The Rest of the Spear

92Y to 35M: Army Supply to Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Reclass

What happens when you trade property books for intelligence briefings? In this episode, we sit down with Rick Lockner who started his Army career as a 92Y (Unit Supply Specialist) and made the massive tactical pivot to become a 35M (Human Intelligence Collector). If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to change your MOS, how the Army reclassification process actually works, or what goes into capturing and extracting critical intel, this episode is for you. We dive deep into the daily realities of both jobs, the mindset shift required to move from logistics to military intelligence, and the challenges of tackling a new AIT. We discuss: * The transition from counting gear and managing supply cages to working in HUMINT. * The step-by-step reality of the Army reclass process and career progression. * Advice for anyone looking to switch jobs in the Army or join as a 35M. * What civilians and support roles get wrong about the intelligence community. Whether you are active duty looking to reclass, a veteran tracking military career paths, or just curious about the roles that keep the Army moving, tune in to hear how this soldier redefined his military journey.

Smoking Pit: What’s in the A-Bag?

Grab a light and circle up. In this "Smoking Pit" session, the hosts of The Rest of the Spear are ditching the guests and digging into the bottom of the rucksack. We’re talking about the art and science of the deployment loadout—what keeps you lethal, what keeps you sane, and what stayed in the locker because "ounces equal pounds." Tonight we’re breaking down: * The Essentials: The gear you actually used versus the gear the packing list claimed you needed. * Creature Comforts: The non-issued items that make a chu-tent feel like home. * Hard Lessons: The "rookie moves" we made on our first deployments and how our kits evolved over time. * Tactical Tetris: The best ways to maximize space when you're living out of a bag for nine months.

The Ultimate Career Pivot: EOD to Crew Chief

This episode dives into a journey that defines the term "versatility" in the United States Air Force. We sit down with a veteran who began his career in the high-stakes, high-pressure world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)—where precision is a matter of life and death—before pivoting to become a Crew Chief, responsible for the maintenance and mission-readiness of multi-million dollar aircraft. We explore the mental shift required to go from defusing threats on the ground to keeping birds in the air. Our guest shares firsthand accounts of the rigorous training for both roles, the unique subcultures within the Air Force, and why he chose to trade in the bomb suit for the flight line. In this episode, we discuss: * The intense reality of EOD school and the "don't quit" mentality. * The transition process of switching AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Codes). * The unsung responsibilities of a Crew Chief in maintaining air superiority. * The leadership lessons learned from two very different, but equally critical, military missions. Whether you're interested in the mechanics of maintenance or the nerves of steel required for EOD, this conversation highlights the diverse support roles that keep the mission moving. #RestoftheSpear [https://www.instagram.com/restofthespear/] - Instagram Page

The Military Spouse Perspective: Mission Success Starts at Home

The uniform belongs to one, but the service belongs to the whole family. In this episode of The Rest of the Spear, we’re stepping away from the front lines to highlight the literal backbone of the military mission: the military spouse. While the troops handle the tactical side, the Homefront requires a level of strategic operations, resilience, and sacrifice that often goes unrecognized. Join us as we sit down with Mary to discuss the realities of military life that don't make the recruiting posters. We dive deep into: * The Force Multiplier Effect: How a stable Homefront directly impacts mission readiness. * Navigating the Unknown: Managing the stress of deployments, solo PCS moves, and the constant "hurry up and wait." * Identity Beyond the ID Card: Finding personal and professional fulfillment while supporting a service member's career. * The Silent Rank: Why the military spouse is just as vital to the overall mission as the troop. Whether you are a civilian looking to understand the "other side" of the uniform, or a fellow spouse looking for community and validation, this episode is a reminder that you are a critical part of the spear. #restofthespear [https://www.instagram.com/restofthespear/]

20 Tons of Support: Life as a Marine Logistics Vehicle System Operator

They call it the "Dragon Wagon" for a reason. While the infantry takes the ground, they don't stay there long without fuel, ammunition, and gear—and in the Marine Corps, getting that gear across broken terrain usually falls on the shoulders of the MOS 3533: Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) Operator. In this episode, we sit down with a veteran 3533 to discuss what it’s really like to command 20 tons of articulated steel. We move past the "truck driver" stereotypes and dive into the high-stakes reality of heavy-lift logistics. In this episode, we cover: * Taming the Beast: The learning curve of operating the LVS and its unique articulated steering. * The Lifeline: Why the "Rest of the Spear" is the difference between a mission's success and its collapse. * Realities of the Road: Navigating terrain that would stop any other vehicle in its tracks. * The Logistics Mindset: The technical skill and mental toughness required to keep the Marine Corps moving. Whether you’re a gearhead, a veteran, or someone looking to understand the massive machinery that powers the military, this episode is a deep dive into one of the most vital—and loudest—roles in the Corps.