FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – With the many national security and intelligence topics that American Defense News (ADN) cannot adequately cover every day – in collaboration with the Center for American Defense Studies (CADS) – we are providing our readers a PDB:

Not the President’s Daily Brief, but almost as good – Paul’s Daily Briefing.

Today’s PDB Includes a variety of critical issues such as – US Marines heading to Australia, as the State Department approves Sky Guardian drones for our allies down under. China launches three new warships on the same day – the 72nd anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). U.S. officials are not yet convinced Russia is making good on its word to de-escalate in Crimea.  Plus…

Marines’ number one priority is buying lots of loitering drones to face China.

US Spy chiefs look to declassify intel after a rare plea from 4-star commanders.

American veterans see echoes of Vietnam in Afghanistan withdrawal plan.

Americans are divided on the defense budget.

And National Guard to help protect Biden’s limited, invite-only address to Congress.

TODAY’S PDB HIGHLIGHTS:

National Security

Poll: More Americans reportedly say US defense isn’t strong enough, but most are content. As ‘progressives’ on the far-left work to cut President Joe Biden’s flat defense budget request for 2022 ― and Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., push to increase it ― public views are not expected to provide much momentum to either side.

Homeland Security

Still at Capitol, National Guard to assist with security at Biden’s first address to Congress. President Joe Biden’s first address to Congress is an invite-only affair, no guests allowed.

Afghanistan

American vets see echoes of Vietnam in Afghanistan withdrawal plan. U.S. troops who fought in conflicts decades apart see their country leaving behind wars unfinished and allies to face the consequences.

China Threat

China simultaneously commissions three warships on Navy (PLAN) anniversary. China commissioned 60,000 tons worth of major vessels earlier this month, officially putting into service a new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, a guided-missile cruiser, and an amphibious helicopter carrier on the 72nd anniversary of its Navy.

Marine Corps rotation to Australia continues amid COVID. Hawaii is sending more Marines to Australia this year as part of an annual rotational deployment intended to increase combat capability west of the international date line as a counter to China.

US State Department clears Australia to buy MQ-9B drones. The deal would allow Australia to buy up to 12 MQ-9B Sky Guardians. 

Russia Threat

US keeping wary eye on Russian troops near Ukraine. U.S. officials are not yet convinced Russia is making good on its word to de-escalate in Crimea and along its border with Ukraine following a weeks-long military buildup, insisting it is “too soon to tell.”

Military

Top priority: Marines want new loitering drones. The Marine Corps are looking for new loitering suicide drones that troops can launch while on the move, listing them as its number one acquisition priority.

Intelligence

US Spy chiefs look to declassify intel after rare plea from 4-star commanders. Top military leaders said the U.S. is falling behind China and Russia in the information war.

END of PDB

Paul Crespo

Paul Crespo is the Managing Editor of American Defense News. A defense and national security expert, he served as a Marine Corps officer and as a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at US embassies worldwide. Paul holds degrees from Georgetown, London, and Cambridge Universities. He is also CEO of SPECTRE Global Risk, a security advisory firm, and President of the Center for American Defense Studies, a national security think tank.