The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
By J.D. Simkins
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Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Deployment playlists, then and now: from Walkmans to wireless despair
Music has always been more than a distraction for deployed service members — it's a lifeline. Here's how its method of delivery has changed over time.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
US Air Force vet charged with felony assault with a deli weapon
The DOJ says the incident included shouting verbal insults and tossing a wrapped sub at a Customs and Border Protection officer in D.C.
By Carla Babb
Nazi-fighting ‘Wolfenstein’ game being developed for TV series
“The story of killing Nazis is evergreen,” said show runner Patrick Somerville in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why sandwiches are the military’s most underrated culinary innovation
August is National Sandwich Month. From shelf-stable MREs to hoagies grabbed before a convoy, the sandwich has become a culinary icon within the ranks.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
What the military could learn from the NFL preseason (and vice versa)
NFL preseason and military pre-deployment training appear unrelated on the surface. But dig a little deeper, and you will find a shared set of challenges.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Where ‘hooah,’ ‘oorah,’ and ‘hooyah’ came from and why they still echo
The battle cries “hooah,” “oorah,” and “hooyah” aren’t just calls; they’re part of service life. Each carries a history steeped in grit and camaraderie.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
What combat units and Little League teams have in common
Peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think — especially when it comes to the parents.
By Clay Beyersdorfer