Commentary The readiness of America’s military is under internal attack—the recent accidents in Army aviation, and the response after, is an indicator of what plagues the entire military. I spent a career in the U.S. Army’s aviation branch, with many fond memories of flying helicopters all over the world. I also have tough memories of…

Commentary “Don’t worry. You’ll be safe. Women don’t go into combat.” My husband reassured me as I lay with my head on his chest while discussing my fears about my upcoming deployment. His dismissive response annoyed me, but, in the end, he was right. In 2004, it was against the law for women to serve…

Commentary Parents have been known to encourage, guide, direct, and even threaten their children when making a career choice. Suppose you knew that for the next twenty years, your child would be sleeping on the ground in either snow, rain, or extreme heat, possibly among poisonous, wild creatures or other humans longing to take away…

You are about to embark on the beginning of your career. I wanted to share some things I’ve learned through experience to “put in your rucksack” as you start BOLC [Basic Officer Leader Course], Pre-Ranger, and beyond. These don’t just apply to getting your Ranger tab. They’re some words of encouragement and wisdom that hopefully,…

Commentary You are about to embark on the beginning of your career. I wanted to share some things I’ve learned through experience to “put in your rucksack” as you start BOLC [Basic Officer Leader Course], Pre-Ranger, and beyond. These don’t just apply to getting your Ranger tab. They’re some words of encouragement and wisdom that…

Commentary A surprise mandatory meeting was held for all the female service members, officers, and enlisted alike, already deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) after arriving in Afghanistan. The objective was made clear; the MEU had come up with a spur-of-the-moment idea. They were going to use “female searchers” to win the locals’…

Commentary I’ve discovered writing to be a tremendous tool to analyze my mental health status because I’m forced to describe my actions, explain my beliefs, and articulate my captivating perspectives using creative wordplay and fluid sentence structure. Drifting away with the tide is often sought after and an easy route to isolation. But, writing helps…

Commentary I haven’t put much thought into Veterans’ or Memorial Day, even as a military member, until this past Monday. I remember being on watch last Sunday and having to work until mid-afternoon on Monday. I was griping quietly to myself and my wife about burning most of a four-day weekend, preparing for a security…

Friendly Fire Do you really think Anyone cares That the fire that burns … is friendly? Hearts and body parts Pieces of promises Are all being blown away I need you to see The power you have over me I know you didn’t mean to But the outcome’s just the same You lean over me…

Commentary I’m a little bit of a history nut. Well okay, a lot of a history nut, especially military history. I also have a keen interest in observing people and how they behave. Military leadership has been a subset of those two items that have caused considerable deliberation and consternation on my part. Add to…