text: Republicans mentioned “inflation” 600% more than Democrats. Image: AxiosMILITARY/DEFENSEU.S. MARINE CORPS TO UPGRADE LIGHT ARMORED RECON VEHICLES WITH DRONES: As part of the U.S. Marine Corps Force Design 2030, the Marines are upgrading their light armored reconnaissance vehicles (LAV) with new technology to make them “multi-domain, mobile reconnaissance” platforms. The concept, currently in work with BAE Systems, would equip the upgraded LAVs with drones, a 30mm cannon, and computer-based electronic intelligence collection and command and control systems. (AC: The Marine’s Force Design 2030 is a restructuring of selected Marine units to focus on future conflict in the Info-Pacific. The Marines deactivated their M1-A Tank Battalions and are now upgrading their LAV fleets in hopes of offsetting the loss of heavy lethality. – M.M.)NEW NAVY TASK FORCE TO OPERATE IN RED SEA REGION: The U.S. Navy is standing up a new multi-national task force in the Red Sea region due to an increase in missile attacks and smuggling operations. Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, are currently involved in armed conflict with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Al-Qaeda in Yemen remains a serious transnational security threat. Commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, said Combined Task Force 153 “will focus on international maritime security and capacity-building efforts specifically in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. These are strategically important waters that warrant our attention, and any destabilizing activity, including threats to commercial traffic and coastal infrastructure, really can have profound global impacts.” (AC: The Red Sea area is an expanding conflict zone as Houthi rebels in Yemen accelerate missile attacks against Saudi oil infrastructure. Iran supports the Houthi rebels with intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their conflict against arch-nemesis Saudi Arabia. – M.M.) PENTAGON WANTS MINI REACTORS FOR POWER: The Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office announced “Project Pele” will use C-17 cargo planes to deliver nuclear reactors to austere U.S. bases. The project would reduce reliance on supply lines providing generator fuel to power bases, but comes with substantial risk from radiation leaks, battle damage, or theft. – D.M.GEOPOLITICSUKRAINIANS BEGIN RETURNING HOME: Despite the ongoing war, some Ukrainian refugees are returning home. An estimated 650,000 of the more than 4.8 million refugees are starting to head to their cities and towns impacted by the war. Russian military forces reconsolidated in the east and are expected to launch a renewed assault on Mariupol. – D.M.US TACTICS UNLIKELY TO BE AS EFFECTIVE IN TAIWAN: China’s increasing space capabilities are concerning U.S. officials that narrative influence tactics used against Russia will not work as well against China. Images provided by commercial satellite firms were vital to drive the narrative of Russia’s blame leading up to and during the invasion of Ukraine. In a DIA report, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) “probably sees counterspace operations as a means to deter and counter a U.S. intervention during a regional military conflict.” Former deputy director of Naval Intelligence and satellite firm board member, Lynn Wright, stated that China will do a “much better job” than Russia due to their “faster cycle rate.” According to Wright, the West will also not see complete alignment between military and commercial satellite firms during a potential conflict over Taiwan due to varying interests. – D.F. FINLAND ‘HIGHLY LIKELY’ TO JOIN NATO: Finland’s Minister for European Affairs said it’s “highly likely” that Finland will join NATO soon. The Finish parliament will debate the measure, but it is expected to be approved. (AC: Finland and Sweden are likely to formally apply for NATO membership in June’s Madrid summit. Russian officials continue saying NATO expansion is an unacceptable “red line” but offers no alternative other than threats of war. – D.M.) NATIONAL SECURITY