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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.
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.
00:00 Introduction 00:36 Welcome to Combat Story 00:56 Meet Max Lauker: Swedish Special Operations 03:53 Growing Up in Sweden and Military Service 06:48 Choosing the Ranger Path 08:06 Swedish Special Operations Community 11:20 Joining the Arctic Rangers 15:34 Selection Process for Special Purpose Units 22:41 First Deployment: Latin America 29:16 Unexpected Mission in Venezuela 33:38 Team Deployment in Colombia 38:09 Official Mission in Kosovo 40:01 The Full Circle Mission in Kosovo 41:19 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Operations 44:22 Cross-Border Tensions and Discoveries 47:30 Reflections on the Kosovo Mission 49:22 Transition to Iraq: A Dangerous Deployment 52:50 Afghanistan: Intel and Direct Action 57:26 Lonely Intel Work in Eastern Europe 01:10:54 The Challenges of Counterintelligence 01:15:27 Writing the Book: A New Mission 01:20:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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!).
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.
00:00 Intro 00:34 Introduction to Combat Story 00:53 Randy Searles' Military Journey 01:49 Lancero School Challenges 02:38 Jungle Survival Training 12:10 Mission in South America 17:34 Early Deployment to Afghanistan 41:19 Adapting to New Equipment and Strategies 42:16 Unexpected Challenges and Base Management 44:56 IED Encounters and Tactical Adjustments 49:20 Leadership and Tactical Raids 54:30 Hostage Rescue in Colombia 01:10:51 Military Editor and Skill Bridge Program 01:19:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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.
Find Michelle on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledigruttolo/
📖 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.
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#CombatStory #MilitaryIntelligence #PDBBriefer
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Guest Introduction: Michelle DiCartullo
01:22 Michelle's Role as PDB Briefer
03:00 Insights into Intelligence Analysis
08:08 The Path to Becoming a PDB Briefer
18:26 Early Career and Military Experience
38:26 Tactical Missions in Korea
39:13 Life as an Officer in Korea
39:42 Differences Between Intel and Service Personnel
40:42 9/11: A Personal Account
41:51 Counterterrorism Operations During the Surge
43:00 Challenges of Analytic Work in Counterterrorism
44:52 Daily Life of a Deployed Branch Chief
46:31 Building Morale and Team Spirit
49:28 Rewards and Challenges of Targeting Work
50:40 Standing Up the CJIATF in Afghanistan
54:05 The Bin Laden Raid and Its Impact
57:21 Reflections on a Diverse Military Career
01:05:27 The Role of a PDB Briefer
01:12:40 A Tough Night for the PDB Briefer
01:13:51 Initial Signs of Trouble in Benghazi
01:14:59 Realization and Response
01:16:51 Disagreement with the Analyst
01:19:22 Briefing the President
01:20:29 Aftermath and Fallout
01:23:50 Leaks and Challenges
01:30:50 Reflections on Mentorship and Leadership
01:34:41 Current Work and Insights
01:39:02 Personal Touches and Sentimental Items
01:40:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
UK SAS Sergeant Major | 7/7 SAS Ground CDR | Who Dares Wins TV | The Hard Way | Billy Billingham
24 Sep 2022
01:45:21
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Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear an incredible Combat Story from across the pond from a legendary UK SAS operator Billy Billingham who served over 30 years with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, Africa, and many other places we can’t discuss.
Billy came from an extremely challenging childhood drinking and fighting on the streets of Birmingham to being appointed a Member of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen for his efforts on select hostage rescues and serving as the SAS Ground Commander on what is known as 7/7 or the deadly coordinated attacks in London on July 7th, 2005.
Billy went from being the absolute elite leader, working alongside our own Delta and DEVGRU operators for years in the post-9/11 world, to hanging up his uniform and finding a new path. He has know written an autobiography aptly titled ‘The Hard Way’ and two fiction novels based on his own exploits titled ‘Call to Kill’ and ‘Survive to Fight’ (think SAS meets 007).
He is also a lead on two incredibly successful programs in the UK and Australia titled “SAS: Who Dares Wins” where he and other special operators take civilians and celebrities through punishing special ops training; he shared that the show is coming to the US soon! He and his wife run a charity organization and he does public speaking engagements across the UK.
I hope you enjoy this incredibly humble story that takes us inside the “Interest Room” (which I learned is the term for the SAS Team Room) and the highs and lows of a life well-lived at the tip of the spear from our UK brothers and sisters as much as I did.
- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Guest Introduction (Billy Billingham)
2:36 - Interview begins
5:11 - Rough childhood in Peaky Blinders neighborhood in Birmingham, England
17:26 -Cadet School experience
22:12 - Overcoming getting burned by caustic soda at 15 yrs old and almost dying in a gang fight to still join the military
28:30 - Joining The Second Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 PARA)
30:03 - Lessons from the PARAs and first jump in the jungle of Belize
42:48 - First time in a combat zone in Cypress
44:23 - Fighting terrorists in Ireland
48:15 - Why SAS route and the brutal training and selection process
57:50 - Path after SAS selection into Mountain Troupe
1:01:25 - Excitement of first op in first week as SAS
1:04:17 - Squad "Interest rooms"
1:05:45 - The squadron dynamic and respect for those who came before
1:09:21 - Why the B Squadron are characterized as the "rogues"
1:11:12 - Combat Story - A hostage rescue during a bloody time in Bosnia
1:19:36 - The sixth sense that comes with experience
1:2102 - Emotions after a mission and after getting out
1:24:25 - Where were you on 7/7 during London bombings?
1:27:56 - TV show "SAS: Who Dares Wins" and what is coming to the US
1:30:40 - "The Hard Way" autobiography and "Call to Kill" novel
1:35:46 - What did you carry into combat?
1:39:40 - Would you do it again?
1:42:55 - Listener comments and shout outs
This video covers the following subjects:
- SAS Sergeant Major
- 7/7 SAS Ground CDR
- SAS Ground Commander
- UK SAS operator Billy Billingham
Billy is a certified SF and Counter Terrorist Sniper Instructor, Advanced Evasive Driving Instructor, Tracking/Jungle Warfare/Navigation Instructor, Demolition/Sabotage Instructor, Ski Mountaineering/Rock Climbing/Abseiling/Ice climbing Instructor, Combat Survival/RTI Instructor, Counter Terrorist Instructor (all options) and has worked as a Patrol Medic/Trauma Life Support agent for 5 hospital attachments.
If you would like to learn more about SAS Sergeant Major, Billy Billingham I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ
_________________________
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Combat Engineer | First Female Reservist Ranger School Graduate | Engineer | Talent War | Lisa Jaster
17 Sep 2022
02:01:05
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Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear a unique Combat Story from Ranger-qualified and former Engineer in combat Lisa Jaster who was the first female reservist to complete Ranger School…at the age of 37 with two kids!
Lisa is still in the reserves and recently rotated out of Battalion Command where she led Combat Engineers as she did early in the post-9/11 era as a young active-duty lieutenant, including in 2002 in Afghanistan, 2003 in Iraq, and back to Iraq 15 years later.
Her story is remarkable and highlights how much harder she worked to reach levels many others take for granted. She’s a West Point grad and stood on the shoulders of the brave women who came before her in breaking the barrier of women at the Academy only to break a similar barrier herself.
Beyond being a sought-after public speaker, accomplished entrepreneur, and part of retired DEVGRU Mike Sarraille’s Talent War Group, Lisa is also a competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter and CrossFit athlete and is getting ready to release her first book that describes her journey.
This is a phenomenal and wide-ranging interview with an accomplished, tough-as-nails Ranger and I hope you enjoy her story of perseverance as much as I did.
6:06 - Being an unconventional Military couple and making sure her son can fight
10:06 - Childhood as a naturally driven person and where the military comes in
14:55 - Funny story of Army interview
17:16 - Going to West Point and and choosing Engineer Branch after graduating
27:37 - What is Engineers and their role in Afghanistan 2002
33:24 - Where were you on 9/11?
41:06 - Story about combat patches
45:01 - How an engineer prepares for deployment
47:48 - Family and feelings before and during a dangerous deployment
53:47 - "There's no book for this" and funny story of trying to communicate with Pakistani man
55:27 - Building the airfield in Afghanistan and funny story about constructing the sewage pond
58:27 - From Afghanistan to Iraq
and being an SME as a First Lieutenant
1:06:42 - Processing difficult experiences and how jujiostu helped
1:09:33 - Ranger school
1:21:17 - Advice for someone wanting to go to BUD/S or Ranger School
1:29:04 - Hell Week at Ranger School
and being in the first ever class with women
1:43:57 -Mixed emotions on graduating Ranger School
1:47:48 - Full circle moment meeting author Carol Barkalow
1:51:36 - What's the first thing you ate coming out of Ranger School?
1:52:46 - What did you carry into combat?
1:55:08 - Would you do it again?
1:57:11 - Listener comments and shout outs
This video covers the following subjects: - First Female Reservist Ranger School Graduate - Ranger School - Combat Leader - Combat Engineer Lisa Jaster Maj. Lisa Jaster, an Army Reserve soldier, performs a fireman's carry-on on a simulated casualty during the Ranger Course at Ft. Benning, GA. The 37-year-old engineer and mother of two children, aged 7 and 3, is the first female Army Reserve officer to graduate from Ranger School.
When Maj. Lisa Jaster walks across Victory Pond Friday at Fort Benning, she will secure her role in history as the first female Army Reserve officer to earn the distinctive black-and-gold shoulder tab. However, the 37-year-old engineer and mother of two children, aged 7 and 3, is the third female to graduate from the grueling combat leadership course, joining the ranks of fellow West Point graduates and Active Duty officers Capt. Kristen Griest, 26, and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, 25.
If you would like to learn more about First Female Reservist Ranger School Graduate, Lisa Jaster I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ _________________________
Have I responded to all of your questions about First Female Reservist Ranger School Graduate, Lisa Jaster? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what I can help you with or information on First Female Reservist Ranger School Graduate, Lisa Jaster.
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear a Combat Story from the very tip of the spear from “Dutch” Chris Moyer, a long-time special operator who spent 14 years in Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in addition to years at 1/75 Ranger Battalion, and CIA’s Global Response Staff (GRS).
Dutch walks us through a very open and honest approach to what it’s like operating in the elite ranks for so long, including the pressure, brotherhood, and chaos. He doesn’t shy away from sharing where he felt he fell short, and how, even after decades of service he still felt like he had more to give.
He saw combat in multiple theaters in the pre-and post-9/11 era, fighting at the same time as and friends with many of the former Tier 1 operators we’ve heard on this show.
Be sure to stick through to the end where we hear Dutch describe his own “Mr. Goodbar” story (if you don’t know about Mr. Goodbar, check out Episode 30) where Dutch ends up in a room one on one having to fight none other than John “Shrek” McPhee (from Episode 25 https://youtu.be/6hvQj06fQUQ).
It’s hilarious. Dutch now runs DCM Consulting where he teaches military, government, and civilians how to apply the skills he learned in the Tier 1 community from shooting to CQB to leadership.
In fact, when I reached out to Dutch I had to leave him a message and his voicemail was one of the best I’ve ever heard and said something like “You’ve reached Dutch, I can’t take your call because I’m out on the range shooting, teaching CQB, or doing some other cool shit right now…”
I hope you enjoy this incredible peak behind the curtain of what it’s like in one of the most elite units in our military.
The video is all about Delta Force Sergeant Major, Dutch Moyer. If you want to learn more about Combat Story, you can click: https://www.combatstory.com/
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - Guest Introduction (Dutch Moyer)
2:15 - Interview begins
11:09 - Not being a naturally gifted shooter
18:55 - Important characteristics someone should have on a team
26:33 - Earning another nickname, Simon, after "blowing himself up" with a Simon device prepping for a mission in Bosnia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un-ApklIvj4)
41:10 - “Coolest thing I’ve ever done…” The difference coming back and what it is like at the different operational levels from Ranger to Tier 1 JSOC elements
50:51 - Getting through selection
58:13 - Imposter syndrome and how he handled shooting a paint round into the wall in the team room.
1:03:21 - Combat Story - Longest air assault raid in history
1:09:53 - The role of a Breacher
1:16:29 - Stories of hard landings and crashes including a rooftop helicopter crash
1:21:31 - Combat Story - Things go sideways during an ambush in Fallujah
1:26:04 - Transitioning out of the elite level and wishing he had done more
1:43:54 - DCM consulting for leadership through the evolutionary gun fighter process
1:45:55 - What did you carry into combat?
1:46:35 - Would you do it again?
1:49:17 - Story of fighting John “Shrek” McPhee in hand to hand combat at the end of training
1:52:50 - Listener comments and shout outs
This video covers the following subjects:
- Delta Force Sergeant Major - Ranger Battalion - CIA GRS - DCM Consulting Dutch Moyer DCM Consulting Founder Christopher “Dutch”
Moyer served 31 years in the Army – 26 of those in Special Operations.
He has taken part in over 1,000 successful combat assaults in classified & unclassified missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He found that the Army in the 1980s was not what he had hoped. After a five-year break, he returned. This time he “Wanted to be in the worst possible places with the best possible people.”
He became an Army Ranger and spent the last 14 years of his career with the elite Joint Special Operations Command. JSOC was created after the disastrous “Desert One” mission.
If you would like to learn more about Delta Force Sergeant Major, Dutch Moyer, I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ _________________________
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Marine Corps Officer | Combat Leadership | Talent War Group | Joe McNamara
03 Sep 2022
01:47:20
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Joe McNamara, a former Marine Corps officer who experienced a unique kind of violence from his time on campus at Virginia Tech during the horrific 2007 shooting to leading Marines in combat in Afghanistan.
After leaving the service, Joe founded a leadership development company called Impact USA that trained both elite athletes and private sector leaders. Impact was recently acquired by Mike Sarraille’s Talent War Group, where Joe is now a partner and Chief Revenue Officer.
Many will recall a fantastic interview with Mike (episode 70 https://youtu.be/v4TPJtkZrek), the former enlisted Marine who went on to Force Recon then served as an officer in SEALs and, eventually, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). The fact that someone like Mike who went through that crucible of leadership experiences went on to acquire Impact says a lot about what Joe does to develop leaders.
This episode dives between combat experiences and the leadership lessons we can apply to our lives, from the foxhole to athletics to the office. In fact, Joe answers two questions I’ve always had: how do you create a sense of shared adversity in a corporate setting and how do you find time to train corporate leaders without taking them off operations for a full six to 12 months the way the military does it.
I hope you enjoy this Combat Story with a battle hardened Marine Corps officer and some of the tangible leadership lessons we can all apply from his experiences as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - About our sponsor, Let's Get Checked 1:57 - Guest Introduction (Joe McNamara) 3:46 - Interview begins 5:13 - Childhood and path to the military 10:04 - Support for Combat Story brought to you by Manscaped 11:24 - Somber stories of courage and leadership from the school shooting at Virginia Tech 22:08 - When certain experiences harden you emotionally 25:10 - The most impactful leadership advice from Marine Corps mentors 30:40 - Training and what it was like in Afghanistan with insane amount of IEDs 40:31 - Being in a leadership role at 20-21 years old and the most important attribute in leadership 44:12 - Combat Story - What it is like as infantry men when your vehicle gets hit by massive IED 53:47 - Combat Story - First time someone in his platoon was hit while on foot 1:00:24 - What an "XO" is in the military and what the role entails 1:04:24 - Combat Story - How leadership planning and drills show up after a mass casualty event 1:14:29 - Formative Company Command time at Paris Island 1:24:55 - Where the idea for Impact Leadership came from 1:28:10 - Replicating shared adversity and military training in corporate sector 1:36:03 - The biggest challenges seen in corporate leadership 1:39:55 - What did you carry into combat? 1:40:39 - Would you do it again? 1:43:26 - Listener comments and shout outs
Marine Sniper from D1 College Football | Team Rubicon & Groundswell Founder | Jake Wood | Combat Story Episode 88
27 Aug 2022
01:35:06
This video is sponsored by Aura. Get a 14 day free trial at http://aura.com/combatstory to secure yourself online and support Combat Story!
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Jake Wood, a former University of Wisconsin football player who enlisted in the Marine Corps and fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine Rifleman and Sniper. One of the key moments that led him to the Marine Corps was the death of Pat Tillman, the legendary NFL Safety who walked away from the League and joined the Army after 9/11, eventually being killed while serving as a Ranger in Afghanistan.
Jake found himself leading Marines at the very front end of the “Surge” in Iraq and the bloodiest year of the wars, stepping into a kinetic environment only weeks after arriving in the theater. He was then in Helmand Province in Afghanistan as a sniper.
Only two months after leaving the Marine Corps, Jake went on to found the humanitarian support organization Team Rubicon after hastily organizing what he describes as a “Motley Crew” of veterans and doctors to help the people of Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. He recently created another charitable giving business called Groundswell which seeks to democratize philanthropic giving.
In 2018, Jake was awarded the Pat Tillman ESPY for service (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Xef8StXi8), bringing his story full circle from Tillman’s death that propelled Jake into this life of service. I hope you enjoy this unique and insightful interview with someone who played football at the highest level and then selflessly decided to put on a different uniform to help others as much as I did.
Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 0:27 - About our sponsor, Aura 2:28 - Guest Introduction (Jake Wood) 4:22 - Interview begins 5:00 - Football's influence in life and position played 13:23 - Family history and a perspective on a college campus protest in March 2003 17:30 - The significant events and people like Pat Tillman which lead to joining 23:36 - Funny recruitment stories and why Marine Corps Infantry 28:22 - Training with Pugil sticks in bootcamp as an elite football player 31:16 - Getting out of the training pipeline and into a Marine Rifle Platoon 37:58 - First "boots on the ground" moment in Iraq and first time taking mortar fire 40:27 - Combat Story - Driving into IEDs while in Humvees 49:59 - The bloody realities of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan 53:25 - Combat Story - Injuries and booby traps during the bloodiest year of the Iraq war 1:00:14 - What do you tell your family? 1:01:23 - Marine Sniper School experience 1:03:13 - Combat Story - The tough operating environment in Afghanistan 1:08:54 - How snipers desensitize themselves 1:10:52 - Combat Story - Taliban attack and tending to injured civilian children 1:12:36 - Transitioning out and how Team Rubicon Disaster Response started 1:21:34 - Groundswell 1:25:48 - What did you carry into combat? 1:27:33 - Would you do it again? 1:29:04 - Accepting the Pat Tillman award 1:30:24 - Listener comments and shout outs
The video is all about Marine Sniper from D1 College Football, Jake Wood. If you want to learn more about Combat Story, you can click: https://www.combatstory.com/
This video covers the following subjects:
- Marine Sniper from D1 College Football - Marine Sniper - Marine Scout Snipers - Team Rubicon and Groundswell Founder
January 12, 2010. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Port-au-Prince. In moments, hundreds of thousands were injured, infrastructure and buildings were destroyed, and countless were made homeless. In the days following, many traditional aid organizations were slow to establish relief efforts, citing dangerous and unstable working conditions. Troubled by the scenes in Port-au-Prince and the lack of proper aid, two Marines, Jake Wood and William McNulty, decided to act. Gathering supplies and volunteers, the small group of veterans, first responders, and medical professionals deployed to Haiti in the days following the earthquake.
If you would like to learn more about Marine Sniper from D1 College Football, Jake Wood I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ _________________________
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Marine Special Operator | Silver Star | CIA GRS | Savage Actual | Jason Lilley (Combat Story Ep. 87)
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Jason Lilley, a former Marine infantryman, Marine Recon, sniper, MARSOC, and then CIA Global Response Staff (or GRS) operator. As many are aware, Jason is the other half of the veteran media company Savage Actual (https://www.youtube.com/c/savageactual), with his co-host Patrick Moltrup having been a guest on our show on Episode 26 (https://youtu.be/YmOkCKtpvGk).
Jason survived brutal fighting in the initial invasion of Iraq with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion alongside journalist Evan Wright who would go on to write the book Generation Kill which was transformed into an HBO series by the same name, depicting some of the battles we talk about in this episode (watch more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLlHcwJ5vS4).
In another deployment, Jason earned a Silver Star during a battle on April 7th, 2004 in Iraq that was later depicted in the History Channel program “Ambush of April 7th” (https://www.history.com/shows/the-warfighters/season-1/episode-5#:~:text=On%20April%207%2C%202004%20a,in%20the%20War%20on%20Terror). It is believed to be the most decorations awarded for a single battle during the war, which included four Silver Stars, multiple Purple Hearts, and two Navy Crosses (one award posthumously).
We didn’t want to shortchange listeners on Jason’s incredible stories so we’ll schedule a round two to dive into his time with MARSOC and the CIA. This episode is chalked full of combat experiences with a very human, empathetic, and thoughtful lens that I know you will enjoy as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - About our sponsor, Better Help 3:01 - Guest Introduction (Jason Lilley) 4:16 - Interview begins and a story of confronting Stolen Valor 12:48 - Childhood in a family of musicians and being bullied 17:56 - Joining the Marines in 2000 22:54 - Advice for young people going through tough times 24:55 - Path from infantry "grunt" to Recon 28:22 - Combat Story - First combat experience taking a Scud before crossing the border into Iraq 34:10 - Auditioning to play himself in Generation Kill (HBO TV series about his platoon) 39:40 - Story of finding a buried enemy helicopter and rockets 40:53 - Combat Story - first time close to danger accidentally driving through heavy fire 49:11 - Combat Story - Perilous engagement in a airfield 58:00 - Being back home after being in combat 1:01:06 - Mindset going in to second deployment 1:04:51 - Combat Story - 7, April, 2004 Silver Star event during second deployment 1:29:13 - Feelings about awards and ceremonies 1:35:04 - Taking a break and then transitioning to MARSOC 1:38:50 - A negative Hollywood experience and starting a media company 1:47:21 - What did you carry into combat? 1:49:48 - Would you do it again? 1:52:52 - Listener comments and shout outs
The video is all about Marine Special Operator, Jason Lilley. If you want to learn more about Jason Lilley, you can click: https://www.combatstory.com/
This video covers the following subjects:
- Marine Special Operator - Silver Star - CIA GRS - Savage Actual
United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that comprises the Marine Corps' contribution to SOCOM. Its core capabilities are direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense.
If you would like to learn more about Marine Special Operator, Jason Lilley I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyA... _________________________ Have I responded to all of your questions about Marine Special Operator, Jason Lilley? If you were searching for more info about Marine Special Operator or Jason Lilley did this video help? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what else I can help you with or information on Marine Special Operator, Jason Lilley.
Marine Special Operator | Battle of Fallujah | MARSOC | Financial Podcaster | Christian Holloway | Combat Story Ep. 86
13 Aug 2022
02:42:24
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Today we hear a Combat Story from a long-time Combat Story listener Christian Holloway, a former Marine who was part of the initial invasion into Iraq, fought in both Fallujah I and II, and was one of the first Marines in what we now know as Marine Special Operations Command or MARSOC.
Christian was just 18 years old when he crossed the line of departure into Iraq for the initial invasion alongside M1A1 tanks in his Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV).
He was then clearing buildings on foot in Fallujah alongside his Marine brothers, was among the first to see the effects of IEDs and what later became a very common and lethal enemy TTP, and was then in the elite special operations community training foreign militaries as a force multiplier.
Since leaving the military, Christian continued to train service members in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) as a contractor and now hosts a financial information program on YouTube.
This is a great Combat Story that follows the path from the tactical perspective of the Marine infantryman to the strategic MARSOC operator and I hope you enjoy his humble insights as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Guest Introduction (Christian Holloway) 1:59 - Interview begins 2:40 - Growing up in Texas 7:31 - Why Marine Corps and recruitment story 10:44 - Training and preparing for deployment only 4 months after after boot camp and school of infantry 17:13 - Preparing for first deployment invading Iraq at only 18 years old 20:48 - MOPP levels and the nuclear, biological and chemical threat 24:53 - Combat Story - Engaged by an artillery unit and the invasion of Iraq 33:10 - Combat Story - An armor to armor engagement 55:27 - Combat Story - 48 hour engagement 1:18:01 - almost dying in Baghdad from celebratory fire 1:21:03 -Fallujah 1 fighting the insurgency and the first in incorporation of IED tactics 1:35:52 - Combat Story - a very persistent engagement 1:56:24 - Joining what would later be known as MARSOC and the intense training course 2:24:42 - Transition to contractor 2:27:42 - Refelctions on being in combat at 18 years old 2:30:45 - Personal Finance YouTube channel 2:37:19 - What did you carry into combat? 2:39:08 - Would you do it again? 2:40:21 - Listener comments and shout outs
CIA Legendary Ops Officer | Fighting Terrorists | Senior CIA Officer | Author of Black Ops | Enrique ‘Ric’ Prado | Combat Story Ep. 84
23 Jul 2022
01:37:01
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Today we have a phenomenal Combat Story with our first dedicated insight from a legendary CIA Case Officer, Paramilitary Operations Officer, and Senior Leader Enrique ‘Ric’ Prado, who fought terrorists from the jungles of Central America with the storied Special Activities Division to eventally overseeing all Agency operations at the helm of the counterterrorism center.
[Support us on Patreon and get exclusive content and insights at www.patreon.com/combatstory, including additional photos of Ric and a story of the hardest training course he ever went through]
Before joining the Agency, Ric successfully completed the famed Pararescue or PJ pipeline but did not, despite multiple volunteer attempts, have the opportunity to fight in Vietnam. Instead, Ric would see plenty of operations and battles but with the CIA, where he was operating as a solo Paramilitary Ops Officers or PMOO in the Nicaraguan jungles in his first tour.
Early in his career Ric first came into contact with and was then mentored by some of the Agency’s giants like Cofer Black, Duey Clarridge, Bill Buckley, William Casey, and more. As you’ll see during this interview, these are all names I know and revere so I was star struck hearing Ric’s stories about these giants and just spending time with Ric, who many of these heavyweights consider one of the best CIA operators of his time.
On 9/11, Ric was the Chief of Operations (or C/OPS as the role is know inside the building) of the counterterrorism center, responsible for all counterterrorism operations for the whole CIA. After leaving the service, Ric founded a successful company where he continued to take the fight to the enemy and recently wrote a great book that gives a true behind the scenes look at the wide ranging, unpredictable and often dangerous life of a CIA operations officer.
This is one of my favorite interviews to date and I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain of the premier covert intelligence organization from one of its legends as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:47 - Guest Introduction (Ric Prado) 2:41 - Interview begins 3:42 - Growing up in Cuba during the revolution in the 1950s and coming to America without his parents 11:46 - Gratitude as an American and choosing life of service 14:54 - The Pararescue Pipeline and becoming a PJ 20:49 - Joining Ground Branch/Special Activities Division in the CIA and role as a Paramilitary Officer 25:11 - The type of work he was doing with the Agency early on and the rewarding feeling of being able to do something about injustice 29:10 - Story of first contact fighting on the front lines during the 1980s Cold War 34:32 - Feelings of being down range after not getting the chance in Vietnam 37:05 - How early experiences informed his role later as Chief of Operations Counterterrorism Center and a story of how street savvy saved him 46:46 - Being a solo operator 47:40 - Working with CIA legends Dewey Clarridge and Bill Casey 51:02 - About the LA (Latin American) Division 54:22 - Legend Joe Fernandez requesting him by name and working more traditional undercover ops 57:17 - Making his first recruitments in Costa Rica 1:02:47 - Role in Alec Station tracking Osama bin Laden 1:10:21 - 9/11 and being Chief of Operations at the Counterterrorism Center 1:16:23 - Story of a particularly dangerous mission 1:25:10 - Story of learning he was under surveillance 1:30:46 - What did you carry with you on missions? 1:32:29 - Would you do it again? 1:34:55 - Hear more on Patreon 1:35:35 - Listener comments and shout outs
Becoming a Navy SEAL Not Knowing how to Swim | Terminal List | Actor | Author | Remi Adeleke | Combat Story Ep. 83
16 Jul 2022
01:31:02
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Today’s Combat Story is one of perseverance and hustle on another level. We hear from Remi Adeleke who deployed multiple times as a Navy SEAL, but only after overcoming a truly difficult childhood of being stripped of his family’s wealth in Nigeria to hustling on the streets of the Bronx to make ends meet.
Remi would be one of those rare people who wanted to become a SEAL even though he couldn’t swim, just to give you an idea of his attitude and beliefs.
After leaving the service, Remi has done it all. He was contacted by Hollywood and has either acted in or advised on multiple blockbuster movies and shows like Transformers, SEAL Team, and most recently the Terminal List with Chris Pratt. He’s also a best selling author with a fantastic book “Transformed: A Navy SEAL's Unlikely Journey from the Throne of Africa, to the Streets of the Bronx, to Defying All Odds,” a clothing line called Kojo and more.
This is a true Combat Story of not just overcoming the odds down range, but overcoming every obstacle life in the inner city can throw at you.
Find Remi Online: - Instagram @remiadeleke - Twitter @remiadeleke - Kojo Wear Clothing Line - Book Transformed: A Navy SEAL's Unlikely Journey from the Throne of Africa, to the Streets of the Bronx, to Defying All Odds - Muskegon Maritime Academy https://muskegonmaritimeacademy.org/
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:27 - Guest Introduction (Remi Adeleke) 2:00 - Interview begins 4:26 - About his family’s tribe from Nigeria and what it means to him today 7:12 - Growing up in Nigeria 13:16 - Formative years spent hustling in the Bronx 24:24 - Why the military? 27:58 - Being in NYC on 9/11 30:56 - An influential recruitment officer and getting his record cleared 34:43 - Becoming a SEAL without knowing how to swim 39:01 - First deployment experience 43:10 - Combat Story - First time outside the wire as a Humvee gunner 45:30 - Being an African American in the SEAL teams and how being black helped down range 50:25 - How his time in the Bronx gave him skills in the military 52:17 - Direct action ops and running sources 57:56 - Combat Story - a quick snatch and grab operation that turned into 14 hours with an intense foot chase 1:08:22 - The decision to get out 1:11:55 - Getting the call to work on Transformers without a formal audition and how he got into acting and consulting 1:21:50 - Starting the Muskegon Maritime Academy, a military themed charter school 1:26:59 - What did you carry into combat? 1:27:32 - Would you do it again? 1:27:50 - What do you think your old man would be saying now? 1:28:31 - Listener comments and shout outs
This interview is all about special operations and special operators. If you want to learn more about special opertaions, you can click: https://www.combatstory.com/
This interview is describing what it takes to be in special operations but also try to cover the following subjects:
- What are special operations? - Combat Story - Remi Adeleke - Navy SEALs - Combat Operations
Remi Adeleke was born in Western Africa, but following the death of his father, he, his mother, and his brother relocated permanently to the Bronx in New York City. After years of making regrettable decisions, Remi joined the Navy in 2002 and later became a Navy SEAL. Ending his successful naval career in 2016, he was led to pursue a career in speaking and acting. Remi holds a BS in organizational leadership and an MS in strategic leadership, both from the University of Charleston West Virginia. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Cayden and Caleb.
Speaking about joining the team, Adeleke said: “Since I departed from the military in 2016 my main focus in life has been to inspire, motivate and educate people — whether through writing, speaking, or visual storytelling."
If you would like to learn more about Remi Adeleke I suggest you look into our various other video clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ _________________________ Have I responded to all of your questions about what are special operations? Individuals who searched for Remi Adeleke also searched for Navy SEALs and we have interviews with many Navy SEALs at www.combatstory.com, including those in Naval Special Warfare Development Group (or DEVGRU), which many people refer to as SEAL Team Six.
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:
Professor Site:
Visit Nick's faculty page at Penn State for more information about his academic work.
📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
⏰ Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
01:04 Guest Introduction: Nicholas Eftimiades
03:05 Nick's Career Journey
05:14 Language Skills and Early Career
14:13 Writing the Seminal Book on Chinese Intelligence
20:04 Challenges and Investigations
25:39 Understanding Chinese Espionage Motivations
42:40 Google Engineer's Espionage Case
44:22 Nick's Childhood and Early Influences
45:42 Overview of Chinese Intelligence Organizations
47:59 Internal Politics and Purges in China
49:28 China's Global Influence and Espionage Tactics
01:04:19 The Threat of TikTok and AI
01:13:43 Nick's Career Reflections and Advice
01:24:38 Conclusion and Listener Comments
Creation of JSOC and 1st Ranger BN | Vietnam Veteran | Pablo Escobar Hunter | Keith Nightingale | Combat Story Ep. 82
09 Jul 2022
01:46:54
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Today we have a special Combat Story that takes us from commanding in bloody fighting in Vietnam to some of the seminal moments in our military’s Special Operations history, all courtesy of retired colonel Keith Nightingale.
Keith served two tours in Vietnam, one as an adviser to the Vietnamese where he learned jungle warfare from one of the most interesting and lethal characters in country, followed by taking command of an infantry company in the 101st that had just been wiped out, literally, hours earlier.
Keith was a founding member of the 1st Ranger Battalion when it was created by Gen Creighton Abrams in 1974-later commanding both that battalion and the Ranger brigade. He then gives us a fly on the wall perspective of the Desert One catastrophe and the subsequent birth and creation of what we know today as JSOC, to include why we have DIA, 160th, Delta and more.
We even touch on Keith’s time as the DoD lead tracking down none other than the Drug Kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Keith has gone on to write three books, “Just Another Day in Vietnam”, “Phoenix Rising: From the Ashes of Desert One to the Rebirth of U.S. Special Operations,” and “A Soldier Looks Back: Memories and Reflections of a Combat Veteran, from Normandy to Afghanistan.”
This was a memorable Combat Story that gives us a look inside some of the most significant moments that created the modern US military we all know and love today.
0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Guest Introduction (Keith Nightingale) 2:17 - Interview begins 2:40 - What he did in the army 3:24 - how the military was “in his DNA” and being the first officer in the family that served as a career 7:30 - Getting orders to go to Vietnam and the most influential person in helping become a battlefield leader 18:10 - Combat Story #1 - first contact in Vietnam 24:59 - A “karmic” approach to combat learned in Vietnam 26:57 - Combat Story #2 - a long night in Vietnam 36:03 - Going back to Vietnam with Delta company 43:14 - An intense training in leadership 46:27 - Combat Story #3 - First time in the field with Delta and his leadership strategy for low morale 56:43 - The founding of JSOC and 1st Ranger Battalion 1:05:43 - Combat Story #4 - Operation Eagle Claw 1:32:57 - Tracking down Pablo Escobar 1:40:42 - What did you carry into combat? 1:41:54 - Would you do it again? 1:42:53 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story (Ep. 81): The Real 13 Hours in Benghazi | Ranger | CIA GRS | Author | Entrepreneur | Kris ‘Tanto’ Paronto
02 Jul 2022
01:35:45
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Today’s Combat Story is near and dear to my heart for reasons I can’t share because they’re classified. We hear the firsthand account from one of the men involved in the brutal 13 hours of fighting in Benghazi in 2012, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, who would later co-author the book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi” and advise Director Michael Bay and the cast who created the movie of the same name.
This is one of my favorite episodes. Time flew by as we touched on so many topics from the learnings Kris shared in two other books (The Patriot's Creed: Inspiration and Advice for Living a Heroic Life and The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield) to insight into what it meant to be a part of the CIA’s GRS or Global Response Staff (read this CIA Career page to hear how interesting this job is and trust me when I say these guys were great: https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/protective-agent/) to how it felt the moment he and a handful of selfless other men decided to defy direct orders from above and risk their lives for other Americans in Libya.
There’s ZERO politics in this episode. If you’re looking for that, you won’t find it here. This is all about what happened to the people on the ground at the time, which made me appreciate Kris and his perspective even more.
Since leaving the military and Agency, Kris has become a serial entrepreneur with a clothing line, vodka brand, podcast, shooting and medical training courses, and is now making his tactical programs more of an experience with E3 Firearms which goes beyond just hitting the range and is something that I think many of our listeners will want to be a part of.
I hope you appreciate this wide ranging, hilarious, and selfless Combat Story as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Guest Introduction (Kris Paronto) 2:25 - Interview begins 2:47 - How he got his call sign “Tanto” 6:30 - Background info on CIA GRS 11:43 - The GRS driving training course 13:20 - The detailed prep work involved in going into country somewhere as GRS 21:15 - Childhood, sports, and adrenaline rushes 26:33 - Why did you choose the military path? 30:10 - Time with the Rangers 36:58 - Getting kicked out of the Army 48:15 - Motivation for writing book “The Ranger Way” 50:51 - Why GRS? 56:47 - Getting a black passport and examples of GRS missions 1:05:13 - Benghazi 2012 and the endurance that you need to make it through a 13 hour gun fight 1:12:22 - Benghazi 2012 Waiting for authorization are deciding to do the QRF (quick reaction force) 1:17:59 - The significance of true sacrifice 1:20:41 - His current projects including Battleline Tactical, podcast, vodka company, and E3 Farms Association 1:26:25 - What did you carry into combat? 1:28:59 - Would you do it again? 1:32:27 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story (Ep. 80): Green Beret | Sergeant Major | Australian SASR Exchange | Talent War Group | Josh Johnson
25 Jun 2022
01:41:26
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Today we hear the Combat Story of a long-time Green Beret, combat veteran, and retired Sergeant Major Josh Johnson.
Josh spent multiple years downrange in Iraq and Afghanistan, many with 1st Special Forces Group, in combat where he led from the front but also spent years teaching other Green Berets and partner forces.
Josh was selected as an Exchange Officer to the Australian Special Air Services Regiment where he trained and fought alongside our very close Australian brethren. In his last two years of service, Josh focused specifically on leadership development and training.
Since leaving the service, Josh has continued training and developing leaders, this time with Mike Sarraille’s Talent War Group where Josh is a Partner and Senior VP of Leadership Development.
I hope you enjoy this interesting and wide-ranging Combat Story as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:41 - Guest Introduction (Josh Johnson) 1:36 - Interview begins 3:29 - His time fighting alongside the Aussies 8:11 - Growing up in small town in Utah and having a dad in military 18:41 - How he found himself on the SF track after National Guard and being an MP 30:24 - Funny story about robbing a Bosnian bathroom 32:32 - Selection experience in 1999 and where he was when 9/11 happened 34:56 - Combat Story #1 - Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines and his first time getting shot at 46:33 - Combat Story #2 -A multi-hour gun fight and getting hit with RPGs in Afghanistan 58:34 - Combat Story #3 - Stories of men getting shot next to him 1:09:35 - Experience as an ODA working with ranger battalion 1:19:18 - Transition to Talent War Group 1:25:42 - Benefits of vets in corporate America and unique challenges they face 1:31:24 - What did you carry into combat? 1:35:20 - Would you do it again? 1:39:20 - Listener comments and shout outs
The video is all about a Green Beret In Combat but also covers the following subjects: - Green Berets Overcoming obstacles - Special Operations - Special Operations combat - Exchange programs with the Australian SASR and UK SAS - Multi-hour gun fights
Something I noticed when I was looking for information on Green Berets In Combat was the lack of details. _________________________ Follow our video clips about Green Beret In Combat and various other similar topics on: Facebook: https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatstory _________________________ If you were searching for more information about living in Green Beret In Combat did this video help?
Possibly you want to comment below and let me understand what else I can assist you with or Green Beret In Combat.
Combat Story (Ep. 79): SAS Operator (Australian & New Zealand) | Tier 1 | Entrepreneur | Podcast Host | Joe Hotai
18 Jun 2022
02:23:00
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Today we hear our first Combat Story from a member of our close partners in New Zealand: Joe Hotai. Joe successfully completed not only the New Zealand SAS Selection and Training Course, but then (likely because he enjoys pain) also went on to complete the Australian SAS Selection and Training course. Joe then served in combat with the Australian SAS in direct action operations.
Since leaving the service, Joe overcame a childhood fear of putting himself out there and has created two podcasts (the Epich Podcast which explores people making a positive change in the world - and which he has graciously invited me to be on - and the Move Sweat Suffer Podcast which promotes a more healthy way of life).
Joe has also co-founded the Mill Gym in Australia and is the founder of Zero Alpha, which puts on ultra endurance events combining some of the experiences from his time in Special Operations, and is also a consultant. His YouTube channel is full of pragmatic workouts that remind me of Pat Mac!
Joe has an incredibly humble persona with a great sense of humor. In fact, he’s described himself as ‘imperfect, annoying, and striving to improve as a husband, father, and human being on a daily basis.” I hope you enjoy this interview of highs and lows and overcoming difficult situations from someone at the forefront of the Special Operations community, as much as I did.
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Guest Introduction (Joe Hotai) 2:31 - Interview begins 2:55 - Growing up in New Zealand and family dynamics 19:30 - The impact of not having a dad as a child 26:00 - Desire to join the military and special forces specifically 31:15 - Lacking confidence to speak up and a moment in basic training when he found his confidence 39:15 - If not the military what would you be doing? 47:29 -Experience with both New Zealand and Australian SAS selection and qual course 1:08:56 - The type of operations that come down the Australian SAS vs. New Zealand SAS 1:21:36 - How having a Maori (indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand) background came up during his time in the military 1:24 - Crazy story of Blackhawk crashing while he and his team were in it 1:26:38 - The emotions and mindset on his first deployment to Iraq at 25 1:35:19 - Combat Story - Having to troubleshoot and fix a Mk-19 while actively being shot at 2:04:05 - What he is doing today with his 2 podcasts 2:14: 28 - What did you carry into combat? 2:15:23 - Would you do it again? 2:20:37 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story (Ep. 78): Ukrainian Marine | Recon Commander | Come Back Alive Foundation Leader | Taras Chmut
11 Jun 2022
00:43:42
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Today we have a more timely Combat Story where we sit down with the head of the Ukrainian Come Back Alive Foundation, Taras Chmut. Come Back Alive provides financing for purely defense initiatives and since 2014, it has provided nearly 1000 thermal imaging devices and over 250 UAVs in addition to material support, technology, and training for the forces fighting the Russians on Ukrainian soil.
Before stepping up to lead this organization, Taras was a Ukrainian Marine rifleman on the front lines in 2015 and then a commander of a reconnaissance unit with UAVs and signals intercept capabilities providing a better picture of the battlefield mainly near Mariupol (which we’ve heard so much about today).
This, like our interviews with Aiden Aslin and Sergey Dyadkin, help shed light on what’s actually going on in this Russian invasion and give each of us a way to do something about it, this time in terms of providing support to this important foundation, which you can do at www.comebackalive.in.ua.
We’ve conducted much of this interview through a translator named Alexander and I hope you appreciate this inside look from Kiev as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:34 - Guest Introduction (Taras Chmut) 1:54 - Interview begins 2:26 - The meaning of his name and what it was like growing up in Ukraine 6:24 - Early interest in aviation 7:59 - Where he was in 2014 when he considers the Russia -Ukrainian actually started 11:12 - Path to the military 14:31 - Time with Ukraine Marines and trying to stop Russia from invading 21:18 - Transition to UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) platoon commander 26:52 - The types of missions he was doing with UAVs 31:47 -The Come Back Alive Foundation than and now 37:48 - Opinion of Zelenksy and the future of Ukraine 39:30 - What are you most proud of from the Come Back Alive Foundation? 41:46 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS 77: Navy SEAL to Astronaut | CEO Medal of Honor Museum Foundation | Space Walker | Chris Cassidy
04 Jun 2022
01:48:28
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Today we have a Combat Story first with our first Astronaut who spent over 377 days in space and completed 10 spacewalks (where he’s actually out in space in nothing but his suit): Chris Cassidy. Before he joined NASA, Chris was a Navy SEAL and was one of the very first sent into Afghanistan in 2001 after 9/11.
There’s very little Chris has not accomplished. He attended the US Naval Academy, received a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has two Honorary PhD's.
As a SEAL, Chris earned a Bronze Star with Valor and a Presidential Unit Citation for combat in Afghanistan. He was NASA’s 14th Chief Astronaut, which is the head of NASA’s Astronaut Corps and is the principal advisor to the NASA Administrator on astronaut training and operations.
Chris is incredibly humble given his accomplishments and it’s no surprise he is now President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, where he’s leading efforts to build out an iconic Museum for MOH recipients, a Leadership Institute, and a Monument on the National Mall.
I hope you enjoy this view from Space from such a down to Earth man as much as I did. Special thanks to previous guests Darrell Utt and Mike Hayes who helped us connect with Chris.
Find Chris Online: -Instagram @astro_seal -Instagram @mohmuseum -MOH Museum Donation www.mohmuseum.org/donate
0:00 - Intro 1:05 - Guest Introduction (Chris Cassidy) 2:31 - Interview begins 8:10 - Childhood and interest in military 19:18 - Path to SEAL Teams 25:20 - About his first SEAL Team, an underwater vehicle team 29:30 - Where he was when 911 happened and how SEAL Team 3 reposnded 38:19 - Combat Story - First time leading troops into an engagement 42:07 - Combat Story - Aha moment while on a mission in the caves of Afghan-Pakistan border 46:56 - Team dynamics in a small unit like a SEAL Team 52:09 - Leadership and the danger of complacency and overconfidence 54:24 - Transition to NASA 1:04:53 - First flight expereince as an astronaut 1:13:15 - First spacewalk experience 1:17:56 - Story of a hairy experience during a spacewalk mission 1:30:14 - Feeling privileged to do the work and the long-term fatigue that can happen 1:31:53 - National Medal of Honor Museum 1:40:56 - Dealing with setbacks along his path 1:43:05 - What did you carry into combat/space? 1:44:21 - Would you do it again? 1:45:46 - Listener comments and shout outs
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we have a unique Combat Story and our first ever with an Afghan Special Operator, Farida Mohammadi, and one of her American trainers Taylor Holliday. Farida was a member of the elite Female Tactical Platoons (or FTPs which numbered fewer than 35) that we heard about in episode 68 with former Ranger Battalion operator Patrick Kinsella.
Farida, like all FTPs, had to pass a rigorous special operations selection process and were trained in CQB, a variety of firearms, and tactics, just like their male counterparts. She then went into battle alongside Rangers, ODAs, and Afghan Special Forces to give you an idea of the level of expertise required.
We’re also fortunate to have Taylor here to share parts of her story as a Cultural Support Team member (the FTP trainers) who not only trained women like Farida but who also went on the objective with Special Operations units.
Taylor is a part of Sisters of Service, a non-profit formed by fellow CSTs to help evacuate Farida and other FTPs out of Afghanistan after everything fell apart and help them resettle in the US. It’s a selfless organization and I hope by the end of this interview you’ll find a way to contribute to their cause (and help women like Farida who were taking out HVTs in Afghanistan and now need to find a better life here in the US).
I hope you enjoy this very special Combat Story with two very special operators as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:54 - Guest Introduction (Farida Mohammadi and Taylor Holliday) 2:24 - Interview begins 7:37 - Growing up in Afghanistan with school 2 hours away, working on farm, and experiencing the Taliban 12:29 - Things Americans may not know about Afghanistan 15:02 - Why Farida joined the military even though it is not expected for women 18:21 - The type of work and missions FTPs would do 24:19 - Farida’s first combat experience as an FTP 27:28 - Taylor’s first combat expereince as a CST, serving women and children, and being nervous searching people 31:17 - Combat Story (Farida) - Being shot at by both Taliban and Afghanistan National Army while not having any ammunition 34:17 - Combat Story (Taylor) - Waking up to a firefight at the compound 36:30 - The burden and pressure of training FTPs to go into very dangerous missions 38:59 - The evacuation of Afghanistan 45:05 - Sisters of Service - Why they started and the work they are doing 50:26 - What did you carry into combat? 54:40 - Would you do it again? 55:36 - Letter from Patrick Kinsella about Farida as a soldier 59:51 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#75: The Real 12 Strong Green Beret | Horse Soldier | Special Forces HoF | Author | Bob Pennington
21 May 2022
01:58:43
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Today we hear a Combat Story that I’ve been looking forward to for years. As many listeners know, I closely followed the war in Afghanistan immediately following 9/11 and revered the Green Berets who rode into combat on horseback to take America’s fight to the enemy.
[Call to Action: Please refer your friends to www.trustsafetyinstitute.com if they're looking for high paying jobs where they can still help people and fight bad actors.]
Today we hear from one of the very few men who was there, one of the Horse Soldiers as they’ve been called: Bob Pennington.
Bob spent more than 30 years in the service, much of that with Special Forces, including kinetic operations in the Gulf War to one of the first teams on the ground in Afghanistan and more. He’s a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment and in the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
He and his Horse Soldier teammate Mark Nutsch have just released a book about their experiences in the days after 9/11 titled “Swords of Lightning: Green Beret Horse Soldiers and America's Response to 9/11.” And if his life can’t get any better, he and Mark are also principals in the company that produces Horse Soldier Bourbon.
I hope you enjoy this inside look into what happened from 9/10 (the day before the world changed) through the some of the first operations on the ground in Afghanistan (and enjoy some of Bob’s celebrity moments given his representation as a key role in the movie 12 Strong) as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:42 - Guest Introduction (Bob Pennington) 2:07 – Thank you for supporting The Trust & Safety Institute 2:45 - Interview begins 4:02 - Meeting Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon for the 12 Strong movie 7:40 - Growing up with a father in the military and early interest in Green Berets 13:32 - Starting his career in Ranger Battalion after college 24:37 - Being a Warrant Officer in SF community 34:51 - Combat Story - Experience in the Gulf War 50:10 - Where he was when 9/11 happened 59:48 - Mindset at the time of 9/11 and being one of the teams picked for the mission in Afghanistan 1:12:45 - Combat Story - First operations on the ground in Afghanistan 1:38:31 - Swords of Lightning book backstory and information 1:43:42 - Horse Soldier Bourbon 1:49:42 - What did you carry into combat? 1:52:05 - Would you do it again? 1:54:11 - Help connect those who served with meaningful and great paying jobs after service 1:56:49 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#74: Special Forces | Green Beret | Ranger | Sniper | MOH Museum Foundation | Darrell Utt
14 May 2022
02:17:39
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Today we hear the Combat Story of long-time Special Forces veteran, Ranger, and sniper Darrell Utt, who spent 26 years in the service, most of that in special operations across 10 deployments.
Call to Action: For former military, government and law enforcement, if you're looking for a high paying and meaningful job, check out our Trust & Safety Institute at www.trustsafetyinstitute.com.
Darrell tracked down PIFWICs (Persons Indicted for War Crimes) in Kosovo, was part of one of the craziest infils into Iraq you’ll ever hear, used a honeypot to lure out an HVT, developed a devastatingly effective HUMINT network, and led countless kill/capture operations, taking down dozens of HVTs and detaining hundreds of extremists and their leaders.
What’s great about Darrell is that he always put himself in harm's way ahead of troops, which is not always the case. His ODA unit earned the coveted Larry Thorne award which goes to the best Special Forces unit for the work they did during one deployment to Iraq. Darrell himself earned the MG Robert T. Frederick “Top Operator” Award, which goes to the top Special Forces NCO.
Since leaving the service, Darrell has taken on a role helping to build the future of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is on a mission to deliver “education, leadership, and inspiring spaces for learning and reflection, to preserve, share, and harness the stories, lives, and impact of Medal of Honor recipients.”
I couldn’t imagine anyone better to represent the stories and lives of our Medal of Honor brethren than Darrell. I hope you enjoy this interview chalked full of creative and gut-wrenching combat stories as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:47 - Guest Introduction (Darrell Utt) 2:28 – Introducing The Trust & Safety Institute 3:17 - Interview begins 7:04 – Growing up in West Virginia from humble beginnings 13:16 – The significance of Camp Dawson training center in West Virginia 17:02 – Wanting to join the Marines and what led him to the Army 24:23 – Joining in 1990 as Light Infantry and feeling like he was missing out on Gulf War 27:36 – Tracking down PIFWICs (Persons Indicted for War Crimes) in Kosovo 39:04 - The transition into Special Forces ODA 42:52 - Combat Story #1 - Operation Ugly Baby in Iraq 59:58 - Combat Story #2 - Operation Thor's Hammer 1:16:04 - Combat Story #3 - Darrell’s “Happy to Be Alive” day story 1:49:30 - Combat Story #4 - Toughest day in Adhamiya ,Iraq in 2006 1:56:09 - Combat Story #5 - Carnage and violence in Adhamiya in 2007 1:59:49 - His work today with The Medal of Honor Foundation 2:07:08 - What did you carry into combat? 2:08:37 - Would you do it again? 2:11:28 - Help connect those who served with meaningful and great paying jobs after service 2:14:08 - Listener comments and shout outs
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:
Kevin's relentless journey to become a Marine and Navy SEAL 🪖⚓
Two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and BUD/S Hell Week 😲🏊♂️
Navigating tough transitions from military to civilian life 🎖️➡️👔
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. 💪
39:21 Transitioning from Marine Corps to Navy SEALs
40:10 Pivotal Lessons from the Marine Corps
43:46 Surviving BUDS and Hell Week
46:58 The Mental and Physical Toll of SEAL Training
55:49 Leadership and Command in SEAL Teams
01:03:27 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship
01:11:28 The Importance of Mental Health in Veteran Communities
01:16:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections
CS#72: Fighting Russia in Ukraine | Ukrainian Special Forces | Territorial Defense Force | Sergey Dyadkin
30 Apr 2022
00:44:11
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Today we hear a very different Combat Story from Sergey Dyadkin, a Ukrainian patriot, Special Forces and Territorial Defense Force soldier fighting in Ukraine against Russia today. Help support Combat Story on Patreon. We have a special segement from this interview only available on our Patreon at www.patreon.com/combatstory Sergey fought back some of the first Russian incursions into Kiev and was in the city of Schastia in eastern Ukraine just 20 miles from the Russian border when the shelling, tanks, and invasion began. He captured some of the first Russian prisoners of the war and, you’ll note in the discussion, treated them humanely, which we’ve seen is not the case for both sides in this war. We found Sergey thanks to Ryan Hendrickson, who many will recall from two previous Combat Story episodes where Ryan described having his leg mangled by an IED only to return to combat and earn a Silver Star. In true Ryan fashion, he voluntarily left the US and his life to help the people in Ukraine. While in Kiev, Ryan met Sergey and they connected over a shared Special Forces background. Sergey’s Special Forces operational tempo was so high that he was sent to the Territorial Defense Forces to escort humanitarian aid efforts as a break! I hope you enjoy this important and unique insight into the experiences of a frontline soldier fighting against Russia who, at such a young age, can differentiate between the Russian people and a Russian tyrant, who can already forgive, and who just wishes people could go back to a peaceful co-existence. You’ll notice we’re using a translator. Sergey speaks English but I wanted him to be able to express himself more in his native language. We’ve also got Ryan Hendrickson just off-screen for most of the interview helping provide some additional context as his and Sergey’s paths are now intertwined. For those listening and who aren’t watching the video on YouTube or Spotify, Sergey is sitting at his Army base and wearing his military fatigues with his weapon slung throughout the interview, reminding us that when the interview ended and we all go back to our lives, he went back to war. This is one I’ll never forget and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Find Ryan Online:
Patreon Community Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro 0:51 - Guest Introduction (Sergey Dyadkin) 3:21 - Interview begins 4:27 - The role of the Territorial Defense Forces in the war in Ukraine 6:27 - Sergey as a kid growing up in Ukraine 12:40 - Training process to become Special Forces in Ukraine 16:12 - Combat Story #1 - First time in combat with a reconnaissance unit 20:55 - Combat Story #2 - Capturing some of the first Russian prisoners of the war 29:47 - What Sergey you like people to know about the experiences Ukrainian people 32:14 - What he thinks of President Zelensky 33:35 - We hear from Ryan Hendrickson 38:35 – Organizations that are helping and how to get involved 41:57 – Closing and special clip available on Combat Story Patreon
CS#71: Dutch Commando Corps Officer (KCT) | Dutch General Intelligence Service (AIVD) | Triangular Group CEO | Ray Klaassens
23 Apr 2022
01:37:35
Today we hear an international Combat Story from Ray Klaassens, a Dutch Special Operator in the Commando Corps (KCT) and former Dutch General Intelligence Service (or AIVD) officer who spent years in combat zones fighting our very same enemies alongside American counterparts. [Join us on Patreon and become part of the Combat Story community at www.patreon.com/combatstory] Ray comes from very humble origins and the other side of the “canal” as he likes to say, overcoming so much to reach the pinnacle of intelligence and military units. Both KCT and AIVD, if you ask any American who served alongside them (including myself), are elite units that many of us would happily go down range with. Since leaving the service, Ray overcame even greater odds to create his company, Triangular Group, that provides de-risking and intelligence services for clients globally. I hope you enjoy this international Combat Story from humble roots to true success in military, intel, and business as much as I did. Find Ray Online:
Ray's Linktree Instragram @rayklaassens
Find Ryan Online:
Patreon Community Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro 1:22 - Guest Introduction (Ray Klaassens) 2:21 - Interview begins 5:11 Growing up poor in the Netherlands 17:47 The process for becoming an officer in the Dutch military 24:44 About the different Dutch Special Forces and the KCT 33:07 What it was like in the Netherlands on 9/11 and how his commando training changed 38:14 Leading a team down range with very little intel 54:01 Story of engaging with a drunk guy in Afghanistan in order to get some information 56:37 Leading a team to find someone placing IEDs on the full moon 1:05:45 Switching from Special Forces to Intel Services AIBD as a secret service 1:20:50 Exiting Intel Services, starting the Triangular Group, and what they are doing today 1:33:47 - What did you carry into combat? 1:35:01 - Would you do it all again? 1:36:17 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#69: Tanks and Bradleys in Iraq | Death Dealers | 2nd Infantry Division | OIF | Travis Norby
09 Apr 2022
01:32:43
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Travis Norby, who commanded a mechanized infantry company in Iraq early in the war. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon NEXT WEEK. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Travis is a long-time Combat Story listener who reached out to see if his non-special ops story would be worth our listener’s time. As many of our most dedicated listeners know, as you write to me about this, we get many requests to share the stories of conventional soldiers and officers and what life was like for them while the Tier 1 and 2 units were running raids at night. This combat story delivers on what I believe is a very common experience for so many infantry officers in terms of how you lose soldiers and still show up, how you motivate people to keep going in the face of unending days of attacks, and how you lead with the soldier in mind and not your own career advancement. Travis’ stories of leadership and loss give us unique insight into the world of an Infantry officer fighting in the post-9/11 era and I hope you enjoy this raw and very real Combat Story as much as we did. Find Travis Online:
Instagram @travisjnorby
Find Ryan Online:
Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro 1:34 - Guest Introduction (Travis Norby) 2:33 - Interview begins 5:45 - Growing up on a farm in Montana 12:11- How the military entered the picture for Travis 22:18 - Joining and early days pre 911 32:41 - Where he was when 911 happened 37:37 - Going over to Iraq from Korea and being a staff guy on the FOB 43:38 - What changed his mind when he was ready to get out of the army but took company commander position instead 51:46 - The company structure and equipment at his disposal 54:03 - Combat Story #1 - First combat experience and having to take over for prior leadership 1:02:22 – Combat Story #2 - A goose chase 1:06:29 Combat Story #3 - Emotional story losing one of his guys 1:24:11 - The historic significance of his deployment from Korea to Iraq and the importance of conventional officers 1:28:23 - What did you carry into combat? 1:30:17 - Would you do it all again? 1:30:55 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#68: Army Ranger | Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) Special Ops Trainer | Patrick Kinsella
02 Apr 2022
01:39:11
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Patrick Kinsella and his five deployments with 1st Ranger Battalion to Iraq and Afghanistan. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Not only do we get to hear of Patrick’s first hand combat experience, which includes nighttime raids on HVTs and Mi-17 crashes, but he also gives us a glimpse into one of the most interesting and relatively unheard of group of special operators in the war: the Afghan Army’s Female Tactical Platoons (FTP). Patrick spent years fighting in Afghanistan but found his time training and leading the brave women of the FTPs to be the most rewarding. The FTPs were Afghan women who volunteered to go through special operations training and selection programs, from basic marksmanship to fast roping to explosives training and more, and who would go out in the darkness with US Special Operations Forces on target. Patrick continues to support the women of the FTPs who were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 to help them find a place in the US and share their incredible stories. We’ll share some resources to help these women who sacrificed so much for us to make a life here in the US now. I hope you enjoy this selfless Combat Story about so much more than just one man as much as I did. If you’d like to support these brave and selfless women of the FTP, you can go to www.sistersofservice.org.
Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 0:57 - Guest introduction (Patrick Kinsella) 2:17 - Interview begins 6:26 - Growing up on military bases and an early love of wildlife 9:52 - Becoming interested in joining the military and choosing the Army 20:47 - Funny story of Patrick’s first operation downrange with 1st Battalion 29:02 - What the Ready Room was like where he was located 31:08 - Combat Story #1 - An ambush at an Iraqi checkpoint and feeling like someone was watching over them 39:49 - First deployment to Afghanistan working with a Delta team and the scariest thing that happened to him in his military career 52:08 - Combat Story #2 - A gunfight and a chase with dogs employed in Afghanistan 1:02:55 - The call to get out and knowing when you are not going to re-enlist 1:04:41 - Afghan Army’s Female Tactical Platoons (FTP) - Patrick’s experience fighting alongside and then later recruiting and training the women 1:17:10 - Why this experience was so rewarding for him 1:24:08 - How people can help and make a positive impact on these women’s lives today 1:29:05 - What did you carry into combat? 1:30:33 - Would you do it all again? 1:37:07 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS #67: The Battle of Actium and the Fight for the Roman Empire w/ Barry Strauss
26 Mar 2022
00:52:23
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Today we take a historical look at the Battle of Actium, a huge naval battle off the coast of Greece that determined the future of what we know as the Roman Empire. We welcome Cornell University’s Professor Barry Strauss back to the podcast to bring another epic battle to life (listeners will remember him from our deep dive into the life of a well known Spartan warrior named Brasidas). Barry is a Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History, author of eight books, and a military and naval historian and consultant. Professor Strauss is a recognized authority on the subject of leadership and the lessons that can be learned from the experiences of the greatest political and military leaders of the ancient world (Caesar, Hannibal, Alexander among many others). This particular battle and the lead up to it involved some of the iconic names we’ve all heard from history like Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Octavian Cesar, and Julius Cesar. We also learn about Rome’s most decorated Naval Commander, Admiral Agrippa and how he defeats a numerically superior force. Barry’s newest book “The War that Made the Roman Empire” brings this battle and the personalities to life. Those who appreciate our combat stories will enjoy hearing about how battles were fought on the open sea at this time and some of the tactics that each side had to use. While some of the military tactics have changed, the overarching military, political, and diplomatic strategy have not, to include the use of information warfare. I hope you enjoy this combat story from history as much as I did.
Find Barry Online:
Website https://barrystrauss.com/ Author of The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium Facebook Twitter @barrystrauss Podcaster, ANTIQUITAS: Leaders and Legends of the Ancient World
Find Ryan Online
Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:19 - Guest and topic introduction (Barry Strauss) 1:33 - Interview begins 2:27 - Working at Cornell and how this book came to be 4:25 – Background on the time period, the Roman Empire, and the part of the world the battle takes place 10:51 The historical personalities – Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Octavian 26:12 - Can we trust the history books? 27:51 - The important military figure, Admiral Agrippa 31:09 - The naval battle and strategy of Naval warfare 38:16 - Tactical decisions made by both sides 40:26 - How the battle evolved and happened in just one day 46:52 -Surprising findings while doing research 51:04 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS #66: Bill Ostlund and The Burden of Commanding the Most Decorated Unit Post-9/11 | 3 x MOH Recipients
12 Mar 2022
02:18:33
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear a special Combat Story of one of the military’s most revered leaders who many have never heard of (but should). This is the experience of retired Colonel Bill Ostlund, a beloved mentor and leader developer who served 35 years in the Army working his way up from a private and growing into combat command in some of the bloodiest fighting of any unit in the post-9/11 era. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Bill’s command in Kunar Province, recounted countless times in dozens of books including Sebastian Junger’s War and the documentary Restrepo, resulted in over 400 awards for valor and three Medals of Honor (all living honorees). This episode is an embarrassment of riches for those who want to know what real leadership looks like; what the Burden of Command actually means; how you show up after losing a soldier six hours into a 15 month deployment; or leading joint SpecOps task forces with Delta, DEVGRU, 160th, and other Tier 1 elements over thousands of operations. Bill Ostlund will remind so many listeners of Todd Opalski in how he cared for and treated his soldiers and explains why, so many years later, his soldiers and officers still seek his advice as they step into greater roles of responsibility in the military and their personal lives. I’m honored to have had a chance to spend this time with what so many think of as the pinnacle of battlefield leadership and hope you enjoy this Combat Story on leadership as much as I did.
Find Ryan Online
Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Guest introduction (Bill Ostlund) 1:31 - Interview begins 3:44 - The jump into Iraq in March 2003 with almost 1000 paratroopers 12:09 - Bill’s perspective on the current conflict in Ukraine 17:32 - Childhood and getting into the military 42:19 - Combat Story #1 - Lightning in the Storm Air Assault and leadership lessons learned 1:06:49 - Instilling expectation in his soldiers and his love of soldiers 1:26:57 - Combat Story #2 – Troops in Contact 6 hours into 15 month mission after just taking command 1:37:08 - Awards process and how combat provides a unique opportunity for leaning and growth 1:49:30 Combat Story #3 - Battle of Wanat 2:08:48 – Feeling about now having a son in the military 2:10:09 - What did you carry into combat/interrogations? 2:11:41 - Would you do it all again? 2:15:23 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story #65: Surviving Near Death with Marines in Vietnam | Silver Star | FBI Agent | Jim Horn
05 Mar 2022
01:57:25
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Jim Horn, former Marine Corps Platoon and Company Commander and 25 year FBI Agent. [We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Jim did two tours in Vietnam surviving near death experiences on several occasions. He earned a Silver Star in a company on company-level battle on remote hilltops fighting suicide attackers, recoiless rifles, rockets, and calling in danger close rounds and air strikes. After the Marine Corps, Jim went onto a fascinating career in the field as an FBI Agent that included work with SWAT, a violent crime profiler, and leading the Bureau’s trauma program. Jim doesn’t hold back when sharing the special bonds he experienced with his fellow Marines holding the line in these profound but common battles so far from home and I hope you enjoy these down-to-earth and Oklahoman stories as much as I did. Special thanks to Combat Story listener Terry B for suggesting Jim as a guest on the show. Find Ryan Online
Combat Story Merch Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Guest introduction (Jim Horn) 1:31 - Interview begins 1:58 - How his dad’s guilt over not serving in World War II influenced his decision fight in the Vietnam War 18:57 - Shipping out to Vietnam and immediately becoming a platoon leader 35:01 - Combat Story #1- First time in combat and taking in the arm from friendly fire 38:27 - The three things that you need to lead Marines 44:42 - A tough first tour and survivor’s guilt 50:22 - The incredible leadership and Marines he fought with 1:00:57 - Combat Story #2 - Silver Star event 1:16:35 - The perceptual distortion that happens in combat 1:31:13 - Jim’s time in the FBI and what makes a great profiler 1:45:48- What did you carry into combat/interrogations? 1:48:30 - Would you do it all again? 1:55:16 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#64: Interrogating Terrorists | HUMINT | Best Selling Author | Veteran Mentor | James Rosone
26 Feb 2022
02:36:06
Today we hear the Combat Story of James Rosone, best known as a bestselling author but who also interrogated terrorists in Iraq on the frontlines before picking up the pen. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] James was “inside the booth” conducting tactical interrogations down range and feeding intel on dangerous routes, IED makers, and High Value Targets to coalition forces (up to Tier 1) on a daily basis. Like so many vets, he dealt with the deep regret of feeling like he didn’t do enough and, for years, accepting the blame when an American lost an arm breaching a target he developed or worse, losing a life on the objective. After leaving the service, James found his calling as an author, in part as a way to handle his PTSD. We talk about his experiences with psychedelics and other treatment options he used to keep his demons at bay. He’s gone on to write 26 books ranging from a memoir titled Interview with a Terrorist to his well known military and espionage thrillers like the Monroe Doctrine. He’s now sharing his writing experience with other vets to help them become successful authors. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the world of an interrogator at the height of the surge to becoming a wildly successful author as much as I did. Find James online:
Books by James Rosone Facebook Rosone and Watson
Find Ryan online:
Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Guest introduction (James Rosone) 2:30 - Interview begins 11:20 - Early experience in the Guard and the moment after 9/11 he knew he would go active duty 23:57 - The interrogation opportunity comes and training experience 39:09 - Traits that make a really good interrogator 41:46 - What happens after an interrogation 48:59 - What an interrogator does to prep 54:50 - First interrogation experience 1:02:55 - The responsibility felt to people outside the wire 1:17:19 - The dynamic on the FOB 1:22:23 - The biggest case he ever had and false flag interrogation 1:30:23 - His toughest case interrogating a 15 year old kid 1:44:43 - Facing demons and PTSD after coming home 1:51:43 – His first book and how pouring himself into writing helped 2:02:21 - Trying alternative treatments like psychedelics for PTSD 2:17:02 - What James is working on now 2:22:51- What did you carry into combat/interrogations? 2:25:00 - Would you do it all again? 2:34:23 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#63: Sniper Shots at Night in Combat | 20+ Years Green Beret | Tactical Rifleman | Karl Erickson
19 Feb 2022
02:02:48
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Karl Erickson, a long time Green Beret, expert sniper, and retired Sergeant Major, who deployed pre- and post-9/11, including into Afghanistan just after the Twin Towers fell to hunt Bin Laden. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] After the military, Karl took his decades of teaching as a Green Beret into the civilian world and has a huge online following for his Tactical Rifleman brand and I can see why. In this episode, we dive into the deep, deep details of being a sniper in combat, to include taking a sniper shot at night just before breaching a target (scopes, windage, aerodynamics, countdowns for simultaneous shots, round selection, and more), which is just a glimpse of what he shares with his followers online. Karl is a natural born storyteller and I know you’ll enjoy this hilarious and deeply technical Combat Story as much as I did. Find Karl online:
Ryan’s Linktree Merch Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages or email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 0:38 - Guest introduction (Karl Erickson) 1:30 - Interview begins 6:15 – Making Sergeant Major and being an Operator at Headquarters 15:38 - Childhood as self-proclaimed “juvenile delinquent” and when he knew he wanted to be a Green Beret 30:3 - How the lack of mentor influenced his career path 40:31 - What makes a good sniper 44:15 - Feelings in Desert Storm 53:58 - Combat Story #1 - Gunfight in Afghanistan 1:07:20 - Technical description of shooting with a suppressor 1:10 - Shooting in the dark 1:14:38 - First time having somebody in a scope for real 1:20:42 - Combat Story #2 1:39:28: - About Tactical Rifleman project 1:55:11- What did you carry into combat? 1:56:24 - Would you do it all again? 2:01:14 - Listener comments and shout outs
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.
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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.
CS#62: Flying into Enemy Fire ala We Were Soldiers | DFC | Silver Star | Aviator | Diplomat | Ed Fugit
12 Feb 2022
02:18:40
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Today we hear a special Combat Story of Edward Fugit, my old man, who flew Hueys in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia just after the Tet Offensive. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] This is a special edition for me personally as long time listeners have heard me refer to my old man and his stories and our similar career paths on several occasions. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do this interview given how close it was to home and I’m so glad I did. From a very young age I remember hearing these stories of my dad in the cockpit and vividly remember looking at his Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross on the mantle, wearing his green flight suit when I played Army, and then hugging him before I shipped out to my own war as a combat aviator. His experiences in Vietnam will sound like something from Hollywood’s We Were Soldiers where green but determined young aviators flew into hot LZs time and again risking everything for their ground brethren. We also touch on what it was like flying SOG into combat zones on operations nobody would hear about for decades and what it was like to be at the negotiating table as a diplomat with Kissinger at the height of the Cold War in Moscow. I really hope you enjoy this close to home Combat Story with a real hero of mine that was then edited by his grandson. Find Ryan online:
0:00 - Intro 1:06 - Guest introduction (Ed Fugit) 2:22 - Interview begins 2:59 - Growing up in NJ and early interest in political science 7:43 - A family history in the military 12:31 - When and how aviation came into the picture 20:10 - A “never quit anything” mentality 22:12 - Flight school experience 27:57 - Feelings going in to Vietnam within the units and that moment in American history 36:36 - Differences in how the Army was structured at that time vs. today 47:37 - The three kinds of missions in Vietnam 53:23 - Combat Story #1 - Silver Star operation in Vietnam 1:09:02 - Intense Special Ops missions with SOG and 1st Airmobile Division 1:31:12 - Combat Story #2 – Incident that made the front of the New York Times 1:50:08 - Combat Story #3 - DFC event 1:58:35 - Stories from time in state department 2:05:48 - Going back to Vietnam in 2017 and thoughts about sons joining the 2:13: - What did you carry into combat? 2:14:16 - Would you do it all again? 2:17:11 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#61: Fighting ISIS in Syria and Russia in Ukraine Freedom Fighter | Fought ISIS in Syria | Fought in Ukraine | Ukraine Military
05 Feb 2022
01:34:45
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Aiden Aslin, a UK citizen who deployed multiple times into conflict zones to fight ISIS in Syria and Russia in Ukraine. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Aiden was not part of the British military. He simply decided the people in Syria being terrorised by ISIS needed more support and found a way to get down range to help. During his multiple deployments into Syria fighting with other westerners against ISIS and nearly dying, Aiden had been following events in Ukraine. He again decided, instead of sitting safely in the UK, to step up and fight for people who needed help. Today, Aiden is officially part of the Ukrainian military. We had to record this particular interview quickly before Aiden deployed to the frontlines again, where he is now. His Instagram account (cossackgundi) is worth a look too where’s amassed 20K followers and describes himself as a “British guy Rocking it out in the Ukrainian marines” with what he calls “Warzone Photography” and “Conflict news”. I hope you enjoy this humble and understated Combat Story of someone who left everything behind to help others in two vastly different conflicts as much as I did. Find Aiden online:
0:00 - Intro 0:50 - Guest introduction (Aiden Aslin) 1:56 - Interview begins 2:16 - Current location and mindset getting ready for another deployment 5:04 - Childhood and working with adults with special needs 11:55 - Leaving safety and social work to go to Syria 19:46 - Deciding to go to war and getting into Syria 34:19 - Training and first time on the frontline making contact with enemy 41:03 - Combat Story #1 First real contact and feeling positive after the outcome 45:52 - Combat Story #2 A friendly fire incident that left him with panic attacks 1:05:31 - Returning to Syria despite traumatic experiences 1:11:35 - Combat Story #2 Ukraine conflict and joining Ukrainian Marines 1:25:32 - What did you carry into combat? 1:26:13 - Would you do it all again? 1:28:47 - Advice for someone considering this type of path 1:32:57 - Listener comments and shout outs
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the remarkable Combat Story of Derek Herrera, a former Marine Special Operator who led Marines in Iraq, Haiti, the Middle East and Afghanistan. While on a MARSOC operation in Afghanistan, he was shot and paralyzed. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Derek is another one of these guys that just makes you feel lazy and that he has more time in a day than you do. Rather than give up after being injured, he medically retired from the Corps and has achieved significant success while continuing to serve others. He’s the President of the Board of Directors of the Marine Raider Foundation, Chairman of the Board of MedTechVets, founder of Habit Camera and UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), a keynote speaker, and host of the FORWARD podcast. Derek is the real deal who spends all his time putting others ahead of himself and I know you’ll enjoy his inspiring Combat Story as much as I did. Find Derek Online:
0:00 - Intro 0:41 - Guest introduction (Derek Herrera) 1:37 - Interview begins 3:31 - Having an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood 9:32 – A military family and wanting to be a Navy Seal 13:28 - The Navy Seal selection process and not making it 21:08 - Mindset going into the Marine Corps 28:06 - First deployment primarily doing raids in Iraq 40:23 - A full-circle moment helping the Navy Seals as a Marine 45:11 - Deciding to go the Special Ops route in the Marines 53:52 - First and only deployment as Special Operator in Afghanistan and what his missions were like 1:04:58 Combat Story – The operation that changed his life and left him paralyzed from the chest down 1:12:58 - Reaction to learning he was paralyzed and how he found a way to stay in military 1:18:53 - Deciding to transition out of the military and finding passion and purpose in business 1:27:44 – The Marine Raider Foundation 1:35:18 - What did you carry into combat? 1:37:24 - Would you do it all again? 1:39:44 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#59: Green Beret | Best Selling Author | "Rising Above" | Ultramarathoner | FNG Academy Founder
22 Jan 2022
01:46:23
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Sean “Buck” Rogers, a former Green Beret who served multiple deployments with various units, including 10th Special Forces Group, after escaping an incredibly difficult and harsh childhood. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Buck transitioned to 19th Special Forces Group and eventually joined the law enforcement ranks, including time with SWAT. Since leaving the military and law enforcement, Sean has written a best selling book titled ‘Rising Above: A Green Beret's Story of Childhood Trauma and Ultimate Healing’, became an ultramarathoner, founded the FNG Academy, and now produces content and leads a community trying to help other aspiring special operations candidates succeed in selection and the Special Forces and Special Operations worlds. Buck is working on getting his second book published and has several interesting irons in the fire that we touch on in this episode. I hope you enjoy this real and raw Combat Story with someone who’s overcome so much and maintains an overwhelmingly positive attitude as much as I did. Guest Online Information
Instagram @seanbuckrogers YouTube Website Book Rising Above
0:00 - Intro 0:56 - Guest introduction (Sean Buck Rogers) 1:56 - Interview begins 2:11 - Origin of his call sign, “Buck” 11:30 - Sean’s traumatic and impactful childhood 27:59 - The events that lead to him signing up and his unconventional path to Special Forces Selection 41:39 - First time in Afghanistan at base but not yet in gunfight 46:36 - First time outside the wire and a glimpse of how Green Berets operate 52:43 - Combat Story #1 – Example of challenges Green Berets face working with commandos 1:03:35 - Combat Story #2 – High-pressure negotiation in the field with the Afghan commandos 1:07:13 - Combat Story #3 - Feeling like he’s being watched and narrowly missing an IED 1:11:09 - Combat Story #4 – The high speed action he signed up for 1:16:38 - The origin and mission of FNG podcast and YouTube channel 1:24:43 - Process for making an FNG video and Sean’s favorite videos 1:31:35 - Writing the book “Rising Above” and what his new book will be about 1:37:09 - Mentors and father figures 1:40:00 - What did you carry into combat? 1:42:17 - Would you do it all again? 1:43:31 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#57: A-10 Fighter Pilot who Survived a Surface to Air Missile Hit | 100+ Combat Missions | DFC | "Killer Chick"
08 Jan 2022
01:47:36
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Today we hear the Combat Story of Kim “KC” Campbell, a retired Air Force Colonel and A-10 Fighter Pilot. NOTE: Combat Story is launching a Patreon account later this month. Sign-up here: https://www.combatstory.com/patreon Kim racked up over 1.8K flight hours in the Warthog; 375 of those in combat across more than 100 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also has one of the coolest call signs ever: Killer Chick. For anyone who’s been on the ground and seen an A-10 on a gun run, you can understand why so many ground pounders love this platform. For Apache pilots, the A-10 is our fixed wing cousin and we feel a very close affinity with this incredible machine. Outside the cockpit, Kim led the Air Force Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development and, since retiring, has carried that expertise to the private sector where she provides leadership development training and team engagement. She’s also a keynote and motivational speaker. Kim, like many fighter pilots, is driven, dedicated, and successful. She’s delivered rounds on target in heated battles and narrowly avoided death, including being hit with a Surface to Air Missile. I hope you enjoy this insightful Combat Story from the cockpit of THE Killer Chick as much as I did. Find Kim Online:
Website LinkedIN Twitter @kchawg987
Ryan Online Information
Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 1:01 - Guest introduction (Kim “KC” Campbell) 2:10 - Interview begins 2:46 - Origin of her fighter pilot call sign 7:30 - Early years and what enamored her with flight 12:55 - Why Air Force Academy? 18:18 - Choosing her aircraft 22:14 - Where she was on 911 and how it changed her training 24:43 - Going to Afghanistan immediately after training 27:23 - A quiet first combat mission in Afghanistan 34:48 - Firing from the A-10 for the first time 44:05 - Combat Story #1 - First kinetic operation in Iraq 50:30 - Combat Story #2 - The mission that was a defining moment 1:18:18 - Combat Story #3 - In combat as a flight lead 1:29:47 - Leadership development, team building, and powerful leadership advice 1:40:22 - What did you carry into combat? 1:44:31 - Would you do it all again? 1:46:07 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#56: Apache Gunfights in Afghanistan | CIA Operations | Combat Story Podcast Host Ryan Fugit
01 Jan 2022
02:09:22
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This is a special crossover episode where Combat Story's Ryan Fugit was interviewed on The Team House by Jack Murphy (Combat Story Episode #13 https://youtu.be/ScqnGbPSfhY) and David Parke (Combat Story Episode #53 https://youtu.be/CmmGixV06rc). So many people have asked to hear Ryan's story and he was waiting for the right interviewer. It only seemed right to have the Team House do the honors and it did not disappoint! I hope you enjoy this deep dive into Ryan's background growing up, combat in Afghanistan, and CIA ops. Find Ryan online:
CS#55: [Part 2] Counter-ISIS Ops | Surviving Suicide Bombers and Airstrikes | SDF & YPG Life | Firat Batman [Part 2] | COMBAT STORY
18 Dec 2021
01:43:39
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Today, we hear the second part of the fascinating Combat Story of Firat Batman, a Swedish citizen from Kurdish roots who left his relatively quiet and safe life in Sweden to join the YPG and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to fight ISIS. [Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal] We left off in Part 1 when Firat returns to Sweden from Syria following his first deployment just after experiencing the carnage of walking through a town that had been recently abandoned by ISIS, including the blood stains on the walls where groups were executed and rooms that reeked of dead bodies left to rot. In Sweden, Firat, like many veterans, has difficulty assimilating back into regular life and hears of a friend who passed away fighting in Syria. This second round is all about Firat’s subsequent journeys back to the frontlines and the experiences fighting an enemy that would rather blow themselves up then surrender. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did. Find Firat Online: Instagram @tactikurdbruh Find Ryan Online:
0:00 - Intro 0:50 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady) 2:19 - Guest introduction (Firat Batman) 3:18 - Interview begins 4:29 - Emotions after coming home from first rotation 10:21 - News of losing his friend expediting his return to the fight 16:23 - What it was like to go back to the frontlines 19:28 - Difference in mindset coming back vs the first time 32:06 - Combat Story #1 First engagement after coming back 39:19 - Hearing guys dying or close to it via radio 49:17 - Moving between lines to bring support and treat people medically 1:00:33 - Combat Story #2 Intense engagement while bringing support to others 1:15:50 - Funny story about talking to enemy from shelter across the line 1:18:48 - A direct experience and description of ISIS armies 1:21:25 - The only 2 people captured by ISIS and survived 1:27:40 - Protecting people you love from going into combat 1:3524 - What did you carry into combat? 1:37:01 - Would you do it all again? 1:41:41 - Listener comments and shout outs
CS#54: Fighting ISIS in Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) & People's Protection Forces (YPG) | Firat Batman [Part 1] COMBAT STORY
11 Dec 2021
02:03:38
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Today, we hear the Combat Story of Firat Batman, a Swedish citizen from Kurdish roots who spent years with the YPG and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting one of the most vile terrorist groups of our time: ISIS. [Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.] I found Firat when his friend, another Swede turned freedom fighter named Mike, reached out. Mike’s introductory email sums up Firat perfectly: “I am writing you for a friend of mine who would never reach out but his story is amazing. He spent years fighting ISIS in Syria with the YPG. He is not a war tourist!! He left Sweden for Syria after ISIS murdered his cousins and uncle in Syria.” Firat fought alongside coalition forces on the front lines liberating cities from ISIS control. He did this, however, with very few resources, training, ammunition, funding, and support. What he witnessed in terms of ISIS brutality is horrific and has left its scars. He has an amazing story that will inspire anyone who wonders how you can change your life and do something about the evil things in this world. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did. This is the first in a two part interview with Firat to make sure we spend sufficient time in his multiple deployments. Find Firat Online: Instagram @tactikurdbruh Find Ryan online:
Ryan’s Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 1:01 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady) 2:27 - Guest introduction (Firat Batman) 4:01 - Interview begins 4:35 - Early family life living in Sweden with Kurdish background 10:03 - Being an immigrant and having family in Syria when ISIS formed 14:34 - The personal experience that draws you into the military 21:53 - A memorable ride to the airport to deploy 29:59 - Writing a letter to your mom in case you don’t come back 33:56 - Arriving in Kurdistan, the land of his people, for the first time 39:05 - Going straight to the Syrian border after just arriving in Iraq 56:34 - Initial training experiences 1:15:13 - The first time he was told to bring his weapon and be ready 1:21:18 – First time in contact and what it was like to see ISIS remains 1:27:18 – Lead up to his first major operation 1:34:14 - First conflict with ISIS 1:46:33 – The carnage ISIS left behind 1:57:39 - What it was like going back home to Sweden for the first time 2:01:40 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story (Ep 53): David Parke | Ranger | Paramilitary Contractor | ODNI National Intel Medal for Valor
04 Dec 2021
01:49:11
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Today we hear the Combat Story of David Parke, a former Army Ranger and Sniper Team Leader, Navy diver, and Paramilitary Contractor, who spent almost 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan post-9/11. [Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.] During his time down range as a contractor, he earned the ODNI’s National Intelligence Medal for Valor, which the ODNI describes as being given “in connection with an Intel Community mission to national security” and awarded on a “highly selective and rare basis.” David now co-hosts The Team House, which livestreams interviews with special operators, intel professionals, and more. I’m a big fan of the Team House and you can check out our Combat Story interview with David’s co-host Jack Murphy (Episode 13 https://youtu.be/ScqnGbPSfhY). David has written two books and appeared in several TV shows as an actor. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story with another battle-tested fighter as much as I did. Find David Online:
0:00 - Intro 0:41 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady) 2:09 - Guest introduction (David Parke) 3:02 - Interview begins 3:27 - Getting attacked on a NYC subway in 2020 13:30 - David as a kid, his natural curiosity, and life before the military 18:08 - Why the Marines? 21:04 - From Marines to Navy Diver 26:59 - Going through Army boot camp at 27 years old 34:46 - His transition into linguist role 43:06 - Being in DLI training when 9/11 happened 46:49 - Fear of Missing the War 51:18 - What interrogations at Guantanamo were actually like 59:32 - Early mission sets in Afghanistan 1:11:23- Combat Story #1 - An unexpected (and funny) outcome in Iraq 1:15:43 - Combat Story #2 - the mission where David earned the ODNI National Intelligence Medal for Valor 1:27:54 - Combat Story #3 – The lighter side and things you can’t help but laugh at 1:28:58 – Team House origin story 1:44:54 - What did you carry into combat? 1:46:02 - Would you do it all again? 1:47:27 - Listener comments and shout outs
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.
00:46 Guest Intro: Greg Schaefer's Journey from Coast Guard to FBI
02:27 The Threat Landscape: Border Security and National Safety
05:14 The Significance of a Special Painting: HRT Brotherhood
08:10 Choosing a Career in Law Enforcement: It's in the Blood
08:57 From the Coast Guard to FBI: A Path of Service
16:00 The Rigorous FBI Selection Process
28:34 First Steps and Early Successes in the FBI
40:10 The Dynamics of SWAT Operations
45:10 The Mental Toll of Law Enforcement Work
45:49 Undercover Challenges and Mental Separation
46:35 Comparing Military and Law Enforcement Stress
47:17 The Importance of Mental Resilience
48:19 Transitioning to HRT and Selection Process Insights
48:44 Sponsor Break: Mint Mobile's Offer
49:58 HRT Selection: A Grueling Process
54:26 Tactical Training and Surveillance in HRT
55:36 The Origins and Mission of HRT
01:01:14 Challenges and Operations with HRT
01:13:12 Public Perception of Law Enforcement
01:16:36 Writing a Book on Active Shooter Survival
01:26:37 Reflections and Advice for Future Generations
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.
Combat Story (Ep 52): Travis Hall | Green Beret (18D) | Ranger | Second Chance K9 | 18 Deployments
27 Nov 2021
01:41:19
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Travis Hall, an Army Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret who survived 18 combat deployments post-9/11 to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Niger. You heard that correctly: 18 deployments. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal. Travis was an 18D (Special Forces Medic) and one of the first K-9 handlers deployed with the Green Berets in combat. He’s been in day long firefights, run both high and low vis ops, trained thousands of partner forces, and survived some incredibly difficult operations. Travis founded Second Chance K9, which is a rescue organization that pairs working military dogs with special operations veterans suffering from PTSD. He also runs Second Chance Medical Consulting, where he provides private and semi-private training on firearms and medical aid. After 18 deployments over almost two decades, Travis’ positive approach to life and his focus on making people’s (and dogs’) lives better is tangible. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story of someone who spent many years deep in our wars (with and without a dog at his side) as much as I did. And if you do enjoy it, I hope you’ll subscribe and leave a positive review (it would mean a lot). Find Travis Online:
Travis’ Linktree Second Chance K9 Donate to Second Chance K9 Instagram @secondchancek9 Facebook @2CK9SD YouTube
Ryan: Instagram @combatstory Show Notes/Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro 0:40 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady) 2:10 - Guest introduction (Travis Hall) 3:16 - Interview begins 6:40 - Travis and a childhood WITHOUT (surprisingly) animals 10:56 - A family military history and a SEAL contract 17:46 - Why Green Berets? 20:04 - Fear of Missing the War 26:20 - Combat Story #1 - Arriving in country and immediately in a fight 30:21 - What’s a Low Vis mission profile? 39:27 - Combat Story #2 - Brutal fighting in Kandahar, Afghanistan 44:15 - Combat Story #3 - Lighter/funnier side of combat and being mistaken for a local 51:37 - Combat Story #4 - Life as an 18D Special Forces Medic 56:23 - Combat Story #5 - Treating himself downrange 1:01:45 - Travis’ documentary to support veterans 1:04:29 - Being one of the first SF K9 handlers 1:11:31 - Combat Story #6 - Travis and his K9 Bear in Iraq 1:25:59 - Origin of Second Chance K9 1:33:54 - What did you carry into combat? 1:36:12 - Would you do it all again? 1:39:44 - Listener comments and shout outs
Combat Story (Ep 51): Erick Miyares | Tier 1 Sergeant Major | Special Missions Unit | Marine | Echo9
20 Nov 2021
01:56:10
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Erick Miyares, a retired Sergeant Major who spent nearly 30 years in the military in the pre- and post-9/11 era. Erick was a Marine, Marine sniper, part of 7th Special Forces Group, and then spent over 20 years in Tier 1 Special Mission Units. [Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.] Erick has been shot (with small arms and rockets), run singleton and low vis missions, operated in multiple theaters and countries, and cheated death (and capture and compromise) on numerous occasions. He’s only recently separated from the service and stepped “out of the shadows” to where he can discuss some of the aspects of these clandestine and secretive roles and the toll it takes on a person. Erick uses his experience and the hard lessons he learned to drive Echo9.axiom and Echo9.hopes with a specific mission to prevent the suicide of Veterans after having lost two close friends in 2019. This is a fantastic interview that dives into what’s involved in the shadowy world of intel and reconnaissance at the elite level. I hope you enjoy this vulnerable and introspective Combat Story with Erick as much as I did. Find Erick Online:
0:00 - Intro 0:55 - LoanSteady - A word from our sponsor 2:22 - Guest introduction 3:28 - Interview begins 6:30 - Growing up in Hialeah (Miami) 17:13 - The idea of the military 28:00 - Once a Marine, always a Marine 37:08 - Combat Story in South America with 7th Special Forces Group 47:39 - The buildup of PTSD 55:40 - Invited to Selection 1:05:14 - Combat Story with an RPG in Ramadi 1:17:10 - Losing two friends from the Tier 1 community to suicide 1:40:44 - Echo9 Axiom and Hopes 1:49:32 - What did you carry with you into combat? 1:51:19 - Would you do it all again?
Veterans Day Tribute
12 Nov 2021
00:05:00
A short tribute to the Veterans who spent years away from families to serve. In their own words. And a thank you to the families that made it possible. Thanks to our guests:
Combat Story (Ep 50): Vincent Speranza | WWII Veteran | Battle of the Bulge | Airborne Beer | Author
11 Nov 2021
02:07:09
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we have a special Veterans Day 50th Episode of Combat Story from Vincent Speranza, who was a paratrooper in the storied 101st Airborne Division in World War II. Vince was a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge where he and his fellow paratroopers held Bastogne after being encircled by the Germans. [Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. With their experience, agility, and creativity at Loansteady, they offer better rates, a simpler process and a much stronger personal connection. They're here to find a mortgage that works for you, not the other way around. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.] While fighting, Vince earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, but he’s gone down in history for being the GI who miraculously found and transported draft beer in his helmet from the last standing bar in Bastogne during the attack. This story later became the basis for Airborne beer, which can be purchased throughout Belgium and is designed to be enjoyed from a small ceramic cup shaped like a WWII helmet. Vince, in the last 10 years, has written a book, aptly titled “Nuts!: A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne,” has jumped out of airplanes again, and speaks to soldiers and organizations about his experiences. His story is nothing short of legendary and reminds us all why we refer to his as the “Greatest Generation.” I hope you enjoy this amazing combat story as much as I did. Follow Ryan on Instagram @combatstory Show Notes
0:00 - Intro 0:48 - A word from our Sponsor (Loansteady) 2:15 - Guest intro 3:22 - Interview begins 4:18 - Growing up an Italian immigrant 16:00 - Did you miss out on a “fun” or easy childhood? 18:20 - AWESOME Pearl Harbor story from Dec 7th,1941 22:21 - The Draft letter 23:43 - Shipping off to WWII (wait for his dad’s comment) 38:04 - Training to go to WWII 41:01 - Volunteering for Airborne 50:40 - Taking the Queen Mary over to the war 52:34 - The feeling on the boat on the way to WWII 54:28 - You’re going in! 59:29 - Battle of the Bulge - Basic numbers and the environment 1:01:41 - The importance of artillery at Bastogne 1:04:44 - Asking for our surrender 1:06:15 - Like the Colonel already said 1:07:10 - “Freedom in your heart” (you can’t help but smile when you hear this) 1:07:50 - How was I feeling at the Battle of the Bulge? 1:10:15 - The sobering moment comes after the shooting… 1:11:45 - German strategy going in 1:14:50 - Airborne Beer (INCREDIBLE story) 1:18:30 - Made myself a promise 1:33:45 - Combat Story (WWII Edition) Begins with description of digging into frozen ground and fighting from those positions 1:36:00 - “The whole world exploded” 1:38:48 - A machine gunner’s delight 1:47:16 - A once in a lifetime R&R 1:58:59 - Did you carry anything with you into combat? 1:59:57 - Would you do it all again? 2:00:09 - At the Eagle’s Nest! 2:03:26 - Not a hero… 2:05:23 - Listener comments
Combat Story (Ep 49): Ray McPadden [Part 2] | Ranger Ground Force Commander | JSOC | Purple Heart | We March at Midnight
06 Nov 2021
02:03:27
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Today we hear the second part of Ray McPadden’s Combat Story. Ray is a former Army Infantry Officer who survived four brutal deployments. In Part 1, we covered his time with 10th Mountain in the Korengal Valley, a notoriously violent part of Afghanistan. [You can find Part 1 at https://youtu.be/uebr9kPuPLM or https://tinyurl.com/wfcat859]
In Part 2, we pick up just after Ray returns from 16 months as a Platoon Leader in Afghanistan. He immediately goes to ROP (the Ranger Officer Program) to be assessed for the Ranger Regiment. In this interview, Ray provides some incredible detail about the types of missions and decisions soldiers have to make within the JSOC community and the stark differences between the special ops and conventional military in terms of resources, equipment, aviation, personnel, and more. For those who want to know what it was like to roll out on a multiple hit night in Iraq with JSOC, this interview will make you feel like you’re inside the Stryker and on the objective. If you want more, check out Ray’s great book - We March at Midnight. I hope you enjoy this second round of Ray’s combat story as much as I did. Find Ray Online:
0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Guest introduction 1:50 - Interview begins and returning from the Korengal Valley 8:15 - Did you get treatment for PTSD after the first deployment 13:00 - Coming straight back from combat to Ranger Officer Program 20:25 - Interesting model in the Ranger Regiment 27:57 - What’s a Ground Force Commander 30:08 - How hard is the Ranger Officer Program 33:43 - The Darby Queen 43:30 - Arriving to 2nd Ranger Battalion 46:52 - Big Boy Rules 50:57 - Combat Story #1 - Running ops Day 1 55:23 - JSOC Mission Briefs in combat 1:11:19 - Combat Story #2 - Hasty follow-on operation 1:18:45 - Couldn’t sleep post-mission 1:23:56 - Combat Story #3: Tier 1 HVTs operating in difficult spaces 1:45:28 - Combat Story #4: The reality of warfare and children on the battlefield 1:53:38 - Why choose the title “We March at Midnight”? 1:56:25 - What did you carry with you into combat? 1:59:25 - Would you do it all again? 2:01:28 - Listener shout outs and comments
Combat Story (Ep 48): Ray McPadden [Part 1] | Ranger | Purple Heart | Valley of Death | We March at Midnight
30 Oct 2021
02:04:49
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear Part I of the Combat Story of Ray McPadden, a former Army Infantry Officer who survived four deployments that included leading troops in one of the most dangerous valleys of Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division and as a Ground Force Commander in the Ranger Battalion.
Listeners really appreciate our interviews with Special Operators and it’s easy to see why. Many listeners have asked to hear a few more stores from the conventional side of the house. Today’s episode focuses entirely on the conventional side of Ray’s career and fighting that his Battalion Commander at the time promised would be harder than anything he would go on to do in the Rangers.
Ray’s experience in the Pech and Korangal Valleys will be eye opening to many who had no idea forces were fighting in this unforgiving terrain and in these isolated conditions. Many have seen Restrepo and the Hornet’s Nest and can appreciate just how difficult that fighting was. Ray and his men fought to build the positions and fortifications that would later become the backdrop of those movies and books.
We use Ray’s own fantastic book - We March at Midnight - as a guide to walk through the first half of his career and will pick up in part two with his time in the Special Ops community. I hope you enjoy this first of two Combat Stories and his fight in what was known as the “Valley of Death” as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 1:11 - Guest introduction 2:03 - Interview begins 5:10 - Reenacting Sniper (the movie) as a kid 12:54 - Texas A&M and learning from NCOs for the first time 18:50 - “Actions not words” and leading by example 21:14 - Mood in the Army in 2004-2005 starting out 24:05 - A life in the mountains 25:12 - Donkey and mule training 35:43 - The real side of a military spouse - “They go to war with you” 39:30 - Afghanistan and the Pech Valley 42:00 - First Platoon Sergeant - “The key person” for new LTs 45:22 - Reality of Mountain Warfare 47:22 - Combat Story #1: First big fight 1:21:40 - Combat Story #2: The counterattack 1:27:37 - The Korongal (Korangal aka Korengal) Valley and Restrepo and Operation Red Wings environment (Restrepo Info for those interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvUdruvbdmI) 1:30:01 - Combat Story #3: Initial fight in the Valley 1:44:04 - “War is Freedom” 1:50:13 - Delivering some of the hardest news possible 1:54:29 - Combat Story #4: The Last Firefight - “War is horrible” 2:02:10 - Conventions vs Special Operations 2:03:25 - Listener Comments and Shout Outs
Combat Story (Ep 46): Tony Brooks | 2nd Ranger Battalion | Operation Red Wings Recovery | Author Leave No Man Behind
16 Oct 2021
01:52:27
Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more!
Today we hear the Combat Story of Tony Brooks, a former Army Ranger with 2nd Ranger Battalion who fought in Afghanistan early in the war and in Ramadi, Iraq.
Tony’s first mission was significant, being tasked with the recovery of downed chinook helicopter, Turbine 33 and The Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell in the mountains of Afghanistan.
His book, Leave No Man Behind, is all about this experience as the primary search and rescue element that catalogues the mission from hitting the ground, recovering bodies, and hunting for every last man to bring them home.
In this episode, we also touch on the impact of a legendary man, soldier, Ranger, and American - Pat Tillman - who had a tremendous influence on Tony (and myself for that matter).
After the military, Tony went on to become a licensed chiropractor. He married the woman he refers to in the book as ‘the Unicorn’ who he met as a private while stationed at Fort Lewis.
I hope you enjoy his Combat Story, and the mission to bring everyone home, as much as I did.
0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Guest bio 1:40 - Interview begins 2:06 - Pat Tillman - One of the greatest Americans of our generation 10:35 - Finding Purpose 13:19 - Why go to the Rangers? 17:00 - The Unicorn and the long play 20:00 - Parents played it neutral 23:50 - First time in Afghanistan 30:33 - Context for Operation Red Wings 37:15 - How did you feel going into your first mission? 40:07 - Fast roping onto target 49:25 - First objective - get to the crash site 58:20 - Recovering body parts 59:22 - Finding a wedding ring that meant so much more 1:06:27 - Next mission post-crash site recovery 1:13:50 - A screech you’ve never heard before 1:17:06 - Next mission is BDA 1:24:04 - My first experience of war was “sh*@” 1:26:28 - Finding Marcus Luttrell 1:32:13 - How close was the movie scenery (Lone Survivor) to reality 1:39:14 - Hilarious story of one of those “guys” in the unit 1:46:15 - What did you carry with you into combat? 1:47:31 - Would you go back and do it all again? 1:48:30 - How does Tony think about recent events in Afghanistan? 1:50:45 - Listener comments