Combat Leadership, Afghanistan & America's Military Future with Lt. Col. Paul Darling
23 Years of Army Leadership • Afghanistan Lessons • Military Reform • Recruiting Challenges • Veteran Advocacy
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RadioPublic What does over two decades of military leadership teach about war, leadership, service, and America's future?
In this episode of **The MisFitNation**, we welcome **Lt. Col. Paul Darling**, a 23-year U.S. Army veteran, West Point graduate, combat leader, author of *Taliban Safari*, host of the **War 102 Podcast**, and advocate for veteran suicide prevention through **Real Plastic Heroes**.
Paul shares honest perspectives on combat leadership, lessons from Afghanistan, military reform, recruiting America's next generation of warriors, and why every citizen should better understand the profession of arms. He also discusses the realities of serving in today's military, developing resilient leaders, supporting veterans after service, and preserving the values that strengthen our nation.
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about service and personal growth, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insight.
In this episode:
• Leadership lessons forged in combat
• The biggest mistakes America made in Afghanistan
• The military recruiting crisis
• Why accountability matters in leadership
• Raising resilient leaders
• Supporting veterans beyond the uniform
• Real Plastic Heroes and veteran suicide awareness
• The War 102 Podcast and military education
Connect with Paul Darling
🌐 Real Plastic Heroes
https://realplasticheroes.com/
🎙️ War 102 Podcast
https://war102.buzzsprout.com
Connect with The MisFitNation
🌐 https://www.themisfitnation.com
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation
If you enjoy conversations with military leaders, first responders, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and people who continue serving long after the uniform comes off, be sure to follow The MisFitNation and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that inspire resilience, purpose, and service.
Remember...
Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling
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HI,
I represent Real Plastic Heroes. https://realplasticheroes.com/.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybdu6zaRWwY
All veterans involved get a part of the proceeds as well donations to various veteran causes, my focus is on veteran and family member suicides.
I have 23 years of service and deployed to Macedonia, Bosnia and Afghanistan
I am a published author through the University Press of Kansas, https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700638062/
I am also the host of the War 102 Podcast. https://war102.buzzsprout.com/
My three adult children are either serving infantrymen, former infantrymen or striving to be a Marine combat cameraman (my daughter)
My primary focus is how DoD needs to reform internally to attract higher quality recruits and set up veterans for success after their service is complete. And, of course, to fight and win our nation’s wars without spending a fortune. Secondarily, in the absence of a more distributed source of new recruits, to educate non-veterans on the doctrine, theory and history of warfare. It was the point of creating my podcast.
Here is a cut of how I interview.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dVDoPrpwdbfmRA0PcWeePaZgxYEI6mr9/view?usp=drive_link
Also attached is my full interview
https://youtu.be/RnL7uwkGOXA
A search of "Taliban Safari" or "Lieutenant Colonel Paul Darling" will show some other examples of my public speaking.