Former U.S. Military Commander Compares His Rise in the Ranks to an Endurance Race Posted by June 9, 2016 Leave a comment on Former U.S. Military Commander Compares His Rise in the Ranks to an Endurance Race On this episode of “Spartan UP!,” Sgt. Major Frank Grippe, who was in charge of military operations in 20 countries, talks about the importance of grit and determination in athletics and life.