Guard Your Circle: Lessons from the Parade Deck Controversy
Authenticity matters. When controversy erupted around Parade Deck—a platform connecting military podcasters and influencers—it forced our community to confront tough questions about who we choose to align with and why.
I've deliberately kept Morning Formation Podcast independent for years, despite invitations to join larger collectives. My reasoning is simple: alignment of values cannot be compromised. The only organization I've partnered with is Act Now Education, where I serve as a board member after witnessing their genuine commitment to service under Jay Salters' leadership.
What we're seeing unfold is a reflection of a broader tension within military content creation—the battle between community focus and personal brand building. While ambition isn't inherently negative, authenticity evaporates when mission statements about service become hollow marketing tactics. Some of the most legitimate military heroes have never touched social media, while certain loud voices online have built empires on superficial metrics that inevitably plateau.
I've avoided military podcast awards after discovering they often feel more like popularity contests than meaningful recognition. True legitimacy isn't conferred by trophies or networking; it's earned through consistent service, unwavering integrity, and measurable impact. When platforms gather dozens of content creators under one umbrella without proper vetting, values become diluted and missions confused.
The takeaway? Guard your circle carefully. Be intentional about who you stand with. Your affiliations reflect your priorities, and in this community, service should always outweigh self-promotion. Don't confuse looking important with being important. A life dedicated to serving others creates meaning, longevity, and respect that no amount of followers or flashy editing can match.
What voices are you amplifying? What values are you upholding? These questions matter more than ever as we navigate the evolving landscape of military influence and storytelling.
KP
Podcast Host
KP is the host of The Morning Formation (TMF) Podcast and YouTube. He also serves as a team partner of Act Now Education (www.actnoweducation.com) and networks with many organizations with the military community.
Born in the beautiful state of Hawai'i and raised half his life in the scenic Midwest, KP Phillips was an Army brat who learned grit and achievement the hard way. After navigating through a tough up-bringing, he was determined to make something of himself.
After high school, KP enlisted in the Army National Guard for 4 years to the rank of Corporal and decided to do more by becoming an Active-Duty Commissioned Officer through his university's Army ROTC SMP Program.
In 2003, KP received a BA in Criminal Justice from Wright State University. Upon graduation, he immediately accepted a commission into the United States Army, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in his home state of Hawai'i.
KP served during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005) in Mosul, Iraq as a transportation platoon leader (2LT) and was awarded the Army Bronze Star Medal. During his Army commission, KP honorably served as a platoon leader, executive officer, and a battalion-training officer.
In late 2007, KP resigned his commission as an Army Captain (O3) and in that same year completed his first graduate degree from Central Michigan University. In 2013, KP completed his second graduate degree- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management from Strayer University.
KP founded TMF Podcast & Y… Read More
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