Uncrowned Guard

First reported US combat use of sea dronesUS Central Command said American forces used unmanned surface vessels in combat for the first time during strikes on Iran on Sunday, targeting a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base. In a social media post Monday, CENTCOM said, “Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations.” It added that the strikes “degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping.” The operation marks a new combat use for unmanned surface vessels in US military operations, shifting them from surveillance and support roles to direct attack. What CENTCOM releasedCENTCOM posted a 24-second unclassified video showing three unmanned surface vessels approaching shoreline infrastructure before detonating. Two clips appear to show the same dock being targeted. The video then shifts to a first-person view from what appears to be the bow of one drone during its final approach to a dock. CENTCOM’s footage appears to show an exposed small submersible at the target area. The final seconds cut back to an overhead view and show three explosions. CENTCOM did not provide further technical details on payloads, launch points, or the extent of damage in the post cited in the source material. Context around the strikesThe reported drone attack followed what CENTCOM described Sunday as a fresh wave of offensive strikes against Iran. The strikes came after President Donald Trump posted Friday that a ceasefire with Iran was “OVER.” Trump also posted Monday that the US would reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM framed the Bandar Abbas strike in terms of maritime security, saying the operation reduced Iran’s ability to continue attacks on commercial shipping. The Corsair vesselThe unmanned craft identified by CENTCOM was Saronic’s Corsair. According to the company information, the vessel can carry up to 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles. Task Force 59, the Navy unit in Bahrain focused on unmanned operations, began fielding the Corsair in March, according to CENTCOM. While this was described as the first combat use of US sea drones, it was not the first recent operational role for the platform in the Middle East. Prior use and Navy testing plansCENTCOM said last month that Task Force 59 “assisted” in rescue operations for two crew members from a downed US Army AH-64 Apache off the coast of Oman. Media reports said a Corsair vessel located and recovered the two crew members. The platform also has a near-term Navy acquisition path. In May, the service said Saronic was one of seven companies selected to take part in the Navy’s MUSV Marketplace at-sea testing this summer. Companies that successfully complete the demonstration are set to receive $15 million and qualify for follow-on production, according to the Navy announcement referenced in the source. The US use of the Corsair in an attack role comes as unmanned surface strike craft have already seen battlefield use elsewhere, including by Ukraine in operations against Russia.

Primary Arms launches four-model CLx optics linePrimary Arms has introduced its new CLx optics family, a lower-cost tier positioned below the company’s SLx series. The launch includes four models: two red dots and two prism scopes, all aimed at budget-focused buyers. The lineup consists of the CLx RD-23 Push Button Red Dot Sight, the CLx Enclosed Reflex Sight, the CLx 1x Prism Scope, and the CLx 3x Prism Scope. Retail pricing starts at $149 and runs to $219. According to Primary Arms, every CLx optic includes fully multi-coated lenses, a nitrogen-purged waterproof housing, night-vision-compatible illumination, and the company’s lifetime warranty. Pricing and model breakdownThe CLx RD-23 Push Button Red Dot Sight is listed at $149.99. The CLx Enclosed Reflex Sight is priced at $179.99. On the prism side, the CLx 1x Prism Scope retails for $199.99, while the CLx 3x Prism Scope is listed at $219.99. The new family covers both rifle and pistol use. The RD-23 and both prism optics use the Aimpoint Micro-style T1/T2 mounting pattern, while the enclosed pistol optic uses the RMSc footprint. Red dot optionsThe CLx RD-23 is a compact rifle-style red dot with a 3 MOA dot, 10 brightness settings, and two night-vision settings. It includes push-button controls, an integrated solar backup, and a Picatinny mount. Primary Arms lists battery life at 16,500 hours on a CR2032 battery. The optic weighs 3.5 ounces and measures 2.27 inches long. The CLx Enclosed Reflex Sight is a micro enclosed-emitter pistol optic with a 3 MOA dot and RMSc compatibility. It is designed for compact and slimline handguns, but Primary Arms also notes it can be used on pistol-caliber carbines, shotguns, or as an offset sight on rifles. Features include AutoLive motion-sensing illumination, a side-loading CR1632 battery, an integrated backup rear iron sight, and 10 brightness settings with two night-vision levels. Claimed battery life is 21,000 hours on a medium setting. It weighs 0.98 ounce and is 1.61 inches long. Prism scope optionsThe CLx 1x Prism Scope is a fixed-power prism optic with an etched illuminated circle-dot reticle. The reticle uses a 3 MOA center dot with a 45 MOA outer circle. It offers 10 illumination settings, including two night-vision-compatible levels, and remains usable without battery power because the reticle is etched. The optic ships with a 1913 Picatinny mount, uses a micro-dot style footprint, and runs on a CR2032 battery. Primary Arms lists battery life at 2,000 hours on medium. Weight is 6.63 ounces. The CLx 3x Prism Scope uses an illuminated cross-dot reticle calibrated for standard 5.56mm bullet drop. Like the 1x model, it has an etched reticle for use without battery power and is intended to provide a crisp aiming point for shooters who may have difficulty with conventional red dots. It includes 10 brightness settings with two night-vision options, top-mounted push-button controls, and an included mount. The optic weighs 7.32 ounces and measures 3.01 inches long. Shared features and warrantyAcross the line, Primary Arms emphasizes waterproof and shockproof construction, hardcoat-anodized aluminum housings, and fully multi-coated lenses. The prism models also offer an option for users who prefer etched reticles, including those with astigmatism. All four CLx models are covered by the Primary Arms Lifetime Warranty.

Battlefield Picture as of July 12, 2026The Russia-Ukraine war remains a high-intensity attritional conflict with no decisive operational breakthrough by either side. Russia continues to hold the ground initiative, especially in Donetsk, while Ukraine is expanding long-range attacks on the infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort. The most consequential ground fighting is centered on Kostiantynivka, part of Ukraine’s fortified defensive belt in Donetsk. Russian forces are advancing from several directions, and reporting indicates that much of the city’s outskirts has become a contested “gray zone.” Ukraine still holds positions in and around the city despite repeated Russian claims of broader progress. Kostiantynivka is strategically important because its loss could increase pressure on Ukraine’s remaining defensive hubs in Donbas and improve Russia’s position for future operations toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Even so, the fighting remains slow and costly rather than a rapid breakthrough. Russian Territorial Gains Remain LimitedAcross the wider front, Russia has resumed modest net gains after a period of near-stagnation. One battlefield assessment estimated Russian forces captured about 31 square miles between June 9 and July 7, following a previous four-week stretch in which the front was nearly static. Those gains indicate movement but do not suggest a collapse of Ukrainian defenses. The broader pattern remains one of incremental advances, heavy destruction, and sustained attrition rather than fast-moving maneuver warfare. Strikes on Ukrainian Cities and Air Defense PressureRussia has sharply intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. A July 11 strike killed at least eight people and wounded dozens. Kyiv had already faced repeated ballistic missile and drone assaults earlier in the month, including a July 7 attack that was described as the third major strike on the capital within a week. Ukrainian defenses reportedly intercepted most incoming drones in that attack but failed to stop the ballistic missiles, underscoring the continued shortage of high-end air-defense interceptors. The United Nations said Russian strikes killed at least 265 Ukrainian civilians and injured 1,816 in June, the highest combined monthly civilian casualty total since the opening months of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia is also adapting its methods. Recent reporting says Moscow is using smaller drones that are harder to jam to attack electrical substations, complicating Ukrainian efforts to defend the energy grid through electronic warfare. Ukraine’s Deep-Strike Campaign ExpandsUkraine’s most significant recent successes have come far from the front line. Ukrainian drones have struck Russian refineries, tankers, ferries, electrical infrastructure, and maritime routes linked to occupied Crimea. Kyiv says these attacks forced Russia to suspend or severely restrict shipping in parts of the Sea of Azov and on routes connected to the Kerch Strait. Reported damage to tankers and ferries has disrupted fuel deliveries and commercial traffic. Ukrainian officials have described the approach as “long-range sanctions,” aimed at imposing economic and logistical costs that sanctions alone have not achieved. On July 12, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Syzran refinery again and targeted a tanker operating in the Azov-Black Sea canal. A July 6 attack also hit Russia’s largest refinery in one of Ukraine’s deepest strikes of the war, and other drones have reportedly reached energy sites as far away as Siberia. Diplomatic Signals and Political ChangesPresident Donald Trump said on July 6 that a settlement was “getting closer” after contacts with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. No ceasefire or agreed framework has followed, and reporting indicates Moscow remains willing to escalate rather than freeze the front on current terms. Russia continues to demand control of the rest of Donetsk that it has not captured, while Ukraine rejects ceding territory Russian forces have failed to take militarily. Ukraine also began another wartime government reshuffle. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned as part of a reorganization that Zelenskyy said is intended to strengthen wartime administration, foreign relations, energy security, and defense cooperation. Meanwhile, Trump said Ukraine would be allowed to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, though any production would take time and would not quickly resolve the current air-defense shortage.

Direct Combat ResumesThe U.S.–Iran conflict returned to sustained direct combat on July 12 after the June ceasefire arrangement largely broke down. The immediate focus has shifted from Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and leadership to the Strait of Hormuz and whether commercial vessels can pass without Iranian authorization. The United States launched additional strikes on Iranian coastal and military targets on July 12. Reported targets included missile systems, fast-attack boats, command facilities, and other assets around Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Iran’s southern coast. The campaign is described as an effort to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in and around Hormuz. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against locations tied to U.S. forces in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Damage and civilian injuries were reported across the Gulf, but independently verified casualty totals from the latest exchange were not available as of July 12. Shipping Dispute and Triggering AttackThe newest escalation accelerated after Iranian forces attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship near Oman. The vessel was left burning, and one Indian crew member was reported missing. Iran said the ship ignored routing orders imposed by Tehran, while Washington treats those demands as an unlawful attempt to control international navigation. The United States is demanding that Iran publicly guarantee that ships will not be attacked, that navigation lanes remain open, and that no tolls or Iranian authorization be required. Earlier attacks on commercial vessels had already weakened the ceasefire before this latest incident. Strait of Hormuz: Open, Closed, or Restricted?Accounts differ depending on the source. Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps say the strait is closed to unauthorized vessels and will remain restricted until U.S. interference ends. The United States rejects that claim and says it is keeping an internationally recognized southern route open by force. British maritime authorities have said a southern route remains technically usable, while warning that mines and military activity still pose risks. Actual shipping traffic indicates severe disruption even if the waterway is not fully closed. Reuters reported only six ships transited on July 12, the lowest daily total in five weeks. The practical situation is that Hormuz remains physically passable under U.S. protection, but commercial traffic is sharply reduced, and Iran is still attempting to enforce its own restrictions. Ceasefire Status and DiplomacyPresident Trump has publicly declared the ceasefire over, though both Washington and Tehran have indicated diplomatic contact may continue. The truce under strain was part of a June arrangement intended to extend an earlier pause for 60 days, reopen Hormuz, and create space for a broader settlement. Indirect talks in Doha and Oman focused on maritime passage and the release of frozen Iranian funds, but little visible progress was reported. Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman continue mediation efforts. As of July 12, there was no newly announced ceasefire and no scheduled final settlement. U.S. Military PostureEarlier U.S. strikes reportedly hit about 90 Iranian targets on July 9. Reporting on July 12 said the cumulative number struck in the renewed campaign had risen substantially, with some accounts placing the latest American response at roughly 140 targets. Two U.S. carriers are associated with the regional posture: USS George H. W. Bush, confirmed in the Arabian Sea, and USS Abraham Lincoln, which remains linked to the regional force. Recent reporting said both, along with a larger group of surface warships, had been directed toward the Gulf of Oman as tensions rose. Exact positions were not publicly disclosed. Market and Regional EffectsOil markets reacted cautiously rather than with a panic move. On July 12, Brent crude rose to about $78.35 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate to about $73.62, both up more than 3%. Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering greater use of its east–west pipeline to move more oil toward the Red Sea and reduce reliance on Hormuz. Oman separately summoned the Iranian ambassador following attacks affecting its territory, underscoring the widening regional impact of the renewed fighting.

Vortex expands the Crossfire II red dot lineupVortex Optics has announced updated Crossfire II red dots with several additions over the earlier Crossfire format, including motion activation, solar-equipped variants, and a green-dot option. The lineup is aimed at recreational shooters and is positioned for use on rifles, rimfires, and shotguns with a Picatinny rail. The new models and MSRPs are: Crossfire II 2 MOA Red Dot: $219.99 Crossfire II 2 MOA Solar Red Dot: $249.99 Crossfire II 2 MOA Solar Red Dot, Tan: $249.99 Crossfire II 2 MOA Solar Green Dot: $249.99 All models use a 2 MOA dot and retain Vortex’s VIP warranty. Main feature changesThe updated Crossfire II series adds motion activation with a 10-minute auto-shutoff. According to Vortex, the optic wakes when the firearm is moved, then powers down after 10 minutes to conserve battery life. Solar versions add Auto D-TEC technology, which detects ambient light and automatically draws power from solar or battery as needed. Vortex lists battery runtime at 50,000 hours on a CR2032 battery, increasing to 150,000 hours on solar-equipped models when solar assist is factored in. The lineup is also now available with either a bright red or bright green 2 MOA dot, giving buyers an alternative reticle color option. Vortex says the revised Crossfire II keeps the simple operation of the earlier model while adding a more refined build and flush buttons for brightness control. Brightness, mounting, and compatibilityThe Crossfire II series offers 12 brightness settings in total: 10 daylight-bright settings plus two night-vision-compatible settings. Vortex also describes the optics as magnifier compatible. A multi-height mount system is included to broaden fitment across different firearm types. Vortex specifies a lower 1/3 co-witness mount and a low mount. The company says the platform has proven suitable for AR-style rifles as well as rimfires, shotguns, and other firearms equipped with a Picatinny rail. In Vortex’s release, the company said the new lineup “brings added function to a name shooters already know” while keeping the “straightforward operation” that made the Crossfire a popular entry-level optic. Core specificationsAcross the line, the optics are 1x red dots with unlimited eye relief, 1/2 MOA adjustment graduation, 22.5 MOA travel per rotation, and 100 MOA maximum elevation and windage adjustment. The standard Crossfire II Red Dot is listed at 2.60 inches long and 4.37 ounces. Solar models are also 2.60 inches long and weigh 4.47 ounces. Construction and included protectionsVortex lists the Crossfire II series as waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The housings use a single-piece chassis, and the lenses include fully multi-coated surfaces plus ArmorTek exterior coatings for resistance to scratches, oil, and dirt. The optics are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. Like other Vortex products in the line, the new Crossfire II models are covered by the company’s unlimited, unconditional VIP warranty.

The 1957 Hershey’s Tropical Chocolate Bar represents a later evolution of the military chocolate ration first developed during World War II. The original 1940s Tropical Chocolate Bar was created as a more palatable alternative to the hard, bitter U.S. Army D Ration, while still retaining the ability to survive hot climates better than ordinary chocolate. By 1957, Hershey had changed the Tropical Bar formula. The earlier wartime version included chocolate liquor, skim milk powder, cocoa butter, powdered sugar, vanillin, Vitamin B1, and oat flour. The 1957 version removed the oat flour, replaced skim milk powder with nonfat milk solids, and replaced cocoa butter with cocoa powder. That change matters. The 1940s version was still very much a wartime heat-resistant ration bar. The 1957 version moved closer to a more palatable, chocolate-style military bar while still keeping the Tropical Bar’s purpose: better heat resistance than normal chocolate. This recipe recreates the 1957-style Tropical Chocolate Bar as closely as possible using the documented ingredient changes and practical home-kitchen methods. It is not Hershey’s exact factory formula. The exact proportions, processing methods, and industrial equipment used by Hershey were not published as a household recipe. This is a historically informed home recreation based on the known 1957 formula changes. Recipe InformationYield: 6 small bars or 3 larger bars Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Cooling Time: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate Recipe Type: Historical recreation Era: 1957 postwar Tropical Chocolate Bar Historical Accuracy NoteThe documented 1957 formula changes were: Oat flour was removed. Nonfat milk solids replaced skim milk powder. Cocoa powder replaced cocoa butter. This recipe follows that direction by using: Unsweetened baking chocolate Nonfat dry milk powder Cocoa powder Powdered sugar Vanillin or vanilla powder Optional Vitamin B1 / thiamine Because the 1957 formula replaced cocoa butter with cocoa powder, this recreation does not add separate cocoa butter. That makes it different from the 1940s Tropical Chocolate Bar recreation. However, unsweetened baking chocolate naturally contains cocoa butter because it is made from ground cacao solids and cocoa fat. This recipe cannot fully remove cocoa butter unless using industrial ingredients, but it avoids adding extra cocoa butter as the 1940s recipe does. IngredientsChocolate Base140 g unsweetened baking chocolate Dry Ingredients115 g powdered sugar 65 g nonfat dry milk powder 20 g unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon vanillin powder or ½ teaspoon vanilla powder Optional Historical FortificationFood-grade thiamine / Vitamin B1 powder, measured according to supplier directions EquipmentKitchen scale Double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water Mixing bowl Fine mesh sieve Silicone spatula Silicone chocolate bar molds or parchment-lined loaf pan Parchment paper Flat-bottomed measuring cup or small wooden block for pressing Step 1 – Prepare the Dry IngredientsIn a mixing bowl, combine: Powdered sugar Nonfat dry milk powder Cocoa powder Vanillin or vanilla powder Optional Vitamin B1 / thiamine Sift the dry ingredients if possible. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is evenly blended and free of clumps. This step is especially important because cocoa powder and milk powder can clump easily. Step 2 – Melt the ChocolateSet up a double boiler. Place the unsweetened baking chocolate in the upper bowl. Warm gently over simmering water, stirring often, until fully melted. Do not boil. Do not let water splash into the chocolate. The melted chocolate should be smooth, glossy, and thick. Step 3 – Add the Dry IngredientsRemove the melted chocolate from direct heat. Add the dry mixture gradually, about one-third at a time. Stir firmly after each addition. The mixture will thicken quickly. Because this version uses cocoa powder instead of added cocoa butter, it may become drier and stiffer than the 1940s Tropical Bar recreation. That is expected. Step 4 – Work Into a Dense PasteContinue pressing, folding, and stirring the mixture with a spatula until it becomes uniform. The final mixture should resemble a dense chocolate paste or stiff dough. There should be no visible dry streaks of cocoa powder, milk powder, or powdered sugar. If the mixture is too dry to come together, return the bowl to gentle heat and continue mixing. If it still will not bind, add a very small amount of extra melted unsweetened baking chocolate, 5 g at a time. Avoid adding water. Avoid adding cocoa butter if you want to preserve the 1957 distinction from the 1940s version. Step 5 – Press Into MoldsTransfer the mixture into silicone bar molds or a parchment-lined pan. Press firmly. Use parchment paper and the bottom of a measuring cup, a small wooden block, or a spatula to compact the mixture. Do not leave it loose or crumbly. The 1957 version should still be a firm, heat-resistant ration-style chocolate bar, not fudge. Aim for: Six small 1-ounce bars Three larger 2-ounce bars Or one slab that can be cut after chilling Step 6 – Cool and SetLet the bars cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. Then refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm. Once set, remove from molds or lift the slab from the pan and cut into bars. Allow the bars to return to cool room temperature before wrapping. Step 7 – Wrap and StoreWrap each bar tightly in parchment paper or wax paper. For longer storage, place wrapped bars in: Airtight containers Vacuum-sealed bags Mylar bags Store in a cool, dry place. Label the bars as a 1957-style Tropical Chocolate Bar recreation to distinguish them from the 1940s version. What to ExpectThis bar should be different from both the D Ration and the 1940s Tropical Chocolate Bar. Compared with the D Ration, it should be more pleasant and more chocolate-like. Compared with the 1940s Tropical Bar recreation, it may be: Drier Less fatty More cocoa-forward Slightly more powdery Less smooth Still firm and dense More palatable than the original D Ration Because cocoa powder replaces added cocoa butter, the finished bar may have a stronger cocoa flavor but a less creamy texture. Heat ResistanceThe Tropical Chocolate Bar line was designed for heat resistance, with the earlier version documented as holding its shape for one hour at 120°F. This 1957-style home recreation should be more heat-stable than many ordinary chocolate bars because it contains: Less added fat than the 1940s recreation Cocoa powder instead of added cocoa butter Nonfat dry milk powder Powdered sugar Very little moisture However, a homemade version cannot be guaranteed to match Hershey’s factory heat performance. Industrial mixing, refining, and molding processes are difficult to reproduce at home. Keep bars wrapped and away from direct sunlight or high heat. Estimated NutritionNutrition varies by ingredient brand. If divided into six small bars, each bar is approximately: Calories: 125–155 Fat: 7–10 g Carbohydrates: 14–18 g Protein: 3–5 g If divided into three larger bars, each bar is approximately: Calories: 250–310 Fat: 14–20 g Carbohydrates: 28–36 g Protein: 6–10 g Shelf LifeThis recipe uses very low-moisture ingredients, which helps storage stability. Estimated home storage: Pantry: 3–6 months Refrigerator: 6–12 months Freezer: 1 year or more For best shelf life: Keep water out of the chocolate. Avoid liquid vanilla extract if possible. Wrap tightly. Store cool and dry. Vacuum seal for longer storage. Keep away from heat, sunlight, and humidity. Discard if the bars develop mold, unusual moisture, a sour smell, rancid odor, or an unpleasant off flavor. 1940s vs. 1957 Tropical Chocolate BarFeature 1940s Tropical Chocolate Bar 1957 Tropical Chocolate Bar Era WWII Postwar Oat Flour Yes Removed Milk Ingredient Skim milk powder Nonfat milk solids Added Cocoa Butter Yes Replaced by cocoa powder Texture Firmer, richer, more fatty Drier, more cocoa-forward Flavor Goal Heat-resistant but improved over D Ration More palatable reformulation Historical Role WWII tropical ration Later formula evolution The 1940s version is the better choice if you want the wartime formula. The 1957 version is the better choice if you want to explore how Hershey continued trying to improve the Tropical Bar after the war. Optional AdjustmentsThese adjustments are not strictly historical, but they can help a home cook tune the bar. If the Bar Is Too DryAdd: 5–10 g extra melted unsweetened baking chocolate Avoid adding cocoa butter if you want to preserve the 1957-style formula. If the Bar Is Too BitterIncrease powdered sugar from: 115 g to 130 g If the Bar Is Too SoftAdd: 5 g extra cocoa powder If the Bar Is Too PowderyMix longer over gentle heat. Sift the dry ingredients more thoroughly next time. Serving IdeasUse this recipe for: Historical food projects Military ration comparisons Postwar ration history Camping and hiking experiments Heat-resistant chocolate testing Final ThoughtsThe 1957 Hershey’s Tropical Chocolate Bar shows that military chocolate did not stop evolving after World War II. The original D Ration prioritized emergency survival over taste. The 1940s Tropical Chocolate Bar improved flavor while preserving heat resistance for wartime use. The 1957 reformulation pushed the bar further, removing oat flour and replacing added cocoa butter with cocoa powder. This recipe recreates that later direction in a practical home kitchen. It is not Hershey’s exact factory formula, and it should not be presented as such. Instead, it is a historically informed recreation of the 1957 Tropical Chocolate Bar concept: a firm, cocoa-forward, low-moisture chocolate ration built for better heat resistance and improved palatability.