EXPLOSIONS! - BOMBS AND WORDS

EXPLOSIONS! - BOMBS AND WORDS

By Andy Weddington

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Whether we like it or not, gender differences matter in a combat situation. - Pete Hegseth

Event - happening; anything teeny tiny to nuclear, size moot.

Report - word translation of happening; incomplete.

Report of report - word reinterpretation of translation; inaccurate and incomplete.

Report of report of report - literally nonsense; if not worse.

This morning listening to a recent Tucker Carlson interview I heard an authority on national security named Elbridge Colby remark he'd heard Iran is " ... two weeks from a nuclear weapon ... ".

First reaction: Eye-roll. Iran has been two weeks from a nuclear weapon for years. 

Second thought: From where did Mr. Colby garner said information to offer report? He did not say he witnessed an event. Nor did he say he had first nor second hand information. So all I can conclude is his report is based on a report of a report of a report etc. 

So, nonsense. Or worse. 

That is ...

Nuclear explosion the event IS NOT nuclear explosion the words.

The event is absolute devastation - of life, property, terrain, atmosphere. 

The two words to describe the event require many more words to even pathetically capture the absolute devastation resulting from a nuclear explosion. 

It sounds so obvious. 

But many casually make the mistake of confusing - believing an event and the human translation into words or symbols are one. They are not. 

Boom IS NOT Boom! 

Since President-elect Trump announced last evening his nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense a handful of queries for opinion directed to me. 

Not that my opinion matters whatsoever but ...

Recent four-star generals (including President Trump's first term) failed. 

Why?

Absence of hunger. They're full. And full of themselves. 

Recently, I read Hegseth's book 'The War on Warriors.' 

Comprehensively, he framed the problems in the Defense Department. 

And outlined common sense solutions to restore the now compromised warrior culture. 

While reading, a corollary came to mind: Men do not belong in women sports just as women do not belong in ground combat units. [A topic on which I (an infantryman) am not movable.] 

Anyway, Pete's thinking direct and logical. As is the words he chooses to describe. 

An Army infantry officer he had multiple tours of duty involving combat.

He led young soldiers. 

He's seen 'death in battle' - three words that miserably describe combat deaths.

Battle tested, Pete Hegseth proved to have the metal. 

Some medals - reports in this case symbols - stand for the events of his metal, leadership under fire. 

In addition to his book I've listened to Pete talk, bluntly and passionately, about the corrections necessary to return the military to a feared warfighting outfit. [Note: While walking this morning a thought - regardless how fearless the female combatant her fearlessness does not mean an enemy fears. That is, an all female U. S. Marine infantry battalion will not cause the enemy the gut-wrenching fright knowing an all male Marine combat unit is closing on their position.]

During my remarkably unremarkable 26+ years in uniform time and again, at all ranks, I tasked Marines - enlisted and officer - to carry out duties beyond their rank and experience. 

I could sight example after example. 

Suffice to say not only I was never disappointed but always impressed and beaming proud - their performance exceeding expectations and then some. 

Why?

They were hungry. They were not full. They were not full of themselves. 

They were young, junior, bold, capable, confident, hungry, innovative, results driven, tireless, and so much more. 

They were mission focused leaders. 

Warriors must be led by a warrior. 

And that is precisely why Pete Hegseth is a brilliant nomination for Secretary of Defense.

BOOM!