The hottest Veterans Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

I Served in the CIA’s Zero Units in Afghanistan

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 922 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. The CIA’s Zero Units were teams of Afghan recruits trained and run directly by the U.S. to hunt senior al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, carrying out dangerous missions like night raids.
  2. A person from that program has been accused of a brutal attack, but one individual's actions should not be used to demonize all Afghan partners.
  3. These units created close, complicated ties between U.S. operatives and Afghan fighters and played a central role in counterterrorism efforts after 9/11.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 779 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Veterans
  1. Many veterans face difficult lives filled with trauma, and often struggle to adjust to life after service. Places like Ft. Endurance provide support, but the road to recovery can be very tough.
  2. Scott's journey illustrates the deep emotional and physical pain veterans can endure, alongside their desire for connection and healing. Even small acts, like talking to a horse, can bring a sense of peace.
  3. Mental health struggles are real and ongoing for many veterans, and support from friends and family is crucial. It's important to check in on loved ones and encourage them to seek help.

The Ultimate Airman

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. Robin Olds is considered one of the most iconic figures in American combat aviation, embodying the spirit of airpower.
  2. Olds' insightful letter to Major Schwalier highlights systemic issues within the Air Force, like loss of authority and leadership diluted by bureaucracy.
  3. Olds' legacy reminds us that a combination of intellectual reflection and warrior spirit is essential in military leadership, and many of the Air Force's issues have persisted over time.
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Giving Veterans More than "Thanks"

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Veterans
  1. Reflect on the genuine meaning behind "Thank you for your service" to veterans and the importance of authentic gratitude.
  2. Acknowledge the complexities of war experiences for veterans beyond surface level praise and consider engaging in meaningful conversations with them.
  3. Understand the civic responsibility involved in sending individuals to combat, and prioritize genuine dialogue and comprehension over superficial gestures.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Wars Of Future Past • 39 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Veterans
  1. The newsletter is a collaborative Veterans Day guide to militarized brown liquor.
  2. They explore different whiskey brands targeting military-affiliated drinkers.
  3. The author shares a personal update and transition in career, moving from freelance journalism to a new job.

A veteran (and new federal employee) offers her view on the chaos the sudden government downsizing has unleashed

Unreported Truths • 55 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. The current government downsizing has left many federal employees feeling anxious and uncertain about their jobs, especially those hired for remote work. It's tough for them without clear answers about what will happen next.
  2. Not all federal workers are lazy or incompetent. Many work hard and do their jobs well, even if the general opinion sometimes paints them in a negative light.
  3. The extreme measures being taken to cut government jobs may have long-term repercussions. It’s important to find a balance instead of swinging to the opposite extreme and making things worse.

Dereliction of Duty

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. Privatized military housing has led to neglect and substandard living conditions for military families, with reports of black mold, sewage, and pest infestations.
  2. The use of non-disclosure agreements by private landlords to silence complaints from military families about poor living conditions is unethical and unjust.
  3. The decision to privatize military housing has resulted in a lack of accountability and oversight, leaving servicemembers and their families vulnerable to exploitation.

On American War

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. Veterans often carry deep trauma and finding meaning in their suffering is a life-long journey.
  2. America's involvement in wars like Vietnam and subsequent conflicts reveal a pattern of costly misadventures fueled by misleading narratives and mismatched goals.
  3. The nation faces a critical need to engage in open, democratic debates about war and peace to break the cycle of perpetual conflict and the misuse of military force.

218: A Thanksgiving Story

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Veterans
  1. Todd's story highlights the struggles many veterans face after returning home. They often deal with trauma, addiction, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
  2. During a visit, Todd expresses his feelings of pain and hopelessness, showing how deep his struggles run. Despite attempts to improve his life, he often feels overwhelmed and alone.
  3. The support system for veterans, like the friends at Ft. Endurance, plays a crucial role in their recovery. However, the challenges they face can make it hard for them to hold onto their progress.

Event: Giving Veterans More than “Thanks" (Sunday, May 29, 2022)

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 28 May 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Veterans
  1. Honoring veterans goes beyond superficial 'thanks' - it involves understanding their service and the complexities of war.
  2. Popular culture often oversimplifies the experiences of veterans, leading to empty gestures of gratitude.
  3. Genuine conversations with veterans about their experiences and taking civic responsibility for sending them to war are crucial gestures of respect.

Giving Veterans More than "Thanks"

Humanities in Revolt • 59 implied HN points • 11 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. Understanding veterans' experiences requires more than empty gestures like saying thanks. It involves empathetic dialogue and genuine exploration of their challenges.
  2. War is often abstract to many, shaped by media portrayals that oversimplify the complexities and realities of military service. A deeper understanding is needed beyond superficial praise.
  3. As citizens, we bear responsibility for the decisions our elected officials make regarding war. Genuine appreciation for veterans involves engaging in civic responsibility by questioning the rationale and ethics of sending individuals to war.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. The scandal involving Penn State revealed serious issues in college sports, creating a feeling of disillusionment about the integrity of athletics. Many feel that college sports, once seen as wholesome, have become tainted by corruption and greed.
  2. Veteran's Day brings mixed feelings; while some see the value in honoring military service, there is a recognition that war often brings unnecessary suffering. The decline in celebrations might be a positive sign that recent conflicts are less intense or frequent.
  3. There are many insightful blog posts being recommended, covering important topics like presidential election forecasting and the implications of mandatory voting. These are great reads for anyone interested in politics and social issues.

Popular Nonsense: Armed Vets in Schools

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Veterans
  1. Suggesting armed veterans as a solution to prevent school violence may seem simple, but it's actually a complex and expensive proposal.
  2. Putting armed veterans in schools would cost billions of dollars annually, larger than many government program budgets, and may not make schools much safer due to their size and layout.
  3. Although many veterans are honorable, statistically, some have been involved in mass shootings, highlighting the potential risks of having armed veterans in schools.

Help My Friend Theo Back On His Feet

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Veterans
  1. A friend of the author, an Air Force veteran, needs financial assistance after being assaulted.
  2. There is a GoFundMe page set up to help the friend get back on his feet.
  3. The author encourages people to be generous and share the fundraising post to help reach more potential donors.