contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer
Search any military hashtag and you’re sure to find hundreds of U.S. military pages on Instagram that run the gamut in terms of their purpose. For example, the U.S. Army’s Instagram page features incredible photos of soldiers in action all over the world. If you follow the Department of Veterans Affairs, you’ll find what amounts to an ever-evolving, digital VA newsletter. The list of “official” Instagram accounts goes on and on, and they certainly have their place.
But today, we want to focus on the individuals – those on the ground – who make up and support the U.S. Military. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of amazing military Instagram influencers online, and so many emerging influencers are building virtual communities every day.
We turn to these influencers for several reasons: support, entertainment, and advice to name a few. If you’re looking to engage and connect with like-minded communities, check out these 8 military Instagram influencers to get you started!
Marcus Luttrell’s podcast, Team Never Quit, made it onto our list of the Best Military Podcasts, and it’s no surprise that he has turned himself into a major military Instagram influencer in addition to podcast host. Marcus is a veteran who made a commitment: honor those who have fallen, stand with those who have survived, and share their stories to inspire others to never quit. Follow his Instagram account for inspiration, tips, and entertainment.
Among the top veteran influencers, with close to 1 million followers, Mat Best’s Instagram page is both entertaining and compelling. He’s a former Army Ranger who deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring and eventually co-founding Black Rifle Coffee Company. It would be impossible to summarize his entire story here, which is why you should follow him on Instagram. From satirical memes to stories of inspiration and everything in between, you won’t be disappointed.
A combat-wounded double amputee, Green Beret medic, mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host, Justin Lascek is about as inspiring and well-spoken as they come. Justin’s influencer days began when he decided to share his recovery with the world, just six weeks after he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. The goal of his platform is to convey the lessons he’s learned in a way that adds value to the lives of others. And let’s be honest. Anyone who can render Joe Rogan speechless is definitely worth a follow.
After twenty years in Navy Special Warfare, Jack Carr is now a New York Times best-selling author of the Terminal List series which follows a Navy SEAL sniper through the wild world of espionage and conspiracies (and is in the process of being made into an 8-part Amazon Video series). Via his recently launched podcast, Danger Close, Jack pulls back the curtain through interviews with tactical experts, historians, politicians, fellow writers, and more. Follow his Instagram page for a peak into his day to day as well as his unique take on military news, both past and present.
Lauren Tamm currently lives in Okinawa, Japan, with her Marine husband and their two kiddos. While there are several military spouse blogs online, Lauren’s is one of our favorites. She started The Military Wife and Mom to share her experiences in hopes they would help others navigate the crazy world that can be active-duty military life. Her Instagram page is an extension of her blog, and it aims to provide military spouses with simple tools to minimize stress, create peace, and build connection.
Mike Glover spent eighteen years officially serving our country and is an expert in counterterrorism, security, and crisis management operations. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Fieldcraft Survival with a goal to educate, train, and equip civilians to survive the worst-case scenario. His podcast, Fieldcraft Survival Podcast, is an informative series in survival tactics, defense, fitness, and more. Follow him on Instagram and YouTube for tips, tricks, stories, product recommendations, and generally all things survival.
While this is the official Instagram page of Will Chesney, a retired Navy SEAL and military dog handler, it might as well be the page for his K9 companions, Nala and Axe. If you have an interest in service dogs, dog training, or are just a dog lover, this account is perfect for you!
Maximillian Uriarte garnered internet fame when he created the comic Terminal Lance to poke fun at his experiences in the Marine Corps. The Instagram account, @terminallance aims to accomplish the same, all in a lighthearted manner, and from the perspective of a Lance Corporal (aka from the bottom of the Marine Corps food chain). Max’s personal account documents his day to day with his family, and beloved pup. Both are worth a follow.
Who are your favorite military Instagram influencers? Let us know in the comments below.
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