Commentary Search

  • When preparation meets opportunity

    An inside look at the public affairs development team as they shape the career field through individual Reserve Officer Development Plans.

  • When Stealing is OK

    My name is Colonel Pat Miller, and I am a professional thief. I have been doing it for 19 years, and I’m not worried about being caught.

  • Great night’s sleep naturally

    Under normal circumstances, the typical American is under constant stress to perform at home and work. In our world, we don’t deal with the “typical” American.

  • The importance of volunteerism

    There is no shortage of worthy not-for-profit organizations looking for industrious and intelligent people to assist them with their missions. Many of them cannot function without volunteers. As a military member and veteran, I encourage joining veterans organizations.

  • Reconciling Free Speech

    As members of the military, it can be challenging to navigate where our rights as private citizens stop and the obligations of the oaths we swore to uphold start.

  • Reflections on a nearly 40 year career

    Cold, nervous, and somewhat excited. But I was also ready.It was Jan 1977 as I sat in the airport waiting for the plane to take me to Lackland AFB, TX for what the Air Force calls “Basic Training.” My recruiter Doug (Double) Decker told me the Air Force would teach all of us recruits how to work as

  • Leading fearlessly and openly

    Col. Scott L. McLaughlin, 446th Airlift Wing Commander, writes about how much the military has changed regarding diversity and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) inclusion among our armed forces.

  • What I Want to Be When I Grow Up

    As a young smart aleck, when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my favorite response was, "A firetruck." I enjoyed the reactions I would get from that answer. Despite that joking response, I recognized the importance of the question and how much the answer could influence the

  • WWII West Point grad's perspective on terrorism, ISIL

    With the last surviving members of World War II averaging in their mid-nineties, I often wonder what thoughts these heroes may have about the evolution of war since the 1940s and the rise in terrorism.In the 70 years since WWII, America has fought in multiple wars and operations. It's safe to say

  • Serving: not only my duty, but also my privilege

    I am 37 years old and my biggest regret in life is that I didn't go to the White Stripes concert in Birmingham Alabama in 2008, and now they aren't touring together anymore. What does that say about me? Have I lived charmed life, or are my priorities way out of whack? I'll let others decide that but