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Host Dustin Diefenderfer interviews former Navy SEAL John Doolittle, who shares his extensive experience in addressing mental health, sleep, and performance challenges faced by first responders, veterans, and active-duty military. Doolittle discusses his 25-year Navy career, including his work with SOCOM's Preservation of the Force and Family program, where he helped validate Magnetic EEG Guided Resonance Therapy (MERT) to improve sleep and mental health. He highlights the critical link between sleep deprivation and issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide, emphasizing how even an extra hour of sleep can transform lives. Doolittle also underscores the importance of trusted relationships and social connectedness in combating mental health struggles, drawing from personal experiences, including the loss of his friend Joe Price to suicide. His insights offer practical hacks for enhancing performance and well-being in high-stress professions.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S.
Send us a textThe Daily Drop is here and this one is overflowing with fraud, firepower, and the federal fumble reel. Jared dives into the Pentagon's latest week of insanity: $10.8B in fraud? Check. Hypersonic missiles making a comeback? Check. A free Qatari plane that's somehow costing $400M to modify? Check. And that's before we even get to the Air Force's new anti-ship missile flex, transgender cadet policy chaos, and the absurd SpaceX-White House pissing match.Oh yeah—Space Force nostalgia? F-47 cockpit speculation? Missileer cancer rates? Welcome to another episode of “Who's Driving This Thing?” The answer is: no one. Absolutely no one.
Send us a textIt's another beautifully chaotic episode of the Ones Ready Daily Drop, and today we're launching straight into the bureaucratic bonfire. Jared's back with updates so wild you'd think the Pentagon was drunk texting Congress. From billion-dollar GPS launches to PFAS exposure going prime time, we're diving headfirst into drone dread, six-gen fighter delays, Space Force spending black holes, and the VA disability floodgates cracking wide open.Also: A WWII hero finally gets his due, Canada's prepping for WWIII by 2028, and NATO's still hoping its members hit 2% defense spending...by 2036. Meanwhile, GPS going dark could cause global chaos (shocker), and everyone's pretending we'll somehow counter Ukraine-style drone strikes with... what, PowerPoints?
Send us a textStrap in, kids—this episode is a buffet of DoD chaos, spicy geopolitical moves, and “WTF are we even doing?” headlines. Jared unleashes on everything from the sketchiest Air Force One replacement idea ever (thanks, Qatar) to Golden Dome missile pipe dreams and the absolute circus that is Cyber Command's latest identity crisis.We're also sending ICE to Marine bases, cutting 14% of Space Force civilians (brilliant), and relying on $26 million to keep Reserve pilots in the sky. Oh, and if you thought privatizing base lodging was gonna save anyone money—LOL, you're adorable.All this while the Air Force plays catch-up with drone integration, and Netflix somehow makes the Thunderbirds look cost-effective. Welcome to another day in the Pentagon's magical clown tent.
Send us a textIn this extended Daily Drop, Jared unleashes a tactical nuke of sarcasm on the Pentagon's parade of WTF decisions. From billion-dollar contracts imploding to Airmen stuck in retirement limbo, it's clear nobody's steering this defense dumpster fire. Cyber Command wants to be SOCOM now (because that worked so well before), troops can't move because the PCS fairy ran out of money, and SpaceX is somehow our last hope in space. Also: PFAS water, political drama, and Congress failing military families… again.If you like your military updates with a side of rage and real talk, you're in the right TOC.
Send us a textYou've asked. We've avoided. But today? We answer. In this no-holds-barred, caffeine-fueled episode, Aaron and Trent finally break down what Special Reconnaissance (SR) actually does—why it exists, why it's not just “Air Force Marine Recon,” and why anyone trying to say “but SEALs can do that” needs to go touch grass.Trent—who literally helped write the playbook for SR—lays out why the Air Force had to level up from SOWT, why SR isn't a clone of other recon units, and how SR brings a capability-based solution to Air Force-specific problems in the next-gen fight. Oh, and if you think it's just “guys sneaking around in ghillie suits,” strap in. We're talking intel, electronic warfare, environmental sensing, sniper school, free fall, and (hopefully) dive recovery missions… all while bridging the gap between air assets and ground teams.Also: Why the Air Force finally realized being “just an enabler” wasn't cutting it anymore, how SOCOM called their bluff, and why SR isn't meant to just “loan guys out” to other services. This is your crash course on why SR isn't weather anymore—and why it's a critical wedge in the special warfare team.
Send us a textIn today's Daily Drop, Peaches wades through 20+ pages of Pentagon memos so you don't have to—and the headlines are as wild as you'd expect. From the DoD accelerating AI and electronic warfare for SOF teams (because robot war is here), to the Pentagon trying to fire every transgender troop in 30 days (seriously), it's another day in America's defense soap opera.Also: the Space Force is debating whether orbital refueling is even worth it, even though it sounds like the coolest sci-fi thing ever; the B-52 radar upgrade blows past budget (shocker); and the Air Force finally admits the CV-22 Osprey might never hit full capability again (gasp). And yes, the crew debates which generation would actually win in an all-out war cage match—Gen X or the Greatest Generation?
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.
Send us a textWelcome to the May 8th Daily Drop, where Peaches breaks down another round of Pentagon chaos with his signature sarcasm. On today's menu: the DoD admits it probably won't pass an audit… for at least another 3 years (LOL), military daycares struggle with child abuse reporting (yikes), and the Pentagon's cyber warriors are apparently fighting cartels with keyboards at the border (sure, why not?).Meanwhile, the KC-46 Pegasus finally clears its cracked ribs, the F-15EX basing drama gets messier, and SOCOM's new aircraft is already asking for upgrades—less than a year in. Over in Space Force? They're making a planetarium movie to convince you they're not just a meme, while also quietly building a new orbital warfare “product line.” Oh, and North Korea? Still launching missiles. No big deal.
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 4: Jariko Denman — Standards, Legacy, and Life Beyond the Regiment
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 2: Melissa Johnson — Accelerating Innovation for SOF
SOFcast | Season 6, Episode 3: Nick Lavery — Choosing to Fight Forward
Why the beat-'em-up is eternal, how video game leaks have changed through the years, why SOCOM is probably overrated, and more!
We reveal groundbreaking research from John Lott's Crime Prevention Research Center showing concealed carriers stop active shooters more effectively than police (51.5% vs 44.6%). The data proves armed civilians are six times less likely to be killed and more accurate in crisis situations than law enforcement. Also in this episode: The Supreme Court's Vanderstok ruling: Attorney Robert Wright explains why it's more limited than you think California magazine ban update: What happens next after the 9th Circuit ruling 458 SOCOM magazines: A potential compliance option explained by Michael Gun Truth of the Week: How women's firearms training reduced sexual assaults by 88% in Orlando Interview with emergency medicine expert Erin Pettengill on life-saving first aid skills every gun owner needs Blue State Blues: How the 2030 census will dramatically shift electoral votes from CA and NY to red states SEAL1's Stump-My-Nephew trivia: What is a "Dum Dum bullet" and what were they named after? NotMe's 6th anniversary celebrating women's self-defense training Upcoming tactical training events and activism opportunities across Southern California
“The Evolution of U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations”: Insights from John DaileyJohn Dailey is a retired Marine Force Recon sniper and member of Detachment One, the first USMC unit in SOCOM. A veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, he now trains Marine Raiders and holds multiple master's degrees, including an MFA in creative writing. He is also the author of Tough Rugged Bastards. Over the course of his career, John played a pivotal role in shaping the Marine Corps' special operations capabilities, including the formation of the Marine Raiders. From his early days in Force Recon to deploying alongside Navy SEALs in Iraq, John's experience spans some of the most transformative moments in modern military history.In this episode, John shares a powerful insight that has shaped both his military career and his life beyond service:"When the mission changes, your mindset must change with it. Adaptability isn't just a skill; it's a survival tool.”This mindset defined John's ability to lead through shifting roles, new threats, and unexpected challenges. After 9/11, as the Marine Corps was tasked with creating a new special operations unit, John found himself at the forefront of this transformation. Working alongside Colonel Robert Coates, John helped form the Marine Corps' first special operations unit, which would later become the Marine Raiders. Their initial deployment alongside Navy SEALs in Iraq in 2004 marked a turning point for the Marine Corps' role in SOCOM and the wider special operations landscape.John's philosophy on leadership, adaptability, and teamwork is deeply rooted in his military experience. He emphasizes that even support roles — mechanics, medics, and administrative staff — were vital to mission success. "Everybody fights," John recalls. "That mindset kept us prepared for anything.”Mental Fortitude and Problem-Solving: The ability to navigate high-stress situations and solve problems under pressure is crucial in special operations. John's resilience and growth throughout his career serve as an inspiration for aspiring operators and veterans alike.Since retiring, John has continued to share his insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of finding purpose after military service. His book, Tough Rugged Bastards, blends personal stories with actionable lessons for overcoming adversity and embracing change. For those navigating their own transitions — whether in the military, corporate world, or personal life — John's message is clear: adaptability, teamwork, and purpose are the cornerstones of success.John's remarkable journey, from the sands of Iraq to mentoring others through his writing, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring strength of the Marine Corps spirit.Why You Should Listen: This episode is a deep dive into the world of special operations, filled with historical context, personal stories, and valuable lessons. Whether you're a military enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for inspiration, John Daly's experiences and insights are sure to captivate you.
Tom buys his grail pistol, the Mark 23 Socom with a can. Robert and Jared shoot SLPSA's 7 stage match with their new Staccato HD 4". They give their review and it's good. Show Sponsors: Rune Tactical Dominate Defense W-74 Guide Rods Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@paracastfirearmspodcast905 Telegram: https://t.me/PARAcastpod Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=16370931 Chat: @paracastchat (telegram)
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SAR USA Website Powered By SDS Arms Thanks To Gideon Optics ********** Become A YouTube Channel Member Amazon Influencer Store Visit The CloverTac Website
In this episode of Building the Base, Melissa "Mojo" Johnson, Acquisition Executive at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), offers a candid look into the world of military acquisition, drawing from her extensive experience with the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office and SOCOM. Five key takeaways from today's episode:To drive organizational growth effectively, Mojo advocates for horizontal scaling, emphasizing small, high-performing teams with direct communication and a flat chain of command over creating layers of bureaucracy.Acquisition success, according to Mojo, isn't about drowning in complex regulations, but about applying critical thinking - tailoring processes to solve specific problems and maintaining focus on the core mission.Breaking down barriers between commercial and military tech requires a continuous dialogue, Mojo believes, by bringing together venture capitalists, industry partners, and military leaders to understand and apply innovative solutions.When integrating new technologies, Mojo emphasizes understanding the end effect - moving beyond simply applying AI or new tech, and clearly articulating how a solution will enhance operator capabilities and reduce unnecessary burdens.For maintaining resilience in high-stress environments, Mojo recommends building a strong support system, taking time to gain perspective, celebrating successes, and recognizing that no challenge is entirely unprecedented.
Send us a textToday, we have a truly special guest: John A Dailey—a retired Marine Corps Force Recon sniper, founding member of MARSOC, the Marine Corps' first official unit under SOCOM, and author of Tough Rugged Bastards. If you're curious about how an elite group of Marines forged a brand-new special operations detachment at the height of the post-9/11 conflicts, then this episode is for you.John will share what it took to create and lead a pioneering special operations team—one that had to earn its place on the battlefield and prove skeptics wrong. We'll talk about everything from the interplay between Marines and Navy SEALs in Iraq, to John's hard-won lessons on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Whether you're in the military, in business, or just looking to push your own personal boundaries, you'll find something valuable in John's experiences and insights. Thank you so much for tuning in! We hope you enjoy the episode. Don't forget to check out our Patreon channel for additional content and subscriber-only episodes. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving us a review and, more importantly, sharing it with a friend.Thank you for your time and remember: Training Changes Behavior!Order "Tough Rugged Bastards" here: AMAZONSupport the showWebsite: https://thehumanbehaviorpodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHumanBehaviorPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbehaviorpodcast/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ArcadiaCognerati More about Greg and Brian: https://arcadiacognerati.com/arcadia-cognerati-leadership-team/
It's a rare occurrence that Josh and Lauren are in the same place — BUT, they come together today during SoCom 2025 to hit us with all the hot creator economy goss. Headlines include: YouTube's Community push and creators at the Super Bowl.Hike!Here are the main headlines for the week:YouTube wants creators and fans closer than ever with its new Communities update - TubefilterCreators are ruling Super Bowl advertising. Doritos brought back a classic contest to get in on the fun. - TubefilterKhaby Lame vows to "see all the world and its problems" as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador - Tubefilter Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK
VCommerce experts Matt Hodlofski & Nicolas Bailliache every Friday at 11am ET for a lively discussion on the latest developments shaping the#videocommerce and#liveshopping landscape.#vcommerceReceive weekly live shopping industry updates and tips in our newsletter:https://try.estreamly.com/newsletterSeason 3: EP3Tariff SoCom: the first-ever Social Commerce gathering in the USUPS/Amazon are breaking upAmazon expected to pass Walmart in Yearly Revenue About eStreamly: eStreamly enables shoppable livestreams & videos across platforms, including your website, social media, SMS, emails... Video become a direct ecommerce extension with in-video checkout, boasting a 10-15% conversion rate. Fast and reliable, it's your payment, your inventory, your ecommerce.https://hubs.ly/Q02qJNmM0About Matt: He has over 25 years of vcommerce experience within product marketing and sales. He currently is a partner at e6 marketing, a firm that help brands to go on QVC/ HSN#curated#videocommerce news of the week#ecommerce#retail
Send us a textIn this episode, we dive deep into why the Air Force is reimagining its Special Tactics pipeline. Peaches, Aaron, and Trent chat with Maj Col Chris Walsh about why change fatigue is a cop-out, the pitfalls of staying stuck in GWOT-era training, and why your excuses are just as outdated as your skills. From CVT validations to the mysteries of SOCOM expectations, this episode is equal parts brutal truth and unfiltered sarcasm. Like, subscribe, smash the bell, leave a review, and join our membership—because if you're still making excuses, you probably shouldn't be here anyway.Support the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Promo Code: PODCASTKC20...
John Doolittle is Jack's BUD/S Class Officer in Charge and a retired Navy SEAL Captain with over 25 years of service, including leading elite teams in deployments across the globe and spearheading the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program at SOCOM. He swam the English Channel in memory of a fallen teammate, raising funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation, and continues to support the community as a co-founder of the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim. Now working with KAATSU Global, John applies his combat-tested leadership principles to help wounded warriors, organizations, and teams build resilience, trust, and performance. To learn more about John, visit his website https://johndoolittle.com , follow him on LinkedIN @john-doolittle, on Instagram @johndoolittle213, and on X @JohnDoolittle69 To learn more about the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim, visit https://tampabayfrogman.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing: https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA BCM Jack Carr MOD 4 pistol grip. Get yours here- https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm- jack-carr-mod-4-pistol-grip-black/ SIG Sauer P226: https://www.sigsauer.com/firearms/pistols/p226.html and on Instagram @sigsauerinc STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here - https://jackcarr.co/gear
Send us a textToday on The Prather Point LIVE at 2 pm ET on RUMBLE:https://rumble.com/v632rt8-special-the-socom-soldier-who-got-saddam.htmlVERY SPECIAL INTERVIEW LONG IN THE MAKING!YET ANOTHER LEGEND I WAS PRIVILEGED TO WORK WITH!THE REAL-LIFE LAYTON AND ROCHEFORT OF THE IRAQ WAR ON TERRORISM!ERIC MADDOX - SOCOM SOLDIER, IMPECCABLE INTERROGATOR & ENTREPRENEUR EXTRAORDINAIRE!
In this episode, we sit down for a long awaited Part 2 with Bryan Pickens, a retired Army Special Forces veteran who after 20 years of service has transitioned from an elite military career to Hollywood consulting and building custom hot rods and motorcycles. As the founder of Gas & Garters, Bryan shares his journey from the battlefields of Iraq, Afghanistan, and most recently Ukraine to advising on major film productions, and finally, crafting some of the most jaw-dropping custom vehicles on the road. From combat to creativity, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and stories of resilience. Don't miss it!
Rey and Glenn discuss the PlayStation 5 Pro, Empire of the Ants, PDP Afterglow Wave controller, “Console Wars” DLC for Atari 50,Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered,Farming Simulator 25 and MUCH more! 4:38 - Socom 14:10 - LEGO Horizon Adventures 18:00 PlayStation 5 Pro 19:20 - No Man's Sky 29:39 - Empire of the Ants 35:04 - Passageway of the Ancients 39:29 - PDP Afterglow Wave with Motion for Switch 45:07 - Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection 46:34 - ‘Console Wars' DLC for Atari 50 47:21 - Starship Troopers 48:12 - FartMania 49:32 - Yakuza: Kiwami (Switch) 50:45 - RetroRealms 52:45 - Kong: Survivor Instinct 54:58 - Blazing Strike 56:32 - Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered 57:53 - Farming Simulator 25 59:56 - The Crew: Motorfest 1:02:17 - Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 1:17:05 - Metaphor Refantazio 1:19:40 - Batman: Arkham Shadows 1:26:12 - Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Join us as we discuss John Dailey's book 'Tough Rugged Bastards' and the story of MARSOC, the Marine Raiders. We'll discuss the process of getting the book approved by the military and the challenges faced. We'll also talk about John's motivation for writing the book and the benefits of getting an MFA in creative writing. We discuss the difference between recon Marines and force recon, and the role of force recon in working for the force commander. And we also touch on the importance of a culture of accountability and constructive criticism in high-performing organizations. The conversation also covers the experiences of John Dailey during his time in the Marine Corps and as a member of the first Marine Special Operations Company. Show Links Get 1-month of FREE access to the Vet Collective Community by using discount code: NLT1UQTI Join us here: https://www.collective.vet Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music. https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarter John's Links https://www.jadailey.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X Chapters 00:00 The Approval Process and Challenges 04:04 Motivation for Writing the Book and Getting an MFA 08:44 Difference Between Recon Marines and Force Recon 12:26 The Culture of Accountability 18:37 Imposter Syndrome and Excellence 23:59 Custom Building a High-Speed Unit 28:14 Training and Preparation for Deployment 34:55 Focus on CQB in Iraq 37:18 Challenges and Successes of the First Marine Special Operations Company 38:00 The Importance of Intelligence Support in Operations 40:34 The First Mission Based on Intel Work 43:23 Rolling Out and Capturing a Bomb Maker 48:09 Notable SEALs in Iraq 50:07 Sentiment from SOCOM, Marine Corps, and the Unit 53:29 Developing an Assessment and Selection Program 55:33 Structural Changes and Future of Marine Raiders 59:17 Training Focus and Future Plans 01:02:50 Writing Process and Mentors 01:05:26 Book Availability and Events 01:07:44 Future Writing Projects and Coaching Takeaways The process of getting a book approved by the military can be lengthy and requires following the rules and making changes. Having an MFA in creative writing can provide the confidence and skills needed to write a book. Force recon Marines work for the force commander and operate deeper behind enemy lines compared to recon Marines. A culture of accountability and constructive criticism is important in high-performing organizations. Imposter syndrome can be a driving force for excellence and continuous improvement. Custom building a unit allows for the development of new SOPs and procedures that can improve mission success. Training and preparation for deployment can vary depending on the mission and location. CQB (Close Quarters Battle) becomes a main mission focus for force recon Marines deployed to Iraq. The first Marine Special Operations Company (DETF-1) faced challenges and successes during their deployment to Iraq in 2003. Intelligence support played a crucial role in their operations, and the unit had a strong focus on the basics of shooting, moving, communicating, and surviving. The creation of the Marine Raiders was a significant development in Marine Special Operations. John A. Dailey plans to continue writing and has future projects in mind, including books on military life lessons and mental toughness. He is also involved in coaching and training Marine Raiders.
In this episode, I sit down with former SOCOM intelligence officer and host of the Chasing Ghosts Podcast, Bill Buppert.Bill brings his extensive background in unconventional warfare, tactical preparedness, and insurgency analysis to a timely discussion on the October 7th attacks in Israel. Drawing from his experience critiquing traditional counter-insurgency methods and exploring tactical resilience, Buppert shares insights into the vulnerabilities that could make the U.S. susceptible to similar tactics. He'll also touch on the lessons learned from past insurgencies, his skepticism toward mainstream COIN strategies, and what preparedness means in the face of modern asymmetric threats.In this episode, we cover: - whether an October 7th-style attack could happen here in America? - if so, what could such an attack look like? - what you as a security-minded citizen can do to prepare for it, - AND MORE!!So, pull up a chair and sit a spell as Bill shares crucial insights to help you become more resilient, self-reliant, and better prepared to face this and other potential threats.Follow Bill's Work here:Chasing Ghosts: An Irregular Warfare PodcastThe Libertarian InstituteFurther Reading:Day of Wrath, William ForstchenThe Attack, Kurt SchlichterSupport the show Support the Show: Get Members Only Content on our Substack page. Click here.Link up with us:Website: Pearl Snap TacticalInstagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X: Pearl Snap TaciticalThe views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or Barritus Defense. The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice. Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor.(Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)
Did you know we can trace the Psychological Operations Regiment to a single person?Did you know PSYOP played a role in the Office of Strategic Services?They were there at the landings of Normandy, in the planning for Desert Storm, and remain a critical component to military victory in the modern age.Join us as we host Dr. Jared Tracy, the Army Special Operations Forces' Deputy Command Historian, as he dives deep with us on the nuances and facts of the PSYOP Regiment and its history. About the guest:Dr. Jared M. Tracy, PhD served six years in the U.S. Army, and became a historian at the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in December 2010. He earned an MA in History from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MDiv in Theology from Liberty University, and a PhD in History from Kansas State University. Dr. Tracy is now the deputy command historian for USASOC at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. He previously concentrated on PSYOP history, but now he researches and writes on a wide range of ARSOF-related topics. His writing has appeared in Military Review, NCO Journal, Southern Historian, and Veritas: Journal of Army Special Operations History. About the hosts:Maj. Ashley "Ash" Holzmann is an experienced Psychological Operations Officer who served within the re-established PSYWAR School at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. He is now transitioning to attend grad school at Arizona State University with a follow-on assignment at West Point's Army Cyber Institute where he will research misinformation.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. From the episode:Victory Through Influence (Dr. Tracy's first book):https://www.tamupress.com/book/9781648430343/victory-through-influence/The ARSOC History website:https://arsof-history.org/about.html#tracyDr. Tracy's dissertation is publicly available here:https://krex.k-state.edu/items/333a90d2-6c98-4ac2-aa90-0e33a46c9e3fHis writing on the history of PSYOP and PSYWAR has even been posted to the main army website:https://www.army.mil/article/199431/100_years_of_subterfuge_the_history_of_army_psychological_operations Article on rebuilding the PSYWAR capability:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v7n2_intro_page_1.htmlIs Taylor Swift a PSYOP (featuring Dr. Tracy)?https://www.wired.com/story/taylor-swift-psyop-conspiracy/The Guardian article referenced about Panama (featuring Dr. Tracy):https://www.theguardian.com/music/audio/2021/feb/03/reverberate-episode-2-rick-astley-versus-the-dictator-of-panama-podcastWhat did PSYOP do during Operation Just Cause in Panama. Ash disappointedly was not able to find the interview of the captain, but the ARSOF Historians have covered this exact operation in detail:https://arsof-history.org/articles/21feb_psyop_just_cause_page_1.htmlFrom that article:"Then, LTG Stiner (with Thurman's approval) ordered a PSYOP-led “sound barrier” around the Nunciature after Christmas to prevent media eavesdropping on negotiations between MG Marc A. Cisneros, Commander, USARSO, and José Sebastían Laboa, the Papal Nuncio (Vatican diplomatic representative). Deafening, round-the-clock music from cassette tapes and local radio stations blared through 450-watt loudspeakers mounted on HMMWVs."The art and science of PSYOP has been written about at length:https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA030140Heber Blankenhorn's story is even more interesting in detail:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-6563.1983.tb01579.xThe ARSOF Historian's office has also covered multiple articles that mention Blankenhorn:https://arsof-history.org/icons/blankenhorn.htmlThe Committee on Public Information (CPI) is a rabbit hole unto itself:https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/the-great-war-master-of-american-propaganda/Lippmann wrote the first book on Public Opinion:https://www.amazon.com/Public-Opinion-Walter-Lippmann/dp/B099G6S24P/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uCSJpfoI3vI2Iv8MR449ZCjuaVyRTA3QZ-grEOo-5EOiZYbL8mci1OiMEfmyOzPHFC6acuxTTevKTq2jjgkeGWXccFMnkYkRIHJEOyJOR6OGTB4x9r0YHHP5CjNSJzgHhkQDDHzHOJOIRwlXyZhFPGROmrUxCD-aKDmRwK0SdzQoBq-9vRTUhziliA6pq0OvmaG-bHwQBnBlWyaTUjORLX4SFN-Tizrr5V8c_vWKqd8.5U0CbgjyyhXy9E5E_bJnGfS21HAxqUiQwc-I-2W6NDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=public+opinion&qid=1729801247&sr=8-3Bernays re-wrote the book on Public Opinion:https://www.amazon.com/Crystallizing-Public-Opinion-Edward-Bernays/dp/107827326X/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uCSJpfoI3vI2Iv8MR449ZCjuaVyRTA3QZ-grEOo-5EOiZYbL8mci1OiMEfmyOzPHFC6acuxTTevKTq2jjgkeGWXccFMnkYkRIHJEOyJOR6OGTB4x9r0YHHP5CjNSJzgHhkQDDHzHOJOIRwlXyZhFPGROmrUxCD-aKDmRwK0SdzQoBq-9vRTUhziliA6pq0OvmaG-bHwQBnBlWyaTUjORLX4SFN-Tizrr5V8c_vWKqd8.5U0CbgjyyhXy9E5E_bJnGfS21HAxqUiQwc-I-2W6NDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=public+opinion&qid=1729801247&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1Book - The Averaged American:https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674027428The modern definition of PSYOP:https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/psychological-operationsThe Smith-Mundt Act:https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/5736Morale Operations within the Office of Strategic Services (OSS):https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n4_oss_primer_page_1.htmlPublic Records on the Office of War Information:https://www.archives.gov/research/foreign-policy/related-records/rg-208Declassified records regarding The Psychological Warfare Division of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (PWD SHAEF) from the CIA's website:https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78-01634R000400120001-4.pdfThe First Motion Picture Unit:https://www.archives.gov/files/calendar/know-your-records/handouts-presentations/sept19-presentation.pdfRazzle Dazzles ships:https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/episode-65-razzle-dazzle/The Ghost Army of World War II:https://ghostarmy.org/A book on the history of the Information Control Division:https://nonstopsystems.com/radio/pdf-hell/article-hell-rwnlst.pdfThe United States Information Agency:https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/united-states-information-agencyGen Schwarzkopf and PSYOP:https://arsof-history.org/articles/21oct_psyop_in_operation_ds_pt1_page_1.html Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! If you enjoyed this, join the underground by sharing it with someone else. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
Join us as we sit down with Colonel Matt Leclaire, a distinguished leader with a career spanning over 30 years in the military. In this captivating episode, we discuss the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped Matt's journey from an eager 17-year-old private in the Ranger Regiment to his current role as the commander of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. Matt shares his experiences of serving in various prestigious units such as the 82nd Airborne Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and SOCOM. He also talks about the influence of mentors, the importance of leadership, and the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. The conversation delves into Matt's transition from enlisted to officer through the Green to Gold program, his thoughts on leadership development, and how his early career failures contributed to his success. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning in achieving one's goals. Tune in to gain insights into leadership, career progression, and the unwavering dedication required to excel in the military and beyond. ____________ 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/
Today we're joined by special co-host Max Benator, Co-Founder & CEO of Orca. Orca partners with the best brands in the world to provide a complete shopping experience for consumers through shoppable livestreams, short videos and over 10,000 affiliate sellers.To that, our conversation today focuses on social commerce, as well as the creator economy headlines du jour.Here's what we covered today:Follow Max Benator on LinkedIn.Learn more about Orca!Learn more (and get tix!) to SoCom, the first dedicated social commerce conference in the US.The hot new messaging app has Gen Z in a Daze with 156,000 pre-launch sign-ups - TubefilterAmazon's Interactive Ads Get Battery-Powered by Duracell SuccessGet ready for more commercials on Amazon Prime Video next year Creator Upload Socials:YOUTUBEINSTAGRAMTIKTOK
"Without sustainment, you're just camping with guns."Did you know it takes quite a lot to sustain an organization like the Special Warfare Center & School? Join us as we discuss sustainment for the organization, sustainment for Special Operations, and how logistics wins wars. About the guest:Lt. Col. Pete Van Howe served as the G4 for SWCS and previously served as executive officer of the 407th BSB, 82nd Airborne Division. He holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and a master's degree from Troy University. He is a graduate of the Theater Sustainment Planner's Course, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System Action Officer and Support Personnel Courses, Air Assault School, and Jumpmaster School. He is the current Brigade Support Battalion Commander within the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. About the hosts:Maj. Ashley "Ash" Holzmann is an experienced Psychological Operations Officer who served within the re-established PSYWAR School at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. He is now transitioning to attend grad school at Arizona State University with a follow-on assignment at West Point's Army Cyber Institute where he will research mis/disinformation.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. Bull Halsey quote (on page 16):https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2005/SEP-OCT/pdfs/SEP-OCT2005.pdfBaltimore Bridge Collapse:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/us/key-bridge-collapse-baltimore-what-to-know.htmlShip stuck in the Panama Canal:https://www.businessinsider.com/traffic-jam-outside-panama-canal-hundreds-ships-2023-8The cost of the Suez Canal obstruction in 2021:https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56559073Setting a Theater: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2018/Setting-the-Theater-Effective-Resourcing-at-the-Theater-Army-Level/Talent management for Special Operations logistics:https://www.army.mil/article/179943/joint_special_operations_forces_logistics_talent_management Additional Reading:Lt. Col. Van Howe has been previously published (page 51):https://alu.army.mil/alog/ARCHIVE/PB700201902FULL.pdf Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! If you enjoyed this, join the underground by sharing it with someone else. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
A big pill, a badass name, and…maybe that's it? Why do we have this cartridge? What was/is it used for? Should it receive the dreaded “lead balloon” status? Decide for yourself as we chat about this curious cartridge born from serious talk yet saw little action.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast
Did you know the Special Forces Operation Detachment Alpha hasn't always had twelve people in it?Did you know only 1% of the first official Special Forces organization was made up of members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)?The history of Special Forces is a tapestry, weaving together organizations like Merrill's Marauders (or Unit Galahad), the Philippine resistance movements in WWII, the original PSYWAR School, and the Ranger Regiment's early days.Join us as we host Dr. Troy J. Sacquety, the Army Special Operations Forces' Command Historian, as he dives deep with us on the nuances and facts of the impetus and history of the Special Forces Regiment.And listen through the end to hear the controversial history of the green beret! About the guest:Dr. Sacquety earned an MA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a PhD in Military History from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the USASOC History Office staff in August 2006, he worked several years for the Central Intelligence Agency. His research interests include Army and Office of Strategic Services special operations during World War II, and U.S. Army Civil Affairs. About the hosts:Maj. Ashley "Ash" Holzmann is an experienced Psychological Operations Officer who served within the re-established PSYWAR School at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. He is now transitioning to attend grad school at Arizona State University with a follow-on assignment at West Point's Army Cyber Institute where he will research mis/disinformation.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. From the episode:Brief biography of Brig. Gen. Evans Carlson:https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Whos-Who-in-Marine-Corps-History/Abrell-Cushman/Brigadier-General-Evans-F-Carlson/All Special Forces Groups in the 1st Special Forces Regiment trace their official U.S. Army lineage and honors to the FSSF activation on 9 July 1942:https://arsof-history.org/first_special_service_force/legacy.htmlThe Coordinator of Information (COI), which became the Office of Strategic Services (OSS):https://www.soc.mil/OSS/the-beginning.htmlThe origins of the OSS and its relationship with modern Army Special Operations:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n4_oss_primer_page_1.htmlBritish Special Operations Executive:https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/SOEThe French Bureau Central de Renseignements et d'Action (BCRA):https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/bcra-dgseThe OSS also required immense amounts of coordination and logistics to be successful:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n1_supplying_resistance_page_1.htmlJedburghs (including their epically great patch):https://www.soc.mil/OSS/jedburghs.htmlThe Green Berets, written by Robin Moore, was the book mentioned from the Vietnam era: https://www.specialforceshistory.info/books/the-green-berets-robin-moore.htmlDetachment 101:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v4n3_myitkyina_part_2_page_1.htmlSpecial Forces in the Korean War:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v2n2_catch_as_catch_page_1.htmlSpecial Operations in the Korean War:https://www.army.mil/article/268487/army_special_operations_in_the_forgotten_war_commemorating_the_70th_anniversary_of_the_korean_armisticeThe Alamo Scouts:https://www.army.mil/article/214389/the_alamo_scoutsThe Alamo Scouts have been recognized as Distinguished Members of the Special Forces Regiment:https://www.swcs.mil/Portals/111/sf_alamo-scouts.pdfA diary of the Alamo Scouts:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v4n3_alamo_scouts_page_1.html Maj. Gen. McClure:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v7n2_mcclure_page_1.htmlBrig. Gen. Russel Volckmann:https://arsof-history.org/icons/volckmann.htmlCol. Wendell Fertig:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/MR-Book-Reviews/January-2017/Book-Review-011/Lt. Col. Melvin R. Blair:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v7n1_smoke_bomb_hill_page_1.htmlLt. Martin Waters:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v4n1_myitkyina_part_1_page_1.htmlCol. Aaron Bank:https://arsof-history.org/icons/bank.htmlColombian Lanceros:https://arsof-history.org/articles/pdf/v2n4_colombian_sof.pdf8240:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n3_wolfpack_donkeys_page_1.htmlFormation of the Rangers:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v2n3_rangers_wwii_page_1.htmlThe history of Special Operations Command (not to be confused with 1st SOCOM):https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/1800521/The history of 1st SOCOM:https://arsof-history.org/1stsocom/index.htmlThe Lodge Act:https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP57-00384R001000010010-1.pdfProgram of Instruction (POI) is essentially the syllabus for Army instruction.The Special Forces tab was approved in 1983:https://web.archive.org/web/20000510192433/http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/airborne/sf_tab.htmHistory of the ODA and its size over time:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v19n1_evolution_of_the_special_forces_oda_page_1.htmlThe history of the green beret:https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2023/10/10/how-the-green-beret-became-the-symbol-of-us-army-special-forces/Edson Raff's involvement:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-22-me-passings22.1-story.html95th Civil Affairs patch:https://www.shopmyexchange.com/army-unit-patch-95th-civil-affairs-brigade-ocp-/7048045Want a deeper dive on the conflict in Burma? Dr. Sacquety did another interview at the following link:https://www.fpri.org/multimedia/2024/06/an-american-irregular-warfare-success-story-oss-detachment-101-in-burma-during-wwii/Detachment 101 and John Ford:http://www.easaul.com/oss-detachment-101.htmlThe Range of Military Operations (ROMO): https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/concepts/joc_deterrence.pdf?ver=2017-12-28-162015-337 Recommended Civil Affairs reading:The Hunt Report:https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/post/2018/05/08/civil-affairs-centennial-ca100-the-hunt-reportCivil Affairs articles from the ARSOF Historian's Office:https://arsof-history.org/pdf/handbook_civil_affairs.pdf Recommended Special Forces reading from the episode:The Green Berets by Robin Moore:https://www.amazon.com/Green-Berets-Robin-Moore/dp/0312984928From OSS to Green Berets:https://www.amazon.com/Oss-Green-Berets-Special-Forces/dp/0891412719Dr. Sacquety is also the author of the book The OSS in Burma: Jungle War against the Japanese:https://us.amazon.com/OSS-Burma-against-Japanese-Studies/dp/0700619097/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! If you enjoyed this, join the underground by sharing it with someone else. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
In Active Reload Episode 63, James and Grant take a deep dive into PlayStation's long-forgotten franchises! From Killzone and Bloodborne to Socom, Jet Moto, and Legacy of Kain, they discuss how these beloved titles could make a HUGE comeback and why it's time for Sony to revive them. They also take aim at how out of touch Sony seems to be with its player base, debating what fans really want from PlayStation moving forward. Lets not forget the upcoming State Of Play!Plus, the guys highlight this week's notable game releases and share what they've been playing lately!
Corie Weathers is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, consultant, and author focusing her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, military and first responders, the service culture, and its impact on families. We sat down with her to speak about the challenges of communication within military families and relationships, returning home after conflict, retention, recruitment, and more. About the hosts:Maj. Ashley "Ash" Holzmann is an experienced Psychological Operations Officer who served within the re-established PSYWAR School at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. He is now transitioning to attend grad school at Arizona State University with a follow-on assignment at West Point's Army Cyber Institute where he will research mis/disinformation.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. From the episode:Ms. Corrie Weathers has been featured on a variety of media platforms. You can learn more about her work by visiting her website:https://www.corieweathers.com/The Socrates quote mentioned: (469–399 B.C. ) "The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households."The quote, "was crafted by a student, Kenneth John Freeman, for his Cambridge dissertation published in 1907." You can read more about it here: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/05/01/misbehave/Most service members are the children of veterans:https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2022-demographics-report.pdf Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! And if you enjoyed this, become a member of the underground by sharing with at least one other person. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
Prepare to be inspired by Nick Koumalatsos, an ex-Marine and dynamic entrepreneur who has turned adversity into triumph. From a tough childhood in trailer parks and section 8 housing to building multiple eight-figure companies, including the organic grooming brand Johnny Slicks, Nick's story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Discover how his challenging upbringing instilled a drive that shattered limiting beliefs and propelled him toward extraordinary achievements. Our conversation takes you through Nick's riveting journey in SOCOM and the Marine Raiders, where a pivotal decision at 16 led him from a lucrative job to the Marine Corps, despite facing setbacks due to a juvenile felony. Hear about the serendipitous moments and life-changing encounters that guided his path through special operations and beyond. Nick's candid reflections on his transition from military to civilian life offer profound insights into embracing new experiences and redefining one's identity beyond their profession. Nick also shares his thoughts on broader societal issues, highlighting the need for strong male leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the decline in physical fitness and communal responsibility among men, contrasting modern America with the 1960s. The episode concludes with powerful discussions on fatherhood, goal-setting, and finding purpose and meaning in life. Whether you're looking for motivation or practical advice on achieving greatness, this episode of Escaping the Drift is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Highlights: (04:49 - 05:42) Overcoming Adversity Through Growth and Grace (14:25 - 16:19) Special Operations Military Service and Selection (23:44 - 24:45) Job Security Illusion in Corporate World (37:55 - 38:43) Gym Raided by Cops Discussion (44:14 - 45:06) Friendship and Tough Love (54:08 - 55:43) Bedtime Routine and Aging Recognitions CHAPTERS (00:00) - From Trauma to Triumph (08:40) - Life in SOCOM and Marine Raiders (16:49) - Transitioning From Special Operations (26:03) - Transitioning Beyond Military Life (38:07) - The Need for Strong Male Leadership (45:06) - Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life (56:01) - Fatherhood, Business, and Beard Products (01:01:46) - The Power of Setting Goals
Did you know Civil Affairs Soldiers were on the beaches of Normandy and tasked with addressing the cattle killed from the combat operations so that disease outbreaks could be mitigated? Or that Civil Affairs prevented cholera outbreaks during the Korean War?Combat is only one aspect of conflict and war.We dive deep in this episode where we cover the history of Civil Affairs.The Civil Affairs Branch predates the Psychological Operations and Special Forces branches, and even predates the Army Aviation and Military Intelligence branches. The history of Civil Affairs is important for Special Operations practitioners and leaders throughout the military to learn.Join us as we host Dr. Troy J. Sacquety, the Army Special Operations Forces' Command Historian, and recently named Honorary Member of the Civil Affairs Regiment. About the guest:Dr. Sacquety earned an MA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a PhD in Military History from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the USASOC History Office staff in August 2006, he worked several years for the Central Intelligence Agency. His research interests include Army and Office of Strategic Services special operations during World War II, and U.S. Army Civil Affairs. About the hosts:Maj. Ashley "Ash" Holzmann is an experienced Psychological Operations Officer who served within the re-established PSYWAR School at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. He is now transitioning to attend grad school at Arizona State University with a follow-on assignment at West Point's Army Cyber Institute where he will research mis/disinformation.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. From the episode:Brief biography of Col. Irwin L. Hunt, author of the Hunt Report:https://arsof-history.org/icons/hunt.htmlDerek mentioned the famous General, Gen. Lucius D. Clay:https://www.army.mil/article/216006/gen_lucius_d_clay_a_brilliant_administratorInformation on the European Civil Affairs Division and Civil Affairs history:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-D101-PURL-gpo128986/pdf/GOVPUB-D101-PURL-gpo128986.pdfCol. Charles R. Munske, who began his career as Coast Artillery:https://arsof-history.org/icons/munske.html Brigadier General Crawford F. Sams:https://arsof-history.org/articles/v6n1_crawford_sams_page_1.htmlCORDS:https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war/civil-operations.htmlThe Ring Road of Afghanistan:https://www.vox.com/world/2018/1/11/16878056/afghanistan-us-fail-war-taliban Recommended reading from the episode:The Hunt Report:https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/post/2018/05/08/civil-affairs-centennial-ca100-the-hunt-reportAmerican Military Government of Occupied Germany:https://arsof-history.org/icons/pdf/american_military_government_of_occupied_germany_1918-1920.pdfDr. Sacquety is also the author of the book The OSS in Burma: Jungle War against the Japanese:https://us.amazon.com/OSS-Burma-against-Japanese-Studies/dp/0700619097/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! If you enjoyed this, join the underground by sharing it with someone else. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
Today, Walt Robillard and I are giving you a sneak peek at a new project we've been working on. Give it a read (below), or a listen (Above), and check it out, and yeah, that's Walt's killer voice doing the narration.Hobo Recon:Hard Luck and TroublebyNick Cole and Walt RobillardChapter OneHobos in the Wind“This is why we can't have nice things, Troubs!” Hardy shouted across the cargo containers in the yard. It'd been a while since he'd had to draw the heater, much less fire it. This wasn't the gun he'd normally shuck from beneath his worn patchwork “dirty” military jacket when things went south fast and desperate. The dialed-up M4. This was definitely the shotty he used for tense negotiations with uncertain characters who harbored bad intentions.Bad intentions was everyday and everyone now days. In these times.He pulled that shotgun from under the coat where it dangled on a single point underarm sling as he ate up the miles and rode the rails. A model 870 SPS Marine Magnum he'd rattle-canned to look more used, weathered, subdued. On the road and the kinda gun a desperate man lookin' for work might use to protect himself in these lawless times. He'd save his sidearm for the real intense gunfights up close that needed more rounds on target. Less fiddling with the firearm when he wanted to put a hurt on someone. The double stack mag held enough, “go screw yerself,” forty-five caliber ACP. Usually good to get out of whatever scrape he and Trouble had gotten themselves into this time behind enemy lines and in service to SOCOM and the Heartland that was all that remained of the U.S. Trouble—because it wasn't a middle name, it was really… who he was—Troubs had his head shoved into the open cargo container in the shipping yard, using his teeth to strip off the casing around a wire he was working. He had a multi-tool with wire strippers too. The ones all those old EOD guys carried back in the day on their rig and chest plate carriers in the wars in other places not the battleground they found themselves in now… America. Still America regardless of what all factions were involved and especially the ChiComs.The sudden appearance of a Chinese security agent had Trouble stripping wires with his teeth for expediency in order to, “get it done in one, son.”It didn't help that Hard Luck had been muttering that same phrase as he got ready to distribute some hate-spray from the barrel of the rattle-canned 870. Rattle-canned old BDU multicam because that was the way the world was now, and the lands they found themselves in, and was the camo of the day when they'd both started out as Eleven Bravo privates in the last days of the Old Cold War.Not the hot one now. The unlucky and early security agent was currently dead behind where Trouble was kneeling, large caliber holes bleeding over his gray uniform and onto the wet pavement of the yard. “Brah, that shot was like Mozart on a motorcycle. That's how we do it, my brother in combat arms!” Trouble quietly exclaimed as he twisted the end of the newly exposed wire, pumped his fist, and continued whatever Def Leppard song he was keeping time to, to get his EOD on like he'd always done. Then he pumped his fist again and bit his lip, hearing some searing unheard guitar solo from long ago. “Need me a little cover while I finish this last bit, Hardy.” Hard Luck. SFC James C. Hardy. SOCOM. Eighteen Bravo. Shoulda been a Master Sergeant before retirement. But he spent some unrated time doing dark stuff in uncertain places along the way for shadows that didn't want to come out into the light before America got sold out by those shadows and all that was left was SOCOM to defend the Heartland and give the Chinese and the rest a bad time. There was the 82nd too, even though they were stuck in the irradiated remains of Russian-occupied Poland and fighting for their lives living on dead horses and hate. The Marines held Sand Diego and were officially listed as insurrectionists and traitors, allies of Russia. But that wasn't true. Not at all. Eighteen Bravo. The weapons sergeant within the Special Forces career field, employs conventional and unconventional warfare tactics and techniques in individual and small unit infantry operations. Employs individual domestic, foreign small arms, light and heavy crew-served weapons, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons. He is… a master of all weapons. And don't ask about the Rangers and where they are in the mess we find ourselves in called America's Darkest Hours on a good day. All four Battalions were dead. As they say in SOCOM, “Ain't no Rangers here,” and then those that can, point to where they once rolled the scroll and wink. “They just on the fade.” Hardy leaned into the shadows beside his own container he was covering from. No use standing in the same spot as his partner. The guy was either going to blow himself up or get trounced by the incoming security responding to the shots. Why risk both of them getting schwacked? “You were supposed to wait,” Hardy muttered as he scanned the misty and wet dark. “I was supposed to be a rock star,” Trouble responded, humming metal to himself as he cursed the wire he was working with. “Playing the axe at night; beach, beer, fish tacos by day. Maybe even charm my way to seeing a bikini hanging off the end of the bed post, ya know? Life comes at ya fast, Hardy, but don't worry… Trouble's my name and causin' it is my… game,” he whispered almost to himself as he continued to solve the problems in his hands. SFC Stephen X. Bach. Eighteen Charlie. SFC when he shoulda retired at least an E8 just a few years ago as things began to get truly weird and surreal and even the Army lost its mind and lowered standards, painted nails and even let some girls wear the Ranger Tab when no one who's actually earned one thinks they even got remotely close to meeting standard without a lotta help along the way. Eighteen Charlie. Special Force engineer sergeants are specialists across a wide range of disciplines, from demolitions and constructions of field fortifications to topographic survey techniques. Trouble was his tag with SOCOM, and it wasn't because he was cool. He caused it on mission more than effectively, on behalf of the teams, and didn't stop back behind the wire when it was generally not needed or in his own best interest. So… Trouble had run his mouth about the general current state of affairs, and if he wasn't so highly decorated that some of his awards were redacted, and so competent at the delicate art of high explosives… then he might have found himself with an even lower rank and very little retirement in light of the various courts martial and articles of offense. But he knew real bad guys in high places even there at the end of all things. And so, he'd gotten a chance to walk with some retirement and rank for the last six months of America. “Then get it done, and don't be that guy,” Hardy growled. Trouble liked to talk it up when things were getting thick.And things were getting definitely thick.Like the song lyrics from long ago Trouble always had running… It was distracting. Not to mention, Trouble had a tendency to sip his own cool aid, or so Hardy thought. “Got more coming.”Matter of fact statement. No drama. It was about to be get-it-on-thirty in the midnight yard of bad decisions and insertion behind enemy lines with assets to deny and mayhem to be caused. The sound of rushing boots thumping across the wet concrete was getting louder, as was the group barking loudly in Mandarin the way the Chinese do as they approached the x they had no idea they were walking onto. It was funny how the Chinese all ran the same way, or at least, that's how it sounded to Hardy. And it… bemused him. He was a thinker, and he'd never have used that ten-cent word on the teams. But in his mind, that and other words like it… they were there. He was a reader, and a thinker. And so, to Hard Luck all the Chinese seemed to have that same mincing pitter-patter run where they never really stepped it out like they were Usain Bolt intent on not just winning… but winning with icing. It was like watching that cartoon Martian run while trying to nab a, “P-32 ulidium space modulator!” Or whatever it was. Of course, the newer generation had no clue about good ol' Marvin, but that didn't mean it wasn't funny. And… “Sucks to be them,” exhaled Hard Luck and readied the shotty for sudden thunder. The Chinese shouts changed to whispers as the pitter-patter running soldiers got to the container group close to the two operators. Hardy knew the trick. Direct the guys into the target, then shift to the radios to keep their opponents guessing as to what came next. Only, the two operators had seen this particular Chinese trick before, as this wasn't the first time he and Trouble had gone up against the Puffies. Of course, their enemy didn't refer to themselves as Puffies because their units always went about with names to make them feel special. Hardy got the intel on these mooks a couple of weeks ago when Trouble blew up that cargo ship down in the gulf. They'd called themselves Thunder of the Gods and gay stuff like that. Because of course they did. And this was a reference to the People's Liberation Army Air Force's Airborne Brigade. Which was who they were facing today. This was their operation area on the road to New Orleans. Now, sounding all that out had been a mouthful for the various teams rolling out of the SRC, and instead of just shortening it to PLAAF, it came out like Puff. The few Puffies that Hardy's unit had managed to capture and talk to, got all sorts of mad about the slur. Which was great when they caught and released a few of them to spread the legend of the Special Reconnaissance Companies SOCOM had deployed into Occupied America. Get the rest of the Puffies all nervous about facing an invisible covert military force hiding in plain sight within the subjugated population. Ghosts in the night in plain sight. And deadly ghosts at that. Some of the SRC teams had even conducted massacres that were simply bone-chilling so the Chinese could have their very own boogie men to be afraid of in the night. What had Colonel Spear said when he created the Special Recon Teams for SOCOM as it waged its war out of what remained of North Carolina and the battle lines down in Georgia… "Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they learn why they fear the night." One of the nerdy Green Berets, an 18 Delta, had told everyone that was a line from Conan the Barbarian. No one cared and all agreed it was as cool as it gets. And if there's anything Green Berets love… it's cool stuff that's super deadly. See the tats since ‘Nam for examples. Cobras, skulls, knives… women. The Puffies had rightly guessed Trouble and Hardy would eventually come after this cargo depot along the gulf after they'd slagged that cargo ship. So, the Chinese high command out of New Orleans had deployed a company of PLAAF airborne forward in the hopes word would get out, and the “American GI special forces terrorists” prowling the Area of Operations North of New Orleans would come and enter the dragnet the PRC had thrown across much of the South and Southwest of what the maps once called the United States of America.They were anything but united.Most of the States that remained were fighting for themselves with what little was left of their veterans and National Guard. What was known as “Caliphistan” centered around the Midwest out of Michigan, was engaged in a brutal no-holds-barred plains war with the Chinese 3rd Army and being supplied and trained by SOCOM with what could be begged, borrowed, or stolen.California was behind enemy lines except for Marine-held San Diego and some warlord in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and parts of San Bernardino proclaiming an independent nation called Vanistan and being held by heavily armed and mobile militia.They had vans. Hardy scanned the angles and shadows of the cargo containers past where Trouble was working. Their night vision had been a step up from what he'd had when he'd been a regular grunt. The overhead lighting shining down on them from gantries and industrial light towers of the cargo yard situated around the cargo docks didn't even factor in to how these new NODs worked out in the dark. Running next gen night vision based on the ENVG-B—still in use—their gear just factored in the lighting and highlighted anything warmer than the surroundings. Complex motion tracking fed into augmented reality, highlighted potential targets and let the soldier see in complex low light conditions. “Trubs,” Hardy said quietly into his throat mic. “Hooking out to get an angle on our new friends.” “Gonna leave me here all by my lonesome,” Trouble joked. “You know… I'm afraid of the dark, right?” “NODs and that red lens you're working ain't enough?” Hardy asked. Trouble waved the flashlight in the direction of the incoming Puffies. “Seriously, come over here and hold my hand while I finish this. You know how I get.” Hardy knew all too well, which is why he left his partner alone to finish his chore. He slipped past several of the containers, then used a small stack of metal frames to vault himself to the top of the nearest CONEX. The cargo containers were the standard variety, so he had to move cautiously as he jumped, then crept across the top of the ribbed metal box. Walk too fast and he'd sound like he was pounding on a metal drum with each footstep. After jumping across several of the boxes, Hardy had a good line of sight to Trouble and several avenues of approach. The operator leaned into the shadows against the cargo container stack, then removed his cell phone from the sleeve pocket of his patrol parka. Set to lowlight conditions, the EUD—End User Device—was loaded with the latest and greatest ATAK interface, allowing Hardy to act as a battlefield information hub. The screen was already pinging two angles of approach off the trip sensors Hardy had placed when they'd first snuck into the yard. The fact they were coming at all worried the veteran operator. He scratched the few days' worth of stubble on his chin, trying to figure where they'd botched the insert and alerted this security detail tasked with holding the yards. The Chinese had their own version of EUDs, and if they ran something like the Android Team Awareness Kit, all it would've taken was for Hardy and Trouble to trip a sensor they'd missed, and the soldier responsible for the zone would have called it in. Hardy shook his head, internally bashing himself for not being more careful. It's why they'd taken to calling him Hard Luck for his call-sign. Throughout his military career and now out in the Special Recon Companies, he'd never found a stretch of bad luck that didn't stick to him. And that included being partnered with Trouble. That guy was bad luck personified. Looking up from his EUD, Hardy saw the Chinese first fire team angling on the objective. A single soldier with three more behind him was trying to pie the corner as though this was the first time he'd done it for real. Hardy had to give the Asian kid credit though, he was sticking his QBZ-191 rifle around the corner, trusting the optic to broadcast whatever was past the CONEX to his night vision, so the soldier didn't have to stick his head in the open and get it blown off. SOCOM's PsyOps guys had made sure all the illegal social media sites still operational were filled with GoPros of Chinese guys getting their heads blown off. Some of them were even real. AI made the rest. Hard Luck, that internal monologue, that thinking machine he was, a thinking-killing machine who'd even had profound thoughts while running a belt fed two-forty in a hostile combat zone and laying some serious hate, that thinking machine he was always… wondered… Warfare had gotten weird when advanced sighting devices operated on wireless link tech and rifles could see around corners. It wasn't… fair. But when was war ever fair. He'd seen enough kids get talked into it only to end up lying in the tall grass by some road a few days later. Just where he'd left them. No, there was nothing fair about war. Now that it wasn't close quarters in the dark, he gently let the shotty slide back under his old “down and out in occupied America” hobo-coat and shucked the heater. The heater. It wasn't an issued weapon. There were very few issued-weapons for SOCOM, and all the kids and whoever would show up to get trained on them and sent out to die in any of the seven directions the heartland was being attacked from. Plus… shipping and transport weren't easy. In the SRTs everything went on your back just like the old LRRP teams in Vietnam. And you looked like a hobo so you could pass with all the refugees, transients, and mad homeless displaced by the war, or just… whatever. You looked like a hobo because you were… a hobo. The heater was his own personal truck gun he'd dragged everywhere from Bragg to wherever he got stationed along the way. Everything on it was his. Paid for by his salary. Just in case it hit the fan. Just in case he got invaded at home one night, wherever home happened to be between deployments. Honestly, he'd never thought he'd need it for what he was using it for now. A domestic insurgency. But he sure had built it to do the trick. It was a Daniel Defense MK18 with a ten-inch threaded barrel he could go quiet with. He had jungle-mags ready to go and one stack in. Along the barrel he had illuminate and IR. He'd added a BCM foregrip and done some work with the internals to get it just where he wanted it to run. He had a match grade flat-trigger because that felt best for the tap. The optic was a basic Aimpoint T-1. It didn't look tactical-cool guy but if you knew you knew. The T1 was a great optic system if you needed to keep both eyes open and see everything while keeping the dot on target. And in the SRTs, outnumbered, behind lines, running gun fights and using everything and being as aware as possible, wasn't just optimal or maximal… it was vital to continued birthday parties. Hardy lined up his optic to target and let the heater bark. The first round caught the kid in the neck, splattering a good amount of the kid's blood across the CONEX's side panel. The assault took the trio behind the kid by surprise, forcing them to turn and instantly shoot in all directions except up because they weren't fighting Batman. Hardy covered behind the metal boxes, trusting their contents to bullet sponge enough of the bouncing rounds to keep him from getting accidentally blasted. Then… leaning from cover, Hardy put a trio of shots that tore off the commie soldier's face, before transitioning to the third trooper in the stack. Then he sent more rounds sailing past the number three paratrooper's chin and behind the space at the top of his chest where the armor didn't cover. And thinking-killing machine he was… he reflected that it was good “commie” was back in use as the dirty word it really was. It was the truth. And it was always good to stack them. The fourth Chinese paratrooper decided to run for it when he couldn't find the spot the shooting was coming from. In a show of solidarity, he grabbed the trooper who'd just soaked up rounds behind his chest plate, dragging the downed soldier to cover with him. Probably thinking he was gonna get a medal someday for this. Poor Schmoe, thought Hard Luck, guy didn't observe the first rule of combat first aid, and it was going to cost him. Now. Hardy lined up the optic dot to the soldier's hip, having already figured out the sight was probably off because he'd been shooting center mass but hitting high. The thinking but really killing machine part of his mind doing that math too… and then his suspicion got confirmed when the rounds punched into the spot on the Chinese soldier's back right behind and beneath his shoulder, once again where their PLA armor didn't cover. The round tore into the kid's torso, punching him to the ground next to his friend he was gonna rescue and get a medal for, and twenty years after, they'd drink Tsing Taos and celebrate a ChiCom-dominated world they'd made happen, with their little part, and managed to survive as they watched their loud children shout, and their pretty wives dote over them.Now both PLA troopers gasped for air and coughed out blood-soaked ragged Chinese, definitely drawing all sorts of attention to the hate he'd laid on them.Now we wait, he thought.Killing Machine taking over in the night and the dark and the mist. Hardy jumped across the space to the next set of containers, allowing him to get a better view of the opposite line of advance. “Trouble, how long, man?” The radio broke squelch in the small earpiece he wore under his hood. “Hard Luck, this is Trouble, coming at you with all the classic rock your ears can swallow!” Great, Hardy thought. Could this guy really not take anything seriously? The operator pushed the toggle for his PTT and growled, “Trubs, how long?” “Closing it up now,” Trouble said. “Moving to zone two, pushing out at the crane, toward the water.” “Roger out,” Hardy said, cutting the comms. They'd sand-tabled this. They'd done it many times without each other in other teams not this one and other days better than this. And together, lately, Hard Luck and Trouble were becoming known for this little act of behind the lines terrorism. Miss USA on the Nightly Free America Broadcast has even noted them in the scramble codes sent to the military and operators as far behind lines as North Dakota and New Mexico where the Chinese ran their death camps night and day, and hope is just a voice in the night right now. Near the end of the broadcast. Her warm voice coming in clear. “Chris… sleeps until dawn.” “The number is forty-two.” “And to all the patriots listening tonight out there in the dark… Our boys with the Raiders and the Packers thank two particular hobos for their roadside assistance at Route Twenty-Four with the Chinese Column moving in on Nashville that was causing many patriots in the area much Hard Luck and Trouble. The supplies are through, and the children have been evacuated back into the Homeland behind the Green Zone. Thank you, boys.” Then… “There's a match in Peterborough. No Slack in effect.” And finally… “That's the news for tonight, America. Stay in the fight. We aren't done yet. Good night. And now… The Star Spangled Banner. The lights are still on.” Both men had listened in that night after a long and very hard day on the hump, sleeping in a wet ditch out near a county road. It was cold. They'd said nothing. In the dark a few minutes later, Trouble spoke. He was gonna take first watch as they faded off the hit, avoiding Chinese Air Cav Hunter killer teams that had been roaming the countryside in HINDs.“She sounds hot, Hardy. Like that girl on the White Snake video back in the day. Remember her?”“Yeah,” said Hard Luck with his poncho pulled over him and the shotty in one hand nearby on his pack. “I do.”Pause.Then…“Do you think she's hot? Miss USA.”Hard Luck was fading. Dreaming that dream he never told anyone about.But just before he'd fallen asleep, he said, “I think she's good, Trouble. And that's what makes her beautiful.”And then Trouble might have grunted or said, “Okay.” But Hard Luck had gone to that other world that didn't exist anymore. Yesterday, some call it.But that wasn't now. Now they were in the fight in the supply yard with the PLA airborne thinking they had them right where they wanted them, barking Mandarin radio chatter and thumping hard heavy too-short-step boots and even untargeted fire at ghosts and phantoms in the mist.They were conscripts after all. They were afraid. Afraid of the PRC. And now, down range and right near the boogie men… they were afraid of the hobos that had come for them. Another fire team of Chinese paratroopers slowly advanced to the corner of the new row of containers Hardy now faced. They mimicked the first group of soldiers, sticking their rifles around the corner to let the optics assume the risk. When they dropped their field of view on the fire team dying across from them, they retreated from the corner and broke out in a heated conversation of harsh whispers. Yeah, the operator could smell their fear. Behind the dying paratroopers on the ground Hard Luck had put rounds on target into, a third fire team slowly advanced, careful not to get too close to the fatal CONEX corner. They fanned out, with the tail man in the stack launching a slick matte-black drone. Hushing-hushing in the way of Chinese battle-speak. That was smart of them, Hardy thought. Get some eyes in the air and cover the ground quickly to find their targets. What they didn't count on was Trouble sliding in behind them, running his knife out the front of the drone trooper's neck, starting from somewhere near his ear. The battlefield surgery was grizzly, wet work, but Trouble seemed to be totally cool with it, going so far as to gently lay the soldier down and relieve him of his drone controller even as his buddies, soon to be bodies, were eyes forward and fighting for the Fatherland or whatever the godless b******s believed in these days. With a few deft taps on the screen, Trouble had a good grip on the flight mechanic and stepped back into the shadows, fading from the fire team of Chinese paratroopers. Hardy watched as his wingman sailed the drone across the cargo yard, dropping it in line with the enemy crew close to him. They froze in place, unsure of what to make of the machine hovering in front of them at eye level. “Hard Luck, this is Trouble. If you wouldn't mind taking advantage of the little distraction I just created, I'd appreciate it.” There were times when James “Hard Luck” Hardy really wanted to punch his partner straight up in the grill. They all paled in comparison to those times when Trouble just couldn't be serious about an operation. Times like now. Hardy reached into his pack, pulling a grenade from where it was taped to the inside. He yanked the pin and let the spoon fly. After mentally ticking off a count of One Mississippi, the operator flicked the weapon over the CONEX boxes to land in the middle of the fire team. The grenade rolled and then popped, its kinetic fury suddenly and obnoxiously ignoring the Chinese soldiers' armor and planting them onto the pavement in piles of ruined meat and shredded gear.To them it was sudden and brutal, and none of the Chinese propaganda about “a glorious war of liberation” matched their violent deaths. The close proximity to the cargo containers funneled some of the blast and over-pressure across the way, startling the final team of Chinese paratroopers on approach to where they thought their boogie men might be. This group stumbled backward behind the cover of the containers, suddenly shouting in their hushed and harsh speech pattern… only to come face to face with Trouble ready to take advantage of their surprise, as they'd retreated to where they thought they might be safe.Trouble's thoughts were synched to “Breakin' the Law” by Judas Priest as he assessed the funnel they'd been forced into. The funnel and area they'd chosen as… safe.“Ain't nowhere safe in America for you,” hissed the operator. He muzzle-thumped the first man to see he was there, pushing the suppressed Berretta pistol into the soldier's throat. The paratrooper doubled over, coughing and holding his throat after the hit. Trouble lowered himself at the same time, using the stunned soldier as cover. Angling to the side, the predatory operator sent two rounds into the lower torso of the next guy in the stack, dropping him to the concrete. He lowered the pistol to the man recovering from the throat hit, sent a round through the top of the man's boot, then followed him through a series of pain-soaked hops as he tried to recover his balance. This was a song. Just like all the ones he'd learned on his guitar as a kid. And they were his sheet music as he moved them about in a fatal dance of lead and death at twenty-four hundred feet per second. Seeing how quickly things had devolved into chaos, the last man ran into the intersection, probably hoping the smoke and noise of the grenade going off in the intersection would hide his escape. All it did was bring him into Hardy's sight picture, where the concealed operator put a single round into the soldier's leg, adjusting the aim on the scope he needed to re-zero next chance he got. The paratrooper tumbled into the stack of bodies from the first fire team to get murked, a bloody mess on the ground really, screaming as he pushed himself to his back and frantically whirled his rifle in any and all directions. In a moment of clarity, the surviving para realized the nature of his injury. He expertly pulled a tourniquet from a pouch on his armor, then slid the contraption over his leg before tightening it down. “Fàngxià nǐ de wǔqì!” Trouble hissed from around the corner. The man had hugged the shadows until he got in position, then slid from the dark holding a confiscated QBZ-191. The Chinese soldier held his hands out wide at seeing his own style battle rifle pointed at him. He let the rifle slip from his fingers, while glaring daggers at Trouble coming in. As the dark and dirty man advanced, the paratrooper used his good leg to push himself against the other bodies and prop up to a sitting position. Trouble looked the part of a hobo riding the rails. He had an old-style military trench coat over a hoodie covering his normally unkempt hair. His beard was wispy, with patches of hair not growing in for some reason or another. His dirty military-style civilian pants seemed to have as many stains as they did pockets, lending credence to looking like someone who slept among the garbage. Trouble advanced on a set of well-worn high-top sneakers, complete with the Velcro strap at the top, a look no kid on either side of the Chinese militarized zone would be caught dead wearing. He got a few yards from the downed soldier, then repeated, “Move the weapon away,” in Chinese. He spoke with the inflection and tone of someone who knew the language intimately, although he'd never be truly taken as a native speaker. Trouble hovered over the man, both staring at each other over the sound of the paratrooper breathing rapidly after being badly wounded. The man flinched, and Trouble sent a single round center mass of the downed soldier's face. He immediately brought the carbine in line with the hopping foot injury guy, finishing him off with a series of quick staccato shots administered with cold brutality and efficiency. Weapon up. Bang bang bang. Weapon low and ready, scanning dark eyes for who else wants to die next. “You good?” Hardy asked over the net in the silence that followed. “Yeah. Guy on his butt was gonna try for the grenade he had on his kit. No sense in both of us dying.” “Give me a minute to scoop up their EUDs. Maybe the I&R guys can pull something off them,” Hardy said. “I'll scoop some of these rifles and this sweet, sweet ammo, my brother-man,” Trouble said, holding the Chinese carbine. “Might as well take their NODs too. Haul like this and we could be into some serious cash if we sell it all at the general store.” “I'll help you take some of it,” Hardy said as they both fell into the work of battlefield scavenging and asset management. “But hey, I ain't carrying a backpack full of rifles looking like a walking Middle East bazaar.” Trouble laughed and made a cat's low owwwwwwww like he was some rock singer hamming it up just before the bridge in some long-lost metal anthem. “Recycled due to lack of motivation,” announced Trouble. Both had been graduates of the Darby Queen and Robert Rogers school for wayward boys. Hardy had already grabbed several of the soldiers' battle boards when his own piped off from inside his jacket.Hardy checked the sitrep from the observers. Then… “Hey. More troops coming in. Gotta rabbit.” “But, but, all the gear,” whined Trouble. “I can do some stuff with this, Brother.” “Fine,” Hardy quipped. “You stay and get all the shwag. I'm avoiding the Chinese infantry platoon and jumping back into the water. Discuss division of assets with them and whatever indirect and air support that's all hot and bothered right now at oh-two hundred.” Trouble scooped up a few more rifles, then fell in step with his partner, catching up swiftly, eyes roving across all sectors each knew was their own. In moments consumed by fog and shadows, just two down and out tramps on the hump to the next refugee camp, work-gang project, handout, UN FEMA camp for indoc and digital ID assignment.Just two shadows in the night.“Time to get wet,” muttered one. “Well, when you put it like that,” hissed the other, each laboring under a huge pack, stepping it out like they were late for a better tomorrow that might just happen. “I am a bit swampy after all that work we just did. Maybe the right thing here is a nice dip in the ocean to cool a man off. Even if it is late.”Sirens began to sound in the distance. Doomsday and mournful. The music of a fallen America.A gunship could be heard in the swamps to the west. Coming in fast. Its echo thundering and reverberating off the bayous and swampy hills.“Got some blood on my hands.”“Bummer, dude.”And then they were gone.For those that wanna buy us a coffee until the next chapter drops. Thank you.CTRL ALT Revolt! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We love the SOCOM M1 “The B*****d” because it sure shoots like one. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nickcole.substack.com/subscribe
Preserving and capturing the lessons learned from the Global War on Terror; what is keeping the newest generation of Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) up at night; how can we continue to develop professional military writing in Army SOF; how to we modernize such efforts? We tackle all of that and more in this episode with two great Special Operations practitioners and recent graduates of the National Defense University.Spread the word! We have two (the very first!) Harding Project Fellows who will now be leading the Special Warfare Magazine. P.S. -- We have a new season! Fear not, Ash is in a better place and will still be featured in several episodes, as we recorded a ton of content prior to his departure. We will have a future transition episode to discuss the end of "Season 2". About the guests:Sgt. 1st Class Ben Latigue. Ben is originally from Apex, North Carolina and enlisted in 2012. He completed the Special Force Qualification Course in 2013 as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master of Arts in International Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University.Maj. Emily Lopez. Emily enlisted in the Army Reserves in 2008 and was commissioned from Oklahoma State University as an Ordnance officer in 2013. In 2019, Lopez graduated from the Civil Affairs Qualification Course. Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University. About the hosts:Lt. Col. Bobby Tuttle is a Green Beret and co-founder of the Pineland Underground. A proven leader who is currently serving as the Special Warfare Center & School's Strategic Communicator. He is a graduate of both Texas A&M and the Naval Postgraduate School.Sgt. Maj. Derek Riley is one of the most experienced Civil Affairs Non-commissioned Officers in the Army Special Operations Regiment. He has incredible deployment experience and serves within the Civil Affairs Proponent at the United States Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School. From the episode:What is the Harding Project:https://www.hardingproject.com/p/welcome-to-the-harding-projectThe Harding Project Fellowship Program:https://www.army.mil/article/278222/first_harding_fellows_strengthen_the_armys_professional_journalsHow to submit an article to the Special Warfare Magazine:https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Article-Submissions/How to write a book review from Military Review:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/online-exclusive/2024-ole/how-to-write-a-book-review/ Recommended reading from the episode:The Special Warfare Magazine Archive:https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Special-Warfare-Archive/More information about SWCS's involvement in the Harding Project:https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Harding-Project/And keep an eye out for Line of Depature! Army Special Operations Recruiting:SOF Recruiting Page (soc.mil)https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/recruiting.html GoArmySOF Site:https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/ The Official Podcast of the United States Army Special Warfare Center and School!USAJFKSWCS selects and trains all Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. Please visit our website at: https://www.swcs.milBe sure to check us out and follow us at:https://www.facebook.com/jfkcenterandschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/u.s.armyswcs/https://www.youtube.com/c/USAJFKSWCS/videosPlease like, subscribe, and leave a review! If you enjoyed this, join the underground by sharing it with someone else. Word-of-mouth is how movements like this spread.
For decades the Middle East has been America's top national security challenge.From terrorism, to war, to regional instability, it takes more than a military effort to find solutions.As America navigates one of the most volatile times in history, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired General Joseph Votel, one of America's most influential leaders and scholars in Middle East policy. General Votel served as Commander of United States Special Operations Command, US Central Command, Joint Special Operations Command and 75th Ranger Regiment; organizations critically responsible for America's Middle East operations. General Votel unpacked the reasons why Hamas chose to attack Israel, Iran's malign influence, and the responsibility of the other Gulf states in preventing regional instability. He also broke down the opportunities the United States has across the diplomatic, information, military and economic spectrum; including America's ability to mobilize for a peer-to-peer fight. Plus he talked all things Ranger Regiment, the officer-NCO relationship, and keys to effective leadership. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one the Army's most respected leaders then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to Odgers Berndtson3:07 The rise of China and Russia13:47 Why is Iran on the offensive?21:14 Using the elements of National Power24:34 The impacts of the Israel-Gaza War32:55 General Votel's call to serve42:35 Advice to new leaders47:42 How the NCO corps separates the US military 56:46 The role of Special Forces in the peer-to-peer fight1:05:09 Solving the recruiting challenge1:13:28 General Votel's Three Daily FoundationsQuotes: “In a word, they've had it and they're trying to reassert themselves.” “Putin has pretty much told us what he wants to do. He wants to eclipse the United States.” “The Gulf partners, the other Arab states, aren't that keen on having a new Palestinian state in the region.”“We have over-militarized a lot of our foreign policy in these areas. We need to be leading with diplomacy.”“If you open these humanitarian corridors, are you arming your adversary?” “When I showed up to West Point…instant buyer's remorse.” “To me, leadership has really become about the basics.” “I had a Sergeant Major. Bill Thetford. We were together for eight plus years; longer than the average American marriage.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to Odgers Berndtson for hosting this conversation.
In this episode: Part 2 of Talking Lead's coverage of the 2024 NRAAM in Dallas, Texas brought to you by Pioneer Arms Corp USA.Preshow with Ton Jones (Firebird Targets), Dwight Settle (Seal 1) , Andre Dallau (Writer) and Hammer (Kel-Tec) to announce the 1st Mystery Challenge Coin winner.Feature Interview:The SAR Firearms SAR9 SOCOM, one of the world's most rigorously tested firearms, this 9mm striker-fired pistol comes standard with a polymer grip module and forged-steel threaded barrel with thread-protective cap, offering the perfect host for your favorite suppressor. Suppressor-height tritium iron sights. There is an optic-ready cutout on the slide with serrated cooling channels incorporated into it and an integrated picatinny rail. Also, a striker position indicator on the ambidextrous trigger shows the user whether the trigger is cocked or not. The new SAR SOCOM comes with an expanded magwell and also comes standard with 2 magazines, one 17rd and one 21rd, along with additional grip plates and backstraps to customize the fit in your hand. The SOCOM is offered in a SF (Special Forces) Green finish.Plus we interview O.S.T about their new O.S.T.® CARBON SCRAPER for AR-15sand Regal Products on their motion detection tool, SecureMe, that detects movement of your firearms or valuables, notifying you if anyone has attempted unauthorized access without your knowledge or permission.
Deep dive into our conversation today as David Lilley tells his story of starting real estate investing with no experience and succeeding in the residential and self-storage space. David also shares his strategies while investing out of his backyard and the value of mentorship, property management, and business automation. Don't miss out on learning more and support us in bringing more amazing people to this show!Key Points & Relevant TopicsHow David learned more about real estate investing while working overseasDavid on building his team out of stateThe importance of having a mentor in overcoming challengesChallenges David had to face in raising money for the first timePivoting from residential to self-storage investing and how David increased its occupancy rateThe convenience of hiring a property manager and utilizing automation for a self-storage facilityNetworking and partnering with the right people in the businessResources & LinksApartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive InvestorAbout David LilleyDavid began real estate investing in 2013 with the purchase of his first Single Family Rental. Drawn to the economies of scale inherent to Multifamily, he purchased a 6-unit MF property in 2018. David has since sponsored the purchase of 1073 MF units valued at over $130m. Starting from scratch, David has direct experience with every facet of real estate acquisitions, redevelopment, and property management. Prior to his career in real estate, David served as an Infantryman in the United States Marine Corps with one combat deployment to Afghanistan. He worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic and was specially trained in multiple technical rescue disciplines. He later worked under the Department of State providing Close Protection to DoS officials including the Secretary of Defense. He deployed multiple times to Baghdad, Iraq. Finally, David deployed multiple times to the southern Philippines in direct support of SOCOM as a Search and Rescue Paramedic. Get in Touch with DavidWebsite: https://reapcap.com/ LinkedIn: Reap CapitalFacebook: Reap CapitalInstagram: @reapcapitalTikTok: @reapcapitalTo Connect With UsPlease visit our website www.bonavestcapital.com and click here to leave a rating and written review!
We've long-wondered what Sony's plans were with its dormant SOCOM franchise (or if it even had plans at all). After all, we can't just ignore the success the likes of Ubisoft have found with titles like Rainbow Six: Siege, and even in a post-Zipper Interactive world, it always felt like PlayStation's tactical shooter never really got a fair shake at success after its PS2 heyday. So color us both pleased and surprised when information from the resumé of a deceased actor pointed towards a SOCOM game that no one had ever even heard of: SOCOM 111. While it's fairly clear this project never got off the ground (or did it?), its existence gives us a fleeting glimpse into Sony's potential plans, and frankly, we can help but wonder if Zipper's defunct series may yet see the light of day in the future. Other news this week includes a release date for Star Wars: Outlaws, Vampire Survivors finally migrating to PlayStation platforms, Stellar Blade going gold, potential hiring for a new God of War game at Santa Monica studio, copious Destiny 3 and Dead Space 2 Remake rumors, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Will PlayStation's colorful old logo ever make a return? Do we ever rename the characters in our digital adventures? What's our worst 'losing progress in a game' experience? Should one listener extract his stolen garbage bin from his neighbor, no matter the cost? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:42:47 - Do you know what we look like? 0:46:42 - Colin's internet problems 0:55:01 - The return of Hector 0:57:14 - Micah Stan 1:00:19 - "clowns, the good kind" 1:07:05 - Plane worries 1:12:45 - Garbage can situation 1:21:36 - Portal hack correction 1:23:55- Stellar Blade has gone gold. 1:29:25 - Santa Monica Studio gearing up for a new God of War 1:37:47 - Dead Space 2 Remake drama 1:54:14 - Sea of Thieves PS5 closed beta 1:59:48 - Is Destiny 3 in development? 2:15:30 - Yuji Naka returns 2:19:41 - Fallout 4 next gen update 2:29:37 - What we've been playing 3:16:44 - New SOCOM rumors 3:32:42 - Star Wars Outlaws has a release date. 3:45:56 - Vampire Survivors is coming to PS5 3:53:25 - New PS Plus games 4:00:37 - Cozy games 4:09:08 - Will the original PlayStation logo come back? 4:15:23 - How do we name characters in games? 4:20:59 - Why do games keep getting greenlit? 4:28:00 - Game crash woes 4:33:38 - Ubisoft hate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Jan out on assignment, Host Bakalar and Producer Grubb are joined by Shawn and Niki to talk about the Stellar Blade demo, Children of the Sun, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and more! After that, discussions about a possible new SOCOM game, Xbox moving towards new processors, and Persona fans' obsession with a bucket of green paint!The now-infamous Persona pic: https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/153/1530215/3567575-p25thspraypaintart.png
It's been an unusual week in the PlayStation ecosystem, especially in recent years, where the exclusives and heavy-hitters from Sony primarily resided in the single-player sphere. But then a game like Helldivers 2 drops out of orbit, and suddenly we're brought back to the days of SOCOM, Killzone, and others, when PlayStation had an actual online identity, albeit a fledgling one. Could this be the beginning of a great new trend? Or does pessimism reign supreme? Other news this week includes the most vague, circular PR from Xbox that confirms -- yes, indeed -- Xbox games are en route to PlayStation beginning with four titles, while Sony releases a financial report that shows promising revenue and meteoric PS5 sales, but with serious financial warnings on the horizon. Plus: What the hell is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet? Is there a rift between Konami and Bloober Team? Are people overreacting to the Tomb Raider Remaster's content warning label? Then: Listener inquiries! Where do we fall in the raging 'yellow paint' debate? What's our favorite JRPG battle system? Which order should the Castlevania games be played in? Was Colin's and Micah's recent visit to Cracker Barrel everything they hoped it'd be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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