This is a quieter episode of Midweek Sitrep.

This episode is a look inside the thinking behind the show—why it exists, how it’s shaped, and where it’s headed next.

Jerry talks about what Everything Is National Security actually means, how his background in government, the military, and advising companies on national security risk shaped the way he sees the world, and why clarity matters in an age where we’re constantly pushed to form opinions before we understand the facts.

This isn’t a breaking news episode.

It’s about slowing down, defining terms, and understanding the systems beneath the noise—so you can approach the next year informed, grounded, and clear-eyed.

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler will return February 25, 2026.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

This December, the real story isn’t just what’s under the tree, it’s how it got there.

In this episode, Jerry Fowler unpacks the hidden world of global supply chains; the arteries of the modern economy that move everything from Christmas toys to fighter jet components. When droughts, tariffs, or cyberattacks hit those arteries, the shockwaves don’t just hit companies, they hit consumers, militaries, and entire governments.

You’ll learn:

• Why supply chains are now treated as national security assets.

• How chokepoints like the Panama and Suez Canals can ripple through global prices.

• What semiconductors and medicine reveal about America’s vulnerabilities.

• How businesses can build resilience when every link in the chain is a target.

Because in today’s world, supply chains aren’t invisible, they’re battlefields.

And when they’re disrupted, it’s not just business. It’s national security.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

Every Thanksgiving, fifty-five million Americans hit the road, board planes, and pack the rails. But behind the family reunions and airport chaos lies a national stress test. One that quietly measures the resilience of America’s infrastructure.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, Jerry Fowler breaks down how a single week of travel reveals the fragility of the systems that keep the country moving. From airline cybersecurity and fuel pipelines to trucker shortages and rail strikes, Thanksgiving exposes the hidden links between convenience, commerce, and national security.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Thanksgiving is the ultimate infrastructure stress test.

• How cyber threats and ransomware target travel networks.

• What the Colonial Pipeline attack taught us about energy dependence.

• How labor, logistics, and morale shape national resilience.

Because in America, even Thanksgiving travel is national security.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

Export controls don’t end at America’s borders — they travel with the technology.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, host Jerry Fowler breaks down how the U.S. enforces its export control laws overseas through end-user checks — real-world inspections by Commerce Department officials who verify where U.S.-origin tech actually ends up.

From high-performance chips in Malaysia to front companies caught diverting dual-use gear to Russia, we explore how Washington turns regulations into global enforcement.

You’ll learn:

• What end-user checks are and how they work.

• Which products trigger the most scrutiny — from AI chips to semiconductor tools.

• Why these inspections matter for businesses, allies, and everyday citizens.

Because in today’s world, American power isn’t just projected through force — it’s enforced through technology.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

When we first covered the Bulk Data Rule back in Episode 0002 in early 2025, it was still new—a proposal with sweeping implications for data privacy and national security.

Now, six months later, it’s real.

The Department of Justice’s rule is live, the grace period is over, and October marks the first true enforcement wave.

In this update, Jerry Fowler revisits the policy that started it all to explain:

• How the Bulk Data Rule has evolved since April 2025.

• What ended on July 8 and what October’s enforcement phase really means.

• Which industries are facing scrutiny first.

• How companies are adapting—or falling behind.

• And why every American’s data is now treated like a national-security asset.

The Bulk Data Rule isn’t just a privacy story anymore, it’s a national-security perimeter.

Because in 2025, your data isn’t personal, it’s strategic.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

Who decides which technologies Americans can trust?

When the U.S. banned Kaspersky antivirus in 2024, the decision didn’t come from Congress, the Pentagon, or even the White House. It came from a small office inside the Commerce Department — the ICTS office.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, Jerry Fowler breaks down how ICTS went from a little-known authority on paper to a powerful regulator shaping the U.S. tech market. From banning software, to scrutinizing connected cars, to reviewing apps, clouds, and undersea cables, ICTS is becoming one of the most important — and least understood — players in national security.

What you’ll learn:

• Why ICTS was created and how it works.

• The story behind the Kaspersky ban.

• Why connected vehicles may be the next big battleground.

• What ICTS means for businesses, compliance teams, and consumers.

ICTS may not grab headlines, but its decisions are reshaping the technology landscape — and proving that in today’s world, everything is national security.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

It looks like empty farmland. Or a patch of desert in New Mexico. But if it sits next to a missile range, a radar site, or a nuclear base, that land isn’t just real estate anymore—it’s national security.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, Jerry Fowler breaks down how CFIUS now reviews foreign purchases of U.S. land under FIRRMA, why Chinese farmland and crypto mines triggered alarms, and what the latest rules mean for investors, sellers, and local communities.

We’ll cover:

• The rules that make land a “covered real estate transaction.”

• Real-world cases like the Wyoming crypto mine divestment.

• Compliance takeaways for businesses and state officials.

• Why even clean energy projects can raise security risks.

From cornfields to crypto farms, discover why the ground beneath your feet is now a frontline of national security.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.

On September 2, 2025, U.S. forces struck a small vessel in the southern Caribbean, killing eleven alleged members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. But this wasn’t just another counternarcotics operation.

It was the first military strike carried out under a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation against a cartel.

In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, Jerry Fowler breaks down:

• What an FTO designation is and where the authority comes from.

• How cartels like Tren de Aragua evolved from transnational criminals to being treated as terrorists.

• Why the Trump administration expanded FTO authorities to target organized crime.

• The debate: supporters say it was necessary to protect American lives, while critics warn it stretches U.S. law and sets a new precedent.

• The global impact — from banks and ports to allies forced to decide whether to follow Washington’s lead.

Because when a cartel becomes a terrorist organization, the rules — and the risks — change overnight.

Subscribe to the EINSider Brief on Substack for deeper analysis, sources, and bonus content:

midweeksitrep.substack.com

Because staying informed shouldn’t stop at the end of the episode.

Subscribe now—and don’t get caught off guard.

Everything is National Security

About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is the founder and creator of Midweek Sitrep and OPCEN Media Group LLC—a creative intelligence company dedicated to demystifying complex issues involving national security, law, and leadership. Through sharp storytelling and expert analysis, Jerry helps audiences understand the global forces shaping business, policy, and power.

In addition to his media work, Jerry is an attorney and national security policy professional with deep experience at the intersection of law, business, and government regulation. He currently leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy, where he advises companies on navigating export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory frameworks.

Whether behind the mic or advising clients, Jerry brings clarity to complex systems—and makes national security make sense.

Jerry previously served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, a federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He continues his service in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

Outside of work, Jerry enjoys CrossFit, distance running, hiking, and, like a true West Virginian, exploring the outdoors. He’s an avid traveler, writer, and musician, and values time spent with friends and family.

Disclaimers:

Midweek Sitrep with Jerry Fowler is an independent production of OPCEN Media Group LLC.

The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content discussed.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host, Jerry Fowler, and any guests, and do not reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any current or former employer, client, government agency, military organization, educational institution, or any other entity with which the host, Jerry Fowler, may be affiliated.

Mention of any company, product, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any references are provided for informational purposes only.

This podcast does not disclose any classified, proprietary, or confidential information. All discussions are based on publicly available information and personal expertise.