John Gretton "Jocko" Willink Jr. (born September 8, 1971)[1] is an American author, podcaster, and retired United States Navy officer who served in the Navy SEALs and is a former member of SEAL Team 3. He is also on the Board of Directors for San Diego FC.
Willink co-authored the books Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership (with fellow retired SEAL Leif Babin) and co-founded the management consulting firm Echelon Front, LLC.[5] Willink hosts a weekly podcast with Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Echo Charles, called the Jocko Podcast.[5] He holds a B.A. in English from the University of San Diego.[5]
Early life
John Gretton Willink Jr. was born on September 8, 1971, in Torrington, Connecticut.[6] He has two siblings.[7] Jocko played soccer in high school.[7]
Military career
Jocko Willink and Thomas Dzieran after a boarding operation on Russian tanker Volga-Neft-147
Willink wanted to be in the military from an early age, and he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19.[6] After Navy recruit training and Radioman (RM) "A" School training, Willink reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Willink graduated BUD/S class 177.[8] Following SEAL tactical training (STT) and completion of six-month probationary period, he received his trident insignia. Willink served eight years on active duty, as an enlisted Navy SEAL with SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Two.
Willink also served as a Navy SEAL instructor during his career. He retired in October 2010 after 20 years of service.[10]
Post-Navy career
After retiring from the Navy, Willink co-founded the leadership consulting firm Echelon Front along with Leif Babin, who served with him in the SEAL Teams.[11] The firm hosts conferences and seminars to teach leadership skills.[12] He and Babin also co-authored the leadership manual Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win.[13]
In addition to his work in consulting and authorship, Willink instructs jiu-jitsu at Victory MMA & Fitness in San Diego and co-owns Origin USA, a company based in Farmington, Maine, which produces lifestyle apparel, nutrition supplements, and fitness equipment,[14] as well as being one of the only manufacturers of jiu-jitsu gis in the United States.[15] Willink has a chapter giving advice in Tim Ferriss' book Tools of Titans.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu career
Willink started Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Fabio Santos while in active service and continued training after retirement from the military. He obtained his black belt from Dean Lister.[16] Since then, Willink has been a prominent figure in the sport, has competed against big names such as Jeff Monson and has taught many grapplers. Willink promoted his own daughter to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in September 2022.[17]
Writing
Willink has authored numerous fiction and nonfiction books. His 2015 book Extreme Ownership has been on The New York Times Best Seller List,[18] and was praised by critics.[19] The book teaches leadership lessons using examples of real-world missions and combat encounters.[20] In 2017, he published Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual, which is a collection of healthy living routines and mindsets for productivity.[21]
He authored the children's book series the Way of the Warrior Kid, which is intended to present the life lessons Willink received from SEAL training in a way that is digestible and applicable for children.[22] The Way of the Warrior Kid is being adapted into a feature film starring Chris Pratt and scripted by Will Staples.[23]
Podcast
After appearing on the podcasts of Tim Ferriss, Joe Rogan, and Sam Harris to publicize his book, Willink decided to start his own weekly podcast, The Jocko Podcast. On December 28, 2015, Willink launched the podcast on YouTube with an accompanying website.[24][25] His YouTube channel currently has 1.8 million subscribers.[26] Willink films the podcast from his studio in San Diego.[27]
Personal life
Jocko is married to Hellene Willink.[7] They have four children and live in San Diego.[7]
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