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.
Willink's military service includes combat actions in the Iraq War, where he commanded SEAL Team 3's Task Unit Bruiser,[2] the unit that fought in the battle against the Iraqi insurgents in Ramadi.[3] Willink was honored with the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal for his service.[4] He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander.[5]
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]
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]
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 the NEC 5326 as a combatant swimmer (SEAL), entitled to wear the SEAL insignia. Willink served eight years on active duty, as an enlisted Navy SEAL with SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Two.
Willink was part of the SEAL team that seized the Russian Tanker Volga-Neft-147 in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying Iraqi oil in violation of a United Nations economic embargo.[9] Willink earned his commission via Officer Candidate School and served as a platoon commander. Willink completed multiple deployments to Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom he deployed to the Iraqi city of Ramadi in 2006 with SEAL Team Three as commander of Task Unit Bruiser, which included Leif Babin, Seth "Stoner" Stone, Marc Alan Lee, Michael Monsoor, Jonny Kim, Kevin Lacz, Ryan "Biggles" Job, JP Dinnell, Tony Eafrati, Jason Hogan and Chris Kyle.
Willink also served as a Navy SEAL instructor during his career. He retired in October 2010 after 20 years of service.[10]
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] He and Babin also co-authored the leadership manual Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win.[12] After appearing on the podcasts of Tim Ferriss, Joe Rogan, and Sam Harris to publicize his book, Willink started his own weekly podcast, The Jocko Podcast.[citation needed]
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,[13] as well as being one of the only manufacturers of jiu-jitsu gis in the United States.[14] Willink has a chapter giving advice in Tim Ferriss' book Tools of Titans.
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.[15] Since then, Willink has been a prominent figure in the sport and has taught many grapplers. Willink promoted his own daughter to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in September 2022.[16]
On December 28, 2015, Willink started a podcast on YouTube with an accompanying website.[17][18] His YouTube channel currently has 1.8 million subscribers.[19]
Jocko is married to Hellene Willink.[7] They have four children and live in San Diego.[7]