The Patriot’s Field Manual
While it is important on this Patriot Day, the anniversary of 9/11, to look back and remember those we lost, it is also appropriate to look ahead. In order to do so, I am taking today’s post from Major (Ret.) William Ostan’s incredible new book, The Patriot's Field Manual (FM 1776). This book, if read and applied by enough patriots, has the potential to change America.
I am going to read excerpts from the Foreword by Mary Jean Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, from Will’s Prologue, and from Chapter 1. Thank you, Will, and the Ostan family, for the great sacrifices you have made for our nation. The price has been great. And thank you for giving us this incredible manual on how to see America restored. It is my honor to call you friends.
FROM THE FOREWORD
“I know my Grandad would love what Major (Ret.) William J. Ostan has written in The Patriot's Field Manual (FM 1776). This succinct but powerful book fully captures the ethos of the American founding and provides a practical roadmap for local engagement.
“…Field manuals show Soldiers how to fight and win.
“That's exactly what FM 1776 does. [Part 1] provides a philosophical ‘why’ for the defense of America because, unlike during the World War II epoch when everyone was proud to be an American, our country is under attack with various revised ideologies. Part 1 is necessary. Then, Part 2 shows local citizens how to use the tools provided in our democratic republic to non-violently ‘fight’ and win back their communities.
“I hope FM 1776 is read by millions of Americans. More importantly, I hope they heed the clarion call to action Major Ostan has given.
“When I am around Will, and especially when I've heard him speak to young leaders at the Presidential Leadership Institute, I am reminded of my Grandad because Major Ostan shares all the qualities of the tender warrior I described above. Will's heart is aflame with love for our beautiful country. His passion is contagious and imbues the words in this book. My sincere hope is that this field manual will light a fire in your heart to join us in doing our duty to defend Western Civilization in our time.
“As Will boldly proclaims, if we do our duty, then America shall be saved!”
Mary Jean Eisenhower
May 5th, 2023
FROM THE PROLOGUE - The Fragile Flame of Liberty
“I love America.
“I am an unapologetically ardent patriot. I bleed red, white, and blue.
“I believe America is the greatest country in the history of mankind.
“I also believe she is sick and in need of saving.
“…our freedom is at stake.
“Ideological barbarians are beating down the gates of liberty. They seek to destroy everything that Western Civilization has been founded upon.
“If they win, no quarter will be given. Anarchy will swiftly replace the rule of law. Our children and our children's children will be forced to live in a totalitarian nightmare.
“The blessings born of ‘ordered liberty’ will not only be long forgotten, but they'll also never be known. Our way of life will be no more than a faded memory.
“We are the last line of defense.
“You and I:
Taking action as concerned citizens on the local level.
Doing our duty.
Following in the footsteps of the Founders.
“We must resolve to self-rescue.
“Make no mistake, you are the hero in this storyline!
“The following philosophy and action plan is the answer for what will restore and save America.
DREAM HEROIC DREAMS
“Before we get into the boots-on-the-ground practical action plan, this chapter is the necessary aforementioned adrenaline shot of hope.
“We all know America has been through a shaking over the past few years. I'm not just referring to the Coronavirus. The outcome of the 2020 national election was a great disappointment.
“Why? For a variety of reasons, but personally, January 20th, 2021, felt like the death of dreams as an extreme leftist career politician, masquerading as a bridge-building moderate, was officially inaugurated president and occupied the highest place of political power.
“I've experienced extreme feelings of despair as the consequences of the 2020 national election have adversely impacted our daily lives on the local level. I am especially disheartened by the devastating blows that the business community took from interminable government-mandated lockdowns and the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. But if I've learned one thing from over 12 years of active-duty service in the Army, it is that leaders should never operate primarily out of feelings, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and impossible circumstances...
“Yes, it is healthy to process loss emotionally, and I have allowed myself time to mourn the results of the election. But once that period of time ended, I quickly moved on to see how I could, ‘Wade into uncertainty... and prevail.’ (1) That's a powerful and practical aphorism pulled directly from U.S. Army Special Forces' doctrine. We, as American citizens, have a duty to refuse the counsel of despair and fight discouragement to find the proper prescription for securing ordered liberty for our progeny.
“The beginning of the answer is simple: It is time, once again, to dream heroic dreams for America's providential destiny to be fulfilled.
“When Ronald Reagan burst onto the national stage while running for President against Jimmy Carter, the Great Communicator quickly dispelled the prevailing zeitgeist that greatness and heroism were now anachronistic relics of a bygone era. In many ways, the late 1970s were very similar to the early 2020s. The country was in a malaise. Discouragement and depression were rampant. The past looked far better than the future. Hope was in scarce supply. But then, suddenly, a happy warrior turned the tide of history by rousing the nation out of its prolonged stupor.
“In his first inaugural address, President Reagan proclaimed, ‘We have every right to dream heroic dreams.’ He went on to say,
“‘Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don't know where to look. You can see heroes every day going in and out of factory gates. Others, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond... There are entrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who create new jobs, new wealth, and opportunity. Their patriotism is quiet, but deep. Their values sustain our national life. Now, I have used the words "they” and "their" in speaking of these heroes. I could say "you" and "your," because I'm addressing the heroes of whom I speak - you, the citizens of this blessed land.’(2)
“Great Communicator indeed! Aristotle summed up political greatness as the ability to translate wisdom into action on behalf of the public good.(3) That's exactly what Reagan did in this speech. There is so much inspiration to be found within that quote, but I want to focus on these three truths:
Heroes still exist today.
You are one of those heroes.
Heroes must continue to dream heroic dreams.
“The culture of the coastal elites, much of the mainstream corporate media, and other extreme leftist factions will rage against all of the above while orchestrating difficult circumstances. They use intimidation tactics, like those espoused in Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, to make us disengage and stay silent. Their bullying will make us feel like the heroic is unattainable, only for a select few, and impossible to fathom, much less live daily. But, fellow patriot, you must not give in to those feelings or thoughts. They are lies! The truth is that America has been redeemed from dark days before, and it can happen again. You still have a role to play. A critical, essential role!
“May we all, as President Reagan exhorted us, continue to dream heroic dreams! This is an essential philosophical foundation for saving America.
“Now that you've been administered the adrenaline shot of hope using great leaders from the past, let's address our calling as concerned local citizens by exploring why we are living in a critical moment in time for the preservation of freedom.”
Pray with me:
Father, we take time on this Patriot Day to remember those we lost on 9/11. We also pray for the family members as they think back to that traumatic day. Give them peace and comfort.
As we look to the future, we believe the words of our friend, Will Ostan. We know America can and will be saved. You are raising up a new breed of patriot warriors, determined to rebuild this land according to Your purposes. We ask You to breathe on this book, getting it into the hands of millions of Americans, giving them “how to’s” regarding their involvement.
We continue to pray for our leaders who are fighting to save our nation. Give them wisdom and wise strategies. Continue to awaken the American people, both spiritually and naturally. Expose evil, shake it down, dismantle it. Break the attacks off of those who are being unjustly persecuted by corrupt prosecutors. Give those representing them wisdom. Supply their financial needs. And we pray these things, in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that millions of Americans are awakening to our true condition, and will take their place in the restoring and rebuilding of our nation.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
William J. Ostan is a retired Army Major and the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He is the Founder and CEO of Arc of Justice, a nonprofit organization that advocates for active-duty wounded warriors. Will is the co-author of the Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights, which is bipartisan legislation being considered in Congress.
You can find out more about Will and how to purchase this amazing Field Manual by going to WillOstan.com
US Army, United States Government. Army Doctrine Publication ADP 3-05 Army Special Operations. July 2019. Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US, 2019, Section 5-1.
Hayward, Steven F. Greatness: Reagan, Churchill, and the Making of Extraordinary Leaders. Crown Forum, 2006, pp. 162-163.
Ibid. 17.