The Unofficial 554 Battalion Podcast

SFC Nate Wallace, EBOLC InstructorInterviewed by CPT Luke Groom on 27FEB20Why Listen? Listen to hear about Devil Dogs, differences in commissioning sources, building culture in an organization, and my favorite, living in a junk yard and fixing carburetors. Note: Send feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

Episode 7, CPT Sam PrichardConversation with CPT Luke Groom on 02MAY20We talk about changes to classes at FLW based on COVID-19, West Point returning for graduation, and the best job in the Army. What's the appropriate level of influence from the Chain of Command? What's the number one quality to look for in a significant other?Send Feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

Episode 6, CPT Sam PrichardConversation with CPT Luke Groom on 25APR20Sam tells the story of disappointing his parents by entering the military. We discuss the pros and cons of college education, Dave Ramsey, oil prices, life insurance, movies, the CSP Program for individuals exiting the military, and mandatory service.Send Feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

Episode 5, CPT Sam PrichardConversation with CPT Luke Groom on 06APR20Why Listen? This is a very informal talk about COVID-19, TEC-DP, a Navy Captain getting relieved of command, and moving to conventional-near-peer-threat-training with nuclear weapons still in existence. Plus they do book and podcast recommendations as well as hot takes. Luke and Sam are both super honest and open as they talk through the issues.Send Feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

Episode 4, Jake HughesInterview on 17FEB20Why Listen? Jake is very well read and intelligent. He walks listeners through his overarching way of looking at issues and then gives great actionable tips. This is a content heavy podcast, and has a lot of great information for listeners who are staying in or getting out of the Army. 01:45 Military Schools vs PL Time08:50 Communication in the Army: “What, So What, Which Means, Therefore” always put yourself in your boss’s shoes24:15 Prioritizing what you do, “Are you hunting field mice or antelope?” “Eat the frog”38:00 "Getting Things Done," principles of the book53:15 Credentialing, PE and PMP1:04:45 General Notes on the Army, Choosing your battles1:19:00 Finances, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” Importance of Time in the Market1:35:10 Travel Credit Cards1:39:20 Getting Out of the Army, Interview Prep and Networking2:08:40 Book Recommendations; “Never Split the Difference,” “Getting Things Done,” “Principles,” “The Effective Executive,” “The Four Hour Workweek,” and “The Obstacle is the Way”2:32:35 Hot Takes; favorite drink, favorite FLW restaurant, Favorite Disney Princess, Favorite Superhero, Where do you see yourself in 5 years, Favorite Podcast2:42:30 Parting Thoughts: pick one thingSend Feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

SFC Nate Wallace, EBOLC InstructorConversation with CPT Luke Groom on 27FEB20Why Listen? Listen to hear about Devil Dogs, differences in commissioning sources, building culture in an organization, and my favorite, living in a junkyard and fixing a carburetor. Note: This episode is a long form conversation rather than interview. Send Feedback via message on LinkedIn to Luke Groom, PE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukegroom/

Marissa Groom, SLP, Army SpouseInterview by CPT Luke Groom on 08FEB20Why Listen? Hear a military spouse perspective on the Army3:00 Military Moves, building community by not saying ”no,” and bowling7:32 Balancing Career, Education and being a military wife12:35 Protesting17:05 What makes a good or bad Military Ball or Dining Out?19:20 Army Healthcare, Tricare Remote, FLW, and as a provider27:55 10 year goals31:35 Hot Takes40:00 Closing Thoughts

CPT CJ Tobin, Army Aviator Interviewed by CPT Luke Groom on 25NOV19 Why Listen? Tips on Captain’s Career Course, Coordinating Air Assets, Networking and Home Buying. 2:20 Aviator in ECCC?5:05 Getting through ECCC 8:40 Coordinating air assets. Importance of Face-to-Face.13:50 Making connections between branches.16:25 Mustaches17:35 The decision to Buy vs Rent and communication in relationships37:20 Hot Takes39:25 Closing Thoughts on Networking