# Episode 192 | “I Should’ve Read The 1420” (Feat. LCDR Jeffrey "Migs" Migdal)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995/episode-192-i-should-ve-read-the-1420-feat-lcdr-jeffrey-migs-migdal
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995/episode-192-i-should-ve-read-the-1420-feat-lcdr-jeffrey-migs-migdal.md
Podcast: [Permission To Speak Freely](https://stenobird.com/podcast/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995)
Published: 2026-06-15T03:40:00+00:00
Episode link: https://ptsfpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-192-i-should-ve-read-the-1420-feat-lcdr-jeffrey-migs-migdal/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vpztxfr7qtt9f3pu/192_-_Best_Versiona1gyl.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995/episodes/episode-192-i-should-ve-read-the-1420-feat-lcdr-jeffrey-migs-migdal
Duration seconds: 7582

## Resource

Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by LCDR Jeff “Migs” Migdal. Jeff is a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, prior-enlisted Sailor, and longtime commissioning mentor who has helped countless Sailors navigate the path from enlisted service to the officer ranks. The conversation begins with Jeff sharing his journey from joining the Navy as an undesignated Airman to eventually earning a commission after multiple application attempts. He discusses the lessons he learned along the way, including how setbacks, preparation, and persistence shaped his career. The group explores common misconceptions about officer programs and why being eligible does not necessarily make someone competitive. Jeff provides insight into the commissioning process, discussing OCS, LDO, STA-21, motivational statements, appraisal interviews, OAR scores, and the importance of understanding program authorizations before submitting a package. The hosts examine the role mentorship plays in professional development and discuss the difference between mentors who guide and individuals who expect others to do the work for them. The discussion also turns to social media, information sharing, and how technology has changed the way Sailors seek career advice. Jeff explains why many applicants fail before their package ever reaches a selection board, while Damo reflects on lessons learned from his own experiences pursuing advancement and career opportunities. Later in the episode, the conversation broadens into leadership, standards, and accountability. The hosts discuss the importance of correcting Sailors, maintaining good order and discipline, and why seemingly small standards can have a larger impact on organizational culture. Damo introduces his “Get the Fries Right” analogy as the group explores the relationship b…

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## Transcript

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