#135 Scott Mann - The Real Cost of America's Failures

The growing capabilities and sophisticated coordination among terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Taliban pose a grave threat to global security, including the U.S. homeland, as experts express their concerns over the ability of these groups to orchestrate devastating attacks.

Terrorist organizations have grown significantly more capable and dangerous since 9/11

Experts like Scott Mann and Shawn Ryan discuss the increasing threat from terrorist organizations.

Al-Qaeda and other groups have expanded their resources, manpower, and operational sophistication, posing a grave threat to the U.S. homeland

Scott Mann speaks to the advanced operational capacity of groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Taliban, indicating that they have become more dangerous since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He worries that future U.S. forces entering Afghanistan might face hostility from forces previously left behind and points to credible sources indicating that the capabilities of terror groups have significantly heightened.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has provided a safe haven and springboard for these terrorist networks to plan and execute attacks

The hosts discuss the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and how it has effectively given a base of operations to terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Scott Mann highlights the strategic marital alliances between Al-Qaeda and key Taliban families. He is particularly concerned that Afghanistan could once again become a base for terror attacks, similar to the pre-9/11 scenario.

Terrorist groups are collaborating in unprecedented ways, amplifying their collective capabilities and reach

The unprecedented level of collaboration between state and non-state actors, even crossing traditional sectarian lines, is a cause for concern, according to Scott Mann. He suggests the existence of a nexus between international criminal elements, state actors, and terror groups, all with a vested interest in seeing the United States fail. Mann notes the potential collaboration between ISIL-K and the Taliban despite ideological differences, and the involvement of the Haqqani network, which demonstrates the possible links to ISIS-K.

The potential for complex, coordinated attacks on the U.S. homeland is extremely concerning

Terrorists are likely planning attacks aimed at causing mass casualties and paralyzing the nation, drawing inspiration from incidents like the October 2022 attack in Russia

Shawn ...

Scott Mann and Shawn Ryan discuss the perceived failures of the U.S. government in recognizing and responding to the resurgence of terrorist threats, particularly following the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The U.S. government has largely depended on a "head in the sand" mentality, downplaying the resurgence of terrorist threats

Scott Mann expresses frustration with the U.S. government's lack of serious discussion and inaction concerning the increasing threat from terrorism, indicating a shortfall in the federal response. Shawn Ryan remarks on the perception that the federal government is not functioning effectively and fails to take threats against the U.S. seriously. Mann reflects on that the collective memory of events like 9/11 has faded, resulting in a lack of concern at the community level, with politicians focusing on other matters. He criticizes politicians for giving only a nod to these security issues without prioritizing them. Mann suggests that the lack of attention contributes to the failure to recognize the re-emergent terrorist threats.

Politicians and policymakers have been unwilling to make this a priority issue, instead focusing on other matters

Shawn Ryan highlights that U.S. borders are wide open and criticizes American authorities for their lack of attention, suggesting negligence or a failure to properly address the issue. Mann criticizes the U.S. government for not recognizing that they are funding an enemy that is conspiring against them, and implies that the government's response to significant terrorist events would be inadequate. Moreover, Mann expresses disappointment that state and local politicians are too preoccupied with the "flavor of the day" to focus on the emerging terror threat from Afghanistan.

Key intelligence and warnings from veterans and former officials have been repeatedly dismissed or ignored

Mann conveys frustration over the short memory within the country and the struggle to get political leaders to even listen or consider the information from veterans about emerging threats. He indicates a disconnect from the ongoing threat of extremism, and implies that the burden has fallen on veterans and grassroots efforts to compensate for the government's neglect. Mann also notes that despite warnings from veterans, federal authorities are inattentive to the national security threats, leading to inaction.

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was a catastrophic strategic blunder that significantly eroded counterterrorism capabilities

Mann discusses the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, suggesting that it has weakened counterterrorism efforts, abandoned partner force ...

Scott Mann and Shawn Ryan discuss the efforts by veterans of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) to fill leadership voids and mitigate threats through community engagement and critical information sharing.

Veterans who served in the global war on terror possess unique, high-fidelity intelligence and insights on the evolving terrorist threat

Mann, a former US Army Green Beret, mentions the involvement of veteran groups like Operation Pineapple Express. These groups had engaged with intelligence operatives and special forces members who had no other support, using their connections and situational awareness to execute complex tasks. Mann asserts that the GWOT veteran community possesses actionable intelligence not being utilized by the government. The information, he says, is more current and precise than what the government has, which comes directly from their Afghan contacts still in country.

Veterans are sounding the alarm and attempting to convey crucial intelligence regarding the terrorist threat to state and local leadership. Mann talks about engaging with state-level leaders to discuss and strategize on issues of terrorism. He indicates that this high-fidelity information includes details on weapons, training locations, and threats from individuals like Hamza bin Laden. The conversation also alludes to individuals with background knowledge on terrorism discussing ongoing threats and strategies terrorists might be employing.

Veterans are taking proactive steps to prepare communities and fill the leadership vacuum

Veterans are actively trying to prepare communities and raise awareness about terrorism's security threat. Scott Mann encourages community-level engagements by advocating for dialogues and communication with local leaders. He mentions efforts to provide information to Governor DeSantis and his team, who were then able to make adjustments based on the insights provided. Mann also talks about the role of GWOT veterans in meeting with figures such as Governor DeSantis and discussing strategies regarding national security threats.

Veterans like Mann see the need to use their unique experiences and understandings to lead conversations and community-level activities regarding disasters and emergencies. They encourage veteran ...

Community-level networks and relationships are becoming increasingly essential in preparing for and responding to potential attacks. These decentralized efforts emphasize the need for robust community engagement and the critical role of interpersonal skills in crisis situations.

Robust community-based networks and relationships will be essential for an effective, decentralized response

Mann highlights that veterans are sounding the alarm on national security risks, underlining the necessity for community-level preparedness. He advocates for the use of veterans' insights to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities. Green Beret teams exemplify this approach by building social capital and inspiring indigenous populations to act. Similarly, Mann suggests communities should reprioritize relationships over transactions to form solid foundations for civil society and an effective response.

These networks can share information, coordinate preparedness efforts, and rapidly respond to incidents

The discussion includes how state agencies are independently assessing national security risks and crafting responses, hinting at a trend toward more robust network building at the state level. Mann describes how threat information and situational updates shared with state and local leaders can aid in preparedness and the prevention of terrorist incidents. He also suggests red-cell type conversations involving law enforcement, response agencies, and informed insiders to create networks for information sharing.

They can also apply pressure on political leaders to prioritize this threat

Information shared with political figures like Governor DeSantis demonstrates how informed communities can influence leaders to take security threats seriously. Ryan's notion of drafting and mass-sending letters to representatives showcases a method for communities to put pressure on leaders, which in turn can guide policy and strategic decisions.

Developing strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport will be critical for these community-based efforts

Scott Mann draws from the Special Forces model, where rapport an ...

Expert opinions indicate the critical need for leaders who can communicate effectively, build trust, and inspire collective action is greater than ever. These skills are not just a nice-to-have but essential tools for addressing societal threats and fostering meaningful change.

Traditional political and media leadership has failed to effectively communicate the gravity of the terrorist threat

Divisive rhetoric and a focus on partisan narratives have eroded public trust and cohesion

Through his commentary, Scott Mann criticizes the approach of current political and media figures who, in his view, have failed to convey the gravity of security concerns to the public. He disparages politicians and the media for not sounding the alarm on evolving threats and suggests that seasoned combat veterans feel compelled to step in as a result. This lack of clear and direct communication has contributed to an environment where individuals may have to take ownership and initiate action to ensure community security.

Effective leaders must be able to build bridges, foster empathy, and inspire people to take collective action

Mann emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills like storytelling to serve as mechanisms for conveying messages and mobilizing communities. His reflection on the tale of Tyler, inspired by the story of Pineapple Express, illustrates the galvanizing potential of storytelling. Moreover, his mention of the tale of an Afghan protagonist, Nizam, and its impression on the younger generation underscores storytelling's power to instill hope and encourage action.

Interpersonal skills like storytelling, active listening, and emotional intelligence are crucial for effective leadership in times of crisis

These skills help build trust, establish rapport, and motivate people to work together toward common goals

Scott Mann underscores the impact of storytelling, active listening, and emotional intelligence in fostering human connections and creating communities capable of taking action. He draws from his transition back to civilian life where he recognized the importance of these skills in addressing critical issues. The ability to be real, relatable, and connect emotionally, he argues, is what distinguishes truly effective leaders.

Mastering these "soft" skills can enable veteran and civilian leaders to fill critical gaps in preparedness and response

Mann illustrates how interpersonal skills such as diaphragmatic breathing to reduce tension and the ability to lower emotional defenses are invaluable in times of crisis. He has been developing a methodology to teach these skills to leaders across sectors for six years, aiming to enhance preparedness and response. By employing nonverbal communication and establishing reciprocity through thoughtful questioning, leaders can better manage emotional states and nurture collectivism.

The transcript emphasizes the need for modeling trust-bridging behavior

Mann suggests that in America's civil society, which is founded on the idea of bridging g ...