Marine Corps Association

05/28/2026

Ep 245: Doing the Baghdad Shuffle

Listen Here:
https://buff.ly/nuDJc5T

This week, we welcome Josh Bates to the . Josh is a retired Marine infantry officer, podcaster, and author of the book, Baghdad Shuffle, a noir crime thriller set in the backdrop of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It goes without saying that this is a genre-bending story. Josh talks to us about his path to the yellow footprints, serving with his dad, the impetus for writing a book that centers on a geopolitical murder mystery, and how his personal experiences in Iraq shaped the plot of Baghdad Shuffle.

One topic Josh shares with us is his experience in getting a book “on the shelves” and the current state of publishing. It was really interesting to get his perspectives on veterans entering the literary world. Also, you can check out more of Josh on the Green Door Podcast, where veterans, innovators, and creatives share stories that bind the battlefield, intelligence, industry, innovation, and creativity.

05/28/2026

The 2026 Ground Awards recognized outstanding Marines and units whose leadership, professionalism, and commitment continue to strengthen the Corps across the operating forces. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients for setting the standard.

In this recap, hear from Gunnery Sergeant Hathcox and Corporal Rinker as they reflect on leadership, service, and what these awards mean to the ground combat community.

View photos from the evening here: https://buff.ly/ha9JHFV
Watch the recap on YouTube: https://buff.ly/DBxCMKP

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice is woven into the legacy of our Corps and the freedoms we hold dear.

Today, The Marine Corps Association remembers the fallen, stands beside their families, and carries forward their commitment, courage, and selfless service. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

#244: Literary Lethality with Kacy Tellessen

Today, we welcome Kacy Tellessen back to the show. Kacy talks to us about E.B. Sledge’s quintessential war memoir, With the Old Breed. With the Old Breed has been on the Commandant’s Professional Reading List continuously for 14 years and, having his own beautifully written memoir, Freaks of a Feather, Kacy was the perfect person to talk about this book. It was great to hear Kacy’s thoughts on the book and to get a deep dive into literary arts by a literary artist.

Listen Here or on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/244-literary-lethality-with-kacy-tellessen/

05/21/2026

Watch the full interview! https://youtu.be/YNLBrP-XTxw?si=z8oh4-tQYCFggl1v

05/18/2026

From “Every Marine a Rifleman” to “Every Marine a Commando.”

Maj Carter’s latest piece in the Marine Corps Gazette challenges the Corps to rethink what modern warfighting demands of today’s Marines. Drawing from Force Design 2030, stand-in forces, and lessons from current global conflicts, the article argues that tomorrow’s battlefield requires Marines who are more adaptable, survivable, lethal, and capable of operating in contested environments with greater independence.

Read Here: https://buff.ly/PSb6kfz
The message is clear: the future fight will demand more than tradition alone — it will demand evolution.

05/14/2026

Ep 243: The Siege at Khe Sanh

This week, we welcome David Kneiss and Dennis Mannion to the scuttlebutt. David is the director of the films The Gift and The Siege at Khe Sanh, and Dennis is a Marine Vietnam veteran and the subject of The Siege at Khe Sanh. Both The Gift and The Siege are such beautiful films, and David’s skill as a filmmaker is evident in his winning the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Major Norman Hatch Award for The Gift in 2023 and this year’s Sergeant William Genaust Award for The Siege at Khe Sanh.

Listen Here: https://podcast.show/1465696/episode/153883006/

When we heard the award announcement, we knew we wanted to get David in studio, so when he suggested we invite Dennis as well, our collective heads almost exploded. And even with the anticipation, the actual interview exceeded our expectations. What a treat. We talk about the movies, David’s vision and how it is that he sees the story in people, David and Dennis’ backstory, and Dennis’ experiences then and now. But honestly, it’s all really good, and I hope you enjoy spending time with these two as we did.

05/12/2026

05/11/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of Expeditionary Warfare School Class 2025–2026.

Throughout the year, these officers demonstrated excellence in leadership, critical thinking, warfighting, and professional writing while preparing for the challenges of the future operating environment.

We also recognize this year’s distinguished award recipients:

🏅 LtCol Earl “Pete” Ellis Memorial Award
Capt Meghan Rodriguez, USMC

🏅 Major Walter M. Murphy Memorial Award
Capt Ashlyn M. Kennedy, USMC

🏅 Captain Larry K. Shipman Memorial Award
Capt Riley J. Whitsitt, USMC

✍️ 1st Place Marine Corps Gazette Professional Writing Award
Capt Elizabeth Schilder, USMC

✍️ 2nd Place Marine Corps Gazette Professional Writing Award
Capt Carly Donner, USMC

🌎 Joint Service Writing Award
Capt Zayad Alaidroos, USAF

🌐 Capt Patrick M. Rapicault International Service Writing Award
Capt KaoPu Chang, Taiwan

📸 View graduation photos here: https://buff.ly/vVuVZ8U

05/10/2026

From all of us at the Marine Corps Association, we wish you a joyful and well-deserved Mother’s Day. 🌷🇺🇸

Today, we honor the mothers, grandmothers, military spouses, caregivers, and mentors whose unwavering support holds families and communities together through every challenge and every triumph.

To the moms balancing deployments, long nights, changing duty stations, and the everyday moments in between — thank you for the sacrifices that often go unseen but are deeply felt.