By guest blogger Ernest M. Kennedy III [See Biography] [November 03, 2014] Once upon a time I was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. As a 19 year old in South Vietnam, I spent time in the city of Huế in February 1967 as part of the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced); witnessing great leadership at… Read More »
[October 30, 2014] When we look back on the 20th Century United States history, we see many great figures. There were those in politics and the military that shepherded us through two great wars and a number of other major conflicts. There were those in science who lead us forward in medicine, physics, engineering, and chemistry. And, while… Read More »
[October 27, 2014] Ever talk with a leader and come away wondering what the heck the person told you? Ever listen to a leader’s speech and wonder if there was any part worth listening to? Well … then you are not alone. Leaders talk all the time and many say nothing. While this is unfortunate, it is nevertheless… Read More »
[October 23, 2014] During World War II, the Battle of Normandy began on D-Day June 6, 1944. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle was the beginning of the end of war in Europe. General Dwight Eisenhower’s strategic decision for the main Allied thrust to start the drive in northern Europe was unpopular since it carried great risk, with many… Read More »
[October 11, 2014] My grandmother was always trying to make a “man” out of me. She had the most ingenious of methods to ensure that I grew up tough and unafraid of the world. One way was to bribe me into participating in various sports – “It makes you stronger, young man,” she would say. One sport she… Read More »
[October 08, 2014] Reading books that make me think – really think – is truly the epitome of quality reading. Marshall Goldsmith writes that traits that made you successful won’t necessarily keep you there or advance you further. I enjoy this type of reasoning and it allows me to keep that reminder of potential failure in the back… Read More »
[September 30, 2014] New policies at the U.S. Department of Defense, initiated by the Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, have caused some controversy in military ranks. The real problem at the Pentagon is how to reduce the combat force by over 20 percent and still protect the United States and allies while worldwide threats are increasing. Now comes… Read More »
[September 19, 2014] An advantage to being a senior military leader means to be able to ask simple questions and actually get thoughtful answers. I’ve asked probably hundreds of military personnel and their families this one question regarding our military leaders, “Do we promote disrespect?” Families overwhelmingly say yes. The troops are a little more split on the… Read More »
[September 18, 2014] When I ask the question of my colleagues, “Are we cowards?” or “Are we leaders, cowards?” the answer I get might surprise you. First we must be clear what a coward means to the general population. There are nuances and sometimes confusion to the specific meaning; but for our purposes it means the lack of… Read More »
[September 13, 2014] Every lieutenant in the Army remembers his first company commander. In these pages I occasionally refer to my experience with this first-rate nincompoop I had as a commander. Part of learning to be a good leader sometimes means getting a bad example – an example that tells us what not to do. That was my… Read More »