lives sacrificed for your freedoms."

- Richelle E. Goodrich

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Daniel Riggs

1. N. Korean leader vows to further develop ties with China

2. Esper says U.S. continues to face threats from N. Korea, other rogue states

3. Abuse of Women Detained in North Korea Given Special Attention by United Nations

4. US continues pressure on Korea to stand against China

5. North Korean Human Rights Activist Suzanne Scholte, “Now, we have a golden opportunity to save North Korean refugees,” to President Moon.

6. 48 N. Koreans defected to South Korea in this year's 3rd quarter

7. “Worth Less Than an Animal” Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea

8. North Korea's New ICBM Lacks MIRV Capability, Has 15,000 km Range: Report

9. Iran To Import North Korean missiles In 25-Year Military Deal With China

10. North Korea's Pukguksong-3 SLBM: A Step Towards Second-Strike Capability?

11. "The Most Impressive Private Intelligence Operation”: Review of "The Mole" (north Korea illicit activities)

12. Minister renews calls for inter-Korean cooperation in railway linking, tourism

13. U.N. grants sanctions exemptions to aid programs in N.K.

14. Kiwi man raided by police over North Korean PPE donation says it was 'like a sick joke'

15. N. Korea develops mobile payment service: propaganda outlet

16. Donju on the losing end of recent ban on "mobile money"

17. S. Korea pledges US$10 mln in humanitarian aid to conflict-ridden Sahel region

18. What is the Kim Jong Il University of Military Politics?

19. China Backs Off From Fight With K-Pop Fans

20. Exhibition commemorating War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea opens in Beijing

21. What were they fighting for? (South Korea's 386 now 586 generation)

1. N. Korean leader vows to further develop ties with China

en.yna.co.kr · by 김광태 · October 20, 2020

Again, this should be no surprise.  And China will play both sides.  South Korea should not be "competing" with the north for Chinese influence and affection despite the huge trade relationship.  That trade relationship has already demonstrated the South is vulnerable to Chinese economic and political warfare.

2. Esper says U.S. continues to face threats from N. Korea, other rogue states

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · October 21, 2020

As I have written a number of times, I cannot recall such consistency among our senior leaders in discussing and appearing to try to implement the National Security and National Defense Strategies. I think it is a testament to how well constructed these strategies are.

3. Abuse of Women Detained in North Korea Given Special Attention by United Nations

csis.org · by Robert R. King · October 20, 2020

These abuses are terrible.  

Also of note, we have not had a US Ambassador for north Korean Human Rights since Ambassador King stepped down in 2017.

4. US continues pressure on Korea to stand against China

The Korea Times· by Kang Seung-woo · October 21, 2020

We need to tread carefully here.  Pressure is not going to work.  South Korea must come to its own conclusion that joining the Quad and aligning itself with like-minded democratic countries is in its best political, economic, and national security interests.  We have to help South Korea come to that realization but too much pressure will backfire.  

5. North Korean Human Rights Activist Suzanne Scholte, “Now, we have a golden opportunity to save North Korean refugees,” to President Moon.

nkfreedom.org · October 21, 2020

I am proud to serve with Suzanne Scholte on the board of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.  She does incredible work for north Korean human rights and human rights in general around the world.

As she notes this is an important opportunity and I hope the Moon administration pays attention to her.  Note the number of escapees is in decline.

6. 48 N. Koreans defected to South Korea in this year's 3rd quarter

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Note the declining numbers of escapees (defectors). This is surely partly due to the draconian population and resources control measures implemented to defend against COVID.  But Kim has exploited COVID to impose harsh measures on the people to better control them.

7. “Worth Less Than an Animal” Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea

hrw.org · October 19, 2020

The entire report can be accessed here.

The summary and key recommendations are at the news link.

8. North Korea's New ICBM Lacks MIRV Capability, Has 15,000 km Range: Report

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · October 20, 2020

As Dr. Bruce Bechtol reminds me every time I send something out on the "Hwasong 16" that there is no evidence of the north having a MIRV capability.  He says the larger missile may simply be capable of carrying a larger missile.

9. Iran To Import North Korean missiles In 25-Year Military Deal With China

Oil Price· by Simon Watkins · October 19, 2020

I hate to use an old "cliche" but this is truly an axis of evil.  Dr Bruce Becthol and his co-author are working on a major book project tracking north-Korean-Iranian proliferation and cooperation.

10. North Korea's Pukguksong-3 SLBM: A Step Towards Second-Strike Capability?

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · October 20, 2020

Whether north Korea can actually develop a submarine force capable of credible second strike capability I think we can assess that they want to at the very least give us the appearance of the capability.  Surely they would like a second strike capability for real deterrence.  However, this may also be part of its eventual negotiation strategy. Like the "Hwasong 16" the "Pukguksong-4" may be something to be bargained away for concessions during some future negotiations process.

11. “The Most Impressive Private Intelligence Operation”: Review of "The Mole" (north Korea illicit activities)

38north.org · by Ruediger Frank · October 20, 2020

I still have not been able to track down access to this documentary in the US.  I look forward to seeing this someday.

If you want to watch something about the "star" of this report, Alejandro Cao de Benós, please see this short trailer for the film the Propaganda Game.  It is truly bizarre. 

12. Minister renews calls for inter-Korean cooperation in railway linking, tourism

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Is this to provide the evil north Korean regime the opportunity to brutally murder more Korean citizens from the South? I fear the Minister is tone deaf and misguided.

13. U.N. grants sanctions exemptions to aid programs in N.K.

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

How cooperative and transparent will the regime be?  

Excerpt: "The delivery of supplies into North Korea is expected to be trickier this year as the communist state has tightened its borders to stop the spread of the new coronavirus."

14. Kiwi man raided by police over North Korean PPE donation says it was 'like a sick joke'

Stuff.co.nz · by Joel MacManus · October 21, 2020

All of the north Korean "friendship societies" around the world should be targets of investigation for their illicit activities.

15. N. Korea develops mobile payment service: propaganda outlet

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Another technical system/process I hope we are working on penetrating. Imagine if we could pump money to certain targets?

16. Donju on the losing end of recent ban on "mobile money"

dailynk.com· by Mun Dong Hui · October 21, 2020

Hmmmm... This is very important for the nascent markets in the north and this has significant impact.

Here is an excellent article from Yongho Kim that explains how the process works and its importance. North Korea’s Mobile Telecommunications and Private Transportation Services in the Kim Jong-un Era: 

17. S. Korea pledges US$10 mln in humanitarian aid to conflict-ridden Sahel region

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · October 21, 2020

This is one of the great miracles of South Korea. It went from a major aid recipient to a major donor nation.

18. What is the Kim Jong Il University of Military Politics?

dailynk.com· by Jeong Tae-Joo · October 21, 2020

I wonder if they are hiring (note sarcasm). I guess since Kim Jong-il is the father of Songun - Military First Politics, it is only appropriate to venerate him with his own university.

19. China Backs Off From Fight With K-Pop Fans

Foreign Policy · by S. Nathan Park · October 20, 2020

I think that is the problem.  China does not want to learn from South Korea or anyone.  In fact as an imminent Chia watcher has commented China is upset (and perhaps jealous) that South Korea is so popular around the world and has the first foreign Oscar winning film (Parasite) and has K-Pop groups like BTS which is the first to top the US billboard charts.

20. Exhibition commemorating War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea opens in Beijing

news.cgtn.com · October 19, 2020

Ah yes, the US war of aggression.

21. What were they fighting for? (South Korea's 386 now 586 generation)

The Korea Times· by Kang Hyun-kyung · October 21, 2020

A very thoughtful essay that addresses the democracy movement of the 1980's and the current Moon administration. 

---------------------

"Big groups solve small problems; whereas small groups solve big problems, and guess what?  We have a lot of big problems."

- Adrian Bogart

"The freedom to criticize ideas, any ideas – even if they are sincerely held beliefs – is one of the fundamental freedoms of society."
- Rowan Atkinson

“Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilled, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men and women lost in battle so that we as individuals might have a say in governing our country? Honor the lives sacrificed for your freedoms.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2386702/revision-of-the-commandants-professional-reading-program

1. To ensure the Commandant's Professional Reading Program (CPRP) remains relevant, current, and promotes professional discussions amongst all Marines. The Commandant's Professional Reading List (CPRL) has removed the rank distinction and consolidated the list of publications into five categories.

2. The CPRL is arranged into five categories: Commandant's Choice, Profession of Arms, Innovation, Leadership, and Strategy. Each year, Marines shall read a minimum of five books from the CPRL.

2.a. In addition to the updated reading list, the Gray Research Center in coordination with the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity has added new content to the CPRP to include the current podcasts, articles, and discussion guides. The CPRL and related information can be found at https:(slant)(slant)grc-usmcu.libguides.com/usmc-reading-list-2020.

2.b. Previous CPRL book titles will remain available under the heading “Archive” along with a list of significant national and Marine Corps related titles listed under the heading “Foundational.”

2.c. Marines are highly encouraged to incorporate periodicals and podcasts into their reading regimens. Scholarly and professionally oriented articles published by independent magazines and journals foster innovation, professional military education (PME) development, critical study of the profession of arms, and serious discussion regarding topics of interest within the Marine Corps. Professional publications inform debate on current, topical issues of relevance to the Marine Corps and promote intellectual growth of the individual Marine.

2.d. Per the references, completion of the CPRL reading requirement shall be noted in the individual Marines fitness report or be taken into account when assigning proficiency/conduct marks. How a Marine demonstrates completion of the annual requirement is at the discretion of the commander.

3. Categories

3.a. Commandant's Choice: “The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare” by: C. Brose.

3.b. Profession of Arms
3.b.1. “After Action: The True Story of a Cobra Pilot's Journey” by: D. Sheehan.
3.b.2. “Black Hearts: One Platoon's Descent Into Madness in Iraq's Triangle of Death” by: J. Frederick.
3.b.3. “First to Fight: An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps” by: V. Krulak.
3.b.4. “Forgotten Warriors: The 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, the Corps Ethos, and the Korean War” by: T.X. Hammes.
3.b.5. “Hesitation Kills: A Female Marine Officer's Combat Experience in Iraq” by: J. Blair.
3.b.6. “The Last Stand of Fox Company: A True Story of U.S. Marines in Combat” by: B. Drury and T. Clavin.
3.b.7. “The Marines of Montford Point: America's First Black Marines” by: M. McLaurin.
3.b.8. “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” by: C. Henderson.
3.b.9. “Neptunes Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal” by: J. Hornfischer.
3.b.10. “We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder with the Marines Who Took Fallujah” by: P. O'Donnell.
3.b.11. “Women at War: Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Conflicts” by: S. Baron.

3.c. Innovation
3.c.1. “Assault from the Sea: Essays on the History of Amphibious Warfare” by: M. Bartlett.
3.c.2. “Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII” by: C. Nez and J. S. Avila.
3.c.3. “Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon” by: K. Zetter.
3.c.4. “Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It” by: I. Leslie.
3.c.5. “Issues on My Mind: Strategies for the Future” by: G. Schultz.
3.c.6. “Learning War: The Evolution of Fighting Doctrine in the U.S. Navy, 1898–1945” by: T. Hone.
3.c.7. “The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the Ultimate Learning Machine Will Remake Our World” by: P. Domingos.
3.c.8. “Military Innovation in the Interwar Period” by: W. Murray.
3.c.9. “On Call in Hell: A Doctor's Iraq War Story” by: R. Jadick.
3.c.10. “Sgt Reckless: America's War Horse” by: R. Sutton.
3.c.11. “The White Donkey: Terminal Lance” by: M. Uriarte.
3.c.12. “Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century” by: P. W. Singer.

3.d. Leadership
3.d.1. “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead” by: J. Mattis and B. West.
3.d.2. “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by: B. Brown.
3.d.3. “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership” by: C. Powell.
3.d.4. “The Leader's Bookshelf” by: J. Stavridis.
3.d.5. “Legacy: 15 Lessons in Leadership” by: J. Kerr.
3.d.6. “Resilience: Hard-won Wisdom for Living a Better Life” by: E. Greitens.
3.d.7. “Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productivein Life and Business” by: C. Duhigg.
3.d.8. “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by: S. Sinek.
3.d.9. “Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging” by: S. Junger.
3.d.10. “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by: L. Hillenbrand.
3.d.11. “You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For” by: K. Carpenter.

3.e. Strategy
3.e.1. “Cybersecurity & Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know” by: P. W. Singer.
3.e.2. “Fleet Tactics & Naval Operations, 3rd ed.” by: W. Hughes.
3.e.3. “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Dont” by: J. Collins.
3.e.4. “Humility is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age” by: E. Hess and K. Ludwig.
3.e.5. “LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media” by: P. W. Singer.
3.e.6. “A New Conception of War: John Boyd, the U.S. Marines, and Maneuver Warfare” by: I. T. Brown.
3.e.7. “Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power” by: R. Kaplan.
3.e.8. “One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander” by: S. Woodward.
3.e.9. “Red Star Over the Pacific: China's Rise and the Challenge to U.S. Maritime Strategy” by: T. Yoshihara.
3.e.10. “Thinking Fast & Slow” by: D. Kahneman.
3.e.11. “The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds” by: M. Lewis.

4. Incorporate the new CPRL into command and unit PME programs. Recommendations to the CPRP can be submitted to: reading@usmc.mil.

5. Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. China keeps inching closer to Taiwan

2. A distracted US is dangerous for Taiwan

3. Genghis Can't: the growing reach of Chinese censorship.

4. GRU hackers' destructive malware and international cyber attacks

5. Sleepwalking into World War III

6. America's response 2001

7. Marine Corps marks end of Harrier operations for historic 'Tomcats' squadron

8. A Secret U.S. rescue in Yemen played a role in Mideast peace deal

9. Special Forces learned in Syria, prepares to confront China

10. Special Forces needs to go back to basics to win against China and Russia

11. The third coronavirus surge has arrived

12. Extremists don’t belong in the military

13. China's ascension through a narrative lens

14. Twitter, responsibility, and accountability

15. Why is America the world’s police?

16. Missing Marine vet Austin Tice’s release part of White House official’s secret Syria visit

17. Cyber Solarium Commission outlines recommendations for strengthening the supply chain

18. How to spot a military impostor

19. Junior enlisted share the most ‘sham-tastic’ things they’ve ever done

1. China keeps inching closer to Taiwan

Foreign Policy · Michael Beckley · October 19, 2020

I am not sure about the "consensus."

2. A distracted US is dangerous for Taiwan

Financial Times · Gideon Rachman · October 19, 2020

True. And we are surely distracted by so much right now.

3. Genghis can't: the growing reach of Chinese censorship.

CEPA · Edward Lucas · October 19, 2020

For those working on information and influence activities (such as at the GEC), themes and messages are easily derived from exposing the Chinese information strategy.

4. GRU hackers' destructive malware and international cyber attacks

FBI · October 19, 2020

5. Sleepwalking into World War III

Foreign Affairs · Carrie A. Lee · October 19, 2020

I think this problem existed well before President Trump.

6. America's response 2001

Alan Mack 47 · Alan Mack · October 19, 2020

Some important first-person history. Where do we find such soldiers? NSDQ!

7. Marine Corps marks end of Harrier operations for historic 'Tomcats' squadron

Military.com · Oriana Pawlyk · October 19, 2020

I always thought the Harrier was one of the coolest jets. I hope the F-35B will be as well.

8. A Secret U.S. rescue in Yemen played a role in Mideast peace deal

Wall Street Journal · Dion Nissenbaum · October 19, 2020

A fascinating story.  Good work Miguel!

9. Special Forces learned in Syria, prepares to confront China

ConnectingVets.com · Jack Murphy · October 19, 2020

I think Jack is referencing the 1st Special Forces Command vision for 2021 and Beyond, which is  here. It is worth reading.

The USASOC Strategy document is here. It is also very much worth reading for those with an interest in special operations.

10. Special Forces needs to go back to basics to win against China and Russia

Task & Purpose · Chris Miller & Doug Livermore · October 19, 2020

As I previously mentioned. Important thoughts from Chris Miller and Doug Livermore.

11. The third coronavirus surge has arrived

Defense One · COVID Tracking Project · October 17, 2020

12. Extremists don’t belong in the military

Defense One · James L. Jones · October 19, 2020

13. China's ascension through a narrative lens

Asia Power Watch · Paul Cobaugh · October 19, 2020

14. Twitter, responsibility, and accountability

Stratechery · October 19, 2020

Long read.

15. Why is America the world’s police?

Boston Review · Sam Lebovic · October 19, 2020

16. Missing Marine vet Austin Tice’s release part of White House official’s secret Syria visit

Marine Corps Times · Sarah El Deeb & Ben Fox · October 19, 2020

17. Cyber Solarium Commission outlines recommendations for strengthening the supply chain

C4ISR Net · Mark Pomerleau · October 19, 2020

18. How to spot a military impostor

New Yorker · Rachel Monroe · October 19, 2020

What possesses people to tell these kinds of lies? They will always be found out. Especially with the amount of data available today and just the connectivity through social media that can expose their lies.

19. Junior enlisted share the most ‘sham-tastic’ things they’ve ever done

Military Times · Sarah Sicard · October 20, 2020

We will close with some humor today.  If ever there was a deep state in the military, it would be the E4 mafia.

"Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it."

- Washington Irvine

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill

"This is not a contest between persons. The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error. I come to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of liberty - the cause of humanity."

- William Jennings Bryan

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. North Korea’s new ICBM: why the “monster missile” matters

2. Only Star Wars can beat North Korea's nukes

3. North Korea cybercriminals threaten Russian entities, report says

4. Kim Jong Un rescued after SUV rolled into ditch, state media says

5.  S. Korean defense chief, U.S. commander vow strong cooperation for N.K. denuclearization

6.  N.K. fast narrowing missile technology with S. Korea: defense development agency chief

7. N.K. media slams S. Korea over recent defense talks with U.S.

8.  Seoul to get U.S. drone intelligence system

9. Deployment of Global Hawk carried out behind closed doors

10. N. Korea's new ICBM can't hit two or more targets at same time

11. Post typhoon repairs: progress on Chongjin Bridge

12. South Korea's April 2020 elections rigged? The answer is a clear no.

13. North Korea thinks America started ebola

14. Cheong Wa Dae mired in corruption

15. One of China's largest logistics companies stops delivering BTS goods

16. South Korea eases coronavirus restrictions, touts 'exceptional' success

17. Coronavirus outbreak? North Korea school opening delayed: report

18. New contingent of "Storm Corps" sent to Sino-N. Korean border

19. Experts look for solutions to Korea-Japan conundrum

20. What my North Korean friend taught me about home

1. North Korea’s New ICBM: Why the “Monster Missile” Matters

National Interest · Markus V. Garlauskas · October 19, 2020

From the former NIO for Korea: “I would add one other important point. This is a critical system for exploitation in negotiations. I think Kim could use this as a future concession. Something to give up in return for sanctions relief. Kim believes he will be able to convince us to push for the elimination of the ‘Hwasong 16’ based on the excellent expert analysis below. We don't want Kim to have such a system.”

2. Only Star Wars can beat North Korea’s nukes

Washington Times · Brandon J. Weichert · October 19, 2020

Clickbait title perhaps but the author's key message is here. And, of course, this is a bigger issue than North Korea.

3. North Korea cybercriminals threaten Russian entities, report says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · October 19, 2020

An interesting development. But North Korea has no friends, only interests, and, of course, it is interested in penetrating the defense firms of any country, to include Russia.

4. Kim Jong Un rescued after SUV rolled into ditch, state media says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · October 19, 2020

Safety first, gentlemen. I am sure the rescuers will forever be heroes of the regime (the story will be a legend, as noted) and those responsible for the mishap will be in the gulag.

But how many times have we seen Jeeps and HMMWVS slip off rice paddy dikes in South Korea? We have all seen it happen. I recall a major recovery operation one late winter in the DMZ just as the thaw was occurring. The paddies had not been flooded, yet but the melted snow made them bogs. We had a HMMWV so stuck that it took three other vehicles to pull it out of the mire.

5. S. Korean defense chief, U.S. commander vow strong cooperation for N.K. denuclearization

Yonhap News Agency · graceoh@yna.co.kr · October 20, 2020

I understand the title and the focus, but there is much more to the alliance than just North Korea denuclearization. Readiness is not just to support denuclearization.

6. N.K. fast narrowing missile technology with S. Korea: defense development agency chief

Yonhap News Agency · scaaet@yna.co.kr · October 20, 2020

We have not seen the testing to confirm this. But we should remember that North Korea has surprised us many times with their advances.

I am not as concerned with competition between North and South as to "matching" ballistic missile capabilities. My concern is with South Korean missile defense. Can it defeat North Korean ballistic missiles?

7. N.K. media slams S. Korea over recent defense talks with U.S.

Yonhap News Agency · julesyi@yna.co.kr · October 20, 2020

A key part of the regime's strategy is to undermine, weaken, and eventually break the alliance. Divide to conquer… divide the alliance to be able to conquer the ROK. We must never forget that when dealing with North Korea and when we make decisions that could impact the alliance (e.g., troop reductions or withdrawal).

8. Seoul to get U.S. drone intelligence system

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Shim Kyu-Seok · October 20, 2020

Good. An important capability.

9. Deployment of Global Hawk carried out behind closed doors

Dong-A Ilbo · Kyu-Jin Shin · October 20, 2020

Maybe not every military or intelligence action should be made public right away or as it happens.

10. N. Korea's new ICBM can't hit two or more targets at same time

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · October 20, 2020

Daily NK would seem to be a little out of its lane here, though it is not the one making this analysis. This comes from a Daily NK source in North Korea.

11. Post typhoon repairs: progress on Chongjin Bridge

38 North · Martyn Williams · October 19, 2020

12. South Korea's April 2020 elections rigged? The answer is a clear no.

National Interest · Mitchell Blatt · October 19, 2020

Anti-China Hawks?  I think not.

But it seems Mr. Blatt is carrying the water of both the Moon administration and China.

13. North Korea thinks America started ebola

National Interest · Stephen Silver · October 19, 2020

Actually, we should "believe" much of the regime's propaganda. It often tells us what the regime is going to do and explains policy direction. But, actually, it is not "believing" it that is important. It is analyzing and understanding the messages the regime is sending.

14. Cheong Wa Dae mired in corruption

Dong-A Ilbo · October 20, 2020

This is key. Where are the checks and balances?

15. One of China's largest logistics companies stops delivering BTS goods

All K Pop · AKP Staff · October 19, 2020

The soft power fight and Chinese economic warfare.

16. South Korea eases coronavirus restrictions, touts 'exceptional' success

NPR · Se Eun Gong · October 19, 2020

17. Coronavirus outbreak? North Korea school opening delayed: report

National Interest

Out of an abundance of caution or a possible indicator?

18. New contingent of "Storm Corps" sent to Sino-N. Korean border

Daily NK · Ha Yoon Ah · October 20, 2020

"Hunting weapons?" Shoot to kill orders remain in effect. I do like the "net guns" for defending against animals trying to penetrate into North Korea. This is another indication of the regime's need to defend its border, both from COVIID but also from external influence (economic and information) and from Koreans, who not only want to conduct cross border commerce but also want to escape.

19. Experts look for solutions to Korea-Japan conundrum

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Lee Yu-Jung & Sarah Kim · October 20, 2020

Solutions? I think the word they are looking for is a miracle.

20. What my North Korean friend taught me about home

Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage · Rachel J. Lee · October 19, 2020

This fact is important for us to understand. Despite the hardship and suffering as well as the freedom they experience, there are many escapees (defectors) who still long for their homeland. This truth is important for those working on information and influence activities. Messages cannot vilify the North Korean territory and people and culture. They can and should undermine the regime and expose the regime's wrongdoing as well as educate those in the North about their inalienable human rights. But we should respect the fact that many do want to return and that should be factored into the South's unification plans (it is also helpful to ensure a "stay put" policy when the regime is no longer in power and the unification process begins in earnest). The best way to prevent refugee flows is to incentivize people to remain in their homes. How do you do that? Land ownership is one way.

"Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it."

- Washington Irvine

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill

"This is not a contest between persons. The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error. I come to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of liberty - the cause of humanity."

- William Jennings Bryan