I was honored to be invited on the Mental Health Mixed Tape Podcast hosted by the Before Operational Stress Program. We discussed many aspects of Stoic philosophy and how it could be used to support mental health and military leadership.

Link to the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXFj3Kj11u8&t=3594s

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evolvingwarfighter/

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.

I was honored to be invited on the Mental Health Mixed Tape Podcast hosted by the Before Operational Stress Program. We discussed many aspects of Stoic philosophy and how it could be used to support mental health and military leadership.

Link to the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXFj3Kj11u8&t=3594s

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evolvingwarfighter/

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.

I put a pair of Haix Combat Hero boots to a test of over 1,200 miles of ruck marching. I must say I was very impressed. The dual zone lacing feature was amazing. The durability is beyond expectation. Given these boots are resoleable, these may be one of the most cost-effective premium combat boots per mile on the market.

https://www.haixusa.com/haix-combat-hero

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.

Stoic philosophy and the Western profession of arms are inseparable. The Ancient Stoic tradition built upon resilience and leadership techniques discovered on the battlefield by Athenian and Spartan warriors. This philosophy would be carried onto Roman battlefields by legendary military leaders such as Scipio Africanus, Cato the Younger, and the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.

NeoStoicism would be fundamental to the Military Revolution of the 16th & 17th century that would professionalize Western militaries and pave the way for democracy and the industrial era. Great military philosophers from Raimondo Montecuccoli, Gerhard von Scharnhorst, Carl von Clausewitz, and Alden Partridge would further build upon the NeoStoic tradition to identify needed elements of military strategy, the ideal traits of military leadership, and supporting educational models.

While the Stoic tradition has had a strong impact on warfare into the 21st century, the direct knowledge of Stoic philosophy has largely been lost within the modern profession of arms. Regaining knowledge of this powerful philosophical tradition will be critical for continued success on the modern battlefield. It is time for Western militaries to reconnect to this philosophical tradition to ensure the psychological resilience of their soldiers and support for our democratic systems of government.

This lecture was given on June 23rd, 2023 in Calgary, Canada, in support of the Before Operational Stress Program. For more information on the BOS program visit: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.

I was honored to have a chance to interview Sheridan Taylor, a Canadian combat veteran and author of "Not Okay? Okay: A Roadmap Back from the Brink." We had the opportunities to discuss his book and some of the materials he wished he would have known before going to war.

You can purchase his book here: https://amzn.to/43or5BH (Affiliate Link)

My review of Sheridan's book: https://medium.com/@franklin-annis/the-humble-poet-book-review-of-not-okay-okay-by-sheridan-taylor-b5a79ae0ae50

Find out more about Sheridan on his website: https://sheridantaylor.ca

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.

Lead by example. Stay greedy for labor and fatigue.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Here is a Stoic-themed poem to help inspire you to get out and engage in Stoic Toughening Training.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Here is a Stoic-themed poem to help inspire you to get out and engage in Stoic Toughening Training.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/frankli...

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I had a chance to sit down with a great leader, mentor, and friend LTC Laura Jane Stephens (Retired). In this two- part interview, we talked about several key leadership positions she held during her 30 years of service as a Medical Service Corps Officer and her experience training and competing in Ironman competitions. This interview brought up a tremendous number of topics including Gender/LGBT integration, Combat Stress, Suicide, Relationships, Leadership, and Fitness Training. LTC Stephens recalled her successes in Ironman competitions and a devastating injury that removed her from the sport for a number of years. I wish her all the best in her retirement and look forward to her successes in returned to extreme sports.

Further resources recommended by LTC Stephen
The Gift of Adversity by Marcus Aurelius Anderson: https://amzn.to/3cMxEcd #ad
I Could Never Do That Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-could-never-do-that/id1265663001
Ask a Manger: https://www.askamanager.org/
Thrive Causemetics https://thrivecausemetics.com/

Find LTC Stephens at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-jane-stephens-b6bb359/
Twitter: @LJ_armybarbie
https://www.facebook.com/LauraJaneStephens1

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://amzn.to/3RIAcGO #ad

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

After 350 miles of marching in the Rocky Hot Weather Boots I found them unfit for long range marching. In this video, I reflect on my experience with the Hot Weather boots and the far superior Rocky S2V series of boots. I hope it helps you select the best boots for your purposes.

These boots are available at: https://www.rockyboots.com/rocky/rocky-entry-level-hot-weather-military-boot/RKC057.html

The ARSYE IFAST is available here:

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

It was an honor to sit down with Lauren Swensson to discuss the Advanced Medical Sustainment and Trauma Training that she helped to design. This training expands the skills and experience of military medics making them better able to address the challenges of the battlefield. It is easy to see Lauren's passion for this program and how she is enabling excellence for all those that attend. For more information about the training, Lauren can be reached at: [email protected]

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

LTCOL Caleb Walker, the Vice President for Defense for With You With Me, talks about a revolutionary approach to talent management. This approach may offer countless advantages to the Western militaries including the capability to rapidly expand militaries for large scale warfare.

More information can be found at:
withyouwithme.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-walker-79524b13b/
[email protected]

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I had a wonderful conversation with Ryan Driscoll about his podcast "Stoic Warfighters." He is trying to spread useful Stoic practices to help Soldiers and Veterans.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appears on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

The requirement of moving with arms and equipment is as old as the profession of arms. The Stoic philosophers utilized extreme walking as a means of increasing mental resilience and physical fitness. The US Military has an opportunity to return to this practice to better prepare service members for the stresses of combat.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Col. Thomas J. Gordon, Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, joined me to discuss some of the leadership lessons from his new book, Marine Maxims. I found this book to be filled with dozens of practical leadership techniques and over a hundred additional resources to support self-development. This is truly one of the best formatted leadership books I have ever encountered.

You can pick up a copy here: https://www.usni.org/press/books/marine-maxims

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Donation link:
https://woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/woundedwarriors/p/BOS

I am teaming up with Wounded Warrior Canada to raise funds for the Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program. This program has clinically proven its ability to reduce PTSD and depression while improving the overall quality of life for veterans and first responders. Your donations will directly support Canadian veterans to attend this powerful training. I marched 41.5 miles within 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for this exceptional program.

For more information about the BOS Program:
https://woundedwarriors.ca/our-programs/before-operational-stress/

Find me on Twitter:
@EvolvingWar

Check out my books:
https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Donation link: https://woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/woundedwarriors/p/BOS

I am teaming up with Wounded Warrior Canada to raise funds for the Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program. This program has clinically proven its ability to reduce PTSD and depression while improving the overall quality of life for veterans and first responders. Your donations will directly support Canadian veterans to attend this powerful training. I will be marching 40-65 miles within 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for this exceptional program.

For more information about the BOS Program: https://woundedwarriors.ca/our-programs/before-operational-stress/

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

Donation link: https://woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/woundedwarriors/p/BOS

I am teaming up with Wounded Warrior Canada to raise funds for the Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program. This program has clinically proven its ability to reduce PTSD and depression while improving the overall quality of life for veterans and first responders. Your donations will directly support Canadian veterans to attend this powerful training. I will be marching 40-65 miles within 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for this exceptional program.

For more information about the BOS Program: https://woundedwarriors.ca/our-programs/before-operational-stress/

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I just marched 29.2 miles reflecting on the last twenty years and how my life and our country has been impacted by the events of September 9/11/2001.

Along the way, I hoped to raise funds to support Fisher House Foundation and I need your help! Fundraiser page: https://do.nr/kevufu

Fisher Houses are a “home away from home” offered at no cost to military and veterans’ families, allowing them to be together while their loved ones receive specialized medical care at military and VA medical centers around the world and ensure they can be a part of the healing process.

A long-term stay in a hospital, often thousands of miles from home, can lead to unmanageable burdens and significant expenses for family members needing to be a part of their loved one’s healing process. Since 1990, Fisher House has saved families $500 million and provided 10 million nights of lodging, allowing families to be together during these difficult times.

Give with confidence! Fisher House Foundation is a premier national non-profit and has been awarded a four-star Charity Navigator rating for 16 years straight and an A+ rating from CharityWatch.

Together we can make a difference. Thank you for your support!

ARYSE.COM offers a 10% discount code (displayed in the video) that will also result in 15% of your purchase price being donated to the Fisher House Foundation.

Frog Fuel offers amazing products to keep the extreme athlete going. I will donate 10% of any purchase from now till the end of September to the Fisher House for those that use this link: https://bit.ly/2LfEt89
If you are a first time purchaser, the discount code WARRIOR20 will save you 20%.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I am gearing up for another ultramarathon length ruck march. I am hoping to cover between 30-70 miles as I reflect on the last twenty years and how my life and our country has been impacted by the events of September 9/11/2001.

Along the way, I will be raising funds to support Fisher House Foundation and I need your help! Fundraiser page: https://do.nr/kevufu

Fisher Houses are a “home away from home” offered at no cost to military and veterans’ families, allowing them to be together while their loved ones receive specialized medical care at military and VA medical centers around the world and ensure they can be a part of the healing process.

A long-term stay in a hospital, often thousands of miles from home, can lead to unmanageable burdens and significant expenses for family members needing to be a part of their loved one’s healing process. Since 1990, Fisher House has saved families $500 million and provided 10 million nights of lodging, allowing families to be together during these difficult times.

Give with confidence! Fisher House Foundation is a premier national non-profit and has been awarded a four-star Charity Navigator rating for 16 years straight and an A+ rating from CharityWatch.

Together we can make a difference. Thank you for your support!

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I had the opportunity to interview Marcus Aurelius Anderson about his experiences being significantly injured in the Army while preparing for deployment. He captured his experiences and how he used Western and Eastern philosophies to overcome his paralysis and find purpose in his book "The Gift of Adversity." I had a chance to further discuss with him the timeline of his injury and recovery and more about his experience with the warrior transition unit.

This book is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Adversity...

You can find Marcus
on his website: marcusaureliusanderson.com
on Twitter: @the1realmarcus
on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcus-aurelius-anderson/
on Facebook: facebook.com/marcusaureliusanderson
on Instagram: instagram.com/marcusaureliusanderson

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/frankli...

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

After 1,000 miles rucking in the ARYSE IFAST they have demonstrated themselves to be more durable than a pair of premium combat boots. I cannot recommend this technology enough. This advanced technology provides an amazing advantage in ankle injury recovery and ankle injury prevention. I would not be surprised if this technology is widely adopted throughout allied militaries in the coming years.

Available at: https://aryse.com/product/ifast/
A discount code appears in the video.

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/frankli...

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

I was able to put the Rocky S2V Enhanced Jungle Boots to the test of ruck marching over 1,400 miles. They stood up remarkably well and demonstrated the high quality of this boots.

These boots are available at: https://www.rockyboots.com/s2v/rocky-s2v-enhanced-jungle-puncture-resistant-boot/RKC071.html

Find me on Twitter: @EvolvingWar

Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/author/franklinannis

For a list of other academic materials produced by Dr. Annis, please visit:
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5615-1607

The content which appear on The Evolving Warfighter are unofficial expressions of opinion. Views presented are those of the speaker(s) or author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.

The Stoic philosophy and the profession of arms are almost inseparable. Through thousands of years of battlefield experience, nations and leaders were shaped by the evolution of this philosophy. While may modern military journals and podcast seek to publish the "latest" needed leadership trait, the mast majority of these "newly identified" leadership skills/abilities/behaviors have been known for hundreds of years.