#228 David Rutherford - Navy SEAL & CIA Contractor
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, former Navy SEAL David Rutherford discusses his military career, from his challenging experiences in BUD/S training to his deployment in Afghanistan. The conversation explores his journey through SEAL Team One, including his work with Desert Patrol Vehicles and a traumatic incident involving his teammates that led to depression and substance abuse.
Rutherford shares how his path to recovery began with a spiritual experience during a reconnaissance mission, which influenced his later work. He describes the development of Froglogic, his youth mentoring program that applies military training principles to help children across North America, and explains how this work helped him find new purpose beyond his military service.
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1-Page Summary
Rutherford's Military Background, Training, and Deployment Experiences
David Rutherford's journey through Navy SEAL training began at Coronado, where he faced intense physical and psychological challenges. After checking in at SEAL Team One in 1998, Rutherford worked at the mastered arm shack before completing his training. His motivation to become a SEAL stemmed from a desire to overcome fear and prove his strength.
Throughout BUD/S and SQT training, Rutherford faced numerous setbacks, including medical issues and stress fractures. However, with support from his peers and training officers, he persevered through challenges like intense El Niño waves and difficult pool competitions. Eventually graduating with Class 209, Rutherford received his Navy SEAL trident after proving himself within his team.
Rutherford's First Combat Deployment to Afghanistan
In February 2002, Rutherford joined a mobility platoon with SEAL Team 1, working with Desert Patrol Vehicles (DPVs) in Afghanistan. Despite initial confusion and lack of clear directives, he adapted to the challenging environment and learned to operate effectively in combat situations. During this deployment, Rutherford experienced a traumatic incident involving the accidental shooting of his teammates.
Rutherford's Guilt, Shame, and Purpose After Tragedy
Following the incident, Rutherford struggled with deep emotional turmoil, leading to depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. He isolated himself and struggled with feelings of unworthiness, though his wife eventually helped him work through his shame. Seeking redemption, he turned to contracting work with Blackwater, but this pursuit proved unfulfilling and strained his family relationships.
Rutherford's Faith Journey and Its Influence on Froglogic
Rutherford's healing process began with a spiritual awakening during deployment, where he experienced what he describes as God's presence during a recon mission. This newfound faith became fundamental to his recovery and led to the creation of Froglogic, a youth mentoring program. Through Froglogic, Rutherford developed an eight-mission training program based on his BUDs experience, working with thousands of children across North America. This work provided him with a sense of purpose and redemption, allowing him to impact young lives positively while moving beyond his military past.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can start a personal challenge to face a fear each month, documenting your journey and sharing it on a blog or social media to inspire others. By setting a goal to confront a different fear every month, you create a structured approach to personal growth that mirrors Rutherford's motivation to overcome fear. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, commit to an open mic night or a toastmasters meeting, and share your experience and progress with an audience.
- Create a support network by forming a small accountability group with friends or colleagues where you encourage each other through personal setbacks. This mirrors the support Rutherford received during his training. For instance, if you're working towards a fitness goal and hit a plateau, having a group to share strategies and motivate each other can help you push through the tough times.
- Develop a mentorship habit by volunteering to tutor or coach in a subject you're passionate about at a local community center or school. This takes inspiration from Rutherford's work with children and allows you to give back and find a sense of purpose. Whether it's helping kids with their math homework or coaching a youth soccer team, the act of mentoring can provide a profound sense of fulfillment and community connection.
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Rutherford's Military Background, Training, and Deployment Experiences
David Rutherford's journey as a Navy SEAL brought him face to face with rigorous challenges and transformative experiences both in training and in combat.
Rutherford's Journey Through Navy Seal Training and Graduation
Rutherford's initiation into SEAL training at Coronado set the stage for a grueling journey through BUD/S and SQT. His time in training was marked by physical and psychological struggles, as well as the relentless pursuit to conquer fear and gain his peers' recognition.
Overcame Challenges in Bud/S and Sqt Through Determination and Team Support
Checked in at SEAL Team One in February of 1998, Rutherford faced an immediate, intense physical test, foreshadowing the grueling BUD/S training ahead. He graduated from 18 Delta and instead of jumping straight into SEAL Tactical Training (STT), was assigned to work at the mastered arm shack, creating and running downman scenarios and Field Training Exercises (FTX).
Amid a significant influx of SEAL trainees and events like the Red Wings and Extortion 17, Rutherford found himself amid a shifting atmosphere following 9/11, which solidified the community's focus on imminent war.
His decision to become a Navy SEAL stemmed from a desire to no longer be afraid, aiming to be identified as strong and capable. Rutherford concentrated not on the act of killing but on overcoming his fear and gaining mastery over his life.
Throughout the progression of BUD/S and SQT, Rutherford experienced a shift from personal survival in training to a focus on team integration and his role within it. He recalls being rolled into BUD/S class 206 due to medical issues and adopting strategies like becoming a road guard to secure better eating schedules. Within Class 206, camaraderie was strong, and despite a setback with stress fractures in his tibias and fibias, a base training officer gave him an opportunity to recover instead of dropping from training, reflecting support from the program. This period included moments of difficulty, where Rutherford turned to partying and found support from a friend named Mark, but he soldiered on.
Rutherford's training was marred with challenges, from significantly difficult conditions like the largest waves in 10 years during an El Nino year to moments of levity and camaraderie through "chief speech" bonfires. Moments of weakness were overcome with support from peers, including encouragement from a fellow trainee, Adam, and an inspiring officer's shout of "freedom." Rutherford credits the strength of his boat crew during Hell Week in class 208 and the support of peers like Bing and Rob for his perseverance through grueling parts of training.
Graduating with Class 209, Rutherford faced the intense military culture, insecurities, and pressure to measure up to others. Failures like pool comp evolutions were met with support from his peers, and through this camaraderie, he learned important lessons on mutual support and the strength fostered through community. Despite his role as a motivator within his teams, he grappled with self-doubt and a tough period of menial tasks, looking forward to well-structured training like jump school.
His SEAL Tactical Training included a board review by SEAL chiefs questioning his past decisions, adding another layer to Rutherford’s struggle with self-doubt. Upon joining his team, Rutherford observed combat-experienced individuals like platoon chief Wally and worked hard to contribute and prove himself. Although he experienced uncertainty initially, eventually he was recognized for his efforts and received his official Navy SEAL trident during a painful pinning ceremony.
Rutherford recalls the "blood wings" tradition during SEAL Qualification Training, which though unofficial, reflects camaraderie and the SEAL culture of facing challenges head-on. Throughout this time, Rutherford experienced a psychological shift to embrace a culture of death and adapt to the intense mentality. Teaching at a consolidated SEAL training program underscored the importance of platoon performance and continuous improvement, and he expressed respect for the younger SEALs' strength and determination.
Rutherford's First Combat Deployment to Afghanistan
Augment Platoon For Mobility and Off-road Operations
After a deployment that lacked excitement and active com ...
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Rutherford's Military Background, Training, and Deployment Experiences
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Actionables
- You can challenge your fear response by engaging in controlled risk-taking activities like rock climbing or public speaking classes, which can help you understand and manage fear in a safe environment. By gradually increasing the difficulty of these activities, you'll build resilience and confidence in your ability to handle fear-inducing situations.
- Create a "teamwork journal" where you document daily interactions that require cooperation, noting how you contributed to group efforts and how others supported you. This practice can enhance your awareness of the importance of camaraderie and mutual support in everyday life, similar to the lessons learned in team-based training environments.
- Practice adapting to ne ...
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Rutherford's Guilt, Shame, and Purpose After Tragedy
David Rutherford experienced profound changes in his life following a traumatic incident, leading to years of emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and a quest for redemption.
Rutherford Faced Years of Self-Doubt, Isolation, and Difficulty After the Incident
Struggled to Reconcile His Actions and Find Forgiveness
Rutherford felt a deep sense of shame, especially for not being there for his brother particularly when learning he was gay. The incident intensified his feelings of unworthiness and led to self-isolation. Although initially he locked in his feelings and rationalized his behavior, he later faced the reality of his actions. Rutherford particularly mentioned being out of control with alcohol and drugs, to the point of contemplating suicide with a shotgun, but was interrupted. Eventually, his wife played a critical role in helping him work through his feelings of shame.
Faced Trauma-Driven Depression, Substance Abuse, and Suicidal Thoughts
David Rutherford grappled with depression and substance abuse after the incident, becoming detached and inebriated for days. The weight of guilt and shame led to a spiral of depression, which almost destroyed him again. He experienced a 90-day period of continuous intoxication, struggling with the negative insurgency that comprised infinite layers of negativity in life. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out and not succumbing to isolation, reflecting on the missed opportunity to help his friend Dave Hall who died by suicide.
Rutherford's Quest For Redemption Through Contracting Work
Turned To Contracting to Redeem Himself and Serve, but Faced Challenges and Disappointments
Rutherford sought redemption through contracting work with Blackwater, driven by the hope of having a moment to redeem himself. He acknowledged some positive experiences from this work; however, he also felt that these did not negate his past or the inc ...
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Rutherford's Guilt, Shame, and Purpose After Tragedy
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Actionables
- Create a personal accountability chart to track moments when you're avoiding responsibility or isolating yourself, noting the triggers and your responses. By recognizing patterns, you can develop strategies to confront these behaviors, such as scheduling regular check-ins with a friend or joining a support group that aligns with your experiences.
- Start a "redemption project" that aligns with your values and skills, like volunteering for a cause you care about or mentoring someone. This can provide a sense of purpose and help you see the positive impact of your actions, countering feelings of unworthiness and helping to rebuild self-esteem.
- Develop a "forgiveness ...
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Rutherford's Faith Journey and Its Influence on Froglogic and His Career Redemption
David Rutherford shares the transformative journey of his faith in God and Christianity, which not only supported his own healing and growth but also inspired his Froglogic initiative and redeemed his career.
Rutherford's Faith in God and Christianity Supported His Healing and Growth
Rutherford's spiritual journey is deeply entwined with his mental and physical healing.
Spiritual Awakening During Deployment Deepened His Faith
It began with a compelling spiritual awakening during a deployment when he faced the possibility of a sandstorm and the team had run out of water, prompting him to pray for the first time. He described a recon mission where he felt the presence of God for the first time. He watched fellow soldiers engage in Bible study, an endeavor that initially perplexed him but later resonated deeply, especially after a film brought him to tears over his life choices. Rutherford considered these experiences as the start of his faith, which helped him through ten arduous years of healing.
Faith as Foundation For Froglogic: Mentoring and Inspiring Youth
Reflecting on his faith journey, Rutherford explains how his newfound spiritual commitment influenced his career path. Driven by a desire to leave a positive legacy, he sought to work with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Red Cross, and eventually landed on the idea of working directly with kids through Froglogic. He became baptized before a deployment, leaning into his Bible studies to deepen his understanding of Christ's teachings, which played a role in shaping his Froglogic mission.
The concept for working with children came after a profound spiritual engagement and a realization that he wanted his child to know his Christian faith. Alongside mentors like George Andrews and strong spiritual experiences, Rutherford’s faith became the cornerstone of his desire to mentor youth, suggesting that Christ’s teachings informed his approach to guiding and supporting the next generation.
Rutherford's Froglogic Work Provided Purpose, Redemption, and Impact on Others
Rutherford's engagement with youth and leadership through Froglogic gave his post-military life purpose and a sense of redemption.
Youth Self-Confidence and Leadership Programs
After founding FrogLogic, Rutherford channeled his commitment to instilling self-confidence in children. Drawing on his Navy SEAL background, he developed a motivational training program for kids, kicking it off at a local YMCA. The program's teachings, encapsulated in eight missions, derived from lessons he learned during BUDs training.
Rutherford, oft ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Rutherford's Faith Journey and Its Influence on Froglogic and His Career Redemption
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore your own spiritual or philosophical beliefs by journaling your thoughts and experiences during challenging times. This practice can help you reflect on your personal growth and how your beliefs are connected to your life choices. For example, if you're going through a difficult period, write down how your beliefs provide comfort or guidance, and note any changes or insights that occur.
- Start a small study or discussion group with friends or community members to share and learn from each other's life experiences. This could be a book club focused on inspirational stories or a casual meetup where each person shares a personal challenge and the group offers support and wisdom. This kind of group can deepen your understanding of how different perspectives can influence personal growth.
- Volunteer with a local youth o ...
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