Show notes
SummaryIn this episode, Christian sits down with John Vintar, an author and Army officer who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. The conversation revolves around Vintar's book, 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium,' which details his experiences in South Sudan. They discuss the history of Sudan and South Sudan, the challenges of peacekeeping missions, the impact on returning soldiers, and the perception of peacekeeping in Canada. Vintar shares his most fearful moment in South Sudan and the importance of history for military leaders. The episode concludes with book recommendations and contact information for Vintar.TakeawaysThe book 'A Swamp the Size of Belgium' provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a peacekeeper in South Sudan.Peacekeeping missions are often invisible to the majority of Canadians, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the work of peacekeepers.Returning from a peacekeeping mission can be challenging, and veterans may struggle to convey the full extent of their experiences.History plays a crucial role in shaping military leaders and providing valuable lessons for the present and future.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:29The Book: A Swamp the Size of Belgium04:52The History of Sudan and South Sudan08:27The Invisibility of Peacekeeping Missions10:00The Challenges of Returning Home11:27The Most Fearful Moment in South Sudan14:48Establishing Safety and Gaining Trust15:49The Genesis and Objective of the UN Peacekeeping Mission18:18Tribal Cleansing and Violence in South Sudan20:17Lessons Learned from Peacekeeping Missions24:13Public Perception of Peacekeeping29:36Canada's Number One Threat31:13The Fragility of the World Order37:20The Importance of History for Military Leaders39:54The Role of Research in Mission Success42:27Top Three Must-Read Book Recommendations45:53Book Promotion and Contact Information46:31Closing Remarks and Thank YouShawn Pinto - Mortgage BrokerMortgage consulting services for those who serve. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Thank you for listening! For more Team Ten Eight content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!
