Hard Is Authorized | Josh Mackey

Chief Joshua Mackey doesn’t have much interest in giving you the polished answer—and throughout this conversation, he doesn’t.After 21 years of Naval service and with retirement approaching at 22, Mackey sits down with Legendary Moments to reflect on a career shaped by competition, family, influence, hard lessons, and an almost relentless desire to win—even when that drive has come at his own expense.We talk about his significant presence on social media and the responsibility that comes with having a voice people listen to. He gives his unfiltered perspective on Navy leadership, including his views on the Chief Petty Officer selection process and why he believes parts of it miss the mark.Mackey also reflects on his time attending the Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School and why the skills he learned there made that experience one of the most valuable tours of his career—not simply professionally, but in how he approached his own life.The conversation also touches on his role in helping raise funds during the early days of Shepherd’s Men, the transition toward retirement, and a new title that means more than anything found on a uniform: grandfather.Behind the competitiveness and outspoken personality is something that becomes increasingly clear throughout the conversation—Josh Mackey loves his family, values his relationships, and cares deeply about the people connected to him.Twenty-one years in, one year remaining, and absolutely no filter on the way out.This is Chief Joshua Mackey.This is Legendary Moments.Conversations worth sitting down for.