Not Your Commander's Podcast

This week, Russ and Andy talk about Veterans Day... give a little history, recognize the Falcon Veterans out there, and then tell you where you can score free food (Applebees). Then, All American Days is next week. It's like All American Week but less. There's some great events like a Hall of Fame Induction and a Division Run. Then, in case you weren't aware, it's the holiday season. There's some great initiatives out there of Paratroopers helping their fellow Paratroopers. Lastly, you'll meet Staff Sergeant Cincinimo, an operations sergeant who's aiming to go to Officer Candidate School. He's the scotch tape that holds the brigade together.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy review some amazing feats of awesomeness throughout the brigade including 4 Ranger School grads and a paratrooper who biked 200 miles to raise money for cancer research. Next, you'll hear about First Sergeant "By God" Johnson, a weathered Sam Elliot looking NCO who was social media famous for about 5 minutes. Then, listen to a cool story about how an 82nd paratrooper gave a German soldier a dollar during WWII. A man recently researched to find out what happened to that paratrooper. Lastly, you'll 1LT Max Liles who was recently accepted to Ranger Regiment.

This week, Russ and Andy talk about some leadership lessons from Colin Powell's first assignment in the Army. Next, listen as the hosts discuss how to make your next field training exercise a little better. Then, Andy and Russ get all serious about mental health. The Sergeant Major of the Army recommends units to add calendar "White Space" for recovery and getting to know your team better. Lastly, and keeping with mental health, you'll hear from Captain Julia King. She's the brigade's behavioral health officer.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy breakdown SMA Grinston's interview with Army Times. To ACFT or not to ACFT? Next, you'll hear about the new Honorary Sergeant Major, Denzel Washington. You may have heard of him. He's been doing some great work behind the scenes for 20 years. Then, the hosts talk about a Navy contractor and spouse who were caught trying to sell nuclear submarine secrets to another country. Lastly, you'll hear from a Staff Sergeant who won a local boxing tournament. 

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy talk about the end of the world... the Great Facebook Outage of 2021. It lasted 6 hours, and we all got more work done. Next, have you ever been attacked by a Ninja wielding a katana? It happened to some Soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Then, this week was the 28th anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu, which was depicted in the film, Blackhawk Down. A group of veterans had their awards upgraded to Silver Stars this week for their heroism and bravery. Lastly, you'll hear from First Sergeant Cromwell Arjona and what keeps him motivated after 22 years of service. 

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy talk about the 77th commemoration of Operation Market Garden. Paratroopers across Division got to go see the sites, and it was an amazing experience. Next, the Falcon Brigade is at the forefront of some the Army's top research and modernization programs. You'll hear about some of those programs. Then, it's real talk time. It's a tough subject, but Andy and Russ will talk about drugs. The brigade completed a unit-wide health and welfare inspection to tackle the problem. Lastly, you'll hear form SGT Tristan Allen with 1-325th Red Falcons. He'll talk about the MASTR-E program, scientific and data-based approach to understanding the stressors of combat.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy talk about the renaming of Fort Bragg. Then, you'll hear how BMW is helping Soldiers who are transitioning to civilian life. Next, you'll hear all about the Army researching how squirrels can improve robotics. Lastly, you'll meet SSG Drexel Butler, a squad leader from 37th Brigade Engineer Battalion.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy talk about an old counseling statement that popped up on Army Reddit about a Soldier who spent his clothing allowance on Clash of Clans. Next, you'll hear about mandatory mental-health focused counseling at Fort Riley, which is something that probably should be Army wide. Then, it's been 20 years since 9/11. Russ and Andy reflect on the moment. Lastly, you'll hear from Sergeant Maynard, a British born Paratrooper who served in the UK Army and now in the 82nd Airborne Division.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy talk about some recent happenings in the brigade including a Family Fun Run and a funeral for a WWII hero. Next, Andy nerds out about some cognitive advice from the guy portrayed by Eric Bana in the film Blackhawk Down. Then, Andy nerds out again about Labor Day. Lastly, you'll hear from Special Bhret Matthews, a mortarmen paratrooper from 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Don't miss out on this episode! Russ gives some sound advice.

In this week's episode, Russ and Andy are back, bigger, and somewhat better. First, you'll hear about everything the brigade has done since the break. Next, the vaccine is becoming mandatory. Don't wait in line! Then, you'll hear the hosts perspective on Afghanistan. 82nd Airborne Division is playing a big role in this critical mission. Lastly, meet Chaplain Dom Grotti, the Falcon Brigade's new Chaplain.

Chaplain Grotti 910-644-7703