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Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast

Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast

By: Dr. Melissa L. Brown
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Mission Ready: The Taft Derby Podcast Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • From Applicant to Appointment: Nailing the Academy Nomination Process

    From Applicant to Appointment: Nailing the Academy Nomination Process
    Oct 17 2025

    A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic leadership roles, and varsity athletics. No generic advice.

    Just what you need to know to maximize your competitive position for USMA, USNA, or USAFA appointment between now and January 31st. Every episode connects theory to your actual experiences, helping you build interview answers, understand scoring mechanics, and execute the final push of senior year with confidence.

    A personal record of readiness, reflection, and resolve.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • How Your NJROTC CO Role Maximizes Service Academy Admission

    How Your NJROTC CO Role Maximizes Service Academy Admission
    Oct 16 2025

    A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic leadership roles, and varsity athletics. No generic advice.

    Just what you need to know to maximize your competitive position for USMA, USNA, or USAFA appointment between now and January 31st. Every episode connects theory to your actual experiences, helping you build interview answers, understand scoring mechanics, and execute the final push of senior year with confidence.

    A personal record of readiness, reflection, and resolve.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Whole Candidate Strategy: How to Offset a Lower GPA and Nail Selection

    Whole Candidate Strategy: How to Offset a Lower GPA and Nail Selection
    Oct 15 2025

    A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic leadership roles, and varsity athletics. No generic advice.

    Just what you need to know to maximize your competitive position for USMA, USNA, or USAFA appointment between now and January 31st. Every episode connects theory to your actual experiences, helping you build interview answers, understand scoring mechanics, and execute the final push of senior year with confidence.

    A personal record of readiness, reflection, and resolve.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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