Summary: I recommend reading these two valuable articles by the John Dolan (aka the War Nerd) at Pando. They are an entertaining autobiography, but also provide a valuable outsider’s view of our society and our wars. They’re only ungated for a limited time. Post your reactions in the comments.
Part one tells the personal stories of John Dolan and Mitzy Carlough — who later became Montgomery McFate, a star among the COINistas. It’s a 21stC version of A Star is Born. No only is this history entertaining, but it can help us realize that scale of our lost wars since 9/11 — and the causes.
Part two tells the tale of how Mitzy found a lucrative and prestigious niche in the US defense establishment, eventually helping launch the Army’s ill-fated Human Terrain System program (“The Next Big Thing in counterinsurgency”).
“My Human Terrain” at Pando
Part One: “Me and Mitzy Carlough“. This is a case study of how to rise in American society. Like the making of sausage, it’s not a pretty process.
Part Two: “Which way to the bombs?” — An insider story about our mad wars, and the rise of Montgomery McFate and the COIN-istas.
Something you can do
The Big List of Lies by our Leaders. Post it everywhere to change America.
For More Information
Another fascinating story about the people moving up the career ladder in D.C. by shilling for our wars: “Elizabeth O’Bagy: Human Resource“.
If you liked this post, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. See these posts about Anthropologists go to war, about the Counterinsurgency Field Manual (FM 3-24), and especially these…
- Another volley in the battle of the anthropologists.
- Americans in foreign lands, putting our knowledge of their cultures to work in war.
- Lessons about ourselves from the “Three Cups of Tea” affair (parts one and two).
- Recommended: Learning from our failure at weaponizing anthropology.
Also see these books:
