John Gretton "Jocko" Willink (born September 8, 1971)[2] is an American retired naval officer who served in the Navy SEALs. He is also a podcaster and author. His military service saw combat actions in the war in Iraq, where he eventually commanded the SEAL Team 3's Task Unit Bruiser that fought in the battle against the Iraqi insurgents in Ramadi, and was honored with the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his service. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.[3]

Willink co-authored the books Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership (with fellow retired SEAL Leif Babin) and co-founded the management consulting firm Echelon Front, LLC.[4] Willink hosts a weekly podcast with Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner Echo Charles, called the Jocko Podcast.[5]

Military career [ edit ]

After Navy recruit training and Radioman (RM) "A" School training, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Willink graduated BUD/S class 177. Following SEAL Tactical Training (STT) and completion of six month probationary period, he received the NEC 5326 as a Combatant Swimmer (SEAL), entitled to wear the SEAL insignia. Willink served eight years on active duty, as an enlisted Navy SEAL with SEAL Team ONE and SEAL Team TWO. Willink was part of the SEAL team that seized the Russian Tanker Volga-Neft-147 in the Gulf of Oman which was carrying Iraqi oil in violation of a U.N. economic embargo. Willink earned his commission via Officer Candidate School and eventually served as a platoon commander. Willink completed multiple deployments to Asia, the Middle East and Europe. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he deployed to the Iraqi city of Ramadi in 2006 with SEAL Team THREE as commander of Task Unit Bruiser, which included Marc Alan Lee, Michael Monsoor, Jonny Kim, Kevin Lacz, and Chris Kyle. Willink also served as a Navy SEAL instructor during his career. He retired in October 2010 after 20 years of service.[6]

Post-Navy career [ edit ]

Along with Leif Babin, Willink formed Echelon Front, a leadership consulting firm.[7] He and Babin co-authored the leadership manual Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win.[8] After appearing on the podcasts of Tim Ferriss, Joe Rogan, and Sam Harris to publicize his book, Willink started his own weekly podcast, The Jocko Podcast.[9]

Bibliography [ edit ]

Adult Nonfiction

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win (2015) (ISBN 9781760558208)

(2015) (ISBN 9781760558208) Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual (2017) ( ISBN 9781250156945)

(2017) ( ISBN 9781250156945) The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win (2018) ( ISBN 9781250195777)

(2018) ( ISBN 9781250195777) Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual (2020) ( ISBN 9781250226846)

(2020) ( ISBN 9781250226846) The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols: Striving to Become an Eminently Qualified Human (2020) ( ISBN 9780981618821)

Children's books

Mikey and the Dragons (2013) ( ISBN 9781942549437)

Way of the Warrior Kid series

The Way of the Warrior Kid (2017) ( ISBN 9781250151070) Marc's Mission: Way of the Warrior Kid (2018) ( ISBN 9781250156792) Way of the Warrior Kid 3: Where there's a Will... (2019) ( ISBN 978-1942549482)

Awards and decorations [ edit ]