Quickly Cull “Calculated Obliviousness” 

By Rob Shaul Calculated – “planned or contrived”  Obliviousness – “lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness”                               – Merriam-Webster You can give a slight break to people who are “Unaware and Self-Absorbed.” Their self-absorption is at the expense of others, but it’s […]

Arete 3.2.24

Military, National Defense, Foreign Policy Why Won’t Arab States Support the Palestinians?, Politico Defense Contractors Are Bilking the American People, The Atlantic Ukraine, A Worthy Investment, The Hill In NATO’s Newest Member, ‘Total Defense’ Includes Teens and Retirees, WSJ Americans Owe Ukraine Nothing, RCP Two Years of War in Ukraine have Changed the Way Armies […]

How to Mature from “Unaware and Self-Absorbed” to “Aware Selflessness” 

By Rob Shaul Okay, you admit you can be Unaware and Self-Absorbed and want to change. “Aware Selflessness” is the goal. You’re strategically and tactically aware of the situation and ready to selflessly take the initiatve to act if needed.   This change takes intentional effort and time. Here are the steps.  1. Skillful Observation Start […]

The Stiff Liability of Unaware Self-Absorption

By Rob Shaul Recently I stopped by the grocery store for beer. Podcast streaming through my earbds, I hurriedly grabbed a six-pack without making eye contact and jumped in the checkout line. I felt the dirty looks.  Self-absorbed, I’d missed that there were 5 people already waiting ahead of me. “What a fucking douchebag,” they […]

Arete 2.24.24

Military, National Defense, Foreign Policy Russian pilot who hijacked Mi-8 for Ukraine found dead in Spain, Pravda Report SpaceX Forges Closer Ties With U.S. Spy and Military Agencies, WSJ The Air Force’s First Female Enlisted Leader Broke the ‘Brass Ceiling.’ Here’s Her View on Retirement., military.com Children collect spilled flour from the ground after Gaza […]

Arete 2.15.24

Military, National Defense, Foreign Policy The Devastation of Gaza Was Inevitable, Foreign Policy Warrant Officers Are Coming Back to the Air Force, But They Won’t Be Pilots, military.com Europe Wants to Stand on Its Own Militarily. Is It Too Little, Too Late?, NYT Defence spending boost to see 18 NATO members hit target in 2024, […]

Did You Hunt Well?

By Rob Shaul Backcountry bowhunting seemed impossible at first.  Prior to picking up a bow my big game hunting had been all rifle, and late October – when first snow on the ground made it easy to spot and kill migrating deer and elk.  But bowhunting is in warm September and I quickly found my […]

Getting Broke Off on the Pemi Loop…and Why I’ll Do it Again

By Brian Reed, MTI Contributor It’s 0530 and I’m alone in my garage gym – just enough space next to my wife’s car and my snowblower and surrounded by tuff boxes containing some Army kit and climbing/hiking gear.  I was midway through 70 reps of sandbag get-ups at 60# (per Session 21 of Peak Bagger […]