#124 Captain Brad Geary - Inside the Failed Investigation and Tragic Death of Kyle Mullen
Aug 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Captain Brad Geary, a seasoned Navy leader with 24 years in Naval Special Warfare, shares his insights on the tragic death of Seaman Kyle Mullen during BUD/S training. He discusses the pressures of Hell Week, the evolving nature of military training, and the implications of leadership. Geary emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability within military circles, reflecting on the emotional toll of recent events. He offers a candid look at the investigation process and the systemic issues that have come to light, advocating for reform and healing in the wake of tragedy.
Captain Brad Geary emphasizes the importance of leadership responsibility in the face of tragic outcomes within Navy SEAL training programs.
The investigation into Kyle Mullen's death revealed systemic issues regarding medical oversight and candidate health protocols during training.
Concerns about performance-enhancing drug use prompted a reevaluation of training methodologies and candidate character assessments within Basic Training Command.
Captain Geary's pursuit of accountability and transparency through congressional inquiry highlights the need for integrity within Navy leadership.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic forced significant adaptations to SEAL training programs, challenging Geary's leadership and training standards.
Geary underlines the importance of camaraderie and collective grief in fostering resilience within the Navy SEAL community after traumatic events.
Deep dives
Captain Brad Geary's Background
Captain Brad Geary is an experienced naval officer with a distinguished career in the United States Navy, where he commanded various units including the Navy SEAL teams and the Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command, affectionately known as BUD/S. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2000 and has accumulated years of operational experience through deployments around the globe. He has been deeply involved in various leadership roles, shaping the next generation of SEALs and consolidating safety and operational protocols within Naval Special Warfare. His commitment to service reflects a desire to uphold the values of the Navy and ensure that future operators are rigorously vetted for both physical and character-related attributes.
The Incident with Kyle Mullen
Kyle Mullen, a promising SEAL candidate, tragically died during training in February 2022, prompting an extensive investigation into the circumstances of his death. Captain Geary faced immediate scrutiny, having been in command at the time, generating much speculation and concern over potential failings in training protocols and medical oversight. Despite rigorous health checks post Hell Week indicating that Mullen was physically fit, the investigation into his death raised questions on the correlation to alleged performance-enhancing drug use. The Navy's response included efforts to assuage the narrative surrounding Kyle's death while trying to pinpoint potential administrative or supervisory failings.
Performance-Enhancing Drug Concerns
In the wake of Kyle Mullen's death, concerns about the presence of performance-enhancing drugs in the training pipeline surged, leading to discussions among staff at Basic Training Command about the need for testing and greater oversight. The initial rumors of drug use heightened alarm among the cadre, prompting an assessment of their training methodologies and the character of the candidates being selected. As investigations unfolded, evidence began to arise indicating that not only Kyle, but others in the same cohort may have been involved with illicit substances believed to be detrimental to their health. The delay in addressing the drug concerns by higher authorities led to frustrations as instructors and medical professionals called for rigorous measures to safeguard the wellbeing of all candidates.
Commander's Responsibility and Pressure
As the commander of Basic Training Command, Captain Geary accepted total responsibility for the events that unfolded during Kyle Mullen's training. Faced with the fallout of Mullen's tragic death, he grappled with feelings of grief, guilt, and an overwhelming desire to ensure other candidates' safety while navigating the complex bureaucracy of the Navy. Throughout the incident, Geary made substantial efforts to address concerns about medical oversight and candidate health with a proactive approach to candidate wellness and monitoring, reflecting a commitment to both training excellence and the welfare of future SEALs. The pressure of command weighed heavily on him as he sought to mitigate the situation and provide transparency to both the families affected and his own leadership.
Legal Challenges and Investigative Integrity
Following the investigation into Kyle Mullen's death, Captain Geary found himself facing numerous legal challenges as a result of the narrative that began to unfold around the tragedies experienced. Allegations stemming from the investigation suggested negligence and dereliction of duty, which he continuously rejected and deemed to be based on distorted truths and incomplete data. Throughout the weeks following Mullen’s death, Geary became increasingly aware of the discrepancies in the testimonies collected and the lack of factual substantiation for the claims against him and his cadre. This prompted him to pursue legal counsel to defend his integrity as a leader, protecting his career from unwarranted accusations that were built on hearsay rather than factual evidence.
The Congressional Inquiry
As Captain Geary sought transparency and accountability in the response to Kyle Mullen’s death, he initiated a congressional inquiry to address the systemic issues that had become evident throughout the investigative process. Engaging congressional representatives, Geary presented evidence and findings he believed contradicted the narrative propagated by higher authorities within the Navy. He wanted to bring truth to light regarding how Mullen's tragic death was mishandled, particularly concerning the performance-enhancing drugs that were initially not appropriately tested or discussed during investigations. Geary's advocacy aimed to ensure that both justice and truth would prevail not only for the Mullen family but for the integrity of the Navy's training programs as well.
Impact of COVID-19 on Training
The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges to Basic Training Command and the operational capacity of Navy SEAL training programs, causing significant disruptions to candidate training cycles. As safety regulations and guidelines dictated personal protective measures, the transition to remote learning and screening measures significantly altered the instruction methodologies used at BUD/S. Captain Geary, upon taking command, faced the hurdles of balancing COVID-related safety measures while striving to maintain the rigorous training standards essential for developing successful SEAL candidates. This balancing act proved to be a continuous struggle, where the necessity for adherence to health protocols sometimes greatly affected training outcomes and overall candidate wellness.
Navigating the Aftermath of Tragedies
Following the devastating loss of Kyle Mullen and the ensuing investigations, Captain Geary had to confront the emotional and operational ramifications that accompanied such tragedies within the Navy SEAL community. He reflected on the importance of leadership during these moments, particularly with training staff and candidates as they processed grief while still executing their duties. Moreover, Geary sought to provide a community where all affected could come together and support each other through the loss while maintaining focus on their mission as a cohesive unit. The tragedy of losing friends and comrades would ultimately test the resilience of the entire command and its leaders to ensure that they could still function effectively.
Character Assessment in Training
Under Captain Geary's leadership, Basic Training Command emphasized the importance of character assessment alongside physical performance when training and selecting candidates. By reevaluating the selection process and implementing character-based measurements in the routines of training, the command aimed to create a more robust framework for identifying future SEALs. During his tenure, Geary and his staff began fostering a culture that drew attention to character attributes as critical components of success. This approach aimed to combat subpar performative behaviors that could tarnish the integrity of the training programs and ensured that future leaders were not only physically capable but also had the right moral compass necessary for the challenging work ahead.
Community and Shared Responsibility
In the wake of both personal and professional challenges, the SEAL community found strength in shared experiences and mutual support as they recovered from traumatic events. Captain Geary highlighted the importance of camaraderie in times of adversity and how profound connection among operators contributed to resilience and healing. Collective grief became a driving force for maintaining morale, and shared experiences often fueled the camaraderie that is essential in Navy SEAL teams. By leaning on one another, they formed a tighter-knit community which not only allowed them to endure the losses but also work toward ensuring a better future for themselves and their successors.
Seeking Accountability
As the narrative surrounding Kyle Mullen’s death unfolded, Captain Geary actively sought accountability for both his command and the Navy as a whole. He recognized the significant impact that leadership failures had on the integrity of the training pipeline and its consequences on those who served. In trying to restore professional and ethical standards, Geary contended that it was necessary to hold both individuals and organizations accountable for their actions—both in training programs and within the investigations following tragedies. By fostering a culture of accountability, he aimed to rebuild trust within the Navy and to ensure a safer environment for future candidates.
The Role of Faith
Throughout his tumultuous journey as a naval officer, Captain Geary leaned on his faith as a pillar of strength and guidance. He credited his faith with providing him the resilience he needed to address the challenges within his personal and professional life, particularly during the aftermath of Kyle Mullen's death. His spiritual beliefs helped him navigate the complex emotions surrounding grief and loss, as well as the often harsh realities of military leadership. By fostering a faith-based approach, Geary hoped to influence his peers and subordinate officers to seek strength not just in their tactical skills, but in the values that uphold their character.
The Path Forward
With the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding Kyle Mullen's death and the subsequent investigations, Captain Geary remains focused on advocating for transparency, accountability, and truth within the Navy. By confronting the issues head-on and sharing his story, he aims to shed light on the systemic problems that need addressing and ensuring the safety and efficacy of the training programs. Ultimately, Geary hopes to pave the way for a healthier, more accountable environment for future candidates and their families and to honor the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. His journey is not just about reflection, but about driving change for the betterment of the Naval Special Warfare community.
Brad Geary is a Navy Captain and Commanding Officer at Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command. Geary boasts an incredible twenty four year career in NSW. Captain Geary has completed numerous deployments throughout the world while serving in leadership positions at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron Three.
Geary's career now hangs in the balance due to a Navy probe into the mysterious death of trainee and Seaman Kyle Mullen, who tragically lost his life during the infamous training period known as "Hell Week." The Navy investigation initially pinned blame on the training cadre, but as pressure from Congress and Geary's testimony grows, a different narrative is coming to light. Geary's attorney stated that "when all the key facts emerge, the Navy's improper actions will be exposed -- and it will be undeniable that Capt. Geary is being scapegoated as part of a larger scheme to cover up massive failures and abuses of power at the highest levels of the Navy."
