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...]
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...]
“No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor” Part 2: Combat Losses
"No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" Part 2: Combat Losses by Gunnery Sergeant L. Christian BusslerEditor's Note: These excerpts are from the multi-award winning book “No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor” and were provided by the book's author, Gunnery Sergeant L. Christian Bussler, who retains the copyrights. This an exclusive look into the world of a how the Marine Corps … [Read more...]
Influence-based Leadership: Critical Importance of the Alpha
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 destroyed, it is only natural the role of the Alpha would be questioned during the … [Read more...]
Veterans, Who Are We?
Veterans, Who Are We?“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 for the rest of their lives. … [Read more...]
Veteran Author Interview: Terron Wharton
Major Terron Wharton is the author of the raw and powerful non-fiction book, High Risk Soldier. He spoke with The Havok Journal on February 16, 2017. The book review is here.The Havok Journal: First, Major Wharton, thank you for agreeing to the interview. Can you tell our readers about yourself?Terron Wharton: I’m from Indiana and I graduated from West Point in 2005, … [Read more...]
The Fall of Rome: Romans No Longer Hold the Line
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUMUT: GENERALIS FLAVIUS AETIUS LEGATUS AUGUSTI PRO PRAETOREEX: GENERALIS GNAEL MALLIUS MAXIMUS LEGATUS LEGIO UNDECIMA CLAUDIASUBJECT: CONSULEM LEGIONESQUE ROMANAS CONSUMPTIDIEM: MCLXXXV AB URBE CONDITACC: GENERALIS FLAVIUS RICIMER LEGATUS … [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 SmithBreathe. 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 … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Your Life” by Scot Spooner.
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 business owner and father. He details his struggles in a short … [Read more...]
“Don’t Ring The Bell:” A Senior SEAL’s Wisdom
Admiral (Ret) William H. McRaven, former SOCOM commander, told graduating seniors at the 2014 University of Texas commencement ceremony 10 lessons from his Navy SEAL experience. The final one: “If you want to change the world don't ever, ever ring the bell.”He’s right, of course. I know what happens when you do.Bad stuff doesn’t start when you ring the bell; it starts … [Read more...]