Everyone who reads this site is familiar with the sheep, wolves, and sheepdog analogy, as popularized by LTC (Ret) Grossman in his book On Combat. We all fit into one of those categories, he says—we need protecting, we are a predator, or we are a protector.While Grossman’s analogy has a lot to do with the psychology of how an individual deals with trauma or how they are … [Read more...]
Handgun Caliber Choice and The Myth of Stopping Power
Handgun Caliber Choice and The Myth of Stopping Power by Greg Drobny This article was first published on Unapologetically American. Americans love their handguns. From the classic Colt revolvers of the 19th century to John Browning’s beloved 1911 design and beyond, handguns occupy a special place in American culture.Everyone has their favorite, of course, and … [Read more...]
Still Strong Navy
Still Strong Navy by Michael KaneAs most of you are aware, on 17 June 2017 the USS Fitzgerald lost 7 Sailors and on 21 August, the USS McCain lost 10 Sailors. The Surface Warfare community has not experienced such a loss in nearly 30 years since the explosion on the USS Iowa that killed 47 sailors.After the collisions, I have quietly tried to make sense of what … [Read more...]
USMC Marksmanship… And Why It’s Better Than The Army’s
Evidently, the U.S. Army has a marksmanship problem. The problem being, roughly, soldiers can’t hit the broadside of a barn with their rifles. My good friend Kevin Wilson recently wrote an article and pointed out that just giving soldiers a better rifle isn’t going to get them to shoot better. So, what’s to be done?There’s really no question the Marine Corps puts an … [Read more...]
No, “Ranger Training” Did Not Turn Alex Blum Into a Criminal
No, “Ranger Training” Did Not Turn Alex Blum Into a Criminal by Greg DrobnySeveral prominent news outlets have covered the story of Alex Blum, a Ranger Regiment veteran (2/75) who turned into a bank robber. The headline articles have coincided with a book by Blum’s cousin, Ben, on the subject of how the world’s premier light infantry transformed Alex from a squeaky-clean … [Read more...]
Artillery on the Modern Battlefield
CANNON, n. An instrument employed in the rectification of national boundaries. – Ambrose BierceBy Kevin WilsonTraditionally, field artillery is known as the King of Battle. It’s not hard to imagine why, either. Throughout the history of warfare, the ability to project firepower at a distance has always been one of the most important assets any commander could ask for, … [Read more...]
The Army’s Marksmanship Problem
The Army's Marksmanship Problem By Kevin WilsonBack in May 2016, the Army Times ran a piece announcing that the Army was officially looking to replace the M16 family of weapons and the 5.56mm cartridge with a weapon system that is both more reliable, and has greater range.As the article states, they’re taking a hard look at “intermediate rounds,” or rounds with … [Read more...]
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: “For the Soldier Dying Young”
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: "For the Soldier Dying Young" by Mike Kelvington This article was first published on September 12, 2016."Today is September 12, 2001."With September 11, 2001 far behind us, a new school year beginning, and the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, my thoughts immediately go to those who died in the attacks and those who have paid the … [Read more...]
How To Talk To Your Kids About September 11th
How To Talk To Your Kids About September 11th by Justina BahrainSeptember 11th is a date none of us will forget but that many of our children know little about. That day and its aftermath are important parts of our history that we want to share with our children but may hesitate to do since it is a scary thought for adults let alone the delicate minds of our children. Here … [Read more...]
The Tragedy of Normalcy: Who Speaks for the “Functional Veteran?”
The Tragedy of Normalcy: Who Speaks for the "Functional Veteran?" By Kevin WilsonIt’s never a good idea to try to break down a group as diverse and complex as American veterans into distinct classifications. At best, you’re going to just confuse the hell out of everyone, and at worst, you’re going to create the sort of false dichotomies that make tempers boil. You can’t … [Read more...]