Blogs for your consideration...
Over 20 years' worth of observations, recommendations, and considerations on life, family, and the military lie within these narratives. Cheers!
It is both fascinating and disappointing to hear leaders tout the importance of work-life balance and, yet, they call or text you for the most unimportant things during non-business hours. As an active-duty member, where you are literally on call 24/7, it is hard to ask your boss to stop calling dur...
Leaders must know their people. They need to understand what makes them tick and what makes them irritable. Leaders need to understand the normal disposition of those they trust in order to communicate effectively and get results. Additionally, leaders need to listen to their intuition when somethin...
“So, what do you do here?” a big-wig, high ranking Army general officer asked a captain while doing a walk-about down range in Iraq.
“I’m just a PA (physician assistant),” she responded flatly.
My ears piercingly rang at the self-deprecating tone I heard. My heart sank at the thought of the PA not...
No matter how much training is given or case studies are discussed, military members from all backgrounds frequently forget that they willingly relinquished their freedom of speech and expression when they took their oath to the Constitution. From the youngest private to the most seasoned colonel, p...
The standards of the military are high and, sometimes, mysterious. If you’re not within a certain weight, you can’t join. If you don’t score high enough on the ASVAB, you have limited jobs to choose from. The military ultimately tells you where to go. Both leaders and faceless entities decide if you...
People join the military for a variety of reasons. The military is full of opportunities and benefits, from free healthcare for those on active duty to traveling around the world. The military is rich in heritage and duty. Some people feel compelled to serve because there is a legacy of volunteerism...
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with a person who incessantly complained about a topic you were positive or neutral about and then you started chiming in with agreeable rhetoric? Misery loves company. In many ways, sharing in a common experience can bring people together. And other ti...
When I was a lieutenant at Ft. Stewart, GA, I was made to read Harvard Business Review’s Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey? I have since maintained a copy of it with me for over 15 years. Through this article, I have been able to see “monkeys” coming at me, and anticipate keeping them off my bac...
When I deployed to Iraq for twelve months, I primarily stayed at one location. When I did travel, it was by way of Blackhawk or Chinook. Some might classify me as a “fobbit,” someone that doesn’t leave the FOB (forward operating base). Still, even as a medical administrative officer, I had to prepar...
I recently read an article about an officer who was “forced” to retire from Active duty due to reaching the maximum number of years in his rank, but was able to extend his overall service by transferring to the Reserves while teaching at West Point. The Army moved him to his “final” location, but up...
Take 1:
I know exactly why I joined the military – to kick down doors and take names, but I knew I wouldn’t stay in for long… or so I thought. From a young age and a critical childhood illness, I knew my future belonged in medicine. My time in the military would merely be a selfless detour on the p...
