From dreaming of being a commando at eight years old to commanding the Special Forces Qualification Course, Colonel (Ret.) Jim O’Brien’s career is a blueprint for service, humility, and transformational leadership.

In this episode, Jim sits down with SOFcast to unpack a lifetime in Special Forces — from chasing insurgents in the Balkans to shaping the next generation of Green Berets. He shares powerful lessons from time in Iraq with partner forces like El Salvador’s elite troops, reflects on the enduring influence of mentors like Tim Norris and Joe Dawson, and opens up about passing the torch to the next generation, including his two sons, both now infantry officers.

Jim’s story is about more than tactics or titles. It’s about showing up, serving others, and doing the basics right every time.

Whether you’re in uniform, raising one, or leading a team of any kind, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.