H/T Allen West Newsletter:

Twenty-six years in the U.S. military and travel to countries around the world taught Howard (Mad Max) Mullen a lesson he wants to share with the next generation of Americans: “Entrepreneurship is still alive, [and] you don’t have to depend on government entitlements or subsidies.”

Mullen made that point toward the end of a broad-ranging interview with Allen West of NextGeneration.TV. They covered everything from the challenges and honor of being an Army Ranger to the dangers of the liberal agenda in America.

Recently inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, Mullen served in various Ranger roles during his 26 years in the military. He said it is humbling to be in the Ranger Hall of Fame with some of the greatest warriors in U.S. history.

“I was destined from the time I was born to be a soldier,” Mullen said, recalling that he knew from the time he was a child in Okinawa, Japan, and attended an event organized by the 173rd Airborne.

He criticized the Obama administration’s recent decision to let women become Army Rangers and Navy SEALS starting in 2015, warning that it will lead to lower standards for them to pass the training. “And once you start changing the standards … you don’t get the full package,” Mullen said. “You don’t get the full combat leader.”

Mullen learned how great America is because of his military service, and he has learned the value of entrepreneurship since then. He earned “serious bragging rights” as the first black soldier to be featured as an action figure – three times – and he has gained film experience as well.

Mullen also runs Tactical Milsim Magazine online. He cited his success in that venture as an example of the kind of entrepreneurship available to young people. He lamented that government entitlements have taken root in America.

“Entitlements are like crack cocaine. … Once you get a generation hooked on it,” he warned, “there’s no coming off.”

Watch the full interview to hear why Mullen is a conservative.