Excellent “Boots on the Ground” View of Military History as only a Military Veteran can see it. -SF Here are a couple things military history has shown me. It’s often said that if we don’t study our own history, we will be doomed to repeat it. This is probably true, mainly because we can learn…
Category: Military History
How Oil Drives Conflict
War College is a podcast I have listened to for some time…This one is definitely worth a listen. -SF Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Russia has used natural gas as a weapon against Ukraine and Europe as a whole. Threatening to turn shut off the pipes as the weather turns cold is a…
The Menacing World Economy: Will 2016 be 1914 All Over Again?
The smart Civilian Operator needs to be watching the current state of Global Economic Affairs and how it effect the U.S. Economy and Dollar closely. Don’t be caught unaware! Prepare Now! -SF In the summer of 1914, the few who had any sense of what was about to happen to the world had no idea…
The Invisible Cost of Combat Readiness
With all of the mindless Political GARBAGE taking center stage as of late, most Americans have forgotten about what really MATTERS…Remembering these 12 men, these 12 MARINES, who lost their lives TRAINING to defend this country. I can tell you I will NEVER Forget them, as I will NEVER FORGET any Marine, Sailor, Soldier or…
These are the Wars that will Rage in Africa in 2016
By Peter Dorrie With the exception of Syria, African countries currently get the worst rep when it comes to violence and conflict. Virtually every story coming out of the continent seems to showcase one atrocity or another. This narrative is both true and false. In 2014, Africa experienced more than half of worldwide conflict…
Regimes and Revolt: Authoritarian Ways of Counterinsurgency
Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from the author’s article in the Journal of Strategic Studies, “‘The People are Revolting’: An Anatomy of Authoritarian Counterinsurgency.” Scores of dead civilians, smoldering wastelands where villages used to be, a cowering people, and a regime thriving on tyranny and fear — these are the images evoked by the mention…
As a Vet, Here’s How I feel Watching Continued Fighting in A-Stan
Marine veteran Chris Jones, who served with the infantry in Afghanistan, reflects on the 15th year of the Afghan War. Last year, thousands of Iraq combat veterans watched the country they’d fought in fall to ISIS. Days ago, a dusty city named Marjah made headlines after a Special Forces soldier was killed there. The same…
When Appeasement is in Season
A refreshing read with no bias and no bullshit. You can tell this guy is not a politician. -SF Last week was especially bad for the American military, already drained by sequestration and segregated from a society where “affluenza” has become our signature epidemic. A panel of Federal judges in San Francisco – probably none…
Examining the Future of Ground, Naval and Air Combat
The following are three articles from the Cipher Brief I collated into one big article for the convenience of reading it in one sitting. These are good, relevant and succinct articles with little fluff.-SF Ground Warfare After the United States emerged from the Vietnam War, it witnessed the events of the 1973 Yom…
Military History: What the 173rd Airborne Looked Like Two Centuries Ago
Historic reoccurrence is a controversial concept. However, events, especially in military history, often take place in similar sites. The reason for this phenomenon is simple. Throughout centuries logistics, weaponry and technology change, but terrain and strategic points continue to shape military campaigns. Consequently, soldiers’ accounts share similarities in impressions, discomforts and adventures, even if they happen…