After serving with LtGen Retired Sir Graeme Lamb of the U.K. Army one thing became clear to me. When he gave this speech he meant every word of it. Some great insights on leadership, strategic thinking, and whole of government collaboration. Published in The Bridge on 22 October 2015. Jason Howk introduces Sir Graeme’s Speech
This year I wrote a review of General Stan McChrystal’s latest book on leadership in the current era. It was published by the Army War College in the summer issue of Parameters. You can find it on the last page. If you haven’t read his book yet and you want to improve yourself or your… Read More Book review of Team of Teams
There is No Right Way to Write There are many reasons that people to choose to put their thoughts down on paper (or cyberspace) and no matter what your purpose for writing–going to school, therapy/peace of mind, or as a profession I hope these ideas can help. A Writer is not Simply Born: Lately people… Read More On Writing: There is No Right Way to Write
Today in The Bridge. My interview with one of the few Americans that has had to deal with the violence from the Iranian Regime for over a decade. Some food for thought and alternatives to the current deal as currently negotiated. View at Medium.com
“Following the announcement of the Iranian Nuclear Agreement Lieutenant General (Retired, U.K. Army) Sir Graeme Lamb was interviewed by Jason Criss Howk, a former colleague that had assisted him during the creation and international acceptance of the Afghan Reconciliation and Peace Program. The interview was conducted via email from 15–16 July 2015.” No matter what… Read More LtGen Sir Graeme Lamb (Ret) and the Iranian Nuclear Agreement
I got my hands on the Army Chief of Staff’s study of the future of warfare and how the Army needs to adapt to win. I wrote an article that dissects this new report. Published in The Bridge: Policy, Strategy, National Security, and Military Affairs View at Medium.com
My latest professional development focused article examines the concept of mentorship. Published at Task and Purpose 20 August 2015. Seeking other topics of interest from those interested in leadership and professional development. http://taskandpurpose.com/3-rules-for-understanding-mentorship/
My latest article is in The Bridge. Continuing my theme of military professionalism this piece examines the often thorny issue of military leaders giving advice to civilians at the Pentagon, The White House and in Congress. View at Medium.com
A collection of flaws I saw in poor senior leaders, both civilian and military, while serving as an Aide De Camp. A follow up to my last article on great leadership techniques I witnessed my bosses exhibit. http://taskandpurpose.com/17-things-that-real-leaders-never-say/
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where ISIS and the other killers in the Global deadly-violent radical Islamist network want to take the world. They want to take the people of earth to the edge of a cliff and then toss over anyone that fails to submit to the Radical Islamist vision.… Read More An ISIS Strategy Translated: Take over world, behead all who rebel
“Strategic Failure is an extraordinary read for anyone who cares about the future of the United States of America. It depicts a near complete free fall of President Obama, who failed to rally the American people to win during a period of world history that may go down as one of the most complex, chaotic… Read More New book on America’s current security doctrine
Imagine if America would have been better positioned to support the 2009 Iranian political uprisings after the presidential elections. Imagine if the US population would have better prepared to accept the current 2015 Iranian Nuclear agreement. As part of my Master’s program in Middle Eastern Studies I was asked to create a notional policy paper… Read More My 2008 Draft White Paper on gradually restoring American-Iranian Relations
Over 23 years I captured great leadership traits from my bosses. See my new article that captures those ideas. http://taskandpurpose.com/21-habits-of-successful-military-generals-from-someone-who-knows-firsthand/ also available on Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.com/21-keys-to-success-from-military-generals-2015-7
Four United States Marines were murdered yesterday (in America) by a global enemy that the current Presidential Administration (and many other world leaders) don’t dare to identify. “They who shall not be named” are now being called violent extremist organizations by the US government in an effort to not damage relations between the US and… Read More The Enemy We Won’t Name is Among Us, and Winning
A discussion of unconventional warfare training and it’s value. http://taskandpurpose.com/jade-helm-15-kicks-off-this-week-heres-why-this-exercise-is-so-important/
General Dunford the nominated Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff made an excellent point during his Senate confirmation hearing that should not be overlooked. He rightly notes that removing U.S. Forces from a war zone should be determined by conditions on the ground. Translation…pulling out troops based on political campaign promises or dates on… Read More Learning from the Iraq Withdrawal
2015 National Military Strategy Assessment Independence Day 2015 The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Unified Combatant Commanders has released the latest installment of the National Military Strategy. This document outlines the strategy of the military to counter current threats in terms of ends, ways… Read More 2015 National Military Strategy: an Assessment
I have seen these great ideals of leadership and citizenship in many of my bosses, peers and subordinates during 24 years of national service. One of the greatest Americans of the 20th Century often exhibited them and we should study his legacy. Where can you use these concepts in your life? Selfless Service: always be… Read More Leadership lessons from George C Marshall
Jason Criss Howk 