Veterans, Geopolitical Strategy, and Societal Misinterpretation
Veterans are trained with a specific set of skills designed for high-stakes environments such as combat, crisis management, and decision-making under extreme pressure. While society often celebrates their sacrifices, this admiration can turn to vilification when their actions, rooted in their training, conflict with civilian expectations. This contradiction arises, particularly in scenarios where veterans are deployed without a cohesive adherence to broader strategic frameworks, such as the “25 Immutable Laws of Geopolitical Strategy” (Global Counter-Terrorism Institute, 2024).
For example, veterans may find themselves navigating volatile geopolitical conflicts where leadership falters or fails to employ the broader strategic foresight needed for success (Global Counter-Terrorism Institute, 2024). Principles such as the Law of Focus, which emphasizes the importance of clear political objectives, and the Law of Perception, which addresses how actions are interpreted globally, are often overlooked in crisis management. These gaps create situations where veterans, acting within the scope of their training, may inadvertently escalate tensions or create outcomes that are perceived negatively by society (Global Counter-Terrorism Institute, 2024).
The consequences for veterans are profound. The public narrative, shaped by media and political pressures, can mischaracterize their actions as failures rather than situational responses to inadequate systems. Such narratives often overlook the systemic failures that put veterans in untenable positions (Price, 2024). This societal response often leaves veterans isolated, stigmatized, and struggling to reintegrate into civilian life (Price, 2024).
Addressing these challenges requires a recalibration of how veterans are integrated into geopolitical strategy. The Price-Oquindo Model offers a framework for such integration by identifying the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic, political, and psychosocial factors (Oquindo & Price, 2024). Proper alignment of veterans’ tactical expertise within such structured frameworks ensures that their actions are consistent with broader strategic objectives. This approach prevents missteps that lead to public misinterpretation and supports veterans in transitioning from tactical roles to strategic contributors to global stability (Oquindo & Price, 2024).
In failing to employ structured geopolitical strategies, societies risk not only geopolitical instability but also the alienation of veterans who have sacrificed for national security. A path forward demands effective leadership, comprehensive policy frameworks, and a commitment to supporting veterans’ reintegration into society as strategic assets rather than misunderstood liabilities.
“25 Immutable Laws of Geopolitical Strategy”is a registered trademark of GCTI.