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

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

This week:

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Should we publish an e-book?

The team came up with an idea for a humorous book in which we would share leAdeRsHiP LeSsOnZ picked up from our civilian and military careers published by CPT Steele Chadwick. Should we do it?

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume in Oman: The U.S. and Iran began indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman this week, with Navy Adm. Brad Cooper leading U.S. efforts. U.S. warships positioned in the Arabian Sea signal serious military pressure as President Trump refuses to rule out strikes. Additional talks planned for next week amid escalating regional tensions.

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Winter Olympics Kick Off in Milan: The 2026 Winter Olympics opened in Milan, Italy this week with hundreds of athletes competing across 16 sports over 2.5 weeks. VP JD Vance's appearance at the opening ceremony drew audible boos from the crowd—a moment broadcast internationally but edited from U.S. coverage.

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Pentagon Cuts Ties with Harvard: The Defense Department announced plans to sever relationships with Harvard University, ending military training programs, fellowships, and certificate courses. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the White House and the Ivy League institution over campus policies and military recruitment access.

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While your pathetic civilian friends are doing beers, shoving guac into their gullets, and swiping on Tinder, you need to be sharpening your warfighting edge.

There’s nothing alpha about watching a bunch of overpaid LOSERS in spandex tickle each other’s b*ttholes in a sports match.

You know what’s alpha? Using that time to become as lethal as possible.

Luckily, you can do both. We came up with a list of drills you can run so you can train to standard while still gambling socializing and enjoying the game.

Train Radio Etiquette: spell out the last name of every player who pops up on the screen using the NATO-phonetic alphabet. Engage in all conversations as if you were talking over a radio—Alison, this is Todd. Request immediate toilet plunger. Toilet is clogged, possibly deadlined. How copy? Over.

Dry Fire Drills: strap on your holster and favorite blicky and run mag change and immediate action drills while you’re all just sitting there. Clear the weapon first to avoid desk pops.

Medical: practice tourniquet work, self-recovery and on others. They will love this. Someone burns their tongue on the queso? Call up a 9 LINE MEDEVAC and apply a touniquet.

Physical Conditioning: Every first down do 10 burpees in full kit. Conduct a ruck march around the room at half-time.

Combatives: practice them using a couch cushion as your opponent. Walk the other attendees through the techniques you’re employing.

Land Navigation: Establish or confirm your pace count using the line from the couch to the kitchen. Plot your course for walking home because you’re too drunk to drive.

AAR: Conduct a post-game AAR with all in attendance. What was supposed to happen? What did happen? Three improves and three sustains. Don’t count on being invited back next year.

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're 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.

Starting a family opened my eyes to the incredible value of TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS).

Given the corrupt way healthcare operates in this country, it’s probably the single greatest perk of continued service in the Guard or Reserve. I had always heard that from OG’s, but now I get it.

It’s great health coverage at a price point most civilian plans can’t touch.

As an active reservist (sorry IRR and ADOS bois), you can sign up for TRS as an individual or for your whole family.

For reference, I currently spend roughly $900/month through my employer for family health insurance.

I can get TRS for my family for $286.66 a month and likely keep all of the same doctors that we already use (your mileage may vary).

The only reason I haven’t switched (yet) is because of one very specific benefit that my employer offers, and that we currently need, that is not covered by Tricare.

I used it as an individual a few years back and it was great. Crazy cheap, same doctors, and somehow less hassle. I would just show my CAC instead of an insurance card (don’t make a dirty joke) and I never remember having to make a copayment.

Pros

Cons / gotchas

So yeah, I would urge you to take a look and see if it makes sense for you or your family. It can potentially save you thousands of dollars a year.

Learn more about TRS here: https://tricare.mil/TRS

Ted Delicath is a Midwest try-hard and the product of local-legend 'Momma D'. As of 2026, he’s regularly helping Unite America, Skillcraft, & McChrystal Group while he lines up his next service chapter. A former active-duty military officer, Ted still serves in the Army Reserves despite not looking great in green. He’s most proud of the Andrew Weishar Foundation community which he and his friends started after their best friend (Andrew) passed away from colon cancer. Those same friends say he “does school too much". Self deprecation (if not yet obvious) is his love language, and while he doesn’t take him self too seriously, he believes our nation owes its start to Citizen-soldiers, and he's proud to be one. 

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

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.