The Jedburgh Podcast

Hosted by Fran Racioppi

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Episodes

244

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The Jedburgh Podcast empowers leaders to achieve success on their journey to transform themselves and their organizations. Creator, Host and Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi interviews the world’s most prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning. Each episode is an in-depth discussion with trailblazers who’ve earned success through a dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand. In May 1943 the Allied Forces determined a new type of leader was required to win World War II. Operation Jedburgh parachuted three-man teams deep behind enemy lines to win no matter the challenge. Jedburghs lived by the mantra “how you prepare today, determines success tomorrow.” Today's leaders are no different. Fran speaks with leaders in public service, business, athletics, and academics about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. Our discussions focus on the character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day. We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives. The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance: -Drive: G rowth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement -Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges -Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation -Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness -Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both -Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation -Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit -Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better -Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos Fran Racioppi is the Founder & CEO of FRsix where he leads operations in critical infrastructure projects. He served 13 years in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Fran is passionate about building the world's best leaders and the impact our special operators have in service and beyond. He holds a BA from Boston University in Broadcast Journalism and an MBA from NYU Stern, as well as the security industry's highest accreditation as a Certified Protection Professional. The Jedburgh Podcast is an official program of the Green Beret Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers and their families. The Foundation provides emergency and ongoing support across five pillars: Casualty Support, Health and Wellness, Transition, Family Support, and Gold Star and Surviving Families. Learn more at https://greenberetfoundation.org/the-jedburgh-podcast/ . Join our Jedburgh Team to reach your dreams!

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September 11, 2026Episode 20743 min

#207: No Place to Hide - 18th Field Artillery Brigade Colonel Andy Hercik & Command Sergeant Major George Cabrera

Before ground forces can advance, the battlefield has to be shaped. Air defenses have to come down. Enemy weapons have to be destroyed. And the adversaries' will to combat America has to be lessened. This is the job of field artillery; a branch of the US Army where speed, distance, precision, and results determine who controls the battlefield before ground forces ever make contact. From Fort Bragg, NC, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade leads the Army’s rapidly deployable artillery units. As the largest HIMARS brigade, its soldiers must be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world within 10 days of notification and deliver long-range precision fires in support of the XVIII Airborne Corps , its divisions, and Special Operations Forces. Fran Racioppi sat down with the command team of Colonel Andy Hercik and Command Sergeant Major George Cabrera, to talk about what it takes to maintain readiness as the battlefield rapidly changes. After two decades of counterinsurgency, field artillery is now leading in large-scale combat operations where kilometers matter, ammunition and logistics can determine operational reach, and the ability to shoot, move, communicate, and survive has become unforgiving. Drones have made the battlefield increasingly transparent. A cell phone can expose a position. A lingering electromagnetic signature can make a HIMARS crew a target. The answer isn't abandoning the fundamentals. It's executing them better, while using lessons from today's conflicts to change how soldiers train and how the Army develops the capabilities required for tomorrow. We also discuss what true integration between conventional forces and Special Operations looks like, why the targeting process has to bring every capability together from the beginning, and the responsibility of NCOs and officers to build a formation that doesn't simply comply with standards, but understands why those standards keep soldiers alive and make them lethal. When the call comes, there won't be time to prepare. 18th Field Artillery Brigade has to be ready. Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Mission of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade 04:16 NCO Leadership and Force Readiness 05:38 Subordinate Units and Capabilities 09:55 Refocusing on Core Field Artillery Basics 13:49 Passing Down Lessons Learned 14:40 Interoperability and Special Operations Forces Integration 22:31 What Separates the 18th FA Brigade 24:58 Joint Force Integration 26:15 Modernization, Innovation, and Ammunition Investment 30:15 Drone Warfare and Signature Management 36:02 Culture of Commitment and the Warrior Mindset 41:15 Driving Decision-Making and Warfighting Readiness Quotes “We have to be ready to deploy, fight, and win within 10 days of notification.” “We are the Army’s largest HIMARS brigade with 54 HIMARS launchers.” “We’re going to first look to strip away adversary air defense and then kill what’s killing us.” “It’s much more effective to destroy a launcher than to try to intercept an incoming missile.” “Divisions are maneuvering in order to fire.” “We now have to be prepared to operate in a completely transparent battlefield.” “What we’re trying to do is avoid being at this point on the Earth where the enemy missile hits when it hits.” “Shoot, move, communicate, clean up our electromagnetic spectrum.” “Making sure soldiers understand the visibility of their signature.” “Be more survivable, which then lets us be more lethal, because we’re able to retain more combat power.” Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge. The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars.

September 2, 2026Episode 2061 hr 8 min

#206: Building The World's Best Special Operators - USAJFKSWCS Command Team MG Jason Slider, CSM Jeff Bochey, CW5 Gary Ostrander

Every Green Beret, Civil Affairs soldier, and Psychological Operations soldier starts somewhere. Before they can operate in the world’s most complex environments, they have to prove they can think, adapt, lead, and perform when the standard is uncompromising. At the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School , the mission is simple to say and extraordinarily difficult to execute: build the world’s best special operators, then continue making them better. In this episode, Fran Racioppi travelled to the center of the universe, Fort Bragg, NC, to sit down with the command team responsible for that mission: Major General Jason Slider, Command Sergeant Major Jeff Bochey, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander . Together, they lead the organization responsible for assessing, selecting, training, and educating the next generation of Army Special Operations Forces while ensuring today’s operators remain prepared for tomorrow’s fight. The battlefield is changing rapidly. After more than two decades dominated by counterterrorism, SWCS is adapting its training for large-scale combat operations and peer adversaries capable of contesting American forces across every domain. That means integrating robotics and autonomous systems, preparing operators for the digital and information fight, and understanding how artificial intelligence can enhance the force without allowing technology to replace mastery of the fundamentals. But modernization also raises a harder question: how much can we ask one operator to do? As new capabilities emerge, SWCS has to determine what belongs in the baseline skill set, what requires specialized expertise, and how to give operational units new capabilities without adding another burden. From the development of robotics expertise to the evolution of Psychological Operations and information warfare, the institution itself has to adapt as quickly as the battlefield. We also examine the relationship between SWCS, 1st Special Forces Command , and USASOC , and why lessons from operational formations must move rapidly back into the schoolhouse. Training cannot prepare soldiers for the war we just fought. It has to produce leaders who can arrive at their teams on day one, contribute immediately, and adapt to a fight none of us can completely predict. Technology will change. The enemy will change. The battlefield will change. The standard cannot. The responsibility of SWCS is to ensure that whoever earns the right to join Army Special Operations has the competence, character, discipline, and adaptability to carry its legacy into whatever fight comes next. Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:25 The Mission of SWCS 9:36 The Army Special Operations Center of Excellence 11:40 Staying Humble & Evolving the Force 16:45 Defining the Standard for Lethality 19:27 Preparing for Large-Scale Combat Operations 24:51 Collaboration Across Army Special Operations 29:21 Robotics & the Future of Warfare 36:12 Psychological Operations & Information Warfare 40:09 Recruiting the Next Generation of Special Operators 51:39 Warrant Officer Recruiting & Retention 52:29 Preparing Special Operators for Their Hardest Day 56:07 Technology Without Losing the Fundamentals The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

August 11, 2026Episode 20549 min

#205: Training For Victory - Did Special Forces Really Win In Iraq & Afghanistan? Retired Colonel Frank Sobchak

How do we define success on the battlefield? While many have labeled America's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan failures, that narrative ignores some of the most remarkable successes ever achieved by U.S. Army Special Forces . In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Green Beret Colonel Frank Sobchak , professor at the U.S. Naval War College and author of Training for Victory , to discuss the principles behind one of Special Forces' most enduring missions: building partner forces capable of securing their own future. Drawing on decades of operational experience and extensive historical research, Frank explains why success is rarely determined by firepower alone, but by trust, relationships, and leaders willing to invest in others. We explore why language, cultural understanding, consistency, and strategic empathy are far more than soft skills - they are combat multipliers that determine whether an advisory mission succeeds or fails. Frank breaks down why partnering alongside allied forces in combat remains the gold standard for developing capable militaries, how advisor continuity builds the trust required for honest conversations, and why empowering local leaders from the very beginning creates lasting success long after American forces have departed. Our conversation also challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Iraq and Afghanistan by highlighting overlooked success stories like the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, an organization built through years of patient advising and partnership. Finally, we examine what Frank calls "Cold War 2.0" and how the changing character of warfare—from drones and artificial intelligence to digital surveillance—only reinforces the enduring importance of the human domain. Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:54 The Importance of Language 9:13 Cultural Astuteness in Special Forces 13:26 Training Partner Forces 21:45 Host Nation Perspective 25:00 Advisor to Partner Ratios 30:38 The Importance of Combat Advising 33:22 Defining Combat Effectiveness 36:52 US Maintaining Global Order 41:41 Writing Training for Victory Quotes: “If you don’t speak the language, it really complicates things.” “There were times when I felt like I’m at a disadvantage because I’m speaking through an interpreter.” “You have to understand their perspective.” “It is those personal connections and those relationships that really matter.” “We fought 10 Iraq wars, one year at a time.” “These are risks that commanders and leaders have to look for, identify, recognize, and take action.” “Anytime you’re doing FID or security force assistance and you’re working with partners, it is two steps forward, one step back.” “The host nation actually really did like when the same people came back because that gave them consistency.” “I would put it at a company to an ODA.” “Combat advising still is the gold standard.” “Our profession is all about risk.” “The character of war is changing, but the nature of war is immortal.” “I firmly believe that the world is a far better place with America leading it.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

July 28, 2026Episode 20425 min

#204: Are Green Berets America's Best Entrepreneurs? Retired Green Beret Ben Harrow

Green Berets are trained to solve problems that don't come with instructions. Green Berets build trust where none exists. Green Berets lead small teams in uncertain environments. Green Berets adapt when the plan falls apart. Those same qualities that make exceptional Special Forces soldiers also make exceptional entrepreneurs. For Green Berets their next mission begins the day they leave the Regiment. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Retired U.S. Army Captain and Green Beret Ben Harrow during the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic to discuss transition from Special Forces to entrepreneurship and why so many members of the Regiment are uniquely equipped to build successful businesses after service. Drawing from his experiences leading in combat, recovering from catastrophic injuries, and building businesses after military service, Ben explains how the qualities that define a Green Beret - adaptability, resilience, disciplined execution, and solving complex problems with limited resources are the very same traits required to succeed in business. We discuss the realities of building scalable organizations, developing repeatable systems, hiring the right people, and learning when to lead from the front and when to empower others to take ownership. We also explore the changing landscape of the Special Forces Regiment as a new generation of leaders emerges without the combat experiences of the Global War on Terror. Ben shares why preserving the culture, brotherhood, and lessons learned from previous generations has never been more important, both inside the Regiment and long after service ends. Finally, we discuss the importance of the Stars and Stripes Classic and why events like this help preserve the team room. The uniforms may come off, but the relationships, shared experiences, and commitment to one another remain. For Green Berets, that brotherhood becomes the foundation for new missions, new businesses, and new opportunities. QUOTES “The leadership had never really experienced combat.” “That same sense of brotherhood that we felt playing college lacrosse, the only thing closest to that was being on an ODA.” “Your country has asked you to do some pretty amazing things in your career. Now have you ever thought about running a company?” “Part of the reason you’re selected is to be that adaptive thinker and say to any problem you come up to “I’ll figure it out.” “Never lead off with no.” “You have to bring people in that are willing to get after it.” “I don’t want to lose to Navy.” “It’s just background noise.” HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 4:49 The status of the Special Forces Regiment 10:04 Special Forces Entrepreneurism 20:35 Character Matters The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

July 17, 2026Episode 20330 min

#203: It Doesn't End Here - Green Beret Foundation President & CEO Charlie Iacono and Chief Warrant Officer Nick Lavery

The scoreboard may decide the winner, but it doesn’t tell the story of the game. The Stars and Stripes Classic pits America’s Green Berets against Navy SEALs, renewing Special Operations' greatest rivalries. But beyond the game, every operator on the field, and family member in the stands, represents an unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. In this episode, Fran Raciopp i sat down with the President and CEO of the Green Beret Foundation Charlie Iacono, and Chief Warrant Officer Nick Lavery , to discuss why the Stars and Stripes Classic is much more than just a game. It is an opportunity to strengthen the Special Operations community, honor the legacy of those who served before us, and introduce the next generation to the values that define Special Operations. Charlie shares how the Green Beret Foundation continues to evolve beyond traditional support programs, placing families at the center of its mission and developing initiatives like Task Force Tatanka to deliver customized solutions for Green Berets, veterans, and their loved ones. Nick reflects on the mindset that carried him from catastrophic injury in Afghanistan back to an Operational Detachment Alpha, redefining resilience not as avoiding adversity, but as the willingness to confront it, adapt, and continue moving forward. Our conversation explores the unique relationship between Green Berets and Navy SEALs - fierce competitors on the field, trusted teammates in combat. From military leadership and entrepreneurship to preserving the legacy of Special Operations, we discuss why sharing these stories remains critical to strengthening the community and inspiring the next generation. The Stars and Stripes Classic is a reminder that while competition builds excellence, it is service, family, and the enduring bonds of the Special Operations community that define the legacy of the Green Berets and Navy SEALs long after the final whistle blows. Listen or watch this episode and don’t miss this year's game; August 2nd from the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium in Columbus Ohio and being broadcast on ESPN. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:25 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 4:03 Preparing for the Game 5:10 Character on the Field 6:35 Green Berets vs Navy SEALs 10:05 Green Beret Families 14:56 Resiliency Matters 21:04 Task Force Tatanka QUOTES “The culmination of teamwork has been fantastic.” “No plan survives first contact.” “We are more alike than we are different.” “We’re like the most stereotypical brotherly relationship that maybe exists.” “Families are the bedrock for our foundation.” “We’re not telling the story enough.” “Adversity is inevitable.” “Resiliency is defined as one’s capacity to deal with or bounce back from challenges.” “There’s no way this is how this ends.” “You have to be unapologetically confident in the decisions you make when you put together a team.” “We are continuously evolving that objective.” “The biggest challenge with opportunities is they’re continuously evolving.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

July 9, 2026Episode 2021 hr 10 min

#202: Earned Never Given - 20th Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz

The title United States Marine is earned…never given. For over 250 years the Marine Corps has been front and center in the defense of America and our allies. But as technology and the battlefield have changed, the character and standard that define a Marine have never wavered. From the National Museum of the Marine Corp s in Quantico, VA, Fran Racioppi sat down with Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz , the 20th senior enlisted leader of the United States Marine Corps , to discuss what it takes to serve in one of the world's most respected fighting forces. Drawing on decades of service, SMMC Ruiz explains why the Marine Corps' greatest weapon system has never been its aircraft, landing craft or tanks, but the individual Marine. We explore how the Corps develops leaders by instilling discipline, accountability, resilience, and a deep understanding of the history and traditions that connect today's Marines to generations who came before them. Our conversation also examines how the Marine Corps is preparing for today’s battlefield from large-scale combat operations and force modernization to their role in littoral defense. The SMMC also shares his top priorities; improving quality of life for every Marine, investing in the physical and mental readiness of the Corps and preparing Marines for civilian life when the uniform comes off. From strengthening partnerships with industry, to building programs to train Marines in the trades, SMMC Ruiz remains as dedicated to the Marines whose service is ending as those who are getting off the bus. America has changed a lot in 250 years, but the unabashed mission of the United States Marine Corps to fight and win our nation’s wars has not. A special thanks to the National Museum of the Marine Corps for hosting our conversation and reminding every American that for Marines “Uncommon Valor Is A Common Virtue.” HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 2:18 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 2:54 What It Means To Be A US Marine 7:04 Marine Corps Standard 10:04 Combat Readiness 15:41 Shifting from GWOT 20:00 Marine Corps Culture 26:24 Replacing the ASVAB 30:11 Recruiting Marines 34:38 Retaining Marines 38:02 Transitioning Marines 1:00:44 Barracks 2030 1:05:53 Daily Habits QUOTES “What makes the Marines great is your brother or sister next to you will pick you up and you’ll keep moving forward.” “The promise is that we will make you better.” “You’ll get an 80% solution that you can pivot anywhere.” “What are we going to put in the Marines’ hands?” “They’re not pieces of furniture.” “Why not invest in the human in the beginning?” “The Marine Corps will decide.” “What kind of Marine are you building that is going to be talented and capable enough to arrive at the same moment that the technology is coming?” “You can’t sell the Marine Corps. It’s too big.” “Reinlisting Marines two years at a time is how we’re gaining retention.” “We can help transition Marines better.” “We’re good enough to keep what we want. We should be good enough to take care of the other ones as well.” “That’s how you grow. Doing hard things.” “We’re done trying to defend why the conditions are the way they are.” “You can’t have beautiful, fancy, state-of-the-art gear and a crappy place to sleep.” “If you can attempt to every day get to know somebody a little better, you can only move your platoon standard to higher levels because people trust you.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 27, 2026Episode 20121 min

#201: Coaching America's Best - Army West Point Head Coach Joe Alberici and Naval Academy Head Coach Joe Amplo

For one day, the rivalry shifts from the battlefield to the lacrosse field. Green Berets. Navy SEALs. America's most elite special operations forces compete with the same intensity, discipline, and commitment to excellence that defines their military careers. But when the final whistle blows, the score becomes secondary to the brotherhood. Live from the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic , Fran Racioppi sat down with Army Head Coach Joe Alberici and Navy Head Coach Joe Amplo just hours before the teams took the field. While the rivalry between Army and Navy is one of the greatest traditions in sports, both coaches know the game has always represented something much bigger than winning. Every practice, every workout, and every lesson on the lacrosse field is preparing young men and women to lead under pressure, overcome adversity, and serve their country with honor. Our conversation examines how service academy athletics develops leaders ready to fight and win our nation’s wars. Coach Alberici and Coach Amplo explain why competition, accountability, and resilience are not just traits of great athletes - they are the same qualities required to lead in combat. As kickoff approaches, the focus shifts from strategy to mindset. Compete relentlessly. Trust your training. Focus on the next play. Because whether it's on the lacrosse field, on a Special Forces ODA or SEAL platoon, success is built on discipline, accountability, and teammates who refuse to let each other fail. Army and Navy compete to make each other better because one day these young men and women will stand together in defense of America. Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 2:02 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 2:39 Preparing for the Game 5:34 Playing at USMA & USN 14:01 Ownership & Accountability 17:03 Pregame Message Quotes: “The excitement and desire to be a part of this again from the community was incredible.” “My number one job is to keep you from yourself.” “I have such a love, respect, and aberration for a young person just to be looking at these academies.” “Both of our institutions uncover the best version of the human being that’s inside.” “They have to be good humans who contribute to society because even their military service is going to end at some point.” “You’re always looking to mentor.” “Great leaders hold themselves to the higher standard as consistent as they possibly can.” “The best leaders hold each other and others to that standard consistently.” “Each day we tell a young man we’re trying to build you a masterpiece.” “Before you hold others accountable, you got to hold yourself accountable.” “Go back to the basics.” “Let’s just make sure we’re getting onto the next play.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 19, 2026Episode 20031 min

#200: We Play To Win - US Army West Point Director of Athletics Tom Theodorakis

The United States Military Academy at West Point is the foundation of the US Army. Along the cliffs, through the halls, and on the fields America’s best and brightest are trained to lead not just soldiers, but America. But behind the tradition and pageantry, West Point understands that athletics of any level create disciplined warriors prepared to lead in any situation. In this episode, Fran Racioppi sat down with Tom Theodorakis , Director of Athletics at West Point, to discuss how one of the most respected athletic programs in the country directly supports the mission of the United States Military Academy and helps develop the next generation of Army leaders. With more than 30 Division I programs and over 1,200 cadet-athletes, Tom explains what makes Army West Point different from every other program in college athletics. Cadet-athletes are not just balancing Division 1 sports and rigorous academics; they are simultaneously preparing to become officers in the United States Army where they will lead soldiers and shape national security strategy for decades to come. We discuss the demanding reality of being a cadet-athlete, the recruiting process, and what it takes to attract elite competitors to an institution built around service before self. Tom also addresses the realities behind funding Army athletics, correcting the misconception that the program is fully government funded, and explaining how external support and partnerships help sustain the mission of Army West Point Athletics. Finally, we discuss the opportunities available to cadet-athletes after graduation, including pathways to world-class and professional athletics, and most importantly serving as officers in the United States Army. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:09 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 3:43 Athletic Director Responsibility 6:01 Recruiting Athletes to West Point 8:31 Competing at the D1 Level 11:14 Funding Athletics 12:06 NIL Impact 13:08 Defining Sustainability 14:04 West Point Cadet-Athlete Experience 18:18 West Point Pro Athletes 19:58 Coaching Cadet-Athletes 22:54 Creating Warriors 25:26 Defining Success 26:50 Cadet to Lieutenant Quotes: “It’s very humbling and also a tremendous responsibility .” “We want to win. If we’re going to keep score we want to win.” “That atmosphere of winning is something that’s paramount.” “We need to continue to just recruit and put ourselves on the biggest stage possible.” “We want to make sure to create the best area, the best resources for our athletes to just grow.” “The idea is that when someone comes here, they say ‘they care about athletics.’” “We need to continue to be innovative.” “We sell not the transactional experience, but it’s the transformational experience.” “What are we doing now to make sure we’re in a good position in the future?” “This place is about challenging our athletes.” “Every cadet here is an athlete.” “The key word here is ‘path.’” “You have to fully embrace this place and love this institution.” “You got to win too. Results matter.” “These are all things athletics can teach you on the field.” “There’s so many things that we do here at West Point that now more than ever help us.” “That’s the best part of the job.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 12, 2026Episode 19948 min

#199: America's Contingency Corps - XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General Lieutenant General Gregory Anderson

Modern warfare is no longer defined by who has the biggest force, but by who can adapt the fastest. The battlefield is changing in real time through artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and the speed of information. But even in the most advanced operating environments, victory still comes down to disciplined leaders, trusted teams, and soldiers prepared to make decisions under pressure when everything is on the line. The responsibility for America’s rapid response to any crisis belongs to the Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps. From their headquarters at Fort Bragg, NC, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson , Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps , to discuss how he is preparing America’s Contingency Corps for combat in an increasingly dangerous world. Leading more than 80,000 soldiers across the 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 101st Airborne Division, and other subordinate commands, LTG Anderson explains how the Corps balances readiness, speed, and innovation while maintaining the fundamentals that have always defined military success. Our conversation explores the role of Noncommissioned Officer, the importance of mastering the basics, and why leadership development remains America’s greatest asymmetric advantage. We also discuss the integration of conventional and special operations forces, the concept of compound warfare, and the difference between interoperability and true integration on the battlefield. LTG Anderson breaks down the Corps’ push toward innovation through initiatives like the Joint Innovation Outpost and experimental exercises that incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making into operational planning. But even as technology changes warfare, he makes one thing clear; there must always be a human in the loop. Highlights 0:00 Introduction 2:17 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:01 The role of XVIII Airborne Corps 9:57 Empowering NCOs 14:58 Joint Innovation Outpost 19:00 Speeding the Acquisition Timeline 22:53 Keeping A Human in the Loop 25:41 Integration vs Interoperability 29:13 Guiding the Tactical Level Leader 32:48 Compound Warfare Today 37:22 Generational Warfighting Differences 42:00 The XVIII Airborne Corps Formation 45:04 Daily Habits Quotes “What operational problems do they expect us to solve for them?” “If I’ve got a strong team…we’ll typically prevail.” “Certainly what I’ve learned of any value has come from non-commissioned officers that raised me up.” “The role of the non-commissioned officer is to become the technical tactical experts in the application of violence at the tactical level.” “What are we doing to get the NCO corps to that point where they are the Army?” “How do we use advanced computing to allow us to make decisions more informed and faster than our opponents?” “The advantage of war fighting is not replacing humans with machine decision making. It’s now creating superhumans that are enabled by it.” “Interoperability is our ability to work together in an efficient, effective manner.” “Compound Warfare is the blending of regular and irregular capabilities to create a host of dilemmas for your enemy.” “You’ll never be able to tell that tactical level leader when things are going to change and shift if you haven’t done the operational level rigor.” “My role as the general is not to solve the problem or be the hero that comes in, but to think and understand the problem we’re trying to solve.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

June 4, 2026Episode 19816 min

#198: One Last Last Trip To Vegas - Major Jeff Toczylowski's Letter To Family And Friends

Some people don’t just pass through your life. They leave a mark that stays with you long after they’re gone. Not because of what they did in a single moment, but because of how they lived every day, how they showed up for people, and how they made others feel. From the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Classic , Fran Racioppi sat down with Pam Patton and Tom Schneider to honor the life of Major Jeff Toczylowski , a Green Beret whose impact on the people around him is still felt nearly two decades later. A letter Jeff left to his family and friends in the event of his death defines the character of a Green Beret; a warrior and a man who cared more about others than himself. Jeff’s last wish…take everyone to Vegas to celebrate his life. Today, his legacy lives on through the annual memorial golf outing in his honor, now approaching its 20th year. What started as a way to cope with loss has become something much bigger. A reunion. A celebration. A community built around a single person who continues to be the common thread connecting hundreds of people who gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a life well lived. Join the Green Beret Foundation and all of Toz’s family and friends this August 1st, at the Five Ponds Golf Course in Warminster, PA to celebrate his service and support all Green Berets past, present and future. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Introduction 1:48 Welcome to the Stars & Stripes Classic 2:27 Who was MAJ Jeff Toczylowski 5:47 The 20th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament 8:51 Vegas Time 13:19 Honoring Toz’s Legacy QUOTES “He literally lived every day like it was his last…to the fullest.” “He impacted a lot of people.” “It really is like a reunion.” “The celebration of life is really why everybody comes back.” “It changed him forever.” “No matter what’s going on in life, be good to the people around you and live each day to the fullest because today could be it.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by OneBrief ; enabling military leaders to make innovative, informed and deliberate decisions faster than ever before. Superhuman command wins wars. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform , read on our website , and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.