T. Kearny Vertner, IIIFeb 103 minFit 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, IIIDec 6, 20215 minAn 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, IIISep 12, 20213 minObservations: The Kill Chain by Christian BroseSome of the best books are about telling you uncomfortable truths you already know.
T. Kearny Vertner, IIIApr 10, 20215 minThe Meaning of "Diversity & Inclusion"The power of humbly listening to alternative voices and having your blind spots challenged.
T. Kearny Vertner, IIIOct 2, 20206 minEvery Airman a StrategistOn 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, IIISep 25, 20205 minObservations: One Bullet Away by Nathaniel FickOne 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, IIISep 18, 20204 minLearning from the Best Worst SolutionWhen 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, IIISep 11, 20204 minObservations: Call Sign Chaos by Jim MattisMuch like Marcus Aurelius, Secretary Mattis has filled his book with truths, both pithy and hard-earned.
T. Kearny Vertner, IIISep 4, 20207 minWarrant 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, IIIAug 12, 20204 minObservations: Facts and Fears by James ClapperFascinating read by a distinguished career intelligence officer. I must admit, this book challenged some of my expectations. Despite...
T. Kearny Vertner, IIIAug 10, 20204 minDon't Sneak Out of Going AwayRetirement ceremonies, going-away celebrations, hails-and-farewells aren't about you! No matter what organization you've been a part of...
T. Kearny Vertner, IIIAug 7, 20207 minThe Power of ReactivityWe 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, IIIAug 5, 20205 minExcellence in All We DoIt'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, IIIAug 3, 20205 minWhat'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, IIIJul 31, 20207 minWe Are All Cyber AirmenThe "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, IIIJul 27, 20205 minThree ExpectationsAs 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, IIIJul 24, 20205 minMilitary Professionalism: How to Do it RightIt 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, IIIJul 22, 20202 minHow to Ride a Dead HorseJames 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, IIIJul 17, 20204 minCOVID-19 and Mission CommandThe circumstances forced by a constantly evolving viral pandemic force us to a Mission Command environment. What is Mission Command, and...
T. Kearny Vertner, IIIJul 15, 20206 minOODA? 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...