[February 18, 2015] In Parts 1 and 2 it was noted that none of the current strategies for defeating ISIS are likely to succeed. Today, specifics of grand strategy to defeat ISIS will be discussed. While any strategy must include a coalition of countries willing to take on the challenge, the focus of today’s blog will be on… Read More »
[February 17, 2015] Previously it was put forward that none of the popularly discussed strategies for defeating ISIS were sufficiently comprehensive – that the U.S. government had a poorly articulated “strategic patience” strategy, and that both are likely to fail. Today, a final four key items are presented that will make for a stronger grand strategy1 to defeat… Read More »
[February 16, 2015] There have been a number of recent proposals for a strategy to “degrade and defeat” the terrorist group ISIS and, as well, considerable criticism of the U.S. lack of any clear strategy or leadership. While this generates valuable discussion, most of these lack a comprehensive (or grand) strategy for doing so … perhaps purposefully. “Victorious… Read More »
[February 15, 2015] If you get more than two or three military general/flag officers in a room and they have a little time to chat with junior leaders, one of the topics they will nearly always talk about is those things leaders should never do. I’ve been there and as a colonel I listened closely to those things… Read More »
[February 14, 2015] There has been a lot of criticism and compliments, especially over the past few days, of the U.S. President’s strategy to defeat the Islamic terrorist organization known as ISIS. For purposes of better understanding what strategy is about, I would like to work through a few ideas to better understand why some of it is… Read More »
[February 13, 2015] War! It has been said that “war solves nothing.” Yet this is so parenthetically untrue that its longevity still amazes most of us. War is a violent, brutish, and chaotic affair; and of course not without extraordinary controversy. Such is the case of the World War II firebombing of the city of Dresden, Germany beginning… Read More »
[February 01, 2015] Socialism is a system of government that has repeatedly shown itself to be prone to failure unless very specific conditions exist that finance its ability to operate. Venezuela is such a socialist nation that relies heavily upon oil production to fund itself, rather than upon the hard work of its people and efficient, fair governance.… Read More »
[January 30, 2015] Considered the greatest and most morale-boosting prisoner rescue of World War II, the military raid of a Japanese prison camp near Cabanatuan, Philippines was a demonstration of great leadership, bravery, and audacity. With a mixed force of U.S. Army Rangers and Alamo Scouts, plus Filipino guerillas, a total of 511 prisoners were freed with only… Read More »
[January 03, 2014] Learning about leadership starts at a young age. As a little boy in the late 1950s, when visiting my grandparents, I was sent to the fields to pick cotton by hand. After my first day, my grandfather paid me my wage of 10 cents. That day I learned valuable lessons on leadership I didn’t realize… Read More »
[January 02, 2014] As the 2015 New Year begins, people across the globe will resolve to improve their lives and perhaps the lives of others. Leaders can also use this tradition to reinforce their determination to do better. Here is a list of 10 things that you might consider as part of your leader resolutions: Be a mentor:… Read More »