The New Year is the time we all commit to eating less and working out more. We commit to improving our fitness and health. For some, it lasts all year. For many a few months, maybe a few weeks, and for others - just a few days. 

To talk about fitness and goals in 2022, host Fran Racioppi asked Founder of 18A Fitness, and fellow Green Beret, Kevin Edgerton to join him on this New Year's episode to reminisce about their glory days as Green Berets, discuss a renewed commitment to fitness as the clock strikes January, and to share what it takes to try out for, and become, one of nation's most precious assets - a Special Operations Warrior. 

Kevin served 26 years in the US Army as both enlisted and as an officer. He developed the human performance training programs for Army Special Forces Groups and the Air Force Special Operations Air Wings. He has since retired and founded 18A Fitness, an app-based, customized training platform to prepare any warrior for the grueling selection courses of the Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Marine Raiders or Air Force Special Operations Air Wings. 

It's like we always say...How You Prepare Today, Determines Success Tomorrow. 

Happy New Year! 

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights:

-Kevin & Fran reminisce about their days in the United States Army Officer Candidate School and how prior enlisted soldiers like Kevin set the example for college entry officer candidates like Fran.

-18A was born out of Kevin’s experience in Special Operations selection courses, physical training certifications and I desire to help the next generation succeed in both fitness and the military.

-Kevin’s career in fitness started when his father suffered a heart attack in the gym and required a triple bypass surgery.

-Fran and Kevin break down the importance of physical vs mental training and preparation; and how higher levels of physical fitness allow for enhanced mental clarity when solving mental challenges.

-Kevin explains the importance of character in Special Operations and the differences in missions between Green Berets, Navy SEALS, Marine Special Operations, and Air Force Special Warfare. 

-Fran asks Kevin what we learn from the best and worst leaders.

Quotes:

-”You have to know what their desired end state is, then put a program together that fits that need…that fits that scope…so they can pass that with ease.”

-”You have to come up with your why. Why you want to do this.”

-”When you see that second plane hit…it just got real…it changed the whole dynamics of what I was going to do.”

-”When you are a team leader your integrity has to be the utmost in anything that you do.”

-”The best leader I ever had was Darsie Rogers…he challenged you to do things that were outside the norm.”

-”Just worry about what’s down and in. I will worry about up and out.”

-”War brings out the worst, the ugliest in you. Now that it’s post-war, now this should bring out the best of Americans; and I only want the best that’s going to be in Special Operations to lead that charge.”

Kevin’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:

-Structured mobility and breathing exercises every morning to wake the body.

-Eat healthy; not perfect, but well.

-Put the phone down and move!

This episode is brought to you by 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.