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The Montana Air National Guard, 120th Force Support Squadron, conducted joint operations with the Montana Army National Guard, focusing on search and recovery training. These operations were aimed at enhancing the capabilities of multi-capable airmen and advancing Agile Combat Employment. The primary objectives of these joint operations, during Agile Vigilante 24, were to: 1. Improve coordination and interoperability between the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. 2. Enhance the skills and readiness of multi-capable airmen in search and recovery missions. 3. Integrate and test advanced Agile Combat Employment technologies in combat and recovery scenarios.Airmen and Army National Guard personnel participated in exercises that simulated various disaster and combat scenarios requiring search and recovery operations. This included wilderness recovery, and post-disaster response. The joint operations yielded several significant outcomes: 1. Enhanced Interoperability: Improved coordination between the Air National Guard and Army National Guard resulted in more effective joint mission execution. This enhanced interoperability is crucial for rapid and cohesive responses to emergencies. 2. Multi-capable airmen demonstrated increased proficiency in diverse operational roles, making them valuable assets in complex mission environments. The 120th FSS joint exercise between the Air National Guard and Army National Guard significantly enhanced the search and recovery capabilities of both forces. The focus on multi-capable airmen and Agile Combat Employment demonstrated the effectiveness of advanced training and technology integration in modern military operations. This collaboration has strengthened the preparedness and versatility of U.S. military personnel, ensuring a robust response capability in diverse operational scenarios. #mca #ace

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An alarming study published by the Defense Health Agency reveals that suicide was the leading cause of death among active-duty soldiers from 2014 to 2019, with 883 suicides compared to 96 combat deaths. https://lnkd.in/gw4UrAzH Close behind is the construction industry, now with the second-highest rate of suicide. Construction workers are 5x more likely to die by suicide than by an accident on the job. Tragically, the go-to solution in both cases is largely one of providing individual resources - and a failure to address root causes, which are more systemic in nature, such as: - Low levels of psychological safety, - Broad-based stigma associated with seeking help and talking about mental health issues,  - Unrelenting, high-pressure culture, and - Leaders who have not been trained on how to build cultures of compassion. It has been my honor to partner with The INGAA Foundation, Inc., an association comprised of 200 member companies in the natural gas and pipeline construction industry, in tackling these systemic issues. Through our “Leading Mental Well-Being” initiative, executives and managers are applying a culture-first approach in order to meaningfully make a difference. #mentalhealth #INGAA #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealthMonth #WorkplaceWellness #Leadership #MentalWellbeing #Managers

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BREAKING: USMC Lateral Entry?!! The Marine Corps is revolutionizing talent acquisition with the Fiscal Year 2024 Talent Acquisition Pilot! For the first time ever, we're exploring lateral entry—yes, you heard that right. This groundbreaking pilot program aims to bring in top-tier talent directly into the Corps at advanced ranks. Imagine cybersecurity experts, AI specialists, and other high-demand professionals stepping into leadership roles, armed with cutting-edge civilian experience. Why now? As technology accelerates, our warfighting capabilities must keep pace. We’re not just filling ranks; we’re transforming the force with unmatched expertise and innovative skills. This pilot isn't about bypassing tradition; it's about augmenting our elite ranks with unparalleled talent to ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats. This is a monumental shift in our approach to building a future-ready Corps. Well done MGySgt Sage Goyda and the Marines at Manpower and Reserve Affairs, HQMC for getting this done. Let's embrace this change and support the mission to create the most versatile and capable force in Marine Corps history. Semper Fi! 💥🦅🌍⚓️ #MarineCorps #TalentAcquisition #LateralEntry #Innovation #FutureForce https://lnkd.in/eMyJR2Ta

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🌟 **EXCELLENT Tricare Resource for Reserve Members!** 🌟 Tricare has been one of the single greatest financial blessings of military service to our family. We compared two (very large) civilian employer health insurance options with TRS (Tricare Reserve Select) and there was NO comparison. ✅ Excellent coverage ✅✅ Flexibility with choosing PCP and specialty providers ✅✅✅ The most cost-effective coverage I've ever had If you are considering the United States Navy Reserves service in any capacity, I HIGHLY recommend you do some deep research, compare your options, and learn how this can be a positive financial decision for you and your dependents. #forgedbythesea #navy #navyreserves #priorservice #officers #bestcoverage

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Ep: 341 Army Green Beret, Valhalla VFT Founder Nate Cornaccia https://lnkd.in/gBwKQ3PT Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller Nathan Cornacchia Welcome back to the Team Room, everyone! This week, we have an exceptional episode on the Ones Ready Podcast, the official UNofficial podcast of the United States Air Force, dedicated to helping every special warfare hopeful succeed. Join us as we sit down with Nate, a former Green Beret, who shares his inspiring journey to becoming a Green Beret and his extensive military experience. Nate delves into his family's rich military background and how it shaped his decision to join the Army. He recounts his time in the grueling Q course, the challenges he faced, including injuries, and his role as a communication sergeant, despite his aversion to the radio portion of the job. Nate opens up about his time on the dive team and his regret over missing dive school, his reflections on possibly joining a tier one unit, and the unpredictability of the selection process. The conversation covers the profound impact of deployments on family life, the intensity of combat deployments, and the complex emotions surrounding the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. Nate also shares insights into the current state of the military and the mental health toll of deployment. Drawing from his father's experiences as a Green Beret in Vietnam, Nate discusses the challenges of returning home and the lingering effects of PTSD. He reflects on his own journey into Special Forces and how it led him to create Valhalla VFT, a firearms training company focused on practical self-defense skills. This episode emphasizes the importance of open conversations about military service realities and mentorship for aspiring Special Forces soldiers. Don't miss this compelling discussion that promises to inspire and educate. Chapters 00:00 Family Background and Military Influence 03:18 Deciding to Become a Green Beret 06:23 Finding Purpose and Discipline in the Military 12:36 Joining the Dive Team 15:22 The Importance of Being an Operator First 20:21 Considerations for Joining a Tier One Unit 23:36 The Impact of Deployments on Family Life 25:48 The Reality of the First Combat Deployment 29:41 The Frustration of the Afghanistan Withdrawal 37:13 Challenges in Recruiting and Retention 39:18 Conflicting Feelings about Another War 41:27 Critiques of Military Public Affairs Offices 47:03 The Challenges Faced by Vietnam Veterans 48:29 Dealing with PTSD and its Effects 52:20 Starting Valhalla VFT: Providing Practical Self-Defense Training 56:20 The Importance of Open Conversations and Mentorship Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b

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HairStory: The USAF Tactical Cap Dear Base Commanders, As some of you implement local polices to restrict wear of the United States Air Force-approved Tactical Caps, let me help you. It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem. It’s me. The Base Commander who persisted for years to get the Tactical Cap approved for wear. Why? Simple. One size does NOT fit all. Many of you have the luxury of bi-weekly “3 on the top, 1 on the sides” touchups or the clean shave, so one hat works. For people with thick, wavy hair that grows like a chia-pet with just a hint of humidity, a cap with a mesh back and an adjustable band prevents from having multiple hats throughout the day. It also alleviates the multiple product reapplications throughout the day to keep hair tight that causes headaches, hair loss, and a growing forehead. I get it, you may not have that challenge. That is why I combed out my hair into all of her full afro glory for our smooth-headed United States Air Force (USAF) senior leaders to demonstrate how much I shift and shape myself daily to serve. Seeing is believing - see your Airmen locally for yourself. Our USAF Leaders approved it at CORONA. I am listening to understand why you don’t. For those that deny Defenders the Tactical Cap, I encourage you to stand watch at the gate at the height of hot/humid/wet weather in a wool beret with a leatherish band and no bill . . . can you rise to your best? Safety outweighs heritage. We need the best of America’s talent to serve in our formations if democracy is going to win, to include the thick, wavy-haired talent. Maybe that is why there were only 3 Afro-abled women out of nearly 300 base commanders that stayed to serve at that level while I was in base command and still none at the CORONA decision-making table. To improve the less than 20% of women in military service, let’s work together to remove barriers like the hat so all qualified Americans with the propensity have #TheFreedomToServe! Reach out, I’m happy to help! https://lnkd.in/emC3Vz-G

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💭 Regarding the Dept of Veterans Affairs and DoD Defense Health Agency, now that the OEF and OIF wars have drawn down, what trends do you anticipate seeing over the next 4 years? 📉 Tighter federal budgets mean competitive health care missions between the VA and DoD. Expansive services for injured service members within DoD will begin to shrink and those rehabilitative medical services will be under more demand and pressure at VA VAMCs and polytrauma centers. 📊 Mental health, resiliency, and substance abuse services will be increasing in the Department of Veteran Affairs. 🏡As youger Americans choose to move to rural communities and away from high density urban areas, VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics will be assuming bigger roles by providing more care to our nation’s veterans. 👨‍⚕️ As more veterans, especially female veterans, choose to seek care outside of the VA system because of lack of speciality services provided at VA centers in rural areas, ensuring medical records, medicines and points of intervention are accurately and timely captured in VA records will require more focus on interoperability and fraud, waste and abuse prevention. 📚 Veterans and their Dependents going to trade schools to learn vocations or off to colleges to earn degrees will need more support and require more oversight of the VA to ensure colleges are not taking advantage of veterans and their dependents. 🇺🇸 Curious to hear your thoughts.

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EP 378: Military Leadership: Why Take Risks When You Can Just…Not? https://lnkd.in/gpm2RRnx Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller In this episode, Peaches and Trent break down what it takes to truly lead in the high-stakes world of Air Force Special Warfare. They tackle the myths around rank, money, and recognition, and they don’t shy away from the hard truths: the physical and mental grind, the risks that come with pushing boundaries, and why leadership in AFSW means earning your place, not just holding a title. From taking on extra responsibilities to standing up to higher-ups who don’t understand the mission, they lay out why discipline, respect, and risk-taking are essential to getting the job done. They dive into what’s wrong with risk aversion in today’s Air Force, how standing up to traditional norms is reshaping tactics, and why physical readiness is about setting an example, not just passing tests. If you’re ready to hear what it really takes to be respected and successful in elite operations, this episode is all grit and no excuses. Join the Ones Ready community and hit up OnesReady.com for gear, tools, and real talk on what it takes to stay mission-ready! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b Collabs: Ones Ready Merch: onesready.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready (18afitness.com) ATAC Fitness - Follow the URL: https://shorturl.at/ackyD (onesready.com) CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY (cardomax.com) Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY (drinkhoist.com) S4FE-D - Promo Code: ONESREADY (s4fe-d.com) Danger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY (dangercloseapparel.com) Kill Cliff - Promo Code: PODCASTKC20 (killcliff.com) The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team and all guests are those of the team and themselves, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.

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For fellow service members, One day our active duty service will end. And you may be faced with interviewing for a job with a person who knows nothing about the military (or God’s finest fighting Corps!). You’ll need to tell a story that bridges that gap between you both - and it's a good thing that Marines are some of the best storytellers I know. This article encourages and instructs interviewees on how to tell their story. Leaders are great storytellers and is a way to communicate your vision, mission, and purpose for the unit. “First impressions are meant to impress.” “Are you Googling “tips for a successful job interview” and reading the top articles? Rehearsing “your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” Yawn. Instantaneous boredom.” “And understanding how to tell an authentic story about yourself in a way that leaves a permanent mark — in a way that allows your prospective employer to really see you — is the key to standing out. We all have a story to tell.” “Telling our interviewers stories of both successes and failures helps us stand out as emotionally intelligent and self-aware candidates.” “A great story takes the audience on a journey. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end.” “Vulnerable authenticity tells your interviewer that you won’t show up to work every day pretending everything is always awesome (a false reality and untruthful in the long run). And that means that anybody who works with you won’t have to show up as one-dimensional, either. Suddenly, your interviewer can relax because they are talking to a human being and not the caricature of one. A successful interview is a memorable one. Vulnerability is memorable.” https://lnkd.in/gZBPyzVi

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If the architects of future NCO leader development may not have got all the details of our future precisely right, then what will the NCO cohort of 2030 require from their PME? Checkout some recent history in my substack article.

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United States Marine Corps USMC Special Operations Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) The key strengths of Marine special operations forces (MARSOF) are the combination of organizational agility, adaptability, and expeditionary nature that enable timely development in interest of national security.

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I've had a contribution published to this article on forbes.com which discusses the key traits to consider when hiring HR leaders. There are plenty of insights within from my colleagues on the Forbes Human Resources Council, so this article is well worth a read for any business leader!

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We have to do better! Do better as active duty members. Do better as veterans. Do better as a country. Our men and women in uniform should not be facing conditons that make them more than 2X as likely to turn to suicide. A five-year study from the Defense Health Agency, from 2014 to 2019, found suicide as the leading cause of death among active-duty soldiers. Compared to 96 combat deaths over the period, 883 soldiers died by suicide — nine times more The rate of suicide, measured by deaths per 100,000 soldiers thus far in 2024 is 31.8. For all Americans, the rate of suicide in 2021, the last year of available data, the rate per 100,000 was 14.1

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Ep 373: AFSPECWAR: The Real Pros, Cons & Raw Truths https://lnkd.in/gDYBGtyK Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller In this brutally honest episode, Aaron, Peaches, and Trent take you deep into the realities of Air Force Special Warfare. They break down the real pros and cons of the career—from the thrill of mastering advanced skills and the tight-knit brotherhood to the grueling training pipeline and the toll on your body. If you think it's all about action-packed deployments, think again. These operators don’t hold back on the harsh truths: the long training, high attrition rates, and the struggle to make rank. They cover it all, including the ups and downs of deployments, the unmatched bonuses, and why the mission will always be the biggest motivation. Whether you're thinking about joining or just curious, this episode delivers a clear picture of what it's really like to serve in elite units. With their candid stories and real-world experience, the team paints a vivid picture of life in AFSW that you won't find anywhere else. *Subscribe, share, and join the Ones Ready community for more unfiltered insights into the highs and lows of special operations. Head over to OnesReady.com for more gear, tools, and no-nonsense advice to stay mission-ready. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b Collabs: Ones Ready Merch: onesready.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready (18afitness.com) ATAC Fitness - Follow the URL: https://shorturl.at/ackyD (onesready.com) CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY (cardomax.com) Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY (drinkhoist.com) The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team and all guests are those of the team and themselves, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.

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Ep 375: So You Hate the Military? Let's Talk About It... https://lnkd.in/gmqkaF86 Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller In this episode, Trent’s here to respond to every “victim vet” out there who’s shouting, “Don’t join the military!” after a bad experience. Trent tackles the so-called “cons” of military life—like assignments that aren’t paradise and, shocker, rules against smoking weed. He digs into why the military isn’t perfect but why it’s still worth it, taking on the overblown complaints and victim mindset with some hard-hitting truths. Get ready for a brutally honest rundown on why the discipline, sacrifice, and brotherhood make it worth every minute—and why the reality is a bit tougher, and way better, than the “woe is me” posts might suggest. If you’re over the drama and ready to hear the other side, this episode is for you. Hit subscribe, share, and check out OnesReady.com for gear and real insights to keep you ready for what matters. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 02:22 Discussion on Military Experiences and Perspectives 34:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b Collabs: Ones Ready Merch: onesready.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready (18afitness.com) ATAC Fitness - Follow the URL: https://shorturl.at/ackyD (onesready.com) CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY (cardomax.com) Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY (drinkhoist.com) S4FE-D - Promo Code: ONESREADY (s4fe-d.com) Danger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY (dangercloseapparel.com) Kill Cliff - Promo Code: PODCASTKC20 (killcliff.com) The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team and all guests are those of the team and themselves, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.

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The Army is building a stronger future, one partnership at a time. A prime example is Joint Force Training Base Los Alamitos in California, which became operational in 2023. After leasing underutilized, non-excess land to a private developer, the base now has resilient energy infrastructure which supplies reliable and sustainable power sources to both the base and local community of Los Alamitos. Swipe to learn more about this project! #EnergyActionMonth

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Ep 372: Aaron Loves America - Why the Military Needs a Culture Reset NOW! https://lnkd.in/d5Xif2Nj Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller Aaron tackles some of the biggest controversies in today’s military culture—from the impact of political agendas and DEI initiatives to the reality of recruiting issues and the push for higher combat pay. They don’t hold back on the uncomfortable truths about standards slipping, how certain policies are affecting the morale and readiness of troops, and why the military needs to refocus on what really matters: warfighting. With straight talk on everything from the absurdity of over-politicization to the challenges of maintaining discipline and integrity in an ever-changing military, this episode is as real as it gets. If you’re tired of hearing the same old talking points and want to know what’s actually going on in the ranks, this is the episode for you. Aaron and Peaches lay it out, challenging the status quo and demanding accountability at every level. Subscribe, share, and check out OnesReady.com for no-BS gear, insights, and tools to keep you mission-ready! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:55 Members Only Content and Community Engagement 05:48 Military Pay and Recruitment Challenges 11:58 Disqualifying Conditions for Military Service 18:04 Recruitment Strategies and Future Changes 28:41 The Reality of Selection and Personal Responsibility 39:24 Critique of DEI Initiatives in the Military 55:37 Cultural Impact on Military Recruitment 56:33 The Evolution of Military Culture and DEI Initiatives 01:00:49 Recruitment Challenges in a Changing Military Landscape 01:04:01 Personal Beliefs and Public Perception 01:10:41 The Role of Experts and Academia in Military Discourse 01:12:06 Diversity of Thought in the Military Community

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Controversial opinion... The Department of Defense should generally not consider a vendor's manufacturing capacity during vendor selection. If you never buy from a vendor because you worry they won't be able to scale production to your needs, new vendors will (giant surprise inbound) not be able to scale production to your needs. It's such a direct effect, I don't even know if it's worth calling it a self fulfilling prophesy. "I can't believe we are going to have to go with [INSERT traditional contractor here] for the [INSERT program name here]. If only we had other contractors of their scale that we could work with" 🤦‍♂️ This is another flavor of the oft repeated advice to the Department to focus on being a better customer. If the DoD end user and the DoD buyer like what a vendor is offering but are concerned that the vendor might not be able to meet today's demand, this is a capital problem. There needs to be a mechanism to cut the contract to the vendor in concert with the vendor securing substantial investment. In effect, VC firms or PE firms, or aligned capital providers can under-write capacity with capital. It seems like such an obvious solution but when I bring it up you can see all the lawyers in the room start to sweat. Funny stories abound here. I will share one later this week.

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