Humanity’s Bulwark Against the Chaos

Throughout history, military commanders have exemplified duty, honor, and service to their nations, with many transitioning from the battlefield to elected office. Their leadership, however, stems from a deep commitment to their people, using tactical expertise and courage to protect freedom and liberty.

From Dwight Eisenhower to Charles de Gaulle, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Park Chung-hee, and Anwar Sadat—not to mention ancient figures like Julius Caesar and King David—these leaders demonstrated battlefield courage and strategic brilliance, illuminating their dedication to public service.

The modern era is no different. While four-star generals, often dubbed “The Brass,” may dominate headlines and thrive in the spotlight, they rarely drive battlefield victories or directly ensure their people’s safety. True impact often comes from commanders at the strategic and operational levels.

One such leader is Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, overseeing all US military operations in the Middle East, including Iraq. It’s a formidable role, but Kurilla has proven adept. On Oct. 22, 2024, a joint US-Iraqi raid in the Hamrin Mountains, under his command, targeted senior ISIS leaders, killing Jassim al-Mazroui Abu Abdul Qader, identified by Iraqi forces as ISIS’s head in Iraq. Earlier, on Aug. 29, 2024, a raid in Anbar province eliminated multiple ISIS operatives, including Ahmad Hamed Zwein, the group’s deputy commander in Iraq. Amid Washington, DC’s political gridlock, Kurilla remains mission-focused, enhancing safety for Americans and Middle Eastern populations alike.

Another standout is Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who assumed the role of Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on March 5, 2025. A former tank commander with extensive experience, Zamir has led Israel’s recent offensives in Gaza against the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorist group. Known for his aggressive defense of Israel, Zamir’s strategy blends airstrikes and large-scale ground operations to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities, aiming to secure lasting peace for Israelis.

In Ukraine, Capt. Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of the 225th Assault Battalion, has risen from regional police commander to a decorated military leader. His troops crossed into Russia on Aug. 6, 2024, earning him accolades like the Order of Courage, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, and the title “Hero of Ukraine.” Shyriaiev has defeated Russia’s elite forces and faced North Korea’s best, never wavering. He praises his adversaries’ skill—calling Russians “trained, confident types” and North Koreans “formidable”—while achieving the seemingly impossible: repelling Russian advances and preserving Ukrainian freedom.

Not all commanders fight on traditional battlefields, yet their battles are no less vital. Gen. Luis Mauricio Ospina Gutiérrez, commander of the Colombian Army since August 2022, exemplifies this. Under his leadership, the army has targeted Colombia’s notorious drug cartels, notably the Clan del Golfo, a dominant trafficking organization. Ospina’s forces have disrupted cocaine production and trafficking routes, particularly in Antioquia and along the Pacific coast. Joint operations with the National Police and Navy seized over 443 tons of cocaine in the first half of 2024—a 27% increase from the prior year—reflecting an intensifying campaign that bolsters global safety.

These examples underscore a broader truth. In a world dominated by politics, globalist entities, and multinational corporations—often distrusted or despised by the public—there remain individuals who embody true leadership. These commanders rise daily to serve, protect, and defend their nations and people.

Historically, figures like Eisenhower, who led Allied forces in World War II before becoming U.S. president, or Atatürk, who founded modern Turkey after military triumphs, show how battlefield valor translates to national service. De Gaulle’s resistance in World War II paved his path to French leadership, while Sadat’s bold military and diplomatic moves earned him Egypt’s presidency. Even ancient leaders like Caesar and David parlayed military success into governance.

Today’s commanders—Kurilla, Zamir, Shyriaiev, Ospina—carry this torch. They operate in complex theaters: Kurilla against ISIS, Zamir against Hamas, Shyriaiev against Russian and North Korean forces, and Ospina against drug lords. Each confronts unique threats, yet their focus remains unwavering: safeguarding their people.

In an era of cynicism, where institutions falter under scrutiny, these leaders offer hope. They don’t seek fame or power for its own sake but act out of duty. As threats loom—terrorism, aggression, narcotics—they stand resolute. In the darkest times, these brave souls guard the wall, not just for their own nations, but for all of us, proving that courage and service endure as humanity’s bulwark against chaos.

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Frank Salvato is the host of the Underground USA podcast. Salvato’s writing has been recognized by the US House Foreign Relations Committee and the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, and has been published by The American Enterprise Institute, The Washington Times, Accuracy in Media, and Human Events.