Permission To Speak Freely

Damo, Damon, and Aaron are joined by Commander Desmond Walker and Commander Frank “Siri” Bonner for a conversation that moves from everyday Navy life into deeper discussions on leadership, pressure, and personal growth. The episode opens with a light debate before the group gets into real-world leadership challenges, including communication breakdowns around a last-minute barracks town hall and the expectations that come with coordinating across commands. That conversation leads into a broader discussion on standards and perception, sparked by a viral photo that had the Navy talking. From there, Commander Walker reflects on his recent deployment, sharing insight on crew endurance, shared sacrifice, and how leadership decisions early on can shape performance later. The group builds on that by discussing what makes a Sailor stand out, shifting into a deeper conversation on resiliency, ownership, and growth over time. The conversation continues with a debate on Enlisted Leadership Development (ELD), questioning whether Sailors lack access to resources or simply aren’t using what’s available. Different perspectives emerge on leadership responsibility, authority, and when to step in versus when to let people figure things out. As the episode progresses, the tone becomes more personal. The group reflects on pressure, influence, and the idea of the “alternative Sailor,” highlighting how small moments and mentorship can change someone’s path. Commander Bonner’s “Gangster of the Week” adds a powerful moment centered on resilience and growth. The episode closes with a conversation on ethics, leadership boundaries, and how leaders show up outside the uniform. Commander Walker speaks candidly about balancing career demands with family and the importance of acknowledging both success and failure along the way. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

 

Cover photograph taken by William Cotton of 901 Photography -

https://www.instagram.com/william_cotton_photography?igsh=MTN6aXluNHM2aHZ6bw==

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Capt. Charles R. Harmon, Branch Head of Enlisted Plans and Policy (OPNAV N132), joins the Permission to Speak Freely Podcast for a conversation on SEM, billet-based advancement, and what Sailors are experiencing across the fleet.

 

The discussion moves through how the system is designed to work, where confusion is coming from, and how decisions are being made at the command and detailer level. Questions from the fleet drive the conversation, touching on ETPs, marketplace dynamics, command involvement, and the gap between policy and understanding.

 

When Capt. Harmon leaves, Career Counselor Chief Joey Sawyer, also known as “Fat Chief,” continues the conversation with a look at the newly released Decision Guide Memorandum 007 and what it could mean for technical standards, command involvement, and how Sailors approach their careers. They also get into email signature etiquette. Do you really need all your collateral duties in your signature? The conversation continues with Joey sharing his approach to discipline, time management, and using small pockets of time to stay consistent, along with how he communicates complex information in a way Sailors can actually use. Respective “Do Betters” are shared.  These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

Resources for this Episode:

Billet-Based Advancement (MyNavyHr) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Enlisted/Billet-Based-Advancement/

Senior Enlisted Marketplace (MyNavyHr) - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Detailing/Enlisted/Senior-Enlisted-Marketplace/

BBA Handbook 3.0 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Enlisted/DetailingMarketplace/BBA%20Handbook%203-0.pdf?ver=dH_5cVh2sPIXHomd8SAiwA%3D%3D

Advancement Manual - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/Instructions/BUPERS/BUPERSINST%201430.16.pdf

 

 

MyNavyHR:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mynavyhr/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyNAVYHR/

 

Joey Sawyer, aka “Fat Chief”:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fat_chief_usn/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Fat-Chief-61573142126612/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7k2A6OPj001XWkQND99KA

 

 

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

 

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

 

 

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Retired Navy Captain and author of Letters to Myself, John Cordle joins the show to talk through leadership, experience, and the perspective behind his book.

 

Damo sits down one-on-one with Cordle, a former Commanding Officer and long-time surface warfare officer, to get into the lessons that come from time in the Navy, the realities of decision-making, and how those experiences shaped what he chose to put on paper. The conversation moves through leadership at different levels, how mindset shifts over time, and the challenge of turning real-world experience into something others can learn from. They also get into what the book is built around, the themes it focuses on, and who it’s written for—giving listeners a clearer picture of what they can expect when they pick it up.

 

Buy a copy of the book now: https://stonetowerpress.com/shop-2/authors/john-cordle/letters-to-myself/

 

To attend the book singing in Annapolis at Old Fox Books - https://www.facebook.com/events/1328250259143019/?ref_source=NEWS_FEED

 

Connect with Dr. Cordle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordlejp/

About our Guest:

Master Chief Green was born in Westerly, RI, and raised in Woodbine, GA. He graduated from Camden County High School in 2004. He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in March 2006 as a Culinary Specialist. He is a graduate of the United States Senior Enlisted Academy, Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Master Chief’s sea duty assignments include USS Annapolis (SSN 760), USS Virginia (SSN 774), USS Greeneville (SSN 772). In October 2022, he reported to USS Hampton (SSN 767) as Chief of the Boat. During that COB tour, he completed a Western Pacific Deployment, two SOUTCOMs, ICE CAMP 2024, and a change of homeport from San Diego to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His shore duty assignments include Enlisted Aide to the Director of Naval Reactors, Lead Instructor for Navy Food Management Team New London, and Lead Culinary Specialist Commander Submarine Forces. Master Chief Green is currently the Command Master Chief for Submarine Readiness Squadron 32. Master Chief Green’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit citations.

 

About the Episode:

 

CMDCM Jacob Green joins the show for a real look beneath the surface of submarine life. The guys dive straight into what it actually means to live and lead in a world with no sunlight, limited communication, and nowhere to go but each other. From the pressure of those first 12 months onboard to earning your dolphins, Jake breaks down the grind, the expectations, and the culture that defines the submarine force. They get into everything from daily life underway, food operations, and damage control to the mental toll of long deployments with little to no contact back home. Conversations shift between leadership at the highest levels, building trust in tight spaces, and how sailors adapt when privacy doesn’t exist, and every role matters. Along the way, the episode moves naturally between submarine life and broader Navy experiences. The crew trades stories and perspectives, including surface-side experiences like UNREPs and mail call during COVID deployments, adding contrast to just how different life can be across platforms. Jake shares his personal journey from high school athlete to submarine life, his first deployment experience, how he ended up on his first boat, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation also touches on advancements in submarine technology, morale underway, and the realities of quality of life both at sea and ashore. From leadership philosophies to the small moments that keep sailors going, this episode captures the full spectrum of what it means to serve. These topics and more are covered in this episode.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]

 

 

 

Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

 

 

 

PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

This Reflash is a double feature.

Two conversations brought back together in one episode, centered on accountability, perception, and how Sailors navigate the system. Featuring ABCM (Ret.) Alquin Parker, the discussion takes a deep dive into the CPO selection board process and the decisions that shape a career.

From how board members are selected to what should be included in your package, the conversation breaks down the process in a way that’s direct and practical. The team also explores what really matters when preparing for advancement. Sustained superior performance versus early promote, the role of the career summary letter, and whether common beliefs like the “five year penalty box” actually hold weight.

They also get into the reality of sitting a selection board, offering perspective on how records are viewed, how decisions are made, and what Sailors should be thinking about long before their package is submitted.

This isn’t just about making Chief. It’s about understanding the process, challenging assumptions, and being intentional about how you show up on paper and in practice.

Two episodes. One conversation that still matters.