Doug Kechijian is a PJ who obtained a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology and obtained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both from Columbia University. In part 1 of this talk Doug reviews why HPO programs are important, why sports medicine and performance training should be viewed as a continuum, and what are the limitations of physical preparation in the context of special operations.

If you do not know about it, search for "Roger Sparks Pararescue" and "Operation Bulldog Bite" before you listen to this. Unfortunately, if you do not hear the details directly for Roger you will be missing out, but at least get some SA before listening by reading the material out there. Roger received the Silver Star for this mission which he performed with one of our great Combat Rescue Officers.  This is a reflective and introspective discussion by a senior PJ about rescue and recovery in intense combat, and what it takes to do this mission.

MY is a recently retired SMSgt PJ who experienced a brutal mission in the 90s, was able to compensate until on OEF mission brought it all to the surface. This first of 2 discussions chronicles his career as the backdrop for the challenges of maintaining a family and operating during a time where we did not discuss these things and did not have the right support available, and then how it all came out and was difficult to recognize what was going on, until finally seeking help and getting it.