Best SFC Saeed Cruz Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 66: Stop Settling for Mediocrity in Your Military Service 31:49

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10h ago31:49

31:49

Send us a text What separates excellence from mediocrity in military service? It all comes down to your relationship with standards. While the Army establishes baseline requirements for physical fitness, marksmanship, and professional competence, truly exceptional soldiers view these minimums as merely the starting point—not the destination. In thi…

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Episode 65: New Army Policy Leaves Many Surprised! 30:51

8d ago30:51

30:51

Send us a text The military grooming standards debate has reached a critical turning point. A bombshell Military.com article reveals the Army's upcoming policy that could separate soldiers diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)—a condition affecting up to 94% of Black men—if they require shaving exemptions for more than 12 months in a two-y…

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Episode 64: Beyond the Uniform: 5 Traits That Set Great Soldiers Apart 22:41

15d ago22:41

22:41

Send us a text The stark contrast between exceptional soldiers and those merely going through the motions reveals itself through five distinct traits that consistently separate warriors from paycheck collectors in today's military. Drawing from experiences across multiple duty stations, this raw, unfiltered breakdown exposes what truly makes certai…

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Episode 63: USAREC to USARD: Inside the Army's Recruiting Makeover 50:24

29d ago50:24

50:24

Send us a text The Army recruiting landscape is changing dramatically, and we've got the inside scoop. In this eye-opening conversation, Sergeant Bruner returns to break down the major transformation happening within Army recruiting—starting with the elevation of U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) to U.S. Army Recruiting Division (USARD), now a …

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Episode 62: Ranger School's Radical Fitness Test Overhaul 15:25

3M ago15:25

15:25

Send us a text Everything you thought you knew about preparing for Ranger School just changed. The Army has unveiled a radical transformation of the Ranger Physical Fitness Test that will challenge candidates in entirely new ways starting April 2025. The traditional assessment of push-ups, sit-ups, and a five-mile run? Gone. The new test is a gruel…

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Episode 61: Beyond gender lines: Examining the Pentagon's push for unified combat fitness standards 24:44

3M ago24:44

24:44

Send us a text Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dropped a bombshell directive that's sending ripples through military fitness circles - a move toward gender-neutral physical standards for combat roles across all service branches. This isn't just a bureaucratic shuffle; it's a fundamental rethinking of how we prepare our warfighters for the battle…

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Episode 60: Green Numbers, Red Flags: Why Soldiers Leave Early 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

Send us a text The future of our military readiness hangs in the balance as nearly one in four new Army recruits leave service within their first two years. What's driving this alarming exodus, and why are the very programs designed to help new soldiers actually contributing to higher failure rates? This deep-dive explores the startling contradicti…

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Episode 59: The Power of Military Networking: Your Secret Weapon 30:39

4M ago30:39

30:39

Send us a text Networking isn't just a buzzword—it's the difference-maker in military careers that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. What sets apart those who rise through the ranks isn't just competence, but the meaningful connections they build along the way. This deep dive explores how networking transforms your Army experience through mult…

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Episode 58: Your Soldiers Deserve Better PT Sessions—Here's How to Deliver 17:46

4M ago17:46

17:46

Send us a text Physical readiness isn't just about fitness—it's about combat effectiveness and unit cohesion. When over 70% of soldiers struggle to hit the 500-point mark on the ACFT, we have to ask ourselves: are our PT sessions truly preparing our troops for the battlefield? The difference between mediocre and exceptional PT leadership comes down…

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Episode 57: Social Media: The New Front Line for Military Culture 15:06

4M ago15:06

15:06

Send us a text Social media is more than just a tool; it's transforming military culture at its core. In this episode, we look into how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are reshaping communication, camaraderie, and public perceptions of service members. While the connectivity provided by these platforms offers crucial support and commu…

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Episode 56 - Rejoining the Ranks: The COVID Vaccine Reinstatement 18:00

4M ago18:00

18:00

Send us a text Explore the complex realities behind the military's COVID vaccine mandate and its aftermath in this thought-provoking episode. We delve into the journey of service members who faced discharge for refusing the vaccine and the newly introduced options for reinstatement. With insights into the administration's decision to allow those af…

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Episode 55 - SOLDIER MENTAL HEALTH: Signs, Solutions & Support 31:15

5M ago31:15

31:15

Send us a text On this episode of the Roger Sarnt Podcast, join me, Sarnt Cruz, as I confront the stark realities of mental health issues within the military, a topic that's alarmingly urgent yet often shrouded in silence. Starting with a somber reflection on a holiday weekend, we unravel the distressing statistics from 2023, where nearly a third o…

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Episode 54 - Army Policies Explained: DIE & EO – What Soldiers Need to Know! 31:53

5M ago31:53

31:53

Send us a text In this episode, I break down President Trump's recent executive order, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." What does it mean for workplace diversity policies, affirmative action, and hiring practices across the U.S.? We’ll explore the comparison between DEI and the Army Equal Opportunity Program. H…

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Episode 53 - ZYN (new trend) vs Dip (old school) 34:16

5M ago34:16

34:16

Send us a text In this episode, we explore how the FDA's recent approval of Zyn nicotine pouches is changing military habits. With these pouches becoming popular, the traditional 'spitter' bottles used for chewing tobacco might become a thing of the past. I'll discuss what this shift means for service members and reflect on the role of 'spitters' d…

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Episode 52 - Military Families & Child Care Costs: The Hidden Savings You Need to Know! 22:12

5M ago22:12

22:12

Send us a text Did you know military families can get financial help for child care? With the rising cost of living, the DoD Fee Assistance Program can save service members thousands on child care expenses. In this episode, I break down how the program works, who qualifies, and how you can take advantage of these benefits. Don’t miss out on these s…

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Episode 51 - How Operational Pay Changes Everything 9:53

6M ago9:53

9:53

Send us a text The Army's new Operational Deployment Pay is designed to give extra financial support to Soldiers during deployments. It recognizes the hardships of being in high-risk, high-stress environments and helps ease the financial strain on both Soldiers and their Families. This initiative shows the Army’s commitment to valuing service and e…

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Episode 50 - Why Over Half of Senior Army Officers Decline Command Roles: Key Insights 39:27

6M ago39:27

39:27

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into a surprising trend impacting the future of military leadership—more than half of Senior Army Officers are opting out of command consideration. What’s driving these experienced leaders to step away from such pivotal roles? From operational challenges and work-life balance concerns to shifts in career asp…

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Episode 49 - Roger Sarnt Podcast - 2024 Year in Review 15:18

6M ago15:18

15:18

Send us a text As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to reflect on the highlights, growth, and memorable moments from this incredible year. In this special Year in Review episode, we’re taking a look back at the most popular episodes, the biggest milestones, and the unforgettable guests and conversations that made this year one to remember. Join me as I di…

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Episode 48 - Clocking In: The Hidden Realities of Overtime in the Army 40:57

7M ago40:57

40:57

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the complex realities of working overtime in the Army. For service members, the demands of military life often extend far beyond the standard 9-to-5, with overtime becoming a common part of the job. But is it always a good thing? We explore the benefits of working extra hours—like the opportunity for car…

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Episode 47 - The New Army Guidelines You NEED to Know (ALARACT 094/2024-Childcare Reimburstment) 22:28

7M ago22:28

22:28

Send us a text The U.S. Army's new policy for Child Care Provider Transportation Costs Reimbursement offers financial support to active-duty service members by reimbursing the costs associated with transporting their children to and from licensed childcare providers. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on military families and ensur…

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Episode 46 - Get Released From ABCP with 540 ACFT Score 14:28

11M ago14:28

14:28

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the latest updates on the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) revision. Join me as I dive into the new standards, guidelines, and strategies designed to ensure our soldiers are in peak physical condition. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about military fitness…

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Episode 45 - Is Project 2025 Really Targeting VA Benefits? 30:49

12M ago30:49

30:49

Send us a text In this episode we discuss Project 2025 and its ambitious and transformative initiative designed to address key global challenges and leverage emerging opportunities to foster a sustainable and inclusive future. The project is structured around four strategic pillars: a policy agenda, personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook. We p…

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Episode 44 - Why The Army's ABCP Revision was Needed 26:42

12M ago26:42

26:42

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the latest updates on the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) revision. Join me as I dive into the new standards, guidelines, and strategies designed to ensure our soldiers are in peak physical condition. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about military fitness…

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Episode 43 - Newly resigned ALARACT 042/2024 (Appearance and Grooming) 22:16

12M ago22:16

22:16

Send us a text In this video, we break down the latest Army ALARACT (All Army Activities) 042-2024 message concerning grooming and appearance standards. Whether you're an active-duty soldier, a reservist, or simply interested in military regulations, this video provides all the details you need to stay compliant and informed. Why This Matters: Adhe…

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Episode 10 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Business Plan to Start Up A Small Lawn Mowing Company 23:37

1y ago23:37

23:37

Send us a text Becoming an entrepreneur is an exciting journey that involves turning your innovative ideas into a thriving business. It requires passion, resilience, and a willingness to take risks, offering the potential for personal fulfillment and financial success. In this episode, I give you a business plan that outlines the establishment of a…

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Episode 42 - Reasons For The Army's Low Retention Rates 33:11

1y ago33:11

33:11

Send us a text Military recruitment and retention are crucial for maintaining a capable and ready defense force. Effective recruitment ensures that the military attracts individuals with the necessary skills and attributes to meet its diverse and evolving challenges. Retention, on the other hand, keeps experienced personnel within the ranks, preser…

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Episode 9 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Five Steps How To Use Your VA Home Loan 33:27

1y ago33:27

33:27

Send us a text Join me as I dive into a vital topic for our soldiers and veterans: VA home loans. In this episode, we explore how soldiers, both active duty and veterans, can leverage their VA benefits to achieve the dream of homeownership. I will share firsthand experiences and insight into navigating the VA home loan process, discussing eligibili…

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Episode 39 - Decoding Army NCOERs: Evaluations, Promotions, and Career Development (Part 1) 14:51

1y ago14:51

14:51

Send us a text Welcome to my comprehensive Army NCOER Class! Whether you're an aspiring Non-Commissioned Officer or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this session is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). In this three part episode, I will cover everything you need to …

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Episode 40 - Decoding Army NCOERs: Evaluations, Promotions, and Career Development (Part 2) 17:54

1y ago17:54

17:54

Send us a text Welcome to my comprehensive Army NCOER Class! Whether you're an aspiring Non-Commissioned Officer or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this session is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). In this three part episode, I will cover everything you need to …

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Episode 41 - Decoding Army NCOERs: Evaluations, Promotions, and Career Development (Part 3) 24:53

1y ago24:53

24:53

Send us a text Welcome to my comprehensive Army NCOER Class! Whether you're an aspiring Non-Commissioned Officer or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this session is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). In this three part episode, I will cover everything you need to …

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Episode 38 - Using Troop Leading Procedures in the military and for your business 21:31

1y ago21:31

21:31

Send us a text Discover the essential principles of Army troop leading procedures (TLPs) in this comprehensive episode! Whether you're a soldier, officer, or military enthusiast, understanding TLPs is crucial for effective mission planning and execution. Join me as I break down each step of TLPs, from receipt of mission to execution, highlighting k…

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Episode 8 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Debt Snowball vs Debt Avalanche 19:26

1y ago19:26

19:26

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into two powerful strategies for tackling debt: the Debt Avalanche and Debt Snowball methods. 🏔️ Debt Avalanche: Like a skilled mountaineer, this method prioritizes high-interest debts first, systematically chipping away at your financial burdens. By targeting the most costly debts upfront, you save money in…

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Episode 37 - Counterproductive Leadership and the Impact on the Organization 30:25

1y ago30:25

30:25

Send us a text In this episode, I talk how counterproductive leadership in the army is like a hidden enemy within our ranks. It's when those in command hinder rather than empower their troops, leading to disarray, mistrust, and mission failure. From micromanagement to toxic behavior, it erodes morale and jeopardizes the safety of our soldiers. Join…

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Episode 36 - (YouTube Live) Talking Staff Duty and CQ: Can we do without them? 1:09:36

1y ago1:09:36

1:09:36

Send us a text Staff Duty and Charge of Quarters (CQ) duties are critical roles within the Army, ensuring the safety, security, and smooth operation of military installations around the clock. Staff Duty personnel serve as the central point of contact for the command, overseeing administrative tasks, monitoring communications, and coordinating resp…

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Episode 7 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Maximizing AMEX Cards for Military Members 27:00

1y ago27:00

27:00

Send us a text Are you a military member looking to make the most out of your credit card benefits? Look no further than American Express. In this episode , I dive into three distinct offerings from American Express: the Platinum Card, the Gold Card, and the Blue Cash Preferred Card, and how military personnel can leverage these cards to their adva…

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Episode 35 - One Step Closer to Junior Troops Getting the 19.5% Pay Increase 20:52

1y ago20:52

20:52

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the article from Military.com, dated May 23, 2024. It reports a significant development regarding the pay raise for junior enlisted troops, as approved by a House panel. The headline boldly announces a 19.5% pay increase for these essential members of the armed forces, a move poised to impact the lives of …

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Episode 34 - (YouTube Live) Introducing Co-Host SSG Brooner 35:09

1y ago35:09

35:09

Send us a text We have reached Episode 31 guys!!! Thanks for all the support. In honor of the new season, I am introducing my new co-host and very good friend SSG Scott Brooner. We are going to reintroduce ourselves so those of you who don't know us and a refresher for those who do. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a…

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Episode 31 - HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! - Suspension of Distributed Learning Courses (DLC I-VI) 11:27

1y ago11:27

11:27

Send us a text On 15 May 2024 the SMA announced on his verified Instagram account that DLC will not longer be required for promotion. Go ahead and listen so you can find out what this all Intels. Caveat...the memo has yet to drop as of 16 May. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a review. Remember, you don't have to emb…

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Episode 32 - Don't lose your promotable status when PCSing 9:05

1y ago9:05

9:05

Send us a text In this short segment, I explain what you need to do to ensure you don't lose your promotable status. And even if you do lose it, I give you what you need to do in this particular scenario. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a review. Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right to…

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Episode 33 - HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! - Potential 19.5% Pay Raise For Junior Soldiers 10:18

1y ago10:18

10:18

Send us a text On 13 May 2024, military.com published an article about soldiers potentially getting a significant pay raise next year. This comes from a bill The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is a crucial piece of legislation that determines the budget and policies for the U.S. Department of Defense. It covers a wide range of …

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Episode 6 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Things You Should Know Before Buying a Car 27:34

1y ago27:34

27:34

Send us a text In this episode of "Financial Readiness Fridays: Mission Money," we're diving deep into the intricacies of purchasing a vehicle as a soldier. Join me, SFC Cruz, as I walk you through navigating the car buying process. From the initial reconnaissance phase of researching vehicle options to executing a successful negotiation strategy o…

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Episode 30 - (YouTube Live) Talking About The New Suspension Of Promotions Memo w/ SSG Brooner 1:23:34

1y ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Send us a text Today SSG Brooner and I talk about the new Suspension of Promotions Memo. We go in depth and clear any misunderstanding you all may have. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a review. Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right tools in your ruck! If you have any question comments,…

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Episode 29 - Five things not to do at the promotion board 5:01

1y ago5:01

5:01

Send us a text In this episode, I go over some a few things you should never do at a board. There are plenty others, but these are five I came up with to get you started. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a review. Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right tools in your ruck! If you have any …

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Episode 5 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Difference Between Interest Rate and APR 26:35

1y ago26:35

26:35

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about how interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are both crucial components when it comes to borrowing money, but they serve distinct purposes and can sometimes be confused. While the interest rate solely represents the cost of borrowing or the return on investment, the APR incorporates additional fee…

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Episode 28 - (YouTube Live) What is the army's expectation of professionalism: Interview with SSG Brooner 1:10:30

1y ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Send us a text Welcome to our latest video where we dive into the essence of professionalism within the ranks of the army. Join SSG Brooner an Army Recruiter and myself for an insightful conversation as we discuss the expectations set forth for soldiers and officers alike, exploring the core values and behaviors that define professionalism in this …

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Episode 4 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Applying 70-10-10-10 To A Soldier's Paycheck 11:47

1y ago11:47

11:47

Send us a text In this episode, I take an E-3 Specialist's check and break it down all the way to applying the rule of 70/10/10/10. I explain how much a specialist makes with and without dependents. I use both examples and walk you through from the gross amount all the way until the net. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and le…

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Episode 3 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Five Ways to Have a Better Quality Of Life 23:07

1y ago23:07

23:07

Send us a text In this episode of Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money, I talk about how living a better life financially involves strategic planning and disciplined habits. Firstly, establishing a budget and tracking expenses diligently enables better control over spending and promotes savings. Secondly, investing in oneself through education…

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Episode 27 - Seven Things you Cannot do While in Uniform 28:00

1y ago28:00

28:00

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about some of the things you cannot do while wearing the uniform. Many things apply to your specific area of operation. However, this is a general list of things. Support the show Thanks for listening, please download and leave a review. Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right tools…

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Episode 2 - Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money - Dave Ramsey's Seven Baby Steps 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

Send us a text Welcome to Financial Readiness Friday: Mission Money. Join us on a transformative journey towards financial freedom as I dive into Dave Ramsey's renowned Seven Baby Steps. This podcast is your ultimate guide to achieving financial stability, eliminating debt, and building wealth for a secure future. Dave Ramsey's Seven Baby Steps pro…

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Episode 26 - Must Know Regulations as a Brand New NCO 23:31

1y ago23:31

23:31

Send us a text In this episode, I will give you five regulations I personally believe you need to know as a brand new NCO. This is my opinion. I mention each and give a detailed explanation on why they are so pertinent to young leaders and how they can help you be a better leader for your Soldiers. Thanks for listening, please download and leave a …