The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn

An Open Letter to the Future Women of Special Operations

An Open Letter to the Future Women of Special Operations by Leo Jenkins At least once a day I receive a message from someone with aspirations to join Special Operations seeking advice. It occurred to me recently that over the years and thousands of inquiries, I have yet to receive one from a female. Make no mistake, woman have been playing an integral role in not just our … [Read more...]

“Give it Over to the Road”: Turning 37, Looking Back and Accepting Life 

“Give it Over to the Road": Turning 37, Looking Back and Accepting Life By Brandon Young 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 … [Read more...]

Are You “Working Out” or are You “Training?”

Are You "Working Out" or are You "Training?" by Marty Skovlund This article first appeared in The Havok Journal on 26 March 2014. I recently read two articles recently that provoked some thoughts on the way we approach fitness in the military. One was written by former Ranger and professional competitive fitness athlete Leo Jenkins and the other by strength training … [Read more...]

Fitness and Sleeping: Intertwined

Fitness and Sleeping: Intertwined It may sound like a surprise to you, but sleep and your workout routine and performance are connected. People need at least 8 hours of sleep every day in order to start the day fresh and be ready for daily obligations. However, quality sleep will also positively affect your fitness. Just like diet and fitness are mutually connected and … [Read more...]

What a Runner Could Learn from a Ranger Mom

What a Runner Could Learn from a Ranger Mom by Kenneth Posner A long time ago, I was a U.S. Army Ranger. It was just about the toughest thing I ever did. Honestly, I wasn’t very good; my path ended up taking me to Wall Street, which was a better fit for my skills. But I’m proud to have served my country as best I could, and I remain very impressed with the caliber of people … [Read more...]

The Five Martial Arts a Vet Should NEVER Do

The Five Martial Arts a Vet Should NEVER Do by Christopher Paul Meyer Working as a bouncer on the Sunset Strip, I laid hands on people every night. But before conducting face-to-fist diplomacy, my antagonists had a Bond-villian-like habit of warning me exactly how many stripes of aggregated badassery they had accumulated. Some were Division I wrestlers and boxing coaches, … [Read more...]

Myostatin Inhibitors: Life Saver Or The Next “Performance Enhancing Drug?”

Myostatin Inhibitors: Life Saver Or The Next "Performance Enhancing Drug?" by Richard Farnum In 1997 Dr. Se-Jin Lee and Alexandra McPherron from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discovered a gene encoding a substance known as myostatin. These two geneticists were able to successfully breed mice who possessed so-called “loss of function mutations” in the gene … [Read more...]

PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and the Healing Power of Iron

PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and the Healing Power of Iron by Michael Saint Amand I did not transition well after my last deployment. I did not reintegrate. I did not resume my duties at my home station. I did not get my regulatory-mandated ninety days. I moved because the military told me to move. That I was in Afghanistan the week prior was immaterial. My family, who was … [Read more...]

Interview with Tactical Games Athlete: Ivan Loomis

Interview with Tactical Games Athlete: Ivan Loomis by David Bruce This first appeared in David Bruce's Blog April 27, 2019. It is re-published here in The Havok Journal with the author's permission. (Photo courtesy of http://reconphoto.com and https://thetacticalgames.com) Ivan Loomis, the Kit Badger, has worn many hats: veteran, law enforcement officer, and security … [Read more...]