DeMarco Banter: Comparing Trafalgar and Jutland: Lessons for the USAF in the 21st Century

Gen Mattis: Joint Forces Staff College Years ago I attended Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk VA, General Mattis commanded the Joint Forces Command at the time.  One afternoon he gave a lecture on the Royal Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar vs the Battle of Jutland and I have pondered that lecture ever since. …

Reading The Leadership, Innovation, and Strategic Tea Leaves in Recent Articles and Reports: DeMarco Banter

As I read through the following articles from RAND, two former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs, and others, it is essential to ponder the themes, ideas, concepts, and strategies that emerge: RAND Commission on the National Defense Strategy Axios: "U.S. not ready for global war, commission warns" Foreign Affairs: "America Isn’t Ready for the Wars …

Exploring Strategic Parallels: Shì, The Force, Coup d’œil, and Modern Geopolitics: DeMarco Banter.

While reading Michael Pillsbury's book, "The Hundred-Year Marathon," I began to ponder—if the CCP utilizes the concept of shì, what does the West or the US rely on? This reflection led me to consider Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" and the concept of coup d'œil (and The Force—for just a second). Michael Pillsbury is a …

Embracing Innovation: The Essential Role of Destiny: DeMarco Banter

I am fortunate to have several individuals whom I can call to bounce off ideas and concepts, and of course, listen to their insights. Among these valued connections is Jeff DeGraff, an innovator with years of experience. During one of our recent conversations, as we wrapped up our call, Jeff imparted a profound statement: "There …

Navigating the Perplexity of Aporia: A Journey of Intellectual Growth and Discovery:  Or Simply “I Don’t Know.” DeMarco Banter

Aporia, a concept deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and prominently featured in the dialogues of Socrates, represents a state of intellectual impasse where individuals confront seemingly insurmountable contradictions or uncertainties within their beliefs and knowledge systems. This exploration of aporia delves into its historical origins, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary significance, seeking to unravel its …

Decoding Asymmetric Doctrine: Revisiting “Unrestricted Warfare,” The Golden Section, and China’s Quest for Victory: DeMarco Banter

Unrestricted Warfare, an arguably influential book by Chinese Air Force Colonels Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui published in 1999, has become a touchstone for understanding the Chinese Communist Party's strategic doctrine. This is probably my fourth reading of this work and I find myself continually drawn back to  Chapter 6: "Seeking Rules for Victory" in …

Navigating AC/DC’s Razor’s Edge: Simplicity, Paradox, and the Quest for Understanding: DeMarco Banter

Working out the other day, AC/DC's ear-splitting track "Razor's Edge" blasted through my headphones. With its driving riffs and aggressive lyrics like "There's fighting on the left, and marching on the right...Here comes the razor's edge," the song conjured vivid imagery of treading a perilous, knife-edge path. As the music pounded, my mind wandered – …

Charlie Wilson’s War 2.0:  Cold War Applications in The Age of Cyber—DeMarco Banter

I am sure many remember the 2007 movie starring Tom Hanks, Charlie Wilson's War. The film dramatizes a significant yet somewhat underappreciated episode from the Cold War era, focusing on the unconventional and charismatic U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson. With the help of his sharp CIA operative ally, Gust Avrakotos, Wilson launched a covert operation that …