#234 Blayne Smith -Former Army Green Beret | Applied Leadership Partners | Author
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Blayne Smith - West Point graduate and former Army Special Forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader. He is a cofounder and principal at Applied Leadership Partners and the director for health and well-being at the George W. Bush Institute. Blayne also serves on the board of the Armed Services Arts Partnership and as an advisory board member of GORUCK. Previously, Blayne was the first executive director of Team Red, White, and Blue, a veterans’ nonprofit that has grown into one of the most trusted and effective organizations in the space. During his time in the military, Blayne led combat units in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Draper Leadership Award recipient, the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Army’s Ranger School, and was awarded three Bronze Stars, including one for valor. Blayne holds an MBA from the University of Florida and currently lives in Maine with his wife and three children.
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Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant challenge that many veterans face. It's a journey of rediscovery, a path fraught with unexpected hurdles, and a quest to find a new purpose beyond the battlefield. This blog post explores the narrative of a veteran who navigates through this transition, finding community and purpose along the way.
A Journey Into the Unknown Blayne Smith, a former Green Beret and West Point graduate, had an illustrious career in the military. From leading tank platoons to being part of the Special Forces, his military journey was one filled with intensity and purpose. However, the transition to civilian life was far from straightforward. The disciplined, fast-paced life in the military doesn't easily translate to civilian norms, and Blayne found himself in unfamiliar territory after his service.
Facing the Challenges Head-On Upon leaving the military, Blayne faced multiple challenges: finding a job, reconnecting with family life, and dealing with unresolved emotional experiences from combat. He initially plunged into a sales job to provide for his young family, but the lack of camaraderie and mission-oriented work left him feeling unfulfilled. Blayne's wake-up call came when his personal life began unraveling. A divorce and a career that didn't satisfy his yearning for purpose compelled him to reassess his priorities. However, instead of succumbing to despair, he was inspired to meet new challenges head-on, employing the resilience and adaptability that had defined his military career.
Building Community and Purpose Rebuilding his life involved rediscovering the power of community. Blayne embraced local running clubs, CrossFit gyms, and veteran networks. He reconnected with people, shared experiences, and found solace in a supportive community, which played a critical role in his journey towards healing and purpose. His engagement with Team RWB, a nonprofit organization focusing on veterans' holistic support, was pivotal. Blayne found a sense of belonging and returned to help fellow veterans reintegrate into civilian life. This role not only served his peers but also brought him personal fulfillment.
Lessons Learned and Shared Blayne's story is a testament to the importance of slowing down, connecting with others, and finding purpose in each day. His experience underscores the importance of addressing emotional health head-on and seeking help when needed. Through his journey, Blayne has become an advocate for veteran support, emphasizing the need for proactive community engagement and open communication within families. He now shares his insights through writing and coaching, helping others navigate similar transitions by learning from his experiences. His story is a reminder that while one chapter may end, new opportunities for growth and impact lie ahead.
Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a complex process, but it is also an opportunity for growth and renewed purpose. Blayne Smith’s story highlights how embracing community, acknowledging personal challenges, and redefining goals can lead to a fulfilling life beyond the uniform. Whether you're a veteran or someone facing significant life changes, Blayne's lessons of perseverance and community support offer guidance and inspiration. His journey reminds us all of the untapped potential within, waiting to be discovered through connection and purpose-driven action. Tune in to The Mountain Side podcast for more inspiring stories and insightful conversations.