Chuck Holton
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Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.
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Advice for Young Men Considering the Military: A Former Ranger's Perspective

Today’s military is not what it once was. If you’re interested in joining, you should go in with your eyes open and be spiritually fit and firm in your beliefs. The military has become, in many ways, a grand social experiment. There’s a lot of social engineering going on these days, and if you’re not prepared, that kind of environment can throw you off course fast. My advice? If you’re grounded, disciplined, and willing to embrace the hardships, the military can still offer you something valuable. But make no mistake—it’s a different beast from what I joined in the late ‘80s. Here’s what I learned in my time in the Army Rangers, along with some hard-earned advice if you’re thinking about enlisting.

1. Start with Mental Toughness—and a Strong Spiritual Foundation
The military has always required grit, but in today’s military, it’s about more than physical or mental toughness; you’ll need a solid grasp of your values to stay the course. Back in Ranger training, we faced brutal, relentless conditions—weeks in the field, little sleep, no luxuries. We were there to be hardened, and we knew what we were signing up for. Now, you’ll still face those physical and mental tests, but you’ll also have to navigate a different kind of pressure, one that involves balancing your values with what can sometimes feel like arbitrary social experiments.

For young men considering enlisting, my advice is to establish a firm foundation in your faith and your worldview. Programs like the International ALERT Academy can give you a foundation rooted in discipline and biblical values. You don’t want to join only to find yourself swayed by the “social engineering” agenda they’re pushing. Get grounded now; it will help you hold the line later.

2. Consider a Year at ALERT or Backpacking Before You Sign Up
Before diving in, take a year to prepare. I recommend the ALERT Academy or a similar program that will help you build life skills, discipline, and resilience. The ALERT Academy offers a rigorous experience where you’ll learn everything from survival tactics to emergency response—all while growing spiritually. It’s like Jason Bourne training but grounded in faith. You’ll come out of it with skills you can carry into the military and beyond, and more importantly, a solid foundation that will help you stay focused amid whatever challenges the military throws at you.

If ALERT isn’t for you, consider taking a gap year to travel. Seeing the world, learning to adapt to different environments, and getting out of your comfort zone are invaluable experiences that build maturity. Trust me, the military will be waiting, and you’ll be better prepared for it if you’ve taken some time to develop your sense of independence and resilience first.

3. Find the Right Fit: Smaller Units Offer Better Opportunities
In the military, the type of unit you’re in makes a world of difference. Back when I was in, my Ranger unit was like a well-oiled machine—our training was focused, our gear top-notch, and our discipline uncompromising. Large units often come with a lot of red tape and less personalized treatment. In smaller, specialized units, you’re more than just a number. They train you harder, give you better resources, and offer a level of camaraderie that’s hard to find in larger formations.

If you’re headed into the military, aim for a niche role. Intelligence, Explosives Ordinance Disposal, or aviation are excellent choices, not only because of the training but also because these skills translate well to civilian life. My time in the Rangers gave me discipline and endurance, but transitioning to civilian life was tough because of my combat-focused skills. Today, many young men have more options, with military roles that can set them up for high-demand careers after they finish their service. Choose wisely, and look for roles where your skills will serve you beyond your years in the military.

4. Prepare for a Different Social Landscape
The military I joined was more straightforward, more focused on discipline and mission than social issues. Today, you’ll encounter different dynamics around gender, sexuality, and a variety of other topics. These can be challenging if you’re not ready for them. Be prepared to encounter social engineering policies, and make sure you’ve solidified where you stand before you enter. Programs like those at Summit Ministries offer training in apologetics and discussions on how to navigate social challenges from a biblical perspective. It’s worth preparing yourself so you’re not caught off guard by today’s military climate.

5. Embrace Hardship—Don’t Wait for the Military to Do It for You
In Ranger School, we were pushed to our limits. Nights in the cold, marching with heavy packs, and getting minimal sleep. I can honestly say those hardships were the best preparation I ever had—not just for the military but for life. This experience taught me to handle challenges calmly and confidently, even in my work as a war correspondent today.

You don’t have to wait for the military to push you. Seek out hardship now. Go hiking in tough conditions, train hard, and take on challenges that stretch you. When you encounter hardship voluntarily, you build the resilience to handle whatever life throws at you—and believe me, it will. Hardship is the crucible that forges resilience, so don’t wait for boot camp to teach you.

6. Be Wary of Passive Living
This is a big one for today’s generation. We live in a world of distractions, and young men are constantly tempted by the pull of screens—whether it’s video games, social media, or endless streaming. These activities can sap your drive, leaving you stagnant when you could be moving forward. If you’re serious about the military or anything else, start living with that focus now. Dedicate time to training, learning, and developing skills that will serve you in the military or any other endeavor.

This is your time to push forward. Make the most of it by pursuing challenges that matter. The young men who commit early, who push away the distractions, and who focus on building themselves up will be lightyears ahead of those wasting time. If you’re willing to go against the grain and do the hard things, you’ll find that the military—or any path you choose—will be far easier to handle.

7. Think Long-Term: Build Marketable Skills for Civilian Life
The military can give you a lot, but think about what comes next. If you’re in a combat-focused role, the transition to civilian life can be a steep one. Today, the military has opened up roles in cybersecurity, mechanics, and aviation that can provide valuable skills post-service. My son, for instance, became a Black Hawk crew chief, a role that translated into a strong civilian career in aviation after he finished his service.

You can gain a lot from the military’s discipline, courage, and camaraderie, but building skills that will serve you beyond your military years is just as important. Consider your future carefully and choose a role that fits into a larger plan for your life.

Final Thoughts
Joining the military isn’t just a job; it’s a commitment to a lifestyle that will push you physically, mentally, and spiritually. For me, the Ranger training was a crucible that helped shape who I am, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. But go in prepared—understand the environment, be spiritually grounded, and be ready to tackle the unique challenges of today’s military.

Today’s military requires not just grit but a solid foundation in who you are. Seek out challenging experiences now, whether it’s a year at the ALERT Academy, traveling, or simply embracing the hardships that come your way. Those who choose this path with purpose and preparation will emerge stronger, better equipped, and ready to make the most of whatever life throws their way.

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On the Shores of Issyk- Kul

Today I got a chance to check out the second largest saltwater lake in the world

00:00:49
Is the U.S. Training Syria’s New Jihadist Army?

Very few media outlets are talking about this, but they should be — urgently.

While most of the world is distracted, U.S. troops are conducting live training exercises in Syria with the forces of the country’s new interim government, now led by Ahmed al-Sharaa — a man widely known as a former Al Qaeda affiliate.

Let that sink in.

Recent reports confirm that U.S. personnel at the Al-Tanf garrison have been training members of the so-called 70th Division, a unit formed from remnants of the Syrian Free Army, which now pledges loyalty to this new government. This comes right on the heels of a massacre of Druze civilians, allegedly carried out by those very same government-aligned forces.

Aiding the Next Generation of Jihadists?
This isn’t just a questionable policy — it could be morally catastrophic.

Druze communities, who have long sought neutrality in Syria’s civil war, were brutally attacked.

Christian populations in the region are living in fear, as radical factions become emboldened ...

00:06:03
Debunked

Debunked: Following several accusations that Israel is causing famine in Gaza, COGAT has released drone footage of the hundreds of truckloads of supplies waiting to be delivered to Gaza by the UN. A statement accompanying the footage claims that 'There is enough food here to feed all of Gaza, if the UN ever came to pick it up.

00:00:39
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

The calm after the storm… Roanoke Island, Outer Banks, NC….

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Service that pleases God.

"I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me out of all trouble." (Psalms 54:6-7a)

Being motivated (to obey God) by guilt produces spiritual frustration. God desires us to worship Him freely, out of gratitude, because of the grace we've received in Jesus. If we are serving to earn His love, or maintain our salvation, we misunderstand Him and are destined for failure. For such mentalities are unhealthy, they lead to burnt out and bitterness, pride and self-righteousness (I know this firsthand).

This is why it's so important to understand the truth of the Gospel correctly - by the Spirit's revelation (of the Bible) and not man's tradition or interpretation. For bad teaching fosters the sinful works of the flesh, which leads to all defilement. And truly God's life and love have been given to us freely, and eternally, as a gift (Romans 6:23), because of the perfect obedience of Jesus (Romans 5:17-18), and ...

Again to show my support, and appreciation of what you do @ChuckHolton, I gave a shout out on my live the other night. @20:00-21:45 on "10 Global Truth Bombs: What the MEDIA won't tell you" The TRUTH about BBQ, in Haiti. When you met that man, talked, and even PRAYED with him, was a shocking and inspiring moment. I know it took a ton of work to get that interview, and the danger's behind doing so. So THANK YOU!!! RWTM aka Robert H🙏🏻

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Fighting for Truth: A Conversation with Hillel Fuld
One of the most powerful interviews I’ve done in a long while — with my friend Hillel Fuld

I just wrapped up one of the most powerful interviews I’ve done in a long while — with my friend Hillel Fuld. Many of you may already know him: a tech entrepreneur turned advocate for Israel who has become one of the most influential voices online since October 7th. His story, his warnings, and his call to action are worth your time. Let me break it down for you.

 

From Tech to the Front Lines of Information

Hillel was born in New York and moved to Israel 30 years ago. For years, he thrived in the country’s booming tech sector, consulting and working with startups. But tragedy struck when his brother was murdered in a terrorist attack seven years ago, and the Hamas massacre on October 7th sealed his decision to put everything else aside.

He shut down his successful business and dedicated himself full-time to defending Israel in the digital space. As a result, over four billion impressions on social media — most of them engaging with audiences predisposed to be anti-Israel. Why? Because he built credibility over years, and now he’s using that platform to counter lies with facts, to challenge hatred with truth.

Before October 7th, Hillel wrote online that the global situation — U.S. tensions with Iran and China, Russia’s war in Ukraine, bitter division in Israel and America — made it clear something big was coming. He didn’t predict the exact attack, but he knew Israel would be at the center. Sadly, he was right.

Now, he feels that same ominous weight again. He is afraid that a large-scale terrorist attack will happen against Jews in the U.S. or Europe. He hopes he’s wrong — desperately hopes — but as he put it, the trajectory is undeniable. Anti-Semitism is exploding. Attacks on Jews are up over 800% in the U.S. alone. Synagogues are being firebombed, Jews are assaulted in broad daylight, mobs wave terror flags in Western capitals, and governments do little or nothing.

His Holocaust-survivor aunt summed it up in two chilling words: “The same.”

 

Why the Hatred?

Hillel tackled the hardest question: why does Jew-hatred persist across history? His answer had two parts.

First, the theological: Jewish tradition teaches that anti-Semitism is built into the fabric of history.

Second, the historical: every empire that rose to dominance eventually threw out morality. And when morality — the values rooted in the Bible — became inconvenient, those empires lashed out at the messengers: the Jews. From Babylon to Rome, from Nazi Germany to the present day, the pattern repeats.

“The reason they hate us,” Hillel said, “is because we brought morality to the world. They don’t want it shoved down their throats, so they attack us.”

 

The Information War

We talked about the battlefield that matters most today: not just Gaza or Rafah, but the battle for truth.

Israel has arguably the strongest military defense technology in the world — Iron Dome, David’s Sling, the Arrow system — but in the information war, they’re getting crushed. Hamas and its backers pump out propaganda in slick, coordinated campaigns. Meanwhile, Israel’s truth-tellers are often underfunded, outnumbered, and ignored.

“I’ve reached four billion impressions with my ten fingers,” Hillel told me. “Imagine if I had 300 fingers.”

And here’s the kicker: the other side is organized. They’ve got talking points, PDFs, WhatsApp groups, slogans like “All Eyes on Rafah.” Israel? Not so much.

This is why Hillel’s plea is simple: use your voice. Don’t think your small Facebook following doesn’t matter. Truth spreads when people speak it.

Hillel shared how he was banned from Australia — his visa revoked because of so-called “Islamophobic” tweets. What did he say? That reports of massacres in Gaza weren’t true (later confirmed), and that it’s not irrational to fear radical Islam. That was enough to silence him.

The message was clear: in today’s world, truth itself is considered hate speech.

Despite the hardships, Hillel also sees God’s hand at work. He reminded us of Israel’s missile defense systems — once thought “science fiction,” now operating at 99% effectiveness. And the rockets that do get through? More often than not, they land in “empty fields” — something that simply doesn’t exist in a country as small as Israel.

For him, these are not coincidences. They are daily miracles.

 

What Can We Do?

Hillel’s challenge to us is clear:

  • Speak up. Don’t remain silent in the face of lies.

  • Engage online. Share, comment, like — it all matters in fighting the algorithm.

  • Support the information warriors. Boots and rifles aren’t the only battle gear needed; so are digital warriors with the means to amplify truth.

  • Pray and prepare. As he said, this is a moment in history where our grandchildren will ask: “What did you do?”

 

I’ve covered wars for over 20 years. I’ve spent months in Israel since October 7th. And I can tell you this: Hillel Fuld is right. The information battle is just as important as the battlefield. The lies being spread about Israel are not just words — they shape policies, embolden terrorists, and endanger lives.

Friends, we cannot be silent. Share this message. Use your voice. And let’s stand together with Israel in truth.

— Chuck Holton

Watch the full interview HERE

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Weaponizing Narco Gold: Why Venezuela Is Facing U.S. Pressure

Today I want to bring your attention to a brewing crisis that could soon erupt in the Western Hemisphere: Venezuela. And it goes way beyond socialism or oil. We're talking about narco-terrorism, gold cartels, foreign militias, and even the possibility of U.S. boots on the ground.

From Prosperity to Predation

Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in Latin America, has become a failed state under Hugo Chavez and now the illegitimate strongman, Nicolas Maduro. The economy collapsed. Kidnapping became a growth industry. And over 8 million Venezuelans have fled, many of them ending up in the United States under lax border enforcement during the Biden administration.

I have a lot of friends who are Venezuelan, and I admire them. But here's the truth: the culture of dependency and normalized criminality that permeates Venezuela doesn't just disappear when people cross the border. That reality has consequences.

The Cartel de los Soles

The real threat isn’t just failed socialism. It’s that Venezuela has become a full-fledged narco-state. Maduro and his cronies are at the center of a shadowy network known as the Cartel de los Soles — made up of military and government elites trafficking cocaine and laundering gold.

Yes, gold. These guys make more money from illegal gold mining than drugs. I’ve been on the ground in Colombia and seen the devastation firsthand: mercury poisoning rivers, miners risking their lives, and terrorist groups taxing every shovel-full.

Why the U.S. Cares

The Trump administration recently escalated things by placing a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head. That’s not just about ideology. It’s because Maduro is engaged in asymmetric warfare against the U.S. — using drugs, gold, and foreign allies like Russia, China, and Hezbollah to undermine American society.

4,000 U.S. Marines are now headed to the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters are in motion. And the Pentagon has been green-lit to take kinetic action against the cartels.

Sound familiar? It should. I was there when we parachuted into Panama in 1989 to remove Manuel Noriega. Maduro could be next.

The Guyana Flashpoint

As if that's not enough, Venezuela is now saber-rattling over oil-rich territory in neighboring Guyana. Maduro claims half of Guyana belongs to Venezuela. Why? Because Guyana struck it rich with light, sweet crude — far more valuable than Venezuela’s dirty, hard-to-extract reserves.

There are rumors flying of a U.S. military buildup in Guyana. And while some of that is exaggerated, it’s true that we’re training with Guyanese forces and flying combat patrols. The U.S. isn't just defending Guyana’s sovereignty; we’re protecting our own strategic interests.

Mercenaries, Militia, and Madness

Maduro says he’ll mobilize 4.5 million factory workers and farmers into militias. That’s a joke. He doesn’t even trust his own military. That’s why he surrounds himself with Cuban and Russian mercenaries. But money talks — and with $50 million on the line, don't be surprised if some of his protectors turn into bounty hunters.

I've seen this up close. I once got roped into a secret meeting with Venezuelan defectors planning to overthrow Maduro. I backed away, reported it to the embassy, and sure enough, some of those same guys later launched a failed coup. Two American Green Berets were caught and are still rotting in Venezuelan prison.

A Real Risk to the U.S.

This isn’t just a Latin American problem. With Hezbollah operatives smuggled into the U.S. via Venezuela, suicide drones manufactured there with Iranian help, and widespread corruption, this is a clear and present danger to America.

Could this escalate into war? Possibly. But what’s more likely is covert operations, private military action, and targeted strikes. Still, if Venezuela hits back — say, with suicide drones on U.S. soil — all bets are off.

Final Thought

Venezuela is a failed state led by a criminal cartel that masquerades as a government. And while Americans are busy arguing over pronouns and plastic straws, our enemies are plotting how to destroy us from within.

We better wake up.

 

Comment below your thoughts about this. If you missed the live, you can watch it HERE

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The Alaska Summit: Theater, Sanctions, and What It Means for Ukraine

I’m writing to you today from the mountains of Kazakhstan. It’s been a whirlwind few days out here in Central Asia, and I’ve been watching closely as history played out thousands of miles away in Alaska. I want to break down for you what happened at the first U.S.-Russia presidential summit since the war in Ukraine began — and why the optics may be very different from the reality.

 

Pomp Without Circumstance

Two days ago, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf in Alaska. This was the first time the two men had been face-to-face in a decade, and the event was choreographed to the hilt. Red carpet, honor guards, F-22 Raptors on the tarmac, and even a flyover by B-2 stealth bombers — all staged to project American strength.

But what did we actually get from it? Not much. It was political theater — smiles, handshakes, and photo ops. The summit ended abruptly with no lunch, no press questions, and only carefully scripted remarks. That alone should tell you the talks didn’t go as well as advertised.

 

Putin’s Win on Sanctions

So why did Putin make the trip? One word: sanctions. The Trump administration had been preparing to roll out secondary sanctions — penalties not only on Russia, but also on countries like India and China that have been helping Moscow skirt existing restrictions. These measures had the potential to choke off Russia’s war machine, because while Putin doesn’t mind sacrificing soldiers, he does mind losing the economic lifeline that fuels his military.

At the end of the day, Putin walked away without making a single concession — but he did secure at least a delay on those secondary sanctions. That’s a huge win for Moscow. No wonder Russians are celebrating this summit as a victory.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is in the best battlefield position it has been since the war started. They’ve got more than 750,000 men under arms, and they’ve learned to innovate at lightning speed — fielding drones, unmanned vehicles, and even remote casualty evacuation systems that save soldiers’ lives.

Russian tactics, on the other hand, remain rooted in old Soviet-style warfare: meat waves of troops, staggering casualties, and little innovation beyond drones. Every square kilometer they seize costs them hundreds of dead soldiers.

And here’s a fact you won’t hear on mainstream news: Ukraine is now producing more ammunition than it consumes. They’re no longer entirely dependent on Western supplies. That’s a game changer.

 

Optics vs. Reality

Here’s what worries me: the optics of this summit play directly into Russia’s cognitive warfare doctrine. Moscow believes wars are won by shaping minds, not just by winning on the battlefield. Optics are the battlefield.

Putin, riding in “the Beast” limousine, smiling alongside Trump, Lavrov wearing a USSR sweatshirt — those images tell the world Russia is on equal footing with the United States. That perception is a victory in itself, even if the reality is that Russia’s economy is crumbling and their military is bleeding men at an unsustainable rate.

 

The Human Cost

I also want to remind you what’s at stake here. Russia has abducted tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, rebranded them as Russian, and in some cases sent them to fight against their own countrymen. They’ve run “filtration” camps in occupied Ukraine, separating families, torturing civilians, and disappearing countless people.

I’ve seen the aftermath of these atrocities firsthand. In places like Bucha and Mariupol, Russia’s brutality is real and ongoing. This is why Ukraine refuses to accept any “peace deal” that leaves its people in Russian hands.

For Russia, the summit was a public relations victory and a temporary reprieve from crippling sanctions. For the U.S., it was a show without substance. And for Ukraine, it was yet another reminder that their fate is often being negotiated without them at the table.

If the United States truly wants to end this war, the most effective way is still maximum economic pressure — cutting off Russia’s oil revenues and enforcing secondary sanctions without hesitation. That’s the lever that will eventually break the Kremlin’s grip.

 

You can watch the full video on this topic HERE

 

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