Ops Brief 088: Daily Drop - 13 Aug 2025 - DARPA’s Giant War Sim & Panama’s $3M Bargain

Send us a text Peaches unloads on a wild week in defense news—DARPA drops the mic with the world’s biggest real-time electronic warfare range, the U.S. throws pocket change at Panama’s border, and NATO still cries poor while leaning on U.S. muscle. From AI-driven target tracking and new Air Force dorm “suites” that’ll make Marines jealous, to Space Force finally cutting ties with Russian rocket engines, this episode swings between jaw-dropping tech and head-shaking policy moves. Oh, and we’re apparently giving China our AI chips—because what could possibly go wrong? Strap in for sharp takes, a few laughs, and the kind of blunt commentary you won’t hear from the Pentagon press office. 🔥 Key Takeaways: DARPA builds the largest real-time RF test range—finally, a playground for the EW nerds. U.S. spends $3M on Panama’s border security—cheaper than a used F-16. Air Force launches $99M AI target tracking—Skynet’s internship program is live. Little Rock AFB gets new dorms with kitchens—other branches cry quietly. Space Force ditches Russian engines with Vulcan rocket launch. Pentagon toys with domestic quick reaction force—civil liberties debate incoming. Selling AI chips to China—because espionage apparently needs a head start. NATO balks at 5% defense spend—still wants U.S. to play world police. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Attributes-based selection and the “crawl-walk-run” mindset 02:06 – DARPA’s massive RF warfare simulator 02:55 – U.S. drops $3M in Panama for border security 03:25 – Pentagon backs rare earth producer with $150M loan 03:50 – Jungle survival exchange with Panama 04:50 – Air Force’s $99M AI target tracking project 05:15 – Little Rock AFB’s new dorm “suites” 05:40 – Airman dies during PT test—investigation underway 06:47 – Joint CBRNE training with Spain 07:15 – McConnell AFB’s “Stripes Refueled” mentorship program 08:20 – Dover AFB’s “Little Defenders” kids camp 09:14 – Space Force takes over ANG space missions 09:45 – First Vulcan launch for Space Force 10:20 – Navigation Tech Satellite 3 in orbit 10:50 – Golden Dome missile defense update 11:29 – Pentagon’s domestic quick reac Support the show Join this channel to get access to perks: HERE Buzzsprout Subscription page: HERE Register for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.com Collabs: Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLete Danger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY DFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY ...