Dan and Alan discuss their paths to joining the military and how their careers have evolved over time. They both started with different motivations and experiences, but their dedication and hard work led them to where they are today. Family support and influential mentors have played a significant role in shaping their trajectories. They emphasize the importance of having a strong work ethic and constantly striving for improvement. The conversation explores the importance of balancing personal and professional goals, the influence of supportive spouses, and the impact of mentors. It also delves into the differences between active duty and reserve military life and the principles that contribute to success in both.

Keywords

military, career progression, family support, mentors, work ethic, improvement, balance, personal goals, professional goals, supportive spouse, mentors, active duty, reserve, military life, success principles

Takeaways

• Family support and influential mentors can have a significant impact on career progression.
• Having a strong work ethic and constantly striving for improvement are key factors in achieving success.
• Experiences overseas and exposure to different cultures can change one's perspective and drive career choices.
• Being adaptable and open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.
• Balancing personal goals and family commitments is crucial for a fulfilling career and personal life. Balancing personal and professional goals is crucial for success.
• Having a supportive spouse can help maintain balance and provide grounding.
• Mentors play a significant role in personal and professional growth.
• Active duty and reserve military life have their own challenges and benefits.
• The 25-meter principle and taking one step at a time can lead to long-term success.

Sound Bites

"I enlisted as a geek in the streets and then tried to get on the point of the spear."

"The hard work that we did, the motivation that we had, and how we weren't ever really satisfied."

"Family has been pretty influential. And then there are these key people that we've met along the way who have been significant mentors."

"What are our goals and priorities right now?"

"You better go fix yourself."

"Life isn't that bad."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

20:38 Different Motivations, Shared Dedication

37:14 The Importance of Work Ethic and Continuous Improvement

43:59 Balancing Personal Goals and Family Commitments

55:58 The Impact of Mentors

01:09:29 Differences Between Active Duty and Reserve Military Life

01:18:01 The 25-Meter Principle: Taking One Step at a Time