William J. Astore

William J. Astore, a retired lieutenant colonel (USAF), has taught at the Air Force Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He currently teaches at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He is regular contributor to TomDispatch and also the author of Hindenburg: Icon of German Militarism (Potomac, 2005).

Independence Day: Resurgence

Can You Spot the American Military in Your Favorite Sci-Fi Film? Can You Spot the American Military in Your Favorite Sci-Fi Film?

Hint: We’re always the bad guys.

Jul 12, 2016 / William J. Astore

Ash Carter Drone

Air Power Is Unlikely to Solve America’s Problems Air Power Is Unlikely to Solve America’s Problems

Despite the sorry results delivered by air power over the last 65 years, the US military continues to invest heavily in it.

Jun 21, 2016 / William J. Astore

All the Euphemisms We Use for ‘War’

All the Euphemisms We Use for ‘War’ All the Euphemisms We Use for ‘War’

How words have shaped the United States government’s ongoing cycle of violence.

Apr 15, 2016 / William J. Astore

The US Military Is America’s 51st State

The US Military Is America’s 51st State The US Military Is America’s 51st State

The military has become a force unto itself, increasingly unaccountable to either the president or Congress.

Mar 22, 2016 / William J. Astore

US Soldier

Does the US Military Suffer From ‘Affluenza’? Does the US Military Suffer From ‘Affluenza’?

No matter what the military does (or doesn't) accomplish, it continues to garner praise, resources, and funding.

Feb 11, 2016 / William J. Astore

Welcome to Afghanistan—Now, Let’s Take a Selfie

Welcome to Afghanistan—Now, Let’s Take a Selfie Welcome to Afghanistan—Now, Let’s Take a Selfie

The American military doesn’t have a strategy; it has an itinerary.

Oct 27, 2015 / William J. Astore

Obama West Point

How America’s Broken Service Academies Create a Broken Military How America’s Broken Service Academies Create a Broken Military

Many of the military’s problems begin with the training of its leaders.

Aug 18, 2015 / William J. Astore

US Marine in Afghanistan

The US Is Addicted to War The US Is Addicted to War

When you define something as war, violence becomes the only means.

Jun 29, 2015 / William J. Astore

The Cold War’s Over—So Why Is the US Military Still Built to Fight It?

The Cold War’s Over—So Why Is the US Military Still Built to Fight It? The Cold War’s Over—So Why Is the US Military Still Built to Fight It?

A quarter-century after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the military remains structured to defeat a threat that no longer exists.

May 14, 2015 / William J. Astore

7 Reasons Why America’s Wars Aren’t Ending Anytime Soon

7 Reasons Why America’s Wars Aren’t Ending Anytime Soon 7 Reasons Why America’s Wars Aren’t Ending Anytime Soon

How never-ending war became—and will stay—the new normal.

Feb 2, 2015 / William J. Astore

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