From Green Beret to Civilian Leader: JP Cervantes on Mindset, Mentorship & Mission Beyond Service

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In this powerful episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with former Green Beret JP Cervantes to explore the challenges of military transition, leadership evolution, and the mental health journey after service. JP shares hard-earned insights from Special Operations, reflecting on the post-9/11 era, the importance of mentorship, and the unique role of warrant officers in shaping mission success.

From tackling the identity crisis many veterans face after leaving the military to discussing the emotional impact of human trafficking and the power of gratitude, this conversation dives deep into personal growth, career navigation, and what it takes to live with purpose beyond the uniform. Whether you're a transitioning veteran, a military leader, or someone seeking resilient strategies for overcoming adversity, this episode offers practical wisdom and hope.

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Chapters

00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

02:45 The Journey to Becoming a Green Beret

05:29 Experiences in the 82nd Airborne Division

08:27 Selection and the Mindset of a Green Beret

11:11 Mentorship and Team Dynamics in Special Operations

14:03 Navigating Combat Deployments Post 9/11

24:47 Understanding Combat Culture and Team Dynamics

28:21 Career Navigation in Special Operations

33:46 Leadership Challenges and Mentorship

38:28 The Evolving Role of Warrant Officers

49:07 Transitioning from Team Life to Career Growth

50:45 Facing the Reality of TBI

51:41 The Burden of Team Dynamics

52:59 Making Tough Decisions for Wellbeing

54:11 Navigating Career Transitions

55:33 The Importance of Healing

56:57 Finding Purpose After Service

59:24 Human Trafficking and Mental Health Advocacy

01:01:24 Creating a Nonprofit for Mental Health

01:02:48 Resilience Through Adversity

01:05:03 The Power of Positive Mindset

01:08:00 Gratitude in Daily Life

01:10:38 Advice for Veterans in Transition

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Follow JP on Social media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpcervantes180a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letswalkitout222mileruck/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpcervantes/

Website: https://www.letswalkitout.org/

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Produced by Security Halt Media

Chapters

1. Introduction to Security Out Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Green Beret Origins: Military Beginnings (00:02:44)

3. Selection Mindset and Training (00:14:50)

4. Mentorship in Special Forces (00:25:43)

5. Transitioning from Team to Staff (00:42:21)

6. Life After Service: Finding Purpose (00:54:49)

7. Mental Health and Gratitude (01:07:46)

8. Final Advice and Farewells (01:21:26)