– Before I start I want to make it absolutely clear, nothing stated within this article is directed towards my immediate FOC. If you have to question as to whether you are in my FOC chances are, you are not. No harm in asking I suppose. –

On one side, you have family units set up. You will notice people address others with terms of endearment that may seem a little out of place initially for a rough and tumble group of predominantly men. As an example, out of respect when I raise conversation with Master-at-Arms James A. Keating I will more often than not refer to him as “Uncle Jim”. I do not call you brother, though, unless you are my brother. Brotherhood is earned.

Brother – bro, friend, compadre, buddy, fellow, collegue…

This is not what I mean when I call someone my brother. If you are my brother, I will go to the ends of the physical world and beyond into the spiritual. I will go into battle with you and stand by your side until victory has been achieved.

It seems that many men have a different meaning of the word “brother” than I do. It’s OK, I’ve been paying attention, you’re fine. I just ask that, if possible, from now on, you refrain from referring to me as brother because you a) are getting something out of your association with me b) you’re just being entirely disingenuous.

Unless we’ve known each other for a minute, chances are, we aren’t brothers.

Have we trained together?

Have we built together?

Be honest.