From Battlefield to Canine Training: A Veteran's Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Public Safety

Special Operations combat veteran, EricK Innis, shares his enriching journey that starts with his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the training process, moving between warzones, and the reality of combat. He also details his transition from military service to training military dogs, founding his own business, Coastline Canine. The discussion delves into social perceptions of veterans, the challenges they face post-deployment, including a high suicide rate, and their potential as successful entrepreneurs. The podcast highlights the essential role of protection dogs in ensuring home safety, referencing an episode where a protection dog prevented a child abduction. It concludes with practical advice on self-protection and the responsibility individuals should take for their safety.

01:33 Erick's Journey to the Armed Forces

04:54 Erick's Early Military Life and Training

07:42 First Deployment and Experiences in Iraq

11:09 Reflections on War and Personal Experiences

14:09 The Reality of War and Its Impact

17:36 First Mission and Encountering Death

20:42 The Human Side of War

23:52 The Story of Johnny Walker, Iraqi Interrogator

33:37 Reflecting on the Iraq Experience

33:56 Comparing Wars: Iraq vs Afghanistan

34:51 Understanding the Complexities of Urban Warfare

35:58 The Unpredictability of Enemy Identification

36:57 The Intricacies of Afghanistan's Political Landscape

39:04 The Impact of Afghanistan's Geographical Diversity

39:53 The Role of Narcotics in Afghanistan's Economy

40:26 The Challenges of Combatting Opium Production

41:26 The Seasonality of War in Afghanistan

42:07 The Reality of Urban Warfare

50:09 The Impact of Losing a Comrade

01:02:25 Transitioning to Canine Training

01:04:25 The Role of Canines in Combat

01:08:45 The Challenges and Rewards of Canine Handling

01:11:31 Experiencing the Harsh Realities of Mountain Warfare

01:12:32 The Struggles Veterans Face After Service

01:13:43 Transitioning from Military to Entrepreneurship

01:14:30 The Impact of Military Service on Mental Health

01:16:06 The Role of Military in Preventing Terrorism

01:18:47 The Challenges Veterans Face in the Corporate World

01:30:30 The Importance of Guard Dogs in Personal Security

01:31:44 Choosing the Right Breed for a Guard Dog

01:37:56 The Role of Guard Dogs in Preventing Kidnapping

01:43:03 Tips for Enhancing Personal Security