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 – …
A Quick Existential Trip: Leadership, Innovation, Strategy–DeMarco Banter
The Five Tankers of Innovation: An OV-1 for AUiX—Fueling Innovation…A Synchronized Approach to Problem Solving
A few years ago, a pivotal meeting unfolded that would chart the course for the Air University Innovation Accelerator (AUiX). It was a gathering that brought together the keen minds of Lt Col TJ Ablay, Cadet (now 2nd Lieutenant) Abigail "AP" Carter, and myself, each of us had a shared vision to redefine the landscape …
The Prophet, Airpower, Innovators, and The Future of War: DeMarco Banter
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." The quote is commonly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. However, there's no recorded evidence that Gandhi actually said or wrote these exact words. …
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The National Football League, the US Air Force, Human Performance, and Talent Management
Gen George Kenney: Combat Innovation and Air University Commander
General George C. Kenney had a distinguished military career marked by significant contributions during World War II and beyond. Born on August 6, 1889, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Kenney grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, and showed an early interest in engineering, which led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career took a …
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Star Wars Stoics: Strange DeMarco Banter
Welcome to a strange DeMarco journey intertwining the allure of "Star Wars" with the wisdom of ancient Stoicism. My love affair with this epic saga began in 1977, when I first witnessed THE magic at The Laurel Theater in San Carlos, CA. I was so captivated that I saw the original movie 13 times in …
What Are Scaled Wave Weapons? …and I can I have one? DeMarco Banter
I recently had an intriguing conversation with a colleague about Futures Literacy and wargaming, particularly focusing on planning for emerging technologies. During the convo, the concept of scaled wave weapons came up, which initially puzzled me—I had no idea. Intrigued, I asked for more details, and he provided a high-level explanation that sparked my curiosity. …
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USAF and the Importance of Lore: DeMarco Banter
Sometimes, a conversation with a colleague leaves you in deep contemplation, urging a pause to reflect and think further. Our recent discussion did just that, delving into the intricate and layered concept of "lore," with a particular focus on its relevance to the United States Air Force (USAF). Lore, in its essence, is a tapestry …
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Strategic Culture Wars: US vs CCP—More DeMarco Banter
During my active duty initial stint with the USAF, I had the unique opportunity to be stationed in Germany, operating C23As out of Zweibrucken Air Base. This period offered me a fascinating perspective on the nuances of American cultural impact across Europe, encompassing both its positive and negative aspects. My tenure coincided with the momentous …
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