January 08, 2025

The Truth About Combat: How I Overcame Fear and Led Under Fire with General Mike Drowley

1 hour 16 minutes

General Michael "Johnny Bravo" Rowley, a true living legend in the Air Force. From his humble beginnings as a military brat to his rise through the ranks, this decorated pilot shares his remarkable journey - from navigating the fog of war in the A-10 Warthog to leading at the highest levels of the Pentagon. Discover the leadership lessons he learned under fire and the mental resilience he developed in combat, Hear how his chance encounter with leadership guru Simon Sinek shaped his approach to guiding airmen, and learn why the brotherhood of ground and air forces is so vital to mission success.

0:00 - Intro

02:55 - Connection with Simon Sinek and leadership development
04:25 - Josh's experience meeting Simon Sinek at Whiteman Air Force Base
08:40 - Josh's Airman of the Year experience and breakfast with Simon Sinek
12:25 - General's TED Talk experience and leadership philosophy
14:40 - Hesitation to do the TED Talk and Simon Sinek's encouragement
18:00 - Generational shift and personal reflections on feeling "old"
20:10 - Josh's transition to civilian life and the challenges of adapting
22:40 - General's upbringing as a military brat and journey through the Air Force
26:25 - Significant events in the General's career, including 9/11
30:10 - The General's experience at AFOTECH and the team dynamics
33:00 - Importance of relationships and communication at AFOTECH
35:00 - General's combat experience and the mission discussed in his TED Talk
38:10 - Navigating through weather and engaging enemy forces
42:10 - Importance of mental resilience and combat stress management
45:00 - Role of informal support systems and having a "wingman"
48:25 - Balancing high-level decisions and staying connected to airmen
52:00 - Communicating the "why" behind decisions to the team
54:40 - General's message to airmen about adaptability and resilience
1:00:10 - Challenges and responsibilities in the global context
1:04:00 - Emphasis on leadership development and professional competence
1:08:00 - Josh's firsthand experience and observations in Israel
1:10:25 - General's call sign story and personal anecdote
1:13:40 - Closing remarks and gratitude

A 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Maj. Gen. Drowley is a command pilot with more than 2,400 flight hours in the iconic A-10 Warthog, including over 200 combat hours. His combat experiences, particularly in close air support, exemplify the deep bond between air and ground forces. Throughout his career, he has commanded at every level—flight, squadron, group, and wing—while also holding pivotal roles at the United States Air Force Academy, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Beyond his operational excellence, Maj. Gen. Drowley is a passionate advocate for leadership, mental resilience, and teamwork. From delivering a TEDx talk to collaborating with Simon Sinek, he has inspired countless individuals within and beyond the military.

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