Conversations

Blog

On the Regarding War blog, soldiers, veterans, and journalists will share their stories from Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones. It will feature personal stories and opinions from those who have first-hand knowledge of past and current conflicts. Those at home directly affected by a family member serving in the military will also contribute. The blog is meant to be a place where ideas are exchanged and experiences are related in an effort to gain a better understanding of the realities and effects of war. Share your thoughts, raise a question, and join the conversation by leaving comments on the posts.

The End of Regarding War

written by Matt Elliott | comments
on December 28, 2010

I'm proud of the content we produced over the past six months. It's invaluable to be able to read about the direct experiences of people who have seen war up close, both soldiers and embedded journalists. It's also important to hear from spouses and parents of soldiers, remembering that the military life takes a tremendous toll on loved ones back home. read more »

Final Thoughts

written by Andrew Lubin | comments
on December 21, 2010

These two young Marines lived life by "Honor — Courage — Commitment" right to the last second. It's not how they died, but rather how they lived. Let's raise a glass to Yale and Haerter, and to their fellow Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen standing watch for you this Christmas season and Christmas seasons to come. read more »

Revisiting Rohde: Publishing Secret Information in a Time of War

written by David Tate | comments
on December 20, 2010

As careful as The New York Times was about guarding the information protecting one man, I'm surprised it has taken part in the dissemination of stolen state secrets. This will forever change the world, and in my opinion not for the better read more »

Direct Line: Living in the Moment in Afghanistan

written by Rajiv Srinivasan | comments
on December 20, 2010

As I sit with my soldiers for dinner on Thanksgiving evening, or open up Christmas care packages with them in the December cold, I'll try my best not to sulk around my men for missing my own family back home. Rather, I am resolving now to live in the moment; to find some holiday cheer in the company of the amazing men I live and serve with every day. Spending the holidays with my soldiers will, indeed, be a memorable time for me. read more »

Exercise Bold Alligator: Projecting American Influence in the 21st Century

written by Andrew Lubin | comments
on December 17, 2010

Bold Alligator is a seven-day "virtual exercise" designed to reacquaint high-level Marine and Navy commands with their amphibious doctrine, tactical skill sets and logistical requirements. These skills have atrophied after nine years fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Bold Alligator is Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos's opening effort to return the Marine Corps to its expeditionary roots. read more »

Readjusting When Your Soldier Returns Home

written by Jennifer See | comments
on December 17, 2010

Sometimes, it's the noise level and hustle and bustle of the kids that is hard for my husband to get used to. For me, it's often the "this-is-how-we-do-things-now, I-control-all" mode I get into, after handling everything from minor repairs to homework and kid meltdowns, solo. read more »

Post-Deployment Reintegration, From a Spouse's Perspective

written by Wife on the Roller Coaster | comments
on December 16, 2010

A deployment changes a couple, both individually and collectively. The service member has spent months living by different rules, following nothing but his assigned mission. The spouse has developed her own methods of coping with her new roles and responsibilities. They both faced challenges that neither one of them could ever empathize with or fully comprehend. When the deployment ends, they aren't the same people they were when they said good-bye months earlier. read more »

How Do You Start Holiday Traditions When You're a Military Family?

written by Kathleen Harris Causey | comments
on December 16, 2010

To be honest, it's a bit daunting to go through our first set of holidays together knowing that our second set could be spent apart. I feel like we'll be on a serious curve when it comes to learning how to celebrate as a couple. read more »

Christmas Letter 2010

written by Kanani Fong | comments
on December 15, 2010

want to thank you for trying to pave a path for these people that makes their lives easier and so they have options. I'm acknowledging your sacrifice, and that of your family's. Your life is a balancing act, trying to straddle the war while maintaining ties to home. I know, it isn't easy. So, of all the presents I can give to you, I hope you will take my gratitude to heart, and keep it with you throughout your life. read more »

Holiday Mail Drop

written by Rajiv Srinivasan | comments
on December 13, 2010

The soldiers searched for their packages with the same passion with which they would search for their wives. They embraced the cardboard containers with the same fervor with which they would hug their children. This wasn't your typical Black Friday sweep through a department store. It was a reunion -- a reunion of love transferred in the form of thoughtfully purchased electronics and dry, crumbled cookies. read more »