Grumpy Combat Vet

The musings of an Iraq and Afghan combat veteran.

Dear Reader(s),

So, I started my own substack — how original, I know.

As some of you are aware — and if you’re reading this, you probably are — I recently retired from the military and have started the dreaded “transition process” to civilian life. More on that in future posts. Luckily, I finagled a gig writing for The Bulwark, which is surreal and horrifying all at that same time. After spending years wondering why nobody will listen to me, I’m now wondering why anybody would ever listen to me in the first place? Imposter syndrome is a real thing.

So, if I landed a fellowship with esteemed and vastly superior writers, why would I also start my own Substack? A couple of reasons. First, I need the practice and a place to work some ideas out without the dreaded editing process. Rounds and reps, for those fellow CrossFitters (don’t hate me). Second, I will focus (mostly) on military affairs and national security for The Bulwark, but I have other interests that I’d like to riff on, ranging from politics to the dread of being a Texas A&M football fan (pity me). Lastly, why the hell not? Everybody else is doing it. Surely (gulp) I can, too.

Admittedly, I tried this before. Somewhere in the basement of the internet are multiple (failed?) blog sites with my name on them. While I barely wrote on my previous blogsite, this time I promise to do better. My goal is to write daily and simply let ‘er rip.

Please bear with me as I get this Substack thing going. As a Neil Postman acolyte, I’m an OG Luddite. However, as Doc Holiday would say — or Val Kilmer — “my hypocrisy knows no boundary.” So, I’ve abandoned my dread of social media and jumped headfirst into the abyss. It’s the Trump era, for heaven’s sake, principles are for suckers. Just kidding — kinda.

Will