Author: Braxton Taylor
The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to [email protected] for consideration.Earlier this year, speaking at a press conference in Qatar, President Donald Trump categorically declared that “nobody can beat us.” He continued, “We have the strongest military in the world, by far. Not China, not Russia, not anybody!”We do have a strong military, but we are woefully unprepared to fight a modern war. That’s because, despite all of the major technological advances in warfighting…
Shortly after striking his head on the ground upon landing, Navy fighter pilot Anthony Roy began to collect pieces of airplane.As he did, a family that had witnessed his descent in a parachute approached him. With Roy’s arms full of plane fragments, the curious onlookers inquired about his well-being.”They get out [of their car], like, ‘Are you OK?’ ‘Yeah, I’m OK,'” Roy recounted in a recent episode of The Fighter Pilot Podcast. “‘You’re in shock.’ ‘I’m not in shock.'”Roy hesitated for a brief second before acknowledging the truth.”Obviously, I was in shock.”Roy chuckled at the absurdity of surviving a fatal…
The National Guard’s role in law enforcement throughout the country could expand under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday.The order requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to create a specialized unit within the D.C. National Guard “dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the nation’s capital.”Hegseth also is charged with establishing “a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained and available for rapid nationwide deployment.”Read Next: M18s Cleared for Use by Air Force Global Strike Command Following Airman’s DeathThe Pentagon did not immediately have more details on its plans to implement the…
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing state National Guard units to be ready to assist local, state and federal law enforcement, a potential step toward a dramatic expansion of Trump’s use of military personnel for domestic policing.The order calls for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure troops in the National Guard of every state “are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety” and directs the secretary to establish “a standing National Guard quick reaction force” for “nationwide deployment.”Hegseth will also work with adjutant generals…
Recruits face several goalposts when entering a military program that involves swimming and diving. First, they must pass a fitness test to be accepted for the training and master various pool skills for a typical 500-yard or 500-meter swim.These candidates include everyone from swimmers to divers, as well as Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC), Navy SEALs, Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) and Recon/MARSOC members.Building a requisite level of swimming conditioning and water confidence for these programs takes time, patience and consistent time in the water.Here is how to structure your workouts so you can successfully prepare for these programs:Warm-UpI recommend making swimming…
For years, I’ve watched the Pentagon’s innovation process with the same mixture of frustration and respect that a coach feels for a team with immense potential but a flawed game plan. So when I heard the news that the Defense Secretary is considering dismantling the JCIDS process, I didn’t see an act of destruction; I saw an opportunity for a profound transformation.My career, from my time leading the U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) in a combat zone to my work today, has been a master class in the painful realities of defense acquisition. The current system is a leviathan,…
Creatine monohydrate is among the most popular and widely researched dietary supplements globally. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts, among others, use it as they seek to enhance physical performance and muscle growth.Its reputation is built on decades of scientific research and practical results, making it a common addition to sports nutrition routines and even daily health regimens for older adults. I have seen mixed results when athletes undergoing rigorous special operations-level training take creatine. These athletes typically are still competing in high school or collegiate sports programs but attend a Special Warfare exposure weekend or screening, such as what the U.S.…
As an affiliate partner Military.com earns from qualifying purchases.Military families are always on the go. But traveling expenses can add up quickly.From PCS moves, to post-deployment vacations, to family road trips, traveling is always better when you can find ways to make it more affordable.Whether you’re traveling by air, by land or by sea, there are lots of ways to use military discounts and benefits.Travel by AirOne fun way to travel is to fly Space Available or Space A. Service members, retirees and their families can fill seats on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft that aren’t filled by space-required (duty) passengers…
Your work in the military may have revolved around munitions, mechanics, radio controls or personnel management. Now you’re seeking a civilian career in people management or manufacturing or systems design, and artificial intelligence (AI) keeps coming up in conversations.Do you really need to know about AI to compete effectively for jobs?The short answer is yes. Today, regardless of your background and field of expertise, an understanding of Generative AI (GenAI) tools and impact is helpful. While you may not be expected to have an expert-level understanding of prompt engineering or deep learning architectures, if asked a question about your use…
Readiness starts at “the foundry”—the U.S. Navy’s shipyards, training centers, shore facilities, weapons production lines, and logistics networks—the incoming chief of naval operations said Monday at the Washington Navy Yard.“For too long, we’ve treated this interconnected network of force generation as background noise. No longer,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle as he assumed command as the 34th chief of naval operations Monday morning. “From reducing maintenance delays to ensuring spare parts and ordnance flow on time, the foundry will become the engine of naval dominance.”Caudle most recently led the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command, where the term has been in use for…