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Anthony Cowden

About this Author

Latest from Anthony Cowden

U.S. Navy

May 26, 2026

Spirit and Intent

In my youth I was a Nuclear Weapons Security Officer (NWSO) on a destroyer in the U. S.

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense
Iran US Vance

Iran

April 13, 2026

Suing for Peace

The United States has recognized defeat in achieving its military goals in the conflict [i] with Iran and is suing for peace. In discussing this...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense
Trump National Security

Grand Strategy

December 8, 2025

On the 2025 National Security Strategy

Well, it is here! President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS).

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

U.S. Navy

September 2, 2025

A New CNO, Some Current Recommendations

I have provided unsolicited advice to the past two Chiefs of Naval Operations (CNOs), and they were both well aware of what I thought the Navy needed....

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense
Vance

China

July 10, 2025

A Tripartite World – Sort Of…

I asked ChatGPT to provide me with a summary of Project 2025’s views on the liberal international order: Project 2025, as detailed in its "Mandate for...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

Maritime Strategy

February 26, 2025

She Didn't Deserve It, but a CNO Did …

Admiral Lisa Franchetti did not deserve to be fired! But, given the existing DoD process, a service chief’s job is almost impossible, and I am not...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

U.S. Navy

February 4, 2025

Unsolicited Advice for the U.S. Navy

Previously, I had published two articles providing advice to the current Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. This is an update to the...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

Military Strategy

January 9, 2025

The Constitution and War in the 21st Century

President-elect Donald Trump has again doubled down on the idea of taking military action against Panama and Greenland (Denmark), to achieve foreign...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

Sea (Maritime, Naval Operations)

March 16, 2024

Leakers Happen

With the ongoing attacks on surface vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthis, the world is being graphically introduced to the concept of salvo warfare....

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense
Stealth Destroyer

U.S. Navy

July 31, 2023

Some Unsolicited Advice for the Next CNO

The currently nominated next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Lisa Franchetti, may recall – because I CC’d her on the e-mail – that I provided...

Anthony Cowden • RealClearDefense

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