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116-year Army Streamer Error Continues

116-year Army Streamer Error Continues
Streamer Spelling Error I only gained a deeper understanding of the United States Army major battles and the campaign streamers that they represent when I had the privilege to edit and update the book U.S. Army Campaign Streamers: Colors of Courage Since 1775. As a Senior Fellow for the non-profit Association of the United States Army and volunteering to serve... Read More

Do We Really Need a Parade?

Do We Really Need a Parade?
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced he would like to see a large military parade, similar to one he watched in France on Bastille Day. It’s something he’d previously expressed his desire for, but in January, he directed his top generals to organize the grand event he’s been imagining. While his exact motivations are unclear, other than he likes... Read More

What’s it like having an approved Defense Budget?

What’s it like having an approved Defense Budget?
Finally! It looks like a coming boom for defense buyers and defense contractors, it looks like we have a defense budget approved. This month has brought both a solution to the long-lasting defense spending freeze with the Administration’s proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year. Hearing all these headlines and news bites in passing can be confusing to know what’s... Read More

Inconsistency of writing non-commissioned officer versus noncommissioned officer

Inconsistency of writing non-commissioned officer versus noncommissioned officer
Non-Commissioned Officer vs. Noncommissioned Officer To hyphenate, or not to hyphenate—that is the question at hand today. So there it is, you’re a noncommissioned officer, and now you have to write out your new job title. How do you write it? Is it noncommissioned officer or non-commissioned officer? Some might argue that it simply depends on who you ask. Other,... Read More

Thank You For Your Service: Respecting Those In Uniform, And The Entire Organization They Represent

Thank You For Your Service: Respecting Those In Uniform, And The Entire Organization They Represent
DOD LGBT Pride Month event celebration cake. The celebration was held on the Pentagon Courtyard, June 8, 2016. The event is an opportunity for the entire DOD community to come together and celebrate the great diversity of the American people in a festive, affirming atmosphere. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation, May 31, 2016, designating June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual... Read More

Increased pay is vital to recruiting and troop retention

Increased pay is vital to recruiting and troop retention
Increased pay is vital to recruiting and troop retention Employee retention is hard for any company. When even Forbes 500 companies spend time brainstorming ways to keep their best and brightest, it’s no surprise that the military could stand to do the same sort of soul-searching.   Retaining military service members has its own brand of unique challenges, but, when... Read More

Does Holiday Exodus impact soldier training?

Does Holiday Exodus impact soldier training?
Does Holiday Exodus impact soldier training? Another year has come and gone, sending us all back to schools, jobs, and obligations we’ve put off to be with family—or maybe binge watch our favorite TV show. Do you remember what you were doing that final day in the office of 2017? I know I don’t—except for maybe willing the time to... Read More

Excessive Training Pulls Service Members Away From Core Military Tasks Before Deployment

Excessive Training Pulls Service Members Away From Core Military Tasks Before Deployment
Excessive Training Pulls Service Members Away From Core Military Tasks Before Deployment We’ve all been there—you find yourself sitting through yet another IT safety powerpoint training. Soldiers aren’t interested, you aren’t interested and yet requirements for this sort of mindless training continue to eat up space on an increasingly crowded training calendar. You wonder if there is a better way... Read More

Live and Lead with Authenticity

Live and Lead with Authenticity
Our founder Dan Elder was a contributor to this latest book project, this one includes his insights on How to Live and Lead with Authenticity. Since 2007, more than 10,000 leaders have benefited from the True Growth leader development experience. Their team of facilitators and coaches are committed to helping leaders embrace the transformational power of authenticity to improve themselves and the lives... Read More

Taming Technology

Taming Technology
In this connected world, today’s military Leaders may often find themselves distracted in a sea of technology. One moment we are turning on our first computer with excitement and the next we are juggling multiple unit-issued phones, tablets and personal devices, computer email on multiple secure open and private networks, and social media requirements that can all lead to “digital... Read More

Why do we sing in formation?

Why do we sing in formation?
You can thank Pvt. Willie Duckworth. The tech manual for marching is FM 3-21.5 (FM 22-5 for you old farts), and it says: Sing In Formation “To enable soldiers to learn or maintain cadence and develop rhythm, the instructor should have them count cadence while marching. a. To count cadence while marching at quick time, the instructor gives the preparatory command, Count... Read More

An Excerpt: Advice from the Veterans Hiring Toolkit

An Excerpt: Advice from the Veterans Hiring Toolkit
America’s Heroes at Work — Veterans Hiring Toolkit Did You Know? Many civilian employers have admitted challenges when it comes to evaluating a Veteran during a job interview. This is often because Veterans have difficulty explaining how their military experience relates to the needs of the civilian employer. Additionally, while Veterans will be quick to praise their team or unit,... Read More

Episode #18, Caring Leaders

Episode #18, Caring Leaders
In this month’s podcast, we highlight that Army finally beats Navy and a new Secretary of Army is proposed. The podcast topic this month is about caring leadership and we offer tips to consider to ensure that your actions match your statements. I talk about 5 considerations Army noncommissioned officer should consider when it comes to building enriched relationships with subordinate,... Read More