Stewart "ST" Blackwell
Author
Tactical 16 Publishing
In his debut book, Stewart “ST” Blackwell explores the complex culture, complete with its own value system, of the American warrior 
serving during the Global War on Terror, known as “GWOT.” The GWOT began after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and includes the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that followed.
“My hope is to immerse the reader in a vastly different society that values hardship, suffering, and deep, life-altering personal development over comfort and self-preservation,” said Blackwell, who served in the Marine Corps for 9 years and deployed 6 times to Afghanistan, Yemen, Guantanamo Bay, and with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units. “Understanding infantry culture, and its values, is the key to establishing our legacy during the War on Terror as men who dared for more out of life. We sought challenge and adventure to gain critical knowledge of ourselves and became better because of it.”
Blackwell takes a close look at how America often generalizes its view of service members as robots, protectors, and nation builders. He challenges readers to examine their perceptions and ask critical, often uncomfortable, questions to discover the identity of this generation’s warfighters and how the tenets of this culture can help enrich the American experience.
“ST pulls the curtain back to give readers an uncensored, no-holds-barred depiction of the life of a GWOT infantryman,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “His story is one that is sure to change your way of thinking and understanding of true American warriors and why this unique culture is critical to our country’s survival.”
Blackwell lives in Mississippi with his wife and two sons. His hope is that his book provides readers with an enlightened view of today’s warriors fighting to build a better world for generations to come.
Savages:
Infantry Culture In The Global War On Terror
Read More About ST and His New Book in The DeSoto Times-Tribune
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DoD Clearance
At Tactical 16 Publishing we work hard to assist our authors with every step in the publishing process, from manuscript development to editing, design and marketing. And sometimes, depended upon the author’s security clearance, that means helping to get the manuscript submitted for review by the DoD for clearance for public release.
Savages: Infantry Culture in the Global War on Terror, has received clearance for public release from the DoD.
- “The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. government.”
- “The public release clearance of this publication by the Department of Defense does not imply Department of Defense endorsement or factual accuracy of the material.”
Bodell –
Savages: Infantry Culture in the Global War on Terror by @stblackwell is what it promises to be. Blackwell is a fellow Marjah Marine and GWOT veteran. However, his deployment to Marjah is only a small component of Savages. The book covers most of his military service from his decision to enlist to when it came time to take off the uniform.
Savages is less about war and combat and more about the Espirit de Corps formed among men in spartan and austere times, the culture and mindset that is expected of warriors and how not everyone naturally fits into those expectations.
Savages is rife with examples of leadership and mentorship styles and practices. Both positive and negative examples are abound in these pages.
One of the key takeaways I got from the book, which is something I believe very strongly, in, is that military service, especially the hard and gritty kind, will leave you with a sense of self-confidence and belief in yourself that cannot be taken away.
Blackwell doesn’t tell, but rather shows how the infantry instills that self-confidence through shared and determined effort.
Mark –
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
In the first couple of pages St Blackwell gives a great perspective on what is like to transition from being a warrior and going into corporate America. Although it is written from his perspective, it gives examples that all warriors can relate to, in one way or another. Great read so far.
Carl –
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book pulls back the curtains and allows insight to the average American that I haven’t read or seen portrayed in film. You represented us incredibly well, Blackwell. Zach would be proud. Semper Fidelis
March or Die
Aaron S. –
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
Very insightful and interesting view of the War on Terror as told by a fighter. Reading this with a desire to understand will provide valuable insight into today’s warriors and the requirements that have always been necessary to “train to persevere” under harsh and demanding conditions.
Chris –
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
From the very beginning, it grasps the readers attention. The details the author chose to elaborate on are unique to any other book I’ve ever read written by an Infantry Marine. Things I’ve personally thought and believed or new concepts I’ve never considered. So far i think it does a great job separating the infantry culture from the rest and the walk of life it is rather than just a job. I think this is an outstanding book for anyone to read. Those who have never been in the armed forces, to gain a perspective of the Marine Corps infantry, those looking to serve, and those who have. There are do details hidden and things that need to be heard. Always Forward
Guam – Amazon Reviewer –
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
I got this book two days ago and I just finished tonight. What Blackwell was able to articulate regarding the ethos of the infantry, his perceptions, trials and tribulations is amazing. It’s not a book about glorifying one’s self, rather self reflection. He doesn’t gloat about being the best marine infantryman to ever walk the earth, he talks about how he could have improved, the pride he takes in teaching others and the feelings that many vets go through.
I truly appreciate what you’ve written. I’m glad I was apart of the journey that you have embarked on and proud to say that I know you.
Congrats on your book!
-Guam
Eli –
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
ST Blackwell gives an insight few are rarely willing to talk about. His knowledge, experience, and writing ability, educate the reader. Highly recommend to everyone to ensure the preservation of the infantry culture.