Ink Spots

Ink Spots is a blog dedicated to the discussion of security issues across the spectrum of conflict and around the world. Our contributors are security professionals with interests and expertise ranging from counterinsurgency, stability operations, and post-conflict environments to national security strategy, security cooperation, and materiel acquisition. We hope this site will be a forum for discussion on both the issues of the day and broader, long-term developments in the security sphere.

Wikileaks: So boring I have to either write about it or take a month-long nap (UPDATED)

If you think Loren Thompson is a bad defense analyst, wait 'til you see what kind of financial planner he is!

Tanks in Helmand: Great idea or greatest idea?

Heroism, sacrifice, and the Medal of Honor

History repeats itself: AK-47-hawking car dealer edition

In memoriam, thanks, and happy birthday

Dumbest idea of the day and why we should never, ever change our CO policy

Josh Foust's book launch - a couple takeaways (UPDATED)

"Cheating" for acquisition cost savings? Or: Contested procurement -- An allegory

Is a clear and equal enemy necessary to develop a valid grand strategy?

More mystifying speculation about the Republican congress and the defense budget

"This piece of junk did, in fact, signficantly contribute to an unknown -- and pathetically large -- loss of innocent lives."

Election roundup: telling you what you already knew