CSM Brett Johnson in 75th Ranger Regiment (Exclusive)

75th Ranger Regiment's Regimental Sergeant Major - CSM Brett Johnson
CSM Brett Johnson has served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, having deployed 19 times, with assignments across 75th Ranger Regiment, within Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and as the Garrison Sergeant Major at Fort Moore (Benning).
Brett is currently the Regimental Sergeant Major at 75th Ranger Regiment and he sat down with us to discuss a number of topics.
Video b-roll shared from 75th Ranger Regiment
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#75th Ranger Regiment's Regimental Sergeant Major - CSM Brett Johnson
#75th Ranger Regiment
#Regimental Sergeant Major
#armyrangers
#mentors4mil
#mentorsformilitary
Mentors4mil Links:
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Guest Links:
Website: www.army.mil/ranger/
Instagram: / the_75th_ranger_regiment
0:00:00 Intro
0:10:42 Selection
0:18:50 Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
0:24:50 Laying the Foundation
0:29:30 New Leader Imposter Syndrome
0:42:15 75th Ranger Regiment pre/post War and the Future
0:48:50 Taking Care of Rangers - The Holistic Approach
0:58:30 A Combat Story
1:04:45 Favorite Reads
Intro music "Long Way Down" by Silence & Light is used with permission.
Show Disclaimer: mentorsformilitary.com/discla...

[@WilliamJohnson-ci8xs]

Actually what he told me was Dad I’m wasting your money and my time in college I would like to go in the Army…. As I always told him go at it hard and he obviously did …. He found his niche very proud of him and my two other kids “ great successful young adults” 😊

[@mikaelwilson8049]

@@Rudawg584 research them and go from there.

[@rhino7933]

dont worry about that now. decide when you are ready to join@@Rudawg584

[@alamsucksemirisbetter2329]

@@Rudawg584both are badass dudes

[@sportcardcollector9599]

🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@jonklein7130]

That his is skill set

[@jaredmartin3728]

Served under this man when he was a 2nd Platoon Squad Leader in C Co., 1st Ranger Battalion. He was all about the men. One of my most respected leaders during my military service. When I describe what a true ranger is, HE is one of the men that comes to my mind. Him, and Joseph Pope, David Cannon, Everett Ledbetter, and many more during my Charlie Company experience. Thank you, CSM Johnson. RLTW.

[@tricksterz]

RLTW

[@michaelcantwell316]

I was just thinking to myself that he seems like a good one, but you never really know right? All of us who've served have had both, so I'm glad to hear it. Respect to you both.

[@375JayR]

Cannon was my 1sgt 2012-2016 B co 3/75. The epitome of Ranger. Wasn’t until I got out that I realized I walked amongst giants. Truly honored to have served next to men like Cannon. 👊🏼🙏🏼🎯

[@michaelcantwell316]

@@375JayR Good to hear. Its easy at the time when you're actively working to ignore the quality of those who are leaders, especially the good ones, as life runs more smoothly, allowing us to focus on other things. I also had some outstanding leadership during my time. For the majority of it really. I can now recognize how fortunate I was. As an everyday big army infantryman, I know just how much work you must have done to earn your spot in that unit. Respect.

[@danielking9252]

Was colonel Kershaw your Battalion commamder?

[@Jinir]

Army needs more leaders like CSM Johnson. Outstanding.

[@nikholasjohnson1589]

Great Ranger. He was coming in the seat at 3rd Battalion when I️ was getting ready to race. The epitome of a phenomenal leader. Very proud of him.

[@user-gu8pz1sk9z]

Aco 375 🤘🏽

[@user-gt5ib1sd1s]

CSM Johnson, an outstanding leader and Ranger. What an honor it must be to serve under this man. America would be in a better place, if young men (and women) have men of this caliber to look up to and follow. Hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon! The Army is better off with leaders like CSM Johnson.

[@lawrencewegz4606]

Im just a random MSG. I wish he was my CSM. I appreciate his perspective as a SEL and his perspective as a war fighter. CSM we need leaders like you everywhere. Dont retire, share your perspective Army wide.

[@ryanbennett1933]

What an impressive and articulate CSM. Ive worked with some good NCO, but nothing like this man. Awesome. RLTW and congrats on a phenomenal career

[@Optim40]

Count this as the last days of real leadership. Late Millenials and Gen Z are NOT built like this at all. Social media has ruined the quality of the next generation of men and girls. The term "snob" has taken over their entire psyche.

[@mztech1925]

What a great leader. I was just a regular infantryman. Wish I'd gone to Ranger school

[@omarquijada9979]

Same here. Wish I'd been more 'hooah' back in my 11B days.

[@Itan_Hillsan]

This is the kind of leader where if he told me to run into the heat of battle and fight to the end, I would do it in a heartbeat

[@wayneb1597]

I was a private with Brett, great guy then, amazing Ranger career! RLTW!

[@jwmead72]

Absolutely humbled to have served with several of the NCOs that the RSM mentioned by name. I appreciate my small part of this time in Ranger History and to have served with these astounding leaders who always set and upheld the standards. RLTW!

[@ChabbaChabba]

This guy is the real deal, especially on the nuances of leadership 💪

[@lathanielulofoshio7889]

I am really proud that CSM Johnson is the value of the premier raid force. Crazy I met MG Kurilla when I was a bragg and he made a timehack for all units to be released at 1300. Still cleaning weapons around 1330. All I heard was the whole company go to attention and Kurilla who is like 6'7 at least with his staff came into my company. I have never seem my 1SG and CO look more frightened. Long behold we got our early release.

[@275RGR]

Grew up in Aco 2/75 with SMAJ Hugh A Roberts.. great man/leader/Ranger. The apple hasnt fallen far... thank you for all of your sacrifice CSM Johnson.

[@christophergreca742]

One of my personal heroes and to watch him grow into this type of leader/man is simply phenomenal…I could not be prouder!

[@History90585]

Excellence at best RSM, from a fellow CSM. Thank you for your service and grooming future Rangers. RLTW

[@killervito]

Semper Fi! Don't care what branch he's a true leader, as combat vet and first responder , Yut !

[@futnucks]

🖍️😁

[@wyattjohnson6529]

huge thing i have adopted is being All In All The Time, and hearing this from such a respectable man is so cool.

[@mgway4661]

I remember him as a SFC & 1SG, glad to see he’s still getting after it

[@tommymarlowe8798]

Proud of your service. We need more leadership like yours. Keep moving forward.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I was in 3rd batt back in the 80”$ and got to do a few missions and hang with Sgt . major Purdy he was straight up legend !

[@RR-zl5kg]

Serving in the same company with this legend was an experience will always provide me with a source of motivation.

[@Ifixmyownstuff]

Truly one of the greats. Idk how I stumbled across this. Good episode, good listen. rock solid leader.

[@tigertiger1699]

🙏🙏🙏 a real privilege to listen.., thank you for NZ🇳🇿 👍🇺🇸

[@Thebluesky0311]

I wish we have more leaders like CSM Brett Johnson in our world. Great guy. Salute!

[@michaelgriggs395]

Thank you for your service Sergeant Major!! OIF07-09 OEF 10-11

[@cdmalton1806]

I went to RIP with him he hasn't changed at all great dude!

[@Stones6569]

Thank you for your service CSM Johnson. Awesome interview, truly inspirational. If you was to solve our recruiting issues please find a way to get CSM Johnson in front of our young men and women.

[@cmonclair27]

A good leader's imprint always stays with you. Mine was Senior DS Holmes, 2/80th Ft. Sill OK. Proudly represented the tab he wore.

[@richardannaken]

From a retired Marine, enjoyed listening to this video. I was a grunt or as the Army used to say a leg.

[@andrewburger7343]

Solid leader, was SGM of 3rd batt when I was there

[@run_lift_communicate]

Watching this just gave some hope and inspiration

[@jimo680]

Thanks, CSM. Great talk. Great interview. Thanks for the recalibration. Needed to hear that. RLTW. Cco 2/75 '88-'91. God Bless!

[@rob2326]

This is a true gentleman!!! Thank you for defending my freedom

[@henry-tt7pp]

Thanks for a great episode, I downloaded it and can not wait to show it to my son and discussing all the the topics mentioned by this Leader of Men

[@kevinb.jonesphotography4571]

Great conversation!

[@theswede5402]

Ok i want this guy to teach me soldiering now.

[@josephhelyenek9203]

Real American hero, not only because of his achievements but because of his heart and soul.

[@richjones859]

Remember when he was my Ag on my gustaf gun team in 1/75. Knew he would do great things glad it all came to fruition. Best gun team comp champs crushing the 3 miler. RLTW

[@ozielgamboa989]

SGM I had the pleasure of meeting you at an undisclosed location, it’s been an honor

[@user-zj3cu4wn6j]

WATCHED THE WHOLE VIDEO. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY IN RESPECT TO CSM JOHNSON HOOAHH, I DO COME FROM A SEMPER FIDELIS BACKGROUND HONORING MY COMMAND MY MARINE CORPS MENTALITY GO NAVY BEAT ARMY, AND EVEN THEN I SAY GO MARINES BEAT NAVY YET WE HAVE NO TEAM YET, HONORING MY COMMAND AS AN ENLISTED MARINE RESPECT HAS TO BE GIVEN TO THOSE SELECT INDIVIDUALS WHO PUT SERVICE BEFORE SELF. I WILL ALWAYS BE A MARINE TO THE CORE AND UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SO AGAIN COMING FROM A MARINE OOORAH!!! GOD BLESS OUR SERVICE MEMBERS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸

[@timpsilageorge934]

My Father is a Retired Staff Sergeant Major E-9 15 yrs , growing up & learning from him was what got me through rough times in life appreciate your service and salute to the rest of your family Brothers in service thank you !

[@futnucks]

Staff Sergeant Major?🤨

[@J.fromMI1277]

This was a very good and interesting vid. Thank You.

[@Mentors4mil]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EricFapton]

This is a TRUE leader!

[@jimwatkins2465]

I was on Hunter Army Airfield 260th Quarter Master Battalion.Jan 89- April 92 Ranger Barracks were behind mine. Great folks .Ranger leadership would task 260th QM for support. To a man the Rangers treated us very well..I was in Awe of them...

[@jaygunter3828]

Great interview.

[@user-oy4tt4xm8d]

Our Rangers deserve the best leadership 👍🏻

[@troysmith6754]

Merritt, that's a name I haven't heard in a long time! Monster of dude. Running barefoot over Savannah Bridge, IIRC.

[@richjones859]

Merrit was old School beast

[@bykrydr1380]

Enjoyed listening

[@OptimusPrimal115]

HURAHHH, CSM Johnson! Well said! We all chose to be there....and I miss it every day. Life is not the same in this humdrum civi life...miss the missions that were "impossible" missions. I tip my hat to you, boss!

[@nitronitro1274]

Awesome dude! Really like this guy! Stud.

[@wademccormick4371]

Wow, that guy is awesome ❤

[@tannersmith99]

Pinnacle of military aptitude

[@nahuumcrafts2450]

Awesome interview! Production is top tier. Curious what was used to film 🎥.

[@jasonschumer6007]

You probably know my nephew. He’s a sniper. Walked away from dozens of college football scholarships. My dad was a sniper. My uncle was a LRRP and tunnel rat in Vietnam. My great uncle landed on D-Day. He lost his parents and wanted to fight.

[@bobgudbranson6332]

Hoaah! Great leaders make great leaders!

[@rnbspowa7of69]

CSM Johnson has the Job I wanted when I went to go Sign up in 1986.

[@eddyedwards4274]

This guy sounds like a phenomenal leader. If only you could get this type and calibre of man into the White House instead of the two very old gentleman who are going to fight it out.

[@andy69696]

Interesting book suggestions

[@vincentengongoro2705]

I'm glad I did instead of wished I would have.. I like that..

[@glennsveum1429]

The definition of a squared away American. Great interview.

[@RonKris]

I am curious to know what CSM Johnsons thought about the first women in Ranger School and how the standards were lowered for them.

[@GhostRanger56]

75 - 80....old school !!

[@philipdru9290]

SFC Merritt was my platoon sergeant, he was a legend!

[@danielcampbell9457]

wonder if this is the very same "Brett" that Mike Edwards (also career long ranger and ex RRC operator) mentions in some of his interviews?.

[@usranger175]

This is wild. He must have been a few RIP classes before me. Just another dude when I got to 1st bat.

[@matthewschiebout7384]

19 deployments sounds like a lot of time to be away from family

[@christianeasley767]

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! ❤️🙏🫡🥃🥃😢🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BlueMax717]

I would be curious to see the out processing program the Rangers have in place. I served for 03'-15 and deployed pretty much non-stop my whole career. When I was getting out I remember asking my commander for something. I don't remember what I needed from him but I remember his answer. "Why would I waste my time helping someone who is quitting on the Army when I can be helping soldiers who are still here." Blew my mind and instantly changed my entire mentality of the Army. I never once did another thing for the Army. I finished my year out completely self-centered and selfish. I quit showing up to PT. ACAP and medical appointments non-stop. I just turned in to the biggest shit bag my last year in. What made it worse, nothing really changed positively or negatively. 1 comment from 1 leader changed my entire outlook on the military. I miss my boys of course.

[@joelpierce3940]

If you want to live a life of danger, you need to be an Airborne Ranger.

[@kevinphillips150]

Step it up and go SF/Delta.

[@christianhenderson1739]

Sf is not a step up from regiment… they have completely different jobs.

[@mgway4661]

@@christianhenderson1739in certain ways.. it is. Regiment deals with direct action as their forte but that is not the end all be all

[@Kakeguru117]

@@kevinphillips150can you go from Ranger to Delta?

[@denno3124]

​@Kakeguru117 you can come from anywhere to Delta

[@JohnWilliams-wz9vk]

Never got to Regiment..got tabbed an an E5P...82nd .didn't have RASP..then .CSM SHOCKLEE .RIP

[@ralpheastwood9243]

DAVID'S mighty Men!!

[@Shadow_Z7Z]

My name is Aaron I’m 30 years old from Arizona “ I want to join the Army Rangers I always wanted to since the History of Dday and what I learned in history I don’t think it’s to late, honestly I feel like it’s a calling in my life that won’t leave.. I did the asvab practice test straight off the back without knowing what I’m running in too -‘and i scored a 40-58% right off back. I’m not sure if that’s good. But I’m willing to earn everything along the way.”

[@Mentors4mil]

An AFQT of 50 is above the national average. Your recruiter is the best place to start your journey.

[@Shadow_Z7Z]

@@Mentors4mil yes sir thank you.

[@limbanimkorongo319]

I was expecting him to discuss rasp 2

[@fernandoescobedo2990]

I was in first amored division in Germany too

[@brandonsanders2767]

Gen kurilla? The centcom cg?

[@mattheww7296]

Great dude. I think i used to drive him crazy as a dumbass private! 😂 - Rooftop Snipper

[@deathfire096]

What he said about the Navy SEALs is not true. You are only going to the Fleet as a Boatswain Mate if you fail SEAL training and have NO contract or no A School. Cleaning in the military is part of all branches of lower pay-grades. You get to learn to clean since Boot Camp/Basic Training. When you get to any command at any unit or branch, you are at the bottom and will get all the $hitty and entry level duties until you work yourself up and move up in rank. Boatswain Mate is a lot more than cleaning. It's keeping the ship operational.

[@theintegrityenergygroup5506]

💪

[@slipline4threcon688]

Did u lead Steve Bell?

[@markothwriter]

There's a lot of reasons to be a blue collar person or an enlisted person. I was an officer. And I did not find it, the brotherhood, as much. But, still glad I did it. At all levels you can still be screwed over by the system. I know some guys kicked out of the Rangers after failiing Ranger School for b.s. reasons.... but I still think that the Army is a great family. The Army tries to take care of people and their family.

[@hellomichhht]

This CSM’s mom and dad should be so proud. They have raised an incredible son and leader. This is kind of leaders we need right now. No nonsense, pure grit, hard work, intelligence and integrity. As CSM said, you can’t fake leadership or character. It would be a huge loss to the Army and the country if leaders like CSM Johnson aren’t utilized properly. Great podcast, lots to learn and very motivating even though I am not from the military. Thank you for your service, Command Sergeant Major!

[@jeffreylysen7647]

Ranger leadership needs to talk about why ranger culture eats their own. Instead of building soldiers up, Regiment cares about image. I watched so many guys get removed because it was easier to hide difficult problems rather than solve them like leaders should. Good rangers tend to end up in a group and the best rangers end up at SMU. only the complaint stay at reg.

[@Mentors4mil]

Are we talking within the last 15 years or before? I don’t think that is as prevalent as it was in the past, so curious what timeline you are referring to.

[@kevinphillips150]

How are the female rangers doing? Any in leadership roles or just wearing the tab?

[@Mentors4mil]

There have been several in leadership roles, but it’s not openly and outwardly discussed. Our belief on why is because the unit chooses not to highlight anything other than performance. Sex, creed, religion, color, etc. doesn’t have a place and shouldn’t be focused on. Everyone earns their beret each day under the same standard.

[@chadolson5537]

How in the world are you sitting in the middle of a room and getting good sound? Just curious.

[@Mentors4mil]

Good microphones.

[@personalaccount8914]

The RSM looks like a handsome version of Shane Gillis

[@cooperdonlin8525]

Like an alternate reality where he stayed at West Point 😂

[@user-sj9se9gl4e]

Diostebendiga hermano porconplir contudeber mirespeto para todos mis hermanos defuersasespesiales

[@euphoria2339]

I’m 26 turning 27 this year am I old to join ranger regiment?

[@Mentors4mil]

No. See a recruiter.

[@adlerchavez2180]

Age is nothing but a number my guy…go check out SFC Brian Marx he talks about how he was 41 when he completed RASP1. Also I had the great pleasure of working with an E5/Sergeant who I believe was 40 when he got to 2nd Ranger Battalion and went to Ranger School at 41 or 42…he was a straight through graduate which is difficult to do but he did and earned his TAB.

[@roytsusui1761]

NO young man, if your head and body can handle it! GO for it, good luck and prayer's.👍💪😎🇺🇸🙏

[@hallenpark]

Would The Military Act Against American Citizens If Ordered To? This question has been floating around. I know this is a nonrelated question, but your solders are the tip of the spear.

[@skatex95]

What watch is he wearing?

[@Tovashi]

Looks like a Garmin Forerunner.

[@blaynelarson896]

I would love too but I have a wife and I just wanna know what my family life would look like but I can’t find any answers anywhere

[@GhostRanger56]

hooah...1st Bn... Charlie Co 2nd Plt...

[@savagecub]

Lots of people have a Ranger Tab. Serving in a Ranger Regiment is entirely different. Just google Ranger PT Test.

[@user-oy4tt4xm8d]

LTC.Kennedy thanks you as do I

[@gemum4219]

What does the 75th Ranger Regiment do?

[@fernandoescobedo2990]

I was in 3/325

[@jacobwilson7068]

I wish the ranger regiment would have like... a peer evaluation, but for the privates to their superiors. I had shitty NCOs in regiment. Everybody knew they were terrible, but we couldn't do anything about it. HEY RSM! Can you start to implement leadership evaluations from the lower enlisted's perspective?

[@Mentors4mil]

Curious. How long ago was your experience? What Battalion?

[@jacobwilson7068]

@@Mentors4mil I got out 9 years ago. 2-75.

[@chrissanders541]

could u imagine joing the army and in 24 weeks (12 bravo, airborne, ranger training) being in full special forces combat for less than 30 grand a year, a trained killer for hire like a ranger should be worth 250 thousand a year to hop and pop like they do .. but that's your congressman and senator governing your ethics laws for u.

[@serenityalreadykno2639]

I was told by a green beret; If you want to be treated like an abused dog join the rangers. If you want to be treated like a man with respect join SF.

[@mitchconner2021]

Yeah I never understood that about the Seals. Why waste an trained soldier like that. If they dont make it they dont make it but put em in a job that they are already trained for

[@RamonBadr]

That’s how they get people to do jobs that are necessary but nobody in their right mind would sign up for.

[@EckRD]

I met a few while I was in the Marines( Infantryman) and on a MEU( Ships) deployment. Absolute studs, but they couldn't overcome the mental part of BUDs. They were pretty much doing regular Navy jobs. Scrub, paint(rust) the ship, watch, security, and resupply. I know for sure those guys couldn't wait to get their DD214. 😂 As for putting them in a job where they were trained, but failed. That is called WATCH( M4 and sidearm). Roving around the ship until the next guy or gal relives you.