"There are no Atheists in foxholes." This quote, attributed to many progenitors but never firmly accredited to any one, always sat at the back of my mind in combat. If there were no Atheists in foxholes what was I doing in the middle of a war without any belief in a divine backer? Or was it to be that with every crack of a bullet or whine of inbound rocket fire that I was to … [Read more...]
A Ranger’s Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up.
A Ranger's Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up. by Major Mike KelvingtonOn the 25th of April, 2012, I experienced a rare, but significant tactical defeat in Afghanistan. Since then, my career and outlook stems from the events of that day. I was the Battle Company commander in the 1-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, leading my Soldiers through a … [Read more...]
8 Things Leaders Should Know About Addiction To Help Their Soldiers
I am an addict in recovery. I am 9 months sober. My addiction destroyed my marriage and put me at risk for catastrophic and traumatic consequences. I’ve led men and women in combat and in garrison as a platoon leader, staff officer, detachment commander, and company commander. I saw Soldiers self-admit into the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and other Anonymous groups. I … [Read more...]
Letters From War: A Timeless Form of Communication
April is "Military Family Month" here at The Havok Journal. Letters are a timeless yet oft-forgotten form of communication between Soldiers and their families. We challenge our readers to put pen to paper, and write a long hand letter to a friend, loved one, family member, or deployed servicemember. _____ I wrote over 100 letters to my wife during my last deployment. I got … [Read more...]
You Are Not “Broken,” You Are “Refurbished”
You Are Not "Broken," You Are "Refurbished" by Six JaneI need all you out there who feel they're lost, who cry themselves to sleep, those battling some medically labeled disorder, anyone who feels alone because it seems people have turned their backs, and all of you who are just tired of what life has thrown at you. I need you to listen... and listen real good, … [Read more...]
“Situational Awareness:” The Gold Standard
Have you ever had a conversation with someone, only to have them look at someone or something directly behind you or off in the background of your environment, but they still appear to be maintaining their focus point and listening to what you are saying?Most people would probably say that this is an example of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but in reality it … [Read more...]
“Give It Over To The Road:” Turning 37, Looking Back, And The Acceptance Of Life
I shouldn’t even be here, but I am.This month I turn 37. It’s been a long 37 years. I have learned much, the first of which is that I have much to learn, but the second (and possibly most challenging) thing I’ve had to embrace is how to be alive. How to live with myself now. How to accept this gift of life when I feel an overwhelming sense of unworthiness every day. How to … [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...]
Veteran Arrested For Child Porn… And You Guessed It: “The PTSD Made Me Do It”
Veteran Arrested For Child Porn... And You Guessed It: "The PTSD Made Me Do It" by Scott FaithAn Oklahoma man was arrested on child pornography charges. That's nothing unusual, and wouldn't ordinarily make it into a Havok Journal article. What made this particular arrest noteworthy was the accused's defense: "The PTSD made me do it."Randall Tyler, 33, was charged … [Read more...]
It Is What It Is: 10 Things Military Veterans Just Do
No person leaves the military the same as when they entered. Here are some things Veterans do after some time in the military:Sitting towards a door or exit. Spouses and family members, don’t try to change this in your veteran. If your wife wants to sit towards the door to have the exits covered, let her. If your husband feels calmer protecting his family from a position … [Read more...]