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Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast
This series was created for Taft O. Derby as he prepares for his Service Academy interviews and the next stage of his leadership journey. Each episode captures a focused briefing—part strategy, part reflection—built around the real steps he’s taking: refining his “why,” studying the academies, practicing for congressional panels, and staying mission-ready in the months ahead.
It’s not about publicity or polish. It’s a record of preparation, perspective, and growth—one conversation at a time—as Taft moves from candidate to cadet.
Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast
Mission Ready - Why This Matters Now
This is Episode 0 of Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast—a strategic reference tool built specifically for your service academy application timeline. Before diving into nominations, interviews, and physical assessments, this episode establishes what this podcast is, how to use it effectively, and why precision matters in the next four months. We cover your current competitive position as of October 2025, the immediate challenges ahead (nomination interviews, CFA completion, DoDMERB scheduling), and how your three years of NJROTC leadership provides a foundation—but not immunity—for academy life. This isn't motivational content. It's tactical guidance for converting your credentials into appointments. Listen to this first, then proceed to Episodes 1-5 for immediate tactical preparation.
A personal record of readiness, reflection, and resolve.
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