This is part 3 of a three-part series on transition out of the military. Click for Dispatch #1 and Dispatch #2. _____ It has been nearly two months since I picked up my DD-214 at Fort Bragg. My entry into civilian life is going well, partly due to familiarity with the area I returned to, but mainly because my current professions are nested with my core values. Your core … [Read more...]
2nd Rule for the Counterradical
Rule #2: “The people possess far more intelligence than is currently developed.” Even the least educated and inexperienced individual can grasp incredibly complex concepts and ideas if provided in the context of their own cultural background and societal experience. The, not-so-very-liberal, liberal radicals who’ve so successfully assumed near absolute … [Read more...]
Special Forces At the Intersection of the “Mind of the System” and the “Mind of the Disruptor”
I did not surrender idealism when our only child was born, but rather I came to see the world and its strengths, flaws and dangers specifically in terms of her future. Before the birth of my daughter I entertained all kinds of ideas as to how the world is and how it should be and all the various reasons why. And much like Don Quixote, I tilted at many a windmill. But when our … [Read more...]
“Best Ranger” Mentality: Push It To The limit
The author of this article is a former Best Ranger competitor who wishes to remain anonymous. _____ As I crossed that finish line in 2001, I genuinely, and finally knew what it was to be tested. Up until that time, I had conquered most challenges I had thrown myself into without feeling that I had ever, truly, been pushed to my limits. I had won State & National … [Read more...]
“Battling Belles of Bataan”
If you ever had occasion to do an R&R in Tai Pei, you know why a 19 year old, hormone engorged, no-time-in-grade Army sergeant would consider Tai Pei and “The China Seas Club” a prime destination. As far back as I can remember, my parents always kept a house in the Shilin District overlooking Tianmu. I spent a good deal of time there as a teenager so knew Tai Pei inside … [Read more...]
Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha
Mostly in the West and Far East, post-WWII, but increasing dramatically during the Vietnam War and after, the understanding, acceptance and role of the Alpha has been mostly, intentionally, lost. After two catastrophic world wars, with tens of millions of dead, and vast amounts of resources destroyed, it is only natural the role of the Alpha would be questioned during the … [Read more...]
Tactical Poetry: THE FENCE
By Carl Martin Johnson The soldiers came this morning To build for me a fence. They showed up without warning But I said they could commence. The enemy had been seen. I knew there was some danger. I heard the enemy was mean, So I was wary of any stranger. As I watched the troops working, I felt more and more secure. If the enemy was lurking, My new fence … [Read more...]
Startup Success is a Sequence of Running Gun Battles
A running gun battle: an argument that continues over a long period of time; and a fight that takes place as one group chases another. These are the very definition of a startup. The long running argument being why your product and service, as opposed to your competitor’s or complimentor’s product and service, should successfully obtain and increase market share … [Read more...]
Veteran Author Interview: Terron Wharton
Major Terron Wharton is the author of the raw and powerful non-fiction book, High Risk Soldier. He spoke with The Havok Journal on February 16, 2017. The book review is here. The Havok Journal: First, Major Wharton, thank you for agreeing to the interview. Can you tell our readers about yourself? Terron Wharton: I’m from Indiana and I graduated from West Point in 2005, … [Read more...]
The Watermelon Patch* #8 February – (*the place where Watermelons grow)
A collection of historical obscurities worthy of your file of useless information: As Warriors we assume the lineage of those who went before us and only in knowing our lineage can we honor them. There is plenty to honor in the month of February, but – I’ll start this one with a lame joke. Two protestant Ministers, a Rabbi and a Catholic priest show up at the Pearly gates … [Read more...]
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