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

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

This week:

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

BLUF: bro is looking for 4-5 people to test the site for an hour for 50 clams.

GovRes is looking for test users of its AI tool to help applicants (especially veterans) build federal resumes for USAJOBS. Testers will receive $50 for a one hour session, which will be interacting with our website and giving live feedback on which features you like and what you think could use improvement. Myself and a website designer will be on the video with you.

The session is entirely remote and will require access to a computer; no preparation or materials are needed.

If anyone is interested they can reach me directly at [email protected] and I will send them a calendar link to select a time. 

Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you,

George

1) U.S. ramps up military buildup amid Iran tensions: CBS reports the U.S. is moving additional forces into the region—including significant airpower—amid heightened pressure on Iran and uncertainty over escalation. The posture shift signals deterrence and readiness while diplomacy remains volatile. Read more

2) China is building nuclear subs faster, raising undersea-balance concerns: Reporting on an IISS assessment says China’s submarine production tempo is accelerating, creating long-term challenges for the U.S. and allies in the Indo-Pacific where shipyard capacity and fleet growth matter as much as near-term headlines. Read more

3) Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs: AP reports the Court invalidated broad tariffs central to Trump’s economic agenda, jolting the trade outlook and raising questions about what replaces them, whether refunds occur, and how markets, prices, and supply chains respond next. Read more

At the risk of sounding brave, I have decided to try and kick my Zyn habit.

I picked up Zyn as an alternative to dipping, which was wreaking havoc on my soft, supple gums. I’m pretty sure Zyn is objectively way better for you than dip because it’s not a carcinogen—just a nicotine delivery vehicle. I’m not a doctor, but I will assume I am correct.

I like Zyn because it’s:

1) probably better for me than tobacco

2) gives me something to do or look forward to

3) helps me focus when trying to get things done

4) helps suppress appetite (I think)

That said, I’m doing this for multiple reasons. I can’t prove it, but I think it has probably had some detrimental physical effects on my sleep quality and blood pressure, as well as other likely unknown effects.

We probably won’t know the true mid and long-term effects of frequent usage for a few more years. Maybe it’s fine, maybe (probably) it’s not.

I’m going to stop doing it and see how I feel.

However, I’m going to start testing out alternatives and reporting back on my findings. I’m primarily looking for pouch alternatives that don’t have tobacco or nicotine. I’ve seen a number of products pop up recently.

If you have ideas or recommendations, shoot a note to [email protected].

May god have mercy on my soul.

You can be VA Disability rated and continue to serve and deploy in the Guard/Reserve!

Got knee pain? Anxiety? Peyronie's Disease? You may qualify for VA disability now. And can start collecting now.

Don't wait until you're out and your records are scattered and you have to track a million people down. A VA-accredited attorney like Matt Brooks will assess your case, gather evidence, and build the strongest claim possible.

Former federal prosecutor. Direct VA access. No "claim shark" games. No bullshit.

Talk to Matt now for free—mention PTH. Find out what you may be entitled to.

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 does a drilling Space Operations Officer do? I have no idea and neither do you, but this is your chance to find out. If you went to space camp as a kid instead of playing sports like an alpha Chad, you should apply to join the US Army 2nd Space Battalion 40A Space Operations Officer FY26 cohort.

Purpose: To select USAR 40A Space Operations officers for the FY26 cohort and to create an Order of Merit List for the Space Operations Officer Qualification Course in FY27.

Application Deadline: 17 APR 2026 at 1700 MST.

Board Date: The board will convene 7 MAY 2026 and results will be published 18 MAY 2026.

Applicant Location: Applicants are not required to physically attend the board.

Eligibility Criteria:

Application Packet Requirements: Applicants must submit a single PDF containing the following documents in order:

Submission Instructions:

Email: Packets should be emailed to [email protected].

Subject Line: 2d Space Battalion Selection Board - [insert rank name]

Point of Contact: 2nd Space BN S-3 at [email protected]

Do it for the doggos.

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

Got a product you want us to test out? Hit us up.

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

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.

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.

Absolutely massive things coming.