I sometimes think America needs a big war. Before anyone gets too excited, I'm not advocating for another war. I've spent enough of my life in the Continue Reading
Philosophy & Poetry
Elections Are Not Wars
"I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken." - Oliver Cromwell When I was young, back in the 1970s, I used to Continue Reading
The Decision Isn’t the Problem
By Christopher M. Phillips, Ph.D. Editor's note: The cases described in this article are composites, with identifying details changed. I sat Continue Reading
Stop Thanking Me for My Service
We are thanked for our service numerous times a day. Sometimes we don’t even know how anyone knew to thank us. Maybe it’s our demeanor, maybe it’s our Continue Reading
The State Is Too Eager to Kill
Two recent news stories about executions have made me think. One is about Christa Pike, and the other is about Nidal Hasan. Both individuals are Continue Reading
All Those Crosses
All those white crosses stand in a rowon nameless hills in Europe,in fields of France,on beaches too.All those white stones stand in a rowon the green Continue Reading
The Soul of a Man Does Violence to Itself
“The soul of a man does violence to itself.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, II.16 There are plenty of ways to get hurt in the Army. Some of them Continue Reading
You Know, You Have the Power to Hold No Opinion On Some Things
There is a peculiar pressure in modern society to have an opinion about everything. Every political controversy. Every military operation. Every Continue Reading
Good Men Must Know Violence
"Good men must know violence, so evil men do not become fluent in it." The phrase has been attributed to many different people over the years, and Continue Reading
In the Moment and Alone
Editor's Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Continue Reading
Why Hard Work Still Wins in a World That Feels Like It’s Falling Apart
When I bought my first car, gas cost right around one dollar a gallon. What a time to be alive. Of course, I only made around $5.50 an hour at my pet Continue Reading
Pascal’s Wager and the Military Profession
Military professionals spend their careers making decisions under conditions of uncertainty. It's an inherent part of the job. No commander has Continue Reading