Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with former AFRL commander and now CEO of the Space Foundation Maj Gen (Ret) Heather Pringle to discuss her career in systems engineering and leadership. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (03:52) 1991 Denied recognition for Marine 18 (07:55) Projects worked on as a Human Factors engineer (11:37) Combination of engineering, physiology and psychology (14:45) Importance of diversity of thought (18:00) Experience diversity leading to problem-solving (20:15) RPA Impact on Human Factors Engineering (25:40) Rundwon of AFRL (29:18) Strategic objective as the commander (33:23) Why are research labs branch-specific if the future fight is joint? (40:18) Innovation requiring new use cases of old technology (44:30) How to balance innovation and bureaucracy (48:35) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Maj Gen (Ret) Heather Pringle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpringle - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Harvard Business School Graduate and now admissions board member to discuss his path after the Academy, doing everything from investment banking to marketing and sales. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:35) Experience in satellite acquisition vs. maintenance (10:55) Importance of curiosity (16:23) What guided your separation? (24:30) Case method teaching at HBS (28:05) Example of cases (31:56) Who should get an MBA and why? (36:30) Having foresight when making decisions (41:55) HBS marketing director (48:55) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Vai Schierholtz Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vai-schierholtz - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

The host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with the host of the BLUF Finance podcast Erik Baskin CFP to continue the conversation around how to be financially responsible as a cadet and young LT. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (05:15) Common cadet financial pitfalls (09:06) Why is whole life insurance bad? (12:22) Why are payday loans bad? (17:20) How to notice pyramid schemes (20:22) Should you sports bet? (21:36) 4% Rule of thumb (27:55) S&P 500 vs. S&Me 500 (32:34) Smart uses of the cadet loan (40:18) Thoughts on entrepreneurship (49:44) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Erik Baskin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikbaskin Website: https://www.baskinfp.com BLUF Podcast: https://www.baskinfp.com/podcast - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Maj Jim Behnke to discuss his experience as a Combat Systems Officer (CSO). We break down the day in the life, what aircraft you can be in, and the future of the AFSC. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (03:12) ROTC commitment (04:56) What is a CSO and what do they do? (13:50) How do you interact with crew members? (18:28) Pipeline to become a CSO (23:40) Maintaining Currentcy (26:28) What does the future of the AFSC look like? (30:06) Cool moments and benefits of the job (34:14) Misconceptions and little know facts (35:56) Job opportunities after service (40:12) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: @jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Acquisitions officer and Founder of many start-up companies Maj Bryce Luken where we discuss his time as an acquisitions officer as well as the challenges of founding a start-up company. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (07:24) Experience in Acquisitions (14:42) Do big acquisitions bases mean high profile programs? (20:20) Start-up while at UCLA (22:54) What did you find your MBA useful for? (26:40) How BodySpec started (33:40) What to consider when you want to start your own business (36:54) How to prove something is a problem worth solving (42:00) What role does leverage play in a start-up? (49:22) Deciding whats the best use of your time (51:00) Metrics used to measure performance of your company (56:00) The best mindset for this line of work (58:04) Balancing big jobs with Reservist responsibilities (1:02:34) Maximizing time horizon & cognitive capacity (1:10:34 What skills sets are best for C-Suite members The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Maj Bryce Luken Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryceluken - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Majs Zed and Sam Davies to discuss their experience being a mil-mil couple and raising happy kids in the Air Force. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (06:30) How did you meet at the Academy? (09:35) Challenges of marrying right after graduation (11:50) How to manage different assignments (13:42) When did kids enter the equation? (19:04) Don't have kids during pilot training (20:30) How to keep kids happy in military lifestyle (27:35) How to stay with your spouse while moving (35:00) Career Intermission Program (39:45) What is a "lead spouse"? (43:45) Benefits of marrying someone in a different AFSC (48:50) NARPs and Tzo gap on active duty (49:55) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Maj Davies Linkedin: Zed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zed-davies-717114119 Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-d-84b75a1aa - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with representatives of the Office of Labor and Economic Analysis (OLEA) to dispel myths around the old method and explain the new method of matching cadets to AFSCs. Listen and figure out how to improve your chances of getting the AFSC you desire! Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (03:15) Dispelling myths around Legacy model AFSC matching (09:05) What is the One Market model? (13:48) Comparison to the Legacy model (15:00) Rated, Non-Rated, Space preference intermingling (19:14) Open response in job preference (28:50) 25ers roll out (35:26) Gaming the system (38:27) Cadets being treated like adults (40:18) Best strategy for submitting preferences The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: @jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with MSgt Josh White to discuss leadership topics like the role of a First Shirt in a squadron and understanding what intangible factors go into being a good officer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (02:54) Why did you enlist? (06:20) Sam Eckholm is an asset to the Air Force (09:20) Jobs held (10:50) What does a 1st shirt do? (17:10) WHy is being a 1st shirt difficult (22:25) Enlisted/Officer dynamics (34:50) Will you treat freshmen how you were treated? (37:45) Overcoming mental health challenges in the military (51:20) What is the Hero Front Podcast all about? The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - MSgt Joshua White Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-white-3549a7160 Instagram: @herofront HeroFront Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2srGvtAaTORP3IESKD41qI?si=3546de98c0524692 - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Anders Chair of Economics Col (Ret) Marc Dippold to discuss some case studies of human factors in economics relating to acquisitions as well some life lessons like rebranding and utilizing your network. Time Stamps (08:18) Effects of constant movement on family (12:38) What is the Anders Chair? (18:12) Case study from class (25:36) Importance of utilizing your network (27:44) Emphasis on operators in acquisitions (39:17) Common traps acquisition officers fall into (44:00) Rebranding and changing life trajectory (53:45) Job vs. geography spectrum (1:02:55) Importance of having strong discretion (1:11:52) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Col (Ret) Marc Dippold Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcdippold - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support

Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier heads up to Harmon Hall to interview the United States Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Rich Clark to discuss his experience as a cadet in the 80s, command experience, and how he does it all exceptionally well. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (08:19) Time as a cadet, year book quote (14:57) Cadet troubles now vs. 1980s (19:25) His Supt helping him get a pilot slot despite injury (25:37) EC-135 to B-1 (30:04) Moving from tactical to strategic decisions (35:23) TTPs for keeping trust & respect of airmen (37:47) Raising the issue of broken laundry machines (40:00) Challenge from squadron command (51:05) How did being Commandant change your approach to Supt (55:05) 103 kids hospitalized during recognition (1:03:30) Meme Review (1:08:33) Advice for cadets The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠ Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2 - Jake Thibeault  Donations: https://www.tbo14tough.com Instagram: jake.thibeault GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support