S/F brother, and kudos to Asad. Didn’t know him but served in his cohort, including Greg Olson. No better words describe our generation of marine officers, and the continuing mentorship of those great leaders like Colonel Billy Steed, who you described without naming. I read MacKenzie’s book and softened my opinion of him, having worked for 6 years at CENTCOM and SOCCENT. I understand the challenges of a theater command. I just got Asad’s book on the recommendation of a good friend of his. I was warned that my opinion of MacKenzie was due to take a parabolic turn….
I appreciate the comment, James. I knew them both, and, as you can tell, I felt the way Asad was treated was absolute bullshit. Part 2 of this post is the rant part, and I am so pissed off at what has happened to the Marine Corps that it is hard to be civil, as you will see.
I just realized that I mistook MG Olson, USA for my good friend MG Olson, USMC. Memories being fleeting, I actually met Asad briefly in Tampa, with our common friend Gregg Lyon. Gregg and Asad had been Company Commanders in 2/2. Gregg and I were at SOCOM, though I was detailed to CENTCOM. Asad was passing through in his travels. Looking forward to his book. I also see Doug Rape’ comments here. I worked for him at 2/1 as a dopey LT. He treated me like a son, and he remains a lifelong mentor.
I know Gregg, too, and did a double-take when I was reading Asad's book. I knew that Gregg was a general officer, but I also remembered he was a Battalion commander in Iraq when Khan was in Afghanistan. I was in Horno with 1/9 when you were in 2/1 - I bet we met back then because I remember working on your MCCRES, and I think MEU evaluations, if memory serves. Being in Horn back in the 80s was awesome.
Reading this amazing book now. Lt/ Colonel Khan has just picked up 1/6. He had been in Pakistan for several years prior. We know what we see, Frank McKenzie, Mark Milley and Lloyd Austin represent the very worst of the current class of Flag Officers. This post is really well done. We 0302’s get used to working around “problems” because there are always problems to work through or around. But it is very hard when the McKenzies of the world make problems and then don’t let you solve them. The flag officers in the Corps, when this Marine was on active duty all had been in Korea (many WWII) and Vietnam. They were short on words, big on action and demanding of the colonels, who were demanding of the chain of command all the way down to fire team levels. Yes, there were some really bad Marine officers, but few and far between and almost none got beyond 05.
Speaking of “Fields of Fire” there were 36 of us brand new 0302’s that showed up on 3 November 1978, for the first IOC class that Colonel (then Major) Ollie North would not lead, however, fortune smiled upon us, and Major Bo Dishman was the senior officer in charge. What a privilege, and THE book of record was “Fields of Fire” and each and everyone of us, wanted to exemplify the leadership qualities of Lieutenant Robert E. Lee Hodges. We had nothing but the best in the instructors who were teaching us the most basic and important skills needed to successfully lead a rifle platoon, to show us the way. There is no higher privilege and honor than being 22 years old and responsible for the needs and safety of your Marines in your rifle platoon. We need difficult subordinates, we need them to question and be a pain in the neck, to challenge the norm. Evans Carlson was difficult and probably a pain in the neck, but he showed the way to an alternative way of fighting. The Corps is a thinking service, it has earned a reputation for toughness, well earned, but we ought to realize one of the greatest strengths are the minds we have to think thorough thorny and difficult problem sets. Gung Ho……
I appreciate the comment, Charles. IOC was a special place, and my understanding is that it remains so to this day. We were in Quantico at the same time - when you were starting TBS, I was graduating from Quantico High School. It is a small world.
Tim, the world of a Marine Corps Infantry Officer can be amazingly small! TBS was TBS. I was in Fox Company 6/78. IOC started two days after graduation. We were the 6th class ever at that point. They were still really feeling their way around the POI. I just subscribed to your stack. It is important for us older guys to stay current and learn from the younger 0302’s that went out and did the fighting. The first time I saw that phat assed Frank McKenzie I knew instantly that guy was counterfeit. Just got to Lt. Colonel Khan picking up 1/6….
I just heard General Dale Alford talking about IOC and he just poured accolades on it. I met a young 1st Lt. last year, “0302” and his Seabag was in ship shape so to say….really impressive AND he had a great sense of humor! Who says the grunts have changed!! Thanks for your great post. Keep em coming. Add 100 fire for effect…the rounds will walk back a bit….
Tim. I am humbled by your words and don't take them lightly. I appreciate your support and our brotherhood. Semper Fi and a Healthy 2026. 🤗🫡🇺🇸
You earned the support, Asad, and I am obviously not the only former Marine who feels that way.
Hey, Tim.... Thanks for continuing to educate me and other somewhat familiar civilians out there: RESPECT!
Thank you Nancy and Happy New Year to you and yours
S/F brother, and kudos to Asad. Didn’t know him but served in his cohort, including Greg Olson. No better words describe our generation of marine officers, and the continuing mentorship of those great leaders like Colonel Billy Steed, who you described without naming. I read MacKenzie’s book and softened my opinion of him, having worked for 6 years at CENTCOM and SOCCENT. I understand the challenges of a theater command. I just got Asad’s book on the recommendation of a good friend of his. I was warned that my opinion of MacKenzie was due to take a parabolic turn….
I appreciate the comment, James. I knew them both, and, as you can tell, I felt the way Asad was treated was absolute bullshit. Part 2 of this post is the rant part, and I am so pissed off at what has happened to the Marine Corps that it is hard to be civil, as you will see.
I just realized that I mistook MG Olson, USA for my good friend MG Olson, USMC. Memories being fleeting, I actually met Asad briefly in Tampa, with our common friend Gregg Lyon. Gregg and Asad had been Company Commanders in 2/2. Gregg and I were at SOCOM, though I was detailed to CENTCOM. Asad was passing through in his travels. Looking forward to his book. I also see Doug Rape’ comments here. I worked for him at 2/1 as a dopey LT. He treated me like a son, and he remains a lifelong mentor.
I know Gregg, too, and did a double-take when I was reading Asad's book. I knew that Gregg was a general officer, but I also remembered he was a Battalion commander in Iraq when Khan was in Afghanistan. I was in Horno with 1/9 when you were in 2/1 - I bet we met back then because I remember working on your MCCRES, and I think MEU evaluations, if memory serves. Being in Horn back in the 80s was awesome.
Reading this amazing book now. Lt/ Colonel Khan has just picked up 1/6. He had been in Pakistan for several years prior. We know what we see, Frank McKenzie, Mark Milley and Lloyd Austin represent the very worst of the current class of Flag Officers. This post is really well done. We 0302’s get used to working around “problems” because there are always problems to work through or around. But it is very hard when the McKenzies of the world make problems and then don’t let you solve them. The flag officers in the Corps, when this Marine was on active duty all had been in Korea (many WWII) and Vietnam. They were short on words, big on action and demanding of the colonels, who were demanding of the chain of command all the way down to fire team levels. Yes, there were some really bad Marine officers, but few and far between and almost none got beyond 05.
Speaking of “Fields of Fire” there were 36 of us brand new 0302’s that showed up on 3 November 1978, for the first IOC class that Colonel (then Major) Ollie North would not lead, however, fortune smiled upon us, and Major Bo Dishman was the senior officer in charge. What a privilege, and THE book of record was “Fields of Fire” and each and everyone of us, wanted to exemplify the leadership qualities of Lieutenant Robert E. Lee Hodges. We had nothing but the best in the instructors who were teaching us the most basic and important skills needed to successfully lead a rifle platoon, to show us the way. There is no higher privilege and honor than being 22 years old and responsible for the needs and safety of your Marines in your rifle platoon. We need difficult subordinates, we need them to question and be a pain in the neck, to challenge the norm. Evans Carlson was difficult and probably a pain in the neck, but he showed the way to an alternative way of fighting. The Corps is a thinking service, it has earned a reputation for toughness, well earned, but we ought to realize one of the greatest strengths are the minds we have to think thorough thorny and difficult problem sets. Gung Ho……
I appreciate the comment, Charles. IOC was a special place, and my understanding is that it remains so to this day. We were in Quantico at the same time - when you were starting TBS, I was graduating from Quantico High School. It is a small world.
Tim, the world of a Marine Corps Infantry Officer can be amazingly small! TBS was TBS. I was in Fox Company 6/78. IOC started two days after graduation. We were the 6th class ever at that point. They were still really feeling their way around the POI. I just subscribed to your stack. It is important for us older guys to stay current and learn from the younger 0302’s that went out and did the fighting. The first time I saw that phat assed Frank McKenzie I knew instantly that guy was counterfeit. Just got to Lt. Colonel Khan picking up 1/6….
I just heard General Dale Alford talking about IOC and he just poured accolades on it. I met a young 1st Lt. last year, “0302” and his Seabag was in ship shape so to say….really impressive AND he had a great sense of humor! Who says the grunts have changed!! Thanks for your great post. Keep em coming. Add 100 fire for effect…the rounds will walk back a bit….