Lessons From War is a London Real film with former Navy SEAL commander Jocko Willink, shot aboard HMS Belfast in London. On the deck of the old warship, Jocko talks about what combat taught him and how those lessons apply far beyond the battlefield.
Jocko led SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the Battle of Ramadi in Iraq. In the film he describes war as hell, but also as a teacher. He talks about human nature and the capacity for evil that can emerge, and argues that no one wishes for peace more than those who have been to war.
He explains extreme ownership, the idea of taking complete responsibility for your actions and decisions, and how the lessons learnt in Ramadi apply in everyday life. He also talks about the bond between the men he served with, why he writes children’s books, and why the fallen must be remembered. The film closes with his advice for anyone struggling in life: don’t quit.
In the film
- Jocko Willink: former Navy SEAL commander, co-author of Extreme Ownership with Leif Babin, co-founder of the leadership consultancy Echelon Front and host of the Jocko Podcast.
- Brian Rose: founder and host of London Real, who introduces the film and shares his thoughts on it.
Common questions
Where was Lessons From War filmed? Aboard HMS Belfast, the museum warship moored on the River Thames in London.
How long is it? The film runs for 39 minutes.
Is it free to watch? Yes, it is free to watch on londonreal.tv.
What does Jocko Willink mean by extreme ownership? Taking complete responsibility for your own actions and decisions. In the film, Jocko explains how the lessons he learnt in Ramadi apply in everyday life.
