#268 Mike Waltz - Special Forces Green Beret Turned UN Ambassador Warns About China
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Mike Waltz discusses his journey from being raised by a single mother in Jacksonville to becoming a Green Beret and UN Ambassador. The conversation covers Waltz's formative years at Virginia Military Institute and how his mother's dedication, along with early exposure to military leadership, shaped his career path.
The episode explores Waltz's unique position of simultaneously working in policy creation at the Bush White House while serving as a military reservist. Waltz shares his experiences in combat situations, his transition to Congress where he advocates for veterans' issues, and his current role as UN Ambassador, where he works on reforming the organization and building international coalitions to advance U.S. interests.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 5, 2026 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
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1-Page Summary
Waltz's Personal Background and Upbringing
Mike Waltz shares his story of being raised by a single mother on the west side of Jacksonville. Despite financial hardships, his mother worked three jobs while pursuing her college degree, eventually graduating the same year as Waltz. She ensured his success by pushing him to attend a charter school and introducing him to positive male role models, including his church's priest and military leaders like General George C. Marshall and General Patton.
This early exposure to military leadership led Waltz to the Virginia Military Institute, where he embraced the institute's strict honor code and discipline, preparing him for his future in unconventional warfare.
Waltz's Military and Policy Experiences
As a Green Beret, Waltz uniquely straddled both policy creation and execution, working in the Bush White House while serving as a reservist. During his deployment with a UAE task force in Helmand Province, he faced intense combat situations, including a critical medical evacuation under fire and defending against potential insider threats.
Transitioning to Congress, Waltz co-founded a bipartisan veterans caucus to encourage veterans to run for office. He's achieved several legislative wins, including improved burial expense coverage for service members and introducing service dogs into the VA system.
Waltz's Political Transition and UN Ambassadorship
As chairman of the readiness subcommittee, Waltz focuses on military preparedness and veterans' issues, drawing from his Green Beret experience to advocate for mission autonomy. In his role as UN Ambassador, Waltz aims to reform the organization by streamlining operations, reducing staff and budgets, and refocusing on peace and security missions.
Waltz sees the UN as a platform for American leadership, citing successes like reopening humanitarian corridors through Jordan and expanding the Abraham Accords. He emphasizes building international coalitions to advance U.S. interests, particularly in addressing issues like human trafficking and anti-Semitism.
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Clarifications
- The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a prestigious state military college known for its rigorous military training and academic programs. Its strict honor code requires cadets to uphold integrity, forbidding lying, cheating, or stealing, and violations can lead to expulsion. This code fosters a culture of trust, discipline, and ethical leadership essential for military and civilian roles. VMI's environment prepares students for leadership challenges by emphasizing personal responsibility and moral character.
- Unconventional warfare involves using irregular tactics like guerrilla fighting, sabotage, and subversion rather than traditional battlefield combat. It often includes working with local resistance groups to undermine enemy control. The goal is to influence political and military outcomes indirectly. Special forces like Green Berets are trained to conduct these operations.
- A Green Beret is a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, an elite unit trained for unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance. They operate in small teams, often working closely with local forces in foreign countries. Their missions require advanced skills in combat, language, and cultural knowledge. Green Berets are known for their adaptability and ability to conduct complex, high-risk operations.
- Serving in the "Bush White House" refers to working in the executive branch during President George W. Bush's administration (2001–2009). Being a reservist means Waltz was part of the military reserve forces, balancing civilian duties with military service. This dual role allowed him to influence national security policy while maintaining active military readiness. It is significant because it provided firsthand experience in both policy-making and military operations.
- The UAE task force in Helmand Province was part of a coalition effort supporting Afghan security forces against Taliban insurgents. Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan, was a major conflict zone with frequent combat between coalition forces and insurgents. The task force's role included training, advising, and assisting Afghan troops while conducting counterinsurgency operations. This environment was highly dangerous, with risks from ambushes, improvised explosive devices, and insider attacks.
- A "medical evacuation under fire" means rescuing wounded soldiers while still in an active combat zone. It involves moving injured personnel to safety despite ongoing enemy attacks. This requires coordination between medical teams, combat units, and evacuation vehicles like helicopters. The situation is highly dangerous due to the risk of enemy fire during the rescue.
- Insider threats in military deployments refer to dangers posed by individuals within the trusted group, such as local allies or interpreters, who may secretly harm or betray the unit. These threats are challenging because the insider has access to sensitive information and close proximity to soldiers. Such attacks can include ambushes, intelligence leaks, or sabotage. Preventing insider threats requires vigilance, vetting, and trust-building measures.
- A bipartisan veterans caucus is a group of members of Congress from both major political parties who work together on issues affecting military veterans. Its purpose is to promote cooperation and develop policies that support veterans' benefits, healthcare, and transition to civilian life. The caucus helps raise awareness and influence legislation by uniting diverse political views around common veteran-related goals. It also encourages veterans to run for office, increasing veteran representation in government.
- Legislative wins on burial expense coverage typically involve increasing the amount the government reimburses families for funeral costs of service members. This helps reduce the financial burden on military families during difficult times. Introducing service dogs into the VA system allows veterans with physical or mental health challenges, such as PTSD, to receive trained dogs as part of their treatment. These dogs provide support, improve quality of life, and aid in rehabilitation.
- The readiness subcommittee is a part of the House Armed Services Committee focused on ensuring the military is prepared for current and future missions. It oversees training, equipment maintenance, and military installations. The subcommittee reviews budgets related to these areas to maintain force readiness. It also addresses issues affecting service members' ability to perform their duties effectively.
- Mission autonomy in a military context refers to the ability of a unit or individual to make decisions and act independently to achieve objectives without constant oversight. It allows for flexibility and rapid response in dynamic or complex environments. This autonomy is crucial in unconventional warfare where situations can change quickly and require adaptive tactics. It relies on trust in the training, judgment, and initiative of the personnel involved.
- The United Nations is an international organization with multiple agencies and a large staff, often criticized for bureaucratic inefficiency. Its decision-making can be slow due to the need for consensus among diverse member states. Budget constraints and overlapping missions sometimes hinder effective peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Reform efforts focus on improving efficiency, accountability, and prioritizing core security and humanitarian goals.
- Humanitarian corridors are safe routes established to deliver aid and evacuate civilians from conflict zones. Jordan's geographic location makes it a critical gateway for aid into neighboring conflict-affected areas like Syria. Reopening these corridors ensures continued access for humanitarian organizations to provide food, medicine, and shelter. This action helps alleviate suffering and stabilize the region amid ongoing crises.
- The Abraham Accords are agreements signed in 2020 that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. They marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics by promoting cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange. The accords aim to foster peace and stability in the region by reducing hostilities and encouraging dialogue. They also open new opportunities for economic partnerships and strategic alliances.
- Human trafficking involves the illegal trade of people for exploitation, a global issue requiring international cooperation to combat. Anti-Semitism refers to hostility or discrimination against Jewish people, which remains a concern worldwide. In diplomacy, addressing these issues helps promote human rights and global security. The UN and its ambassadors work to build coalitions that create policies and actions to reduce these problems internationally.
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Waltz's Personal Background and Upbringing
Mike Waltz shares his deeply personal journey with significant influence from his single mother, emphasizing the substantial impact she had on his eventual success and values.
Raised by a Single Mother Facing Financial Challenges, Waltz Received Guidance and Values From Her
Growing up on the west side of Jacksonville, which he recalls as the poorer side of town, Waltz had an upbringing marked by financial hardship and the notable absence of his father, who left when he was an infant. He speaks of his early life as coming from "damn near nothing." Mostly raised by his mother, he speaks fondly of her as his rock, as she worked tirelessly, holding down three jobs and simultaneously pursuing her college degree. As a result of her efforts, both Waltz and his mother graduated from college the same year.
Waltz's mother played a critical role in not only providing for him financially but also in shaping his character and ambitions. Despite experiencing the relentless noise of P-3 aircraft from the nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville, his mother fervently supported his academic achievements. She pushed Waltz to attend a charter school, where he excelled, ultimately graduating with 36 college credits.
Waltz's Mother Provided Positive Male Role Models, Like His Priest and Generals, Shaping His Leadership Interest
In the absence of his father, Waltz's mother ensured he had positive male role models. She introduced him to influential figures such as his church’s priest, who had attended VMI, and she fostered his respect for military leaders like General George C. Marshall and General Patton. These men deeply influenced his interests in leadership and military history and set the path for his future endeavors.
Passion for Military History Led Waltz to Attend VMI and Join t ...
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Waltz's Personal Background and Upbringing
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Actionables
- You can seek out mentors who embody the values you admire by reaching out to community leaders, educators, or professionals in your field of interest. For example, if you're inspired by leadership and integrity, find a local business leader or military veteran who can share their experiences and provide guidance on how to cultivate these qualities in your own life.
- Create a personal honor code that reflects your core values, such as honesty, discipline, and accountability. Write down these principles and commit to living by them daily. This could be as simple as pledging to always speak the truth, even in small matters, or ensuring you follow through on commitments to yourself and others.
- Engage with historical figures who exe ...
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Waltz's Military and Policy Experiences
Waltz's Green Beret Career Blended Combat and Policy Work, Including Strategy Writing and Execution
During his career, Waltz had the unique dual role of participating in writing strategy as a civilian policy person at the Bush White House and executing those strategies as a reservist. Waltz experienced the direct application of the strategies he helped create, noting his enjoyment of the back-and-forth between policy writing and deployment. He reflects on his initial role in armor and tanks, expressing frustration with limited resources during the financially constrained '90s. He shares an anecdote about using golf carts to practice formations due to the lack of available parts and funds for tanks.
Waltz's affinity for Special Forces led him to become a Green Beret. He found the mission's complexity fascinating, and after failing the first time, he eventually succeeded. Waltz's career in Special Forces blended combat and policy work, allowing him to provide feedback to policymakers by reporting discrepancies between stated policies and actual events on the ground.
Facing a Potential Insider Threat With a UAE Task Force
During his deployment with a United Arab Emirates (UAE) task force in Helmand Province, Waltz recounts an operation in which less than 50 Americans were present. They were involved in constructing an airfield in a Taliban-controlled area near Iran. A particular incident involved an intense firefight where his medic was shot, resulting in a femoral bleed, which Waltz had to address while engaged in combat.
Waltz details an ambush with cliffs on one side and Taliban forces attacking from barges on a river. He admits to breaking rules by reporting a clear landing zone for a medevac helicopter, which later got shot, but successfully evacuated the wounded.
In another event, Waltz was alerted by Scott Mann about a potential insider threat with a large bounty for capturing him and his team alive. They faced a perilous situation, being over an hour's flight from Kandahar, with previous rescue attempts having been shot up. In 2006, due to a delay in British forces arriving for a NATO transfer, Waltz and his UAE task force were tasked with securing the region. They had to defend their location and fight their way out under continuous assault, ultimately retreating back to their base with air support from B1 bombers and Predator drones clearing enemy positions.
Waltz Sees His Military and Policy Experience as Preparation for a Political Career to Continue Serving the Country
Co-founding a Bipartisan Veterans Caucus to Encourage Veterans to Run For Office and Influence Policy
Waltz discusses his transition from military service to Congress, speaking about his passion for veterans serving in political roles. He co-founded a bipartisan veterans caucus with the aim of encouraging other veterans to run for office and influence policy at all level ...
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Waltz's Military and Policy Experiences
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Clarifications
- A civilian policy advisor develops strategies and policies, often working within government agencies or the White House. A military reservist is an active-duty soldier who serves part-time and can be deployed for combat or missions. Balancing both roles allows one to influence policy creation and directly implement those policies in the field. This dual experience provides unique insights into the practical effects of military strategies.
- The Bush White House refers to the executive office during President George W. Bush's administration (2001–2009). It played a central role in shaping U.S. military and foreign policy, especially after 9/11. Key decisions on strategy, troop deployments, and counterterrorism were made there. Civilian policy advisors worked closely with the military to develop and implement these strategies.
- In a military context, "armor and tanks" refers to armored fighting vehicles designed for frontline combat. These vehicles provide heavy firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield. Armor units operate and maintain tanks and other armored vehicles to support infantry and conduct offensive or defensive operations. The term also encompasses the soldiers trained to use and manage these vehicles.
- Tanks are large, complex, and expensive vehicles requiring significant maintenance and resources. During the financially constrained 1990s, military budgets were tight, limiting access to operational tanks for training. Using golf carts allowed soldiers to simulate movement and formations at low cost and with available equipment. This unconventional method helped maintain tactical skills despite resource shortages.
- Becoming a Green Beret involves completing the Special Forces Qualification Course, a rigorous training program focusing on unconventional warfare, survival, and leadership skills. Candidates must pass physical, mental, and tactical challenges, including language and cultural training. The Green Beret is a symbol of elite status within the U.S. Army Special Forces, recognized for specialized missions. This qualification enables soldiers to operate independently in complex, high-risk environments.
- Special Forces, often called Green Berets, are elite military units trained for unconventional warfare, including counterinsurgency, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Their mission involves working closely with local forces to train, advise, and assist in complex environments. They operate in small teams, often behind enemy lines, requiring adaptability and cultural knowledge. Special Forces also conduct psychological operations and gather intelligence to support broader military and political objectives.
- Helmand Province is a key region in southern Afghanistan, known for its strategic importance and heavy Taliban activity. It borders Iran to the west, making it a critical area for cross-border influence and smuggling routes. Control of Helmand affects regional security dynamics between Afghanistan, Iran, and NATO forces. The province's terrain and location have made military operations there particularly challenging.
- A UAE task force is a military unit from the United Arab Emirates, often deployed in coalition operations. Americans operate with them as part of multinational efforts to combat common threats, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan. This cooperation enhances regional security and shares resources and intelligence. Such partnerships are common in NATO and allied missions.
- A femoral bleed is a severe, life-threatening hemorrhage from the femoral artery in the thigh. It can cause rapid blood loss and death if not quickly controlled. Combat medics use tourniquets or direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Immediate evacuation and advanced medical care are critical for survival.
- An ambush near cliffs limits movement and escape routes, trapping forces in a confined space. Attacks from river barges add a mobile, unpredictable threat from the water, complicating defensive positioning. The combination forces troops to defend on multiple fronts with limited cover. Coordinating medevac and reinforcements becomes extremely difficult under these conditions.
- A medevac helicopter is a medical evacuation aircraft used to quickly transport injured soldiers to medical facilities. Reporting a landing zone can be risky because it reveals the exact location to the enemy, potentially exposing the helicopter and wounded personnel to attack. Securing a safe landing zone is critical to ensure the helicopter can land and take off without being targeted. In combat zones, this information must be carefully managed to avoid ambushes or enemy fire.
- An insider threat refers to a person within a trusted group who poses a danger by betraying or attacking their own team. In military contexts, this can mean local allies or personnel who secretly work against their unit. A bounty on soldiers is a financial reward offered by enemies for capturing or killing specific military personnel, increasing the risk and urgency of their missions. Such bounties highlight the high value and threat level assigned to those soldiers by adversaries.
- The NATO transfer delay refers to a postponed handover of security responsibilities from British forces to NATO allies in Helmand Province. This delay left Waltz's UAE task force responsible for securing the area longer than planned. The extended mission increased exposure to enemy attacks and complicated logistics. It forced Waltz's team to defend their position under continuous assault until reinforcements arrived.
- B1 bombers are long-range, supersonic aircraft designed to deliver large payloads of precision-guided bombs to destroy enemy targets from the air. Predator drones are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and missiles, used for surveillance and targeted strikes without risking pilot lives. Both provide critical support by identifying, tracking, and neutralizing threats to ground forces during combat. Their use enhances situational awareness and force protection in hostile environments.
- A bipartisan veterans caucus is a group of lawmakers from both major political parties who share a common interest in veterans' issues. Its purpose is to collaborate across party lines to advocate for policies benefiting veterans. The caucus provides a platform for members to share resources, coordinate legislative efforts, and support veter ...
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Waltz's Political Transition and UN Ambassadorship
Congressman Waltz has transitioned from his military career to focusing on service and policy issues, including military readiness and veterans' issues. As a potential UN Ambassador, Waltz aims to reform the organization to more closely represent American interests.
Waltz's Political Transition Aimed to Address Service and Policy Issues From His Military Career
Congressman Waltz: Military Readiness & Veterans' Issues Reform
Waltz, as the chairman of the readiness subcommittee, has prioritized military preparedness and the improvement of veterans’ lives. He emphasized the importance of meeting standards that focus on capability and effectiveness without being sidetracked by what he perceives as social experiments. Drawing from his Green Beret experience, he advocates for autonomy in completing missions without micromanagement.
Waltz's legislation addresses issues he witnessed in his military service, with actions like changing burial cost policy for fallen service members, allowing military members to sue for malpractice stateside, and championing the recognition of service dogs' benefits for veterans by the VA.
Waltz as UN Ambassador: Reforming For American Interests
Waltz Aims to Streamline the UN, Cutting Staff, Reducing Budgets, and Refocusing On Peace and Security
Waltz believes that the election of a new Secretary General offers an opportunity to save the UN from bureaucratic excess. Viewing the organization's focus on "woke nonsense" as detrimental, he suggests that with proper leadership, the UN could return to its core mission of resolving international conflicts.
Waltz has criticized UN agencies like UNRWA for being infiltrated by Hamas and advocates for their radical reformation. He has facilitated commitments from the UN Secretary General to cut a significant number of UN staff positions, peacekeepers and to implement a budget reduction.
Asserting that UN reforms are essential, Waltz has indicated that the US may withhold payment if the UN fails to refocus on its primary role in peace and war. He promotes a clear reduction of initiatives he regards as less critical, such as gender and climate issues.
Waltz Views the UN as a Platform For U.S. Leadership, Aiming For More Accountability to the U.S
Waltz also puts an emphasis on utilizing th ...
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Waltz's Political Transition and UN Ambassadorship
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Clarifications
- The readiness subcommittee is a part of the House Armed Services Committee in the U.S. Congress. It oversees the training, logistics, maintenance, and overall preparedness of the military forces. Its role is to ensure that the armed services are fully equipped and ready to perform their missions. The subcommittee reviews budgets and policies related to military readiness.
- "Social experiments" in this context refers to policies or initiatives in the military that focus on social or cultural issues, such as diversity training, gender integration, or inclusion programs. Critics argue these can distract from core military readiness and effectiveness. The term is often used by those who believe such efforts prioritize social goals over combat capability. Waltz opposes these, favoring a focus strictly on mission performance and operational standards.
- UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It provides education, healthcare, social services, and emergency aid to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. Established in 1949, it is distinct from other UN refugee agencies because it serves a specific population indefinitely. UNRWA has faced criticism and controversy over its operations and alleged political affiliations.
- Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political and militant group designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. "Infiltration by Hamas" means members or supporters of Hamas are believed to have influence or control within UN agencies, potentially affecting their operations or decisions. This raises concerns about bias, misuse of resources, or support for militant activities under the guise of humanitarian work. Such infiltration could undermine the agency's neutrality and effectiveness in conflict zones.
- Cutting UN staff positions and peacekeepers reduces the organization's operational capacity and presence in conflict zones. This can lead to decreased ability to manage peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts. Budget savings from staff cuts may shift focus to core priorities but risk undermining broader UN functions. Such reductions often provoke debate over balancing efficiency with global security responsibilities.
- The Abraham Accords are agreements signed in 2020 that normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. They marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy by promoting cooperation in trade, security, and technology. The accords aim to reduce regional tensions and foster peace between historically adversarial nations. This contributes to international stability by encouraging dialogue and collaboration in a volatile region.
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It sets global standards for safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. The IMO's decisions impact international trade and maritime law, including regulations like emissions controls. Its policies can affect costs and operations for shipping industries worldwide.
- A global carbon tax on shipping is a proposed fee on greenhouse gas emissions from ships to reduce pollution. It is controversial because it could increase costs for shipping companies, raising prices for consumers worldwide. Some countries and industries argue it may hurt economic competitiveness and trade. Others support it as necessary to combat climate change and encourage cleaner technologies.
- "Burden sharing" refers to the distribution of responsibilities and costs among countries to address global challenges. In the UN context, it means that all member states contribute fairly to funding peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and other international efforts. The goal is to prevent any single country, like the U.S., from bearing a disproportionate share of these obligations. This concept promotes cooperation and fairness in tackling worldwide issues.
- A humanitarian corridor through Jordan is a safe passage allowing aid and civilians to move freely during conflicts. Jordan's geographic location makes it a strategic ...
Counterarguments
- The focus on "America First" in international settings like the UN may not always align with the collaborative and multilateral spirit that the UN was founded upon, which could potentially alienate allies and undermine global cooperation.
- Streamlining the UN by cutting staff and budgets could impair the organization's ability to effectively address a range of global issues that require substantial resources and expertise.
- Reducing the focus on gender and climate issues may be seen as ignoring the importance and urgency of these global challenges, which have significant implications for peace, security, and sustainable development.
- Criticizing UN agencies for infiltration by groups like Hamas without providing a clear path to address such issues could oversimplify complex geopolitical problems and hinder constructive engagement.
- Withholding UN payments as leverage for reform could be perceived as undermining the collective financial responsibility member states have to the organization and could set a precedent for other countries to follow suit, potentially destabilizing the UN's financial situation.
- The idea of convening global leaders primarily in the United States may not be feasible or desirable for all member states, as it could be seen as an attempt to exert undue influence over the UN's operations and decision-making processes.
- The emphasis on military readiness and effectiveness without distractions from "social experiments" may not take into account the broader social context in which military operations occur and the importance of diversity and inclusion within military forces.
- Adv ...
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