How fashion borrowed military aesthetics and lost the context
"What was once functional equipment tied to service, sacrifice and sometimes trauma is now treated as visual shorthand for toughness or rebellion."
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.
Why most of military life rarely makes the screen
Between training and combat exists a long stretch of routine and waiting. Those experiences remain largely absent from military portrayals in film and TV.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
By Clay Beyersdorfer
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
By J.D. Simkins
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
By Clay Beyersdorfer