I heard a story on the news this morning about a group of four marines who took a picture on a beach in May of 1966, and recreated it 50 years later. That, and a chance remark to a former soldier of mine, who happened to repeat it to a Read more…
What would you do today if you knew that the action you took would bring about the result that you want? What idea have you been playing around with, but have been hesitant to act upon because you were not sure about how it would be received? Perhaps you can Read more…
In previous posts, I’ve talked about how awareness is the key to recovery for veterans, I’ve joined with others talking about what PTSD is and what it isn’t, and I’ve attempted to describe what happens emotionally to veterans when they return from combat. All of these are an attempt to Read more…
In a previous post, I spoke about a central aspect of leadership that is key to success…to never forget where you came from. In the context of being a leader, this means to remember what is like when you were a follower, and lead accordingly. I came to realize that Read more…
One mantra that many great leaders held to be true is, “never forget where you came from.” Sometimes that happened…sometimes leaders fell prey to the “Three P’s” of Power, Perks, and Privilege, as honestly described by CSM(R) J. D. Pendry in his outstanding guide for Noncommissioned Officers, the Three Meter Zone. Read more…
I don’t know who they were, but they odds are nearly 100% perfect that it’s true. It will be true on the day I post this, and it will be true on the day that you read it. Another Veteran will have succumbed to the struggle and died by suicide. Read more…
As I was listening to Jay Knight’s podcast, Veteranology, and the outstanding interview with Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Wayne Robinson, a phrase that succinctly describes the uniqueness of a veteran’s mindset popped into my mind: LGOP. CSM(R) Robinson was speaking about how veterans have experience with decentralized decision making: today’s Read more…
There has been much discussion of the adverse effects on exposure to trauma and combat by veterans, and rightly so. In an all-volunteer force, citizens join the military of their own free will, with varying degrees of understanding about what they may face. Sometimes, the reality of what happens in Read more…
Get any three veterans who have deployed together in a room, and you’re in for a lively conversation. Ask who is the strongest, fastest, and smartest, and you will get a variety of responses. Often, each will argue that they should be considered for the title. Ask which of them Read more…
In recent posts, I have discussed what PTSD is (and what it isn’t) and how difficult the transition between combat and home life is due to the violence of action paradox. These posts were intended to help raise the awareness of veteran mental health, for the veteran and everyone involved Read more…