This week in American power projection: the map was wrong, the dorms were fine, and the travel card was for official purposes.
Story Roundup
Pentagon casualties, metric improvement, and Fat Leonard’s least dignified phase.
Situation Report
Free military brief. No CAC required.
Join thousands of troops, veterans, and defense insiders who read Duffel Blog before breakfast.
“A must-read for national security nerds.”
—The Daily Beast
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
This week in American power projection: the map was wrong, the dorms were fine, and the travel card was for official purposes.
Story Roundup
Situation Report
Road trip, anyone?
AMERICA — Each year, millions of Americans flock to the National Mall in Washington D.C., Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania, or any number of beautiful and somber memorials across the country dedicated to those who answered the nation’s call. And while most memorials are soul-touching expressions of artistic homage, some are soul-crushing abominations that you should avoid at all costs. The designers of these memorials meant well, but there are some aspects of military service that don’t need to be memorialized for generations.
These are the top seven worst military memorials in the nation.
The Eternal Burn Pit (Washington D.C.)

This memorial was established in 2017 after Congress passed the Do Anything But Actually Help Burn Pit Victims Act. An entire acre of lawn near the Washington Monument was excavated and then filled with thousands of pounds of waste, broken electronics, chemicals, rubber, unexploded ordnance, and then lit on fire. Visitors are encouraged to inhale the toxic black plume and reflect on the choking, carcinogenic smell of freedom.
A field desk of military mischief and useful bad ideas
You’re in
Your first brief lands soon. Supporter access opens the archive, Sunday Reader, comments, and Duffel Labs today.
Supporter access
Outgoing Company Commander: 'I hate you all'
Oct 5, 2022 · 3 min
Captain charged with manslaughter after leaving Lieutenant unattended in parked car
Oct 5, 2022 · 3 min
Sergeant major says no one is leaving Afghanistan until all the brass is picked up
Oct 5, 2022 · 2 min
Absolute psycho brought everything on the packing list
May 28, 2021 · 2 min
What To Do Next
Add more for free shipping.
✓ You qualify for free shipping!