T. Kearny Vertner, III
Why Not Me?
Everybody asks 'why me?'... embrace the power of asking, 'why not me?' This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody,...
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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.
T. Kearny Vertner, III
- Dec 5, 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.
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.
T. Kearny Vertner, III
- Apr 9, 2021
- 5 min
The Meaning of "Diversity & Inclusion"
The power of humbly listening to alternative voices and having your blind spots challenged.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...