Ernest Hemingway was a passionate fisherman, much like the old man in one of his most famous books. The commitment and humility of his aged Cuban fisherman in The Old Man and the Sea offer strong lessons for military leaders.

Follow the Old Man’s Example

Courage, commitment, and humility—some of the greatest virtues of the profession of arms—are illustrated masterfully, yet obscurely, by Ernest Hemingway in The Old Man and the Sea.

Major Matthew Schultz, U.S. Marine Corps
February 2021
A false alarm in the USS Hartford (SSN-768), caused by a poorly trained petty officer of the deck, highlights the importance of accountability and continuous training.

JOs Must Bridge Commander’s Intent and Crew Ability

There are three principal responsibilities that each junior officer must maintain and strive to improve on every day: their team’s training, trust, and tenacity.

Lieutenant Eric M. Washkewicz, U.S. Navy
January 2021
Confidence is an important leadership trait, but overconfidence can put sailors in dangerous situations. Proper hose-handling technique is essential to safety on board Navy ships.

Overconfidence Can Be Hazardous

This is a story about how my overconfidence got the better of me, how I risked my life and that of a shipmate, and how I learned a hard lesson.

Lieutenant Michael O. D. Pruitt, U.S. Navy
September 2020