Whom should we blame when leaders lie to us? We have just experienced another public bonfire where taxpayer dollars were set ablaze because a provincial premier, for purely selfish political reasons, fanned the flames of separatism. This is a form of collective insanity. There are manifold reasons why separatists in this country believe that their provinces would be better off outside of Confederation. Both are … Continue reading When Leaders Lie
Today’s title refers to a description of the Spanish-American War used by John Hay, the American Ambassador to the UK in a letter to Theodore Roosevelt in 1898. Roosevelt had formed and trained the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry and famously led them in a charge up San Juan Hill. Hay chose that description because he thought the war was very short (almost three months) and … Continue reading “Splendid Little Wars”
In this episode Marty and I revisit life-changing milestones — recruit camp, meeting spouses, parenthood — and how those experiences remade them. I describe the slow, profound shift from expecting a civilian engineering path to falling in love with military life, and the instant camaraderie forged in recruit barracks that turned strangers into lifelong brothers. Together, we contrast youthful expectations with mature perspective, exploring how … Continue reading Marty and Chuck’s Latest
I do not normally do this but this podcast is important to all Canadians and especially if you live in Alberta or have friends/family in that province. Please take a few minutes and listen to Patrick Lennox being interviewed. Continue reading Unusual Clarity
The military is often called the world’s oldest profession. This attempt at humour contains a grain of truth, one which highlights key aspects of human nature. Sadly, war has been an enduring characteristic of all human societies. Over the millennia, the nature of war, like human nature, has remained constant even as the nature of warfare has changed century to century, year to year and … Continue reading On Infantry
Jaw Jaw is Better Than War War Attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, this title quote, although incorrect,[1] is meant to imply that it is better for countries to have open discussions than it is to physically attack each other. However the citation is phrased, most of us can agree with the sentiment. If we can avoid killing by talking, then that should be the preferred … Continue reading Jaw Jaw is Better Than War War
In this podcast episode, hosts Marty and I delve into the complex topic of ethics. We explore what defines ethics, emphasizing the importance of doing the right thing even when unobserved. The conversation takes a turn towards military training, where we discuss a case study involving a U.S. Army battalion retooling from infantry to armour. The dilemma faced by a divisional commander, between demonstrating true … Continue reading Marty and Chuck’s Latest Chat
In 1967 John Lennon wrote Strawberry Fields Forever where he sings, “Living is easy with eyes closed; Misunderstanding all you see.” As a boy, I didn’t quite understand it. It now seems prophetic. I have mentioned the term hubris multiple times in my writing. In Greek mythology, the goddess Hubris represents the personification of insolence, reckless pride, arrogance, and outrageous behavior. She’s the perfect foil … Continue reading Misunderstanding All You See
I have written about this before, but it is a topic worth reconsidering. I often listen to podcasts done by Professor Scott Gallaway. Recently he used an analogy that I liked regarding the relationship between Canada and the US. He said that Canada had been in an abusive relationship and decided, however painful, that it had to leave. Just as in personal abusive relationships, the … Continue reading Superpower Suicide
In this episode, the we delve into the complexities of military leadership, focusing on the balance between honest and performative leadership styles. We explore the challenges faced by military leaders in different branches, highlighting the importance of blending authenticity with the necessary performance required for commanding troops. The discussion also touches upon the evolution of engagement in military culture and the critical role of fostering … Continue reading Marty and Chuck’s Latest Podcast
