Current Recommended Articles

July 2026 Articles

Read the article 'Not for the Timid or Entitled: How Panama's Crucible is Yet Again Testing Soldiers' Mettle'

Not for the Timid or Entitled: How Panama's Crucible is Yet Again Testing Soldiers' Mettle

By COL Keith W. Benedict and CPT Christian M. Hert

This is an excellent piece about the legacy of the Jungle Operations Training Course and how it’s been revitalized by Army Security Cooperation Group-South in partnership with Panamanian forces. The authors share anecdotes from Jungle Warfare instructors and students, past and present, describing the grueling training environment and showing how our U.S. Soldiers forge important relationships with their Panamanian classmates – becoming “brothers in the jungle.” It’s cool and inspiring, sure to get troops talking about opportunities for tough training that will ultimately fuel a more resourceful, more resilient, and more lethal global force.

Link to the article | More from Infantry

Notable Quote

“The jungle is a harsh and unforgiving teacher that demands mastery of the fundamentals, basics of survival, and adaptability without the use of technology. These skills are not limited to the jungle. If mastered here, Soldiers become more resourceful, resilient, and lethal globally.”

Read the article 'How to Add a Little Polish to Your Muddy Boots'

How to Add a Little Polish to Your Muddy Boots

By SGM Brian M. Disque and Erik N. Anderson

This article from Muddy Boots is jam-packed with great advice from SGM Disque and Mr. Anderson – who draw from over 60 years, combined, of Army experience. The premise is that Soldiers become well-worn as their careers progress but should never appear worn-out. Knowing limits, cultivating relationships, trusting your team, and exercising restraint are among the topics discussed and each offer plenty of opportunities for developmental discussions among readers. Leaders at all stages take pride in their worn-in, reliable equipment and will appreciate the call-to-action to look in the mirror and see where they too might need “a little polish."

Link to the article | More from NCO Journal

Notable Quote

“Resist the temptation to assume you have all the answers. The most effective leaders rarely have the right answer—rather, they ask the right question.”

Read the article 'Counseling as a Cornerstone: Reclaiming Developmental Integrity in the FA Branch'

Counseling as a Cornerstone: Reclaiming Developmental Integrity in the FA Branch

By MAJ Jake Giardini, MAJ Becca Diaz, and CW5 Micheal “Todd” Franklin

This team of Field Artillery authors from Human Resources Command have put together a timely take on developmental counseling. Despite sharp critiques on the state of counseling among today’s Soldiers, and the impact poor counseling has on the promotion system, this article offers relatable anecdotes and tangible tools for improvement. As leaders, we have a dual perspective as someone who must counsel subordinates and receive counseling from our supervisors. Both roles are addressed in this article with ample advice on how to reorient our professional priorities for the better.

Link to the article | More from Field Artillery

Notable Quote

“FA leaders must commit to exposing these illusions and redirect focus to enhance lethality and foster a culture of growth, accurate assessment, and continuous improvement, where the goal is true competence and development, not merely a high achieving appearance.”

Read the article 'How Hungry is the Bear? Assessing the Mobilizing Power of Territorial Ambitions'

How Hungry is the Bear? Assessing the Mobilizing Power of Territorial Ambitions

By COL Erik A. Claessen, Belgian Army

COL Claessen’s well-written piece on Russia’s motivation for expansion offers valuable context on a historical precedent for today’s conflict. This article is a must read for leaders to understand the unique, sociopolitical factors driving Russian decisions to seize territory. By challenging readers to appreciate different perspectives, this will encourage conversations about other gaps U.S. Forces typically deal with when it comes to understanding and anticipating adversary actions – especially when those actions arise from deeply-rooted motives.

Link to the article | More from Military Review

Notable Quote

“This article holds that the wish to belong to a superior majority in a large country instead of despised minority in a small country is a strong sociopolitical motivator that renders seemingly prohibitive costs of offensive operations acceptable.”