The Capitalist Investor - Episode 33

In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, we have the honor and privilege of speaking with Rob O’Neill. Rob is a former Navy SEAL and special operator and he’s one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. He was a team leader with a Naval special warfare development group—otherwise known as SEAL Team Six.

He’s been deployed more than a dozen times and has held combat leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions. He has 52 decorations, two Silver Stars, and four Bronze Stars with Valor. He’s been involved in many of our nation’s most important campaigns—and was the man who shot and killed the terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Listen to this episode as he recounts that monumental night and I pick his brain on the current state of affairs.

Outline of This Episode

  • [0:16] Rob O’Neill—a TRUE American Hero
  • [4:55] The Bin Laden mission
  • [9:08] What was the mindset heading into the mission?
  • [19:24] WHat was the mindset once they reached safety?
  • [21:47] Rob’s take on “That’s not my President”
  • [28:35] Has America truly become a selfish nation
  • [33:18] The Washington Redskins
  • [37:33] Defunding the police
  • [41:30] What is Rob doing now?
  • [43:56] How to connect with Rob

Preparing for THE most dangerous mission

Rob’s team had the perfect plan in place for their mission. They knew the layout of the compound and engaged in scenario training for weeks. They rehearsed over and over and over again. But the only time a perfect plan exists is in the planning room. One night they dared to ask the question: What’s the worst thing that could happen? They planned for the worst-case scenario—which is exactly what happened (listen to hear what happened). Rob points out that planning is great, but preparation is better.

They fully expected this to be a one-way mission. Let that sink in. They were flying into a sovereign nation—where they weren’t welcome—that had every right to shoot them down. What most people don’t realize is that those choppers they fly in on can run out of gas. So they had an exact amount of time on the ground or else they were going to be 23 Navy Seals stuck in Pakistan.

They fully expected a gunfight and the potential that one or more of the men in the compound would be prepared to be suicide bombers. Rob had last meals with each of his kids and said goodbye in preparation for the mission.

Killing Osama Bin Laden

When I asked Rob what his mindset was heading into the mission, he said: “Well, since we accepted death, there’s no reason to be afraid of it.” They had no idea how the mission was going to play out. You’re never going to know what is going to happen. Rob knew that worrying over what they couldn’t control was a waste of energy.

During the 90-minute flight to the compound, President Bush’s words echoed in Rob’s mind: “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.” He claimed it, letting that be his mantra as they entered into the fight. They were all thinking, “This is it. This is when we’re going to find out what it’s like to get blown up.

To hear the rest of Rob’s recollection of that night and how the mission played out—keep listening.

Rob’s take on “That’s not my President”

It’s a shame when people begin to boycott their President instead of supporting their leaders in office. When asked if he’s Republican or Democrat, Rob always answers “I’m American, and I’m going to support the President”. He may not always agree with him, but he will support him. If you have an opposing position, let’s have a logical argument. Be willing to be wrong, say you’re sorry, and learn from the conversation. Rob points out that American’s don’t realize they’ve won the lottery by being born in the United States.

Kid’s in Afghanistan and other third-world countries don’t have running water. They’re out playing in cesspools. But American is the land of opportunity. If you’re given all of the opportunity in the world and you decide to sit your butt on the couch and not do anything with it, that’s on you. Don’t blame me and everyone else because you had the opportunity and you decided not to do anything with it.

Has America become an ungrateful nation of whiners?

America is dealing with an entitlement mentality. Students take out far too much in student loans and expect someone else to foot their bill. The Washington Redskins are being stripped of their legacy because middle-aged white men are offended by their name—not Native Americans. People are crying out for the defunding of police departments nationwide—yet still calling the cops for help. Has America become a nation of ungrateful people? Rob and I talk extensively about the issues our nation is facing, so tune into the whole episode to hear his take.

But Rob chooses to focus on the rest of the nation—the people out there that love each other: “The REAL America is NOT the people beating cops with bats on the Brooklyn bridge. The Real America is when there’s a hurricane in Florida and everybody grabs a truck and starts a convoy and they drive from California through Texas out there to help each other—that’s America.”

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Derek Gabrielsen

Connect With Mark Tepper

Send your questions and comments to us at info@SWPConnect.com

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Episode 31:
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Episode 47:
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Episode 63:
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Episode 79:
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Episode 95:
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Episode 111:
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Episode 127:
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