{"id":5826,"date":"2025-12-02T20:12:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/386-jason-dempsey-is-hegseth-going-down-over-this-why-double-tapping-is-wrong-spotlight-on-adm-bradley-no-scapegoats-afghani-experience-trauma-transition-and-empty-promises-driscoll\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T20:12:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:12:00","slug":"386-jason-dempsey-is-hegseth-going-down-over-this-why-double-tapping-is-wrong-spotlight-on-adm-bradley-no-scapegoats-afghani-experience-trauma-transition-and-empty-promises-driscoll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/386-jason-dempsey-is-hegseth-going-down-over-this-why-double-tapping-is-wrong-spotlight-on-adm-bradley-no-scapegoats-afghani-experience-trauma-transition-and-empty-promises-driscoll\/","title":{"rendered":"386. Jason Dempsey. Is Hegseth Going Down Over This? Why Double-Tapping is Wrong. Spotlight on Adm. Bradley. No Scapegoats. Afghani Experience: Trauma, Transition and Empty Promises. \u201cDriscoll is Measuring Drapes.\u201d The Kids Are OK. Tree Lighting Week.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ANA3524955359\" width=\"100%\" height=\"210\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Paul Rieckhoff catches up with scholar-warrior Dr. Jason Dempsey, a veteran whose career spans deployments in Afghanistan, work inside the White House, and now powerful advocacy and research on the state of America\u2019s military. The two dive into headline events\u2014recent attacks, controversial military decisions, and the dangerous rise of performative \u201ctough guy\u201d politics. Dempsey unpacks why the rules of war must stand, why leadership is more than just rhetoric, and how America can maintain its ethical compass.<\/p>\n<p>They discuss the realities veterans face post-service, the risk of radicalization, and the critical need for mental health resources. Dempsey also highlights the stories of unsung leaders and the ways regular Americans can cut through noise, find resilience, and change the national conversation for the better. <\/p>\n<p>Jason Dempsey (@Jason_K_Dempsey) is a bad-ass warrior-scholar. A former Army infantryman with a PhD in politics who loves beer and bikes. A professor, author, researcher, combat veteran and one of the country\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnas.org\/people\/jason-dempsey\"><u> foremost experts on civil-military relations<\/u><\/a>, Jason is West Point graduate, a PhD, and Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and a powerful voice that must be heard. He led units on the ground in Afghanistan, served inside the White House, and literally wrote the book on the modern United states military: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Our-Army-Soldiers-Civil-Military-Relations\/dp\/0691142254\"><u>Our Army: Soldiers, Politics, and American Civil-Military Relations<\/u><\/a>. He\u2019s also a dad, a lover of good beer and no-BS guy who pulls no punches. Jason previously appeared in <a href=\"https:\/\/independentamericans.us\/95-dispatch-special-jason-dempsey-are-we-facing-an-american-insurgency-what-violence-is-yet-to-come-impeachment-gut-check\/\"><u>Episodes 95 <\/u><\/a>\u00a0(January 14, 2021) and <a href=\"https:\/\/independentamericans.us\/76-jason-dempsey-phd-trump-calls-troops-losers-and-suckers-will-the-military-save-us-generals-mattis-and-kelly-are-complicit-the-19th-anniversary-of-9-11-the\/\"><u>Episode 76<\/u><\/a> (Sept. 10, 2020).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In his day job he works to help veterans make the transition from military service to higher education, but he also writes and speaks regularly on issues at the intersection of domestic politics, war, and the American military. He is co-editor of a new book on the state of the American military and the challenges facing our All-Volunteer Force. \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Bend-but-Not-Break-All-Volunteer\/dp\/019782112X\"><u>Bend But Do Not Break: Shaping the Future of the All Volunteer Force\u2019<\/u><\/a> is available for pre-order now, and Jason will be discussing this and more in a course he is teaching on civil-military relations at Columbia University this spring.<\/p>\n<p>These are times where there are more questions than answers, but we\u2019re going to bring you the voices and the thought leaders that can provide the information and clarity you need to help you navigate these turbulent times.<\/p>\n<p>Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories&#8211;and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It\u2019s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve&#8211;and stay vigilant.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oVDA3vnzbpE\"><u>WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n<p>-Learn more about Paul\u2019s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with <a href=\"https:\/\/independentveteransofamerica.org\/\"><u>Independent Veterans of America<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/independentamericans\/posts\"><u>Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community<\/u><\/a> of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>-Check the hashtag <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?q=%23LookForTheHelpers&amp;src=typed_query\"><u>#LookForTheHelpers<\/u><\/a>. And share yours.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>-Find us on social media or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independentamericans.us\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.IndependentAmericans.us\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/www.IndependentAmericans.us<\/a><\/u><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/independentamericans.us\/merch\/\"><u>And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch<\/u><\/a> now in time for the holidays.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>-Check out other Righteous podcasts like <a href=\"https:\/\/thefirefighters.us\/\"><u>The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra<\/u><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/unclemontel.us\/\"><u>Uncle Montel &#8211; The OG of Weed<\/u><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bdorm.us\/\"><u>B Dorm<\/u><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led <a href=\"https:\/\/righteous.us\/\"><u>Righteous Media<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ways to listen:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe\"><strong>Spotify<\/strong><\/a> \u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff\/id1457899667\"><strong>Apple Podcasts<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2022 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/music.amazon.com\/podcasts\/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64\/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff\"><strong>Amazon Podcasts<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ways to watch:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@independentamericans\"><strong>YouTube<\/strong><\/a><strong> \u2022 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/IndependentAmericansUS\/\"><strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Social channels:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/indy_americans\"><strong>X\/Twitter<\/strong><\/a> \u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/indyamericans.bsky.social\"><strong>BlueSky<\/strong><\/a> \u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/IndependentAmericansUS\/\"><strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/megaphone.fm\/adchoices\">megaphone.fm\/adchoices<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paul Rieckhoff catches up with scholar-warrior Dr. Jason Dempsey, a veteran whose career spans deployments in Afghanistan, work inside the White House, and now powerful advocacy and research on the state of America\u2019s military. The two dive into headline events\u2014recent attacks, controversial military decisions, and the dangerous rise of performative \u201ctough guy\u201d politics. Dempsey unpacks&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/386-jason-dempsey-is-hegseth-going-down-over-this-why-double-tapping-is-wrong-spotlight-on-adm-bradley-no-scapegoats-afghani-experience-trauma-transition-and-empty-promises-driscoll\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">386. Jason Dempsey. Is Hegseth Going Down Over This? Why Double-Tapping is Wrong. Spotlight on Adm. Bradley. No Scapegoats. Afghani Experience: Trauma, Transition and Empty Promises. \u201cDriscoll is Measuring Drapes.\u201d The Kids Are OK. Tree Lighting Week.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5827,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-episodes","entry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",750,750,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d91e6837f720eb2cbfa84d8a079ffe7f.jpg",800,800,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/author\/admin\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/category\/episodes\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Episodes<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Paul Rieckhoff catches up with scholar-warrior Dr. Jason Dempsey, a veteran whose career spans deployments in Afghanistan, work inside the White House, and now powerful advocacy and research on the state of America\u2019s military. The two dive into headline events\u2014recent attacks, controversial military decisions, and the dangerous rise of performative \u201ctough guy\u201d politics. Dempsey unpacks&hellip;&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.righteous-media.com\/IndependentAmericans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}