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The Jedburgh Podcast

Fran Racioppi

#38 in Government this week

The Jedburgh Podcast empowers leaders to achieve success on their journey to transform themselves and their organizations. Creator, Host and Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi interviews the world’s most prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning.

Each episode is an in-depth discussion with trailblazers who’ve earned success through a dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand.

In May 1943 the Allied Forces determined a new type of leader was required to win World War II. Operation Jedburgh parachuted three-man teams deep behind enemy lines to win no matter the challenge. Jedburghs lived by the mantra “how you prepare today, determines success tomorrow.” Today's leaders are no different.

Fran speaks with leaders in public service, business, athletics, and academics about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. Our discussions focus on the character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day.

We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives.

The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance:

-Drive: Growth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement

-Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges

-Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation

-Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness

-Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both

-Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation

-Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit

-Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better

-Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos

Fran Racioppi is the Founder & CEO of FRsix where he leads operations in critical infrastructure projects. He served 13 years in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Fran is passionate about building the world's best leaders and the impact our special operators have in service and beyond. He holds a BA from Boston University in Broadcast Journalism and an MBA from NYU Stern, as well as the security industry's highest accreditation as a Certified Protection Professional.

The Jedburgh Podcast is an official program of the Green Beret Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers and their families. The Foundation provides emergency and ongoing support across five pillars: Casualty Support, Health and Wellness, Transition, Family Support, and Gold Star and Surviving Families. Learn more at https://greenberetfoundation.org/the-jedburgh-podcast/.

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#212
Friday · 33 min
#212: Discipline Is A Decision - Army Black Knight Football - Head Football Coach Jeff Monken
For the United States Military Academy at West Point, football is about more than winning games. It’s about preparing young men to lead America’s next generation of soldiers in the defense of freedom at home and abroad. General George C. Marshall famously said, “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” More than 80 years later, that philosophy remains at the foundation of Army football. Discipline. Toughness. Accountability. Teamwork. And the ability to perform under pressure when failure isn’t an option. From the recently completed East Grandstands at Michie Stadium, Fran Racioppi sat down with the leader of the Black Knights, Head Coach Jeff Monken. Since taking over in 2014, Monken has transformed Army football into a championship contender, earning conference titles, bowl victories, and multiple Commander-in-Chief Trophies. But the true measure of his success extends far beyond the scoreboard; success on the field must eventually lead to success on the battlefield. From recruiting players who embrace a commitment to service, to building resilient leaders in the locker room, to adapting a game plan when the opponent changes, Monken’s approach instills in cadet athletes the principles required to lead soldiers. His philosophy is simple; focus on the fundamentals, prepare relentlessly and when called to battle, lead with speed and violence of action. And when it comes to service academy rivals; never let a sailor or airman off the hook. Go Army. Beat Navy…and Air Force! Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:49 - Michie Stadium Transformation 06:01 - Army Game Day 06:51 - Recruiting Future Leaders 10:06 - Life as a Cadet-Athlete 13:14 - Building a Winning Culture 16:46 - Fundamentals and Discipline 19:23 - The Army-Navy Rivalry 21:51 - The 2026 Army Football Team 24:30 - Motivation vs. Discipline 29:03 - Duty, Honor, Country 30:11 - Go Army, Beat Navy Quotes: "This is one of the most beautiful places in America." "They're going to be in charge." "They're going to lead others." "Our most important role is to educate, train, and inspire these young men and women to be leaders of character to serve." "Can I trust you? Are you committed to excellence? Do you care about me?" "Toughness, humility, effort, and execution is really the philosophy that we have for winning here." "You just executed the foundations and the fundamentals of your task to a higher standard, more consistently, without compromise." "The best way to win a game is not to lose it." "There's a level of professionalism that successful people live by." "It is generations of soldiers that we represent." "We all have a responsibility to each other to do our very best for the team." "Motivation is a feeling, and discipline is a decision." "I'm here to serve this team. This team isn't here for me." "Every team I've had has been different." "They chose to come here. They chose to serve, and I think that sets them apart from all of their peers." "I couldn't have passed the first math class here." "Like a family, they spend time breaking bread at the table." "The memories of winning those games are great. The agony of losing those games is almost unbearable." "They don't have egos. They fight hard for each other. They push each other, and they hold the standard." "I wanted my leadership and the things I value to go beyond our locker room into the United States Army." "Do right. Do your best, and show people you care." "You're doing it for something much bigger than yourself." "Go Army, Beat Navy." Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#211
October 28 · 59 min
#211: Influencing Human Behavior - US Army Special Operations Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs Colonels Steve Santucci, Jeff Uherka & Bob Cusick
The battlefield is more than guns, aircraft, ships and vehicles. Sometimes the most important weapon is an adversary’s perception. Since inception, US Army Special Forces have been central to shaping human behavior and enemy perspective; still the most important factors in military decision making. The objective isn’t always to change what someone believes. Sometimes we only need to change what they do, where they go, or the decision they make long enough to create an advantage. That’s the battlefield of Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs. From the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum at Fort Bragg, I sat down with Colonel Steve Santucci, Colonel Jeff Uherka, and Colonel Bob Cusick to go inside two of the most misunderstood capabilities in Army Special Operations and examine how Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs are shaping today’s battlefield. For these units, the mission is about precision influence. Identify the decision maker. Understand how they think. Force a decision. Create time and space. Then give commanders an opportunity to exploit it. Artificial intelligence, large language models, cyber capabilities, drones, and the digital information environment are creating new ways to understand and influence an audience. But on a battlefield where communications can be degraded and the electromagnetic spectrum contested, some of the answers may come from the past. Information warfare is also being consolidated under Army Special Operations, and the Army is building a more unified approach to how it trains and employs information professionals across the force. On today’s battlefield, destroying the enemy may not always be the most powerful option. If we can influence what they see, shape what they understand, and change the decisions they make, we may never have to fire a shot. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:59 - Defining PSYOPs and Civil Affairs Missions 07:50 - Behavior vs. Mindset 10:57 - Delivery Mechanisms 13:25 - Language and Culture 17:25 - Recruitment 21:07 - Qualification Course Pipelines 27:18 - Decentralization to Special Forces Groups 31:31 - Consolidation of Army Information Operations 39:53 - Future Operating Capabilities 44:58 - Daily Habits Quotes" “At the end of the day, it's about providing influence and deception’s word of commanders, to provide them time, space, and advantage on the battlefield.” “Can we change their mind just for a couple minutes, to divert, to deceive, to create opportunity for blue forces.” “Influence the influencers, and through an indigenous approach, they are able to change the minds of the population for our mutual objectives.” “We have to pull back on the history machine and relearn the things that we've forgotten about over the years.” “Technology can't replace the human to human eye to eye contact to influence a key leader.” “They don't want us to do anything other than offer ideas and solutions that they just hadn't considered.” “The Army wants more.” “He wants precision influence. He wants us to hit that decision maker.” “Sometimes what is old is new again.” “But at the end of the day, we all know we just we have to listen.” “I think as a foundation for a good soldier, which builds a team, which builds a company, a battalion, and a brigade.” “Leaders need time to think. Leaders need time to prepare for coaching. Leaders need time to understand what's going on around them, so they can issue clear, sound guidance.” “Leaders have to be present.” “It's a capability that can be employed across the force, and it's only better when it works in harmony.” Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#210
October 16 · 24 min
#210: Strength & Honor - America's Response Monument LTG(R) John Mulholland & Longtab Brewing Founder Dave Holland
On September 11, 2001, America was attacked. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost. As night fell, the world waited as America planned their response. Within weeks, a small force of Green Berets, CIA Paramilitary Case Officers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment flight crews and Army Rangers would launch one of the most extraordinary unconventional warfare campaigns in military history. The first Special Forces units who touched down in Afghanistan would forever become known as the Horse Soldiers. Twenty-five years later, their legacy stands at Ground Zero, where a lone Green Beret on horseback remains in permanent overwatch of the Twin Towers, their memory and the legacy of all those lost. From the base of the Horse Soldier statue in New York City’s Liberty Park, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Lieutenant General John Mulholland, who commanded 5th Special Forces Group on September 11 and led America into Afghanistan. LTG Mulholland shares his firsthand account of the attacks, the mission into Afghanistan, and the extraordinary effort to bring America’s Response Monument to Ground Zero. Also joining us is Dave Holland, Green Beret and founder of Longtab Brewing, whose personal connection to 9/11 and service in Afghanistan inspired Strength And Honor, an American Strong Ale honoring the Horse Soldiers and their legacy. This is America’s response, a tribute to the men who achieved the impossible, and a promise that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Strength and Honor! De Oppresso Liber! Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 General Mulholland’s 9/11 Response 05:41 The First Infiltrations into Afghanistan 08:37 The Horse Soldiers’ Legacy 10:02 The Story Behind the Statue 14:13 Bringing the Monument to Ground Zero 18:40 The “Strength and Honor” Beer Tribute 22:05 Supporting the Green Beret Foundation Quotes: "We're going to war in Afghanistan." “This will be an unconventional war." "Smoking a hole in the mountainside doesn't do me any good. We can't replace the hook. We can't replace you. We damn sure can't replace that A-team." "We are here. We are here with you. Get us up there where we can do some damage." "It took an entire team working together." "That needs to be on Ground Zero in permanent overwatch of the Twin Towers." “There was no other name that it could be other than Strength and Honor." Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge. A portion of all proceeds from Strength and Honor is donated to the Green Beret Foundation, supporting America’s Special Forces Operators and their families of all generations.
#209
October 6 · 40 min
#209: Delivering Lethality, Survivability & Mobility - XVIII Airborne Corps Joint Innovation Outpost Colonel Tom Monaghan
Speed of innovation will be the deciding factor on today’s battlefields. The technology soldiers need to survive and win cannot take years to field. For generations, one of the Army’s greatest challenges has been closing the distance between the soldier who identifies a need and the acquisition system responsible for delivering the solution. At Fort Bragg, the XVIII Airborne Corps is attacking that problem head on. Colonel Tom Monaghan, has a mission - build the Joint Innovation Outpost - putting soldiers, acquisition professionals, industry, funding, testing, and Army program offices together to accelerate the development of solutions. No red tape. No delays. No endless discussion about contract vehicles. Just lethality, survivability, and mobility. Colonel Monaghan joins Fran Racioppi to discuss the theory behind the JIOP, Dragon’s Lair, artificial intelligence, and why some of the Army’s best innovations are coming directly from soldiers closest to the problem; including counter-drone and unmanned systems. For Monaghan, the leadership philosophy behind that mission is just as important as the technology: provide clarity, listen to the soldier, and solve problems. The JIOP is proving that acquisition does not always have to begin thousands of miles from the operational force. Sometimes the person with the answer is already standing on the drop zone, sitting inside the vehicle, or carrying the equipment that needs to change. Innovate. Accelerate. Dominate. The Joint Innovation Outpost is building a model designed to ensure that when America's soldiers identify the battlefield need, the Army can move fast enough to solve it. HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction 1:58 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast 3:10 Building the Joint Innovation Outpost 5:52 Closing the Gap 8:10 Army Acquisition 12:11 Soldier-Driven Innovation 16:57 Prioritizing Battlefield Innovation 17:01 The Immediate Response Force 18:46 Dragon’s Lair and Accelerating New Ideas 19:22 Why Army Innovation Takes So Long 21:02 The Smartest Generation of Soldiers 23:28 Turning Soldier Ideas Into Battlefield Solutions 26:15 Artificial Intelligence and Human Decision-Making 27:28 Cost, Technology and Scalability 31:14 Innovate, Accelerate, Dominate 32:12 Measuring the JIOP’s Success 33:09 The Future of Army Innovation 34:25 Solving Problems 35:04 Three Things Quotes “We concentrate on anything that improves soldier lethality, survivability, mobility.” “We imagine a world where we close that time gap. We actually get rid of that valley of death.” “The normal process that I just talked about, that should have taken three to five years.” “There’s always a human in the loop.” “No piece of software is going to answer every question available.” “From an acquisition perspective, we always say cost, schedule, and performance. You never get all three.” “Solve problems. Support the soldier. Get them what they need.” “There’s nothing I can’t fix in five minutes with a phone call that you mess up. So just go out there and try.” “My superpower as a leader is to provide clarity.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#208
September 24 · 58 min
#208: Small, Light, Fast, Agile...Lethal - 1st Special Forces Command BG Joseph Wortham, CSM Lee Strong, CW5 Jerry Brown
The battlefield is changing faster than ever before. Drones can find you. Technology can expose you. America’s adversaries are adapting in weeks instead of years. For U.S. Army Special Forces, rapid evolution while maintaining the people, partnerships, and culture that have made Special Forces effective for generations is the key to success on today’s battlefield. From the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum at Fort Bragg, Fran Racioppi sat down with the command team of 1st Special Forces Command: Brigadier General Joseph Wortham, Command Sergeant Major Lee Strong, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jerry Brown. Together, they lead the US Army’s Green Berets, Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and the soldiers who enable them. Their mission - prepare, train and equip Army Special Operations Forces to win against an increasingly complex global threat. We discuss whether the legendary 12-man ODA is still the right formation for the wars of 2030 and 2040, and why the future may not require changing its core, but building new capabilities around it. Robotics and unmanned systems are rapidly becoming part of that evolution, including the development of specialized technical expertise designed to keep pace with technology that can change in a matter of weeks. But technology alone will never define Special Forces. We examine where Green Berets are supporting large-scale combat operations, how Special Forces can shape the deep fight for conventional commanders, and why Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, and trusted partner forces become even more important against peer adversaries. The battlefield may look different from the one this generation fought throughout the Global War on Terror, but the requirement remains the same: create options, influence the fight, and give the joint force an advantage before the enemy ever knows we’re there. The next generation of Army Special Operations will fight with tools its predecessors could never have imagined. But its greatest advantage will remain the same: exceptional people, trusted partners, and a culture built to take on the missions others cannot. Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:05 Importance of Partnerships 8:07 Command Priorities and Readiness 11:41 Evaluating the ODA Structure 20:02 Incorporating Robotics and Unmanned Systems 33:34 Special Forces in LSCO 47:28 Culture of the Regiment Quotes: “We don’t like to do anything by ourselves. We do everything with a partner.” “Those partnerships have to be genuine, they have to be authentic.” “It starts by being a genuine, authentic, good partner, not transactional.” “Humans are more important than hardware.” “When you take really good people that are fit, intelligent, of high character, and you assign them a mission, it doesn’t really matter what their MOS is." “How much demand can we put on them before they reach the point of saturation?” “It’s the smallest package we can get all of the warfighting functions in.” “It cannot be an additional task or an additional hat for someone on the ODA to wear.” “Here’s my rifle, here’s my NODs, here’s my radio, and oh, and here’s my drone.” “We’re small, we’re light, we’re fast, we’re agile, but we’re lethal.” "What we don’t bring in mass, we bring in mass through partnerships.” “Although we cannot prepare holistically for what’s next, we can get a head start this." “In my opinion, our culture is the best it’s ever been.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#207
September 11 · 43 min
#207: No Place to Hide - 18th Field Artillery Brigade Colonel Andy Hercik & Command Sergeant Major George Cabrera
Before ground forces can advance, the battlefield has to be shaped. Air defenses have to come down. Enemy weapons have to be destroyed. And the adversaries' will to combat America has to be lessened. This is the job of field artillery; a branch of the US Army where speed, distance, precision, and results determine who controls the battlefield before ground forces ever make contact. From Fort Bragg, NC, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade leads the Army’s rapidly deployable artillery units. As the largest HIMARS brigade, its soldiers must be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world within 10 days of notification and deliver long-range precision fires in support of the XVIII Airborne Corps, its divisions, and Special Operations Forces. Fran Racioppi sat down with the command team of Colonel Andy Hercik and Command Sergeant Major George Cabrera, to talk about what it takes to maintain readiness as the battlefield rapidly changes. After two decades of counterinsurgency, field artillery is now leading in large-scale combat operations where kilometers matter, ammunition and logistics can determine operational reach, and the ability to shoot, move, communicate, and survive has become unforgiving. Drones have made the battlefield increasingly transparent. A cell phone can expose a position. A lingering electromagnetic signature can make a HIMARS crew a target. The answer isn't abandoning the fundamentals. It's executing them better, while using lessons from today's conflicts to change how soldiers train and how the Army develops the capabilities required for tomorrow. We also discuss what true integration between conventional forces and Special Operations looks like, why the targeting process has to bring every capability together from the beginning, and the responsibility of NCOs and officers to build a formation that doesn't simply comply with standards, but understands why those standards keep soldiers alive and make them lethal. When the call comes, there won't be time to prepare. 18th Field Artillery Brigade has to be ready. Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Mission of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade 04:16 NCO Leadership and Force Readiness 05:38 Subordinate Units and Capabilities 09:55 Refocusing on Core Field Artillery Basics 13:49 Passing Down Lessons Learned 14:40 Interoperability and Special Operations Forces Integration 22:31 What Separates the 18th FA Brigade 24:58 Joint Force Integration 26:15 Modernization, Innovation, and Ammunition Investment 30:15 Drone Warfare and Signature Management 36:02 Culture of Commitment and the Warrior Mindset 41:15 Driving Decision-Making and Warfighting Readiness Quotes “We have to be ready to deploy, fight, and win within 10 days of notification.” “We are the Army’s largest HIMARS brigade with 54 HIMARS launchers.” “We’re going to first look to strip away adversary air defense and then kill what’s killing us.” “It’s much more effective to destroy a launcher than to try to intercept an incoming missile.” “Divisions are maneuvering in order to fire.” “We now have to be prepared to operate in a completely transparent battlefield.” “What we’re trying to do is avoid being at this point on the Earth where the enemy missile hits when it hits.” “Shoot, move, communicate, clean up our electromagnetic spectrum.” “Making sure soldiers understand the visibility of their signature.” “Be more survivable, which then lets us be more lethal, because we’re able to retain more combat power.” Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge. The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.
#206
September 2 · 1 hr 8 min
#206: Building The World's Best Special Operators - USAJFKSWCS Command Team MG Jason Slider, CSM Jeff Bochey, CW5 Gary Ostrander
Every Green Beret, Civil Affairs soldier, and Psychological Operations soldier starts somewhere. Before they can operate in the world’s most complex environments, they have to prove they can think, adapt, lead, and perform when the standard is uncompromising. At the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, the mission is simple to say and extraordinarily difficult to execute: build the world’s best special operators, then continue making them better. In this episode, Fran Racioppi travelled to the center of the universe, Fort Bragg, NC, to sit down with the command team responsible for that mission: Major General Jason Slider, Command Sergeant Major Jeff Bochey, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander. Together, they lead the organization responsible for assessing, selecting, training, and educating the next generation of Army Special Operations Forces while ensuring today’s operators remain prepared for tomorrow’s fight. The battlefield is changing rapidly. After more than two decades dominated by counterterrorism, SWCS is adapting its training for large-scale combat operations and peer adversaries capable of contesting American forces across every domain. That means integrating robotics and autonomous systems, preparing operators for the digital and information fight, and understanding how artificial intelligence can enhance the force without allowing technology to replace mastery of the fundamentals. But modernization also raises a harder question: how much can we ask one operator to do? As new capabilities emerge, SWCS has to determine what belongs in the baseline skill set, what requires specialized expertise, and how to give operational units new capabilities without adding another burden. From the development of robotics expertise to the evolution of Psychological Operations and information warfare, the institution itself has to adapt as quickly as the battlefield. We also examine the relationship between SWCS, 1st Special Forces Command, and USASOC, and why lessons from operational formations must move rapidly back into the schoolhouse. Training cannot prepare soldiers for the war we just fought. It has to produce leaders who can arrive at their teams on day one, contribute immediately, and adapt to a fight none of us can completely predict. Technology will change. The enemy will change. The battlefield will change. The standard cannot. The responsibility of SWCS is to ensure that whoever earns the right to join Army Special Operations has the competence, character, discipline, and adaptability to carry its legacy into whatever fight comes next. Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:25 The Mission of SWCS 9:36 The Army Special Operations Center of Excellence 11:40 Staying Humble & Evolving the Force 16:45 Defining the Standard for Lethality 19:27 Preparing for Large-Scale Combat Operations 24:51 Collaboration Across Army Special Operations 29:21 Robotics & the Future of Warfare 36:12 Psychological Operations & Information Warfare 40:09 Recruiting the Next Generation of Special Operators 51:39 Warrant Officer Recruiting & Retention 52:29 Preparing Special Operators for Their Hardest Day 56:07 Technology Without Losing the Fundamentals The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#205
August 11 · 49 min
#205: Training For Victory - Did Special Forces Really Win In Iraq & Afghanistan? Retired Colonel Frank Sobchak
How do we define success on the battlefield? While many have labeled America's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan failures, that narrative ignores some of the most remarkable successes ever achieved by U.S. Army Special Forces. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Green Beret Colonel Frank Sobchak, professor at the U.S. Naval War College and author of Training for Victory, to discuss the principles behind one of Special Forces' most enduring missions: building partner forces capable of securing their own future. Drawing on decades of operational experience and extensive historical research, Frank explains why success is rarely determined by firepower alone, but by trust, relationships, and leaders willing to invest in others. We explore why language, cultural understanding, consistency, and strategic empathy are far more than soft skills - they are combat multipliers that determine whether an advisory mission succeeds or fails. Frank breaks down why partnering alongside allied forces in combat remains the gold standard for developing capable militaries, how advisor continuity builds the trust required for honest conversations, and why empowering local leaders from the very beginning creates lasting success long after American forces have departed. Our conversation also challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan by highlighting overlooked success stories like the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, an organization built through years of patient advising and partnership. Finally, we examine what Frank calls "Cold War 2.0" and how the changing character of warfare—from drones and artificial intelligence to digital surveillance—only reinforces the enduring importance of the human domain. Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:54 The Importance of Language 9:13 Cultural Astuteness in Special Forces 13:26 Training Partner Forces 21:45 Host Nation Perspective 25:00 Advisor to Partner Ratios 30:38 The Importance of Combat Advising 33:22 Defining Combat Effectiveness 36:52 US Maintaining Global Order 41:41 Writing Training for Victory Quotes: “If you don’t speak the language, it really complicates things.” “There were times when I felt like I’m at a disadvantage because I’m speaking through an interpreter.” “You have to understand their perspective.” “It is those personal connections and those relationships that really matter.” “We fought 10 Iraq wars, one year at a time.” “These are risks that commanders and leaders have to look for, identify, recognize, and take action.” “Anytime you’re doing FID or security force assistance and you’re working with partners, it is two steps forward, one step back.” “The host nation actually really did like when the same people came back because that gave them consistency.” “I would put it at a company to an ODA.” “Combat advising still is the gold standard.” “Our profession is all about risk.” “The character of war is changing, but the nature of war is immortal.” “I firmly believe that the world is a far better place with America leading it.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#204
July 28 · 25 min
#204: Are Green Berets America's Best Entrepreneurs? Retired Green Beret Ben Harrow
Green Berets are trained to solve problems that don't come with instructions. Green Berets build trust where none exists. Green Berets lead small teams in uncertain environments. Green Berets adapt when the plan falls apart. Those same qualities that make exceptional Special Forces soldiers also make exceptional entrepreneurs. For Green Berets their next mission begins the day they leave the Regiment. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Retired U.S. Army Captain and Green Beret Ben Harrow during the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic to discuss transition from Special Forces to entrepreneurship and why so many members of the Regiment are uniquely equipped to build successful businesses after service. Drawing from his experiences leading in combat, recovering from catastrophic injuries, and building businesses after military service, Ben explains how the qualities that define a Green Beret - adaptability, resilience, disciplined execution, and solving complex problems with limited resources are the very same traits required to succeed in business. We discuss the realities of building scalable organizations, developing repeatable systems, hiring the right people, and learning when to lead from the front and when to empower others to take ownership. We also explore the changing landscape of the Special Forces Regiment as a new generation of leaders emerges without the combat experiences of the Global War on Terror. Ben shares why preserving the culture, brotherhood, and lessons learned from previous generations has never been more important, both inside the Regiment and long after service ends. Finally, we discuss the importance of the Stars and Stripes Classic and why events like this help preserve the team room. The uniforms may come off, but the relationships, shared experiences, and commitment to one another remain. For Green Berets, that brotherhood becomes the foundation for new missions, new businesses, and new opportunities. QUOTES “The leadership had never really experienced combat.” “That same sense of brotherhood that we felt playing college lacrosse, the only thing closest to that was being on an ODA.” “Your country has asked you to do some pretty amazing things in your career. Now have you ever thought about running a company?” “Part of the reason you’re selected is to be that adaptive thinker and say to any problem you come up to “I’ll figure it out.” “Never lead off with no.” “You have to bring people in that are willing to get after it.” “I don’t want to lose to Navy.” “It’s just background noise.” HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 4:49 The status of the Special Forces Regiment 10:04 Special Forces Entrepreneurism 20:35 Character Matters The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#203
July 17 · 30 min
#203: It Doesn't End Here - Green Beret Foundation President & CEO Charlie Iacono and Chief Warrant Officer Nick Lavery
The scoreboard may decide the winner, but it doesn’t tell the story of the game. The Stars and Stripes Classic pits America’s Green Berets against Navy SEALs, renewing Special Operations' greatest rivalries. But beyond the game, every operator on the field, and family member in the stands, represents an unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with the President and CEO of the Green Beret Foundation Charlie Iacono, and Chief Warrant Officer Nick Lavery, to discuss why the Stars and Stripes Classic is much more than just a game. It is an opportunity to strengthen the Special Operations community, honor the legacy of those who served before us, and introduce the next generation to the values that define Special Operations. Charlie shares how the Green Beret Foundation continues to evolve beyond traditional support programs, placing families at the center of its mission and developing initiatives like Task Force Tatanka to deliver customized solutions for Green Berets, veterans, and their loved ones. Nick reflects on the mindset that carried him from catastrophic injury in Afghanistan back to an Operational Detachment Alpha, redefining resilience not as avoiding adversity, but as the willingness to confront it, adapt, and continue moving forward. Our conversation explores the unique relationship between Green Berets and Navy SEALs - fierce competitors on the field, trusted teammates in combat. From military leadership and entrepreneurship to preserving the legacy of Special Operations, we discuss why sharing these stories remains critical to strengthening the community and inspiring the next generation. The Stars and Stripes Classic is a reminder that while competition builds excellence, it is service, family, and the enduring bonds of the Special Operations community that define the legacy of the Green Berets and Navy SEALs long after the final whistle blows. Listen or watch this episode and don’t miss this year's game; August 2nd from the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium in Columbus Ohio and being broadcast on ESPN. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:25 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 4:03 Preparing for the Game 5:10 Character on the Field 6:35 Green Berets vs Navy SEALs 10:05 Green Beret Families 14:56 Resiliency Matters 21:04 Task Force Tatanka QUOTES “The culmination of teamwork has been fantastic.” “No plan survives first contact.” “We are more alike than we are different.” “We’re like the most stereotypical brotherly relationship that maybe exists.” “Families are the bedrock for our foundation.” “We’re not telling the story enough.” “Adversity is inevitable.” “Resiliency is defined as one’s capacity to deal with or bounce back from challenges.” “There’s no way this is how this ends.” “You have to be unapologetically confident in the decisions you make when you put together a team.” “We are continuously evolving that objective.” “The biggest challenge with opportunities is they’re continuously evolving.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#202
July 9 · 1 hr 10 min
#202: Earned Never Given - 20th Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz
The title United States Marine is earned…never given. For over 250 years the Marine Corps has been front and center in the defense of America and our allies. But as technology and the battlefield have changed, the character and standard that define a Marine have never wavered. From the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA, Fran Racioppi sat down with Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th senior enlisted leader of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss what it takes to serve in one of the world's most respected fighting forces. Drawing on decades of service, SMMC Ruiz explains why the Marine Corps' greatest weapon system has never been its aircraft, landing craft or tanks, but the individual Marine. We explore how the Corps develops leaders by instilling discipline, accountability, resilience, and a deep understanding of the history and traditions that connect today's Marines to generations who came before them. Our conversation also examines how the Marine Corps is preparing for today’s battlefield from large-scale combat operations and force modernization to their role in littoral defense. The SMMC also shares his top priorities; improving quality of life for every Marine, investing in the physical and mental readiness of the Corps and preparing Marines for civilian life when the uniform comes off. From strengthening partnerships with industry, to building programs to train Marines in the trades, SMMC Ruiz remains as dedicated to the Marines whose service is ending as those who are getting off the bus. America has changed a lot in 250 years, but the unabashed mission of the United States Marine Corps to fight and win our nation’s wars has not. A special thanks to the National Museum of the Marine Corps for hosting our conversation and reminding every American that for Marines “Uncommon Valor Is A Common Virtue.” HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:18 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 2:54 What It Means To Be A US Marine 7:04 Marine Corps Standard 10:04 Combat Readiness 15:41 Shifting from GWOT 20:00 Marine Corps Culture 26:24 Replacing the ASVAB 30:11 Recruiting Marines 34:38 Retaining Marines 38:02 Transitioning Marines 1:00:44 Barracks 2030 1:05:53 Daily Habits QUOTES “What makes the Marines great is your brother or sister next to you will pick you up and you’ll keep moving forward.” “The promise is that we will make you better.” “You’ll get an 80% solution that you can pivot anywhere.” “What are we going to put in the Marines’ hands?” “They’re not pieces of furniture.” “Why not invest in the human in the beginning?” “The Marine Corps will decide.” “What kind of Marine are you building that is going to be talented and capable enough to arrive at the same moment that the technology is coming?” “You can’t sell the Marine Corps. It’s too big.” “Reinlisting Marines two years at a time is how we’re gaining retention.” “We can help transition Marines better.” “We’re good enough to keep what we want. We should be good enough to take care of the other ones as well.” “That’s how you grow. Doing hard things.” “We’re done trying to defend why the conditions are the way they are.” “You can’t have beautiful, fancy, state-of-the-art gear and a crappy place to sleep.” “If you can attempt to every day get to know somebody a little better, you can only move your platoon standard to higher levels because people trust you.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#201
June 27 · 21 min
#201: Coaching America's Best - Army West Point Head Coach Joe Alberici and Naval Academy Head Coach Joe Amplo
For one day, the rivalry shifts from the battlefield to the lacrosse field. Green Berets. Navy SEALs. America's most elite special operations forces compete with the same intensity, discipline, and commitment to excellence that defines their military careers. But when the final whistle blows, the score becomes secondary to the brotherhood. Live from the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Army Head Coach Joe Alberici and Navy Head Coach Joe Amplo just hours before the teams took the field. While the rivalry between Army and Navy is one of the greatest traditions in sports, both coaches know the game has always represented something much bigger than winning. Every practice, every workout, and every lesson on the lacrosse field is preparing young men and women to lead under pressure, overcome adversity, and serve their country with honor. Our conversation examines how service academy athletics develops leaders ready to fight and win our nation’s wars. Coach Alberici and Coach Amplo explain why competition, accountability, and resilience are not just traits of great athletes - they are the same qualities required to lead in combat. As kickoff approaches, the focus shifts from strategy to mindset. Compete relentlessly. Trust your training. Focus on the next play. Because whether it's on the lacrosse field, on a Special Forces ODA or SEAL platoon, success is built on discipline, accountability, and teammates who refuse to let each other fail. Army and Navy compete to make each other better because one day these young men and women will stand together in defense of America. Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 2:02 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 2:39 Preparing for the Game 5:34 Playing at USMA & USN 14:01 Ownership & Accountability 17:03 Pregame Message Quotes: “The excitement and desire to be a part of this again from the community was incredible.” “My number one job is to keep you from yourself.” “I have such a love, respect, and aberration for a young person just to be looking at these academies.” “Both of our institutions uncover the best version of the human being that’s inside.” “They have to be good humans who contribute to society because even their military service is going to end at some point.” “You’re always looking to mentor.” “Great leaders hold themselves to the higher standard as consistent as they possibly can.” “The best leaders hold each other and others to that standard consistently.” “Each day we tell a young man we’re trying to build you a masterpiece.” “Before you hold others accountable, you got to hold yourself accountable.” “Go back to the basics.” “Let’s just make sure we’re getting onto the next play.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#200
June 19 · 31 min
#200: We Play To Win - US Army West Point Director of Athletics Tom Theodorakis
The United States Military Academy at West Point is the foundation of the US Army. Along the cliffs, through the halls, and on the fields America’s best and brightest are trained to lead not just soldiers, but America. But behind the tradition and pageantry, West Point understands that athletics of any level create disciplined warriors prepared to lead in any situation. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Tom Theodorakis, Director of Athletics at West Point, to discuss how one of the most respected athletic programs in the country directly supports the mission of the United States Military Academy and helps develop the next generation of Army leaders. With more than 30 Division I programs and over 1,200 cadet-athletes, Tom explains what makes Army West Point different from every other program in college athletics. Cadet-athletes are not just balancing Division 1 sports and rigorous academics; they are simultaneously preparing to become officers in the United States Army where they will lead soldiers and shape national security strategy for decades to come. We discuss the demanding reality of being a cadet-athlete, the recruiting process, and what it takes to attract elite competitors to an institution built around service before self. Tom also addresses the realities behind funding Army athletics, correcting the misconception that the program is fully government funded, and explaining how external support and partnerships help sustain the mission of Army West Point Athletics. Finally, we discuss the opportunities available to cadet-athletes after graduation, including pathways to world-class and professional athletics, and most importantly serving as officers in the United States Army. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:09 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:43 Athletic Director Responsibility 6:01 Recruiting Athletes to West Point 8:31 Competing at the D1 Level 11:14 Funding Athletics 12:06 NIL Impact 13:08 Defining Sustainability 14:04 West Point Cadet-Athlete Experience 18:18 West Point Pro Athletes 19:58 Coaching Cadet-Athletes 22:54 Creating Warriors 25:26 Defining Success 26:50 Cadet to Lieutenant Quotes: “It’s very humbling and also a tremendous responsibility .” “We want to win. If we’re going to keep score we want to win.” “That atmosphere of winning is something that’s paramount.” “We need to continue to just recruit and put ourselves on the biggest stage possible.” “We want to make sure to create the best area, the best resources for our athletes to just grow.” “The idea is that when someone comes here, they say ‘they care about athletics.’” “We need to continue to be innovative.” “We sell not the transactional experience, but it’s the transformational experience.” “What are we doing now to make sure we’re in a good position in the future?” “This place is about challenging our athletes.” “Every cadet here is an athlete.” “The key word here is ‘path.’” “You have to fully embrace this place and love this institution.” “You got to win too. Results matter.” “These are all things athletics can teach you on the field.” “There’s so many things that we do here at West Point that now more than ever help us.” “That’s the best part of the job.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#199
June 12 · 48 min
#199: America's Contingency Corps - XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General Lieutenant General Gregory Anderson
Modern warfare is no longer defined by who has the biggest force, but by who can adapt the fastest. The battlefield is changing in real time through artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and the speed of information. But even in the most advanced operating environments, victory still comes down to disciplined leaders, trusted teams, and soldiers prepared to make decisions under pressure when everything is on the line. The responsibility for America’s rapid response to any crisis belongs to the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps. From their headquarters at Fort Bragg, NC, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss how he is preparing America’s Contingency Corps for combat in an increasingly dangerous world. Leading more than 80,000 soldiers across the 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 101st Airborne Division, and other subordinate commands, LTG Anderson explains how the Corps balances readiness, speed, and innovation while maintaining the fundamentals that have always defined military success. Our conversation explores the role of Noncommissioned Officer, the importance of mastering the basics, and why leadership development remains America’s greatest asymmetric advantage. We also discuss the integration of conventional and special operations forces, the concept of compound warfare, and the difference between interoperability and true integration on the battlefield. LTG Anderson breaks down the Corps’ push toward innovation through initiatives like the Joint Innovation Outpost and experimental exercises that incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making into operational planning. But even as technology changes warfare, he makes one thing clear; there must always be a human in the loop. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:17 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:01 The role of XVIII Airborne Corps 9:57 Empowering NCOs 14:58 Joint Innovation Outpost 19:00 Speeding the Acquisition Timeline 22:53 Keeping A Human in the Loop 25:41 Integration vs Interoperability 29:13 Guiding the Tactical Level Leader 32:48 Compound Warfare Today 37:22 Generational Warfighting Differences 42:00 The XVIII Airborne Corps Formation 45:04 Daily Habits Quotes “What operational problems do they expect us to solve for them?” “If I’ve got a strong team…we’ll typically prevail.” “Certainly what I’ve learned of any value has come from non-commissioned officers that raised me up.” “The role of the non-commissioned officer is to become the technical tactical experts in the application of violence at the tactical level.” “What are we doing to get the NCO corps to that point where they are the Army?” “How do we use advanced computing to allow us to make decisions more informed and faster than our opponents?” “The advantage of war fighting is not replacing humans with machine decision making. It’s now creating superhumans that are enabled by it.” “Interoperability is our ability to work together in an efficient, effective manner.” “Compound Warfare is the blending of regular and irregular capabilities to create a host of dilemmas for your enemy.” “You’ll never be able to tell that tactical level leader when things are going to change and shift if you haven’t done the operational level rigor.” “My role as the general is not to solve the problem or be the hero that comes in, but to think and understand the problem we’re trying to solve.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#198
June 4 · 16 min
#198: One Last Last Trip To Vegas - Major Jeff Toczylowski's Letter To Family And Friends
Some people don’t just pass through your life. They leave a mark that stays with you long after they’re gone. Not because of what they did in a single moment, but because of how they lived every day, how they showed up for people, and how they made others feel. From the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Pam Patton and Tom Schneider to honor the life of Major Jeff Toczylowski, a Green Beret whose impact on the people around him is still felt nearly two decades later. A letter Jeff left to his family and friends in the event of his death defines the character of a Green Beret; a warrior and a man who cared more about others than himself. Jeff’s last wish…take everyone to Vegas to celebrate his life. Today, his legacy lives on through the annual memorial golf outing in his honor, now approaching its 20th year. What started as a way to cope with loss has become something much bigger. A reunion. A celebration. A community built around a single person who continues to be the common thread connecting hundreds of people who gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a life well lived. Join the Green Beret Foundation and all of Toz’s family and friends this August 1st, at the Five Ponds Golf Course in Warminster, PA to celebrate his service and support all Green Berets past, present and future. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 1:48 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 2:27 Who was MAJ Jeff Toczylowski 5:47 The 20th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament 8:51 Vegas Time 13:19 Honoring Toz’s Legacy QUOTES “He literally lived every day like it was his last…to the fullest.” “He impacted a lot of people.” “It really is like a reunion.” “The celebration of life is really why everybody comes back.” “It changed him forever.” “No matter what’s going on in life, be good to the people around you and live each day to the fullest because today could be it.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#197
May 27 · 59 min
#197: The Evolution Of The Green Beret NCO - CSM(R) Rob Abernethy
Green Berets are built over time. Special Operations Truth #3: SOF cannot be mass produced. America’s most elite warriors are developed through experience, through leadership, and through the responsibility of developing others. This is the job of the Special Forces Noncommissioned Officer. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Command Sergeant Major Rob Abernethy to dissect the evolution of the Green Beret NCO, and their officer counterparts, to show how that development shapes the effectiveness of Army Special Operations and national strategy. CSM Abernethy served nearly four decades in the Army and across special operations from a junior 18E communications sergeant, to the Command Sergeant Major of US Army Special Operations Command and United States European Command. Rob breaks down the role of the NCO as the backbone of the Regiment, the importance of regional alignment in building partner forces, and where Special Forces fits into military strategy from the pre-9/11 period, through the Global War on Terror and into today’s Large Scale Combat Operations. We also explore the rapid evolution of technology and the challenge of integrating new tools without losing the fundamentals of leadership and warfighting. From artificial intelligence to modern battlefield systems, Rob emphasizes that technology must support the force, not replace the mindset that defines it. Finally, after retiring as one of the longest serving Green Berets in the Army, CSM Abernethy shares his perspective on transition after service and his current role continuing to develop soldiers through his work at AUSA. This is a conversation about leadership, evolution, and the responsibility to prepare the next generation of Green Berets for the fight ahead. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 5:20 From junior to senior NCO on an ODA 15:31 Role of the Team Sergeant 18:52 The culture of a Special Forces team 25:02 Importance of Regional Alignment 32:08 Bridging the generation gap 43:14 American Military Technological Advantage 49:00 Biggest Threat to America 52:18 Remembering Service QUOTES “The average age on the teams was much older.” “Nobody says, ‘Hey, I’m going to join the Army and my goal is to be a sucky soldier.’” “The Team Sergeant is one of the most critical parts of the team.” “Over time, what you do is build confidence with the team.” “The Officer’s success is really the Team’s success and the Team’s success is based on the Officer.” “Our confidence as a Team Sergeant needs to be projected through the team leader.” “You have to have a lot of confidence in the team you’re selecting.” “The administrative stuff makes a difference.” “The little things absolutely matter.” “The more astute you are to the environment in which you’re going to operate, the better you’re going to be.” “In the next 10 years, it’s going to be phenomenal what we actually bring to the battlefield because AI is going to make us that much better.” “The Department of War is crushing the acquisition process now.” “Our relationship with our NATO allies has been strong and needed, and still will be needed.” “One thing that stayed consistent was my desire to be good, to be an expert, and lead by example.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#196
May 14 · 36 min
#196: Iran, Military Housing & Unifying Congress - Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)
The conditions service members live in directly affect Military readiness and national security. It’s the responsibility of Congress to authorize military funding to ensure the warfighter has what they need in combat and at home. Every decision impacts the strength of the force and their families. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Representative Mike Levin, who serves California’s 49th District and sits on the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to discuss the policies and decisions shaping today’s military bases. From investments in infrastructure at Camp Pendleton to broader oversight of Veterans Affairs, Congressman Levin outlines why improving living conditions, facilities, and support systems is essential to maintaining a ready and capable force. Our conversation explores the responsibility of leadership to develop a culture where reporting substandard conditions is encouraged. We also discuss the broader role of Congress in overseeing military operations, and the importance of transparency, strategy, and accountability when American forces are deployed. Congressman Levin shares his perspective on the war with Iran, his views on the need for checks and balances, and the growing divide that has made bipartisan governance more difficult. He emphasizes that strong institutions require leaders willing to put mission over politics and to ensure that the constitutional framework guiding military action is upheld. This is a conversation about leadership, accountability, and the systems that support those who serve. It is about ensuring readiness not just on the battlefield, but across the entire force. Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 1:53 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:19 California’s 49th District 6:34 Improving Military Housing 14:25 Status of the Iran War 19:37 Is Iran A Direct Threat To The US? 22:08 Iran’s State Sponsorship of Terrorism 25:20 Negotiating with Iran 28:41 Bridging the Gap Quotes: “It is imperative that we treat our veterans and military families with absolute respect.” “We’ve got real issues with barracks.” “We’re not looking for the Ritz Carlton. We’re just looking for a decent place.” “The average member of the military needs a decent place where they can live.” “The challenge is the lack of clarity about what they’re being asked to do.” “They didn’t brief us on what the plan was going to be.” “It’s a war that is unauthorized. It is a war without a clear exit plan.” “What damage have we done to our allies around the world? A lot.” “We know less today than we did before the war began.” “The question is whether or not the military has actually made it a worse problem or has it actually ameliorated the problem.” “The Iranians have been a horrible regime.” “I don’t think the President has enough people around him telling him what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hear.” “Use of military force should be last resort always.” “I am personally never going to see the other side as my enemy. I see them as my political opponent.” “Running the United States is not an easy challenge.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge. The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy, nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
#195
May 1 · 53 min
#195: Setting The Record Straight - Secretary Of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins
There is a steady stream of headlines shaping how Veterans view the Department of Veterans Affairs. Disability benefits are being cut. The VA is being privatized. Programs are disappearing. That is the narrative. But is it the reality? In a social media environment driven by clicks, likes, and engagement, information spreads fast, and too often no one stops to ask whether it is actually true. When it comes to healthcare, benefits, and the systems Veterans rely on, the facts matter. In this episode, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins joins Fran Racioppi to address those concerns directly and bring clarity to what is actually happening inside the VA. This is not a surface level conversation. It’s a direct response to the questions Veterans are asking right now. We break down the proposed disability rating regulation enforcement that rocked the Veteran community, what it was intended to do, how it was misinterpreted, and why it was withdrawn within days. We discuss the rollout of the VA’s electronic health record modernization, what’s working, what still needs to improve, and how it will impact care moving forward. Secretary Collins also addresses the reality of community care and the claims surrounding privatization, clarifying how the VA will always deliver and fund care for Veterans. We talk about workforce challenges, hiring, and the responsibility to ensure Veterans are receiving timely and effective support with a right-sized VA staffing level. The conversation also focuses on one of the most critical issues facing the Veteran community: suicide prevention. With the majority of Veterans not currently engaged with the VA, the approach must evolve. Outreach must expand, accountability must increase, and programs must show measurable results. Finally, we cover housing stability through VA home loan programs and the responsibility to ensure Veterans have real options to maintain their homes, but also understand they have a personal responsibility for the financial decisions they make. This conversation is about clarity and accountability. Because at the end of the day, the mission is simple - deliver results for Veterans. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:31 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:31 Dispelling Disability Rating Misconceptions 10:43 Running A Wartime VA 16:24 Electronic Health Record Modernization 20:09 Is the VA Privatizing Healthcare? 27:51 VA Employee Moral 34:22 Cutting the VASP Program 39:06 Preventing Fraud 43:13 Veteran Suicide Prevention Quotes “No one that already had a disability rating was ever going to lose anything.” “I take full responsibility.” “Nobody’s getting judged differently.” “We’re the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. We don’t act like it.” “There’s no plan for privatization.” “80% of all new doctors go through the VA in some form.” “Privatization is thrown around to scare employees and veterans.” “We’re never going to privatize. Definitely not under my watch. And there’s no mechanism to privatize.” “There are people invested in a broken system.” “I have to compete for doctors and nurses with every hospital in the country.” “Our problem was we had too many people in the wrong places.” “What are you doing that’s stupid?” “60% of death by suicide by Veterans have not had any contact with the VA.” “The VA many times was more concerned about itself than we were about actually finding metrics for the veteran.” “Capitol Hill has become more driven by the five minute YouTube clip.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#194
April 24 · 55 min
#194: Small Business Is Big Business - US Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs
99% of all US businesses and almost 46% of American employees are, or work for, a small business. Although a small business is defined as having less than 500 employees, American small businesses are responsible for over 88% of net job growth. That means that America's economy, and the world's economy, rest on the backs of small businesses. The Small Business Administration plays a critical role in the success of small businesses; including those owned and operated by American Veterans. From business planning, strategy design, funding and specialty certification programs the SBA is one of the primary pillars creating and supporting economic impact. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Bill Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to break down the SBA’s 3C’s and a D: Capital, Counseling, Contracting and Disaster. Deputy Administrator Briggs explained the real challenges business owners face, especially around cash flow, capital access, and navigating competitive marketplaces. He shared the history of the SBA and its grounding in the Small Business Act of 1953, when the post war period identified that small businesses are not only important to the global economy, but they are crucial to America’s national defense. 200,000 service members transition each year from the military into the civilian sector. Some will start businesses as entrepreneurs. Others will enter the workforce. All will need counseling, support and a system designed to give Veterans access to opportunity and the chance to succeed post service. Finally, we address how the SBA is improving accountability, cracking down on fraud, and ensuring programs are delivering real results for those they are designed to support. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:16 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:01 Small biz is big biz 4:57 SBA Team 8:13 Access to Capital 11:58 Counseling Resources 16:14 Access to Contracts 22:01 Disaster Loans 25:33 The Formation of the SBA 27:16 Made in America Loans 29:54 Working Families Tax Cut Bill 33:10 Stopping Fraud 35:51 Importance of Service 39:08 Boots to Business 52:02 Daily Habits Quotes “We’re taking it to the next level in terms of right sizing, streamlining, and improving the overall performance of the agency because the mission is so important.” “Access to capital is one of the top three issues that are always facing small businesses.” “What we’re trying to do under this administrator and this President is trying to improve our systems to scale and deploy more capital effectively with our lending partners and investors.” “I always say to people you have to have that education before you walk in to try to get that loan.” “Your job is to compete to solve the mission, not to say ‘I’m a certification, I deserve something.’” “Having a competitive, innovative national small business ecosystem is not only part of our economic security but our national security.” “We’re trying to bring back American manufacturing .” “Our priorities are manufacturing, critical technology, and food production and technology.” “Our economic agenda is centered on fair trade, tax cuts, deregulation, and energy dominance.” “There’s something for everyone in the Working Families Tax Cut Bill.” “We have a zero tolerance policy for fraud.” “The day you start your business is not the day you get paid.” “We’re overhauling how we deliver our boots to business.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.
#193
April 14 · 30 min
#193: Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury - Silver Star Spouse Bianca Baldwin and Silver Star Mother Fran Wesseling
Service is an honor and a burden carried by more than just those who don the Green Beret. Service is borne by the family that stands in the shadows every step of the way. Through training, deployments, uncertainty, the highest highs and the lowest lows, it’s the family that waits for their Green Beret to return. From the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Bianca Baldwin and Fran Wesseling, the spouse and mother of Major Darren Baldwin; a Green Beret who came home from combat, but was never the same. Darren’s journey began at the United States Military Academy, where he played lacrosse and built the foundation of discipline, teamwork, and commitment that would carry him into Special Forces. During a deployment, Darren was forced to return home early due to what initially seemed like minor health issues. Further evaluation revealed lesions on his brain, marking the beginning of a long and uncertain fight. Diagnosed with Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury, Bianca and Fran answered a family’s hardest call to service. They shared with me the critical role a family plays in the success of a Green Beret, why strength is important, and how caregiving gives hope to the wounded and their loved ones. Darren passed away from his combat-related illness, and to honor his life, Bianca and Fran carry forward his legacy through the MAJ(R) Darren Baldwin Silver Star Families Support Fund and through the support of the Green Beret Foundation, ensuring that other families will never fight alone. This episode is about the service of a family during, and after that of their Green Beret. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 1:51 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 3:38 Who was MAJ Darren Baldwin 10:14 Silver Star Families Fund 15:02 Progressive Traumatic Brain Injury 22:20 Resources Available QUOTES “Both of my boys slept with a lacrosse stick.” “He had a dedication and grit that goes beyond most.” “Ultimately deeply grateful that his legacy and memory lives on.” “It was like trying to make a right of a wrong.” “That’s kind of how our story started and my story as a caregiver.” “I was always his wife but became his 24/7 caregiver.” “The vast majority of people, including the military, don’t even know what Silver Star families are.” “The fund provides all kinds of medical equipment and new technologies.” “It’s difficult and thankless work to be a caregiver.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

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