Team Red, White & Blue’s Post

Wars fought on a grand scale with global consequences are made up of countless smaller battles and events. For the men who fought, bled, and died in them they are not small--those little pieces of war--and the personal aftermath and their effect is beyond measure. One such battle pitted a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) battalion of 700+ men against the men of Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division. Of the seven officers in the field at the beginning, only three walked out. I was one of them. I was 24 years old, and this was my first significant combat experience and surprisingly, what happened--what I was called upon to do--was something I never imagined. What came afterward defined me for the rest of my life. The fighting lasted six hours, and toward the end, we were almost out of ammunition. Those few hours changed forever the lives of the survivors, including me, and the next of kin of the men we lost. That battle was the crucial event in my life; an ultimate What Now, Lieutenant? moment that taught me so much that came into play in other such moments in my future. True, they would not be as traumatic as what I experienced as a lieutenant, but they were moments that whether I was a lieutenant, major or general, each forced me to call upon my experience, knowledge, training, and common sense to respond appropriately. That phrase... that question with all it entails and how one responds when it's asked of them... seemed to fit best as a title for what you're reading now. Seeing that question in the eyes of the men on Hill 70 that day is how I learned a most valuable lesson about leadership over the course of a bloody day in Vietnam. Everything that happened to me after that day is now seen through that prism. --Butch Neal #usmarines #military #defenseindustry #memoir https://lnkd.in/g495pXkm

Clear message, and a real priority.

Why is it still so hard to feel safe to report in the military? So many wonderful changes have happened over the last 10+ years in military SAPR/SHARP but much of the unhelpful cultural norms which remain can cause victims to feel that what they experiences was their fault and that speaking up will have too high of a price. As we continue to fight for further changes it is important to notice the difference between centuries of cultural expectations and trauma's needs. What you add to this list? #military #SAPR #SHARP #victimadvocacy

Understanding D-Day and Honoring Our Armed Forces: Ever wondered what the “D” in D-Day stands for? It’s a common question, and the answer is simpler than you might think: “D” stands for “Day.” It was a military code for the day an important operation began. For many of us, June 6, 1944, or D-Day, symbolizes a monumental moment when Allied forces, including a significant number of British troops, stormed the beaches of Normandy. This wasn’t just any day—it was a turning point in World War II, a day that changed the course of history and secured the freedoms we enjoy today. Remembering D-Day is about more than just reflecting on the past. It’s about honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for the greater good. These were ordinary men and women who performed extraordinary feats under unimaginable conditions. They faced relentless challenges, but their determination and bravery paved the way for victory against tyranny. As we look back, it’s essential to not only remember those who served during that critical time but also to appreciate the members of our armed forces who continue to protect our nation today. Their commitment and dedication ensure that the legacy of courage and service lives on. These individuals are out there every day, making sure that our country remains safe and that our values are upheld. Let’s take a moment to honor both the heroes of the past and those who continue to serve. Our gratitude for their service and sacrifices cannot be overstated. They stand as a testament to the resilience and strength that define our armed forces. Here’s to the past, present, and future defenders of our freedom. Your efforts and sacrifices are truly appreciated.❤️ #DDay #Remembrance #ArmedForces #Respect #Service #Gratitude #Veterans #Military #BritishForces

Chief of Staff of the #USArmy Gen. Randy George recognizes Lt.Col. Jay Ireland for a recent article, co-authored by Maj. Ryan C. Van Wie, on organizing combined arms battalions, while both participated in the Harding Project Workshop at the United States Military Academy at West Point last week. This recognition and the workshop are both parts of Gen. George's initiative to highlight exceptional military professional articles, fostering a culture of intellectual growth and strategic thinking within the Army. 🔗 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gi5wv9eh 📌 Key Insights: • Navigating armored vehicles in Europe's challenging terrain • Effective strategies for combined arms operations • Valuable lessons and recommendations for the Army's future task organization 🔍 Notable Quote: “The concentrated presence of U.S. and Finnish dismounts, firing ATGMs and supported by accurate and timely indirect fire, created multiple problems for enemy defending from battle positions. As the enemy attempted to reposition, these terrain and enemy-based triggers set conditions for a rapid and powerful armored assault.” - Lt. Col. Jay A. Ireland 👥 Join the Discussion: What are your thoughts on task organization and its impact on military operations in Europe? How can these insights shape our approach to future challenges? #ArmyLeadership #MilitaryOperations #StrategicInsights #ProfessionalDevelopment #CombinedArms

Kickstart Your Week with Positivity! Happy Monday, everyone! Each new week brings a fresh opportunity to set the tone for success and productivity. Starting strong can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you get off to a great start: Set Clear Goals: Outline what you want to achieve this week. Having a clear roadmap keeps you focused and motivated. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks and tackle them first. This way, you can handle critical items when your energy is at its peak. Stay Positive: Approach each day with a positive mindset. Challenges are inevitable, but your attitude can transform obstacles into opportunities. Take Breaks: Remember to take short breaks to recharge. A quick walk or a few minutes of mindfulness can boost your productivity and creativity. Connect with Others: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends for support and inspiration. Collaboration often leads to fresh ideas and new perspectives. Let's embrace this week with enthusiasm and determination. Every small step forward is progress. Together, we can achieve great things! #MotivationalMonday #StartStrong #WeeklyGoals #Productivity #PositiveMindset #Teamwork #Success

Something to think about

June 6, 1944, stands as a pivotal day in world history. Known as D-Day, this date marks the Allied invasion of Normandy, a massive military operation that turned the tide of World War II. The success of D-Day was crucial in the effort to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe, leading to the eventual downfall of Hitler’s regime. While much has been written about the strategic and tactical aspects of this historic event, it is also important to highlight the critical role played by combat medics in supporting the warfighter during this monumental operation. Among these brave individuals were Edwin Pepping and Army Staff Sgt. Albert Mampre, affectionately known as "band-aid bandits" to their comrades. Pepping and Mampre were attached to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division—the unit later known as the "Band of Brothers." "Boy Scouts was the closest thing to medical training I had before that," said Edwin Pepping, who was a 21-year-old Army private first class at the time. "But you didn't have a chance to be nervous." Faced with numerous catastrophic wounds, Pepping and his fellow medics did whatever they could, often improvising with scarce supplies after losing most of theirs in the jump. They treated anyone they found—American, French, and German alike—saving more than 80 lives that day. As we remember D-Day, let’s honor the medics whose courage and dedication under fire exemplify the highest ideals of military service and humanitarian care. Their selfless actions ensured that countless soldiers received the care they needed, often making the difference between life and death. Combat Medic rules: 1. Good men will die. 2. Doc can't save everyone. 3. Doc will go through hell to break rules 1 & 2. #combatmedic #DDay #WorldWarII #Medics #Heroes #MilitaryHistory #BandOfBrothers #TraumaCare #MedicalTraining #CombatMedicine #TacticalMedicine #MilitaryMedicine https://lnkd.in/gJTZmyTq

3 Rules…

Discover the biggest lesson learned from being in the army - "Don't give a fuck." Explore the contrast between the army's motto and the reality of military life in this candid conversation. #ArmyLife #MilitaryLessons #LessonsLearned #MotivationalTalk #ArmyExperience #MilitaryMindset #LifeLessons #OvercomingChallenges #ArmyMotto #PerspectiveShift