The Tip of the Spear: A Conversation with Marine Combat Officer John Francis Warren

In this episode, Brian Beckcom speaks with retired Marine Corps
Captain John Warren about his combat experience in Afghanistan.
Brian and Captain Warren also discuss the leadership principles
John learned during his time as the Deputy Director of the
Infantry Officer School, where he prepared incoming Marine
Officers for combat assignments in war zones. 


Captain John Warren served as the “Tip of the Spear” with the
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leading combat operations in
Southern Afghanistan immediately after September 11th; his Marine
company was one of the first sets of boots on the ground
following the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Captain Warren then
returned to Quantico to serve as the Deputy Director of the
infantry officer school, teaching Marines how to overcome
hardships, conquer tough challenges, and thrive in the face of
adversity. 


In this episode, Brian and John discuss:


His upbringing and the life experiences that led him to a
life of military service 

John’s formula for overcoming anxiety and climbing uphill
battles

Where he was at the time of the September 11th terrorist
attacks and the mental shift that took place when he realized
that he’d be deployed into a hot combat zone

The most surprising thing that happened to him during
deployment (a Christmas story)

What it was like mentoring young Marines, preparing them to
survive, and equipping them with the skills they’d need to
perform under the most hostile environments imaginable

His pivot out of the Marine Corps and into the construction
industry where he began by building barracks and homes for other
Marines

How to stay tough through the tumultuous times we’re living
in

And other topics



 


Captain John Francis Warren was born and raised
in San Antonio, Texas. Following graduation from the University
of Texas A&M, John was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in
the USMC. He became an infantry officer and served with the 15th
Marine expeditionary unit, leading combat operations in Southern
Afghanistan immediately after 9/11. Later, John was selected as 1
of 12 instructors at the infantry officer course to become the
Deputy Director, a role where he essentially taught incoming
Marines how to be Marines. After serving for nine years, John
resigned his commission to work in the commercial construction
industry, where he’s led over $1.3 billion in major construction
projects. John is currently the HJD Capital president, a
commercial construction company in San Antonio, where he lives
with his wife, boys, and three dogs.