MCA Scuttlebutt

#233: Observation Post – Iran Conflict

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and for your continued support. This week, we welcome Editor-in-Chief of Leatherneck and Gazette magazines, Col Chris Woodbridge, to the scuttlebutt to talk about the US’s military operation in Iran. We recorded this episode on day 10 of the war, knowing that by the time you listen, things may have changed dramatically. But we didn’t want to release an episode early in the conflict, given that much of the information, including the actual strategic objectives, was still not publicly known. Now that the campaign is in its second week, we figured we would jump into the fray. Col Woodbridge talks to us about the history of US-Iranian relations and the US’s previous involvement in Iran to give us a better idea of how we got here and what the stated objectives of the conflict are. We also touch on what may be next. Hope is not a course of action, but hopefully you take something away from this that helps shape your impressions of what is going on and at least make some sense of the ever-churning new cycle.   Enjoy!  The post #233: Observation Post – Iran Conflict [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/233-observation-post-iran-conflict/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

#232: A Conversation with the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and for your continued support. This is an episode that we wanted to do when we first thought up the idea of hosting a podcast, but never really thought we would actually get to do it. This week, it is an honor to welcome the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Eric Smith, and the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz to the scuttlebutt. The Commandant and Sergeant Major talk to us about prioritizing the amphibious ready group and MEUs, their thoughts on what a MEU should like look and the demand signal from the combatant commanders for this capability, how important the quality of life improvement initiatives are to them, their focus on suicide prevention, and the impact seven years of force design has had on the Marine Corps’ role in the Joint Force.  Also, a huge shout-out to Maj Nick Cline and GySgt Jordan Gilbert for their hard work in making this happen.   Enjoy!  The post #232: A Conversation with the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/232-a-conversation-with-the-commandant-and-sergeant-major-of-the-marine-corps/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

#231: What If Anger is the Answer with Mike LeBlanc

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and for your continued support. This week, we welcome Mike LeBlanc to the scuttlebutt. Mike is a veteran Marine ground intelligence officer who is now the co-founder of Foundation, a company that specializes in robotics. He is also the author of the book, What If Anger is the Answer?, due out in June of this year, that touches on the transformational aspects of anger and aggression. Mike talks to us about his journey as Marine ground intel bubba, how he navigated transitioning out of the Marine Corps, and how the lessons and attributes he learned in the Corps have helped him succeed in a world that, on its surface, has nothing to do with the Marine Corps, especially Marine operators. Mike insists that the leadership training he learned in the Marine Corps, especially the way Marines cultivate an aggressive attitude, has made him successful. Mike is all about helping Marines, so please feel free to reach out to him. His email is below.   Enjoy!  mike@foundation.bot  mikejleblanc.com  The post #231: What If Anger is the Answer with Mike LeBlanc [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/231-what-if-anger-is-the-answer-with-mike-leblanc/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

#230: Thoughts on the E-8 Redesignation Board Pilot Program with MGySgt Adam Walker (Ret)

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us at the scuttlebutt. This week, we welcome retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker back to the show. Adam is on deck to talk with us about the Marine Corps’ new E-8 Redesignation pilot program, which gives master sergeants and first sergeants a one-time option to “lat move” between the E-8 designations. Adam helps us understand the career progression for senior enlisted Marines, namely what happens when a gunnery sergeant is promoted, the differences between a first sergeant and master sergeant, how the Marine Corps views its E-8s differently from the other Services, and the significance of this policy change. Talking with Adam is always a lot of fun and super informative. This is a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain on how Marines are promoted and how this program addresses two of the primary things Marines are opposed to: how things are and change.   You can also catch more of Adam’s wit and insight in his recurring segment, Lessons from the Smoke Pit, in Leatherneck magazine. Shameless plug, but it’s definitely worth checking out.   Enjoy!  The post #230: Thoughts on the E-8 Redesignation Board Pilot Program with MGySgt Adam Walker (Ret) [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/230-thoughts-on-the-e-8-redesignation-board-pilot-program-with-mgysgt-adam-walker-ret/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

#229: Semper Cinema – The Last 600 Meters

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for tuning in and your continued support. This week, we bring you another installment of Semper Cinema in reviewing the documentary, The Last 600 Meters, detailing the battles of Fallujah and Najaf during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Released last year, The Last 600 Meters chronicles the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War, Najaf in the south against the Shi’a Madhi Militia and Fallujah in the west against Sunni insurgents. Both battles occurred in 2004 and the interviews for this documentary were recorded in 2007. Due to internal issues at PBS, many of which have been revealed to be political, it was shelved until last year. We mention this dynamic in our review, but mainly focus on the specifics of the film, such as the narrative style and cinematic art, and how well the filmmakers used these tools to tell the story. Another controversy surrounding the release of the film is its use of graphic combat footage, including the deaths of US service members, so we also dive into the ethics of depicting graphic imagery and the moral decisions that go into it when trying to be authentic in illustrating the savagery of war.   Enjoy!  The post #229: Semper Cinema – The Last 600 Meters [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/scuttlebutt/229-semper-cinema-the-last-600-meters/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].