“I’d Die For It Today” - Ex Navy SEALs Reveal Truth About Osama Bin Laden & Future of War | PBD Podcast | Ep. 573
Apr 9, 2025
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DJ Shipley and Cole Fackler, former Navy SEALs and co-founders of GBRS Group, share riveting insights from their military experiences. They dive into the emotional complexities of duty and family life, revealing how deployments impact relationships. The conversation also explores the mindset needed for high-stress situations, the value of mentorship among veterans, and the significance of physical fitness for youth. Additionally, they discuss the evolving landscape of warfare, technology's implications, and the transition from military service to entrepreneurship.
The podcast reveals the geopolitical consequences of Osama bin Laden's burial at sea, potentially enhancing his martyrdom among supporters.
Future military preparations are emphasized, with a focus on readiness for significant threats anticipated by 2045 due to evolving warfare technologies.
The emotional toll of long deployments on Navy SEAL families illustrates the complex balance between military duty and personal relationships.
The transition from military to civilian life is challenging, necessitating supportive communities and mentorship for veterans navigating their new identities.
Ethical considerations surrounding military operations are discussed, highlighting the importance of understanding motivations and the complexities of public sentiment in warfare.
Deep dives
Osama Bin Laden's Capture and Its Aftermath
The episode discusses the significant event of Osama bin Laden's capture and subsequent death on May 2, 2011. The speaker reflects on the implications of bin Laden's body being buried at sea, which some argue may have inadvertently enhanced his martyr status among supporters. The discussion raises concerns about the geopolitical ramifications and questions whether such actions could trigger greater unrest or conflict, potentially leading to global escalations. The host suggests that decisions made during high-stakes moments must consider long-term consequences on international relations.
Military Readiness for Future Conflicts
There is an emphasis on preparing military forces for significant future threats, likening the mindset to being ready for a potential war by 2045 rather than immediate conflicts. This preparation is underscored by the evolution of threats in a fast-paced technological landscape, drawing on examples from popular culture that fantasize potential warfare scenarios with advanced AI and robotics. The conversation also delves into the importance of military planners anticipating technical and tactical shifts that could redefine combat within the next couple of decades. This foresight leads to a deeper reflection on how to address emerging technologies effectively.
The Unique Challenge of Balancing Military and Family Life
The complexities of maintaining family stability while serving in the military are explored, particularly in the context of Navy SEALs who often face long deployments. One speaker shares personal anecdotes about growing up in a military family and the strained relationships stemming from constant separation. The struggle with communication and the emotional toll of balancing demanding military schedules alongside family responsibilities is highlighted. Both speakers express sympathy for service members who grapple with maintaining relationships while also honoring their commitments to their country.
Insider Insights on the SEAL Teams
The camaraderie and rivalry within the SEAL Teams are discussed, touching on the closer-knit relationships fostered in the East Coast teams compared to those on the West Coast. The speakers reflect on their respective experiences, emphasizing the shared challenges and unique bonds formed during intense training and combat. There is validation in acknowledging the culture within the teams, where humor and camaraderie create a supportive environment. Both speakers also nod to the reality of adaptation and transformation that service members undergo as their careers progress.
Support Systems for Veterans
The transition from military to civilian life can be stark and challenging, and both speakers share their experiences with programs aimed at supporting veterans. They talk about how shared experiences and communities become vital during the transition phase, where adjusting to a new identity is paramount. Insight into the importance of mentorship and peer support highlights the need for openness about struggles faced after leaving the service. The conversation emphasizes the potential healing power of psychedelic treatments that some veterans have found beneficial.
Mental Fortitude in the Face of Transition
Both speakers relay the significance of maintaining mental and physical fitness as essential to a successful transition into civilian life. They consider how routines that resemble their military schedules can provide comfort and structure in the face of uncertainty. The emphasis on the need for consistency in physical training is viewed as a means of anchoring amid the chaos of leaving military service. They stress that staying engaged in a supportive network helps reduce feelings of isolation during difficult transition periods.
Reflections on Military Operations and the Use of Force
The discussion highlights the morally complex nature of military operations, including the ethical implications of decisions made on the ground or at command levels. One speaker reflects on the lessons learned from their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true motivations behind military engagement. The topic expands to address public sentiment regarding military operations and how narratives might change based on varying perspectives. The speakers express a sense of pride in their service but acknowledge the challenges that come with the politics of war.
The Role of Military Technology in Future Conflicts
As technology continues to evolve, discussions center around how advancements like AI and robotics could reshape battlefields and combat strategies. Notably, the potential impact of these technologies on military operations becomes a growing concern, raising questions about ethical considerations and accountability. The conversation suggests that the reliance on technology may lead to vulnerabilities that could be exploited in warfare. The urgency to stay ahead of global technological developments is a recurring theme as military leaders seek ways to ensure national security.
The Importance of Upholding Military Standards
A passionate discussion emerges surrounding the need to maintain rigorous military standards, especially regarding physical fitness and training. This commitment to excellence is viewed as vital for preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the military force. The speakers lament current trends toward relaxation of standards and express the importance of ensuring that all servicemen and women meet the same rigorous qualifications for service. The topic culminates in a call for accountability and a return to foundational values within the military.
The Socioeconomic Impact of Drug Trafficking
The podcast touches on the intricate dynamics of drug trafficking in Afghanistan, particularly the cultivation of opium and its significant economic implications. There is a stark reflection on how opium production fuels both the local economy and global drug markets, leading to wider social issues. The potential for dependency on illicit trades poses challenges not only for national security but for community welfare and rehabilitation efforts. Discussion raises awareness of the devastating impacts that opiate production can have on families and communities, both locally and internationally.
Navy SEALs DJ Shipley and Cole Fackler join Patrick Bet-David to discuss war stories, Bin Laden’s death, Seal Team culture, sacrifice, marriage, and the mental discipline it takes to serve at the highest level.
Raw, unfiltered, and powerful insights from real warriors.
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ABOUT US:Patrick Bet-David is the founder and CEO of Valuetainment Media. He is the author of the #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller “Your Next Five Moves” (Simon & Schuster) and a father of 2 boys and 2 girls. He currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
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