Podcasts about Ranger School

The Army physical training test has long been a measure of a soldier's fitness for duty and for combat. For decades it's been used as the benchmark upon which all other physical fitness has been evaluated. And for decades it has been hotly debated, modified and enhanced to best represent the current mission of the US Army. SGM Chris Mullinax has been charged with developing the Army Fitness Test; the newest version of the PT test that now replaces the Army Combat Fitness Test and its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test. From the Pentagon's US Army Broadcasting Studio, and with a cameo from Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer, Fran Racioppi sat down with SGM Mullinax to breakdown the changes in the test, why combat MOS's are being held to different sex-neutral standards, and how the grading scale is designed to enhance and enforce a standard that ensures warfighting is at the forefront of every soldier's fitness. As a career 75th Ranger Regiment leader, SGM Mullinax also shares why America's national security is reliant on Rangers, and why Ranger School remains the premier leadership standard in the military. Watch, listen or read our conversation as SMA Weimer updates us on the Army's Blue Book and how enforcing the fitness standard is increasing Army readiness. Highlights0:00 Introduction1:36 Welcome to the Pentagon2:52 Why change the PT test?4:52 SMA Weimer drops in5:33 Distributing the Blue Book6:33 Upholding Army standards10:44 Implementing a Warfighting Culture14:53 AFT now five exercises19:14 Combat vs Supporting MOSs20:43 AFT Evaluation Metrics21:56 Gender-neutral standard in Combat MOSs22:41 Fitness is America's Advantage26:14 Ranger Regiment Standards29:23 Leadership Through Ranger School32:28 Is the Army Ready?33:43 Preparing the Army for combat35:50 Culture of Will37:56 Daily HabitsQuotes:“Changing the PT test is not a new idea. We're always assessing our physical standards.”“I don't like to start from the minimum standard. That to me is not a place you start any conversation, especially warfighters.”“You should be trying to exceed any standard.”“You can't put competition on a pedestal.”“Right now we're crushing retention. Soldiers want to continue to serve.” “This is a hard life. This is not easy. You chose the path that needs a machete.”“We exist to fight and win. We are not a jobs program.” "Your ability to recover in between them is the true test of your fitness.”“When we have physically fit leadership, it inspires our ranks.” “Our ability to fight and win our wars relies heavily on our fitness.”“As I look at my time in the Ranger Regiment..clear set of standards.” “Things have evolved, but the standard is still the same.”“The most important part about Ranger School is you learn a lot about yourself.”“We're in a space right now where we're transforming as an institution.”“PT might not be the most important thing we do today, but it's the most important thing we do every day.”“We have to be ready. That's just the bottom line.”“Service is hard. It wouldn't be service if it wasn't hard.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world-class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.

Talk Back to MeThe acronym TTP refers to Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. While these terms are most at home in military situations, we're seeing more than just soldiers implement them. In this episode we break down the definition of tactics, and take a look at the Siege of the 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis back in 2020 to identify the TTPs of anarchist groups present at the time. What about Citizens? What does the Second Amendment concern itself about Tactics? The episode carries on to address these questions.Stick around, Go Forth and ConquerUse Code 2025deaddrop10 for 10% off your order at obsidianarms.comThis episode has been sponsored by Obsidian Arms, a manufacturer of tools, parts and firearms, as well as operating as an OEM shop for those looking to bring excellence to the market. Their Minnesota-based shop builds and cuts parts out of U.S.-sourced materials. Their gunsmith tools, custom firearms, and capabilities can be found at www.obsidianarms.comSupport the REDACTED Culture Cast at redactedculture.locals.comSSP and boutique products at redactedllc.comFollow us on Instagram at @redactedllc

Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (retired), Jeffrey S. Buchanan is the former commander of the United States Army North (5th Army). General Buchanan served for more than 37 years as a transformational leader across a vast range of assignments from the platoon to theater level. His stoic perspective and unique leadership slant stems from decades of engagement in high-stake environments, to include four combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His contributions to national security earned recognition from both the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army. Additionally, he received special commendations from the U.S. Surgeon General and the Governor of Puerto Rico for his life-saving leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Jeff Buchanan currently serves as the Commissioner of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.   Along the way we discuss – Arizona beginnings (2:30), Army Values & Service to Others (4:00), the Silver Palm (5:30), the Infantry Branch (6:20), Ranger School (7:35), Socks and Boots (15:30), Promises You Make to Yourself (17:10), Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership (18:10), Eye of the Storm: Leadership in Crisis (21:00), Sergeant Major Paul McKenna (24:45), Deckhand in Homer, Alaska (26:00), Customer Service (29:00), and Take a Break (32:00). Move yourself toward an exceptional outcome @  Jeffrey S. Buchanan.com This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Help us reach our 3-scholarship goal for 2025. Send a donation, large or small, through our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.  Lowriders intro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore.

Stuart Born is the owner and CEO of Born Outdoor.Stuart went to the United States Military Academy at West Point United States Military Academy and received a BS, Engineering ManagementBS, Engineering Management from 1984 - 1988. He spent 8 years as a Captain serving as a Field Artillery Captain, Field Artillery US Army. He went Ranger School, Airborne School, FAOBC, FAOAC Units. Stuart spent over 20 years in the medical field. Born Outdoor was founded in 2017 out of the concept to build the highest quality and most comfortable gear for people like us who live for outdoor adventure. We have launched our company with the Badger Bed; a new take on the classic bedroll. www.bornoutdoor.com

Send us a textIn this empowering episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jess Tandler—a West Point graduate, former infantry officer, and trailblazing female leader in the military. Jess shares her raw and inspiring journey through the ranks, from her early days in a military household to tackling the challenges of Ranger School, Airborne School, and leadership in male-dominated environments like SOCOM and the 82nd Airborne.With humor and grit, Jess opens up about navigating identity, resilience, and leadership as a woman in uniform. She reflects on the power of mentorship, coping with adversity, and the critical role of support systems in maintaining mental health and wellness in the military. The conversation also explores her transition into entrepreneurship, where she now channels her passion into creating natural wellness products for the veteran and civilian communities alike.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic leadership, women in combat, military transition, and building a life of purpose beyond service.Don't forget to follow, share, like, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to stay updated on powerful stories that inspire strength and healing.

Today's episode breaks down rucking from soup to nuts.If you want to smash an upcoming selection, school, or ruck PR, look no further.Sections:Intro-Why listen to me?My rucking background and PRsMy clients' success with rucking -Rucking Vs. Ruck Running-The traits and skills of a great Rucker (reverse engineering rucking)-Nuances of rucking-Rucking plan: how to set up your RunningLiftingRuckingCross-training-12-6 months out (base phase)-6-3 months out (support phase)-3 months - taper (specific phase)Recovery & lifestyle to support progressClosing(tapering video)(SFAS prep templates video)Spoken Supplements: Code terminator_trainingCwench supplements: Code terminator_trainingNew Program: Jacked Gazelle 2.0EBook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuidePrograms, articlesNew Training Team on TrainHeroic: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)terminatortraining.com2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength workKickstart- beginner/garage gym friendlyTime Crunch- Workouts for those short on timeHypertrophy- intermediate/advancedJacked Gazelle- Hybrid athleteSFAS Prep- Special forces train-upTrainHeroic- App based bodybuilding programFollow me:SubstackNewsletter Sign UpIG: terminator_trainingTwitter: @ksterminatortmyoutube: Terminator Training MethodFacebook: Terminator TrainingWhichever platform you're tuning in on, feel free to leave a review! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. The more reviews we receive, the more people the podcast will reach!Also, if you know anyone who loves fitness and podcasts, spread the word! My goal is to help as many people as I can and cut out the BS when it comes to fitness, nutrition and health.Look for weekly (or more) Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Atheltic, we are joined by Jay “Meat Grinder” France. Meat Grinder is a thru-hiker, author, and 31-year veteran of the Air Force, having completed 10 deployments and graduated from Army Ranger School in the process. Jay details his military background, including some key similarities and differences relative to thru-hiking, how he used vlogging as a way to stay in touch with his sons on trail, and the hilarious blood nipple origin story of his trail name. Meat Grinder also recently served as a volunteer advocate for Hike The Hill, an annual event where trail advocates meet with U.S. Congress to promote policies and funding that support trails, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Jay offers some important advice for those who want to advocate for public lands, especially relevant in today's climate. We wrap the show with the top AT hostels, our triple crown of airplane snacks, and two completely unnecessary improvements to the Appalachian Trail. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  Vaer Watches: Check out Vaer Watches at vaerwatches.com. Purple Rain Skirts: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off at purplerainskirts.com. Burgeon Outdoors: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com. [divider] Interview with Jay “Meat Grinder” France Jay's Youtube Jay's Instagram Jay's Book, Five Million Steps Time stamps & Questions 00:05:42 - Reminders: Take our survey! Say hi to us at Trail Days, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! 00:09:33 - Introducing Jay 00:10:14 - When did you almost ambush AT hikers? 00:15:25 - Tell us about Army Ranger School 00:20:07 - Did you see alligators in Florida? 00:22:13 - How did you decide to join the military? 00:24:07 - Fuck Marry Kill: Jay's US assignment locations 00:25:50 - Tell us about being a canine officer 00:29:44 - Tell us about your deployments after 911 00:32:25 - When did you have kids amidst your deployments?  00:33:10 - What were some of the terrifying experiences? 00:35:50 - What do they teach you in Army Ranger School? 00:41:20 - Do you think you could have passed early on in your military years? 00:45:25 - Tell us about hiking the Wonderland Trail in 2003 00:48:25 - Do you have tips for people from the military getting started hiking? 00:49:40 - How did you decide to go on that hike? 00:51:10 - Did you still enjoy the hike? 00:52:30 - What led to your retirement from the military? 00:55:25 - How did you get your trail name? 01:03:00 - How did your family react to your decision to hike the PCT? 01:06:15 - How were the snow and fires on the PCT? 01:15:30 - How did you handle skipping miles due to the fires? 01:20:18 - What was your social environment like on the trail? 01:24:27 - Do you think unplugging was good for you? 01:26:55 - Did you know right away you'd do another thru-hike? 01:29:15 - Did the ranger school prepare you for the CT? 01:34:25 - Are your sons interested in hiking with you? 01:37:25 - Tell us about the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2023 01:40:12 - Tell us about your book 01:43:40 - What aspect of the book have you gotten the most positive feedback on? 01:47:00 - What were some of the mental health challenges you dealt with? 01:54:27 - Tell us about being a Hike the Hill advocate for the PCTA 01:59:38 - Do you have advice for people who want to get involved? 02:05:52 - Where can people go to keep up with you? 02:06:50 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: The Best Hostels to Visit on the Appalachian Trail in 2025 by Katie Jackson QOTD:  If you could make one completely unnecessary improvement to the Appalachian Trail, what would it be? Triple Crown of airplane snacks Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Eathan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Alsop, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason “The Snail” Snailer, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.

In this conversation, Rob Shaul and Brian Reed discuss the evolution of fitness and training for military personnel, particularly focusing on the importance of endurance, mobility, and nutrition as they age. They explore the H2F program, the significance of qualifications like the Ranger tab, and the transition from military to civilian life. Brian shares insights on crisis leadership from his experiences in combat and emphasizes the mindset of an athlete, regardless of age. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in enhancing decision-making and the importance of having a purpose in training. ----more---- Mountain Tactical Institute Home Check out the MTI Athlete Team Apply to be a Paid MTI Athlete MTI's Daily Programming Streams

Jeremiah Wilber - (Ret) Army Green Beret, Mountain Man, Founder of War Party Movement, Cofounder War Party Ranch, Getto Vaquero, and Your Mom's Favorite Cowboy. Jeremiah was born in Ennis, Montana and grew up on Fort Belknep Indian Reservation. From an early age, Jeremiah was an avid outdoor enthusiast, spending much time hunting, fishing, and cowboying. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army, attending the Military Police School (MP) at Fort Leonard Wood. As an MP, Jeremiah served two combat tours and completed the Sapper Leader Course and Army Ranger School. After graduating from Ranger School, Jeremiah attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and was selected for the elite Green Berets. As a Green Beret, Jeremiah Served in 3rd Special Forces Group as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant and in 10th Special Forces Group as Special Forces Operations (Team) Sergeant and a Master Trainer at the Special Operations Mountaineering and Arctic Warfare Course. Following retirement from the US Army, Jeremiah has decided to channel his time and energy into raising money for veteran and human trafficking nonprofits. In 2016, he completed his first ultra-marathon, running from Denver to Breckenridge to support the Green Beret Foundation and in 2021 Jeremiah took on the most arduous ski race in North America, the Grand Traverse Backcountry Ski Race on behalf of the Heroes and Horses Foundation. Tune in as Jeremiah Wilber joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss the human trafficking epidemic, Native American culture, kidnapping, perdition, domestic violence, hunting, veteran life, conservation, Colorado, outdoor life, and much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comShow Linkswww.warpartymovement.comwww.warpartyranch.orgAffiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.BulletProof.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!www.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!www.ONNIT.comMountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS to receive 10% off ONNIT products!

There are no such things as mistakes, only happy accidents. Other than my labeling it the wrong number, creating this episode was no hiccup. A technical issue kept me from editing this segment right away, so listeners are in luck. This has become a two-part episode, with Dave and I discussing leadership and mentorship and JB and I following up. I hope you enjoy both episodes. Rob Robinson and Dave discuss leadership and mentorship, drawing from an article about why soldiers leave the military. Rob, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, and Dave, a former Ranger, emphasize the critical role of leadership in retaining personnel. They highlight the importance of good leadership, mentorship, and leader development. Rob shares his experience with Sergeant's Time and combatives programs, while Dave recounts his mentor, Lester Cooper. They stress the need for leaders to trust and empower their subordinates, citing examples from Ranger School and commercial sectors. The conversation underscores the value of loyalty, trust, and continuous leadership development.Link to the Documenthttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oj77XNX3m6FB30U_v5w650dMBHa6KQGeDisclaimer: The content of the "Philosophy From the Front Line" podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts' and guests' views and opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of affiliated organizations or sponsors. This podcast does not offer legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on the content presented. "Philosophy From the Front Line" assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or actions taken based on the information provided during the podcast episodes.​ Fair Use Statement: This podcast may contain copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. "Philosophy From the Front Line" is making such material available to educate, inform, and provide commentary under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. copyright law (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act). We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as it is:​Used for non-commercial, educational, or research purposes.​Critically analyzed, reviewed, or discussed.​Used in a transformative way that adds new meaning or message to the original work.​If you own any content used and believe it infringes on your copyright, don't hesitate to contact us directly, and we will address the matter promptly.​ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/philosophy-from-the-front-line--4319845/support.

In Episode 251, I sit down with Brendan Weed—a brother I met back in 2017 when we were both going through the Washington State Police Academy. We connected instantly, both coming from military backgrounds, having completed Ranger School, deployed to combat zones, and showing up to the academy physically and mentally dialed in. After graduation, Brendan went on to serve as a Sheriff's Deputy for eight years. But over time, a series of injuries and a shift in perspective began to wear on him, eventually leading to a loss of passion for the profession. In this conversation, we unpack that transition—what led him to step away from law enforcement and how he found the courage to start his own business. Today, Brendan talks about living in what he calls "universal alignment"—where his goals and dreams have begun to manifest rapidly since becoming intentional about his life's direction. This was a powerful and meaningful episode, and I really enjoyed reconnecting with Brendan. Please enjoy Episode 251 of the Endless Endeavor Podcast! Connect with Brendan Weed:  Website: www.aruxgroup.com Email: brendan.weed@aruxgroup.com Connect with Greg: Instagram: @granderson33 Website:theelectricnorth.com for podcast apparel and gear Email: gregandersonpodcast@gmail.com Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/Granderson33 Podcast Apparel: www.theelectricnorth.com Episode Resources:  Moya Brand 1 https://www.moyabrand.com Coupon ENDLESS 20% off Cured Nutrition https://glnk.io/5wr64/granderson33 coupon ENDLESS 20% Off Bio Pro + https://www.bioproteintech.com coupon code ENDLESS saves 10% If you enjoy the show, make sure to give the Endless Endeavor Podcast a rating via your favorite audio platform OR on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCieFsr26t9cyPDKMbLQJzXw/featured!

Rob and Charlie discuss the establishment of a new fitness lab in Ogden, Utah, focusing on programming and training for athletes. They explore the target audience for lab rats, updates to the Ranger School Training Plan, and the implications of Ranger tabs on leadership and bias within the military.  Rob covers innovative training methods for uphill movement, focusing on recent research and testing of sled drags. He shares insights from his personal training experiences, including the benefits of extended sled drags for strength and endurance. The discussion also covers the integration of zone two endurance training with strength work, emphasizing the importance of aerobic capacity for tactical athletes.  ----more---- MTI Internship / Mentorship Opportunity - Ogden, UT Save Infantry Leaders From Bias by Removing Ranger Tabs The Debate Over Ranger Tabs in Infantry Leadership: Tradition, Merit, and Bias Case Study: Loaded Sled Drags Demonstrate Transferability to Uphill Movement Under Load  

Topics Crosstraining SFAS prepBYOPOptimal run times for SFASRun progress1:1 coaching updatePrograms for novicesRanger School RecoveryAssault bike/Z2TTM Program For Delta Selection?My RHRAvoiding injury in SOFRunning at elevation vs. sea levelRPA prepCompressionZ3 v. Z2Cross training/run improvementsJG1.0 v 2&5 run gainsPushup improvementKeto/fasting and performanceBest subs for running w/ back injury2 & 5 mile discrepancyManaging blisters and ruck trainingUltra prep as a GB or SEAL?1 Year return for SFAS; how to trainPods vs. music vs. raw dog while trainingHeat acclimationMy top 5 supplementsSpoken fish oil: code terminator_trainingSpoken sleep builder: (includes magnesium) code terminator_trainingSpoken D3: code terminator_trainingSpoken creatine: code terminator_trainingCwench Hydration: (electrolytes) code terminator_trainingNew Program: Jacked Gazelle 2.0EBook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuidePrograms, articlesNew Training Team on TrainHeroic: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)terminatortraining.com2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength workKickstart- beginner/garage gym friendlyTime Crunch- Workouts for those short on timeHypertrophy- intermediate/advancedJacked Gazelle- Hybrid athleteSFAS Prep- Special forces train-upTrainHeroic- App based bodybuilding programFollow me:SubstackNewsletter Sign UpIG: terminator_trainingTwitter: @ksterminatortmyoutube: Terminator Training MethodFacebook: Terminator Training

Today the Late Crew discusses how Boeing's Starliner may fly again (04:47), Booz Allen unveils ‘Brilliant Swarms' satellite concept for missile defense (12:05), those ‘Hegseth bodyguards' are actually there for the ‘Doomsday' plane (22:52), how Ranger School is scrapping traditional pushups and situps for functional fitness test (29:05), a proposal to tie soldiers' promotions more to job proficiency (38:44), and the creation of the Air Force Academy on 1 April 1954 (50:59).

Using Innovation and Leadership to Make a Difference in Education. About Francis Q. Hoan Francis Q. Hoang is a veteran, entrepreneur, and technology innovator who has been a founding team member of companies generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across AI, law, aerospace, defense, and government services. With over a decade of expertise in building and integrating innovative technologies, Francis has enabled teams across industries to harness the transformative potential of AI and frontier tech. With 20+ years of national security experience, Francis has served in every branch of the U.S. Government. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President and later deployed as the Executive Officer of a U.S. Army Special Forces Company during combat operations in Southeast Afghanistan. His distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Police and SWAT Commander at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and clerking for Judge Thomas Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A graduate of West Point (top 1% of his class), Washburn University (Master's in Criminal Justice), and Georgetown University Law Center (magna cum laude), Francis has also completed Ranger School and passed the CPA exam. His leadership extends to chairing the board of Allied Airlift 21 and co-organizing the Afghanistan Departure Group, which facilitated the first U.S. private charter evacuation flight from Afghanistan after the military withdrawal. Francis has served on numerous boards, including MAG Aerospace, Marymount University, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and his insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Proudly hailing from Tumwater, Washington, Francis speaks regularly on innovation, leadership, and service. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/  Resources https://boodlebox.ai/  John Mikton on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton Web: beyonddigital.org Dan Taylor on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents  Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt  Web: www.appsevents.com Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we'll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Diplomatic Hell Hole.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."Are we in the right place?" the stranger worried."I'm afraid so. Anais, you need to leave.""Not until you tell me what is going on here," she sizzled."She's not here to have sex, if that's what you worried about," I retorted. "Wait, are you here to have sex with me?""I barely know you.""That rarely stops me," I muttered."He's a master of bedroom antics," Pamela praised me. "He's pretty much at a loss at doing anything else.""Thanks Grandma," I griped."Your welcome, Grandson.""We, are here to meet someone," the stranger hedged."You came to the right place," Pamela preempted me. "He's definitely someone.""Fine, redo. I'm Cáel Nyilas," (deep breathe), "NOHIO, HCIESI-NDI, U HAUL, Magyarorszag es Erdely Hercege plus a bunch of other honorifics that have yet to be confirmed. I am single-handedly bringing back medievalism to the center of Europe and the Near East. The woman to my left is Pamela Pale, and she really is my bodyguard. The woman to my right is Sgt. Anais Saint-Amour, RCMP, my ex-lover and the person that needs to leave   right now.""I'm not sure I should leave at this moment," Anais shifted possessively. I had to recall earlier this morning, the part where we'd broken up by mutual consent. Yep. That had really happened. I had thought I was whittling down my current list of paramours. Why do the Goddesses hate me so?"Told you, she can't give up that cock," Pamela whispered."As you can see, I have limited control of my life," I told the strange woman. "I know you are here to meet somebody who isn't me. Now you know who I am. Who are you and your companions?""I'm Ms. Quincy.""Sorry; I'm on a first name basis with everyone I meet," I interrupted."What's your rank, Honey?" Pamela added."What makes you think,?""She doesn't think. That's what makes her so dangerous." I explained."Hey now," Pamela faux-complained."Okay. She's a fledgling telepath, or medium," I shrugged."Captain, Zelda Quincy.""In case you are mesmerized by her tits," Pamela tapped me, "she's packing some serious hardware.""One of those personal defense gizmos?" I leaned Pamela's way."Close, but no cigar. She's my kind of girl, big 'bang-bang', back-up at the small of her back and knife in her boot.""What!" Zelda gulped."She's his knife-fighting instructor," Anais answered drolly."Are you Special Forces?" Zelda regarded my mentor."Nah, I got kicked out for a consistent failure to observe even the loosest Rules Of Engagement. I'm a free-spirit.""Oh, you're a sniper," Zelda nodded."I like this one," Pamela smiled."Ah, thank you." Then, over her shoulder, "I think we are in the right place." Zelda entered the room, followed by a Hispanic panther of a man (kind of like a tanned, slightly shorter Chaz without the cool accent) wearing a long coat, and a Subcontinent-cast woman who looked at everyone as if she expected us to sprout fangs, or start quoting the Koran any second now. She obviously was a brain seconded to this mission very much against her will.The fourth person had that cagey 'when my lips move, I'm lying' look while seemingly unhappy with her current assignment. The heavy implication was that the lady was a career diplomat. Considering our current company and who we were talking to, she was State Department. She was in her late 30's or early 40's and giving off the sensation she had devoted so much to her career that she was starting to wonder if that was all that life had to offer.The fifth member was a military man clearly uncomfortable about what he was doing here, thus not a spook. His off-the-rack suit wasn't terrible, so he expected to socialize somewhat while performing his duties. He also looked like a man who expected other people to speak half-truths and obfuscated lies as easily as they breathed. Numbers three, four and five were dressed for the weather and unarmed.All of this meant they were good at what they did, though they probably didn't know the particulars of what was expected of them. They had their marching orders. Those orders were about to be made irrelevant in the company they would be keeping. The latter weren't the 'doing it by rote' kind of people they would normally be dealing with."I bet you she's a doctor," I murmured to Pamela, "she's with State and he's some sort of Foreign Service type.""I bet the first guy is Air Force," she countered."Like one of those Para-rescue guys?""No. More like one of those Battlefield Air Operations guys, I'm guessing," she corrected me."That guy?" I nodded to the final guy. "Pentagon wonk?""More likely he's one of those embassy guys. I'm going to take an educated leap here, Office of Military Cooperation, Mongolia?""That is pretty clever of you. Kazakhstan. Major Justin Colbert.""I bet some people in the White House, Pentagon and Langley are disappointed with you right now," I reasoned. His jaw grew tight."Don't worry, Major," Pamela grinned. "We consider that a good thing. We don't like the people in charge and have a low opinion of their opinion on just about everything, including their habit of blaming the blameless for their government's fuck ups.""Who are these people?" the first man whispered to Quincy."She's a telepath." That was Zelda"She's a psychic-medium." That was Anais."She can see through time." That was me. "Nice to meet you. Who are you?""Chris Diaz. Lieutenant Colonel, USAF.""Dr. Saira Yamin," the second woman introduced herself. "Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. Are you the man from Johnston Island?""Why yes, yes I am," I beamed."The APCSS is in Waikiki, Hawaii," Pamela educated me. "Your arrival probably cost her some prime surfing time.""I was more interested in the fact that he survived a plane crash in a Category Four Cyclone," she admitted."Mother Nature hates me. No matter how hard I try, she refuses to kill me," I confessed. "My suffering is an endless source of amusement to that bitch.""That, that wasn't the helpful answer I was looking for," she stammered."So, Lt. Colonel Chris Diaz, you must be with JSOC, I have a deep and abiding respect for you guys. If you need something, just ask," I greeted him. "Captain Zelda, you are not with JSOC.""She's with the DCS ~ that is the Defense Clandestine Service," Pamela kept going. "Zelda, you love being in your uniform, you're proud, yet happy with the concept of dying in an unmarked grave for Constitution and Country. You are too old to have been in the first female class at Ranger School, so that means no 'in the field' JSOC for you. You've gotten around that stone wall by joining the US Defense Department's own little pack of killers.""Also, you felt it was necessary to bring a Benelli M4-11707. That's a close-in action shotgun, but a bit over-kill considering the paper-thin walls in this building. That tells me you are used to being in the kinds of places where such a tool is a necessity. Or in other words, since you think you are meeting a band of terrorists, you brought along your favorite toy.""Your personal weapon is a SIG Sauer P229R DAK in .357 which is a new weapon still under trial by the US Army and Air Force. Your boot dagger is ceramic so it will pass a cursory exam, or scan. You hate the idea of being trapped on a public aircraft weaponless. You have also given up killing power for a proper balance for throwing. I like a forward-thinking gal.""Air Force ~ you've recently come back from Asia, most likely Tibet. It shows in your breathing brought about by a close call with Altitude Sickness. The only reason for an Air Force guy to be here is because he's familiar with the Khanate military and you are not US Army, or Marine Corp Special Forces. I know the type.""You went with the MP5K in the standard 9mm, so you are more interested in sending bullets down range than looking into someone's face as you kill them. You may be a 'light' Colonel, which means you are almost somebody. What your higher-ups haven't appreciated is that our guests will respect you because they are like that ~ remembering past friends and comrades in arms. Of greater importance, you have Cáel's gratitude which will count for more than you currently believe."I pledged then and there to be as good as Pamela at determining that kind of stuff before I died. She had assured me it was as much a matter of psychology as eagle-eyed perception. People were often a type that gravitated to various forms of destruction, be they old school, or going for the latest gadget."I told you all that firepower was excessive," State softly chastised her associates (what they really were, not the underlings she saw them as)."So, you appeared to have forgotten to tell us your name," I regarded the State lass."Nisha Desai Biswal. I'm with the government.""Oh, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, I've examined your website," I told her. It clearly pissed her off somewhat that I so swiftly disregarded her crude attempt at subtle manipulation."Hey. I've got some real enemies at State, so it pays to know who might be the next suit trying to cock me over," I explained. I had to prioritize. It would take some serious effort to convince Zelda to have a MFF three-way straight out the gate and she was definitely the hotter number."Major, you came here unarmed," Pamela noted. "That won't do. They expect you to be armed because you are a warrior, damn it. Cáel get him one of your Glock 22's.""Gotcha," I nodded. I went to my room, tipped away the false back to my closet (that Havenstone had installed recently so Odette wouldn't accidently fire off one of my weapons) and retrieved one of my spare Glocks, but not the one with the laser sight. Such over-the-top fancy gear would be inappropriate. I only gave him one mag. If he couldn't get the job done with 15 rounds, he wouldn't have a chance to reload.Mind you, I took two in a twin-rig shoulder holster and four 22 round magazines, because I tend to shoot two-handed which doesn't exactly give you a bullseye every time. I returned to our crowded living room, handed the Major his weaponry, and then directed the US group to the far side of the room (towards Timothy's bedroom. Saira and Nisha took the couch.Because this tiny space wasn't crowded enough, there was a knock at the door. I checked. It was Juanita, oh yeah, my real bodyguard."Listen up everybody," I announced to the room. "This is my other bodyguard, my official one. Her names is Juanita Leya Antonio Garza, she's from the Dominican Republic via Buenos Aires and she is armed, so don't freak out." I opened the door."What is going on?" Juanita hissed."I'm having a private meeting with a few heavily armed friends. The other side to this party hasn't arrived yet. Why don't you come in?" She came in."Why didn't you warn me?" she whispered her complaint."Long night, worse wake-up, needed to do some soul-searching. Pamela was looking after me, then this came up and I forgot. I apologize," I lowered my head in shame. Juanita was only trying to do the job she'd been entrusted with and by not thinking of her, I was making that so much harder.I made the introductions, first names only."Juanita, Anais, Pamela; please slip into the kitchenette," I suggested.Anais "Why?"Juanita "Where are you going to be?"Pamela "Sure. I'm starving. I'm going to raid the fridge.""Anais, because I need my faction in one place. Juanita, I will be refereeing this meeting, so I will have to remain in the living room, roughly six feet from you." It was really a small apartment. "Pamela, if it is edible, it isn't mine and you'll have to replace it."Great Caesar's Ghost! No wonder Big Wigs had their personal assistants handle this pre-meeting crap. I was on my last two fucking nerves and one of those was already stressed and tender. And the real reason for being here hadn't even arrived yet."Why am I in your faction?" Anais mulled over threateningly."Because you haven't walked out that door. There are going to be three sides to this meeting, not three plus Anais. That is the way it is going to be. Now, are you going to behave, or are Juanita and Pamela going to toss you out?""You are threatening me!""Finally catching on to that, aren't you, Sweetie?" Pamela chimed in."I'm only staying because I believe you are in trouble," Anais grumped."Why is she (Anais) here?" Nisha inquired heatedly. "This is supposed to be a very, very private encounter.""I know Anais. I don't know you. I trust Anais with my well-being despite the fact she has numerous reasons to distrust me. She's staying because she is a straight arrow. That's good enough for me.""But is she going to keep her mouth shut about what happens here today?" Nisha pressed."Anais, this is a clandestine meeting that isn't going to be recorded by anybody so, barring a crime being committed, you can never discuss this with anyone who isn't already in the room. Agreed?"Pause."I agree," she nodded. I really was going to have to fuck her again. Not today. Well, maybe not today; I had to keep my options open. Her investigator mind was going into overdrive. Give it a week and she'd be knocking on my door late one night. Inquisitive, truth-hungry dames are like that, trust me. Then it would be 'bask in my genius' sex. It had been a while since I'd experienced that, with Lady Yum-Yum.There was another knock at the door. I checked before Juanita could do the checking for me, in case someone was going to shoot me through the door. Fuck it. I was going to talk to Timothy about moving. Him, me and Odette. I couldn't give those two up. It was Kazak bookends. I opened up and invited them in. It turned out they had names besides Bookends #1 and #2, Nuro and Roman.Nuro (I think) checked out the rooms while Roman (I was pretty sure) kept an eye on my guests. I made introductions, first names only and specifying who was with who. Technically, they could trust my side because I was the Great Khan's brother and thus my servants were his servants. Technically.Iskender came next followed by OT. A woman I didn't know (sadly, not OT's daughter) came in behind him while the other two quintuplets stayed in the hallway. Iskender and I hugged."Ulı Khaan s yikti ağası," he smiled. That was 'Prince-something'. My Kazak was a bit rusty. He then whispered into my ear. "OT bows to you first. His title is Hongtaiji." What?"Ulı Khaan s yikti ağası," OT bowed."Hongtaiji Oyuun T m rbaatar," I bowed back. I remembered I had to rise first. It was an etiquette thing. In retrospect, Iskender had stretched the bounds of tradition by hugging me, his titular superior. "Welcome to my humble abode.""I thank you for your hospitality," he 'grinned'. His face wasn't made for that gesture so that faint gesture came across as rather unnatural.My mind finally finished translating what Iskender and OT had called me. It wasn't 'prince'. It was 'beloved brother of the Great Khan'. Mother fucker!"Wait," Justin, the military attach  guy muttered, "we are here to meet this guy?" indicating me."What do you mean?" Saira questioned."The title Mr. Nyilas was identified with means 'beloved brother of the Great Khaan'," he explained. "The Kazakhs don't go tossing honorifics like that around. This guy," again pointing at me, "is a really important somebody.""Thanks for dropping this grenade in my lap, OT," I joked. "I'll get you for this, and your little yak too.""Odette is going to be so miffed that she missed this," Pamela chuckled."Mr. Nyilas," Zelda began."Please, call me Cáel. It is how I roll.""Cáel, can I ask you a stupid question?""Go right ahead," Pamela snorted. "Cáel does stupid real well. It is a critical part of his skill set. It makes him adorable instead of annoying. Trust me, you'll learn that soon enough."Too much 'trust me' was flying around in a room where nobody trusted anybody."Thanks for that encouragement, Teach," I grumbled. "Ask away, Captain Zelda.""Why are you playing this game with us?""I wasn't. Until thirty seconds ago I was sure I was here totally as a spectator," I gripped. "My buddy," the word dripped with sarcasm, "Temujin likes dumping these kinds of surprises on me.""Did you mean what Ms. Pale said about you feeling you owed me?" Chris asked."Absolutely.""We need help defusing this Thailand crisis before a shooting war begins.""What do you suggest?""We want the Khanate to back down," Chris stated firmly."I thought we had agreed that I would spearhead this delegation," Nisha reminded Chris."I think the situation had evolved and we need a different approach," Chris insisted."You should listen to the Lieutenant Colonel," I advised. "He knows a whole lot more about what is going on than you do.""Why don't you explain it to us?" she began her weevil-ling."You are engaging in linguistic niceties with men who have bled together, Ms. Biswal," I instructed. "Not that Chris and I have bled on the same battlefield, we have shed blood in the same cause; and that cause has been bringing our two nations, the Khanate and the US, together. The Khanate owes Chris for his efforts on our behalf and we pay our debts.""How so?" Nisha asked."National Security stuff," I evaded. "If you don't know, you shouldn't know and you probably don't want to know. Suffice it to say, the Khanate is willing to listen to Lt. Colonel Diaz's request as a friend.""But he doesn't speak for the United States Government," she corrected."Why not?" I riposted. "He's dealt with the Khanate longer than you have. He has a clue about the mindset of their rank and file.""But does he know their leadership?" she persisted."I don't know. Chris, do you think you have a handle on me?""Are you really capable of talking for the Khanate government?" Nisha preempted Chris. What she left unsaid was 'are you culpable in their atrocities?'"Let's find out," I then looked over my shoulder. "Hongtaiji Oyuun T m rbaatar, will my words and wishes reach my brother's ear?""That is why I am here," he replied."Don't you have the authority to speak for your leader?" she grilled OT. Nisha was relentless trying to stay in the limelight. "Aren't you a diplomat?""There is no need to insult the man," Pamela snidely commented."I am one of many voices that provide information to the Great Khan. I am not his brother. Cáel Nyilas is and has already proved his familial affection by proposing Operation Funhouse and brought whole nations as gifts," OT schooled her. "He is gifted with both tactical and strategic insight as well as sharing the Great Khan's love for his people and his hopes for their eventual freedom.""I didn't think you were a soldier," Zelda looked me over."Oh no," I wove off that insinuation. "I've never been a real soldier and am unworthy of that distinction. I know quite a few who have earned that title and they scare the crap out of me. I mean, they go looking for trouble. In my case, trouble comes looking for me. I'm damn lucky to still be alive and that's the damn truth.""Bullshit," Pamela coughed."What was that, Artemisia?" I winked at her."Bitch," she laughed "My men have become women, and my women men. At least you didn't call me Cassandra.""Well, she's Greek (a deadly insult to all Amazons), but you could be her Evil Twin because everyone believes whatever you say.""Can we get down to business?" Chris inquired."Damn," Pamela shook her head. "They haven't been paying attention.""What does that mean?" Zelda griped."Iskender, you know what I'm talking about, don't you?" I asked."Not a clue, Exalted One," he stood there like a stone statue. Note, the Khanate contingent really were standing there like the Altai Mountains, doing nothing. You had to carefully examine them to see that they did indeed breathe and blink."Use small words," Pamela advised."You really are a rude misanthrope," Anais told Pamela."Do you know what's going on?" Pamela volleyed."No.""Then sit back and watch how the madness works," she snickered. "It is all you, Cáel.""Okay. One; how did Artemisia escape the battle of Salamis?" I began. Nothing."Oh," Justin nodded. "She rammed an allied ship to make the pursuing Athenians think she was an ally. What does that have to do with our current predicament?""Achieve your ends by using violence as a distraction," I sighed. "The Khanate will invade Thailand in," I looked to OT, "tomorrow?" He nodded."How does that help us?" Nisha complained."Second example, Cassandra. She saw the truth through all illusions and falsehoods and no one believed her. Now, reverse that."Pause."We are waiting," Saira finally joined the conversation. I could hear those little microprocessors inside her noggin firing electrons at light speed."We fight a phony war. The Khanate and their buddies invade in a lightning campaign that appears to be successful. Shit like attacking the opposition where they ain't. Things that look epic on CNN where some retired colonel, no offense...""None taken," Chris responded."Where some colonel talks about seizing resources, severed supply lines and encirclement. We, the Khanate, bomb shit like bridges and supply dumps, things with no civilians to get killed. On the downside, to make this work the Khanate needs to put some level of force into Bangkok.""That will get civilians killed," Nisha reminded me, unnecessarily."Civilians are getting killed right now by their own government. This time they will get a chance to strike back," I stated firmly. "The Thai protestors aren't cowards. They are just grossly outgunned. We can change that.""How does that help the United States?" Nisha queried."The US gets to come in and save the day," I sighed. "The US can t get there until the day after, so you don't look bad about letting the first 24 hours of brutality happen.""Oh," Zelda blinked."The US gets to end the fighting that the Khanate has no desire to continue. The US brings peace, while whomever takes over owes the Khanate. Both sides look good. Both sides claim victory. The President gets a second Nobel Peace Prize (psychic, aren't I?). The US gathers some regional allies like Malaysia, the ROC and the Philippines along with our Marines to ensure free and fair elections. The Khanate isn't seen to be backing down against the Titan of Western Civilization. They are working with them to bring about a better world.""Win-win," Saira nodded in agreement."The Khanate is still an autocratic tyranny," Nisha commented."As opposed to the People's Republic's oligarchical tyranny?" Chris countered."Agreed," Saira said. "I now think we should work with the Khanate to bring stability to Central Asia which which was impossible while those member nations were being squeezed between Russia, Europe, China and India.""What are you a doctor of?" I asked."I specialize in 'failed states', among other things," Saira grinned."This could still turn into one bloody cluster-fuck," Zelda mused."My peopled don't have the resources to devastate Thailand," OT finally spoke. "If you, the US, agrees to intervene on our timetable, you will have our thanks, off the record, of course.""How do we know this isn't some ruse to allow the Khanate to overthrow Thailand's existing government?" Justin questioned."You have my word," I replied. No one said anything for several heartbeats."Really?" Nisha balked."Mr. Nyilas, Cáel, do you give me the Great Khan's word?" Chris studied me intently."Without reservation," I answered. "For what you have done for us and more, the Great Khan will honor this deal. We and the Thai's will do the bleeding. You will get your accolades. We avoid a pointless clashing of forces, which is why we are all here today.""I will give you my written recommendation in a few hours," Saira told Nisha.Chris stepped forward to shake my hand. He was an alpha-type alright. I gave as good as I got. His eyes bore into mine, looking for a faltering of will."What did you do in Romania?""I got a lot of good men killed.""Okay.""Okay?" Nisha squawked. "A handshake, a pat on the back and the deals done? Since when did our democratic republic do business this way? He admitted he got men killed in Romania. What is to say this won't be Romania writ large?""Ms. Biswal, he told the truth. He got good men killed and he isn't happy about it. I would be worried if he claimed one bit of glory from that episode. He didn't.""Nisha," I took a deep breathe, "When you unleash men with weapons, nothing is assured. Maybe the Thai government will see the hate coming their way and back down. Maybe the people will resist the intrusion. Maybe the Khanate's forces will get slaughtered at the starting line. It isn't like they have enough time to deploy enough forces to win a protracted war.""What happens if the Khanate decides it won't go?" she continued."Then they get destroyed on the ground in a war of attrition," Chris answered for me. "He's right. They can't bring enough in the time allotted to completely overwhelm the roughly 120,000 members of the Royal Thai Army that have remained loyal to the regime.""In three days they will be out of fuel, shells, rockets and bullets. It is logistics, Ms. Biswal," Zelda piled it on. "The Khanate war-fighting systems are not NATO compatible. That means they can't simply capture more material as they penetrate the frontiers. If they overstay their welcome, we can launch missile strikes against their fuel depots. The combat devolves back to World War I and that's a style of war they can't afford to fight.""What about stopping the Khanate from invading in the first place?" Nisha wouldn't give up."Had the US acknowledged the Khanate, none of this would have happened, Ms. Biswal," I became snappish. "Neither superpower talked to the other until other commitments had been made.""If you think you can come in and start dictating Khanate policy, you are dreadfully mistaken. The US doesn't have the power, or the resolve," I glared at her. "Don't try convincing the Khanate that isn't the case. We know better.""You don't know what the US is capable of," she snapped back."Abandoning Iraq with a fractured pseudo-democratic process? Abandoning Afghanistan without destroying the Taliban? The Syrian Civil War? The Donbass Crisis? The collapse of Libya? Boko Haram? Somalia? Yemen? Exactly how has the US's power and resolve solved any of those issues?" I countered."Ms. Biswal," OT spoke again. "We are willing to create a desert and call it 'Peace'. Our enemies know that. Your unwillingness to do so is neither a strength nor a weakness. It is a hallmark of your society in the same way that 'Total War' is a hallmark of ours. We are more than willing to leave you to manage the Peace. Let us manage the War against the forces opposed to civilized discourse.""As ugly and disagreeable as it is, we are willing to keep creating pyramids of skulls on every street corner until either they learn their lesson, or we kill them all. Let us do that and you will have your global stability and reap the economic benefits and accolades of Pax Americana. We are not your enemy. We are precisely the ally you need to keep the peace and we will do that, if you let us.""To allow barbarism is to become barbarians," Saira mused."That is complete fiction," I scoffed. "The United States didn't become communist because it allied with the Soviet Union in World War II. Truman didn't become Stalin. The enemy of my enemy is my friend is older than recorded history.""It is the Carrot and the Stick on a Global basis," Justin agreed. "Listen to the gentle words of the West, or you will end up feeling the wrath of the East.""As long as the Khanate accepts the limitations of is role," Saira added, "this might work. Please understand there will be factions in the Western Democracies who will not accept that status quo. It is not in the nature of our societies to stifle dissent.""Is it possible to get any political concessions from the Khanate's leadership?" Justin requested. "A pledge to hold some level of democratic elections? A Constitution with some strong provisions to protect individual rights and liberties would be nice.""Justin, in case your bosses missed it, the Khanate is still at a state of war with the PRC," I shook my head. "With their limited experience with democratic government throughout most of the Khanate's territories, that would be madness.""With limited concessions to the Imperial State, we have not interfered with the politics of Albania, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. We are never going to become a Western-style democracy. We have had limited rule by consensus long before White Men arrived in the Western Hemisphere," OT informed them."Discounting the Irish Monks, Vikings and Knights Templar," Pamela interjected."If you say so," OT gave a minuscule bow to Pamela. "Long before your nation was anything more than the scribbled history of a long-faded Greek city-state, we had meritocracies, oligarchies of senior statesmen & warriors, thinkers and religious leaders, and we had codified judicial moral equality into the political arena. We have a far superior record of religious and minority freedom, of genuine multi-culturalism plus a deeper understanding of the arts and crafts as a means of uniting disparate peoples. We find your claims of cultural superiority to be childish.""Oh, snap," I snickered. "You get'em, OT.""I bet the boys in Foggy Bottom felt that pimp-slap," Pamela agreed."I bet the bronzed skull of some Harvard dean just fell off its pedestal.""They are called 'busts'," Anais groaned. "With a name like that, how could you forget it?""So true," I concurred. "All this responsibility must have clouded my normally hedonistic vocabulary.""That doesn't change the fact that you have employed biological warfare and genocide in this current day and age," Justin pointed out."Tell that to our Native Americans," I snorted. "They are easy to find. They live in trailer parks in whatever blasted Hell Hole we stuck them in, or in their casinos where they are buying back their country, one rube at a time. Ask them if they've gotten over it.""We don't claim to be perfect," Justin insisted."No, we merely claim to have the only correct form of government, economic policy and schools of philosophical, political, scientific and educational thought," I pointed out."We definitely should revive ethical utilitarianism," Pamela slapped a fist into her palm. "Oh, and the guillotine. Work houses for orphans and grist mills for the disabled, and A Modest Proposal for those chronically unemployed and terminally homeless, yes, and,""Pamela, what is it with you today?" I snickered."It is nearly sunset,""Ah, and you haven't killed anyone yet.""You know how cranky I get when I don't get my daily dose of homicide.""Are you two done?" Anais frowned. She did that a lot around me."And you don't hand out Mini-Uzi's to your preschoolers," Pamela glowered. "What is wrong with you people?"Pause, waiting for that punch line that was never coming. See, it was more difficult to sense Pamela was an immediate threat to your health if you thought she was completely off her rocker."Hmm, well, on that note, ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a deal. Chris and Justin, I will leave you with my loyal Iskender to work out the gory details. Who wants to grab dinner?" I inquired."Are you serious?" Nashi gasped."Oh yeah. I had the Russian invasion of Manchuria figured out in this amount of time and Manchuria is way bigger than Thailand." Was it? I didn't know. Geography was not one of those subjects which gets you laid."What do you have in mind?" Zelda inquired."Whatever you want."{1 am, Sunday, August 31st ~ 8 Days to go}"How did I end up in bed with you?" Zelda sighed happily, her body splayed halfway over mine and her head resting on my chest, listening to my heartbeat."You aren't the first girl to ask me that question."On the other side, Anais moaned in her sleep. Yeah, she was over me. Abso-fucking-lutely. If you recall, she'd try anything once. I convinced her the military babes were totally different than that Goth chick we'd blown the mind of back in Montreal.Zelda was with me because I had caught her in a lie. She claimed to be a lesbian when I first hit on her. She was adamant. I destroyed her with incontrovertible evidence.A) She hadn't scoped out Anais when she came in. A glance didn't count and Anais oozed sexy when she was angry, which was most of the time.B) She hadn't scoped out Juanita's figure when said worthy went to the kitchenette. I look for such things and Juanita has thighs to die for.C) When I told her she had a wicked sense of humor, she blushed. Honestly, lesbians rarely care about strange men complimenting their personalities.D) Then I double-downed by asking her if she preferred a shower, or bath. She said shower (because that's the butch thing to say). When I asked her 'when was the last time she'd had a bubble bath', she blushed again. Lesbians don't like it when a man imagines them naked. Straight chicks, unless you are a creepy, stalker guy, like it when men fantasize about them swathed in bubbles, thus semi-clothed, thus not creepy.E) In a final and fatal act of evasion, she asked a grumpy Anais what she liked about me. Anais was blunt."He can fucking hammer you all night, sneak in a romantic quickie in the shower, cook you a delicious breakfast then give you another round of mind-numbing intercourse up against the wall before you have to go to work. And still find the time and energy to fuck your neighbor."Woot!"So, this happens to you often?" she mused, it was a trap. She really wanted to know if I was an egotistical scumbag who took advantage of every woman I came across. At the same time, she wanted to know if I considered her a 'whoe' ~ a woman who gives up the goodies for free."Do you mean 'am I taking advantage of you'?" I replied."That is not what I asked," she persisted. That meant 'yes'."Let me see," I laid back and looked up at the ceiling. "I have a fiancée, six women I am close enough to to spend quality time with, a fuck-buddy who is a sweet girl and trusts me too much and a passel of ex-girlfriends who have found my infidelity to be reprehensible.""Six women?" she frowned."Four co-workers (Rhada, Oneida, Yasmin and Buffy), the girlfriend of a co-worker who dumped her in a very public fashion (Brooke) and that woman's friend (Libra). She was the wing-chick who was stuck with me on a quadruple-date and was underwhelmed with me when we first met."I didn't count my 'hook-ups' and I wasn't sure how to qualify Nicole."Ex's?""'No' is not a word in common usage in my vocabulary. I've dated a best friend's girl, a mother, sister and aunt of the same girlfriend, basically, I'm either highly immoral, incredibly loose, or a letch.""Don't you take responsibility for any of those, relationships?""Hell yeah," I tilted her chin up so that we could make eye-contact. "I've never blamed a woman for taking out her frustrations on my flesh, ran away from a screaming fit (Big Lie!), or blamed them for any failing in our relationship. It is always my fault because I can't stay loyal.""That's depressing," Zelda moped."Don't get me wrong. I don't find fault in any of the women I have spent time with. That is my problem, I find women fascinating; never boring, or bland. Quite frankly, it is a gift that I don't regret having. I may be a fuck-up, but I'm a fuck-up who will give you the very best attention.""Full of yourself, much?" her attitude shifted. I had short-circuited her fears; I was a cheater, I confessed to it without shame because I was inexorably drawn to her beauty, personality and charm. With Anais around, I couldn't claim to be solely enchanted with Zelda, so I had to think quickly on my feet. After all, Zelda was energetic and had great stamina."I promised you pleasure," I countered. "Did I deliver?""Yes, you are full of yourself," she slapped my stomach. I wasn't full of myself. I was a confident sex machine."Thank you.""Huh?""Wonderful sex, taking a chance with me, agreeing to a three-way, being awake after," I looked at the bed-table clock, "six hours.""I run five miles a day," she bragged."I try to have ten hours of sex a day," I teased. Zelda slapped my stomach again. Anais stirred."Do any women like you, for any reason beyond your cock?""I'm considered loyal where sex is not concerned, reliable and brave," I offered."What happened in Romania?""Have you ever been in combat?""I've been in violent confrontations, but not a true firefight," she admitted."Hmm,""Is it something that you can't relate?" she asked."No. You are a soldier so you probably know more about combat than I do. It was, not chaotic at all. I never lost perspective of what was going on despite the bullets flying around. The Romanian Captain in charge knew his stuff, directed his company well and all I had to do was figure out where the terrorist leader was.""What happened?" she perked up."I am here talking with you and he's in a morgue in Bucharest.""Oh," She wanted more."I have to live with the knowledge that I set all of that in motion, Zelda. I convinced the Romanians that they had to confront that terror group before they moved on to their next target, me.""I knew they would come after me and my friends, no matter where we were. Which would have ended up as a blood bath in some urban center. So I felt compelled to strike first. Based on information I provided, the Romanian Army sent two battalions, the 22nd and 24th, of the 6th Mountain Troops Brigade into battle.""It was a massacre," I remembered sadly."But you won," she tried to comfort me."Of the four companies involved in the battle, the Romanians suffered nearly two hundred dead and wounded. I hardly consider it anything other than a massacre. Yes, we won. Only three of the terrorists escaped. Their leader died. I don't think I've ever felt so hollow in my life," I finished."Forty percent losses, that is horrific," she crawled on top of me."The kicker is the Romanians sent some men of the 24th to hunt me down when I was kidnapped. A squad was in the group that rescued me and my companion from Johnston Island. I thought they would never want to deal with me ever again.""Don't be so hard on yourself. If they thought well enough of you to send their men out to rescue you, then you must have done right by them.""Chaz said something like that too," I felt sheepish and sleepy."Chaz? Who is she?"Honest to God, one day I want to find a girl who thinks I'm talking about another girl and asks if we can have a three-way, instead of trying to compare herself to this unknown person. Wait... I already had someone like that. Her name was Odette."Chaz is Color Sergeant Charles 'Chaz' Tomorrow of Her Majesty's SSR," I corrected her assumption."SSR? Those are some tough people. How do you know him?""Black Bag directives from the National Security Council, sworn to secrecy upon penalty of death, pinky-promise kind of stuff," I grinned. Maybe I wasn't all that sleepy after all."You really are a Man of Mystery," Zelda purred. She had truly exceptional stamina. "Maybe I can convince you to talk.""Maybe I can find another use for my tongue," I countered and off we went. Somewhere along the process, Anais woke up and joined in.It wasn't all fun and games. Anais' parting words were "You are a pig," then she sauntered out of my room and out of my life. Had she remembered to take her Serge with her, I would have bought the act. As it was,"Is she always so volatile?" Zelda remarked."Volatile? That's not her being volatile. That's Anais being affectionate. Volatile usually is accompanied by thrown objects and bodily harm," I sighed happily. Meeting her one more time couldn't be all that bad, could it? Zelda looked hungry so I shoved that thought to the back of my mind and got to work.That was the highlight of my Sunday. Zelda had to fly back to Washington D.C. and I had to go to work with JIKIT. It seemed that the Khanate and the US military were heading for a showdown. I unloaded all my Saturday's activities to the team and we got to work, no recriminations. I was the Khan's spiritual brother and sometimes that meant I had to do him favors.I asked Addison when she thought he would return the favor. She laughed, then smiled and told me that wasn't how it worked. He was a world leader now and I was merely his kooky kinsman that he would keep throwing problems at until one day I broke. Then it would be some other poor saps turn.Then she told me she was kidding and clearly the Great Khan thought the world of me. I chose to believe the second lie because it made me feel better, and it was promising to be a long weekend/start of the week.Note: Geopolitical DevelopmentsWhat follows are snippets of the Battle for Thailand that takes place late in the night of September 1stand continued into the early morning of September 3rd. If this does not interest you, you can rejoin Cáel's exploits in four pages)On the eve of battle, the Royal Thai High Command had decided to strip all but one armored unit from the 2nd Army in order to give the First Army's offensive against the rebels more of a punch. It's decision to strip the tank battalions from both their infantry divisions as well as the armored and one of the two mechanized regiments would prove to be disastrous. It was as if the leadership of the Royal Thai military were idiots.The least economically valuable part of the country was the northeast which the 2nd Army warded. They had severely underestimated the airlift capacity of the Khanate as well as the willingness of Laos and Cambodia to both use their armed forces in an invasion as well as their willingness to let Vietnamese troops cross their countries.That thinking had led the Thai military to adopt a 'forward defense' strategy, the desire to fight the enemy at the borders, as opposed to having stronger formations deeper within the country. Considering the relative weakness of the Cambodian and Laotian militaries, that policy had made sense:- The baseline Laotian and Cambodian tank was the T-54/55, a 1950's Soviet relic. The normal anti-tank capabilities in all Thai infantry formations was more than equal to such a threat.-Neither country had an air force worth worrying about.In contrast, the Khanate's primary tanks, the T-90SM and T-95 were resistant to most of what the Thai Army could throw at them, at least from the front. The seven hundred combat aircraft the Khanate and the Vietnamese were able to field was an equal catastrophe for the Thais. It greatly compensated for the relative small numbers of invaders.Finally, there was a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Alliance's goals were. Military logic dictated the destruction of Thailand's mobile force followed by the capture of Bangkok. As long as the Thai regime held the capital, it would remain the legitimate power in the country.Due to the altering political landscape, the Alliance's only option was to make the government 'look bad'. The loss of peripheral provinces, while of negligible immediate strategic value, looked great on the maps the world-wide media would be showing to their audiences. It would appear that the Thai army had failed to defend their country. That would (hopefully) make the Thai Third Army look like the legitimate authority in Thailand.That was the plan anyway, and you know what they say about battle plans and the enemy, right? H-hour was 4 am, September 1st.The commander of the Zuun stood up and waited to be recognized. The staff officer from the Yunnan Command pointed at him."Sir, why are we doing this? I am not afraid to fight for the Great Khan, but this action seems to be suicidal. We will be far behind enemy's lines while our offensive force will be grossly under-equipped.""You will have to rely on our ability to supply you by air.""We only have supplies for two days of operations. What happens then?""We rely on the Americans to come and save us," the senior officer responded bitterly."Allah save us from allies," the young commander muttered. What else could he do?He was part of the 2nd Mountain Sultan Mehmet Tumen which had just arrived in Yunnan to replace the exhausted 1st Mountain Abu al-Ghazi Bahadur Tumen. His men were from Turkey, inexperienced in combat and using new equipment they were not familiar with. They would be working with a unit he had never worked with before, the 1st Airmobile Tauekel Khan Tumen, Kazaks, who would be seizing the small airport his men needed to land in.From there, they were to 'run amok'. That was the technical term for racing south down a highway in Central Thailand, attacking the headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Division, an armored unit. Once that was accomplished, they were to attack the local police precinct. Provided they were still alive after that, they were to return to the air strip to resupply then they were to 'spread chaos' until they were finally hunted down by the vastly larger Thai division his 100 men would be fighting.Of course, there was the plan for the rebel Royal Thai Third Army to force their way through the larger frontline forces of the loyalist Royal Thai First Army and come to his rescue. How would the Thai troops respond when ordered to fight their fellow Thais? No one was sure. If there was any hope in this mission, it was the knowledge that several other Zuuns had the exact same mission in other areas of Thailand.  It was H-hour minus twenty-two.It was 11 o'clock in the evening when the general in charge of the Royal Thai 9th Infantry Division was woken up. The Marines were leaving. That was correct; the three Royal Thai regiments were heading west to Sattahip Naval Base, because they had been ordered to by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize why this was going on.Seven hours earlier, the Royal Thai Army had seized all the Air Force bases in the 1st and 2nd Army districts as well as ordering the 4th Army to do the same thing (The Royal Thai Air Force had been trying to remain neutral in the upcoming civil war).Undoubtedly the navy had decided to make their assets less 'hijack-able'. A few phone calls later confirmed that most of the Navy had set sail for parts unknown and the naval air units at Ban Sattahip Air Base (U-Tapao International Airport) had also departed either out to sea, or to ports and bases in the South.He made a personal appeal to the commander of Marine Forces to no avail. They wanted no part of the upcoming struggle and advised the general to do the same. The general had other problems. The Royal Thai Marines were the frontline forces facing the southern border with Cambodia. He quickly reorganized his regiments, sending them to take the old Marine strongpoints to await further orders. Stopping the Marines never entered his mind.That was a bloodletting he wanted no part of. The last thing he did was inform his superiors, thus avoiding any stupid orders to the contrary. Suddenly the nebulous movements along the Cambodian border developed a haunting significance. He wondered how much longer he had before something happened.  It was H-hour minus five.At midnight a loyalist commander of a company of mechanized infantry in the 2nd Cavalry's 11th Battle Group (named after their axis of advance, Highway 11) decided to send a motorized section of his command forward to the advance position his battalion was to occupy come sunrise. Either later in the day, or tomorrow morning, the forces loyal to the regime would launch a coordinated assault against the rebels main supply center at Phitsanulok.He had a cot set up in his communications hut and had just nodded off when the radio squawked to life. His lieutenant in charge of the advance made a hurried report. They had encountered serious opposition in a confusing night action, then he went silent. The captain immediately swung into action. He put the rest of his men on alert, then contacted the neighboring Tank Battalion. He needed some armored support. He made a similar call to the attached artillery component.The Tank Battalions night officer quickly put a platoon of light tanks at his disposal. The artillery were ready for any fire mission he sent their way. Before the armor could arrive, the company commander found himself being called to the carpet by the Duty Officer at the 3rd Cavalry (two regiments of the 2nd Cav. had been attached to the 3rd's command) over his 'offensive' action and the relief mission was called off. What had happened to the patrol of 20 Royal Thai soldiers? He was ordered to wait until sunrise to find out.Little did anyone know, these were the first combat casualties of the upcoming rebel offensive. His patrol had stumbled across a battalion of mechanized troops arriving at their jump off point for the attack that was less than six hours from beginning. Neither the commander of the 11th Battle Group, the 3rd Cavalry Division, or First Army was informed that the enemy had already advanced twenty kilometers south of where they were supposed to be.  

-CHAPTERS-00:00 Introduction to Andrew Impson's Military Journey06:56 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Careers12:34 Experiences in Iraq: First Impressions and Realities18:42 Reflections on Military Responsibility and Autonomy22:42 Lessons Learned from Deployments and Their Implications24:45 Comparing American Democracy with Foreign Cultures28:02 The Role of Protests and Civil Rights in America38:52 The Role of Useful Idiots in Protests40:38 Career Reflections and the Drive to Serve41:23 The Decision to Re-enlist and Its Consequences43:16 Challenges of Reintegration into Civilian Life45:20 Experiences in Ranger School and Leadership Development48:12 The Unique Dynamics of Special Forces Teams51:17 Job Suitability and Aptitude in Special Forces53:35 The Impact of Team Changes on Performance59:28 Navigating Command Changes and Cultural Differences01:03:46 A Run-In with Military Law in Iraq01:12:16 Lessons Learned from Confrontations01:15:05 Moments of Fear and Bravery in Service01:16:47 Significant Deployment Experiences01:20:08 Understanding Local Contexts in Conflict01:22:10 Reflections on Military Impact and Change01:24:07 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned01:25:11 The Impact of Military Life on Family01:27:08 Physical and Mental Health Challenges01:29:47 Navigating Post-Military Life01:33:14 Exploring Alternative Therapies01:34:33 Career Highlights and Personal Growth01:38:56 Transitioning to Civilian Life01:41:07 Current Work in Security Solutions01:44:59 Raising Awareness on School Safety01:46:50 Connecting with the Community-SUMMARY-In this conversation, Andrew Impson shares his extensive military journey, detailing his early influences, the impact of 9/11 on his career aspirations, and the complexities of war that shaped his worldview. He discusses his experiences in Iraq, the differences between big army and special operations, and his desire for more responsibility within the military. Andrew reflects on his transition back to civilian life, his time in Ranger School, and the dynamics of Special Forces teams, ultimately connecting his military experiences to current events and societal issues. In this conversation, Andrew Impson shares his experiences in the military, particularly focusing on the challenges of command changes, cultural shifts within military groups, and a significant encounter with law enforcement in Iraq. He reflects on his fears and bravery during deployments, the impact of his military career on his family, and his transition to civilian life. Andrew emphasizes the importance of active threat preparedness in schools and communities, advocating for better planning and collaboration between law enforcement and educational institutions.

SALE: JG & JG2.0 are on sale now thru the weekendCode: RUNLIFT for 25% off at checkoutThis episode breaks down my Ranger School Experience as an E-6 Green Beret.Showing up prepared.Phase by phase breakdownRAP weekDarbyFountainsFlorida (x2

This pod, part of a series of interviews of Military Veterans, is presented by the New England Chapter of the U.S. Army Ranger Association. Originally recorded in September of 2024, Greg d'Arbonne talks to Len Samborowski about his time in the Army and the impact of Ranger School. Along the way we discuss – Jumping Jack Farris (21:10), Joint STARS (25:00), “First World Problems" (30:30), You're Not Alone (40:30), and Luke 12:48 (43:30). This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military veterans. Help us reach our 3-scholarship goal. Send your $20 donation to our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.  Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day. 

Sidney Jaques is a US Army Major, Human Resources Specialist, S1 and she has an incredible story. The first female to be assigned to an Infantry Battalion as S1 in the 82nd Airborne, and the first woman to earn both the Ranger tab and Ranger Scroll of the 75th Ranger Regiment.  This isn't your usual interview with Sidney however. There are a lot of podcasts where she talks about that journey. I was more interested in Sidney and her thoughts on many topics, not just the one aspect of making it through Ranger School.  Her's is a story of incredible fortitude, resilience, grit, determination, and integrity. It was an honor for me to get to sit down with her!  You can find Sidney on instagram @balance_your_grit and on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-jaques-9244162b0/ You can find this podcasts website here https://www.thedistinguishedsavage.com You can find Absolute Security and Lock here http://www.absolutesecurityandlock.com

The U.S. Army Ranger Battalion demands a constant pursuit of excellence and it comes at a cost to the individual. Few will know the cross pressure of desiring to go back to the aggressive lifestyle of a Ranger and the reality that one cannot keep up the level of performance indefinitely. Mike Meegan walks through the differences between living on "the line" and Ranger School. His tenure training in Small Unit Ranger Tactics and now as a leader of Rudder's Rangers at Texas A&M, brings a valuable perspective to the table when it comes to training mentality. Follow Mike Meegan on Instagram at @R.A.N.G.E.R.UUse Code 2025deaddrop10 for 10% off your order at obsidianarms.comThis episode has been sponsored by Obsidian Arms, a manufacturer of tools, parts and firearms, as well as operating as an OEM shop for those looking to bring excellence to the market. Their Minnesota-based shop builds and cuts parts out of U.S.-sourced materials. Their gunsmith tools, custom firearms, and capabilities can be found at www.obsidianarms.comSupport the REDACTED Culture Cast at redactedculture.locals.comSSP and boutique products at redactedllc.comFollow us on Instagram at @redactedllc

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcast To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/ Dan on X: https://x.com/dansenor Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenor As we wait in anticipation of a hostage deal, we welcome President Trump's incoming National Security Adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz, to the podcast, to discuss the possible hostage deal, and his thoughts on the U.S.-Israel relationship.  Congressman Mike Waltz is a Colonel (Ret.) in the National Guard, and the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress. He worked on counter-terrorism in the Bush White House and was a policy advisor at the Pentagon, serving under Secretaries Rumsfeld and Gates, and a Congressman from Florida. As President Trump is sworn in as president - this upcoming Monday, January 20th, inauguration day - so will Mike Waltz, as the president's National Security Advisor.  Mike graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with Honors and served 27 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard. After being commissioned as an Army lieutenant, Mike graduated Ranger School and was selected for the elite Green Berets, serving worldwide as a Special Forces officer with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. For his actions in combat, Mike was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for Valor.  Mike is the author of the books, “Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret's Battles from Washington to Afghanistan”: https://a.co/d/18NEaB0 , and “Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret”: https://a.co/d/c0lnM9B

In this episode of Mislaibeled, we're joined by John Spencer, a renowned expert in urban warfare and military strategy. John discusses military strategy, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and his experiences in conflict zones. From leadership lessons to the complexities of urban warfare, he offers unique insights on modern warfare, the laws of war, and his advocacy for the Jewish people.00:00 Episode Trailer01:30 Introducing John Spencer02:46 The Urban Defender Manual Explained06:47 Mastering Urban Warfare09:09 Strategy and Urban Warfare: A Deep Dive12:00 CubX Advertisement 13:24 John Spencer's Journey15:17 Ranger School & Leadership Insights23:09 ISAK Advertisement 24:25 Why Urban Warfare?28:45 Israel-Gaza vs. Iraq: A Comparative Analysis33:58 The Double Standard in Conflict Reporting44:00 Sunset Window Fashions Advertisement 45:05 John's Mission: Minimizing Civilian Harm in Gaza47:58 U.S. vs. IDF: Approaches to Ending the Israel-Gaza War56:07 Debunking Common Myths About the Israel-Gaza War1:03:55 The Laws of War: Are They Effective?1:09:11 The Challenges of Urban Warfare1:19:14 Joe Rogan's Perspective on the Israel-Gaza War1:27:21 Israel's Fight Against Hezbollah1:33:38 Leadership Analysis: Bibi Netanyahu1:39:11 The Path to Resolving the Israel-Gaza Conflict1:49:09 Iran, Israel, and U.S. Relations1:51:52 Ukraine's NATO Bid: U.S. Influence and Consequences2:02:40 Fact vs. Fiction: Identifying the Truth2:06:13 John's Advocacy for the Jewish PeopleFollow John Spencer:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spencerguardTwitter: https://x.com/SpencerGuardPodcast - https://www.johnspenceronline.com/podcastsPodcast Info:→ Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3iy0Kee→ Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3zdMqOz→ Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3eVtSee→ Buzzsprout - https://mislaibeled.buzzsprout.comSocial:→ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mislaibeled/→ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Mislaibeled→ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@UCQlZulYicKVNOhwC16JzYQw

Approved Affection.Based on a post by FinalStand, in 13 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels. Brandy was unlocking the door when I put a hand on her elbow and strongly turned her around. Frustration morphed into confusion and blossomed into happiness as I exacted my promised minute make-out session. Even a colossal distraction as big as the Mayor's family implosion wouldn't keep me from my Brandy-time.Big Bob 'caught' us at it. The door had been opened and the AC was exiting the front door.‘Hands above the belt-line, Mr. Samsonov,' he grumbled in a friendly manner.‘Daddy,' Brandy pouted to her Papa. ‘He's behaving himself.'‘Are you behaving yourself around my daughter?' the Sheriff quizzed me.‘Sir, I'd rather go directly to the 500 hours of community service than answer that question; Sir,' I replied. Big Bob snorted. Brandy rolled her eyes, gave me one last peck then glided past her patriarch.‘I haven't see her that happy in a long time,' Big Bob spoke softly. ‘Whatever you are doing, be a gentleman about it.'‘Ugh; I'll do my best Sheriff Carson, but it's difficult,' I groaned. Bob laughed at me and my 'agony'.‘Take care, Vlad,' he gave one final nod before closing the door. I made a quick call to Mom to update her to our change in plans. Mikhail had beaten me to the punch. She understood I had to hand-off Brandy first, no harm / no foul. She asked me to hang out at Dominque's place for a while because she knew Mr. Malik was a devious, lying rat-bastard and believed he would sweet talk his daughter into letting him back into his wife's proximity.I mulled over handing her the Malik family secret. I trusted Mom. More to the point, I trusted her to respect my decision to want that tidbit handled with care. No cops harassed me on the return trip. I had taken a circuitous route to be on the safe side. The Police Chief might be the Mayor's ally, or he might be a BBC devotee and have a Brutha solidarity moment with Chinedu too.According to their methodology, once he gave her that cock, she'd forgive every other indiscretion. True or not, I was going to try and cock-block that maneuver. I didn't have a plan when I arrived. Something immediately presented itself to me in the form of a Candy Apple Red 2014 Jaguar F Type V8 S convertible.Daddy, or Sugar-Daddy was way generous to the tune of one hundred grand; that was for damn sure. The billow red mane topping that curvaceous frame was a clear indicator the shit was going to hit the fan at the Malik household. Chine was her BBC addiction, but the Mayor was her boss and political mentor.The look she sent me was fearful over her general situation and one of only passing interest, a look I was becoming familiar with. She was yet another hot, sexy piece of filet mignon that didn't fuck White guys. Groan.‘Who are you?' she was polite enough, possibly seeking to delay the upcoming confrontation.‘I'm Vladimir Samsonov, junior Prince of Evil and I'm here to talk with your boss; she's expecting me,' dispelled her protest that the Mayor was too busy for me.‘Riley Pasternak,' she smiled. ‘I don't recognize the accent,' she added as I passed her. She let me ring the doorbell too.Statuesque and voluptuous; that is what I would call Riley. Burnished coppery hair, thick and glossy flowed in waves down to the middle of her back. Well defined brows of a slightly lighter but no less fiery color framed her oval face and enhanced her verdant eyes, pale freckled skin and flushed cheeks.The makeup she chose didn't really enhance her features which said she didn't wear it that often and the scar above her brow confirmed that she was a tomboy.She dressed to be seen, but also to move in whatever capacity needed. The push up black halter was a strong contrast to her pale skin and plumped up her already impressive cleavage.Below it she wore almost too tight hip huggers that had her lush belly just barely spilling over the waistband. Right above said waistband on the back of her hip was a tattoo that red ‘Red Wolf Bitch' for the Arkansas State Mascot. A second one was teasingly just out of sight on the front of the other hip.Drawing away just a bit from the sexy outfit were all the hippie doodles on her pants. It looked as if she'd let a five year old color on them before she put them on, the neon colors seeming to jump off the denim. She completed the ensemble with cork wedges and a tiny red purse hanging by an equally tiny red string from her shoulder.‘I'm from Alaska,' I let her know. The door flew open in seconds, revealing a tumultuous Dominque who slipped on a semi-civil mask when she saw me.‘Vlad, I thought you were going to stop by your place before coming back for your brother,' she addressed me. ‘Ms. Pasternak, get in here,' she was more abrupt with her 'underling'.I stepped aside to let Riley pass. I hadn't been invited in. Dominque took my actions into account.‘Come in Vlad. Go find your brother. I'll talk to you later,' she said.‘Well,' I began once I stepped in, ‘I think I'd be of more use sticking with you.'Dominque slammed the door behind me.‘I won't need you with me,' she corrected me.‘I'm not staying to help you,' I corrected her. ‘I'm staying to make sure Ms. Pasternak doesn't come to some misfortune.' The Mayor didn't seem pleased.‘What does he mean?' Riley looked from her Boss to me.‘Go, Vlad,' she commanded. I was a guest in her home. Barring extenuating circumstances, I was taught to behave.‘Well, nice to see you again, Ms. Pasternak,' I regarded my fellow guest. Off I went, listening for sounds of my brother and Taliyah. I was almost out of sight;‘Where have we met before?' Riley worried.‘Go, Vlad,' my hostess repeated. I kept going.‘The Cineplex two weeks ago,' I said over my shoulder. ‘The Purge: Anarchy.'‘Oh God,' she moaned. ‘V; Vlad is it; please don't leave.'I reversed course. Dominique could tell that ordering me about at this point was useless. The same instinct which had placed me between Chine and her was placing me between her and Riley.‘You fucked him,' Madame Mayor fumed. ‘Worse, you let him fuck you in a public place you; simple-minded bimbo.'‘Listen Mrs. Malik; it; I; he was insistent,' Riley back-pedaled into a wall.‘And you happened to forget he was my husband?' Dominque seethed. I had to admit she looked rather volcanic, her ass, hips and boobs trembling with repressed energy as she got ready to erupt. I maneuvered so I flanked them both, ready to interpose myself if necessary.‘How many times, Riley?' I posed the question. ‘How many times did the two of you hook up?'‘Four, five,' she reconsidered her response. Dominique looked ready to explode. She mastered herself with a great effort of will.‘What is going to happen when your Grandfather, that racist Jew Bastard, finds out you are back to banging big black bucks, Again?' she threatened. Riley blanched. ‘He threatened to disown you last time. This time, he'll do it, Princess. Then you will be nothing more than another in a long line of chunky Cocoa Puff's. No car, no apartment and damn, I'll make sure you don't have a job anymore.'‘Reggie won't; ‘ she protested desperately.‘Whore, you are only fun to be around because your fat ass is forbidden fruit. Senator Murdoch can get a dozen fresher Betties to haul his coal.' I'd go to Mom to explain the jargon flying around. ‘I know for a fact he likes them young.''Betty's' were White chicks. 'Hauling coal' meant taking black dick. Why couldn't people just say that instead of confusing everything with racial slurs? Riley's reaction showed she was playing into that fear; no fortune and no more choice selections of BBC's.‘Umm; ‘ Riley flickered her eyes my way.‘Chinedu already spilled all this secrets,' Dominique lied. She'd spilled them in her rage, but these two women lying and cheating wasn't my primary concern; taking advantage of their wickedness was. ‘He has his own reasons for keeping quiet.' Riley glanced speculatively from me to Dominique.‘Ha,' Madame Mayor snorted in derision. ‘I don't do White boys.' Oh, that deserved some hard fucking; screw the bitch. I was considering what derogatory idiocy was going to vomit forth from my mouth when Riley's phone rang. Absently she pulled it out of her purse. She paled when she saw the caller ID. Dom snatched it away then trembled.I took it out of her hands before she could make Riley eat the device.‘Both of you keep quiet,' I demanded. I answered the phone.‘Baby-cakes, let's hook up tonight,' Mr. Malik oozed his masculine charisma. ‘I feel like stepping out and I want to see you on your knees worshipping my award-winning Arkansas Black Snake, you cock-hungry slut.'He was loud enough so that both women could hear. I pointed a warning finger in Riley's face.‘Sorry, Mr. Baker, but Riley can't come to the phone right now. She's choking down my Slavic salami, but; after I finish with her and your wife, I'll send the tramp back your way; if she can still walk.'‘Wa, huh, wha, Who? Samsonov?, what did you just say?' he blathered.‘I'm kind of busy right now, Sir,' I taunted him. ‘Hold on.' I spanked Riley's flank. She gasped. ‘That was the sound of me smacking your wife's luscious, sweet and highly neglected ass. I gotta go. Your women look famished for some fucking respect and attention. I'm sure you can find a glory hole to entertain yourself at. I'll talk to you in the morning. Bye,' I signed off before he could reply.I cut off Riley's phone then pocketed it. They were both staring at me in utter shock. Dominique's full, plump lips first closed then she opened them to start laughing.‘Boy, Vlad, that was hilarious,' she chortled.‘That was a freebie, Dominique,' I grinned.‘There are two kinds of cheaters; the ones who convince themselves it will never happen to them, and the ones who believe everyone cheats. That allows them to both allow themselves to violate the essence of their relationships,' I glibly stated, ‘It also makes them want to utterly control their partners so they don't end up becoming cuckolds themselves.'‘Mr. Samsonov; ‘ Dominique studied me, ‘you continue to show me you are much more dangerous than you appear.' Taking into account my size, excellent physical shape, exhibited self-control and clear elucidation, I could only imagine I was 'dangerous' for a White guy; what a tight-ass shrew.‘Flattery will get you nowhere, Mrs. Malik,' I politely responded. ‘I don't do older Black chicks; or date used-up girls who only fuck Black guys. One of the three of us has to have some standards.' They blinked; it was the whole 'da White boy thinks he can talk back to us?' bullshit.‘I'll go looking for Mikhail now. You two have fun sharing in your communal 'I've been dicked-over, bent over and forced to suck another woman's vaginal fluids off his cock' Chine-experiences. I pray neither one of you've done Ass-to-Mouth with him; that would turn my stomach. Bye,' I waved as I departed. Dominique grabbed my arm, her fingernails digging in.‘What makes you think you can insult me that way, in my own house?' she lambasted me.‘It is the truth and we both know it,' I shrugged. ‘Somebody needs to start telling the truth around here, don't you think?'‘Get your brother and get out,' she snapped.‘Done deal,' I answered. ‘Riley; ‘ The doorbell rang. From the look on everyone's faces, none of us were expecting a caller.‘Don't you move,' Dom glared at me, ‘and don't you do a damn thing,' she balefully instructed Riley. Off she stormed.‘Gayle, what are you doing here?' Dom greeted my Mom.‘I brought dinner for my boys, Dominique,' she responded snidely. ‘I expect them to be gentlemen and you to not give a damn about anyone but yourself.'‘You've got some nerve showing up on my doorstep,' Dom grumbled.‘Not really,' Mom shouldered her way inside. ‘I've gotten on with my life. I see you've done the same.'‘Bitch,' Dom sizzled yet didn't stop her.‘Kitchen?' my maternal unit asked me. She was holding a wicker picnic basket and a large paper bag in one hand and a covered pot with a pail in the other. I pointed the way. She winked.Belatedly, Dominique slammed the door and stalked after Mom.‘What would ever possess you that I'd welcome you into my house,' she spat. ‘After what you did to Leon; ‘‘Had; do you really want to rehash that right now considering neither one of us has forgotten, or forgiven a damn thing?' Mom countered.‘Leon is still sucking his puree through a straw and pissing in a colostomy bag,' Dominique simmered.‘Mom?' I questioned.‘Oh, you haven't told your boys about what you and Theo did?' Dominque taunted her. Mom wasn't perturbed in the least.‘Vlad, do you trust me?' my Mother asked me.‘Sure. You can be unfathomable and crazy, but I don't think you've ever hurtfully deceive me.'‘Boy, you had better check that naiveté,' Mayor Malik warned me.‘Vlad, the last time Theo and I spent any time under the same roof was here, in Fonteneau,' she used Kingston's old name. ‘Leon Fox, Dominique's brother, and six other Black bulls decided to brutalize me, I was barely alive when I crawled my way back to the road where Mr. Cobb found me,' she relayed in a pleasant tone.‘So you say,' Dom interrupted. ‘It was your word against them and those seven had iron-clad alibis. To you, all Black men looked alike.'‘Think what you want. I identified all seven of them. You dad and the police chief wouldn't prosecute even though I know they were heard around town bragging about it; how they'd 'taught me a lesson'.'‘Mom, what the hell is going on?' I worried.‘Your Great-Aunt wouldn't accept that the police's investigation acquitted my brother and his friends; Because it was Black officers accepting the words of seven Black men, one of them the newly-minted Mayor's son, over a scared, battered child's,' Mom gave a feral grin.‘Yeah, you racist bitch,' Dominique seethed.‘Theo believed me. Aunt Matilda and Theo both believed me and not your chick-shit police force cover-up,' Mom kept smiling though there was not mirth behind it. ‘Theo made damn sure the guilty paid.'‘He damn near beat four grown men to death,' Dom grumbled. ‘One of them was my brother.'‘Vlad, Theo took a fileting knife and a crowbar with him when he rode his bicycle out and hunted those scumbags down,' Mom explained while staring at my host. ‘He found four of them together. He put all four in the hospital.'‘He ended up in the hospital as well,' Mom added, ‘if that makes you feel better.'‘Is that why Uncle Theo ended up in military school?' I inquired.‘He got off lucky,' Dom bristled. ‘Leon; and Roscoe Sumner never left the damn hospital, Bitch.' She turned on me. ‘Rufus never did see out of his left eye again and Martin Cutler still has to walk with leg braces and a cane.'Uncle Theo and Mom; that explained a great deal about her and her twin's relationship. I knew Mom had once broken into his military school/prison to see him. I also knew now that Mom hadn't lied to me; this vendetta was with this entire sick town, not blanket racism on her part.Black individuals in this town had raped her and other Blacks had covered it up. Theo had avenged her and paid for that with five years of his freedom. Had the Kingston's Black police force simply pursued a proper course of justice, then those seven men would have gotten what the law allowed; and be out of jail by now.Maybe that would have helped Gayle Fonteneau's emotional wounds heal. That didn't happen though. That injustice explained why Mom had initially run away from Dad. She'd suffered at the hands of law enforcement and she carried that distrust and disgust with her into her first meeting with Dad.That had to be some awkward emotional gymnastics on her part.‘Oh, come on now,' Mom chortled. ‘Leon is in a nice assisted-care living facility and Roscoe is in a coma just down the hall from him.'‘What happened to Le; your brother, Mrs. Malik?' I asked.‘According to the reconstructive specialist in Austin he was hit 27 times with a crowbar, that's what happened,' she spat at my Mother. ‘Even now his face doesn't look right and he's one step above a vegetable.'‘You took Aunt Matilda's hush money,' Mom gloated. ‘You all did.'‘That doesn't mean your brother wasn't a psycho, racist bastard,' Dom shot back.‘Bullshit, Dominique. Your Daddy made the town accept Aunt Mattie's deal because she was bringing in the Arkansas State Police (ASP) to investigate Theo's defense claims and that would have fried the whole lot of you,' Mom ignored Dom's snit. Seeing my disbelief, she told me, ‘Back in 1986, the ASP had its fair share of White racists.'‘Had those seven not been guilty as sin; ‘ she glared at the Mayor, ‘maybe Theo wouldn't have gone Rambo on this burgh.'‘Enough!' I intervened. ‘This is not helping us with the problem at hand. Right now, all Mikhail and I are worried about is whether Mr. Malik is going to come home tonight pissed off, drunk off his ass, or both.'‘Why should you care?' Madame Mayor turned my way. Mom started laughing which only made the woman angrier.‘Because unlike you, me and most of this town, my boys are decent individuals who actually give a crap about strangers, regardless of their melatonin levels,' she snorted. She made eye contact with Mrs. Malik.‘Don't blame me,' Mom chuckled. ‘I would be much happier of your shiftless shit of a husband came back and beat the fuck out of you and your daughter. To me, that would be poetic justice for what your father let him get away with.'‘No happening, Mom,' I declared. ‘Mikhail and I are eighteen now so you can't make us go home. If he's really a threat; ‘‘And you can't trust the police,' Mom sneered at Dom. ‘Your police force, Dominique.'‘You are one twisted cock-whore,' Dom riposted.‘Seven young men assaulted me,' Mom snarled. ‘Three weren't around when Theo caught up with the other four. ‘Charles Baker was one of them. The other was Demetrius Quinterre. These days he is the Chief of Police.'‘Charles Baker is Chinedu Malik now?' I requested.‘Yeah,' Mom beamed hostility Mamma Malik's way. ‘The fall after 'it' happened, Charles went to Arkansas State on a football scholarship and changed his name to something more 'African'. If he thinks it made it so that Theo couldn't find him, he's sorely mistaken.'‘Where is your crazy brother anyway?'‘Which one?' Mom snorted. ‘I've got a few.'‘Theo, you crazy cunt.'‘He joined the US Army straight out of the academy. He ended up in Ranger School then the Green Beret,' Mom updated her. ‘Now he's a contract killer for God-knows who. You, the FBI and the US military all are curious about his whereabouts.'‘That's; ‘ Dominique looked at me. What can I say? I have an honest face. ‘Do you believe that?' she asked me.‘Madame Mayor, I've talked to the men from Fort Bragg who have come calling. How to put this; Uncle Theo is exceedingly eccentric; beyond what Mom is.'In a normal situation, this would be when the concerned wife asked if her husband was in danger from my lunatic uncle. Not Mrs. Malik. Hell, a martyred husband killed by a violent racist would be a big boost to her career. It would also remove any chance of her hubby blowing up the situation with Riley, thus Riley's Sugar-Daddy. I could almost see the cold, calculating wheels turning behind her eyes.‘That's hardly encouraging. Fine; Gayle, you can get out. Vlad, I'm going to make some phone calls. Why don't you see what your brother has gotten up to,' the Mayor commanded. Mom shot me a wink when Mrs. Malik pulled out her phone.‘Bring home the pot and basket when you leave,' she advised me. She took my arm and pulled me to the door.‘You have your toiletries and fresh clothes in the bag (the big, brown paper one she'd arrived with). Then, as she hugged me, she shoved something into my front, left pocket. That weekend with the Vegas hookers paid off, I recalled the crinkly sound condom wrappers make. ‘For Mikhail,' she whispered. He was being given her 'okay' to any sexual missteps that might happen if we weren't sent straight home.I imagined most teenage boys would be thrilled to have their mothers handing them some condoms and silently wishing them luck. Not me. This was some fucked-up shit Mikhail, Alexander and I had stepped into. Mom turned without further advice and went to Dad's black '2012 F-150' pick-up truck. I closed the door, then went looking for the ladies.Dominique had taken Riley into the living room. The younger woman was sitting contritely on the sofa while the Mayor quietly brow-beat whomever was on the other end of that phone conversation. I spared them a look, knew I wasn't needed, or wanted, so I went for the stairs.‘Taliyah, Mikhail, Dinner's here,' I called up. I remained at the bottom of the stairs until Mikhail showed himself.‘Was that Mom?' he calmly inquired.‘Yeah. She's gone now,' I gave a wry grin. ‘It is safe you two to come down.' A few seconds later, Taliyah appeared.‘What is it?' she was referring to dinner.‘Whatever Kamika cooked for us,' I replied. She shrugged, clearly upset with the past few minutes of her life. She still came down. She'd missed lunch unless you counted cum swallowed, then had cheerleader workouts, horse-riding and a sex-session with my brother. Mikhail was perpetually hungry as was the norm for growing boys our age and metabolisms.The remarkable thing was her reaction to Mikhail and his blasé attitude. He wasn't walking on eggshells, as Alexander would have, or being sympathetic, like me. Mikhail was being Mikhail; Taliyah's problems weren't his concern so he wasn't intruding. If she wanted some emotional input from him, she'd have to do the 'reaching out'.We doled out portions. Taliyah started with three bowls (for the host of baby-back pork ribs) and plates for the potatoes, carrots and string beans. I motioned for two more. She mentally debated my request before complying. Kamika must have packed a family of eight. There was plenty to spare.After the meal was apportioned, I took two plates and a glass of Pomegranate Juice (Taliyah poured for her Mom) and a glass of lemonade for Riley. I juggled the lot as I traipsed into the living room. The conversation stopped when I appeared. I didn't engage either with eye contact, though I could tell Dominique resented me serving dinner to her guest. I retreated with the same grace I'd exhibited entering.The two high-schoolers had attacked the ribs with gusto.‘Hmm; these are some damn fine ribs,' Taliyah waved a freshly-cleaned bone my way. ‘No wonder the men in your family are so damn huge.' Right as the words tumbled out of her mouth, she shot Mikhail a dirty look, daring him to make a snide aside about the size of his cock. Mikhail didn't take the bait.‘Give Kamika a call around noon-time. She'll add a place-setting for you at the dinner table,' he replied after vigorously sucking the meat off his fourth victim. That was the opposite of what she expected a man, a Black man, to say. She'd never had a possibly sexually suggestive chat with a White guy.‘The food's not so good I'd want to spend time with you,' she poked him.‘I'm not hot to re-experience your she-devil bitchiness either, Taliyah,' he teased her. ‘I've got to accept that Brandy's going to keep putting a sappy smile on Vlad's face and that suggests they'll crawl out of bed long enough to get some food.'‘We are never going to have sex again,' she wacked his hand with a fresh rib, leaving a saucy mark.Mikhail licked the sweet substance off while keeping eye contact with the girl. She refused to back down from his provocation. My brother responded by tenderly poking her lips with a fresh rib. She kept her mouth closed yet couldn't keep the smile from her face. She countered by presented piece of meat in front of him. Mikhail caught the offering in his teeth and shook it hungrily.Now I felt like the one who should tell them to get a room. The two began making messes of each other's faces with sloppy feedings of one another before including me in the game. It was so engrossing, we three missed Mrs. Malik coming into the kitchen and catching us at play.‘Taliyah, what, are, you, doing?' her mother clipped off each world.‘I'm keeping the White boys quiet,' the daughter thought quickly on her feet.‘Oh, that's what you call it,' Dominique's eyebrow arched. ‘It looks more like your flirting with them both.'‘What!' Taliyah squalled. ‘I hate Mikhail; Vlad's okay. He treats Brandy like she matters, not the way Darius does. He treats her like a cum dumpster.'‘I thought you wanted to be with Darius?' Dom studied her daughter intently.‘Well; I've changed my mind. His whole attitude; the 'I'm a football stud' is getting too pricey for my tastes,' she clarified. ‘Rashaan has his head so far up Darius' ass that's stopped being funny too.'‘Taliyah, if you stop dating Rashaan, you won't be popular,' mom protested.‘Listen to your mother,' Mikhail agreed. ‘Look how well hooking up with a football star worked out for her.' Waves of furious emotions radiated from mom. Taliyah's reaction was far more direct.‘You bastard!' Taliyah swore before she punched him in the upper arm. She was starting to cry.Chine may have been a raging prick to Samsonov eyes, but he was Taliyah's Daddy.‘Fuck,' he exaggerated. ‘What makes you think; ow,' he recoiled as she began to rain blows down on his upper arm and chest. Tears started to stream down her face as she pummeled my brother who took his beating like a champ.‘You are such a; a; ‘ she stammered.‘Neanderthal?' he volunteered. Two more blows were her response then her attacks lost strength and direction. Mikhail wrapped her up in his arms as she sobbed into the crux of his arm and chest.‘Feel free to hate me as much as you need to,' he held her tight. ‘I'm not that fond of you either.' He kept her close for another minute.‘I'll take her upstairs,' Mikhail told Dominique. He kept an arm around her shoulders to aid her direction and off they went. The Mayor looked my way.‘I don't know what's up with that,' I shrugged. ‘Mikhail really is a jerk most of the time. Heck, he's the biggest bastard of the three of us; the most like Mom's dark side, so I'm not sure what he's doing being nice to your daughter.'‘If he does something to her,' she threatened me. Her eyes went past me to Riley who had come to the open doorway. ‘Don't you start thinking you can be leaving,' she aimed her prodigies' way. ‘I'm not done with you.'‘Besides, he's still out there,' I meant Mr. Malik. ‘He's likely to do something irrational that both of you will regret.'‘Why should you care? You are a Fonteneau,' the Mayor grumbled in an accusatory voice.‘I'm not sure,' I shrugged. ‘I trust my Mom a lot more than I believe your version of events. From what I know of Uncle Theo, if he wasn't sure justice had been done, he'd have come back here already.'‘The fact you are choosing to revisit this tragedy now makes me wonder when I'll see him again,' I tacked on.‘Ah, could I have some more of those ribs?' Riley extended her plate. She needed to finish her veggies.‘All that pork is going straight to those fat hips and big ass, Girl,' the Mayor cruelly teased her.Riley was embarrassed. I stood up from the kitchen table, took Riley's plate, and filled it with the portions of meat Taliyah and Mikhail had left behind. That seemed to mollify her to the point she felt good enough to walk, with her plate, back to the living room.‘You shouldn't be nice to her,' the Mayor cautioned me. ‘She's just another whore for Black Cock. Another White girl freak beneath the sheets.'That the Mayor was likely one as well wasn't something I felt I should bring up at the moment. Instead of arguing, I began to clean up the kitchen, putting the leftovers in Tupperware containers, washing the plates and then the pot and food containers. All the while, Dominique watched me work.‘I thought you had domestic help,' she said condescending tone.‘A) any kind of help is something new to us boys and Dad. B) Mom insists we all pitch in and help out. That means washing cookware and plates after meals, haul fertilizer and taking away yard debris and cleaning our rooms. We have chores.'‘That defeats the purpose of having servants,' she insisted.‘That house is huge, the 'help' could use the help, chores remind us we all need to work together and it teaches us not to take people for granted,' I repeated my Mom's words from our first day in the house.‘Your clan used to be such snobs, looking down on all us Black folks.'‘However the Fonteneau acted was before our time, Madam Mayor; ‘‘Call me Dominique, or Mrs. Malik in my home, Vladimir. You are Vladimir, right?' she said.‘Yes Dominique, I'm Vlad, the middle one. Alexander is oldest, so he's the most mature, I'm the middle triplet, so I'm the best mix of Mom and Dad, and Mikhail is the youngest so he's always out to prove himself.'‘Fascinating,' she responded drolly. ‘Stay out of the way while I deal with Riley. I'll get her squared away then deal with you and your brother.' With that, she walked off to give Riley another huge piece of her mind, rage and frustration. As I was putting up the pot to dry, the doorbell rang. I heard Mamma Malik's heels click on the marble floors as she stormed over to the door.‘Demetrius, what are you doing here?' I heard he say from the door.‘I heard you were having some problem with those Samsonov boys,' he announced. ‘I'm here to make sure everything is okay.'‘You mean my worthless, cheating husband sent you over to make them leave,' she groused.‘He might have indicated they were causing you problems,' the Police Chief allowed. ‘Let me pour those Cornfeds into their car and send them home.'‘No,' Dominique's voice cracked the whip of authority. ‘He is out whoring and drinking and that means he ain't coming home tonight; end of story.'‘I'll leave Oliver with a patrol car watching your place if that is the case,' he tried to mollify her.‘On really,' she mocked him. ‘You, Chinedu and Oliver are all drinking buddies. You and your cronies aren't going to keep my husband's drunk ass from darkening my doorway. You let Chine know he's not welcome here tonight.'‘Dom, you are being unreasonable,' the cop leader cooed. I didn't have to imagine him touching her. The Kingston cops were far too touchy-feely with women.‘Don't you touch me, you poltroon,' she blasted him. I wondered if he even knew what a poltroon was. He knew it was an insult though.‘Listen up, Dominique,' his voice grew low and threatening. That was my cue.‘Madam Mayor, is everything okay?' I stepped into the hallway. Demetrius' eyes latched onto me before turning his sneer the Mayor's way.‘Why, don't he look cozy,' he accused Dominique.‘Buddy,' I wasn't going to call him an 'officer', or 'Chief', ‘Mom just enlightened me to what you and Chine did to her all those years ago. Statute of Limitations may have passed, but don't you think the Samsonov's consider justice to be done.'‘I also know that any crime involving you and a Deputy's son automatically brings in the Arkansas State Police. Cross that portal and you cease being a concerned police officer and become a home invader,' I channeled my father and all his kin going back a dozen generations.‘How about I arrest you for trespassing?' he want for his 'bracelets' while his right hand rested on the ass of his piece.‘My house, Demetrius and I've invited him and his brother in. Believe me, Dem, if you don't hot-foot it off my property then my next call Will be to the State Police reporting You for criminal trespass,' she growled at the cop.‘So, you've become an Oreo?' he mocked her. ‘I can't wait to hear what the town council has to say about that.'‘Consider they are the same crowd who invited Dr. Pierre O'Rourke Jean-Georges to be our Principle for the next ten months; ‘ I began my counter-mock.‘Five years,' the Mayor glowered at the Chief. ‘The school board; which you are on, Demetrius; gave that freakazoid a five year contract.'

Today's question topics:programming and exercise selection post ranger schoolsystems training vs pace training2 mile improvement Running ultras as active duty SOFRuck tips for short kingsRunning plateausWhy rest days are importantRucking in minimalist shoesSpeed loss rate when only doing easy runsPros and cons of fat burnersSFAS prep recovery strategies - EBook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuideTempo vs. lactate threshold runsSquat, bench, DL standards for SFAS prepNew Program:Jacked Gazelle 2.0EBook: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuidePrograms, articlesNew Training Team on TrainHeroic: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)terminatortraining.com2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength workKickstart- beginner/garage gym friendlyTime Crunch- Workouts for those short on timeHypertrophy- intermediate/advancedJacked Gazelle- Hybrid athleteSFAS Prep- Special forces train-upTrainHeroic- App based bodybuilding programFollow me:SubstackNewsletter Sign UpIG: terminator_trainingTwitter: @ksterminatortmyoutube: Terminator Training MethodFacebook: Terminator TrainingWhichever platform you're tuning in on, feel free to leave a review! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. The more reviews we receive, the more people the podcast will reach!Also, if you know anyone who loves fitness and podcasts, spread the word! My goal is to help as many people as I can and cut out the BS when it comes to fitness, nutrition and health.Look for weekly (or more) Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

Welcome to the ninety-fifth episode of the Lessons from the Cockpit Show! I am your host Mark Hasara, former KC-135 pilot and Airplane Nerd! I'm really excited to bring this episode to you! Air Mobility Command's Command Chief Master Sergeant Jamie Newman and I met at the Airlift Tanker Association convention in Dallas earlier this year. Coming up through the Air Force Security Police ranks, Command Chief Newman was not only selected to become an elite Air Force Phoenix Raven, but go through the Army's grueling Ranger School returning later as an instructor at Fort Benning! Command Chief Newman shares with us his leadership lessons at the cutting edge of battle from the land, sea, or air. A note of gratitude to all of you as the ‪@MarkHasara‬ YouTube page passed 201k subscribers last night and views of my podcast and shorts are now over 145 million views since we started on 2 February 2024!  Support the Lessons from the Cockpit show by subscribing to the @markhasara YouTube channel or better yet, join my Patreon group at the All Ranks Club. Membership ranges from free to $50 a month. Those of you joining at the Designated Driver ($15) and By The Bar ($50) tiers enjoy virtual Bar Night Live and Q&A sessions via Zoom, your questions go to the top of the list, and each month receive one of ten seven inch stickers, a profile drawing of a famous aircraft you can peel off and stick to any flat surface like a water bottle or laptop. The link to join the All Ranks Club on Patreon is: https://www.patreon.com/lessonsfromthecockpit/gift You can see all ten stickers on the All Ranks Club Discord channel, my daily journal on aviation at: https://discord.com/channels/1285369634329202840/1288163956246057071 If you want to financially support the Lessons from the Cockpit show by just contributing to help keep us going the PayPal link is: https://paypal.me/MRHSolutionsLLC?locale.x=en_US Or on Venmo at https://account.venmo.com/u/Mark-Hasara Thank you for making this channel what it is! I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Welcome to the ninety-fifth episode of the Lessons from the Cockpit Show! I am your host Mark Hasara, former KC-135 pilot and Airplane Nerd! I'm really excited to bring this episode to you! Air Mobility Command's Command Chief Master Sergeant Jamie Newman and I met at the Airlift Tanker Association convention in Dallas earlier this year. Coming up through the Air Force Security Police ranks, Command Chief Newman was not only selected to become an elite Air Force Phoenix Raven, but go through the Army's grueling Ranger School returning later as an instructor at Fort Benning! Command Chief Newman shares with us his leadership lessons at the cutting edge of battle from the land, sea, or air. A note of gratitude to all of you as the ‪@MarkHasara‬ YouTube page passed 201k subscribers last night and views of my podcast and shorts are now over 145 million views since we started on 2 February 2024!  Support the Lessons from the Cockpit show by subscribing to the @markhasara YouTube channel or better yet, join my Patreon group at the All Ranks Club. Membership ranges from free to $50 a month. Those of you joining at the Designated Driver ($15) and By The Bar ($50) tiers enjoy virtual Bar Night Live and Q&A sessions via Zoom, your questions go to the top of the list, and each month receive one of ten seven inch stickers, a profile drawing of a famous aircraft you can peel off and stick to any flat surface like a water bottle or laptop. The link to join the All Ranks Club on Patreon is: https://www.patreon.com/lessonsfromthecockpit/gift You can see all ten stickers on the All Ranks Club Discord channel, my daily journal on aviation at: https://discord.com/channels/1285369634329202840/1288163956246057071 If you want to financially support the Lessons from the Cockpit show by just contributing to help keep us going the PayPal link is: https://paypal.me/MRHSolutionsLLC?locale.x=en_US Or on Venmo at https://account.venmo.com/u/Mark-Hasara Thank you for making this channel what it is! I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Welcome to the VinnyRoc Podcast! In this episode, I'm joined by Joseph Luplow, a longtime friend, former Army Ranger, and fitness enthusiast who has carved an impressive path in powerlifting and bodybuilding after his military career. Joseph and I reminisce about our shared experiences in the military, including the bonds we forged during Ranger School, deployments, and intense training sessions. We explore Joseph's lifelong commitment to fitness, starting with his teenage years when he balanced football practices with relentless weightlifting sessions. He shares how this discipline stayed with him through the military and into his civilian life, where he continues to make time for fitness, even while working demanding schedules in industries like refinery work. Joseph also talks about the genetic factors that played a role in his physique and how he maximized those gifts through hard work and dedication. If you've ever wondered what it takes to maintain peak physical condition while balancing work, life, and personal goals, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. We also give a shoutout to our incredible sponsors: - Core Medical Group: Specialists in male hormone replacement therapy, serving veterans, first responders, and more. If you're looking to optimize your health and energy, contact them for discounted bloodwork—just mention the VinnyRoc Podcast. - Modern Gun School: A flexible, affordable online armorer school that allows veterans to use their GI Bill benefits. Study from home with high-quality materials and experienced instructors. - Grimblades: Makers of premium American-made straight razors and grooming tools. Check them out at Grimblades.com or follow @StraightRazors on Instagram. Whether you're interested in military stories, fitness advice, or just looking for inspiration, this episode delivers on all fronts. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible conversations with inspiring guests.

In this captivating episode of Mentors4mil, we dive deep into the journey of Sidney Jacquez, the first Ranger tabbed female in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sidney shares her story, starting from her selection in RASP-2, leading to her experiences in Ranger School, where she faced unexpected challenges. As the first woman from the regiment to pass the Ranger School's rigorous standards, Sidney opens up about the unique pressures and biases she encountered. Join us as we explore her tenacity and resilience, which helped her overcome many barriers, both mentally and physically. Sidney's honest reflections highlight the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, aiming for fairness and equity in unconventional spaces. Through her narrative, Sidney hopes to inspire future generations, showing that consistency in values and seeking support can lead to personal growth and achieving groundbreaking milestones. Don't miss this in-depth conversation on leadership, courage, and breaking down organizational barriers. ____________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Guest: Dan Streetman, CEO of TaniumA graduate of West Point who served in Iraq combat operations, Tanium CEO Dan Streetman can't help but compare his business career to his military experience. Understanding huge structures and processes is a crucial skill at both Tanium and in the Army, he says, as are the skills for aligning people around a shared mission.“Before you go on an operation, you write a thing called an operations order ... [and] one of the most important things at the operations order is this paragraph called the commander's intent,” he explains, “which describes how you believe the mission is going to be accomplished and why it's important.”“You may end up doing something completely different. But as long as you understand the mission and the commander's intent, the organization can do amazing things.”Chapters:(01:05) - Election Day (02:44) - Ranger School (06:42) - Parenting and business school (09:59) - Military structures (12:27) - Serving in Iraq (15:59) - Back to normal life (21:37) - Working out (24:14) - Quality sleep (26:37) - Non-founder CEOs (31:35) - Getting the job (35:56) - Earning respect (38:49) - TIBCO (43:40) - Redline (46:37) - Going public (53:54) - Time horizons (58:35) - Free AI (01:03:11) - Whar “grit” mans to Dan (01:03:40) - Who Tanium is hiring Mentioned in this episode: Ronald Reagan, Terri Streetman, Ironman Triathlons, Jeff Bezos and Amazon, Stanley McChrystal, Jon Abizaid, Charles Jacoby, Thomas Siebel and C3, Salesforce, Bill McDermott, Carl Eschenbach, Marc Benioff, Garmin, Mark McLaughlin, Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke, World Series of Poker, Amdocs, David and Orion Hindawi, Citrix, Harvard University, Pets.com, Ben Horowitz, Vista Equity Partners, Vivek Ranadivé, Robert Smith, Operation Warp Speed, BreakLine, Bipul Sinha and Rubrik, Mikhail Gorbachev, F. Scott Fitzgerald, OpenAI and ChatGPT, and Google.Links:Connect with DanLinkedInConnect with JoubinTwitterLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.com Learn more about Kleiner PerkinsThis episode was edited by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

In this episode, Joe De Sena explores the powerful lessons of military leadership with Ryan P. Crayne, an experienced Army officer.   Ryan shares how tough training, mental resilience, and leading by example forge exceptional leaders. Learn how the same principles that guide soldiers can help you develop personal discipline, build trust, and tackle challenges head-on in your own life.   Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, improve your physical and mental fitness, or just gain inspiration from military strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start applying today.   Highlights: 00:41 Major Crane's background in military service and teaching 02:17 The rewards and challenges of military service 03:19 Ranger School experiences and leadership development 05:16 Pushing limits and developing resilience in youth 08:50 Leadership tips: Trust, example, and expertise 12:13 Military recruiting and benefits of military service 16:00 The value of overcoming tough challenges 17:39 Major Crane's future military service plans 18:34 Daily habits inspired by military discipline 21:00 How to connect with Major Crane?

Kevin Smith, Founder of Terminator Training Method (TTM), specializes in virtual fitness coaching tailored for those prepping for Special Operations Forces (SOF) selection courses, especially SFAS. Born and raised in Maine, Kevin's dedication to hard work started as a young multi-sport athlete, inspired by his father and later refined through over a decade in the Army Special Forces as a Green Beret medic. He served on a military freefall team for 3.5 years at 10th SFG (A) and closed out his career on a dive/maritime team at 3rd SFG (A). During his time in, he completed multiple deployments and earned qualifications, including Ranger School, Advanced Land Navigation (SMU Selection), Dive Medical Technician, Static Line Jumpmaster, and the Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course. After 12 years of training for and serving as a Green Beret, he transitioned to a career in fitness coaching, specializing in 1:1 coaching, team coaching, and content creation.Kevin's approach to coaching is rooted in simplicity, efficiency, and personalization, emphasizing smart exercise selection, intentional progression, and flexibility. He believes in training that builds resilience without unnecessary complexity, prioritizing fundamentals over fads and ensuring each athlete's program uniquely suits their goals. His mission with TTM is to provide clear, science-backed guidance that empowers tactical athletes to exceed fitness standards and develop the mental toughness needed for SOF selection while avoiding the burnout and frustration he once faced. Through TTM's virtual coaching, podcast, and content, Kevin aims to reshape the tactical fitness space with no-nonsense, results-oriented coaching.More about Kevin:Website: Terminatortraining.comPodcast: The Terminator Training ShowYoutube: Terminator Training MethodIG: Terminator-trainingArticles referenced in the show: Mental Fortitude Prompts (Most Popular); Dealing With Pre-Selection Doubt; Crushing Team Week (Character Development); All Articles: TTM website; SubstackTimestamps:00:00:21 Introduction to Kevin Smith00:02:07 ‘How did you get into physical training…?'00:07:16 College and Joining The Army 00:13:27 Special Operations Preparation and Conditioning Course & Selection00:17:12 Helping Clients with Imposter Syndrome and Segmenting00:21:06 Sponsor Note: Building The Elite00:21:30 Segmenting (Continued)00:23:51 Self-Induced Stress00:26:57 Managing Self-Induced Stress00:36:16 18D School00:41:35 Advice for 18D00:45:37 After the Q Course00:49:15 Delta Force00:51:36 Camp Delhi00:54:01 Getting Out of The Army00:56:45 Ranger School01:01:11 Advice for Ranger School01:05:46 Learning with No Ego01:08:26 Coaching and Clearing Up Misinformation01:14:07 Nutrition01:19:33 Mindset and Character Trait Development01:27:46 Final Questions01:31:08 Outro

On this week's episode, Maria speaks with veteran, attorney, and founder of Berry Law, John Berry. They discuss serving in the military, working with veterans, what it's like to run a law firm with 3 practice areas, how to apply military leadership to business teams, and Maria finally meets someone who also refers to intake as sales.  You can get in touch with John at https://ptsdlawyers.com Guest John Berry (@theveteranlawyer on Instagram) after receiving his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, John completed Airborne School and Ranger School. John finished his military career as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel.Berry Law has served over 10,000 Veterans nationwide recovering over $300 million in backpay awards for veterans. Host Maria Monroy (@marialawrank on Instagram) is the Co-founder and President of LawRank, a leading SEO company for law firms since 2013. She has a knack for breaking down complex topics to make them more easily accessible and started Tip the Scales to share her knowledge with listeners like you. _____ LawRank grows your law firm with SEO Our clients saw a 384% increase in first-time calls and a 603% growth in traffic in 12 months. Get your free competitor report at https://lawrank.com/report. Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app Rate us 5 stars on iTunes and Spotify Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

On this week's episode, Maria speaks with veteran, attorney, and founder of Berry Law, John Berry. They discuss serving in the military, working with veterans, what it's like to run a law firm with 3 practice areas, how to apply military leadership to business teams, and Maria finally meets someone who also refers to intake as sales.  You can get in touch with John at https://ptsdlawyers.com Guest John Berry (@theveteranlawyer on Instagram) after receiving his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, John completed Airborne School and Ranger School. John finished his military career as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel.Berry Law has served over 10,000 Veterans nationwide recovering over $300 million in backpay awards for veterans. Host Maria Monroy (@marialawrank on Instagram) is the Co-founder and President of LawRank, a leading SEO company for law firms since 2013. She has a knack for breaking down complex topics to make them more easily accessible and started Tip the Scales to share her knowledge with listeners like you. _____ LawRank grows your law firm with SEO Our clients saw a 384% increase in first-time calls and a 603% growth in traffic in 12 months. Get your free competitor report at https://lawrank.com/report. Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app Rate us 5 stars on iTunes and Spotify Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

In this third chapter of the series, join me as I revisit my journey from a struggling soldier balancing military duties with building a business, to a thriving entrepreneur with a successful YouTube channel. I cover my experiences overcoming setbacks, like failing Ranger School and banking issues while deployed in South Korea. Learn how seeking discomfort and relentless self-investment led to Bare Performance Nutrition's growth from humble beginnings to tackling financial challenges. Chapters 00:00 Exciting Black Friday Sale Announcement 01:30 Reflecting on a Transformative Year 02:18 Journey to Becoming a Platoon Leader 03:27 Starting BPN with $500 11:44 Building the Brand on YouTube 23:52 Balancing Military and Business 33:34 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 39:17 Denied Opportunities and New Challenges 42:53 Secret YouTube Channel Revealed 47:28 South Korea: A Pivotal Moment 48:55 Building BPN in South Korea 58:57 Unexpected Banking Issues 01:04:12 Preparing for the Next Chapter 01:10:16 Conclusion and Next Steps Strength, endurance, and wellness supplements to fuel your performance. SAVE 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio FOLLOW: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenickbarepodcast YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this chapter of Building the Brand, I cover my time from landing in Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2013, to arriving at Fort Hood, Texas in October 2014. I share how my severe eating disorder led me to fall in love with fitness and start Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). I recount my Army ROTC experiences, graduating college, and the challenges faced during Ranger School. This chapter reflects on the importance of solitude, resilience, and the life lessons learned, paving the way for BPN's growth and my leadership approach. Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Personal Struggles 00:10 The Spark of Fitness and Nutrition 00:25 Military Journey Begins 00:50 Starting BPN: The Early Challenges 02:05 Reflecting on Chapter One 05:00 Arriving at Fort Benning 07:56 Lessons from Military Training 18:33 The Importance of Solitude 24:56 Preparing for Ranger School 32:55 Mastering Time Management 34:47 The Ranger School Challenge 39:48 Facing Setbacks and Resilience 50:45 Lessons in Leadership and Character 53:50 New Beginnings at Fort Hood 59:46 Going All In on BPN Strength, endurance, and wellness supplements to fuel your performance. SAVE 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio FOLLOW: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenickbarepodcast YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Fall Kickoff SALE: from now till the end of September, all orders of TTM PDF products on the site are 30% off with code FALL30. TTM Programs SOF Selection Prep Recovery & Nutrition GuideToday's questions:How much does bodyweight weight affect running?-I saw you suggested limiting NSAIDs. Why?-Ranger school at 35 years old, how much lasting health implications would it cause?-What are your views on proper running form overhyped or absolutely critical for injury prevention?-Having a rough time getting back to a hundred percent post selection. Any tips?-Is it a good or bad idea to do runs and rucks in the boots I'll be using at selection?--How long do you try to make your daily walks?-How would you program maintenance mode runs to prioritize lifts? Is it different for cutting or bulking?-What role should the low to no impact cardio, erg, spin bike, rubber play relative to running and rucking?-How to not be a non-select, even if you are a good leader team player?-How long can strength gain in a caloric deficit last for a beginner?-On week nine of Jack Gazelle(the deload week)but I'm going on vacation in three weeks. Should I delay deload?-How important is zone two for base building and what happens if you skip it?-What is your opinion on last SFAS class pass rate of 11.6%? 0.06%?-Advice on getting over the fear of jumping out of an airplane?-When conducting our own research via scientific papers, literature, data, et cetera, is there a way to spot bias?-How worth it is, Pedialyte for what It provides - $6 for 32 ounces on base.New Program: 2 & 5 Mile Run ProgramNEW EBOOK: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuidePrograms, articlesNew Training Team on TrainHeroic: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)terminatortraining.comKickstart- beginner/garage gym friendlyTime Crunch- Workouts for those short on timeHypertrophy- intermediate/advancedJacked Gazelle- Hybrid athleteSFAS Prep- Special forces train-upTrainHeroic- App based bodybuilding programFollow me:SubstackNewsletter Sign UpIG: terminator_trainingTwitter: @ksterminatortmyoutube: Terminator Training MethodFacebook: Terminator TrainingWhichev

"My pathway to Richmond was indirect. My ability to stay at Richmond was also pretty creative, but the school holds a very special place in my heart because I had to fight for it."Today on As Spiders Do, Brandon Shelton, '98 shares his journey from UR's Army ROTC to Ranger School and Military Intelligence to founding a company that invests in veteran founders. Tune in to hear how his lily-pad mindset has helped him build resilience throughout his life.Editing by Charlotte Haneke, Assistant Director of Student and Young Grad Programming, and Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

This week's episode of Urban Valor features Army Ranger Veteran and Netflix series host Cameron Fath. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA, Cameron's fascination with guns and tactical training led him to enlist in the Army with a Ranger contract. Cameron details the relentless challenges of the Ranger selection process and the intense experiences that shaped him into one of America's elite warriors.He also opens up about his time in Syria, working in the operation room and witnessing the harsh realities of combat casualties. Cameron reflects on the struggles of returning to civilian life and how he found a new path as the host of Netflix's "Toughest Forces on Earth."

Send us a textTiffany Myrick-Woodley served two decades in the US Army, and played an essential role in the integration of women into the Army's Combat Arms occupations. She served as a member of Cultural Support Team – Two (CST-2), enabling the 75th Ranger Regiment and Naval Special Warfare Development Group by engaging the Afghan female and adolescent populations prior to the lift of the Combat Exclusion Policy. She was also selected to observe and advise on the implementation of standards during gender integration of Ranger School, the Army's premier leadership course.Over the span of her military service, Tiffany discovered that real change comes through policy and education. This prompted her to leave the military to influence policy on a broader scale while continuing to provide inspiration, mentorship, and advocacy to future generations. Her ideals prompted her to accept a role as a board member for the Valkyrie Project, a nonprofit organization devoted to the advocacy and support of female service members.More about Tiffany:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-m-b477671b6/The Valkyrie Project: https://www.thevalkyrieproject.org/Timestamps:00:00:22 Introduction to Tiffany Myrick00:01:28 Tiffany's Roles in the Military00:03:35 Being On the Other Side of Basic Training00:05:18 One Station Unit Training00:06:51 What Did Tiffany Learn from Being a Drill Sergeant?00:10:03 The Cultural Support Team00:11:14 Selection Course for Cultural Support Team00:12:52 The White Board System00:13:15 Being a Student Versus Being Qualified to Do the Job 00:14:54 Ranger Physical Assessment00:15:45 Working Closely with the Same Partner for an Entire Mission00:16:48 Room for One Tactically00:17:38 What Does the Mission Objective Look Like?00:20:13 Deciding What Looks Important on a Mission00:20:40 Interacting with the Local Populous00:22:43 Main Security Concerns on Assignment00:23:46 Did Tiffany Know Ashley?00:24:39 Particular Missions That Stood Out to Tiffany00:29:23 Moments Where Everyone Is Suffering00:31:11 Wearing NODs (Night Observation Devices)00:32:01 Lifting the Combat Exclusion Policy00:32:59 Sponsor Note: Coaching Mentorship Course00:33:21 Advisory Role to Integrate Women into Ranger School00:35:25 Identifying Common Characteristics Among Graduates00:36:00 What Did the Army Learn as Women Were Integrated?00:38:33 The Gray Man, Middle of the Pack00:40:46 Why Couldn't Women Shave Their Heads Like the Men?00:41:23 When did Tiffany Retire?00:41:32 What Led Tiffany to the Valkyrie Project in 2023?00:44:34 Advice for Women in SOF Pipeline 00:46:34 Similar Stories to “The Ranger on a Ridgeline Getting an I.V.”00:49:21 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received 00:50:59 Outro

As a military veteran or first responder, you need to be planning and implementing strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, join the conversation with Harrison Lewis, a former Army Ranger and military officer whose journey from a military upbringing to the challenges of the ROTC program, the trials of Ranger School, and his transition to civilian life offers invaluable insights for military veterans and first responders. Harrison shares his struggles and triumphs, from his early days navigating family expectations and college football dreams to his time in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and beyond. Now, as a veteran, entrepreneur, and physical therapy student, Harrison opens up about his drive to build a global community through his veteran-owned clothing brand, GRND, and his mission to support fellow veterans, athletes, and underserved communities in their pursuit of excellence. Enjoy his compelling story of resilience, leadership, and the grind that continues to shape his life's work today. SPONSORS: Trident Coffee Get 15% off your purchase Link: https://tridentcoffee.com Promo Code: TDP15 SOFLETE Get 20% off your purchase Web: https://soflete.com Promo Code: TDP20 CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST: IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/ WEB: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: paul@transitiondrillpodcast.com CONNECT WITH HARRISON: WEB: https://thegrndcollective.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-lewis-9358ba94/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/harrisonllewis/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/grnd.us/ GRND Commandments 1) Show Up 2) Do the work 3) Update your resume 4) Chase Passion, not fame, not money, not status 5) Be the version of yourself you would follow 6) The impression you make on others matters 7) Train your mind 8) Train your body 9) Cultivate your spirit 10) Be intentional 11) Stand on the things you say to people 12) Stand on the things you say to yourself 13) Be the light in your darkest room 14) Respect the state of uncomfort 15) Lead with your heart and a strong body will follow 16) Be an athlete 17) Embrace the GRND, it will always be hard 18) Leadership is a craft, find ways to improve self 19) Invest in relationships 20) Have fun with everything you do 21) Death is coming, cheat it by being prepared 22) Stay in season 23) Leave a foot print worth stepping in 24) Take risks, if you failure, take another 25) Go Further

Today's episode was recorded on my recent trip to CA. I used my macbook speakers, so be sure to turn the volume up a bit!This was a lengthy one that discussed a multitude of great topics, including:dips and shoulder painsummer vs. winter selection pros and consranger school recovery timelineprepping for BUD/S or SFAS on 5 miles/weekRanger school vs. SFAS fitness requirementsHow to reverse diet to speed up metabolismT-850 for SWAT/SOF prepBiking to/from gym and its effects on progressJacked Gazelle V2 announcementCruise intervals vs. tempo workTraining through vs. around injuriesStrength training to ruck fasterFixing early wake ups/poor sleepNaps - yay or nay?Who should take rest days? Who shouldn't?Combining 2 TTM programs (JG and 2/5 mile)And more! New Program: 2 & 5 Mile Run ProgramNEW EBOOK: SOF Selection Recovery & Nutrition GuidePrograms, articlesNew Training Team on TrainHeroic: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)terminatortraining.comKickstart- beginner/garage gym friendlyTime Crunch- Workouts for those short on timeHypertrophy- intermediate/advancedJacked Gazelle- Hybrid athleteSFAS Prep- Special forces train-upTrainHeroic- App based bodybuilding programFollow me:SubstackNewsletter Sign UpIG: terminator_trainingTwitter: @ksterminatortmyoutube: Terminator Training MethodFacebook: Terminator TrainingWhichever platform you're tuning in on, feel free to leave a review! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. The more reviews we receive, the more people the podcast will reach!Also, if you know anyone who loves fitness and podcasts, spread the word! My goal is to help as many people as I can and cut out the BS when it comes to fitness, nutrition and health.Look for weekly (or more) Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

Blaz graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 2012 and finished Ranger School a year later. After leaving the military he became a production manager of a whole plant, leading 120 associates producing overvoltage protection. He then continued his journey as an IT consultant and Project manager. After taking a career break, he became the Head of Operations in Slovenia for a food delivery company, setting up operations from scratch and enabling a fast growth of 49x within 3 months. 6 months later he became the Regional Operations Director of 8 countries. He took a short break before becoming the Chief of Staff for a Career Coaching company. Now he is a Leadership coach. Blaz's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blazmarolt Brain Based Leadership: blazmarolt.com/bblfreebie-5253 From James: FREE Passive Income Masterclass (profityourknowledge.com)

Send us a Text Message.Imagine navigating the chaos of a gang-ridden neighborhood while battling dyslexia. This is where Christopher's story begins. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, he faced daunting challenges that molded his indomitable spirit and resilience, ultimately steering him towards a distinguished military career. In this episode, Christopher sheds light on the rigorous training and profound camaraderie within the 75th Ranger Regiment, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of an elite soldier. Far from the glamorous portrayals in Hollywood, he opens up about the vulnerabilities and the emotional toll of service, revealing a side of warriors often left in the shadows.  We walk through Christopher's transformative journey, from the turbulent years of his youth to the pivotal moment of enlisting in the Army. Hear gripping tales of survival, including a life-threatening encounter at a high school party, and the relentless trials of Ranger School. As he recounts the impact of September 11th on his regiment, the conversation takes us through the intense bonds formed in combat and the reality of multiple deployments. Christopher candidly discusses the trauma and leadership challenges, unpacking the art of survival and the emotional fallout from years on the battlefield.  Beyond the battlefield, the episode delves into Christopher's struggle with transitioning back to civilian life, where he faced new challenges of self-discovery and healing. He speaks passionately about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and plant medicine, sharing personal anecdotes of recovery and growth. This episode is not just a tale of resilience and grit but also a profound exploration of accountability, self-acceptance, and the quest for inner peace. Join us for an inspiring and deeply moving conversation that offers valuable insights for veterans and anyone committed to understanding the true cost of service.  Your support means the world to us, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest episodes and join our growing community!Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.pod Be sure to follow Christopher on Instagram: roach0201 and head over to reconsider.org and heroicheartsproject.org to find out more about psychedelics. Support the Show.Produced by Security Halt Media

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dr. Wayne “Mike” Hall discusses his latest capstone book: the Moral Imperative of Our Time-Purposeful Intellectual Growth. According to Mike, America's intellect is sharply declining; he implores national security leaders to address this problem immediately by: 1) improving individual learning, 2) promoting organizational learning, and 3) encouraging intellectual mentoring. Satisfying these callings is the moral imperative. Mike also discusses other important themes such as: will, incorporating information and cognition as warfighting domains, how to think in today's fight, non-linearity and complex systems, anticipation compared to prediction, and the importance of initial conditions, and unity of effort. Research Question: Mike Hall suggests interested students examine:  How does this fit into DOTMLPF? How do we get politicians to understand Clausewitz? Recording Date: 21 June 2024 Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #47 Yaneer Bar-Yam on Complex Systems and the War on Ideals #72 Noah Komnick on Cybernetics and the Age of Complexity Mike Hall's website Chinese Military Targeting Future Wars And Fighting The Five Cognitive Battles The Moral Imperative of Our Time-Purposeful Intellectual Growth: Developing and Using the Human Mind To Outthink America's Enemies and To Stay Abreast of Changing Technologies by Ed D Wayne Michael Hall Whispers from the Arrow of Time: Essays from an Evolving Mind on How to Think about National Security in the Information Age by Wayne Michael Hall Stray Voltage: War in the Information Age by Wayne Michael Hall Intelligence Analysis: How to Think in Complex Environments by Wayne Michael Hall and Gary Citrenbaum The Power of Will in International Conflict: How to Think Critically in Complex Environments by Wayne Michael Hall and Patrick M. Hughes Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Wayne Michael “Mike” Hall, Brigadier General, US Army (Retired), is a career U.S. Army intelligence officer with over 50 years of experience in intelligence operations. In the Army, Brigadier General Hall served in four infantry divisions: 2d, 1 st , 4 th , and 82d. He commanded intelligence units at the company (337 th ASA Company), battalion (313 th MI Bn, 82d Airborne Division), and brigade (501 st MI Brigade in the Republic of Korea). BG Hall was an infantry battalion S-2 in the 1 st Infantry Division, an infantry brigade S-2 while in Korea in the 2d Infantry Division, and an infantry brigade S-2 in the 1 st Infantry Division. He was the G-2 of the 82d Airborne Division, and as a general officer, the J-2 US Forces Korea. After retiring from the Army in 1999, he worked with military and private corporations providing consulting services in intelligence-related matters for more than 12 years. He also created a two-week intensive seminar for intelligence analysts and collections specialists, centering on his book Intelligence Analysis: How to Think in Complex Environments. Brigadier General Hall led the strenuous two-week seminars from 2008-2014 and helped ~1250 intelligence analysts and collection people learn “how to think” in complex environments. Brigadier General Hall has written six books: Stray Voltage War in the Information Age (2003); Intelligence Analysis How to Think in Complex Environments(2009); Intelligence Collection How to Plan and Execute Intelligence Collection in Complex Environments (2012); The Power of Will in International Conflict (2018); Whispers From the Arrow of Time (2023); and The Moral Imperative of Our Time—Purposeful Intellectual Growth. Brigadier General Hall holds a BS from the University of Nebraska, an MS from Kansas State University, an MMAS from the US Army CGSC, and an EdD from The George Washington University. Brigadier General Hall is a graduate of the US Army's Command and General Staff College, School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), and the National War College. Brigadier General Hall is a Senior Parachutist and a Ranger School graduate from the US Army's Ranger School, February 1973. Brigadier General Hall lives with his wife near Denton Texas. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Sidney Jaques has logged quite a few firsts for women in the Army. In 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne she became the first woman assigned to one of their infantry battalions. While serving in that capacity, she attended Ranger Assessment and Selection (RASP2) and was selected to serve as the Ranger Regimental S1. Once she graduated Ranger School she became the first woman in the Army to have earned both the Ranger tab and Ranger Regiment scroll. This journey has not been without its challenges, and in the episode she discusses some of the hardship she faced along the way. But more importantly she shares how she uses her experience to help mentor and support the women who are following in her footsteps. Sidney is outspoken and active on social media, and you can find her platform Balance Your Grit on Instragram.

Robert & Kyle coming at you from Pearl and Pine Brewery in downtown Senoia, GA. We had an awesome chat with our guest Logan Lewis (Lew), who just witnessed a graduation at Ranger School. Lew's journey from the 75th Ranger Regiment, Old Guard, and 6th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB) to mentoring and coaching soldiers is nothing short of inspiring. Lew opened up about his transition from the Ranger Regiment to the Old Guard, and how he found his true calling in guiding young soldiers. He shared some incredible stories, like mentoring a soldier who went from feeling discouraged to becoming a top Ranger. Lew's all about pushing boundaries, both physically and mentally, and he's got a knack for spotting potential in others. We also got into the nitty-gritty of Ranger Regiment life, the importance of mental toughness, and how leadership is all about empathy and compassion. Lew's dedication to filling the Ranger Regiment with top-notch soldiers is truly commendable. Plus, he's got some cool insights on the evolving nature of warfare and how training needs to adapt to keep up. If you're curious about what it takes to be a Ranger, or just want to hear some heartwarming mentorship stories, this episode is a must-listen. And hey, if you want to connect with Lew, just shoot him a message on Black Flag Nation (@blackflagnation_ on Instagram). He's always there to chat, share advice, and help you reach your goals. Catch you on the next episode! ____________ Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl #mentors4mil  #mentorsformilitary Mentors4mil Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mentors4mil Patreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/join/Mentors4mil  Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Tim Sheehy is a former Navy SEAL Officer who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region, according to his campaign. Sheehy also says he was the first Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy to participate in the Army's Special Operations exchange program and the first to graduate from the Army's Ranger School. After graduation, he was commissioned into the Navy and completed SEAL training. During his service, Sheehy received a bronze star for valor and a purple heart after he was knocked unconscious by an IED blast, according to local reporting.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/ZeroBlog30