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pptsapper.bsky.social
Angry Staff Officer
@pptsapper.bsky.social
49K followers 360 following 10K posts
History person, Army officer, transplanted Buckeye, not really that angry anymore. Writes stuff. Some Star Wars. Refugee from Twitter. Views do not reflect or represent the DoD's. He/him/his. angrystaffofficer.com
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pptsapper.bsky.social
*Taps the sign*
Arrested development meme: MANY PEOPLE HAVE COME TO ME ASKING IF REGIME CHANGE WORKS WELL DID IT WORK FOR THOSE PEOPLE? NO, IT NEVER DOES, I MEAN, THESE PEOPLE SOMEHOW DELUDE THEMSELVES INTO THINKING IT MIGHT, BUT.. BUT IT MIGHT WORK FOR US.
January 4, 2026 at 4:16 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
I really dislike that my current reading material is suddenly relevant

Going for a long run to not feel anything for a bit
The Philippine war 1899-1902 BRIAN MCALLISTER LINN
January 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
The apple don’t fall far from the tree. Dugout Doug was largely shaped in the image of Arthur MacArthur, with the added “my daddy’s a general” vibe

(“The Philippine War, 1899-1902” by Brian Linn, p. 216)
But MacArthur's personal failings made the situation far worse. Like his son, and with similarly disastrous consequences for his career, MacArthur could not accept his subordination to civilian authority. For his part, Taft viewed many of the senior military leaders with contempt, and suspected they distorted the situation to retain power. He found MacArthur's lectures tedious, his rhetoric ludicrous, his legal views alarming, and his personality unpleasant. Their relations never recovered from their first meeting: the general kept the commission members sweltering on their transport for a day and then had them brought before him as if they were barbarian dignitaries seeking audience with the emperor. He told them that he viewed their very existence as "humiliating to him personally" and that he could discharge all their duties by himself. 12s This and subsequent behavior would have nettled even an exceptionally charitable person, and Taft was anything but. He responded to MacArthur's Obstructionism with a very effective letter-writing campaign to Washington detailing the general's foibles.
January 2, 2026 at 2:34 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Man, James Longstreet from the top rope: “Squads of men parading the streets with arms in their hands is only an armed mob.”

(“Longstreet,” by Elizabeth Varon, p 184)
pressure and cajoling of unreconstructed whites. On January 8, 1872, a delegation of six conservative Democrats claiming to "speak for three or four thousand citizens" visited his office to complain about the Metropolitan Police. Because the police had been used as a strike force and were concentrated in certain areas of the city rather than walking their usual patrol beats, the "citizens" claimed they felt unsafe and unprotected. Longstreet called their bluff. He asked the men pointedly when and where they had been delegated to represent the people of New Orleans; they dodged his question. He told them sternly that he knew best "where and how the police should be placed." And he threw the onus of danger and disorder back on them: "If every citizen would use his best efforts to frown down and discourage the banding together of citizens for the purpose of overturning the legal government," he noted, "there would be no trouble." In a final rhetorical coup de grâce, Longstreet invited the delegation to join in defending the state: "If you want to carry arms, join the militia, and then you will move under the direction of proper officers," he said archly. "Squads of men parading the streets with arms in their hands is only an armed mob." This provocative stance dramatizes how deeply implicated Longstreet was in fierce debates over "who would legitimately wield the means of organized force in the South." Opponents of Reconstruction invoked a "racially encoded reading of the Second Amendment," as the historian Carole Emberton has explained, to assert their own right to bear arms while denying that right to freedmen and delegitimizing Republican coalition governments. In calling their bluff, however, Longstreet only further stoked their resentment.
January 2, 2026 at 3:39 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Christmas greetings from 1863 Ohio - where the “limits of ‘Dixey,’ are becoming slightly contracted.”

I find solace in these small pieces of joy, written when the idea of a “United States” was an uncertainty. May we all find that peace that surpasseth understanding…or just a little peace.
GROWING SMALL BY DEGREES AND BEAUHIFULLY Less.-The States of Al-abama, Arkanaar, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolion, Tennessce, Texas AnJ Virginig, are represented in the present rebel Congress-make tho num total of the Confederate Congrese, Tennessee, Louisiane, Missinippi aud Arkanaas are no longor undor rebel rulo, and Ken-tugky and Missouri never were., The limit of "Dixey," aro bedoming slightly contracted. - Steub. Herald.
December 25, 2025 at 3:31 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
May there be peace, justice, and hope.
Chanuka candles in a menorah looking out a window, a small reflection of quiet peace and hope.
December 21, 2025 at 10:27 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Life is hard, so here’s a gratuitous Rosie
A white and orange cat looks on contemplatively thinking about all the havoc she will cause when she stops relaxing, with Christmas lights in the background
December 15, 2025 at 1:24 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
No cat here, just this heated blanket
Just a floof of orange and white being an absolute floof
December 6, 2025 at 12:44 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
“Hey, why do we do risk analysis for home station unit training?”

Exhibit A:
“Guardsman killed at weekend drill” - 1966 news story about a NG soldier killed by an accidental bayonet thrust during riot control training
December 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
You’re pretty cool too

Ida boops you for it
A perfectly weird tortie lounging majestically and reaching a caramel colored paw out to lazily boop you
November 27, 2025 at 4:23 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Not 1863, but I did want to leave you with the 1862 Maine Thanksgiving proclamation- when the last line regarding the cause of emancipation was read to a Maine regiment under arms at the front, it was greeted with cheers and huzzahs.
In times of calamity and trouble, our fathers did not neglect to celebrate their annual festival of Thanksgiving; and in this hour of the country's sorest trial, when bereavement and anguish have been brought to so many hearts, their children will find strength and profit in its beautiful rites, its hallowed associations, and its gracious influences. By advice of the Council, I appoint THURSDAY, THE TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY OF NOVEMBER NEXT, to be observed by the people of this State as a day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise. And may they all regard it as a day consecrated to emotions of gratitude and good will—to deeds of benevolence and love. Abstaining from all employments and pursuits inconsistent with a proper observance of the occasion, I invite them to repair to their temples of religious worship, and there, and in all places, may they be led to a devout and cheerful recognition of the many favors and privileges which have been lavished upon them during the year whose great, eventfal history is so nearly made up; may they be unfeignedly thankful for the blessings of material prosperity and of health, which have been so largely vouchsafed to them-for the exhibitions of constaney, fidelity and manly virtue in their countrymen, which have so often illustrated the dignity of human nature and the capacity of man for self-government—for the Christian charity and brotherly kindness which a better acquaintance with, and a more sensible dependence upon, each other, growing out of a common cause and a common danger, have developed and cultivated in their hearts; and, especially, may they be moved to praise and bless their Heavenly Father, the Lord of all, that He has put it into the heart of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation, to promulgate, in the fulness of time, a Decree of wisdom and uprightness, which shall make their beloved land strong, united, prosperous, peaceful, just, and forever free!
November 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Here’s Pennsylvania’s proclamation- I assume people will want to read these at dinner as good patriots, which will make all their relatives of a conservative persuasion very happy indeed…until they hear the contents
"Now, I, Andrew Q. Curtin, Gavernor of of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby recommend, that the people of renn-sylvanin do set upart and observe the maid day accordingly and that they do especially return thauks to the Almighty God, for the gathered harvests of the fruits of the earth,— For the prosperity with which He has blossed tho industry of our people,-For the geveral health and welfare which Ho lias graciously bestowed upon them,— And for the crowning meroy by which the blood-thirsty and devastating enemy was driven from our soil by the valor of our brethren, freemen of this and other States, - And thac they do especially pray for the continuance of the blessings which have been heaped upon us by the Divine Hand, - And for the safety and welfare and success of our brethreu in the field, that they may be strengthened to the overthrow and confusion of the rebels now in arms against our beloved country, - So that peace may be restored in all our borders, and the Constitution and laws of the land be everywhere within them reestab-lished and sustainea."
November 26, 2025 at 2:46 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Minnesota reminding everyone of the “traitors in the field” and the “extension of the arc of human freedom”
the channels of industry Let us thank God for the giorious victories achiered by our brave soldiers in the fierce struggle for. the maintenance of our Guvern-ment ugainst traitors in the field, and for the loyalty which inspires our people to continue and support a rigorous prosecution of the war until rebellion shall yield to respect for Constitution and Law. Let us praise lim to unesamplel national prosperity notwith tanding the ravages uf war in the land; for the proepect of an early termination of this frotriedal strile; for the extension of the arca of human freedom; and for the bright hopes we may cherish for the futare of our beloved country.
November 26, 2025 at 2:32 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Here’s Ohio’s Thanksgiving proclamation
Thanksgiving Proclamation of the Governor of Ohio. In cheerful compliatice with the request of the General Assembly ot the State of Ohio, monifested by the lesolution of the 14th of April, A. D. 1863, and in harmony with the Proclamation of the President of the United States, I, David Tod, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby appoint the last Thursday (26tb) of November, as a day. of Thanksgiving and Praise to our Heavenly Father for his continued mercies and manifold blessings. Let us devoutly thank Him for the abundance afforded for our comfort and happiness; for the good and loyal spirit mauifested by the great body of our people; for the self- sacrificing heroism of our brothers and friends in arms; for the determined effort and well-founded hope that our Government shall still be preserv. ed in its unity and benificence; for the unway-ering determination that the enemies of our dear country, both at home and abroad, shall be discomfited; and for the joyous hope and prospect that our desolating civil war will soon give way to peace, prosperity and happiness throughout all the land, to bless all the inhabitants thereof. Amid our thanksgiving and praise, amidat our efforts and hopes, let us not forget that the greatstruggle in which we are engaged has filled our land with widows and orphans; out of our abundance let us comfort them for their great sacrifices; let us all diligently learn, and strive to perform our every duty, and thus atone for our manifold sins, humbly trusting to Him who wields the destinies of nations and peoples, that He will vouchsafe to us all the blessings of life and good government. In testimony whereof I have bereunto set my band and caused the Great Seal of the [SEAL. State of Ohio to be afixed, at Colum-bus, the 24th day of October, A.D. '63.-DAVID TOD, Governor. B. F. HOFFMAN, Private Secretary.
November 26, 2025 at 2:28 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Bro that’s Fort Ligonier in Pennsylvania, closer to Pittsburgh than Philly, let alone NYC, and a Seven Years War fort
A cannon inside a fort which is absolutely not Cobble Hill but is Ligonier, Pa
November 22, 2025 at 3:08 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
The fact that they don’t have Dr Holly Mayer on to talk about camp followers is a crime

One, she’s the absolute best on this subject

Two, she’s a gem of a human
WOMEN WAGING WAR In the AMERICAN REVOLUTION HOLLY A. MAYER
November 22, 2025 at 2:16 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Hey, if you’re interested in studying West Pointers in the Civil War…don’t read this. I haven’t wanted to rage quit a book this hard for a while, but the rampant use of blanket simplifications and uncited statements is getting me close
WAYNE WEI-SIANG HSIEH WEST POINTERS and the Civil Tar The Old Army in War and Peace UNABRIDGED • READ BY STEPHEN HOYE
November 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
I have advised a number of presidents to explore a bombing campaign to change political problems Did it work for those people? No, it never does. ...but it might work for us.
October 31, 2025 at 1:06 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Hey Siri, what’s the precedent for not paying the army
A military leave and earning statement showing no pay with callouts for the RevWar Continental Army mutinies
October 27, 2025 at 2:36 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
I don’t think so, to my knowledge. There doesn’t seem to be a core bloc, so to speak.

Unless it was the 2d Cav, formed in 1855 by then-SecWar Jeff Davis, composed of mostly Southern officers

Note George H Thomas in the lot, saying “fuck y’all fuckers” once again
Colonel (COL): Albert Sidney Johnston Lt. Colonel (LTC): Robert Edward Lee Majors (MAJ): William Joseph Hardee; George Henry Thomas Captains (CPT): Earl Van Dorn; Edmund Kirby Smith; James Oakes; Innis Newton Palmer; George Stoneman; Albert G. Brackett; Charles Jarvis Whiting First Lieutenants (1LT): Nathan G. Evans; Richard Woodhouse Johnson; Joseph H. McArthur; Charles William Field; Kenner Garrard; Walter H. Jennifer, William B. Royall Second Lieutenants (2LT): George Blake Cosby; William Warren Lowe; John Bell Hood; Junius Brutus Wheeler; A. Parker Porter, Wesley Owens; James Patrick Major; Fitzhugh Lee
October 20, 2025 at 11:16 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
I mean…yeah, that about sums it up
NONFICTION Robert McNamara Loved Efficiency. Then Came the Vietnam War.
September 22, 2025 at 2:34 AM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Time to step away from the social media for a bit
Bloom County cartoon where Opus and the gang get overwhelmed by awful news and have to go take a mass dandelion break. Be kind to yourself.
August 15, 2025 at 8:12 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
When in doubt, just ask yourself: am I going as hard as the initial design of the 1st Minnesota Gettysburg monument?
A US soldier stabbing down with his bayonet at a writhing dragon representing disunion and the southern so called Confederacy
August 6, 2025 at 10:50 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Wishbone knows exactly how to remember the cause of failed secessionists - “the worst for which people ever fought,” as US Grant said - with hot lead and cold steel.
A very good boy preparing to wax some Rebs
August 6, 2025 at 12:32 PM
pptsapper.bsky.social
Rosie would like to cross examine this clearly hostile witness
Orange and white cat being judgy on a bookshelf with narrowed eyes and the whitest little paws
July 29, 2025 at 2:11 AM