Olaf Bayer’s Post

Learn about applying military dedication in the civilian world with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, who believed in accomplishing more. The constraints of the military fueled his desire for something more. It was about wanting more for himself and pushing beyond limitations. #MilitaryMindset #CivilianSuccess Full Episode- https://lnkd.in/g-MAwFN9

“You can’t get ahead if you’re always starting over." - Jennifer Goodale. Great article expressing the struggle of military spouses creating and sustaining their own careers. Well done, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). I'd like to highlight an additional valuable resource: the FourBlock Military Spouse Career Readiness program. Although it doesn't focus on policy or legislation, this program empowers military spouses by helping them define their career visions and build the necessary toolkit to achieve their goals. Often, military spouses put their own aspirations on hold to support the military's needs, leading to a loss of personal identity. The collaboration with Prepare to Launch U reignites their confidence, helps them recognize their talents, and equips them to advocate for themselves in the workplace. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gbex3bBu #MilitarySpouses #MilitarySpouseEmployment

Today, we celebrate the courage and loyalty of our K9 Veterans! Did you know that March 13 commemorates the birth of the United States K9 Corps in 1942, formed for the first military dogs who served during World War II? Their loyalty and bravery will always be remembered. Read these articles to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gn_XAb2M https://lnkd.in/ghbrDJz3 #K9Heroes

"Child care accessibility, identified as a problem back in the Army’s 1990 analysis and raised as a key recommendation in the new Quality of Life Panel report, is also getting a closer look." Go ahead and take a look at that MOAA article (yes I ctrl+f for child care before reading any articles) One of the biggest hurdles in the type of advocacy that we do through Operation Child Care Project is the additional burden of explaining why there is a problem. Organizations that help homeless veterans find housing don't have to explain why veteran homelessness is an issue; it is understood. Organizations that set up food boxes/pantries/support don't have to explain why hungry soldiers are an issue; it is understood. VSO organizations focused on increasing healthcare access to disabled veterans don't have to explain why they need healthcare; it is understood. Child care touches everything. We see it affect enlisted and officer families and their ability to serve their country and their families. We see it as a primary barrier to transitioning veterans who find themselves without assistance programs to close the gap with their new salary. The list of situations is endless. It has been highlighted since the 1990s, and we are still educating on its impact. One thing I am grateful for is that the conversations I am having today are much different than the ones I was having seven years ago. When I bring up childcare policy considerations, I am no longer redirected to "ask the local FRG how they can help." I see more organizations like Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Military Family Advisory Network digging in on what needs to change to fit our modern families. The conversations with families will never get easier, but the barriers to advocating for them are getting smaller.

Many southern historical forts in the United States were erected to strengthen U.S. defenses in light of losses experienced during the War of 1812. The majority of those that survived the following decades played significant roles during the Civil War. Here are 16 historical forts to visit in the U.S. South. 16 Historical Forts in to Visit in the South - Military Connection https://bit.ly/3BmgUAB

What the Navy can learn from civilians. My friend Jonathan Russo alerted me to the fascinating story of the building of the Empire State, and we wrote this article together for the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal. We believe that despite the significant differences between warships and commercial vessels, the Navy can still learn some important lessons from the private sector. You can read the piece here: https://lnkd.in/eXMf2Tkm

Past and Present #2. Watch this great video with our Curator and submarine veterans talking about the transition from diesel submarines to the first nuclear boats. If the Resolution class of the 1960s felt different, what will they make of the Dreadnought Class when it arrives?

A good dit for those interested.

June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 🇺🇸 In 2022, there were 297,592 World War II veterans living in the United States, out of the 16.1 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during the war. Learn more about #DDay and World War II with #CensusData and records: https://lnkd.in/dgHNuew #ACSdata #CensusHistory #OTD #OnThisDayInHistory

I recently ran across Cunliffe's Soldiers & Civilians. It has a pretty good discussion about the conflicts of between an amateur and professional approach to national defense. It is rare to see both arguments considered Captain Alden Partridge's theories presented. I think he misses the mark as I believe what an "amateur" represents may have been incorrectly applied in many cases. For example, is a part-time National Guard Soldier an amateur or a professional? If they are considered amateurs, why do Guard units often outperform Active Duty units. If these part-time National Guard are considered professionals, how are graduates of Norwich University (under the design of Captain Alden Partridge) not also considered professional? I think the amateur vs. professional argument is largely oversimplified and often misapplied. https://amzn.to/3RM9MWD #ad Norwich University #USMA #Militia #Army