Jocko Willink


John Gretton "Jocko" Willink is an American retired officer of the United States Navy, who served in the Navy SEAL teams. 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.
Willink co-authored the books Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership and co-founded the management consulting firm Echelon Front, LLC. Willink hosts a weekly podcast with Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner Echo Charles, called the Jocko Podcast.

Military career

After Navy recruit training and Radioman "A" School training, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Willink graduated BUD/S class 177. Following SEAL Tactical Training and completion of six month probationary period, he received the NEC 5326 as a Combatant Swimmer, 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 failed to seize 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.

Post-Navy career

Along with Leif Babin, Willink formed Echelon Front, a leadership consulting firm. He and Babin co-authored the leadership manual Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. 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.
As of March 2020, Willink has officially become a designer of a line of men's denim jeans.

Awards and decorations