Fantastic piece. And written to strike the root of the problem vs the branches. The basis of failure extends beyond the institution of the military, its societal. The members of the military, though nuanced, are a reflection of the society at large, and as Americans, we have lost our values that forged us as what was once recognized as being American. Until these values are realized, or instilled, or respected again, I feel there is little hope in righting the ship.
LTC Brad, This is a great article emanating from a person of character best suited as a Commander.
I do think the powers that be will interpret this article as a evidence of "widespread insider threat" as that is the nature of the leaders we currently have.
Your solution of "wholesale reevaluation of our Professional Military Education programs" should have a focus on the nation's founding, founding documents and principles.
I have sense and agree with your reading that the military is a threat to the people more so than a defender of the people. I was sitting in the Chow Hall at an AFB and was thinking these people would round up the citizenry just the other day.
Lastly, I think your developed insights and analysis can be a mirrored analysis of legislatures, lawyers, judges/Justices, religious leaders and the medical community.
These last few years told me that the decades of humiliation thrust up Germany was unfair as any nations could fall prey to tyranny.
Thanks for writing that. I hope it gets widespread circulation. I have forwarded to the guys in my squadron who have fought the mandate and will forward to my buddies who are in leadership who I think can handle it. The problem is so much more systemic than the mandate. That is just a symptom of the rot (albeit a very serious symptom). It is reassuring to know that there are other people out there who are thinking the same thoughts and working through them in a rational, well tested manner. You showed humility and restraint (or maybe your better half played the roll of editor as my wife has often done these past couple years) which is critical to moving the needle. And we need to move the needle in a big way.
Brad you are a true American hero. Thank you for explaining so well what so many have perceived but not been able to articulate. Your insight and example are a beacon of hope in a dark and confusing time. Thank you for your courage and inspiration.
I cannot merely comment here. I restacked your article in my notes because there were too many statements I felt should be highlighted to stand out. I have a daughter that has accepted a ROTC scholarship at a military leadership university this fall, and before she commissions in 2027 I aspire for her to be led by restored military service. Our 2024 U.S. President needs to declare a national emergency within all the military branches of service, and with his emergency executive powers he needs to newly honor discharged heroes, force many retirements, and reset the military with leadership that restores its level of service based on its values and principles. Our national defense is dependent on a strong POTUS 2024.
The 2024 election is sure to be a hotly contested. I'm not one to think the election process is legitimate, but it will still be very interesting to see how things play out
Well written and thoughtful piece. As a senior leader in my organization, I saw first hand the draconian rules come down from the Pentagon. While fully aware of C19 origins and design, I was not fully aware of the “vaccine” until much later. I, like many others, did not see much wiggle room in the directives issued by the SecDef. Comply or get out. As with all the other jabs I received over 30 years, I complied.
In addition to the guilt and shame you mention, I also went through bouts of depression. As I’m out now, the VA is taking great care of me. Now, Congress must amend the PACT Act to include any condition or disease as a result of the mRNA vaccines or “treatments” like Remdesivir.
A final thought - Dr. Shackelford is a national treasure!
Thank you for sharing a bit about your own journey with the mandate. I also appreciate your comments about the VA taking care of you (not always the case) and I fully agree with your thoughts on Dr. Shackelford!
Thank you for putting a word on this feeling of disgust and distrust that I have been feeling as a recalcitrant refunick.
As someone else said, the moral fail of the past years happened across society. Across the whole of western societies, actually.
To me this seems to be the result of what Yuri Bezmenov was describing as the "demoralisation" phase of the subversion of the west into communism.
As fat and entertained societies (I am a European living in Australia), we have abdicated our individual responsibility of keeping an eye on politics in order to maintain and preserve our democracies.
This opened the door to indoctrination and manipulation of the masses through schools, TV etc. The dumbing down of the masses in other words.
The moral fail was highlighted by the COVID years, but preceded them and is ongoing.
Now, I am afraid the only way is down. We need to crash and burn and then, and only then, we'll rise again, if we survive what is to come.
On the flip side, this injection thing is a de facto selection of the morally fittest, which is a very dark silver lining...
"The vast majority of currently serving commanders need to also be removed from their posts. Many of them need to be removed from the military as well."
Really excellent piece. I think the development of self-awareness is crucial for moral courage. I have absolutely no doubt there is a festering resentment in the military right now, I've heard the same from an icu nurse who said that 'since covid' there is a simmering anger and resentment amongst nurses in her unit. Their moral injury is probably more acute than in the military as their role as perps is likely higher with much more trauma witnessed as a consequence of their cowardice. However, I don't think many would be able to truly identify their resentment as moral injury. If you asked them they'd correctly identify 'managers' as the source of their resentment but not make the connection as to why they despise them so much (and for lack of this self awareness and ability to articulate the inner workings of their soul would probably just grasp for an off the shelf stock excuse of still being angry about not enough ppe 3 years ago or something). But, as you note, this final step of self awareness is terrifying, as the risks of identity and career are too great. So what are we to do?!
Every major category of employer, public and private, could use this template of moral injury to consider what was done to employees starting in 2021.
The federal contractor mandate effectively federalized every working person in the US to try to run everybody through vaccination. Didn't matter if it was constitutional or not; people would be vaccinated before mandates could be struck down or withdrawn or modified. Easier to ask forgiveness than ask for permission, and no, they are never going to ask for forgiveness.
Yet, no general strike, no partial strike, barely some slow-downs by some employee groups seeking to use the occasion to sweeten contracts in negotiation with some employers.
Brad, I have information on Havana Syndrome you need to know about. My email is rm.33.323.rm@gmail.com. Phone number 719-250-6820. My name is Matthew Roberts. It's illegal Neuro studies being conducted on US veterans and DoD personal. It's being done by NGO'S. I need to send you what I sent to NCIS/OSI
While I applaud your actions, I find the focus narrow. Yes, indeed our military needs a code of ethics realignment with our Constitution, however it is mere symptom of a much greater problem.
WeThePeople have virus loose in our country. NOT COVID, it is that of dual allegiance. Without addressing this issue, fixing the military is simply symptom management.
Fixing the military is just one part. There are many, I’ll address one omitted from focus.
The VA is cesspool, seething for decades. Vets seen as guinea pigs for medical training. Many are addicted to opiates due to VA distribution. Moral injury you reference is clinical & correct, however it clearly misses the human & deep suicidal effects. Veterans are dying daily from dilemmas that creep into their dreams nightly. Their pain can be seen on many street corners, while few notice, less care. Wanna fix the moral dilemma, you’ll need to address the VA as well. Too many stories, too many lost… Good point of reference in re: the VA, is Senator, Dr. Tom Coburn’s expose’… “Friendly Fire / Death Delay and Dismay at the VA” (2014). The problem is far worse. Read and Imagine.
Finally, the elephant in the room…
What does this military group stand for? Me, I’m AmericansFirst NOT AmericaFirst, as I’m not sure what America has become…
The mis/dis/mal/information is overwhelming the public addicted to their programming devices. In microcosm, the military as well. I’m Constitutionalist former Officer, disabled vet & left the military, in the 80’s for the exact same issue. Lack of Ethics in Command. I spent several years with vets who had no where to turn to… Their souls devastated. Enough said for now… The problem is far greater & NOT addressed.
My humble plea…
Restore our Constitution to prior 12/23/2001 (PatriotAct) and you have my support. Our Constitution, thus Constitutional Republic has been under siege by dual allegiances since… A long time… 1913 to today, with many incursions in between.
Are you willing to broaden your focus or will this effort remain a compartmentalized operation?
I look forward to your & anyone else’s thoughts.
Please know… These comments are meant to help. Synthesize as you wish. Blessings.
Fantastic piece. And written to strike the root of the problem vs the branches. The basis of failure extends beyond the institution of the military, its societal. The members of the military, though nuanced, are a reflection of the society at large, and as Americans, we have lost our values that forged us as what was once recognized as being American. Until these values are realized, or instilled, or respected again, I feel there is little hope in righting the ship.
LTC Brad, This is a great article emanating from a person of character best suited as a Commander.
I do think the powers that be will interpret this article as a evidence of "widespread insider threat" as that is the nature of the leaders we currently have.
Your solution of "wholesale reevaluation of our Professional Military Education programs" should have a focus on the nation's founding, founding documents and principles.
I have sense and agree with your reading that the military is a threat to the people more so than a defender of the people. I was sitting in the Chow Hall at an AFB and was thinking these people would round up the citizenry just the other day.
Lastly, I think your developed insights and analysis can be a mirrored analysis of legislatures, lawyers, judges/Justices, religious leaders and the medical community.
These last few years told me that the decades of humiliation thrust up Germany was unfair as any nations could fall prey to tyranny.
Ronald White, MD
LTC, USA Retired
Thanks for your reply.
I'm certainly very concerned about the direction the government (including the military) could go in the very near future.
Thanks for writing that. I hope it gets widespread circulation. I have forwarded to the guys in my squadron who have fought the mandate and will forward to my buddies who are in leadership who I think can handle it. The problem is so much more systemic than the mandate. That is just a symptom of the rot (albeit a very serious symptom). It is reassuring to know that there are other people out there who are thinking the same thoughts and working through them in a rational, well tested manner. You showed humility and restraint (or maybe your better half played the roll of editor as my wife has often done these past couple years) which is critical to moving the needle. And we need to move the needle in a big way.
Thanks for the reply and the shares! You're right; the problems are much bigger than just this mandate.
And I'm not married, so no wife as editor 😂
Thank you for diving into the depths of moral injury and shining light on its tragic effects.
Brad you are a true American hero. Thank you for explaining so well what so many have perceived but not been able to articulate. Your insight and example are a beacon of hope in a dark and confusing time. Thank you for your courage and inspiration.
Thank you so much!
I cannot merely comment here. I restacked your article in my notes because there were too many statements I felt should be highlighted to stand out. I have a daughter that has accepted a ROTC scholarship at a military leadership university this fall, and before she commissions in 2027 I aspire for her to be led by restored military service. Our 2024 U.S. President needs to declare a national emergency within all the military branches of service, and with his emergency executive powers he needs to newly honor discharged heroes, force many retirements, and reset the military with leadership that restores its level of service based on its values and principles. Our national defense is dependent on a strong POTUS 2024.
The 2024 election is sure to be a hotly contested. I'm not one to think the election process is legitimate, but it will still be very interesting to see how things play out
Thank you for this. I plan to reference ADP 6-22 during my board of inquiry on May 23rd.
Great idea and good luck with the Board!
I am morally injured.
Many of us are. The first step is to recognize it and then try to mitigate its effects.
Well written and thoughtful piece. As a senior leader in my organization, I saw first hand the draconian rules come down from the Pentagon. While fully aware of C19 origins and design, I was not fully aware of the “vaccine” until much later. I, like many others, did not see much wiggle room in the directives issued by the SecDef. Comply or get out. As with all the other jabs I received over 30 years, I complied.
In addition to the guilt and shame you mention, I also went through bouts of depression. As I’m out now, the VA is taking great care of me. Now, Congress must amend the PACT Act to include any condition or disease as a result of the mRNA vaccines or “treatments” like Remdesivir.
A final thought - Dr. Shackelford is a national treasure!
Thank you for sharing a bit about your own journey with the mandate. I also appreciate your comments about the VA taking care of you (not always the case) and I fully agree with your thoughts on Dr. Shackelford!
Thank you for putting a word on this feeling of disgust and distrust that I have been feeling as a recalcitrant refunick.
As someone else said, the moral fail of the past years happened across society. Across the whole of western societies, actually.
To me this seems to be the result of what Yuri Bezmenov was describing as the "demoralisation" phase of the subversion of the west into communism.
As fat and entertained societies (I am a European living in Australia), we have abdicated our individual responsibility of keeping an eye on politics in order to maintain and preserve our democracies.
This opened the door to indoctrination and manipulation of the masses through schools, TV etc. The dumbing down of the masses in other words.
The moral fail was highlighted by the COVID years, but preceded them and is ongoing.
Now, I am afraid the only way is down. We need to crash and burn and then, and only then, we'll rise again, if we survive what is to come.
On the flip side, this injection thing is a de facto selection of the morally fittest, which is a very dark silver lining...
I'm surprised more Americans aren't familiar with Yuri Bezmemov. They should be.
This article BLEW MY MIND! Thank you Brad for shining a light on another important issue.
Thank you!
Thank you for this. Indeed:
"The vast majority of currently serving commanders need to also be removed from their posts. Many of them need to be removed from the military as well."
Really excellent piece. I think the development of self-awareness is crucial for moral courage. I have absolutely no doubt there is a festering resentment in the military right now, I've heard the same from an icu nurse who said that 'since covid' there is a simmering anger and resentment amongst nurses in her unit. Their moral injury is probably more acute than in the military as their role as perps is likely higher with much more trauma witnessed as a consequence of their cowardice. However, I don't think many would be able to truly identify their resentment as moral injury. If you asked them they'd correctly identify 'managers' as the source of their resentment but not make the connection as to why they despise them so much (and for lack of this self awareness and ability to articulate the inner workings of their soul would probably just grasp for an off the shelf stock excuse of still being angry about not enough ppe 3 years ago or something). But, as you note, this final step of self awareness is terrifying, as the risks of identity and career are too great. So what are we to do?!
Every major category of employer, public and private, could use this template of moral injury to consider what was done to employees starting in 2021.
The federal contractor mandate effectively federalized every working person in the US to try to run everybody through vaccination. Didn't matter if it was constitutional or not; people would be vaccinated before mandates could be struck down or withdrawn or modified. Easier to ask forgiveness than ask for permission, and no, they are never going to ask for forgiveness.
Yet, no general strike, no partial strike, barely some slow-downs by some employee groups seeking to use the occasion to sweeten contracts in negotiation with some employers.
Brad, I have information on Havana Syndrome you need to know about. My email is rm.33.323.rm@gmail.com. Phone number 719-250-6820. My name is Matthew Roberts. It's illegal Neuro studies being conducted on US veterans and DoD personal. It's being done by NGO'S. I need to send you what I sent to NCIS/OSI
While I applaud your actions, I find the focus narrow. Yes, indeed our military needs a code of ethics realignment with our Constitution, however it is mere symptom of a much greater problem.
WeThePeople have virus loose in our country. NOT COVID, it is that of dual allegiance. Without addressing this issue, fixing the military is simply symptom management.
Fixing the military is just one part. There are many, I’ll address one omitted from focus.
The VA is cesspool, seething for decades. Vets seen as guinea pigs for medical training. Many are addicted to opiates due to VA distribution. Moral injury you reference is clinical & correct, however it clearly misses the human & deep suicidal effects. Veterans are dying daily from dilemmas that creep into their dreams nightly. Their pain can be seen on many street corners, while few notice, less care. Wanna fix the moral dilemma, you’ll need to address the VA as well. Too many stories, too many lost… Good point of reference in re: the VA, is Senator, Dr. Tom Coburn’s expose’… “Friendly Fire / Death Delay and Dismay at the VA” (2014). The problem is far worse. Read and Imagine.
Finally, the elephant in the room…
What does this military group stand for? Me, I’m AmericansFirst NOT AmericaFirst, as I’m not sure what America has become…
The mis/dis/mal/information is overwhelming the public addicted to their programming devices. In microcosm, the military as well. I’m Constitutionalist former Officer, disabled vet & left the military, in the 80’s for the exact same issue. Lack of Ethics in Command. I spent several years with vets who had no where to turn to… Their souls devastated. Enough said for now… The problem is far greater & NOT addressed.
My humble plea…
Restore our Constitution to prior 12/23/2001 (PatriotAct) and you have my support. Our Constitution, thus Constitutional Republic has been under siege by dual allegiances since… A long time… 1913 to today, with many incursions in between.
Are you willing to broaden your focus or will this effort remain a compartmentalized operation?
I look forward to your & anyone else’s thoughts.
Please know… These comments are meant to help. Synthesize as you wish. Blessings.
Excellent. I just reread it.