Podcasts about bing west

Today's wisdom comes from Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis and Bing West.   If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily.   And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written.   That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused   Upgrade to Heroic Premium →   Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025!   Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →

Bill spoke with Bing West about America's current military readiness and capabilities to defend the country, threats posed by China and recruitment struggles. Bing West is a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine. He's also a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book is "The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill spoke with Bing West about America’s current military readiness and capabilities to defend the country, threats posed by China and recruitment struggles. Bing West is a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book is “The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War.

After the United States invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power in spring 2003, the city of Fallujah became a hotbed of unrest.  In March 2004, four American contractors were brutally murdered and mutilated there.   President Bush ordered an attack to subdue the city.  This attack was called off early after it sparked a media and political firestorm.  With U.S. forces out of it, Fallujah became the red-hot epicenter of Iraq's Sunni insurgency and the U.S. recommitted to taking it through large-scale offensive action.  This operation, known as Phantom Fury, lasted from through November and December 2004.  It was America's bloodiest battle of the Iraq war.  Bing West tells the story in “No True Glory.”  We are joined in this episode by Mr. Pat Carroll who spent close to four years in Iraq working in or dealing with Fallujah

On this episode of Defence Deconstructed, David Perry speaks to Prof. Alex Wilner and Col (ret'd) Al Stephenson about the future of deterrence in Canada. This episode of Defence Deconstructed is brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding and Davie Shipyard. Participants Bios: Alex Wilner is a Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University – https://www.alexwilner.ca/ Col (ret'd) Al Stephenson is a CGAI Fellow – https://www.cgai.ca/al_stephenson Host bio: David Perry is the President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute – https://www.cgai.ca/staff#Perry Read: "The Many Shades of Deterrence" by Alex Wilner – https://www.cgai.ca/the_many_shades_of_canadian_deterrence "When Deterrence Fails: Is NORAD Enough?" by Al Stephenson – https://www.cgai.ca/when_deterrence_fails_is_norad_enough Cross-Domain Deterrence by Jon R. Lindsay and Erik Gartzke – https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/research-articles/cross-domain-deterrence/ Call Sign Chaos by Jin Mattis and Bing West – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/240358/call-sign-chaos-by-jim-mattis-and-bing-west/ The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan – https://us.macmillan.com/series/wheeloftime Deterrence by Denial: Theory and Practice by Alex Wilner and Andreas Wenger – https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=786 Recording Date: 21 Sep 2022 Follow the Canadian Global Affairs Institute on Facebook, Twitter (@CAGlobalAffairs), or on LinkedIn. Head over to our website at www.cgai.ca for more commentary. Produced by Charlotte Duval-Lantoine. Music credits to Drew Phillips

ABOUT MARINE MAJOR TOM SCHUEMAN, ZAINULLA ZAKI AND ALWAYS FAITHFULBand of Brothers meets Argo in this dramatic and heartfelt dual memoir of the war in Afghanistan told by two men from opposite worlds.Always Faithful entwines the stories of Marine Major Tom Schueman, and his friend and Afghan interpreter, Zainullah "Zak" Zaki, as they describe their parallel lives, converging paths, and unbreakable bond in the face of overwhelming danger, culminating in Zak and his family's harrowing escape from Kabul. In August of 2021, just days shy of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, America ended its longest war. The speed of the Afghanistan's fall was so stunning that thousands of Afghan citizens who had helped American forces over the course of two decades-and had been promised visas in return-were suddenly stranded, in extreme, imminent danger. As the world watched the shocking scenes of desperation at the Kabul airport in the final two weeks of August, Maj. Tom Schueman fought-both behind the scenes and through a social media campaign-to get his friend and former Afghan interpreter, Zak, out of Afghanistan before he and his family were discovered by the Taliban. When Zak and his family finally took off from the airport mere days before the US left the country, the years-long effort to get Zak to America culminated in two simple words on Instagram: "Wheels up."Now in Always Faithful, Tom and Zak tell the full story of the divergent paths that led them to Afghanistan, the dangerous road they walked together in service to America, and how their commitment to each other ended up saving them both. Brilliantly told in Tom's and Zak's alternating first person voices, Always Faithful tracks the parallel lives of these two men who each spent their childhoods in fear, peril, and poverty, and turned to war in attempt to build a meaningful future. On an inevitable course towards each other, their lives dovetail in Afghanistan's deadly Helmand Valley, where they formed a brotherhood that transcends even the most overwhelming of odds, eventually culminating in Zak's harrowing, eleventh-hour rescue.The end result is an intensely personal and uniquely ground-level account of Tom and Zak's experience,Always Faithful gives readers a 360-degree view of the war. At once provocative and heart pounding, their stories together form a microcosm of the complicated and lasting effects of America's longest war. Through their eyes and their experiences, they challenge readers to explore the legacy of the war for American and Afghan citizens alike, as we all collectively seek to understand whether twenty years of war was worth the price.REVIEWSIn plain old good writing, this book tells how two individuals fought the forces of the Taliban, Afghan corruption, and U.S. government bureaucracy to bring one interpreter's family to safety and freedom. It is a gripping and poignant story of quiet heroism, with a hair-raising ending. You will finish this book feeling triumphant for the few that got out, and angry and sad for the many we shamefully left behind. - Karl Marlantes, author of Matterhorn, What It Is Like to Go to War, and Deep RiverSchueman and Zaki offer a haunting account of the courage and sacrifices of U.S. troops alongside their Afghan partners over the past two decades. Amid the backdrop of America's longest war in history and hopes out of reach, their stories are a testament to the enduring human spirit. - U.S. Senator Dick DurbinA tremendous look inside the relationships forged in combat and the dedication and sacrifice of the Afghans and Marines who served side by side to gain a better future for Afghanistan. This book is honest, compelling, and full of suspense. This book is Honor, Courage, and Commitment at its finest. - Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, United States Marine Corps (retired), former Deputy Commandant for InformationA classic, heartwarming story of two hardened warriors, one Afghan and the other American, who keep faith with each other and emerge triumphant from impending death. This incredible rescue shows what determined Americans can accomplish, despite government incompetence. A fitting metaphor for America's longest and most bungled war. - Bing West, bestselling author ofThe Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan WarWars are full of fascinating stories. As part literary memoir and part thriller, Always Faithful certainly is one of those. It's a book that demands attention. By telling the story from both an American and an Afghan perspective, Always Faithful offers a unique view within the literature of America's post-9/11 wars, which often lacks the voices of the people most affected. As we contemplate the meaning and value of twenty years of war, Tom Schueman and Zainullah Zaki offer us a path to understand the human cost of service in Afghanistan and the inherent bonds of our shared humanity. - Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire and A Man at ArmsABOUT MAJOR TOM SCHUEMANMajor Tom Schueman served in Afghanistan for sixteen months, including the single bloodiest battle of the war in Afghanistan as a platoon commander with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines in Helmand Province. Schueman redeployed to Afghanistan as a JTAC and advisor to the Afghan National Army while he was a member of First Reconnaissance Battalion. Schueman went on to get his master's in English literature at Georgetown University and teach English literature at the United States Naval Academy. He is currently a student at the Naval War College and remains on active duty. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Patrol Base Abbate.Book Available on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Always-Faithful-Afghanistan-Unshakable-Interpreter/dp/0063260611

飛碟聯播網《飛碟早餐 唐湘龍時間》2022.06.13 週一閱讀單元 燎原出版主編 查理 《學會領導：馬提斯從戰場與戰略規劃養成的管理學》 ※主題：《學會領導：馬提斯從戰場與戰略規劃養成的管理學》/ 吉姆．馬提斯、賓．魏斯特 / 燎原出版 ※來賓：燎原出版主編 查理 ◎節目介紹： 美國戰力最強壯的海軍陸戰隊，他們的管理以及指揮領導模式是強大力量的基礎。在普魯士式外觀的短髮，整潔的制服與嚴格的標準之下，陸戰隊造就了一些最為特立獨行的怪傑，以及最具獨創性的思考家、戰略家。他們並未因軍事方面的傑出表現，而扼殺智識上的自由，或企圖以嚴格控制的思想來取代具有想像力的作為。撐起這個永垂不墜的根基與信念的，正是如馬提斯這種在前頭引領的軍官。 馬提斯融會貫通了美軍陸戰隊的生存法則：適應環境、改變自己、克服困難。這些到最後都成為他在日後指揮美國軍隊的根本。馬提斯的世界觀和領導風格，都是在戰場上驗證與學習回來的血淋淋、無比珍貴的經驗與教訓。不光公部門應該效法的方向，也是管理人不可忽略的發展動力。 馬提斯說，「合理的政策與明確的戰略原則，對於達成目標是格外必要的。」在養成時期，馬提斯學習到美軍陸戰隊最為人所推崇的成功特質——主動、進取。在領導時期，他學會了發揮管理的效率，並且將關懷與凝聚向心力轉換成達成任務的力量。馬提斯解決事情之前常問的三個問題：「我知道些什麼？誰需要知道這些事？我已經告訴他們了嗎？」也是他管理一個團隊最基本的出發點。 本書分成三個部分，是歸納自馬提斯從軍年代的領導與管理的經驗：直接式，行政式、戰略式領導。 ◎作者介紹：吉姆．馬提斯（Jim Mattis） 出身西北太平洋地區，以陸戰隊步兵軍官身分服役超過四十年。隨後兩年擔任美國國防部長，目前是史丹佛大學胡佛研究所的戴維斯兒女榮譽研究員。 ◎作者介紹：賓．魏斯特（Bing West） 曾撰寫過十一本專書，以陸戰隊步兵身分投入越南戰爭。雷根政府時期曾擔任助理國防部長。魏斯特曾參與數百次在伊拉克與阿富汗的巡邏，包括多次與馬提斯將軍共同執行的任務。他是胡佛研究所軍事歷史工作小組的成員。 ▶ 《飛碟早餐》FB粉絲團 https://www.facebook.com/ufobreakfast/ ▶ 飛碟聯播網FB粉絲團 https://www.facebook.com/ufonetwork921/ ▶ 網路線上收聽 http://www.uforadio.com.tw/stream/stream.html ▶ 飛碟APP，讓你收聽零距離 IOS：https://reurl.cc/3jYQMV Android：https://reurl.cc/5GpNbR ▶ 飛碟Podcast SoundOn : https://bit.ly/30Ia8Ti Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/3jFpP6x Spotify : https://spoti.fi/2CPzneD Google 播客：https://bit.ly/3gCTb3G KKBOX：https://reurl.cc/MZR0K4

Links1. “Embrace the F-Word”  by CAPT Robert Herbert, USN (ret.), USNI Proceedings, January 2022.2. Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis and Bing West, Random House, 2019.3. Military Ethics: An Introduction with Case Studies by Stephen Coleman, Oxford University Press, 2012.4. Online Courses by Dr. Deane-Peter Baker and Dr. David Whetham.

The Afghanistan war dragged on for 20 futile years. Ridding the country of Taliban control and nation-building led to thousands of American troop deaths and trillions of dollars lost when the Taliban almost effortlessly reclaimed control. What were the fundamental mistakes in Afghanistan? Do they also apply to Iraq? What lessons should be learned?

Das Buch war fesselnd, intelligent und einfach grandios. Ich habe mir post lectio frustriert gegen das Cranium geschlagen und gefragt: wie präjudiziert kann man durch die Welt laufen. Seitdem benutze ich keine Fremdwörter mehr und bin frei von Vorurteilen.Aber, ich muß nicht jeden Stephen King lesen, speziell mit den übernatürlichen Klassikern (und Neuwerken) kann ich noch immer wenig anfangen, aber Sachen wie die “Mr. Mercedes”-Reihe sind gelungener Zeitvertreib mit immer etwas mehr Tiefe, als man zu Beginn vermutet. Teil Zwei und Drei dieser Serie hatte ich mit etwas mehr Pflichtbewusstsein denn Enthusiasmus gelesen, um so mehr erfreute mich die flüchtig überlesene Schlagzeile in einer renommierten Tageszeitung, dass der neueste Stephen King mit dem unprätentiösen Titel "Billy Summers" sein "bestes Buch seit Jahren" sei.Stephen King führt seinen titelgebenden Hauptheld Billy Summers als einen Émile Zola lesenden Auftragskiller ein. Seinen Auftraggebern gegenüber geriert er sich als eher schlicht, das hatte sich irgendwann mal so ergeben und als praktisch erwiesen. In einem Comic lesend wartet er also in einer Hotelhalle auf seinen Kontakt, äußerlich den Simpleton gebend, nicht übertrieben, aber überzeugend. Billy Summers, Anfang 40, ist ein Ex-Marine und Irakkriegsveteran, war dort ein Sniper und kam mit ein paar Orden und ohne einen halben großen Zeh zurück. Damit hatte er eine Menge Glück gehabt, was auch damit zu tun hat, dass er sein Handwerk versteht. Das erste Bild, das nicht nur vor meinem lesenden Auge entstehen wird, ist das von Thriller-Serienheld Jack Reacher. Nein, nicht der durch hochkomplexe Kameraarbeit auf Format gefilmte halbe Hahn Tom Cruise. Der richtige Jack Reacher, der für mich immer seinem Autorenvater Lee Child am ähnlichsten sein wird, groß, hager, mit einem schmalen, stählernen Lächeln. Wie Jack Reacher also hat auch Billy Summers keine großen Bauchschmerzen, seiner Arbeit nachzugehen und dabei Leichen zu hinterlassen, aber stets mit einem moralischen Code, der simpel sagt: "Ich töte nur böse Menschen." Wie einfach das ist, können wir uns vorstellen und wird natürlich ein roter Faden im Buch sein.Wir werden lernen, dass Billy Summers sehr zeitig im Leben getötet hat. Er musste im Alter von elf Jahren mit ansehen, wie der Abschaum von einem Freund seiner drogensüchtigen Mutter eines Abends in ihr Haus kommt und seine kleine Schwester zu Tode tritt. Billy kann sich nur in letzter Not und mit Hilfe des Armeerevolvers des Arschlochs retten, der - zum Glück, Amerika! - im Haus einfach so rum liegt. Er schießt dem Dreckskerl in den Bauch und lässt ihn verbluten. Diese Szene wird ihn und uns begleiten. Es ist ein Buch der Rückblenden und: Es ist ein Kunstwerk.Zunächst jedoch finden wir Billy Summers in einem kleinen Kaff in Kentucky. Er ist hier um einen letzten großen Auftrag angeboten zu bekommen. Der wird so lukrativ sein, dass er sich zur Ruhe setzen kann. Ihm ist nicht ganz wohl dabei, denn nicht nur er weiß, dass das schief gehen kann, dass das der Stoff ist, aus dem Filme und Bücher gemacht werden.Billy Summers sitzt also in einer Hotellobby und liest Comic. Ein alter Bekannter aus der Unterwelt hat einen Auftrag: eine halbe Millionen jetzt, anderthalb Millionen nach getaner Arbeit. Wenn er zustimmt, wird er beauftragt, einen Auftragskiller zu killen. Billy stellt die obligatorische Frage und ja, das Target ist kein guter Mensch. Neben den dutzenden Auftragsmorden, bei denen Billy jetzt nicht in der besten Position ist pro oder contra, gut oder böse zu argumentieren, hat der Auftragsmörder letztens zwei Leute nach einem Pokerspiel abgeknallt, weil sie gegen ihn gewonnen haben, was ja wirklich unsportlich ist. Billy sagt ok, eine halbe Minute später hat er $500.000 auf einem Nummernkonto in der Karibik.Billy ist beauftragt, es wird ein Plan geschmiedet. Ein schmieriger Immobilienbesitzer hat einen Büroturm genau gegenüber dem Gerichtsgebäude, wo dem Auftragskiller der Prozess gemacht werden wird, mit idealer Sicht auf den Eingang, durch den er TV-wirksam vom Sheriff mit dem übergroßem Cowboyhut im orangen Einteiler und mit Hand- und Fußfesseln vorgeführt werden wird. Einziges Problem: keiner weiß wann. Es wird noch mindestens ein paar Wochen, vielleicht Monate dauern, bis der Angeklagte aus Kalifornien ausgeliefert wird. Billy muss also warten, und damit er einen plausiblen Grund hat hier zu sein, wird die Legende gebaut, nach der Billy Summers ein Schriftsteller von der Ostküste sei, der mit seinem Buch nicht fertig wird und von seinem Agenten in den Schreiburlaub dahin geschickt wird, wo er nicht den ganzen Tag den Vorschuss verhuren und versaufen kann. Man mietet ihm ein beschauliches Wohnhaus in den suburbs, dazu das ideale Eckbüro mit Sicht auf das Gerichtsgebäude und gibt ihm ein MacBook, auf dem er "irgendwas schreiben" soll, um in die Rolle zu kommen.Diese leicht sperrige Konstellation ist ganz, ganz eventuell das einzige, was man dem Buch vorwerfen kann, mir fallen ein halbes Dutzend Wege ein, das Ganze mit deutlich weniger Aufwand durchzuziehen; andererseits, was weiß ich schon, ich bin schließlich kein Auftragsmörder. Oder vielleicht doch?!Egal, denn dieses Setting, womit wir uns übrigens von der konkreten Handlung verabschieden, keine Spoiler mehr ab hier, Rezensentenehrenwort, diese Konstruktion also, ist wohl und sehr bewusst gewählt denn es ist der Grund, warum wir hier einen Stephen King besprechen. Wie jeder weiß, ist das überflüssig. Die-hard-Fans von Stephen King lesen das Buch eh und Leute, für die Stephen King unter Niveau ist, Leute mit Vorurteilen also, lesen noch nicht mal diese Rezension. Unvorstellbar.Dass Stephen-King-Bücher immer etwas tiefer sind als man denkt weiß ja jeder, "Billy Summers" jedoch ist viel mehr geworden: es ist ein praktisches Lehrbuch der Schriftstellerei in der Form eines Thriller. Es würde Pflichtmaterial für die Verwendung an belletristischen Hochschulen werden, wenn es diese denn gäbe. Stephen King packt alles, was er als Schriftsteller über den Prozess, das Denken und Arbeiten weiss und dann noch ein paar Sachen Extra in einen Krimi und schafft ein "Vermächtnis", wenn so ein Wort denn zu Stephen King passen würde und nicht zu endgültig klänge. Stephen King wird eine Buchlänge lang zum Autoren für Autoren.Alles beginnt mit der Struktur: Während Billy Summers, der Killer, in seiner Tarnung als Schriftsteller auf den Anruf wartet, dass sein Opfer auf dem Weg ist, denkt er sich, kann er auch ein bisschen schreiben. Wie man liest weiss er, wie schwer kann schreiben sein? (Das ist im subtext natürlich auch ein Hinweis an jeden Leser und potentiellen Schriftsteller). Erlebt hat Billy Summers genug: von der Horrorkindheit über seine Zeit im Waisenhaus, seine Ausbildung bei den Marines, die Horrorzeit im Irak bis zum Karrierewechsel vom staatlichen zum privatwirtschaftlichen Auftragskiller. Also setzt er sich an den ihm zur Tarnung gestellten Notebook und schreibt über seine Kindheit. Da er (zutreffend) annimmt, dass alles, was er schreibt von seinen Auftraggebern mitgelesen wird und diesen ihn als Simpleton kennen, übt er sich im Stil eines solchen und schreibt aus der Perspektive und in der Sprache des elfjährigen Billys. Dabei zeigt Stephen King im Buch die Fehler und Fehlversuche, die man unweigerlich beim Schreiben macht, und beginnt Kapitel zum Beispiel in "verbesserter" Kindersprache von neuem, wie ein A/B Test. Wir lesen, typographisch durch serifenlose Abschnitte abgesetzt, die wahre Geschichte des Billy Summers. Wir lesen im einfachen Stil von seiner Kindheit und von seiner Zeit im Waisenhaus.Als er sich in der Haupthandlung, dem Thriller "Billy Summers", zuverlässig von der Überwachung durch seine Auftraggeber befreien kann, kommt er zum zutreffenden Gedanken, dass er über die Erlebnisse als Soldat in Fallujah, Irak, in seiner eigenen Sprache berichten kann und sollte und wir lesen seitenlange fesselnde Einschübe aus dem alternativen "Billy Summers", die Geschichte von persönlichen Fuckups in einem abgefuckten Krieg. Dabei greift Stephen King auf ein Buch mit Namen "No True Glory" von Bing West zurück, welches er im Nachwort erwähnt und empfiehlt, womit King dem unsicheren Autoren demonstriert, dass man nicht alles selbst erlebt haben muss und wie man fremde Quellen in seinen eigenen Sound transponiert.Da Stephen King Billy Summers, den Schriftsteller, die Geschichte seiner Entwicklung zum Billy Summers, den Auftragskiller schreiben lässt, vereinigen sich diese beiden Stories, je näher sich Präteritum und Präsens kommen. Dass es kompliziert werden kann, wenn sich Fiktion und Fiktion in der Fiktion nähern und dass dabei strukturell sauber gearbeitet werden muss, lässt King dann innerhalb der Story die Protagonisten besprechen, was in einer letzten Wendung des Romans geschieht. Es ist erstaunlich und brillant.Weit vorher jedoch, in einer sehr überraschenden Wendung, wird - sehr dramatisch - eine einundzwanzigjährige Studentin in die Story eingeführt. Überraschend nicht nur für die Handlung, sondern weil Stephen King sich damit völlig ohne narrativen Zwang in die Situation begibt, das Verhältnis des Mittvierzigers Billy Summers zur blutjungen Alice bis zum Ende des Buches zu untersuchen und zu beschreiben, etwas, was sich in unseren woken Zeiten fast nur noch ein Stephen King ohne Angst um die Karriere leisten kann. Er schreckt dabei vor keinem Topic zurück: ob Liebe, Hass, Vergewaltigung, Pädophilie, männliche Physiognomie; jeden potentiellen Absturz von der argumentativen Klippe meistert er mit tiefem Mitgefühl für den toxischen s**t, den die meisten Frauen in ihrem Leben oft nicht nur einmal erleben müssen, und klingt dabei nie wie eine #metoo timeline auf Twitter. Er spricht ein "kompliziertes" Thema nach dem anderen an, organisch innerhalb der Haupthandlung, und meistert es mit Bravour und voller Zärtlichkeit, mit fast surreal-traumwandlerischer Sicherheit. Man hält oft genug den Atem an, ob Stephen King die Kurve bekommt oder über die Cancelklippe springt - und wird jedesmal erlöst. Ich bin sicher, dass mir das gesamte Internet da zustimmt und denke nicht, dass ich das groß googlen muss.Und wie ein Mittelfingerzeig dem "ernsthaften" Literaturbetrieb (und weil er es kann) schafft er es am Ende eines strukturell wie thematisch seriösen Werkes selbst aus dem zynischsten Literaturkritiker eine Träne auf's Papier zu wringen in einem sich twistenden und windenden Ende, welches dennoch keine Seite zu lang ist.Stephen King erweist sich mal wieder als der Meister der überraschenden Wendung und hat einen Roman geschrieben, der in der Rezension konstruiert erscheinen mag, beim tatsächlichen Lesen jedoch fließt und pageturned wie man es vom Autor kennt und erwartet. Ich, der ich meine Bücher gerne geradlinig habe, Rückblenden eher skeptisch gegenüberstehe (und meinen Hass gegenüber der Vorblende hier oft genug geäußert habe), dem Bücher in Büchern höchst suspekt sind und der Bücher "Aus dem Leben eines Schriftstellers" für eitle Eigenbauchmiezelei halte, stehe baff erstaunt vor einem Werk, welches alle diese No-Gos enthält, dazu reihenweise Verweise und Anspielungen auf andere Werke der Literaturgeschichte und bestimmt ein halbes Dutzend derer auf das eigene Oeuvre und die ich alle nicht verstanden habe. Und dennoch ist "Billy Summers" einfach "nur" ein spannender Thriller, von einem Autor, der sich Gedanken macht über unsere Zeit, der reflektiert über die human condition und dabei keine Seite Langeweile aufkommen lässt. Denn Stephen King ist ein Meister seines Faches, wie ich schon immer empathisch gesagt habe. Weiß jede.In der nächsten Woche im Studio B bespricht Anne Findeisen Rosie Price' Debütroman "Der rote Faden", der bereits 2020 veröffentlicht wurde, uns thematisch an Irmgard Lumpinis zuletzt besprochenen Roman "That Summer" von Jennifer Weiner erinnert und bereits kurz nach Veröffentlichung zur Post-"Me too" Literatur avanciert ist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lobundverriss.substack.com

Bing West has always loved American Grunts.   Ever since he led a platoon of Marines in Vietnam, he's had an affinity for the man (and now woman) on the ground at the leading edge of America's wars. That's why he wrote the 1972 book "The Village," about 17 months in the lives of a squad of Marines fighting in Binh Nghia, Vietnam. He wrote for the Marine Corps as well, publishing the service's official counterinsurgency manual.   Throughout our post-9/11 wars, he continued to champion the Grunt.   From 2003 through 2008, he made 16 extended trips to Iraq, going on patrols and writing three books and numerous articles about the war. His 2005 book "No True Glory," is the definitive frontline account of the Battle for Fallujah. His 2008 book "The Strongest Tribe," will hold up for generations as a comprehensive history of the American war in Iraq.   From 2007 through 2011, he made numerous trips to Afghanistan, each time living and traveling with ground units. His 2011 book "The Wrong War," is a definitive account of American missteps and successes in Afghanistan.   Bing was in Afghanistan on September 8, 2009 when Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer singlehandedly evacuated or provided cover for dozens of US service members  in Kunar during the Battle of Ganjgal. Hearing the story, Bing investigated and wrote about Dakota's account. He pushed the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, Congress, and the White House for Dakota to receive the Medal of Honor and he did, in a White House ceremony on September 15, 2011.   Aside from his writing, he's had an influential career as a counterinsurgency analyst, first for the Rand Corporation and later as an assistant to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Bing's good friend.   Meanwhile, he's continued to write, both fiction and non-fiction, telling the stories of the American Marine and Soldier in Afghanistan and Iraq.   On Episode 58 of the podcast, Bing joins his old friend Joe Buccino, host of the podcast, to talk about caring leadership, the end of the war of Afghanistan, the Army's focus on Large Scale Combat Operations, and why Army leaders should stop tweeting.   It's a great talk, a rich discussion with lessons and wisdom for all military leaders.   Please subscribe to the 18th Airborne Corps podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-18th-airborne-corps-podcast/id1547996961), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/15BMwodlZc84yiPK0AYSHq), or Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-doomsday-clock). You won't miss any of the interesting guests or cool stories if you subscribe. We also ask you to leave a 5-star rating and a review, as these will help others find the program.   

Bill spoke with Bing West, A former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine, about his piece "Keeping the Pineapple Express Rolling: How to rescue more Afghans after Biden's deadline expires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill spoke with Bing West, A former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine, about his piece “Keeping the Pineapple Express Rolling: How to rescue more Afghans after Biden’s deadline expires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A small team of CIA operatives and Marines commanded by Captain Diego Cruz are protecting a tiny base in Helmand—the most violent province in Afghanistan. In a series of escalating fights, Cruz must prove he is a combat leader, despite the growing disapproval of the colonel in overall charge. At the same time, the president has ordered the CIA to capture a drug lord. But with a fortune in heroin at stake, the Taliban joins with the drug lord to wipe out the base. As the president negotiates a secret deal, Cruz must rally the Marines to make a last stand. Bringing you into America's longest war with vivid immediacy, The Last Platoon portrays how leaders rise or wilt under intense pressure. A searing, timeless story of moral conflict, savage combat, and feckless politics. HOST:  Rob MellonFEATURED BREW:  Semper Fi PA, Stars and Stripes Brewing Company, Freeport, MaineBOOK:  The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan Warhttps://www.amazon.com/Last-Platoon-Novel-Afghanistan-War/dp/1642936731/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+last+platoon&qid=1626543443&s=books&sr=1-1MUSIC:  Bones Forkhttps://bonesfork.com/

Be it on the ground or cyber, is America ready for the next war? Bill discussed this with Bing West. Bing West is a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine. He's also a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book is "The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Be it on the ground or cyber, is America ready for the next war? Bill discussed this with Bing West. Bing West is a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book is “The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War. Learn more […]

On this special “mini episode” Bill is joined by Bing West to share thoughts this memorial day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special "mini episode" Bill is joined by Bing West to share their thoughts this memorial day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War (Bombardier Books, 2020) is a riveting book of infantry ground combat. As a work of fiction it is superb, showing the personal drama, drives and experiences of regular Marines combined with the high ambitions and political maneuverings of the highest ranks, including the President and Secretary of Defense. This narrative is not just fictional. It is a pastiche of the lives of Marines that Bing West has followed over the course of the last twenty years, with each firefight being a compilation of his own, personal experiences. This fact makes this book of interest not just to people looking to read fiction, but also to anyone who wants to know what war is like, how it impacts the people around them and just what happens in the far reaches of Afghanistan. More than an action story, this is a story of the morality of war told by someone who knows how it feels and what it means. In this episode, Bing and I discuss his life and background; his experiences of America’s wars in the Middle East; his analysis of America’s success and failures; how these wars compare to his own, Vietnam, and the wars of the past; and what challenges future warfare could pose to the United States. Jeffrey Bristol holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Boston University, a J.D. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago. He practices law, works as an independent scholar and serves as a naval officer in the US Navy Reserve. He lives in Tampa, Fl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Bill spoke with Bing West about his new book "The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War". Bing West is a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and combat Marine. He's also a New York Times bestselling author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss: --Alford's experiences as a platoon commander in Operation Just Cause --His experiences in Desert Storm, including seeing the effects of Allied airpower and artillery on Iraqi forces --The organization of Task Force Tarawa in Operation Iraqi Freedom I --The virtues of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force --Alford's experiences with commanding a light armored infantry platoon --How Alford and a cobra detachment commander worked together to create an air-ground cavalry team while on a MEU --Alford's experiences afloat --The strategic value of port calls --How to keep Marines engaged during sea deployments --Alford's role in Operation Assured Response in Libera --The experience of watching a horrific civil war unfold in the Liberian capital of Monrovia --The traits that Alford looked for and sought to develop in his squad leaders and platoon commanders --The benefits of having Marines live in squad bays --The Gunfighter Gym and the need to invest substantial funds into the individual infantry Marine --The rigors of Marine Corps recruiting duty --Alford's experiences as a battalion executive officer during the March Up to Baghdad --Fighting the Fedayeen --Alford's deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as a rifle battalion commander and the differences between them --The origins of how the Marines ended up concentrated in Helmand Province, Afghanistan --Alford's time as General David McKiernan's counterinsurgency advisor --Some of the US Army officers that Alford has worked for and his high praise for them --Alford's thoughts on Marine Corps Recruit Training and its transformative effects --The cult of the Marine Corps --What Alford learned from spending time with different NATO forces in Afghanistan --The counterinsurgency books and thinkers that most influenced Alford --The role that Alford's counterinsurgency reading had on his decisions as a battalion commander --How Alford expects the Chinese to fight the US --The focus on Western warfare in US PME institutions and why we should study more Chinese military history and warfare --Alford's stance that the Marine Corps needs to be ready to do “anything, anytime, anywhere, today” --The deployment that influenced Alford most --The sacrifices of command and the toll they take on one's family life --What it was like serving during the ‘maneuver warfare years' --Alford's interactions with Bill Lind --How faithfully the Marine Corps adheres to its capstone doctrinal publication, Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication Warfighting 1 --What maneuver warfare in garrison looks like and Alford's surprising response "Underground PME: The Warfighting" Society by Damien O'Connell: https://innovatedefense.net/kcic/customObject/viewCustomObject/8f0088d3356d Some of the books mentioned by MajGen Alford The Village by Bing West: https://www.amazon.com/Village-Bing-West/dp/0743457579 Invisible Armies by Max Boot: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Armies-History-Guerrilla-Warfare/dp/0871406888 The Bear Went Over the Mountain edited by Lester Grau: https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a316729.pdf Everything Under the Sun by Howard F. French: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Under-Heavens-Chinas-Global/dp/0385353324 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/damien-oconnell/support

What are you Reading? In recent months the Covid-19 has restricted many of our usual activities, and many of us have used some extra time by turning to “beach reads.” Considering the circumstances, I would say beach reads are the books that you can enjoy, even if you have no beach to rest your toes in.  You can always have something engaging to read. (P.S. I am not really a big beach reader) This week I talk about an assortment of books I have enjoyed over the years.  Please leave a comment about some books you have enjoyed this year. We can have a fun conversation about books. ~ KevinQuote: “Thanks to my reading, I have never been caught flat-footed by any situation, never at a loss for how any problem has been addressed (successfully or unsuccessfully) before. It doesn’t give me all the answers, but it lights what is often a dark path ahead.” ~ James Mattis A friend of mine pointed out that Call Sign Chaos by Mattis (and Bing West) includes the former Secretary of Defense’s recommended reading list.  This newsletter is the beginning of an ongoing collection of readings that I would suggest. In some future titles, I will do a more thorough dive on some additional readings, but this week we explore themes of failure and being quiet. The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well Is the Key to Success by Megan McArdle is a wonderful book that, as the title explains, shows that making a mistake is not always bad. The real mistake is failing to learn from the experience. McArdle's editorials often look at current economic events in a way that dissects the issues insightfully. In the same way, this book looks at everything from bankruptcy, business cycles, failed movies, criminal probation, and hospital diagnosis, to poor reporting. She makes a point that the US bankruptcy system compliments the social stigma of bankruptcy by a code that is less punitive than it is in some other countries. This, she believes, encourages risk-taking and entrepreneurship. She also cleverly points to past relationships and compares them to the GM bailout. Her underlying argument is that, in both cases, individuals were too guided by past achievements to understand changes around them. As McArdle points out, “A resilient society lets you fail, and even lets the failure sting, but only for a moment. Then it helps you get back on track, and everyone reaps the benefit.” Her insights are both honest and well-reasoned. Much like writers such as Gladwell and Taleb, she is willing to question conventional thinking in an insightful and approachable manner that is tangible. Admirably, she does not distance her own life from examples of personal and professional mistakes, and what she learned encourages all to look within themselves to help explain our world. These qualities make for an excellent read, and I look forward to diving into her next work. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain is a very well written and insightful book on the qualities of those who are quiet.  I certainly can relate to many of the traits described by Cain.  We live in an extroverted world that rarely relents from its cacophonous sounds.  She does not dispute that human beings engage in social activity, but that quiet expression can have a deeper meaning.  This can take the form of talking in a small group or taking time for quiet reflection. She does not, “think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.” Cain argues that society can often overvalue the contributions of extroverts while the work of introverts is less noticed.  The increased volume and charisma of extroverts can lead the public and managers to be drawn to these figures.  However, she states that individuals who are seen as charismatic are not necessarily more effective at professional tasks.  She claims that this social preference is a mistake because introverts can be more perceptive of certain social conditions.  They can also be creative and develop new ideas during moments of solitude.  I enjoyed many aspects of this book, including the illustrations and insights. I also have to credit Cain for my interest in further exploring this topic with readings on solitude and creativity.  My dissertation writing practices were an attempt at understanding this relationship.“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni MorrisonNews: How math helps with COVID-19 testing: Nature TikTok and the response to possible restrictions in the US: Axios India back in lockdown:  Axios ….. I hope Caro finds out….. I wanted to pause and recognize the value of time spent reading.  Please feel free to share what books you have enjoyed lately in the comments.  As always, thank you for reading this newsletter.  It is fun to write, and I always appreciate the feedback please forward to friends. ~ Kevin Get on the email list at modlinglobal.substack.com

An incredible story about the deadly battle of Ganjigal, where Dakota Meyer earned the Medal Of Honor. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode of the Bill Bennett Podcast, Bill spoke with Bing West about the current dynamics in Afghanistan. Also Byron York joined Bill to discuss some of the latest headlines about the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Medved explains why he found Ted Cruz's carpet bombing remark at the GOP debate in Las Vegas troubling. Bill Bennett discusses with former assistant secretary of defense, Bing West, the lessons that we should learn from prior wars to fight today's war. Richard Brookhiser joined Dennis Prager to talk about his new book on Abraham Lincoln, "Founder's Son." Karl Rove talks about his latest book on President William McKinley with Dennis Prager. Bill Bennett speaks with columnist to the world, Mark Steyn, about the GOP debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did the Paris attacks happen? How can future attacks be stopped? Bill Bennett talks with Bing West, former assistant secretary of defense. Counter-terrorism expert and author Daveed Gartenstein joins Dennis Prager. New Speaker of the House Paul Ryan visits with Bill Bennett. Presidential contenders Ted Cruz, Chris Christie, and Carly Fiorina weigh in on the Paris attacks with hosts Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, and Mike Gallagher respectively. Does Islam have anything to do with the terrorist attacks in Paris? French media analyst Pilippe Karsenty joins Dennis Prager. Bill Bennett covers the latest on the temper tantrums of protesters at universities across the U.S. with Chris Long, president of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Dennis Prager wraps things up with his analysis on Obama's belief that global warming is a bigger threat than terrorism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Hewitt and Ted Cruz on Obama's non-deal with Iran. Michael Medved on Obama squaring Iran's "death to America" mantra. Bill Bennett and and Bing West on Obama's inability to deal with aggressive Iranian war ships. Hewitt and John Kasich on Kasich's possible run in '16. Medved with Jeb Bush on why he would make a good president. Hewitt and Rick Perry's on Perry's credentials if he decides to run in '16. Prager on the non-terrorist Muslims throwing numerous Christians overboard and murdering them because they prayed to God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Bennett and combat vet Bing West on the assassination of U.S. General Greene in Iraq. Dennis Prager on the potential Kurdistan target from ISIS. Mark Larson and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.—Ron Dermer. Israel PM Netanyahu's defends his country's strategy and tactics. Michael Medved on the CNN/Wolf Blitzer confrontation with Hamas Spokesman and "Blood Libel" believer, Osama Hamdan. Hugh Hewitt with Arizona gubernatorial candidate, Doug Ducey. Edward Lucas discusses his latest book, "The New Cold War" with Medved. Bill Bennett and David Gelernter on America's lack of resolve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I heard this book was blurbed by Bing West, I said, “Say no more, just send me a copy”. Well, that was a good decision. I learned a ton about the Vietnam War reading this book. It is very much written from the perspective of the Vietcong, using an amazing amaount of original source material. The title, Grab Their Belts to Fight Them, had a double meaning for me after finishing the book. Obviously, it is a reference to close quarters, hand-to-hand combat. It also speaks to the Vietcong’s desire for decisive victory. I was glad to have been introduced to this book and to have the opportunity to speak with author Warren Wilkins about it. Here is the overview from Amazon, "In 1965, despite pronounced disadvantages in firepower and mobility, the Communist Vietnamese endeavored to crush South Vietnam and expel the American military with a strategy for a quick and decisive victory predicated not on guerrilla but big-unit war. Warren Wilkins chronicles the formation, development, and participation of the Viet Cong in the opening phase of the big-unit war and shows how the failure of that strategy profoundly influenced the decision to launch the Tet Offensive. Unlike most books on the war, this one provides an authentic account from the Communist perspective, with the author drawing on memoirs, unit histories, and battlefield studies to reconstruct the formation and deployment of major military units, battles and campaigns, and the strategic debates that informed the big unit war. Published in cooperation with the Association of the United States Army" The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.