Welcome back to this episode of the Ones Ready Podcast! This week, we have Ranger and Green Beret Fernando Lopez Medina. His story is nothing short of amazing.

In this episode, Fernando shares his incredible military journey, starting from joining the United States Army at the age of 17 without speaking English. He became a squad leader in the 82nd Airborne Division before transitioning to the Ranger Regiment, where he experienced a different level of professionalism and training. Fernando later decided to pursue the Green Beret and successfully completed SFAS and the Q Course.

Throughout his journey, Fernando emphasized the importance of pushing through limitations, dropping ego as a leader, and constantly striving for improvement. He shares his insights into military training, self-leadership, and mindset. He highlights the need to overcome fear and take action, as well as the value of finding a mentor and surrounding oneself with a supportive community.

Fernando also discusses the significance of taking care of one's mental health and the impact it has on leadership. He stresses the importance of being fearless and taking responsibility for one's actions. Fernando's story serves as a reminder that success is possible through perseverance and a commitment to personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
11:39 Transitioning to the Ranger Regiment
31:06 Dive School and Overcoming Challenges
39:04 Taking Care of Your Team
46:13 Taking Responsibility for Your Actions
52:45 Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Passion
01:00:08 Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Goals
01:06:34 Taking Control of Your Life

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Do you have a son or a daughter that are thinking about going into an Air Force Special Warfare career field? This one is for you. 

Tune in, listen up, and if you have questions, ask us. We are here for you. 

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Humorous Exchange
08:38 Helping Parents with the Conversation
15:10 Supporting a Child's Decision and Setting Expectations
31:27 Preparing for the Highs and Lows of the Training Pipeline
52:42 Seeking Advice and Support from Other Parents

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First A&S, then Officers, now Non-Commissioned Officers. It's almost like you don't need hundreds of people and millions of dollars to start a movement. 

Don't worry, everyone. The OFFICIAL UNofficial podcast of the Air Force is here to help everyone out. 

You're welcome. - A

Chapters

00:00 Fixing the Structure of the Military
02:47 Identifying the Problems with the NCO Core
06:02 Taking Risks and Making Decisions
09:52 The Impact of Fear and Insecurity on Decision-Making
14:46 The Role of Senior NCOs and Officers in Encouraging Risk-Taking
24:50 The Consequences of Missing Promotion Testing
29:12 The Importance of Complaints and Advocacy
30:46 The Importance of Complaining
32:04 Complaining in the Military Hierarchy
33:03 The Correct Way to Complain
34:00 The Power of Complaints
35:05 The Role of Chiefs in Addressing Complaints
36:26 The Influence of Rank in Addressing Complaints
37:40 The Challenges of Working Hours
38:00 The Importance of Relationships in Problem-Solving
39:15 The Perception of Authority
40:09 Balancing Personal Investment and Accountability
41:05 The Challenge of Retaining Underperforming Personnel
43:08 The Need for Action and Avoiding Complacency
45:19 The Value of Complaints and Passionate Individuals
48:14 The Problem with Meetings
49:37 The Importance of Adaptability
53:29 The Resistance to New Ideas

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Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
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The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

It ain't all bad in Air Force Special Warfare, no matter how many dank memes lead you to believe otherwise. 

Aaron and Trent's love letter to the Air Force is a motivational tribute to the camaraderie, challenges, and rewards of serving in the Air Force Special Warfare career fields. 

They share their deep love and gratitude for the Air Force and the opportunities it has provided them, and their belief in the positive impact that the next generation of PJs will have on the future of the career field. They emphasize the importance of traditions, hazing, and mentorship in building camaraderie and instilling values in new team members, and the crucial role of support from teammates in overcoming challenges and achieving success. 

Through their stories of training exercises, deployments, and the transition from student to leader, Aaron and Trent inspire others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in their chosen careers. Their message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of teamwork to overcome any obstacle.



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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready
Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLete
CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

We checked out the archives and realized that Peaches and Aaron dropped a banger and forgot to release it. Peaches did, Aaron was passable (shout out Aaron Love Hate Club). 

What are deployments really like? It is 99% really boring minutae spiced up with moments of combat and sheer terror. The process leading up to the deployment is a horse of a different color. 

Deployment lines, training cycles, and all the rest of what it's like to deploy not only in the Air Force Special Warfare Career fields but for all the jobs you can do in th USAF!!!

We hope you guys like this one! Leave us questions in the comments! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Merchandise
00:38 Cones and Quitters
01:27 Stolen Valor
03:23 Deployment Preparation
04:45 Deployment Line and Training
06:01 Pre-Deployment Challenges
08:29 Training and Team Dynamics
09:25 Supporting Families and Home Life
10:51 Vehicle and Bill Management
13:40 Leaving for Deployment
23:55 Leaving Vehicles and Keys
27:07 Discussion about hoist and ramen
28:00 Lack of hoist left by Wyatt
28:23 Availability and popularity of hoist
28:57 The allure of gunfights and adrenaline rushes
29:19 The addictive nature of near-death experiences
29:43 The validation and career impact of deployments
30:44 The negative consequences of chasing deployments
31:14 The impact of deployments on individuals and teams
31:47 The thrill and addiction of troops in contact
32:46 The importance of the first deployment experience
33:29 The impact of deployments on career trajectory
34:28 The destruction of historical sites in Iraq
35:11 The fascination with warfare and historical archetypes
36:12 The surreal and otherworldly experiences of deployment
37:09 The impact of warfare on cultural heritage
38:18 The lingering insecurities and need for validation
39:11 The balance between vigilance and paranoia
40:43 The transformation of political beliefs over time
41:42 The experience at a Republican bar
45:48 The dangers and habits of dipping tobacco
49:53 The cautionary tale of trying dip and getting drunk
51:43 Promotion of Ones Ready and 18 Alpha Fitness
52:09 Encouragement to engage with the podcast and Discord


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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

You have questions about Air Force Special Warfare. We have answers. This episode is the frequently asked question episode. 

That's it. That's the whole description.

Thanks so much for your continued support! 

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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

The Team isn't super pumped with the news. 

From the Air Force Times:

"The Air Force has loosened its restrictions on body fat for new recruits, one of the latest moves to grow the pool of potential applicants amid the military’s recruiting crisis.

In the past, men and women’s bodies needed to be 20% or 28% fat, respectively, to be eligible for service. Air Force Recruiting Service spokesperson Leslie Brown said Monday that benchmark is now 26% for men and 36% for women."

So why did the Air Force make the decision?! And most importantly, how does the team feel about it? Uh, not good. 

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Chapters
00:00 Ambush intros and Cheshire Cats
01:07 Air Force Misses Recruiting Goals and Loosens BMI Standards
21:48 Importance of High Standards and Leadership
26:45 Discussion on Exceptions and Cyber Command
28:09 Story of Scottie Gearing's Survival
28:37 The Importance of Maintaining High Standards
29:35 The Negative Consequences of Lowering Standards
35:20 The Need for Disciplined and Highly Qualified Candidates
40:34Addressing the Issue of Obesity in the Military

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Collabs:
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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

How would Trent fix officers (and how will Peaches avoid being fired after the episode)? 

Find out with this one. Up next? We will fix NCOs, too. 

Make sure to catch this episode by becoming a member of our YouTube channel. Exclusive content, early access, discounts on merch- everything you need on your journey. 

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Officer Accessions
02:02 The 18X Program and Green Berets
04:17 The Proposal: Enlisted First, Warrant Officers, and Officer Selection
06:07 Restructuring Enlisted Ranks and Eliminating Chiefs
08:20 Discussion on Leadership and Rank Structure
21:26 Unintended Consequences of Leadership and Officer Intentions
25:18 Enlisted-Officer Gap and Education Levels
27:20 Sponsor Promotion
28:41 Conclusion and Sponsor Promotion
28:50 Bougie Drinking Habits
29:01 Enlisted Officer Debate
30:00 Revisiting Enlisted Pay
31:24 The Role of Service Academies
32:05 Removing Duty, Honor, and Country
33:09 The Importance of Service and Duty
34:24 Colonel Nathan R. Jessup
35:07 Decisions Made Without Understanding
36:25 The Value of Dive School
37:24 Diving in Humanitarian and Operational Missions
38:04 The Unique Access of Air Force Spec Ops
39:47 The Divide Created by Social Media and Media
43:48 The Lack of Focus on Squadrons
44:21 Accountability and Getting Rid of Ineffective Leaders
46:01 The Need for Clear Responsibilities and Standards
48:24 The Need for Change and Feedback
51:28 The Role of Chiefs and Senior Officers
54:23 The Need for Flexibility in Career Progression
55:15 Promotion and Training Opportunities

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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
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Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

Welcome back to the team room! Chief Master Sergeant Josh Leonard is returning for his second episode with a lot of updates from Washington, D.C.

In this conversation, Chief Master Sergeant Josh Leonard talks about his experience working on the Hill and his transition back to the Pentagon. He highlights the importance of relationships and bipartisanship in Congress, discusses the challenges of passing legislation, and emphasizes the value of experience over education. He also stresses the need for better communication between different levels of leadership.

Chief Leonard, Peaches, and Trent discuss the infrastructure and military construction issues faced by the military and the efforts to address them. They also talk about the new Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the challenges he will face as he takes the seat.

Join our YouTube channel to catch this episode. We offer exclusive content, early access, and free merch before anyone else! Subscribe today and be part of the team!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction, Background, and Aaron catches strays for no reason
01:08 Working on the Hill
03:22 Transitioning to the Pentagon
04:15 Advising Top Air Force Officials
05:30 Relationships and Bipartisanship on the Hill
07:38 Performative Aspects of Congress
08:09 Transitioning to the Hill
10:17 Learning and Humility on the Hill
11:43 Roles and Responsibilities of Staffers
13:45 Education vs. Experience
15:19 Leadership Knowledge and Experience
17:29 Communication and Feedback between Levels
19:02 Infrastructure and Military Construction
21:05 Showing Congressional Staffers the Reality
23:02 Congressional Dynamics and Funding
27:32 Transitioning to a New Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
31:57 Challenges for the New Chief Master Sergeant
36:22 Addressing Disparities in Pay and Compensation
39:33 Disparities in Job Opportunities for Retired Enlisted vs. Officers
40:16 Pay Disparity in the Civilian Sector
43:48 Difficulties in Moving Funding
47:48 Congressional Directed Spending
57:48 Surprises in Congressional Funding
01:01:34 Advice for Those Joining the Military

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Collabs:
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Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLete
CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

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Collabs:
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18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready
Alpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY
ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLete
CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Dread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10
Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY
Trench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...