[August 18, 2020] One of the most iconic battles of the U.S. Civil War occurred in August of 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. It may have been the most dramatic moment of the naval war, comparable to Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg. It was during the battle that Union Admiral David Farragut commanded his ships to attack… Read More »
[August 14, 2020] In 1987, Maj. Gen. Aubrey “Red” Newman published his best leadership book. It is called “What Are Generals Made Of?” It is, of course, highly recommended. In it, Gen. Newman discusses several good points about senior leadership. One, in particular, I took a liking to his book and what he would do differently to be… Read More »
[August 11, 2020] Leaders with authority should be aware of the image they project by what they do and say. Even the most beautiful women look into mirrors to see how they appear to others and take action to improve what they see in the glass. Similarly, leaders should be looking into the mirror of their minds to… Read More »
[August 10, 2020] Each year in the United States and nearly every country on Earth, there is a time set aside to honor those who died in their service to the Nation. Memorial Day 2020 was on May 25th, and I wrote about this topic to note the sacredness of the holiday.1 But rarely do we ask the… Read More »
[August 6, 2020] I don’t go to movie theaters anymore for the obvious reasons; sticky floors, idiots on their cell phones, poor service, and high prices. But, I recently saw the movie Midway (2019) on Netflix. My wife pointed out that the Rotten Tomatoes reviewers had given it a pathetic 41% rating while the Audience gave it a… Read More »
[August 5, 2020] Labeled as “one of the most significant occurrences in the history of the Jewish people,” the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in the Spring of 1943 was doomed to failure. This was the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II and is a symbol of freedom that we closely review for the lessons that can… Read More »
[August 4, 2020] Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese general and philosopher, once said, “If words of command are not clear and distinct if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame.” Some people say that a leader should only give his “intent” and allow those who follow the latitude to make proper decisions. That, however, doesn’t… Read More »
[August 2, 2020] Standing in line to get my field issue from the Supply Sergeant, I was given an M5A1 Korean-War era bayonet. I had to sign for it, of course. Asking what it was for, I was told to ask my Platoon Leader. Later that week, my Infantry Company was part of an extensive Field Training Exercise… Read More »
[July 28, 2020] Date: the early morning hours of December 7, 1941. This day was beautiful by any standard. Most wars start with a surprise attack. When the Japanese attacked ships in Pearl Harbor and planes on the airfields of Hawaii, things happened elsewhere too. You have probably never heard of the Battle of Schofield Barracks. Maj. Gen.… Read More »
[July 22, 2020] Experienced leaders understand that not everything they do is intuitive or makes complete sense on the surface of it. When it comes to carrying out one’s duties, success is often hard-won, complex and ambiguous, and requires good judgment. That is why the concept – if you want peace, prepare for war – is both controversial… Read More »