Of history, warfare, leadership, and alcohol
Author's Note: This is a satirical article meant to highlight the absurdity of Russia’s reportedly low COVID-19 infection rate and it’s continued use of hybrid warfare in conflicts with its neighbors. After a frenzied 24 hours of military activity, President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian military has sent assistance to the Baltic countries of …
Continue reading "Russian Military to Occupy Baltics to Prevent COVID-19 Infections"
While perusing Twitter, I saw this piece pop up: "Is #MilTwitter Worth It?" Since I often ask myself that same question, I clicked on the link and read the author's thoughts. He points out - rightly, in some cases - that Twitter can be a bit of dumpster fire. And MilTwitter an especially smelly dumpster …
Continue reading "Yes, #MilTwitter is Still Worthwhile"
I have been struggling with the concept of pain and grief of late, with my father's death in the midst of a global pandemic as a backdrop. It was a beautiful morning the day after he died, and that seemed somehow confusing to me - just as the spectacular blue skies on September 11, 2001 …
Continue reading "Incongruous"
My father passed on Easter Sunday. While I've found some solace through writing, there's just that feeling of wondering why the world goes on when yours has stopped. I wrote this poem to try to express how I feel. Hopefully it will help those also grieving in this time of pandemic. Why doesn't the whole …
Continue reading "Why doesn’t it"
The common perception of the 2004 film Mean Girls is a memorable teen comedy. This is wholly incorrect. Mean Girls is a primer on the risks of an unrestrainedly realist approach to hegemonic transition, and a stirring endorsement of multilateral arbitration. The story begins when Cady Heron, previously home-schooled, arrived at North Shore High School. …
Continue reading "Mean Hegemons"
With most of Americans entering week two or three of social distancing or quarantine, circumstances are taking on some rather familiar overtones for many of us. Confined to one small area, save for periods of time where we leave the walls of safety and venture out into a hostile world – surrounded by a threat …
Continue reading "FOB Couch: COVID Isolation, Deployments, and Coping Tips"
Well, look at you. You got selected for command. First off, congratulations, you've been given an awesome trust: the lives of America's fighting women and men. There's really nothing so amazing as this. Secondly, say gooooodbyyyyyyye to your free time, 'cause the unit owns you now, baby! But hey, it's all good. You're going to …
Continue reading "Assuming Command: A Guide for Incoming Company Commanders"
We spend a lot of time in the Army talking about readiness. But what does readiness look like in the face of a pandemic? Do we stop training? Stop pushing out new equipment? Where does one draw the line when it comes to providing a trained and ready force, while also looking after the health …
Continue reading "Readiness in the Time of Coronavirus"
There’s a saying in the Army: “Take a knee, pull security, and drink some water.” Some extra-caring people might even add, “Rub some dirt on it.” If your medic is extra loving, they might even tell you to change your socks. It’s what you say when someone gets injured or otherwise incapacitated, usually out in …
Continue reading "Take a Knee and Drink Water: Mental Health in the Army"
There is a feeling or event, which is not unique to the military community, but they may have the most experience with it. It is something which I can only describe as The Wait. It starts with a notification, blip on the news, note on social media. A flight commander with a carefully blank face …
The Angry Staff Officer 
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