rapid fire
In Review
Only the Most Able: Moving Beyond Politics in the Selection of National Security Leaders. By Stephen Duncan. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2013. $50. ISBN 978-1-4422-2022-5.
Today’s complex and rapidly changing threats to American national security mean there is no acceptable margin for error, making the current system of politically appointing unqualified, inexperienced, or incompetent men and women as national security leaders and advisors incredibly dangerous, according to author Stephen Duncan, a former political appointee and assistant secretary of defense.
Duncan offers unflattering criticism of what he argues is an ingrained and wholly inadequate process that promotes bureaucratic inertia and self-interest, “style over substance,” at the expense of coherent, effective national security policy and action. His arguments surely will touch a nerve, but he is well-balanced — he skewers everyone: current and former Republican and Democratic administrations, cabinets, and Congresses.
He argues the present system does not work and asks for change, as he wonders why the military is the only American institution that he says actually trains people for high-level leadership.
Furies: War in Europe, 1450-1700. By Lauro Martines. Bloomsbury Press, 2013. $28. ISBN 978-1-6081-9609-8.
The Renaissance period is remembered best for its magnificent artistic and scientific achievements, but it was also a period of horrific, constant warfare that ravaged Europe for 250 years, writes acclaimed historian Lauro Martines.
This often-overlooked era of unrestrained bloodshed and destruction is well-presented by Martines, who reveals “total war” was often the result of mercenary armies that fought in prolonged religious and dynastic wars.
Mercenaries frequently changed sides depending on who they thought could pay them — and they reduced much of Europe to ashes, sacked entire cities, and wantonly destroyed and plundered the countryside
— William D. Bushnell
TRICAREUPDA+E
WORKING OR PLAYING OUTSIDE IS A HEALTHY WAY to enjoy the seasons, but TRICARE wants beneficiaries to be aware potential tick exposure could lead to Lyme disease.
Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick. It’s found in northeastern states from Virginia to Maine, north-central states such as Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the West Coast in Northern California.
Diagnosing Lyme disease is based on a combination of signs and symptoms and a history of exposure to ticks. Blood tests can check for antibodies to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Early symptoms can include body-wide itching, chills, fever, ill feelings, a headache, fainting spells, muscle pain, a stiff neck — and the hallmark expanding bulls-eye rash called erythema migrans.
To avoid exposure, walk in the center of trails and always check exposed skin, clothing, and pets after a walk or hike. Spray skin and clothing with insect repellent before venturing outdoors.
To learn more, go to
www.cdc.gov/lyme.
Miscellany: Frosty Fruit
*FREEZER TIPS. Freeze your summer blueberries to make a berry syrup for pancakes later this fall. Or try freezing an entire apple pie, so an easy and delicious dessert always is on hand even when the best fall apples aren’t. Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS (Ret), D.O., provides instructions for freezing fruit, plus recipes, at
www.moaa.org/nutrition.
*GUARD YOUR HEALTH. A new website from the Army National Guard makes health information available to guardmembers and offers content tailored for the unique Guard experience. Visit
www.guardyourhealth.org to view health articles, personal stories, an Army Physical Fitness Test calculator, and other resources.
SEPTEMBER 2013 MILITARY OFFICER 25
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