Robert Sweetman
In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, Robert Sweetman is the guest. Rob served 8 years as Navy SEAL with multiple deployments as a member of Team 7. A back injury forced his medical separation in 2018. In addition to his own sleep related issues and his mental health, the suicide of Ryan Larkin, a friend and fellow SEAL, caused Rob to immerse himself in the science of sleep and the effects of sleep deprivation on mental health. Rob has since founded the non-profit organization 62 Romeo with the mission of improving the mental health and reducing suicides of veterans and first responders by improving their sleep. Rob is also a lifelong grappler, having wrestled since he was a young boy and then transitioning to Jiu Jitsu after college.
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Rob’s story begins in Kansas, where he spent his formative years. At six years old, Rob’s family relocated to South Carolina, introducing him to a vastly different culture and landscape. Wrestling became a transformative force in his life during middle school. It provided him with an outlet for his restless energy and a disciplined structure that he embraced wholeheartedly. By high school, Rob had excelled in the sport, earning accolades that underscored his tenacity and determination. His passion for grappling eventually extended into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a pursuit that would resurface later in life. Though his athletic prowess opened doors, Rob struggled to find a clear direction after graduating high school in 1999. A first-generation college student, he attended William Penn University in Iowa, where he pursued wrestling but found himself adrift academically and financially. He dropped out after a year, feeling the weight of failure but refusing to let it define him. Instead, he ventured into entrepreneurial pursuits, from selling insurance to running a successful hot dog stand named after his late cousin AJ, whose untimely death marked a turning point in Rob’s journey.
Despite his achievements in the business world, Rob felt a growing void. His adventurous spirit and sense of duty pulled him toward a life of service. At 28, he made the life-altering decision to join the Navy. Fueled by patriotism and inspired by his younger brother’s courage as a Marine, Rob sold everything he owned, turned his home into a training ground, and embarked on a grueling path toward becoming a Navy SEAL. This decision was not born of convenience or expectation but from an innate refusal to accept mediocrity. It marked the beginning of a journey that would test his limits and redefine his purpose.
Rob’s decision to join the Navy at 28 was anything but conventional. It was a path that demanded not only exceptional physical and mental toughness but also a relentless determination to endure hardship. For Rob, it was not just about serving his country—it was about pushing his own limits and striving to be the best version of himself.
Rob embraced the rigorous challenges that defined SEAL training. Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training tested his physical endurance and mental resilience in ways he had never imagined. Weeks of sleep deprivation, punishing physical demands, and psychological stress revealed the true meaning of perseverance. Rob often drew on his wrestling background, channeling the discipline and mental toughness he had cultivated during his youth. Rob’s time in the SEAL Teams exposed him to the stark realities of military life. Deployments took him to some of the most volatile regions of the world, where he witnessed firsthand the high-stakes nature of special operations. The camaraderie and brotherhood he found in his team became a cornerstone of his experience, providing strength and support during the most challenging missions. Yet, the weight of responsibility and the trauma of combat took a toll.
The physical demands of being a SEAL were unrelenting. Rob sustained injuries that he carried for years, including chronic pain and the lingering effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Beyond the physical, the psychological challenges were equally daunting. The constant pressure to perform at the highest level, coupled with the trauma of loss and the harsh realities of war, created a mental burden that was difficult to shake. One of the defining moments in Rob’s Navy career was his growing awareness of how sleep deprivation impacted his and his teammates’ mental health and performance.
In the SEAL Teams, sleep was often seen as a luxury, sacrificed in favor of operational readiness. Rob began to notice a dangerous cycle: sedatives used to sleep, stimulants to wake up, and an overall lack of recovery that compounded stress and eroded mental resilience. These habits were widespread not only in the military but also in professions like law enforcement and among first responders—communities Rob felt a deep connection with. The loss of close friends, including his teammate Ryan Larkin, further highlighted the devastating toll that untreated mental health issues and poor sleep could take. Ryan’s struggle with post-traumatic stress, reliance on substances to manage his insomnia, and eventual suicide left a profound impact on Rob. He saw firsthand how the lack of proper recovery and mental health support contributed to a vicious cycle that could spiral out of control. These experiences planted a seed in Rob’s mind—an idea that would later shape his post-Navy career.
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Throughout his time in the Navy, Rob demonstrated exceptional resolve and a commitment to his mission. His story is a testament to the sacrifices made by military veterans and the resilience required to serve in one of the world’s most demanding roles. Yet, as his career progressed, the cumulative weight of his injuries, mental strain, and personal losses began to mount. Rob realized it was time to transition from military service. For Rob, the Navy was more than just a career; it was a proving ground that forged him into a leader and instilled values that continue to define his life. His experiences as a Navy SEAL are a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those in the military, law enforcement, and first responder communities. They also highlight the critical importance of addressing issues like sleep deprivation and mental health to ensure these heroes can thrive both during and after their service.
Rob Sweetman’s transition from the Navy was as challenging as his entry into it. After years of service as a Navy SEAL, his decision to leave the military marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty and profound questions about identity, purpose, and the toll of his service. For Rob, the journey from active duty to civilian life was not merely a career shift—it was a deeply personal transformation that required him to confront his injuries, his trauma, and the loss of close friends. However, it was the invisible scars—those tied to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the grief of losing teammates—that proved even harder to address. The loss of his friend and teammate Ryan Larkin in 2017 became a pivotal moment in Rob’s life. Ryan’s struggles with sleep deprivation, post-traumatic stress, and reliance on substances to cope underscored the broader crisis facing military veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. These communities often share the same vicious cycles: long hours, inadequate recovery, and the mental strain of high-stakes, high-pressure environments.
Rob recognized that his own path to recovery had to begin with sleep. Reflecting on the connection between sleep deprivation and mental health, he saw how disrupted sleep cycles exacerbated anxiety, diminished cognitive function, and made coping with trauma even harder. Determined not to fall into the same cycle that had claimed Ryan’s life, Rob dedicated himself to learning about the science of sleep and recovery. He realized that sleep was not just a personal challenge but a critical issue affecting countless veterans and first responders—a realization that sparked his new mission.
Building on his SEAL training and entrepreneurial background, Rob co-founded 62 Romeo, an initiative aimed at addressing the sleep crisis among military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Named after the military code for a sleep specialist, 62 Romeo focuses on improving sleep hygiene and creating actionable solutions for those who face the unique stressors of service-oriented careers. Rob’s work with 62 Romeo embodies his commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of life after service, tackling issues like sleep apnea, insomnia, and the broader effects of sleep deprivation on mental health and physical performance.
The impact of 62 Romeo extends beyond individual recovery. Rob advocates for systemic changes in how organizations approach sleep and wellness, emphasizing the importance of recovery in high-stakes professions. His work is particularly relevant for law enforcement officers and first responders, whose demanding schedules and exposure to trauma mirror the experiences of military personnel. Through workshops, research, and community outreach, Rob seeks to empower individuals with the tools they need to reclaim their health and well-being.
In addition to his work with 62 Romeo, Rob’s transition has been marked by personal growth and a dedication to living a life of purpose. He has embraced philosophies like stoicism and mindfulness, using them to guide his decisions and reframe his perspective on challenges. For Rob, the transition from the Navy was not simply about leaving behind a career—it was about redefining success and finding new ways to serve.
Rob’s journey resonates deeply with veterans and first responders who face their own struggles with veteran transition and life after service. His story is a reminder that the skills honed in military and service careers—resilience, adaptability, and a mission-driven mindset—can be powerful assets in civilian life. However, his experience also underscores the critical need for resources and support to address the unique challenges of this transition, from mental health to practical concerns like finding meaningful work.
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.
Despite the challenges, Rob’s post-Navy career has been a testament to his enduring spirit and commitment to making a difference. He continues to advocate for greater awareness around sleep deprivation and mental health, offering hope to those who feel overwhelmed by the demands of their past service. Through his work, Rob has not only transformed his own life but also inspired others to prioritize recovery, build resilience, and embrace the possibilities of life after service.
Rob’s story is a powerful call to action for veterans, first responders, and law enforcement personnel. It challenges individuals and institutions alike to recognize the vital importance of sleep and mental health. By sharing his experiences, Rob not only highlights the sacrifices made by those who serve but also offers a path forward—a way to heal, grow, and thrive beyond the uniform.
If you found this episode valuable and want to hear more inspiring stories of transition, resilience, and life after service, be sure to subscribe to the podcast. By subscribing, you’ll stay updated on interviews with veterans, military leaders, and first responders who share their journeys and insights. If you know someone—whether they’re transitioning from the military, a first responder, or a loved one—who could benefit from the information and stories shared, please share this podcast with them. Together, we can support and empower those navigating their next chapter.
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