Intentionally Blank Meeting the real-life "Skar!" with Ethan Skarstedt — Intentionally Blank Ep. 123
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Oct 11, 2023 Brandon is joined by Ethan, Head of Security at Dragonsteel and Skar of Bridge 4, as they discuss Ethan's military experiences, the challenges of bureaucracy within the military, being in combat, and the difficulties of writing in challenging conditions.
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From Cubicle To Combat
- Ethan Skarstedt joined the National Guard after leaving a cubicle technical-writing job and deployed multiple times post-9/11.
- He described switching from office MOS training to supporting infantry in the field with minimal bridging training.
Re-Enlisted From The Mountains
- Ethan recounted deploying to Kuwait and Iraq then being swept into a larger unit heading to Afghanistan with no option to stay.
- He re-enlisted via sat phone while on an operation in the mountains to remain with his unit.
Training To Bridge The Skill Gap
- Ethan and his unit created a two-week course to bridge the gap between cubicle MOS training and field support needs.
- The course became a center of excellence, training both Guard and active-duty soldiers to be useful in combat environments.