T. Kearny Vertner, III
Fit to Lead?
Strong military physical fitness scores are not a reason to skip unit fitness training; they drive a responsibility to lead it.
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T. Kearny Vertner, III
Dec 5, 20215 min read
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, 20213 min read
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
Sep 1, 20215 min read
Reflections on Afghanistan
My entire military experience has been defined by either Afghanistan lingering in the background or thrust violently into my...
T. Kearny Vertner, III
Apr 9, 20215 min read
The Meaning of "Diversity & Inclusion"
The power of humbly listening to alternative voices and having your blind spots challenged.
T. Kearny Vertner, III
Oct 23, 20206 min read
The Future of Great Power Competition
The next generation of high-end warfare looks both familiar and different. Many well-meaning military strategists and planners are...
T. Kearny Vertner, III
Oct 15, 20206 min read
Process Over Outcome
What the Military can Learn from the State Department
T. Kearny Vertner, III
Oct 2, 20206 min read
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, 20205 min read
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, 20204 min read
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, 20204 min read
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, 20207 min read
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, 20204 min read
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 7, 20207 min read
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, 20205 min read
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, 20205 min read
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, 20207 min read
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 29, 20206 min read
Uniforms Matter
A uniform is a symbol that represents your organization and affords legal authority and accountability. Anyone following the news...
T. Kearny Vertner, III
Jul 27, 20205 min read
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, 20205 min read
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...
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