The Havok Journal

The Voice of the Veteran Community

West and Dunn

Why Special Operations Leaders are Bad Role Models

Why Special Operations Leaders are Bad Role Models by Nick Perna If you go to Amazon (or any book store) you’ll find no shortage of books written by former special operations supervisors on the topic of leadership. Former members of Seal Team 6, Delta Force and others discuss their experiences while leading these units. These are seen as shining examples of superior … [Read more...]

Veterans, Who are We?

Veterans, Who are We? by an Anonymous Veteran “We” - loosely speaking - are members of a “club” called U.S veterans. It’s a broad term with varying shades of gray. Anybody that signed on and then makes it through basic-training is a member, but the spectrum of participation is broad. Some members wash out a few months after graduation, but take their membership to heart … [Read more...]

Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha

Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha by E.M. Burlingame 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 … [Read more...]

High Risk Soldier

High Risk Soldier by Marshall McGurk I decided to purchase High Risk Soldier for two reasons. First, the cover art drew me in: a shot glass filled with pills and a 9mm round. The imagery was powerful.  As a combat veteran, I knew exactly what that imagery symbolized. Second, Major Terron Wharton and I were classmates at West Point. We did not have classes together but we … [Read more...]

The Fall of Rome: Romans No Longer Hold the Line

INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM UT:          GENERALIS FLAVIUS AETIUS LEGATUS AUGUSTI PRO PRAETORE EX: GENERALIS GNAEL MALLIUS MAXIMUS LEGATUS LEGIO UNDECIMA CLAUDIA SUBJECT: CONSULEM LEGIONESQUE ROMANAS CONSUMPTI DIEM: MCLXXXV AB URBE CONDITA CC: GENERALIS FLAVIUS RICIMER LEGATUS … [Read more...]

Lessons from a Delta Force Operator’s Story

Lessons from a Delta Force Operator's Story by Marshall McGurk People now see veterans publicly admit their struggles alongside their triumphs more often. Scot Spooner struggled with poor education and upbringing, troubles with the law, alcoholism and post-traumatic stress. He is a decorated veteran of the Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, successful … [Read more...]

“Breathe”: What It’s Like to be a Special Forces Medic

"Breathe": What It's Like to be a Special Forces Medic   by Aaron Smith Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Training takes over, I need gloves! Where the fuck are my gloves?? Hands slippery with sweat struggle to put them on, Too hard, Too Hard! Try another pair… They’re too small and I’m too sweaty. Get to work. Bare hands now, slipping down into the ditch; Two pairs of eyes, … [Read more...]

Mandatory Awards: No Thanks…Oh It’s Either That or an Article 15?

Mandatory Awards: No Thanks...Oh It's Either That or an Article 15? by Dave Chamberlain Directly from the Air National Guard Yellow Ribbon webpage: “The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) to assist National Guard and Reserve members as they transition between their military and civilian roles. By … [Read more...]

Peace and Dialogue: What Tel Aviv and Orlando Taught Me About “Pride”

The Peace and Dialogue Leadership Initiative: What Tel Aviv and Orlando Taught Me About “Pride” by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Faint This first appeared in The Havok Journal in December 4, 2016. Every summer for the last three years, it has been my pleasure to accompany a group of amazing young undergraduates from some of the nation’s top schools on a two-week educational … [Read more...]