I live with a time bomb. He looks like a regular guy. Maybe a little tightly wound: high and tight haircut, rigid posture, authoritative tone. He Continue Reading
Military
Where Shadows Build Leaders
During the GWOT era, combat MOS soldiers typically had about two years to attend Ranger School after completing RIP or RASP. This applied not only to Continue Reading
I Was Just Doing My Job
Author’s note: This reflection was inspired by Sarah Barbo Nielsen’s essay, “Yes, I Served in Iraq. But What if People Mistake Me for a Hero?” Continue Reading
The Pentagon Put a Résumé on Your Chest
Author’s Note Yes, I’m aware the ribbons, badges, patches, and uniform configuration in the illustration aren’t regulation-correct. Before anyone Continue Reading
Military Housing Allowances Should Follow Need, Not Rank
By SSG Taylor Ambos The views presented in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the position of the Department of War, Department Continue Reading
My Greatest Friends
In another life, I lived among giants. I brushed shoulders with living legends. I lived a life on the tip of the spear. My generation got what so Continue Reading
Without Discipline, Men Die
By an Anonymous USAF Brat The NCO club at Clark AFB in the Philippines backed up into Lily Hill. Lily Hill was one of those areas we, as Continue Reading
Veterans Day 2009
“October has been the deadliest monthfor U.S. troops in Afghanistansince the war began eight years ago.” In the pre-dawn hours he stands,silent and Continue Reading
Explosions and Rude Awakenings in Ramadi
(Editor's Note: The following is the first chapter from Jared's book It'll Buff Out.) Chapter 2: Rush OP Hawk Ramadi, Iraq September 29, Continue Reading
Dog and Pony Shows, Elephant Walks, and Other Air Force Circuses
What I’m about to say applies to any VIP including civilians, and some of it will be tongue-in-cheek, but please try to see the underlying concept Continue Reading
Upon a Black Wall
Instead of being surrounded by soft pastelsand resting in a favorite comfortable chair,they are just stark nameschiseled into cold black stone. 1st Continue Reading
What Tibor Rubin Taught Me About Resentment
By Samuel Yudin Halfway through my military career, I began a profound transformation. Until then, I had excelled individually and as a direct Continue Reading