Where ‘hooah,’ ‘oorah,’ and ‘hooyah’ came from and why they still echo
The battle cries “hooah,” “oorah,” and “hooyah” aren’t just calls; they’re part of service life. Each carries a history steeped in grit and camaraderie.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
What combat units and Little League teams have in common
Peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think — especially when it comes to the parents.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
By Clay Beyersdorfer