5 Things I Wish I Knew before Deployment by Scott FaithMy wife and I were watching TV and I received a phone call saying I will be going on a deployment, details will be given at a later date. Instantly, I thought, “finally, it’s here! Now it’s my turn!” What I didn’t think about was all the preparation to leave. I, like other many young soldiers, was in a naïve mindset … [Read more...]
Please, Come Back
“Go to war. Your country needs you.” Robert's Ridge, Thunder Runs, Objective Rhino Go I did. “Mission Accomplished.” 6 months into 12. 12 months into 15. Infants became toddlers. Go I did. “Walter Reed is ready to handle the burden” Limbs, lives, minds lost in the thousands. Go I did. “America is strong. Go do your shopping” Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve. … [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...]
Camp Pozzi: An excerpt written by a former Polish GROM Operator
We, at The Havok Journal, are honored to have met Polish GROM Operator, Naval Polska, at an exclusive party hosted by Ben Thomas, Lemba Rum, and Alma de Agave Tequila at SHOT Show. With Polska's permission we are going to be sharing excerpts from his books throughout the coming months. The books are currently being translated to English and will be available for purchase soon. … [Read more...]
Get Help: A Female Veteran’s Perspective
Get Help: A Female Veteran's Perspective By Lana DuffyThis article was originally published on 23 January 2018. Last night I sat having a beer or two with some good friends who happen to be fellow veterans. As it sometimes does, the conversation turned to mental health and our experiences. I haven’t been back to a counselor since the last one told me I looked like his … [Read more...]
The Things I Carried: A Special Forces Officer Reflects
On October 2, 2015, I gave notice to my boss: it’s time to do something different after ten and half years in the Army. In the spirit of a writer from my Dad’s generation, I look back on the things I carried:A great admiration for then-Captain Craig Whiteside, West Point TAC officer. Our cadet squad was shorthanded due to multiple injuries. He volunteered as a squad … [Read more...]
Soldiers at Christmas: Past and Present
To the Soldiers at Christmas past and present: I did not write this poem, that credit goes to Michael Marks.[1] However, I've used it many times in the past, and thought it prudent to use in the present as a medium to remind myself and others of those who cannot be at home during this holiday season: A SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I … [Read more...]
The Most Effective Weapon on the Modern Battlefield Is… Concrete?
The Most Effective Weapon on the Modern Battlefield Is... Concrete? by John SpencerEditor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Modern War Blog, hosted by West Point's Modern War Institute (MWI). It is reposted on The Havok Journal with the permission of the original author. You can read the original article here, and while you're there check out some of the … [Read more...]
How much of what happens at war should stay at war?
Earlier this week, the Navy Times broke the story of Special Operations Chief Edward “Eddie” Gallagher, a well-respected SEAL of 19 years, charged with multiple war crimes connected with the 2017 stabbing death of an Iraqi detainee.The story, with commentary released by his representatives to the media, details how Gallagher is looking to pursue a civil rights lawsuit … [Read more...]
Dreaming of Ishtar in the Land of the Two Rivers
By Jonathan BaxterI knew I would come back to her, eventually.The Etihad flight delivered me into Baghdad International Airport, and I was back home. When I left Iraq on my last military deployment there in 2009, I had the feeling it was only temporary, and I’d eventually wind my way back to the Land of Two Rivers.It was weird this time, entering the country three … [Read more...]