In this episode, Brock talks with Dan Blackmon. Dan is an active duty army artillery colonel so expect to get a real time pulse about some of the biggest issues facing today's military, tomorrow's military, and what he spends his time thinking about. We spend a bulk of this conversation dispelling common narratives - we get into problems with the diversity conversation in today's military. Dan talks about developing future leaders, avoiding the only positive feedback loop inherent to staying in an organization for so long, and many others. Dan is a big believer in the cornerstone of what this podcast stands for - the military is a starting point for everyone. Whether you stay in for 4 years or 26 years like him, the military lays the groundwork for future success and its the obligation of veterans to show future generations what is possible because of time spent in the military.

Episode Resources:

Dan on Twitter

Show Notes:

Leadership and setting the next generation up for success in the military. 0:09

Trust and development. 4:53

Diversity in the military and its benefits. 11:27

Gender integration 17:31

Opportunity as the key to success. 23:50

Dan's early career track. 27:02

Position of highest impact. 36:37

Measuring impact as a military leader. 41:25

How to not waste soldiers time. 48:31

Effective training and time management in the military. 53:44

Military efficiency and meaningful interactions with soldiers. 58:01

Retention and cohesion. 59:36

Treating military personnel with dignity and respect. 1:10:04

Military service as a starting point for life. 1:15:04

Standards and quality of recruits. 1:19:26

The intellectual and physical abilities of today's young soldiers. 1:24:07

Adapting to changing times in leadership and the military. 1:29:07

Veteran recognition and storytelling. 1:34:13

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The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for service members and veterans building a life outside the military.

The Scuttlebutt Podcast features discussions on lifestyle, careers, business, and resources for service members. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with a special guest from the community committed to helping military members build a successful life, inside and outside the service.

Follow along:   

• Episode & transcript: ⁠https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/⁠

• Brock: ⁠https://www.brockbriggs.com/