// Tactical Intelligence Brief
Something New Just Dropped Into The Collective.
We Built a Podcast. And It's Not What You'd Expect.
Something New Just Dropped Into The Collective.
We Built a Podcast. And It's Not What You'd Expect.
Ty Stebbins
May 19, 2026
In partnership with
Message From The Front
We just launched something I've been wanting to build for a long time… and I need you to HEAR about it.
It's called Before Basic Training. And before you check out thinking "great, I have to listen to Ty’s annoying voice in a podcast…" — hold on. This is different. And its a little nerdy.
Before Basic Training is an AI-hosted audio series built specifically for people in the window before they ever walk into a recruiter's office. Not for veterans. Not for people who already signed. For the ones still figuring it out.
The hosts are two AI voices — Marcus and Ava — walking through the real questions people ask before they raise their right hand. Branch selection. MEPS. Waivers. Medical history. ASVAB. Fitness. Mindset. What to tell your family. The conversations that don't happen in a recruiter's office. The conversations I wish I had before I enlisted.
No pressure. No pitch. Just honest, independent guidance — a little nerdy, but a little cool, and built to make complex topics actually make sense.
Episode 1 is live right now: "Do I Even Qualify? Disqualifiers, Waivers, and Your WHY."
It's a good one to start with.
Let's get after it. 🇺🇸👊
— Ty Founder, The Warrior Collective
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INTREP (Intelligence Report)
Before Basic Training - The Podcast
What is it? An AI-assisted audio series from The Warrior Collective designed to help future service members make smarter decisions before they ever talk to a recruiter.
Who is it for? Anyone seriously considering military service who wants real, unbiased information without the recruiter pressure.
What does it cover? Branch selection, MEPS and medical history, waivers, ASVAB prep, fitness, mindset, and the family conversations that matter.
Where can you listen? Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and RSS. Or head straight to: thewarriorcollective.us/podcast
Episode 1: Do I Even Qualify? Disqualifiers, Waivers, and Your WHY — Live now. Start here.
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Build Your Team
Know someone who is thinking about the military?
If you’re getting value from this and want to support the mission and my addiction…. I won’t fight you.
Donate me a coffee ☕️😬
buymeacoffee.com/tystebbins
Your Next Objective:
Go listen. Then share it with someone who needs it — someone asking questions and not sure where to start. That's exactly who this was built for.
Build your team. Don't quit. 🇺🇸👊
- Ty, Founder - The Warrior Collective
P.S. New here? Check our Load Out Kit for all our must haves!
// INTEL FAQ
Questions Recruits Ask
Key Terms
- TestASVABArmed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
The military's entrance exam — nine subtests that produce your AFQT (enlistment eligibility) and line scores (job qualification).
See definition - ProcessMEPSMilitary Entrance Processing Station
The joint-service facility where you take the ASVAB, complete the medical exam, sign your contract, and take the Oath of Enlistment.
See definition - ComponentBranch
One of the six U.S. armed services — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
See definition - RolesEnlisted
A service member in pay grades E-1 through E-9 — the doers, leaders, and technicians who run day-to-day military operations.
See definition - Slang & CultureCover
Military slang for a hat or cap — worn in formation and outdoors, removed indoors (except when under arms).
See definition
The Dispatch
Raw, unfiltered intelligence on the reality of military service. No recruiter talk. No bullshit. Sent directly to your inbox.