Norwood

About the author

Ex - Green Beret. Writing represents his own views, which are NOT necessarily those of his former employers in the U.S. government.

A history of things, the fashion of war: Berets

The history of things, whatever they are, has always been fascinating to me for one reason or another. The same goes for etymology or the history of words. But, for today I’m going to attempt to write a few articles on something that’s popped up. Berets–their respective colors, whose heritage those colors are tied to […]

In war-stricken Yemen, Cholera takes the greatest toll

Since the civil war in Yemen began almost two years ago it has claimed over 10,000 lives and has left millions destitute and at risk for the disease. The disease, which has seized the nation, is Cholera and the numbers are staggering. One in 62 Yemenis is estimated to be sick with Cholera. There have […]

Ukraine unveils new tank as it enters its 4th year of low-intensity war

It’s been written many times – Ukraine has given the world a glimpse of what future warfare might hold. In this period, Kiev announced plans to unveil a new kind of tank, that would best Russian tanks. However, it doesn’t appear that they can afford the production of the tank. Still, experts believe that a […]

DIUx+Cyber: For the long term, investment public and private is necessary

POTUS Trump wants to shut down part of the internet to combat ISIS. At first pass, it sounds like a solid idea and plan that ought to be executable. But I’m sure anyone and everyone might feel as though this won’t be something that’s convenient for anyone’s daily routine. Before such a plan can play out […]

Russia in Ukraine, China in Africa – and Unconventional Warfare in a modern world

Some time ago, back in 2013, China sent troops traveled en route to Mali. A Chinese presence has remained ever since. Russia continues to exasperate Ukraine’s military forces. Mali’s extremist problem has grown in recent years. French interests in Africa are no way in retreat, and the U.S. is at a time when European reassurance is of the essence. […]

Doing big business in Africa – pros and cons

Business in Africa is hampered by an unstable and immature business environment without a strong prognosis of a strong economic future. According to the Oxford Journal of African Economies, “despite more than a decade of reforms in many African countries, investment and growth rates are still far below the levels required for sustainable development.” This […]

Green Beret mental floss

Green Beret’s learn to get a task done regardless of steep odds and intense situations. It’s about finding a way forward and continuous progress. No, the featured image is not a Green Beret motto – but a Special Air Service one. It’s still relevant to earning the Green Beret and living a driven lifestyle. After […]

“Sprinkles” and some other non-SF attachments in Afghanistan

Disclaimer: There is no profundity or real message to this piece. This is just, essentially, a war story about some quirky attachment’s our OD-A (Operational Detachment Alpha, or A-Team) saw during one deployment to Afghanistan. We had a lot of attachments on that deployment to Afghanistan to conduct Village Stability Operations. It was an awesome mission […]

Lt. Gen. McMaster, Trump’s new National Security Advisor met with widespread applause

President Trump has selected Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to serve as the new National Security Advisor after recently asking for Lt. Gen. Flynn’s resignation. It’s difficult to find outspoken critics of Lt. General H.R. McMaster in Washington, D.C. Despite his controversy, McMaster seems to be admired similar to how Petraeus is and has been admired […]

Do you have to stay in the military forever? (Part One)

I met someone recently who spent twenty years in SOF and was more or less kicked out. He was an asset than and still is today. He’s just not normal. I was in for eight years of active duty, total. No that’s not as long as some. But longer than most. However, in SF and […]

Considering seeking a government civilian job, they’re going to be in high demand

Government jobs are going to suffer huge vacancies in light of an aging workforce that inhabits its senior leadership. The next generation must step up. It’s estimated that a large portion of government workers are set to retire within the next ten years. Baby boomers are exiting the building, Generation X will take senior leadership […]