For the almost 40% of the US military with real jobs. 

We talk business, news, and culture for the PART⚡TIME warrior.

This week:

• COUNT OFF FROM THE BACK

• THIS WEEK’S BIG 3: Top News

• HUMAN TERRAIN: Stage-5 Kill Storm is Inbound

• TACTICAL INTEL: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

• RESERVISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Chandler Hunt

• WHAT WE’RE RUNNING: Gear we like

• PART⚡TIME NEWS ROUNDUP: News you missed

Interested in becoming a featured newsletter sponsor? Want to be highlighted or contribute? Reach out to [email protected]

COUNT OFF FROM THE BACK

THIS WEEK’S BIG 3

1) Trump announces Greenland "framework" deal, backs off tariffs President Trump announced Wednesday he reached a "framework of a future deal" with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Greenland, backing off threatened 10-25% tariffs on eight European nations. The vague deal involves U.S. access to mineral rights and deployment of Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system. Trump ruled out using military force but said the deal would last "forever." Greenland's Prime Minister said he doesn't know the framework's details and emphasized sovereignty is a "red line." The announcement followed weeks of Trump threatening to acquire Greenland from Denmark, triggering an international crisis. Read more

2) Trump says US 'armada' heading to Middle East as Iran protest death toll reaches 5,002 President Trump announced Thursday that a U.S. naval "armada" including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is heading toward Iran, though he hopes not to use force. Activists report Iran's protest crackdown has killed at least 5,002 people, with over 26,800 detained amid a three-week internet blackout. Iran called Trump's claims about halting 800 executions "completely false." Read more

3) DC National Guardsman speaks anonymously: "This is not what I signed up to do" A DC National Guard member describes Trump's "DC Safe and Beautiful" deployment as "bungled and immoral"—a waste of troops and funds. Activated in August, his unit patrolled monuments, checked IDs at Park Police gates, and picked up trash every Wednesday. "We're not doing anything," he said, noting troops can't arrest people and mostly just stand around while civilians call them fascists. Morale is low, with most soldiers feeling it's "a pointless endeavor." The deployment costs $1.5 million daily. Read more

HUMAN TERRAIN

Stage-5 Kill Storm is Inbound

If you’re reading this…you’re already dead. But in case you’re not, you need to be aware that there is a potential massive snowstorm that’s going to hit large parts of the US from Oklahoma to Boston to New York beginning this weekend. If you’re in <NG> batt, you can expect to potentially be mobilized, particularly if critical infrastructure goes down. The Fratty Guard has a long, proud history of saving the day with snowstorm response and freezing its balls off. Always Ready, Always There.

Whether or not you’re called up, you should prepare appropriately.

• Pre-salt driveway / sidewalk

• Top off on gas for vehicles (put your wipers up or use a tarp for easy snow removal)

• Charge all devices and backup chargers

• Buy batteries

• Stock up on food, water, supplies, medicine, Zyn, etc.

• Let faucets drip – during extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly Move water is harder to freeze and it relieves pressure if freezing does occur

• Have a way to make a fire (jet boil or fire place) or heat food/water if need be and stage firewood

• Get some cash to have on hand

• Procure an emergency hand-crank radio (great piece of equipment to have for emergencies)

  Maybe it will turn out to be hype, but best to be prepared.

TACTICAL INTEL

Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Most reservists don't realize they can file VA disability claims while still in uniform. If you've got back problems from years of training, hearing issues, or other service-related wear and tear, you're eligible for compensation – active duty or not. And, unlike active duty, you can collect immediately.

I only recently learned this.

Having a VA disability rating won't end your military career. You can continue serving with a rating; you just can't collect both military pay and VA compensation on the same day you're drilling or on orders. It's straightforward: when you're in uniform getting paid, the VA payment pauses.

Many reservists assume they need to wait until they're done with military service to file claims, but there's no rule requiring that. Your injuries and conditions are real now, and the documentation from your current service can actually strengthen your claim. Don't put off something you've already earned through your service.

It can be a daunting and complicated process, so I recommend using qualified help. That said, you can absolutely file on your own and many people do. VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) are an excellent free resource for getting your initial claim filed and into the system. But if you're like me and you value your time and doing it not just correctly, but optimally, especially if you've already filed and are facing a denial, reduction, or rating dispute, you may need specialized legal support.

I was recently connected to Matt Brooks through a friend, and his approach highlights the specific value VA-accredited attorneys bring to veterans in those situations. While VSOs provide an invaluable service for initial filings, attorneys like Matt are often the necessary next step when claims require detailed appeals or complex medical evidence. Matt offers direct, human interaction and the legal sophistication required for appeals, including working with medical experts to counter inadequate exams and crafting persuasive legal arguments. His background as a former federal prosecutor and fraud investigator gives him unique insight into how to build airtight cases for veterans.

Most importantly, Matt will tell you upfront if your case needs his help.

He operates on contingency—20% of back pay only (never future benefits), no upfront costs. Always verify your representative is VA-accredited through the official VA database. Reach out to him here to get your claim back on track.

I have used Matt personally and highly recommend him. Super nice guy, incredibly knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. A call with him will be worth your time.

Set up a meeting with Matt to discuss

RESERVISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Chandler Hunt

Chandler Hunt is a Dallas-Fort Worth-based entrepreneur, U.S. Army National Guard officer, and business strategist known for building and scaling diverse ventures across automotive operations, technology, pet services, fitness, and lifestyle brands. With a foundation in sales leadership and operational excellence, Chandler blends tactical discipline with modern business strategy to help organizations streamline systems, drive revenue, and scale with clarity. He offers executive coaching, sales performance training, and operational advisory services grounded in real-world experience. Chandler’s work emphasizes disciplined execution, leadership development, and sustainable growth—helping founders and professionals achieve meaningful results without chaos.  

Your Job. Your Service. Your Attorney.

Boss giving you grief about your military commitments? Call Brian Lawler.

If you’re running into problems with your employer due to your military service, contact Brian Lawler.

Brian’s a former Marine pilot, reservist, and one of the top USERRA attorneys in the country. He knows the law better than your HR department, and he’s made a career out of holding employers accountable.

Free consult. No win, no fee.
If your job’s on the line, Brian’s the guy you want in the fight.

Set up a meeting here.

WHAT WE’RE RUNNING

A living list of stuff we like—tactical, grooming, whatever, with discounts.

1) Black Wool Cap: Cool black wool caps, use discount code GRAYMAN for 15% discount

2) OTB Boots: Baller tactical footwear company, use this link for discount

MERCH UP WITH THE FRATTY GUARD

Rep the P⚡T Culture or Design Your Own Custom Unit Gear

If you want to make baller ass unit gear repping our logo suite, check out The Fratty Guard Unit Collab Store.

Or for the GOAT classics, head over to The Fratty Guard.

PART⚡TIME NEWS ROUNDUP

• Minnesota Guardsmen told to wear reflective vests to distinguish them from 'other agencies'

• Veteran assaulted by serial predator at Fort Hood files $10M injury claim against the Army

• Congress releases massive funding bill ahead of shutdown deadline as ICE clash looms

• Army Punches Its MV-75 Tiltrotor Program Into Overdrive

• Army orders military police to get ready for a possible Minneapolis deployment, AP source says

• Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. HR should prepare now for workplace disruptions.

• US military to expand by more than 30,000 troops this year

• National Guard recruitment center in The Dalles shows why some are signing up to serve to protect undocumented relatives

Support the Fight

If you support the work that Friendly Forces does, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help keep the lights on. Every bit helps. Turns out stuff is expensive and we put countless man hours into the work.

That’s it for this week.

Absolutely massive things coming.