In today's Combat Story, we sit down with Kevin Seiff, a former Marine officer turned Navy SEAL who now leads the Vet Collective and co-hosts the Harder Not Smarter Podcast with Green Beret Greg VanDyne. 🦅🎙️

👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

In this episode:

• Kevin's relentless journey to become a Marine and Navy SEAL 🪖⚓
• Two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and BUD/S Hell Week 😲🏊‍♂️
• Must-read books and the no-shortcuts mantra 📚🛡️
• Overcoming swimmer-induced pulmonary edema 🏊‍♂️🤒
• The bizarre ritual of Climbing Herndon Monument 🗿🤸‍♂️
• Tips on avoiding chafing in sensitive areas 🩳💡
• Navigating tough transitions from military to civilian life 🎖️➡️👔

We dove into several challenges in Kevin’s route to become a Marine and SEAL, including two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and two attempts at Hell Weak in BUD/S. We also dive into great reads, why there’s no such thing as shortcuts when it comes to BUDS or Selection, overcoming swimmer induced pulmonary edema, the strange and slippery ritual that is Climbing Herndon Monument at the academy, stronger mindset, how some SEALs to stop chaffing in the more sensitive regions, and tough transitions out of the military into civilian life. 

Kevin’s Vet Collective is making waves with 80 members and a newsletter boasting over 6K subscribers! 🌊📬 He's on a mission to help fellow vets find purpose after service. Kevin spent 12 years in service ‘chasing the dragon’ as he calls it trying to find his way into combat which can even be a challenge within the Marines and SEALs. That said, he’s been undeterred in trying to help other vets navigate the transition out of uniform and find renewed purpose.

With that, please enjoy this episode with Kevin Seiff.

Join us as we dive deep into Kevin's story of determination, resilience, and dedication to helping others. 💪

🔗 Links:

• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: Kevin Seiff LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-seiff/
• Listen to Harder Not Smarter Podcast: Harder Not Smarter https://www.collective.vet/podcast
• Learn about Vet Collective: Vet Collective  https://www.collective.vet

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•    🔗 Ryan’s Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/combatstory
•    🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
•    📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
•    📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
•    📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
•    🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

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#CombatStory #KevinSeiff #VetCollective #HarderNotSmarter #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #Podcast

Show Notes

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:52 Guest Introduction - Kevin Seiff
• 02:08 Kevin's Mission to Help Veterans
• 02:35 Challenges of Military Transition
• 05:17 Kevin's Post-Military Career
• 06:44 Starting a Business
• 08:55 Building the Vet Collective
• 11:02 Kevin's Military Background
• 13:08 Journey to Becoming a SEAL
• 22:48 Life in the Marine Corps
• 31:10 Leadership and Training in the Military
• 39:21 Transitioning from Marine Corps to Navy SEALs
• 40:10 Pivotal Lessons from the Marine Corps
• 43:46 Surviving BUDS and Hell Week
• 46:58 The Mental and Physical Toll of SEAL Training
• 55:49 Leadership and Command in SEAL Teams
• 01:03:27 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship
• 01:11:28 The Importance of Mental Health in Veteran Communities
• 01:16:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections