In this episode, we sit down with Michael Bearden, Defend Systems' new VP of Strategy and a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret.

Mike shares the story of his military career, from deploying to Iraq just months after graduating high school, to working in some of the most demanding environments in modern warfare, to eventually serving in 5th Special Forces Group. Along the way, he discusses Ranger School, combat deployments to the Middle East and Central Asia, the realities behind Special Operations missions, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to operate in high-stakes environments.

Mike also reflects on a life-changing incident in which he was accidentally shot, his transition into Special Forces, being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year, and how his experiences ultimately led him to Defend Systems.

This conversation offers a look at leadership, resilience, training, decision-making, and what it means to Mike to prepare people for their worst day.

2:30 – Introduction to Michael Bearden, Defend Systems' newest team member and former Green Beret

3:09 – Growing up in a military family and knowing early on he would join the Army

6:00 – Deploying to Iraq just months after basic training

8:00 – Learning to drive under night vision in a Humvee during deployment

9:15 – Mike's first deployment and the events later chronicled in Black Hearts

11:45 – Second deployment with the 101st Airborne and attending Ranger School

12:55 – Why Ranger School carries so much respect in the military

15:30 – Leadership lessons from Ranger School that shaped Mike's life and career

16:20 – A 15-month deployment to northwest Baghdad during a major insurgency campaign

17:30 – Mike's first exposure to Special Forces culture and operations

19:00 – Operation Dragon Strike and fighting in Taliban strongholds

20:35 – A life-altering friendly fire incident before a patrol

24:00 – Recovering in a Kandahar hospital and deciding to pursue Special Forces

25:30 – What Special Forces looks for: critical thinkers and independent decision-makers

32:25 – The structure and self-sufficiency required of a 12-man Green Beret team

36:05 – "We train for the mission we're designed for, the mission we're assigned, and our worst day."

37:15 – Joining 5th Special Forces Group and meeting Adam McIntyre

38:00 – The reality of military free-fall operations versus Army commercials

40:50 – The decentralized decision-making culture within Special Operations

46:20 – Being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year

48:45 – Why teaching and mentorship are core parts of being a Green Beret

50:45 – Retirement from the Army and joining Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship

52:30 – Reconnecting with Adam McIntyre and joining Defend Systems

58:05 – What ultimately drew Mike to Defend Systems and its mission

1:01:00 – Connecting the 5th Group motto, "Free the Oppressed," to empowering civilians through training