Jack Hoban, a former Marine officer and founder of Resolution Group International (RGI), shared his insights on the transition from a military "enforcer" mindset to that of an ethical protector. Hoban, speaking on the PeaceWalker Podcast, detailed his personal journey and the principles behind RGI's work in fostering a protector culture within law enforcement and other organizations.

From Bullying to the Corps: A Shifting Self-Concept

Hoban's path began in New Jersey, where childhood experiences of being bullied fueled a desire to become a protector. This led him to join the Marine Corps, where he served as an officer and experienced overseas deployments. However, the rigorous training and culture of the Marines, while instilling discipline, also subtly shifted his self-concept. "The way I was trained and the culture was not a protector really but more of as an enforcer or even killer," Hoban stated. This transformation, occurring over several years, resulted in him becoming an "angry person" and "paranoid," constantly seeking confrontation.

A pivotal moment arrived when his mentor, Robert Humphrey, a retired Marine, pointed out Hoban's confrontational demeanor. Humphrey challenged Hoban to adopt a new internal mantra: "Wherever I go, everyone's a little safer because I'm there. Anyone in need has a friend." This simple shift in perspective, practiced during a visit to a rough bar in San Diego, led to an "epiphany." Hoban realized he could shed the "angry, aggressive, killer, predator self-concept" without diminishing his capabilities, describing it as a weight being lifted. This marked the beginning of his transition from a "predator to protector."

The Subtle Slide into the "Thug Mentality"

Hoban observed that this shift from protector to enforcer is a common pitfall for individuals in martial arts, defensive tactics, and firearms training. While initial intentions may be honorable, the pursuit of greater skill and readiness can subtly morph into an aggressive, "thug" mentality. This occurs when the focus shifts from safeguarding others to enforcing one's own worldview or becoming "better and more dangerous" than perceived threats. Hoban noted that this transformation is often subtle and can become a powerful, unrecognized driver of negative behavior.

Cultivating the Protector Identity

Hoban offered two key pieces of advice for individuals, particularly those transitioning from military or law enforcement roles, to cultivate a clear protector identity:

1. Positive Admonition: Instead of focusing on what not to do (e.g., "don't be a thug"), embrace positive affirmations like "be a protector." This positive framing is more effective than negating negative behaviors.
2. Ethical Warrior Paradox: Hoban addressed the perceived contradiction of being an ethical protector when facing unethical adversaries. He recounted his experience developing the "ethical warrior program" for Marines, facing pushback that ethical training might make them "soft." His solution involved a visual exercise: showing a picture of a grizzly bear, then revealing a mother bear with cubs. The Marines' increased fear of the mother bear, due to her protective instinct, highlighted that protectors can be perceived as more formidable than mere killers. This led to the realization that being a protector, while requiring fierce tactical superiority, is a more sustainable and ethically sound identity.

Practical Steps for Everyday Protectors

For civilians without military or law enforcement backgrounds, Hoban suggested practical steps to embody the protector role:

• Recognize Innate Protector Instincts: Acknowledge that the desire to protect oneself and loved ones is fundamental. This inherent value system forms the basis of the protector identity.
• Activate the Protector Role: Engage in "protector things" through small, everyday actions. This includes helping others, practicing patience (e.g., letting a car merge), and taking the "high ground" in interactions. These actions, while initially challenging, lead to serenity and reduced stress.
• Cultivate Self-Confidence: Physical fitness and martial arts training are crucial for building self-confidence, which underpins the ability to act as a protector. This training should be viewed as a daily lifestyle, not just goal-oriented pursuits.
• Embrace a Lifestyle of Readiness: Similar to a musician practicing daily, a protector must consistently train and maintain their skills. This can involve small, integrated practices throughout the day, rather than dedicated, lengthy sessions.

Bridging the Civilian-Military Gap

Hoban addressed the perceived gap between military personnel and civilians. He suggested that the common phrase "Thank you for your service," while well-intentioned, can inadvertently create a wall by being too superficial. He advocated for genuine communication and understanding, emphasizing that military members are human beings with a strong protective instinct, similar to civilians protecting their families. He stressed that relative values (cultural, religious, or criminal) should never supersede the fundamental value of human life, a principle often understood intuitively by protectors.

Resolution Group International (RGI)

Resolution Group International (RGI) emerged from Hoban's work as a subject matter expert for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Following 9/11, the FBI sought his expertise on cross-cultural conflict resolution for agents deploying overseas. This led to RGI's development of programs focused on community policing, de-escalation, and conflict resolution for law enforcement agencies.

RGI's work was instrumental in retraining the Camden, New Jersey police department, which had been disbanded due to corruption. Within three and a half years, Camden transformed from the most dangerous city per capita in America to a recipient of the "Gold Standard" award for law enforcement. RGI has also implemented similar cultural transitions in other departments, including Toms River, New Jersey, demonstrating the applicability of protector culture principles across diverse organizations.

RGI offers its expertise to any organization seeking to enhance its culture, including hospitals, corporations, and schools. Hoban emphasized that building a protector culture is an ongoing process, akin to "mowing the lawn," requiring consistent effort.

Individuals interested in RGI's work can visit their website at RGI.co.