World's 911 Force

Although presented as a new idea, the U.S. Military has always done humanitarian missions. Even as I type this post, the talented and brave citizens that protect us all are operating around the globe, providing humanitarian assistance. The U.S. Military is drilling wells, building schools, delivering supplies, and training local security forces. This should not be news to U.S. citizens. Unfortunately good news isn't sexy.

Report: Climate Change Could Warrant U.S. Military Action

Accounted For!

The Navy has finally accounted for CAPT Michael Speicher. Of course, I have mixed feelings. I think that knowing is the most important thing.

Remains of U.S. Pilot Missing 18 Years in Iraq Found

MI5 and the Al Qaeda Connection

If this is true; this is bad news. It kind of makes me wonder if MI5 can make this mistake...certainly we can. But I also see a flip side...you know,"keep your enemies close."

Did MI5 Recruit Al Qaeda Infiltrators?

The Problem with PowerPoint

Having been in the Military for a number of years, I find it odd how PowerPoint has invaded almost every facet of the Military operation. It is no longer acceptable to be just a good operator, you have to be able to produce a "professional" PowerPoint confirmation brief. It makes me wonder how much of my career has been wasted producing these briefs.

A Marine Corps Colonel once told me that a brief must be "clear, concise and most importantly brief." Of course this same guy orchestrated an 8 hour informational brief. I don't know about that.

PowerPoint in itself is not evil, it is just a tool. But like any tool it can be used for evil purposes. In this case those purposes are for the creation of the "staff officer." I've overheard these creatures discussing the finer points of "slide-ology" at the DFAC. I've even picked up a few pointers.

Anyways, a post over at the Red Team Journal got me thinking about PowerPoint. Check it out:
“Dumb-Dumb Bullets” and Information Processing

Opinion Forum

It was a pleasant surprise a few days ago, when I happened upon Opinion Forum. This site is run by Tom Carter, who is a much better writer and thinker than me. He has a good stable to writers over there with a variety of view points. Another plus is that they are all mostly from Texas, so it is like a old home week for me. I don't think that it will be long and I'll be retired and back in Texas...then I'll have to find a real job.

Anyways, check it out.