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. …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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? …