Jake “Mac” MacDonald graduated in 2000 with a degree in English from Tufts University, where he was a four-year starter and Captain of the Varsity Football team. After graduating, Jake was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. While on active duty, Mac completed two combat tours to Iraq as a Light Reconnaissance Platoon Commander. He continued to serve his country as a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve and deployed to Afghanistan as a Scout Sniper Platoon Commander. Mac has received multiple awards for combat valor as well as a Purple Heart after being wounded in action. Mac is now a Lead Instructor and Principal at The Program, as well as the co-author of The Program: Lessons From Elite Military Units for Creating and Sustaining High-Performance Leaders and Teams.