Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Combat Story
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fugit - The Story Behind Combat Story | 04 Oct 2025 | 02:05:38 | |
Find AJ Online: 📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti 📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti 👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn... 👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature: 👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com 📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial ✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Chapters: 01:53 Introduction 08:12 The Impact of 9/11 17:04 Choosing the Aviation Path 26:37 The Competitive World of Aviation 30:02 Imposter Syndrome and Military Service 37:05 Pop Culture Influences 44:22 First Unit Assignment 44:56 Early Days in the Cavalry Unit 46:09 The Battle of March 23, 2003 48:00 Life in Germany and the Desire to Deploy 50:01 First Deployment to Afghanistan 54:25 Challenges of Command and Crew Rest 59:00 Navigating Leadership and Combat Decisions 01:23:26 Reflecting on a Tragic Incident 01:24:40 Sponsor Message: Protect Your Privacy with Delete Me 01:26:07 Making Tough Decisions in the Military 01:28:44 Transitioning to Civilian Life and the CIA 01:34:38 Starting a Podcast: Inspiration and Challenges 01:52:13 Highs, Lows, and Laughs of Podcasting 02:03:01 Future Plans and New Ventures | |||
| Surviving a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Strike | DFC | A-10 Aviator | Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell | 20 Sep 2025 | 00:34:17 | |
✈️ A-10 Fighter Pilot Combat Story – Kim “Killer Chick” Campbell In this episode, we sit down with Col. Kim “KC” Campbell (USAF, Ret.), a decorated A-10 Warthog pilot and true combat veteran. Known by her legendary call sign “Killer Chick,” Kim shares her incredible story of surviving a surface-to-air missile strike over Baghdad and pulling off a harrowing emergency landing that few pilots could ever attempt. This is a raw, inspiring deep dive into leadership, resilience, and what it takes to fly and fight in one of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. Air Force history. 🎥 Deep Dive with Kim “Killer Chick” Campbell This episode features none other than Col. Kim “KC” Campbell (USAF, Ret.), who has one of the coolest call signs imaginable. A decorated A-10 Warthog pilot, she survived a surface-to-air missile strike and pulled off a landing few pilots have ever faced in real life. 📞 Support Veterans Help Group Go to: http://www.veteranshelpgroup.com Or call: 855-233-6144 and tell them your buddies Ryan and AJ from Combat Story sent you. 🔥 Find Kim “Killer Chick” Campbell Online
🎙️ Find AJ Online
🎧 Featured Content
⚡ Subscribe for more Combat Story episodes highlighting the courage, resilience, and leadership of warriors who’ve lived it.
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| Darin Kinder: Secret Service Agent & 9/11 Survivor Shares His Story of Courage and Resilience | 13 Sep 2025 | 01:33:04 | |
In remembrance of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, we have a special guest on the show, and for the first time in our Combat Story community, we’d like to introduce Darin Kinder — Former Secret Service Agent • 9/11 Survivor. Darin Kinder brings a rare blend of courage, clarity, and conviction from years spent navigating the world’s most high-pressure moments. As a former Secret Service Agent and survivor of the 9/11 attacks, he uses his story to help individuals and leaders live with bold purpose and unwavering resilience. Author of Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11, Darin invites listeners to reframe how they live—seeing everyday work not simply as provision, but as purpose in motion. His own experience, assisting, evacuating, and enduring on that fateful day, embodies the idea that courage is always a choice. Darin’s story is one of heroism and humility—his actions during the 9/11 attacks earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor. As the founder of Fierce Comms, based in Dallas, Darin empowers people to rediscover mission and meaning—not just in what they do, but why they do it. Through keynote talks and multi-session seminars, he challenges audiences to “get their suit dirty”—to choose the narrow, courageous path of sacrifice over comfort. Join us as we sit down with Darin Kinder—a man who invites us to embrace the grit of life, unlock purpose in our work, and live courageously, even when the world tells us we can’t.
Find Darin Kinder Online: 🔗 Website: https://www.darinkinder.com/ 📸 Instagram / darinkinder
Find AJ Online: 📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti 📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti 👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn... 👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature: 👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com 📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial ✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Chapters: 00:40 Introduction | |||
| RH 2 SEP 2025: Ryan and Glenn on Russia, Guyana, SOC, Ceasefire Predictions and More | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:03:57 | |
🌍 Welcome to the RH Podcast! In this special preview, host Ryan Fugit sits down with Glenn Corn — a veteran of 34 years in the CIA, State Department, and U.S. Army. Glenn has served as a multi-time Chief of Station and senior intelligence officer, bringing decades of experience from the frontlines of national security and diplomacy. 🚨 Want to get the full episode? Don’t miss Glenn and Ryan's full take on geopolitics, foreign policy, and the realities of intelligence work — insights you won’t find anywhere else. 🔥 Stay Connected & Support the Show:
#RHpodcast #RyanFugit #GlennCorn #CIA #Intelligence #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #RestrictedHandling | |||
| Randall Parkes - Warrior to Mentor | 30 Aug 2025 | 02:08:40 | |
Welcome to Combat Story. Today, I’m joined by retired Marine First Sergeant Randall Parkes—a parachute rigger in Recon, founding member of MARSOC, Drill Instructor extraordinaire, and now a leader in both real estate and defense tech—plus everyone’s favorite podcaster, the man who started it all.., Ryan Fugit. Randall’s career spans from enlisting in July 2001 to a remarkable 20 years of service that took him to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa on four combat deployments. As a founding member of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion, he helped shape the early years of Marine Special Operations and was named MARSOC Support Marine of the Year in 2011. He later became a Parris Island Drill Instructor, shaping the next generation of Marines, and commanded 97 Marines and Sailors during a CENTCOM deployment in 2017. In his final active-duty role, Randall returned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, capping his service before retiring on September 30, 2021. Since then, he’s launched The Parkes Realty Group with his wife Heather—selling over $40 million in residential real estate—and now serves as Mission Operations Deployment Lead at Anduril Industries, helping drive innovation in modern defense technology. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s in Business Management (magna cum laude) and an Master of Business for Veterans, an innovative and one of its kind program from The University of Southern CA. Randall’s combat stories are intense, unfiltered, and at times deeply personal—so much so that this is only part one of his Combat Story. We’ll be sitting down with him again in the future to share his incredible role in saving lives during the chaotic fall of Kabul, a moment that speaks volumes about his leadership, grit, and unwavering commitment to others. Let’s dive in—here’s part one of our conversation with Randall Parkes.
Find Randall Parkes Online: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randall_in_sandiego/?hl=en 📘 Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-parkes 🔗 Official website: https://theparkesteam.com/agent/randall-parkes
Find Ryan Online: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Find AJ Online: 🔗 Official website: ajpasciuti.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajpasciuti/ 📘 Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-pasciuti/ 📕Personal Website & Book Pre-Order (“Darkhorse”): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction | |||
| 1-36 Infantry in Ramadi & the Sunni Triangle | Ranger | Infantry School | 2x Author | Will Bardenwerper | 23 Aug 2025 | 01:32:41 | |
Welcome to Combat Story. For the first time, I’m joined by my new co-host AJ Pasciuti as we sit down with Will Bardenwerper—former 1-36 Infantry and Civil Affairs Officer, Princeton grad, and acclaimed author. Will shares his journey from a finance career in Manhattan, inspired to serve after 9/11 and the example set by Pat Tillman, to boots on the ground in the Sunni Triangle during a 13-month deployment in 2006. He opens up about the realities of war, the loss of close friends, and the challenges of Civil Affairs in Iraq. After the Army, Will became a journalist and two-time author. His first book, The Prisoner in His Palace, offers a unique perspective on the American soldiers tasked with guarding Saddam Hussein. His latest, Homestand, explores the heart of small-town America through the loss of a minor league baseball team. Will’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper’s, and more. I first met Will through Pat Fagan, a close friend from ROTC, and we touch on that connection in our conversation. I’m also excited to welcome AJ as co-host—many of you will remember him from his standout guest episodes, where his firsthand experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hotspots brought unique insight and energy to our conversations. Having AJ alongside me as a regular presence will add even more depth and connection to the stories we share on Combat Story. Let’s dive in—here’s our conversation with Will Bardenwerpe
Connect with Will Bardenwerper : The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid (https://www.amazon.com/Prisoner-His-P...) Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America Will is a graduate of Princeton University, where he majored in English. His book The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid was published by Scribner in 2017. He has had Op Eds and feature articles published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper's, Outside, Newsweek, The Spectator, The Hill, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Denver Post, Huffington Post, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and Task & Purpose.
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Find AJ Online: 🔗 Official website: ajpasciuti.com 📸 Instagram: @ajpasciuti 📕Pre-Order AJ’s Book Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life https://www.amazon.com/Darkhorse-Harn Chapters: 00:00 Introduction | |||
| Inside Trump–Zelensky Meetings: Secret Schedules, Russia’s Next Moves & What It Means for Ukraine! | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:32:22 | |
Get a daily intel brief delivered directly to your email (for free) covering all things Russia, China, Middle East, and more at https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of the RH Podcast, former CIA officer 🎖️ Ryan Fugit and multi-time Chief of Station Glenn Corn (34 years at CIA) break down the high-stakes Trump–Zelensky meetings in Washington, DC 🇺🇸 following Putin’s Alaska summit 🇷🇺. 👉 Here’s what you’ll learn: 🔹 Why Putin skipped a key lunch with U.S. Treasury & Commerce officials 🍽️ 🔹 The hidden “carrot & stick” strategy behind Trump’s negotiations 🥕🔨 🔹 What Russia really wants before agreeing to a ceasefire 🚫🕊️ 🔹 Ukraine’s shocking openness to land swaps & the future of Crimea 🗺️ 🔹 How the Russian Orthodox Church is used as a weapon of influence ⛪ 🔹 Whether NATO membership for Ukraine is still possible 🌍 🔹 The threat of “gray zone warfare” ⚔️ (cyber attacks, propaganda & sabotage) 🔹 PLUS: Glenn’s hot takes on spies, Cold War movies 🎬, and what history teaches us about de-escalation 📚 💡 Packed with real intelligence insight you won’t hear in mainstream media. If you want to understand the future of Ukraine, Russia, and global security, this is a must-watch. 👇 Join the conversation in the comments – Do you think Putin will agree to meaningful guarantees, or is this just another stalling tactic?
📌 Timestamps
⚡ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video if you enjoy deep-dive analysis 🔔 Subscribe for more CIA-level insights into global security 📢 Share this episode with friends who follow world events
#Trump #Zelensky #Putin #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #Geopolitics #CIA #Podcast #NATO #Security #InternationalRelations
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| Generation Kill to MARSOC: Jason Lilley’s Combat & Personal Journey | 16 Aug 2025 | 00:33:54 | |
In this unfiltered Combat Story episode, we go deep with Jason Lilley — Recon Marine, MARSOC Raider, CIA Global Response Staff, and co-creator of Savage Actual. Jason opens up about his path from a turbulent youth to serving in some of the most elite units in the U.S. military, facing the chaos of Iraq and Afghanistan, and building a new life as a creator and veteran advocate. In this episode:
🌐 Connect with Jason:
In this episode, Jason Lilley shares his riveting journey from being a Marine grunt to working for the State Department and CIA. He details his intense experiences during the Iraq invasion, life-altering moments in Fallujah, and the camaraderie formed in the face of danger. Lily also opens up about his struggles with depression and finding purpose post-service, running a YouTube channel and podcast, Savage Actual. Watch as he discusses the highs and lows of military life and his ongoing journey to harness his experiences for a meaningful civilian life. Timeline
📌 Tags & Keywords: #MarineCorps #ReconMarine #MARSOC #GenerationKill #CIA #CombatStory #VeteranStories #SpecialOperations #SavageActual #Fallujah #IraqWar #WarriorMindset #MilitaryPodcast
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| Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: Former CIA Officers Break Down Looming Meeting | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
🎙️ Time-Sensitive RH Intel: Trump-Putin Alaska Summit Analysis 🌍🇺🇸🇷🇺 Join Ryan Fugit and Glenn, both seasoned former CIA officers 🕵️♂️, as they unpack the high-stakes Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska 🏔️—a pivotal moment for US-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict. This timely episode dives deep into international diplomacy, geopolitical tensions, and the shifting dynamics of the global security landscape. Get a daily intel brief delivered to your email at https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ to get a curated set of insights and reporting on Russia, China, Iran, the MIddle East and more from a national security perspective. With decades of intelligence experience, Ryan and Glenn offer unparalleled insights into: 🔹 The strategic implications of the Alaska summit 🔹 The battlefield realities shaping negotiations 🪖 🔹 The symbolic significance of the meeting’s location 🔹 How this summit could influence NATO strategy and future diplomacy You’ll also learn the hidden history of Alaska’s role in U.S.-Russia affairs, the motivations of key players, and the possible paths forward for Ukraine, Russia, and the West. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🤝 The summit is a rare, high-stakes opportunity for dialogue. 📍 Alaska offers strategic advantages, including fewer ICC challenges. 🎯 Russia’s tactics aim to strengthen their bargaining position. ⚠️ Risks remain for Ukraine in potential negotiations. 🪢 U.S. strategy must balance pressure with incentives. 🕊️ Diplomacy is essential—some conflicts can’t be won militarily. 💪 Ukrainian resilience will be a decisive factor. 📢 Sound Bites: “This is a high-stakes meeting.” “Putin’s actions serve the ego of one man.” “We need to incentivize the Russians to behave.” 📌 Keywords: US-Russia relations, Ukraine conflict, Trump-Putin meeting, Alaska summit, NATO, international diplomacy, geopolitical tensions, global security. 🎧 Listen now for a gripping, no-spin breakdown of what’s happening behind closed doors—and what it means for the future of international power. Time sensitive RH intel: join Ryan Fugit and Glenn, both veterans of the CIA, as they navigate the intricate landscape of international diplomacy and geopolitical tensions. This is a timely episode focused on the pivotal meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, they explore the strategic implications for Ukraine and the broader global stage. Drawing from decades of experience, Ryan and Glenn provide an in-depth analysis of the current US-Russia relations, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the potential outcomes of this high-stakes summit. Discover the historical context behind Alaska's role in this meeting, the symbolic significance of the location, and the potential impact on future negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and NATO. As they dissect the motivations and strategies of key players, Ryan and Glenn offer unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing international leaders today. Whether you're interested in the nuances of diplomacy, the dynamics of power, or the future of global security, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping our world. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond the headlines to uncover the realities of international relations.
Connect with Glenn at https://greatsouthbayinc.com/ Chapters
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| Former CIA Officers Talk Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, China on Restricted Handling w/ Glenn Corn | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:51:35 | |
🔥 New Podcast Drop! This exclusive crossover episode introduces my brand-new show Restricted Handling 🔒 — hosted by me - Ryan Fugit - and former CIA Chief of Station Glenn Corn 🕵️♂️. 🎯 Combat Story fans — don’t worry. That show will continue strong under decorated Marine Sniper & Recon Operator AJ Pasciuti 🦅. But if you crave deeper dives into intelligence, military operations, and high-stakes geopolitics, Restricted Handling is your new must-listen. 🕵️ What’s Restricted Handling?In the Intelligence Community, “Restricted Handling” refers to certain intel only shared with those who absolutely need it. Here, you’ll get human-enabled + AI-powered daily briefings plus exclusive deep dives with former CIA officers into:
These aren’t academic think pieces — they’re firsthand accounts from those who’ve operated in the shadows shaping global events. 💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
00:00 — Introduction: The Global Geopolitical Chessboard ♟️ 🔗 Listen to Restricted Handling Daily: [Spotify Link] 📌 Hashtags for Discovery:#RestrictedHandling #CombatStory #CIA #Espionage #Russia #Ukraine #Geopolitics #MilitaryOps #Intelligence #NationalSecurity #SpyStories #GlobalSecurity | |||
| Combat from Echo in Ramadi | Marine Commander Takes Us Inside the Deadliest City in Iraq Scott Huesing | 07 Jun 2025 | 01:29:57 | |
Today we have a great interview with 24 year retired Marine and best selling author of Echo in Ramadi, Scott Huesing. Scott led the “magnificent bastards” of 2/4 Marines during one of the most brutal periods of the post-9/11 war from 2006 into 2007 during the Surge. Scott went from self-described terrible high school student to enlisted Marine to Mustang (a Marine Officer who was formerly Enlisted), serving on 10 deployments in multiple countries. In this episode, Scott takes into an intense fight to extract several pinned down Marines that included bringing M1A1s along to losing his first casualty just weeks into the deployment. Since leaving the service, Scott wrote the best selling book Echo in Ramadi, has helped others write their own books, run non-profits, and more. With that, please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with someone who made it through some of the hardest fighting in the war.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
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Find Ryan Online:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:33 Introduction to Combat Story 00:52 Interview with Scott Houston 01:08 Scott's Early Life and Military Career 03:17 Bob Hamer's Undercover Work 07:36 Scott's High School Days and Joining the Marines 12:57 Marine Corps Brotherhood and Relationships 15:17 James Livingston and the Magnificent Bastards 21:30 Desert Shield and Desert Storm 26:37 9/11 and Its Impact 33:50 Preparing for Ramadi 42:12 The Surge Strategy and Urban Combat 43:48 Daily Firefights and Enemy Encounters 44:13 Super Bowl of Combat: Metrics of Success 44:57 Army vs. Marines: Different Approaches 46:08 Commanders and Combat Strategies 48:43 Living and Fighting in Ramadi 54:29 First Casualty: Corporal Dustin Libby 59:36 Compartmentalizing and Continuing the Fight 01:04:42 Challenges of Urban Warfare 01:08:18 The Bond Among Marines 01:15:31 Writing and Reliving the Stories 01:20:54 Celebrity Softball Classic and Philanthropy 01:26:34 Final Reflections and Encouragement to Serve | |||
| Medal of Honor Leadership Ryan Pitts | Medal of Honor | Leadership in Battle | 24 May 2025 | 01:24:49 | |
Today we have a once in a lifetime interview with Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts, who truly earned this prestigious award in the mountains of Afghanistan fighting off a very dedicated, organized, and determined enemy force. Ryan and I connected thanks to the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, a non-profit helping to share lessons of leadership from Medal of Honor recipients and the values they live by with people who lead at any level. In this episode, we dive into Ryan’s near death experiences (there are several) while downrange but we never venture far from what leadership is all about, from a private in the foxhole to a Colonel at the TOC. Ryan earned the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in July 2008 when I was flying Apaches in eastern Afghanistan out of Khost. Ryan made sure some of the gun pilots from the 101st like Jimmy Morrow and John Gavreau were at his award ceremony at the White House because he felt they were a part of this effort as much as anyone (which you know this gun pilot loves to hear). Ryan is incredibly humble for having earned this amazing award and I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Chicago with him, the Center for Leadership executive staff, and another Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum. They were treated like royalty at a Cubs game with everyone wanting a picture with these heroes. None of that has gone to his head, as you’ll hear in this interview. I’d also ask you to notice how he remembers the name of so many of the people he served with and how he speaks of this as a ‘their’ - collective - award and not his own. We need more leaders and people like Ryan out there and that’s exactly what the Center is doing. Please have a look for a Center for Leadership event or course near you by going to mohcenterforleadership.org. Special thanks to Andy, Elise, Tom, Forrest, John, and all the other folks who made this event possible. With that, please enjoy a detailed description of some of the most intense combat and true heroism from living Medal of Honor recipient, Ryan Pitts. The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership exists to inspire, develop and empower leaders through the values of courage, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, commitment and patriotism. Through fellowship programs, onsite training and a nationwide digital platform, we’re helping Americans of all ages learn what it means to lead with honor. Learn more at www.mohcenterforleadership.org and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, and on Instagram at @medalofhonorcfl and X at @MedalofHonorCFL.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
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Find Ryan Pitts Online: 🥉The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership mohcenterforleadership.org and https://mohcenterforleadership.org/exclusive-qa-with-the-nmohlec-education-director/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/medalofhonorcfl/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MedalofHonorCenterforLeadership/ 💡 X https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-medal-of-honor-center-for-leadership
Find Ryan Online:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:49 Introduction 01:09 Medal of Honor: Ryan Pitts' Heroic Actions 01:31 Leadership and Humility: Lessons from the Battlefield 03:25 Early Life and Military Aspirations 04:16 First Deployment: Hard Landings and Combat Experiences 06:38 Joining the Military: Motivations and Family Reactions 14:10 Training and Preparation: From Basic to Airborne 22:22 First Combat Experience: Chaos and Heroism 28:17 Cho's Heroic Actions and Silver Stars 28:49 Chaos and Close Calls 29:22 Integration into Infantry 30:17 Leadership from the Bottom 32:34 Reflecting on Deployment Experiences 34:00 Facing the Reality of Combat 34:53 Coping Mechanisms and Downtime 37:30 Preparing for the Second Deployment 39:33 The Battle of Bella and Leadership Lessons 42:15 The Medal of Honor Event 55:02 Hand Grenade Range and Intense Firefight 55:36 Struggling with Injuries and Malfunctions 57:12 Leadership and Reinforcements Arrive 58:11 Courage and Sacrifice in Battle 01:03:13 Desperate Measures and Radio Communication 01:10:00 Final Moments and Evacuation 01:15:10 Reflecting on the Battle and Its Aftermath 01:18:04 Sentimental Items and Final Thoughts 01:21:26 Conclusion and Appreciation | |||
| Life Changing Moment in Combat | Leads to Life of Service | Force Recon | Non-Profit Founder | Jake Harriman | 26 Apr 2025 | 01:34:05 | |
Today we have a fascinating Combat Story with Jake Harriman who is one of those guys who makes you feel incredibly lazy for not helping hungry people in Africa (seriously) and helping to heal the divide in America, one person at a time. It’s no surprise that Jake served alongside Todd Opalski (who long time fans of the show will know as the enlisted Marine Sniper who became a Marine officer, Force Recon leader, and was then invited to serve in the most elite unit in the US Military). You can’t help but do great things if you worked with Todd! Jake is truly an incredibly humble but accomplished combat veteran. He’s a Marine officer who led a platoon during OIF I in Iraq where he had a life changing moment that altered the course of his life. It’s a sad but very powerful moment that anyone can relate to. He would finally be admitted into the storied ranks of the Force Recon community where he conducted a mix of recon and surveillance and direct action missions downrange, including one that I’m sorry to say involves helicopter pilots that made one particular DA really hard for Jake, but also taught him a profound lesson. Despite many of Jake’s successes, he takes us through several moments of his life when he’s truly humbled from getting turned down at a chance to be a SEAL to being turned away from his audacious attempt to join the Force Recon community to being punched in the face by his team sergeant on an LZ. After leaving service, Jake continued to serve in a different way. He completed an MBA at Stanford and then started a non-profit that has helped over 300K people in remote areas of Africa and, at the same time, helped fight off extremism in these areas. More recently, he created the non-profit called a More Perfect Union that’s mobilized 35K members across the US to heal deep divides in this country, looking to service members of all kinds to step in and lead, just from a different foxhole. You can find more and help at mpu.us (mike papa uniform dot us). With that, I’m so excited for you all to hear this funny but powerful discussion with Jake Harriman. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
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Find Jake Harriman Online : mpu.us
Find Ryan Online:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
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| SEAL Troop Commander | Tech Founder | Josh Thurman | 29 Mar 2025 | 01:03:30 | |
Our Combat Story today is former Navy SEAL officer Josh Thurman, who spent over 12 years serving in the SEAL Teams, including at the elite level. Over the course of 11 deployments in the post-9/11 era, Josh led high-stakes special operations missions and nearly lost his own life on countless occasions. Join the AngelQ Waitlist to get a special offer and be one of the first to get access to this amazing product that keeps kids safe online: https://bitli.pro/2pvxr_9464bab7 Josh almost never joined the military and, instead, thought of becoming a religious leader, which we talk about in this episode. Instead, he would go on to lead some of the most lethal and intelligent veterans on the planet on successful counterterrorism and hostage rescue missions. After his military service, Josh transitioned to the tech industry in 2023, co-founding AngelQ, an AI company to protect and prioritize the wellbeing of children in the digital age. With that, please enjoy this discussion with Josh Thurman. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Find Ryan Online: 00:30 Introduction | |||
| Europe’s New Perspectives on Russia, China, Energy, and Economic Security from Italian Veteran Roberto Toncig | 15 Mar 2025 | 00:29:38 | |
Today we sit down with Roberto Toncig, a retired Italian Army and former Government Executive with 40+ years of experience in the field of Defence and Security. He spent over two decades in steeped in International Relations and Security, most of them spent in challenging positions at various Italian Embassies abroad. In addition to Italian and fantastic English, Roberto speaks German, French, Serbo-Croatian, and Russian. In his post-government work, Roberto is an advisor at Leonardo focused on Regional Security for this global defense, security, and aerospace giant. We connected with Roberto thanks to friend of the show and longtime senior intelligence officer Glenn Corn. In this episode, we dive into Italy’s security organizations and get Roberto’s expert perspectives on Italy and Europe’s positioning in light of conflict in Russia and Ukraine, energy security, China, the Mediterranean, and regional stability. With that, please enjoy this deep dive into all things security-related in Europe. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction00:46 Meet Roberto Tonseg: A Veteran in Defense and Security 03:19 Italy's National Security Framework 05:59 Europe's Response to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict 08:31 Challenges and Strategies for European Security 12:05 Energy Security and Immigration in Europe 18:19 China's Global Influence and Strategic Concerns 25:39 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts 28:18 Sponsor Message and Conclusion | |||
| Wargames for Peace and How to Not be Part of Watergate with Ambassador David Miller | 08 Mar 2025 | 00:43:46 | |
In this episode, we sit down with statesman and Ambassador David Miller, who shares his expansive and storied career, starting from his early days surveying economic impacts in Vietnam to his intricate experiences with the National Security Council and various international postings. We’re joined by Glenn Corn, who spent a career, much like Amb Miller, in service to the United States, but on the CIA side of the house and you get to hear what it’s like when Chiefs of Station and Ambassadors truly work together. Ambassador Miller recounts tales of working closely with influential figures such as Nelson Mandela and Brent Scowcroft, and discusses his involvement in developing the Diplomatic Studies Foundation, which is a fascinating approach that brings wargames to Country Teams with a different outcome: Peace. Miller reflects on the challenges of delivering unvarnished intelligence and narrowly avoiding any involvement in what he could sense was a scandal that was later Watergate! Ambassador Miller also helped start the Special Operations Fund which directly supports some of America’s most important families, those of fallen Tier 1 Special Operators, which I know people who listen to this show will appreciate. With that, please enjoy this wide ranging and interesting discussion with two very storied leaders and patriots. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:29 Introduction00:48 Meet Ambassador David Miller 02:20 Early Career and Vietnam Experience 05:22 Insights on Military Intelligence 07:26 Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges 12:16 Watergate and Its Aftermath 15:48 Diplomatic Studies Foundation and Peace Games 21:53 Understanding the Country Team 24:29 Spec Ops Recruiting and Ambassador's Role 26:43 Embassy Dynamics and Teamwork 27:23 Current Affairs: Ukraine and Diplomatic Security 30:10 Special Operations Fund and Personal Stories 33:28 USAID and Development Programs 39:45 Memorable Meetings and Reflections 42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 42:26 Sponsor Message: Delete Me | |||
| Ukraine, Russia and Military Weapons and Ammo with Arms Expert Tamerlan Vahabov | Drones, Arms Deals, Ukraine’s Future | 01 Mar 2025 | 00:44:54 | |
Today’s Combat Story is a Frontline Perspective with Tamerlan Vahabov on Ukraine's Defense, Challenges, and Future. In this interview, Tamerlan tells us about his work as a former advisor to the Director of Defense Procurement and the Minister of Interior in Ukraine. He shares his compelling journey from Azerbaijan to Ukraine, highlighting his roles in government, law enforcement, and his direct experiences with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We dig deep into drone warfare and the intricacies of defense procurement, the challenges faced by the Ukrainian defense industry, and his ongoing efforts to aid Ukraine's war effort. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who has been at the forefront of Ukraine's struggle, providing valuable insights and personal stories that underscore the complexities of the conflict Tamerlan Vahabov was the advisor to the Director of the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, 2024, Head of the Reform Office and Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, 2021-2022, has held government defense industry, economy, and law enforcement positions in Kyiv, Ukraine, Lyon France and Baku, Azerbaijan. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro00:33 Tamerlan's Background and Early Career 01:20 Experiences During the Russian Invasion 04:23 Law Enforcement and Military Career 11:41 Challenges in Ukrainian Defense 22:35 Addressing Defense Procurement Issues 23:19 Strategic Forecast for Ukraine and Russia 24:21 Exploring the US-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal 26:59 Personal Security Concerns in High-Profile Roles 28:29 Navigating International Military Deals 34:52 Commitment to Ukraine's Future 36:22 Early Conflicts with Russia 40:09 A Message to the US Audience | |||
| Expert Analysis Feb 18 on Russia Ukraine War w/ CIA Expert Glenn Corn | Battlefield, Geopolitics, New Russian Intel Unit, North Koreans in Russia, Russians in North Korea | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:22:07 | |
Today we talk to CIA Senior Intelligence Service officer Glenn Corn who is calling in from Ukraine and dive into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with on-the-ground insights and analysis. We touch on Ukrainian concerns about being excluded from international peace talks, the mixed reactions to diplomatic efforts at the Munich Security Conference and in Saudi Arabia, and the potential implications of new Russian intelligence tactics. We also hit on a new Russian intel covert unit, possible involvement of North Korean troops supporting Russia, recent prisoner swaps, and the evolving role of NATO and U.S. allies in the conflict. Additionally, there's a reflection on the human cost of the war, highlighting the emotional toll on Ukrainian families. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 00:24 On the Ground in Ukraine 01:27 Ukrainian Concerns and International Talks 04:33 Russian Intelligence and Covert Operations 06:40 Territorial Negotiations and Peace Talks 09:21 European and NATO Involvement 12:39 Prisoner Swaps and Diplomatic Moves 15:20 North Korean Involvement in the Conflict 17:09 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections 20:55 Sponsor Message: NordVPN | |||
| Inside the Command Post in Pakistan During the Bin Laden Raid | Earthquake Relief | Leadership Lessons | Vice Adm (ret) Mike LeFever | 08 Feb 2025 | 01:07:33 | |
Today’s Combat Story is with our first Navy Vice Admiral, Mike LeFever, who spent 38 years in uniform supporting US National Security across the world. Rising from an Annapolis wrestler to a surface warfare officer, Mike was selected to command a strike group, would serve at the US Embassy in Pakistan as the head diplomatic officer (during the Bin Laden raid), and finished his military career as the Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center, within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Mike has gone on to write a book about leading through crises titled End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis, and, since leaving service, has stayed very busy with roles as a CEO for a cyber and tech company; a senior advisor and mentor at the McChrystal Group; Performance Ambassador and Speaker for Liminal Collective and Arena Labs; works on the Cipher Brief with friend of the show Glenn Corn and more. This is a really and insightful discussion with an incredibly senior, accomplished, yet thoroughly humble leader and I hope you enjoy his sense of humor, honest talk, and experiences at the highest levels of both global affairs and military strategy as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Mike LeFever Online: https://nationalsecurity.gmu.edu/mike-lefever/ End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction00:44 Introduction to Combat Story and Host 01:03 Meet Vice Admiral Mike Lefevre 01:34 Career Highlights and Leadership Roles 02:25 Personal Insights and Experiences 02:53 Memorable Moments in Islamabad 07:07 Significant Events and Challenges in Pakistan 09:06 Reflections on Leadership and Service 09:54 Unexpected Career Path and Surface Warfare 15:04 Leading Earthquake Relief in Pakistan 19:10 Building a Humanitarian Task Force 24:14 Navigating Crisis and Leadership Lessons 32:04 End Game: Strategic Planning and Execution 35:07 Military Influence in Pakistan 35:29 Anecdotes from Bab N Abad 36:41 Building Relationships in Pakistan 39:44 The Bin Laden Raid 42:36 Post-Raid Reflections 44:00 Geopolitical Challenges and Operations 53:14 Leadership and Mentorship 55:20 High-Performance Training 57:44 Current Endeavors and Reflections 01:02:02 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts | |||
| Killing 3 Enemy Tanks in 10 Seconds | HR McMaster | Army General & National Security Advisor | Battle of 73 Easting | 01 Feb 2025 | 01:16:22 | |
Today is an amazing Combat Story as we sit down with the legendary retired three star General HR McMaster whose 34 years of service included everything from spearheading the last great tank-on-tank engagement in the famous Battle of 73 Easting to serving as President Trump’s National Security Advisor. McMaster has been a dream interview for our program for years and it does not disappoint. We cover so much in this episode from exactly what it felt like in the tanks on that fateful day taking on and destroying the Tawalkana Division of the Iraqi Republican Guard in minutes to leading a Cavalry Regiment that successfully and overwhelmingly destroyed Al Qaida in Tal Afar in Iraq in 2006 (it’s an amazing description of combined arms warfare) to chance encounters with world leaders like Henry Kissinger. We spend some time discussing the General’s most recent book, At War With Ourselves about his time in Trump’s White House. It’s an amazing look inside what the West Wing is really like and the decisions that have to be made and personalities that need to be managed. Fans of this show will love this book. We get McMaster’s perspective from the Battle of 73 Easting but if you want an even more detailed description of that battle, check out our interview with McMaster’s Platoon Leader Tim Gauthier who was a part of that fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O10yS95ak5M I sincerely hope you enjoy this glimpse into one of our country’s greatest and most selfless leaders as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction00:42 Introduction to Combat Story 01:01 Interview with General H. R. McMaster Begins 02:34 Discussing Competitiveness and Sports 05:25 McMaster's Military Background and Family Influence 07:02 Love for History and Reading Habits 11:20 Training and Leadership in the Military 23:03 Path to Becoming an Armor Officer 30:15 Preparation for the Battle of 73 Easting 36:22 Frustration and Anticipation on the Battlefield 37:22 Encountering the Enemy: First Skirmishes 38:18 Rain, Fog, and Sandstorm: The Challenges of Movement 39:59 Engaging the Enemy: The Battle Begins 40:49 Tactical Maneuvers and Repairs 42:19 The Heat of Battle: Tank Engagements 49:24 Operation Restoring Rights: A New Challenge 51:23 The Strategy and Execution of Operation Restoring Rights 01:03:19 Reflecting on Leadership and Service 01:13:57 Closing Thoughts and Reflections | |||
| Expert CIA Analysis - Africa, China, Russia, DRC, M23 | Two CIA Legends and Case Officers Share Insights | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:27:39 | |
Today we have a fascinating discussion with two CIA legends from the Directorate of Operations: Glenn Corn and Paul Kepp. Both served for over 30 years in the government, most of that with the CIA and both served as Chiefs of Station at some of the most important posts in the world, leading from the frontlines. Glenn brought Paul on to discuss what’s going on in Africa in terms of Russian and increasing Chinese influence, regional players like Turkey and UAE, and specifically recent flare ups in the Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC with Tutsi militia group M23 taking over Goma. We cover what that means for the DRC, Rwanda, the people, regional players, global players, and the United States, particularly with a new administration in place. Please enjoy this deep dive from two legends discussing a topic that both feel deserves our attention globally. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Geopolitical Importance of Africa 02:58 Russia and China's Influence in Africa 06:17 Current Crisis in the DRC 07:11 Historical Context of the Conflict 09:02 Rwanda's Role and International Interests 16:22 US Administration's Response 24:18 Humanitarian Impact and Future Prospects 27:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award | 25 Jan 2025 | 01:42:38 | |
Today we hear a Combat Story from our brothers across the pond with a veteran and sniper from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment or Paras, Hugh Keir. Hugh deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan three times, in addition to Northern Ireland and the Falklands. Hugh survived the infamous siege of Musa Qala (you’ll be fascinated to hear about this experience and it will make you appreciate just how brutal fighting can be at times) where he and his unit were infiled into a brutal fighting position in Afghanistan completely surrounded by the Taliban. He was also recognized with a gallantry award for his actions in Helmand Province in 200 in just one of his several Afghan deployments. Since leaving the military, Hugh has worked as a Close Protection Officer in the Middle East and in the UK, and is the host of the H-Hour Podcast, a long form conversation hosted with guests that have included politicians, actors, psychologists, UFC fighters, authors, campaigners, veterans, and more. I hope you enjoy this deep dive from our close partners over in the UK as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Hugh Keir Online: 🔗 Hugh’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hughkeir 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hughkeir 📘 Learn more about Hugh: https://charliecharlieone.com/about-h-hour/
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction | |||
| The Mad Minute | Ep. 004 | Interview with Glenn Corn | Events in Lebanon & Israel | 18 Jan 2025 | 00:29:04 | |
In this special crossover edition of Combat Story and the Mad Minute, we discuss regional issues in the Middle East with 30 year CIA and State Department legend Glenn Corn. We delve into the significant recent developments in the Middle East, focusing on the ceasefire agreements involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, as well as Lebanon's election of a new president after a prolonged political deadlock. Israel and Hamas reached a pivotal ceasefire agreement after 15 months of intense conflict. This truce, facilitated by international mediators including U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, aims to end hostilities and initiate the release of hostages and prisoners. The first phase, set to commence on January 19, 2025, includes a six-week truce during which Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent phases will address the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the reconstruction of the region under international supervision. In Lebanon, the political landscape has undergone a transformative change with the election of army commander Joseph Aoun as president on January 9, 2025, ending a two-year vacancy. Aoun secured 99 votes in the parliamentary session, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. His election is seen as a diminishment of Hezbollah's influence, especially following the recent conflict with Israel and the assassination of veteran leader Hassan Nasrallah. In his victory speech, President Aoun emphasized a new phase for Lebanon, commitment to the ceasefire with Israel, and the establishment of a national security strategy. His presidency is viewed as pivotal for the country's postwar reconstruction efforts and economic recovery. Join us as we analyze the roles of key figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas' interim political chief Khalil al-Hayya, and Egypt's General Intelligence Director Hassan Rashad in these negotiations. We also explore the implications of these ceasefires and Lebanon's presidential election on the geopolitical landscape, the challenges in implementing the agreements, and the prospects for lasting peace in the region. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the dynamic and evolving situation in Lebanon and Israel, providing insights into the complex interplay of political and military strategies shaping the future of the Middle East. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction | |||
| Fallujah II Reunion 3/5 Marines 20 Years After the Battle | Combat Story at the End WIll Bring You To Tears | 11 Jan 2025 | 00:14:37 | |
Today is a special edition of Combat Story where former guest and retired Sniper and Force Recon Marine AJ Pascuiti invited us to spend two days with the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, some of America’s finest, as they reunited 20 years after the infamous Battle of Fallujah II in November and December 2004. This episode was designed to be seen on video so feel free to head over to YouTube to watch it here. Special thanks to AJ for organizing and bringing this together for these Marines from Darkhorse. It’s amazing to think of these men who just walk the streets today with their families like any other American but were once the men we sent into the arguably the hardest fighting of the post-9/11 era to clear rooms and buildings for days on end against a determined enemy. Thank you to the Marines of 3/5 for what you did in 2004 for the rest of us. Semper Fi.
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| Tactical Submarines | Launching Missiles and Torpedoes from Subs | 30 Year Navy Vet | Rob Peters | 21 Dec 2024 | 02:04:44 | |
Today we have a Combat Story first as we hear firsthand from Rob Peters who spent almost 30 years in the Navy on submarines from the mid-1990s to just this year. Rob served on five different subs and commanded twice. In this episode we cover some of the different types of subs, the training, and the mission sets, to include special operations forces support and delivery, attack parameters, missile launches and more. Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code COMBAT at checkout to save! We found Rob thanks to a former guest and forever friend of the show Todd Opalski, the Marine sniper and recon operator invited into Delta. He and Rob met in an unusual way and Todd, a decorated combat leader himself at the highest level, suggested I interview Rob not just for some unique and humorous insights from a life underwater, but also for the leadership experiences and learnings Rob shared with Todd. That’s high praise in my book. With that, please enjoy this deep dive into the deep ocean of submarines with Rob Peters. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Rob Peters: Instagram: bubblehead_hikes Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro | |||
| Syria Analysis and What’s Next from CIA Senior Intelligence Service and Diplomat / Former CIA Chief of Station Glenn Corn | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:37:05 | |
Welcome to a breaking-event interview on the extraordinary and rapidly unfolding developments in Syria, covering late November to the present. In this special episode, we’re joined by retired CIA Senior Intelligence Service Officer and former State Department Diplomat Glenn Corn. This conversation is part of The Mad Minute — Glenn’s series delivering sharp geopolitical analysis and expert interviews on critical global issues. Glenn brings unmatched expertise to this discussion, with over three decades of service in the US government, including assignments in Turkey, Russia, and extensive work on Middle Eastern affairs and counterterrorism. If you're curious about Glenn's remarkable career, we previously explored his experiences in both the CIA and State Department on Combat Story. In today’s episode, we dive into the key events leading to Assad’s departure from Damascus, the swift advances of HTS and SDF forces toward the capital, the broader implications for regional players, and what strategic moves the US should consider next. Now, let’s get into this essential analysis with Glenn Corn. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Breaking Event | |||
| Navy SEAL w/ 7 Deployments | Author of Warrior to Civilian | Rob Sarver | 30 Nov 2024 | 01:17:11 | |
Today we have a fantastic Combat Story with former Navy SEAL Officer Rob Sarver. Rob had more fun than most on his path to becoming a SEAL, originally with a detour as a surface warfare officer that he very skillfully managed to curtail, and leveraged a really interesting network to get a shot at the Teams. This episode is chalked full of both great stories from down range but also really practical explanations for getting ahead and succeeding, much of which has made it into his book, Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero’s Journey. In this episode, Rob covers some amazing stories of ingenuity in combat like using innertubes to float quietly on an assault to using copper wire to make two different radio sets compatible for field use. And despite Rob’s obvious successes from attending the Naval Academy to his time in the Teams and then graduating from Wharton and working in Private Equity, he also hits on the tougher moments, covering tough topics of loss, fear, and desperation, including losing someone on day one of a deployment. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of laughs and hilarious anecdotes like the story behind the phrase ‘moderation is for cowards’. With that, please enjoy this Combat Story with Rob Sarver. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Rob Sarver Online: Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero’s Journey (Link: Hachette Books: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/robert-sarver/warrior-to-civilian/9781538769966/ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Civilian-Field-Manual-Journey/dp/1538769964) Author Site - https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/robert-sarver/
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro
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| Combat in Iraq with ODA 043 | Special Forces Team Sergeant | Grit to Glory Author | Darrell Utt (Round 2) | 16 Nov 2024 | 01:24:37 | |
On today’s episode we sit down for round two with Darrell Utt in an episode that is chalked full of combat experiences from his time in 2006 in Iraq and then some stories from his time in 2007 which, one day, will hopefully be a sequel to his book that’s coming out shortly: Grit to Glory. If you didn’t catch round one last week, Darrell grew up in a really tough home where he stopped his mother from shooting his father at one point and vividly remembered watching his mother walk out of the home for the last time. He found his way to the Army and became a Green Beret, serving in a host of different places but was able to serve as a Team Sergeant for the first time in 2006 taking a fairly junior team into Iraq. We left off at the very beginning of 2006 where he had just relieved one member of his team on arrival and was almost relieved himself, given a second chance by the commander. Their first successful mission is nothing short of amazing and made for the big screen so sit back and relax as you hear some amazing Combat Stories! Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Darrell Online: @darrell.utt on Instagram darrell-utt on LinkedIN
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro
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| Special Forces Team Sergeant in Iraq | Green Beret | Grit to Glory Author | Darrell Utt (Rd 1) | 09 Nov 2024 | 02:08:46 | |
Today we have round one of a fantastic two-part Combat Story with a former guest: Darrell Utt, a long time Green Beret and retired Master Sergeant. Darrell just finished writing a book (Grit to Glory) going into great detail about one deployment when he was a Team Sergeant with ODA 043 in 2006 to Iraq that includes all the highs and lows of leading a team of elite Green Berets. We met with Darrell two years ago for an episode (#74) watched by over a 100K+ people and this time around we get into more of the moments, experiences, and emotion in some of the fighting that Darrell has unearthed while writing the book. If you pre-order his book before Veterans Day (2024), you get a signed copy of the book and one of the coolest challenge coins you’ll find. Pre-order the book at ballastbooks.com/purchase/grit-to-glory/. You can find Darrell on the socials at darrell.utt on Instagram or darrell-utt on LinkedIN. If you haven’t seen the first episode, don’t worry, you’ll get all the context you need in this one to be up and running and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy his very real, raw, and down to earth storytelling as much as I did. Darrell on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darrell.utt/?hl=en 00:00 Intro 00:35 Darrell Utt Bio 03:09 Writing the Book: Challenges and Inspirations 10:12 Morgue Day: A Haunting Memory 19:26 Growing Up: Building Grit and Resilience 21:15 Family Struggles and Finding Strength 32:44 Military Path: From Humble Beginnings to Special Forces 44:53 The First Marine in the Family 45:16 Mentorship and Military Service 45:48 Challenges in Joining the Marine Corps 47:48 Receiving the Green Beret 50:28 Reconnecting with Influential Figures 54:08 Operation Ugly Baby: The Initial Invasion 01:06:05 Cultural Encounters and EPW Camp 01:18:03 Navigating Mosul and Military Strategy 01:26:13 Strategic Reflections and Military Planning 01:27:18 Looted Infrastructure and Insurgency 01:29:04 Early Signs of Trouble in Iraq 01:31:11 The Ba'ath Party Dilemma 01:33:22 WMDs and Misconceptions 01:35:27 2006: A New Team and Mission 01:47:20 Challenges and Leadership Decisions 02:03:57 Owning Up and Moving Forward 02:07:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Content
#usarmy #veterans #combat #specialforces
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| 82nd Airborne Fighting in the Arghandab Valley | William Yeske | 09 Nov 2024 | 01:18:20 | |
Today we have our second account of the brutal fighting within the Arghandab Valley in Afghanistan from Will Yeske, a former 82nd Airborne RTO at the time. Will went on to write the book Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan. Will recounts his experiences fighting and surviving in this brutal location in Afghanistan which takes place at the same time (and just across the river) from the same experience faced by our former guest Andrew Bragg who was in Charlie Company. The IEDs, the suicide bombs, and more come to life in both this interview and the book. Since leaving the service Will has gone on to write two books and, despite initially dropping out of college, now has an Ivy League degree. When many other kids in their mid-20s were partying and living it up, he elected to serve and, one year later, found himself fighting for his life. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the multiple combat experience Will shares with us in this episode and, if you’re like me, will be getting your own copy of the book. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find William Yeske Online: Book https: https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657 @damnthevalley on social William Yeske on LinkedIN
Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro | |||
| Marine Infantry Officer & USASOC | Warrior Withdrawal | Varpas de Sa Pereira | 27 Oct 2024 | 01:52:24 | |
Today we hear a Combat Story from Marine Officer and US Army Special Operations Command (or USASOC) leader Varpas de Sa Pereira (de SA Pur-rare-a). His book Warrior Withdrawal: When BAMF No Longer Means Bad*$$ M^ther#u@!er is a great read for anyone trying to understand why so many of veterans - myself included - face challenges transitioning out of the military outside of just PTSD. Varpas faced combat many times, deploying time and again with a variety of units in search of some "thing" he was missing. He was finally fully engrossed in the ‘system’ and had trouble pulling himself out of it. After 15 years of service, including time in USASOC at the tip of the spear, he finally retired and went back to school to study clinical psychology, where he realized what he had experienced was not abnormal. Many veterans, for whom being a warrior is ingrained in their psyche, struggle to adapt to life outside the military, often leading them to mental health challenges. Varpas coined this as Warrior Withdrawal Syndrome and now works as a psychotherapist to help veterans facing difficulties in their newfound lives. In this episode we talk through several of his combat experiences in Iraq and some really challenging experiences that officers often face in making life and death decisions in very ambiguous environments. He is currently a staff psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he provides mental health care to veterans and their families. You can get his book Warrior Withdrawal on Amazon. With that, please enjoy this unique interview with Varpas. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Find Varpas Online: Instagram, LinkediN, X : @drvarpas Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro | |||
| Brutal Fighting in The Arghandab River Valley with the 82nd Airborne | Andrew Bragg | The Devil’s Playground | 21 Sep 2024 | 01:25:01 | |
On today’s Combat Story we have a deep dive into intense fighting that took place in Afghanistan in the treacherous Arghandab River Valley with Andrew Bragg, a former Army infantryman who served back to back tours to two distinct places in Afghanistan, both with plenty of kinetic activity. Andrew’s book The Devil’s Playground is about one of his deployments with the 82nd Airborne to the Arghandab River Valley where his unit experienced 50% casualties, including 6 KIA. Andrew traveled the country in his car to interview members of his unit from 12 years prior, many of whom had not seen each other since. Their common bond was the impact that the Valley had on each of them. I think you’re going to really enjoy this recounting of some incredibly challenging fighting experienced by just one of several units to survive the ‘Dab with Andrew Bragg. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Find Andrew Bragg Online: Book The Devil's Playground: The Story of Two Charlie and The Arghandab River Valley https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Playground-Charlie-Arghandab-Valley/dp/1636244718 Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro
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| Swedish Special Operations Soldier | Arctic Ranger | Special Purpose Unit | Intelligence | Number 788 | Max Lauker | 07 Sep 2024 | 01:24:38 | |
Today we have our first Combat Story from a Swedish Special Operations soldier and intelligence professional, Max Lauker. Max spent 20 years in the elite Swedish forces and was a plank holder for one of the predecessor units to what later became Sweden’s Special Operations Group. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. He served multiple deployments that we cover in this episode in what I’ve coined as four missions and a funeral to dig into more of the combat experiences and lessons while also touching on loss that comes with this line of work. Max takes us through time fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, solo and team deployments to Latin America, doing full cycle cross-border reconnaissance missions in the Balkans, to lonely and frankly frightening intel work in Eastern Europe and Russia. This is just a bit of the action that Max writes about in his upcoming book that he co-wrote with Antonio Garcia titled ‘Number 788: My experiences in Swedish Special Operations - preparing for NATO and the War on Terror.’ I think you’re really going to enjoy this chat with our first Swede on this show, Max Lauker. Find Max Lauker Online: https://www.amazon.com/Number-788-experiences-Operations-preparing/dp/1804514233 Find Ryan Online: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction
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| Special Forces Sergeant Major in Afghanistan | Military Memoir Ghostwriter | Randall Surles (SGM, ret.) Round 2 | 31 Aug 2024 | 01:20:51 | |
Today on Combat Story we have our second interview with 32 year veteran and retired Special Forces Sergeant Major Randy Surles, who entered the Army in 1987 and retired in 2019. In round one we covered Randy’s jump into Panama where he broke his leg and had to crawl for seven hours to safety, his transition into Special Forces from the Ranger Regiment, and attending Lancero school in Colombia, which you can think of as a more dangerous Ranger School (entirely in Spanish!). Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter In this episode, we dive into his time leading Green Berets in the post-9/11 era in Afghanistan where he saw mulitple combat deployments. Randy now helps veterans write their own memoirs as a ghostwriter with the aptly titled website The Military Editor. With that, please enjoy our second interview with Randy Surles. Find Randall Surles Online: Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro
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| Breaking a Leg on a Combat Jump | Special Forces Sergeant Major Turned Military Memoir Ghostwriter | Randall Surles (SGM, ret.) Round 1 | 24 Aug 2024 | 01:34:30 | |
Today on Combat Story we have our first of two interviews with 32 year veteran and retired Special Forces Sergeant Major Randy Surles, who entered the Army in 1987 and retired in 2019. Randy saw combat early on in Operation Just Cause as a Ranger and then again for several rotations post-9/11. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. In this episode, we cover Randy’s experience in Panama and attending Lancero training in Colombia which you can think of as something like Ranger school without any safety nets! In round two, we dive into his time leading Green Berets in the post-9/11 era. Randy now helps veterans write their own memoirs as a ghostwriter with the aptly titled website the military editor. With that, please enjoy our first interview with Randy Surles. Find Randall Surles Online:
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
Show Notes: 00:00 Intro | |||
| CIA PDB Briefer to President Trump | Senior Intel Analyst | Beth Sanner | 03 Aug 2024 | 01:15:25 | |
In this episode of Combat Story, we hear from Beth Sanner, a former senior CIA analyst and President's Daily Brief (PDB) briefer to President Trump. Beth previously served as the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, the Director of the PDB and as Vice Chair of the National Intelligence Council. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Beth also held several senior leadership positions in the CIA’s Directorate of Analysis, including leading the analytic effort on South Asia and serving as the deputy for analysis for Russian and European affairs. In this episode, we cover her time as a briefer to Trump, her stint with the NSC, her position at CIA covering Russia and Eurasia shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, and leading the Career Analyst Program (the training program for all CIA analysts). The PDB Briefer is a prestigious position and not a political appointee. We also interviewed former military analyst and PDB Briefer to President Obama Michelle DiGruttolo if you’re interested in hearing her perspective as well. With that, I hope you enjoy this fascinating inside look at the upper echelons of the analytic side of the CIA as much as I did. Find Ryan online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Host Background
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| Creation of MARSOC | Tough Rugged Bastards | Marine Raider and Force Recon | John Dailey RD 2 | 27 Jul 2024 | 01:01:07 | |
Today we have round two of our incredible Combat Story with John Dailey, the former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as ”Detachment One,” which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. If you missed Round 1, John grew up on the east coast hunting and shooting and, in the ninth grade, visited a Marine recruiter who took him under his wing until it was time to enlist. He went straight into a sniper unit and then served as a Marine Security Guard at Embassies in Hungary and Argentina before joining Force Recon. On 9/11, John was in a bar in Australia with a Marine Expeditionary Unit when he saw the towers come down. He and his Force Recon unit were sent directly to Afghanistan where they took the fight to the Taliban months after the attacks. This second round interview picks up after John returns from this first deployment and sets the ground for his book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled ‘Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations’ that describes both John’s experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did. Find John Dailey Online: https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
00:00 Dramatic Baghdad Arrival
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| Tough Rugged Bastard and the Creation of MARSOC | Marine Raider and Force Recon | John Dailey | RD 1 | 20 Jul 2024 | 01:13:11 | |
Today we have round one of a fascinating Combat Story interview with John Dailey, a former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as ”Detachment One,” which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. The eighty-six-man “Detachment One” was formed with a two-year charter to train and deploy as a “proof-of-concept” to assess the viability of a larger Marine Special Operations contribution in support of the Global War on Terror. The Commanding Officer—Colonel Robert J. Coates, a Marine Force Recon legend—was given his pick of personnel and one of the four team leaders he selected was Gunnery Sergeant John Dailey. Their sole stipulation in finding the right recruits was that they be: “Tough, rugged bastards with strong backs and hard feet.” We know they got it right because we’ve interviewed some of those early warriors on this show, like Elliot Ackerman and Jason Lilley, to name a few. John has written a book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled ‘Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations’ that describes both John’s experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did. Find John Dailey Online: https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X Find Ryan Online: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 00:00 Intense Combat Introduction
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| Unit X Co-Founder & F-16 Fighter Pilot | Battles in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pentagon | Raj Shah | 18 Jul 2024 | 01:00:13 | |
Today we have a unique Combat Story with F-16 Fighter Pilot and co-founder of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx), Raj Shah. Raj was handpicked to stand up an organization that would strengthen our armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon, to include accelerating the contracting process and getting the newest technology from Silicon Valley and tech into the hands of the warfighters faster. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. Raj is one of these guys who seems to have more time in a day than the rest of us. He is the Managing Partner of Shield Capital, a venture capital firm focused on technologies at the nexus of the commercial and defense markets; chairman of Resilience Insurance, a start-up powering new approaches to cyber insurance; he was CEO of Morta Security, which was acquired by Palo Alto Networks; and he reported directly to the Secretary of Defense while running DIUx for two years. Raj led DIUx in its efforts to strengthen U.S. armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon. He attended Princeton and got an MBA from Wharton at UPenn. He and Christopher Kirchhoff recently published ‘Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War,’ which takes you inside AI labs, drone workshops, and battle command centers—to include Ukraine’s frontline – for a fascinating picture of what it takes to stay dominant in a fast-changing and often precarious geopolitical landscape. With that, please enjoy this short but interesting episode with Raj Shah. Book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War: https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Pentagon-Silicon-Valley-Transforming/dp/1668031388 Website https://www.unitxbook.com/ https://www.unitxbook.com/?pgid=lvhhykmv-0822ea78-348c-4d11-bbad-0625206ad7dd Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
00:00 The Power of an Individual in Combat | |||
| 4th of July Tribute to Veterans | President Reagan | Medal of Honor | RRC | Marine Recon | SpecOps | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:05:11 | |
A Tribute to Our Veterans | Combat Story Podcast In this heartfelt episode of the Combat Story podcast, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. This special video features President Reagan's iconic July 4th, 1986 address to the Nation, seamlessly blended with powerful responses from veterans about whether they would choose their military careers again. Join us as we honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms. Their stories remind us of the true meaning of patriotism and the profound impact of their service on our nation's history. 🎖️ Featured Veterans (in order of appearance):
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from our nation's heroes. Share this tribute to honor those who have given so much for our country. Don't miss out! Subscribe to our Combat Story Newsletter for more compelling interviews and updates at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. For more about Sean Hagerty, visit: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty Find Ryan Online:
#Veterans #MilitaryService #Patriotism #CombatStoryPodcast #ReaganAddress #IndependenceDay #Tribute #HeroStories
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| USASOC Special Missions Unit Sergeant Major | 75th Ranger Regiment | Sean Hagerty | 29 Jun 2024 | 01:30:29 | |
Today we have an interview with a former Ranger Regiment soldier turned US Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major, Sean Hagerty. Sean fought in both Afghanistan and Iraq with Ranger Regiment and then spent many years in the very secretive side of the Army in places all over the world. After retiring, Sean wrote a psychological thriller called Jones Point that has a great plot line focused on a father taking revenge after losing a daughter but in a far more creative and compelling way. Sean self-published that first book but was then picked up by Blue Handle Publishing for another set of books because the first one was so successful. Sean is an incredibly accomplished soldier and leader and I hope you enjoy this discussion of both the Special Operations world and more secretive USASOC experience as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. Find Sean Hagerty Online: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty Find Ryan Online: Show Notes: | |||
| Inside the Green Beret and Ethics on the Battlefield: Dan Pace's Journey and Modern Warfare Challenges | 22 Jun 2024 | 01:41:59 | |
🪖 Today’s Combat Story dives deep into the career and combat experiences of former infantryman turned Cavalry officer turned Special Forces Green Beret, Dan Pace. Dan retired after over two decades of service in the military, seeing combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan on both the enlisted and officer sides of the house. 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our Newsletter https://www.combatstory.com/newsletter 💪 Support Us: Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/combatstory 📚 Dan recently wrote a book titled "It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008)" where he details his experiences, particularly those with the 1st ID in Iraq during a pivotal moment in the war. In this episode, we dive into the transition from enlisted to officer and conventional to SF, some of the tougher moments in combat, and how perspective may change from that of a soldier to an officer. 🎖️ General Petreus on the book: "...the timeless tale of a young leader and his soldiers on the ground seeking to find meaning and purpose in the gritty, visceral reality of war at the small unit level. 🎧 Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with retired Special Forces officer, Dan Pace. 🔗 Guest Online Information: 📧 Contact Dan: contact@grey-zone-ethics.com 📘 It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008) https://www.amazon.com/Was-What-Infantry-Division-2006-2008/dp/B0CW3MH7KT 📚 Grey Zone Ethics Courses https://danielvpace.com/courses.html 👨✈️ Join host Ryan Fugit in a gripping episode of Combat Story as he delves into the remarkable military career of Dan Pace, a former infantryman, cavalry officer, and special forces Green Beret. Dan shares his intense experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, from frontline battles to coordinating medevacs. Explore his journey from enlisted to officer roles, the evolution of military strategies, and the personal toll of long deployments. The episode also addresses innovative countermeasures against IED threats, fortified vehicles, and ethical dilemmas faced by troops and leaders. This raw and insightful look into Dan's life and the complexities of modern warfare sheds light on the creativity, resilience, and moral challenges within the military. 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🌐 Ryan’s Linktree 🛒 Merch Store 📸 Instagram: @combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial 🔍 Learn more about Ryan 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
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| Inside the President's Daily Briefing: A Deep Dive with Senior Intel Officer Michelle DiGruttolo | 15 Jun 2024 | 01:47:38 | |
Today we have a great Combat Story that ranges from the military intelligence tactical front lines of counterterrorism and the Korean peninsula to the most strategic of all, serving as the PDB briefer to the President of the United States (POTUS) with senior intelligence officer Michelle DiGruttolo. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. I strongly encourage you to listen to the end of this podcast to get a full appreciation of Michelle’s experience as the President’s briefer, to include her role as the briefer during the Benghazi Consulate attack (you can, of course, listen to our previous interview with Kris “Tanto” Paranto who was on the ground during that attack to hear both the front lines and halls of leadership perspectives on that pivotal day). Michelle began her career as an Army intelligence officer and then transitioned to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) where she would eventually lead a division of 40 fellow analysts. While at DIA, she was handpicked to compile and deliver the President's Daily Brief (also known as the PDB) to then President Obama and his Chief of Staff Jack Lew. The PDB role to POTUS is not a political appointment and is only entrusted to the elite of the intel community’s analytic core, which Michelle is. As always, we do not get political in this podcast, however, to ensure we hear both sides, we also have former President Trump’s PDB briefer booked for later this summer to understand what her experience was like in the Oval Office under another administration. Michelle also briefed and/or worked closely with retired senior leaders Petraeus, McChrystal, Clapper, and several household names across her career, exposing her to leadership at the very highest levels. After service, Michelle went on to found Sage Raven Advisors, where she leverages an extensive network of local advisors, partners, and affiliates and couple them with cutting-edge technologies and data analytics, to provide actionable and timely insights to clients in complex and dynamic geopolitical landscapes. I hope you enjoy this very interesting deep dive into the life of a career military intel officer and the life of a PDB Briefer to the President as much as I did.
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Key Highlights: Military Intelligence to Presidential Briefings: Michelle's journey from an Army intelligence officer to leading a division at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The President's Daily Brief (PDB): Discover the intricacies of compiling and delivering the PDB to President Obama and Chief of Staff Jack Lew, including her crucial role during the Benghazi Consulate attack. Leadership Insights: Michelle's interactions with renowned leaders like Petraeus, McChrystal, and Clapper, and her exposure to leadership at the highest levels. 🔔 Subscribe for More Combat Stories: https://www.youtube.com/combatstory 👍 Like, Comment, and Share: Your support helps us bring more incredible stories to light! #CombatStory #MilitaryIntelligence #PDBBriefer Show Notes:
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| Unmasking China Intelligence Threats, Capabilities, and Structure w/ China Expert Nicholas Eftimiades, 34 Year Intelligence Professional | 08 Jun 2024 | 01:28:17 | |
Today we have a fascinating deep dive on Chinese intelligence structure, tactics, capabilities, and threats with long-time China expert Nicholas Eftimiades. Nick spent 34 years in the US government with DIA, CIA, State, DHS and more with an intense focus on China and high tech space programs. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. In the 90’s, Nick wrote the book Chinese Intelligence Operations, which is an examination of the structure, operations, and methodology of the Chinese intelligence services and widely regarded as the seminal work in the field. To give you an idea of how impactful this work was, Nick was immediately labeled by the Chinese government as an ‘enemy of the state,’ 100+ Chinese intel assets were recalled to China, and he was asked to appear before Congress and personally brief political leaders on both sides of the aisle. Nick served overseas in Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, London, and Tokyo after studying in China and Taiwan in college where he picked up the language. His long career in DIA includes senior assignments as the Chief of Counterterrorism Operations, Transnational Issues Division, Futures Division, and Space Division. He has been awarded the National Intelligence Council Achievement Award and DIA Director's Intelligence Award - that agency's highest recognition of achievement. He is also a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Forward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. He is a professor at Penn State and a frequent lecturer and public speaker on future technology, space, and national security issues. His company Shinobi Enterprises offers confidential consulting and training with specific and in-depth expertise on China's domestic environment, national security, and commercial espionage operations and tactics. With that, please enjoy this deep dive on all things Chinese intelligence and threat-related from an expert in the field. 🎙️ Find Nick Online:
🌟 Stay informed and connected with Nick's expertise on Chinese intelligence and global security! 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
⏰ Show Notes:
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| How to Live a No Shortcuts Mentality w/ former Marine and Navy SEAL Kevin Seiff | Vet Collective | Helping 100K Vets | 01 Jun 2024 | 01:21:25 | |
In today's Combat Story, we sit down with Kevin Seiff, a former Marine officer turned Navy SEAL who now leads the Vet Collective and co-hosts the Harder Not Smarter Podcast with Green Beret Greg VanDyne. 🦅🎙️ 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter. In this episode:
We dove into several challenges in Kevin’s route to become a Marine and SEAL, including two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and two attempts at Hell Weak in BUD/S. We also dive into great reads, why there’s no such thing as shortcuts when it comes to BUDS or Selection, overcoming swimmer induced pulmonary edema, the strange and slippery ritual that is Climbing Herndon Monument at the academy, stronger mindset, how some SEALs to stop chaffing in the more sensitive regions, and tough transitions out of the military into civilian life. Kevin’s Vet Collective is making waves with 80 members and a newsletter boasting over 6K subscribers! 🌊📬 He's on a mission to help fellow vets find purpose after service. Kevin spent 12 years in service ‘chasing the dragon’ as he calls it trying to find his way into combat which can even be a challenge within the Marines and SEALs. That said, he’s been undeterred in trying to help other vets navigate the transition out of uniform and find renewed purpose. With that, please enjoy this episode with Kevin Seiff. Join us as we dive deep into Kevin's story of determination, resilience, and dedication to helping others. 💪 🔗 Links:
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| Inside the Iron Triangle | Vietnam Combat in Pictures (from the time) | Kent Hillhouse Rd 2 | 25 May 2024 | 00:46:46 | |
Today we have a round two Combat Story with Kent Hillhouse where we recorded the episode with a screen available to look and talk through some more of his combat experiences with maps and photos from his time in service. Kent is a retired Major General who spent a year as a Platoon Leader and Tank Commander in Vietnam from August of 1967 to August of 1968. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter. We wanted to do a Round 2 with Kent after I spent some time with him following our first interview looking over some of his photos from his year in ‘Nam and bringing some of the stories to life. In this episode, we dive into the Tet Offensive, which Kent was a part of as his platoon was sitting close to the Cambodian border when it kicked off in late January 1968. We cover Kent’s months fighting in the Iron Triangle - an area notorious for being controlled by the enemy in dense vegetation and triple canopy jungles. We also hear a story of a fellow platoon leader who would go on to become a member of the storied SOG outfit following their initial rotation. If you didn’t catch Round 1 with Kent, he grew up in California and Georgia and attended San Jose State while part of ROTC. He ended up in tanks (Armor) thinking he’d see little combat given how challenging the terrain in Vietnam was for tanks. Little did he know he’d be in a fight for his life, emerging on the other side with a purple heart and two Silver Stars. He would go on to become a two star general and continues to support the veteran community leading our local Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos. If you’re just listening to this episode and not watching on YouTube, you may want to take a peak at the video version on YouTube to see some of the images we talk through to get a better feel for what it was really like. With that, please enjoy this second round discussion with Kent Hillhouse. You can support the Los Gatos Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation at https://honoravet.org/ Thanks to our sponsor - Mad Rabbit for taking care of your tattoos : For 25% off your order, head to MadRabbit.com/COMBATSTORY25 and use code COMBATSTORY25. #vietnamwar #veterans #army #combat 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
⏰ Show Notes:
Vietnam,Vietnam War,SOG,Special Operations,Tanks,Silver Star,Purple Heart,Cavalry,M48,M109,Veteran,Stories,Action,Adventure,Images,combat story,Tet Offensive,Cambodian border,Iron Triangle,platoon leader,tank commander,Major General,veteran community,combat experiences,RPG,AK-47,screen available,maps and photos,Nam
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| FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) Operator | SWAT & FBI Agent | Drug Squad | Bicycle Bandit | Operation Black Widow | Shaffer Security | Greg Shaffer | 18 May 2024 | 01:30:31 | |
Today we have a Combat Story first with Greg Shaffer, who spent a career in the FBI as an Agent, SWAT member, and Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) operator. He also started his career leading a patrol boat team in the Coast Guard before moving over to the Bureau. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. In this episode, we talk about the selection and entry process to both the FBI and HRT, the origins and mission of the HRT - which numbers fewer than 500 members since its inception in the early 1980s, one of the most successful surveillance and bust operations you’ll ever hear against the Bicycle Bandit, Operation Black Widow, border security, taking down targets and the hunting the deck of cards in Iraq with Delta Force and more. Greg now runs Shaffer Security Group that provides executive protection, active shooter response, investigations, firearms training and more. He also wrote Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World, which provides practical lessons on mindset, situational awareness, and self-defense. It took us too long to have our first Bureau agent and HRT operator on the show and we’ll absolutely be looking to have more. With that, please enjoy this hilarious but inspiring discussion with former FBI Agent and HRT operator Greg Shaffer. 🎙️ Find Greg online:
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⏰ Show Notes:
Greg is a former FBI agent, SWAT team member, and HRT operator. Discover the intensity of his career, including in-depth insights into high-stakes operations such as the Bicycle Bandit and DC Sniper cases. Greg discusses the complexities of HRT selection, major national security concerns, especially regarding border security, and the adrenaline-fueled world of elite FBI missions. Learn about his background, transition from the Coast Guard to the FBI, and the indispensable qualities required in law enforcement. This narrative provides a compelling look at true crime, FBI operations, and military strategies. | |||
| Commanding Tanks in Vietnam | Silver Star Mission | Armored Cavalry M48 Tanks in 'Nam | Kent Hillhouse (MG, Ret) | 11 May 2024 | 01:52:26 | |
Today we have a unique Combat Story where we hear about the armored cavalry in Vietnam from then Platoon Leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Kent Hillhouse. Kent would go on to retire as a Major General in the Army Reserve and has continued to support veterans leading his community’s Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. Many will likely be surprised to learn we had tanks in Vietnam given how the war has so frequently been depicted as a fight by infantrymen in the jungles. Kent’s firsthand accounts of commanding an M48 platoon from 1967 to 1968 provide an inside look at the way these tanks were employed, leveraged, and targeted. In this episode, we get into battling for your reputation, pushing through complex ambushes, near death experiences, trusting and leaning on your NCOs, taking the initiative, the responsibility of command, and never giving up. With that, please enjoy this amazing piece of history as we look at the age and employment of tanks in Vietnam with retired Major General Kent Hillhouse. #vietnamwar #warzone #combat #army Check out the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos at https://honoravet.org/ 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
⏰ Show Notes:
This interview combines the compelling experiences of Vietnam War veterans, including Kent Hillhouse's leadership in armored warfare with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and another veteran's close-quarters combat and survival instincts against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. It portrays the harrowing and unpredictable nature of the Vietnam War, detailing initial combat encounters, leadership challenges, intense ambushes, and the adaptation required to navigate the difficult terrain and psychological impacts of warfare. It also highlights moments of courage, quick decision-making, and the importance of camaraderie. Additionally, the narrative touches on post-war efforts to honor the sacrifices of veterans, weaving together personal stories of combat, survival, and the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.
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| Operator Syndrome Impact on Vets, Active Duty, Law Enforcement and the Special Operations Community | Chris Frueh | 04 May 2024 | 01:33:52 | |
This episode dives deep into the challenges and conditions dubbed 'Operator Syndrome' faced by veterans and active-duty members of the military, exploring both psychological and physical facets, including traumatic brain injury, PTSD, hormonal imbalances, low testosterone, existential issues, and more. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. The episode features insights from Dr. Chris Frueh, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating thousands of veterans, on the complexity of these issues and the effects on individuals and their families. It also highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, covering proper diet, sleep, medical care, and the support structures provided by organizations like the Warrior Health Foundation.
Additionally, it addresses the unique experiences of female operators and the broader implications of these syndromes across different nations and military roles.
Check out our interview with Derek Nadalini - former Delta Force operator featured in this video - at https://youtu.be/IjaGelOdV6U Special thanks to Mad Rabbit for sponsoring this video: For 25% off your order, head to MadRabbit.com/COMBATSTORY25 and use code COMBATSTORY25. 🎙️Find Chris Online: 🔗 Website https://chrisfrueh.com/ 📘 Book Operator Syndrome https://www.amazon.com/Operator-Syndrome-PhD-Chris-Frueh/dp/1962202070 📖 White Paper https://chrisfrueh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Frueh-et-al-2020-2.pdf 📸 Instagram: drchrisfrueh
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle #veterans #operatorsyndrome #ptsd #specialoperations ⏰ Show Notes:
What is Operator Syndrome?
From Chris' Research paper: We identified a consistent pattern of health-care difficulties within the special operation forces community that we and other special operation forces health-care providers have termed “Operator Syndrome.” This includes interrelated health and functional impairments including traumatic brain injury effects; endocrine dysfunction; sleep disturbance; obstructive sleep apnea; chronic joint/back pain, orthopedic problems, and headaches; substance abuse; depression and suicide; anger; worry, rumination, and stress reactivity; marital, family, and community dysfunction; problems with sexual health and intimacy; being “on guard” or hypervigilant; memory, concentration, and cognitive impairments; vestibular and vision impairments; challenges of the transition from military to civilian life; and common existential issues.
“Operator Syndrome” may be understood as the natural consequences of an extraordinarily high allostatic load; the accumulation of physiological, neural, and neuroendocrine responses resulting from the prolonged chronic stress; and physical demands of a career with the military special forces. Clinical research and comprehensive, intensive immersion programs are needed to meet the unique needs of this community.
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| Last Great Tank-on-Tank Battle | Battle of 73 Easting | Armored Cavalry | M1A1 Abrams | Tim Gauthier | 27 Apr 2024 | 01:54:41 | |
🔥 Dive deep into the heart of armored combat in this gripping interview with Tim Gauthier, a Platoon Leader during the iconic Battle of 73 Easting in Desert Storm! 🎖️ 🚀 From the tactical viewpoint of both a scout platoon leader and a tank commander, discover the intense preparation, reconnaissance, and combat strategies that shaped this pivotal tank-on-tank clash. 🛡️ 🤝 Experience the high-stakes world of M1A1 Abrams and Bradleys as they faced off against Iraqi T-72s and armored vehicles. Learn about the tactics, challenges, and crew dynamics that define the fierce realm of armored warfare. 🌍 💥 Uncover the critical lessons in leadership, speed, and initiative that emerged from the battlefield. Reflect on the broader impact of this battle on modern combat doctrine and the enduring bonds forged in the fires of conflict. 📚 👥 Join us as we explore the real stories of courage, strategy, and teamwork that secured a decisive victory, and delve into the profound human elements of warfare, from handling POWs to the deep camaraderie among soldiers. 💪 #tankwarfare #combat #military #M1A1 🌟 Don't miss out on this powerful recount of history and heroism! Show Notes:
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