JP Clark

Organizing my notes from John McManus’s excellent Fire and Fortitude. One note is entitled “MacArthur was a horrible person.”

Maybe Germany is like Faulkner’s South: the past isn’t even in the past. Fascinating discussion with @rjgranieri.bsky.social about his new book from @oxfordunipress.bsky.social.

Just saw my first bluebird of 2026. Although the Merlin app tells me that Carlisle is well within their year-round range and the current windchill is -3, I choose to take this as a sign of spring!

Pretty sunrise and a hawk hanging out in the neighbors’ tree to get the day off to a start.

It is great to see this book, expertly edited by @amosfox.bsky.social and @hoanssolo.bsky.social on the streets.
I give a simple account of the origins of the army's concept.
That is followed by great analysis from others including @heatheratacts.bsky.social @jwmeiser.bsky.social.
lnkd.in/gPvpMjHR

@univpressofkansas.bsky.social holiday sale means it’s a perfect time to get some of the best, latest USMC history from Mike Morris and Mark Folse.

The Spotify algorithm evidently decided that I should have a dose of introspection as I got ready for work. An interesting pairing. Funny how “He Went to Paris” hits differently as you get older.

Excellent post, thanks!

Every author needs a beagle under their desk to aid the creative process through a combination of snorts, sighs, and generally keeping you from putting your feet in the most comfortable position.

She’s a weird little dog. Perhaps part rat as smelly, cave-like environments are her thing.

a man is sitting at a desk in an office looking at a computer screen . ALT: a man is sitting at a desk in an office looking at a computer screen .

I’m gonna be honest, Panel Discussants at Conferences:

We really don’t want to hear your comments for 20 MINUTES. Send the presenters an email and let them field questions about their work from the audience.

a small brown dog leaps up from behind a pile of crunchy brown leaves. her eyes and mouth are open wide, and her big floppy ears are extended out like wings to either side.

This is Annie. She freaking loves fall. 13/10 (FB: James Osborne)

The universe definitely does not want me to write much today. A young hawk decided to give me a treat for a good minute.

It’s hard to concentrate on writing with such a pretty sunrise.

Two new recommendations for those looking for good non-fiction.

Tore Skeie's, The Wolf Age.

Danny Orbach's, Curse on This Country.

They are quite different in tone and content, but each excellent in its own way.

For other recommendations, check out my website.

www.jpclark.works/goodreads

Only a month 'til the publication of “Framing the First World War: How Divergent Views Shaped a Global Conflict”, edited by me, @mpmfinch.bsky.social & @dmorganowen.bsky.social!

US readers: get 30% discount (code: FRAMINGWWI) & free shipping if you order direct from @univpressofkansas.bsky.social

Why Ichiro won’t stop working like a player: ‘Seeing makes the message so much more believable’

If is easy to lose the plot and idolize athletes for crass outcomes rather than the noble characteristics that sport at its best brings out. I hope to be a little like Ichiro. Maybe you do, too. If so, good luck to us all.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/666... Why Ichiro won’t stop working like a player.

We hope to be back soon!

MWI Podcast: China’s Strategic Competition with the United States - Modern War Institute The December 2017 release of a new US National Security Strategy was, in key ways, a watershed moment. The previous strategy, released in 2015, noted that "the scope of our cooperation with China is u...

As ever, Ali Wyne brings nuance, balance, and insight to the toughest subjects. This one is well worth your time.
mwi.westpoint.edu/mwi-podcast-...

Ooof. By dint of alphabetical order, I am now in the older half of living West Point graduates.

The New Yorker is on the nose this Back to School season.

This was such a fun conversation, although I am still embarrassed about how much I didn’t know about an event that took place and has had a huge effect on my military career.

The Innovation Imperative: Why Tactical Ingenuity is Not Enough | Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University A Strategist and Foreign Area Officer argue that the U.S. Army should embrace a top-down approach to innovation across all levels of wars.

The summary of the current state of the innovation/adaptation literature alone is worth the price of entry. On top of that, a well-argued, provocative argument.

smallwarsjournal.com/2025/08/11/t...

In additional to the useful, practical hints on the use of operational data, Melissa also provides good advice on how to be a useful and respected functional SME in an organization( these apply beyond just ORSAs.

“The hype around AI has prompted many companies to experiment without clear goals, adequate infrastructure, or a realistic understanding of what the technology can deliver, says Prof Li.” <—- well, this is shocking….