An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries and I discuss Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.
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The (In)Security Blog
Hello there! I write about mental health, psychology, and communications in the security field.
Whether it's an expert interview or perspectives from my own career, I aim to take a multidisciplinary approach to everything I explore.
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About me: I'm a dual American-Israeli citizen who served in the Israeli military and currently works in the U.S. defense sector in the Washington, D.C. area.
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Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 9
- 6 min
Why Storytelling Matters in the Military
It all started with a horde of wild pigs attacking an Israeli military post on the border of Lebanon. Or so it seemed.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 1
- 2 min
The Versatile Warrior: From the Military to Private Protection
Private protection expert Chris Story talks career pivots and psychological transitions for the next generation of security professionals.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Apr 17
- 1 min
Healing the Hero, Challenging the Status Quo
Two U.S. military veterans are on a mission to heal fellow vets and first responders with cutting edge PTSD treatments.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 14
- 13 min
Confronting the Stigma of Mental Illness
Instead of inviting harsh stigma, discussions around mental health in the security field should be a given.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 13
- 11 min
The Unseen Obstacles of Military Recruitment
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) explores the communications & mental health issues behind military recruitment.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 25
- 11 min
The Soldier Who Spoke Out
Breaking the stigma around mental health in the military will require leadership speaking out and setting the right example.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 9
- 11 min
A Soldier-Turned-Therapist Stops PTSD in Its Tracks
As a security community, we must learn how to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to treating PTSD.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 3
- 4 min
Disappointment and Determination in the Israeli Military
One of the biggest crises I experienced while serving in the Israeli military was being told I was useless during a war.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Dec 5, 2022
- 6 min
3 Quirky PR Ideas to Help Military Recruitment
Be entertaining, be inspiring, be real. There is already an inspiring treasure trove of stories in our military; leverage them right.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 28, 2022
- 6 min
Some Careers Take the Road Less Traveled
Some of us are straight shooters from college to career to retirement, while others struggle to find our place.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 14, 2022
- 7 min
Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health
A seasoned military professional's perspective on why veterans may avoid seeking counseling.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 8, 2022
- 2 min
Why Storytelling Matters in the Security Community
I had a great time being interviewed by the Artistic Fuel Foundation about the special role storytelling plays in the security ecosystem.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 1, 2022
- 7 min
Anxiety Getting You Down? Try Israeli Basic Training
I didn't have time to think during basic training, only to run. It liberated me.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 18, 2022
- 6 min
The Lies We Tell Ourselves: A Soldier With PTSD
The lie of required perfection plagues many security professionals. For some, it will break them.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 3, 2022
- 3 min
The Ultimate Communications Primer for the Defense Industry
Communications is the grease that keeps the wheels turning in the defense industry.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Sep 26, 2022
- 5 min
The Power to Persuade the Masses
Who controls the narrative matters to leaders, because stories are ultimately the primary cognitive framework human beings use to make sense
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 5, 2022
- 4 min
I Tried to Be David Goggins-Tough in My Memoir. Here is What I Learned.
I wanted my audience to see me not as a nerdy, insecure, fresh-off-the-boat grad student with chronic anxiety, but as David Goggins.
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