KUKUI’s Post

"Ranger smash!" I heard this often in the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army, an elite #Infantry unit that values strength and aggression. After all, the main point of the organization is to break things and people. Sometimes that strength and aggression results in things being broken that shouldn't be. That was considered acceptable, and even laudable. "Ranger smash" alludes to the Incredible Hulk and refers to the tendency of Rangers to apply their strength and aggression enthusiastically, breaking things that may or may not need to be broken. Most civilian jobs don't value Rangers' destructive tendencies quite the same way, but sometimes breaking things can be good for your organization. Most companies have policies, procedures, and even strategies that could use an enthusiastic application of "Ranger smash." You might not be a #Ranger, but don't be afraid to follow Rangers' example in moving fast and breaking things. #hirearanger

Never before have so few done so much for so many.

PP 12 06 Infantry Man 4, 2012 Acrylic on paper 8 x 6 in (20 x 15 cm)

This week is Armed Forces Week!  Last month we sent out a questionnaire to serving Reservists about life in the Reserve Forces. Q. What are some of the rewards of serving in the Armed Forces? Most people answered something along the lines of: Personal growth and development; Job security and benefits; Camaraderie and friendships and Opportunities for advancement. A few answers, however, stood out: 1. You get an opportunity to experience and see things you'll never do as a civilian. Flying over Stonehenge whilst sitting on the back of chinook, many countries i've visited for adventure training and exercises. 2. The sheer number of opportunities for the individual with enough time and energy are quite staggering, and are a true example of social mobility e.g. paid horse riding, skiing. 3. The skills the Armed Forces have given me have resulted in me starting a business which employs other ex-Forces personnel and the ability to utilise their skills in the field of training and development.

Famous quotes by Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, which resonates & holds good across all fields. "An officer who fails to keep fit, physically and mentally, who does not set a high standard of moral and physical courage, or who shows himself unequal to the strain of the long hours of work, is unfit to be an officer." This quote reflects his emphasis on leadership, discipline, and physical and mental fitness, values that defined his military career and the ethos he instilled in the Indian Armed Forces. "Discipline and steadfastness are the pillars of strength in any endeavor. Without discipline, there is no order; without order, there can be no success." This elegantly conveys the universal importance of discipline in achieving success, whether in a professional, personal, or organizational setting. #discipline #Fieldmarshalkmcariappa #success #officer #soldier #ArmedForces

It was an amazing experience providing Mental Skills Training to competitors representing the 1st Infantry Division at the Best Ranger Competition. This was my second year working with competitors who dedicate the majority of a year to physically, mentally, and technically train skill sets to determine the Army's best two man team of Army Ranger qualified Soldier's and in my opinion, it is the hardest competition in the world most will never hear about. Some fast facts about the grueling competition include (pulled from bestrangercompetition.com): - 56 TEAMS WILL BE REPRESENTED FROM 29 UNITS FROM ACROSS THE ARMY - 32 EVENTS TESTING THE PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE LIMITS OF OUR SERVICE MEMBERS - COMPETITORS WILL MOVE 60+ MILES, 30+ WITH 50+ LBS ADDED DURING THE 3 DAY EVENT - 3 DAYS-58 HOURS OF PHYSICAL/TECHNICAL/COGNITIVE ACTIVITY WITH - ONLY ~4 HOURS REST - 30K-35K CALORIES EXPENDED ON AVERAGE - 18 TACTICAL TASKS - 4 HELICOPTER MISSIONS (3 TROOP MOVEMENTS, 1 MEDICAL HOIST) I applaud the competitors from all teams. Most transform their sleep, recovery, physical training, nutrition and mental skills training to be equivalent to that of elite level athletes and is an amazingly disciplined group to work with if any other professionals get the chance. If curious, below is a video from this years competition of highlights: https://lnkd.in/gq7Du-rZ

If you have not read David Goggin's book "Can't Hurt Me" it should be required reading if you are in sales. Goggins is the only person to have completed US Army Ranger School, US Air Force Tactical Control Party Training, US Navy SEAL Training and attempted Delta selection not once, but twice. Each of these programs are nearly impossible on there own, but Goggins not only conquered them all, he also served honorably, undertaking a combat deployment to Irag in 2001 with Seal Team 5. Coggins is a national hero and if you haven't read his book its an awesome read. His feats in endurance events will blow your minds. In 2013, David Goggins broke the Guinness World Records title for most pull-ups in a 24 hour period. 4030 pull-ups in 17 hours, 16 minutes. If your in sales his book is a masterclass of endurance, mental toughness and pushing past perceived limits. Reading "Can't Hurt Me" will inspire you to overcome obstacles and grow your career.

I don't post a lot about what I do in the military, but as the MIRC G3 Operations Sergeant Major, one of my annual huge events is the Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year Competition. I have been involved with this division level competition for four years, and this by far is the BEST one we have executed. Each year we improved and built on the year before. The difference with this year's competition appropriarely named "Operation Sasquatch Warrior" as it was held at JBLM, WA, April 10-15, 2024, is that we had the most MIRC Staff involved and running it. We had the most Cadre from our supported units. And we had the most competitors ever. We had 13 of a possible 14 competitors compete this year, and last we had seven. Not only did we have the most, but we had the BEST show up to support and compete. This was a group of highly talented professionals. This competition is designed to push the competitors past their limits and challenge them mentally, emotionally and physically. As the only event truly planned, coordinated, resourced, and executed by NCOs and Enlisted Soldiers, this is how we develop our young leaders, both the competitors and Cadre who are conducting the events. Finally, this effort is planned at least a year in advance. The FY25 competition is being planned now. We coordinated/collaborated with seven different units comprised of the Army Active Component and Army Reserve. The highlight was the surprise Chinook ride for our competitors. We coordinated with the Reserve Chinook unit based at JBLM, who themselves were conducting night training missions, to perform a night EXFIL of our competitors after they completed the night land navigation event! This was a first time for this type of operation in our event. The success of this competition would not be possible without my planning team. They got this done. There is not enough words for me to express my appreciation and gratitude to them for their tenacity and hard work! You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. I was blessed to be surrounded by many of the BEST Soldiers the Army Reserve! Please enjoy the video!! https://lnkd.in/eARWAW-K

Want to learn more about our founder team!?!? Check out Max Villman’s podcast where he talks to Charlie Valentine (one of our founders) about his background, how EODynamics started, and what we are up to behind the scenes!