In this episode of the Bravo Zulu Podcast, we cut through the noise about the government shutdown and talk about what really matters — the men and women still standing watch while Washington argues over budgets.Yes, the military has been paid so far — but none of it has been guaranteed. The money being used isn’t the issue. The issue is that Congress hasn’t passed a clear, permanent law ensuring service members and DoD civilians get paid during a shutdown.We’re not asking for special treatment — we’re demanding common sense. If the government can find ways to fund everything else, it can damn sure guarantee pay for those serving it.Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and tell your representative to make it happen.🎙️ Bravo Zulu Podcast — Real voices. Real issues. Real Shit.📍 Subscribe for weekly discussions on military life, leadership, pop culture and accountability.#GovernmentShutdown #MilitaryPay #BravoZuluPodcast #PayTheTroops #DoYourJobCongress #MilitaryLife #Veterans #DoD_________________________________________________________________________Subject: Immediate Legislative Action Needed to Guarantee Military and DoD PayDear [Representative’s Name],I am writing as an active-duty service member to express serious concern over the current government shutdown and its immediate and potential impacts on the military community.While we have continued to receive pay thus far, it has not gone unnoticed that these payments have been made without clear assurance or legal protection. The uncertainty surrounding whether pay will continue and where it is currently being drawn from creates unnecessary anxiety for service members and civilian employees alike. Frankly, those of us in uniform should not have to question if or when we will be compensated for fulfilling our duties.I am not concerned with the accounting source of the current disbursements; I am concerned that the men and women of the Armed Forces are still left exposed to the shifting priorities of Congress. This is unacceptable. The solution is simple and long overdue: pass a standalone bill that guarantees continued pay for all uniformed service members and Department of Defense employees during any lapse in government funding.This is not a partisan issue. It is about maintaining stability, readiness, and basic respect for the people who keep this nation secure. Congress has the authority and responsibility to ensure that those serving the country are not used as leverage in political negotiations.I urge you to take immediate action to protect military and DoD pay through clear, binding legislation.Respectfully,[Your Full Name][Your Rank/Branch, if desired][City, State or Base Location][Contact Information]

Noah Sassman is a US Navy veteran who served 6 years aboard the USS Rushmore as a Fire Controlman Petty Officer Second Class. He shares his story of service and why leaving the military has been a great decision.

Author Paul Bruno joins the show to talk about his book “The Original Jeeps”.The Original Jeeps: The Original Jeeps: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9798218534783: Amazon.com: BooksThe Original Jeeps in Pictures: The Original Jeeps in Pictures: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9798218009113: Amazon.com: BooksProject Management in History: The First Jeep: Project Management in History: The First Jeep: Bruno, Paul R., Freedman, Manuel: 9781505836714: Amazon.com: BooksOriginal Jeeps Website: Original Jeeps WebsiteOriginal Jeeps Facebook page: (20+) Facebook

Josh is joined on this episode with two guests each giving their hot takes and personal opinions on what the firings of the JCS and CNO mean for the military and Navy specifically. The conversation touches on SECDEF promise of transparency, the O3 and senior ranks bloat, is there more to come? What about the not being talked about, JAG for each respective branch also being fired as a footnote?

Josh gives his instant honest reaction on last weeks SECDEF townhall. Is communication like this good for the forces?

Robert B. O’Connor is the author of the extraordinary new WWII novel "Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge." His previous book was the non-fiction "Gumptionade – A Booster for Your Self-Improvement Plan." Two radically different books, both about morale.

He sits down with Josh as they discuss the 'Jeep Show' book and how the amazing story telling of WWII is still very relatable to today's service members.

Josh gives his opinion on the SECDEF memo "killing" identity months within the DoD. How he expects service members will react and what he recommends as a way to go forward to honoring those of all groups who have proudly served in the armed forces of America.

Josh talks about the latest SECDEF Memo and the Task Force being established to stamp out any DEI efforts in the US Armed Forces. Is the news cycle shoveling propaganda depending on the anger and 8 second attention of the masses to miss the important details?

Josh gives his opinion on the new SECDEF, the backlash and cancellation of DEI in the military and what it means going forward for the Navy in particular.

Josh sits down with CDR Sherwin, a US Navy Chaplain and talks about his career and how faith does and doesn't influence today's leadership. CDR Sherwin shares stories of duty stations and Sailor interactions from his career that give a new prospecting and insight to the reason and purpose behind the Navy Chaplain Corps.