a personal blog on leadership, security, and military life 

Lessons Learned

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    Fit to Lead?
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Feb 10
    • 3 min

    Fit to Lead?

    Strong military physical fitness scores are not a reason to skip unit fitness training; they drive a responsibility to lead it.
    An Airman is...
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Dec 6, 2021
    • 5 min

    An Airman is...

    Last year I asked, "What is an Airman?" This year, I think the establishment of the U.S. Space Force may help us find that answer.
    Observations: The Kill Chain by Christian Brose
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Sep 12, 2021
    • 3 min

    Observations: The Kill Chain by Christian Brose

    Some of the best books are about telling you uncomfortable truths you already know.
    The Meaning of "Diversity & Inclusion"
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Apr 10, 2021
    • 5 min

    The Meaning of "Diversity & Inclusion"

    The power of humbly listening to alternative voices and having your blind spots challenged.
    Every Airman a Strategist
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Oct 2, 2020
    • 6 min

    Every Airman a Strategist

    On 11 September 2001, 19 members of the terrorist network, Al-Qaeda, hijacked four airliners and killed nearly 3,000 people. As a result...
    Observations: One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Sep 25, 2020
    • 5 min

    Observations: One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick

    One Bullet Away: the Making of a Marine Officer is a story that many vets have heard, but is a beneficial read for young military leaders...
    Learning from the Best Worst Solution
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Sep 18, 2020
    • 4 min

    Learning from the Best Worst Solution

    When you identify a problem, focus on the solution instead... but be ready for it to be worse than what's already in place.
    Observations: Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Sep 11, 2020
    • 4 min

    Observations: Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis

    Much like Marcus Aurelius, Secretary Mattis has filled his book with truths, both pithy and hard-earned.
    Warrant Officers: Unwarranted?
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Sep 4, 2020
    • 7 min

    Warrant Officers: Unwarranted?

    The Air Force is the one service branch without Warrant Officers, and some are calling for them; here's why that's a mistake.
    Observations: Facts and Fears by James Clapper
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Aug 12, 2020
    • 4 min

    Observations: Facts and Fears by James Clapper

    Fascinating read by a distinguished career intelligence officer. I must admit, this book challenged some of my expectations. Despite...
    Don't Sneak Out of Going Away
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Aug 10, 2020
    • 4 min

    Don't Sneak Out of Going Away

    Retirement ceremonies, going-away celebrations, hails-and-farewells aren't about you! No matter what organization you've been a part of...
    The Power of Reactivity
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Aug 7, 2020
    • 7 min

    The Power of Reactivity

    We hear all the time about the need to be proactive, but let's analyze how being reactive wins conflicts. Many in both the military and...
    Excellence in All We Do
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Aug 5, 2020
    • 5 min

    Excellence in All We Do

    It's an aspiration, not an end state. Like all services, the U.S. Air Force has a list of core values that help guide each Airman...
    What's Your Why?
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Aug 3, 2020
    • 5 min

    What's Your Why?

    If you don't know why you're doing something, your effort is in vain. Without a doubt, one of my favorite motivational speakers is...
    We Are All Cyber Airmen
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 31, 2020
    • 7 min

    We Are All Cyber Airmen

    The "Whole Airman Concept" isn't just about volunteering and education. For as long as I can recall, the U.S. Air Force has pushed...
    Three Expectations
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 27, 2020
    • 5 min

    Three Expectations

    As a senior enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, I have three expectations of officers. A senior non-commissioned officer - or SNCO - a wide...
    Military Professionalism: How to Do it Right
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 24, 2020
    • 5 min

    Military Professionalism: How to Do it Right

    It starts with recognizing that war is a family business. Back in 2015, I was attending the U.S. Air Force's Mathies Non-Commissioned...
    How to Ride a Dead Horse
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 22, 2020
    • 2 min

    How to Ride a Dead Horse

    James Clapper's wonderful and humorous anecdote on Washington D.C. I'm in the middle of reading former Director of National Intelligence...
    COVID-19 and Mission Command
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 17, 2020
    • 4 min

    COVID-19 and Mission Command

    The circumstances forced by a constantly evolving viral pandemic force us to a Mission Command environment. What is Mission Command, and...
    OODA? I Hardly Knew Ya!
    T. Kearny Vertner, III
    • Jul 15, 2020
    • 6 min

    OODA? I Hardly Knew Ya!

    While many in the military have (finally) learned about the OODA Loop and the man that created it, it's still an understudied approach...
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    © 2020 by T. Kearny Vertner, III. These are my views and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the Department of Defense or its components. Proudly created with Wix.com