ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nolan Peterson is a former special operations pilot and a combat veteran with multiple degrees in political science, French and journalism. As a freelance writer, he has covered international affairs and national security and has had his work published by several national publications.

He has served as a pilot for Air Force special operations and as a combat operations director in Iraq and logged more than 250 hours of combat time in Iraq and Afghanistan.

QUOTE THIS

"Why do they keep asking the same questions over and over again, like they're trying to make one of the military commanders give something away?"

— Illinois WW II veteran to Chicago Tribune's Clarence Page

POWELL'S TIPS

Keep these tips and reminders to members of the military from former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell in mind when you do an interview:

  1. (Reporters) get to pick the question.  You get to pick the answer.
  2. You don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to.
  3. Never lie or dissemble, of course; but beware of being too candid or open.
  4. Never answer hypothetical questions about the future.
  5. Never reveal private advice you have given your superiors.

Read complete list.

RELATED CONTENT

OTHER NSZ 101s

Military Organization

By NOLAN PETERSON
CONTACT | ABOUT

 

A variety of charts and diagrams to help you navigate the military hierarchy to help you become more fully conversant in military rank, jargon or organization.




SOURCE: National Security Zone compilation of content from various sources.

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