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...]
Plastic “Bullets:” Isn’t That A Really Bad Idea?
Plastic "Bullets:" Isn't That A Really Bad Idea? by Scott FaithI read with interest a recent headline touting a revolutionary "plastic bullet." Could such a thing actually be done? Given the marvels of modern science, I supposed it was a possibility. After all, people have experimented with a number of different types of bullets, including ice. But given the extreme … [Read more...]
Maybe We Should Just Get It Over With: The “Global, Grave, Given and Growing” Threat of North Korea
Maybe We Should Just Get It Over With: The “Global, Grave, Given and Growing” Threat of North Korea by Scott Faith Editor's Note: This article was originally posted in September of 2017, you remember, when it looked like we were going to go to war with North Korea? It's amazing how much difference a year can make. ...maybe. _____ Media sources across the country are … [Read more...]
What it Means to be an “Educated” Warfighter
Continuing on with the theme of the article, What it Means to be an “Educated” Man in Today’s America, it’s time to get a little more focused. Given the readership here, the logical place to start is with the warrior class.So, what does “education” for a warfighter look like?In today’s military, many lament the tremendous amounts of time spent on what seems to be … [Read more...]