Today we are joined by the Commander of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group, COL Stuart Farris. The COL discusses selection for anyone considering joining Special Operations, both the content purpose of ARSOF Selection are covered. Key points include that ARSOF doesn’t look for the “best” people, ARSOF looks for the “right” people. To be selected a candidate must have a healthy combination of physical and mental attributes. The COL also urges that Soldiers who are not selected don’t think of themselves as failures, rather they are in the “top percentile” of the Army and he commends them for applying themselves.

Today we are joined by the commander of the 8th Psychological Operations Group COL Mushtare to discuss the path that led him to becoming an officer in PSYOP. We open with the COL’s transition from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to becoming an Army Engineer Officer. After meeting a PSYOP MAJ at a FT Bragg ARSOF Fair, he became interested in PSYOP and decided to pursue it as his career. PYSOP was initially not on his mind, but after doing deeper research into their tasks and functions, the COL decided it his branch of choice. His main recommendation for aspiring leaders is to check up with HRC and see all the opportunities out there.

Today we are joined by the commander of 7th Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group LTC Engelmeier to discuss the path that led her to becoming an officer in PSYOP. We open with the LTC’s early career as an engineer in Korea and then FT Belvoir, VA. She then shares her experiences on how key-leader engagements in Afghanistan got her interested in the power of information and using discussions to set the stage for success. What ultimately influenced her to join the PSYOP Regiment was her experience working with HRC and seeing how a small branch is better at managing talent.

Today we are joined by the new Commander of the 2nd Special Warfare Training Group, COL Josh Raetz. The COL opens the discussion listing his command initiatives and how 2 SWTG is preparing Soldiers for future conflicts. The discussion then develops to how cross-functional teams are better able to provide innovative solutions to complex problems than core teams without the organic expertise. Rounding out the discussion, COL Raetz offers his thoughts on the perception that a SWCS Cadre position is considered a punishment and not a sought-after job, and offers his insight on continuing to bring in high-speed talent to train Soldiers in the ARSOF Qualification course.

Today we are joined by Dr. Rick Dietrich and Mr. Bob Jones of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School's Human Development Directorate (HDD). We open the discussion by talking about the Growth Mindset, challenges to performance and how SMs can work to self-improve. The Doctors mention how there will always be stress, but that the way forward for students is to seize what they can control (nutrition, PT, sleep etc) to help lay the mental groundwork for success. We also discuss how the SOCEP and HEAT programs assist our students in reaching their best performance throughout each of the Regimental Qualification Courses.

Today we are joined by Dr. Preston Cline (Mission Critical Team Institute) and Ms. Cecilia Craft (Special Operations Cognitive Enhancement for Performance  - SOCEP) to discuss team dynamics, the “growth mindset,” and cognitive capacity to think differently about problem solving. An ARSOF Assessment and Selection team is often used as an example. We explore how a newly-made team of individuals can pull together to achieve group goals. Key to success are group trust and group cohesion. MAJ Aguilar rounds out the discussion by expanding on the importance of ARSOF personnel having a mature-mindset and being able to methodically plan their career both for betterment of themselves and ARSOF as a whole.

Concluding our special on Great Power Competition we discuss the importance of consolidating battlefield gains to support long-term U.S. interests. COL Bryan Groves discuss how the Army develops “measures of effectiveness” to provide a long-term plan of winning on the ground. These measurable set of metrics allow Commanders to see where resources need to be deployed. MAJ Steve Ferenzi follows by explaining how ARSOF leaders can support the U.S. in the Great Power Competition, not only by maintaining unit readiness, but by fostering discussion within your circles. Such discussions would not only bring familiarity about the U.S. Defense Strategy, but also encourage new ideas and innovative solutions.

In this podcast continuing our “Great Power Competition” discussion MAJ Steve Ferenzi from USASOC G5 Strategic Planning Division offers examples of the expanding competition between the U.S. and near peer competitors such as Russia and China. He extolls the importance of building strategic alliances with partner nations to face down threats together, but cautions that the “U.S. Model” for defense may not be ideal for the region. COL Bryan Groves expands on this theme by stressing the necessity of interagency cooperation to overcome obstacles and bring strategic gains.

Today we are joined by COL Bryan Groves and MAJ Steve Ferenzi from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command G5 Strategic Planning Division to discuss "Great Power Competition" and ARSOF's role in support of the National Defense Strategy. MAJ Ferenzi leads by defining “Great Power Competition” and explaining the different components thereof. He follows by explaining how the U.S. can expand their influence within the Competition and set the stage to achieve strategic aims. MAJ Aguilar closes out the conversation by noting the increased importance of the information sphere of modern conflicts and ARSOF’s role within. Parts 2 and 3 of this podcast will be uploaded soon!

In 2006, Ken Dwyer was a young Captain leading a Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha in Afghanistan. During his tour of duty he was struck by a rocket propelled grenade and nearly killed.  In this episode, now LTC Dwyer gives an inspiring lesson on conquering adversity and the great personal cost of returning to active duty to continue his service as a member of the U. S. Army Special Forces. LTC Dwyer cites the unwavering support of his family and peers as key to his recovery. He also emphasizes the need to keep moving forward when faced with adversity.