UNITED THROUGH SERVICE AND ACTION
October 13, 2026
Your Next Mission®
Your Next Mission® is a new initiative from the American Freedom Foundation that provides content, resources, and support to Veterans, Military Servicemembers, Military Spouses and Families as they transition from military to civilian life. At the center of the program is a video podcast hosted by 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley which addresses important issues and challenges faced in that transition. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.
Our Host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley
Jack L. Tilley served as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army from June 2000 – January 2004. A Vietnam War Veteran, SMA Tilley has held a variety of important leadership positions throughout his 36-year career. Now retired, SMA Tilley continues to serve as advisor, leader, and supporter of all Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families as co-founder of the American Freedom Foundation. As the host of the Your Next Mission® podcast, he continues to impart his experience and advice to those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 72 | How Military Families Can Save. Financial Realities With Heather Long of Navy Federal Credit Union
Why does the economy look great on paper, but feel like a massive squeeze at the kitchen table? In this powerful episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Heather Long, Chief Economist at @navyfederal , Rhodes Scholar, Pulitzer Prize winner, and proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran.
Heather breaks down the reality of today’s K-shaped “Costco economy,” why young Military Families and Veterans are facing unprecedented hurdles of saving, spending, buying homes, and the exact steps Servicemembers should take to secure their financial future. From eliminating credit card debt to leveraging free financial counseling, this episode is a masterclass in wealth-building for the military community.
Watch
Get notifications and subscribe wherever you listen below
Listen
Listen
Listen
RECENTLY AIRED
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 71 | The Unfiltered Voice of the Army: Inside AUSA & the Foundation of the Joint Force
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting is more than a gathering, it’s a precision engine of unwavering influence and the single strongest supporter of our nation’s Army mission.
Join Host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley for this very special inaugural edition of Your Next Mission® video podcast with “live in studio guests” from the global defense community in Washington D.C. At this year’s massive meeting of over 44,000 attendees, SMA (R) Tilley sits down face-to-face with top AUSA leadership.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 69 | Rank Buys Compliance, Character Builds Followership: COL (R) Dr. Peter M. Tan
In this powerful episode of the nation’s number one video podcast on military transition and leadership, SMA (R) Tilley sits down with COL (R) Dr. Peter M. Tan. Dr. Tan is a remarkable leader whose journey spans from the son of immigrant World War II Veterans to a distinguished 40-year Army career, maxillofacial surgeon, former Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for Tampa Bay, and Board Chairman for HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital.
Dr. Tan shares profound wisdom on what it truly means to lead. He unpacks his signature Humble Command Method, explaining why rank only buys you compliance, but character is what makes people want to follow you. From navigating impostor syndrome in early leadership roles at St. John’s College High School JROTC and Notre Dame ROTC to relying on the irreplaceable backbone of military NCOs, Dr. Tan offers a masterclass in servant leadership.
RecruitMilitary® New AI Platform is Revolutionizing Veteran Hiring
In this episode of Your Next Mission® video, 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilly sits down with Chris Newsome, Executive Vice President of Government Services at RecruitMilitary, to discuss a game-changing AI platform for transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans and so much more.
The two combat arms Veterans dive into the hard truth of why many Veterans leave their first civilian job within 12 to 18 months and how to find the proper cultural fit. Chris reveals how the new RecruitMilitary® Veteran Talent Source, powered by an AI partner named Find Them, is revolutionizing military hiring by looking beyond basic keywords and military occupational specialties (MOS) to highlight genuine transferable skills. From in-person and virtual hiring events to career readiness workshops on federal resumes and salary negotiation, this episode is packed with essential advice for anyone planning their post-military career.
Testimonial
“Finally somebody is talking about how difficult and COMPLICATED it is for vets to transition to civilian life. Thank you Sergeant Major.”
OUR PARTNERS
Your Next Mission® wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of our strategic partners. Please visit their websites for information and resources on transitioning from military to civilian life.
Transition & Life Assistance
Employment & Jobs
CONTACT US
Have a suggestion for an episode or just want to share some feedback? We’d love to hear from you.