Jocko Podcast 405: Battles, Bullets, and Lessons with Ret. Navy SEAL, Jimmy May

Retired Navy SEAL, Jimmy May discusses The Battle of Ramadi, and his SEAL career. Also his Non Profit, Beyond The Brotherhood.

Join the conversation on Twitter/Instagram: @jockowillink @echocharles

[nicksilver_music]

My 15 year old son loves Jocko, respects him, and takes his advice, and I didnt even show him Jocko, young boys need strong role models who dont promote drugs and alcohol but promote a healthy body and mind <3 Forever in Jocko's debt

[iskenderosmoev]

Such a joy, to look at and listen to such solid folks. Bunch of love and respect from Kyrgyzstan.

[FF_Polk]

Much respect to all the warriors. I love listening to these stories. Feels like I’m around a camp fire 1000 years ago listening to the tales of struggle, victory and defeat.

[klmorg]

Out of the hundreds of Jocko podcasts this may be the best, the best guests to me are the ones Jocko has a personal connection too and worked with directly. I’m from Texas so I may be biased but it was a great episode. I think Jimmy would be a great guest for the Unraveling podcast if they decide to go that route. Thank you both for your service, and continued success! Parachute story at the end was insane lol, it was the “right call” I lost it!

[wcreview]

My Son is a US Marine and Met Jocko at a Juiu Jitsu Tourney this weekend. He was gracious ad took a pic w my Son, who also bought me Jocko's Book which I read often for motivation..

[BossGLK]

Man, this was one of the best interviews. Really good dude.

[mastersili]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

01:23 🚨 Seth and his SEAL team responded swiftly to their comrades' distress call, braving enemy fire to provide critical support and rescue during the intense battle.
03:35 😔 Michael, a SEAL named after Saint Michael the Archangel, made the ultimate sacrifice, saving his teammates' lives by jumping on a grenade, leaving a lasting legacy of heroism.
06:25 🌍 Jimmy May's upbringing in El Paso, Texas, shaped his resilience and determination, leading him to a career as a SEAL despite initial struggles and family challenges.
23:10 💪 Jimmy joined a group of aspiring SEALs at Texas A&M, where rigorous morning workouts helped him adapt to military discipline.
27:37 🛎️ During Hell Week, experienced candidates quitting influenced others, revealing the psychological challenges of BUD/S training.
30:36 🎖️ Jimmy became a SEAL and joined SEAL Team 2, deploying to various locations, including Paycom, Yukon, and Iraq, where he was part of a PSD mission.
33:53 🚤 Jimmy faced challenges during VBSS training with foreign counterparts, emphasizing the importance of safety over risky maneuvers.
36:56 🌟 Junior officers in the Navy SEALs aim to secure another platoon assignment as a career milestone.
39:31 🗣️ May's impromptu Arabic translation helped coordinate an operation, showcasing his language skills and adaptability in critical situations.
45:32 💪 May's superior Jiu Jitsu skills surprised Jocko, highlighting May's exceptional talent in a high-level combat sport.
52:25 🏢 May's deployment environment was challenging, with constant mortar attacks, demonstrating the harsh realities of combat in Iraq.
55:19 🛶 Jocko acknowledged the intense difficulties of SEAL training, emphasizing the need for mental and physical toughness, emphasizing quality over quantity when selecting candidates.
55:46 🎖️ Navy SEALs were encouraged to focus on their core combat skills, avoiding non-essential tasks to enhance their combat effectiveness.
56:28 🚀 SEAL training prepares individuals for the harsh realities of combat, emphasizing mental and physical toughness, as well as the ability to make split-second life-saving decisions.
57:11 🔥 SEALs undergo rigorous training because they need to be ready to run into gunfire, carry wounded comrades, and stay awake for long hours to ensure operational readiness.
57:53 💪 SEALs emphasized the importance of having a support system, including capable and mentally tough individuals, beyond just having more SEALs.
01:01:33 🩹 SEALs exhibited exceptional courage and resourcefulness, even in dire situations, displaying unwavering dedication to their teammates.
01:11:30 🌐 After-action protocols and team dynamics in the SEAL community faced challenges due to the lack of previous combat experiences, leading to a learning curve in dealing with casualties and emotional aftermath.
01:15:00 🚀 Jimmy describes a dangerous situation where his exfiltration plan was compromised, leading to a risky escape attempt, showcasing the unpredictable nature of combat scenarios.
01:16:11 💥 After getting shot in the chest during a firefight, Jimmy May recounts the intense moments of continuing the battle while injured, underscoring the resilience and determination of SEAL operators.
01:19:55 🏹 Jocko and Jimmy discuss the luck involved in surviving combat situations, emphasizing the fine margins between life and death in high-stress environments.
01:21:33 🩹 Jimmy describes the potential life-threatening consequences of combat injuries, such as tension pneumothorax, highlighting the crucial role of medics and medical knowledge in saving lives.
01:25:43 🌟 Jimmy reflects on the challenges faced during SEAL training and the importance of proper leadership and training, emphasizing the value of officers who are dedicated, tough, and eager to learn.
01:31:38 🎖️ Bobby Ramirez, a seasoned SEAL, showed humility by seeking additional training despite his rank, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and growth.
01:32:19 🚀 The steep learning curve in SEAL training involves adapting quickly to feedback and making necessary improvements, with a focus on personal accountability and self-improvement.
01:33:02 🤝 Proper leadership development involves assigning clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring a structured approach to training, and mentoring officers to become effective leaders.
01:35:18 🔑 Jimmy recognized the need to pass on his knowledge, leading him to focus on training at Team Two, emphasizing the importance of institutional knowledge and mentorship.
01:38:07 🌐 Deployments involve balancing kinetic and non-kinetic activities, emphasizing the need to build local capacity, adapt strategies, and navigate complex cultural dynamics.
01:39:16 🌏 Language skills, like speaking Arabic, played a crucial role in effective communication, enabling negotiation, and establishing rapport in challenging situations.
01:50:28 🎖️ JT avoided punishment after a fight, impacting his Navy career positively.
01:51:24 💔 Jimmy made a difficult notification to JT's family after his passing, a significant experience for him.
01:53:17 🙌 JT's death taught Jimmy a valuable lesson in humility and selflessness.
01:55:12 💪 JT was a remarkable individual: SEAL, Iowa wrestler, triathlete, and a friend to everyone.
02:02:28 🍻 Jimmy took full accountability in front of his team after an incident, fostering a culture of responsibility.
02:08:18 🏋️ May encourages injured soldier Don to send recovery videos to maintain team morale, demonstrating the impact of shared goals and support in sustaining purpose and motivation.
02:09:55 🌊 May advocates for a holistic approach to recovery, challenging conventional military standards by supporting Don's return to active duty despite his injuries, emphasizing resilience, determination, and camaraderie.
02:12:39 💪 May discusses the importance of alignment in self-assessment, cadre assessment, and peer assessment forsuccess in SEAL training, highlighting the significance of physical preparation and mental resilience.
02:14:16 🤝 May shares the innovative approach of the "AHROC" (Hell Week Recovery Observation Center), emphasizing the power of community, shared experiences, and communication with loved ones in building resilience and preventing suicides among trainees.
02:18:13 🏃 May stresses the importance of physical fitness, highlighting the need for baseline standards in running, swimming, pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups, underscoring the significance of preparation and determination in SEAL training.
02:25:59 🌍 During his deployment in Mosul, May discusses the challenge of integrating technology and supporting the Iraqi forces, emphasizing the need for collaboration while allowing Iraqis to defend their own country.
02:32:27 🦈 May talks about his business ventures post-military, including Sushi Assassin, an in-home sushi service, and Mayday Executive Services, organizing unconventional high-end events for executives.
02:42:39 🚗 Jimmy May discusses helping veterans transition to society, finding purpose beyond the military, and screening candidates for jobs through beyondthebrotherhood.org.
02:46:39 💼 Beyondthebrotherhood.org connects veterans with opportunities; applicants are vetted through an application process, focusing on character and reputation within the military community.
02:49:00 🦁 Jimmy May shares a memorable self-directed safari experience in South Africa, encountering wildlife up close, including lions and elephants.
02:53:25 🚗 Humvees in the military don't use keys; a simple switch is used to start the vehicle, allowing easy access for those familiar with the mechanism.
02:59:53 🪂 Jimmy May recounts a risky parachute jump where he made a last-minute decision to pull the parachute at 7, 000 feet, giving him extra time to fix any malfunctions.
03:01:44 🏄 Jimmy May compares military parachutes to civilian sport chutes, highlighting the challenges he faced due to the differences in maneuverability.
03:03:25 🛠️ Jimmy May discusses the rigorous training and protocols involved in transitioning from military to civilian parachuting, emphasizing the importance of safety procedures.
03:05:46 💪 "Man talk" refers to a supportive conversation held with individuals who don't make it through SEAL training, emphasizing their worth and encouraging them to pursue success in different roles.
03:09:30 🤝 Jocko and Jimmy express mutual respect, acknowledging the impact they've had on each other's lives and careers, showcasing the bond formed within the SEAL community.
03:11:52 🌟 Jimmy May's dedication to constant improvement and his commitment to helping others find their mission in life serve as inspiring examples of resilience and purpose.
03:18:19 💪 Jocko discusses various supplements and recommends jacofuel.com products for hydration, pre-workout, and creatine.
03:18:47 🏋️‍♂️ Jacofuel products are available at multiple stores, including Wawa, GNC, and military commissaries, as well as online for gym owners.
03:19:45 👖 Origin USA offers high-quality Jiu-Jitsu gis and jeans, emphasizing the importance of American-made products.
03:21:49 🛍️ Jocko Store provides a variety of products, including shirts, rash guards, and hoodies, with designs promoting discipline and freedom.
03:24:13 📚 Jocko has authored books like "Leadership Strategy and Tactics" and recommends "Defend Us in Battle, " co-authored by Rose Ray, available for readers.

Made with HARPA AI

[chanang]

this was one of the best episode ive seen . Jimmy was a great storyteller and because he knows Jocko well there was a lot of humour and banter . Jimmy had a diverse and full career as a Seal . He also worked with Seal team 6 because he could speak Arabic . I think thats what he was talking about when he mentioned the east coast and squadrons .

[Scrtsquirral]

This just makes a man love what other soldiers do for our freedom so humbling

[mfallen]

1:09:22 I love that little dig at the Afghanistan FUBAR retreat, planned chaos from the top, whatever you want to call the exit. And now there's a really good chance some of that "gear" was used during that massive rocket/mortar barrage Israel just suffered. That's why you don't leave gear...

[firehorse_alpha-omega]

Thank you Mr. May.
A heart wrenching account.
Grateful to you for taking time to share your story.
Hats off to you good

[Johnnyo]

A podcast like this is so good for so many different reasons if you have to ask you’ll never understand but for the ones that get it we appreciate it very much thank you for what you gentlemen do and have done for this country

[wholenation]

Thank You Mr. Jimmy May & Mr. Willink

[BBEEAATTNNGGUU]

I'm so sick of seeing politicians who are destroying my country while simultaneously I'm losing the veterans who kept it safe. Change is needed NOW.

[aaaarrrr]

I hope that American leaders could have the moral compass of Jocko and his brothers.

[toRespectReggae]

Love these war podcasts. Always interesting listening to war stories. Thinking about joining the Jocko T-shirt club

[breakthespell]

Am I the only one who makes the mistake of starting these podcasts at 9pm??... this is good stuff 🔥 lots of life lessons #cantstoplistening

[mriegger]

Summary: Everything in life is easy, until I met Jocko. He tapped me out then made me do super-squats.

[MyEric]

It’s been awhile since I’ve laughed a lot during a Jocko podcast episode but Jimmy made me crack up 😂 bloody good episode 🤝🏽

[theundergroundlairofthesqu]

Spent most of the podcast thinking movie version of Jimmy May would be played by Pedro Pascal. Towards the end, Echo talks about learning about the reputation of Jimmy May and now I'm thinking Michael Shannon.