Category: Strategy/Policy

America’s New Map Review  Years ago, I delved into Thomas P.M. Barnett's influential work, "The Pentagon's New Map," and its sequels in his initial trilogy, which include "Blueprint for Action: A Future Worth Creating" and "Great Powers: America and the World After Bush." These books left a lasting impression on me, their ideas and theories …

Continue reading "A Walk Through P.M. Barnett’s Book: “America’s New Map: Restoring Our Global Leadership in an Era of Climate Change and Demographic Collapse: DeMarco Banter"

Imagine if you will—Sun Tzu, the ancient strategist known for his timeless wisdom in "The Art of War," were to witness the current strategic tussle between the United States and China. He might raise an eyebrow at the irony of modern superpowers circling each other in a high-stakes game of technological one-upmanship, seemingly echoing the …

Continue reading "Sun Tzu The Leader, The Strategist, The Innovator:  East vs West—DeMarco Banter"

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 …

Continue reading "Navigating Complexity: The Evolution of Mission Command and Its Impact on Military Operations, Decision-Making, and Empowerment: Neo-DeMarco-ian Thought"

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 …

Continue reading "Frozen Middle:  Myth or Reality? 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 …

Continue reading "The Anatomy of a Fighter: Unpacking Resilience, Innovation, and Leadership Through Pop Culture and Advertising—Modelo Beer and 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 …

Continue reading "CHIMAERA:  WARGAMING AND STRATEGY:  The Journey from Assumption to Innovation in Military Wargaming—DeMarco Banter"