Episodios

  • #166: The Army Fitness Test; A Clear Set Of Standards - Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer & SGM Chris Mullinax
    May 23 2025
    The Army physical training test has long been a measure of a soldier’s fitness for duty and for combat. For decades it’s been used as the benchmark upon which all other physical fitness has been evaluated. And for decades it has been hotly debated, modified and enhanced to best represent the current mission of the US Army. SGM Chris Mullinax has been charged with developing the Army Fitness Test; the newest version of the PT test that now replaces the Army Combat Fitness Test and its predecessor, the Army Physical Fitness Test. From the Pentagon’s US Army Broadcasting Studio, and with a cameo from Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer, Fran Racioppi sat down with SGM Mullinax to breakdown the changes in the test, why combat MOS’s are being held to different sex-neutral standards, and how the grading scale is designed to enhance and enforce a standard that ensures warfighting is at the forefront of every soldier’s fitness. As a career 75th Ranger Regiment leader, SGM Mullinax also shares why America’s national security is reliant on Rangers, and why Ranger School remains the premier leadership standard in the military. Watch, listen or read our conversation as SMA Weimer updates us on the Army’s Blue Book and how enforcing the fitness standard is increasing Army readiness. Highlights0:00 Introduction1:36 Welcome to the Pentagon2:52 Why change the PT test?4:52 SMA Weimer drops in5:33 Distributing the Blue Book6:33 Upholding Army standards10:44 Implementing a Warfighting Culture14:53 AFT now five exercises19:14 Combat vs Supporting MOSs20:43 AFT Evaluation Metrics21:56 Gender-neutral standard in Combat MOSs22:41 Fitness is America’s Advantage26:14 Ranger Regiment Standards29:23 Leadership Through Ranger School32:28 Is the Army Ready?33:43 Preparing the Army for combat35:50 Culture of Will37:56 Daily HabitsQuotes:“Changing the PT test is not a new idea. We’re always assessing our physical standards.”“I don’t like to start from the minimum standard. That to me is not a place you start any conversation, especially warfighters.”“You should be trying to exceed any standard.”“You can’t put competition on a pedestal.”“Right now we’re crushing retention. Soldiers want to continue to serve.” “This is a hard life. This is not easy. You chose the path that needs a machete.”“We exist to fight and win. We are not a jobs program.” "Your ability to recover in between them is the true test of your fitness.”“When we have physically fit leadership, it inspires our ranks.” “Our ability to fight and win our wars relies heavily on our fitness.”“As I look at my time in the Ranger Regiment..clear set of standards.” “Things have evolved, but the standard is still the same.”“The most important part about Ranger School is you learn a lot about yourself.”“We’re in a space right now where we’re transforming as an institution.”“PT might not be the most important thing we do today, but it's the most important thing we do every day.”“We have to be ready. That’s just the bottom line.”“Service is hard. It wouldn’t be service if it wasn’t hard.” The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world-class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.
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    43 m
  • #165: America's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Threat - Retired US Army Inspector General Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith
    May 16 2025
    The biggest threat to America today is too often the one we think about the least. Nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare has been around for decades and the effects of an NBC attack on the homeland or American interests abroad is a very real scenario. Retired Lt. Gen Leslie Smith spent a career in the Army as a Chemical Officer. He served as the Chief of the Chemical Branch and Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School. He was the first Chemical officer to serve as the Commanding General of the United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the first Chemical officer to serve as the Army's Inspector General. He is now the Vice President for Leadership and Education at the Association of United States Army.With reports looming about Russian willingness to use NBC weapons in Ukraine, and Iran’s constant desire to acquire them and put them into the hands of terrorist proxies, Fran Racioppi sat down with Lt. Gen. Smith to discuss the real threat America faces. We broke down the history of America’s Chemical weapons programs, their use in various stages of conflicts, the implementation of international prohibitions, how the US Army prepares for NBC threats, and what we learned about their modern day use through the COVID pandemic. Lt. Gen. Smith also shared insight into the important role the Inspector General plays in maintaining standards and accountability within the Army, as well as the role AUSA is playing in supporting soldiers both active duty and post-service. Watch, listen or read our conversation from the Association of the United States Army HQ and don’t miss the rest of our AUSA series.Highlights0:00 Introduction4:00 Importance of chemical warfare7:30 The likelihood of chemical warfare8:22 Anthrax on 9/1111:45 Will anyone use NBC weapons14:07 The lessons of COVID-1916:18 Joining the Army19:55 America’s projection of power22:22 The role of the Army Inspector General27:36 Do Army Standards Matter31:11 Have we lost the mission?33:18 Maintaining the Army36:50 The role of AUSA39:26 Daily HabitsQuotes“The Germans used it, and the Americans were not ready to go.”“That’s what CBRN stands for: Could Be Right Now.”“At the higher levels, it’s all about building coalitions of people.”“We don’t know what’s next, we just have to be prepared to deal with the situation.”“The leader has to be at the decisive point.” “When you have boots on the ground, it sends a signal.”“ A leader’s presence only matters when you are present.”“What leaders do is talk about what needs to happen in organizations.”“We have to make sure that the soldiers trust us, the nation trusts us, Congress trusts us, our leaders trust us and the things that we do.”“Inspector generals are training multiple generations of leaders.”“Every leader is responsible for enforcing the standard.”“Climate beats strategy.”“Everyone is looking for their sense of purpose.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.
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    44 m
  • #164: By All Means Available - Former Undersecretary Of Defense For Intelligence Michael Vickers
    May 9 2025
    The directive given to our Green Berets is to win by All Means Available. To do so, requires a combination of ingenuity, understanding the environment, a clear plan and precision execution. Mike Vickers built a career on winning America’s shadow wars by All Means Available. Mike started his career as both a non-commissioned and commissioned officer Green Beret before becoming a Paramilitary Operations Officer at the Central Intelligence Agency. Mike later served as the Undersecretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, as well as the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, where he served as the lead Intelligence official at the Pentagon. Secretary Vickers joined Fran Racioppi to chronicle his new book By All Means Available, Memoirs Of A Life in Intelligence, Special Operations and Strategy. He has been a part of almost every American known and unknown conflict for the past 50 years; including leading the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.We defined how America collects and uses intelligence in both national security and diplomacy. We discussed America’s will to win large conflicts, when we’ve gotten it right and why we get it wrong. And we went deep on the real enemy facing America today.Mike sees the United States in a New Cold War that will challenge the nation like never before. He shares the reasons why America got here, and most importantly his Grand Strategy to rebuild a culture of winning global conflict to solidify America’s position as the dominant world power for decades to come. Highlights0:00 Introduction6:29 Definition and Significance of Intelligence8:00 DoD intelligence use10:59 Joining the Army15:45 By all means necessary21:12 Politics in War judgement28:11 China & Russia38:00 Defining American power42:28 Nuclear Weapons in Iran & North Korea46:06 Mobilization of American troops48:48 Pakistan49:38 Media on disunity50:56 The arms race against China54:20 Covert action56:34 Denial of Service59:48 Regional and Global Deterrence1:03:07 Transforming out alliances1:10:49 The Next Threat1:14:03 SOF integration1:18:15 America’s overconfidence1:20:51 10 Principles1:30:06 Daily HabitsQuotes“We are in dynamic times. We are in polarizing times.”“It’s not just military and economic intelligence, it’s economic, scientific, and technical intelligence that can make a big difference.”“It became the largest covert action program in CIA history.” “Drive them out by all means available.”“How are we going to win?”“Ammunition is what really sustains operational tempo.”“When America goes to war, we’re going to bring everything and we are going to win.”“The more you put in it, the more you better win, and win quickly.”“America is arguably challenged right now, like never before.”“Once the sleeping giant wakes up, look out, they are going to lose.”“Strength is Power.”“There’s economic, military, intelligence, political strength, the power of your ideals, and so you try to aggregate that.”"We will win the new Cold War.”“When you think your biggest enemy is another American or group of Americans something’s wrong.”“Covert action is taking diplomacy operations, paramilitary operations, sabotage and others and just having it be done under title 50.”“Cyber is this unique weapon that it’s used for espionage. It’s a very powerful collection tool.”“You need survivable forward presence.”“I think the greatest threat is the combination of China and Russia and perhaps adding in Iran and North Korea.”Watch, listen or read our conversation from the Association of the United States Army as Secretary Vickers shares his leadership lessons learned through covert action; and don’t miss the rest of our AUSA series.The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media.
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    1 h y 37 m
  • #163: America's Only Special Forces - Green Beret Foundation Chairman Ken Tovo & Board Member Chris Robinette
    Apr 25 2025

    Green Berets solve complex challenges in service because they’re informed. Yet when they transition out, the civilian world often leaves them looking for answers. The Green Beret Foundation stands ready to ensure our nation's most elite soldiers continue to succeed post service.


    From the sidelines of the Stars and Stripes Classic, the first ever lacrosse battle between Green Berets and Navy SEALs, and the brain child of Green Beret Foundation, Fran Racioppi kicked off the game with Chairman of the Board retired Lt. Gen. Ken Tovo and Board Member and Green Beret Chris Robinette.


    With penalty markers flying, we talk about the future of Green Beret Foundation support and how the reduction in conflict is creating opportunities to focus on transition support, job preparation and job placement. We also explain GBF’s position as the only VA accredited disability processing team in the Special Forces non-profit sector. Making informed decisions matters in service and beyond.


    Watch, listen or read our conversation from Gillette Stadium and don’t forget to check out the rest of our series from the Stars and Stripes Classic and the full game highlights. If you haven’t signed up for next year, stay tuned for more information.


    The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.



    HIGHLIGHTS

    • 0:00 Introduction
    • 1:30 Welcome to Gillette Stadium
    • 2:35 Launching the Stars & Stripes Classic
    • 5:31 Supporting VA disability claims
    • 9:03 GBF transition support
    • 11:42 GBF’s acquisition strategy
    • 13:12 GBF’s vision


    QUOTES

    • “We approached this as an opportunity to help the military connect to society.”
    • “Society needs to know their military.”
    • “Every Green Beret is going to leave the force at some point.”
    • “We’re taking care of Vietnam veterans who didn’t get their appropriate VA benefit 30, 40 years ago.”
    • “For many corporations, the skills piece is less important than the heart and commitment to mission. Whatever the mission is.”
    • “Green Beret’s understand commitment to purpose and working hard.”
    • “We’re trying to create a broad, holistic support capability for the regiment.”
    • “It’s not a matter of if, but when the next major conflict arises.”


    The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.

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    18 m
  • #162: Break The System - Representative Jake Ellzey (TX-6)
    Apr 18 2025
    Congress holds the power of the purse. The United States Government is the largest business in the world, but to conduct business - and national security - Congress has to approve the funds and the money. Representative Jake Ellzey is now a 3-term Congressman representing Texas’s 6th District. He’s a Naval Academy graduate, a helicopter and fighter pilot, and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where his decisions determine what the government funds and what it doesn’t. He’s also the co-chair of the bipartisan military Veterans alliance, the For Country Caucus. With the American government changing at lightning pace, Fran Racioppi asked the Congressman how the Appropriations Committee is prioritizing funding, what that means for national defense, rooting out fraud, waste and abuse; and if there’s ever a way for America to balance the budget and stop overspending. Representative Ellzey also shares why we need to clearly define America’s next battlefield, funding military readiness and innovation to combat both nation-state adversaries and terror groups, and the critical role he sees our Special Operations Forces playing in the grey war the United States is now in. Plus he shares his leadership lessons from the cockpit and the deck of the USS Ronald Reagan to the halls of Congress.Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Ellzey’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series. Highlights0:00 Introduction6:20 Veterans in Congress9:12 Why the Navy?10:50 The Appropriations Committee14:45 Funding Executive Orders17:24 DOGE’s impact22:41 Funding Military Readiness25:35 Role of SOF in the next conflict27:20 The sentiment of America31:50 Shout out to Green Berets34:08 Defining the Battlefield38:18 Why Was There An Open Border Policy39:44 Can America Balance The Budget?40:42 Is America Ready?42:41 Military Lessons Taken To CongressKey Quotes:“There’s a thing about veterans: it really doesn’t matter which era, what your uniform, or how well you know somebody who’s a veteran…Nobody else gets into that world.”“With SEALS, Green Berets, most pilots; tell me I can’t do something, and then watch.”“CR’s are bad. Year-long CRs are terrible. Specifically for defense.” “Once we know what the priorities of the President are, we’re not going to put something on the floor that ultimately he’s not going to sign.”“It’s broken. So let’s break it. Let’s break the whole thing.”“There’s not enough money to do everything we need to do to be completely ready.” “It’s absolutely essential that our adversaries know that we’ve got the best in the world.”“The sentiment of Americans is we’re strong again, we’re not to be trifled with, if you attack us, we’re going to hammer you.”“I’m a huge fan of Green Berets.”“I see weapons of mass destruction as the compounds that are making Fentanyl.” “Never pass up the opportunity to shut up.”Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of my guests and myself. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy, nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
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    47 m
  • #161: Don't Bet Against America - Representative Don Davis (NC-1)
    Apr 4 2025
    Veterans are once again dominating Congress. The start of the 119th Congress has 100 Veterans across both sides of the aisle. Veterans by and large focus on teamwork and getting results. To kick off the excitement behind the new Congress, Fran Racioppi spent a few snowy days on Capitol Hill with the members of the For Country Caucus; a bi-partisan group of House of Representative members who have each served across America’s military. Representative Don Davis is an Air Force Academy graduate, a two term Congressman representing North Carolina’s 1st District, and the Vice Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as a member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces. With the strength of American military power front and center, Fran asked Congressman Davis to explain just what the next battlefield may be, how ready the American military is to combat both terrorist organizations and near-peer nation states, as well as the role of Special Operations in the next conflict. They also broke down the efforts of DOGE, Elon Musk and the application of the age old military sayings “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” and “speed and violence of action” gets things done. Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Davis’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction2:05 Welcome to Capitol Hill4:02 Veterans leading Congress8:37 Expectations of Veterans in the Cabinet10:51 Joining the Air Force15:04 Joining State Politics before Federal Politics21:37 Military Readiness24:07 The Next Conflict28:28 Defining the battlefield30:43 The Terror Threat33:28 Investing in Special Operations36:01 Trump Administration actionsQUOTES“When the orders came down we didn’t ask, ‘are these Democratic orders or Republican orders.’ We executed the mission.”“The fundamental basis of that oath is to protect the constitution.” “What I think was most important going back to eastern North Carolina was an opportunity to really shape future leaders.”“There’s these potholes people are craving to be filled.”“When there is a mission…are we capable?”“We have to make sure the innocent civilians are kept safe.”“Clearly there’s a willingness to target us.”“Don’t bet against America.”“At the end of the day try to make life better in communities.”The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy, nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
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    44 m
  • #160: Is The US Army Ready? 15th Sergeant Major Of The Army Dan Dailey
    Mar 25 2025
    Readiness is the ability to close with and destroy any enemy, anywhere, anytime. The role of the Sergeant Major of the Army is to ensure readiness. Command Sergeant Major Dan Dailey was the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army and the youngest Soldier to ever hold the position. Today, he is the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army.SMA Dailey joined Creator and Host Fran Racioppi to define what it really means for the United States Army to be “ready” to fight and win our nation’s wars. To do so, they went deep on each of the components of readiness, including: Manning and the impacts of the recruiting crisis the Army has endured over the past several years. Training and the importance of the Combat Training Centers and our combined exercises across the components and with our allies.Equipping for the next fight and why the current procurement processes must change if America expects to remain ahead in the innovation race.Leader Development including why softening the messaging of warfighting hurts mission focus and how the Army is closing the experience gap as the Global War on Terror generation of Soldiers retire. They also cover the important mission of the Association of the United States Army and how as the largest organization supporting our Soldiers their work only continues to grow. Watch, listen or read our conversation from the AUSA headquarters and don’t miss the rest of our AUSA series.The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.QUOTES“Individual readiness is when a soldier themself feels capable to accomplish their mission.”“If you had one hour before your soldiers went to combat what would you train on.” “The high percentage of people who serve today come from families who have served in the past….that funnel is getting smaller and smaller.” “We have lost the value of service to our nation…is it actually a way to achieve the American dream?”"If we send everybody to college, who’s going to do those jobs?” “I think there’s a lot of young Americans out there who are fully capable to fight and win, they’re just not inspired.” “If you create a standard that nobody in America can achieve, it’s not a standard.” “This nation’s going to have an Army. America, not the Army, is going to decide how we do that.” “The only more expensive thing than fighting a war is losing one.”“Our first mission as the United States Military is to deter. Then to defeat.” “Most people look at war as armed conflict between two entities. War is a conflict of wills.”HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction4:44 Becoming SMA5:57 Readiness Defined9:55 How does the Army train at each echelon?11:49 Why become a Soldier?13:21 Can the Army bring the American Dream?19:53 Everyone can’t go to college22:11 Is recruiting college athletes the answer?25:14 Is there a reduction in standards?30:22 Changing the Army’s message34:13 Are we close to a draft?36:05 Technology & Force Modernization42:22 Is China ahead of America?48:17 Training for every threat52:48 Interoperability with Allies55:17 Loss of combat experience1:01:32 Next Generation Is Ready1:05:20 Leading AUSA1:11:01 Daily HabitsThe opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy,
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    1 h y 16 m
  • #159: America Is Vulnerable - Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
    Mar 14 2025
    Threats to America are at an all time high. Our national security and law enforcement professionals have warned us. Our military leaders are preparing for anything and everything. Representative August Pfluger is the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. He is now a 3-term Congressman representing Texas’s 11th District. He is also an Air Force Academy graduate and an F-22 fighter pilot with over 300 combat hours. As a member of the bi-partisan military Veterans alliance, the For Country Caucus, one of his biggest efforts is to build coalitions across the aisle. With Homeland Security, terror threats and nation-state brinksmanship front and center, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Congressman to ask him what exactly the biggest threats to America are. They dug into the theory of an imminent terror attack, what the battlefield with China really looks like, and why preventing denial of service attacks and the cyber-security risks against America’s critical infrastructure should be at the top of the priority list.They also discussed the future of SOF on an undefined battlefield, how the reduction of fraud, waste and abuse will open up funds for discretionary spending, and why disagreement should be encouraged; but when the decision is made, everyone needs to get in line and execute. Watch, listen or read our conversation from Congressman Pfluger’s office. Don’t miss our full coverage from Capitol Hill. Special thanks to For Country Caucus for setting up this series. HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction02:55 Veterans in Congress02:35 Terror Threat To America04:45 Cyber Threats10:01 Future role of Special Operations11:47 Lessons from Service in CongressQUOTES“There’s a level of trust when you know that somebody else has served.”“It starts with just transparency. We live in a dangerous world. It’s not just a terrorism threat.”“These non-nation state actors and even nation state sponsored cyber activities lie in that grey zone.” “That’s where we’re really vulnerable is some of the smaller communities, some of the smaller banks, some of the smaller entities that provide these services. Denial of services. That’s what we’re worried about.” “Every dollar of improper payment that is going somewhere else is a dollar we’re not spending on security.”“SOF plays a huge role in deterrence. That to me is worth its weight in gold.” Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are brought to you by University of Health and Performance and are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of my guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy, nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.
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    16 m
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