Top 50 U.S. Military Blogs
The military blogosphere is a world all its own. Servicemen and their families need support and encouragement. They need to stay connected and discover some trusted resources for daily news and other military-related information.
Follow these blogs and get a good snapshot of all things military, from deployment to pay and everyday living. Many of these bloggers are veterans or active duty military members who blog from personal experience and offer insight on the daily nitty gritty of living a military lifestyle.
Top Five
- The Official Sebastian Junger Community: Sebastian Junger is a world-renowned journalist, author, and speaker. He established this attractive website after publishing his first best-selling book, "The Perfect Storm."
- Why We Love It: This is much more than the average author website. It is a community for soldiers and their families, military correspondents, and anyone who's interested in what's going on in Afghanistan.
- Favorite Post: Sebastian Junger on Middle East Turmoil, and the Role of the U.S.
- A Soldier's Perspective: The story behind A Soldier's Perspective is one that we should all take to heart and be proud of. Master Sergeant C.J. Grisham is a man inspiring instant respect. After posting some strong personal opinions on his blog, he was suddenly bombarded by complaints about his blog, leading to both his community and the U.S. army actually asking him to shut it down. In a sudden twist, an online retailer, Cat5 Commerce partnered with him to help defend his rights and keep his blog afloat. More than 30 military bloggers went into a silent period to show their support, and the following quote was released: "Support the Freedom of Speech of a man who puts his life on the line for it every single day!"
- Why We Love It: All soldiers should know and be proud of Seargant C.J. Grisham. This man's a hero in more than one respect. Sadly, the battles military men face on the field are often little more difficult than the ones they might face on the home-front.
- Favorite Post: The Demons of War are Persistent
- Blackfive: One soldier gave the ultimate sacrifice -- his life -- to save a reporter from immediate death. That soldier's best friend, Blackfive, learned soon after that the reporter did not even share the story of this brave sacrifice. As a former paratrooper and army officer, he decided to tell the story himself, and this blog, Blackfive, was born.
- Why We Love It: This is an award-winning blog by a great military man. We especially love his section "Stories You Should Know," which consists of tales of heroic individuals serving on the field that may not be told elsewhere.
- Favorite Post: Fallen but Never Forgotten
- Keeping An Eye On Afghanistan: Bouhammer is an Army man with so many distinguished accomplishments behind his name that it's almost unbelievable. He's been involved in nearly all major military operations from South Korea to Operation Desert Storm and Afghanistan.
- Why We Love It: This blog discusses military issues, especially relating to recent military endeavors. He promises to shed some light on the current war, especially for those who care about the planned attacks of 9/11.
- Favorite Post: Fourth of July Fun Facts
- Michael Yon: Michael Yon is a Green Beret who became an independent journalist after he felt that the media was not telling the real story of Afghanistan. This guy's spent more time with the troops in Afghanistan since 2004 than any other journalist out there, all financed out of his own pocket, with the help of his faithful online readers. And while his views have mostly been controversial, they have all proven true to date.
- Why We Love It: This is a site with exclusive "inside information" on what's happening in the Middle East from day to day. We love that the pictures on this site are so intense and depict the war in such great detail.
- Favorite Post: Left of Bang
The Rest of the Best
- A Little Pink in a World of Camo: The heart-wrenching story of one woman. Once married to a marine, she now likes to think of herself as "married to an angel" rather than a "war widow." Her husband died while fighting in Afghanistan, but she's fighting her own battles and standing strong.
- Abu Maqawama: A former army ranger who once did tours in Afghanistan now returns home as a civilian consultant. You'll feel like an insider as you read his posts on counterinsurgency tactics and strategy.
- Afghanistan My Last Tour: This senior Air Force sergeant writes from his post in Afghanistan, his fourth and final deployment. He writes about his everyday happenings in an attempt to maintain communication with his family and show America what really happens in a combat zone.
- Argghhh! The Home of 2 of Jonah's Military Guys +1: Two retired military guys blog their thoughts and opinions on the military, freedom, and controversial news. You'll also appreciate the occasional bit of humor thrown in here and there.
- Army of Dude: After doing a tour of Iraq, Alex Horton returns home to talk about what he's seen. He also writes opinion pieces on current news items.
- Army Strong Stories: This site is maintained by the U.S. Army Accessions Command and developed as a way for soldiers to voice their feeling of the real meaning behind the term, "Army Strong." Soldiers share videos and blog entries about their daily lives and thoughts about the military.
- AWAC: Here's an interesting site that began as "Afghanistan Without A Clue" but also now stands for "Agnostic With A Calling." You'll get a mix of information about traveling to Afghanistan and some posts on the Unitarian Universalist Church.
- Ben & Katie: Katie started this blog to honor her husband and all the services he has done for our country. However, after a head-on car collision in 2009 where both she and her husband were critically injured, it has become a place of prayer and hope. Read their miraculous story on this top-awarded blog that's also become a fast fan favorite.
- Carl Prine's Line of Departure: Carl Prine is an investigative journalist who specializes in probes about terrorism, national security, and sports. No one can deny his knowledge and experience for the job, as he is an enlisted infantry veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army National Guard. His blog covers military news and national policy.
- Chief Wiggles Official Blog: Chief Wiggles is the first interrogator to every publish a book. He's now back in Iraq and blogging about his journey.
- Coast Guard Compass: This is the official blog of the United States Coast Guard. It's their effort to increase awareness and engage others in dialogue about the Coast Guard, its mission, and its issues.
- Defense Tech: According to Defense Tech, "Technology is shaping how wars are fought, borders are protected, crooks are caught, and individual rights are defined." An anonymous Defense Department official even was quoted as saying that "everyone at the Pentagon" checks out this site from time to time.
- Doc in the Box: Sean is a corpsman who has gained a lot of attention. He's contributed to two books, been featured in the History Channel show “Band of Bloggers,” and even made appearances on CNN and MSNBC. His blog has been written about in the AP, LA Times and San Diego Union Tribune. He's been to Iraq four times, leaving him with a lot to write about.
- Doonesbury-The Sandbox-Military Blog: Part of Slate, an online web magazine, the Sandbox-Military Blog was established as a forum for deployed service men, family members, and caregivers. Unlike many other blogs, this is not a place for discussion on policy and partisanship, but rather, as they put it, "the everyday, the extraordinary, the wonderful, the messed-up, the absurd. "
- From My Position…On the Way: This army officer has strong opinions on a number of topics. He doesn't mince words and isn't afraid of occasional cursing.
- Full-Contact: Here's the self defense blog of Military.com. It discusses self defense tactics such as martial arts, kick-boxing, and other simple survival and weapons techniques training tips.
- Household Six: This blog was created as a space for people to share their opinions about the military. It discusses the military lifestyle in depth but also contains other topics, as well.
- Journey of an Honor Guard Bugler and Military Auxiliarist: This blogger has a strong love for the military and a family history steeped in it. He honors military men in a final act of service as a bugler at their funeral services, feeling that this is his way of giving back.
- Life after the Army: The mom of a U.S. Army soldier maintains this blog. We love the "Wednesday Hero" posts.
- Men At War: Men at War is the new "Men's Health" magazine blog. Written by Drury, an award-winning journalist and author who's been covering the military for years, this site covers the stories of soldiers' lives.
- Military Times: Here's a trusted source of news for everything relating to the military. It's a great resource for active duty military, family members, and the military community in general to stay informed.
- Military Word of Mouth: This blog was started by one military mom in an attempt to make moving transitions easier for families who are moved from one base to another. It's a great place for military families to find information and get encouragement.
- Mudville Gazette: Known as being the first website to coin the term "Milblog," this is the blog of an army man and his faithful wife. It contains several valuable sections, such as the Dawn Patrol, which highlights old and new military media reports.
- My Wingman Diana: Diana Falzone is actively involved in military causes and an advice columnist for Military.com. However, she's also been dubbed the "hottest radio host on Earth" (as a a host for Paltalk.com), is the relationship expert for WEtv’s Put a Ring on It, and Fox News iMag, and a special correspondent for G4tv. Her blog "My Wingman Diana" helps those who are navigating relationships through the rough waters of the military life. It's interesting and insightful, offering expert advice and pointers for a variety of situations.
- My Yellow Ribbon: Famously known this year as the "Best Military Parent Blog." Son Tyler blogs on his deployment while his mother follows up with her feelings and perspectives as a parent.
- Navy CyberSpace Blog: This guy comes from a generation of navy men. The sidebar on his blog has links to just about anything one might want to know about the navy, from recruiting districts to pay benefits and more.
- Neptunus Lex: The blog of a military gun pilot, now retired, but not before logging nearly 5,000 flight hours and seven deployments. His views on today's news are well written and simply put.
- Off the Base: Journalist Bonnie O'Brien created Off the Base as a media project and forum to benefit and encourage families dealing with deployments. It touches on initial deployment, living through it, and adjusting after a deployment.
- One Marine's View: One marine offers his views on the military, the war in Afghanistan, and other top news stories. We especially love his "Hero's Call" section featuring stories of real brave heroes.
- Online Defense and Acquisition Journal: Blogger Philip Ewing once served as a Pentagon correspondent and has even worked as for the Military Times newspapers. Now as the editor for DoD Buzz, he blogs about cyber security, and defense on other grounds, from land to air and sea.
- OP FOR: OPFOR is home to some amazing writers, each with unique stories, many which are dredged with military experience. They discuss the military and modern-day issues, from the war in Afghanistan to politics, homeland security, and top news stories.
- Our Storybook Ending: This military wife of a black hawk crew chief blogs in a friendly, chatty tone, leaving her readers feeling as if they've known her forever. Most famous for its "Military Mondays," her blog gives readers an inside glimpse into the life of an army family.
- Sgt Backbone: Sgt. Backbone lets his readers in on the daily nitty gritty of a soldier's life. They're his stories, and he makes you feel the pride, humor, fear, and reality of a soldier's day-to-day life.
- Sgt. Damon's Art: Sgt. Damon lost part of both arms while serving in Iraq, and he dedicates this blog to his friend who died right next to him. His new therapy is art, and you can view his paintings on this blog.
- Small Wars Journal: These individuals believe that small wars are "are an enduring feature of modern politics." They write about the characteristics of these wars, featuring regular contributors that are knowledgeable and experienced. Such a serious thing demands the highest type of leadership. And it's thoughtful resources such as these that build great leaders.
- Some Soldier's Mom: This blogger mom is married to a retired navy officer and has two sons currently in service. She has a big heart for soldiers and writes a lot about supporting and helping them in every possible way.
- SpouseBUZZ: The military blog for families and spouses to get the support and encouragement that they so often badly need. This site features helpful topics such as deployment, reintegration, career, marriage and family, or how to pack up and move on.
- The Captain's Journal: The Captain's Journal is the conservative world views of one man on all matters political and military. Christians and other conservatives will appreciate Herschel's opinions.
- The Unknown Soldiers: This award-winning journalist, now a manager of USO, blogs about the unknown soldiers who valiantly do their duty, day after day, without fanfare. He believes "a nation at war cannot afford to stand idly by."
- This Ain't Hell, But You Can See It From Here: Three U.S. Army Infantry veterans blog together to fight what they call "a different kind of evil." They expose the truth behind the tough issues in our world today.
- Thoughts on Military History: If anybody's qualified to write on military history, it's Ross Mahoney. He's currently studying for his PhD at the Centre for Second World War Studies and involved in in-depth analysis and study of Air Power History and Military technology.
- USNI Blog: The U.S. Naval Institute Blog. A number of guest bloggers contribute here on what inspires to be a "thoughtful, authoritative analysis about the Sea Services." Readers insights, ideas, and opinions are welcome.
- Wandering Wahls: The Wahls, a family of five, have been transplanted more times than they can count as an air force family. However, since Dad Tom Wahl is recently retired, they're going on a once-in-a-lifetime RV journey across the United States to find their next permanent home. Follow their journey and get your own ideas about which states offer better incentives and benefits for military retirees.
- Wounded Warrior Project: This nonprofit organization was established to help and support wounded soldiers. They're honoring and empowering wounded warriors through donations.
- You Served: An active duty marine guy, active duty army officer, and retired army senior maintain this blog. Listen to the live show each week via BlogTalkRadio or check out the blog for an inspiring "Photo of the Day."
