The Aiming Circle
@aimingcircle.bsky.social
We illuminate markets, contests, & other resources for writers of military fiction, non-fiction, history, analysis, poetry & more. Patreon-supported community of practice. Admin: Charlie Sherpa. Visit: linktr.ee/aimingcircle
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ICYMI: Here’s our latest salvo of RESOURCES, TIPS, and MARKETS for writers of military- and war-themed fiction, non-fiction, poetry, scholarship, and more!
Connect with us: linktr.ee/aimingcircle
Here's October's stories (slide 1 of 3):
www.aimingcircle.com/2025/10/a-ro...
Connect with us: linktr.ee/aimingcircle
Here's October's stories (slide 1 of 3):
www.aimingcircle.com/2025/10/a-ro...
"[...] I talked about my service in the Army National Guard, and how if I ever stopped “doing history,” I’d want to somehow get involved with training future officers. It never occurred to me that I might someday have a job where I did both [...]"
contingentmagazine.org/2025/11/11/w...
contingentmagazine.org/2025/11/11/w...
What's the Point?
Reflections on a year spent teaching history at the United States Military Academy
contingentmagazine.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"[...] I talked about my service in the Army National Guard, and how if I ever stopped “doing history,” I’d want to somehow get involved with training future officers. It never occurred to me that I might someday have a job where I did both [...]"
contingentmagazine.org/2025/11/11/w...
contingentmagazine.org/2025/11/11/w...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
NEW: Pentagon says US has ‘turned a corner’ in War on America
Pentagon says US has ‘turned a corner’ in War on America
Insurgents reportedly retreating into suburbs to secure oat milk supplies
www.duffelblog.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:41 PM
NEW: Pentagon says US has ‘turned a corner’ in War on America
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
In a recent analysis, the US Army War College’s Parameters journal has taken a hard look at America’s cyber incident response architecture, concluding that a 'fragmented' approach to cyber threats leaves the US at risk.
inkstickmedia.com/deep-dive-ho...
inkstickmedia.com/deep-dive-ho...
Deep Dive: How Vulnerable is the United States to Cyber Attacks?
A new analysis by the US Army War College explains that the country's 'fragmented' cybersecurity framework leaves US at risk of attacks.
inkstickmedia.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
In a recent analysis, the US Army War College’s Parameters journal has taken a hard look at America’s cyber incident response architecture, concluding that a 'fragmented' approach to cyber threats leaves the US at risk.
inkstickmedia.com/deep-dive-ho...
inkstickmedia.com/deep-dive-ho...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Check out these new books from Middle West Press LLC and other members of @clmporg.bsky.social—the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP)! Full list here:
www.clmp.org/news/books-l...
Includes “Our Best War Stories, Vol. 2”!
- Print: amzn.to/47kS45q
- Kindle: amzn.to/4gh34n7
www.clmp.org/news/books-l...
Includes “Our Best War Stories, Vol. 2”!
- Print: amzn.to/47kS45q
- Kindle: amzn.to/4gh34n7
November 14, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Check out these new books from Middle West Press LLC and other members of @clmporg.bsky.social—the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP)! Full list here:
www.clmp.org/news/books-l...
Includes “Our Best War Stories, Vol. 2”!
- Print: amzn.to/47kS45q
- Kindle: amzn.to/4gh34n7
www.clmp.org/news/books-l...
Includes “Our Best War Stories, Vol. 2”!
- Print: amzn.to/47kS45q
- Kindle: amzn.to/4gh34n7
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
a “Space Force”, if you will
November 13, 2025 at 2:27 PM
a “Space Force”, if you will
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
So glad I get one every year (and this year I also got RSV when I got my covid booster)
With RFK Jr. at the wheel we ALL must remain vigilant.
As flu season begins in the US, following the deadliest flu outbreak in children outside of a pandemic since record-keeping began in 2004, pediatricians are taking the lead on vaccine messaging. CDC says NOTHING!
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
As flu season begins in the US, following the deadliest flu outbreak in children outside of a pandemic since record-keeping began in 2004, pediatricians are taking the lead on vaccine messaging. CDC says NOTHING!
www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Warnings rise for U.S. as severe flu strain causes outbreaks in Canada, U.K.
A flu strain that emerged over the summer is causing "unprecedented" outbreaks in Japan, as well as in Canada and the U.K. The CDC hasn't provided insights on flu in the U.S. in nearly two months.
www.nbcnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:24 PM
So glad I get one every year (and this year I also got RSV when I got my covid booster)
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Stewart Rhodes relaunched the anti-government Oath Keepers militia almost two weeks ago.
Former members tell me they've no intention of rejoining and a crowdfunding campaign to raise $75k has so far received only 16 donations
www.wired.com/story/stewar...
Former members tell me they've no intention of rejoining and a crowdfunding campaign to raise $75k has so far received only 16 donations
www.wired.com/story/stewar...
Stewart Rhodes Relaunched the Oath Keepers. Even Old Oath Keepers Don’t Care
Militia leader Stewart Rhodes, who was convicted for his role in the January 6 attack, is asking potential new members and supporters to send money. Former allies are unconvinced.
www.wired.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Stewart Rhodes relaunched the anti-government Oath Keepers militia almost two weeks ago.
Former members tell me they've no intention of rejoining and a crowdfunding campaign to raise $75k has so far received only 16 donations
www.wired.com/story/stewar...
Former members tell me they've no intention of rejoining and a crowdfunding campaign to raise $75k has so far received only 16 donations
www.wired.com/story/stewar...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Proud to have new stuff in this year's "Proud to Be" anthology! One is a poem involving a military retirement and a urinal. The other is a micro-essay about recovering my old 12-inch G.I. Joe action figure!
Purchase on-line via Submittable:
thelaurelreview.submittable.com/submit/29787...
Purchase on-line via Submittable:
thelaurelreview.submittable.com/submit/29787...
November 13, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Proud to have new stuff in this year's "Proud to Be" anthology! One is a poem involving a military retirement and a urinal. The other is a micro-essay about recovering my old 12-inch G.I. Joe action figure!
Purchase on-line via Submittable:
thelaurelreview.submittable.com/submit/29787...
Purchase on-line via Submittable:
thelaurelreview.submittable.com/submit/29787...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
For those following along with this lawsuit, all relevant documents can be found here: www.rcfp.org/litigation/k...
NEW — I'm suing DC Metro Police for the full body cam footage from the DOGE raid on the US Institute of Peace back in March.
The public deserves to know why MPD chose to sell out the people they’re tasked with protecting in order to bend to Trump's will. I'm repped pro bono by @rcfp.org.
Details:
The public deserves to know why MPD chose to sell out the people they’re tasked with protecting in order to bend to Trump's will. I'm repped pro bono by @rcfp.org.
Details:
I'm suing DC Metro Police for body cam footage of US Institute of Peace raid
The Handbasket is represented pro bono by lawyers from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
www.thehandbasket.co
November 13, 2025 at 6:39 PM
For those following along with this lawsuit, all relevant documents can be found here: www.rcfp.org/litigation/k...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
❗️🇨🇦Canada has imposed new sanctions against 100 ships of the 🇷🇺Russian "shadow fleet", as well as 13 individuals and 11 organizations related to UAVs and cyber infrastructure
November 12, 2025 at 5:22 PM
❗️🇨🇦Canada has imposed new sanctions against 100 ships of the 🇷🇺Russian "shadow fleet", as well as 13 individuals and 11 organizations related to UAVs and cyber infrastructure
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Burns' six-part documentary uses voiceover, reenactors and drone footage to tell the story of America's founding. And it reminds viewers that the quest for a more perfect union is far from over. n.pr/4r1tHBC
Ken Burns' 'American Revolution' will make you think differently about U.S. history
Burns' six-part documentary uses voiceover, reenactors and drone footage to tell the story of America's founding. And it reminds viewers that the quest for a more perfect union is far from over.
n.pr
November 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Burns' six-part documentary uses voiceover, reenactors and drone footage to tell the story of America's founding. And it reminds viewers that the quest for a more perfect union is far from over. n.pr/4r1tHBC
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
#Afghanistan faces one of the most profound #HumanRights, humanitarian, environmental, and political crises of our time, writes Hanifa Girowal.
She outlines a growing understanding of the spillover risks:
www.justsecurity.org/124501/afgha...
She outlines a growing understanding of the spillover risks:
www.justsecurity.org/124501/afgha...
Walls of Silence, Crumbling Futures: Why the World Must Act on Afghanistan
The credibility of the U.N.'s human rights framework depends on whether it can confront systematic gender oppression in Afghanistan.
www.justsecurity.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM
#Afghanistan faces one of the most profound #HumanRights, humanitarian, environmental, and political crises of our time, writes Hanifa Girowal.
She outlines a growing understanding of the spillover risks:
www.justsecurity.org/124501/afgha...
She outlines a growing understanding of the spillover risks:
www.justsecurity.org/124501/afgha...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
From repression at home to appeals at the United Nations, Venezuela’s leaders are trying to weather growing U.S. pressure. How are others responding?
How Actors Within Venezuela Are Responding to U.S. Pressure
As the United States continues to increase its military presence in the Caribbean and to strike boats that the government accuses of trafficking drugs,
warontherocks.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:45 PM
From repression at home to appeals at the United Nations, Venezuela’s leaders are trying to weather growing U.S. pressure. How are others responding?
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
It occurs to me that a lot of people in ICE wouldn't even see this for what it is.
November 12, 2025 at 4:58 PM
It occurs to me that a lot of people in ICE wouldn't even see this for what it is.
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
In procuring drones, Germany is applying the lessons that Western armed forces should be taking from the war in Ukraine, @rikefranke.bsky.social writes.
Germany Tries Something New—and Risky—on Defense Acquisitions
In procuring drones, Germany is applying the lessons that Western armed forces should be taking from the war in Ukraine.
www.worldpoliticsreview.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In procuring drones, Germany is applying the lessons that Western armed forces should be taking from the war in Ukraine, @rikefranke.bsky.social writes.
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Being a poet is tough work, and being a war poet is even tougher. People often don't want to listen, or feel confused by anything more complicated that "support the troopz"! Even around Veterans Day. Especially around Veterans Day.
I'm in awe of fellow poets like Jessi.
I'm in awe of fellow poets like Jessi.
Congratulations to U.S. Army veteran, war poet, and Twin Cities psychiatric nurse practitioner Jessi M. Atherton on her Veterans Day reading at Iowa’s University of Dubuque!
“The Time War Takes: Poems”
- Kindle: amzn.to/3E4pUfI
- Print: amzn.to/40Mx69s
#warpoet #veteransday #middlewestpress
“The Time War Takes: Poems”
- Kindle: amzn.to/3E4pUfI
- Print: amzn.to/40Mx69s
#warpoet #veteransday #middlewestpress
November 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Being a poet is tough work, and being a war poet is even tougher. People often don't want to listen, or feel confused by anything more complicated that "support the troopz"! Even around Veterans Day. Especially around Veterans Day.
I'm in awe of fellow poets like Jessi.
I'm in awe of fellow poets like Jessi.
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
For all the veterans reflecting that the value of their service was in terms of the people on their left and right because OEF was a disaster and OIF was only a success in that the govt became stable enough to ask us to leave, reminder that we're just assuming OIF/OEF were the big wars of our lives.
November 11, 2025 at 7:32 PM
For all the veterans reflecting that the value of their service was in terms of the people on their left and right because OEF was a disaster and OIF was only a success in that the govt became stable enough to ask us to leave, reminder that we're just assuming OIF/OEF were the big wars of our lives.
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
To save a team of Rangers under fire, Lt. Col. Craig Andrle dropped all the bombs his F-16 could carry. Then he switched planes, and dropped all those bombs, too.
trib.al/NaSArrg
trib.al/NaSArrg
This pilot dropped every bomb on two different F-16s in one mission
Lt. Col. Craig Andrle dropped all the bombs that two different F-16s could carry to save Army Rangers in a firefight in Afghanistan.
trib.al
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
To save a team of Rangers under fire, Lt. Col. Craig Andrle dropped all the bombs his F-16 could carry. Then he switched planes, and dropped all those bombs, too.
trib.al/NaSArrg
trib.al/NaSArrg
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Ukraine has become a drone superpower — now its defense firms are ready to make some cash by selling to NATO countries. Read more: https://bloom.bg/4hTsGHz
📷: Kostyantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
📷: Kostyantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
November 11, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Ukraine has become a drone superpower — now its defense firms are ready to make some cash by selling to NATO countries. Read more: https://bloom.bg/4hTsGHz
📷: Kostyantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
📷: Kostyantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
These fake history AI videos are a real danger. My feed has filled with "interesting" takes on the Hawker Typhoon and they get tens of thousands of views.
Makes you feel great about the hours of work you put into your own real videos...
Makes you feel great about the hours of work you put into your own real videos...
I'm cited in this piece in the Toronto Star today about the spread of generative AI, the challenges it poses for historians & history education, and the need for digital literacy.
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
How fake AI history is threatening Remembrance Day — with endless YouTube videos glamorizing Nazis
A search for any historical topic is sure to be met with a torrent of fake AI-generated garbage — at real cost to our history.
www.thestar.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
These fake history AI videos are a real danger. My feed has filled with "interesting" takes on the Hawker Typhoon and they get tens of thousands of views.
Makes you feel great about the hours of work you put into your own real videos...
Makes you feel great about the hours of work you put into your own real videos...
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
therapy group for monsters/aliens/killer androids impressed into the U.S. military during the war on terror
On the ill-conceived plan to impress Pennywise into NSC-68 gizmodo.com/the-military...
The Military's Plan for Pennywise on 'It: Welcome to Derry' Is Completely Unhinged
We're only three episodes in, but this isn't going to end well for anyone, is it?
gizmodo.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
therapy group for monsters/aliens/killer androids impressed into the U.S. military during the war on terror
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
November 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
Can’t recommend @alexdecampi.bsky.social’s work enough.
“Bad Karma,” “Madi,” “True War Stories,” and “Dracula, Motherfucker!” are all so so so so good.
“Bad Karma,” “Madi,” “True War Stories,” and “Dracula, Motherfucker!” are all so so so so good.
A reminder that my books make great gifts (for yourself or others) and you can easily buy them here: bookshop.org/lists/graphi...
Graphic novels & comics
Checkout out this list on Bookshop
bookshop.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Can’t recommend @alexdecampi.bsky.social’s work enough.
“Bad Karma,” “Madi,” “True War Stories,” and “Dracula, Motherfucker!” are all so so so so good.
“Bad Karma,” “Madi,” “True War Stories,” and “Dracula, Motherfucker!” are all so so so so good.
Reposted by The Aiming Circle
"Trump framed recent comments about resuming nuclear weapons testing in his usual tit-for-tat style of diplomacy and emphasis on American dominance, but for nuclear experts, his call is a shocking and irresponsible threat to life as we know it."
Trump’s Nuclear Testing Threat Isn’t Just Reckless — It’s a Betrayal of History
Trump’s call to restart nuclear testing risks reigniting the global arms race — and repeating the same deadly mistakes of the past.
inkstickmedia.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:09 PM
"Trump framed recent comments about resuming nuclear weapons testing in his usual tit-for-tat style of diplomacy and emphasis on American dominance, but for nuclear experts, his call is a shocking and irresponsible threat to life as we know it."