Ben Dykes
@bendykes·229K subscribers·706 videos
You Trust These YouTubers. Who’s Paying Them?
Posted
September 7, 2026
Views
5,208
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1,321
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September 7, 2026
5,208
1,321
189
28.99%
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19:16Now Playing🇺🇸 SponsorPatriot Mobile Visit or call 972PATRIOT. Use promo code NAVYVET for a FREE MONTH of service.
Military influencers with undisclosed Pentagon roles raise a serious question: how much do you know about the people shaping your views on America’s military?
I’m Ben Dykes, a 20-year U.S. Navy submarine veteran. In this video, I examine reporting about military commentators and government employment, what remains unknown about compensation, and why transparency matters when someone presents themselves as an independent voice.
The bigger issue is trust. Viewers deserve to know about government relationships that could affect the commentary they’re watching—regardless of political party.
We also explore the broader subject of intelligence operations, foreign influence, and the difference between documented evidence and speculation. CIA and KGB history does not establish that today’s military influencers are spies or paid to publish particular opinions.
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The headlines are only the starting point. Ben looks at the stories everyone is talking about and asks a bigger question: **What does this tell us about America?**
Drawing on 20 years in the submarine force and a lifetime of experience, Ben breaks down the larger lessons behind American culture, government, the military, media, leadership, and the strange things happening around us every day.
Sometimes the story is serious. Sometimes it’s ridiculous. But there’s usually something bigger underneath it.
**Standards matter. Leadership matters. America matters.**
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