Mission Command has long been heralded as a transformative approach to military leadership and operations. Its principles of decentralization, empowerment, and adaptive decision-making resonate with many who envision a more agile and responsive Air Force. Yet, the concept often seems easier said than done, especially when viewed through the lens of the United States Air …
Frozen Middle: Myth or Reality? DeMarco Banter
Ever since my introduction to the term "frozen middle," it has sparked my curiosity. As I ascended the ranks within the USAF, the elusive "frozen middle" always seemed to reside a level above me. Despite my efforts to champion innovative ideas as a leader, I struggled to identify any specific individual halting their progression. This …
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Balancing Order and Chaos: Applying Gadamer and Rogers to Innovation in Hard Structures—DeMarco Banter
The Anatomy of a Fighter: Unpacking Resilience, Innovation, and Leadership Through Pop Culture and Advertising—Modelo Beer and DeMarco Banter
Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan of football, you've likely come across Modelo's advertising campaign featuring the compelling tagline: "The mark of a fighter." These ads, often showcasing individuals from various walks of life who embody resilience and perseverance, have a magnetic allure that transcends the mere selling of beer. They provoke …
CHIMAERA: WARGAMING AND STRATEGY: The Journey from Assumption to Innovation in Military Wargaming—DeMarco Banter
Ever since I was a child, I'd held the romantic notion that the military must possess some of the most mind-bending, sophisticated war games imaginable—perhaps it was watching movies like War Games or too much time playing Defender in the arcade. This belief carried me through my formative years and into my career with the …
The Tao of Touchdowns: How Bruce Lee’s Wisdom Transformed Christian McCaffrey’s Game–DeMarco Banter
Christian McCaffrey, the dynamic running back for the San Francisco 49ers, isn't just a force to be reckoned with on the football field; he's also a testament to the transformative power of philosophy in sports. While many athletes rely solely on physical training and natural talent, McCaffrey takes his preparation a step further, integrating Bruce …
Philosophers Through Time: Visions of the Ideal Leader Across Millennia: DeMarco Banter
Came across an article by Bret McKay recently that delved into the intersection of philosophy and leadership across several philosophers. I've always enjoyed Bret's work, but this particular piece sparked some additional thoughts for me. Leadership has been a subject of fascination and study from ancient times to the modern era. Philosophers ranging from Confucius …
Praxeum: What is the Classroom of The Future? Neo-DeMarcoian Thought or Bricks in the Wall
We don't need no education We don't need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the classroom Teacher, leave them kids alone. —Another Brick in The Wall, Pink Floyd, 1979 For years, I have been fervently pondering the concept of an ideal classroom of the future, a visionary space where the fusion of technology, pedagogy, …
Disruptors Up: Love ’em or Hate ’em? There’s probably a reason… DeMarco Banter
“Oh, I used to be disgusted And now I try to be amused” —Elvis Costello, The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes, 1977 A few weeks back, a colleague mentioned I was a disruptor. At first, I wasn't sure how to take it—was it a compliment, a criticism, or perhaps a bit of both? …
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Can Our Leaders Win? A Commentary on “Why Our Generals Don’t Win” by Gary Anderson: Deeper DeMarco Banter
A thought-provoking article by Gary Anderson caught my attention last week, titled "Why Our Generals Don’t Win." The piece ignited a fascinating discussion when I shared it on LinkedIn. Anderson's central argument is that the inability of our generals to secure victories can be traced back to the influence of the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the …

