On the anniversary of the Extortion 17 tragedy, we remember the heroic men who were felled rushing into battle, as they had done hundreds of times before. One would hope that we could remember them for the heroes they are, but instead the news and social media is tainted with rumors of conspiracy. This is absolutely ridiculous, and after many interviews with eyewitnesses to the … [Read more...]
I Went To Afghanistan As An Army Ranger. Then, I Went Back As A Journalist. This Is My Story.
I Went To Afghanistan As An Army Ranger. Then, I Went Back As A Journalist. This Is My Story. by Marty Skovlund“RS (Resolute Support) will return the deceased or injured media member (after first aid) to the nearest commercial transportation facility, but (INDIVIDUAL MEDIA MEMBER) or my estate will be financially responsible for repatriating my remains.” As I initialed the … [Read more...]
7 Things You Need To Know To Succeed As A Veteran
For those who have served, it’s always a bit (or a lot) of an adjustment when you take the uniform off for the last time. Whether you did a three-year hitch or you are taking stars off your chest on retirement day, it takes some time and effort to recalibrate yourself and/or your family. There are many veterans who have left the service and have managed to transition very … [Read more...]
PTS…D? A Disease Is Not A Disorder
PTS...D? A Disease Is Not A Disorder by Marty Skovlund Sr.Editor's Note: Marty Skovlund Jr. founded The Havok Journal. His father, Marty Sr., an Army veteran and all-around great man, was our #1 fan. He even wrote a few articles for us himself, this being one. Marty Sr. moved on to the big rally point in the sky, August 6, 2017. We are forever thankful to host this … [Read more...]
I fell in love with the idea of America
At some point in my early years, I fell in love with the idea of America. Today, we are amidst an America that is ever more divided, and it is causing quite a bit of turmoil. I hear people profess their doubts about the future, and what America is “turning into.” I will tell you that as long as the idea of America is there, America will be as well.Turmoil amongst our … [Read more...]
The Ranger Standard: A “Violence Of Action” Excerpt
This is an excerpt from Violence of Action: The Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror by Blackside Concepts founder Marty Skovlund. You can pick up the full version on Amazon.com, the West Point Book Store, and major retail bookstores. _____ The 75th Ranger Regiment became the workhorse of the special operations community during the years following … [Read more...]
5 Military Leadership Tips from a Man With a Beard
Editors' Note: This article original was originally posted by our friends over at Ranger Up. You can read the original version in the Rhino Den, and while you're there, check out the other great content that they're putting up. First re-posted on Havok Journal on 16SEP14. ______________ Due to the comments on the American (lack of) strategy for dealing with ISIS the other … [Read more...]
Everything You Need To Know About Rangers
Everything You Need To Know About Rangers by Marty Skovlund first published on 8 September 2016Assuming you haven’t been living under a rock for the past year or so, you probably know that a handful of female officers made history by graduating the U.S. Army’s prestigious Ranger School and that one female Soldier tried (and failed) to join the Ranger Regiment.You may … [Read more...]
Collective Action: What Veterans Can Learn From The Baltimore Protests
What happened in Baltimore last year? One man died. There is no need to get into his background or even how he died, let alone pointing blame on law enforcement officials or anyone else. What is needed for appreciation? The reaction created from the death of Freddie Gray.What happened in Baltimore is that Americans stood up for something. Whether we agree or disagree with … [Read more...]
“100% And Then Some:” Live, For The Warriors On Your Left And Right
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some. -3rd Stanza of The Ranger Creed ___________ This might not be what anybody wants to hear, but it is something I have to say. I'm not saying this because … [Read more...]