An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why troops secretly relate to SpongeBob’s ‘I’m a Goofy Goober’ spiral
For all its absurdity, SpongeBob’s “Goofy Goober” breakdown in “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" has become an unlikely touchstone in military circles.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors
The company produces kits based on real military vehicles, ranging from World War II tanks to modern U.S. Army Humvees and Special Forces boats.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer