Kessel Run’s Post

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California, caused by the detonation of over 2,000 tons of munitions, killed 320 people, mostly African American sailors, and injured over 390. A month after the explosions sailors still experienced unsafe working conditions refused to unload ammo ships, and 50 were charged with mutiny. Multiple administrations were involved in reviewing the case and in 2000 a federal judge fully exonerated those who were convicted. This year, on the 80th anniversary of the explosion the US Navy has overturned their courts martial and awarded them an honorable discharge. The experiences of our fathers, and grandfathers in their military service shape our own opinion of whether or not to serve. We look at the conditions they lived through, and conduct of their leaders. Our generation of service members are continuing to try to make our military better to ensure that younger folks want to serve. As many friends, mentors and fellow veterans say it is a successful veteran who is the best recruiter. Those who are in leadership positions now must understand the impact of their actions on all decisions we make for those who are in our chains of command. I understand the challenges commanders face when service members request time away from units for #skillbridge or other programs. It could effective the operational effectiveness of the unit, but what will effect it more is not enough people joining the military. Leadership is choosing the hard right, over the easy wrong. People are always important and should be treated with dignity and respect. 80 years later, I am glad to see this decision by the Navy. #militaryservice #leadership #friday #usnavy #veterans

The Department of Defense, overseeing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Space Force, has an imponderably inefficient civilian, military, and naval service bureaucracy. It cannot adequately supply sufficient arms, ammunition, or other critical equipment, or house the members of the Armed Forces or their families; it cannot convince the best of its junior officers to retain their commissions, recruit new members or retain its existing members in sufficient numbers to support the meager force structure of just five years ago. The agencies and capabilities that are directly involved with warfighting are diminishing, while other agencies seeking an undefinable equity in the DoD grow and are becoming the pervasive advocates of the DoD agenda. Yet one small part of the organization is demonstrating the ultimate equity of merit, capability, and participation. One standard, for all requirements, that is not encumbered by allowances for biological sex, age, or anything else. It’s the Ranger standard at the Army Infantry School Ranger Department. Some 140+ women have now completed the DoD’s most challenging leadership school. Where everyone meets the same standard. Perhaps the DoD should start over with that mindset. One Standard for All. It would certainly end all the internecine bickering over who and what is most important. (Picture is from the public domain. I do not own the rights to this picture of a Ranger School graduate.)

Did you know that the US has aggressor squadrons in the United States Air Force, US Navy, and United States Marine Corps? These pilots simulate tactics used by other countries during exercises. Below is a video of an F-16 (aggressor) vs a pair of F-15s to show you what I mean. Hasard Lee also has videos like this on YouTube; I recommend you check them out! #veterans #veteransupport #veteranshelpingveterans

Veteran talent goes far, far beyond technical expertise and the ability to follow a command. Military service cultivates a wealth of diverse experiences and transferable talents that manufacturers are just crying out for! In the latest episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we sat down with Retired LtCol, USAF, Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, who tells us why we need more veterans in manufacturing and how to ensure your organization is veteran-ready! For more excellent conversations, updates, and unique insights into the manufacturing industry, sign up for our newsletter today! #veterantalent #manufacturingcareers #veteranretention

Great to see the picture of the new recruits from the 64th annual St. Louis Cardinals Company. Our 66th St. Louis Cardinals Company will be sworn in at the June 13 St. Louis Cardinals game. The DOD and services also need to review the DOD instruction on permanently disqualifying (PDQ) issues and develop new policies based on modern military medicine and treatment. There is a benefit to recruiting more by reevaluating the DOD PDQ instruction. Additionally, empowering the senior officers in charge of each service’s recruiting command with greater waiver authorities would be a significant step forward. Navy, Marine Corps Focus on Smaller Eligible Population As Recruitment Problems Mount - USNI News https://lnkd.in/gFvTtndD https://lnkd.in/gZDaPvpe

General Mark A. Milley is the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff USA Army. Geostrategic competition and rapidly advancing technology are driving fundamental changes to the character of war. Our opportunity to ensure that we maintain an enduring competitive advantage is fleeting. We must modernize the Joint Force to deter our adversaries, defend the United States, ensure future military advantage, and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. The Joint Force has taken the first step by developing and publishing the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC) and updating Joint Publication 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. The JWC is a joint, combined vision for how the U.S. military will operate across all domains. The next step is to create a leadership structure that turns concepts into capabilities. The Joint Force must make fundamental changes now to win the next war and, by doing so, we will deter the war from happening in the first place.

Some interesting little facts behind our Four Branches Bourbon 4 logo. It’s more than just a number. #fourbranchesbourbon #army #navy #marines #airforce #specialoperations #bourbonwhiskey #veteranownedbusiness