The Difference Between "Special Operations" and "Special Forces" by Marty Skovlund Possibly one of the most pervasive yet irritating missteps that the media and public in general makes about the military is the use of the terms ‘Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) and Special Forces (SF) interchangeably. In a day and age where special operations units have a growing presence … [Read more...]
The Philosophy of Inanimate Objects
The Philosophy of Inanimate Objects by Marty Skovlund Jr. Humans are obsessed with inanimate objects. We center our lives on the collection of these inanimate objects, we worship these objects, and we sometimes will kill for these objects. It’s not enough to have a lot of objects; they must be the right kind of objects. 10,000 diamonds carry a level of prestige that … [Read more...]
Why We Don’t (Shouldn’t*) Negotiate with Terrorists
Why We Don't (Shouldn't*) Negotiate with Terrorists by Marty Skovlund This first appeared in The Havok Journal June 3, 2014. The majority of the talk surrounding the release of Sergeant Bowe Berghdal has been in relation to his actions leading up to his eventual living arrangement with Haqqani network terrorists. I think it is safe to say at this point that Sergeant … [Read more...]
Excerpt: ‘Stoned’ by G.M. Skovlund
The following excerpt is from the newly released book, Stoned by G.M. Skovlund. I go back to painting. It's not long before the last stroke of creamy white paint is applied. ‘He who dies with the most toys wins!’ Dumb quote. I tap the paint lid back on the can and grab the stencils, pen and paint brush. The shop is quiet other than the radio blaring ‘American … [Read more...]
The Ranger
The Ranger by Marty Skovlund Jr. You can’t put your finger on it, and you can’t quite identify what it is. It is a certain presence that resides permanently around him. He stands straight, the type of posture that is rarely seen in men today. The posture silently screams self confidence. It is the kind of confidence that comes from going out night after night to hunt … [Read more...]
7 Things You Need to Know to Succeed as a Veteran
7 Things You Need to Know to Succeed as a Veteran by Marty Skovlund Jr. 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 … [Read more...]
Preventing the Next Mass Shooting Starts with Recruiters
Preventing the Next Mass Shooting Starts with Recruiters by Marty Skovlund Jr. This first appeared in The Havok Journal April 7, 2014. The tragic shooting on Fort Hood has lead many to question what we are or are not doing to make our garrison military installations safe from attack, whether it be terrorism or someone who has just had “enough.” Nobody knows what caused … [Read more...]
Memorial Day: Ranger Heroes Remembered
Memorial Day: Ranger Heroes Remembered by Marty Skovlund Jr. Memorial Day is a weekend that comes with a lot of mixed emotion. For those of us who served in the military and the families who stayed behind and patiently waited for a safe return- it is a weekend we remember those that did NOT return. They made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember their memory, and the great … [Read more...]
#VanLife: Don’t Judge a (Ranger) Book by its Cover
#VanLife: Don't Judge a (Ranger) Book by its Cover by Marty Skovlund Jr. We have been making our way out to Sequoia National Park, but because I have a ton of work to catch up on, we have been in a small town in California for the last two days. Although the weather has been a bit overcast - it's been a nice stop, and a pleasant town. As a writer and independent film … [Read more...]
A Patriotic American Gives Back
A Patriotic American Gives Back by Marty Skovlund Jr. This first appeared in The Havok Journal April 7, 2014. Often times the veteran community will lament about how the rest of America doesn’t understand us, or understand what we have done on their behalf. We see them more concerned with celebrities then they are about which service members gave the last full measure … [Read more...]
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