@dinkleberg1717 @Snakeeater36 Yeah, I was focused on the larger FOB's, but I'm just going to take the L, learn, and say that I owe both you guys a beer.

@Noellenarwhal @ABDanielleSmith @fordnation I mean if we're in a hurry, I volunteer as tribute. Sounds like a fun non-job.

@dinkleberg1717 @Snakeeater36 For what it's worth, you two have made me rethink my initial take on this, so thanks - I appreciate you both, and the insight.

@Snakeeater36 @Nikthenord @_AmandaKerri I think that's a fair point (my snark about phalanxes aside) except perhaps in the context of Western deployments in say post-1990 conflicts, where our logistics and remote train is so heavily insulated. I'll defer though, for the sake of it being an interesting chat.

@Snakeeater36 @_AmandaKerri Oh it's a fair point about this specific team (though I would also bet money they don't tote all their own kit by hand), I was generalising, perhaps unfairly.

RT @MAstronomers: Clearest image ever taken of Pluto

@ScotJohn_ @DanielJHannan The U.S. has the greatest market in history, exchanging bits of paper for physical things it needs to turn its economic engine over. It doesn't matter that it has a trade deficit with Canada in the same way it doesn't matter that I have a trade deficit with my grocery store.

@Snakeeater36 @Nikthenord @_AmandaKerri Yeah, in honesty, it's been a minute. Don't get me wrong, I think fitness *matters*, I just think it matters less for some MOS, and I don't agree with Hegseth's initial statement outside the individual level (and even then, maybe not, but my data isn't great so.)

@Nikthenord @Snakeeater36 @_AmandaKerri I couldn't be bothered to dig up "artillery doesn't care if you're fat or buff", but this study on penetrating injuries was worth a read ; I don't buy the cushion effect on this sampling but it's a fun one too

@BK_McCallum @crashfrog @billybinion That's usually dealt with by appeal to a higher court, up to the Supreme Court if it's actually a Constitutional issue, or, potentially, by Congress overriding the override by amending relevant laws. The *Vice President* saying "nah" isn't really the preferred route.

@Nikthenord @Snakeeater36 @_AmandaKerri For sure, I'm a chair jockey. But there's a whole bunch of chair jockeys in, say, the Seychelles, who don't need to be able to run three miles in full kit in order to do their jobs. The fit guy isn't statistically "harder to kill" than the drone operator. (Matter at micro ofc!)

@elonmusk I'm all in favour of a pan-American manufacturing renaissance! But existing materials tariffs have not significantly increased production and have caused more downstream job losses than they create in the target industry.

@bosschonk @PencilBun @_AmandaKerri I think we're in violent agreement! I just don't agree with Hegseth that "stronger people are harder to kill", at least not in any way that matters at the macro deployment level.

@bosschonk @PencilBun @_AmandaKerri I guess what I'm saying is, sure we need infantry, but "stronger people are harder to kill" is basically within the margin of error at this point. Fitness is important, but it's no longer critical to the mission. I'd rather a pilot was in flight training than PT, for example.

@Snakeeater36 @_AmandaKerri If I remember right, only the Army requires in theater deployments. If the FLOT shifts to *Houston*, there's probably other problems. (PT is important! But it's probably not a necessary *priority* for a lot of members)

@bosschonk @PencilBun @_AmandaKerri Bombers don't hold territory either and yet the USAF exists. That guy who can deadlift an elephant is not significantly harder to kill than the weeb in the backline piloting a drone, in a modern conflict. We're not running phalanxes any more.

@DZ295 @TABYTCHI @meltzer_ben It feels like messing about in the non-defense discretionary section is like draining your flooded kitchen by bailing out the sink, you know?

@DZ295 @ScotlandGroyper @KatakisLives @TABYTCHI @meltzer_ben It's Treasury data for FY2025, but I don't see it he proportions changing.