#257 - 22 SAS Operator: DARPA Biotech & Future Super Soldiers | Jon Truett
Aug 29, 2024
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Jon Truett, a former 22 SAS operator with two decades of experience in the UK Special Forces, discusses high-stakes military operations and mental health challenges faced by soldiers. He shares insights on the rigorous SAS selection process and comparisons with U.S. Special Forces. Truett also delves into groundbreaking collaborations with DARPA, focusing on technologies like muscle stimulation for enhancing performance and early Parkinson's detection. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience and innovation in both military and civilian life.
Jon Truett's military journey began with inspiration from his brother, overcoming recruitment challenges to join the Parachute Regiment.
He emphasized the rigor and resilience needed in the SAS selection process, with only about 5% of candidates succeeding through extensive evaluations.
His operational experiences in Northern Ireland and combat scenarios taught him about the necessity of adaptability and situational awareness in military engagements.
Truett highlighted the importance of mental health support for soldiers, especially following the increased psychological burdens post-9/11 conflicts.
He expressed optimism about future military innovations in neuroscience and technology that could enhance soldiers' cognitive and physical performance.
Deep dives
Background and Early Career
The speaker shares a mixed educational background, highlighted by a family supportive of diverse interests, particularly in sports. After struggling with industrial roofing, which lacked safety measures, he was inspired by his brother in the parachute regiment to pursue a military career. He recounted his experience recruiting to join the parachute regiment, overcoming doubts from the recruiter and successfully beginning his military journey at the age of 21. This initial training provided him with a strong foundation in military discipline and camaraderie, shaping his future aspirations.
Training and Special Forces Selection
The rigorous training involved in the parachute regiment included physical tests and teamwork-focused exercises designed to challenge candidates' endurance and mental resilience. The speaker elaborates on the Special Forces selection process, emphasizing its demanding nature and low pass rate, with only approximately 5% completing successfully. He described the emotional and physical trials faced during the extensive six-month evaluation, which included various tests simulating combat scenarios. His determination to succeed was fueled by a desire to overcome adversity and the knowledge that resilience would be vital in his military career.
Experiences in Northern Ireland
During his military service, he participated in two tours in Northern Ireland, which were defined by relative calm post-Good Friday agreement, where operations focused more on securing areas from potential threats. His experiences included analyzing suspicious objects to prevent larger crises and maintaining peace in a tense environment. He described these tours as formative periods where he learned about the importance of operational security and situational awareness. This phase contributed to his growing skill set as a soldier and leader within a special operations context.
Transition to Special Forces and Legacy
Successfully completing selection for the SAS, the speaker highlights the significance of mental endurance and teamwork over individual physical prowess. While training with the SAS, he participated in various exercises designed to forge strong bonds within units, with a heavy emphasis on camaraderie. He reflected on how the training prepared him for high-pressure scenarios, requiring not only physical agility but also mental acuity in decision-making processes. His experiences with the SAS served as a profound legacy informing his view on the military’s evolving role and the need for specialized forces.
Operational Deployments and Lessons Learned
The speaker addressed the extensive operational experience gained throughout his military career, with over 19 tours and exposure to various combat situations across different theaters. He reflects on his involvement in significant interventions that involved safeguarding civilians and counter-terrorism efforts against extremist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan. His discussion touches on the complexities and unpredictability of operational environments, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Each operation provided valuable lessons on the importance of balancing aggression with strategy in military engagements.
Challenges of Military Life Post-9/11
With the onset of heightened global conflict after 9/11, he characterized his transition as being marked by a strong sense of duty to support allies and uphold security. The speaker shared insights into the increased operational tempo and the psychological burden placed on soldiers during this time, stressing the significance of mental resilience. He acknowledged the psychological impacts of intensive operations on soldiers, particularly on younger personnel who may lack coping mechanisms for prolonged stress. He framed the post-9/11 environment as one that necessitated a reevaluation of mental health support within the military.
The Importance of Diversity in Special Forces
He discussed the value of diversity within the SAS, noting that individuals from various backgrounds bring unique perspectives and capabilities essential for operational success. The speaker highlighted that special forces selection is open to candidates regardless of prior military experience, which has resulted in a multifaceted team dynamic. This diversity enhances problem-solving abilities and adaptability in complex environments, traits that are crucial in special operations. Emphasizing inclusivity, he underscored that being receptive to different skills further strengthens the unit's overall effectiveness.
Technology and Adaptation in Military Operations
The conversation transitioned to modern challenges in military operations, particularly the necessity of adapting technologies and methods in response to evolving combat scenarios. He explained how innovations in technology, including advanced equipment, support mission objectives while safeguarding soldiers' health and efficiency. The speaker expressed optimism regarding future developments in military technology, particularly in neuroscience, which could enhance soldiers' cognitive and physical capacities. He recognized that leveraging advancements can lead to improved performance in high-stakes environments.
Reflections on Life after Service
As he transitioned back into civilian life, the speaker shared insights into his personal journey and the challenges of adjusting to a non-military environment. He described the mental shifts needed to adapt after years of structured military life and the importance of maintaining social connections outside of the service. The speaker emphasized the ongoing need for psychological support and awareness regarding veterans’ mental health, addressing previously unspoken struggles. He concluded with a recognition of the importance of integrating experience from military service to cultivate a fulfilling future beyond active duty.
