{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"071 - Getting to Know Michael Bearden | From Green Beret to Defend Systems","description":"In this episode, we sit down with Michael Bearden, Defend Systems\u2019 new VP of Strategy and a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Mike shares the story of his military career, from deploying to Iraq just months after graduating high school, to working in some of the most demanding environments in modern warfare, to eventually serving in 5th Special Forces Group. Along the way, he discusses Ranger School, combat deployments to the Middle East and Central Asia, the realities behind Special Operations missions, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to operate in high-stakes environments. Mike also reflects on a life-changing incident in which he was accidentally shot, his transition into Special Forces, being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year, and how his experiences ultimately led him to Defend Systems. This conversation offers a look at leadership, resilience, training, decision-making, and what it means to Mike to prepare people for their worst day. 2:30 \u2013 Introduction to Michael Bearden, Defend Systems\u2019 newest team member and former Green Beret 3:09 \u2013 Growing up in a military family and knowing early on he would join the Army 6:00 \u2013 Deploying to Iraq just months after basic training 8:00 \u2013 Learning to drive under night vision in a Humvee during deployment 9:15 \u2013 Mike\u2019s first deployment and the events later chronicled in Black Hearts 11:45 \u2013 Second deployment with the 101st Airborne and attending Ranger School 12:55 \u2013 Why Ranger School carries so much respect in the military 15:30 \u2013 Leadership lessons from Ranger School that shaped Mike\u2019s life and career 16:20 \u2013 A 15-month deployment to northwest Baghdad during a major insurgency campaign 17:30 \u2013 Mike\u2019s first exposure to Special Forces culture and operations 19:00 \u2013 Operation Dragon Strike and fighting in Taliban strongholds 20:35 \u2013 A life-altering friendly fire incident before a patrol 24:00 \u2013 Recovering in a Kandahar hospital and deciding to pursue Special Forces 25:30 \u2013 What Special Forces looks for: critical thinkers and independent decision-makers 32:25 \u2013 The structure and self-sufficiency required of a 12-man Green Beret team 36:05 \u2013 \u201cWe train for the mission we\u2019re designed for, the mission we\u2019re assigned, and our worst day.\u201d 37:15 \u2013 Joining 5th Special Forces Group and meeting Adam McIntyre 38:00 \u2013 The reality of military free-fall operations versus Army commercials 40:50 \u2013 The decentralized decision-making culture within Special Operations 46:20 \u2013 Being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year 48:45 \u2013 Why teaching and mentorship are core parts of being a Green Beret 50:45 \u2013 Retirement from the Army and joining Tennessee Governor\u2019s Veteran Fellowship 52:30 \u2013 Reconnecting with Adam McIntyre and joining Defend Systems 58:05 \u2013 What ultimately drew Mike to Defend Systems and its mission 1:01:00 \u2013 Connecting the 5th Group motto, \u201cFree the Oppressed,\u201d to empowering civilians through training ","author_name":"Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/tipstacticstools.libsyn.com\/website","html":"