Jocko Podcast 69 with David Berke: The Real Top Gun. Battle, Work, & Life are Identical.

Join the conversation on Twitter: @jockowillink @davidrberke @echocharles
0:00:00 - Opening.
0:09:45 - Intro to Dave Berke.
0:21:11 - Officer Candidate School.
0:27:39 - Southern Watch.
0:31:01 - Top Gun selection.
0:38:49 - September 11th
0:45:08 - Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda.
0:47:33 - Training Officer at Top Gun.
1:08:27 - Forward Air Controller (FAC) Tour.
1:26:43 - Ramadi.
2:14:41 - Home Coming. Relationship. Pentagon. F-22 and F-35.
2:40:56 - Echelon Front transition.
2:52:54 - Green M&Ms, Support, Cool Onnit, Amazon, JockoStore stuff, with Jocko White Tea and Psychological Warfare (on iTunes). Extreme Ownership (book), (Jocko's Kids' Book) Way of the Warrior Kid, and The Muster002
3:09:28 - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude.

[@MrDwhite4444]

I work 14 hour shifts. I start the day with turning on Jocko. 14 hours later I don't want to quit because of listening to his shows. GOOD!

[@crashdragon13]

Mine are sadly only 10 hours a day

[@michaelmanuscript2677]

I actually do the same thing, 12 hours shifts but it definitely makes me tighten up when I start thinking this is hard, I'm tired by the time I hear alot of the Veterans story's I'm grateful to even be at the job.

[@hippiedaveshappyplace1797]

It makes me feel like i screwed up and wish i had gone into the military

[@chinqlinq89]

Check. Fatigue will become a non-factor.

[@TheLoobis]

What do you do?

[@goranmusinovic1350]

This is one of the best podcasts/podcast videos I have ever watched. Just A+ all around. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to listen to a real Top Gun fighter pilot. A SEAL commander talking to a Top Gun instructor. Doesn’t get any better than that.

[@ChiccinTendies]

Hell fucking yeah man. It's like hall of famers from two different sports bonding together.

[@dave22387]

I was a Bandit in Ramadi with these guys. It gave me chills listening to them recount what we did there. It was an honor and a privilege to work with you guys. I agree VJ Tedesco was an incredible leader.

[@superfly2201]

Wow, this interview blew me away. Definitely feeling privileged to have heard this.

[@caveman3079]

Skateboarders ears pricked up when they heard El Toro highschool.

[@Demonbane0023]

So true 😂😂😂

[@1scottrobert]

I'm sitting here listening to this and I'll be damned if it isn't the same David Berke I had the privilege of meeting back when I sold him a car when he was stationed at NAS Fallon. I still have the 8x10 glossy photo he gave me of him strapped in his F18 flying above the cold blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Thank you for your service David, it was an honor to have met you... and get your signature on the dotted line!

[@natrone23]

S Robert was it the Corvette

[@1scottrobert]

No, my memory is subject to the trappings of time so it's quite possible this whole thing is an active and flawed imagination. I remember more about the man than I do about the car, but I think this car was for his girl. We were a Porsche, BMW and Volvo dealer at the time and I think it was a BMW. I will say this though, after watching this and discovering more about him and who he was at that time, he was incredibly kind and humble. I've sold several cars to Pilots at Top Gun over the years and most of them were incredibly gracious and respectful. And that photo he gave me was taped to my sons desktop computer, and for the longest time my kid wanted to be a pilot... so much so we went out and bought a bunch of cockpit posters for his room. He has since moved on to professional football player, and now he's wanting to be an anesthesiologist.

[@amandamcdowell]

@@1scottrobert hey- did you son ever become an anesthesiologist?

[@danielcampbell9896]

@@1scottrobert we need to know

[@1scottrobert]

@@danielcampbell9896 Ha... He changed his major to civil engineering, he said at the current rate of AI we probably won't have much of a need for doctors in the future.

[@TheWhiteTrashPanda]

As of this moment, Dave Berke is my hero. He watched Top Gun as a kid and decided that's what he wanted to do. Becomes a fighter pilot. Goes to Top Gun. Becomes an instructor at Top Gun. This man literally lived my dream. Sadly i wasn't able to do any of these things due to extremely bad eyesight.

[@gunsmoke6230]

The first SEAL I met was working under an F-14 looking at a pair of khaki pants Requesting my attention. I didn’t realize he was a SEAL until I was upright and saw his gleaming 🔱 and several rows of ribbons underneath. I was impressed and quite intimidated because these are the Men that I never thought you would see too often at NAS Miramar. I couldn’t call him Chief only Sir would come out on my mouth in response. How can I help you Sir? Still in awe of who stood before me not imagining AO3 nobody could help lol. He was looking for the Black Lions F-14 squadron so with relief I informed him he was in the wrong hangar. I couldn’t believe he made it to a guy underneath a plane in a Hangar bay without someone else helping him.....Sir you’re in the Wolfpack hangar and the Lions are at the very end of the airfield just make a left out the gate and head to the end of road you can’t miss it. He just smiled and extended his hand to thank me and that was my first and only SEAL encounter in my six years in the Navy. AO3 89-95 FITRON-ONE

[@tanksherman9875]

Echo misses preacher curl day 0.0 times per month.

[@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783]

“Good evening Echo” Echos Biceps: “good evening “

[@jamesbailey5008]

@@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783 BAAAH HAAA HAAA HAAA HAAA HAAA

[@tgcrushes15]

Gold!

[@gustavf.6067]

I love how Echo Charles comes in slowly at the end. First a few frames of him laughing and then he talks gets more into the talk. Layers! You're awesome Echo.

[@tauceti8341]

He even admits hes got his own axiety, so it cool to see him bust out'a his shell to ask questions.

[@luisramirez-cortez6925]

This is why I love this country No hand outs; pure motivation and hard work will take you as far as you want to go

[@unitedstatesofamerica9948]

Chris Kyle on Dave Berke: "THE MARINES BROUGHT IN A FAC (FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER), to call in air support against the insurgents. The fellow they sent over was a Marine aviator, a pilot, working on a ground rotation. He tried a few times to vector in air attacks, but the requests were always denied higher up the chain of command. At the time, I was told that there had been so much devastation in the city that they didn’t want any more collateral damage. I don’t see how blowing up a bunch of weeds and muck would make Fallujah look any worse than it already did, but then I’m just a SEAL and obviously don’t understand those sorts of complicated issues. Anyway, the pilot himself was a good guy. He didn’t act stuck up or high and mighty; you’d never know he was an officer. We all liked him and respected him. And just to show there were no hard feelings, we let him get on the rifle every so often and look around. He never got off any shots."

[@RickSeigmund01]

I will not pick a favorite episode so far, but this one was one of the best. Thank you gentlemen.

[@danscarfacex9421]

Got to b Dakota

[@twrecks9119]

Please bring on one of the Army grunts you served with in Ramadi.

[@billmcyrus]

And/or maybe find one of the Polish guys too.

[@bluescanfly1981]

​ My best friend was a tanker in the US Army Ramadi in 06 / 07 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He was also 82nd Airborne. Said he remembers Jocko.

[@kevinzhang3313]

He brought the brigade commander.

[@jeremiah1059]

To whom it may concern, I'm still binging JOCKO!

[@cjapao8058]

CHECK !!!!!

[@phettywappharmaceuticalsll8842]

It really hit home when he said damn if seals can get hurt than anything can happen

[@firehorse_44alpha-omega]

Thank you for your sacrifice all who served on Wake Island. Captain Elrod, utterly inspired by your leadership and your perseverance under extreme duress...... May your story never be forgotten.....

[@shananagans5]

Great interview. I was in college when the first Gulf War started. I am a girl & I had medical issues that wouldn't allow service but I came from a heavy military family. My uncles were Army & Marines, my father was an engineer in the AF and everyone was ready for some kind of action. I was never allowed to know details about dad's work but I knew he had been working on missile guidance and tracking systems for several years. When CNN was showing bombs drop dead center on the intended target, dad was watching with a big smug smile on his face. That was a huge day for so many. We hadn't been in a war for a long time. Few active people had any combat experience, we had a bunch of new, hi tech weapons systems and none of it had been really put to the test yet.

[@tjpohorelsky4399]

I used to think I was being too emotional when I read vignettes of MOH awardees aloud and I would get choked up. Thank you Sir.

[@vincealince_SRT]

Just Beautiful yet so tragic all in one. 😢

[@elrobbio1]

Damn. Another phenomenal podcast. Keep on it, lads! The world needs this and a lot of it.

[@bobojangles22]

felt like a month since. the last podcast keep this shit up please one of the best podcast out here

[@mpz9771]

Yes that last week did feel like forever even though I watched the entire episode 68 twice, it was so good. (stifle your emotions!) haha Jocko also does Facebook live videos once a week which helps with the wait, 5 vids out so far.

[@newschoolerbrent]

Jon Homan It was definitely too long. I've gotten the feeling in a couple of the latest episodes when Jocko's talking with Echo that hes second guessing the podcast. I so hope I'm just imaging shit. I listen to jre, Sam Harris, Ruben, F&TK, etc.. This podcast is the best one out there. Jocko's better at this then most people that have doing it for far longer. His way of telling a story is unlike anyone I've ever seen. Its the feeling you get when he takes those long pauses after he's said something deep or powerful. Jocko's one captivating bamf!

[@tarotdesofia]

Brent

[@mojo5093]

Ana

[@jacobepetersen]

Dave Berke is one of my favorite guests and an inspiration to listen to on EF Online. It was cool to hear the origination of "Good Deal Dave".

[@s_totha_g]

Easily one of the best podcasts you've done.

[@Raumance]

This dude needs to write a lord of rings trilogy about his military career.

[@MrDwhite4444]

Raumance true

[@HomeshighlandPark]

Good deal Dave. Bro. Super kool podcast. Makes Tom cruise on Top Gun look like a Chump. "Flies by the seat of his pants"

[@billmcyrus]

It was interesting that JRR Tolkien wrote Lord of the Rings largely based on his WW1 experiences.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Bill Cyrus really?? Never heard that. Pretty cool.

[@tauceti8341]

It would give to much information to the enemy!

[@nickhart6592]

This is an incredible story and very inspiring. I am a young aviator about to head off to flight training in the Air Force. Although I won't be flying fighters right off the bat I hope that some day down the road I will have the opportunity to experience that. I will say though, this has tempt me to drop everything and join the Marine Corps! I have a couple of friends who are commissioned officers and will be going to flight school with the Marine corps next summer in 2018. However, I have already committed to my unit so I will become the best C-130 pilot to ever fly! I am determined to do the best possible job I can do, and I hope to accomplish something incredible just like Berke. The OODA loop was the decision making model I used in pilot training when I was in school! No one really knows anything about it so I was very surprised when Jocko said Berke was to be talking about it! Awesome! You men keep on keeping on, God bless!

[@seagull6288]

Hey Nick, 12 years RAAF. Ended up on P-3's. It does not matter what you fly, you'll never know where you end up or what you end up doing...but the ride is fantastic and you are serving the public. Go at it and God Bless.

[@nickhart6592]

@@seagull6288 Well little update, 2019 was not a good year for me. I was medically disqualified from flying in the Air Force. Huge kick in the face. My unit fought with the medical branch but they didn't waiver. So now I'm trying to figure out another path. I'll talk with the Navy to see what they can do and if that's not an option then I guess I'll try to fly for US customs. Either way, was not expecting this to happen.

[@seagull6288]

@@nickhart6592 Sorry to hear that Nick. Truly. But never give up and you will succeed I am sure!

[@nathanielnicholi2985]

@@nickhart6592 what medical condition if I may ask? And Fight on and get some!

[@nickhart6592]

seagull6288 off to see if the Navy will let me fly!

[@33moneyball]

This is the most serendipitous military career in human history.

[@mrmichael972]

I've listened to this one four times since it was first published. Fantastic.

[@Synthminator]

Dave "good deal" Berke !!needs!! to write a book - at least about Top Gun - , stat!

[@notyou9431]

As a new subscriber and only have listened to more new than old, this is by far my favorite episode! David is very well-spoken and has a great cadence to listen to. Well done Gents!!

[@erinporter1095]

David’s podcasts are so easy to listen to. Thanks again for the inspiration guys!

[@bluecollarboys6294]

This episode was very fascinating. Such a unique set of circumstances Lt Col Berke participated in. I always enjoy this podcast.

[@brentondudley3925]

Only half way through, and this is one of my favorite episodes

[@NicholasWoodBroker]

Great show, been rolling through each and everyone during my morning runs. Great to listen to during training.

[@shirayuri3950]

Tim Kennedy is my favorite podcast so far but this one almost beat it

[@mihaidobre9908]

Shira Yuri Joe"i am for open borders but i live in a gated community "rogan

[@jerrymarshall2095]

This guest is one of the best and brightest.damn proud he's one of us.

[@RealRavi]

An amazing human being. It’s not luck. Col. Berke works his ass off and remains humble enough to always be learning. Really inspiring stuff.

[@robertblake1032]

My earliest memories are of growing up at El Toro. My dad was stationed there in the late 50s. We lived on wire mountain, my parents had a big garden in the back yard, I was 4 or 5 yrs old, one of the neighbors would tie 6 or 8 wagons together and then tow them all around the culdesac with his little motorcycle.

[@davetoth9767]

These podcasts you do are simply phenomenal. I truly admire your professionalism and attention to detail. The format is also fantastic. I love the simplicity and consistency in how each presentation is given. Echo Charles is also a great addition. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!! Hat tip to you both!!

[@aenggren]

Been a long time fan of the podcast. Just wanted to say keep up the great work. Also, thank you, Jocko and David, for your service.

[@william5149]

I think a podcast with Ant Middleton would be a great idea - as ex british SF (Special Boat Service) he does great work in the same area as Jocko in inspiring and enabling people. :) thanks. Jocko and Echo the work you do is outstanding. Thank you. apologies for copying and pasting this comment.

[@rupel11c96]

Dave Berke - former Infantry Paratrooper here. Got married between my two tours three months before I shipped for my second and I had to extend my contract for that tour, as well. Just wanted to say you're not the only one - haha best of luck sir!

[@dbbinns5603]

I love the comments on this podcast. It is truly refreshing to read how kind and respectful most of the viewers are. I listen to a handful of podcasts and this is so very wholesome and motivating. Thanks Jocko and Echo for attracting such a good group of people. Currently reading Extreme Ownership and it is truly a masterpiece on becoming a better man. Thank you gentleman!

[@StephenTurnerLawyersOfTomorrow]

This episode was awesome! Fascinating window into the real Top Gun. Thanks for the kids book Jocko - got that on order for my kid.

[@mrmichael972]

Excellent, as usual. I love it when people just *decide* and then make it happen. I was surprised when he got to the point where he ended up on the ground in Ramadi. I wasn't expecting that after Top Gun! Thanks David. Thanks Jocko.

[@bluenotesessions1]

Totally. From dominating the skies at Top Gun to slugging it out on the mean streets of Ramadi. What a career.

[@jamesbailey5008]

Yet another incredible interview, thank you all.

[@putainzute1815]

Really inspiration episode. This guy found a goal and then did everything that would help him get there and succeeded.

[@06livefast]

Just had my interview with the Canadian Forces for Infantry and Artillery.. waiting for a job offer and to start basic in the coming months.. this podcast changed my life.. can't wait to begin my career.. Thanks Jocko

[@bobryker6984]

Jay Wait, did I not see you comment about becoming a cop or what?

[@dawgsisuz5806]

L.Martin You're right. I remember that too. He definitely commented about becoming a cop.

[@bobojangles22]

Dawgs is uz 😁😁

[@hawaiian_hero3293]

This podcast changed my life too. I have an interview with EMS on Monday and may be going to officer candidate school for the national guard in the next coming months. Jocks is my mentor and he doesn't even know me

[@06livefast]

L.Martin You'd did, I am applying for both. I would excel in both and am interested in both career paths. Whichever happens happens and I can't wait to get started

[@boomshakalaka7396]

I can't believe Mr. Berke didn't try to ollie the legendary stair set in his high school El Toro, that would've made his epic life just a little cooler.

[@liontamerlou]

Amazing podcast, loved it! Thanks for sharing.

[@loveserveascend]

Awesome stuff 🇺🇸

[@mrmichael972]

I've listened to this one several times. Love it.

[@darkmaterial95]

Only thinking this morning how much I needed one of these today!

[@itriggerxhappy]

This might be my favorite Jocko podcast ever simply because I want nothing more than to be a marine fighter pilot.

[@allenhuff9205]

Just listened to the whole episode and have been riveted. The only comment that I can make that feels worthy of the experience is Thank You Gents for your service.

[@TurnNBurn110]

What a shame I just discovered this. Henry is a family member and this gave me chills. I cant thank you enough for this, I enjoy hearing anything about it!

[@jm1446]

This is heaven. The real Maverick

[@JohnSluderPhoto]

Just thank you, great interviews...

[@gregusmc2868]

Awesome video. I’m one of those guys who has regrets. I was offered a slot (one slot out of 420 marines) to go to sniper school. Was meritoriously promoted to PFC and was awarded the Leatherneck Marksmanship award on graduation day. When I discovered I had to be jump qualified by going to Ranger jump school, I said NO. I’m terrified of heights and think jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft is insane. I ended up an 0331 (M-60 gun team leader) attached to a weapons platoon attached to an infantry unit. I will always kick myself in the ass for letting my fear of heights control my decisions. I grew up hunting and scored second out of 420 men at the Parris Island KD course. I grew up sneaking up on squirrels, deer, turkey, rabbits. Etc,,, I think I could have passed the field craft part of sniper school and I know I could shoot. Don’t let your fears get in the way of your dreams. Don’t get me wrong-I love the M-60 echo 3 and loved chewing shit up with the 7.62. But I let my fear of heights keep me out of a shot at being a Marine sniper. Go for your dreams. If you don’t, you’ll sit and wonder “WHAT IF!” the rest of your life. Semper Fi.

[@firehorse_44alpha-omega]

Battle of Wake Island.... I need to read up on that engagement. Thank you gentlemen.....

[@ilikedirtx22]

This episode is awesome I’ve listened to it numerous times. Also like the episodes with JP Dinnell and Tony Eafrati

[@jhogg1017]

Terrific listen. Thanks Jocko.

[@MaximillianGiamarco]

Wow very badass career. An inspiration. This man's degree of purpose and fulfillment is awesome!

[@rickybennett1403]

NEVER FORGET............ THANK YOU!

[@JohnSmith-kl3lf]

My favorite one so far keep it up!

[@LRRPFco52]

Listened to the whole thing. I've followed Col Berke's comments mostly related to F-35, but didn't know he was a ground element FAC with ANGLICO in Ramadi. What an amazing career with twists and turns you just don't ever see and won't see again.

[@401sFinest]

1:45:10 until 1:48:00 is awesome to hear man. Must make jocko feel proud hearing that.

[@terifarley4770]

Thank you Marine! A-4s, F-4s, Bugs, I can't stand heat, but living near El Toro would definitely be cool as a kid!

[@bassfishingnyc9983]

This lighting is amazing !!!!! Keep it plz

[@redsix3530]

probably one of the best podcasts ive ever listened too and ive listened to a lot

[@azza7999]

Pretty inspirational stuff. I've got 3 little girls and hope you can have some female role models who have gotten after it. Thanks Jocko

[@mrmichael972]

I've listened to this one about five times. It's so good.

[@AJredroc]

That 3 hours flew by... Great pod.

[@AngryOscillator]

Dave talking about his need to fulfill the complete role of a Marine before leaving the core. Having just watched the Pederson podcast a few days ago I think he made the right call, you can see the look of respect Dan gets when Dave mentions that.

[@livinthedreamohyeah4268]

This is a good story I'd like to see a boom from this guy!

[@PKNicolai]

Good Evening! Getting after this podcast First.

[@mikedeluca3378]

Paul Klankowski Damn,that's good work right there Paul!!!! Good evening

[@ssmassie]

Great conversation as always, I recommend the book "Boyd" for your consideration as a book to discuss.

[@pc-0167]

Good evening, Maverick.

[@BostonsF1nest]

Good evening, Goose.

[@yo2stix]

I wrestled at some tournaments at Cal State Fullerton and a summer wrestling camp. Great school.

[@jamesmaloney3069]

this just makes me smile

[@God-dt7om]

Fantastic Episode... Dave is some man!!! :-O

[@richardmunn22]

Awesome lighting by Echo (I'm guessing) Love the change to black background man.

[@BostonsF1nest]

The lights are off in the room minus the 2 light bulbs hanging over their heads.

[@eivoilaittaaverotukseen6426]

"Talk to me, Goose."

[@maxlab7707]

why’d you remind me

[@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783]

Had no idea the marines operated in that capacity with their pilots. I fucking loved this podcast. I think it’s so humbling and bad ass that this highly trained fighter pilot was kicking in doors and gettin on the roof to call in the fast movers that just happen to be personal friends of his. Goosebumps incoming.

[@kevinh9110]

Even in the Korea War, they had Marine pilots down on the ground as infantry officers, most of whom regular infantry officers deemed competent 🤣

[@aamorri1]

During the height of the Iraq war, the Navy had a blue to green program. Navy personnel volunteered to help out Army units.

[@BostonsF1nest]

Bro like it’s alright if you had certain reactions to noises after coming home from Ramadi in 2006 to San Diego lol like if trying to protect your wife because you heard someone take the wheels off a car but thought it was a gun is the height of your PTSD I’d say you’re doing pretty good.

[@hippiedaveshappyplace1797]

Damn i wish i would have went into the military!! Much respect guys thanks for serving to keep terror away and keeping us all free

[@mneer747]

Awesome episode, love the show....Echo's voice needs suppliments.

[@majestictwelve3709]

Would love to hear Scott O'Grady's story (shot down over Bosnia). Hope you can get him on Jocko

[@Teddy_______]

I went to Tesoro high school. I had a bunch of friends that went to El Toro. Small world.

[@rogue-ish5713]

Good evening Echo, Just another Good Podcast. :)

[@austin2466]

Eddie Moreno GOOD!

[@kylejanof5165]

David Berke is the real life Pete Mictchell aka "Maverick."

[@HAYDENBURDGE1]

Episode 69. Good deal Dave. Niiiiiice

[@DarkPsyde721]

Best podcast ever

[@blinkventure6497]

Thank You

[@slo5150]

His Twitter is @davidrberke. Just noticed the "R" was omitted from his Twitter handle. Great podcast and undoubtedly a solid member of the Echelon Team!

[@GruntProof]

Wish I could have run into this guy when I was there. Blue Diamond, A co 2/6 IN with TF 1-35, 1 AD. Best and worst times of our lives

[@finixhawkeye3213]

Is David Berke the real "maverick" ? 😁😁😁

[@geneshogsheadcheese307]

One word GET SOME I love it BRAH respect 🇺🇸🙏🍀

[@BostonsF1nest]

2:33:25 The genesis of “Good Deal Dave”

[@MermaidMusings7]

Great episode. We need more pilots on the podcast.

[@michaelm9032]

echo is great! He needs to have a larger role.