“Who was that with us?” In the crucible of war, disaster, and exploration—where the line between life and death blurs—some who have stood at that Continue Reading
The Diderot Effect and the Chest Candy Trap: What Are We Really Wearing?
Author’s Note: This article is not anti-award—it’s anti-illusion. Every ribbon has its story. Just make sure the story still matters once the ink is Continue Reading
Veterans: Are You Making the Days Count, or Are You Just Counting the Days?
While we were in uniform, we counted a lot of things. Vehicles in the motor pool. Our troops coming into the patrol base. Enemy on the objective. But Continue Reading
Wisdom Lies in Silence, and Happiness Lies in Sleep
There are some truths so simple, so unadorned, that they feel eternal. One of them comes from Socrates—perhaps the most misunderstood philosopher in Continue Reading
Veterans: I’m Not Calling You Out, I’m Calling You Back In
Fellow veterans, we need to talk. We need to talk about what you're doing. More specifically, we need to talk about what you're doing to yourself, Continue Reading
War, Yale, and FOMO: Veterans, Beware the Modern Day “Inner Ring”
During my 27 years as an officer in the US Army, I had the opportunity to do some really interesting things and to work with some really great people. Continue Reading
With All This Thunder, We Should Expect the Rain
Renowned Greek philosopher Socrates had a wife named Xanthippe, who was apparently a bit of a handful. One day, the story goes, she was angry at Continue Reading
Everyone Likes Firefighters. No One Likes Fireproofers.
There’s an old saying in risk management and public safety circles that I think all of us can relate to: “Everyone likes firefighters. No one likes Continue Reading
How You Do Anything, Is How You Do Everything
Mastery of Doctrine and Why the Basics Still Matter There’s a phrase that gets tossed around in elite circles—military, business, sports, you name Continue Reading
Not “If,” but “When”— Rethinking Kipling (For Our Daughters)
My wife and I have two daughters, one away at college (Emily) and one still in high school (Shannon). Both of them are contemplating carrying on the Continue Reading
Toothless Dragon? The “Five Incapables” of the Chinese Military
The Chinese military, known more formally as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has long been a force shrouded in mystery and mythology. From glossy Continue Reading
Logistics is Destiny: What Taiwan and the Pacific Theater Tell Us About Sustainment Warfare
As my co-author and I mentioned in an article here on The Havok Journal--and many others said long before us--Amateurs talk strategy. Professionals Continue Reading