[April 1, 2022] Running any large, complex organization is mind-bogglingly difficult. Running the American government, one of the world’s largest, is beyond the scope of human understanding. One thing that makes it easier is sticking with the approved mission and keeping priorities in focus. Unfortunately, the U.S. State Department is unfocused, unserious, and is failing at its mission.… Read More »
[March 31, 2022] The idea that our family can positively impact the military is a long-held view by senior military leaders. Why that is so is something I will explore. I’m often asked about my own views on the family and how family life affects the quality and success of military service members. “The true soldier fights not… Read More »
[March 30, 2022] John Wayne is an iconic idol of manhood. Tough, courageous, self-reliant, and independent; are the hallmarks of true manliness. In the 1975 American western movie “Rooster Cogburn,” John Wayne stars as an aging, one-eyed lawman doing his best to redeem his reputation and earn back his marshal’s badge. Critics do not consider the movie to… Read More »
[March 29, 2022] Some folks will tell you this rule of what-not-to-do in combat is plain old common sense. Let me be clear! It’s not. I have seen some of the dumbest behavior on the battlefield, and those people still amaze me. Rules of combat are there because some people are just plain stupid. Don’t get me wrong,… Read More »
[March 26, 2022] Much of what we do as leaders involve the mundane, necessary affairs to accomplish important goals. Leadership means having an end-game, whether by policy, edict, or influence. That is why a leader’s vision is crucial. The very best leaders are clear about what they want to accomplish and layout the steps to get there, the… Read More »
[March 25, 2022] For a long time now, there has been a developing trend feared by senior leaders in the U.S. military. That fear is that those new to our nation’s military are more likely to lie than others who preceded them. From what we see, young men and women are more willing to lie today than ever… Read More »
[March 23, 2022] Here is a philosophy of life I recently heard verbalized by a radio disc jockey. “Do as much good as you can, as best you can.” We will find stories about this same idea from ancient philosophers and biblical figures; we call it discipline1. Without discipline, you will fail. The idea of discipline, and I… Read More »
[March 23, 2022] As we sat in a small auditorium, our ROTC Professor arrived to announce our branch selections. My best friend, Frank Willis and I sat together. Frank was a dull fellow, brilliant but not good at ordinary social skills. Frank’s name was called, Military Intelligence was to be his branch. In the U.S. Army, occupational branches… Read More »
[March 22, 2022] A society that has many of its members standing strong against the evils that permeate our world is a fortunate society. A recent article by Coffee or Die Magazine staff writer Mac Caltrider1 highlights the remarkable life of NFL star and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva. Wow, well done! “Villanueva served in the US Army’s… Read More »
[March 21, 2022] You don’t see kids doing the job of a chimney sweep anymore. I never had the job, nor did I know of any friends who did this job either. However, like all my friends growing up, we had odd jobs that made us better kids because we could appreciate life. You could also earn a… Read More »