Behind the Scenes, Between the Pages

A ghost’s note on professional writing

I just wrapped up a lengthy assignment as a "ghost." Not the kind you may be thinking, but as a so-called special assistant who worked for a senior leader behind the scenes. My own experience as a special assistant—what some call a “ghost”—offers one perspective, but it’s part of a much larger conversation.

Not surprisingly, the discussion about these roles often takes place in the Army’s journals. Unlike internally circulated memos or information papers buried deep on a share drive, articles from the Army’s journals offer rich content that is widely accessible.

Memo dated January 20,1983, from the director of the Combat Studies Institute to General Jack Merritt, the commanding general of the Combined Arms Center. This memo outlined a proposal for Merritt to appoint a special assistant—one that should have a unique role and, per the memo, should have specific qualifications. Courtesy of MWI.

Authors who contribute meaningfully to our professional discourse often appeal beyond their target audience. They engage the broader community of interest using a variety of methods. As outlined below, even those who’ve written about niche topics like the role of special assistants are no exception.

Timeless advice

The April 1948 edition of the Infantry Journal featured a highly engaging piece about ghost-writing. The author, who assumed the fitting nom de plume “one of them,” shares lessons and practical tips for speechwriters—who probably comprise a small fraction of his readers. However, his self-deprecating style and quality writing make for a fun read.

He recalls a botched assignment where he rushed to failure. “Only a novice rolls a clean sheet of government bond into the typewriter,” the author says, criticizing his own performance, “and begins to roll out some high-sounding phrases.” Good writing, he reminds us, is more often the result of hard work and continuous improvement.

The “ghost,” as he refers to those of his ilk, expresses that writing something worthwhile requires painstaking preparation, research, and coordination long before any words appear on paper. Subsequent steps, such as revisions and reviews, likewise require time and patience. Timeless advice for any writer no matter what the project.

Helpful insights

In his article for Military Review, Colonel (retired) Tom Galvin, who acted as a special assistant for over ten years, explains the nuances of the role given its vague mandate. He sets realistic expectations, more like a helpful word of caution, for those coming from more traditional assignments where higher guidance was rather straightforward.

In addition, he appeals to a more general audience by describing the organizations known as Commander’s Action Group (CAGs), or some other variety, where special assistants work. Galvin explains why it’s important for others to understand what they do given how commonplace CAGs are in today’s military,

He also points to a common criticism of CAGs, warning they should not interfere with but rather complement normal staff work. Overall, many readers will find Galvin’s insights into the inter-workings of a CAG useful for their own workplace.

New suggestions

Writing for the Modern War Institute, Colonel Patrick Sullivan offers his perspective on special assistants by drawing insights from a dated memo titled “Ghosts.” Sullivan initially appeals to a select audience, claiming the FA-47 (Academy Professor) population offers an untapped pool of potential candidates for these positions.

However, inspired by the memo’s attributes of a so-called “ghost,” he also muses about changing how we educate Army officers. This line of reasoning is more likely to engage a larger segment of readers who may not be as familiar with the FA-47 community.

Interestingly, this same ‘ghost memo’ inspired me to write as well shortly before Colonel Sullivan published his article. Based on my own experience, I attempt to shed light on challenges more strategic in nature like the Army’s role in the Indo-Pacific and the looming threat of China. I’ll leave it others to judge whether I was successful.

Broad appeal

As illustrated, articles from our journals have much to offer. Of course, not all authors appeal to a large swath of readers, but those who do (while preserving their main idea) generally create more impactful writing. One reason is simply because people tend to read what’s interesting and overlook the rest—especially when it’s voluntary.

Even with narrow topics there are always ways to achieve broad appeal. While hardly ethereal advice, take it from a former ghost, you’ll contribute more richly to our professional discourse when you write with the larger community of interest in mind.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Devine is an Army strategist and former special assistant to the commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific. He is a LTG(Ret) James M. Dubik writing fellow.