#124 Captain Brad Geary - Inside the Failed Investigation and Tragic Death of Kyle Mullen
In this episode, Captain Brad Geary recounts his efforts to investigate performance-enhancing drug (PED) use among Navy SEAL and SWCC candidates and the tragic death of candidate Kyle Mullen. Geary details his meticulous medical oversight during training, including measures to mitigate COVID-19 risks. He alleges flawed inquiries failed to thoroughly examine a PED link to Mullen's death, and claims superiors suppressed evidence that would have exonerated Geary from culpability.
Geary discusses the personal toll these events took on his family, as well as the professional retaliation he allegedly faced from Navy leadership. He raises concerns about upholding core Navy values, accountability, and public trust. While the Navy denies wrongdoing, Geary maintains his pursuit of truth amid the turmoil surrounding these events.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 5, 2024 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
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1-Page Summary
Performance-Enhancing Drugs Among Navy SEAL/SWCC Candidates
Captain Brad Geary and his team became aware of concerning rumors of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use and distribution among SEAL and SWCC candidates, according to Geary. He cites evidence like a candidate's drug cooler and phone texts suggesting wide PED use, validating initial suspicions.
Despite attempts to investigate, Geary faced legal roadblocks limiting inspections and testing. Eventually, he gained expanded authorities for vehicle inspections and urine testing based on abnormal hormone ratios, following World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
Robust Medical Oversight During Training
Geary's command implemented stringent medical protocols to manage health risks like respiratory issues and COVID-19 during SEAL/SWCC training, Geary asserts. This included measures like seeking mask-wearing waivers and presuming positive COVID cases based on proximity rather than test results—proactive precautions contradicting alleged negligence.
Investigations Into Kyle Mullen's Death
Flawed Inquiries Surrounding PED Link
NCIS investigations into the death of SEAL candidate Kyle Mullen found controlled substances, though vials went untested despite Mullen's confession of injecting a "bad batch." Geary disputes allegations he overrode medical checks.
An independent review linked PEDs to Mullen's death, supported by a candidate's positive test. However, the Pentagon ultimately rejected this connection, producing a sanitized autopsy report without drug links.
Allegations of a Navy Cover-Up
Crucial evidence exonerating Geary was suppressed during investigations, his attorneys claim. Reports were altered to remove the initial finding that PEDs contributed to Mullen's death.
Geary faced fabricated evidence and false testimony, including claims of a non-existent "backpack of steroids." The Navy's stance suggested an attempt to scapegoat Geary and the training command while deflecting culpability, forming a misleading public narrative.
Personal & Professional Impacts on Geary
Family Hardship
Geary's ordeal took a personal toll – his wife was diagnosed with PTSD, his son developed an autoimmune disease, and anger strained his relationships, according to Geary. At times he was a single parent.
Career Jeopardy
Professionally, Geary says he faced baseless disciplinary actions like attempted non-judicial punishment and career-threatening reprimands for requesting investigation records – retaliation for pursuing the truth.
Broader Accountability Concerns
Geary alleges senior Navy leaders deceived, suppressed evidence, and retaliated against him, calling into question public trust and core SEAL/SWCC values. His lawyers cite examples of inquiry manipulation, perjury, and a lacking accountability culture.
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Counterarguments
- The presence of a drug cooler and incriminating texts may not conclusively prove widespread PED use without further corroborative evidence.
- Legal roadblocks to investigations could be in place to protect the rights of individuals and maintain due process.
- Expanded authorities for vehicle inspections and urine testing could raise concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse of power.
- Stringent medical protocols, while necessary, could be seen as overly invasive or restrictive by some.
- Presuming positive COVID cases based on proximity rather than test results could lead to false positives and unnecessary isolation.
- The NCIS's decision not to test vials could be based on protocols or other information not disclosed in the text.
- The Pentagon's rejection of the link between PEDs and Mullen's death could be based on additional evidence or a different interpretation of the autopsy report.
- The suppression of evidence could be disputed by other parties who may have a different account of the investigation process.
- The alteration of reports to remove findings could be due to new evidence or a reevaluation of the initial conclusions.
- Claims of fabricated evidence and false testimony would need to be substantiated by an impartial investigation.
- Personal hardships faced by Geary's family, while unfortunate, may not be directly related to the investigation or its outcomes.
- Disciplinary actions against Geary could be justified if there were other performance or conduct issues not mentioned in the text.
- Allegations of deception and retaliation by senior Navy leaders are serious and would require a thorough and unbiased review to validate.
- The broader concerns about accountability within the Navy could be addressed by examining the systems in place and implementing reforms if necessary.
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by practicing analyzing complex situations with incomplete information, similar to the challenges faced in the podcast's narrative. Start by reading articles or case studies on various topics, then list out the known facts, identify the gaps in information, and make reasoned assumptions to fill those gaps. This exercise will help you better evaluate situations in your personal and professional life where information may be conflicting or incomplete.
- Develop a personal code of ethics to guide your actions in difficult situations, drawing inspiration from the integrity displayed in the face of adversity as described in the podcast. Write down your core values and principles that you believe are non-negotiable. Refer to this code when faced with ethical dilemmas to ensure your decisions align with your personal integrity.
- You can practice resilience by setting up a support system for yourself, much like the hardships faced by individuals in the podcast's story. Identify friends, family members, or professionals who can offer emotional support, and reach out to them regularly to build strong relationships. Additionally, engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as mindfulness or exercise, to help you cope with stress and adversity.
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Performance-enhancing drug use and oversight in Naval Special Warfare training
The issue of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) among SEAL and SWCC candidates has raised significant concerns and challenges to oversight and medical risk management. Captain Brad Geary and his command team faced rumors and confirmed instances of PED use, but their efforts to address the problem were often hampered by legal limitations and strategic challenges.
Presence of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) among SEAL and SWCC candidates
Captain Geary and his command team became aware of concerning rumors of PED use among candidates, including a potential "drug dealer" coming onto the base to distribute substances
Captain Brad Geary acknowledged concerns over performance-enhancing drug use among candidates for SEAL and SWCC training after becoming aware of rumors involving PED distribution. He notes indications and rumors of PEDs being used by candidates, including a scenario alleging a dealer came onto the base with a case full of drugs, distributed them, and then left without leaving evidence.
Despite efforts to investigate and address the issue, including proposals for enhanced search and testing, the command faced challenges. After the death of Kyle Mullen, a candidate who passed during training, NCIS discovered a cooler containing illegal drugs in Mullen's possession. This discovery validated concerns over wider PED use within the base.
Geary’s team attempted to manage the situation by administratively dropping candidates from training who were suspected of PED use, rather than pursuing punitive measures. The emergence of text threads on Mullen's phone indicated conversations about drug use and contact with a drug dealer, confirming suspicions of a wider issue.
Despite efforts to investigate and address the issue, including requests for expanded search and testing authorities, the command faced roadblocks from legal advisors who limited their ability to inspect vehicles and test candidates
The command grappled with roadblocks from legal advisors who limited their ability to conduct thorough investigations. Initial advice suggested that they couldn’t inspect vehicles without probable cause. However, following a reevaluation, it was clarified that inspections could be conducted differently than searches, which required probable cause.
The command considered various strategies for combating PED use. These included bringing in drug-sniffing dogs, although these animals cannot detect PEDs, and even the idea of reinserting a recent graduate as a spy to uncover the network of drug use, though this plan was not carried out.
Eventually, after navigating through the legal advice and seeking expanded authorities, Geary was able to conduct vehicle inspections, which gave him peace of mind though they found nothing. The team took proactive steps to begin urine testing for PEDs and confronting candidates with abnormal ratios based on World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
Oversight and management of medical risks during SEAL/SWCC training
Geary's command implemented robust medical protocols, including increased monitoring and prophylactic measures to address potential respiratory issues, SIPE, and COVID-19 impacts
Geary’s command implemented comprehensive medical protocols to manage the health risks associated with SEAL/SWCC training. These measures were taken specifically to address potential respiratory issues, swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE), and the impact of COVID-19.
To navigate through the pandemic, the command faced the task of ...
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Performance-enhancing drug use and oversight in Naval Special Warfare training
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Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of administratively dropping candidates suspected of PED use might not address the root cause of the issue and could be seen as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.
- Legal limitations that hinder vehicle inspections and testing might be in place to protect individual rights and prevent potential abuses of power, suggesting a need for balance between oversight and personal freedoms.
- The use of drug-sniffing dogs and the idea of inserting a spy graduate could raise ethical concerns about privacy and the potential for entrapment.
- While vehicle inspections and urine testing for PEDs are steps forward, they may not be sufficient to deter or catch all instances of PED use due to the sophistication of some PEDs and methods of evasion.
- Implementing medical protocols to address respiratory issues, SIPE, and COVID-19 impacts is critical, but there may be concerns about the adequacy and effectiveness of these protocols in preventing health issues.
- Adapting policies to navigate pandemic challenges is necessary, but there could be criticism about the timeliness and flexibility of these adaptations, as well as their impact on the training quality and candidate safety.
- The assertion of exceptional medical oversight and proactive health and safety measures could be que ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal integrity checklist to self-monitor behaviors that align with your values, similar to how organizations monitor compliance. For instance, if you value health and fitness, your checklist might include items like "Did I avoid performance-enhancing substances?" or "Did I choose natural methods to improve my performance?" This self-assessment tool encourages accountability and helps maintain personal standards.
- Develop a peer support system to promote healthy practices and discourage negative behaviors. Just as teams address issues collectively, you and your friends can pledge to support each other's goals, whether it's for fitness, career, or personal development. Regular check-ins and group activities that reinforce positive habits can create a culture of mutual accountability and support.
- Implement a 'Plan-Do-Review' cycle for personal dec ...
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Investigations into Kyle Mullen's death and allegations of wrongdoing against the training command
The podcast transcript unpacks complex and contentious issues surrounding the investigation into the death of SEAL candidate Kyle Mullen and subsequent allegations against the training command.
The line of duty investigation and independent review processes
The investigation into Kyle Mullen's death uncovered a myriad of allegations against Brad Geary and the training command, marked by controversial findings and disputed narratives.
Initial investigations by NCIS due to Mullen's death during SEAL training led to a troubling discovery: controlled substances in Mullen's property. Despite confessional texts from Mullen suggesting a reaction to an injection and a bad batch, no testing on the vials was conducted. At the forefront of this debacle was Geary, who disputed allegations made against him, such as overriding medical checks that showed no problems following Mullen's passing.
During Geary's quest for transparency, he encountered resistance. Information that could potentially exonerate him was deliberately suppressed, including a crucial document that neither his military attorney nor his civilian attorney, Jason Wareham, could access, despite Wareham's clearance. Even more alarming were the changes noticed in reports, including a line of duty investigation report altered to conceal the role of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)—initially deemed a contributing factor to Mullen's death.
Amidst this turmoil, Geary faced fabricated evidence, false testimony, and unchecked allegations—one being a purported backpack full of steroids that never existed. His defense was a rebuttal to the investigation riddled with falsehoods, garnering enough conviction from his Admiral to dismiss the case and propose a future reinvestigation.
Key details from the investigations alleged PEDs as a factor in Mullen's death, despite the Navy later negating this. A candidate from Mullen's class tested positive for these substances, underscoring the potential dangers. An independent review corroborated PED involvement, but Pentagon officials ultimately rejected this link. A subtly coerced narrative exempted drugs as a cause, leaving behind a sanitized autopsy report and a family grappling for truth.
Attempts to shift blame and create a false narrative
Geary and his legal team, including Wareham and Davis Younts, confronted an investigation seemingly engineered to shelter the Navy from culpability. The evidence portrayed Geary as negligent, relying on testimonies from failed candidates—some of whom Geary had dismissed for PED use—without due verification. These uncorroborated statements were amplified in a 3,500-page report, distorting Geary's leadership and inflating attrition rates under his command.
The Navy responded to Mullen's death by tactically shifting blame onto Geary and the training command, forming a scapegoating narrative disconnected from the actual events. Despite Geary addressing the fabricated evidence and false testimony, the Navy remained steadfast in protecting its image, even if that meant framing Geary and prolonging the Mullen family's agony.
Geary's revelations illustrate an att ...
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Investigations into Kyle Mullen's death and allegations of wrongdoing against the training command
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The presence of controlled substances in Mullen's property and the lack of testing on the vials could be due to procedural oversights or legal constraints rather than deliberate suppression.
- Brad Geary's dispute of allegations and the claim of suppressed exonerating information could be contested by the possibility that the withheld information was not relevant or was protected due to privacy laws or ongoing investigations.
- The alteration of reports to conceal the role of PEDs might be explained by evolving understandings of the evidence or the need to correct initial inaccuracies.
- The claim of fabricated evidence and false testimony against Geary could be countered by the argument that witness testimonies are subject to interpretation and the legal process is designed to weigh their credibility.
- The independent review's corroboration of PED involvement and the Pentagon's rejection of this link could be due to differing standards of evidence or interpretation of the data.
- The Navy's alleged shifting of blame and creation of a false narrative could be seen as an attempt to maintain order and discipline within the ranks, which is a fundamental aspect of military operation.
- The assertion that the Navy's public messaging was self-protective could be countered by the idea that the Navy has to balance transparency with operational security and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
- The involvement of congressmen and the suggestion of an entrenched culture of secrecy could be ...
Actionables
- You can develop critical thinking by analyzing news stories for potential bias and misinformation, similar to scrutinizing investigation reports. Start by selecting a current news article and list out the facts presented. Then, research each fact from multiple sources to see if there are discrepancies or if certain details are being omitted. This practice will sharpen your ability to discern the reliability of information and recognize when narratives may be manipulated.
- Enhance your understanding of accountability by keeping a journal where you document instances where you or others shift blame in everyday situations. Note the circumstances, the reasons given for the blame shift, and reflect on how taking responsibility might have changed the outcome. This exercise will help you become more aware of accountability in your own actions and encourage a culture of transparency in your personal life.
- Encourage open di ...
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The personal and professional impacts on Captain Brad Geary, his family, and his staff, as well as broader concerns about integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Navy
Captain Brad Geary recounts his ordeal within the Navy, detailing the personal and professional repercussions on himself, his family, and his staff. This situation also raises broader concerns about the principles guiding the Navy's operations.
Geary's personal and professional challenges
Captain Geary faced numerous challenges in both his personal and professional life, which took a toll on his family’s well-being and his career in the military.
Geary's family endured significant hardship, including his wife's PTSD diagnosis and his son's health issues, as a result of the ordeal
The repercussions of Captain Geary's professional struggles had profound impacts on his family. His wife was diagnosed with PTSD and suffered from an ongoing ulcer, while his son developed an autoimmune disease, partly due to stress from the family's situation. Geary himself describes being consumed by anger which affected his relationships, particularly with his wife. At one point, he had to manage single-parent responsibilities, indicating an emotional and logistical strain on the family as a whole.
Geary faced baseless disciplinary actions, including an attempted non-judicial punishment, that threatened his military career
Professionally, Captain Geary found himself on unstable ground as he faced disciplinary actions within the Navy. He was given only 72 hours to prepare for non-judicial punishment (NJP) and was labeled a murderer in the press. Geary faced charges for dereliction of duty and negligence based on accusations he claims were false. Additionally, he was reprimanded merely for requesting to read the investigations that were being used against him and given four days to prepare for the Captain's Mast. Geary mentions an additional task set before NJP that was inappropriate and conflicts of interest, further complicating his ability to defend himself regarding the NJP.
Concerns about lack of accountability and transparency within the Navy
Geary's case illustrates deep concerns about the way the Navy manages internal affairs, particularly regarding integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Geary alleges senior Navy leadership engaged in deception, suppressed evidence, and retaliated against him for attempting to expose the truth
Captain Geary's attempts to expose the truth about irregularities in Navy procedures met with significant resistance and retaliation from senior leadership. He alleges that his actions have resulted in being targeted with additional charges and administrative actions that could potentially damage his career. His request to see investigation documents was denied, and he describes how senior medical officers are fighting for their medical licenses over charges related to a death not properly attributed to them. Geary was informed he would not be allowed to read certain investigations that affected him, and he revealed that an admiral issued him a non-punitive letter of censure. Geary also faced more charges after reporting to the Chief of Naval Operations and was later ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The personal and professional impacts on Captain Brad Geary, his family, and his staff, as well as broader concerns about integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Navy
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Clarifications
- Non-judicial punishment (NJP) is an administrative disciplinary process used within the military to address minor offenses. It allows commanders to impose punishment without a court-martial. The process typically involves a hearing where the accused can present their case before a commanding officer who decides on the appropriate punishment. Punishments can include reduction in rank, extra duties, or restriction.
- A Captain's Mast is a non-judicial disciplinary proceeding in the U.S. Navy where a commanding officer acts as the judge to address misconduct by a service member. It is a formal administrative hearing that can result in punishments like loss of pay, extra duties, or reduction in rank. The accused has the right to present a defense but does not have the same legal protections as a court-martial. The goal is to maintain discipline and order within the military ranks.
- A non-punitive letter of censure is a formal written reprimand that expresses disapproval or criticism of an individual's actions or behavior. Unlike punitive measures that result in disciplinary actions, such as demotions or loss of pay, a non-punitive letter of censure does not carry specific penalties but serves as a documented admonishment. It is often used to address misconduct or shortcomings without imposing severe consequences, allowing the organization to formally address concerns while not implementing harsh punishments. This type of letter is typically kept on record for reference and may impact future evaluations or decisions within the organization.
- A non-punitive letter of caution is a formal written notice in the military that highlights concerns about a service member's conduct or performance but does not result in any immediate disciplinary action or punishment. It serves as a warning or guidance to the individual to address specific issues and prevent future problems. This type of letter is not considered a formal disciplinary measure and does not go on a service member's permanent record. It is meant to alert the individual to areas of improvement without the severity of punitive consequences.
- The SEAL community's core values, which stand for Sea, Air, and Land, are honor, courage, and commitment. These values are the foundation of the Navy SEAL ethos, guiding their actions and decisions in both personal and professional realms. SEALs are expected to uphold these values in all aspects of their lives, reflecting the high standards of integrity and service expected of elite military personnel. These principles help ...
Counterarguments
- The Navy's disciplinary actions may have been based on information not disclosed in the text, and there could be valid reasons for the procedures followed.
- The connection between the family's health issues and Geary's professional situation could be coincidental or influenced by other factors not related to the Navy's actions.
- The Navy's refusal to provide certain documents or information might be due to classified information or privacy concerns that are standard procedure in military operations.
- The allegations of deception and suppression of evidence by senior Navy leadership may be part of a more complex situation where not all details are available to the public or even to Geary himself.
- The erosion of public trust and undermining of SEAL values could be perceived differently by other members of the Navy or the public, who may have confidence in the Navy's integrity and procedures.
- The broa ...
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1-Page Summary- Performance-enhancing drug use and oversight in Naval Special Warfare training
- Investigations into Kyle Mullen's death and allegations of wrongdoing against the training command
- The personal and professional impacts on Captain Brad Geary, his family, and his staff, as well as broader concerns about integrity, transparency, and accountability in the Navy
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