Podcasts about afghanistan iraq

For over 30 years, Emmy award winning photojournalist Bob Campi has been documenting news and entertainment from places like Afghanistan Iraq, The Middle East and The Oscars. During the COVID, crisis he set out to Hawaii to create a meaningful, lasting documentary about iconic shaper Dick Brewer, a larger than life personality who for 5 decades put his craft and engineering skills to use by changing the way waves were ridden not once, not twice, but three times.  Dick's profound innovations, gifted hands and keen eye gave surfers the tools they needed to ride more challenging waves deeper, more critically, and with more enjoyment. Bob Campi's vision has succeeded, with his newly release film The Shape of Things - The Dick Brewer Story. He joins us to explain a little bit about how this wonderful project came together. Surf Stories is presented by Surfing's Evolution and Preservation Foundation, the Endless Summer license plate in Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By his own admission, Ken Corigliano was a troubled teenager who probably had jail in his future. That all changed the day a U.S. Air Force recruiter came to his school and had plenty to say when Corigliano tried to cause trouble during his presentation. That interaction radically changed Corigliano's life and would lead him to join the Air Force and excel at aircraft maintenance, with a special focus on the MC-130 E. His instincts helped to save his crew members on at least two occasions. And then a non-combat brain injury would change his life immensely and lead down an unlikely path where Corigliano took on some of the toughest physical competitions in the world.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Corigliano walks us through his Air Force journey, how 9/11 changed his service and the two harrowing missions where he was under intense pressure to solve major problems on the MC-130 E in order to keep the missions on target.He also explains the path he took to become a USAF officer and how a lack of physical conditioning almost derailed that dream.Finally, Corigliano details his frightening brain injury sustained in a bike accident while training for the Olympic triathlon. He explains how physical fitness helped him to heal from that trauma and how it led to him competing and excelling on very difficult competitions like Beastmaster and American Ninja Warrior.Don't miss this compelling and inspirational story.

JC Knight was born on September 4, 1976, in Charleston WV. He joined the Marine Corps on 1 September 1995 aboard Parris Island SC and graduated from recruit training on November 17, 1995. Following recruit training, He attended the School of Infantry East (SOI), graduated with the MOS of 0331 Machine Gunner, and was assigned to 1st Bn 2d Marines (1/2). During his time in 1/2, he served as a Team, Squad, and Section leader. He also deployed to provide security in Panama and as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). While deployed with the 22d MEU, he evacuated Americans from Sierra Leone. From 1999 to 2000, Sergeant Knight was assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion East (ITB). He held several billets, including squad leader, chief weapons instructor, and platoon commander. Following his tour at ITB he received orders to Parris Island for Drill Instructor Duty in January 2001. While aboard Parris Island, he molded Marines as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and as Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCWIS). He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in July of 2003 and received orders to 3rd Bn 6th Marines (3/6) in February of 2004. Upon arrival, he was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Platoon Kilo Company leading his platoon during combat operations in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan and Al Qaim Iraq. In 2006, he graduated from Scout Sniper School and subsequently led the Scout Sniper Platoon during combat operations in Habbiniyah, Iraq, and along the Fallujah Peninsula. In December 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Knight reported for duty with the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) Camp Lejeune NC. He was the resident subject matter expert (SME) on infantry weapons and tactics as a faculty member. In December 2009, he received orders and reported for duty with 3rd Bn 2d Marines (3/2) where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant and Executive Officer. Shortly after, he was selected for the Marine Gunner Program leaving 3/2 for commissioning as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) and attendance of The Basic School (TBS) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course (IWOC). Following graduation, he received orders back to 3/2 as the Battalion Gunner. From 2011 through 2014 Gunner Knight was responsible for the training and readiness of the battalion leading up to its deployment with the 26th MEU. Upon return from deployment, 3/2 set the standard for the Second Marine Division by winning the 2014 Super Squad Competition and having 50 Honor Graduates from 55 advanced infantry schools. (CWO3) Gunner Knight's next assignment was as the Battalion Gunner for the Second Reconnaissance Battalion from 2015- 2016. During this time, he developed and supervised countless weapons and sniper packages increasing the battalion's combat readiness. He additionally began efforts to improve shoulder-fired weapon capabilities for the infantry. From 2016-2017 he served in his final assignment as the Battalion Gunner for Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2D LAR). While at LAR, he made several improvements to the small unit warfighting skills of the battalion and standardized training practices across its companies. The culmination of his service saw the adoption of a Multi-Purpose Anti-Armor Assault Weapon (MAAWS) and the development of countless Marine leaders across the Second Marine Division. Gunner Knight retired on 1 December 2017 after 22-plus years of service. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x2, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x4 w/Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x4 w/Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon x2, and he holds the rank of Centurion in the US Infantry Associations Order of St. Maurice.

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/national-security

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last two decades, the United States has supported a range of militias, rebels, and other armed groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Critics have argued that such partnerships have many perils, from enabling human rights abuses to seeding future threats. Policy makers, however, have sought to mitigate the risks of partnering with irregular armed groups. Militia group leaders in far-flung corners of these war-torn countries were subjected to background checks and instructed about international law and human rights, and their funding was cut when they crossed red lines. To what extent have such mechanisms curbed the dangers of proxy warfare, and what unforeseen consequences has this approach unleashed? Drawing on a decade of field research and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, in Illusions of Control: Dilemmas in Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria (Columbia University Press, 2024), Dr. Erica L. Gaston unpacks the dilemmas of attempting to control proxy forces. She demonstrates that, although the tools U.S. policy makers used to constrain partners' behavior increased in number and sophistication, they never fully addressed the range of political, security, and legal concerns surrounding these forces. Moreover, by shifting policy makers' calculations, the use of proxy forces introduced additional moral hazards and may have enabled riskier decision making. Featuring substantial empirical detail and close analysis of key internal debates, Illusions of Control offers new perspectives on some of the most significant and controversial elements of recent U.S. security policy. In addition to nuanced insights about proxy relationships, this book provides a novel analytical toolkit for exploring transnational bargaining and foreign policy deliberations in hybrid political environments. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Roberts is a highly decorated infantryman with 11 years of military service, seamlessly transitioning into a successful Inventory and Procurement Management career. As Supply As chain Manager at Dakota Matting, he excelled in managing strategic sourcing and procurement functions. Stephen played a crucial role in the seamless integration of an enterprise-wide ERP system, tracking assets and enhancing operational efficiency. In prior roles, including Distribution Center Manager at Leaf Home, Hudson, Ohio, and Warehouse Manager at Leaf Home Solutions, Stephen showcased his skills in effective sourcing, procurement management, and warehouse optimization. His strategic distribution and procurement strategies, coupled with his ability to establish centralized control programs, led to enhanced cost-effectiveness and resource utilization. Stephen's military experience as Chief Instructor in the United States Marine Corps from 2011 to 2016, where he received recognition as the Top Enlisted Instructor at The Basic School in 2014, further highlights his leadership and training capabilities. Recognized for heroic actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he received multiple military awards, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen's community involvement, academic excellence, and OSHA 30 Certification from Eastern Michigan University showcase his commitment to well-rounded success. With a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the American Military University and Dean's List honors, Stephen brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and procurement expertise to any organization.

John Dailey remembers the day he decided to become a U.S. Marine. He was a young boy at a U.S. bicentennial parade in 1976. When he saw the Marine in dress uniform, he was hooked. Eleven years later, fresh out of high school, Dailey enlisted in the Marines. Soon he was guarding the U.S. embassy in Hungary while the Iron Curtain was teetering and later held the same role in Argentina. He also passed sniper and reconnaissance training. But in his first 14 years of service, he never saw combat. That is until 9/11 happened while he was half a world away.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Dailey tells us how he learned of the devastating attacks on our nation, how he was among the first Marines in Afghanistan, and the judgment and decisiveness he exercised in his first combat duties there.Then Dailey explains how he helped to stand up a U.S. Marine Corps recon unit and get it ready for service in Iraq. He also takes us along for the ride as he recounts what it took to find and capture high value targets in Iraq and how he put his sniper skills to use against allies of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.Finally, Dailey details why the special operations unit was disbanded after he returned to the U.S. and how he soon worked to help establish the the Marines' own special operations command (MARSOC) and the current generation of Marine Raiders.He is also the author of "Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations."

Former military special operations officer Jeff Niklaus joins the program to discuss his experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. He shares his experience which inspired the Black Hawk Down movie and the real life scenario they found themselves part of. He also explains his time as a special operations officer working to end the poppy production in Afghanistan. What really happened behind the scenes. Finally we discuss current operations and how you can identify them, develop situational awareness and be more able to protect you and your family.You can learn more about his products at https://www.complianttechnologies.net/

Former military special operations officer Jeff Niklaus joins the program to discuss his experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. He shares his experience which inspired the Black Hawk down movie and the real life scenario they found themselves part of. He also explains his time as a special operations officer working to end the poppy production in Afghanistan. What really happened behind the scenes. Finally we discuss current operations and how you can identify them, develop situational awareness and be more able to protect you and your family. You can learn more about his products at https://www.complianttechnologies.net/   Links mentioned in the show: Sign up for the FREE Mind Control and 5th Generation Warfare series at https://BrightU.com Learn more about Leela's Quantum Tech at https://bit.ly/3iVOMsZ or at https://SarahWestall.com/shop MasterPiece: Remove Heavy Metals including Graphene Oxide and Plastics at https://masterpeacebyhcs.com/my-account/uap/?ref=11308   Consider subscribing: Follow on Twitter @Sarah_Westall Follow on my Substack at SarahWestall.Substack.com See Important Proven Solutions to Keep Your from getting sick even if you had the mRNA Shot - Dr. Nieusma MUSIC CREDITS: “In Epic World” by Valentina Gribanova, licensed for broad internet media use, including video and audio       See on Bastyon | Bitchute | Brighteon | Clouthub | Odysee | Rumble | Youtube | Tube.Freedom.Buzz     Jeffrey Niklaus Biography: Jeff Niklaus, the founder of Compliant Technologies, comes from a long military heritage with family serving all the way back to the Revolutionary War. He joined the Army in 1985 and, in 1987, became qualified in the UH-60 Blackhawk with his first assignment in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his 20-year active duty career, Jeff deployed in support of Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He served as an Instructor Pilot, Instrument Flight Examiner, Standardization Officer and Liaison Officer to covered units in the Department of Defense.  Jeff retired in 2006 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four and went on to work as a contractor to the US Department of State in support of the Poppy Eradication Program in Afghanistan. He currently flies EMS helicopters in Kentucky. He holds college degrees in Forestry, Business Management and Aeronautics. Jeff remains committed to the vital protection of our sovereign nation and the safety of our dedicated men and women who work at all levels of public service, to include our military forces. Through Compliant Technologies, he aims to provide these individuals with effective, non-lethal weapons that will better enhance their abilities to achieve their tasks at hand. He and his team at Compliant Technologies look forward to serving you and suppling you with an atypical technology for an atypical world.  

#GAZA: Europe watches Gaza in doubt of its own Moslem population.  Colonel Richard Kemp is a retired British Colonel who spent 30 years fighting terrorism and insurgency. He commanded troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and the Balkans. After retiring, he became a writer, journalist, and speaker on security issues, authoring the bestselling book  "Attack State Red" and providing commentary for publications like The Times of London.  https://www.ft.com/content/015ceea7-d324-46cf-8d72-8b1864885260 1475 Siege of Ascalaon by Baldwin III of Jerusalem

#Londinium90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS recall that bombing failed to stem the adversary in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa so why will it work in Yemen?  Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos

Dakota Meyer decided to have some fun with the U.S. Marine recruiter visiting his high school. Within minutes he had a change of heart and signed up to serve. Meyer would serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a horrific day in September 2009 would change his life forever.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Meyer shares the very difficult story of watching from a a mile away as his fellow Marines came under deadly enemy fire. Defying orders, Meyer spent the next several hours against nearly impossible odds to save and recover his fallen comrades.For his actions that day, Meyer received the Medal of Honor. But while sharing his story with us, Meyer explains why the medal actually made his life more difficult.

Brendan Quisenberry grew up with a deep appreciation for military service, as both his father and grandfather were veterans. As a sophomore in high school when terrorists struck the U.S. on 9/11, he knew he needed to serve. A couple of years later he joined the U.S. Army and by 2004 he was on his first deployment overseas - this one to Iraq. Following that deployment, Quisenberry successfully completed the training needed to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Soon he was off to the first of several assignments in Afghanistan.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Quisenberry walks us through the difficult days on those deployments and the major challenge of trying to avoid improvised explosive devices, or IED. He also details how those intense deployments led to record-level suicides when the men came home.He also describes an elite parachuting opportunity with the 101st Airborne Division, pursuing and achieving his dream of becoming a Green Beret, and his important work now as executive director of the Transcend Foundation, helping service members and first responders heal from their physical and mental injuries.

“That idea of hardships being good for character and of talent always being able to break through is an old fallacy. Talent alone is helpless today. Any success requires both talent and luck. And the “luck” has to be helped along and provided by someone. … Talent does not survive all obstacles. In fact, in the face of hardships, talent is the first one to perish; the rarest plants are usually the most fragile… Are talented people born with tough skins?  Hardly.  In fact, the ore talent one possesses the more sensitive one is, as a rule.”  -Ayn Rand, 1936   We like to tell stories of how adversity makes us better.  "That which does not kill me..."   But adversity makes us weaker.   America was less free after WW1 (Permanent income tax).  America was less free after WW2 (Taxation went from approx 5% of GDP before WW2 and approx 20% after.  It's practically never been below 15% since.  JFK's assassination all but doomed us financially (LBJ, Dems unequivocally big govt).   Bad things proceed from bad things, good from good.   Good families make good men and women.  Bad families make bad men and bad women.  If adversity were good it would be reversed.   Wars in Iraq, afghanistan:  6.5 T, 8 T   More than 7,000 troops and 8,000 contractors died in Afghanistan/Iraq.    Wound rates for troops are perhaps 10x as high, 70,000 troops.  I never forget the wounded because some of them were grievously so, only marginally less so than the dead.   Bear in mind the USA, in current dollars, spent approx 4-5 trillion on WW2.   So we are accomplishing less and less with more and more.   We thought too much about how we would be judged by historians or journalists and too little about getting the desired effect.   In closing, adversity can piss up a rope.   "Well I believe that whatever doesn't kill you makes you very, very weak."  -Norm MacDonald

Untamed Borders sets out to satisfy the hunger of that rare breed of traveller who's already been to the far corners of the earth, got the T-shirt but still wants more. Music: © Barney & Izzi Hardy 

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is an Iraqi-American human-rights activist, writer, and satirist who was admitted to the United States as a refugee in 2013. He is founder of the global non-profit Ideas Beyond Borders. WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1jOxVkb_ttw https://ideasbeyondborders.org/ https://twitter.com/faisalalmutar The Future of Privacy is Here™ https://conversoapp.com/download-converso-gml/ Text us anything from your CONVERSO app (555 184 3042) Links: Good Morning Liberty This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.  Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/gml and get on your way to being your best self.  Join the private discord & chat during the show! joingml.com   Like our intro song? https://www.3pillmorning.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CONTENT Our guest today is retired Command Sergeant Major Tom Satterly, a former Special Operations soldier, who served 25 years in the US Army the last 20 of those in Delta Force referred to as “the unit” by those who pass its arduous selection course.  As an Operator and CSM, Tom fought and led countless military missions across the world. Tom is also a published author and his book “All Secure”, which we discuss in the pod, is a blunt and honest look at life as a unit operator and the toll it took on him both professionally and personally.  On this podcast we cover the creation of the unit and how soldiers are selected, Operation GOTHIC SERPENT in Mogadishu in October 1993, operations in Afghanistan/Iraq and dealing with PTS.    Tom and his wife Jen established "All Secure Foundation" in August 2017 initially as a resource for helping special operations soldiers and their relatives deal with PTS. They have gone on to assist hundreds of service people and their families through education, awareness, and programs for healing.  Tom and Jen also host the "All Secure" podcast. DESERT ISLAND DITS On Desert Island Dits our guest's choice of film was Castaway and his book choice was The Dake Annotated Reference Bible  The teams book choice this week is Tom's book All Secure: One Delta Force Operator's Fight From the Battlefield to the Homefront. SOCIAL MEDIA Check out our blog site on word press Unconventional Soldier Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, share and leave a review. Instagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod. Facebook @lateo82.  Twitter @TheUCS473. Download on these and other platforms via Link Tree. Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com.  This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Michael Peyton grew up in a family with a legacy of military service. As a young man he joined the Navy for one simple reason: he wanted to be a SEAL. In more than two decades that followed, Peyton and his fellow SEALs deployed four times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Peyton describes the very rigorous SEAL training process and how he passed BUD/s training while learning to swim at the same time. He also takes us into his first combat experience, explains how SEAL teams operate so effectively, and the challenge of going from a SEAL team member to a team leader.Finally, Peyton talks about his new organization, Tribe, Task and Purpose, which is designed specifically to help special operations veterans end their dependency on drugs and alcohol. For more information, visit tribetaskpurpose.org.

Elliot Ackerman knew at a young age that he wanted to be in the military. He wanted to serve his country and he wanted a job where it was imperative to succeed. After completing the ROTC program at college, Ackerman was commissioned as a a Marine Corps officer in 2003. The next six years would bring five tours of duty between Iraq and Afghanistan.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Ackerman takes us inside the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 and what it was like to be the tip of the spear as the Marines plowed through that insurgent stronghold. He also shares some of his most difficult moments in Afghanistan, including how to recover the body of a fallen Marine without getting many more men killed in the process.Finally, Ackerman describes his new book "The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan." He describes his experience in the frantic networking of veterans, active duty forces, reporters and others who worked to get Afghan allies and their families out of the country in August 2021. He also discusses some of the most important lessons our nation ought to learn from our 20-year war there.

James Willcox is the co-founder of Untamed Borders which creates bespoke tours in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, among other unconventional destinations.During this episode, James tells us the story behind Untamed Borders and how it has helped documentary film makers - most recently Michael Palin - access and explore these seemingly cut-off corners of the globe. But you don't have to be in the media to go on one of their trips and James tells us what's on offer to travellers. Laura also asks James about the issue of safety when arranging tours in places we typically only hear about when there's war and other dangers.The True Travel Podcast -Instagram: @truetravelpodcastTwitter: @truetravelpodFacebook: The True Travel PodcastJames Willcox/Untamed Borders -Instagram:  @untamedbordersTwitter: @untamedbordersWebsite: untamedborders.comBuzzsprout  is the #1 podcast hosting platform and made launching  the True Travel Podcast really easy.  As a subscriber, you get tons of guides, from finding the right equipment at the right price to growing your podcast organically; as well as detailed analytics to see how people are listening, tools to promote your episodes, and more.Start your free trial with Buzzsprout now.(Affiliate disclaimer: Following this link lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and helps support the show).Buzzsprout is the #1 podcast hosting platform and made launching the True Travel Podcast really easy. As a subscriber, you get tons of guides, from finding the right equipment at the right price to growing your podcast organically; as well as detailed analytics to see how people are listening, tools to promote your episodes, and more.Start your free trial with Buzzsprout now.(Affiliate disclaimer: Following this link lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and helps support the show).

Subscribe to The Realignment on Supercast to support the show and access all of our bonus content: https://realignment.supercast.com/.REALIGNMENT NEWSLETTER: https://therealignment.substack.com/BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/shop/therealignmentEmail us at: realignmentpod@gmail.comDavid Phillips, author of Alpha: Eddie Gallagher and the War for the Soul of the Navy SEALs and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times national correspondent, joins The Realignment to discuss scandals within the Navy Seal community, the U.S. military's problem meeting recruitment goals, and whether today's struggles rhyme with the aftermath of the Vietnam War?

Featuring Rick Blanco, CIO, Texas Health & Human Services Connect w/ Rick: LinkedIn  Sponsor: The TechTables Live Podcast Tour Join us for these small, intimate live podcast conversations across the U.S. July 22nd in Raleigh, North Carolina [This Friday!] September 23rd in Sacramento, California October 14th in Tallahassee, Florida Show Notes: Mission-driven recruitment: How leveraging Veterans transformed the Pandemic into the best recruitment season at HSS: 01:06- 2:34 “During the Pandemic, we had a lot of people transitioning from Afghanistan/Iraq/overseas, and they needed another mission. And we provided that.” 01:49 Value-added: how Veterans provided guidance, vision, and long term-minded Mission-driven talent recruitment at HHS 02:45- 6:06 The evolution of Mission from the Pandemic to now: 6:07- 7:30 “We probably know the difficulties and the challenges they face in providing those Direct Care services. I want them to focus on that care; I don't want them to focus on “Wi-fi is down,” “my laptop doesn't work,” or “I have an unstable network.” That's our role and responsibility…and we want to make sure that we continually serve that.” 07:03 How Rick's motto “Do not turn down opportunity” drove his journey from Networking Admin to HHS CIO: 07:31 - 11:31 “Do not turn down opportunities…” 08:10 “I've got five kids. Nothing scares me.” 09:41 “Keep your say-to-do ratio high; if you say you're going to do something, do it… People remember that.” 12:37-12:53 The art of crafting a good story : How to make relatable asks that get projects funded: 13:47 - 18:30 Q & A: Summer on hiring Veterans: 18:49 “Sometimes people during chaos want to gravitate towards the people that make them feel good and secure.” 21:30 Cory: Key insights from career? 21:55 Krishna: 23:30 Favorite activities to decompress?   ---------------------- Want to dive deeper? Check out my episode on TechTables - https://www.techtables.com/ And if you're a CIO or technology leader interested in coming on TechTables, shoot me an email at joe@techtables.com Thank you for supporting Levity Media LLC ❤️, a small business growing private and public sector technology communities through fun and engaging conversations with top technology leaders. Learn more about Joe Toste (me) at https://www.techtables.com/about/ See what episodes I'm creating at https://www.techtables.com/

When you think about long-distance investing, what comes to mind? People usually have reservations about investing out-of-state, but today's guests took it a step further and invested from halfway across the world. Today's guest, Caleb Drake, has closed on nine doors with one flip underway.Caleb was active duty military for fourteen years, and once he joined special ops he was deployed for six months at a time. During those six months, his house would sit, unused, and that's when he saw an opportunity. Caleb decided to rent out his house through Airbnb. As a new landlord and Airbnb host, Caleb had to learn by doing, a task that was increasingly more difficult since he was self-managing from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Caleb was able to combat this challenge by building a team that could handle what he couldn't.After a few years of investing solo, Caleb joined a partnership to expand his portfolio and increase his profit. His partner was also out of the country, so they switched off who was “on-call” and figured out how to automate their check-in and check-out processes. As the business grew, the partnership adjusted to ensure its longevity. Caleb now hopes to continue to scale his business, add to his personal portfolio, and build wealth in the background.In This Episode We CoverThe importance of building a self-sufficient team and how to do soVetting your guests/tenants and how to target your ideal tenants How to invest out-of-state or overseas and automating your check-in processesResidential loans vs. commercial loans and how to figure out which one to useHow to balance and adjust your partnership(s) as your business growsThe importance of having a real estate agent with an investor mindset, plus how to find oneAnd So Much More!Links from the ShowAshley's InstagramTony's InstagramBiggerPocketsReal Estate Rookie Youtube ChannelReal Estate Rookie PodcastReal Estate Rookie Facebook GroupReal Estate Rookie BootcampAirbnbBiggerPockets ForumsThe BiggerPockets Conference 2022IGMSAlpha Geek CapitalRentometer BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Insights Connect with Caleb:Caleb's EmailCaleb's InstagramCheck out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-181See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cody Krepline was on the podcast today. 2 deployments to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan. Cody and I deep dived into his extremely personal story and experiences. He talked about his addictions and his 4 separate suicide attempts. He is an avid hunter and loves to fish. This was the second time he's ever share his story. It was deeply emotional and healing for Cody and myself. Your story is yours, and that's all. When you are ready to share, there are people willing to listen.

If you are listening to the Biden administration, the State of the Union is GREAT and there's nothing wrong with America. Ignore the current conflict of Russia vs. Ukraine, and also, ignore the rising gas prices and current inflation. Is our administration willing to admit that America is heading down the wrong path? CNN host Jake Tapper noted the “striking sight” of members of Congress maskless during the SOTU address. Vice President Harris tried to explain the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but it missed the mark again. House Speaker Pelosi seemed to be drunk during the SOTU address and got excited/clapped when President Biden mentioned the toxic burn pits our military members faced while stationed in Afghanistan/Iraq. Have we exposed the emperor? Today's Sponsors: And for a limited time, you can try Genucel's Ultra Retinol FREE with Genucel's MOST Popular Package! Save over 60% on Genucel top sellers right now AND get an extra 10% off when you enter my special code WATCH CHAD at checkout. That's http://Genucel.com/WATCHCHAD Whether you're looking to prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, or just take better care of the hair you have, KEEPS has you covered. Hair loss stops with Keeps. To get 50% off your first order go to http://KEEPS.com/LOSS. By taking Z-Stack daily you are super-charging your immune system. By ordering Z-Stack you will become a part of the Z family and receive exclusive updates from Dr. Zelenko on this pandemic. Go to http://ZSTACKLIFE.com/CHAD today and enter the promo code CHAD to get a small discount off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“meditation of the road” Chatter goes two-fer! Pulitzer Prize winner David Maraniss joins to talk Olympics (this is not your mother's 2008 Beijing!) and David's upcoming book on Jim Thorpe. Award winning thriller writer Nick Petrie zooms in to talk about The Runaway, his latest chapter in the Peter Ash series. An Afghanistan/Iraq vet with PTSD finds trouble when he rescues a stranded woman. A deadly cat-and-mouse chase ensues across the Great Plains states. “Peter Ash is the real deal,” as Lee Childs says.

In this episode of The Neutral Ground Podcast, I have a conversation with Amanda Huffman. Amanda is a military spouse and veteran who served in the Air Force for six years as a Civil Engineer including a deployment to Afghanistan. She traded in her combat boots for a diaper bag to stay home with her two boys and follow her husband's military career. She has been recognized as Hill Vets100 (class 2019), Women Veteran Trailblazer (2021), and was a finalist for the Melissa A Washington Small Business Award. She published her first book in 2019 titled Women of the Military, sharing the stories of 28 military women. In 2019 she also launched her podcast also titled Women of the Military. In our conversation, we discuss the end of the Afghanistan/Iraq wars, the difficulties of transitioning from active to inactive duty, finding your purpose in a post-military-service world, how the military prepares you for motherhood. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Amanda Huffman. Amanda's book: Women of the Military https://www.facebook.com/airmantomom https://www.instagram.com/airmantomom https://www.twitter.com/airmantomom https://www.linkedin.com/in/airmantomom/ https://www.patreon.com/womenofthemilitary https://women-of-the-military.simplecast.com If you're a veteran who is struggling with mental health, or you know someone who is struggling, consider passing on the following information: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine links: Apps that can help: https://www.med.upenn.edu/mfc/mobile_apps.html Relaxation techniques: https://www.med.upenn.edu/mfc/relaxation-techniques.html Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/mental-health/mental-health-resources/ Rand Social and Economic Well Being: https://www.rand.org/well-being/social-and-behavioral-policy/projects/veterans/resources.html Cohen Veterans Network: https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/ Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: https://iava.org/homev3/ U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov Would you like to do your part to help bring civility back to our conversations? We need to get The Neutral Ground message in front of more people, and you can help with just a few keystrokes and some clicks of a mouse. 1) Start by hitting the subscribe button and turning on notifications. 2) Then, hit the like button. 3) Leave a thoughtful/uplifting comment for others to engage with. 4) Watch another video on the channel. 5) Share the channel or a video with someone else on your social media accounts 6) Head over to my website at https://theneutralgroundpodca --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joemeyer/message

Kevin Nicholson joins David Webb to discuss how politicians and the political class have not learned the lessons that are needed to be learned from 9/11.

Growing up on a farm in Kentucky, Luke Coffey had an urge from a young age to join the Infantry, turning the agrarian landscape into a makeshift battlefield whenever he could. After high school and a short attempt at college, he made joining the Infantry a reality. He would see two combat deployments in one relatively short enlistment - one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. His Afghanistan deployment, the most dangerous of the two, would take him to the Panjwai District of Afghanistan, a Taliban stronghold, where everyday life was most certainly about combat and survival. It was there he would form a strong bond with Curtis Grace (Episode 233), who he would eventually start the "The Panjwai Podcast" with after leaving the Army and pursuing a Masters degree in Chinese Literature. Hear his powerful story of combat, survival, and more on this latest episode of HAZARD GROUND! www.thepanjwaipodcast.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors! Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: "Prelude" by "Silence & Light" (www.silenceandlightmusic.com)

As we watch the troubling news out of Afghanistan, we continue to honor the courage that American service members demonstrated there for twenty years. One of those unforgettable veterans is Clint Romesha. Raised in California, Romesha followed his grandfather, father, and two brothers into the service. He joined the U.S. Army the day after his eighteenth birthday.Two years later, the 9/11 attacks propelled the U.S. into war. After deployments to Germany and Korea, Romesha served two tours of duty in Iraq. Shortly after returning from that second tour, he and his unit were sent to Afghanistan and stationed high in the mountains at Combat Outpost Keating. In October 2009, Romesha and his unit faced a massive enemy assault of 300 fighters. Under withering fire, Romesha rallied his men, devised a plan to counterattack, and led a heroic effort to recover the bodies of his fellow Americans. For his actions, Clint Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013.

We discuss our views on whats going on overthere. We give our thoughts and opinions of the whole Afghanistan situation...and More. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/danny832/support

As the United States draws troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, a source of injury and death will cease. But research by the Veterans Health Administration will continue. Two years ago we checked in with one of VA's top researchers into brain injury and neuropathology. The chief of neuropathology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Dr. Ann McKee returned to Federal Drive with Tom Temin for an update.

Laura Curran joined Bernie & Sid this morning to discuss the Afghanistan/Iraq war memorial in Nassau county on October 7th.  Listen to find out more about the event!

The Freedom that we enjoy is never free.  There has always been and always will be a price of freedom.  We in America take for granted so often that even though we are born free, we never stop to think that somewhere someone paid a price so that you could exercise your “so-called” right to freedom!  The fact of the matter is that freedom is not a right as the secular humanistic world would have you be taught, rather freedom is a privilege given to everyone named an American; and that freedom was purchased with the toil, labor, sacrifice, and yes, blood of many men & women!  We as a people owe a debt of gratitude to all the men & women wearing a uniform who fight, protect, & defend our freedom, whether it be in the desert sands of Afghanistan & Iraq or the darkest street in the smallest town in America…thank God for our men & women who fight for us, protect us and yes die for us on the battlefield so that my children can run and play with freedom!    Our nation was formed with the blood of those that wanted to be independent from England.  In 1776, our forefather drafted a document that is revered as one of our most precious national treasures, the Declaration of Independence.  You can read through it in about 8 minutes.  Many of these men were considered traitors and wanted for treason.  John Hancock, the largest signature of document had a bounty on his head of 500 English pounds.  These men endangered all they had to form a new nation, called the United States of America.  When John Hancock signed this document, he signed his name so big that the King would not have any trouble seeing his name!  These men were considered renegades, rebel-rousers!  God give us more like them!  They formed a new nation!  Many lives were given so that you and I can sit here this morning and enjoy what we have!  Blood had to be shed for the freedom we have in this land!  America was formed with and by the blood of those who fought for it and America remains free by the blood of those that fight for it!   Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.   Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.   John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.  For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution.    These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free!   Some 2000 years ago on a hill outside of Jerusalem, freedom was purchased as well.  As our brave men and women lay everything they have on the line day after day to allow us to enjoy what we have, Jesus laid His life down so that our soul could be free eternally.  This freedom as with all freedom had a price; that price was the blood of the spotless life lived by the spotless Lamb of God!  Freedom has a price my friend…blood!  I want you to consider several items this morning about the price of freedom that you have and enjoy or the freedom you do not have, but can have before you leave this service this morning!  You can have true freedom, but first you must understand the price of true freedom.   Freedom of your soul from your sin takes a spotless Lamb.  God had the only spotless Lamb available in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.

In the last two decades, Western states have frequently worked with non-state or sub-state armed groups to confront security threats, whether as partners in global counter-terrorism operations or as the de facto security providers in stabilisation and peacebuilding contexts. In partnership with ODI's Centre for the Study of Armed Groups and GPPi, our webinar aims to explore emerging international practices on due diligence and risk mitigation measures in the context of partnerships with non-state or sub-state armed groups. To explore this emerging practice, we highlight findings from a recently published paper that looks at seven US partnerships with local, substate and non-state forces in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. This paper, and the lessons learned from the case studies within it, serve as a launching pad for a broader discussion about how states and the international community might try to mitigate some of the human rights, security, or other policy risks that arise with more irregular armed groups. To provide a broader narrative, our webinar includes perspectives from UN, US and European policymakers who have worked in environments where non-state armed groups are a significant part of the political and security landscape. Panellists address how different states or international actors have tried to address these risks and suggest possible recommendations for the future.

Mark Wales was a special operations team commander for the SAS who served 10 tours of duty to Afghanistan, Iraq , East Timor, Lebanon and the Solomon Islands. He is now the author of a new book ‘Survivor: Life in the SAS' which is out now in all formats.  We spoke about the process of writing his book, growing up in WA, the urge to be in the SAS since he was 9 years old, selection process and career in the SAS, war experience in both Afghanistan & Iraq, managing the transition back into non-tribal society and dealing with mental health consequences of that, going from war in Iraq to studying business at an Ivy League school in Philadelphia and a consulting desk job in New York, appearing on Australia's Survivor reality TV show, being a father, a random alien chat and much more. Enjoy folks!Follow us on Instagram and Twitter : https://www.instagram.com/s2podcast/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/s2podcast1?lang=If you are interested in investing into cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Cardano and Ethereum . Register on the cryptocurrency exchange platform Swyftx, Australia's most progressive cryptocurrency exchange.https://trade.swyftx.com.au/register/?ref=samuelmorgan2We have partnered up with Krush Organics who are manufacturers of CBD and Hemp oil in Australia. They have given us a 40% discount on their products with free delivery too for our audience. Look up Krushorganics.com . The discount code is Squared. I've been testing Krush Organics CBD oil and the stuff works really well for anxiety, sleep and recovery.https://krushorganics.com/

Dakota Meyer decided to have some fun with the U.S. Marine recruiter visiting his high school. Within minutes he had a change of heart and signed up to serve. Meyer would serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a horrific day in September 2009 would change his life forever.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Meyer shares the very difficult story of watching from a a mile away as his fellow Marines came under deadly enemy fire. Defying orders, Meyer spent the next several hours against nearly impossible odds to save and recover his fallen comrades. For his actions that day, Meyer received the Medal of Honor. But while sharing his story with us, Meyer explains why the medal actually made his life more difficult.

Retired U.S. Army Major Jeff Struecker served our nation in two very different capacities, both as an Army Ranger and as a chaplain. In this vivid and gripping oral history, Struecker shares his experiences in Operation Just Cause in Panama and in the Persian Gulf in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm. He then walks us through his moment-by-moment memories of leading his task force to rescue the helicopter crews shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia. Immortalized in the book and movie, "Blackhawk Down," describes the impossible odds he and his men faced and how they re-engaged the enemy even though he was certain they would be killed.Struecker also explains how his harrowing service in Somalia led him to leave the Army and later return as a chaplain just months before 9/11. He shares fascinating insights from his 14 deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and urges Americans to fully appreciate the incredible sacrifices that our service members and their families have given this country over the past 20 years.

Round 1 (6:17): Starting the show with a safety brief. Dont drink anti-freeze. I know it smells delicious. Still… dont do it. Round 2 (14:24): Nothing gets my blood pumping like a tale about gold in them there hills. The FBI might be doing something shady with 400 million dollars worth of Civil War Era gold. We’ll tell you about this story which sure as shit should be a movie. Round 3 (23:05): HUGE shoutout to the Chief of Staff of the Army. I FUCKING LOVE stories like this one. Round 4 (28:56): The air force has some new spray-on bandages that will help you heal like you’re Wolverine whatever that means. Round 5 (43:27): I sat down with the only person in the Afghanistan/Iraq wars to be given the title of Sole Survivor. Beau Wise joined the show to talk about his book Three Wise Men.

John Zapata is an Air Force TACP, JTAC instructor, Afghanistan/Iraq veteran, and jiu jitsu brown belt currently stationed in Tacoma, Washington. John has deployed three times supporting the War on Terror in the Middle East/Africa. Currently, Zapata is recovering from a severe ACL injury, but when he's healthy you can catch him training martial arts 5-6 times a week. John and I grew up in the TACP career field together, arriving in Fort Bliss around the same time as 19 year old kids. Zapata's notoriously known to be one of the hardest guys in the TACP career field, and it's known not to ever get on his bad side. He'll always claim that Texas is the best country in the world.

Green-Beret-Scott-Fagan-Desertstorm-Somilia-Afghanistan-Iraq by Warchest

TODAYS TOPICS:Pfizer says final Covid19 vaccine trials are 95% effective, will seek FDA approval in days.Experts estimate 3 million Americans are now contagious, complicating efforts to stop spread.North Dakota has the world's worst Covid19 mortality rate.Trump plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan/Iraq by January.Hurricane Iota causes major flood damage in Nicaragua and Honduras.Democratic Congressman says Biden DOJ must investigate Trump regime.Good News: Meteor crashes into man's house and turns him into a millionaire.

The Biden victory just doesn't add up........US House and the GOP keeps flipping seats.....troops in Afghanistan & Iraq.....Georgia US Senate election....Lincoln takes the train to Gettysburg 1863....Sandy Koufax retired 1866....Texas A&M bonfire 1999......and other stories....... Please check our blog or follow me on Twitter. See Carlos Guedes' schedule.....

Daniel A. Sjursen is a retired U.S. Army officer, contributing editor at Antiwar.com, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy (CIP), and director of the Eisenhower Media Network (EMN). His work has appeared in the NY Times, LA Times, The Nation, Huff Post, The Hill, Salon, The American Conservative, Mother Jones, ScheerPost, and Tom Dispatch, among other publications. He served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and later taught history at West Point. He is the author of a memoir and critical analysis of the Iraq War, "Ghostriders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge" and "Patriotic Dissent: America in the Age of Endless War." Along with fellow vet Chris "Henri" Henriksen, he co-hosts the podcast "Fortress on a Hill." Follow him on Twitter @SkepticalVet He lives with his two sons in Lawrence, KS. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PARCMEDIA Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vince_EmanueleFollow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1713FranklinSt/Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcmedia/?... #PARCMedia is a news and media project founded by two USMC veterans, Sergio Kochergin & Vince Emanuele. They give a working-class take on issues surrounding politics, ecology, community organizing, war, culture, and philosophy.

U.S. Navy veteran Justin Sheffield walks us through his 14 years of service, almost all of it as a a U.S. Navy SEAL, including many years with the elite SEAL Team Six. Sheffield gives us an amazing glimpse into BUD/s training to become SEAL and what separated those who succeeded and those who tapped out. He also takes us into the SEAL combat mindset and the mission his teams were asked to do in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond.Sheffield also walks us through one of his declassified missions, a 2011 rescue mission for an American missionary held prisoner in Somalia that he led and helped to plan.Finally, Sheffield shares his very difficult re-entry into civilian life, how he came to the brink of suicide, and his work helping other veterans struggling after their time on active duty.Don't miss this honest and revealing conversation with former Navy SEAL Justin Sheffield.

Justin K. Sheffield has served on more than a thousand combat operations as a member of the elite Seal Team Six. He was also the team leader who planned a raid and jump in Somalia, and protected an American citizen during her rescue. In his amazing book "MOB VI", he takes us along on some of his missions in Afghanistan & Iraq. But when he was medically retired from service is when the real battle began. On this episode, Senior Chief Sheffield shares how he overcame not only the grueling obstacles of training and war, but also his torturous fight after with PTSD and depression.

Massive thanks to my mate @mark_cundy344 for joining me tonight on the Dark Side Insta Live Podcast. We discussed everything from serving in the military, Afghanistan/Iraq, dark humour and dealing mental health issues and civie street.

How do transitions affect our mental health? Today’s podcast episode is with Nick Wilson, a speaker on mental health, resilience and change. Nick talks on a range of topics surrounding mental health in the workplace, including resilience and impact of change and transition. Having served 14 years in the Army, including deployments on several Operational Tours in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, Nick speaks about his experiences with depression and PTSD and the difficulties of transitioning from the military back into society. Also discussed: (1:22) Introduction to the episode (2:46) Nick’s introduction (6:54) The concept of ongoing mental health rather than crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid, how the concept of suicide has changed from that of purely a crisis point to the everyday representation (11:55) Nick’s sense of ‘purpose’ behind his work and his reasoning/purpose for joining the army (14:46) Nick’s perception of wellbeing and self-care whilst being in the army, lack of training around mindset/wellbeing and mental resilience, the issues with approaching mental health & wellbeing in the army due to the hierarchy (20:19) How it was for Nick starting in the army beginning in Northern Ireland, experiences of what he saw *WARNING: includes detail of seeing bodies for the first time* (29:24) Afghanistan & Iraq and the differences in how graphic the violence was, how specific memories stick, how different it was to what people expect in war (38:28) The debrief process and the practicality of it, rather than the mental side of it, the mentality of ‘manning up’ (44:23) Implementing actual change within the entire hierarchy, (47:25) PTSD, how Nick first experienced/recognised it, the stigma of acknowledging it, how people didn’t notice the signs (56:02) Suicide attempt, how reducing people’s options can often lead them to suicide, the response post-suicide attempt, implementing self-care and acknowledging our capacity to cope (1:03:00) Where Nick was mentally, including selling his business and the uncertainty of what to do next, integrating veterans back into society and how they often face barriers in employment despite having extensive training in valuable skills (1:15:13) How the extensive training in other skills is in stark contrast to the lack of training about mental health/wellness, the difficulties of preparing for civilian life, the career/job distinction, support systems (1:24:04) The difficulties of transitioning into civilian life without assistance in combination with isolation and judgement, feeling invisible, transferable skills and being overlooked due to being a veteran even with relevant skills (1:35:11) Identifying who you are now & knowing your priorities, adapting in business/life (1:39:05) What Nick is doing currently, including empowering individuals to manage their own mental wellbeing, understanding who you are and how to achieve goals you set (1:47:43) Setting small goals to give yourself a boost, the process of understanding who you are now, identifying your options, support networks (1:57:37) Closing comments, where to find Nick   Resources: www.talkmentalhealth.org.uk nick@talkmentalhealth.org.uk Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/360wellbeing/?originalSubdomain=uk Talk Mental Health LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/360wellbeing/   Welcome to Dark Coffee, the podcast that starts engaging and approachable conversations around mental health.     Join wellbeing advocate Alice Lyons as she attempts to normalise the conversation around mental health, from suicide to satisfaction and everything in between. Dark Coffee aims to create a safe space to explore dark topics with curiosity, compassion and courage to empower people to build their mental strength, resilience and sense of connection. Join the conversation by sharing this episode, subscribing to the podcast or following Alice on Linked In.   Your reviews will help Dark Coffee reach more people. If you like what you've heard, please consider leaving a review to help spread the conversation further.   Suicide and Emotional Support Organisations - UK   Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and emotional support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123.  Call - 08457 909090  Email -  jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health issue. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

Join us for a quick review of moulage pigments and application methods in the first episode of a multi-part moulage series.This episode dives into several pigment based makeups that we enjoy using ranging in price from a few bucks up to the professional level products. Application methods are also covered at a variety of price points from cotton swabs to airbrushing. Think we missed something? Let us know your tips, tricks or opinions on moulage! The review:This is the quick and dirty version. There is MUCH more to talk about. Just a quick couple notes to go with what we went over in the show. Safety - Never takes a vacation (Thank you Thingergy)Your safety - Is key. Don’t underestimate it.Role-PlayersCold concrete can cause Hypothermia even in 90+ degreesEmotional Safety is important. Explain everythingImpalements - Dont strap unsafe items to peopleAllergies - Why would you even take a chance? Don’t chance someone’s healthDon’t double dip/Cross Contamination - Especially Cream and RMGBuy from reputable sources. https://www.frendsbeauty.com/frends-with-benefits-registrationLearning objectives are all that matterDon’t be afraid to say no! (amputations) - Don’t “Hide the leg” if the treatment pathway is the same, go with less materials, and time.  Possible upcoming video on some of this to support an upcoming conference - keep an eye out Anatomy matters - Use good reference War Surgery in Afghanistan & Iraq - http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/Portlet.aspx?ID=0a2c5bb0-6574-4c0c-93d9-cd278271584fSpecial Effects Guide of Real Human Wounds and Injuries:Special Effects Guide of Real Human Wounds and Injuries - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1977642055/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Materials:Cream makeup - Ben Nye, Mehron, Etc. Good but transfers. Good around eyesYou can thin with Isopropyl Alcohol to make washesRMG - Rubber Mask Grease Paint - Cream with castor oil - Sticks well to latexAlcohol Paints - Not cheap, but AWESOME. Doesn’t transfer when dry. Skin Illustrator, EBA, Reel CreationsTinsley Studios Makes great stuff!https://tinsleytransfers.com/shop/injury-fx-makeup-set/

The Future of US Military Presence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria Feb 9, 2020 // In this episode of THE WIRE Dalton Thomas discusses "The Future of US Military Presence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria" with Adham Sedeeq after news broke of the American Military casualties in Afghanistan last night. Duration 17 minutes

A massive, bombshell investigation this week by the Washington Post found that top US officials have been misleading the public about the Afghanistan War since the earliest days of the conflict. Meanwhile in Iraq, a government crackdown has left hundreds of civilians dead. So we have two countries on similarly doomed paths, teetering on the edge of failed state status following open-ended American military intervention-what now? SE Cupp is joined by former CIA counter-terrorism officer Dan Gabriel, he's the director of "Mosul".

TODAY’S TOPICS: The Pentagon Papers (Vietnam) “Dereliction of Duty” (Vietnam) The Afghanistan Papers

Justin Singletary served in the US Army 1st Ranger Battalion (2001-2007) and was deployed on multiple tours to Afghanistan/Iraq as a Sniper Team Leader. After completing his service, he noted the explosive growth in e-commerce, so in 2010 he co-founded an international e-commerce order fulfillment company. Known today as Fulfillment.com, the domain name was purchased from eBay Enterprises in 2014 for half a million dollars. With a current network of 9 locations worldwide, Fulfillment.com ships millions of orders to more than 150 countries around the world. Justin also serves on multiple e-commerce company and charitable foundation boards and he enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his free time. Check out Justin's E-commerce Appreciation Event - Ghosts and Guns!

Where does the future lie for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria? Should President Trump pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan or not? What should policy makers think about when considering whether to intervene in another country’s affairs and exporting democracy? Is the U.S. retreating itself from the global order? Has the Trump administration done any damage to the foreign services system? … Here to answer those questions is one of the most respected career ambassadors within the U.S. Foreign Service and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom –– Ambassador Ryan Crocker. He has served as United States Ambassador to Afghanistan (2011–2012), Iraq (2007–2009), Pakistan (2004–2007), Syria (1998–2001), Kuwait (1994– 1997), and Lebanon (1990–1993). A few punchlines? - Before President Trump further withdrew troops, where we were in Afghanistan was adequate. It's not great, but it's not awful either. And we are helping the Afghans maintain a rough stability where they are neither losing nor gaining considerable bits of ground. - Democracy has to be built from the ground up in terms that reflect the realities the fears and the desires of the people who actually live there. - We should only use the military when we see no alternative except the use of military force. Getting in isn't a problem for us –– we have the greatest military on earth, and people just get out of our way when we get there, but we don't focus enough on what's next. Once the guns fall silent, as they did literally days afterwards in Iraq and in Afghanistan, that's the part of the process where we need to think through the consequences. - Americans are known for their lack of strategic patience. We are an impatient people, and that's how we built our great country. - There is a great sense of relief in the State Department, both foreign service and civil service, that Rex Tillerson is no longer the Secretary of State. He did more damage to the State Department and the foreign service as institutions than we have ever experienced before. … For more information, please visit policypunchline.com

Eposide #6 of The Trophy Room Podcast: The Marines of Crossfit K1L2. My guest servicemen discuss joining the Marines after 911, plus the fit or die mentality in Afghanistan & Iraq. We also touch base on the heart felt realization of PTSD. In addition, how crossfit can benifit your health in several aspects. 

Generals Austin and Odierno & Ambassadors Crocker and Liberi on media relations, trust, briefing the President & the need for a civ/mil playbook from the lessons of Afghanistan/Iraq.

February 4, 2015 In Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, and East Africa, military chaplains have stepped outside the wire to engage local religious leaders in the pursuit of peace, counseled military commanders on local cultural issues, and comforted the hurting—including among local populations. This event looked at military chaplains as agents for peace, particularly since 9/11, with the launch of Berkley Center research fellow Eric Patterson’s new book, Military Chaplains in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Beyond. Eric Patterson is former associate director of the Berkley Center and continues to work with the center’s Program on Religion, Conflict, and Peace as a research fellow. He serves as dean of the School of Government at Regent University and has 18 years of experience as an officer in the Air National Guard. Discussants included retired Army chaplain Eric Wester, Pauletta Otis (formerly Marine Corps University), and Chip Hauss (Alliance for Peacebuilding).

E27 Marine veteran and wounded warrior human Cpl. Tyler Southern smiles a lot. His outlook is so positive it’s contagious. Yet, many would look at him and wonder how he found such happiness considering in May of 2010, while on his second Marine deployment in Afghanistan (Iraq was his first deployment), he stepped on an IED (Improvised […]