Sep 27, 2019
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Our guest this week is retired General and the 31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Charles Krulak.
General Krulak started his career commanding a rifle platoon and two rifle companies during the Vietnam War. Throughout his 36 years of service, he held just about every single command and staff position that an infantry officer could hold.
His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor device and two gold stars, and the Purple Heart with Gold Star. General Krulak also rewrote the Marine Corps' basic combat study text, MCDP 1: Warfighting, incorporating his theories on operations in the modern battlefield.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Krulak joined MBNA America as the chief administrative officer and went on to serve as the Senior Vice Chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe.
He then went on to be the 13th president of Birmingham Southern College and continues to serve on the board of several companies including as the honorary chairman of FourBlock.
Note: This interview will be available for viewing this coming fall so stay tuned!
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate
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