Chris VanSant served at the tip of the spear as an operator in the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (aka "The Unit", "Delta Force", "CAG", "Task Force Green") with over 500 combat operations, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, and taking part in eleven combat deployments over his 20+ year career in special operations.

Chris sat down with Robert and Paul to discuss the path to him becoming an operator with The Unit and the toll combat and the loss of teammates had on him over time. 

He is currently the chief operating officer of Tyr Tactical, creating products that push the standards of today’s tactical equipment, define modularity and scalability and are custom made for the warrior.
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EP-263 | Chris VanSant, 1st SFOD-D Operator

Imagine a bunch of veterans sitting around a living room with their favorite adult beverage and someone brings up a topic that takes the conversation down a rabbit hole. That's our show. Grab a chair and your favorite beverage and join in on an awesome topic. Our hosts are military veterans and our guests are real people with a message to share. Real Talk. Real People. (aka Mentors4Mil)

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

In this inspiring episode, our hosts Robert and Kyle, meet with Jake Stockdill, a Sergeant Major in the United States Army, at the Pearl and Pine Brewery, Sonoia, Georgia. Jake takes us along his Army journey, becoming a beacon for military leadership and camaraderie, while sharing valuable insights about successful team dynamics, the balance between an army senior enlisted while also being a parent of soldiers in the Army.

Tracing Jake's military experiences and personal anecdotes, the episode emphasizes the essence of treating each other with maturity in a team environment and adhering to realistic expectations. Further talks center around how recreational activities foster a healthy, competitive spirit and bonding among soldiers, leading to improved unit effectiveness.

Discussions also touch upon the impact of mentorship and societal readiness on the military life, and how pressure and accountability shape the serviceman's career and personal growth. Jake's narration provides a candid perspective on how leadership dynamics, accountability, and internal relationships shape the military journey.

This episode also explores the interplay of training, readiness, and leadership within the military. It discusses how to maintain readiness standards and the significance of robust military leaders.

Listen to this compelling journey of a Command Sergeant Major, shedding light on military culture, discipline, camaraderie, and responsibility in a challenging, ever-changing environment. Explore how the military life dovetails with personal experiences, molding individuals into effective leaders while leaving indelible marks on their lives and careers.

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#leadership
#jakestockdill

#Jake Stockdill - Leadership, Unity and the Evolution of Military Life
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Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
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EP-364 | Jake Stockdill - Leadership, Unity and the Evolution of Military Life

Two soldiers from the U.S. Army National Guard Warrior Training Center will be competing in the 2024 Best Ranger Competition (BRC) to be held 12-14 April 2024. A two-person team that has made the cut of 50 where one team will be named the winners and become BEST RANGER!

The 2024 Best Ranger Competition, is the 40th annual celebration of this grueling competition, starring the best soldiers of the world, our United States Army, RANGERS! From the very beginning, the objective was clear: the competition should place extreme demands on each buddy teams’ physical, mental, technical and tactical skills as Rangers. The standards of performance were to test the mettle of those Ranger-qualified Soldiers who dared to compete.

Join us in this conversation with two warriors who will be laying everything on the line to be called "Best Ranger" in 2024. They share their Army journey to this point and then discuss what they do to train for this demanding competition.

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#bestranger
#bestrangercompeition

#BRC
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Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
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EP-363 | Best Ranger Competition 2024 - ARNG Warrior Training Center

Join the captivating conversation with Georgia-born U.S. Army Ranger Ethan as he narrates his inspiring journey through the challenging trials and triumphant victories of his military life and beyond. From an aimless high school graduate to a decorated Ranger, his stirring story includes vital tips on survival, leadership, never giving up, and continuously striving for excellence. Listen to this enlightening episode that serves an inside look into the intense world of military training directly from Ethan’s perspective.

We delve deeper into the riveting events from Ethan's training, unforgettable encounters with team leaders and soldiers, his dad’s priceless advice and wisdom, and his continuous quest for growth and learning. Learn all about the striking differences within army standards, the transition from active duty to National Guard, and successfully navigating civilian life. This episode offers a comprehensive one-man guide through the multifaceted army terrain.

A noteworthy highlight of this episode is the detailed discussion of the first class of women in Ranger School. The narration emphasizes the enormous challenges, enduring spirit, and the significant milestones these women traversed in the traditionally male-dominated fields, but not without some controversy. This episode intertwining personal experiences and military journey abreast tact, resilience, integrity, and respect makes it a must-listen.

Experience the remarkable journey of Ethan's successful transition from active duty to the National Guard. He shares the huge benefits of serving in the guard, how it encompassed his life, and enhanced his civilian professional skills. Learn more about his challenging yet rewarding role in SFAB and how his military learnings proved beneficial in his civilian job. Listen to this episode that beautifully captures Ethan’s comprehensive journey from his active duty days to the National Guard, offering invaluable advice for anyone treading on the same path.

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#75thrangers
#combat
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Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
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EP-362 | Ethan Gamble - U.S. Army Ranger

Join in as our panel uncovers the critical transition from being soldiers to becoming numbers, highlighting the inevitable disconnect between civilian and military life. They navigate the subtle war raging within many veterans, and the hesitance surrounding open disclosure of their experiences. Join us as we appraise the struggles, losses, and triumphs of the shared veteran experience.

In the following segment, hear conversation exploring the importance of utilising military service experiences and values positively for society. The episode emphasises the essentiality of veterans consciously deciding to enrich their communities rather than encapsulating an entitlement mentality. Learn about the powerful influence veterans possess to change the world around them through anecdotes of those who've done just that. Highlighting that the 'veteran' tag should be a continued commitment towards societal improvement, not just a badge of entitlement.

Our dynamic panel of four US military veterans ends by addressing leadership, processing trauma, the concept of entitlement and community integration. From the trenches of leadership to the dark crevices of trauma, the episode peels back layers of complexities that come with service. Acquire wisdom through our candid conversation as we unravel the veteran's journey.

If these perspectives enlighten you or you have other topics you'd like us to explore, reach out. Being a veteran encompasses a journey of constant growth and impactful citizenship. So, join us and let these discussions guide your journey.

Sean Jarvis and Mike Burke (Legends of the 75th) join Kyle and Robert as guest hosts on this episode.

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#entitlement
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Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
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EP-361 | Beyond Service, Defining Identity and Impact on Society

Immerse yourself into Episode 360 of our series with Kyle and Robert, where they delve into an intensely raw and emotional conversation with retired Command Sergeant Major Dan Pinion. This episode of 'Battlefield Chronicles' unveils the hard-hitting stories immortalized in Dan's book, 'Chop That Sh*t Up'. Journey through the soldiers' experiences on the battlefield, grappling with PTSD, depression and the unbearable pain of losing comrades.

Stand witness to Major Dan Pinion's first-hand accounts of war's harsh realities and the unquestionable bravery of the soldiers. He reflects on the heartbreaking loss of comrades, narrates the emotional journey of a young soldier, David Dietrich, and provides a stark picture of veterans' struggle with PTSD.

Dive deep into the gripping tales of Dan's military career and the unsung heroes who exhibited bravery beyond measure. Hear the authentic stories of resilience, guts and sacrifice that make this episode an enthralling tribute to our military men and women. Be prepared for an intense, emotional ride that lays bare the extraordinary valour and one man's quest to overcome the debilitating grip of PTSD.

Explore the darker side of glory, and honor the sacrifices made on the battlefield. Listen to the powerful narrative that emphasizes optimism and resilience, even when haunted by the shadows of war. Subscribe and follow on all audio platforms to join us on this journey and pay tribute to the brave hearts in this episode of 'Battlefield Chronicles'.

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#danpinion
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Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
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EP-263 | Chris VanSant, 1st SFOD-D Operator

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