Jocko Willink: A Modern-Day Achilles

Matthew Thomas
Jan 28 · 6 min read

My recent (and well overdue) discovery of the Joe Rogan Experience has brought about my learning of some of the most incredible people walking the earth today. Jocko Willink, retired Navy SEAL, is embedded amongst these men and women. Of course, there will likely never be a full consensus over the merit of Jocko’s accomplishments, deeds, and early career choice, but when you hear him speak it’s hard not to notice his decency. As I sat and listened in on the conversation I took note of his strong sense of being and understanding of everything entailed.

“Combat is like life but amplified and intensified… It’s similar to regular life except the consequences are obviously everything”

The episode begins with Jocko admitting his reluctance to gain a social media presence, write a book (Extreme Ownership), or give any publicity to his military career and achievements. This apprehensiveness gave way to his understanding of how valuable his principles, mentality, and experiences can be for an everyday person. In a later part of the podcast, he discusses the importance of maintaining balance between being a humble warrior and sharing his vital knowledge so that others may benefit.

“The day you say ‘I’ve learned everything there is to learn about this’ is the day you start to lose”

At first, the comparisons between Jocko Willink and Achilles may seem obvious. Achilles, widely considered one of the greatest heroes and warriors in or out of mythology, has remained in discussion over the ages. He’s also thought of as a tremendous leader in addition to being heralded for his heroics. The mere sight of Achilles’ armor would inspire hope in his allies and dread in his enemies. Jocko not only gave 20 years of military service but most notably led Seal Team 3, Task Unit Bruiser, alongside coalition forces in a successful effort that was largely considered a suicide operation — Battle of Ramadi. This task unit would go on to become the most highly decorated U.S. special operations unit of the Iraq War, featuring Jonny Kim, Michael Monsoor, Marc Alan Lee, Kevin Lacz and Chris Kyle, among others. Achilles and Jocko’s connection with war and glory is apparent, but to understand a deeper contrast between the two we look to Achilles’ fabled shield. Scholars have long debated the meaning and symbology that the shield potentially holds. The shield bears vivid depictions of the moon and stars, everyday life, love, happiness, poverty, riches, and even war itself. This tool of war seemingly serves as a constant reminder of what’s being fought for and why — both in good and evil.

When Jocko is asked to recount his 2006 tour in Iraq the conversation often seems to stray towards the humanity or lack thereof he couldn’t help but witness amongst the peril and death that battle brings. He details the surrealness of intense combat taking place amidst libraries, grocery stores, soccer stadiums, and even homes. He recalls instances where he and his forces would breach a compound gate only to find families living peacefully; a father working on a car, children playing soccer, or a mother preparing lunch. You get the impression that these instances and terrorism endured by the local population lent him perspective and a wholehearted belief in the operation and a U.S. presence in Iraq. He stood by the necessity of taking the city back from the “savages” that occupied the area. He fought against an enemy that would employ unfathomable and heinous acts of rape, skinnings, torture, and beheadings — sometimes directed to children. After the success of the operation and pressure from the American public, U.S. forces would be pulled from the city, which would ultimately lead to further terroristic rule. Jocko would reflect on this solemnly from an American government perspective, “we left them hanging”.

Jocko Willink and Leif Babin (right)

Throughout the conversation, Willink demonstrates a profound understanding of the different mentalities and perspectives that can be found on any given battlefield. He acknowledges the underlying sense of patriotism that the average American may share, which could lead to military service. He compares this to an average Iraqi citizen that would be willing to pick up arms and fight for any entity that would allow for a peaceful, decent day-to-day life. Perhaps the most touching part of the episode comes when Jocko speaks of how humbled and inspired he was by the conventional U.S. forces that had been fighting in Ramadi the past 14 months. Jocko makes constant references to these forces during the talk and identifies them as “unbelievable heroes”. He can’t help but get emotional when referring to the 28th Infantry Division “Iron Soldiers” — a National Guard unit from Pennsylvania. Jocko takes a moment to highlight the fact that these people are serving in the most violent and dangerous place in Iraq — all to get back home to their respective everyday jobs (teachers and bakers among them).

When Jocko was asked on Tim Ferriss’ podcast what the difference is between a good commander and a great commander the response was “humility”. Jocko has a way of illuminating the fact that principles of combat often transcend warfare and enter into the realm of an average person’s daily life. He makes constant references to leadership, discipline, accountability, preparation, resilience, and creativity. He points out that holding yourself accountable can be infectious for subordinates and team members. The sentiment that discipline affords freedom is expressed; discipline in spending offers financial freedom. Preparation was instrumental to the success of his first deployment. “Our tactical advantage over them was good enough that we just annihilated them. It was an unfair fight, which is what you want”. He knows that just because life isn’t being threatened directly it doesn’t mean the stakes aren’t high — firing someone, lay-offs, decision-making that impacts thousands of employees. Jocko teaches us about facing adversity when finding out his team is responsible for training Iraqi soldiers to fight alongside — some soldiers of which, can’t count, don’t understand left and right and are non-English speaking. He refers to leadership as exercises of creativity; finding ways to inspire followership or achieve a goal when all means to do so are apparently exhausted. His lack of dismissiveness to contemporary plight reflects his mindfulness.

Art by: jankrycinski.com @deerbard on Twitter

“In a leadership position you’re not worried about yourself getting hurt or killed, you’re worried about your guys getting hurt or killed”

The retired Luitenant Commander doesn’t take the notion of war lightly, which is refreshing to hear — especially from someone that feels he was born to lead in combat. He observes the fact that declaring war brings about horrible things that require “the will to kill and the will to die”. Jocko exudes a healthy American patriotism that allows him to praise the U.S. as well as criticize it for its missteps and shortcomings. It seems like a high appreciation for someone that made a name for himself taking the lives of the nation’s enemies, but all his calls for war and/or violence seem to be in the name of something bigger. When he hears someone condemn war on terrorism because it’s an ideology, he points to other ideologies that were overcome by our country with war — nazism, Japanese Imperialism and slavery, to name a few.


“We’re human beings and we’re imperfect”

Fortunately, Jocko’s life wasn’t taken during his military career; his legacy would remain in any case but because he is still with us we are able to learn from his insight and observe as he navigates life outside of the service to his country. Whether he is hired by a company to teach leadership, training in Jiu-Jitsu, writing a book, hosting a podcast, running a company, or simply reminding us of the importance of keeping your ego in check — there’s a lot to take in. Jocko is able to enjoy the life he saw on the other end; the life he fought to preserve. Achilles and other warriors are rarely afforded such a prize. If Jocko does have an “Achilles heel”, it may just be the human condition itself.

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