In this episode Shawn Ryan sits down with Travis Kennedy, a former Navy SEAL, BUD/S instructor, and currently the CEO of KDS (Kennedy Defensive Shooting). We start off discussing the tension and unrest within the United States in regards to the president's response of an attack on US Embassy in Iraq to coordinate a drone strike on the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Shawn then gets into the details of Kennedy's broken home childhood, and how he overcame all odds in becoming one the United States' elite Navy SEAL Operators. Travis takes the audience into the details of what combat looks like as an elite operator. Shawn then digs into Travis's transition from military life to civilian life, how the FBI decided he was not a qualified candidate to work for the organization and how he moved passed that denial. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website - https://www.shawnryanshow.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnryan762 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Genesight is a genetic test that analyzes DNA and shows how genes may affect someone's response to medications prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The test can help reduce medication trial and error.
The speaker discusses how losing comrades in a combat zone can create a ritual for the remaining troops, and suggests coping mechanisms to deal with the loss.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of educating oneself on the reasons behind high-level decisions. He recounts a personal experience with minimal information leading to a better understanding of Navy SEALs as an example of the lack of knowledge people tend to have.
The speaker talks about how he joined the Navy Seal by going to boot camp and then core school. He knew it was a big commitment but was given a list of jobs to choose from including ordinance, radar and core school.
A Navy SEAL discusses how seeing other guys quit during training can be intimidating, but he focused on his own goals and was able to overcome the challenge.
A former SEAL talks about the difficulties of failing pool comp, a major hurdle in SEAL training that involves diving underneath a heavy boat with limited air.
A conversation about Navy SEAL training and the pride of earning the Trident, with a nod to the influence of family.
The role of a medic is critical in a military team and failure in accomplishing it can lead to disastrous outcomes. A passionate medic is always appreciated as it ensures the success and safety of the team.
The speaker talks about being one of the few new guys to enter the Scentcombe Troop, and how he was eventually offered a chance to stay longer and enter the platoon space due to achieving the honor man distinction.
The speaker shares that gaining respect in the military is not easy and takes hard work and proving oneself to the seasoned war fighters. Although it did not hit home until they saw the war fighters, it was important to blend in and gain acceptance from them.
The speaker discusses the challenges of joining the military during times of war and the animosity between veterans who served in peacetime versus those who entered combat immediately.
A mother shares her experience of dealing with her son joining the military and going to war as the first member of the immediate family to do so.
A conversation about the drive it takes to become a Navy SEAL.
SEAL Team 3's FOB was under attack, but the enemy's shots were not very effective. Half of the platoon left as another arrived.
The speaker shares his experience of losing comrades in a combat zone and how it impacted their missions and mindset. He talks about the importance of mentally preparing oneself and creating rituals to cope with the loss.
The speaker describes military clearance operations that involved helos, supporting elements, and ground teams.
The speaker talks about his experience of deployment to Afghanistan as a part of his military service, including the changes and uncertainty he faced during the period.
Military troops were informed of their deployment being extended from 8 months to possibly 10 months, making it a rough mission. Other troops who were previously deployed for 10 months also struggled in the same area.
A group took over a compound near a team site which resulted in a battle with minimal guys on their side.
The speakers discuss the partnership between their unit and the ANASF (Afghan National Army Special Forces) during their time in Afghanistan. They share experiences of being attacked on the FOB and the importance of having reliable partners in the region.
An account of the danger and violence soldiers faced daily in Afghanistan where even going outside their own village could lead to an attack.
A conversation about combat deployment covering topics like the laziness of Iraqi troops, casualties, and air support during deployments.
Two veterans discuss getting attacked in their deployment base and being shot at every single time they left the wire.
A former military member discusses the intense cold and close proximity of spooning with another man during difficult operations, as well as the importance of taking a break to find oneself and pursuing career aspirations.
The conversation covers topics related to training and assessing individuals and explores possible common denominators among trainees.
A discussion about the importance of dedication and performance in elite sports and military training, and how some individuals can become complacent or arrogant despite a lack of effort or results.
The success of a boat crew's teamwork depends on everyone holding their weight. The heaviest spot in the boat is in the middle, and one slack member can cause the whole crew to suffer.
A former Navy SEAL describes one of the harsh training experiences where students tell jokes for entertainment and are punished by being sent to the cold surf.
Instructors and students of surfing know the harsh realities of the sport beyond what's shown in popular media, such as the painful chafing caused by sand, and the risk of getting an open wound infected by saltwater.
During the training of Navy SEALs, Hell Week marks the beginning of their training to push them to their physical and mental limits. As an instructor, it is both a source of pride and sobering reminder of the academic portion of the rest of the training that awaits them.
A former Navy SEAL instructor discusses the importance of letting instructors do their job in preparing BUDs and SQT graduates for the mindset and standards required for success in the teams, and avoiding the consequences of slipping through the cracks during selection.
The instructor's comfort with the training product in Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is crucial to avoid incidents when working with local special forces, which could have been detected earlier if the training personnel were paying attention. It is essential to focus on the positive outcomes and benefits of the training.
The speaker shares their military experience, including deployments to the Middle East and helping to develop the selection process for a special forces unit.
The lack of preparation before the assault block has led to prioritizing diving or mobility, which has resulted in taking away time from the essential assault block. The team members are disappointed, as the best block is what they look forward to.
A former special operator shares his struggles transitioning back to civilian life after his service, and how he received help from clinics specializing in mental health.
The rejection from law enforcement agencies is a common occurrence, even for qualified individuals. Some individuals typically head towards other government agencies or state and local law enforcement agencies after being rejected.
The speaker shares feelings and thoughts on moving back in with his dad at the age of 31 and dealing with the blow to his ego.
The speaker had an epiphany after a personal experience, and decided to start a business. The decision was influenced by the constant presence of alcohol in their personal life.
The speaker talks about how entrepreneurship can become a new addiction after experiencing a lack of purpose in life, and how he found a new sense of fulfillment in building a business.
The speaker thanks his mentor for his success in his business, especially in the beginning, and expresses confidence in his ability to train law enforcement personnel.