Grey Dynamics Former Australian Commando Scott Ryder on Tier One Culture
Sep 26, 2025
Scott Ryder, a former Australian Army commando with over 20 years of service, shares his gripping insights. He contrasts military training before and after 9/11, detailing the evolution of critical thinking among new trainees. Scott discusses the intense selection process for special forces and reflects on personal moments from his first deployment in Afghanistan. He emphasizes the importance of honest storytelling in military memoirs and the delicate balance between operational security and public engagement.
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Early Calling To Soldiering
- Scott Ryder joined the Australian Army at 17 and always wanted to be a soldier from a young age.
- He pursued a lifelong military career driven by early conviction rather than family tradition.
SOF Drives Innovation
- Special operations often lead adoption of new tech and tactics while conventional forces lag behind.
- Access to battle-tested information and modern tech has dramatically boosted capability since 9/11.
Always Ask Why In Training
- Ask why when an instructor teaches a technique so you force deeper explanations and understanding.
- Expect instructors to know origins and principles, not just demonstrate procedures.
