[November 29, 2017] A year and a half ago I wrote that most Western countries had taken their “eyes” off Iraq and their fight against the ISIS terror group.1 Today, the Iraqi military is about to crush the remaining strongholds of ISIS yet not much has changed in either the news coverage (very little) or in how governments… Read More »
[November 28, 2017] The Greek philosopher Antisthenes once said: “The most useful piece of learning … is to unlearn what is untrue.” As a new trend, many educators have jumped on the unlearning bandwagon and also began simultaneously misleading us regarding what it is and the merits on which it is based. “Unlearning is the process of letting… Read More »
[November 24, 2017] I regularly get calls from young military veterans who have a new job in the civilian world and want some simple advice on how to be successful. My recommendation is straightforward; have a positive attitude, treat everyone with respect, and maintain your humility. “Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your… Read More »
[November 22, 2017] It was many years ago that the group of 200 young Lieutenants were standing rigidly at the position of attention. In front of them was a battle-hardened senior officer giving them advice on how to succeed at all U.S. Army schools. The first piece of advice was that any feelings, desires, and wants they have… Read More »
[November 21, 2017] As an army Platoon Leader, I had a lazy commander who did almost nothing to train or motivate his unit’s soldiers (mentioned many times here). But the untold story was when his replacement came in to “take names, clean house, and kick people to the curb.” Or so he said. This new commander was overreacting… Read More »
[November 17, 2017] Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Ia Drang (Vietnam) which pitted elements of the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division against regular North Vietnam troops in a bloody battle. The unit’s commander, Hal Moore, and the only journalist at the battle, Joe Galloway, wrote the book We Were Soldiers Once … and Young (2002) that… Read More »
[November 15, 2017] The passion surrounding talk over racism is hard to dismiss. Every leader, especially politicians, seemed to be caught up in the spirit of the times and are beating their chests with indignation and lecturing us about race. One thing, however, that the U.S. military warns its senior officers about is the downfall of getting ahead… Read More »
[November 13, 2017] Recently I wrote about ethical traps that leaders are caught-up in and gave some advice on how to avoid them; mostly through knowing the rules and being focused on what you are doing. One of those traps involved receiving gifts and is a common way for a professional to end a good career because of… Read More »
[November 10, 2017] My commander’s Kevlar helmet went flying across the tent, bouncing off a table, and rolling onto the grass outside. He’d thrown it out of frustration; his tactical center not getting him the analysis of the “opposing force” battle formation. Something I had learned long before this event was that there was something you should never… Read More »
[November 9, 2017] It is being called the “biggest scandal in U.S. Navy history;” over 60 admirals and hundreds of officers under scrutiny for a scandal involving alcohol and prostitutes.”1 The hype is overblown but nevertheless raises the important issue of dangerous traps for leaders. “Every leader has the responsibility to hone his or her integrity. Many times,… Read More »