This episode is also brought to you by CrayonEater Coffee. We’re proud to support CrayonEater coffee coming to you from, you guessed it, some former Marines (and current law enforcement officers!) You can order yours now at CrayonEaterCoffee.com This episode is also brought to you by the MrBallen Podcast. Hey Prime Members, listen to the Amazon Music exclusive podcast, MRBALLEN PODCAST: STRANGE, DARK & MYSTERIOUS STORIES, in the Amazon Music App. Download the app today. ========== Today we hear a unique Combat Story from the former Director of the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and long-time Case Officer Jose Rodriguez. Jose’s level at the CIA was equivalent to a general officer in the military, to give you an idea of his responsibility and impact. Jose was a case officer and Chief of Station in several Latin American countries and would eventually lead Latin America Division at the CIA before transitioning over to CTC right after 9/11 where he served as the Division’s Chief Operating Officer (a title he made up in true Agency fashion) and then was tapped to lead CTC just months after the invasion of Afghanistan.  Jose has a fantastic book titled “Hard Measures: How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives” which recounts not only some of the innovative HUMINT ops he ran as a CO (like his ability to use horses to gain access), but also some of the incredibly challenging decisions he made at the highest levels of the CIA, including the creation of the Enhanced Interrogation program. This was a really special episode for me given Jose’s role and history at the Agency and hope you enjoy a glimpse behind the curtain of one of the most secretive organizations from someone who went from the bottom to the very top as much as I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Jose Rodriguez Online: - Learn more about Jose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Rodriguez_(intelligence_officer) - Hard Measures book: https://a.co/d/hkicr4h Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  00:41 - Guest Introduction (Jose Rodriguez) 01:59 - Interview begins 03:14 - Senior Leadership of the CIA 06:45 - Childhood 10:55 - Coming to the U.S. for the first time 13:20 - Interviewing for the CIA 17:38 - Fighting diversity in the Agency 19:05 - The importance of writing 21:30 - Deputy Director of Operations 30:58 - The relationship between Case Officers 33:02 - Becoming a good writer 34:48 - Loosing an Agent 37:55 - Becoming Chief of Station 42:47 - Tactics used to inspire 44:25 - First time in combat enviornment  48:18 - The feeling going into CTC 56:50 - Restructuring the CIA 01:10:26 - Challenges of Controversy 01:17:25 - CIA casualties 01:26:00 - Complexity of CIA operations 01:41:50 - Afterthoughts on the CIA 01:52:15 - Miss most from the Agency 01:55:00 - Would you do it again 01:56:18 - Closing thoughts  01:58:59 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode is brought to you by 4Patriots Survival Food Kits.The kits are compact, sturdy, water-resistant, and stack easily. They have different delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners. You can make these meals in less than 20 minutes. Just add boiling water, simmer, and serve. Go to 4Patriots.com and use code COMBAT to get 10% off. This episode is also brought to you by CrayonEater Coffee. We’re proud to support CrayonEater coffee coming to you from, you guessed it, some former Marines (and current law enforcement officers!) You can order yours now at CrayonEaterCoffee.com ===== Today we hear the Combat Story of Jonathan Cleck, a career Navy SEAL and Federal Agent turned entrepreneur and stand-up comedian. Jonathan, like many SEALs in the Teams, lost several friends and brothers-in-arms to training and combat. He served in a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit and deployed to Africa and South America, in addition to Middle East.  After leaving the service, Jonathan has worn many hats, including founding a start-up technology company with his wife, and is stand-up comedian. In fact, we found ourselves talking about the similarities between jumping out of a plane and telling jokes on a stage. You’ll want to stay tuned for a special segment towards the end where I ask John, given his comedic background, to tell me what someone from each branch of service would drink and he did not disappoint (it brought me back to some of the fantastic shenanigans we shared while in the service). Jonathan is equal parts humble, impressive, and hilarious and I hope you enjoy this Combat Story (and leave with a smile on your face), just like I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Jonathan Online: - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancleck/ - Instagram @Jlcleck https://www.instagram.com/jlcleck/?hl=en - Twitter @jonathanCleck https://twitter.com/jonathancleck - GreenCastle Consulting https://greencastleconsulting.com/leadership/jonathan-cleck/ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  01:01 - Guest Introduction (Jonothan Cleck) 02:05 - Interview begins 03:12 - Stand Up Comedy or BUDS 11:44 - Path into Comedy 14:13 - The moment that lead to the Navy 24:22 - The decision to leave college for the Navy 26:12 - The recruitment process 28:19 - Things you thought you would get out of the Navy 33:11 - The camaraderie of Serving 39:10 - Path to becoming an Officer 49:28 - Casual Comedy 50:20 - Humor when being assigned a team 01:05:33 - First time outside the wire 01:38:15 - Branches associated with alcoholic drinks 01:49:52 - Sentimental items 01:51:37 - Do it all again 01:56:40 - Closing statements 01:58:11 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode is brought to you by 4Patriots Survival Food Kits.The kits are compact, sturdy, water-resistant, and stack easily. They have different delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners. You can make these meals in less than 20 minutes. Just add boiling water, simmer, and serve. Go to 4Patriots.com and use code COMBAT to get 10% off. This episode is also brought to you by CrayonEater Coffee. We’re proud to support CrayonEater coffee coming to you from, you guessed it, some former Marines (and current law enforcement officers!) You can order yours now at CrayonEaterCoffee.com == Today we hear a fascinating Combat Story from an active duty and currently serving F-15 Eagle fighter pilot, Ryan “Stinger” Fishel whose been involved in some of the most recent combat operations we’ve talked about on the show, including Syria and Iraq in Operation Inherent Resolve fighting ISIS. Ryan has an absolutely remarkable story of how he found his way to the Air Force that included a Forest Gump-like path of hustling and fighting for any flight time he could get in the civilian world, to include incredibly risky and sketchy flights shuttling aircraft from the US to various countries in the Caribbean. At one point, Ryan was living out of his car and working in a grocery store deli before a moment on a beach changed his perspective on life. I would ask you to please listen through Ryan’s story to get to the cockpit because it makes what follows (his exploits inside the aircraft) so much more special, to include an air to air shootdown in hostile skies of a drone, a stand-off and near international incident with a Russian fighter, and dropping danger close ordinance literally in neighboring buildings as friendlies were fighting ISIS. I am so excited for you to hear one of our best combat stories with insight into the fighter pilot community I’d never heard of before from a long time Combat Story listener and active duty pilot and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Ryan Fishel Online: - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fishel-a258591b9/ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  00:55 - Guest Introduction (Ryan Fishel) 02:15 - Interview Begins 02:22 - How Ryan met Ryan 04:22 - Taking advantage of Podcasts and Veteran stories 05:53 - Callsign Origin 07:20 - The role of a Flight Weapons System Officer 08:55 - The role of a Fighter Pilot 12:39 - Suprising people become a Fighter Pilot 14:21 - Determination to become a Fighter Pilot 15:41 - Training route 17:05 - Childhood 25:35 - Living out of the car after highschool 32:37 - Path into Aviation 43:29 - Selling airplanes 51:18 - Black Diamond Jet Team 56:42 - Path to the Airforce through OTS 59:09 - Trainings and tests that put Ryan ahead 01:01:36 - Advantage and disadvantages through intesne training 01:04:40 - 9/11 01:06:40 - F15 Jets 01:10:38 - Being the 'new guy from flight school' 01:17:18 - Sharing oral history 01:20:42 - The best roast jokes 01:23:21 - First combat mission 01:31:12 - Processing pulling the trigger and danger 01:39:56 - Crazy radios and the road to flying F35s 01:59:05 - Dealing with aftermath stress of combat  02:04:14 - How to deal with mortality 02:11:44 - TheMerge.co 02:12:43 - Sentimental item 02:13:58 - Would you follow the same route 02:15:03 - Envisioning the next 10-15 years 02:16:36 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/COMBAT and get on your way to being your best self and HELP the show. This episode is also sponsored by 4Patriots. Create your own stockpile of the best-selling 4Patriots Survival Food Kits handpacked in the US. Go to 4Patriots.com and use code COMBAT to get 10% off your first purchase on anything in the store. This episode is also sponsored by Ten Thousand, a clothing brand for tough, durable gear for the outdoors, working out, and a more active lifestyle. I just took mine to Alaska and they held up like a champ. They also use former Special Operators to test and improve their clothing! Check out https://tenthousand.cc/combatstory and get 15% off and help Combat Story continue to grow! I got their long sleeve t-shirt and it was awesome. . . Today we hear the Combat Story of David Waterhouse who was part of 2nd Ranger Battalion for six deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. David had the honor of serving alongside his fellow Rangers for years and the challenge of being on the ground to recover the bodies from the wreckage of the Operation Red Wings crash that we all know from the Marcus Luttrell Lone Survivor story. David and his friend Sean Spencer cataloged David’s combat experience in a documentary now streaming on Amazon Prime aptly titled “Ranger” in which David recalls his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The description notes that this is seen through the eyes of a Special Operations soldier and a first hand account that documents the brutality of combat, and the raw nature of killing and death. It's a journey of innocence lost and the scars of war etched into the minds of service members.  As David and I discuss in this episode, the documentary, like so many Combat Story episodes, tell the story of David but, at the same time, tell a story so familiar to so many veterans and family members.  David and I get pretty deep on the concept of the brotherhood that exists between veterans and some of the scars this experience can leave behind and I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did. . . Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find David Waterhouse Online: - Ranger on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8T8RRSD/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-waterhouse-56134047/ . . Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  00:42 - Guest Introduction (David Waterhouse) 01:52 - Interview Begins 02:00 - Making the Ranger Documentary 06:04 - Talking about outside the wire stories 08:40 - Wearing the Red Socks Cap in Ranger 10:32 - People who have reached out 16:20 - Bullies and joining the Military 22:39 - Knowing what you want to do 30:51 - Sterotypes of Second Unit 32:27 - What were your wants from the Military 34:12 - Friendships in the Military 38:15 - First time downrange 56:20 - The first deployment 01:04:12 - First gunfight 01:09:32 - Craziest Operation 01:12:41 - Composure during Combat 01:18:18 - Fastrope onto target 01:24:00 - Redwings 2  01:35:17 - Advice to former self 01:37:30 - PTSD  01:38:46 - Life after war 01:45:24 - The last mission 02:00:38 - Transition out of the Military 02:02:04 - The Ranger movie 02:02:56 - Sentimental items 02:05:53 - Would you do it all again 02:05:53 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode was brought to you by 4Patriots. Create your own stockpile of the best-selling 4Patriots Survival Food Kits. It’s not ordinary food. We’re talking good-for-25-years super survival food. Handpacked right in a family-owned facility in the U.S.A. and giving jobs to over 200 Americans. The kits are compact, sturdy, water-resistant, and stack easily.Just go to 4Patriots.com and use code COMBAT to get 10% off. That’s the number four Patriots.com, use code COMBAT. Start building your own stockpile today. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! When you use these, you help yourself and your family and Combat Story so it's a win-win-win. Thank you for your support! _______________________________________________________________ Today we hear the Combat Story of Scott “Intake” Kartvedt who was such a proficient pilot that he was handpicked to be one of two stunt pilots in Top Gun: Maverick. Intake has over 6,000 flight hours, much of that in the F/A-18 Hornet, to include combat command of an F/A-18 Squadron. Intake’s story is remarkable as he went from accountant to Naval Aviator to Blue Angel to Top Gun Maverick to making another movie in South Africa with Tom Cruise.  When the Navy needed to select its very first pilot to lead the first stealth fighter squadron of F-35s, they chose Intake. Before commanding in combat, Intake was a member of the storied Blue Angels where he flew Opposing Solo which put him less than 10 feet from his wingman in air shows at at a combined closing speed of over 1,000 mph (see more about Opposing Solo maneuvers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCnYTPAo550). Intake had the misfortune of investigating the fatal accidents of his friends and fellow pilots and survived several near death experiences, including a straight dive that he pulled out of at 27 feet above the ground.  He serves on the board of the Blue Angel Foundation where they’re trying to prevent veteran suicide. You can donate at https://www.blueangelsfoundation.org/ (I donated as well) to help the cause. Intake is a special combat veteran who is infuriatingly humble and open about the expectations and challenges of a life in the most elite community of aviators and I know you’ll enjoy this discussion as much as I did. Accountant to jet pilot | F/A-18 Combat Aviator F-35 Squadron Commander | Blue Angel Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Scott Online: - Donate to Blue Angels Foundation: https://www.blueangelsfoundation.org/ - Scott's website: https://scottkartvedt.com/ - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartvedt/ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  01:04 - Guest Introduction (Scott 'Intake' Kartvedt) 02:32 - Interview begins 02:40 - Role in Top Gun Maverick 02:05 - Scott and Tom Cruise 06:06 - Why Scott was chosen to fly 08:09 - Scott and 'Whiz' Buckley 08:56 - What 'opposing' means for flight profiles 13:04 - Accountant to Aviator 16:55 - Flying with Bob 17:54 - 'Intake' as a kid 19:07 - Scott and Ryan's kids 19:39 - Nord VPN  20:55 - Kartvedt's a Military family 22:59 - Competing for the right aircraft 27:31 - Important traits of a Fighter Pilot 30:05 - Air to air dogfighting more challenging than striking target 35:30 - Surface to air threats 37:37 - 4Patriots  38:57 - In the Blue Angels during 9/11  45:39 - Where 'Intake' nickname comes from 47:17 - How many flight hours 48:04 - Hardest hour of flight 54:08 - Advice on how to handle trauma 57:15 -  Enjoyment through the pressure 59:47 - Book Title ideas 01:00:56 - Challenging time in combat 01:14:38 - F-35 specs for combat 01:18:01 - Sentimental items 01:20:49 - Would you do it all again 01:23:07 - Unease for the future pilots 01:26:43 - Final comments   01:28:22 -  Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of Brian Slade, a former AH-64 Apache pilot and serving Air Force Search and Rescue pilot with multiple combat deployments both taking and saving lives. Brian moved out of his house at the age of 15 and learned to make it on his own and carries the same conviction and passion in almost everything he does. He’s written a book called “Cleared Hot: Lessons Learned about Life, Love, and Leadership While Flying the Apache Gunship in Afghanistan and Why I Believe a Prepared Mind Can Help Minimize PTSD” that goes into greater detail about his combat experiences. Brian showed me the gun tape from inside his cockpit after his front seater was shot in the leg, he lost an engine, and lost flight controls and it was amazing, bringing back the feel of the aircraft and the borderline chaos of radios during a gunfight.  We spend time in this episode on how to remove the weight and burden of what Brian aptly calls the ‘insidious backpack’ that many of us carry from experiences down range or just at home, which is part of a larger effort he’s supporting called Trauma to Triumph to help others deal with this burden. Brian and I definitely geek out on aviation lingo, aircraft, flight profiles, and emergency procedures and I hope you enjoy this discussion of chaos in the air and overcoming the associated burdens on the ground as much as I did.   Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Brian Online: - Brian's Instagram @brian.slade_ https://www.instagram.com/brian.slade_/ - Brian's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BrianLSlade - Brian's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/clearedhot - Cleared Hot book: https://a.co/d/hTUDFKK Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  00:53 - Guest Introduction (Brian Slade) 02:15 - Interview begins 02:54 - Difficulties in highschool  05:32 - Combat lesson learned through sports 17:47 - Father figures 21:45 - Trauma from a young age 23:58 - Road to enlistment 26:38 - Transition to flying Apache's 30:33 - Hovering and Apache Pilot training 39:27 -  Brian's time in the National Gaurd 41:23 - Afghanistan deployment 44:50 - Power Margin of the Apache in Afghanistan  46:17 - First tough engagement 57:03 - The relationship between air and ground forces 59:15 - Kinds of trauma 01:06:42 - Toughest moment in the pilot seat 01:14:20 - Guntape 01:16:26 - Toughest moment resumed  01:33:41 - Transfer to the Air Force 01:38:01 - Retirement coming 01:39:29 - Any sentimental items 01:41:40 - Would you do it all again 1:42:44 -  Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of Rob Huberty, a long time Navy SEAL who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan in some incredibly challenging battles.  Rob lost over 30 people close to him from his time in the Teams from either combat deaths, accidents, or suicide, including the loss of his closest friend during a battle in which they were talking to each other when his friend, Kevin Ebbert, was killed.  After service, and despite the pain and loss Rob endured, he fought back from depressive episodes, found psychedelics and plant-based medicines, attended one of the premiere business schools in the country, and founded a company alongside his ‘brothers’ who he went to school with.  The company they founded is called ZeroEyes and uses AI to proactively help mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence. They are, effectively developing the technologies that will prevent another Columbine or Sandy Hook (where, not coincidentally, Rob went to school). As you’ll see in this interview, Rob is eager to bring other veterans aboard this ride with him at ZeroEyes to build new skills and help save lives. And I know you’ll appreciate Rob’s perspective on loss, sacrifice, and overcoming the odds as much as I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Rob Online: - Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-huberty-605991a2/ - Website https://zeroeyes.com - YouTube ZeroEyes https://bit.ly/3vLvnDX - Facebook https://bit.ly/3WYnDuc - Twitter @zeroeyesai https://twitter.com/zeroeyesai - Instagram @zeroeyesai  https://bit.ly/3Izh4K2 Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  01:02 - Guest Introduction (Rob Huberty) 02:08 - Interview begins 04:45 - Skydiving in college 06:41 - The way away from West Point 08:16 - Family background 12:39 - Path to enlistment 16:04 - Being a lawyer 17:17 - How long did it take to get downrange 19:25 - What is ZeroEyes 23:51 - First experience as a Navy SEAL 26:26 - First time downrange 29:10 - Working with Rangers 30:06 - Kids while serving 30:54 - dissapointing deployments 32:39 - SEAL team relationship  34:02 - Startup compared to the SEAL 35:44 - Second deployment 39:45 - Tough moment in Afghanistan 45:22 - Grief and loss 49:18 - Potentially leaving the military 51:56 - Hate for a commander 55:28 - Best commander 01:00:05 - Tough time with a tough commander  01:25:45 - Processing grief 01:32:03 - Psychedelics therapy 01:43:50 - ZeroEyes best moments 01:46:16 - Any sentimental items 01:47:18 - Would you do it all again 01:47:43 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/COMBAT and get on your way to being your best self and HELP the show. This episode was also sponsored by Ten Thousand, a clothing brand for tough, durable gear for the outdoors, working out, and a more active lifestyle. I just took mine to Alaska and they held up like a champ. They also use former Special Operators to test and improve their clothing! Check out https://tenthousand.cc/combatstory and get 15% off and help Combat Story continue to grow! I got their long sleeve t-shirt and it was awesome. ___________________________________________________________________ Today we hear our first Combat Story from a Top Gun and F/A-18 Hornet pilot turned successful options trader Matthew Whiz Buckley.  Whiz found himself flying 44 combat sorties over Iraq and was scrambled just days after 9/11 to intercept a potential threat over the US where he was authorized to go supersonic at just 1,000 feet with a full weapons load (unheard of in the US)! As with all aviators, we dig into the Call Sign and Whiz is a great one! Despite the highs of flying jets across the world and graduating from Top Gun, Whiz also lost 16 fellow fighter pilots to accidents and suicide, after losing a sister at a very young age that stuck with him for decades.  As a result, he created the Top Gun Foundation to help keep veterans alive and found his way to plant based medicines and psychedelics with other veterans like Marcus Luttrell (aka “Lone Survivor”), which we spend some time on during this episode. Whiz has had tremendous success in his post-military career in the options trading world and continues to train everyday people how to make a living doing the same with Top Gun Options. In fact, his success is what made his foundation possible. This was a special episode for me personally where we really dig into the experience inside the cockpit and nerd out on all things aviation (like landing on a carrier at night) and the learnings Whiz was fortunate to take from Top Gun and how we can all apply those.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Matthew Online: Matthew's LinkTree https://linktr.ee/whiznfhMatthew's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official_whizbuckley/Matthew's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ematthewbuckley/details/experienceTop Gun Options - https://topgunoptions.com/Book Covid Crash https://www.amazon.com/COVID-CRASH-Profit-Fighter-Strategies-ebook/dp/B09FKNLKB3Book From Sea Level to C Level https://www.amazon.com/Sea-level-C/dp/0615249604 Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro  00:54 - Guest Introduction (Matther 'Whiz' Buckley) 02:20 - Interview Begins 02:57 - Matthew's early life and his time at the local rescue squad 05:47 - Other career paths 09:23 - The idea of joining the Military 13:42 - Early deaths that motivate 16:20 - Experimentation with Psychedelic Therapy 19:32 - Better Help (AD) 20:35 - 'Competitive' nature of Top Gun pilots 24:33 - Boat landings 30:19 - Hardest aircraft to land on a carrier 33:51 - Optics while flying a fighter jet 36:26 - What it's like to fly the F/A-18 Hornet  39:43 - Ten Thousand (AD) 42:21 - The path to getting the right aircraft 47:21 - 'Whiz''s time with 9/11 58:40 - Top Gun and being the Advisary  01:03:01 - What makes Top Gun training the most difficult 01:07:21 - Red Teaming 01:09:17 - Top Gun takeaways that can benifit everyone 01:15:28 - The origin of 'Whiz' 01:19:14 - Mishaps and mistakes 01:30:05 - The transition to the Finance world 1:32:10 - Psychedelic Therapy philanthropy 01:46:12 - Would you do anything differently 01:54:11 - What feeling do you wish you could share 01:55:27 - Carried sentimental items 01:56:03 - Would you do it all again 2:00:20 -  Listener comments and shout outs

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/COMBAT and get on your way to being your best self and HELP the show. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Today we hear the Combat Story of Ryan Rogers, a Marine Corps NCO who led Marines during the Battle of Marjah aka Operation Moshtarak which was a huge and intense International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) offensive in Helmand Province, Afghanistan involving 15,000 Afghan, American, British, Canadian, Danish, and Estonian troops, and the largest joint operation of the War in Afghanistan up to that point in 2010.  The purpose of the operation was to remove the Taliban from Marja, thus eliminating the last Taliban stronghold in central Helmand Province. This was Ryan’s first experience of intense combat and we spend significant time on the fighting which began literally after stepping off the Chinook on the LZ.  Many don’t know this about me but the Battle of Marjah had a profound impact on me personally in 2010 and was a primary reason I found my way to the CIA (which we touch on in this podcast). After his intense combat experience, Ryan turned to drinking but then found his path and purpose, writing the book “The Lions of Marjah” about his experiences during this battle and co-hosting the Choices Not Chances podcast.  This is a great one ya’ll. I don’t usually tear up during an interview but this one had me and Ryan in tears at one point talking about the relationships created down range. I know ya’ll are going to enjoy this one. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Ryan Rogers Online: - Ryan's book Lions of Marjah https://www.amazon.com/Lions-Marjah-Combat-As-Saw/dp/0578891220 - Twitter @RyanRog98054437 https://twitter.com/ryanrog98054437 - Choices Not Chances Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsqcmxKqaR4dIFFpaJxhtrQ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro  00:59 - Guest Introduction (Ryan Rogers) 02:25 - Interview begins 03:45 - Choices Not Chances Podcast 06:22 - Ryan's childhood and inspiration on joinging the military 11:27 - Ryan's family's reaction to him joining the Marines 13:02 - Why did Ryan choose to join the Marines 14:22 - Training for the Marines 22:38 - Americans Evacuated from Lebanon mission 27:40 - Does Hunting experience help in the Marines 30:20 - First time you found yourself downrange 32:45 - The yearning for combat 36:51 - The origins of the Lions of Marjah book 42:05 - Operation Moshtarak 49:03 - Relationship with the brand new squad in combat 51:53 - Dropping in the center of the fight 01:04:40 - The days that followed 01:18:20 - Any particullarly hard missions 01:25:41 - Building the bonds of combat Veterans  01:32:49 - The responsibilities of a USMC Squad Leader 01:38:19 - The transition out 01:42:33 - The emotional challenges of being a Marine 01:45:44 - Finding purpose 01:49:50 - Any sentimental items 01:51:00 - Would you do it all again 01:52:42 -  Listener comments and shout outs 01:54:33 - Sights Smells bring you back to combat 01:55:49 - Funniest memory of the time downrange  02:02:19 - Advice to 18-22 year olds 02:05:48 - Best piece of advice during your career

USASOC Operator & K-9 Handler | 7th SFG | 82nd Airborne | War Hogg Tactical | On the Range Podcast | Rick Hogg This episode is brought to you by Wondery's new podcast AGAINST THE ODDS: UNCHARTED: TEDDY ROOSEVELT’S AMAZON EXPEDITION (link) Today we hear the Combat Story of 29 year Army Special Operations veteran Rick Hogg, who spent time with the 82nd, 7th Special Forces Group and US Army Special Operations Command. His time ranged from Desert Storm deep into the post-9/11 era. Rick spent years as a K-9 handler in the Special Ops community, forging a very strong bond with his dog “Duco” in particular. Rick managed through years of deployments and overcame the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a very concerted focus on his own health and transition from the military that many can learn from.  After leaving the service, Rick now owns War Hogg Tactical offers mobile firearms, tactical and K9 training to civilians, military and law enforcement agencies that was borne out of his experience training Special Forces. He’s written the book “The Firearms Training Notebook: 1% Better Everyday”, co-hosts the On The Range Podcast, and founded the “In Honor of Duco” charity.  I hope you enjoy this wide ranging and emotional discussion with a USASOC operator as much as I did.  Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats... - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Rick Online: - Rick's Linktree https://linktr.ee/warhoggtactical - Instagram @warhoggtactical https://www.instagram.com/warhoggtactical/?hl=en - Warhogg website www.warhogg.com - Rick's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcfYEBZu_wjRsdqrKM-zhAw - In Honor of Duco Leash https://www.warhogg.com/product-page/in-honor-of-duco-loop-leash - K9 War Dogg CBD https://kindred-life.com/product/war-dogg/ - Learn more about Rick: https://www.warhogg.com/abou Rick Hogg is the owner of War HOGG Tactical, Inc. and is a 29 year US Army Special Operation Combat Veteran including being a Special Operations K9 handler. He has taken his 13 combat deployment, to both Iraq along with Afghanistan, as well as his teaching experience as a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat instructor and harnessed them into a proven training methodology service company, War HOGG Tactical, Inc. War HOGG Tactical, Inc. offers professional comprehensive mobile firearms, tactical and K9 training to law abiding civilians, military and law enforcement agencies through combat proven techniques and experience to improve students skill ability. War HOGG also conducts product development and product field testing along with a verity of consulting services in the defense and firearms industry.  War HOGG Tactical, Inc was born in 2002 when my Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat students returned from Afghanistan and said "That stuff you taught me saved my life!" Rick and his retired Special Operations Forces K9 Duco have been featured on Trigger Time TV covering an entire season on training a military working dog. Rick has also has instructional videos with Panteao Productions.  Our program’s main goal is to provide you with a skill set to defend yourself or your family members using a building block methodology of instruction Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro  0:44 - Guest Introduction (Rick Hogg) 1:48 - Interview Begins  2:14 - Background of the Hogg last name 5:27 - Rick's childhood and early years 10:12 - Do you associate more with being an Operator or K9 Handler 11:53 - The Transition from Soldier to Civilian and what Rick did to help out 15:06 - Rick's advice on how to transition out of the Military easier 19:32 - Wondery the Teddy Rosevelt Amazon Expedition AD 20:34 - Rick's experience and dealing with T.B.I. 23:01 - Rick's experience with acceptance, loss, and grief 27:40 - Joe and Rick 35:36 - Rick's thoughts on handleing grief and emotions in the midst of the mission 45:09 - Officer Duco and Rick 50:11 - In Honor of Duco Loop Leash 53:38 - Lowering of a K9 Officer 54:51 - Jumping with a K9 01:00:00 - Rick's love for the K9 Unit 01:04:38 - A death defying mission from Duco 01:09:17 - Training K9 Units with Foreign Forces 01:11:46 - The difference between Conventional and Special Forces Units  01:17:09 - The balance between the Specail Ops and Entrepenureship  01:20:57 - Rick's opinion on if older vs younger generations views on each other 01:23:18 - How Rick divides his time amongst his many projects 01:28:48 - Rick's plans for 2023 01:32:08 - Did you bring anything sentimental with you into combat 01:32:41 - Would you do it all again? 01:34:57 - Is there a book you would recommend to people 1:24:07 -  Listener comments and shout outs

EXCLUSIVE - This episode was sponsored by Ten Thousand, a clothing brand for tough, durable gear for the outdoors, working out, and a more active lifestyle. I just took mine to Alaska and they held up like a champ. They also use former Special Operators to test and improve their clothing, which you know we love on Combat Story! Check out https://tenthousand.cc/combatstory and get 15% off and help Combat Story continue to grow! I got their long sleeve t-shirt and it was awesome. Today we hear the Combat Story of Scott Mann, a long time Green Beret in the pre- and post-9/11 era. Ten years after his army service, he gained notoriety for his role leading what is now known as Operation Pineapple Express in August 2021 when he and a large group of veterans and active duty service members helped evacuate 1,000 Afghans as the Taliban returned to power and what was sure to be brutal retribution. Scott served in the jungle and mountainous terrain of South America and spent years in Afghanistan executing a combination of direct action and village stability operations. Like any Green Beret we’ve interviewed, Scott’s desire to work with, by, and through local forces shines through. He’s gone on to write several books in addition to Operation Pineapple Express, a play called Last Out that the Gary Sinese Foundation is helping to turn into a larger production, and a leadership company called Rooftop Leadership, all of which leverage the experiences he had in combat. I hope you enjoy this very real and raw Combat Story with someone who never gave up helping others as much as I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Scott Online: - Scott's Website: scottmann.com- Scott's Linktree https://linktr.ee/rooftop_leadership- Scott's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYOQ7CDJ6uSaGvmfxYC_skQ- Instagram @scottmannauthor https://www.instagram.com/scottmannauthor/- Facebook @Scott Mnn https://www.facebook.com/ScottMannAuthor- Twitter @RooftopLeader https://twitter.com/RooftopLeader- RooftopLeader Podcast https://linktr.ee/rooftoppodcast- Rooftop Leadership Website https://rooftopleadership.com/ Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 1:08 - Guest Introduction (Scott Mann)2:17 - Interview Begins 2:54 - Last Christmas I evacuated Afghans out of Afghanistan7:18 - Scott's ability to thrive in uncomfortable enviornments8:39 - Scott's whiteboard with the first Afghan Evacuation plans10:20 - Scott's childhood and planting the seeds of a Leader12:09 - Scott's first encounter with a Green Beret Soldier15:07 - What influenced Scott to join the Military15:45 - Scott's opinion on bullies and the Military16:35 - Scott's trejectory to end up in Special Forces18:46 - Scott's battle with alcoholism in the Quartermaster Branch21:14 - The value Quartermaster service had on Scott's knowledge and career24:57 - The reputation of 7th group26:17 - First assignment with the 7th group in Peru/Ecuador conflict34:33- Cliff Patterson and the affects of 9/1142:42 - Scott's advice on loss and grief46:49 - 1st time outside the wire in Afghanistan51:07 - Scott's experience with the Afghan National Special Forces58:16 - Afghan National Army's first encounter with the Taliban01:07:51 - Operation Pineapple Express01:26:52 - Last Out: Elegy of A Green Beret01:30:00 - Is there any sentimental items you brought with you into combat?01:33:00 - Would you do it all again?01:34:39 -  Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of Dan Schilling, who spent over 30 years in the military, primarily as a Combat Controller and Special Tactics Officer in the Air Force’s Special Operations community. He was on the ground calling in air strikes during Operation Gothic Serpent (better known as Black Hawk Down).  He holds the Guinness World Record for most BASE jumps in 24 hours (201), and is a professional-rated demonstration skydiver, mountain speedwing pilot and volunteer ski instructor with Wasatch Adaptive Sports. He’s a best selling author, helping produce a movie, and recently wrote a song with his band: Spent Brass. After years of combat, Dan found his way to Buddhism and shares some readings and learnings that you can apply if you are dealing with trauma and challenges in your life. I hope you enjoy this hair on fire account of living life to its extremes - both in and out of uniform - as much as I did.  Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Dan Online: - Website https://www.danschillingbooks.com/- Dan's Books https://www.danschillingbooks.com/books- Instagram @danobooks  https://www.instagram.com/danobooks/- Special Operations Warrior Foundation https://specialops.org/- Spent Brass on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3K3t1GNUdaPYmvEgCAslZg?si=NgQc3ywRRtmMiVSun8yFMw Dan's Reading List: Book called the Power of Now https://shop.eckharttolle.com/collections/books/products/the-power-of-now?variant=7433430499358Book called the Power of Awarenesshttps://www.thepowerofawareness.org/Book called Battle of Mogadishuhttps://www.booksamillion.com/p/Battle-Mogadishu/Matthew-Eversmann/9780345459664Book called Alone at Dawnhttps://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/dan-schilling/alone-at-dawn/9781538729670/Book called What the Buddha Taughthttp://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/what%20the%20buddha%20taught_rahula.pdf Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:57 - Guest Introduction (Dan Schilling)1:47 - Interview Begins 2:33 - World Record Base Jumping in 24 hours6:44 - Speed flying in the mountains9:14 - Did you choose the dangerous life or did it chose you?12:19 - Joining the Army16:02 - Transition from the Army to the Air Force20:15 - Media and Hollywood portrayals of the military  25:29 - JTAC and Combat Controllers34:06 - Special Tactics Officer 38:48 - Culture differences between Seal Team 6 and Delta Force42:09 - First experience in ground combat48:00 - Combat Story - The Battle of Mogadishu1:03:18 - Therapy through Extreme Sports1:13:37 - How Dan found Buddhism1:27:47 - Dan's Band: Spent Brass1:22:19 - Dan's post military careers and book recommendations1:31:35 - What did you carry into combat?1:32:24 - Would you go back and do it all again?1:35:27 -  Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of Jeff Adamec, a longtime Green Beret with six combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an 18B and a K9 handler. Jeff earned the Silver Star during the Battle of Debeka Pass in Iraq in 2003 during his first deployment. In his final deployment, Jeff was knocked unconscious by an RPG during a gunfight in Afghanistan while based out of FOB Cobra. He broke his back in four places and was medically retired for those injuries and the TBI sustained as a result. He went on to find success in the corporate sector in network engineering and logistics and hosts the Changing Hearts and Minds podcast that focuses on military history of all eras prior to 1995. Jeff’s understanding of military history and weaponry absolutely shines through in this episode and will, I hope, attract some more listeners to his podcast. I hope you enjoy this fast paced and wide ranging interview with Jeff as much as I did. Find Jeff Online:  - Instagram @chm_podcast https://www.instagram.com/chm_podcast/ and @Jadamec77  https://www.instagram.com/Jadamec77/ - Twitter @CHMPodcast https://www.facebook.com/CHMPodcast/ - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CHMPodcast/ - Changing Hearts & Minds Podcast https://chmpodcast.libsyn.com/website Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Guest Introduction (Jeff Adamec)01:46 - Interview Begins 06:10 - Aliens Movie in 1986 as inspiration to join 08:42 - Influential Media11:29 - Road to enlistment16:29 - Path to Green Beret20:28 - Missing 9/1123:38 - Where did you find your confidence?26:35 - Time in 3rd Group30:41 - Deployment in Iraq37:54 - Combat Story - Events leading up to Battle  of Debecka50:49 - The Javelin story01:09:41 - Returning from War 01:10:42 - The Aftermath01:16:56 - Other deployments 01:19:12 - Dogs 01:21:31 - Combat Story - Bait the Ambush01:33:37 - The injury 01:44:20 - Life with Traumatic Brain Injury01:50:36 - Podcast origin and inspiration01:54:22 - What did you carry into combat?01:55:54 -  Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of a long time aviator and CH-47 and MH-47 pilot who spent years with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Alan Mack. Alan served over 35 years in the Army and retired with 6700 flight hours, including 3200 hours in NVGs. Alan survived an aircraft shootdown and multiple near death experiences in his time in uniform. He was a part of iconic operations including Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operations Anaconda and Redwings, and many others he can’t discuss because they remain classified. He has two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit, and 10 Air Medals, including one with Valor.  His nickname was The ‘Stache which is almost a requirement for an aviator but sadly that mustache is now gone but I have confirmed with my old flight school roommate who served with Alan that the nickname was indeed, The Stache! Alan’s book “Razor 03: A Night Stalker’s Wars” chronicles so much more of his experiences in the elite special operations community for those who are left wanting more, to include some of the more personal and challenging family dynamics he experienced with years in combat. I hope you enjoy this perspective from the inside the cockpit where we dive deep into some of the aviation psychology, personalities, and Chinook configurations, as much as I did. Find Alan Online:  - Twitter @AlanCMack2015 https://twitter.com/alancmack2015- Website https://alancmack.com/- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlanCMackAuthor Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Guest Introduction (Alan Mack)2:22 - Interview Begins 3:02 - Razor 03 A Night Stalkers War4:10 - Bumper Hitching7:26 - Enlistment 11:35 - Path to Chinooks 14:37 - WOJG16:58 - Chinook Pilot Personality20:51 - Loading the Chinook24:54 - The Composition of the Chinook33:40 - Right Ramp Left Ramp38:51 - The Crew Chiefs43:48- Sending Apache Guys45:26 - First time flying in combat55:00 - We own the night01:02:59 - Eras of war01:09:40 - Alan's Teaching Days01:23:01 - The Anaconda01:59:48 - The Aftermath02:04:35 - What did you carry into combat?02:07:01 - Would you do it all again?02:11:29 - Razor 03 A Night Stalkers War02:13:36 - Listeners comments and shout outs

EXCLUSIVE - This episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods. Go to https://www.uncommongoods.com/combat for 15% off your order and find some killer holiday gifts (and you'll be helping keep Combat Story going!) Today we hear the Combat Story of Dean Stott, a former operator with the UK Special Boat Service (SBS) who saw combat with both SBS and the Commandos.  Dean would eventually injury his leg in a HAHO (high altitude high opening) accident getting ready for another deployment that would end his military career but would not end his thrill seeking sense of adventure. In fact, only two days after leaving the military, Dean was providing security for people in remote and dangerous parts of the world, eventually standing up his own security company.  Dean, like many former operators, tried a more predictable existence in an office but quickly found himself searching for the adrenaline highs he’d left behind. As a result, he found his way to biking and set two world records. Dean’s book “Relentless” will be available on November 28th in the US that details some of the topics we discuss in this interview and more, including his close friendship to Prince Harry, who listeners will know I appreciate given his background flying Apaches. Dean’s got more adventures ahead including another record breaking task in Africa. I hope you enjoy this discussion of what can only be called a full life lived to the edge as much as I did (and if you’re like me, you’ll also be a little jealous!). Find Dean Online:  - Dean’s Website https://www.deanstott.com/- Dean’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/Deanstott - Instagram @deanstott  https://www.instagram.com/deanstott/  Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Guest Introduction (Dean Stott)1:53 - Interview Begins 2:11 - Bike ride on the world's longest road, The Pan-American Highway8:14 - Connection to Prince Harry 13:00 - Growing up with a military family and competitive drive 16:34 - Events that led to joining 21:03 - Path from Commandos to UK Special Boat Service (SBS) 24:58 - SAS and SBS selection and the differences and similarities  between them  29:35 - First time outside the wire in Kosovo and a funny story about why he always asks about wildlife 34:42 - First contact post 9/11 in SBSand a HAHO jump 36:55 - HALO vs HAHO - the training, the dangers, and the mindset for operational jumps 44:45 - Would you have done anything different in your career? 46:23 - The injury that ended his military career 40:41 - Identity crisis after leaving the military and finding a role in crisis management and private security 58:41-  Purchasing weapons on the black market and finding a niche in the private sector  1:05:57 - Are there any jobs you've had to turn down? 1:07:55 - Becoming the first man in history to cycle 14,000 miles in under a hundred days and still making it to Harry and Meghan's wedding 1:14:22 - The inspiration, process, and content of the book "Relentless"   1:18:59 - What did you carry into combat? 1:20:08 - Would you do it all again?1:22:02 - Philanthropy work 1:24:07 -  Listener comments and shout outs

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! I use NordVPN myself so you're in good company (and I know security). If you sign up, it will also help the show so thank you in advance! This episode is also brought to you by Uncommon Goods. Go to https://www.uncommongoods.com/combat for 15% off your order (and you'll be helping keep Combat Story going!) Today we hear a rare Combat Story from the highest echelons of the military from the eyes of retired General George Casey, who was the Commanding General, Multi-National Force – Iraq, from 2004 to 2007, and Chief of Staff of the Army from 2007 to 2011.  General Casey’s decisions resulted in many of the combat stories we’ve heard on this show as Delta operators, snipers, soldiers, and Marines carried out tactical operations that he and his staff decided at the strategic levels.  I have a very short but personally important moment in which my life intersected with the General’s: he commissioned me into the Army. I was a student and ROTC cadet at Georgetown University where I played football and was on campus during the aftermath of 9/11. Similarly, General Casey was a student at Georgetown, also played football, and was on campus during the Vietnam War when it was not popular to wear the uniform.  Mine was the first full class to commission into the post-9/11 era and I found it fitting that General Casey was the man who made that possible. He’s got some amazing stories, including being asked to attend the second-ever selection course for Delta Force to create the conditions for the first-ever elections in post-Saddam Iraq decades later. This was a special interview for me personally and I hope you enjoy the experience, highs, lows, and mindset of one of the very few to ever have the opportunity to wear four stars. Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 0:57 - Guest Introduction (General George Casey)2:29 - Interview Begins 3:27 - Time at Georgetown6:34 - Where we you on 9/11?7:49 - Family history in the military and the impact of losing his father in Vietnam 13:24 - The political  climate in 1968 and the challenges the Army was facing internally 20:55 - Father as a role model and  expecting to go to Vietnam and why he went to Germany instead 25:48 -  Investing in the soldiers 27:56 - life of the party personality 29:20 - Story of getting a call for "a mission of the highest national importance" 36:43 - The importance and overlooked part of the roles of military spouses 42:56 - Formative years in Bosnia and Kosovo and first deployment in a combat environment 4:57 - What the weight and pressure of General Officers is really like 50:00 - Story of an uprising in Bosnia and major lessons learned 56:02 -  Story of how he came to a senior role at 1st Cavalry Division where his father served 1:01:04 - Where the "make the best of it" personality trait came from and what it was like at 1st Cav 1:07:43 - Seeing the end of a war and a story about a bizarre dealing with Russia 1:12:48 - Story of going to Iraq and  taking the most important role of his career 1:20:39 - The basis for his decision making process 1:25:32 - Thinking differently about veterans after 50 years of a volunteer force 1:29:35 - What did you carry into combat? 1:30:46 - Would you do it all again? Book Supporting Veterans After 50 Years of the All-Volunteer Force and 20 Years of War: Ideas Moving Forward https://www.amazon.com/Supporting-Veterans-After-Years-All-Volunteer/dp/B0B4WRPRKS/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1665942969&refinements=p_27%3AGeorge+W.+Casey&s=books&sr=1-1 Support the USO, where General (ret) Casey is Chairman of the Board https://secure.uso.org/OM_BRD/?sc=WF18SRCH07&gclid=Cj0KCQjw166aBhDEARIsAMEyZh79aLOZpIzkttNII41Q54cFGx88TxQHoXEIq5I1XOTn3VMK6ilNsCkaAmmREALw_wcB This video covers the following subjects: - Four Star General George Casey - Army Chief of Staff - Commanding General - Multi-National Force-Iraq General George W. Casey, Jr., enjoyed a 41-year career in the US Army following his graduation from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 1970. As the Army Chief of Staff, he led one of the nation’s largest and most complex organizations during one of the most extraordinary periods in our history. He is widely credited with restoring balance to a war-weary Army and leading the transformation to keep it relevant in the 21st Century. Prior to this, from July 2004 to February 2007, he commanded the Multi-National Force – Iraq, a coalition of more than 30 countries where he guided the Iraq mission through its toughest days. If you would like to learn more about Four Star General George Casey, look here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ _________________________ Have I responded to all of your questions about Four Star General George Casey? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what I can help you with or information on Four Star General George Casey.

Today we hear the Combat Story of a long-time Night Stalker from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Steve Lapping. Steve participated in multiple high-profile operations that many of us have heard of like the Jessica Lynch rescue and the Saddam Hussein capture, and many operations we have not like Objectives REINDEER and LEADVILLE. This was a special interview for me as you can imagine given Steve’s storied background as an elite pilot, spending over two decades in 160th. We also touch on some of the heartbreak that comes with years in the cockpit with accidents, shootdowns, and crashes, including the feeling in SOAR following Operation GOTHIC SERPENT (aka Blackhawk Down). Steve is one of the most humble individuals you’re going to encounter. In fact, I had to dig to figure out that Steve was a CW5, which is a very difficult rank to reach and to learn about his awards and decorations in combat. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story from inside one of the most lethal cockpits from such a humble warrior as much as I did. Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes:  0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Guest Introduction (Steve Lapping)2:02 - Interview Begins 5:10 -  First time flying with the W5 as a Junior Warrant6:53 -  Story of jumping into cold water at a young age11:32 - Fascination with military at an early age and an interest in aviation 17:30 -  Starting as a Warrant Officer and no regrets19:27 - First aircraft after training 25:35 - Path to 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and the assessment process 35:10 - Becoming a PIC (Pilot in command) in 6-7 months.39:24 -  Getting accepted into the 160th and events at the time 42:07 - Green Platoon assessment and selection course to become  Night Stalker 46:16 - Flying MH vs AH personalities and mission profiles 49:44 - Mindset first time in combat after a 15-17 year career already 55:48 - Morale after Black Hawk Down 58:05 - Earning first combat patch in Afghanistan and invading Iraq with tough calls and tough weather 1:11:26 - Combat Story - Objective REINDEER and DFC event 1:21:19 - Combat Story - Objective LEADVILLE  1:48:02 - Combat Story - Challenging Day Missions and engaging the wrong vehicle 1:52:36 - Reflecting on anniversaries and working with veterans 1:54:49 - What did you carry into combat? 1:56:06 - Would you do it all again?1:58:20 -  Listener comments and shout outs    This video covers the following subjects:   - 160th SOAR Night Stalker - AH-6 & MH-6 Pilot - DFC -160th SOAR  - Silver Star - CW5 Steve Lapping   The President of the United States of America, authorized by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Five Steven A. Lapping, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as Pilot of an AH-6 Helicopter with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), while operating against an entrenched enemy force during a daylight raid in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.    If you would like to learn more about 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Steve Lapping 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 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Steve Lapping? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what I can help you with or information on 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Steve Lapping.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! I use NordVPN myself so you're in good company (and I know security). If you sign up, it will also help the show so thank you in advance! This episode is also brought to you by Uncommon Goods. Go to https://www.uncommongoods.com/combat for 15% off your order (and you'll be helping keep Combat Story going!) This episode has two segments: an in-person interview with none other than John Skrek McPhee, former Sergeant Major in Delta Force or the Unit and our most watched and listened to guest to date; and a second segment where I reflect on some of the moments and interviews that stand out from the past 100.  For the first portion, Shrek welcomed us to his annual in-person SOB Tactical members event in North Carolina where he taught me how to properly breach a door with a shotgun, where another former guest and fellow Special Operator Dutch Moyer taught my 15-year-old son to hit a 25-meter target with a handgun on his first ever shot, and where we celebrated with a grog that brought back some of the more lighthearted memories of formal military events I’d almost forgotten.  For this interview, I asked Shrek some questions that our own Combat Story community wanted to know and a few that I’d been wondering about myself. We all know how tough Shrek is so the fact that Shrek and I both got choked up in this session is saying a lot. For the second segment, I reflect back on some of the episodes from our first 100 that stand out to me for a variety of reasons and those that I’ll often think back on from time to time because they taught me something and help me process what’s going on in my life today by giving me perspective. Just thinking back on one of these interviews brought me to tears because it still makes me remember how grateful I need to be today. We could never have made something like Combat Story without your support over the past two years and 100 episodes. Thank you to those who have been here since the beginning and to those who have only recently joined us. We’ve got so much more to come and it’s only possible because of you. With that, please enjoy this special edition of Combat Story for our 100th episode.  Find John Online: - Instagram @sobtactical https://www.instagram.com/sobtactical/- SOB Tactical https://sobtactical.com/- SOB TV https://watch.sobtactical.com/ Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes:  0:00 - Intro 2:14 - Interview with John Skrek McPhee begins 2:31 - From the original vision of SOB Tactical to the 5th annual SOB Tactical member's event 5:49 - Planning cycles for ops and how it is applied outside of the service 10:50 - Ops in Norway and freezing conditions 14:31 - Fan question - Did you really have a 300 PT test ?15:50 - The bonds and common ties that exist working with foreign forces 23:26 - Do you wish you were over there fighting the Russians right now?28:29 - Learning to be more humane downrange30:55 - Have you had to do family notification before? 33:33 - The value of "running your own race" in life  36:17 - Fan question - As a first time handgun buyer, what would you recommend?  38:26 - Fan question - What's Shrek's favorite book, poem, show, album" 41:51 - Things that trigger memories of being downrange48:38 - Philosophy of failures and taking risks 51:16 - Preparing sons for the service and how it changed their relationship 53:53 - When was the last time you took the uniform off?  55:47 - The future of SOB Tactical  57:08 - Ryan's reflections on 100 episodes 1:23:48 -  Listener comments and shout outs 1:27:33 - Bonus - Outtake from John Skrek McPhee interview  This video covers the following subjects: - Celebrating our 100th Combat Story - Sergeant Major in Delta Force - Special Operator Dutch Moyer - Combat Story    If you would like to learn more about Sergeant Major in Delta Force, John Skrek McPhee, and Special Operator Dutch Moyer 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 Sergeant Major in Delta Force, John Skrek McPhee, and Special Operator Dutch Moyer? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what I can help you with or information on Sergeant Major in Delta Force, John Skrek McPhee, and Special Operator Dutch Moyer.

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  https://nordvpn.com/combatstory  Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! I use NordVPN myself so you're in good company (and I know security). If you sign up, it will also help the show so thank you in advance! We did so well with this last time around that NordVPN reupped with us and that support is going straight into some new content we're producing at Combat Story! Thank you! Today we hear our first ever Combat Story from a Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia. David was a squad leader in Task Force 2-2 with the storied 1st Infantry Division during the brutal second battle of Fallujah. At one point, his fellow soldiers were pinned down and David cleared a building in a way that, in his words, 9 times out of 10, would have ended up very differently and with him losing his life and included hand to hand combat with an insurgent..  David shares so much insight into how the military transformed him and gave him some of the most real love he’d ever experienced with his brothers in arms. His second book, Remember the Ramrods: An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace just came out and speaks directly to the bonds that can truly only be forged in combat.  I highly recommend you listen all the way through to hear not just the event for which David would eventually receive the Medal of Honor, but also his response to the question if he would do it all again. It was something I never could have imagined.  With that, I hope you enjoy this very, very rare glimpse into someone who truly risked everything for a handful of others. #veteran #medalofhonor #army #combat  Find David Online: - Book Remember the Ramrods https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CQ33GFM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0- Book House to House https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W5MI12/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i1- Only the Dead See the End of War documentary featuring David’s Medal of Honor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iubIoXda8Lw- Medal of Honor Citation https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/bellavia/- David's Website http://www.davidbellavia.com/ Find Ryan Online: - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Guest Introduction (David Bellavia) 1:57 - Interview begins 2:29 - Writing experience and mentors 6:36 - Family background and feeling the need to avenge loss after Black Hawk Down13:45 - A home invasion that left an impression19:03 - Best night's sleep first night at Fort Benning 22:42 - Why infantry 25:11 - Kosovo and 9/11 28:53 - The training accident that made things real30:57 - Iraq deployment and a humbling first combat experience 37:42 - What happens when you start taking casualties 40:58 - Combat Story - Battle of Fallujah52:24 - Combat Story - Medal of Honor Event 1:21:43 - Being a leader not a soldier 1:28:39 Generational differences and sharing experiences with his grandfather 1:31:09 -  Remember the Ramrods: An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace 1:33:35 - What did you carry into combat?1:35:47 - Would you do it all again?  1:42:34 - What do you want to be known for in the end?1:44:10  - Listener comments and shout outs

Today we hear the Combat Story of Danny Hernandez, a Vietnam Veteran who served as a Marine rifleman in Operation Utah in March 1966. Danny would later be awarded the Silver Star and there is currently a push to have that upgraded to a Medal of Honor. Danny came from the rough streets of East LA and after Vietnam would return to be a committed community activist and mentor for many of the kids who were not as fortunate as he was.  The Silver Star was certainly earned as Danny was shot twice while providing medical aid to a stranded and wounded Marine on the battlefield; refusing to be evacuated, and killing several enemy soldiers as they flanked the casualty collection point that Danny had just been sitting in.  Danny’s work on mentoring and building the community in his hometown is inspiring and you can’t help but laugh as you hear some of the stories of the Marine Corps back in the Vietnam era.  His story is documented in his book, titled “Silver Star: An American Story” in much greater detail for those who are left wanting more.  Find Danny Online:  -Book: Silver Star: An American Story https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Star-American-Danny-Hernandez-ebook/dp/B07CJYYLLS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Find Ryan Online:  - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory- Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/- Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory- Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial- Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial- Email ryan@combatstory.com- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Guest Introduction (Danny Hernandez) 2:12 - Interview begins 2:58 -  Growing up on the streets and early interest in joining the Marines 12:04 -  What Marine Corps boot camp was like in 1965 25:46 - Combat Story - Vietnam War - Movement into country and the amphibious landing 30:05 - First time in battle the first night they were there 33:35 - The brutal environment of Vietnam 35:48 - First 45 days of battles and the brotherhood fighting for each other 38:48 - How the streets made him sharper in battle 40:44 - Combat Story - Operation Utah - the 2nd largest battle in Vietnam history by Marines1:02:00 - Wounded and tagged to get out but went back into battle anyway1:09:31 -  Getting shot again, flown out for medical care, and adjusting to not being in combat 1:23:20 - Receiving a Silver Star 43 years later 1:30:33 - How influential was Vietnam in your work later in the community? 1:32:28 - About Danny's books "Silver Star: An American Story" and the new one "Chaos to Community"  1:33:09 - Listener comments and shout outs  This video covers the following subjects: - Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient- Operation Utah- Vietnam Veteran- Danny Hernandez By the time Danny graduates high school in 1965, he must choose between the two futures represented by his two uncles: Street Warrior or Military Man. Danny chooses the Marine Corps. Danny graduates from boot camp the same year President Lyndon B. Johnson commits ground troops to Vietnam. While his cousins back home express interest in the civil rights movement, Danny loses good friends in jungle raids and skirmishes with the Viet Cong. This is a gripping, true-life story, told in Danny's own words. From his training at Camp Pendleton to his heroic actions saving the lives of his fellow marines during Operation Utah, through his honorable discharge during one of the most tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement, Danny's endearing, honest, and sometimes heart-wrenching story honors the lives of those who risked everything for their country and their fellow marines. If you would like to learn more about Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient, Danny Hernandez 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 Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient, Danny Hernandez? Possibly you wish to comment below and let me understand what I can help you with or information on Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient, Danny Hernandez.