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SOFREP Podcast host Aaron “Rad” Radl sits down with three Skydio veterans—Mike Deeds, Josh Coryell, and Bryan King—as they share stories from their military careers and discuss the unique skills they bring to their current roles at Skydio. With years of service across the Air Force and Army, they explore the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian roles, how their experiences inform their work in cutting-edge drone technology, and the significance of continuing to serve the nation in a new capacity. This conversation honors their journeys and contributions, both past and present.
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Joining Rad in this episode is 28-year US Army Veteran, Colonel (Retired) Seth Krummrich. Seth's has experience in extensive Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations. He has commanded 5 organizations including a Reconnaissance platoon, Special Forces Team, Regional Survey Team, Special Forces Battalion, and the Fort Irwin CA Garrison. Seth also had numerous Combat and classified deployments to include Iraq, Afghanistan, and over 18 Horn of Africa, Middle East, and Central Asian countries.
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Novritsch, whose real name is Christoph Neuwirth, comes from Austria. He served as a scout sniper in the Austrian military. From this active time in military, he adopted many skills into airsoft sports and still uses them there today. He also incorporates this know-how in the development of his weapon models.
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Curtis Fox, former Green Beret, 10th Special Forces Group member, and author of "Hybrid Warfare" returns to SOFREP Radio to give insight into the war in Ukraine and Russia's perspectives on it. Fox also talks about other key stakeholders in this conflict, emphasizing Poland, and how their goal is never to be subjugated by Russia again.
Fox then details the unbelievably sophisticated and top-secret sleeper spy programs of the Soviet Union which are now being replicated in the digital age by Russia. He also gives deep intel on how Russia destabilizes Western and African governments, the actual tactics they use, and how they weaponize oil to achieve their objectives.
Learn more about Curtis and his work: https://www.hybridwarfare.info/
Get a copy of "Hybrid Warfare": https://amzn.to/3TAYWEm
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Major General Mick Ryan, AO (Ret.) is a distinguished retired officer of the Australian Army, author of several books including "War Transformed" and "The War for Ukraine", and strategic advisor for Skydio. He talks about the strength of the Ukrainians and how their grit, innovativeness, and love of country make them superior to the Russians on the battlefield.
He comments on the complicity of Russian soldiers in the wholesale murder and rape being committed there right now and the need for the democratic world to come together to defeat the evil of Putin and his henchmen. Ryan also discusses the constant advancements in drone technology and its indispensable role in warfare today and the future.
Learn more about and work with Major General Ryan: https://mickryan.com.au/
Join Skydio Ascend 2024 on September 25 to 26: https://events.skydio.com/ascend
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Ed Rush is a former F-18 pilot and five-time bestselling author of books such as "The 21 Day Miracle", "Warrior", and his latest book called "God Talks". He gives an insider look into the inner workings of some of the world's most iconic jet fighters and even comments on the declassified reports on UFOs.
In "God Talks", Rush explores the conversational nature of the personal relationship with God. For the skeptics, the black-and-white rules of religion are just guides, but once a personal relationship develops, it is possible to experiment, ask God questions, and get answers. In Rush's experience, even phenomenally supernatural things are possible after opening up a conversation with God.
Get a copy of "God Talks" here: https://amzn.to/47f0ABj
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Don Bentley is a former U.S. Army Apache pilot and author of "Capture or Kill". During his time in the Army, he was deployed to Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with a "V" device for valor.
After his military service, he joined the FBI as a special agent, where he focused primarily on HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and served as a SWAT team member. Bentley provides insight into the inner workings of flying an Apache helicopter and the qualifications required of a SWAT team member, making him proficient in a variety of firearms.
Three years ago, he transitioned into writing full-time and has since taken over the Mitch Rapp series from the late Vince Flynn. In "Capture or Kill", Bentley throws back to 2011 to explore the intrigue behind the hunt for Bin Laden and Mitch Rapp's involvement in it. New readers will get drawn in the intrigue-filled world of Mitch Rapp while longtime fans will love the Easter eggs in this latest thriller.
Get a copy of "Capture or Kill" here: https://amzn.to/3MuesOu
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Max Lauker is a former Swedish Arctic Ranger and the author of "Number 788". Today, he shares an overview of the Swedish special forces and how operating in the harsh Arctic environment necessitates the use of the most basic equipment, with a strong emphasis on sheer survival.
Lauker discusses his experience as a squad leader in the army and how he found himself in a unique position to join the special purpose unit. He also talks about his role as a communications specialist and his eventual entry into intelligence. Additionally, he touches on how Arctic training proved to be a good fit for operations in Afghanistan, despite the seemingly opposite conditions.
Get a copy of "Number 788" here: https://amzn.to/4fWrnGs
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Beth King joined the military to provide for her son and became the first female in her company to fully progress to the role of crew chief. One fateful night in Afghanistan, her Chinook was hit by an RPG, throwing her from the helicopter. Her harness caught her, saving her life, but the incident left her with serious injuries that were not immediately apparent to others.
She went 18 months without treatment, only to later discover that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As her symptoms worsened, she was eventually medically discharged from the military.
Her injury, compounded by PTSD, anxiety, and depression, led King to isolate herself. Eventually, the Wounded Warrior Project helped renew her sense of community, reigniting her love of sports and, ultimately, her zest for life. Now, it is King's turn to give back, helping other veterans find a sense of purpose as they return to civilian life.
Find out more about Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Celebrating Purple Heart Day last August 7, Rad sits speaks with Daniel Gade, ret. Army Lt. Col. and two-time Purple Heart recipient to discuss how he has turned his life-altering injuries into a mission to help his fellow veterans overcome their personal struggles after military service.
Daniel enlisted in the Army in 1992 and graduated from West Point in 1997, subsequently serving over 25 years as an Armor officer. During his deployments in Iraq, Daniel served as a tank company commander where he led more than 120 fellow service members into hostile territories.
On January 10, 2005, Daniel's humvee encountered a roadside bomb while en route to a meeting with local tribal leaders. The explosion caused significant injuries to his legs and abdomen, resulting in the loss of his right leg. Daniel was evacuated to Baghdad and then to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and recovery.
Determined to not let his injuries define him, Daniel has since gone on to compete in a 140+ mile Iron Man, and now works to give back to his fellow veterans– serving as an Advisory Council Member at America's Warrior Partnership (AWP), where he focuses on enhancing veterans' lives through the coordination of local services.
As AWP celebrates their 10th anniversary this year, their veteran-led team has served more than 60,000 veterans nationwide. Daniel would love to share more about his incredible journey with you, and how AWP is working to help service members in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#1 New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brad Thor returns to Sofrep Radio to introduce his latest high-octane thriller, "Shadow of Doubt". This summer thriller follows the next adventure of America's top spy Scot Harvath as he gets entangled in a whirlwind of double agents, international intrigue, and heart-stopping chases.
Harvath is forced to choose between his conscience and his country as he navigates between a shadowy Russian defector, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous Norwegian operative, and a lone French agent who stumbles upon a conspiracy so explosive it could ignite a global firestorm.
Get a copy of "Shadow of Doubt": https://amzn.to/3LRxuOv
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dan Pace is a former Special Forces company commander and battalion executive officer (XO) of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He is also the author of "It Was What It Was," a book detailing his experiences and the challenges faced by his unit during their deployment in Baghdad as part of the 1st Infantry Division's "Surge" Brigade.
Pace discusses moral injury and how it is a product of cumulative and accumulated damage. It is difficult to address but must be nipped early because of the danger it poses to the integrity of the entire organization. Ethics matter and should be at the forefront of training, as the difference between a person being alive or dead is just one trigger pull away.
Get a copy of "It Was What It Was": https://amzn.to/3SmxgTb
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Mark Valentine is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a combat veteran F-16 pilot who served for over 25 years. Today, he is the President of Global Government at Skydio, a leading U.S. drone manufacturer. Despite his vast experience flying combat jets, Valentine admits that in today’s battlefield, drones impact results in ways that new jets or missiles cannot.
As autonomous drones become more sophisticated, they now make far fewer errors compared to their human operators. However, in actual combat where lives are on the line, the humans behind the drones must face a deeper question about the desensitization that happens when a soldier uses a drone thousands of miles away, like a video game, to take another life.
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Dave Brown is an outstanding former Navy SEAL known for his small stature but immense determination. Standing at just 5'3", he was always underestimated, both by high school bullies and Navy recruiters, yet he remained undeterred and locked in on his goal to serve.
Despite being initially dismissed due to his size, Brown's persistence and resilience led him to pass the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, even running with two stress fractures during "Hell Week." He graduated with BUD/S Class 115 and served with Underwater Demolition Team 21 and SEAL Team 4. His deployments took him across Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
His memoir, "And Goliath," tackles the human side of being a Navy SEAL. Especially in Brown's case, where his physical limitations seemed to doom his dreams, "And Goliath" chronicles the willpower he needed to tap into his potential for success, overcome perceived limitations, and come out at the end as an inspiration to all current, former, and aspiring special operators.
Get a copy of "And Goliath": https://andgoliathbook.com/
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sean Hagerty is a 25-year veteran of the US Army, serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment before being selected and assigned to a special operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Among his accolades over his decorated career are 3 Bronze Stars. Hagerty is also the author of 'Jones Point'.
'Jones Point' is a military-informed thriller about Dane Cooper, a special operations soldier who goes on a quest for revenge when his daughter gets abducted. His life would gain purpose again when a mysterious cabal offers him a path to redemption. The story intertwines his personal struggle with his efforts to investigate other cases of grieving parents, all while avoiding detection by an FBI agent and a dedicated team from the Virginia Bureau of Investigation.
Get a copy of 'Jones Point': https://amzn.to/3xzWCpC
Learn more about Sean Hagerty: https://authorseanhagerty.com/
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jesse Fink is the author of 6 books, including 'The Youngs,' 'Pure Narco,' 'Bon,' and his latest book, 'The Eagle in the Mirror'. Fink shares his incredible literary journey that saw him spend a decade chronicling AC/DC, delving deep into Pablo Escobar's cocaine empire, and most recently, uncovering the secrets of Dick Ellis, the top spy of MI6 during World War 2.
Ellis is a controversial figure, accused of being a triple agent—allegedly working for the Allies, the Nazis, and the Soviets. Fink discusses how the Americans recognized Ellis's contributions, yet his reputation suffered in the aftermath of the war. Nonetheless, Ellis played a pivotal role in the formation of the CIA, the premier agency in global intelligence and counterintelligence today.
Get a copy of 'The Eagle in the Mirror': https://amzn.to/3XF0Neg
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jared Shepard is the Founder of Warriors Ethos, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition from military to civilian life, and the CEO of Hypori, the creator of a solution for secure communication in contested environments using cellphones bought off host nation markets.
Shepard reflects on his time in the military and how mentorship guided him towards IT instead of following the path of an infantryman. This life-changing choice led him to where he is today. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and helping others, especially when it is inconvenient, as that is when it truly matters.
Learn more about Warriors Ethos and Hypori:
- https://www.warriorsethos.org/
- https://www.hypori.com/
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sgt Maj (Ret.) Randall Surles, U.S. Army, is a former Green Beret with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He served almost 30 years, deploying over twenty times to South America, the Middle East, and Africa, with notable service in Panama. After retiring from the military, Surles transitioned his expertise and leadership skills to the literary world, becoming a freelance military editor and ghostwriter.
Surles shares his journey of how to self-publish books (and e-books) and the many landmines you may encounter. From profit sharing with Amazon, overcoming negative comments on social media, and having your intellectual property stolen, Surles dives into what aspiring writers can expect to encounter in the pursuit of making writing a career and what they can do about it.
Learn more about Sgt Maj (Ret.) Randall Surles:
Website: https://militaryeditor.com/
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Chief Master Sergeant Jason David, USAF (Retired), is a 22-year veteran who first joined the Air Force as a radio and television broadcaster. His unique position within the military, interfacing with a wide variety of personalities, provided him with a wealth of experience that he now intends to share with the world.
Veterans often find purpose in the military and lose it upon coming home. David advocates for greater awareness of veteran suicide and shares the many resources available to veterans, both within and outside of the VA. He also recounts the story of how he earned his Purple Heart—a tragic event that has since shaped his life and galvanized his decision to fight for veterans' rights to live normal lives in the US.
If you are a veteran contemplating self-harm, seek help from these resources:
https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/ Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-david-72791966/Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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Col. Keith Nightingale, USA (Ret.) served for 25 years with notable roles in commanding airborne units and especially in operating with special operations forces. He was involved in some of the most significant military operations of his time, including actions during the Vietnam War, the Iran Hostage Rescue Mission (Operation Eagle Claw), and the invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury).
Colonel Nightingale shares behind-the-scenes insights into his operations in Latin America, from having the host nation join the AWACS to target illegal drug labs to battling drug cartels in countries like Nicaragua, Colombia, and Panama. He also talks about snippets of his book 'Phoenix Rising' and how the US failure in Iran led to the continuation and development of special forces into what it is today.
Get a copy of Keith's latest book 'Phoenix Rising': https://amzn.to/3ysAsp6
Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club
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