Senator Mastriano

The Bugles at Dinant and the Drones Over Iran: We Are Living Through a Revolution in Military Affairs
Sen. Douglas Mastriano, PhD, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)

In August 1914, the French Army marched into war convinced that courage could overcome technology. Their doctrine rested on the theories of Colonel Louis de Grandmaison, who argued that the offensive spirit — the bayonet and the will to attack — would decide modern battle. French soldiers trained for frontal assaults in the tradition of Napoleon. They believed élan — the fighting spirit — would carry them through enemy fire. But war had changed.

At the Meuse River town of Dinant, a young French lieutenant named Charles de Gaulle led his platoon forward with the famed French 33rd Infantry Regiment. The attack unfolded as if lifted from another century. Bugles sounded. Drums beat. Flags waved in the wind. The men surged forward across a bridge toward German positions, bayonets fixed, marching into what they believed would be a decisive assault.

Waiting for them were machine guns. What followed was slaughter. De Gaulle was among the first to fall, struck by a bullet that shattered his fibula. From the ground, he witnessed the collapse of the doctrine he had been trained to trust. He later wrote of that terrible moment:
“Suddenly the enemy’s fire became precise and concentrated… bugles sounded the charge… isolated heroes made fantastic leaps, but all to no purpose. In an instant it had become clear that not all the courage in the world could withstand this fire.”

*Continued in comments

Founding Father Spotlight: Jonathan Dayton

As we commemorate America 250, we remember the leaders who helped build our nation—both their achievements and their challenges.

Jonathan Dayton was one of the youngest Founding Fathers, just 26 years old when he signed the United States Constitution in 1787. A veteran of the Continental Army, he served under General George Washington during the American Revolution and later became the youngest Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in American history.

But like many figures of the founding era, Dayton’s legacy was not without controversy.

Later in his political career, Dayton was arrested in connection with the Aaron Burr conspiracy, a plot that allegedly sought to establish an independent nation in the western territories. Although he was never convicted and charges were eventually dropped, the episode cast a shadow over his later years and remains a notable part of his historical record.

Jonathan Dayton’s life reminds us that history is shaped by real people—capable of courage and service, but also mistakes and controversy.

As we mark America 250, we honor the full story of our founders—their triumphs, their struggles, and the lessons they left behind.

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Past. Learning From It. Inspiring Our Future.

#America250 #JonathanDayton #FoundingFathers #AmericanHistory #USConstitution #America250 #HistoryMatters

✝️ Easter Monday ✝️

On this Easter Monday, we continue to celebrate the joy and hope of the Resurrection and reflect on the promise of new life that Easter brings.

It is a time to give thanks for faith, family, and the many blessings we share, while carrying forward the message of renewal, grace, and hope into the days ahead.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed Easter Monday.

I join all Americans in expressing profound relief and gratitude for the safe rescue of the U.S. F‑15 crew member who was recovered after ejecting deep inside hostile territory following the downing of his aircraft. This courageous airman — and all the brave men and women who executed this complex search‑and‑rescue operation — exemplify the unwavering resolve and skill of our Armed Forces. Especially during this Easter weekend, we give thanks for his safe return and keep him, his family, and all service members in our prayers. 🇺🇸✈️🙏

— Senator Doug Mastriano