When it comes to terrorism, US foreign policy, US military operations, the true nature of Islam and the extent of Islamic radicalization, there are no shortages of opinions. As a survivor of the 9/11 attacks and a former US soldier, I certainly had my own. But when it came to discussing Islam intelligently, I had more questions than answers. Frustratingly, most interviews I’ve … [Read more...]
An American Diplomat, “A Better Life”
Donna Hernandez is a Consular Officer for the US Department of State. This is the story of how she got there. _____ by Donna HernandezMy grandfather moved the Hernández family to California, my father’s first step towards a “better life.” In my father’s “better life” he has been a low-rider, a gang member, a factory worker, a mason, and a provider. Every wrinkle on his … [Read more...]
Trump, Mattis, Middle East Policy, and “One World Government”
Trump, Mattis, Middle East Policy, and "One World Government" by Nathan PlayerIf the press is to be believed, America’s adventurism in the Middle East is winding down. Agree or disagree on the policy, this should surprise no one. This has always been the current administration’s goal. It has also been the stated policy objective of politicians on both sides of the aisle … [Read more...]
Everything You Want to Know About National Security Can Be Learned in a Nightclub
National security is becoming a sexy topic again. Thanks to the Daesh attacks, foreign policy, military concerns and intelligence issues are as hot as Kylie, Kourtney and Kendell. A re-energized American public now re-litigates issues like the Iraq War, the profiling of Muslims and the length of leash we should give the NSA.Yet the issues remain muddled. It’s hard to … [Read more...]
Losing Mattis Isn’t a Bad Thing
Although I don’t have a lot of name recognition, I have been a “mil-blogger” longer than most, which means I’ve been around long enough to see a lot of the in-fighting in the military and veteran community. And in that time I have come to appreciate just how, shall we say, schizophrenic it can be.The recent announcement of James Mattis resigning as the Secretary of … [Read more...]
Leaders: Myth and Reality – A Review
When many big names in business, politics, and pop culture sit down to pen a new book, they tend to capture personal exploits, successes, accumulation of wealth, awards, and achievements. In the new, bestselling release of Leaders: Myth and Reality, GEN (Retired) McChrystal and his co-authors manage to approach the topic of leadership with a focus still on individuals, but … [Read more...]
Why A New Organization Is Needed Within The Intelligence Community
Why A New Organization Is Needed Within The Intelligence Community by Kerry Patton “If you look back today over the last 25 years, it is a fact that we have had a progressive degeneration of our intelligence community in general; in particular in the field of human intelligence.” —Paul Bremmer _____ After the heinous attacks against the United States on 9-11-2001, the US … [Read more...]
The US’s Foreign (Insurance) Policy: Time to Let That Boulder Roll?
Editor's Note: This article, slightly updated below by the original author, was first published by our friends in Ranger Up's Rhino Den. You can check out the original story, and view other great content from the Rhino Den, here. _____ I don’t go around seeking hidden meaning in cartoons, but sometimes inspiration strikes.It will probably take about as … [Read more...]
Don’t Fear Islam, Fear “Prislam”
Don't Fear Islam, Fear "Prislam" by Christopher Paul MeyerIn the wake of continued ISIS threats, the country is understandably concerned about when and where ISIS will strike in the US. Especially when there are 900 active investigations into ISIS-related activity in all 50 states. But since I gave away my Magic 8 ball when I was seven, my guess is as good as yours when … [Read more...]
Why Do We Even Have A Military?
This article was first published in November of 2016.OK, we were all appalled by ISIS's ongoing litany of atrocities. But what do we do now? The President wants to maintain his strategy of half-measures, even as members of his own party beg for a change. But then, talking heads recite the politically correct, multicultural catechism about Islam.Politicians cringe at the … [Read more...]