This article was originally published at Divergent Options. Many thanks to the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation for inviting me to review this book. Phil Walter is the founder of Divergent Options. Divergent Options’ content does not contain information of an official nature nor does the content represent the official position of any government, any organization, or any … Continue reading Assessing “Reflections on Net Assessment” by Andrew W. Marshall, Edited by Jeffrey S. McKitrick and Robert G. Angevine
Category: Mindset
The Phil-Osophy 2.0
In 2009 I wrote a list of eleven aphorisms that I, as Phil Walter, jokingly called The "Phil-Osophy." Later, the kind folks at The Military Leader published said aphorisms along with a small paragraph explaining each. The original eleven aphorisms were what I needed at the time. They were very tactical and extremely pragmatic. Since … Continue reading The Phil-Osophy 2.0
New Content Announcement
I started this website as a platform to refine my thoughts on how the United States applies the instruments of national power. I have read, written, and, for the most part, I have gotten to where I wanted to be. To say the journey was mentally arduous would be an understatement. In fact, along the … Continue reading New Content Announcement
The Unfortunate Repeatability of War Unachievability
In the wake of "The Afghanistan Papers," if you want to go on a truly heartbreaking journey, read these books, in this order: 1. "A Bright Shining Lie" by Neil Sheehan 2. "Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers" by Daniel Ellsberg 3. "Vietnam: The Logic of Withdrawal" by Howard Zinn 4. "Bureaucracy … Continue reading The Unfortunate Repeatability of War Unachievability
Anti-Access / Area Denial
I don't believe in Anti-Access / Area Denial. I do believe in nations who desire to end wars early. I also believe in nations who, through will, ingenuity, and resources, will ensure they have access to whatever they need and that no area will be denied their presence should they so desire. Or, in short, … Continue reading Anti-Access / Area Denial
World War, Achievability, and No
Short of World War, the threat of World War, or remembrance of the lessons of World War, political appointees are ill-equipped to establish achievable political objectives and military leaders are ill-equipped to say no when ordered to pursue said objectives.
Disconnected -> Connected -> Interconnected -> Disrupted -> Balanced
We have a burning interest in national security. To satisfy this interest we went from Disconnected to Connected. We bought tools that enabled us to access the Internet and using those tools we established ourselves on social media and blogging websites and began to learn and banter and write and challenge each other. It was … Continue reading Disconnected -> Connected -> Interconnected -> Disrupted -> Balanced
Imperfectly Defining Strategy
With a belly full of too many Thanksgiving-related calories, and a family sleeping later than they ever have, I began to organize some notes I had made to myself this morning for their eventual inclusion into my policy scrapbook. Among these notes I found my own personal definition of strategy. Reviewing this definition I made … Continue reading Imperfectly Defining Strategy
Going away (scaling back) for a time…
In September 2014 I began this personal blog. I wrote for myself, I wrote for others and archived my material here, and now I publish the work of others at my website Divergent Options. Recently, I began writing a novel that I aim to self-publish in August / September 2018. I am writing today to … Continue reading Going away (scaling back) for a time…
Traits, Obituaries, and Life’s Purpose
This article was originally published on The Military Leader on January 9, 2017. Thank you to The Military Leader for continuing to publish my work! Suddenly I am of sufficient age and experience that young people occasionally contact me in search of mentorship. Based upon my military, intelligence community, and interagency experience, they often think I can provide them … Continue reading Traits, Obituaries, and Life’s Purpose
Announcements & Such
It is 2017 and I have a few announcements. This year I will complete graduate school and change jobs. This, coupled with my new project Divergent Options, has caused me to take stock of where I am and make a few changes. They are as follows: 1. I am … Continue reading Announcements & Such
Second Year Website Anniversary
Today is the second anniversary of me using this website to share my thoughts on how the United States applies the instruments of national power. (You can read my first-anniversary post here.) I am pleased that during the past year I successfully balanced family, work, graduate school, and writing. I am also happy to have begun … Continue reading Second Year Website Anniversary
War and the New Normal Part Five
This article was originally published on Point of Decision on August 11, 2016. Thank you to Point of Decision for continuing to publish my work! Note: The first part of this article may be viewed here. The second part of this article may be viewed here. The third part of this article may be viewed here. The fourth … Continue reading War and the New Normal Part Five
War and the New Normal Part Four
This article was originally published on Point of Decision on April 25, 2016. Thank you to Point of Decision for continuing to publish my work! Note: The first part of this article may be viewed here. The second part of this article may be viewed here. The third part of this article may be viewed here. While sipping … Continue reading War and the New Normal Part Four
1st Time on Covert Contact Podcast (Topic: How War Changes People)
John Little who runs the website Blogs of War contacted me recently with an invitation to appear on his podcast Covert Contact. I am extremely grateful that John offered me this opportunity. On this 40 minute podcast I discuss my three-part series "War and the New Normal" that I published on the blog Point of Decision. … Continue reading 1st Time on Covert Contact Podcast (Topic: How War Changes People)
War and the New Normal Part Three
This article was originally published on Point of Decision on October 15, 2015. Thank you to Point of Decision for continuing to publish my work! Note: The first part of this article may be viewed here. The second part of this article may be viewed here. As I walked through the enemy compound I noticed a dark room to my … Continue reading War and the New Normal Part Three
What Now Lieutenant?
You are in charge of an infantry platoon. You and your platoon are deployed to Country X. Your mission is to train and advise a company of local security forces. The mission of the local security force is to conduct raids to capture or kill insurgents. The local security force has been battling the insurgents … Continue reading What Now Lieutenant?
Leadership in Action: Colonel Charles A. Beckwith
This article was originally published on The Military Leader on September 7, 2015. Thank you to The Military Leader for continuing to publish my work! In 1977, after many years of advocating for the U.S. Army to develop a capability similar to the British 22nd Special Air Service (SAS) and in response to multiple terrorist incidents worldwide, Colonel … Continue reading Leadership in Action: Colonel Charles A. Beckwith
One Year Blog Anniversary
Today is the one year anniversary of me publishing my first blog post "World War II, Foreign Policy, and the Global Effort to Manage Threats." Since my journey as a self-proclaimed "national security blogger" began, I have been fortunate to make many new friends who have mentored me along the way. Most notable among these … Continue reading One Year Blog Anniversary
Taming Your Imperfections
This article was originally published on The Military Leader on April 3, 2015. Thank you to The Military Leader for continuing to publish my work! If you enter my office you would see what I call my propaganda wall. From the top of my desk to almost the ceiling I have taped up various quotes that inspire me. … Continue reading Taming Your Imperfections
Public Service Announcement (April 7, 2015)
Tomorrow (April 8, 2015) I begin a two-year part-time graduate program. My blogtempo will likely slow significantly because of this. My written works are consolidated on Storify if you need them: https://storify.com/philwalter1058/written-pieces Thank you. -Phil
Radicalization: A Story and Four Questions
A boy grew up in a small to mid-sized town. He was fortunate. His parents both worked and were able to provide him all of what he needed and most of what he wanted. By the standards in his region, he had access to good schools, healthcare, and grew up free from threats. Though he … Continue reading Radicalization: A Story and Four Questions
Words for War: Seven Unknown Quotes on War, Part 5
This article was originally published on The War Council on February 5th, 2015. I am glad my obscure quotes were found to be of value by The War Council. "I offer neither pay, nor quarters, nor provisions; I offer hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles and death. Let him who loves his country in his heart and … Continue reading Words for War: Seven Unknown Quotes on War, Part 5
The “Phil-Osophy” of Life
This article was originally published on The Military Leader on January 22, 2015. Thank you to The Military Leader for finding my content valuable enough to publish! On December 17, 2014 I read a post by The Military Leader that outlined General Colin Powell’s Rules. I am no General Colin Powell. However, I do have my … Continue reading The “Phil-Osophy” of Life
WarBooks Profile
This article was originally published at The War Council on January, 18, 2015. Thank you to The War Council for choosing to profile me! Top Five Books Andy McNab, Bravo Two Zero. Though some debate surrounds the factual basis of this book I found it highly influential as a young Infantryman. The attention to detail during … Continue reading WarBooks Profile
Effective Communication in “The Non-Expert Zone”
This article was originally published on The Strategy Bridge on December 14, 2014. Thank you again to the team at The Strategy Bridge for continuing to publish my work. You are a subject matter expert within an organization. You have identified a problem. You have a plan to remedy it. Your plan requires additional funding, equipment, or … Continue reading Effective Communication in “The Non-Expert Zone”