Michael A. Hanson

Captain Michael A. Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom prior to being commissioned a second lieutenant in November 2013. As a platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, he led his Marines during deployments to Okinawa and Romania. He currently is an infantry instructor with Tactical Training Exercise Control Group at Twentynine Palms, California. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.

Articles by Michael A. Hanson

After a hazing incident, the author adopted Medal of Honor runs for his platoon, using the citations of former company members to help inspire his Marines to aspire for more.

You Never Know Who Will Be the Next Hero

By Major Michael A. Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

January 2024

Marines need to begin forging bonds from the day they arrive to their unit, and it begins with a welcome hand from their fellow Marines.

An infantry fire team needs a responsive direct-fire high-explosive solution capable of reducing a hardened position or destroying an enemy armored vehicle. The Marine Corps is fielding the M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (above) to fill this role.

Infantry Is More than Rifle Squads

By Major Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

November 2023

Suppression is the critical infantry task that exists to support maneuver.

China is politically and economically dependent on its overseas supply lines

Exploiting China’s Maritime Vulnerability

By Captain Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

April 2023

China’s dependence on extended overseas supply lines makes it politically and economically vulnerable.

Lead From the Front? Not Always

By Captain Michael A. Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

November 2022

A leader must lead from the point of influence, the place where he can best employ his unit and impact the action.

NCOs: The Missing Link

By Captain Michael A. Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

April 2022

In poorly performing units, effective and empowered NCOs may be the missing link.

Esprit de Corps Is a Force Multiplier

By Captain Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

November 2021

Esprit de corps is often strengthened by an inherited legacy kept alive by reverence for those who went before.

Welcome Back to the Jungle

By Captain Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

April 2021

The jungle will demand much of Marines, but it will demand even more of their leaders.

Welcome Back to the Jungle

By Captain Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

April 2021

The jungle will demand much of Marines, but it will demand even more of their leaders.

A Chinese construction company builds a new bridge over the Kafue River in Zambia. China’s Belt and Road Initiative could create a network of client states.

21st-Century Proxy Wars

By Captain Michael Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps

November 2020

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union never fought directly, squaring off instead through client states and proxy forces. Could the same happen with China?