Creative Writing and the Military: Thoughts and Impressions?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:10:50 -0500

Within the military, I have not discovered much in the way of creative writing, and sharing one's personal experiences through creative outlets. I personally enjoy writing, and often compose poetry and short bits of prose during my free-time.

Therefore, my question is how many of you write or pursue creative activities (such as painting, drawing, photography, composing music, et cetera) in order to possibly share or otherwise annotate your personal as well as military experiences?

For those who have spent a minute or two in the military, have you met, lead, or even served under any Soldiers who have utilized creativity to positively shape their lives, especially during or after a deployment?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the insight!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 7 at 2015 4:46 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:46:40 -0500

1LT Private RallyPoint Member Hobbies are part of what make us unique. The military is not about being unique, it is about being uniform, and uniformly deadly. Our business is killing.

But we are human, and individuals, and some of us are poets, and some of us are authors, and some of us are artists and musicians and cartoonists. One of the Lance Corporals KIA on my first deployment was a great artist. http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/united-states/justin-j-wilson/ (This art is of him not by him...)

Don't expect the military to provide creative outlets for you. Pursue what makes you an individual, but not to the detriment of your profession: be deadly, and lead others to be so as well.

Justin J Wilson : Fallen Heroes Project

His uncle, Ed Forte, said Wilson also loved graffiti art, which was prominently displayed — “on what he thought was his personal gallery, that gallery being the many walls in Commack, Long Island, where he grew up.”

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 4:45 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:45:11 -0500

I've only been in for a second but I enjoy painting as a creative outlet. I also sometimes write poetry and will on occasion write a short story.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 3:19 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 15:19:07 -0500

Thank you for the feedback everyone. I appreciate reading and learning about insight each of you shared.

I understand that the Profession of Arms is built upon the foundation of being in-uniform, which in turn, leads to the success and cohesion that each of us shares with one another. A lot of my writing and artwork is detached from taking an opinion, and I can definitely relate to those who believe the same.

Learning about the hobbies and activities which may define us all as individuals is exciting to explore, and thank you each for your feedback.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jan 8 at 2015 4:21 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:21:58 -0500

The US Army Warrant Officer Career College encourages students to use creative writing (with critical thinking skills) to reflect on what they have learned through journal writing. Reflection is an important factor in introspection and experiential learning.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 8 at 2015 4:28 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:28:52 -0500

I've written a few things here an there. Here is one with poetry and short stories, http://www.amazon.com/Random-Scary-Writings-TL-Decay-ebook/dp/B00DFPAY9Y/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid= [login to see]

Amazon.com: Random Scary Writings eBook: TL Decay: Kindle Store

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 11:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 11:52:17 -0400

I just found this article which sounds great from the outset. The Army wants Soldier-written fiction. In the end it sounds like they are pigeon-holing writers into narrow Army standards.
https://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2016/06/29/new-army-writing-program-asks-soldiers-imagine-future-warfare/86509146/

new-army-writing-program-asks-soldiers-imagine-future-warfare

The Army's new Future Warfare Writing Program calls on soldiers to flex their imaginations as they envision what the next fight might look like.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Apr 19 at 2017 1:40 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:40:25 -0400

When I was in the military, there was no direction or guidance toward Creative Writing. Emphasis was on instruction provided through military doctrine. It was not until I was 54 I wrote my first poem. I write from experience and of course, what my mind dictates. I have written over fifty poems with a patriotic theme. I believe Creative Writing is not something we plan to do, it is something that arises from within as a gift, released at a time we are best prepared to develop our creativity. I would love to see military personnel develop their creativity and expression, and many have, through guidance of leadership and group interaction.

I have publish 12 books and happily, at no cost, help potential authors realize their dreams of becoming published authors. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this wonderful discussion.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 11 at 2017 3:08 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 11 May 2017 03:08:37 -0400

I served about seven years with two deployments and I have been writing since middle school. I don't believe that I would have been able to thoroughly process through the events of my deployments and even the bad events that occurred stateside (ie. Divorces). I've self published a collection of poetry and one book, working on a few more at the moment. I hope to make writing my life's vocation. It's my one true love.