

190: How Tolerance Can Be Your Greatest Risk. USMC Tactics Pt.4 w/ Dave Berke
In this discussion, Dave Berke, a former Marine Corps First Lieutenant, shares his wisdom on military tactics and leadership. They delve into the concept of the 'default aggressive' mindset, emphasizing the need for proactive decision-making in dynamic situations. The conversation covers the balance between aggression and consolidation in combat, alongside the importance of maintaining reserves for strategic moments. With insights into the essential qualities of tactical leadership, Berke encourages continuous learning and resilience, showcasing how military principles apply beyond the battlefield.
02:44:06
Gaining Experience
- Gain experience through training and real-world application to improve decision-making.
- More repetitions in tactics improve pattern recognition and understanding.
Value of Different Perspectives
- Different perspectives enhance understanding of concepts like cover and move.
- Combining various viewpoints allows for better recognition of patterns in diverse situations.
Changing Perspectives
- Leif Babin's unchanging slides taught the same lessons, but the audience's perspective changed over time.
- Mike Cirelli learned something new each time he reviewed the Laws of Combat brief.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Simplicity and Strategy in Learning
02:22 • 26min
Strategic Balance in Combat Tactics
28:40 • 12min
Cultivating a Default Aggressive Mindset
40:56 • 2min
Reserves in Strategy and Performance
42:56 • 24min
Essential Qualities of Tactical Leadership
01:07:18 • 15min
Maximizing Military Training Effectiveness
01:22:44 • 26min
Mastering Military Tactics Through Training
01:49:01 • 28min
Empowerment Through Jiu-Jitsu: Benefits and Training Gear
02:17:31 • 4min
Nourishing Joints and Jokes
02:21:41 • 9min
Influence and Perception: The Impact of Role Models
02:30:34 • 2min
Food, Fun, and Foundations
02:32:07 • 10min
Initiative and Resilience: A Call to Action
02:42:30 • 2min

Retreat, Hell!
W.E.B. Griffin
Retreat, Hell is the tenth book in The Corps series by W.E. B. Griffin.
It takes place during the Korean War, specifically after the Inchon invasion, and explores the military and political tensions of the time.
The story involves Brigadier General Fleming Pickering mediating between General MacArthur and President Truman, while his son, Pick, is lost behind enemy lines.
The book delves into small unit and special forces actions during the war.

MCDP 1-3: Tactics
The Art and Science of Winning Engagements and Battles
United States Marine Corps
MCDP 1-3: Tactics is a foundational guide for the U.S.
Marine Corps, focusing on the art and science of winning engagements and battles.
It emphasizes the importance of creative leadership, decisive action, and the integration of combined arms to achieve tactical success.
The publication is designed for all tactical leaders, from the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander to the fire team leader.

Infantry attacks
Erwin Rommel
In 'Infantry Attacks', Erwin Rommel provides a firsthand account of his tactics and strategies during World War I. The book emphasizes the importance of speed, deception, and deep penetration into enemy territory to surprise and overwhelm.
It offers valuable insights into modern warfare, focusing on mobility, surprise, and initiative, making it a timeless resource for military leaders and historians.

The Complete Works of Theodore Roosevelt
A Comprehensive Collection of His Writings
Theodore Roosevelt
This collection encompasses a wide range of topics from history and politics to nature and personal memoirs, reflecting Roosevelt's diverse interests and prolific writing career.
It includes notable works like 'The Naval War of 1812' and 'The Rough Riders'.

Warrior Kid
null
Jocko Willink
Jocko Willink's "Warrior Kid" series offers a unique approach to parenting, drawing on principles of discipline, resilience, and mental toughness.
The books provide practical strategies for raising children who are confident, responsible, and capable of overcoming challenges.
Willink emphasizes the importance of teaching children the value of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The "Warrior Kid" series is a valuable resource for parents seeking to instill positive values and life skills in their children.
Its practical advice and engaging storytelling make it a popular choice for families.
Liddell Hart's works
Liddell Hart's works
null
B. H. Liddell Hart
B. H.
Liddell Hart's extensive body of work significantly influenced military thinking and strategy.
His writings emphasized indirect approaches, the importance of understanding the enemy's psychology, and the need for adaptability in warfare.
Liddell Hart's key concepts, such as the "indirect approach" and the importance of "moral factors" in war, challenged traditional military doctrines.
His books, including "Strategy," are considered classics in military literature and continue to be studied by military professionals and scholars.
Liddell Hart's insights into the nature of war and the importance of psychological factors remain relevant today.

Call Sign Chaos
Learning to Lead
Jim Mattis
Bing West
Call Sign Chaos is a memoir that chronicles General Jim Mattis's career from his early days as a Marine recruit to his role as a four-star general and Secretary of Defense.
The book is divided into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.
Mattis recounts his foundational experiences, extracting lessons on warfighting, peacemaking, the importance of allies, and strategic dilemmas.
He emphasizes the need for America to return to a strategic footing to avoid fighting inconclusive wars.
The book offers a unique leadership philosophy developed through constant study and action, making it relevant for both military and civilian leaders.

Colder than hell
Joseph R. Owen
Colder Than Hell is a memoir by Joseph R. Owen, detailing his experiences as a Marine platoon leader during the Korean War, particularly at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
The book provides a vivid portrayal of the harsh conditions and intense combat faced by U.S.
Marines against the Chinese army.
Owen's narrative highlights the bravery and resilience of his comrades and offers insights into the challenges of leadership in extreme circumstances.

Discipline Equals Freedom
Field Manual
Jocko Willink
In 'Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual', Jocko Willink outlines the importance of discipline in achieving success and freedom in all aspects of life.
Born from his experiences in the Navy SEALs, the book provides strategies and tactics for overcoming weakness, procrastination, and fear.
It includes specific physical training workouts for different levels of athletes, as well as recommendations for optimal sleep habits and food intake.
The book emphasizes the internal force of discipline, starting with simple actions like waking up early and extending to controlling emotions, making good decisions, and facing fears.
Willink argues that discipline is the core principle that leads to strength, health, intelligence, and ultimately, freedom.

Extreme ownership
How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
Leif Babin
Jocko Willink
This book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin focuses on the principle of 'Extreme Ownership,' where leaders take full responsibility for their actions and decisions.
The authors use their experiences in the U.S.
Navy SEALs to illustrate how this mindset can lead to success in any organization.
The book covers various principles such as believing in the mission, checking ego, and leading by example.
It emphasizes that leaders must own all failures, develop plans to overcome them, and ensure their teams are well-conditioned and aligned with the mission.
The authors also stress the importance of humility, discipline, and effective communication in leadership.

One Soldier's War
Arkady Babchenko
One Soldier's War is a devastating first-person account of war by Arkady Babchenko, capturing the fear, drudgery, chaos, and brutality of modern combat.
The book follows Babchenko's journey from a naive conscript to a hardened soldier during the Chechen conflicts.
It vividly portrays the harsh realities of war, including constant cold, hunger, exhaustion, filth, and terror, transforming these experiences into compelling prose.

Mikey and the Dragons
Jocko Willink
Mikey and the Dragons is a timeless tale by Jocko Willink that follows the story of Little Mikey, a boy who is scared of everything from creepy crawlies under the rug to monsters in his closet.
When Mikey finds an old book about a young prince who volunteers to protect his king-less kingdom from hordes of dragons, he begins to learn that his fears are not as big as they seem.
The book, told in rhyming verse and illustrated with big, bold, and beautiful full-color pictures, helps children overcome their fears and tap into their inner bravery.
It is relatable, inspiring, and perfect for young readers to enjoy alone or with their parents.

With the Old Breed
At Peleliu and Okinawa
Eugene B. Sledge
With the Old Breed is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Eugene B. Sledge, detailing his experiences as a Marine during World War II. The book chronicles his time in the 1st Marine Division, specifically with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, during the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa.
Sledge's account is marked by its simplicity and searing honesty, capturing the intense violence, fear, and camaraderie that defined the lives of soldiers in the Pacific Theater.
He describes the harsh training, the unimaginable carnage, and the psychological impact of constant fear and horror.
The memoir also highlights the brotherhood among the Marines and the struggle to retain humanity amidst the chaos of war.
It is praised for its unvarnished and realistic portrayal of combat, making it a classic in American military history.

The Dichotomy of Leadership
Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win
Leif Babin
Jocko Willink
In this book, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin delve into the most challenging aspect of leading people: the dichotomy of leadership.
They explain that effective leadership requires finding a balance between forces that pull leaders in opposite directions.
Drawing from their combat experiences and leadership consulting work, the authors provide dynamic examples and practical advice on how to apply these leadership concepts in various contexts, including the battlefield, business, and personal life.

WARFIGHTING
MCDP-1
U.S. Marine Corps

1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Reveries on the Art of War
Maurice de Saxe
Written in just thirteen days, *Reveries on the Art of War* by Maurice de Saxe is a seminal work that introduced numerous innovations in military tactics, training, and technology.
It includes discussions on establishing field camps, advancing weapon technology, and understanding soldier motivations.
The book remains influential in modern military theory and history.
0:00:00 - Opening
0:18:03 - MCDP 1-3. Final Chapters.
2:12:52 - Final Thoughts and Take-aways.
2:13:55 - How to stay on THE PATH.
2:42:06 - Closing Gratitude.
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