Graduating Army Ranger School and Thru-Hiking After 30+ Years in the Military with Jay "Meat Grinder" France (BPR #303)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Atheltic, we are joined by Jay “Meat Grinder” France. Meat Grinder is a thru-hiker, author, and 31-year veteran of the Air Force, having completed 10 deployments and graduated from Army Ranger School in the process. Jay details his military background, including some key similarities and differences relative to thru-hiking, how he used vlogging as a way to stay in touch with his sons on trail, and the hilarious blood nipple origin story of his trail name. Meat Grinder also recently served as a volunteer advocate for Hike The Hill, an annual event where trail advocates meet with U.S. Congress to promote policies and funding that support trails, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Jay offers some important advice for those who want to advocate for public lands, especially relevant in today’s climate.

We wrap the show with the top AT hostels, our triple crown of airplane snacks, and two completely unnecessary improvements to the Appalachian Trail.

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Interview with Jay “Meat Grinder” France

• Jay's Youtube
• Jay's Instagram
• Jay's Book, Five Million Steps

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:42 - Reminders: Take our survey! Say hi to us at Trail Days, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek!

00:09:33 - Introducing Jay

00:10:14 - When did you almost ambush AT hikers?

00:15:25 - Tell us about Army Ranger School

00:20:07 - Did you see alligators in Florida?

00:22:13 - How did you decide to join the military?

00:24:07 - Fuck Marry Kill: Jay’s US assignment locations

00:25:50 - Tell us about being a canine officer

00:29:44 - Tell us about your deployments after 911

00:32:25 - When did you have kids amidst your deployments? 

00:33:10 - What were some of the terrifying experiences?

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