#177 Captain Brad Geary - The Sinister Games the Military Plays in Hiding the Truth

The alarming condition of the U.S. Navy's internal system uncovers issues of injustice and inefficiency that impact its operational integrity and its ability to evolve in the modern warfare landscape.

Navy's Failure to Uphold Due Process and Accountability

The U.S. Navy's handling of two significant cases — the death of Kyle Mullen and the disciplinary actions against Brad Geary — exposes how the institution manipulates evidence, harbors an untrustworthy investigative process, and lacks accountability at higher ranks.

Navy Manipulated Evidence in Kyle Mullen's Death Investigation

Kyle Mullen's death investigation has been marred by controversial actions that include initial dismissal of performance-enhancing drugs as a contributing factor and manipulation of the investigative process by the Navy. Evidence of drugs disappeared, and subsequent investigations were directed with a presumption that drugs had no correlation with the case. Inflated charges of failing to provide proper medical oversight were levied against Brad Geary, despite withheld evidence that could have exonerated him. Moreover, attempts to deny FOIA requests revealed an intention to mislead and withhold crucial evidence.

Brad Geary exposes that strategic manipulations in the investigative process allowed him to access evidence previously denied, such as text threads that showed a scheme to hide and manipulate drug test results. This evidence includes a substantial amount from Seaman Mullen's car, suggesting a drug case with no follow-up testing and no lab results for the substances.

Alarmingly, there were attempts to halt the investigation for unidentified reasons and a reluctance to disclose evidence, raising questions about internal corruption. The Navy's approach suggests a desperate search for a guilty party, creating a wrongful narrative to attribute blame. Safety investigations indicated no unsafe activities related to Mullen's death, yet charges against Geary suggested otherwise.

Geary further elaborates on how the administrative process, while touted as non-punitive, can levy life-altering penalties outside of due process laws. Indications of a prejudged outcome and attempts to demote him in retirement exemplify the Navy's seeming vendetta against him. Charges against Geary and Eric Ramey were dropped following congressional pressure, which demanded an investigation into the gross ethical violations and institutional corruption revealed in these proceedings.

Navy's Inability to Adapt To Modern Warfare Needs

The Navy faces significant challenges in modernization and innovation due to outdated acquisition processes and reluctance to accept young members' ideas.

Navy's Outdated Acquisition and Resistance to Younger Members' Innovation

Brad Geary underscores the stark contrast between the Navy's sluggish five-year cycle to update equipment and the urgent, dynamic 30-day evolution of warfare techniques seen in conflicts like Ukraine. This slow process hampers Gen Z's innovative drive, leading to attrition as talented individuals might seek more flexible environments. There is a call for the DOD to revise acquisition protocols and embrace the innovation ...

Brad Geary's experience serves as a poignant example of the impact of false accusations and unjust investigations on both individual service members and larger military communities.

Mental and Emotional Impact of False Accusations and Unjust Investigations

Fear, Failure, and Despair During the Ordeal

Geary recounts how service members often feel fear, failure, and despair when faced with false accusations and unjust investigations. He describes a sense of naiveté and misplaced trust in the system initially, as he hoped that the Navy would do the right thing. The manipulation of evidence and unjust nature of the investigations contributed to his distress. At one point, Geary experienced what he believed to be a panic attack, with an overwhelming sense of fear about his future and his family's wellbeing.

He recalls a moment of deep despair and shame during his ordeal, and how reaching out to friends for support helped him through. Describing a dark time, Brad Geary felt intense fear after an investigative report was released to the press without giving him the chance to see or rebut it. Another example of failure and despair occurred when he yelled at his son. Despite trying to manage other stresses, this incident pushed him to a breakdown.

Brad's Damage to Self-Worth and Purpose in Navy Community

The investigation deeply impacted Geary's self-worth and sense of purpose. He was criticized by old friends and mentors for making his case public and undermining trust in Navy leadership. Geary felt that his value in the SEAL teams, usually determined by contribution and duty, was compromised when involved in an investigation based on lies. This feeling was so profound that Geary questioned his self-worth and purpose within the Navy community, a community where he invested himself since the age of 17. He recounts how an admiral's decision to proceed with an inquiry against him made him feel unworthy, despite his belief that the evidence would lead to his vindication. In a transformative moment with his wife, Geary began to reclaim his sense of self-worth, previously battered by his struggle.

Impact on Seal Team and Naval Special Warfare Morale and Retention

Service Members Losing Trust In Navy Leadership

Geary's case exemplifies a broader growing trust gap between service members and Navy leadership. A trend line of abuse, manipulation, and lies has led to a loss of trust in leadership, especially when t ...

Brad Geary emerges as a prominent figure advocating for military justice reform and creating means to support service members facing unjust circumstances within the military system.

Brad's Interviews: Secretary Hegseth and Director Gabbard On Military Justice Reform

Brad Geary has taken proactive steps by engaging with senior officials such as Secretary Hegseth and Director Gabbard regarding military justice reform. He explains how even well-intentioned and good leaders are institutionalized, facing institutional resistance, which affects the effectiveness of reforms. Brad's aim to change how the military justice system operates suggests an effort to be a "change agent." Although not explicitly discussed, Geary's actions and readiness for swift change demonstrate recognition of systemic issues that require changes at various levels, including civilian oversight and congressional involvement.

Creation of Military Defense Fund For Service Members Facing Unjust Investigations

To combat the financial and emotional burdens service members face during legal battles, Geary and his colleagues have proposed starting a nonprofit, the "Civilian Military Defense Fund," aimed at providing access to legal counsel and potentially mental health support. Jason Wareham elaborates that the fund is in the process of being organized in Colorado and seeks to offer civilian legal counsel to military personnel. The fund aims to facilitate high-level litigation, filling the gap where the military justice system fails to offer adequate support, particularly around issues requiring injunctive relief in federal court.

Fund's Goal: Access to Legal Counsel and Mental Health Support

Brad Geary shares the onerous experience of legal fees and the inhibitive policies against fundraising for legal defense within the military. The proposed Civilian Military Defense Fund wil ...