I was reading Nick Perna’s article “The end of the conversation.” It is absolutely hilarious and reminded me of the fucked up conversations I have Continue Reading
soldiers
Afghanistan Memories: I’m a Warrior Through and Through
Heart turned hard, emotionally scarred. I tried to get past this but it’s so fucking hard.My pain is evident yet so blissfully hidden. From events Continue Reading
One Hell of a Ride Back to the FOB
by Carlos Techera There I was laying on my back in a ditch. Everything flashed before my eyes, in an empty silence. "What just happened, no way did Continue Reading
Paratroopers of WWII: Double Volunteers
When soldiers are asked why they volunteered for the paratroopers, their responses come in many forms. Many men signed up to be in the Airborne Continue Reading
Killing a Man: A Ranger Reflects
It’s not that you think it won’t happen, but maybe you just aren’t quite anticipating it when it does happen. I always thought I would know when the Continue Reading
Garrison
by Nick Orton War is anticipation But the deployments are slowing down And the wars are over You're a garrison soldier now Now hurry up Continue Reading
Boredom or Sheer Terror
by Frank Pauc This first appeared in Frank’s blog on October 23, 2021, and in The Havok Journal on October 27, 2021. It is republished here Continue Reading
When You Miss War
by Britta Reque-Dragicevic This first appeared in Britta's blog, "Life After War" on July 26, 2015, and is republished with the author's Continue Reading
Notch on a Wall
There is no place for humanity in war, there is no place for war in humanity. If, as a nation or dictator, you have a requirement that war is fought Continue Reading
They Stand Still as Granite
They stand still as granite formed upon this field of rest In silent task, They lay with the rest the best that any brother could ask. Oh, these Continue Reading
The End of the Conversation: What Soldiers Talk About
It's been said about combat that it consists mainly of boredom occasionally punctuated by moments of terror. But, mostly, there's lots of boredom. Continue Reading
8 Things Leaders Should Know about Addiction to Help Their Soldiers
by an anonymous Special Operations combat veteran I am an addict in recovery. I am 9 months sober. My addiction destroyed my marriage and put me at Continue Reading