From Combat to Calm: Advice From a Navy SEAL
Navy SEAL commander Jon Macaskill talks about the night that changed his life and led to his mission to help others find inner peace.
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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
- Sep 13
- 4 min
Envy is Brutal, Especially in the Security Field
Of all the human emotions, none is trickier or more elusive than envy...especially when the stakes are high.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 21
- 10 min
A Cross-Cultural Perspective of PTSD & Resilience
An American-Israeli psychologist & trauma expert shares her insights about how two different militaries approach mental health.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jun 25
- 2 min
You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide From PTSD
A brilliant leader from the Israeli intelligence community opens up about the war zone and his struggles with PTSD.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jun 4
- 1 min
She Who Is Relentless Completes the Mission
A U.S. military vet uses her skills as an intelligence analyst to provide security services for civilians and tackle human trafficking.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 19
- 2 min
An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries interviews me about Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.
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 24
- 13 min
Confronting the Stigma of Mental Illness
Initially a source of shame, a successful psychology professor finally came out publicly about his struggles with bipolar disorder.
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
- 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.
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