Episode 184 | "Your First Dirtbag" (Feat. AZ2 Makel Jackson)

Episode 184 | "Your First Dirtbag" (Feat. AZ2 Makel Jackson)

From Permission To Speak Freely by Damon Leggins and Andamo McCullough

March 30, 2026 · 2h 10m · Episode 184

About this episode

The episode features AZ2 Makel Jackson discussing his journey in the Navy and various aspects of military life.

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by AZ2 Makel Jackson, a listener-turned-guest and active duty Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrator. The episode kicks off with Damo discussing question submissions for an upcoming episode, board eligible results, a discussion on Maintenance Master Chiefs, and military vs. civilian education. The hosts then dive into Makel’s background, tracing his journey from the south side of Chicago to Houston and ultimately to the Navy. They debate pizza, discuss what drew him to enlist, and break down his boot camp and A School experiences. The conversation turns to his biggest misconception about the fleet, his first dirtbag encounter, and what it really means to “play the game.” Makel shares the first moral lesson he learned at his first command and reflects on how mentorship shaped his early career. The group discusses Full Power Navy and how Makel navigated the decision to stay or separate. Damon asks about balancing being liked versus being respected as Makel prepares to transition to sea duty. The crew explores whether junior Sailors correct each other for uniform infractions, debate which host would be the toughest at DRB, and unpack what kills…

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