Episode 26 is one of the first episodes I ever recorded during a trip to San Angelo for an OCCFLD working group. The delay was primarily technical and partially content. I deliberated quite a bit about what, if anything, I needed to pull from the interview. What you hear in this conversation is all Tom, unfiltered…mostly! Tom promoted me to Sgt back in 2002 before I even hit the Fleet. During our interview, we discuss quite a range of topics that cover the influence of the Senior Enlisted on command climate, the impact of technology on operations, the sometimes opposing perspectives between the strategic, operational & tactical, the importance of staying in touch with our fellow Marines, and the unique bond we as Marines enjoy in spite of the demanding and competitive environment we maintain.