Darden’s Post

Important day and a strong message delivered across the Maritime and Defence Industry. An improvement of the lived experience is desperately needed to encourage more personnel to join a thriving and exhilarating sector. Government’s 2050 Maritime Strategy is for 30% of the workforce to be female. Currently most organisations struggle to see double figures (standfast Royal Navy). We still struggle to see inclusion across the workforce with women frequently seen as being ‘less’ or a ‘nuisance’ through wishing for both family life and careers. The two are not mutually exclusive. I was one of those in my 20s who felt I just wanted to get on with my job and that everyone should be treated equally without getting involved in female specific organisations. I didn’t want to rock the boat and threw scorn on those who did. Now I am the one with humble pie finding myself with both childcare and career requirements. In the UK Merchant Navy >92% identify as white British male, more work needs to be done. I am proud of the work I do within the RFA as well as what I achieve in my seagoing career. It is better to inspire, empower and promote inclusion across the workforce to be stronger together.

We need change

"Resilient" is probably the most accurate word to describe this bunch of teens. Military kids don't choose their lifestyle, but they can make the active choice to get involved with their communities and make a difference. They're team captains, volunteers, club founders, and world travelers. Meet the winners in the link below and learn more about our Military Child of the Year Awards!

12 JULY 1862 – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR : On 12 July 1862, while the nation was engaged in the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the measure that called for a U.S. Army Medal of Honor, to be awarded in the name of Congress, “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.” Lincoln had approved a similar provision that created a U.S. Navy Medal of Valor, which provided the basis of the Army Medal of Honor created by Congress in July 1862. As noted, the Medal of Honor was originally intended to be an award to enlisted members, but in 1863, when the Medal of Honor became a permanent military decoration, it also became available to all members of the Armed Forces, including commissioned officers. The medal is reserved for recognizing those military personnel who have distinguished themselves by "conspicuous gallantry" in actual combat at the risk of life beyond the call of duty. Since its creation in 1862, more than 3,400 men and one woman of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard have received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions. The official name of the award is the Medal of Honor and is awarded by the president in the name of Congress. It is not "The Congressional Medal of Honor." The first U.S. Army recipients of the Medal of Honor were six members of a raiding party who penetrated deep into Confederate territory during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.

What is the difference between thinking tactically and thinking strategically? Everett Dolman defines thinking tactically as seeking culmination while thinking strategically seeks continuation. Thinking tactically seeks a conclusion and forces an adversary into limited options. It could also be organizing your group's means only towards a given "end." Thinking strategically seeks continuation. It seeks a position that provides a continuing advantage and keeping multiple options available. For me, the visualization of a tournament bracket to demonstrate tactical thinking and its reversal to understand strategic thinking was helpful. Business Strategy

Family Matters

🔔 Ring in the New Year with our live leadership series: ⭐️ Lessons Learned from a Maverick Navy Captain EVERYONE is invited to join the live chat! Salesforce | Trailhead | Trailhead by Salesforce | #Leadership

#BlackHistoryMonth: African Americans have served in the United States military since the nation’s founding. More than 5,000 Black Americans fought in the Revolutionary War, including the victory at Yorktown. After the Revolution, Black Americans were for the most part excluded from military service until they volunteered to serve during the War of 1812. After this war, they were again barred from service. Then, during the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that they could join the United States armed forces. Over 186,000 Black Soldiers, including 94,000 former slaves from Southern states, served in the Union Army. After the Civil War, African Americans were allowed to remain in the armed forces, and gradually their opportunities expanded. For example, in 1884, African American William Hallett Greene became the first Black man to enlist in the Signal Corps, which was uncommon because before this Congress restricted Black Soldiers to infantry and cavalry regiments. Over 360,000 African Americans served in the military during World War I, more than 1.3 million served during World II, about 600,000 during the Korean War, about 300,000 during the Vietnam War, and over 100,000 during Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm. One of the Army’s sources of strength is its ability to bring together people of different races and cultures who share common values like loyalty, duty, and self-sacrifice. Learn more about African Americans serving in the U.S. Army and the Signal Corps: https://lnkd.in/eb4dbxzn https://lnkd.in/eWMTj5ag #USArmySignalCorps #Signalcorps #USARMY @US_CYBERCOM @ARCYBER @armyfutures @Signal_School @US_CYBERCOM @USArmyNETCOM

Maj Gen Roberson visited 7th Special Forces Group September 2022. During a town hall meeting, I pointed out the CDC recently stated there is no distinction between how vaxxed & unvaxxed individuals should be treated & that my religious exemption had been pending for a year. I then asked if there is any talk of removing the mandate. He responded, “have you heard of Novavax?,” to which I said, “yes sir, it uses aborted fetal cells too.” He seemed flustered at my retort. This led to a long answer on how if the US Army asks you to do something you should do it. That he doesn’t want to kick anyone out but will. That the Army is trying to find a middle ground with Novavax so the unvaxxed should take it. After that conversation I decided to leave the Army rather than wait for my exemption to get denied & risk receiving a less than honorable discharge. Even though MG Roberson probably had an amazing career for which I’m grateful, his response is indicative of careerism & moral weakness at the flag officer level. Generals facilitated in discharging & forcing out tens of thousands of service members & pushed an experimental drug after it had been shown to cause negative side effects. (See Karolina Stancik & Drew Outstanding) I ask that House Armer Services Committee Republicans hold a series of hearings to point out & fix problems from the VAX mandate & ensure it never happens again. DoD leaders should also take a hard look in the mirror to assess their part in this debacle that continues to weaken the force. Finally, please sign the DMA petition if you believe these leaders must be held accountable. Militaryaccountability.com