In this opinion essay for The New York Times, Elliot Ackerman reflects on the 2020 election through the lens of Marine Corps leadership and conversations with fellow veterans.
Drawing on his friendship with fellow Fallujah veteran Zach Iscol and a conversation about the Marine Corps leadership mnemonic JJ DID TIE BUCKLE, Ackerman examines why character matters in national life.
Veterans, Leadership, and the 2020 Election
Ackerman argues that while policy matters, leadership traits such as judgment, integrity, courage, loyalty, unselfishness, and endurance are essential during a national crisis.
Forgiveness and National Healing
The essay explores how Joe Biden’s call to end demonization pointed toward the difficult civic work of forgiveness after a deeply divided election.
Taking Care of America
At its center, the piece connects military leadership to democratic leadership, arguing that if leaders take care of Americans, Americans will take care of America.