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The Fight to Join the Army as a Sikh and Navigating without GPS | Kanwar Singh
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Entrepreneurship and Finding Your Path in the Military | Dondre Lawson
Having a college education is one of the best ways to help a former military member transition into civilian life. But is it possible to pursue your dreams while still serving your country? In this episode, I chat with Dondre Lawson, Senior Operations Sergeant in the Maryland National Guard and CEO of Emerald Technical Solutions, as he shares his journey of using military service to achieve educational, professional, and entrepreneurial success. Tune in to learn how to unlock the hidden benefits of the Guard and build a brighter future.Dondre’s Background After joining the Maryland National Guard at 18, Dondre Lawson discovered a passion for the IT field. Over the years, he earned several degrees that paved the way for his role as CEO of Emerald Technical Solutions, a company specializing in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. He also runs a nonprofit organization, Defense Interns, to help connect high school students with real-world career experiences. The Value of Guard Benefits Dondre discovered the educational benefits offered by the Guard and utilized tuition assistance to pursue professional certifications. By earning a top-secret clearance and IT certifications, he unlocked opportunities in government contracting roles. He encourages Guard members to fully leverage these resources and approach their futures with a strategic mindset. Leadership Through Mentorship College isn’t the only path to career success—mentorship can be a powerful tool.Dondre advocates for "stacking mentors," learning from individuals at various stages of their careers. He credits mentorship with shaping his journey and inspiring him to create opportunities for others. His nonprofit, Defense Interns, embodies this philosophy by rotating students through different companies to help them develop a diverse set of skills.Balancing Guard Service and Business OwnershipDondre provides a unique perspective on managing dual roles as a Guardsman and a business owner. He discusses the challenges of supporting employees with military obligations and his strategies for maintaining continuity. Dondre also stresses the importance of hiring veterans, recognizing their unique skills and commitment."Think about where you'll be in 10 years. If you're 18, you'll be just 28—still young, but already halfway through your career. By then, you could have obtained a clearance, had your education paid for, maybe even deployed, and seen another part of the world." - Dondre Lawson. ResourcesDondre Lawson on LinkedInDefense InternsSponsorsThis episode of Part-Time Hitter is brought to you by Emerald Technical Solutions. Check them out at emeraldtechsolutions.tech.Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.comhttp://thefrattyguard.com
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Information Dominance, F-35s, and other stuff | Ryan McBeth
Just how advanced are information warfare and drone technology in today’s military operations? In this episode of Part-Time Hitter, we explore these topics and more with my guest, Ryan McBeth. A 20-year Army and National Guard veteran, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise in developing military technology. Tune in to hear his unique insights on military innovation and the civilian applications of cutting-edge tech. Ryan McBeth’s Background Currently, Ryan is at the forefront of groundbreaking work in open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection, drone technology, and humanitarian initiatives. He also collaborates with private intelligence companies and startups to push the boundaries of technology and its applications in both defense and civilian sectors. Beyond his military accomplishments, Ryan is a YouTube creator with over a million subscribers and a novelist. Revolutionizing Battlefield Support with Drones Ryan shares his involvement with AeroMedLab, a company developing AI-powered drones designed to deliver whole blood to soldiers in critical conditions. These drones navigate challenging environments where traditional medevac methods fail. He highlights how AI is being repurposed for humanitarian missions. From delivering blood to Special Forces operations to potentially aiding heat casualties in training environments like NTC, this technology is poised to save lives in future conflicts. The Future of Information Warfare Ryan discusses the role of misinformation and how adversaries use it to influence perceptions and decisions. He advocates for proactive approaches to managing narratives and ensuring accurate communication, both on and off the battlefield. Ryan’s Advice for Veterans and Innovators Ryan reflects on his transition from soldier to software engineer and intelligence analyst. His journey demonstrates how important it is to leverage military experience in civilian careers. Ryan’s insights into the tech and defense industries reveal the growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between operational expertise and technical innovation. He also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving long-term success. “I envision a future where drones are used less frequently on the battlefield but in a more strategic and judicious manner. With advancements in countermeasures, such as M-SHORAD systems and lasers capable of shooting down drones, their use will require greater sophistication. To survive, drones will need to fly low and fast, potentially powered by AI, as relying on radio links or GPS makes them vulnerable to targeting.” - Ryan McBeth. Resources https://ryanmcbeth.substack.com/ Ryan McBeth YouTube channel Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com http://thefrattyguard.com
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51:16
Foreign Area Officer, Embassy Parties, and Service2School | LCDR Alec Emmert
How do you know when gaining a higher education will bring you success in your military career?My special guest—and the first non-Army guest on the show—Alec Emmert, CEO of Service to School, answers this question and shares his Navy experiences. You’ll also discover career-enhancing opportunities within the Navy Reserve and learn how education can open doors to new professional pathways. Alec Emmert’s Background Alec discusses his journey from growing up in Brazil to attending the Naval Academy after 9/11. He highlights his time in the submarine force, deployments to CENTCOM, and how assignments in Bahrain and Italy ignited his passion for foreign affairs. Transitioning into the Navy Reserve allowed Alec to blend his military expertise with private-sector opportunities. The Navy Reserve Advantage Alec highlights unique opportunities within the Navy Reserve, including his role as a mission planner with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a position rarely accessible to junior officers on active duty. He also discusses working with Combined Task Force 56 (CTF-56) in Bahrain, where he supported civil affairs teams and planned international maritime security exercises. Advocating for Reservists: Changing Corporate Policies Alec recounts his efforts to improve McKinsey’s military leave policies after encountering challenges during a deployment. By leveraging veteran networks and internal advocates, he successfully secured better support for reservists. This ensures service members receive equitable treatment while balancing careers and military obligations. Service to School: Supporting Veterans in Higher Education Service to School is a program that helps veterans achieve academic success. Veterans can receive assistance with undergraduate degrees, MBAs, or law school. The nonprofit matches veterans with mentors who provide guidance tailored to their backgrounds and aspirations. Alec shares how the program can help servicemen gain admission to various schools and the mentorship they receive throughout. “The big thing I always tell everybody is don't self-select out. At the end of the day, we have seen so many success stories at Service to School. And people are often, they often doubt themselves and say, ‘Do I have what it takes to go to a top college?’ And the answer is you do.” - Alec Emmert. Resources Service To School Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com http://thefrattyguard.co
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Dominating the Weather | Air National Guard SWO MSGT Alek Schafer
What role does weather forecasting play in military operations? In this episode, I’m joined by MSGT Alex Schafer of the Air National Guard. Alek Schafer is a staff weather officer in the Air National Guard who has spent multiple tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa supporting the 160th SOAR, SOCAFRICA, AFSOC and multiple Army National Guard Aviation echelons. From the unique responsibilities of a Staff Weather Officer (SWO) to his reflections on mentoring the next generation of leaders, this conversation explores the intersection of service, adaptability, and leadership. Highlights from MSGT Schafer's Career Active Duty Beginnings: MSGT Schafer started his military journey on active duty, signing up as an open general recruit in 2007. Meteorology Expertise: He explains the critical role of SWOs in supporting Army aviation and operational readiness, including experiences during deployments to Fort Bliss and Afghanistan. Defining Moments: Alek recounts the challenge of forecasting weather during pivotal missions, including the limitations of weather predictions and the lessons learned from commanding officers. The Importance of Leadership in the Military Mentorship and Growth: Alek emphasizes the significance of finding mentors outside your field and cultivating a personalized leadership style. Evolving Responsibilities: As a senior enlisted leader, he reflects on the shift from technical focus to broader leadership responsibilities, aiming to prepare soldiers and airmen for future conflicts. Technical Expertise Meets Real-World Impact The Role of Data: Schafer discusses the sophisticated tools available to military meteorologists, including the Air Force's proprietary weather models. Challenges in a Data-Contested Environment: He sheds light on the importance of maintaining forecasting capabilities, even in data-denied scenarios. Advice for Aspiring Military Professionals Be Passionate and Resilient: Whether in meteorology or another field, Alek encourages embracing challenges with a mindset of growth. Adaptation and Innovation: He highlights the need for the next generation to train smarter, faster, and stronger to meet the complexities of modern warfare. “Find a mentor outside your career field or even your branch—someone you admire, not to emulate completely, but to learn from and incorporate aspects of their approach into your own leadership style. Strive to understand what it truly means to be a patriot and a leader. Know your purpose, and take the time to research and understand the "why" behind what you do. As I always say, "The REG will set you free." Be passionate about your work, whether in the military or elsewhere, because passion drives commitment.” - Alek Schafer. Resources Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com http://thefrattyguard.com
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57:06

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About Part-Time Hitter

Part-Time Hitter is designed to help you thrive as a reservist. We have conversations with reservists who are doing great things as a part of their service or in their civilian life, and give you the information you need to reach your goals. Listen in for information about programs, services, and bonuses you can take advantage of. Life as a reservist can be a tough balance, but Part-Time Hitter is here with the inspiration and tools you need to thrive.

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