‘Battle Rattle’ Manifesto

Photo by Cpl. Antonio Rosas/Marine Corps
Photo by Cpl. Antonio Rosas / Marine Corps

Finally, it’s here. Your faithful correspondents at Marine Corps Times are proud to introduce Battle Rattle, the newspaper’s new blog and a home for what we hope will be frank, honest discussion of military issues.

For readers, we hope this blog will serve as a way to share opinions on everything from body armor to the war in Afghanistan. We’ll share our thoughts on everything from why certain issues end up on the cover of Marine Corps Times to how ridiculous “bored Marine” videos like this one fit into the modern world online. Much like the battle rattle Marines carry into combat, this blog will focus on all the essentials.

Think we’re full of it? Let us know.

Think we’re missing something? Let us know.

Think we’re on point, but kind of funny looking in person? That’s OK, too. I, for one, grew up with ears the size of a Christmas 7-ton, so I welcome the debate.

One other thing: Marine Corps Times launched Battle Rattle now in part because I’ll be embedding in Afghanistan within days. I fly out of Virginia on Friday with a staff photographer, and will be blogging throughout my assignment, which will take me to Camp Leatherneck, Marjah and other locations in southern Afghanistan between now and mid-June.

Whether you’re a hard-charging lance corporal or someone who simply cares about what’s going on with the U.S. military, we welcome your participation and feedback.

Stop and kick your feet up for a while, OK?

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