Actually what he told me was Dad I’m wasting your money and my time in college I would like to go in the Army…. As I always told him go at it hard and he obviously did …. He found his niche very proud of him and my two other kids “ great successful young adults” 😊
Served under this man when he was a 2nd Platoon Squad Leader in C Co., 1st Ranger Battalion. He was all about the men. One of my most respected leaders during my military service. When I describe what a true ranger is, HE is one of the men that comes to my mind. Him, and Joseph Pope, David Cannon, Everett Ledbetter, and many more during my Charlie Company experience. Thank you, CSM Johnson. RLTW.
I was just thinking to myself that he seems like a good one, but you never really know right? All of us who've served have had both, so I'm glad to hear it. Respect to you both.
Cannon was my 1sgt 2012-2016 B co 3/75. The epitome of Ranger. Wasn’t until I got out that I realized I walked amongst giants. Truly honored to have served next to men like Cannon. 👊🏼🙏🏼🎯
@@375JayR Good to hear. Its easy at the time when you're actively working to ignore the quality of those who are leaders, especially the good ones, as life runs more smoothly, allowing us to focus on other things. I also had some outstanding leadership during my time. For the majority of it really. I can now recognize how fortunate I was. As an everyday big army infantryman, I know just how much work you must have done to earn your spot in that unit. Respect.
CSM Johnson, an outstanding leader and Ranger. What an honor it must be to serve under this man. America would be in a better place, if young men (and women) have men of this caliber to look up to and follow. Hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon! The Army is better off with leaders like CSM Johnson.
Count this as the last days of real leadership. Late Millenials and Gen Z are NOT built like this at all. Social media has ruined the quality of the next generation of men and girls. The term "snob" has taken over their entire psyche.
Absolutely humbled to have served with several of the NCOs that the RSM mentioned by name. I appreciate my small part of this time in Ranger History and to have served with these astounding leaders who always set and upheld the standards. RLTW!
In the process of enlistment right now, have been dedicated to the idea of rangers for over 5 months. I left college because I felt something was missing and it didn’t challenge me in aspects I wanted challenged. I wanted to enlist because I wanted to gain proper discipline and challenge myself mentally as well as physically. Signing on as a 68W Option 40. part of the reason I’m so confident in my want for rangers is because of people like this that believe so deeply in the brotherhood and nose to the grindstone mindset that the rangers embody - or any special operations unit embody for that matter.
"A" Company, 2nd Bn, 75th Infantry (RANGER), Ft Lewis, WA. 1975 - 76. Served under CPT Robert L. Howard, Medal of Honor recipient. This was the best experience of my life. It molded my character and taught me everything a man needs to know about his capabilities and limitations. Rangers Lead the Way !
Remember when he was my Ag on my gustaf gun team in 1/75. Knew he would do great things glad it all came to fruition. Best gun team comp champs crushing the 3 miler. RLTW
I am really proud that CSM Johnson is the value of the premier raid force. Crazy I met MG Kurilla when I was a bragg and he made a timehack for all units to be released at 1300. Still cleaning weapons around 1330. All I heard was the whole company go to attention and Kurilla who is like 6'7 at least with his staff came into my company. I have never seem my 1SG and CO look more frightened. Long behold we got our early release.
Thank you for your service CSM Johnson. Awesome interview, truly inspirational. If you was to solve our recruiting issues please find a way to get CSM Johnson in front of our young men and women.
What a phenomenal Ranger and human. Congratulations on your career and thank you for all you've done for America. I was happily surprised to hear the recommendation of the book Code Over Country.
My Father is a Retired Staff Sergeant Major E-9 15 yrs , growing up & learning from him was what got me through rough times in life appreciate your service and salute to the rest of your family Brothers in service thank you !
WATCHED THE WHOLE VIDEO. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY IN RESPECT TO CSM JOHNSON HOOAHH, I DO COME FROM A SEMPER FIDELIS BACKGROUND HONORING MY COMMAND MY MARINE CORPS MENTALITY GO NAVY BEAT ARMY, AND EVEN THEN I SAY GO MARINES BEAT NAVY YET WE HAVE NO TEAM YET, HONORING MY COMMAND AS AN ENLISTED MARINE RESPECT HAS TO BE GIVEN TO THOSE SELECT INDIVIDUALS WHO PUT SERVICE BEFORE SELF. I WILL ALWAYS BE A MARINE TO THE CORE AND UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SO AGAIN COMING FROM A MARINE OOORAH!!! GOD BLESS OUR SERVICE MEMBERS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸
My name is Aaron I’m 30 years old from Arizona “ I want to join the Army Rangers I always wanted to since the History of Dday and what I learned in history I don’t think it’s to late, honestly I feel like it’s a calling in my life that won’t leave.. I did the asvab practice test straight off the back without knowing what I’m running in too -‘and i scored a 40-58% right off back. I’m not sure if that’s good. But I’m willing to earn everything along the way.”
I was on Hunter Army Airfield 260th Quarter Master Battalion.Jan 89- April 92 Ranger Barracks were behind mine. Great folks .Ranger leadership would task 260th QM for support. To a man the Rangers treated us very well..I was in Awe of them...
I laugh because my moms 4 brothers were in the Navy 3 decided that submarines were for them. My brother was 101st Airborne Ranger became a Pathfinder while serving in Vietnam Nam. I thank you for your service. I thank your families their service for those in uniform and those who kept the families intact at home. Again thank you.❤
This guy sounds like a phenomenal leader. If only you could get this type and calibre of man into the White House instead of the two very old gentleman who are going to fight it out.
Well, didn't it all go South fast from there. 😅🙈 At least it seems all the genuinely well intentioned people from both sides have now united.beuund the younger of the two elderly gentlemen. 🤷♂️😊
I would be curious to see the out processing program the Rangers have in place. I served for 03'-15 and deployed pretty much non-stop my whole career. When I was getting out I remember asking my commander for something. I don't remember what I needed from him but I remember his answer. "Why would I waste my time helping someone who is quitting on the Army when I can be helping soldiers who are still here." Blew my mind and instantly changed my entire mentality of the Army. I never once did another thing for the Army. I finished my year out completely self-centered and selfish. I quit showing up to PT. ACAP and medical appointments non-stop. I just turned in to the biggest shit bag my last year in. What made it worse, nothing really changed positively or negatively. 1 comment from 1 leader changed my entire outlook on the military. I miss my boys of course.
You probably know my nephew. He’s a sniper. Walked away from dozens of college football scholarships. My dad was a sniper. My uncle was a LRRP and tunnel rat in Vietnam. My great uncle landed on D-Day. He lost his parents and wanted to fight.
He’s dropping some serious Pearls of Wisdom. One doesn’t have to be in the military to have a Ranger Mindset! Start Today! Life is too short to go through fat, stupid and lazy! Thank you for your Service to our Country.
you cant unsee what you see, wait Rick Merrit,, you must have been in my platoon......... he was 3rd sqd 3rd plt Bco 3rd bn when i got there he missed somalia but i was sure that he would swim his way there......
Age is nothing but a number my guy…go check out SFC Brian Marx he talks about how he was 41 when he completed RASP1. Also I had the great pleasure of working with an E5/Sergeant who I believe was 40 when he got to 2nd Ranger Battalion and went to Ranger School at 41 or 42…he was a straight through graduate which is difficult to do but he did and earned his TAB.
What he said about the Navy SEALs is not true. You are only going to the Fleet as a Boatswain Mate if you fail SEAL training and have NO contract or no A School. Cleaning in the military is part of all branches of lower pay-grades. You get to learn to clean since Boot Camp/Basic Training. When you get to any command at any unit or branch, you are at the bottom and will get all the $hitty and entry level duties until you work yourself up and move up in rank. Boatswain Mate is a lot more than cleaning. It's keeping the ship operational.
There's a lot of reasons to be a blue collar person or an enlisted person. I was an officer. And I did not find it, the brotherhood, as much. But, still glad I did it. At all levels you can still be screwed over by the system. I know some guys kicked out of the Rangers after failiing Ranger School for b.s. reasons.... but I still think that the Army is a great family. The Army tries to take care of people and their family.
Ranger leadership needs to talk about why ranger culture eats their own. Instead of building soldiers up, Regiment cares about image. I watched so many guys get removed because it was easier to hide difficult problems rather than solve them like leaders should. Good rangers tend to end up in a group and the best rangers end up at SMU. only the complaint stay at reg.
Are we talking within the last 15 years or before? I don’t think that is as prevalent as it was in the past, so curious what timeline you are referring to.
There have been several in leadership roles, but it’s not openly and outwardly discussed. Our belief on why is because the unit chooses not to highlight anything other than performance. Sex, creed, religion, color, etc. doesn’t have a place and shouldn’t be focused on. Everyone earns their beret each day under the same standard.
Actually what he told me was Dad I’m wasting your money and my time in college I would like to go in the Army…. As I always told him go at it hard and he obviously did …. He found his niche very proud of him and my two other kids “ great successful young adults” 😊
@hkhkhk919 research them and go from there.
dont worry about that now. decide when you are ready to join@hkhkhk919
@hkhkhk919both are badass dudes
🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
That his is skill set
Served under this man when he was a 2nd Platoon Squad Leader in C Co., 1st Ranger Battalion. He was all about the men. One of my most respected leaders during my military service. When I describe what a true ranger is, HE is one of the men that comes to my mind. Him, and Joseph Pope, David Cannon, Everett Ledbetter, and many more during my Charlie Company experience. Thank you, CSM Johnson. RLTW.
RLTW
I was just thinking to myself that he seems like a good one, but you never really know right?
All of us who've served have had both, so I'm glad to hear it. Respect to you both.
Cannon was my 1sgt 2012-2016 B co 3/75. The epitome of Ranger. Wasn’t until I got out that I realized I walked amongst giants. Truly honored to have served next to men like Cannon. 👊🏼🙏🏼🎯
@@375JayR
Good to hear. Its easy at the time when you're actively working to ignore the quality of those who are leaders, especially the good ones, as life runs more smoothly, allowing us to focus on other things.
I also had some outstanding leadership during my time. For the majority of it really. I can now recognize how fortunate I was.
As an everyday big army infantryman, I know just how much work you must have done to earn your spot in that unit. Respect.
Was colonel Kershaw your Battalion commamder?
Army needs more leaders like CSM Johnson. Outstanding.
CSM Johnson, an outstanding leader and Ranger. What an honor it must be to serve under this man. America would be in a better place, if young men (and women) have men of this caliber to look up to and follow.
Hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon! The Army is better off with leaders like CSM Johnson.
Semper Fi! Don't care what branch he's a true leader, as combat vet and first responder , Yut !
🖍️😁
Great Ranger. He was coming in the seat at 3rd Battalion when I️ was getting ready to race. The epitome of a phenomenal leader. Very proud of him.
Aco 375 🤘🏽
Grew up in Aco 2/75 with SMAJ Hugh A Roberts.. great man/leader/Ranger. The apple hasnt fallen far... thank you for all of your sacrifice CSM Johnson.
What an impressive and articulate CSM. Ive worked with some good NCO, but nothing like this man. Awesome. RLTW and congrats on a phenomenal career
Count this as the last days of real leadership. Late Millenials and Gen Z are NOT built like this at all. Social media has ruined the quality of the next generation of men and girls. The term "snob" has taken over their entire psyche.
This guy is the real deal, especially on the nuances of leadership 💪
As a 25 year veteran, this was a fantastic listen!! When a podcast is so good you take notes?? Yeah.. Score!
This is the kind of leader where if he told me to run into the heat of battle and fight to the end, I would do it in a heartbeat
Absolutely humbled to have served with several of the NCOs that the RSM mentioned by name. I appreciate my small part of this time in Ranger History and to have served with these astounding leaders who always set and upheld the standards. RLTW!
I was a private with Brett, great guy then, amazing Ranger career! RLTW!
In the process of enlistment right now, have been dedicated to the idea of rangers for over 5 months. I left college because I felt something was missing and it didn’t challenge me in aspects I wanted challenged. I wanted to enlist because I wanted to gain proper discipline and challenge myself mentally as well as physically. Signing on as a 68W Option 40.
part of the reason I’m so confident in my want for rangers is because of people like this that believe so deeply in the brotherhood and nose to the grindstone mindset that the rangers embody - or any special operations unit embody for that matter.
Won't be easy, but I can tell you it's worth it. Good luck! RLTW! 🇺🇲
Excellence at best RSM, from a fellow CSM. Thank you for your service and grooming future Rangers. RLTW
SGM I had the pleasure of meeting you at an undisclosed location, it’s been an honor
"A" Company, 2nd Bn, 75th Infantry (RANGER), Ft Lewis, WA. 1975 - 76. Served under CPT Robert L. Howard, Medal of Honor recipient. This was the best experience of my life. It molded my character and taught me everything a man needs to know about his capabilities and limitations. Rangers Lead the Way !
One of my personal heroes and to watch him grow into this type of leader/man is simply phenomenal…I could not be prouder!
Remember when he was my Ag on my gustaf gun team in 1/75. Knew he would do great things glad it all came to fruition. Best gun team comp champs crushing the 3 miler. RLTW
🙏🙏🙏 a real privilege to listen.., thank you for NZ🇳🇿 👍🇺🇸
I remember him as a SFC & 1SG, glad to see he’s still getting after it
Truly one of the greats. Idk how I stumbled across this. Good episode, good listen. rock solid leader.
I am really proud that CSM Johnson is the value of the premier raid force. Crazy I met MG Kurilla when I was a bragg and he made a timehack for all units to be released at 1300. Still cleaning weapons around 1330. All I heard was the whole company go to attention and Kurilla who is like 6'7 at least with his staff came into my company. I have never seem my 1SG and CO look more frightened. Long behold we got our early release.
Serving in the same company with this legend was an experience will always provide me with a source of motivation.
huge thing i have adopted is being All In All The Time, and hearing this from such a respectable man is so cool.
Proud of your service. We need more leadership like yours. Keep moving forward.
Real American hero, not only because of his achievements but because of his heart and soul.
Thank you for your service Sergeant Major!! OIF07-09 OEF 10-11
Thank you for your service CSM Johnson. Awesome interview, truly inspirational. If you was to solve our recruiting issues please find a way to get CSM Johnson in front of our young men and women.
I was in 3rd batt back in the 80”$ and got to do a few missions and hang with Sgt . major Purdy he was straight up legend !
Brother was you in 3rd batt 85 july???
What a great leader. I was just a regular infantryman. Wish I'd gone to Ranger school
Same here. Wish I'd been more 'hooah' back in my 11B days.
@@omarquijada9979I spent 5yrs as a peacetime infantryman ‘97-‘02. What a complete waste of time and energy.
@chuckiepeoples You did your part. Those 5 years are more than most will ever have the balls to do.
I wish we have more leaders like CSM Brett Johnson in our world. Great guy. Salute!
This is a true gentleman!!! Thank you for defending my freedom
I went to RIP with him he hasn't changed at all great dude!
From a retired Marine, enjoyed listening to this video. I was a grunt or as the Army used to say a leg.
What a phenomenal Ranger and human. Congratulations on your career and thank you for all you've done for America. I was happily surprised to hear the recommendation of the book Code Over Country.
Did he mention the book in this interview?
@@WhatsNextFam Yes, he did.
Thanks, CSM. Great talk. Great interview. Thanks for the recalibration. Needed to hear that. RLTW. Cco 2/75 '88-'91. God Bless!
Awesome interview! Production is top tier. Curious what was used to film 🎥.
Thanks for a great episode, I downloaded it and can not wait to show it to my son and discussing all the the topics mentioned by this Leader of Men
A good leader's imprint always stays with you. Mine was Senior DS Holmes, 2/80th Ft. Sill OK. Proudly represented the tab he wore.
This was a very good and interesting vid. Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Merritt, that's a name I haven't heard in a long time! Monster of dude. Running barefoot over Savannah Bridge, IIRC.
Merrit was old
School beast
I miss when the military had better standards and wanted quality, not quantity. Great interview!
My Father is a Retired Staff Sergeant Major E-9 15 yrs , growing up & learning from him was what got me through rough times in life appreciate your service and salute to the rest of your family Brothers in service thank you !
Staff Sergeant Major?🤨
This is a TRUE leader!
Solid leader, was SGM of 3rd batt when I was there
Rick Merritt put me through RIP, then came to Cco 3/75. He ended up as the CSM of 3/75... total stud.
Great conversation!
Great interview.
Thank you CSM Johnson for saying: Ametures do it until they do it right, Professionals do it until they cannot do it wrong. @ 46:26
WATCHED THE WHOLE VIDEO. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY IN RESPECT TO CSM JOHNSON HOOAHH, I DO COME FROM A SEMPER FIDELIS BACKGROUND HONORING MY COMMAND MY MARINE CORPS MENTALITY GO NAVY BEAT ARMY, AND EVEN THEN I SAY GO MARINES BEAT NAVY YET WE HAVE NO TEAM YET, HONORING MY COMMAND AS AN ENLISTED MARINE RESPECT HAS TO BE GIVEN TO THOSE SELECT INDIVIDUALS WHO PUT SERVICE BEFORE SELF. I WILL ALWAYS BE A MARINE TO THE CORE AND UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SO AGAIN COMING FROM A MARINE OOORAH!!! GOD BLESS OUR SERVICE MEMBERS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸
Pinnacle of military aptitude
Watching this just gave some hope and inspiration
I'm glad I did instead of wished I would have.. I like that..
My son is at fort Moore now I’m proud of him he can do anything in life he chose to be a Ranger God speed son
Awesome dude! Really like this guy! Stud.
SFC Merritt was my platoon sergeant, he was a legend!
wonder if this is the very same "Brett" that Mike Edwards (also career long ranger and ex RRC operator) mentions in some of his interviews?.
My name is Aaron I’m 30 years old from Arizona “ I want to join the Army Rangers I always wanted to since the History of Dday and what I learned in history I don’t think it’s to late, honestly I feel like it’s a calling in my life that won’t leave.. I did the asvab practice test straight off the back without knowing what I’m running in too -‘and i scored a 40-58% right off back. I’m not sure if that’s good. But I’m willing to earn everything along the way.”
An AFQT of 50 is above the national average. Your recruiter is the best place to start your journey.
@@Mentors4mil yes sir thank you.
Awesome interview. But you left out this question: "How does it feel to be a member of the SOF with the shortest training pipeline?"
I was on Hunter Army Airfield 260th Quarter Master Battalion.Jan 89- April 92 Ranger Barracks were behind mine. Great folks .Ranger leadership would task 260th QM for support. To a man the Rangers treated us very well..I was in Awe of them...
What a stud. Every generation has heroes like this. It's the only thing that keeps america free
I laugh because my moms 4 brothers were in the Navy 3 decided that submarines were for them. My brother was 101st Airborne Ranger became a Pathfinder while serving in Vietnam Nam. I thank you for your service. I thank your families their service for those in uniform and those who kept the families intact at home. Again thank you.❤
Appreciate your service and story sir 🙏 💪
Wow, that guy is awesome ❤
This guy sounds like a phenomenal leader. If only you could get this type and calibre of man into the White House instead of the two very old gentleman who are going to fight it out.
Well, didn't it all go South fast from there. 😅🙈
At least it seems all the genuinely well intentioned people from both sides have now united.beuund the younger of the two elderly gentlemen. 🤷♂️😊
Hoaah! Great leaders make great leaders!
Ok i want this guy to teach me soldiering now.
75 - 80....old school !!
I am curious to know what CSM Johnsons thought about the first women in Ranger School and how the standards were lowered for them.
It says more about our young men than about the Army recruiting women. If there was a pipeline, women wouldn't an issue
Enjoyed listening
I would be curious to see the out processing program the Rangers have in place. I served for 03'-15 and deployed pretty much non-stop my whole career. When I was getting out I remember asking my commander for something. I don't remember what I needed from him but I remember his answer. "Why would I waste my time helping someone who is quitting on the Army when I can be helping soldiers who are still here." Blew my mind and instantly changed my entire mentality of the Army. I never once did another thing for the Army. I finished my year out completely self-centered and selfish. I quit showing up to PT. ACAP and medical appointments non-stop. I just turned in to the biggest shit bag my last year in. What made it worse, nothing really changed positively or negatively. 1 comment from 1 leader changed my entire outlook on the military. I miss my boys of course.
This is wild. He must have been a few RIP classes before me. Just another dude when I got to 1st bat.
You probably know my nephew. He’s a sniper. Walked away from dozens of college football scholarships. My dad was a sniper. My uncle was a LRRP and tunnel rat in Vietnam. My great uncle landed on D-Day. He lost his parents and wanted to fight.
CSM Johnson has the Job I wanted when I went to go Sign up in 1986.
Never got to Regiment..got tabbed an an E5P...82nd .didn't have RASP..then .CSM SHOCKLEE .RIP
He’s dropping some serious Pearls of Wisdom. One doesn’t have to be in the military to have a Ranger Mindset! Start Today! Life is too short to go through fat, stupid and lazy! Thank you for your Service to our Country.
Our Rangers deserve the best leadership 👍🏻
The definition of a squared away American. Great interview.
Interesting book suggestions
19 deployments sounds like a lot of time to be away from family
you cant unsee what you see, wait Rick Merrit,, you must have been in my platoon......... he was 3rd sqd 3rd plt Bco 3rd bn when i got there he missed somalia but i was sure that he would swim his way there......
I miss being in army everyday.
I was in first amored division in Germany too
His story checks out...
If you want to live a life of danger, you need to be an Airborne Ranger.
Step it up and go SF/Delta.
Sf is not a step up from regiment… they have completely different jobs.
@@christianhenderson1739in certain ways.. it is. Regiment deals with direct action as their forte but that is not the end all be all
@@kevinphillips150can you go from Ranger to Delta?
@Kakeguru117 you can come from anywhere to Delta
I’m 26 turning 27 this year am I old to join ranger regiment?
No. See a recruiter.
Age is nothing but a number my guy…go check out SFC Brian Marx he talks about how he was 41 when he completed RASP1.
Also I had the great pleasure of working with an E5/Sergeant who I believe was 40 when he got to 2nd Ranger Battalion and went to Ranger School at 41 or 42…he was a straight through graduate which is difficult to do but he did and earned his TAB.
NO young man, if your head and body can handle it! GO for it, good luck and prayer's.👍💪😎🇺🇸🙏
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! ❤️🙏🫡🥃🥃😢🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I went to rip in 1989 at 19 years old and failed swim test 😅 didn't know strong swimming skills required
What he said about the Navy SEALs is not true. You are only going to the Fleet as a Boatswain Mate if you fail SEAL training and have NO contract or no A School. Cleaning in the military is part of all branches of lower pay-grades. You get to learn to clean since Boot Camp/Basic Training. When you get to any command at any unit or branch, you are at the bottom and will get all the $hitty and entry level duties until you work yourself up and move up in rank. Boatswain Mate is a lot more than cleaning. It's keeping the ship operational.
There's a lot of reasons to be a blue collar person or an enlisted person. I was an officer. And I did not find it, the brotherhood, as much. But, still glad I did it. At all levels you can still be screwed over by the system. I know some guys kicked out of the Rangers after failiing Ranger School for b.s. reasons.... but I still think that the Army is a great family. The Army tries to take care of people and their family.
I was expecting him to discuss rasp 2
He is humble
Ranger leadership needs to talk about why ranger culture eats their own. Instead of building soldiers up, Regiment cares about image. I watched so many guys get removed because it was easier to hide difficult problems rather than solve them like leaders should. Good rangers tend to end up in a group and the best rangers end up at SMU. only the complaint stay at reg.
Are we talking within the last 15 years or before? I don’t think that is as prevalent as it was in the past, so curious what timeline you are referring to.
The man sergeant major thank you for your service
I was team leader in the 82nd abn and we didn't have csm like Johnson or i would've stayed for 30
How are the female rangers doing? Any in leadership roles or just wearing the tab?
There have been several in leadership roles, but it’s not openly and outwardly discussed. Our belief on why is because the unit chooses not to highlight anything other than performance. Sex, creed, religion, color, etc. doesn’t have a place and shouldn’t be focused on. Everyone earns their beret each day under the same standard.
Did u lead Steve Bell?
Gen kurilla? The centcom cg?
How in the world are you sitting in the middle of a room and getting good sound? Just curious.
Good microphones.