The Jedburgh Podcast

The Jedburgh Podcast

Fran Racioppi


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Latest Episode

#189: Building Army Warriors - Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer & CSM (R) Rick Merritt

What separates war fighting from a warrior? Is it skill? Is it experience? Or is it something deeper that only reveals itself when it matters most? From the Pentagon, Fran Racioppi sat down with Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer and retired Command Sergeant Major Rick Merritt to discuss what it truly means to build and sustain warriors in the United States Army. CSM Merritt spent over three decades on active duty, including 25 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment, serving in every enlisted leadership position from rifleman to Regimental Sergeant Major. He conducted over 1,500 combat operations under Joint Special Operations Command and served more than five years in combat task forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. His experience spans the full arc of modern warfare. Together with the SMA, we unpack into the difference between technical proficiency and true warrior mindset, what commitment looks like when compliance disappears, and how leaders enforce standards without eroding trust.  We explore whether resilience is built over time or revealed under pressure, and how purpose sustains Soldiers when motivation begins to fade. As warfare becomes more technical and systems driven, the SMA is challenging the force to ensure technology enhances the warrior. Future conflict will demand innovation and the technological edge, but victory on the battlefield will still be decided by human judgment, character, and leadership. This is a conversation about standards, commitment, mental toughness, and the responsibility of leaders to hold the line…not just to engage in the business of war fighting, but to forge warriors ready to close with and destroy our nation’s adversaries. HIGHLIGHTS 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast 4:40 Defining An Army Warrior 14:02 Compliance to Commitment 20:02 What Is The Army Culture? 27:18 Why A Warrior Mindset Matters 38:52 How to Lead the War fighting Profession QUOTES “I see a warrior as the reason why we do it.” “Make a difference with your presence. Otherwise, why are you there?” “A warrior is a way of life.” “Technology is not going to make up for the foundation.” “A warrior is one that is dedicated, disciplined, willing to go the extra mile, will fight for those left and right, and never quit.” “The best recruiters we have are our service members, our veterans.” “How much is enough of these key attributes to take a risk on you and bring you in and start developing the rest of that?” “There’s just some things about human beings that are going to be done on an individual’s basic timeline in life.” “It’s not normal for this generation.” “Combat readiness is a way of life.” “Although I took the uniform off, my oath didn’t go away.” “The guys on my team know that they’re in the right spot with the right people, with the right culture.” “You’re consecrated into this culture that I got to find when I retire.”  “What makes that culture is character and character development.” “That probably makes the difference in the world is where our NCO core is compared to other countries.” “I’m a firm believer that the noncommissioned officer is the keeper of the culture.” “I think that was our biggest challenge in Vietnam.” “This profession, we hand you a machete and we say ‘Take that path.’” “Grit comes through hardship.” “At the end of the day, guys got to go on the ground.” “We’re struggling a little bit in that space.” “There’s no time limit on honorable service.” “What is better than being a company commander?” “Don’t be a pain in the ass. Be value added.” “This is a journey, not a destination.” “A legend is nothing but a man or woman who spent their life surrounding themselves with people better than them.” Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.

About The Jedburgh Podcast

The Jedburgh Podcast is a conversation with transformative leaders, visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning no matter the challenge. Hosted by US Army Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi, each episode in-depth discussion with trailblazers who have earned success through dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand. Fran speaks with leaders in business, athletics, academics, and public service about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. The Jedburghs of World War II was the first Special Operations forces and lived by the mantra, how you prepare today determines success tomorrow. Today’s leaders are no different. Our discussions focus on the nine character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day. We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives. The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance: -Drive: Growth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement -Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges -Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation -Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness -Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both -Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation -Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit -Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better -Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos Fran is the founder of FRsix. He leads small to medium-sized businesses to scale by transforming their leadership and operations through introspection, continuous improvement, and a commitment to a talent mindset. He spent 13-years in the United States Army as a Green Beret, deploying numerous times to The Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Fran was the honor graduate of the Special Forces Qualification Course and the US Army Ranger School. He has served as CEO, COO, CSO, and Director of Global Security, where he was recognized by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security for his leadership and innovation. Fran earned an MBA from the NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a BA from Boston University in Journalism. Fran holds the highest civilian accreditations, including Certified Protection Professional, Certified Business Continuity Professional, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Fran volunteers teaching Veterans to sail as the Race Director for Sailahead, a Veterans organization dedicated to reducing the Veteran suicide rate and is the former Treasurer of the United War Veterans Council. Talent War Group is a management consulting and executive search firm comprised of highly experienced and proven business executives and special operations leaders. We’ll drive you to attract, retain, and develop top talent. With services like Executive Search, Talent Advisory, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, and Speaking & Keynotes, we work with you to create talent solutions to business problems. Contact us at www.talentwargroup.com Access more episodes, subscribe, and learn more.