#235: A Modern Veteran’s Iliad with Josh Cannon
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In episode 235 of MCA Scuttlebutt, host Vic Rubel welcomes Josh Cannon, a Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Director of Research at the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh, to discuss his book *Fatal Second Helen: A Modern Veteran’s Iliad*. Cannon draws powerful parallels between his combat experiences in Iraq and the ancient Greek epic *The Iliad*, exploring how both narratives grapple with the human cost of war, the myth of the warrior hero, and the search for personal and societal value. He reflects on his journey from a 15-year-old inspired by a Marine on vacation to a linguist in the Marine Corps, his training in Arabic, and the profound impact of September 11th on his military path. The conversation delves into how the Iliad’s themes—glory, grief, identity, and the tragedy of war—resonate with modern military life and 80s/90s action films, while also challenging the glorification of violence. Cannon emphasizes that true heroism lies not in being a 'blue falcon' (a self-promoting warrior) but in protecting one’s unit and embracing vulnerability. He also shares a deeply moving moment from boot camp when a feared drill instructor sincerely praised him, underscoring the power of recognition and humanity in military culture. The episode closes with a call to action: read the Iliad, reflect on its timeless truths, and consider the Forged in Freedom 250 Challenge to honor America’s 250th anniversary through physical endurance and personal transformation.
War is not glorified in the Iliad—instead, it’s portrayed as a profound tragedy that leaves everyone, including the victors, deeply miserable.
The modern veteran’s experience mirrors the Iliad’s themes: the search for identity, the burden of violence, and the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life.
True valor lies not in personal glory but in protecting your unit and showing emotional vulnerability—values that contrast sharply with the 80s/90s action hero archetype.
The Iliad’s 'catalog of ships' is not just a boring list—it’s a 300-year-old geographical memory, reflecting how oral tradition preserves history.
Veterans bring unique, underrepresented voices to academia and literature; their lived experiences can deepen our understanding of ancient texts.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Forge of Freedom: A Call to Action
“Freedom is forged, not given. Just like this coin is not given. It's got to be earned.”
From Pittsburgh to the Frontlines: Josh Cannon’s Military Journey
Josh Cannon recounts his path to the Marine Corps, beginning at age 15 after being inspired by a Marine on vacation. He shares his decision to enlist, his ASVAB test that led him to the cryptologic linguistics program, and his training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. He reflects on the contrast between his romanticized expectations of military life and the reality of rigorous training, language immersion, and the profound impact of September 11th on his career trajectory.
War, Language, and the Weight of History in Iraq
Cannon discusses his deployment to Iraq during OIF, including his time in Hilla and Babylon, and how his Arabic language skills allowed him to connect with locals. He reflects on the emotional weight of being a foreigner in a war zone, the cultural significance of ancient sites, and the irony of being a linguist in a combat role. The segment explores how history and language shaped his experience and deepened his connection to the past.
The Iliad as a Modern Mirror: Veteran, Scholar, and Storyteller
“Achilles is the greatest superhero of Greek mythology—but he’s completely miserable. And that’s the point.”
The 80s/90s Action Hero vs. the Real Veteran: A Cultural Shift
“The Iliad is in that world—where the young Greek men would listen to bards sing about being the best. And they’d say, 'That’s it. That’s what I want to be.'”
“I’d rather be the lowest ranking helper of a farmer than the king of the dead.”
“Achilles is the greatest superhero of Greek mythology—but he’s completely miserable. And that’s the point.”
“I could see in his eyes that he meant it. And I was like, holy shit. He meant that?”
Hosts
Guest
The Iliad
book
Josh Cannon
person
Fatal Second Helen
book
Vic Rubel
person
Forged in Freedom 250 Challenge
other
Alexander the Great
person
Camp Lejeune
place
Rambo
media
Nancy Lichman
person
Marine Corps Association
organization
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