U.S. Navy Commander Will Spears shares his path from enlisting as a nuclear electrician to becoming a submarine officer, detailing intense training, life aboard attack and ballistic submarines, and the realities of operating nuclear propulsion undersea. He discusses leadership, accountability, damage control, and how stoic philosophy shaped his approach to moral decisions and resilience, and mentions his book "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." His book https://a.co/d/014W9QrP His substack https://williamcspears.substack.com/ _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary #submarinecommander #nuclearsubmariner 00:00 Intro 03:35 Why He Joined the U.S. Navy 12:40 Applying to the Naval Academy & transition 16:00 Choosing submarines (birthday ball story) 20:06 First assignments: Guam & Pearl Harbor 24:09 Attack vs ballistic missile submarines 33:53 Depth, cavitation & tactical factors 47:05 Sub culture, qualifications 01:01:02 Stoicism: intro & military relevance 01:08:00 Stoicism in practice & moral dilemmas 01:23:44 Future plans & nuclear policy concerns 01:31:32 Closing remarks & final takeaway Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Omar tells his journey from Brooklyn to becoming a Ranger and First Sergeant, sharing how a mortar mistake became a key teaching moment about integrity, trust, and learning. He describes imposter syndrome, the grind of selection and Ranger life, and why humility and mentorship matter. The episode explores the Abrams Charter decision to leave the 75th Ranger Regiment for the 82nd Airborne, the challenge of living as a standard-bearer outside the Rangers, and how leaders can bring hard-earned standards and people-first leadership back to conventional units. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #armyranger #75thrangerregiment #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary 00:00 Intro 07:41 Early Life — Brooklyn & Queens 11:49 Joining the Army — Choosing Infantry 14:42 Fort Hood & MOS (11C) — Early Deployments 18:27 Seeing the Rangers — Decision to Join 75th 24:46 Reporting to 1st Ranger Battalion — Initial Integration 36:27 Advice for Imports — Humility & Prepare-to-Learn 47:36 Operational Failure & Accountability (revisited) 53:24 Mortar Systems: Employment, Challenges & Selling the Capability 01:00:00 Deployment Summary — Eight Deployments 01:03:13 Achievement vs Fulfillment — Choosing to Leave the Regiment 01:11:59 Transition to 82nd Airborne — First Sergeant Leadership 01:18:39 Ranger Identity & Perception in the Conventional Army (RFS Story) 01:24:36 Applying Ranger Standards: Practical Changes (3 MGs, Training) 01:32:36 Mentoring & Recruiting — Bringing Soldiers Along 01:36:44 Closing Thoughts — People First Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Matt Hill recounts his 28-year Army career, from growing up an Army brat, joining the Army after high school, early deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo, to the 2003 Iraq invasion and multiple tours in Afghanistan, including intense combat in Helmand’s Arghandab River Valley. The episode covers life at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, serving in the 82nd Airborne and in SFAB (Security Force Assistance Brigades), leadership as a first sergeant, the challenges of long deployments, and adjusting to civilian life while supporting family and fellow veterans. This episode is packed. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #82ndairborne #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary 00:00 Intro 07:16 First Assignment: Fort Hood & Mechanized Units 08:59 Deployment to Bosnia: Peacekeeping & Mine Threats 12:51 Kosovo Deployment 14:19 Airborne School, Jumpmaster & Benning Instructor Duty 16:31 Invasion of Iraq 20:52 Early Combat Operations 26:39 Deployment to Ghazni / RC-East (2007–08) 29:01 Helmand: Halloween Ambush & Aftermath 39:16 Arghandab River Valley Operations 41:01 Aftermath: Casualties, Mental Health & Unit Struggles 54:54 Leadership Lessons: Train Replacements & Promotion Advice 1:13:11 Challenges of Building a New Unit & Anecdotes 1:23:00 Final Deployments 1:28:52 Retirement and Transition to Civilian Life 1:32:53 Closing Remarks Visit our Amazon page to purchase some of the items we use in our studio, or books from our guests. https://www.amazon.com/shop/mentors4milpodcast As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Former Navy SEAL Todd shares his path from intense SEAL training and deployments to corporate security, entrepreneurship, and venture investing in defense tech. The episode covers BUD/S stories, transitions to civilian life, founding businesses (including Kill Cliff), supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation, and practical career advice for veterans. Todd also discusses mentorship, networking, and why combining tenacity with curiosity can lead to success in business and giving back to the military community. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #SEAL #NavySEAL #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary For sales or sponsorship contact info@mentorsformilitary.com 00:00 Intro 00:06 BUD/s Entry 14:07 Graduation reflections & the SEAL brotherhood 20:51 Early civilian work: Wall Street interview & contracting 26:59 Mentorship, education views & entrepreneurial pivot 38:07 Starting companies & the dual-business anecdote 01:04:58 Navy SEAL Foundation: genesis, mission & impact 01:14:07 Venture capital, defense tech & what’s next Visit our Amazon page to purchase some of the items we use in our studio, or books from our guests. https://www.amazon.com/shop/mentors4milpodcast As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Jason Belford spent 20 years in the U.S. Army, and he gave nearly 17 years to the war in Afghanistan as an infantryman, sniper, platoon sergeant and Army Ranger. He went on 12 deployments to the country and to Iraq as a member of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and the 10th Mountain Divisions. Jason has been not only a guest on this podcast multiple times, but he has also been a cohost on this show, having helped cohost shows for about a year in total many years ago. He and Robert have stayed in touch, but recently bumped into one another at the airport in Pittsburgh. They hugged and talked. They instantly knew that another episode was needed. While cohosting years back, Jason had openly talked about how he attempted to take his own life and he had hoped that it would help others. He shared the story of how his friend Dave helped him during that time of need. Years later, in 2022, the world was crumbling around him. A number of different events created the perfect storm. Dark clouds. Robert was checking up on him and he was told that Jason was going to be out of the net for a while. He was going to get some help. Jason shares on this episode the events that led up to that moment and what he did afterwards to receive help. He shares his spiritual journey and his story will leave you speechless. We couldn't be more happier to see Jason back in studio with us at Mentors4mil. He's been an inspiration for so many while he was in uniform and since he's left service. He continues to deal with his demons daily. He has accepted the fact that it will take daily work to fight what he calls "the war inside me". Jason's book, 'The War Inside Me' will be out soon. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #Ranger #ArmyRanger #JasonBelford #TheWarInsideMe #The War Inside Me #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary 00:00 Intro 04:04 Army Training: Fort Benning & Fort Polk 06:00 Sniper School & Choosing the Rangers 07:02 Ranger School Graduation & 75th Ranger Regiment 10:06 Joining 75th Ranger Regiment as an Import & RASP Experience 18:27 Imposter Syndrome, Pride & Self‑Reflection 28:57 Needing Help and Immediate Intervention 36:57 Laurel Ridge Rehab & the Recovery Process 43:18 Faith & Finding Peace Through God 51:20 The Vision 01:06:25 Equine Therapy, Purpose & Writing the Book 01:22:59 Community, Consistency & Final Message 01:36:42 Closing Remarks & Thanks Visit our Amazon page to purchase some of the items we use in our studio, or books from our guests. https://www.amazon.com/shop/mentors4milpodcast As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Intro Segment Music is "Sad Slow Orchestra" by Ribhav Agrawal on Pixabay. Podcast Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/

Sgt Brenner grew up not liking dogs, but became a K9 Handler in the USMC and fell in love with dogs.

This episode follows Sean Robertson’s journey from a junior enlisted soldier in Georgia to a commissioned officer and leader—driven by the Green to Gold program, mentorship, and relentless self-improvement. Sean overcomes barriers including low test scores and a diagnosed heart murmur, leverages mentors and education (University of Hawaii, Columbia, Naval War College), and serves in key assignments from the 173rd Airborne to the NSA and West Point. He shares lessons on leadership, the importance of mentors like Sergeant Snabel, the concept of “camouflage leadership,” and how persistence, humility, and giving back shaped his career. _______________ MENTORS4MIL SHOW LINKS: SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mentors4mil Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/Mentors4mil Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentors-for-military-podcast/id1072421783 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3w4RiZBxBS8EDy6cuOlbUl Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mentors4Mil/ Follow on X: https://www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Mentors4mil Website: https://www.mentorsformilitary.com #shawnrobertson #jsoc #mentors4mil #mentorsformilitary For sales or sponsorship contact info@mentorsformilitary.com 00:00 Intro 05:42 Transitioning to the Military 09:59 First Assignment - 25th ID 13:27 Tough Love from an NCO and The Decision to Become an Officer 18:10 Overcoming Medical Challenges 20:18 Understanding Green to Gold 26:50 Military Intelligence 32:29 Learning from Giants 38:35 Unexpected Assignments 43:03 The Path of a Leader 01:10:44 Camouflage Leadership 01:18:50 Conclusion and Future Endeavors Visit our Amazon page to purchase some of the items we use in our studio, or books from our guests. https://www.amazon.com/shop/mentors4milpodcast As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission. Show Disclaimer: https://mentorsformilitary.com/disclaimer/