Episode 2: Joel Hughes

Life's Ambition

Joel Hughes joined the army right after high school and enlisted as an infantryman. He wanted to leave town quickly and start his future. He had the opportunity to work with Green Berets and was exposed to what special forces do in the army. Joel considered joining special forces but decided against it after some friends were killed. He eventually reenlisted in the army and went through training to become a sniper. After his deployment, he left the army but couldn't stop thinking about what it would have been like to join special forces. He reenlisted again and went through training to become a member of special forces. Joel Hughes served as a Green Beret and sniper in the United States Army. He traveled extensively, including multiple trips to Southeast Asia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Afghanistan, England, France, and Germany. He also served as an instructor and part of a parachute demonstration team. Joel discussed the importance of accepting the risks and realities of war and how it affects soldiers mentally. He highlighted the need for compartmentalization and clear judgment in high-pressure situations. Joel also shared his experience in sniper school and the different levels of certification. In this conversation, Joel Hughes discusses his experiences as a sniper in the military and his transition to civilian life. He talks about the role of snipers and how they were often underutilized during his deployment in Iraq. He also highlights the importance of understanding the local population and the complexities of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hughes shares his insights on being a Green Beret and the challenges of training foreign military forces. He also discusses his transition to college and the impact of his military experience on his academic journey.