"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...]
Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life
Physical Fitness and Transitioning Back to Civilian Life Special Guest Author: Christian LopezAs time passes by, I often recount where my passion for fitness started. It has been tough to put a finger on that exact moment in time, as there have been many instances where fitness has had a major impact on my life. I started my personal training career as a young 18 year … [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...]
5 Things I Wish I Knew before Deployment
5 Things I Wish I Knew before Deployment by Scott FaithMy wife and I were watching TV and I received a phone call saying I will be going on a deployment, details will be given at a later date. Instantly, I thought, “finally, it’s here! Now it’s my turn!” What I didn’t think about was all the preparation to leave. I, like other many young soldiers, was in a naïve mindset … [Read more...]
Commander’s Guidance: First Force Recon
Never forget that you part of the most elite and legendary unit the Marine Corps has ever seen. Our forefathers earned our proud reputation through great personal courage and sacrifice in fierce combat in Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Never do anything to bring shame or embarrassment to the prestigious legacy of our company. Every day is a selection, and every task is … [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...]
Suicide Prevention: I Am Ten This Year
Another year around the sun and I am still here. There were many ups and many downs and I am still here. It might not seem like much of a victory to some but there has been doubt that I would make it this far. The pain that courses through your soul is something you have to experience to understand. To make it through another year, well, I am still here so I claim the … [Read more...]
A Warrior, (re)Defined
Editor's Note: This article first ran in Havok Journal a little over two years. Many things have changed since then, but the fundamental things that make someone a "warrior" have not.The last time that I had my nose broken was in an MMA bout in Alabama. After securing a very deep triangle hold on my competitor he stacked me up and released one final effort to get me … [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...]
NCO Leadership and the Art of “Why:” Blind Trust No Longer Works
NCO Leadership and the Art of "Why:" Blind Trust No Longer Works by Michael KaneIt was not that long ago that a letter from home could take months to reach a deployed servicemember. When I joined, e-mail was just starting to be available, and very few people had access to it. It was normally reserved for Senior NCO’s and Officers. E-mail was considered a privilege when … [Read more...]