Category Archives: Commentary

The military take on a given situation. Be it current events or just a veteran explaining aspects of the military that civilians don’t know. The thoughts and opinions printed here represent the author and are not representative of the the U.S. government, the military or all other veterans.

Military leadership: Lessons in Military Leadership for Civilians

By: Peter Sessum Many techniques of military leadership that translate into the civilian world. It is why many corporations like to hire vets. Even though the day-to-day activities are different, anyone that can lead a team into combat can lead … Continue reading

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My Experience with “Toxic Leadership”

By: Matt Archibald Recently the media has been paying attention to the issue of “Toxic Leadership” within the military.   An article in the Washington Post cited several examples involving verbally-abusive generals, DoD Senior Executives, and various other examples.  However, … Continue reading

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Goethe: An Unlikely Inspiration for Today’s Veterans

I don’t remember exactly when it was that I saw the quote on a random AFN filler between terrible shows, but I was mildly tipsy and watching the Government-Property television in my dorm’s dayroom while on my first overseas tour … Continue reading

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Hiring a Vet part 3: Leading Veterans in the Workplace

By: Peter Sessum Many companies like the good press that comes from saying they like to hire veterans. Some companies even follow through with that. Unfortunately, many civilian supervisors do not understand how to lead veterans. Mostly it is due … Continue reading

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The Freedom Run, a Run to Remember

By: Peter Sessum Veterans Day is coming up and that means it is time, once again, for the Freedom Run. Many people talk about remembering the fallen but how many actually do anything about it? The brainchild of an FDNY … Continue reading

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The Marine Corps Equality Conspiracy

By: Peter Sessum When this first hit the news last year I wanted to wait to see how it played out. The Marines have best tried to find out how to incorporate women into combat arms jobs. The lack of … Continue reading

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What it Feels Like to be a Veteran

By: Peter Sessum Looking at pictures of a military airplane bone-yard I couldn’t help but think that is what it felt like to be a veteran. Made for a specific purpose and once the purpose is served, discarded and left … Continue reading

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Where were you on 9/11? Story from Germany

By: Dave James WARNING! These are the random brain-droppings of an old man and the veracity of my recollection is becoming suspect… I DO, however, tell a good story. So any inconsistency from actual occurrences, even in the face of … Continue reading

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Whistle-blowers are not all created equal

By Peter Sessum With Bradley Manning’s trial being over and Edward Snowden still in the wind, whistle-blowers have been in the media a lot lately. There is this cultural perception that the government is always up to something sinister and … Continue reading

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Why Booms are Bad

By: Peter Sessum As the fireworks were going off around the neighborhood right before the Fourth of July I was asked if they bothered me and I had to think about it for a minute. I can honestly say that … Continue reading

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