John Collins
In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, delve into a gripping, real-world story of grit, redemption, and purpose after service with Navy SEAL veteran John Collins. This is more than just another military podcast episode—it’s a story that speaks directly to military veterans, first responders, law enforcement professionals, and anyone seeking clarity in the chaos of life after uniform.
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Raised in the small town of Sykesville, Maryland, John Collins grew up under the stern, structured influence of a law enforcement household. His father served 25 years as a state trooper and spent 20 years on SWAT. Structure and discipline were non-negotiable. But, as Collins recalls, “I was a good person… but I liked finding out where the line was—and crossing it.” After his parents’ divorce during high school, he navigated multiple schools, experimenting with sports like wrestling and lacrosse while balancing a growing rebellious streak.
His small-town upbringing, far from the bustling cityscape, gave him an imagination-fueled childhood. There was no scrolling, no video games, just raw creativity and sibling rivalries. Despite the missteps, John’s internal compass remained true: he craved purpose and knew he wanted to serve something greater than himself.
John’s journey into the Navy began with a vision—becoming a Navy SEAL. The war on terror had been raging, and like many young military veterans in the making, he wanted to be part of the fight. Inspired by documentaries and Dick Couch’s books, John saw the SEALs not just as warriors but as legends. After joining in 2006, he set his sights on BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training), the grueling gateway to SEALdom.
However, reality hit hard. John attempted BUD/S multiple times—four First Phases and three Hell Weeks. Each attempt tested not just his body but his mind and spirit. “I lost a lot,” he admits, “but I learned how to use those losses.” Despite repeated failures, John refused to quit.
After being dropped from BUD/S, John was told: “Needs of the Navy.” He was assigned to Guantanamo Bay, where he served not as a SEAL, but as a prison guard for some of the world’s most dangerous detainees—men captured by the same special forces John once hoped to join. This unexpected pivot was humbling, surreal, and challenging.
“Working in a prison camp with terrorists, making sure they were comfortable, observing prayer times—it was nothing like what I expected when I signed up,” John shares. But it was there, in the heart of GTMO, facing men who hated everything he stood for, that he found his fire again. John trained obsessively, using every resource available. He knocked on doors, chased paperwork, and challenged bureaucratic walls with sheer will. He found allies, mentors, and finally got back to BUD/S.
This time, John succeeded. After six years of navigating Navy politics, failure, and personal trials, he finally earned his SEAL Trident. He had made it. John went on to serve as a sniper, breacher, and K9 handler—roles that demand absolute trust, precision, and calm under pressure. From close-quarters combat to rappelling with dogs, John lived the intensity of elite warfare. “The dogs were amazing,” he recalls. “They swam, jumped, rappelled. They were warriors too.”
Despite the demanding lifestyle and operational highs, John began feeling the weight of service. As his 12-year mark approached, he reflected on family, life goals, and mental wear. The dream was shifting.
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In 2018, John made the tough call to transition out of the Navy. It wasn’t a clean break—his heart remained tethered to the brotherhood—but the writing was on the wall. A year later, the world shut down with COVID-19, and John was reminded once again that timing and instinct are powerful allies.
Like many military veterans, John faced the challenge of translating his service into a civilian role. “What do you do with sniper, breacher, K9 on a resume?” he asks. It was his network, his reputation, and his unshakable professionalism that opened new doors. John became a firearms instructor, teaching civilians and military personnel how to shoot and stay safe. The job checked many boxes—skill, purpose, community—but it wasn't long before that contract disappeared too.
John’s next chapter came through another veteran connection. A friend from the SEAL community introduced him to the head of the Western Steel Council. With mentorship and resume coaching, John transitioned into a new identity—as Safety Director for the District Council of Ironworkers and the California Ironworker Employers Council. Shadowing his predecessor, John learned the ropes, earned his OSHA certifications, and embraced the role of leader in a new environment. He now ensures that workers on massive infrastructure projects stay safe—a different kind of mission, but one that still saves lives.
John compares his safety role to pre-deployment prep: educating, protecting, and leading. His free time is filled with mentoring future SEAL candidates through the SEAL Future Foundation, volunteering at training events, and mentoring law enforcement and first responders. Hunting has replaced combat as a new form of mental reset. “The fun kind of hunting,” he jokes. Guided by a boss who’s also a lifelong hunter, John now channels his energy into archery and conservation, even bagging his first buck in Texas this year.
John’s story is a masterclass in the military transition process. For any military veteran wondering, “What now?” after leaving the service—or for first responders seeking a new calling—his journey delivers key takeaways:
Resilience isn't just surviving failure—it's showing up again.
Your network is your lifeline—build it, honor it, use it.
You don’t have to abandon who you were to become something new.
Mentorship matters—find your guide and become one.
Your value goes beyond your rank or MOS—your mindset is your strongest asset.
For those in law enforcement or first responders, John’s time at GTMO offers an eerie parallel. Guarding detainees, de-escalating tension, and holding the line of integrity mirrors the jail operations many officers know all too well. John’s respect for these roles runs deep—especially for those serving on the home front. The Transition Drill Podcast continues to be a beacon for military veterans navigating the complex world of military transition and life after service. John Collins' story isn’t just about becoming a Navy SEAL—it’s about what comes after the dream, and how to write the next chapter with purpose.
Whether you're an aspiring SEAL, a veteran, or a first responder looking for your next mission, Episode 188 offers an unfiltered roadmap of grit, growth, and graceful transformation. It’s not just a military podcast episode—it’s a call to action, and a reminder that life after service can be just as meaningful as the life you lived in uniform.
The Transition Drill Podcast is the best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. Your transition is more than a career shift—it’s a chance to redefine your purpose, continue serving others, and build a meaningful life beyond your uniform.
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