- Are you affiliated with the DoD?
- Who writes Duffel Blog?
- Has Duffel Blog ever been mistaken for real news?
- What does the Pentagon think of Duffel Blog?
- How do I cancel my account?
- Can I write for you?
- Can I republish a Duffel Blog article?
- Can I pitch a story idea or send you an article?
- I have a question that's not answered here
Are you affiliated with the DoD?
Only if you count the number of cease-and-desist letters we’ve collected. In other words: no. Duffel Blog is a completely independent website providing satire to the military community.
Who writes Duffel Blog?
Duffel Blog is written and edited by a talented team of hundreds of military service members and veterans who run the gamut of enlisted and officer ranks from every branch of the U.S. military.
Has Duffel Blog ever been mistaken for real news?
Yes, regularly. Duffel Blog is frequently taken seriously despite its satirical nature. The most notable example happened in 2013 when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wrote a letter to the Pentagon asking for more information about a Duffel Blog article that reported G.I. Bill benefits would be offered to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. The letter made national news and made us laugh ourselves silly.
Other notable examples include a story that fooled a writer at the technology blog Gizmodo and another that led to constituents calling into the office of Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), which prompted an official statement in response. There have been many stories that have prompted debunking on the fact-checking website Snopes.
What does the Pentagon think of Duffel Blog?
We like to think the top leadership at the Pentagon enjoys Duffel Blog, despite several public affairs officials complaining over the years after they’ve received angry calls that can be traced back to us (sorry, not sorry).
Duffel Blog counts former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis as one of its fans. In an interview with CBS News in 2013, Mattis said, “they’ve made a lot of fun of me and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” adding, “It’s good that these young men are poking a little bit of fun at us … I enjoy the feedback actually.”
In another interview with The Washington Post in 2013, he said, “Duffel Blog is a beautifully crafted response to an increasingly stuffy environment in today’s America. Duffel Blog reminds us of much of what we in the military fight for — the freedom to think our own way and to laugh about the absurdities without being mean-spirited.”
Pentagon spokesman George Little also praised Duffel Blog in 2013, telling The Washington Post that “it helps put many things in healthy perspective, even when it’s a little over the top or overly satirical. In the very serious world we live in at the Pentagon, a bit of levity can actually help advance the mission.” He also urged military public affairs professionals to read the site in a speech he gave at Fort Meade.
Duffel Blog frequently gets positive feedback from military service members, veterans, and civilian national security professionals.
How do I cancel my account?
That's a bummer that you want to cancel your account. But we understand that our flavor of military satire isn't for everyone. To cancel your account, go to your account settings and click the "Change" button next to your current subscription. If you have any issues with canceling, feel free to email us and we can take care of it.
Can I write for you?
Duffel Blog is a consortium of military service members and veterans who gather in a virtual writing room to pump out the content that you love. So we're not surprised others would like to join this awesome crew. Unfortunately, we're not accepting new writer applications at the moment. But we typically bring on new writers a few times a year, so check back again later for a link to our writer application.
Can I republish a Duffel Blog article?
We're open to people who want to republish Duffel Blog content on their website, in their newsletter, or on an official PowerPoint briefing for their commanding officer. That is, as long as you obtain our permission first and provide a note saying the content was originally published at Duffel Blog with a link. Email your request here and make sure you include a link to the article in question.
Can I pitch a story idea or send you an article?
We have regular contributors to our site, so one-off ideas and articles are almost never published. Still, if you're really determined and you think what you have is incredible and hilarious, feel free to send it in, though we're not likely to respond.
I have a question that's not answered here.
Well, that's ok. We have answers. Send us an email here.