“If your bayonet breaks, strike with the stock; if the stock gives way, hit with your fists; if your fists are hurt, bite with your teeth.”— General Dragomirov I came across this quote while touring the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Officer Candidate School’s Family Day – the moment I finally got to … Learn More
Go to any military base and outside its gates you’ll find three things: strip bars, pawn shops, and tattoo parlors. I want to talk about that last one. The Loyalty Test Inside, artists know exactly what’s coming as soon as liberty hits: a wave of eager, excited, and sometimes slightly drunk servicemembers ready to prove … Learn More
There’s a sadistic little saying in the Marine Corps: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, because my son Judge is in his fifth week of Officer Candidate School. But before I get to that, let me take you back a few years. When Judge was a freshman … Learn More
Dear Judge, Remember running the 400m? Rounding that last corner and feeling like your chest is about to explode, and your legs are weighted down by cinder blocks? You’ve lost the adrenaline you had at the starting line as you were sizing up the other runners – who’s got it in them, who you’re going … Learn More
When my son called me from Officer Candidate School to report that he’d made it to Quantico, I told him I loved him — and then I said something that surprised me: “Keep your honor clean.” It’s a line from The Marines’ Hymn. I knew he’d be singing it every night before lights out with … Learn More
