Joel Searls

Joel Searls is a journalist, writer and creative who serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. His writing has appeared in Military.com, We Are The Mighty, Leatherneck Magazine and The War Horse. Joel has completed the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project, is a produced playwright, a commissioned screenwriter and an entertainment consultant. His most recent feature film-producing project is “Running with the Devil,” written/directed by retired Navy SEAL Jason Cabell. His most recent TV series producing credit is with “Top Combat Pilot,” hosted by Dennis Quaid.

Latest Articles

Jack Carr, the author of 'The Terminal List' series of books, served with the Navy SEALs.

How Jack Carr's Time as a Navy SEAL Permeates 'The Terminal List' Universe

These days, Jack Carr is a busy man. The author of seven "The Terminal List" books, he has also helped oversee television...

Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) and Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper) are shown during a scene from 'The Terminal List: Dark Wolf."

'Terminal List' Prequel Series 'Dark Wolf’ Delves into the Darker Side of Warfare

Based on the bestselling "The Terminal List" books from author Jack Carr, the series revolves around SEAL James Reece, who...

Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland on set (A24)

4 Questions for 'Warfare' Filmmakers Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza

24's "Warfare" has a relatively simple mission: to drop audiences into the chaos of a Navy SEAL mission gone wrong, told in...

Acclaimed screenwriter William Broyles Jr. (right) served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

How a Military Veteran's Experience in Vietnam Inspired Him to Write 'Cast Away'

Academy Award-nominated screenwriter William Broyles Jr. is a decorated Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and shares how "Cast...

June (Kim Hunter) and Peter (David Niven) stand against the judge, jury and trial members.

This Gem of a Movie About an Airman’s Brush with Death Holds Up 80 Years Later

“A Matter of Life and Death” is a romantic fantasy that centers around a British airman’s love for a U.S. Army Air Corps...

Utkarsh Ambudkar, Sonequa Martin-Green (middle) and ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ director/co-writer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes prepare for a scene in which the 2 actors play a shooter arcade game.

How ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ Reflects its Director’s Real-Life Military Experiences

"My Dead Friend Zoe" -- now available on several streaming services -- is inspired by the experiences of director and co...

Sonequa Martin-Green, left, and Natalie Morales in 'My Dead Friend Zoe.'

'My Dead Friend Zoe' Delivers an Eye-Opening Message for Military Veterans

In "My Dead Friend Zoe," a female Afghanistan veteran -- engaged in a mysterious relationship with a wise-cracking (and dead)...

'Warfare' is a visceral story of modern combat and brotherhood.

'Warfare' Is One of the Best War Movies of the Post-9/11 Era

"Warfare" is a must-see that brings full combat immersion, miles of depth and natural believability, making for one of the...

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Most Popular Military News

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team “Thunderbirds” flyover the Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Super Bowl was against the Kansas City Chief and the San Francisco 49ers. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Breanna Klemm)

‘High Stress, High Stakes’: Behind-The-Scenes Look at Super Bowl Flyover

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An enlisted soldier's rank insignia on a uniform jacket.

Why Some Disabled Veterans Can't Get Both VA Disability and Military Retirement Pay

Military service members planning medical retirement face a critical decision point at the 20-year mark.

"Mino" Ohye salutes during a party at the West Sacramento VFW. (Submitted)

Veteran Who Served for Both Japanese and US Forces Turns 100

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U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López, prepares for takeoff during his fini-flight in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 6, 2023. Colón-López was a career pararescueman, served more than 32 years active duty and was the first SEAC in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves)

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After serving as the nation’s top enlisted leader, Ramón “CZ” Colón-López explains what real leadership requires—and why his...

James Anderson, Jr., USMC, Posthumous Medal of Honor Recipient. (Wikimedia Commons)

This 20-Year-Old Sacrificed His Life and Became the First Black Marine Medal of Honor Recipient

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Investigations and Features

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Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

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A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

Tolles Career & Technical Center, Plain City, Ohio. (Facebook)

Veterans Fueling Central Ohio’s Tech Boom Through Teaching

Veterans Bill Pencil and Brian Parks never thought they would teach high school kids after they left the service, but they're...

Pvt. Brian Jones Jr., 24, pleaded guilty on Jan. 29 to one count of unpremeditated murder and will serve his 20-year sentence at the U.S. Army Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. (Fort Rucker Public Affairs Office)

Army Soldier Begins 20-Year Sentence After Killing Comrade in Barracks

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Navy News

Veterans Fueling Central Ohio’s Tech Boom Through Teaching

Veterans Bill Pencil and Brian Parks never thought they would teach high school kids after they left the service, but they're...

An armed U.S. Navy LTV A-7E Corsair II from Attack Squadron VA-94 Shrikes is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during "Operation Praying Mantis" on 18 April 1988 in the Persian Gulf. (Wikimedia Commons)

Operation Praying Mantis: That Time America Decimated Iran's Navy

On April 18, 1988, the U.S. Navy destroyed two Iranian oil platforms, sunk one frigate and a missile boat, crippled a second...

Air Force News

Recruits in swim masks line up in the water to start a timed test.

Ask Stew: Swim Portion of the Air Force Special Warfare Initial Fitness Test (IFT)

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Air and Marine Operations pilots with U.S. Customs and Border Protection conduct security flights in AS350 A-Star and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters over Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. in support of Super Bowl LIX, on February 3, 2026. (CBP Photo by Jeff Underwood)

Guarding the Skies: NORAD Defends Airspace Before, During & After Super Bowl

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Space Force News

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Marine Corps News

M50 Ontos during Operation Franklin accompanying 1st and 2d Battalion, 7th Marines in Quang Ngai Province. (Wikimedia Commons)

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