Personal Command Update

MORNING BRIEF

Good morning, Anthony.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026Charleston, SC6 min read

Morning Philosophy

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

— Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Ulysses" (1842)

Ulysses speaks these words as an old man, worn by years and battles, yet unwilling to let his remaining strength go to waste. For a young leader, the line is a rebuke to complacency at any age or rank: purpose is not something you arrive at and rest in, but something you keep choosing, especially when the glamour has faded and only the work remains. Today, let this mean finishing the unglamorous task fully — the paperwork, the drill, the hard conversation — with the same resolve you'd bring to a decisive moment.

Question for the DayWhat task will you refuse to abandon today, even after the excitement of it has gone?

Hard Deadlines — Today

0700

PRE TEST MSIII50264.202650

Today’s Calendar

[all day] Truman — Block 0: Setup only (MINIMAL, 1-2 hrs)

Canvas — Upcoming

Response to NYT article51133.202650due Thu 8/27, 1:30 PM

Free Adobe Reader Download/ROTC Folder50264.202650due Fri 8/28

The Citadel MS III Personnel Index Survey FALL202650264.202650due Fri 8/28

WEEK ONE QUIZ SQUAD TLPS50264.202650due Mon 8/31, 7:00 AM

ADD/DROP COURSE DEADLINEHonors Program Communitydue Tue 9/1

Six-word memoir51133.202650due Tue 9/1, 1:30 PM

Weekly Discussion Week 1 - North Korea 101 Required Replies (2)51126.202650due Wed 9/2

Weekly Discussion Week 1 - North Korea 101 Reply to Topic51126.202650due Wed 9/2

Announcements

welcome to Honors Advanced Writing!51133.202650 · 2026-08-26

PSCI 43150987.202650 · 2026-08-24

Reading assignment50264.202650 · 2026-08-24

Weather & Dress

Clear sky · 76–86°F (now 77°, feels 88°)

precip 29%   wind 9mph

0650

sunrise

1952

sunset

WEAR — light, breathable clothing; hydrate

Daily Leadership Lesson

A leader who insulates their team from all external pressure robs them of the chance to build the resilience they'll need when you're not there to run interference.

The next time your team faces a tough external demand, resist the urge to shield them completely—instead, brief them honestly on the stakes and let them help carry the weight.

Journal Memory

You were reflecting on your week observing ROCMA cadets, noting a pattern of stress-driven mistakes and harsh discipline, including one staff member being pushed so hard by his seniors that his wellbeing suffered.

“A similar experience happened with another staff member who is the human affairs sergeant. 小胖子 was being punished by his seniors because they believed he was not performing as they had hoped. To punish him, they kept giving him short hit times between locations. Time was so short, I watched him multiple times, on multiple days, sprinting from one place to another in order to meet the time. I do not know every detail of the situation, but again I note it because it reveals a larger theme I have seen here. One thing I will note through that, though, is that his hit times were so short that he was having to skip meals to make them. When I began questioning him and insisting he try working with them to ensure he could get their expectations met while also ensuring he could eat, he chose not to, as he did not feel comfortable bringing a concern to his seniors. It was quite sad to see, however, as during our sports class, he had to sit out the entire day because he was lightheaded from not eating and sleeping enough.”

FROM “J.2026-04-20” · 2026-04-20

News Worth Knowing

Major World News

Hospital nursery fire kills 14 newborns in Pakistan's capital, officials order immediate inquiry — NPR Topics: World

A fire broke out in a newborn nursery at a major government hospital in Islamabad, killing 14 babies. Pakistani officials have ordered an immediate inquiry into the tragedy. The incident raises serious questions about hospital safety standards in the country.

More than 50 kidnapped as violent gang attack in Haiti leaves 47 dead — NPR Topics: World

A violent gang attack in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has left 47 people dead and more than 50 kidnapped, in what is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in the country's recent history. A gang leader has reportedly threatened to kill hostages if authorities move against gang members while trying to secure the community.

Canada announces 'dollar-for-dollar' retaliatory tariffs on US as high as 50% — BBC News

Canada has escalated its trade war with the United States, announcing 'dollar-for-dollar' retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on a range of American goods including steel, furniture, tuna and cosmetics. The move follows President Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods after trade talks broke down. The escalating dispute marks a significant deterioration in US-Canada economic relations.

Major United States News

Churches, libraries and breweries: Inside DHS' covert surveillance operation — NPR Topics: National

Court filings reveal that the Department of Homeland Security conducted covert surveillance at community gatherings, including churches, libraries and breweries, and subpoenaed labor unions' financial records. The revelations raise serious concerns about government overreach and monitoring of ordinary civic activities and organizations.

Two unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania — BBC News

Two unvaccinated people have died of measles in Pennsylvania, as U.S. measles cases have reached their highest level since the disease was declared eliminated. Health officials point to declining vaccination rates as a key driver behind the resurgence.

Relief may be near for Indiana city after days without power — BBC News

Residents of Gary, Indiana have endured nearly two weeks without power, prompting demands for accountability and infrastructure improvements. Officials and residents are now calling for customer relief measures as restoration efforts appear to be nearing completion.

South Carolina News

Darline Graham wins South Carolina GOP nomination to replace her late brother in US Senate — AP News

Darline Graham won the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff, securing the GOP nomination to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. She defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in the primary contest, with backing from President Trump playing a role in the race. Graham had been appointed to temporarily hold the seat and will now run for a full term in the general election.

Military & National Security

CIA director makes rare, unannounced visit to Moscow — The Washington Post

The CIA director made a rare, unannounced visit to Moscow, according to the Washington Post. Such visits are unusual and signal high-stakes diplomatic or intelligence activity between the US and Russia. Details on the purpose of the trip were not disclosed in the report.

Hegseth’s Purge of Top Generals Leaves the Army Rudderless — The New York Times

The New York Times reports that Defense Secretary Hegseth's purge of top generals has left the Army without clear leadership. This shake-up raises concerns about institutional stability and command continuity within the military's largest branch. The scope and consequences of the leadership vacuum remain a developing concern.

Top Commanders Told Hegseth Not to Cut Civilian Protection Program, Poll Showed. He Did It Anyway. — ProPublica

ProPublica reports that top military commanders warned Hegseth against cutting a civilian protection program, with polling data supporting their objections, but he eliminated it anyway. The decision suggests a disregard for internal military guidance on protecting civilians in conflict zones. This raises questions about oversight and priorities within the Pentagon's leadership.

Opinion Piece

ICE Has Quietly Changed Its Deadly-Force Rule — Nick Miroff · The Atlantic

This piece examines a quiet but consequential policy shift within ICE governing when officers may use deadly force, focusing on new accountability procedures. It argues that officers under investigation for deadly-force incidents can no longer quickly return to active duty, signaling a change in internal oversight. The piece frames this as a significant, under-scrutinized development in how the agency polices its own use of lethal authority.

Data Status
🟢Calendar1 event(s)
🟢Canvas Assignments1 due today, 8 upcoming, 3 announcements
🟢WeatherClear sky, 76–86°F at Charleston, SC
🟢Newsworld:3; us:3; local:1; military:3
🟢Opinion PieceICE Has Quietly Changed Its Deadly-Force Rule
🟢Morning PhilosophyTo strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
🟢Daily Leadership LessonA leader who insulates their team from all extern…
🟢Journal MemoryJ.2026-04-20
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6 min read