Category: Thoughts
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Observations: One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick
One Bullet Away: the Making of a Marine Officer is a story that many vets have heard, but is a beneficial read for young military leaders, regardless of branch. Published in 2005, One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer by Nathanial Fick is a solid read that is equal parts military leadership primer,…
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Learning from the Best Worst Solution
When you identify a problem, focus on the solution instead… but be ready for it to be worse than what’s already in place. Over the years, I have heard a lot of criticism on a vast number of topics. You don’t like a company policy? Complain about the problem. You don’t agree with a law?…
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Observations: Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis
Much like Marcus Aurelius, Secretary Mattis has filled his book with truths, both pithy and hard-earned. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis published his autobiography, Call Sign Chaos, at a rather auspicious time. Having served two years as the Secretary of Defense for one of the most polarizing and controversial Presidents in recent history, he stepped…
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Warrant Officers: Unwarranted?
The Air Force is the one service branch without Warrant Officers, and some are calling for them; here’s why that’s a mistake. The 1st Lieutenant (O-2), Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3), and the Command Sergeant Major (E-9) walk into the room; who takes charge? The Warrant Officer ranks occupy a strange and unique position in…
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The Power of Empathy
“Before you disagree with somebody, walk a mile in their shoes…” “… and if you still disagree with them, you’re a mile away. And you have their shoes.” Countless divisions have plagued our country since its roots. Indigenous versus colonists. Black versus white. Male versus female. Republican versus Democrat. Pro-choice versus pro-life. Conservative versus liberal.…
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“Don’t Be Evil” -or- Beware the Free Lunch
In 2018, Google dropped this famous mantra from its employee code of conduct, but it was worth considering alternatives before that. One of my favorite internet debates always boils down to “iPhone or Android”? While I respect some of the cool functions many Android-based devices have, I prefer Apple’s iPhone. I’ve got plenty of other…
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Observations: Facts and Fears by James Clapper
Fascinating read by a distinguished career intelligence officer. I must admit, this book challenged some of my expectations. Despite James Clapper’s lengthy career spanning the U.S. Air Force (including extensive time in the National Security Agency or NSA, and the Defense Intelligence Agency or DIA), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or NGA, and Office of the…
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Don’t Sneak Out of Going Away
Retirement ceremonies, going-away celebrations, hails-and-farewells aren’t about you! No matter what organization you’ve been a part of, somebody has left it. They’re relocating, going to another organization, retiring, or maybe just transferring to a different work center at the same location. Now it’s your turn and it’s time to rehash the same tired script that…
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The Power of Reactivity
We hear all the time about the need to be proactive, but let’s analyze how being reactive wins conflicts. Sir Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington Many in both the military and in private industry will crow on about the importance of being proactive. They’ll spend millions of dollars in rushing a program forward to be…
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Excellence in All We Do
It’s an aspiration, not an end state. Like all services, the U.S. Air Force has a list of core values that help guide each Airman in the absence of formal guidance. The belief holds that if you follow all of these, you’ll do the right thing, even if you do it the wrong way. They’re…
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What’s Your Why?
If you don’t know why you’re doing something, your effort is in vain. This article incorporates concepts from the U.S. Air Force’s “Comprehensive Airmen Fitness” resiliency program. My examples and uses are my own. Without a doubt, one of my favorite motivational speakers is Dr. Eric Thomas. It is impossible not to get completely pumped about whatever you’re trying to accomplish in life…
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Uniforms Matter
A uniform is a symbol that represents your organization and affords legal authority and accountability. Anyone following the news recently has heard about ICE’s intervention against Black Lives Matters protestors in Portland, Oregon. While many have expressed concerns about the agents themselves being “unmarked,” in all reality, their uniforms were marked, though with subdued patches. Where the…