Civic Essays
What We Owe the Next Generation
There is a kind of conversation that has gone out of fashion in this country, and we are paying for its absence. It is the conversation older people used to [...]
The Havok Journal | Military & Veteran News, Commentary, Culture
- War Just Got a Whole Lot Easier, so Expect More of It July 31, 2026The Changing Character of War The character of war has always evolved alongside technology, but its underlying logic has remained remarkably consistent: when the costs and risks of using force decline, the frequency of its use tends to rise. Today, advances in long-range strike capabilities, cyber operations, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the cost-benefit calculus […]Charles Faint
- I Was Just Doing My Job July 31, 2026Author’s note: This reflection was inspired by Sarah Barbo Nielsen’s essay, “Yes, I Served in Iraq. But What if People Mistake Me for a Hero?” published by The War Horse on June 3, 2026. ___ I served in the Navy. I deployed to Afghanistan. I was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon, and I was involved […]Lori Butierries
- You Have Chosen the State Over Christ July 31, 2026Don Timmerman died of cancer on July 19. He spent almost all of his adult life advocating for peace and justice. I am tempted to say that he was “fighting” for those causes, but I’m not sure if that word is appropriate to describe a man who was an absolute pacifist. Based on his understanding […]Frank Pauc
- The Pentagon Put a Résumé on Your Chest July 30, 2026Author’s Note Yes, I’m aware the ribbons, badges, patches, and uniform configuration in the illustration aren’t regulation-correct. Before anyone alerts the Pentagon, contacts Stolen Valor, or begins cross-referencing AR 670-1 with the forensic intensity normally reserved for a coup investigation, please remember that this is satire, not a promotion-board photograph. The image is meant to […]Tammy Pondsmith
- Military Housing Allowances Should Follow Need, Not Rank July 30, 2026By SSG Taylor Ambos The views presented in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the position of the Department of War, Department of the Army, or their components. Introduction Should the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for service members be anything but basic? The U.S. military prides itself on being […]Special Guest
