Bad Leadership - A Look In Retrospect

I recently asked you all for input on what things you think make for a "bad leader".  I took your comments, added my own thoughts, and this is the result.  Now I want to preface this by saying that I have had the opportunity to lead many Soldiers at the team, squad, and platoon level.  Additionally, I have worked in some non traditional areas where leadership can be challenging.  Some of you have worked either for me or with me, and I admit I am not, and have not always been the best leader, although I had always tried to be the best possible out of respect for my profession and those in my care.  This post is being written in retrospect, taking into account all of the things I have learned and wish I knew earlier.  click below to continue reading full blog

Pressure and Pain: All's Fair in War and Jiu Jitsu

     The many layers of straps and webbing had been cutting hard into my shoulders with every step I took. So much gear. So much weight. So many individual pieces of coarse fabric grinding away at the soft skin on my neck. My plate carrier with ammo and radio and antenna attached, my assault bag loaded with food, water, backup radio and batteries. More rifle ammunition and as many mortar rounds as I could possibly haul. I was cursing myself for trying a new single-point rifle sling. They have their purpose, but it certainly is not long foot patrols. Pressure and pain, a constant state of discomfort. Like the annoying mosquito that chose to live in your ear.

      We started the movement well before daylight, in the empty darkness. Well, we were on tarmac waiting for the aircraft which would be our ride into the drop off point. The sun had just broken the horizon when we de boarded the Chinook helicopter...

Expectations Vs. Reality: Exiting the Military and Finding a New Purpose

As we begin to exit the military, whatever our job may be, we are told to find a new purpose. To establish what our next mission will be before we ever take off the uniform for the last time. The military invests an untold amount of money in helping us all make that transition and establish what our new purpose might be. Different business and governmental agencies offer hiring preferences and incentives to veterans. It is honestly outright easy to find a job after one leaves the military. Really, the vast number of opportunities available may seem overwhelming and daunting. Therefore, I find it difficult to believe simply finding a job is an issue for vets upon separation, though I certainly know unemployment amongst this community is an issue and I do not wish to diminish that, but I’m about to dissect a separate issue entirely. I am talking about how important it is to find a new purpose and the positive impact it will have on your post military life. But is this all one should focus on?

A Brief History of Memorial Day

The American Civil War ended on April 9^th, 1865, and approximately 13 months later, the first observance of Memorial Day occurred. It began as women visited the graves of their sons, fathers, husbands, and brothers to lay flowers on or beside their gravestones. In the 1860’s, print media was the standard for spreading information, and word had developed of such observances for the dead men of the Civil War and many towns shadowed these women's' example. The first national celebration was held in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery where the bones of both Confederate and Union soldiers were laid. It was a day of remembrance for the fallen, no matter which side of the conflict, all American’s were honored with flowers and a flag by their respective gravestones, suggesting unity and perhaps some healing had taken place in the again, United States.