Jocko Underground: The Value of Cadence. Worthless? Or Useful? | How Civilians Can Be Prepared for War
In this episode of the Jocko Podcast, former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink shares insights into the purpose and significance of cadences during military training and operations. He describes the humorous, crude lyrics sung by SEAL trainees to provide comic relief, while motivational cadences were used in more intense moments.
Willink highlights how cadences fostered unity through shared culture and synchronized movement. He explores their practical benefits for marching and maneuvers, as well as their role in building camaraderie by connecting service members to military heritage. Drawing from personal experiences in the Navy SEALs and Army, Willink illustrates the unique bond forged through these shared chants and songs.
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1-Page Summary
Marching Cadences in Navy SEAL Training
Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL, offers insight into the practice of singing cadences during SEAL training, where humor was prevalent.
Cadences Featured Crude Humor Over Motivational Lyrics
According to Willink, SEAL training cadences often contained rude, funny lyrics providing comic relief rather than inspiration. However, a motivational cadence was sung before entering the grueling "grinder" area.
Cadences Fostered Shared Culture and Unity
Willink discusses how these humorous songs about "frogmen" became integral to SEAL culture. They were sung even during intense training, fostering unity as cadences were passed down between classes.
Practical and Cultural Significance
Willink and Echo Charles explore the practical benefits of cadences for synchronized movement as well as their role in building camaraderie.
Cadences Ensure Order During Marches
Willink highlights how reciting simple chants helps soldiers move rhythmically together, maintaining order and discipline crucial for large troop maneuvers.
Cadences Build Camaraderie and Connect to Military Heritage
Charles notes cadences create a sense of pride and unity among service members. Willink adds they likely foster subconscious team bonding. Traditional cadences also connect recruits to the longstanding military culture and history.
Personal Experiences With Cadences
Willink's Navy SEAL and Army Experiences
In the Navy, Willink sang humorous, invented cadences with his team, even making noises for laughs. At reunions, older SEALs sang nostalgic "bud songs."
As an Army officer candidate under Marine Corps drill instructors, Willink admired their impactful motivational cadences, including one defiantly sung in an unauthorized area.
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Counterarguments
- While cadences may feature crude humor, it's important to consider that what is humorous to one group may be offensive to another, and the use of such language may not be appropriate in all military contexts.
- The use of a single motivational cadence before entering the "grinder" area might be seen as insufficient for maintaining morale during the most challenging parts of training.
- The idea that cadences foster shared culture and unity could be challenged by the notion that not all individuals may feel included or represented by the traditional cadences and their themes.
- The effectiveness of cadences in ensuring order during marches might be less significant with modern technology and communication devices that can also help synchronize troop movements.
- While cadences are said to build camaraderie, they may also inadvertently exclude or alienate individuals who do not connect with the specific content or style of the cadences.
- The connection to military heritage through traditional cadences could be seen as a double-edged sword, as it may also perpetuate outdated values or attitudes that are no longer aligned with contemporary military ethos.
- The claim that cadences foster subconscious team bonding could be questioned by suggesting that other team-building activities might be equally or more effective.
- The integral role of cadences in SEAL culture and their transmission between classes might not account for the evolving nature of military culture and the potential need for new traditions that reflect current values and experiences.
- The personal experiences of Willink with humorous and invented cadences might not be universally shared or appreciated by all service members, who may have different perspectives on what constitutes effective or appropriate cadence content.
- The nostalgia associated with "bud songs" and other traditional cadences might not resonate with newer generations of SEALs who may have different cultural touchstones.
- The admiration for impactful motivational cadences during Army training could be contrasted with the view that motivation can come from many sources, not just cadences, and that individual motivation may vary greatly among service members.
Actionables
- Create a personal mantra for daily routines to instill a sense of purpose and unity within your family or friend group. Just like cadences unify SEALs, a shared phrase or saying can bond your group during activities like morning routines or workout sessions. For example, you might start each day with a family breakfast where everyone recites a positive affirmation or goal for the day, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared intention.
- Start a virtual "cadence club" with friends or colleagues where you share and develop motivational chants. Use these chants to kick off group activities or meetings, much like the SEALs did before entering the grinder. This could be as simple as setting up a group chat where members contribute lines to a collaborative chant, which is then recited together during video calls to boost morale and create a rhythmic start to the event.
- Incorporate rhythmic movement into team-building exercises to enhance synchronization and cooperation. For instance, if you're part of a sports team or a dance group, initiate practice sessions with synchronized clapping or stepping exercises that require everyone to move in time with each other. This can help improve coordination and the feeling of being part of a cohesive unit, drawing from the way cadences helped soldiers move rhythmically together.
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Marching Cadences in Navy Seal Training
Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL, offers insight into the unique tradition of singing cadences during SEAL training, where humor often overshadows motivation.
Navy Seal Cadences Were Often Humorous or Crude Rather Than Motivational
Cadences are prevalent in military training, but for Navy SEALs, they take on a different tone as noted by Willink.
Seal Training Cadences Featured Immature, Crude Humor Over Inspirational Lyrics
Willink mentions that during SEAL training, the cadences sung by trainees were often funny, featuring rude and immature boy humor. This humor provided comic relief and a sense of camaraderie among the trainees.
Motivational Cadence Sung Entering "Grinder" For Training
However, there were moments when the cadences served as a motivational tool. Willink recalls a specific cadence that was sung when the trainees entered the "grinder," the outdoor area for physical training. This particular cadence, which could be heard by other classes, was aspirational and helped the trainees feel fired up and ready to undertake the grueling exercises.
Tradition Of Passing Down Cadences in Seal Training
The act of singing these cadences, according to Willink, became more than just a practice; it was an integral part of the SEAL ethos and culture.
Cadences Became Shared Culture
The songs, often with crazy and humorous lyrics about being ...
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Marching Cadences in Navy Seal Training
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Counterarguments
- While the text emphasizes humor and crudeness in SEAL cadences, it's possible that the motivational aspect of these cadences is being understated, as even humorous or crude songs can serve as a form of motivation through stress relief and camaraderie.
- The focus on immature and crude humor might not fully represent the diversity of cadence themes, as there could be a variety of cadences with different tones and purposes used in different contexts within SEAL training.
- The motivational impact of cadences when entering the "grinder" could be subjective, and some trainees might find other aspects of training more motivating than the cadences.
- The idea that cadences are an integral part of SEAL ethos and culture might no ...
Actionables
- Create a playlist of humorous or unconventional songs that can serve as a personal cadence when tackling challenging tasks. Just as the SEALs used humor to lighten the mood, you can curate a selection of songs that make you laugh or feel lighthearted. Play this playlist when you're about to start something difficult, like a workout or a big project, to create a positive association and build resilience.
- Start a tradition of sharing motivational quotes or stories with your friends or family before a group activity. Taking inspiration from the SEALs' tradition of passing down cadences, you can initiate a ritual where each person shares something inspiring before you all engage in a shared experience, such as a family hike or a team project. This can foster a sense of unity and shared culture within your group.
- Use the concept of unity from caden ...
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Practical and Cultural Significance of Military Cadences
Military cadences are integral to the function and culture of the armed forces, offering both practical benefits during training and marches and fostering a deep sense of unity and identity among service members. Willink and Echo Charles discuss the multifaceted roles of these rhythmic chants.
Cadences Keep Soldiers In Step During Marching
The functional aspect of military cadences is their ability to synchronize the movements of soldiers, an essential element in executing orderly and disciplined maneuvers.
Chants and Rhythms Ensure Everyone Moves in Sync
During SEAL training, Willink emphasizes the practical value of cadences in maintaining rhythmic movements and preventing chaos. Reciting something as simple as "left, left, left, right, left" keeps everyone in step, minimizing the risk of tripping and other issues that arise from uncoordinated group movements.
Function Maintains Order and Discipline During Group Movements
The function of cadences goes beyond just keeping soldiers moving in unison; they are fundamental to instilling a sense of order and discipline during marches. This coordination through cadences is crucial for the effectiveness of large-scale troop movements and upholding military precision.
Marching Cadences Foster Camaraderie and Shared Identity
Beyond the practicality, cadences have a deep-seated role in building relationships among soldiers and connecting them with the longstanding traditions of military culture.
Cadences Build Unity and Pride Among Service Members
Echo Charles experienced the power of cadences in creating camaraderie first on his football team and then in the military. He identifies the use of cadences as a significant bonding tool that unites individuals as part of a cohesive group. Willink also believes that cadences likely ...
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Clarifications
- SEAL training, also known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, is the rigorous selection and qualification process for candidates aiming to become Navy SEALs. It includes physically demanding exercises, mental challenges, and specialized training in areas such as diving, land warfare, and weapons proficiency. SEAL training is designed to test candidates' endurance, resilience, and ability to perform effectively in high-stress environments. Successful completion of SEAL training signifies readiness for the demanding operational roles within the Naval Special Warfare community.
- Willink and Echo Charles are former Navy SEALs who have gained recognition for their leadership insights and motivational content. Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, author, and podcaster known for his disciplined approach to leadership. Echo Charles is a former Navy SEAL who collaborates with Willink on various projects, including podcasts and discussions on military principles and personal development. Their work often focuses on topics such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience, drawing from their experiences in the military to provide valuable lessons for a broader audience.
- Military cadences are rhythmic chants used in the armed forces to coordinate movements during marches and training. They help soldiers stay in step, maintain order, and instill discipline. Cadences also play a crucial role in fostering camaraderie, unity, and a shared sense of identity among service members. Traditional cadences connect recruits to the hist ...
Counterarguments
- While cadences help synchronize movements, they may not be as necessary with modern military technology that can provide alternative methods for maintaining coordination.
- The emphasis on order and discipline through cadences could be seen as stifling individuality and may not always be the most effective way to encourage critical thinking and adaptability in soldiers.
- The camaraderie fostered by cadences might sometimes mask underlying issues within a unit, such as lack of genuine communication or unresolved interpersonal conflicts.
- The pride and shared identity developed through cadences could potentially lead to an in-group/out-group mentality, which might hinder collaboration ...
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Personal Experiences With Military Marching Cadences
Jocko Willink discusses his experiences with various types of military marching cadences, from the comedic to the defiantly motivational.
Jocko Willink's Cadences in Navy and Army
Willink shares vivid memories of the marching cadences during his Navy SEAL training and reunions.
Sang Humorous or Invented Cadences As Jokes
Willink recounts singing cadences humorously and inventing funny ones within his SEAL team, even resorting to making noises just for a laugh. He specifically recalls a particular SEAL training cadence that humorously details the tales of "drunk frogmen" with lines like "drink drink drink drink drunk drunk drunk drunk drunk last night and drunk the night before gonna get drunk like we never did before."
Cadences at Seal Reunions Evoke Nostalgia
At SEAL reunions, Willink mentions that older SEALs would sing old "bud songs." These moments showcase how cadences can carry a sentimental and nostalgic weight for former SEALs, connecting them to their shared experiences.
Cadences Crucial in Willink's Officer Candidate School Experience
Willink speaks on the importance of cadences during his time at Officer Candidate School with the Marine Corps drill instructors.
Marine Corps Drill Instructors Led Motivational Cadences
In Officer Candidate School, Willink admired the Marine Corps drill instructors’ ability to l ...
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Personal Experiences With Military Marching Cadences
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Actionables
- You can create a personalized workout playlist with motivational cadences and songs that resonate with your own experiences to keep you energized during exercise. Start by selecting music that brings back positive memories or makes you feel empowered. If you're musically inclined, consider writing your own humorous or motivational lyrics to familiar tunes, which can add a personal touch and make your workouts more enjoyable.
- Develop a tradition of sharing stories or songs that celebrate past achievements with your friends or family during reunions. This could involve creating a special playlist of songs that were popular during a time you all shared, like college years or a memorable trip, and playing it during get-togethers. Alternatively, if you have a shared experience like completing a challenging project or event, you could write a commemorative song or chant together that encapsulates the spirit of that time.
- Use the power of rhythmic chants or affirmations to start y ...
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