479: First Troops On The Ground In Afghanistan. With Green Beret Scott Neil

From Rural Florida to the Green Berets

Scott's Rural, Working-Class Florida Upbringing Involved a Family With a Military History

Scott Neil's upbringing in central Florida, characterized by rural poverty but familial happiness, deeply informed his future military career. His family, present in Florida since the 1830s, was involved in both the Seminole Indian Wars and in the Confederate cavalry. Scott's grandfather, known for long cattle drives and his fiddle playing, crafted fiddles for people from Nashville—a testament to the family's deep roots and unique contributions to their community.

As a child, Scott Neil was enamored with games that involved Cowboys, Indians, Cops and robbers, and army men, which set him on a path toward military service. After a delayed entry program in high school, he joined the army four days after graduation, as an infantryman with aspirations of becoming an airborne ranger.

Joined Army, Trained As Infantryman, Completed Green Berets Selection

At Fort Benning, Neil's infantry basic training began and he was later stationed at Fort Ord, California, where he adopted the role of a rifleman assistant gunner, bearing heavy gear and preparing for extensive marches. His desire to join the illustrious ranks of the Green Berets was sparked during his deployment in Panama when he observed members of the 7th Special Forces Group. Motivated by a search for new challenges, Neil sought and eventually earned a place in Special Forces selection training around 1990 or 1991.

Describing the Green Berets selection process, Neil illuminates its demanding nature. The program employs a rigorous selection criterion, including physical tests, psychological evaluations, memory tests, and individual potential assessments, ensuring candidates are adept at problem-solving with limited resources—an ability Neil refers to as "Expeditionary entrepreneurism."

Neil succeeded in maintaining a low profile ("Grayman") throughout, adhe ...

Task Force K-Bar demonstrated a remarkable 100% success rate across a spectrum of Special Operations missions during the Afghanistan War, exemplifying professional excellence under fire. Scott Neil and Jocko Willink provide insights into the unit's early operations, unique composition, and the many unexpected situations they encountered.

Unique Structure and Composition of Task Force K-Bar

Task Force K-Bar was a multinational coalition force consisting of sailors, soldiers, airmen, Marines, and partners from various countries. Neil describes Task Force K-Bar as a joint operation reflective of a multi-forces approach, with SEAL Captain and an Admiral leadership experienced in SEAL teams. The unit’s geographical orientation included elements from the Middle East and adjacent regions, as well as units focused on other areas such as Okinawa, Asia, Europe, and South America. Teams like Neil’s 595 engaged in preparation in various challenging locales, including desert environments, training with international partners from the Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders, and Australians. While specifics about its unique structure and composition are not provided, Task Force K-Bar was an ad hoc dynamic force unit assembled to meet the urgent necessities post-9/11.

The Unit's Unprecedented Mission Success Rate

The unit's array of high-risk missions included search and rescue, non-compliant boardings, special reconnaissance, sensitive site exploitation, direct action missions, and more. Neil specifically recounts a surgical strike where his team eliminated 22 targets within ninety seconds at a schoolhouse.

Task Force K-Bar consistently displayed courage, tactical expertise, and professional excellence. Adjusting tactics swiftly in the field, they disrupted Taliban and Al Qaeda communications resulting in precision strikes behind enemy lines. The chaotic ranks of the enemy provided opportunities for the unit’s highly effective tactics to take full effect.

Adapting To the Realities of Combat

The Task Force encountered a variety of obstacles in Afghanistan, including navigation issues, interaction with civilians, and encounters with unexpected scenarios. Neil shares an instance where his team had to adapt upon encountering unfamiliar terrain which obstructed visibility— they moved to higher ground for a better vantage point. Similarly, when GPS equipment failed, they physically moved to re-establish a signal.

Unexpected encounters ranged from breaching a compound only to find a donkey inside, attacking grain sacks by mistake, to caring for a child in the midst of a mission. Neil and his team faced extraction challenges when aircraft malfunc ...

After a notable military career spanning 20 years, Scott Neil sought a new sense of purpose in the entrepreneurial world, leading to the creation of the successful Horse Soldier Bourbon brand.

Searching For a New Purpose After Retirement

After 20 Years in the Military, Scott Sought a New Entrepreneurial Challenge

Following two decades of service, including with Task Force K-Bar, Scott yearned for a new mission post-retirement. He wanted to establish a venture that valued the time and effort invested, signified by the program 'The Next Ridgeline' which he created. His pursuits beyond military life included participating in commemorative events like parachuting into Normandy.

Involvement With Green Beret Foundation Exposes Challenges For Veterans

Scott’s involvement with the Green Beret Foundation exposed him to the challenges veterans face regarding medical care and alternative therapies not covered by the VA, fostering a desire to embark on entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Accidental Origins of the Bourbon Business

Scott's Distillery Visits Inspired a Bourbon Brand

The bourbon brand concept organically emerged from distillery visits, initially a pleasurable post-military pastime for Scott and his friends, making whiskey for enjoyment. A chance encounter at a craft distillery during a Yellowstone horseback excursion sparked the collective interest in diving into the bourbon business.

No Experience, Learned Through Hands-On and Networking

Scott had no experience in the bourbon industry; the journey began with hands-on experiments and networking within the community. They learned the intricacies of whiskey production, from grain selection to the aging process, by engaging with seasoned veterans in the field, attending official classes, and working in distilleries in Scotland and Ireland.

Rapid Growth and Evolution of the Business

Horse Soldier Bourbon Became a Fast-Growing Success in the Bourbon Market

From its accidental origins, Hors ...

The journey of Scott Neil and his team in establishing a bourbon business is a tale of overcoming a lack of industry experience with determination and continual learning.

Lack of Industry Experience and Expertise

The Team Learned Distilling, Production, Marketing, and Distribution

Initially, Scott's team had no prior knowledge of the bourbon industry and had to learn everything from scratch, including distillation, production, marketing, and distribution. Scott Neil detailed the distillation process, indicating thorough knowledge in production. They also immersed themselves in learning about market distribution, pricing, and navigating relationships with bartenders and distributors.

Networking, Mentorship, and Experience Filled Gaps

The team's lack of industry experience was counterbalanced by networking and perhaps mentorship, as suggested by their successful navigation of investments and partnerships. Although not explicitly stated, it is inferred that Scott Neil acquired deep industry knowledge over time through hands-on experience and networking.

Navigating Industry Regulations and Requirements

Meet Legal and Logistical Requirements For Alcohol Sales

They encountered industry regulations they were initially unaware of, such as laws against transporting bourbon across state lines. Neil demonstrates an understanding of legal definitions and the importance of meeting criteria, evidenced by his knowledge of bourbon's status as a distinct U.S. product and barrel usage regulations.

Securing Licenses and Navigating Distribution Laws

While details about securing licenses and distribution laws aren't discussed, it's implicit that Neil and his team had to learn about alcohol distribution and sales requirements. They navigated these challenges as they established distributor agreements and entered the formal business phase.

Adapting To Changing Market Conditions

Nimb ...