Jocko Willink

Last updated

Jocko Willink
Jocko-Willink-SEAL.jpg
Birth nameJohn Gretton Willink, Jr.
Born (1971-09-08) September 8, 1971 (age 52)
Torrington, Connecticut, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1990–2010
Rank Lieutenant commander
Unit SEAL Team 1
SEAL Team 2
SEAL Team 3
Battles/wars Iraq War
Awards Silver Star
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Alma mater University of San Diego [ citation needed ] (BA)

John Gretton "Jocko" Willink Jr. (born September 8, 1971) [1] is an American author, podcaster, and retired United States Navy officer who served in the Navy SEALs and is a former member of SEAL Team 3.

Contents

Willink's military service includes combat actions in the Iraq War, where he commanded SEAL Team 3's Task Unit Bruiser, [2] the unit that fought in the battle against the Iraqi insurgents in Ramadi. [3] Willink was honored with the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal for his service. [4] He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. [5]

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. [5] Willink hosts a weekly podcast with Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Echo Charles, called the Jocko Podcast. [5] He holds a B.A. in English from the University of San Diego. [5]

Early life

John Gretton Willink Jr. was born on September 8, 1971, in Torrington, Connecticut. [6] He has two siblings. [7] Jocko played soccer in high school. [7]

Military career

Jocko Willink and Thomas Dzieran after a boarding operation on Russian tanker Volga-Neft-147 Volga-Neft-147 Willink Dzieran.jpg
Jocko Willink and Thomas Dzieran after a boarding operation on Russian tanker Volga-Neft-147

Willink wanted to be in the military from an early age, and he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19. [6] After Navy recruit training and Radioman (RM) "A" School training, Willink reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Willink graduated BUD/S class 177. [8] 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 United Nations economic embargo. [9] Willink earned his commission via Officer Candidate School and 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 Leif Babin, Seth "Stoner" Stone, Marc Alan Lee, Michael Monsoor, Jonny Kim, Kevin Lacz, Ryan "Biggles" Job, JP Dinnell, Tony Eafrati, Jason Hogan and Chris Kyle. Willink also served as a Navy SEAL instructor during his career. He retired in October 2010 after 20 years of service. [10]

Post-Navy career

After retiring from the Navy, Willink co-founded the leadership consulting firm Echelon Front along with Leif Babin, who served with him in the SEAL Teams. [11] He and Babin also co-authored the leadership manual Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. [12] 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.[ citation needed ]

In addition to his work in consulting and authorship, Willink instructs jiu-jitsu at Victory MMA & Fitness in San Diego and co-owns Origin USA, a company based in Farmington, Maine, which produces lifestyle apparel, nutrition supplements, and fitness equipment, [13] as well as being one of the only manufacturers of jiu-jitsu gis in the United States. [14] Willink has a chapter giving advice in Tim Ferriss' book Tools of Titans .

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu career

Willink started Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabio Santos while in active service and continued training after retirement from the military. He obtained his black belt from Dean Lister. [15] Since then, Willink has been a prominent figure in the sport and has taught many grapplers. Willink promoted his own daughter to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in September 2022. [16]

Podcast

On December 28, 2015, Willink started a podcast on YouTube with an accompanying website. [17] [18] His YouTube channel currently has 1.8 million subscribers. [19]

Personal life

Jocko is married to Hellene Willink. [7] They have four children and live in San Diego. [7]

Bibliography

Adult nonfiction

Adult fiction

Children's books

Way of the Warrior Kid (2017–2022)

  1. The Way of the Warrior Kid (2017) ( ISBN   978-1-250-15107-0)
  2. Marc's Mission: Way of the Warrior Kid (2018) ( ISBN   978-1-250-15679-2)
  3. Way of the Warrior Kid 3: Where there's a Will... (2019) ( ISBN   978-1-942549-48-2)
  4. Way of the Warrior Kid 4: Field Manual (2021) ( ISBN   978-1942549666)
  5. Way of the Warrior Kid 5: Letters to Uncle Jake (2022) ( ISBN   978-0981618890)

Awards and decorations

United States Navy Special Warfare insignia.png
Silver Star ribbon.svg
Valor device.svg
Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg
Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg
1 golden star.svg
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon.svg
1 golden star.svg
1 golden star.svg
1 golden star.svg
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement ribbon.svg
Combat Action Ribbon.svg
Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon, 1st award.svg
United States Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Fleet Marine Force Ribbon.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016).svg
Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon.svg Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg Humanitarian Service Medal ribbon.svg
Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg United States Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg United States Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg
U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia-redone.png
Badge Special Warfare insignia
1st row Silver Star Bronze Star
with "V" device 		Meritorious Service Medal
2nd row Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
with 1 Gold 5/16-inch star 		Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
with 3 Gold 5/16-inch stars 		Combat Action Ribbon
3rd row Navy Unit Commendation
with 2 Service stars 		Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Battle Efficiency Award
4th row Navy Good Conduct Medal
with 2 Service stars 		Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon National Defense Service Medal
with 1 Service star
5th row Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
with 1 Service star 		Southwest Asia Service Medal
with 1 Service star 		Iraq Campaign Medal
with 3 Campaign stars
6th row Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal
7th row Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
with 4 Service stars 		Rifle Marksmanship Medal
with Expert Device 		Pistol Marksmanship Medal
with Expert Device
Badge Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Badge

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Navy SEALs</span> U.S. Navy special operations force

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Among the SEALs' main functions are conducting small-unit special operation missions in maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, mountainous, and desert environments. SEALs are typically ordered to capture or kill high-level targets, or to gather intelligence behind enemy lines. SEAL team personnel are hand selected, highly trained, and possess a high degree of proficiency in direct action (DA), and special reconnaissance (SR), among other tasks like sabotage, demolition, intelligence gathering, and hydro-graphic reconnaissance, training, and advising friendly militaries or other forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazilian jiu-jitsu</span> Martial art

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ focuses on taking ones opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Bravo</span> American martial artist (born 1970)

Edgar Bravo is an American martial arts instructor, podcaster, stand-up comedian, and musician. After earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2003, Bravo began teaching his own self-developed style of jiu-jitsu and founded 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He is also the creator of the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) grappling competition and the EBI ruleset. He is a recurring guest on The Joe Rogan Experience and the Tin Foil Hat Podcast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royler Gracie</span> Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist

Royler Gracie is a Brazilian-American retired mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. Gracie ran the Gracie Humaitá school in Rio de Janeiro for many years under his father Helio's direction, and lives and teaches in San Diego, California. Considered a legend of jiu jitsu and submission wrestling, Gracie is a member of both the IBJJF Hall of Fame, and the ADCC Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael E. Thornton</span> United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient (born 1949)

Michael Edwin Thornton is a retired United States Navy SEAL and recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal for saving the life of his senior officer, Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, who also earned the Medal of Honor in an unrelated incident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlson Gracie</span> Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner

Carlson Gracie was a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A member of the Gracie family, he was the eldest son of Carlos Gracie, and nephew to Hélio Gracie, founders of Gracie jiu-jitsu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convoy commodore</span>

Convoy commodore also known as commodore, convoys was the title of a civilian put in charge of the good order of the merchant ships in the British convoys used during World War II. Usually the convoy commodore was a retired naval officer or a senior merchant captain drawn from the Royal Naval Reserve. He was aboard one of the merchant ships. The convoy commodore was distinguished from the commander of the convoy's escort, always a naval officer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Gracie</span> Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist

Roger Gracie is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist (MMA) and 5th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioner and coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dean Lister</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Dean Richard Lister is a retired American mixed martial artist (MMA) and submission grappler. He is a 4th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) black belt, luta livre black belt, and coach. Lister is considered a pioneer of grappling and mixed martial arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isao Okano</span> Japanese judoka

Isao Okano is a retired judoka who competed in the middleweight division (‍–‍80 kg) in the 1964 Summer Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William H. McRaven</span> Admiral, US Navy SEAL, author (born 1955)

William Harry McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from August 8, 2011 to August 28, 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he was the chancellor of The University of Texas System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rodrigo Gracie</span> Brazilian Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and mixed martial arts fighter

Rodrigo Gracie is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. A member of the famous Gracie family, Rodrigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and a Gold Medalist in the 1998 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. While competing in PRIDE Fighting Championships, Gracie was ranked amongst the top Middleweight fighters from 2003 to 2004 due to an undefeated streak with consecutive victories over Hayato Sakurai, Daiju Takase, Yuki Sasaki, and Daijiro Matsui.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranking system signifies a practitioner's increasing level of technical knowledge and practical skill within the art. Colored belts worn as part of the uniform are awarded to the practitioner. The ranking system shares its origins with the judo belt-rank system, but the Brazilian system incorporates some minor differences from Judo such as a division between youths and adults and the issuance of stripes and degrees. Some differences have become synonymous with the art, such as a marked informality in promotional criteria, a focus on competitive demonstration of skill, and conservative promotion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricardo Libório</span> Brazilian martial artist (born 1967)

Antonio Ricardo Jardim Libório is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Grand Master Carlson Gracie. He is the co-founder of American Top Team (ATT) and Brazilian Top Team (BTT), the founder and CEO of Martial Arts Nation and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Institute (IBJJI), and also a professor of BJJ at the University of Central Florida.

Rorke Thomas Denver is an American actor, author, and former United States Navy SEALs commander. Denver is most known for his role as Lieutenant Rorke in the 2012 film Act of Valor and for his appearance as team leader in the Fox Television series, American Grit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Lacz</span> United States Navy sailor (born 1981)

Kevin "Dauber" Lacz is a United States Navy SEAL veteran who served two tours in the Iraq War. His platoon's 2006 deployment to Ramadi has been discussed in several books, including Dick Couch's The Sheriff of Ramadi, Jim DeFelice's Code Name: Johnny Walker, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win and Chris Kyle's New York Times best-selling autobiography, American Sniper. Lacz's presence in the book led to his involvement in the production of and eventual casting in the Clint Eastwood-directed Oscar-winning biopic of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonny Kim</span> American sailor, physician, and astronaut (born 1984)

Jonathan Yong Kim, is an American U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, former SEAL, naval aviator, physician, and NASA astronaut.

Mark Divine is an American author, podcaster, and retired Navy SEAL Commander. His military service spans 20 years (1989–2011) where he oversaw various missions around the world including Asia Pacific, Africa, Bahrain, and Iraq He retired at the rank of Commander in 2011.

References

  1. ↑ Feloni, Myelle Lansat, Richard. "A retired Navy SEAL says SEALs' blind obedience shown in books and movies isn't anything like real life". Business Insider. Retrieved August 9, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ Feloni, Richard. "A retired Navy SEAL commander explains 12 traits all effective leaders must have". Business Insider. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Ex-Navy Seal calls for "rapid strike" missions to get weapons, allies out of Afghanistan". Newsweek. August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Gamers, Techie (April 4, 2022). "Jocko Willink Net Worth 2022: How Rich Is the Motivational Figure?". Techie + Gamers. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Sof, Eric (April 7, 2022). "Jocko Willink: Commander of famous Task Unit Bruiser". Spec Ops Magazine . Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Judd, Charles (September 3, 2023). "Jocko Willink Net Worth – Ex-Navy SEAL & Leadership Instructor". TechieGamers. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  7. ↑ V, Rob (February 2, 2019). "20 Most Famous Navy SEALS Of All Time". Operation Military Kids. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Russian Tanker Carried Iraqi Oil". apnews.com. February 7, 2000. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  9. ↑ "These former Navy SEALS explain why you should wake up before dawn to win at life". maxim.com. Maxim. January 12, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Former Navy SEAL commanders explain why 'there are no bad teams, only bad leaders'". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Why this retired Navy SEAL commander has 3 alarm clocks and wakes up at 4:30 a.m." Business Insider. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  12. ↑ Milliken, Maureen (August 24, 2017). "Origin USA plans to double workforce with new Farmington factory". Mainebix. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  13. ↑ "A Talk with Origin…. Pete Roberts, Dedeco, and Jocko". ROLLING TIMES MAGAZINE. March 22, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Jocko Willink: BJJ Facts, Belt Rank, & Career". The MMA Guru. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  15. ↑ Burne, Kathrine (September 3, 2022). "Jocko Willink Promotes Daughter To BJJ Blue Belt". Jitsmagazine.com. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  16. ↑ https://jockopodcast.com/
  17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqcY4CAuBFNFho6JgygCnA
  18. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/@JockoPodcastOfficial
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.