Everyday Warrior Podcast Episode 70: Michael Vickers

The Men’s Journal’s Everyday Warrior Podcast With Mike Sarraille is a podcast that inspires individuals to live more fulfilling lives by having conversations with disrupters and high performers from all walks of life. In episode 70, Sarraille spoke with Michael Vickers, an American defense official and a highly experienced counterterrorism strategist. 

Having witnessed the mistakes made after the Vietnam War, he understood the importance of preparing for irregular warfare on a large scale. The events of 9/11 further emphasized the need for increased capabilities in counterterrorism and the vital lesson of denying adversaries any safe havens. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining readiness and not underestimating the remaining threats, ensuring that the progress gained is not reversed. Vickers is a steadfast advocate for continued vigilance and effective counterterrorism practices. 

Listen to the full podcast above and see a timestamped overview of the interview below.

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[00:01:21] Hope we've learned counterterrorism lessons well.

[00:04:10] Father was WWII bomber, sought adventure, joined Special Forces.

[00:12:36] Challenges in Afghanistan, objectives, and war tactics.

[00:15:59] Local civil wars with terrorist threats misunderstood.

[00:18:18] Jihadists won in Afghanistan; terrorist attacks decrease.

[00:23:02] Global counterterrorism network disrupted plots post-9/11. Pakistan: frenemy, supported Taliban but helped against Al Qaeda. Difficult but necessary relationship.

[00:27:03] Iraq surge worked, but politics caused loss. ISIS formed in Syria due to inaction.

[00:30:02] Insurgencies last a long time, global jihadist groups are similar.

[00:33:13] US special operations forces become larger, better trained, diverse.

[00:40:11] 75th Range Regiment morphed, impressive guerrilla force. Challenges: volatile, uncertain, chaotic, ambiguous. China: enemy or competitor of the state?

[00:41:05] Competition between systems, won through economics/technology.

[00:44:58] Special Operations Forces vital for global influence.

[00:49:49] Different stress levels depending on the role.

[00:53:32] Passion, hard work, expertise, leadership, seizing opportunities.

[00:56:49] Appreciate your mentorship, rules, book release.