The health of our military service members and our Veterans is always a top line issue. Many suffer from illness and injury as a result of their service; and most are believed to be at higher risk for chronic sickness. Some of which is fortunately preventable. Cancer is a top concern for much of the military community. To dig into the increased risk cancer poses to our Veterans, Fran Racioppi sat down with Team Maureen; an organization focused on bringing attention and prevention of HPV and HPV-related cancers to our Veterans. Daniel Linskey, Kelly Welch and Dr. Emily Penick lead Team Maureen and founded the organization after the loss of their family and friend Maureen Russo. Worldwide, a woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes. It is the second-most frequent cancer in the world. The military community is twice as likely to develop HPV, yet immunization rates among our servicemembers are 50% of the civilian community. 90% of HPV-related cancers are preventable through immunization.We broke down the facts of HPV, why it’s rising exponentially in our military, how it’s affecting both our women and men service-members, and what every single person, military and civilian, can do to prevent one of the deadliest, and preventable, cancers in society today.Check out our conversation over-looking Plymouth Harbor and with Cardinals in the air. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch this conversation and our follow-up with Danny as he shares how he led the Boston Police Department during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction1:50 Welcome to the South Shore4:44 What is Cervical Cancer?8:09 How do you get Cervical Cancer?9:49 What is the effect on men?11:38 Screening for HPV12:55 Oral Health importance14:23 Low vaccination rates17:40 Why are military at risk?19:58 Vaccination process24:57 Who was Maureen?29:17 How are you educating people?33:20 How do you get involved?QUOTES“Making sure that people know about the importance of prevention of HPV and early detection for cervical cancer is our mission.”“Nobody should die of cervical cancer. It’s completely preventable.” “Why not be at the forefront of HPV prevention?” “This is something that can help your kids not get cancer.” “Active duty military and Veterans are 2x as likely as civilians to develop cancers associated with HPV.” “We should be able to get to that point where no one loses a loved one to cervical cancer.”“You think you’re a badass. Cancer doesn’t care if you’re a badass.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of Green Beret Foundation, supporting US Army Special Forces of all generations.
Voting is a foundation of democracy and key to American power, but also a process that can be ugly and divisive. In what many believe to be the most politically charged election period in modern history, Fran Racioppi took a few minutes to sit down with Congressman Rich McCormick, Representative for Georgia’s 7th district. Representative McCormick shared his Elementary Issues of A, B, C, D, E: the American dream, the border, crime, debt, education and energy; why it’s dangerous to develop a culture of government giving, balancing compassion with security along our borders, and not hiding from the fact that America has real adversaries who seek to do us harm. As a Marine Corps and Navy Veteran, emergency room doctor and former American Gladiator, the Congressman knows the importance of earning success and leading through adversity; character traits he has taken from his military service to the halls of Congress.Join our conversation from Congressman McCormick’s Office. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform for all our election coverage.Stand for something, or stand to the side. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome to Capitol Hill5:45 Georgia as a swing state10:20 The Elementary Issues13:40 Government Giving17:12 A divided America22:46 The Open Border Argument 25:20 Balancing compassion with security30:03 The near-peer fight32:28 Accepting America has adversaries40:10 The role of SOF in the next fight44:26 Why Congress needs more Veterans51:55 Daily Foundations For Success QUOTES“People don’t realize how diverse the south is. Especially Georgia. And the opinions are just as diverse.”“If you don’t have a good economy nobody thrives.” “You’re never given value by what you’re given. You’re given value by what you earn.” “When one party dominates we have more peace. Not necessarily more prosperity; but more peace.” “If you end up isolated, you will end up at war.” “It’s important not to think that we can huddle up in our country and think that nothing bad is gonna happen anywhere else.” “We need to realize that we are less influential than China in about half of the western hemisphere. That’s scary.” “If you want to be amongst greatness, look for adversity.” Special thanks to the For Country Caucus for coordinating this interview. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator 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.
Charlie Iacono is the President and CEO of Green Beret Foundation. Almost two years into his tenure, Charlie is pushing the foundation, and its staff, to become the premier charitable organization supporting America’s most important asset; our US Army Green Berets.Charlie joined joined Fran Racioppi from what may be his biggest brain child yet; the Stars and Stripes Classic. An epic battle between Green Berets and Navy SEALS from the home of greatness and the GOAT, Gillette Stadium.In his first long-form interview since taking charge, he shared his vision for the foundation, where it’s come from, the impact it’s made on Green Berets of every generation and how 2025 is set to become the most important year in its history as it increases investment in programs supporting the careers and health of transitioning operators. Leading non-profit organizations is hard. Leading one that lives up to the standard of the Green Beret is even harder. So Charlie explains what’s important to him, how he’s transforming the staff, why service is the foundation of the job, and how building relationships is critical to making an impact. Check out our conversation from the New England Patriots Bubble prior to the Stars and Stripes Classic. Although our snake eating bearded bastards fell to the squids, the intensity of the game looked more like a classic from the 80’s. Plus, there’s always next year. Follow us on social media, read the full episode on our website, and head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the Stars and Stripes Classic. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction2:06 Welcome to the Stars and Stripes Classic3:55 GBF progress 8:11 Creating the Jedburgh Media Channel11:49 Next Ridgeline 2.020:20 GBF Scholarships24:21 Processing VA Disability Claims30:58 Warrior Sportsmen Salmon Fishing37:42 Goals for 2025QUOTES“There’s just so much cross pollination between the two sports. Between football and lacrosse. And then lacrosse and the SOF world.“I’m a big believer that there are no days off.”“We need to do it for the next conflict. We need to be ready to pick up that phone when that phone rings.”“The team wins as a team. The team loses as a team. The team struggles as a team. The team succeeds and excels as a team.”“They need to be coached up on it. What does your next job look like? What do you want your next to look like?” “The biggest piece to Next Ridgeline 2.0 program is it focuses on the promotion of strength of mind, body and spirit.” “It’s critically important that we as Green Berets talk about who we are, why we’re different, and why it matters..”“Anybody who serves should not have to pay a dime out of their own personal money to further themselves.” The 2025 goal is to “continue to make this organization into something that the entire regiment, all generations, as well as their families are proud of.”Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League, the New England Patriots, and all our sponsors who supported the game. 2025 is here and Green Beret Foundation continues to lead from the front no matter the challenge.
Airborne operations were an essential component of the Allied invasion. And since D-Day, the US Army has stood ready to drop airborne forces anywhere in the world at any time. The US Army Golden Knights are America’s most proficient parachutists. Led at the time of this recording by Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel Andy Moffit and Command Sergeant Major Adam Breeding, the Golden Knights set the example for airborne insertion onto any drop zone.LTC Moffit and CSM Breeding joined Fran Racioppi from atop the Normandy Resistance Monument in Saint Marie Dumont to discuss just what it means to be Airborne, both in 1944 and today. They shared what it takes to join the Golden Knights, how they maintain standards and why they are always competing for the perfect jump; especially when the eyes of the world are watching. Check out our conversation from the birthplace of modern Special Forces and home to one of the largest airborne drops in history; then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media and make sure to tune into our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction2:12 Welcome to Normandy5:03 Golden Knights’ mission7:00 Why become a Golden Knight9:05 What is a Golden Knight?12:56 Building A Great Team15:31 Maintaining a High Operational Tempo17:14 Best part of being a Golden Knight18:04 The meaning of Normandy22:20 Future of the Golden Knights27:29 Daily Foundations of SuccessQUOTES“Our mission is to connect America’s people to her Army.”“I really had to check my ego at the door.” “Culture is king. Culture is everything.”“It really comes down to how teachable are you.”“It’s that healthy level of fear though. That’s what keeps them focused.” “We jump from thousands of feet. A good portion of the team is afraid of heights.” The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator 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.
National security isn’t led solely by government entities and the military. Public-private sector partnerships often drive many of our national security decisions. To dig into the importance of the private sector in defense of America, Fran Racioppi sat down with Dave Komendat; a 36-year Veteran of Boeing; one of the world’s largest defense contractors and a critical component of America’s economy. Dave retired after serving as The Boeing Company’s Chief Security Officer, where he ensured the safety and security of over 170,000 employees and $77 Billion in annual revenue. Dave and Fran discussed how private companies partner with the US government, how security has evolved since 9/11, and how to build a culture of security in our companies and as a nation. They also break down the magnitude of Boeing, its impact on the aviation and defense industries, and the future of aviation security across a multitude of threats. Dave is also the Chairman of Hostage US, a non-profit supporting the families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained, as well as hostages and detainees when they return home. They take a few minutes to unpack hostage diplomacy and how America’s adversaries are using unlawful detention as a tool to compete with American power abroad. Watch, listen or read our entire National Security series. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Watch the full video version from Epigen Technology in Arlington, VA 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 our guests and creator 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.Highlights:0:00 Introduction2:16 We’re in a grey war5:52 The Chief Security Officer7:33 Assessing risk15:12 Public-Private Security Partnership20:24 Starting as an intern24:13 Building a successful team33:05 Leading in a massive organization37:15 Embracing a security culture39:50 The relationship between safety and security46:36 Duty of care50:45 The rise of insider threats55:22 Boeing on 9/1159:15 Airplane cyber-security1:04:23 Next generation of security leadership1:10:34 Hostage US1:20:00 Daily Foundations of SuccessQuotes“I think we’re in a grey war.” “The Chief Security Officer at most corporations is a thinker. They’re a strategist. They’re a risk manager.”“You can’t go into a CEO everyday and the sky is falling. You lose your credibility.” “Different leaders have different risk tolerances.” “Be empathetic with people doing jobs that don’t get a lot of fanfare.”“The longer I was in a leadership role, the more I valued when people told me ‘that wasn’t very good.” “We ran security like a business. We tried to demystify what we did.” “I didn’t want to be viewed as a necessary evil. I wanted to be viewed as a necessity.”“The worst thing you can do is deliver a product that’s already been compromised to the warfighter.” “If you only call people when you need something, you don’t have a relationship.”
On Veterans Day we celebrate our military from every service and every generation. Freedom requires people of character to stand up for America…no matter the challenge. This Veterans Day, the Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas. Dedicated to providing our transitioning service members with the skills needed to build careers in health and fitness, and as entrepreneurs, UHP is leading the way in showing private industry just how valuable our Veterans will be for the next generation of America. While at UHP, Fran Racioppi spent some time with Senator John Boozman, an Arkansas native and the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations. Senator Boozman is the son of an Air Force Master Sergeant and has made national security a top priority of his service.The Senator and Fran discussed his initiatives to improve quality of life for service members and their families, why building world class facilities is critical to recruiting, and how national security is the foundation of a strong economy. They also shared why all leaders need to bring the country together to get things done for the American people.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction1:50 Welcome to the University of Health and Performance2:37 Veterans Day in Arkansas4:52 Modernization of military infrastructure6:46 Investing for the next fight 8:13 Senate priorities post election11:53 Bringing America togetherQUOTES“Creating an atmosphere that allows us to keep Veterans right here in Arkansas is a great thing.”“We want this to be the best place for Veterans to call home.”“Having women in leadership I think is absolutely critical to the long term success of our county.”“We have to focus on things everybody can agree on and things that lift our country up.”“Remember where the enemies are; and it’s not within our own country."Watch, listen or read all our Veterans Day coverage from UHP. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. 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 the guests and the host. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy.
On Veterans Day we celebrate our military from every service and every generation. Freedom requires people of character to stand up for America…no matter the challenge. This Veterans Day, the Jedburgh Podcast, the Jedburgh Media Channel and the Green Beret Foundation are proud to announce our partnership with the University of Health and Performance outside of Bentonville, Arkansas. Dedicated to providing our transitioning service members with the skills needed to build careers in health and fitness, and as entrepreneurs, UHP is leading the way in showing private industry just how valuable our Veterans will be for the next generation of America. While at UHP, Fran Racioppi had the chance to sit down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the youngest Governor in America and one of only 13 female Governors across the country. Governor Sanders is a staunch advocate for up-skilling transitioning Veterans and is working hard to ensure Arkansas has the resources and job opportunities to bring Veterans to the state. The Governor and Fran discussed her Veterans initiatives, her outlook now that the 2024 election is decided, and how it is incumbent upon all leaders to bring the country together to get things done for the American people.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction1:46 Welcome to the University of Health and Performance2:12 Veterans Day in Arkansas3:08 Arkansas is upskilling Veterans4:22 Women Governors are changing America 5:23 America post-election6:36 Can America come together?QUOTES“Creating an atmosphere that allows us to keep Veterans right here in Arkansas is a great thing.” “We want this to be the best place for Veterans to call home.” “Having women in leadership I think is absolutely critical to the long term success of our county.” “We have to focus on things everybody can agree on and things that lift our country up.” “Remember where the enemies are; and it’s not within our own country.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Watch, listen or read all our Veterans Day coverage. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and watch us 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 the guests and the 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.
Hostage diplomacy is an ugly game. For decades America’s adversaries have imprisoned US citizens in an effort to leverage diplomatic, economic or military advantage. These cases range from exaggerated charges, to disproportionate penalties, to outright lies. Each case is different. And each case affects both the lives of the incarcerated, their families and ultimately American power. Jose Pereira was held prisoner by the Venezuelan government for five years. He was the CEO of Citgo and after a Thanksgiving Day meeting in Caracas, he and five other Citgo executives were arrested and charged with bribery, corruption and other false charges. They became known as the Citgo 6. Jose joined Fran Racioppi to share the story of his captivity, his year long solitary detention in the Submarine, starvation, sickness, sham trials, and his time in a coma. Jose talks about his mental battles with depression and suicidal ideation.Like all great leaders, Jose sought solutions using the buckets his food was delivered in as a clandestine courier service to exchange letters with his wife. These letters kept him alive, gave him hope and now serve as the foundation to his new book “From Hero To Villain: My True Story of the Citgo 6.” Special thanks to Hostage US for supporting the families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained, as well hostages and detainees when they return home.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome Home3:39 Summoned to Venezuela7:51 Surviving the first 48 hours16:05 Bargaining chips for oil20:09 Smuggling letters in food23:58 The toll on the family28:07 Captive with Green Berets30:24 Prisoner Swap38:47 Hostage Diplomacy41:34 The challenges of coming home45:51 The role of Hostage US49:19 The healing process51:01 Daily Foundations to SuccessQUOTESFor us, Thanksgiving became kind of a nightmare.” “Nobody was prepared because this was a sham situation.”“They target high profile people because they need to leverage you.”“I stayed 10 months in total confinement.”“In those containers I found that you could put a double bottom.”“Your family is a hostage even worse than you. They are a spiritual and mental hostage.” “Bring the American back no matter the tool that you need to use.” “You are literally caught in a time machine. You are literally in a cage for five years.”The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Watch, listen or read our conversation from Epigen Technology in Arlington, VA. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform 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 the guests and the host. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy.
Nobody’s coming to save you. It’s a simple phrase, but one that can mean the difference between success and failure. Elite performers know that when it’s time to take action, they need to be ready to execute with precision and without excuse. Scott Mann is a retired Special Forces Officer, the architect of Operation Pineapple Express, and a leader who knows how to get results against the odds. Scott first joined Fran Racioppi after the withdrawal from Afghanistan to share how he took a stand when few would. Now he’s showing us just how to apply an action first mindset to anything we set out to do. Our rainy Sunday morning conversation from the banks of New York City’s East River was the perfect backdrop to break down his new book; Nobody’s coming to save you: a Green Beret’s guide to getting big shit done. Scott defines the churn; the divisiveness, fear-laden complexity of the world that is in our face 24/7 across our devices. He shows us how that has put us all in a trance of distraction, disengagement, disconnection and distrust where transactional relationships focus on performing for each other instead of connecting. As a leader of action, Scott gives us the cure; which rightfully so will be MESSY. Jump In with Scott and Fran as they wake up New York City, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle and our national security series with today’s most prominent Special Forces leaders. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome to New York City2:07 Why is Nobody Is Coming To Save You?4:05 The Four D’s6:40 The loss of social connection17:20 Get MESSY to get s**t done18:35 Storytelling mattersQUOTES“We are in our own form of that unprecedented churn.” “The average attention span of a human in the west is eight seconds.” “We’ve atrophied the ability to tap into what’s below the waterline of our human nature.” “Now it’s a verb. ‘I’m going to unfriend you.’” “We’ve lost the ability to make human connection in a meaningful way..” “We ignore storytelling at our peril. Everything has become bullet points.” “It wasn’t the stories they told; it was the stories they asked to hear.” “All of us are capable of strategic outcomes if we set our mind to it.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Everyone has a top button item this election cycle. For some it’s the economy. For others its national defense or healthcare. For Congressman Tony Gonzales it’s the US southern border and immigration. Representative Gonzales is responsible for Texas’s 23rd district, a district that contains over 800 miles of the US-Mexico border, and by many accounts, ground zero for the immigration policy battle. Representative Gonzales is also a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer where he served over 20 years as a cryptologist. The Congressman and Host Fran Racioppi broke down the border debate from his Texas perspective, including the effects of current policy on both domestic and international security. With the election coming, we discussed the importance of battleground states and why Texas is important from the top of the ticket to the bottom.Finally we covered leadership, how Veterans are making an impact through the halls of Congress, and why action is critical in a job in which you can do as much or as little as you want. Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome to Capitol Hill3:06 People are mad?5:14 Solutions over problems9:04 From the Navy to Congress12:04 Is America ready for the next war?15:00 America in 2023QUOTES“I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do, but somehow I’m in the back of this line.”“If Republicans are going to be successful we have to be talking about solutions, not just problems.” “If you’re weak, or perceived as weak at home, that’s when your adversaries are going to take advantage.” “If somebody comes over illegally, they immediately get their day in court.”“It isn’t my job to be the cheerleader of the organization. It’s my job to check the organization.” “The best thing about being a member of Congress is that you can do as much or as little as you want.”“We will adapt. We will overcome. We will find a way to get to victory.”“Whatever your thing is, get involved.”Special thanks to the For Country Caucus for coordinating this interview. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator 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.
The United States Army Special Forces command teams are composed of a commissioned officer, a warrant officer and senior non-commissioned officer. A model has evolved over time and is tributed with being a key component to success on the battlefield of yesterday and today.To break down just Army Special Forces balances strategy, experience and teamwork, Creator and Host Fran Racioppi sat down with Command Sergeant Major Dave Waldo and Command Chief Warrant Officer Felix Mosqueda; two of the three senior-most leaders of First Special Forces Command. From atop the Normandy Resistance Monument in Saint Marie Dumont, we broke down what it means to be a Green Beret and how the mission has evolved from the Jedburgh Teams of D-Day to today’s Operational Detachments. CSM Waldo and Chief Mosqueda shared their priorities and vision for Army Special Forces, how the regiment is adapting in the post Global War on Terror environment, the misconception of the Special Forces mission and how they are tackling the recruiting and manning challenges needed for the next battlefield; whether that be against a peer, near peer or terrorist adversary. Check out our conversation from the birthplace of modern Special Forces; then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.Highlights0:00 Introduction3:18 Welcome to the Normandy Resistance Monument7:19 Commissioned Officers, NCOs and Warrant Officers11:23 Preparing the Regiment 13:57 Solving the recruiting challenge16:56 Are changes coming to the structure of Special Forces?18:56 Lessons from GWOT24:14 Defining the next fight26:02 Current SF culture30:23 Vision for the Regiment34:29 The New Uniforms35:32 Foundations to success40:13 Football predictions Quotes“They knew they had no choice. There was no can. There was no try. Hope was not a course action. It was only must.” If it’s important to my boss, it’s important to me. If it’s cool to my boss, it’s fascinating to me.” “Make no mistake about it. And to our adversaries who are listening to this. We are absolutely the top of the mountain.” “Are we meeting the numbers? No.” “Always do more with less. We’re able to do that because of our training pipeline.” “We have to focus on all the missions because every part of the world is set up differently.” “First contact should not be human contact. It should be some sort of tech or robotic.” “Our adversaries are brilliant. They’re also lethal. But do they love each other the way that our folks do?”“If you build good command teams it never gets lonely at the top.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
Army Special Operations Forces are led by LTG John Braga, Commander of United States Army Special Operations Command. General Braga and Creator and Host Fran Racioppi stormed the Utah Beach Communication Bunker responsible for the coordination of German defenses and later the facilitation of the largest amphibious assault in history. From this iconic setting, we unpacked the significance of World War II on international norms still in play today and challenged at a level not seen since the pre-war era. General Braga shared his vision for Army Special Operations, his focus on threat-informed decision-making, and how Special Operations has evolved; but more importantly where it needs to go and why it’s not there yet. He also explains how Special Operations are preparing for conflict with nation-states like China and Iran, while also ensuring terrorist organizations have no sanctuary across the globe. Finally, we talk about integration, and why Special Operations is a critical node in the cyber and space fight deep behind enemy lines. Check out our conversation from underneath Utah Beach. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube. Highlights0:00 Introduction3:25 Welcome to the Le Roosevelt Cafe Bunker on Utah Beach8:14 Significance of Operation Jedburgh10:15 Rangers on Omaha Beach13:35 US Army Special Operations mission19:10 Role of Psychological Operations24:10 Winning Cognitive Warfare?29:43 A change to the Special Forces teams?32:10 Top priority on the next battlefield?41:10 Combatting an enemy that doesn’t value life?44:32 The USASOC culture49:43 Destroying the enemy55:28 USASOC’s future1:00:05 Foundations to Success Quotes“Here we have the Jedburghs, with small teams having complete outsized impacts.”“We challenge the force…to be strategically driven in everything you do.” “We weren’t created for counter-terrorism.” “You need to be an information officer.” “People are the weapon system of USASOC. That’s our greatest investment.”“Every STEM robotics club in high school in America needs to know we have a home for them in Army Special Operations. “We have to modernize. We have to change. Or we'll be behind the adversary.”“The only way to win is a whole of nation and whole of society approach.” “I want to be surrounded by people who want to push themself.” “Everyone should be challenging the training calendar. What are you training for?”“We can’t be afraid of changing because we might get something wrong.”The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.
There’s a difference between the elite and everyone else. Elite by definition means superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. Elite is not good. It is not great. It certainly is not above average. To be elite means you’re among the best.The Stars and Stripes Classic pitted America’s two most elite Special Operations Forces against each other on the lacrosse field. To talk about what it means to be elite, not just in sports but in anything you do, Fran Racioppi sat down with Paul Rabil. Paul is the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League and undoubtedly one of the most elite lacrosse players to ever play the game. Paul is multiple time NCAA champion, a four year All American, he holds NCAA records for the most goals, assists and points. He is a multiple time Player of the Year and two time champion. He holds the most points in professional lacrosse. He is what every young lacrosse player ascribes to be. Paul is also an elite visionary and businessman. He developed the PLL out of the gaps he saw as a player. Now he’s changing professional sports and how athletes are treated by owners. Check out our conversation from the endzone of Gillette Stadium to learn how anyone can be elite if you're ready to put in the work and relentlessly execute. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:33 Stars and Stripes Classic4:18 The level of play5:57 Toughness & extra work8:31 Earn it every day12:49 Building an elite sports league18:15 How does it feel?22:08 How to process the hard times Quotes“Lacrosse is sloppy. That’s also the beauty of it.” “Those that choose to be elite, it’s a lifestyle.” “Earn the right to stay here and be here.” “You just don’t really fake integrity. Someone will suss it out.” “If you don’t go all in, you’ll never reach your potential.” “Attempting to become a subject matter expert is so important in entrepreneurship.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and Kraft Sports and Entertainment for hosting the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Toughness defines Special Operations and the sport of lacrosse. Toughness requires a person to deal with hardship, overcome difficult situations, persevere through mental and physical challenges. Toughness is one part natural, one part learned, and one part the result of consistency. To excel as a Green Beret, Navy SEAL or a lacrosse athlete, you better be tough. Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow are two tough men. Joe is the head coach of Men’s lacrosse at West Point, and Ben is a West Point lacrosse alumni, Green Beret and double leg amputee.Coach and Ben joined Fran Racioppi to recap the Stars and Stripes Classic, what it meant for our Green Berets and Navy SEALs to face off on the lacrosse field, how to build teams based on being tough, and what it takes to win no matter the challenge; whether that’s on the playing field, the battlefield or the boardroom. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:05 Stars and Stripes is in the books3:17 Break down the game for us4:57 Ben Harrow is toughness6:46 Why is toughness important?10:39 West Point lax is a player15:01 Put in the extra work16:22 What did you tell the team after the game?Quotes“Clock got a little short on us. Time ran out.”“Toughness is when you're 100%, 100% of the time.” “Grateful for everything. Entitled to nothing.” “If you can be an elite human being…you’ll probably be a pretty darn good Army lacrosse player.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and the Kraft Group for hosting us the Stars and Stripes Classic.
The greatest entrepreneurial adventures take a lot of sleepless nights, a bias for action and a commitment to people. Starting a professional sports league is no different. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi is joined by Mike Rabil, the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League. Mike and his brother Paul, started the league with a vision to put the players at the center of the business model.From better pay, to open marketing, to benefits and equity in the league, they’re redefining how professional sports embraces their athletes.Mike shared the market opportunity he and Paul saw in lacrosse and how they relentlessly pursued investment and support. He explained how giving players equity, access to marketing content and a seat at the table have created a more inclusive league. And he showed us where the sport is headed with regional affiliation. They also previewed the Stars and Stripes Classic coming September 2 to Gillette Stadium where the bonds between lacrosse and Special Operations will face off for the very first time. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the business mind behind the PLL, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Welcome to Fairfield University4:15 What was the vision for the PLL?6:21 How do you start a pro sports league?8:10 How does the open marketing concept help promote the game?10:20 Why introduce regional affiliation?12:07 Why keep the 2-point shot?12:48 How do you recruit the best athletes to lacrosse?15:46 The Stars and Stripes Classic?Quotes“I slept on a lot of hotel floors. Cried, bled a lot.” “People ask us who our competitors are. I say ‘all the other sports.’” “We know we need to continue to pay the players more.” “Each time these guys stop on the field they get five stock options.” “The lacrosse community is really tied into Special Forces.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
Performing at an elite level isn’t about doing special things. It’s about focusing on the basics and the fundamentals; then executing them with precision. A coach’s job is to harness the energy of the players and direct it towards a common goal. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Head Coach of the California Redwoods and Army Reservist Nat St. Laurent. Nat’s primary mission is to take a group of elite alpha lacrosse athletes all capable of big things and get them to focus on the little details; a skill he learned teaching soldiers to throw hand grenades as an instructor. He shares his Army lessons learned and how they made him a better coach.Nat also provided his perspective on the growth of the Premier Lacrosse League, how regional affiliation has enhanced the fan base, and how everything the PLL does is all out; including the 2-point shot. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of the PLL’s inaugural coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:14 PLL regional affiliation5:06 Growing the PLL fan base6:47 What Army lessons do you use as a coach?9:28 PLL player development11:32 The 2-point shot13:12 Staying focused in down times14:54 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“Whatever the PLL does it’s all out.” “Being part of something bigger than yourself…it becomes an honor.” “It is extremely important to do those little things right and to do it with a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. “Our mindset every game is 1-0. We can’t do anything about the results from previous games.” “They’re not going to be able to turn over their compete level.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
The United States doesn’t play for second place. Not on the battlefield and certainly not on the lacrosse field. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Head Coach of Team USA Seth Teirney. Seth is also the Director of Competition at the Premier Lacrosse League and the Head Coach of Hofstra University. He’s involved in every aspect and level of lacrosse from the pros down to youth. He’s a national champion as a coach and played in the National Lacrosse League as a player. Seth’s attitude about lacrosse is gold medal or bust. Fran and Seth covered why it takes “feeling the sport” to compete at the highest level as both an athlete and a coach. Seth shared the launch story of the PLL from a broken down bus in Israel and how the PLL honors the Indigenous legacy of lacrosse. Seth also gives his tips to parents raising athletes and explains what it means to coach the US National Team. Plus he makes his prediction for the battle of the year, as the Green Berets take on the Navy SEALs September 2 at Gillette Stadium.Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of lacrosse’s greatest players and coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Head over to Green Beret Foundation and join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction1:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:30 Setting the lacrosse example5:16 Growing the PLL7:12 The origins of lacrosse8:58 Lacrosse is about feeling10:49 How have the players evolved?12:48 Gold medal or bust14:08 How coaches have changed16:01 Is junior level competition healthy?18:00 A tribute to Andy Towers19:53 The PLL’s next phase21:48 Recruiting the top athletes22:46 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“This whole thing started when a bus broke down in 2018 in Israel.”“This sport. Where it came from. It was not just playing. It was understanding.”“It’s not written down in a handbook. You’ve got to be able to feel the game.” “It’s an all-in sport that is on fire right now.” “There is no second place. We’re not playing for second place. It’s gold medal or bust.” “When we get the Stars and Stripes Game going…that’s a forever day.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.
For decades the Middle East has been America’s top national security challenge.From terrorism, to war, to regional instability, it takes more than a military effort to find solutions.As America navigates one of the most volatile times in history, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired General Joseph Votel, one of America’s most influential leaders and scholars in Middle East policy. General Votel served as Commander of United States Special Operations Command, US Central Command, Joint Special Operations Command and 75th Ranger Regiment; organizations critically responsible for America’s Middle East operations. General Votel unpacked the reasons why Hamas chose to attack Israel, Iran’s malign influence, and the responsibility of the other Gulf states in preventing regional instability. He also broke down the opportunities the United States has across the diplomatic, information, military and economic spectrum; including America’s ability to mobilize for a peer-to-peer fight. Plus he talked all things Ranger Regiment, the officer-NCO relationship, and keys to effective leadership. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one the Army’s most respected leaders then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to Odgers Berndtson3:07 The rise of China and Russia13:47 Why is Iran on the offensive?21:14 Using the elements of National Power24:34 The impacts of the Israel-Gaza War32:55 General Votel’s call to serve42:35 Advice to new leaders47:42 How the NCO corps separates the US military 56:46 The role of Special Forces in the peer-to-peer fight1:05:09 Solving the recruiting challenge1:13:28 General Votel's Three Daily FoundationsQuotes: “In a word, they’ve had it and they're trying to reassert themselves.” “Putin has pretty much told us what he wants to do. He wants to eclipse the United States.” “The Gulf partners, the other Arab states, aren’t that keen on having a new Palestinian state in the region.”“We have over-militarized a lot of our foreign policy in these areas. We need to be leading with diplomacy.”“If you open these humanitarian corridors, are you arming your adversary?” “When I showed up to West Point…instant buyer’s remorse.” “To me, leadership has really become about the basics.” “I had a Sergeant Major. Bill Thetford. We were together for eight plus years; longer than the average American marriage.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to Odgers Berndtson for hosting this conversation.
The responsibility for recruiting, training and retaining US Army soldiers sits on the shoulders of the Sergeant Major of the Army; a job in which there is no training course and where experience is the defining factor. To break down what the Sergeant Major of the Army does, the current state of the Army, and where the Army is headed, Fran Racioppi traveled deep into the center of the Pentagon for a conversation with Sergeant Major Mike Weimer, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army and the first Green Beret selected for the role. The SMA defined professional warfighting and the importance of an all volunteer force. He broke down the art and science relationship between commissioned and non-commissioned officers. He shared how his experience in the Special Forces shadows prepared him for the limelight of the SMA role. And they talked about the future, including his vision for solving the recruiting challenge, how warfare is evolving from the kill chain to the kill web, how he’s planning to retain the right people, and how the integration of Special Operations and the regular Army is more important now than ever. Highlights:0:00 Introduction2:53 The Army is busy 3:52 The Professional Warfighter11:40 People are the Army’s weapons system 15:53 The relationship between Commanders and NCOs22:24 SMA Weimer’s transition from the shadows25:55 The Army’s recruiting challenges34:51 CTCs and the Kill Web40:12 Retaining the best and brightest43:50 Integrating Special Forces and the regular Army50:36 The Army’s biggest opportunity52:17 Daily Foundations to SuccessQuotes: “Those that are committed, I remind them; the audio and video has got to match.” “All of the services are platform centric. The Army’s platform is its people.” “The non-commissioned officer is the asymmetric advantage.” “The things that are usually the hardest in life are the things that are usually the most rewarding.” “Whatever you’ve done prior to coming into this seat is how you’ve prepared.” “We’re on track to make our numbers this year….We need those numbers to be higher in upcoming years.” “I have a fair amount of combat…I’ve never been to war.” “You don’t necessarily get do-overs in the fight that we’re preparing for now.”“It’s not just about retaining people; it’s about retaining the right people.”“Standards and discipline can’t just be some whimsical thing we throw around.”Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the Army’s most senior non-commissioned officer, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media.
Lethality, audacity and creativity. That’s the culture of the Special Forces Regiment and the values each Special Operator is expected to live by. They’re also the foundation of what it takes to be the premier partnered irregular warfare force in the arsenal of the United States Military. Our nation’s Green Berets, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations soldiers are led by Major General Gil Ferguson; the Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command. For the final interview of our Fort Liberty series, Fran Racioppi sat down with General Ferguson for a conversation on what it takes to man, train and equip our Special Forces units. They dug into his goal to enhance the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies, at unknown times; and just how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries.General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and as our units evolve, what needs to stay the same. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with America’s top Green Beret, then head over to our YouTube channel to watch General Ferguson share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the JFK Special Warfare Museum4:04 The premier partnered irregular warfare force7:18 Man, train, equip for any theater9:40 The culture of 1st SFC13:52 The misperceptions of Special Forces18:50 SOF in the Peer-to-Peer Fight27:16 How is SOF keeping people first?34:07 SOF, Space Cyber Triad39:43 Where are Special Forces in 5-10 years?42:14 How are Civil Affairs and PsyOps integrating into the SOF battlefield?50:47 What has to stay the same in SOF?54:32 Daily Foundations For SuccessQuotes: “The United States fights coalition warfare. We don’t ever want to fight by ourselves.” “We don’t know where the next fight’s going to be, we don’t know who it’s gonna be with, and we don’t know when it’s gonna start.”“The guys we are running the Columbian military were all folks that were captains with me when I was a 7th Group Commander.”“Technology is not going to win the next fight. The side that most effectively and audaciously employs technology is going to win.”“18x make up more than 50% of our force now; and that is a good thing.”“I don’t want to spend time in my office. That is not where I’m effective.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.