Mission
The Connecting File is a platform for the Marine Corps Infantry, Light Armored Reconnaissance, and Reconnaissance communities to share best practices on tactics, leadership, and training. Targeted towards Company Grade leaders, we seek to connect practitioners at the tactical level of war and help set conditions for the next fight. The Connecting File relies on the contributions of our audience to ensure we are able to get the 0311 on tomorrow’s objective.
Join the team today by subscribing and sharing your successes, and failures, to the wider 03XX community.
History
The Connecting File was founded in the spring of 2020, while Zach and Geoff were in lockdown at Maneuver Captains Career Course. Running out of wargames to play and inspired by John Boyd’s Fighter-Tactics newsletter, the two saw a gap to exploit and created a circulatory newsletter to share ideas and experiences from around the infantry. After popping a red star cluster for support up, Mike and Eric joined the team. The group does their best to keep articles flowing throughout deployments, PCS moves, staff work, and raising kids. They are all greatly appreciative of everyone who has supported along the way.
Task Organization
Major Geoff Ball is currently the Staff Director for the Naval Academy’s Leadership Education and Development Division. Previously, he has served as the Future Operations Officer for the 13th MEU, Company Commander of Company G, 2d Bn 1st Marines, an instructor at The Basic School and Rifle Platoon Commander/Executive Officer of Company I, 3d Bn 7th Marines.
Major Zach Schwartz is currently a student at the School of Advanced Warfighting at Marine Corps University. Previously, he has served as the Military Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Intelligence and Security, the Operations Officer and Weapons Company Commander at 3d Bn 7th Marines, an instructor at The Basic School, Division Readiness Officer for 2d Marine Division, and Rifle Platoon Commander, E Company, 2d Bn 6th Marines.
Major Mike Hanson currently serves in Warfighting at The Basic School. Previously, he served with 3d Bn 4th Marines as Company Commander of Weapons Company and Company L, an Infantry Instructor at Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG), as well as a Rifle Platoon and 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander in 1st Bn 2d Marines. Before commissioning, Mike served as a 60mm Mortarman with Company K, 3d Bn 1st Marines.
Major Eric Todorski is currently serving as the Executive Officer for 3d Battalion, 7th Marines. Previously, he served on exchange with the United Kingdom Commando Force, as the Assistant Operations Officer and Company A Commander at 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, as an instructor at The Basic School, and as a rifle platoon commander/company executive officer for Company E of 2d Battalion, 7th Marines.
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