Shows
The Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 75: How The National Training Center Turns Chaos Into CohesionSend us a textThink the Mojave is just heat and hardship? It’s a teacher with a mean streak. We walk through the National Training Center from the first checklist to the final bus ride, translating real-world friction into practical steps you can use to build combat power, protect your people, and keep the mission moving. From the official packing list to the “real” one that keeps you functioning, we share field-proven gear, foot care, and small comforts that prevent big problems. Then we head into RSOI to cover Prepo yard truths, PMCS that actually sticks at tur...
2025-12-1034 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 74: Rank Protects You: How Five Senior Officers Lost Everything Over Inappropriate RelationshipsSend us a textThe unspoken truth about Army leadership firings lies in the coded language we often see in headlines. When senior officers are relieved for "loss of confidence" or "prohibited relationships," there's always a deeper story. This episode breaks down five recent high-profile cases where military careers came crashing down—from a four-star general to battalion commanders—all over inappropriate relationships.We dive into the shocking case of Major General Michael Turley, demoted from two-star general all the way to lieutenant colonel, erasing decades of rank progression and drastically reducing his retirement pay. You...
2025-08-2726 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 73: Free Money for Homebuyers: Unlocking the Hidden Power of VA LoansSend us a textEver wondered if your military benefits could do more than just help you buy a house? What if your VA loan could actually eliminate your personal debt while getting you into your dream home? This eye-opening episode reveals a powerful, legitimate strategy that transforms how military members approach homebuying.We dive deep into the secret weapon within VA loans – seller concessions that can be used to pay off personal debt. Unlike any other loan program, VA loans allow up to 4% of the home's value in seller concessions that can be directed to...
2025-08-2024 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 72: Your NCOER Support Form is the roadmap to better evaluationsSend us a textYour NCOER support form holds more power over your military career than you realize, yet most soldiers treat it like meaningless paperwork. Sergeant Cruz breaks down the harsh reality that eight out of ten NCO raters completely ignore this critical document, leading to watered-down evaluations and career stagnation for countless soldiers.We explore the strategic importance of the DA Form 2166-9-1-Alpha and how it serves as your roadmap to evaluation success. From setting realistic goals within your first 30 days to documenting daily accomplishments, this conversation reveals why smart soldiers...
2025-08-1313 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 71: Lead, Develops, Achieves: The Second Part of the Triple ThreatSend us a textAre you struggling to write NCOER bullets that truly capture your leadership impact? The difference between mediocre and exceptional Army leaders comes down to understanding three critical competencies: Leads, Develops, and Achieves.In this essential episode, we break down exactly what these competencies mean beyond the official language of DAPAM and AR 623-3. Your rater and senior rater aren't just looking for buzzwords—they're evaluating how effectively you influence others, build trust, communicate purpose, and deliver results under pressure. I share concrete examples of powerful bullets that demonstrate each competency in ac...
2025-08-0613 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 70: Character, Presence, Intellect: The Triple Threat of Army LeadershipSend us a textEver wondered what truly separates good leaders from great ones in the Army? Forget the stereotypes about badge-heavy uniforms and drill sergeant voices. The secret lies in mastering three fundamental leadership attributes: character, presence, and intellect.In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the foundations of Army leadership according to AR 623-3 and DA PAM 623-3, breaking down what these attributes actually mean in practical terms. Character isn't just about Army values—it's about building trust and accountability while maintaining empathy and discipline. Presence goes beyond looking sharp in uniform—it's...
2025-07-3012 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 69: Gen Z Soldiers: Soft or Savvy?Send us a textAre today's soldiers truly soft, or are they simply adapting to systems that haven't evolved with the times? This thought-provoking episode dives deep into the generational divide shaping today's Army culture.When senior NCOs claim that Generation Z soldiers lack discipline or respect for tradition, they're often misinterpreting critical thinking as defiance. The younger generation's tendency to question "why" before action isn't necessarily about avoiding work—it's about seeking efficient solutions and understanding purpose. From customs and courtesies to training methodologies, what looks like resistance to authority often reveals a deeper de...
2025-07-2324 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 68: Stripes on the Horizon: 9 Keys to Dominating Your Next Military BoardSend us a textFacing a military promotion board can make even the most confident soldier anxious. The stakes are high—one wrong answer could derail your career advancement. But what if you could walk into that room knowing exactly what to expect and how to respond?This episode delivers a comprehensive roadmap for conquering any military board, from Soldier of the Month to promotion boards. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, we break down the nine critical elements that separate successful candidates from those who leave empty-handed. You'll discover how to master the fu...
2025-07-1627 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 67: Beard or No Beard: Decoding the Army's Facial Hair MemoSend us a textConfused about the Army's new facial hair policy? You're not alone. The recently released Directive 2025-13 has created waves throughout all Army components, with soldiers debating what it really means for their grooming standards. Join me as I cut through the confusion and give you a straight-talking breakdown of what's actually written in the policy.Many soldiers are misinterpreting the directive, claiming it doesn't explicitly require shaving. I carefully analyze the actual language: "all male soldiers will maintain a clean, shaven face when in uniform or on duty in civilian attire."...
2025-07-1510 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 66: Stop Settling for Mediocrity in Your Military ServiceSend us a textWhat separates excellence from mediocrity in military service? It all comes down to your relationship with standards. While the Army establishes baseline requirements for physical fitness, marksmanship, and professional competence, truly exceptional soldiers view these minimums as merely the starting point—not the destination.In this candid exploration of military standards and expectations, we dissect the Sergeant Major of the Army's powerful statement: "I don't like to start from the minimum standard. That, to me, is not a place you start any conversation, especially as warfighters." Too often, we encounter soldiers ap...
2025-07-0931 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 65: New Army Policy Leaves Many Surprised!Send us a textThe military grooming standards debate has reached a critical turning point. A bombshell Military.com article reveals the Army's upcoming policy that could separate soldiers diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)—a condition affecting up to 94% of Black men—if they require shaving exemptions for more than 12 months in a two-year period.What makes this policy particularly contentious is the clear demographic impact. PFB occurs when tightly coiled hair curls back into the skin after shaving, causing painful bumps and potential scarring. While the Army plans to implement treatment plans, including possible lase...
2025-07-0230 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 64: Beyond the Uniform: 5 Traits That Set Great Soldiers ApartSend us a textThe stark contrast between exceptional soldiers and those merely going through the motions reveals itself through five distinct traits that consistently separate warriors from paycheck collectors in today's military. Drawing from experiences across multiple duty stations, this raw, unfiltered breakdown exposes what truly makes certain soldiers shine while others fade into the background.Relentless discipline stands as the cornerstone of military excellence—not just following standards but living them with unwavering commitment. From immaculate grooming to meticulous weapons maintenance, elite soldiers understand that discipline creates reliability when chaos erupts. As we ex...
2025-06-2522 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 63: USAREC to USARD: Inside the Army's Recruiting MakeoverSend us a textThe Army recruiting landscape is changing dramatically, and we've got the inside scoop. In this eye-opening conversation, Sergeant Bruner returns to break down the major transformation happening within Army recruiting—starting with the elevation of U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) to U.S. Army Recruiting Division (USARD), now a three-star command reporting directly to Congress.This isn't just a name change. The recruiting world is undergoing fundamental restructuring, with Cadet Command now falling under USARD's umbrella and new MOSs being introduced. The traditional 79R recruiter designation is transitioning to 42T, wi...
2025-06-1150 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 62: Ranger School's Radical Fitness Test OverhaulSend us a textEverything you thought you knew about preparing for Ranger School just changed. The Army has unveiled a radical transformation of the Ranger Physical Fitness Test that will challenge candidates in entirely new ways starting April 2025.The traditional assessment of push-ups, sit-ups, and a five-mile run? Gone. The new test is a grueling 14-minute continuous event featuring an 800-meter run, dead stop push-ups, sprints, sandbag lifts, farmer's carries, and combat movement drills—followed by a four-mile run under 32 minutes and six chin-ups. This isn't just a minor adjustment; it's a complete reimagining of...
2025-04-1615 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 61: Beyond gender lines: Examining the Pentagon's push for unified combat fitness standardsSend us a textDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dropped a bombshell directive that's sending ripples through military fitness circles - a move toward gender-neutral physical standards for combat roles across all service branches. This isn't just a bureaucratic shuffle; it's a fundamental rethinking of how we prepare our warfighters for the battlefield.The reasoning behind this shift cuts to the core of military effectiveness: combat situations don't differentiate between male and female soldiers, so why should fitness standards? Under this directive, any soldier in a designated combat position would need to meet identical physical...
2025-04-0924 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 60: Green Numbers, Red Flags: Why Soldiers Leave EarlySend us a textThe future of our military readiness hangs in the balance as nearly one in four new Army recruits leave service within their first two years. What's driving this alarming exodus, and why are the very programs designed to help new soldiers actually contributing to higher failure rates?This deep-dive explores the startling contradiction at the heart of Army retention: recruits who attend special preparatory courses before basic training are washing out at significantly higher rates (15-19%) than those who don't (11%). Meanwhile, the doubling of recruitment waivers—including over 400 felony exemptions—raises seri...
2025-04-0235 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 59: The Power of Military Networking: Your Secret WeaponSend us a textNetworking isn't just a buzzword—it's the difference-maker in military careers that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. What sets apart those who rise through the ranks isn't just competence, but the meaningful connections they build along the way.This deep dive explores how networking transforms your Army experience through multiple dimensions. From career advancement opportunities like specialized training recommendations to professional development through diverse perspectives, the right network amplifies your effectiveness. A staff sergeant who understands logistics terminology can better serve as a medical brigade planner. A sergeant who's connected wi...
2025-03-1930 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 58: Your Soldiers Deserve Better PT Sessions—Here's How to DeliverSend us a textPhysical readiness isn't just about fitness—it's about combat effectiveness and unit cohesion. When over 70% of soldiers struggle to hit the 500-point mark on the ACFT, we have to ask ourselves: are our PT sessions truly preparing our troops for the battlefield?The difference between mediocre and exceptional PT leadership comes down to understanding a few critical components. Proper warm-ups performed with precision prevent injuries. A balanced exercise selection targeting strength, agility, and cardio creates well-rounded soldiers prepared for any mission. Most importantly, adapting workouts for different fitness levels while maintaining mo...
2025-03-1217 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 57: Social Media: The New Front Line for Military CultureSend us a textSocial media is more than just a tool; it's transforming military culture at its core. In this episode, we look into how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are reshaping communication, camaraderie, and public perceptions of service members. While the connectivity provided by these platforms offers crucial support and community to troops, it also poses significant challenges, including operational security concerns and the risk of misinformation.We explore the double-edged sword that is social media in the military context—offering recruitment benefits while raising critical security questions. How does a seemingly in...
2025-03-0515 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 56 - Rejoining the Ranks: The COVID Vaccine ReinstatementSend us a textExplore the complex realities behind the military's COVID vaccine mandate and its aftermath in this thought-provoking episode. We delve into the journey of service members who faced discharge for refusing the vaccine and the newly introduced options for reinstatement. With insights into the administration's decision to allow those affected back into service, we unravel the emotional and logistical ramifications of rejoining the military landscape. What concerns do these members have about acceptance in a changed environment, and how will unit cohesion be impacted? Are the few who have taken the path b...
2025-02-2618 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 55 - SOLDIER MENTAL HEALTH: Signs, Solutions & SupportSend us a textOn this episode of the Roger Sarnt Podcast, join me, Sarnt Cruz, as I confront the stark realities of mental health issues within the military, a topic that's alarmingly urgent yet often shrouded in silence. Starting with a somber reflection on a holiday weekend, we unravel the distressing statistics from 2023, where nearly a third of our troops were hospitalized for mental health issues, and 523 tragically lost their lives to suicide. Our discussion is not just about numbers but the real struggles of young enlisted men facing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and how...
2025-02-2031 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 54 - Army Policies Explained: DIE & EO – What Soldiers Need to Know!Send us a textIn this episode, I break down President Trump's recent executive order, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." What does it mean for workplace diversity policies, affirmative action, and hiring practices across the U.S.? We’ll explore the comparison between DEI and the Army Equal Opportunity Program. How they use to work together, impacts on the Army and what's the way forward. Join me as on Youtube and share your opinion on the future for the Army. 🎙️ Tune in now!Support the showThanks for listening, please d...
2025-02-1331 min
DEEPER RHYTHMS/SYNTHESIS RADIODeeper Rhythms S02E04 - Doc Martin TributeDoc Martin is one of my all-time favourite DJs. Recently someone dubbed me the Aussie Doc Martin! Haha, I took it as unwarranted praise but it was awesome that someone could hear his influence on my style. The first hour or so is one of my first-ever house mixes "an evening with Doc Martin" - it's based on his set from 2001 in Sydney. At the time, I was new to House music and i didn't know who he was but found him again through his podcast when I was starting my own. The guy is an absolute LEGEND! All...
2025-02-081h 59The Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 53 - ZYN (new trend) vs Dip (old school)Send us a textIn this episode, we explore how the FDA's recent approval of Zyn nicotine pouches is changing military habits. With these pouches becoming popular, the traditional 'spitter' bottles used for chewing tobacco might become a thing of the past. I'll discuss what this shift means for service members and reflect on the role of 'spitters' during the Global War on Terror and speculate on a potential change in the regulation to accommodate for the "new trend." Join us as we say goodbye to an old tradition and welcome a new era.
2025-02-0634 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 52 - Military Families & Child Care Costs: The Hidden Savings You Need to Know!Send us a textDid you know military families can get financial help for child care? With the rising cost of living, the DoD Fee Assistance Program can save service members thousands on child care expenses. In this episode, I break down how the program works, who qualifies, and how you can take advantage of these benefits. Don’t miss out on these savings! Tune in now and secure the best care for your little ones while serving your country. https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2024-news-articles/advocacy/child-care,-spouse-licensure,-and-more-how-the-fy-2025-ndaa-will-help-military-families/ http...
2025-01-2922 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 51 - How Operational Pay Changes EverythingSend us a textThe Army's new Operational Deployment Pay is designed to give extra financial support to Soldiers during deployments. It recognizes the hardships of being in high-risk, high-stress environments and helps ease the financial strain on both Soldiers and their Families. This initiative shows the Army’s commitment to valuing service and ensuring troops are better supported while away from home.https://youtu.be/P-pnqcVGraESupport the showThanks for listening, please download and leave a review.Remember, you don't have to embrace the su...
2025-01-2309 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 50 - Why Over Half of Senior Army Officers Decline Command Roles: Key InsightsSend us a textIn this episode, we delve into a surprising trend impacting the future of military leadership—more than half of Senior Army Officers are opting out of command consideration. What’s driving these experienced leaders to step away from such pivotal roles? From operational challenges and work-life balance concerns to shifts in career aspirations, we explore the deeper factors influencing this decision. Join me as we unpack the implications for the Army’s Chain of Command, readiness, and recruitment strategies. Don’t miss this crucial conversation about the changing dynamics of military leadership in the 21st...
2025-01-0839 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 49 - Roger Sarnt Podcast - 2024 Year in ReviewSend us a textAs we wrap up 2024, it’s time to reflect on the highlights, growth, and memorable moments from this incredible year. In this special Year in Review episode, we’re taking a look back at the most popular episodes, the biggest milestones, and the unforgettable guests and conversations that made this year one to remember.Join me as I dive into the stories that resonated most with you, our listeners, share insights, and look ahead to the exciting things we have in store for 2025. Whether you’ve been with us since the very b...
2024-12-3115 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 48 - Clocking In: The Hidden Realities of Overtime in the ArmySend us a textIn this episode, we dive into the complex realities of working overtime in the Army. For service members, the demands of military life often extend far beyond the standard 9-to-5, with overtime becoming a common part of the job. But is it always a good thing? We explore the benefits of working extra hours—like the opportunity for career advancement, skill-building, and increased pay—while also examining the potential downsides, such as burnout, stress, and the impact on personal life. From my perspective, I offer a balanced look at how overtime affects both the...
2024-12-2640 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 47 - The New Army Guidelines You NEED to Know (ALARACT 094/2024-Childcare Reimburstment)Send us a textThe U.S. Army's new policy for Child Care Provider Transportation Costs Reimbursement offers financial support to active-duty service members by reimbursing the costs associated with transporting their children to and from licensed childcare providers. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on military families and ensure that service members have access to reliable childcare while fulfilling their duties. The reimbursement covers transportation costs for families who do not have access to care within their first 30 days of arrival to their new installation, allowing service members to focus on their military responsibilities...
2024-12-1822 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 46 - Get Released From ABCP with 540 ACFT ScoreSend us a textIn this episode, I talk about the latest updates on the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) revision. Join me as I dive into the new standards, guidelines, and strategies designed to ensure our soldiers are in peak physical condition. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about military fitness, this podcast will keep you informed and motivated. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and be the best version of yourself!Support the showThanks for listening, please download and leave a review.
2024-08-2114 min
The Solutions PodcastInterview with Roger SarntIn this episode of The Solutions Podcast, host Ramzy interviews SFC Saeed Cruz, an Army medic and instructor. SFC Cruz shares his passion for teaching and providing soldiers with important information. He discusses the gap in knowledge among soldiers and the need for leaders to fill that gap. They also talk about the challenges of staying up to date with military regulations and the importance of explaining the 'why' behind certain rules. The conversation touches on topics such as standards and discipline, moldy barracks, and the importance of maintaining professionalism. The conversation focuses on the importance of respect and...
2024-07-2445 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 45 - Is Project 2025 Really Targeting VA Benefits?Send us a textIn this episode we discuss Project 2025 and its ambitious and transformative initiative designed to address key global challenges and leverage emerging opportunities to foster a sustainable and inclusive future. The project is structured around four strategic pillars: a policy agenda, personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook. We point out the two main recommendations and how they could impact veteran's benefits. Support the showThanks for listening, please download and leave a review.Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right tools in y...
2024-07-2430 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 44 - Why The Army's ABCP Revision was NeededSend us a textIn this episode, I talk about the latest updates on the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) revision. Join me as I dive into the new standards, guidelines, and strategies designed to ensure our soldiers are in peak physical condition. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about military fitness, this podcast will keep you informed and motivated. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and be the best version of yourself!Support the showThanks for listening, please download and leave a review.
2024-07-1726 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 43 - Newly resigned ALARACT 042/2024 (Appearance and Grooming)Send us a text In this video, we break down the latest Army ALARACT (All Army Activities) 042-2024 message concerning grooming and appearance standards. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a reservist, or simply interested in military regulations, this video provides all the details you need to stay compliant and informed.Why This Matters:Adhering to grooming and appearance standards is crucial for maintaining discipline, uniformity, and professionalism within the Army. Understanding these updates helps ensure you're always inspection-ready and aligned with the Army's expectations.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pL9hYwSOGkF-M5s...
2024-07-1122 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 10 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Business Plan to Start Up A Small Lawn Mowing CompanySend us a textBecoming an entrepreneur is an exciting journey that involves turning your innovative ideas into a thriving business. It requires passion, resilience, and a willingness to take risks, offering the potential for personal fulfillment and financial success. In this episode, I give you a business plan that outlines the establishment of a small lawn mowing startup, aimed at providing affordable and reliable lawn care services in a local neighborhood. The goal is to spend the least amount of money while maximizing profits and client satisfaction.Support the showThanks f...
2024-07-0523 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 42 - Reasons For The Army's Low Retention RatesSend us a textMilitary recruitment and retention are crucial for maintaining a capable and ready defense force. Effective recruitment ensures that the military attracts individuals with the necessary skills and attributes to meet its diverse and evolving challenges. Retention, on the other hand, keeps experienced personnel within the ranks, preserving institutional knowledge and operational effectiveness. Together, strong recruitment and retention practices ensure the military remains resilient, adaptable, and prepared to protect national security interests.“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the pe...
2024-07-0333 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 9 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Five Steps How To Use Your VA Home LoanSend us a textJoin me as I dive into a vital topic for our soldiers and veterans: VA home loans. In this episode, we explore how soldiers, both active duty and veterans, can leverage their VA benefits to achieve the dream of homeownership. I will share firsthand experiences and insight into navigating the VA home loan process, discussing eligibility requirements, benefits, and common misconceptions.We hear inspiring stories of soldiers who have successfully used their VA home loan, providing a stable foundation for their families post-service. Whether you're a soldier looking to buy your...
2024-06-2833 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 39 - Decoding Army NCOERs: Evaluations, Promotions, and Career Development (Part 1)Send us a textWelcome to my comprehensive Army NCOER Class! Whether you're an aspiring Non-Commissioned Officer or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this session is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). In this three part episode, I will cover everything you need to know about the NCOER. From its importance in career development, bullet importance and promotion considerations to the specific criteria used for evaluation. You'll learn how to navigate the NCOER process effectively, ensuring your performance is accurately reflected and your leadership potential re...
2024-06-2614 minThe Roger Sarnt PodcastEpisode 40 - Decoding Army NCOERs: Evaluations, Promotions, and Career Development (Part 2)Send us a textWelcome to my comprehensive Army NCOER Class! Whether you're an aspiring Non-Commissioned Officer or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this session is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). In this three part episode, I will cover everything you need to know about the NCOER. From its importance in career development, bullet importance and promotion considerations to the specific criteria used for evaluation. You'll learn how to navigate the NCOER process effectively, ensuring your performance is accurately reflected and your leadership potential re...
2024-06-2617 min