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 …
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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 – …
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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