Author Archives: Starbuck

Let’s face it: policy wonks inside the DC beltway love to peddle the latest tactical innovation.  There really are few true strategists. So how do you become an elite strategist?  Just follow these easy steps! Prove your credentials as a … Continue reading →

Every so often, bright young officers, often frustrated by the US military’s often soul-crushing bureaucracy, turn to the private sector for inspiration.  Businesses seem fascinating to government employees–the private sector is in a constant state of competition, and presumably, only … Continue reading →

Yesterday, I had the honor of saying a final farewell to a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, one whom I had just met not two weeks ago.  The day came with a curious twist, courtesy of Inge Bakker, European … Continue reading →

35 years ago today, Star Wars was released in theaters.  (And yes, Han shot first) Relive the orignal Star Wars:

Blogging will resume when I get my household goods.  That means I’ll be back up and running no later than June 7th. PS–Never use your iPad as a desktop replacement.

I’ve arrived in sunny San Antonio, Texas, where I’ve begun a job which will put my writing skills to good use. It’s because of my job that I will be unable to attend the 2012 Milblog Conference.  (And, if half … Continue reading →

And WOI’s 2012 Milbloggie nominees are: Best Army Blogs: Doctrine Man PowerPoint Ranger The Barefoot Strategist Best US Military Veteran Blogs: On Violence VAntage Point Best US Reporter Blogs: Line of Departure (Military.com) The Best Defense (Foreign Policy) Danger Room (Wired) At War … Continue reading →

We weren’t named a “COIN blog to read” by Columbia Journalism Review for nothing: I’ll be “in transit” until I arrive in the US on the 24th.  Posting will be light ’till then.

Over the last two years, the Army’s had no shortage of proverbial “strategic knuckleheads“: alleged WikiLeaker Bradley Manning; the “Afghan Kill Squad”; and most recently, a soldier charged with murdering seventeen Afghan civilians. Striking in many of these cases is … Continue reading →

I have certified all facts in this video as 100% accurate. (Slightly NSFW language)