Ward Carroll is the editor of Military.com, responsible for all news, editorials, commentaries, and other content on the site and in newsletters.

During his 20-year Navy career Ward served in four different F-14 squadrons accumulating more than 2,800 flight hours in operations that included five extended aircraft carrier deployments to hostile regions. His last tour on active duty was at his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy, where he taught English, leadership, and ethics. He retired at the rank of commander. Immediately following his retirement, he worked as the communications director for the V-22 Osprey program at the Naval Air Systems Command.

Ward’s writing has appeared in a wide variety of periodicals including Golf World, Hits, and Proceedings. He was editor of Approach magazine as a lieutenant and in recent years wrote the popular “Grampaw Pettibone” column for Naval Aviation News. His three novels about a Tomcat pilot -- Punk's War (2001), Punk's Wing (2003), and Punk's Fight (2004) -- have been widely praised for their realistic portrayals of a Naval Aviator's life. He earned the Naval Institute Press’ “Author of the Year” honors in 2001. He has two other published works: The Aide (2005) and Militia Kill (2006). He currently blogs at Defensetech.org and his personal site, wardcarroll.com.

Ward’s military decorations include the Strike Flight Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards). He is married with two teenaged sons and splits his time between southern Maryland and San Francisco.