Ian Michael

Ian served four years in the Marine Corps as a fire support man, deploying twice to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While pursuing higher education, Ian joined the California Army National Guard as a public affairs specialist. In late 2015, he deployed again, this time with a combat aviation regiment with an operational footprint in multiple countries across the Middle East. After returning home, Ian decided to broaden his horizons. In the world of firearms, Ian earned his certification as an NRA basic pistol instructor. He is a co-founder of Distributed Security Quad Cities, a firearms handling and safety training program. Ian’s passions include writing and photography. He is a prolific journalist with articles, photos, and documentaries that have been shared across the country and abroad. His most recent venture is into the world of speculative fiction. He’s published one volume of his work with several more on the way.

Armed Stupidity and the Darwinian Ratchet

April 12, 2021March 6, 2021 by Ian Kummer

Some scholars argue that asymmetric war is like a Darwinian Ratchet. When an army “culls” the “slow and stupid” guerillas, “better” guerillas take their place, eventually creating a race of super guerillas. Okay, Boomer.

Android Revolution: Chapter 3

May 29, 2021March 2, 2021 by Ian Kummer

In Chapter 2, John attempted to use his political influence to get Snyder off his back, but she’s always one step ahead of him. Unless he can learn her true identity, there’s no chance in hell of cornering her. While John stares at his display screens in a days-long obsession to track her down, the androids teach each other a valuable lesson about color… and emotion.

NATO wants Carbon Neutral Tanks. This is Fascism and Here’s Why

April 12, 2021February 17, 2021 by Ian Kummer

NATO Chief: War Must Be Good for the Environment

Jens Stoltenberg recently suggested that our battle tanks should be solar-powered. This is actually an interesting idea, but there are problems, and the worst problem has nothing to do with the tanks themselves.

Android Revolution: Chapter 2

May 29, 2021February 14, 2021 by Ian Kummer

In Chapter 1, John met Snyder, a mysterious policewoman who thinks androids are dangerous and blames him for it. Snyder is wildly confident, but seems to have made a fatal mistake. Now that he knows who she is, John can use his political influence to destroy her.

Nazis Take Over America and Establish a New Reich

April 16, 2021February 13, 2021 by Ian Kummer

With Joe Biden safely in the White House, America’s most powerful corporations have launched a new privatized reign of terror almost identical to Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s.