Over the past twenty years, the United States has been involved in a range of conflicts, placing significant demands on the individuals who are deployed, often multiple times. These individuals have borne the brunt of civilian decisions regarding when, how and where to use force, as well as what the goals of these conflicts should be. The challenges of war are not often well communicated to civilian policymakers. This series seeks to engage with military personnel and gain a broader perspective of the challenges they face.
SFC Marcel Blood joined the Army in 2011 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist. In 2012, he passed selection for the 28th EOD Company at Fort Bragg, NC and spent most of his career there. In 2024, while serving as the 192nd EOD Battalion Training Cell NCOIC, he was selected by the Chief of Staff of the Army, GEN Randy George, to serve as the Deputy Director of the Harding Project. The Harding Project is responsible for strengthening the profession, primarily by renewing the Army's journals and promoting professional discourse. At the Harding Project, SFC Blood is responsible for Soldier outreach efforts, interfacing with the Army's uniformed editor Harding Fellows across the force, and driving the efforts prioritized by the CSA and Harding Project Director.
This event is generously sponsored by the Institute for Public Leadership.