The Indigenous Approach (1st Special Forces Command (Airborne))

In this episode, Chaplain (LTC) Brandon Moore and COL Jamie Riesberg sit down with NYT bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller to discuss Spiritual Fitness and its importance for both our force and the Nation more broadly. 

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and most recent book The Awakened Brain.  She is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman.

In this episode we talk with Travis and Blake, two 18D Special Forces Medics who conducted an emergency, double above-the-knee amputation on a surrendering ISIS-K fighter at an outpost in Afghanistan in 2020.

Col. Jamie Riesberg, the 1SFC(A) command surgeon, joins us for the episode's introduction to put this procedure in context.

Our 18D Special Forces Medics receive an extremely high level of training in both the classroom and in trauma centers to prepare them for the rigors of austere medicine. 

*As a fact-check, the 18Ds consulted with the Director of Clinical Services at Criag Joint Theater Hospital rather than the CJSOTF surgeon. The CJSOTF surgeon was alerted to the surgery plans, but did not provide consultation on the surgery procedure itself.

1st Sgt. Nick Harmon, the 1st SFC (A) HHC 1SG, sits down with Master Sgt. Chris Copper for an honest conversation about team dynamics and culture from the perspective of two former Special Forces Team Sergeants.

In this episode recorded off-site in El Paso, TX, Maj. Dan Lessard sits down with three guests to discuss the command's newest directorate - the Special Operations Forces Training and Experimentation Center located at White Sands Missile Range, NM.

Using the training areas provided at WSMR and nearby Fort Bliss, TX, SOF-TEC provides more than 2 million acres of training land, access to the nearby population centers of Las Cruces and El Paso, and the capability to replicate the real-world multi-domain conditions our forces will face in the modern operational environment.

Col. Theodore Unbehagen is the inaugural director of SOF-TEC.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Scott Gronowski is the Command Chief Warrant Officer at 1st SFC (A).
Sgt. Maj. Gregg Kibbee, from our G37 Training Office, has seen this training center through from its inception to its activation.

SOF-TEC was officially activated at White Sands Missile Range on Mar. 8, 2022.

See the following article for additional information: 

https://www.army.mil/article/254595/special_operations_forces_training_and_ experimentation_center_activated_at_wsmr 

Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter joins Master Sgt. Chris Copper, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) Human Performance and Wellness Senior Enlisted Leader, and Master Sgt. Geoff Dardia, the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Human Performance and Wellness Senior Enlisted Leader. They discuss the importance of not waiting until the last minute to perform proper maintenance on the most crucial piece of equipment, oneself.

Links to the programs discussed:

Intrepid Spirit

STAR Program

PREP

In this episode, Sgt. 1st Class Jake Braman sits down with Brig. Gen. Derek Lipson to learn more about our DCG-S and to get his thoughts on where the command is heading.


Brigadier General Derek Neal Lipson was commissioned an infantry officer in 1990, following his graduation from Midland Lutheran College, in Fremont, Nebraska, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1994.

Brigadier General Lipson commanded at all levels within 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), culminating as the Group Commander from 2015-2018. Non-combat deployments included Colombia, Bolivia and Grenada, and he responded to numerous natural disasters in the South East United States, to include Hurricane Katrina.

Brigadier General Lipson has deployed multiple times, serving in Afghanistan in 2002, as the    Advanced Operations Base Tikrit Commander in Iraq from 2006-2007, the senior advisor to Iraqi Special Operations in 2008, Special Operations Task Force – North Commander in Iraq in 2010, senior advisor to the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command, 2nd Brigade in 2014 and as the Special Operations Command Forward – Central Africa Commander in 2016. Following Group Command, he served as the Team KSA Commander in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2018-2020.

Before being named as the Deputy Commanding General Support, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), he served as the Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.  He has also served as a Special Assistant to the Director of the Army National Guard in Washington, D.C.

Brigadier General Lipson is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff Officer Course, and the U.S. Army War College. He holds master’s degrees in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He has been awarded the Combat Infantryman, Military Free Fall Parachutist, and the Senior Parachutist badges.

Brigadier General Lipson is married to the former Jennie Engelhaupt. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.

In this episode, we take a bit of a deep dive into the world of Robotics and Autonomous Systems and we explore where the nexus is between Robotics and Army Special Operations. 

Our guests for today's episode:

Jason is an Operations Planner in the USASOC G3 Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Division and the USASOC ARSOF Robotics Division’s Subterranean Robotics and Autonomous Systems Manager.  He works alongside CWMD planners to develop Robotics and Autonomous Systems solutions for close, confined spaces with fouled air and other environments that challenge life support.

Dave is a Special Forces Major who works in the USASOC Combat Development Directorate and is focused on mobility. He’s USASOC’s touchpoint with the Army’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team and the Army’s Robotics Requirements Division. 

MAJ Corey Wallace is an Armor officer and is the Robotic Combat Vehicle Requirements Lead at the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team.


Book Recommendations from our guests:

Lean Product Playbook - Dave Olsen
Kill Chain - Christian Brose
Army of None - Paul Scharre
The Innovator's Dilemma - Clayton Christensen 

In this episode , we speak to Dr. Keith Adkins - the son of Medal of Honor recipient , CSM Bennie Adkins who was bestowed with the prestigious award in 2014 for his display of valor during combat operations in the Vietnam War in 1966. 

SGT Rudi Horvath joins the Indigenous Approach to help mark the 70th anniversary of 10th Special Forces Group. Rudi was one of the "Originals" from 1952, and helped forge the Special Forces community into the premier partnered irregular warfare force it is today. 

1st Lt. Rodney Walker, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) Chaplain Lt. Col. Brandon Moore, and Deputy Command Chaplain Maj. Colt Randles discuss creative ways to strengthen marriages through communication and the seven principles for making marriage work.  This conversation explains that even though marriages may be shaky or successful, it could always grow stronger.



Links mentioned in the podcast:

Created for Connection: The "Hold Me Tight" Guide for Christian Couples Hardcover - October 4, 2016 by Kenneth Sanderfer and Dr. Sue Johnson EdD

Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
by Dr. Sue Johnson EdD, Apr 8, 2008

"Growing Through Adversity" premiere - release of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps' first Strong Bonds film l Article l The United States Army
Links to film and road map are in the article.

Discover Your Love Language - The 5 Love Languages
Chapman, G. D. (2010). The Five Love Languages. Walker

The Gottman Institute l A research-based approach to relationships
Gottman, J. (2000). The seven principles for making marriage work. Orion.

Author and Historian, Marc Leepson, joins the Indigenous Approach to discuss his 2017 biography, Ballad of the Green Beret: The Life and Wars of SSG  Barry Sadler: From the Vietnam War and Pop Stardom, to Murder, and an Unsolved, Violent Death.

1st Special Forces Command Chief of Staff, COL Pat Nelson, joins the conversation to speak on his 30 plus years of military service, his transition from the 75th Ranger Regiment to an SF Commissioned Officer,  and his top priorities and objectives as the new 1st SFC Chief of Staff. 

SSG Thomas sits down with SFC H.E., SPC Lat, and SFC T for a conversation on the art of fighting and how to maintain your peak performance. SFC H.E. is the senior combatives instructor for the 95th Civil Affairs advanced skills detachment. SPC Lat is an amateur boxer and public affairs Soldier for 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).  SFC T is a MMA champion and communications sergeant for 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). 

In this episode, Staff Sgt. Thomas sits with Major Christopher Pierce, Performance and Wellness Sleep Program Manager  and Mr. Ryan Carroll, HPW Coordinator,  to discuss how the lack of adequate sleep can affect mental health, physical fitness, and critical thinking.  They also discuss programs and technologies utilized within 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) to monitor and optimize sleep habits.

Major Pierce is also author of "Self-Health Andragogy: Self-Directed Learning Approach to Mental and Physical Self-Care." His book can be found on Google books or Amazon.

If you have suggestions for topics or guests please let us know through the survey link below.

1SFC(A) - Indigenous Approach Podcast Survey (surveymonkey.com) 

Master Sgt. Chris Copper, Master Sgt. Jim Rooney, and Sergeant First Class (Retired) Bill O'Brian discuss transition from military service to civilian life. Navigation from military service to civilian life can be a struggle for some, and this discussion will hopefully enlighten those who need guidance and direction moving forward. Your transitioning phase will be determined by what you want out of it.

In this episode of the Indigenous Approach, we are joined by Dr. Sean McFate, author of the 2019 book The New Rules of War. Sean is currently a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and a professor at National Defense University, Georgetown University, and Syracuse University. We discuss with Sean the role of SOF in Irregular Warfare and Strategic Competition. 

In this episode, Staff Sgt. Amanda Baker discusses Black History Month with Col. Tavi Brunson and Lt. Col Burton Furlow, the brigade commander and special troop battalion commander of 528th Sustainment Brigade Special Operations Airborne. Listen as these two leaders explore what Black History Month means to them and several key insights on leadership serving in Special Operations. 

May is mental health awareness month and in this episode, we talk to Staff Sergeant Amanda Baker, mother, spouse, and an outstanding NCO in the command. She’s an advocate using behavioral health and she’ll share her real life experience.

In this episode, the command's Chaplain and Psych speak with Dr. Harold Koenig on moral injury.  The episode intertwines health and spirituality on how to treat moral injury related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Indigenous Approach returns! We're back with another series of episodes. In this episode, an OPSEC violation was trending on social media. Next, it's Veterans Day time. Salute to all those who served. Lastly, it's coming up on the 60th Anniversary of the passing of President John F. Kennedy. We discuss his legacy and what it means for Special Operations today in 2023. 

New episodes every two weeks! 

We're back! It's another episode of the Indigenous Approach. This time we sit down with the command team and have a candid conversation on vision and ARSOF Integration.

In this episode, Lt. Col. Thomas Gaines and Dr. Angus Fletcher discuss creativity and leadership. Lt. Col. Gaines is the command's G6 and Dr. Fletcher is a Story Science Professor from Ohio State University. Together the two have done quite a bit of research on creativity and leadership. Enjoy the episode. It's a great one and an interesting conversation

COL Ed Croot, 1st SFC(A) Chief of Staff speaks with Chris Brose, author of "The Kill Chain" discussing innovation vs. modernization. Leaning on his experience as a senior policy advisor for the late Senator John McCain and the staff director for the Senate Armed Services Committee, Chris Brose frames how we should think about innovation in the era of strategic competition. 

Maj. Gen. John Brennan, Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter, Brig. Gen. Steve Marks, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dave Holton, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) command team, discuss what brought about the new command vision for 2021 and beyond, the main lines of effort, and the focused priorities that drive the Nation's Premier Partnership Force.

Find the vision document here:
https://www.soc.mil/USASFC/Documents/1sfc-vision-2021-beyond.pdf

Brigadier General Marks, the 1st SFC(A) Deputy Commanding General,  speaks with five alumni of the command’s Young Lions leader development program.


A 2019 Young Lions event held in Chicago was highlighted in SOCOM’s Tip of the Spear magazine (Pages 22-23): https://www.socom.mil/TipOfTheSpear/USSOCOM%20Tip%20of%20the%20Spear%20Dec%202019(Web).pdf

LTC Carl Benander is a Special Forces officer and the commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). With 13 years in the Special Forces regiment, he has commanded an ODA, SF Company, and Special Operations Task Force and has four deployments with Army Special Operations. He is a member of Young Lions Pride 02 from 2013.

LTC Brian Wong is a signal officer and is the commander of the 112th Signal Battalion, 528th Special Operations Sustainment Brigade (A), which provides communications support to Special Operations Forces worldwide. He has eight years in the ARSOF community, including seven years in a Special Missions Unit, and has been a critical player in the tactical network modernization efforts of the Army and SOF. He is a member of Young Lions Pride 02 from 2013.

MAJ Nicole Alexander is a Civil Affairs officer currently serving as the Secretary of the General Staff at 1st SFC (A). She has 10 years in Civil Affairs regiment and five ARSOF deployments. She was also a member of the Young Lions Pride 02 in 2013.

CPT Kara Hawkins is a logistics officer and is the commander of HHC, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). She has three years within the ARSOF community, including two deployments. She attended the latest Young Lions event held earlier this year.

SGM Chris Miller is a Civil Affairs NCO and is the Operations Sergeant Major of 92nd CA Battalion, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (SO) (A). He has 11 years in the Civil Affairs regiment and three ARSOF deployments. He is also a member of the latest Young Lions pride.

In this episode, members of the Civil Affairs regiment discuss the Civil Affairs’ role in Great Power Competition and cross-functional teams in the 1st Special Forces Command vision.

LTC Sam Hayes Sam Hayes is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving at the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (SO) (A). He has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, USAJFK Special Warfare Center and School, USCAPOC(A), and NATO with various deployment across the Middle East and Africa. Sam has multiple degrees to include a Masters of Art in Information Warfare and Political Strategy from Naval Postgraduate School and a Ph.D. in Organizational Management with a specialization in Leadership from Capella University.

MSG Sean Acosta is an active duty Civil Affairs non-commissioned officer currently serving in the 7th Special Forces Group. He has served as a Senior Civil Affairs Instructor USAJFK Special Warfare Center and School, Team Sergeant 83rd Civil Affairs Battalion, and Civil Affairs NCO 81st Civil Affairs Battalion. He has deployed to Southwest Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University. 

MAJ Assad Raza is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). He has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, and the 5th Special Forces Group with multiple deployments across the Middle East. Assad holds a Bachelor of Art in psychology from the University of Tampa, a Master of Art in diplomacy with a concentration in international conflict management from Norwich University, and a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He is a doctoral student at Troy University in Alabama

MAJ Travis Clemens is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving as the 91st Civil Affairs Bn. Company Alpha Commander. He has deployed with CA as a team leader to Tanzania, Senegal, and Niger. Travis has worked in the Joint Special Operations Task Force J35 and Special Forces Bn. S9 where he deployed to Chad.

When you hear brand names, what they are known for quickly will pop into your mind.  Names like McDonald's, Advil, or even Apple instantly bring a product or company logo to mind.  When the question of who is Special Forces was asked by the 1st Special Forces Command Chief of Staff, COL Ed Croot, he received mixed responses.  COL Croot's study determined that the SF Regiment was undergoing an identity crisis. 

We gathered seven esteemed Sergeants Major from across the SF Regiment to discuss what is the SF identity and if there was an identity crisis:

SGM Dave Friedberg, the Alpha company 4th Battalion, 1st special forces group sergeant major. Dave joined special forces in 1999 and is an original regional support element plank holder. He has multiple deployments in the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM AOR.

CSM Retired Jeffrey Wright. Jeff served in 3 different Special Forces groups and as the senior enlisted leader for 4 joint commands. He served in the army from the cold war to the gulf war to the global war on terror and many points in-between.  

SGM Matt Williams, the 2nd bn 3rd special forces group operations sergeant major. Matt joined under the 18x program in 2005. He has deployed to Afghanistan and Africa many times and was an instructor at SFARTAETC. SGM Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2019 for his actions during the battle of Shok Valley, Afghanistan, in 2008.

 CSM Retried Bill Thetford, the USASOC Operations Integrator. Bill joined special forces in 1993 and retired in March 2019. Most of his expertise comes from CENTCOM and SOCOM. 

CSM Dave Waldo, the CSM of 4th battalion 1st SWTG.  He joined special forces in 2001 and started his SF career in 1st Special Forces Group. He now works to mold the newest generations of Green Berets. 

CSM retired Terry Peters entered the Army as an infantryman Sep 14, 1983, and retired as the 3rd Group CSM with 27 years in the Army.  Since retiring in early 2010, Terry has served the SF Community in an advisory role to many leaders and contributes to numerous charities that help SF Veterans and their Families.  He currently serves as the Honorary CSM of the Regiment.

 CSM(Ret) Thomas (Tom) Smith, who spent 35 years in SF, starting in 1977 until 2012. He served over 8 years at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School teaching SERE and in the SF Pipeline. Tom served as the U.S. SOCOM CSM for over 5 years, where he created the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy. After he retired, he created the Summit Course in JSOFSEA and continues to teach and mentor.

COL Croot's Research Study:
Paper
Presentation

WAR ROOM Podcast

When you hear brand names, what they are known for quickly will pop into your mind.  Names like McDonald's, Advil, or even Apple instantly bring a product or company logo to mind.  When the question of who is Special Forces was asked by the 1st Special Forces Command Chief of Staff, COL Ed Croot, he received mixed responses.  COL Croot's study determined that the SF Regiment was undergoing an identity crisis. 
 
 We gathered seven esteemed Sergeants Major from across the SF Regiment to discuss what is the SF identity and if there was an identity crisis. In our last episode, the general consensus was yes, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Those Sergeants Major are:
 
 SGM Dave Friedberg, the Alpha company 4th Battalion, 1st special forces group sergeant major. Dave joined Special Forces in 1999 and is an original regional support element plank holder. He has multiple deployments in the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM AOR.

CSM Retired Jeffrey Wright. Jeff served in 3 different Special Forces groups and as the senior enlisted leader for 4 joint commands. He served in the army from the cold war to the gulf war to the global war on terror and many points in-between.  

SGM Matt Williams, the 2nd BN 3rd Special Forces group operations sergeant major. Matt joined under the 18x program in 2005. He has deployed to Afghanistan and Africa many times and was an instructor at SFARTAETC. SGM Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2019 for his actions during the battle of Shok Valley, Afghanistan, in 2008.

 CSM Retried Bill Thetford, the USASOC Operations Integrator. Bill joined Special Forces in 1993 and retired in March 2019. Most of his expertise comes from CENTCOM and SOCOM. 

CSM Dave Waldo, the CSM of 4th battalion 1st SWTG.  He joined Special Forces in 2001 and started his SF career in 1st Special Forces Group. He now works to mold the newest generations of Green Berets. 

CSM retired Terry Peters entered the Army as an infantryman Sep 14, 1983, and retired as the 3rd Special Forces Group CSM with 27 years in the Army.  Since retiring in early 2010, Terry has served the SF Community in an advisory role to many leaders and contributes to numerous charities that help SF Veterans and their Families.  He currently serves as the Honorary CSM of the Regiment.

CSM(Ret) Thomas (Tom) Smith, who spent 35 years in SF, starting in 1977 until 2012. He served over 8 years at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School teaching SERE and in the SF Pipeline. Tom served as the U.S. SOCOM CSM for over 5 years, where he created the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy. After he retired, he created the Summit Course in JSOFSEA and continues to teach and mentor senior enlisted leaders.

COL Croot's Research Study:
 Paper
Presentation

WAR ROOM Podcast

When you hear brand names, what they are known for quickly will pop into your mind.  Names like McDonald's, Advil, or even Apple instantly bring a product or company logo to mind.  When the question of who is Special Forces was asked by the 1st Special Forces Command Chief of Staff, COL Ed Croot, he received mixed responses.  COL Croot's study determined that the SF Regiment was undergoing an identity crisis. 
  
  We gathered seven esteemed Sergeants Major from across the SF Regiment to discuss what is the SF identity and if there was an identity crisis. In our last episode, they discussed how the identity crisis affected the force. We now ask the question, how do we address the issue. Those Sergeants Major are:
  
  SGM Dave Friedberg, the Alpha company 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces group sergeant major. Dave joined Special Forces in 1999 and is an original regional support element plank holder. He has multiple deployments in the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM AOR.

CSM Retired Jeffrey Wright. Jeff served in 3 different Special Forces groups and as the senior enlisted leader for 4 joint commands. He served in the army from the cold war to the gulf war to the global war on terror and many points in-between.  

SGM Matt Williams, the 2nd BN 3rd Special Forces group operations sergeant major. Matt joined under the 18x program in 2005. He has deployed to Afghanistan and Africa many times and was an instructor at SFARTAETC. SGM Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2019 for his actions during the battle of Shok Valley, Afghanistan, in 2008.

 CSM Retried Bill Thetford, the USASOC Operations Integrator. Bill joined Special Forces in 1993 and retired in March 2019. Most of his expertise comes from CENTCOM and SOCOM. 

CSM Dave Waldo, the CSM of 4th battalion 1st SWTG.  He joined Special Forces in 2001 and started his SF career in 1st Special Forces Group. He now works to mold the newest generations of Green Berets. 

CSM retired Terry Peters entered the Army as an infantryman Sep 14, 1983, and retired as the 3rd Special Forces Group CSM with 27 years in the Army.  Since retiring in early 2010, Terry has served the SF Community in an advisory role to many leaders and contributes to numerous charities that help SF Veterans and their Families.  He currently serves as the Honorary CSM of the Regiment.

CSM(Ret) Thomas (Tom) Smith, who spent 35 years in SF, starting in 1977 until 2012. He served over 8 years at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School teaching SERE and in the SF Pipeline. Tom served as the U.S. SOCOM CSM for over 5 years, where he created the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy. After he retired, he created the Summit Course in JSOFSEA and continues to teach and mentor senior enlisted leaders.

COL Croot's Research Study:
  Paper
Presentation

WAR ROOM Podcast

In this week's Command Team Corner, Maj. Gen. John Brennan reflects on 2020, provides his thoughts on the command moving into 2021, and gives an update on our diversity and inclusion efforts. 

COL Jamie Riesberg, the 1st SFC(A) Command Surgeon, and MAJ Caitlyn Rerucha, the 92nd CA BN Battalion Surgeon dispel myths and provide the community with important COVID-19 vaccine facts.

Resources:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2034577

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html

Academy of Breast Feeding Medicine (ABM):

https://www.bfmed.org/abm-statement-considerations-for-covid-19-vaccination-in-lactation?fbclid=IwAR30rqyr4xFbK-Wo7C88Nj1bzbd0PXGcnIHxrbmbefl-93-fNomeQR6sV-Y

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions/?fbclid=IwAR0OnOJcv7VMl_235rrzEeX5Dxdk2gmGWzyyNWJtY1wZ8iQnWCxHFMjI_PE

American College of Obstetrics (ACOG):

https://www.acog.org/en/Clinical/Clinical%20Guidance/Practice%20Advisory/Articles/2020/12/Vaccinating%20Pregnant%20and%20Lactating%20Patients%20Against%20COVID%2019?fbclid=IwAR3QYhximOCpuXDzgV3EP3brc6QVElPFe4Yz59_ihlSyK2e-MHuk-5CCOVw

In this episode, we sit down with Brig. Gen. Steve Marks, Deputy Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), to discuss his thoughts on engaged leadership and some of the techniques used by the engaged leaders he has served under. 

Hint: it starts and ends with communication!

This week, we sat down with Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter to discuss the command's talent management initiatives.

Col. Jeremy Mushtare is the commander of the 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) located at Fort Bragg, NC. 8th POG (A) consists of 3rd PSYOP Battalion (A), 9th PSYOP Battalion (A), and a Headquarters and Headquarters Company. 3rd POB (A) supports operations around the globe with specialized expeditionary teams tailor fit to execute print, A/V, and broadcast activities. The unit also houses the Information Warfare Center and other capabilities designed to support our forces or compete with adversaries from the CONUS base. 9th POB (A) is the PSYOP Regiment’s National Mission Force (NMF) which is responsible for supporting Special Mission Units (SMU) across the world. Members of the PSYOP NMF are deployed specifically to address the most serious threats to U.S. National Security. 

Dr. Ajit Maan is a narrative strategist focused on national security and international relations. She is founder and CEO of the U.S. based think-tank Narrative Strategies, Affiliated Faculty at George Mason University, member of the Brain Trust of the Weaponized Narrative Initiative of Arizona State University, author of Internarrative Identity: Placing the Self, Counter-Terrorism: Narrative Strategies, and co-editor of Soft Power on Hard Problems: Strategic Influence in Irregular Warfare. Her most recently published book is Plato’s Fear. 

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Steed is an instructor of military history at the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College. Having served in the Middle East for more than eight and a half years as a Foreign Area Officer, he is both a scholar and practitioner of cross-cultural influence. Published works include, among others, ISIS: An Introduction and Guide to the Islamic State and Bees and Spiders: Applied Cultural Awareness and the Art of Cross-Cultural Influence.

Maj. Gen. John Brennan discusses some books he's reading and how they shape his thoughts on leadership and self-development.

Maj. Gen. John Brennan, commander of the 1st Special Forces command, Brig. Gen. Scott Jackson, commander of the Security Force Assistance Command, and Col. Mike Sullivan, commander of the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, discuss the unique but complimentary roles of 1st SFC(A) and the SFAC. 

The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 David Holton reflects on his 31 years of service, mentors who influenced him along the way, and his transition to civilian life. 

Lt. Col. Sam Hayes, the Inter-agency Coordinator for the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, hosts a discussion with members of the Civil Affairs regiment surrounding the Civil Affairs role at the tactical level in the great power competition in different global regions. They touch on embassy work, combining Military Information Support Operations with Civil Affairs capabilities, and the importance of civil society organizations. 

1st Sgt. Enrique Hernandez is an active duty Non-Commissioned Officer serving as a Company First Sergeant in 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO) (A).  He has deployed to numerous countries within the SOUTHCOM and CENTCOM AORs.

Maj. J. David Thompson is an active duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs Major assigned to 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO)(A). He has a number of deployments to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. David has a Juris Doctorate from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He also holds a BS in Economics and MBA in Leadership from Liberty University. Outside the military, he's worked at the UN Refugee Agency, Department of Defense, and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel.

1st Sgt. Richard Bisbal is an active-duty member in U.S. Army Civil Affairs. Serving in the 95th CA BDE (SO) (A). He has served in MEDCOM, the 98th CA BN, and 95th CA BDE with various deployments South America. 1SG Bisbal has a Bachelor's degree in Health Care Management from Trident University in California, and a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies from National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

Maj. Mike Casiano is an active-duty  U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer serving in the 95th CA BDE (SO) (A). He has served in 1st Armored Division, the 98th CA BN, and 1SFC (A) with various deployments across the Middle East and South America. Mike has multiple degrees to include a Master of Arts Degree in Public Policy: International Affairs from Liberty University, a Master of Military Arts and Science Degree in Military Operations from the US Army Command and General Staff College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in International Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Capt. Christina Plumley is an active duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving in E Company, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO)(A). She has recent experience in Southeast Asia as the Theater Civil Military Support Element Deputy Operations Chief. She previously served with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, supporting and executing multinational military exercises across Europe. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in International Relations and French from the United States Military Academy.

Capt. Paul Kuemmerlein is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving in Fox Co, 83d Civil Affairs Battalion.  Paul deployed to Guyana from AUG-DEC 2020 where he led his CA Team ISO synchronized SOF efforts and interagency collaboration with DOS and host-nation counter-COVID efforts.   A NOV 2019 Graduate of the U.S. Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School, Paul’s pre-SOF career in Transportation and Logistics included assignments in Korea (Camps Walkers & Henry) and Fort Hood, TX.

Lt. Col. Sam Hayes is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving at the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (SO) (A). He has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, 82nd Civil Affairs Battalion, USAJFK Special Warfare Center and School, USCAPOC(A), and NATO with various deployment across the Middle East and Africa. Sam has multiple degrees to include a Masters of Art in Information Warfare and Political Strategy from Naval Postgraduate School and a Ph.D. in Organizational Management with a specialization in Leadership from Capella University.

In this Command Team Corner episode, Maj. Gen. John Brennan, the commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) speaks about his intent for Innovation, both at the command level and how that translates down to the team level.

A few Acronyms of note:
TISCO - Technical and Information Support Company
SOF-TC - Special Operations Forces Training Center (one of 1SFC's top 5 current priorities)
ARLIS - Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security
PEO-STRI - Program Executive Office - Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation

Show Overview:
Col. Eric Kreitz, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)'s Director of Information Warfare sits down with Dr. Richard Harknett, one of the world's leading cybersecurity experts, and Maj.  Jay Kosturko, an Electronic Warfare Officer assigned to 1st SFC(A) to help frame how we should think about the cyber domain.

Bio's:
Col. Eric Kreitz is the Director of Information Warfare at 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). He has more than 14 years in the PSYOP Regiment and has commanded at the Detachment and Battalion levels.

 Maj. Jay Kosturko is leading the effort for tactical cyber integration at 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).

Dr. Richard Harknett is a Professor and the Department Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Cincinnati, where he's also the Co-Director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute and Chair of the University’s Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy. Previously, he served as a Fulbright Scholar in Cyber Studies at Oxford University and as the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence at US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.

Resources:
Jay Kosturko’s Resource list:

http://darknetdiaries.com/ - NPR's podcast on the art of the possible in cyber.

https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts - Collection of daily / weekly cyber news podcasts.  Particularly recommend "Hacking Humans" By Joe Carrigan of JHU.

https://tutorials.cyberaces.org/tutorials.html - Collection of free introductory tech tutorials by SANS.

https://overthewire.org/wargames/  - Learn cyber offensive principles and techniques through puzzles and challenges.

https://www.hackthebox.eu/ - Intentionally vulnerable online machines to learn basic-intermediate.  Requires users to "hack in" to receive an invite code for an account.

https://www.hackerone.com/ - Resources, challenges and a bug bounty program.

https://acictf.com/ - Army Cyber Institute's capture the flag competition.  This years is cancelled, last year's challenges are still available.

Dr. Harknett’s Resource List:

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-08-25/cybersecurity - AUG 2020 Foreign Affairs article by GEN Nakasone

https://www.lawfareblog.com/ -  Lawfare blog focused on policy 

Thanks for listening!
-The Indigenous Approach Podcast Team 

In this episode, COL Ed Croot, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) Chief of Staff sits down with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Commander, COL Ryan Ehrler.  They discuss the importance of relationships spanning across the Indo-Pacific and why 1st SFG is "First in Asia".

Col. Ryan Ehrler is the commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), which is regionally-aligned with the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. A graduate of both the U.S. Naval War College and U.S. Army War College, Col. Ehrler previously served as 1st SFG(A)’s deputy commander and has numerous deployments across the Middle East, to include Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, as well as North and West Africa.

In this episode, two Special Forces Medal of Honor recipients, Sgt. 1st Class (R) Melvin Morris and Sgt. Maj. Matt Williams, sit down to discuss what it means to serve in the Special Forces Regiment, the value of diversity, and the importance of partnerships around the world.

Sgt. 1st Class (R) Melvin Morris entered the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1959 and later requested to join the active Army. He became one of the first Soldiers to don the 'green beret' at the command of President John F. Kennedy, Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1961. Morris volunteered twice for deployments to Vietnam. Sgt. 1st Class Morris received the Medal of Honor on March 18, 2014.

Sgt. Maj. Matthew Williams, the 3rd Special Forces Group operations sergeant major, graduated from Angelo State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Driven to serve, Williams enlisted into the Army under the 18X Special Forces enlistment program in September 2005.After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training, Williams attended Basic Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then went through the Special Forces assessment and selection process in 2006 and was accepted into the program. In 2007, Williams graduated as a weapons sergeant from the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Sgt. Maj. Williams received the Medal of Honor on October 30, 2019.

ASOF History MoH

Show Overview
In this episode, Col. Eric Kreitz, the 1st SFC (A) Director of Information Warfare sits down with the 1st SFC (A) Chaplain Col. Chris Dickey. They discuss Col. Kreitz's very personal story - one of fear, addiction, and hitting rock bottom...but also one of resilience, support, and overcoming adversity.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness.  If you  or someone you know is in need of help, there many resources available like Military One Source, your local health clinic, or your religious support team .

Bios
Col. Eric Kreitz is the Director of Information Warfare at 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). He has more than 14 years in the PSYOP Regiment and has commanded at the Detachment and Battalion levels.

Chaplain (Col.) Christopher Dickey is honored to serve as the Command Chaplain for 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).  A native of Houston, Texas, and the son of an Army MP and Vietnam Veteran, Chaplain Dickey leads a dedicated team of Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists serving across the Command entrusted to care for our most precious resource: our Soldiers and Families.

Military One Source
Behavioral Health Fact Sheet

Maj. Gen. John Brennan and Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter share their thoughts on the value of our people and the role they play in making the command the most relevant organization in the Army. 

Show Overview
In this episode, MAJ David Thompson, commander of Alpha Company, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion and Mr. James Fleming, Office Director for Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean in the new Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) discuss humanitarian assistance and interagency relationships.

Bios
James Fleming is the Office Director for Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean in the new Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He was formerly Division Chief for the Asia, Latin America, and Eurasia (ALE) Response Division in the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

MAJ David Thompson is an active duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs Major assigned to 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO)(A). He has a number of deployments to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. David has a Juris Doctorate from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He also holds a BS in Economics and MBA-Leadership from Liberty University. Outside the military, he's worked at the UN Refugee Agency, Department of Defense, and Physicians for Human Rights - Israel.

In this episode of the Command Team Corner, we sit down with Maj. Gen. John Brennan, Col. Jamie Riesberg, Lt. Col. Ryan Schloesser, and Lt. Col. Eric Johnson to discuss the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines, given the recent changes in guidance with respect to Restriction of Movement (ROM) for fully-vaccinated individuals.

Maj. Gen. John Brennan is the Commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).
Col. Jamie Riesberg is the 1st SFC (A) Command Surgeon.
Lt. Col. Ryan Schloesser is our Current Operations Division Chief.
Lt. Col. Eric Johnson is our former G9, who is researching Disinformation on a fellowship with New America's Future of War Project.

In this Command Team Corner episode, Maj. Gen. John Brennan sits down with Lt. Col. Eric Johnson and Lt. Col. Chris Ford to discuss Extremism, Disinformation, and Permissible Online Conduct. What we hear is that there are two parts to addressing these problems - shoring up the foundation of our Soldiers' professional military ethic and inoculating the force against disinformation intended to polarize our society.

Maj. Gen. John Brennan is the commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).

Lt. Col. Eric Johnson is our former G9, who is studying disinformation as a Fellow at New America's Future of War project.

Lt. Col. Chris Ford is the 1st SFC (A) Staff Judge Advocate.

CW5 Scott Gronowski, 1st SFC(A) Command Chief Warrant Officer, reflects on multiple deployments to Afghanistan in light of the recent withdrawal announcement. 

In this episode, Brig. Gen. Steve Marks talks about what he’s been reading and how it’s impacted his thinking. Then he discusses his time as the USAG-Italy Commander and how that job impacted him as a leader.

 Since recording, Brig. Gen. Marks has moved up to his new role as the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). We wish him the best, and we want to thank him for his tremendous leadership and mentorship while serving in 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).

In this episode, Chaplain (COL) Chris Dickey talks with Jeff Struecker about dealing with loss and grief following the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Their conversation is pointed and powerful, as Mr. Struecker describes his journey and what made other Rangers turn to him for guidance when the smoke cleared.

For more information about Jeff Struecker, visit https://jeffstruecker.com/

In this episode, Maj. Gen. Brennan sits down with Lt. Gen. (R) Michael Nagata and Maj. Ryan Min to talk their unique backgrounds and experiences as our command concludes our observance of Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.

 Lt. Gen. Nagata retired in 2019 after serving more than 37 years in the Army. His time in Special Operations Forces includes service in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Special Missions Units, and as commander of SOCCENT. He concluded his career as the Director of Strategy for the National Counterterrorism Center and now serves as a Strategic Advisor and Senior Vice President at CACI International.

 Maj. Ryan Min is a PSYOP officer with 16 years of service who is currently serving in 1st SFC(A)’s Commander’s Initiatives Group. 

In this episode Col. Jamie Riesberg sits down with Maj. Gen. John Brennan, Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter, Col. Brian O'Leary and Lt. Col. Chris Ford to discuss how transitioning from COIN/CT to Great Power Competition affects the force, identifying mental health concerns, and the importance of seeking help.

Maj. Gen. John Brennan is the commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)

Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter, Command Sergeant Major of 1st SFC (A)

Col. Jamie Riesberg, 1st SFC (A) Command Surgeon

Col. Brian O'Leary, 1st SFC (A) Command Psychologist

Lt. Col. Chris Ford, 1st SFC (A) Staff Judge Advocate

In this episode, Maj. Dan Lessard sits down with the command team and battalion commanders of the 528th Special Operations Sustainment Brigade to discuss what makes their brigade so unique.


Col. Mike Summers is the commander of the 528th.

Command Sgt. Maj. Dejarius Jones is the command sergeant major.

Lt. Col. Al Davis is the commander of the 528th STBn (has since changed command).

Lt. Col. Brian Wong is the commander of the 112th Signal Bn.

Lt. Col. Sapriya Childs is the commander of the 389th MI Bn.

For additional history about the 528th , check out the ARSOF History page, here: https://arsof-history.org/branch_support.html

The concept of resistance is foundational to Army Special Operations Forces, as our mission is generally to partner with forces to either support or defeat resistance movements. In this two-part series, we pair experts on resistance with our forward-stationed battalion commanders in Germany and Japan to discuss what resistance is and how it’s applied in today’s operational environment. 

*To join the conversation, navigate to the 1SFC CAG page on the SIPR portal, where you will find a button for the CDR's Blog*

Links:

Assessing Revolutionary and Insurgent Strategies (ARIS) Project: 
https://www.soc.mil/ARIS/ARIS.html

Resistance Operating Concept (ROC):
https://jsou.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=54216464

Lt. Col. Mike Penn is a Special Forces officer and commander of 1st Bn. 10th Special Forces Group in Stuttgart, Germany. He’s been in the Army for almost 25 years and has spent the majority of that time in Special Operations units.

 Mr. Paul Tompkins is currently the Sensitive Activities Division Chief at the US Army Special Operations Command. A retired CW4 with 28 years of service, Mr. Tompkins joined the Special Forces regiment in 1980 and spent time planning resistance operations against the Soviet Union during his time with 10 Special Forces Group in the ‘80s. 

 Dr. Otto Fiala, also currently working at USASOC, is a retired Army Colonel and was the lead author of the Resistance Operating Concept while at Special Operations Command Europe.

 LtCol. Randy Martin has spent most of his career within the US Air Force Special Operations Command and is a subject matter expert on Resistance at SOCEUR. 

 Master Sgt. Frank Miller is a colleague of Mr. Tompkins and Dr. Fiala at USASOC. He’s served 15 years as a Green Beret, including several years with 1st Bn 10th Group in Germany, and is a Silver Star recipient from combat actions in Afghanistan in 2010.  

In Part 2 of our series on Resistance, we examine what Resistance looks like in the INDOPACOM AoR with the past, present and future commanders of our forward-stationed battalion in the region.

Guests for this episode:
Lt. Col. Erik Davis is the current commander of 1st Bn, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Okinawa, Japan.

Lt. Col. Ron Garberson works in the Operations Directorate at Special Operations Command - Pacific (SOCPAC) and is the next commander of 1st Bn, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Okinawa, Japan.

Col. (Ret) Dave Maxwell is a senior fellow at Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, and was commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group from 2000 to 2002. He's instructed at the National War College and Georgetown University. With over 20 years of service in the Indo-Pacific, he's an expert on the subjects of SOF and resistance.

*To join the conversation, navigate to the 1SFC CAG page on the SIPR portal, where you will find a button for the CDR's Blog*

Links for this topic:

Gene Sharp’s “From Dictatorship to Democracy”

https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/resource/from-dictatorship-to-democracy-a-conceptual-framework-for-liberation/

Assessing Revolutionary and Insurgent Strategies (ARIS) Project:
https://www.soc.mil/ARIS/ARIS.html

Resistance Operating Concept (ROC):
https://jsou.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=54216464

The Army Special Operations Forces community has a lot on our minds after shouldering the burden of 20 years of war.  The hardships, trials, struggles we face, have faced, and will continue to face affect us in one way or another.  Master Sgt. Chris Copper, the 1st Special Forces Command Human Performance and Wellness NCO, joins Master Sgt. Josh Thompson, former U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Sgt., to discuss the different masks we wear and how that can affect someone’s life.

Master Sgt. Chris Copper is the 1st SFC(A) HPW NCOIC and works to ensure that the Soldiers across the organization have the resources available for physical, mental and spiritual health.

Master Sgt. Josh Thompson, at the time of this recording, was the SWCS HHC 1st Sgt.  After assuming responsibility, he wrote the paper “The Masks We Wear” and identified what made him want to seek help and the importance of sharing his story.

Josh’s Article
https://havokjournal.com/culture/mental-health-wellness/the-masks-we-wear-an-sf-soldier-speaks-out/

https://usasoc.hpw.agilesof.com/index.html – USASOC Human Performance and Wellness website.
https://suicidepreventionlife.org – Call, (800) 273-8255 to receive immediate assistance.
https://veteranscrisisline.net – Call, (800) 273-8255, press 1.
http://giveanhour.org- non-attributable website to speak to a real person that can listen and provide assistance.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help – website that can provide confidential help. Call, 800- 342-9647.

In today's episode, we bring on the LREC program managers and a current Special Forces officer to discuss the command's language and culture program.

Francis "Rusty" Restituyo is a retired Green Beret and is the LREC Director.

Jorge Sanchez is a retired Green Beret and runs the Advanced Language Training portion of the LREC.

Scott McDonough is the program manager for Yorktown Systems Group, the company that manages the contractor and database portion of the LREC.

Ian Edgerly is a former PSYOP officer and is the program lead for the Regional Expertise and Culture part of the LREC.

MAJ Tim Ball is a current Special Forces officer and a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He wrote an article in War on the Rocks in May of this year about our language program, available here:

https://warontherocks.com/2021/05/talking-the-talk-language-capabilities-for-u-s-army-special-forces/

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Master Sgt. Chris Copper returns with  Maj.  Larry Royer, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) behavioral health officer; Master Sgt. John, Team Sergeant from 19th SFG(A); and Georgia Harrison, United States Army Special Operations Command HPW Suicide Prevention Coordinator to have a candid conversation on issues that are affecting the force today. 

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Master Sgt. Chris Copper returns with  Maj. Larry Royer, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) behavioral health officer; Master Sgt. John, Team Sergeant from 19th SFG(A); and Georgia Harrison, United States Army Special Operations Command HPW Suicide Prevention Coordinator to have a candid conversation on issues that are affecting the force today. 

*The original audio file uploaded had an issue that has now been corrected. Sorry for the inconvenience.*

In this two-part series, Maj. Dan Lessard sits down with MACV-SOG veteran John Stryker Meyer, AKA "Tilt", for a conversation on his experiences as a Green Beret within SOG in Vietnam.

For more information on the Studies and Observations Group and Meyer's experiences in Vietnam, check out his 2003 memoir titled "Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam"

In the second episode of this two-part series, Maj. Dan Lessard continues a conversation with MACV-SOG veteran John Stryker Meyer, AKA "Tilt", to talk about  his experiences as a Green Beret within SOG in Vietnam.

For more information on the Studies and Observations Group and Meyer's experiences in Vietnam, check out his 2003 memoir titled "Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam" 

In the latest episode of our Candid Conversations series, Master Sgt. Chris Copper and Col. Brian O'Leary sit down with author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger (Perfect Storm, Restrepo, War, Korengal, Tribe, Freedom) and Col. Dan Kearny for an incredible conversation on the importance of being part of a Tribe when it comes to reintegration following combat deployments.

Master Sgt. Chris Copper is a Green Beret with 8 combat deployments as a Ranger and Special Forces NCO.

Col. Brian O'Leary is the command Psychologist for 1st SFC(A) and was on two previous deployments covered by Sebastian Junger.

Col. Dan Kearny currently serves in the 18th ABN Corps at Fort Bragg, and was featured in Sebastian Junger's documentary Restrepo as the company commander of Battle Company, 2-503 / 173rd Abn.

Sebastian talks about his Veterans Town Hall organization he started. More information can be found here: https://www.vetstownhall.org. 

"The challenge of this old but new form of operations is a real one, and I know that you and the members of your Command will carry on for us and the free world in a manner which is both worthy and inspiring. I am sure that the Green Beret will be a mark of distinction in the trying times ahead."
- President John F. Kennedy

In this special episode, we take you to the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring President John F. Kennedy, who established the distinctive headgear of Special Forces...the Green Beret. 

In this episode, we sit down with Maj. Gen. Richard Angle to discuss the command's new Vision: a one-page document titled "Who We Are."

You can find the new Vision document here: https://www.soc.mil/USASFC/HQ.html

In this episode, we sit down with Command Sgt. Maj. Chris King, CSM of 2nd Bn, 1st SFG (A), to discuss Menton Week and other things going on in 1st Special Forces Group.

For more about Menton Week, check out this article:

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/384616/1st-sfg-celebrates-legacy-elite-forces-during-menton-week

Our Candid Conversations Team is back with a great conversation on Moral Injury / Moral Guilt and how an understanding of those concepts could help us deal with past transgressions and become better teammates and leaders.



Our next episode will bring in Professor Pauline Shanks-Kaurin and CPT Ben Ordiway to talk about Ethics from a more academic approach, which complements our Candid Conversations team very well. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin and Capt. Ben Ordiway to discuss moral reasoning and ethical leadership. 

Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin is professor and Admiral James B. Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics. She holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Temple University and specializes in military ethics, “just war theory” and philosophy of law and applied ethics. She is author of “On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Community and Citizenry” and “Achilles Goes Asymmetrical: The Warrior, Military Ethics and Contemporary Warfare.” She served as a contributor for The Strategy Bridge and has published in War on the Rocks, Clear Defense, The Wavell Room, Grounded Curiosity, Newsweek and Just Security. She is a member and serves on the board of directors for the Military Writers Guild. 

Capt. Ben Ordiway is a Civil Affairs officer with previous experience within the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. He is currently pursuing a masters in philosophy at the University of Michigan. This summer he'll begin an assignment as an instructor at the United States Military Academy, where he'll instruct cadets in philosophy and officership. Ben's work on moral reasoning and an associated moral decision-making process is sponsored by the leadership of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). If you'd like to reach out to Ben for questions, feedback, or ideas on this topic, email him here: bordiway@umich.edu. 

In this episode, we talk with Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, recent recipient of the Medal of Honor for valorous actions at FOB Ghazni in Afghanistan during a 2013 attack on the base. Plumlee provides his reflections on what the medal means, what it was like receiving the award, and what's next for him.