[February 17, 2015] Previously it was put forward that none of the popularly discussed strategies for defeating ISIS were sufficiently comprehensive – that the U.S. government had a poorly articulated “strategic patience” strategy, and that both are likely to fail. Today, a final four key items are presented that will make for a stronger grand strategy1 to defeat… Read More »
[February 16, 2015] There have been a number of recent proposals for a strategy to “degrade and defeat” the terrorist group ISIS and, as well, considerable criticism of the U.S. lack of any clear strategy or leadership. While this generates valuable discussion, most of these lack a comprehensive (or grand) strategy for doing so … perhaps purposefully. “Victorious… Read More »
[February 15, 2015] If you get more than two or three military general/flag officers in a room and they have a little time to chat with junior leaders, one of the topics they will nearly always talk about is those things leaders should never do. I’ve been there and as a colonel I listened closely to those things… Read More »
[February 14, 2015] There has been a lot of criticism and compliments, especially over the past few days, of the U.S. President’s strategy to defeat the Islamic terrorist organization known as ISIS. For purposes of better understanding what strategy is about, I would like to work through a few ideas to better understand why some of it is… Read More »
[February 13, 2015] War! It has been said that “war solves nothing.” Yet this is so parenthetically untrue that its longevity still amazes most of us. War is a violent, brutish, and chaotic affair; and of course not without extraordinary controversy. Such is the case of the World War II firebombing of the city of Dresden, Germany beginning… Read More »
February 12, 2015] A sport not seen in the United States or most of the West is called Buzkashi; literally “goat dragging” in the Persian language; truly a manly sport. It’s a Central Asian sport where horse-mounted players attempt to drag a goat or calf carcass toward a goal. The goal is to win and that means just… Read More »
[February 11, 2015] I was on a flight from Atlanta to New York a few weeks ago and met a very nice lady who had just returned from sub-Sahara Africa. Since she was sitting beside me on the plane, I took the chance to ask her opinion about her experience. Her opinion was made with a hand gesture… Read More »
[February 10, 2015] One of the special advantages senior leaders have is cheerleading for their organization. Yes, being a senior leader also means you must be a cheerleader; someone who aggressively promotes their people, organization, and mission at the appropriate times. This is what great leaders do … and those who do not cheerlead should have their loyalty… Read More »
[February 09, 2015] After the Islamic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the city of New York was fortunate to have many leaders who acted quickly to help the city recover. I’ve been asked repeatedly over the past few years whether leadership in peacetime/calm is truly necessary. They ask whether or not leadership is only needed in times… Read More »
February 08, 2015] In 2013, I made a trip to the country of Columbia to visit some of their senior military officers, police, and political leaders. The ones I spoke with were very professional but each complained about how political and judicial corruption had enormous costs and was a terrible burden for the average citizen. One insightful policeman… Read More »