Skip to content
DUFFEL BLOG

Free military brief. No CAC required.

For more than a decade, we've deployed pitch perfect satire to service members around the world.

Join thousands of troops, veterans, and defense insiders who read Duffel Blog before breakfast.

“A must-read for national security nerds.”

—The Daily Beast
Subscribe form

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

14years publishing
4,200+dispatches filed
20,000+readers briefed

Sergeant Major's heroism, quick thinking, saves entire platoon from certain death

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN - Many leaders struggle to make a real impact on soldiers' lives, but Command Sergeant Major Richard Widmark doesn't have that problem. Widmark, assigned to 325th BSTB at Bagram Air Field, saved a platoon from certain death today after spotting a six-vehicle convoy returning from a security patrol.

He immediately noticed one of the Soldiers was clearing a weapon while wearing neither his protective eye wear or Army Combat Helmet (ACH). Even worse, the Soldier had the "eye-pro" perched on top of his head.

Springing into action, CSM Widmark screamed, "You! Hey you! Who is your Squad Leader? Who is your Platoon Leader?" Upon identifying the Soldier's chain of command, Widmark then launched into an impromptu 25-minute briefing on how "laxadasical" approaches to standards were causing Soldiers to die "outside the wire."

"Attention to detail is what keeps our Soldiers alive, gentlemens [sic]. Make no mistakes," said CSM Widmark, during the life-saving ordeal.

More Stories

Your Cart

Your cart is empty

Browse the shop to find something you like.

Continue Shopping →
Subtotal

Add more for free shipping.

✓ You qualify for free shipping!