Blog Posts

“Don’t buy their propaganda of ‘retaliation’ for Western strikes in Syria. The jihadist group has larger ambitions in Germany and France.”

Islamic State is arguably more dangerous and effective than Al-Qaeda ever was. It is also potentially the next stage of evolution for a radical, violent form of Salafism that has been developing.

"As the world body scrambles to fulfill its commitments, it is recruiting some peacekeepers from militaries that have records of abuse or serve repressive governments."

“It wasn’t that long ago that the Pentagon was talking about taking down ISIS’s strongholds ASAP. Now, victory might not come until late 2018. Maybe.”

"At the core of the Islamic State’s global success - and vulnerability - is a peculiar blend of theological boldness and criminal opportunism."

"U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has asked two Cabinet departments for the names of government officials working on programs to counter violent extremism."

Western security officials are increasingly worried that the Islamic State terror group may be a step ahead of their renewed efforts to stop terrorist infiltration of their countries.

Our greatest gifts are the faceless, nameless Grunts that have made and kept our history and propelled us to our present situation of unparalleled prosperity and security.

“U.S. forces assisting Iraqi troops to retake Mosul from Islamic State are embedding more extensively, a move that could accelerate a two month-old campaign.”

During Christmas, it’s quite common to receive a gift in a box. An Infantryman’s life is defined by boxes. They carry, they feed, they arm, they sustain and they contain.

"Embattled Islamic State is still managing to maintain a propaganda machine that inspires violence among its far-flung followers."

"The fall of Aleppo just weeks before Barack Obama leaves office is a fitting stamp on his Middle East policy of retreat and withdrawal."

Senator John McCain: “Obama has borne witness to all of this, and more, and done nothing to stop it.”

“Far too much of the US effort is centered around the immediate threat from ISIS, and the external threat it poses to the US homeland and Europe. Far too few in the US understand the importance of the strategic partnerships the US has forged.”

A willingness to place more agency in the hands of operators could provide breakthrough opportunities and flexibility for Special Operations Forces as they continue to combat terrorism.

Every December 7 for the past 16 years, Colombian soldiers from the National Army's Special Anti-drug Brigade (BRCNA) have gathered in Larandia, Florencia for an end-of-year ceremony.

"The new initiative seeks to fill some of the gaps in social media and tech companies’ policies toward online extremism."

"Millions of dollars' worth of U.S.-supplied drones that Kiev had hoped would help in its war against Russian-backed separatists have proven ineffective against jamming and hacking."

The Defense Language and National Security Education Office dedicated the Foreign Area Officer heritage display on Dec. 12.

"The next secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, has the most difficult management challenge in American government."

Grunts live close to the earth. They become part of it. They see, feel and sense as others do not.

“In recent months, US and allied officials have sought to accelerate air operations in the IS campaign, but the pace remains slower than that of other recent conflicts.”

The EU’s lukewarm support is a step in the right direction, and a source of sorely-needed funding, but it is only one step in the CAR’s marathon to peace and stability.

"As the US military’s primary tool for addressing conflict 'outside of war,' SOF are at particular risk for misuse if current operational models are used as a guide."

"Billionaire New York businessman and Army veteran Vincent Viola is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to serve as the Army’s top civilian."