The Weight of Command: Scott Stalker Talks About Dealing with Suicides in the Military
In this episode of Through the Storm, Dr. Travis Hearne speaks with retired Marine MGySgt Scott Stalker about the growing crisis of military suicide and the leadership responsibilities that come with it. Stalker draws on 31 years of service to discuss how authentic, face-to-face leadership can identify warning signs and prevent tragedy. The conversation underscores the human connection required of commanders to protect their people.
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Key takeaways
Military suicide rates are at historic highs, devastating unit cohesion and morale.
Authentic, face-to-face leadership is critical to recognizing warning signs before a crisis occurs.
Scott Stalker's 31-year Marine Corps career, including roles at NSA and U.S. Space Command, informs his perspective on command responsibility.
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In the latest episode of Through the Storm, Dr. Travis Hearne speaks with MGySgt (Ret.) Scott Stalker about one of the most important leadership lessons there is — how to deal with suicide. Suicide, particularly within military ranks, has become an alarming issue that not only devastates families but also shatters the cohesion and morale of entire units.
During the conversation, Scott shares his deeply personal experiences with suicide within the ranks, while emphasizing the critical role that authentic, face-to-face leadership plays in preventing crises.
Authentic, face-to-face leadership plays in preventing crises.
Scott Stalker served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years, retiring in August 2023. While on active duty, Stalker served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Cyber Command, National Security Agency, and in his final assignment, with the United States Space Command. He served in a multitude of locations during his distinguished military career, including combat operations in Somalia, Bosnia, and Iraq, and a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation in Tirana, Albania.
In addition to his strategic leadership assignments, Scott served with HMM-365, 26th MEU (SOC), Joint Intelligence Center Pacific, 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, 3rd Marine Division, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and the Joint Staff J-2.
Stalker has a bachelor's degree in intelligence studies and a master's degree in cybersecurity, as well as an organizational leadership certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He completed his studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, where he became a SECDEF Strategic Thinkers Program CAPSTONE graduate.
Stalker currently serves as a senior consultant and executive advisor for several different corporations and is the founder and CEO of S2 – Stalker Solutions LLC. He is a keynote speaker for high-profile events within the federal government, intelligence community and national security sector and serves on the boards of several businesses and nonprofits. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), Marine Raider Foundation, JCTM, and others focused on intelligence, space, and cyberspace. Additionally, he leads the DoD & Intelligence Community Business Development efforts for Clarity Innovations.
Stalker lives in Wilmington, NC, with his wife Malerie, who is a Gold Star Sister, their three daughters, and their English Bulldog Charlie.
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