In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Major General Arnold Punaro to explore his extraordinary career spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, Capitol Hill, and the private sector. From his service as a young platoon commander in Vietnam to leading reform efforts in Washington, Punaro shares candid stories of leadership, sacrifice, and national security.

He opens up about lessons from combat, his time as staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and his role in shaping defense policy during pivotal moments in U.S. history. The conversation also dives into his post-military career, including running his own firm, writing multiple books, and advancing defense industrial base reform to strengthen U.S. military readiness.

Ultimately, Punaro lays out a roadmap for sustaining America’s deterrence capabilities—emphasizing people, training, and technology—and why defense reform and innovation are essential to keeping the U.S. ahead of its adversaries.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

[02:20] How the Vietnam draft shaped Major General Punaro’s decision to join the Marines.

[05:40] His first deployment to Vietnam and lessons learned as a young lieutenant in combat.

[23:40] The day he was wounded in battle and the sacrifice of Corporal Roy Hammons.

[27:25] Transitioning from the Marine Corps to Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Nunn.

[31:48] Balancing reserve service with national policy work during Desert Storm and 9/11.

[36:33] Founding the Punaro Group, writing books, and pushing for Pentagon reform.

[45:45] Why defense innovation and acquisition reform are critical for competing with China.

[50:57] Key national security priorities for the U.S., from Golden Dome to naval modernization.

Let’s Connect:

• Daniel Marrujo
• Maj. Gen Arnold Punaro
• TSS Website
• The Punaro Group

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

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