Part-Timing During Peak GWOT and Life After with | Benjamin Sledge

The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) sent 3 million soldiers overseas. Far from the comfort of their homes and deep within the turmoil of Iraq, soldiers had no choice but to show resilience and unwavering commitment to their mission.

In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary story of Benjamin Sledge, a distinguished veteran, as he shares his insights on military operations during GWOT, his transition to civilian life, and the personal growth he experienced from his service.

Meet Benjamin Sledge

Benjamin Sledge is a decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, primarily under special operations in the U.S. Army. After the military, Sledge transitioned into geopolitical intelligence and became certified in crisis response, trauma care, and suicide prevention. He has over 14 years of experience as a director and published author, with his award-winning book Where Cowards Go to Die.

Short-Staffed Situations and Heroic Acts

Currently, the military is experiencing a short-staffing issue, especially in the recruiting area. Lieutenants are fast-tracking their career paths and entering into roles that are typically held by captains. For example, Morgan Ashworth undertook a critical mission when he was unprepared for it due to short staffing. During this mission, the Civil Affairs (CA) team sprang into action to help his team. This heroic rescue could have been prevented if the military wasn’t short staffed.

Military Recruitment Challenges

The Gen Z population is heavily digitally isolated, causing them to not be a part of a community. If the military learns how to market itself as a community that offers purpose and connection, this may attract new recruits. We also explore how the military's current focus may have shifted from combat readiness to politically correct initiatives, affecting the quality of recruits.

Where Cowards Go to Die

Inspired by Benjamin's experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, his book, Where Cowards Go to Die, explores the harsh realities of war. It also fosters an understanding of the deep psychological scars war leaves on those who serve. The book has garnered multiple literary awards and positive reception from readers and VA clinicians alike, who find its raw honesty and detailed portrayal of combat experiences both refreshing and heartbreaking.

“You need to put in the hard work to get better, though what that looks like varies for everyone. I don’t want our generation defined by mental health struggles; I want us to be seen as strong and resilient, like my grandfather said. We work hard when things get tough.” - Benjamin Sledge. 

Resources

Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard.

http://friendlyforces.org

http://thefrattyguard.com