The U.S. Army is gripped by a specific kind of fear. We watch video footage from YouTube showing Ukrainian and Russian drone attacks. We see a technological gap widening faster …
CJO Series
As a second lieutenant, I was eager to prove myself and quick to label anyone who said something helpful as a “mentor.” Fast-forward to my initial counseling in my first …
Lessons from a Company Grade Officer on Deployed Joint Staff “You know how to spell joint, right? A-R-M-Y.” During my first few weeks working in the United States Central Command …
This isn’t a story about skipping PT. The head of our ROTC program caught me flat footed when I’d been one of a handful of cadets who had campaigned for …
The Value of Serving as an Observer, Coach, and Trainer at the Joint Readiness Training Center For officers who know the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) only through experiences as …
The Challenge and Opportunity Last year, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George, challenged the force to prioritize its focus and only do what makes the Army …
Benjamin Backsmeier (U.S. Army) and George Lynch-Staunton (British Army) September 25, 2025 The following are hard-earned lessons we hope will serve as guideposts for junior …
04 September 2025 Jacob Woodruff To the Future Ranger Student: The fabled 62-day crucible known as United States Army Ranger School is infamous for its grueling nature and high washout …
Sincerity. Reliability. Competence. Care. No matter your role as a company-grade officer, trust is foundational to a team’s success. Trust connects a leader’s intent to …
Intro I walked into LTC Tomi King’s office as a new 2LT in his formation. We discussed all the normal talking points in that initial counseling – family, where I …