Greetings, fellow history nerds! I’m Rob, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you through the annals of the U.S. Army’s past. My fascination with military history was kindled during my time in airborne units, where every jump and mission became a chapter in the unfolding story of our nation’s defense.
Delving into the history of U.S. Army organizational culture in the 20th century has become my scholarly life. In my first book, The Airborne Mafia I demonstrate how one unique subculture transformed the broader US Army strategically, tactically, and culturally. This specialization isn’t just a niche for me; it’s a profound exploration into the heartbeat of the military machine and the forces that shaped it. It’s not just a matter of battles and strategies; it’s about the human dynamics that influence outcomes. My scholarship in my first book hopes to illuminate how that happens–in peacetime.
After a career in the army jumping out of airplanes, I’ve lived the experiences that now fuel my scholarly pursuits. These experiences aren’t just memories; they’re threads woven into the fabric of my understanding of military history. Now that does not mean only a military veteran can study military history: far from it. But rather my experience gives me specific insights and an ability to read between the lines in my understanding of the past.
History isn’t just about recounting the past; it’s a lens through which we can understand the present and navigate the future. My time in airborne units illuminated the significance of organizational culture in shaping military operations. Understanding the past is the only way to understand the current moment. And so here in 2023 we have conflicts erupting around the globe and a US Army that has not seemed to completely grapple with the lessons of the past–particularly its most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As I set out on this journey of exploration, my goal is to make the richness of military history accessible to a broader audience. Through platforms like Twitter, where daily insights will unfold, and this blog, where deep-dives await, I hope to foster a community of history enthusiasts, military professionals, and curious minds alike. The idea here is history for the masses.
I invite you to join me in unraveling the stories that have shaped our armed forces and, by extension, our nation. Feel free to engage, share your thoughts, and let’s embark on this historical odyssey together.
