Topic: Reflections

Finding Peace in Lederhosen

A jaded Gulf War veteran needed a break, and found it in a small Bavarian town. A reflection by Dave Boe
Naylon on an operation in a village outside of Bagram, Afghanistan, 2014. Photo credit: Spc. Jamill Ford for U.S. Army

Leaders Are Forged as a Rocket Falls

In a time of crisis, initiative trumps authority when authority fails to lead.
An air traffic controller uses binoculars to look for birds or other hazards that can damage aircraft. Photo credit: Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Hudson

Losing “Pretty Girl” To “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

An investigation into an air traffic controller’s personal life in the era of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell felt like a rippling current of judgement.
The author on bridge watch as the Officer of the Deck, 2007-2009. Photo courtesy of Alison Maruca

Minding the Ship During a Storm of Poor Leadership

Even with sound decision-making by a capable and loyal team, the wrong leader can make any mission feel doomed.
Emily Miller celebrates National Coming Out Day at Harvard Business School with the school’s LGBT student association.

Gay Veteran Sees Racism as a Tougher Fight

All movements must include the fight against racism—and that looks different from other protests.
Barnhill said that sometimes military families look like pinups, but more often than not there is more to the story. She believes the entire family serves, not just the service member. Photo courtesy of Jean Jacobs.

A Military Spouse’s Journey From Annoyance to Advocacy

A military spouse seeks to change an antiquated narrative.

One Small Mistake, a Helicopter Crash, and a Combat Memorial

One small mistake causes the unnecessary death of a Cobra pilot in a combat zone.

“Hellraisers,” Tinder Dates, and the Curse of the White Cloud

All he wanted was to see combat. Fortunately, he missed out.

A Lesser-Known Group At Risk of Suicide—Children of Servicemembers

Military kids can suffer from emotional stressors that left unaddressed can increase their risk of taking their own lives.