Mission: I am dedicated to promoting books, articles, videos, ideas, research, and excellent audio content in martial (military) studies. I see military studies ranging from tactics on the battlefield to national strategy. Additionally, it is important to study art, politics, philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology, and a range of subject in order to develop one’s mind.
About me: I served as an active duty Marine Corps infantry officer for eight years and served in the Marine Corps Reserve for two years. I wanted to set up the blog and podcast as a way to improve my studies. But, I also realized that it was selfish to keep the knowledge to myself. I want to share what I learn with others and inspire people, both inside and outside the military to take martial studies seriously. I am not a war hawk, an ideologue, and I do not try to be partisan or “political.” I recognize that I have cognitive biases that influence my scholarship on a number of subjects. However, I am committed to learning and gaining insights wherever I find them. I like to be proven wrong. What do I mean by that? I like when I think one thing, but have the pleasure of being confronted with facts and opinions that might challenge what I think is true. In that respect, I am committed to breaking the many cognitive distortions that prevent creative and strategic thinking. The world appears both simple and complex at the same time. Thus, it is important to study, think, and challenge our beliefs in a way that is decent and respectful.
Core Principles:
- Leadership. Provide thoughtful insights and analysis to shape future military leaders and planners.
- Information. Be a resource for the best books and ideas to help shape intelligent martial thinking.
- Civil-Military Engagement. Help civilians gain a better understanding of the military and military thinking.
- History. Recognize that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat the mistakes. I am committed to learning history.
Resources (a short list):
- The Marine Corps Commandant’s Reading List.
- Former Secretary of Defense and retired General James Mattis (USMC-R) put out a reading list when he was CENTCOMM Commander, here is the list published in the Small Wars Journal. Another reading list published on Task and Purpose, it is a list of 30 books recommended for military leaders. Additionally, Goodreads published a list of 76 books recommended by Mattis.