Combat Story

Today we have round one of a fantastic two-part Combat Story with a former guest: Darrell Utt, a long time Green Beret and retired Master Sergeant.  Darrell just finished writing a book (Grit to Glory) going into great detail about one deployment when he was a Team Sergeant with ODA 043 in 2006 to Iraq that includes all the highs and lows of leading a team of elite Green Berets.  We met with Darrell two years ago for an episode (#74) watched by over a 100K+ people and this time around we get into more of the moments, experiences, and emotion in some of the fighting that Darrell has unearthed while writing the book. If you pre-order his book before Veterans Day (2024), you get a signed copy of the book and one of the coolest challenge coins you’ll find. Pre-order the book at ballastbooks.com/purchase/grit-to-glory/. You can find Darrell on the socials at darrell.utt on Instagram or darrell-utt on LinkedIN. If you haven’t seen the first episode, don’t worry, you’ll get all the context you need in this one to be up and running and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy his very real, raw, and down to earth storytelling as much as I did. Darrell on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darrell.utt/?hl=en 00:00 Intro 00:35 Darrell Utt Bio 03:09 Writing the Book: Challenges and Inspirations 10:12 Morgue Day: A Haunting Memory 19:26 Growing Up: Building Grit and Resilience 21:15 Family Struggles and Finding Strength 32:44 Military Path: From Humble Beginnings to Special Forces 44:53 The First Marine in the Family 45:16 Mentorship and Military Service 45:48 Challenges in Joining the Marine Corps 47:48 Receiving the Green Beret 50:28 Reconnecting with Influential Figures 54:08 Operation Ugly Baby: The Initial Invasion 01:06:05 Cultural Encounters and EPW Camp 01:18:03 Navigating Mosul and Military Strategy 01:26:13 Strategic Reflections and Military Planning 01:27:18 Looted Infrastructure and Insurgency 01:29:04 Early Signs of Trouble in Iraq 01:31:11 The Ba'ath Party Dilemma 01:33:22 WMDs and Misconceptions 01:35:27 2006: A New Team and Mission 01:47:20 Challenges and Leadership Decisions 02:03:57 Owning Up and Moving Forward 02:07:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Content   #usarmy #veterans #combat #specialforces  

Today we have our second account of the brutal fighting within the Arghandab Valley in Afghanistan from Will Yeske, a former 82nd Airborne RTO at the time. Will went on to write the book Damn the Valley: 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd Airborne in the Arghandab River Valley Afghanistan. Will recounts his experiences fighting and surviving in this brutal location in Afghanistan which takes place at the same time (and just across the river) from the same experience faced by our former guest Andrew Bragg who was in Charlie Company. The IEDs, the suicide bombs, and more come to life in both this interview and the book.  Since leaving the service Will has gone on to write two books and, despite initially dropping out of college, now has an Ivy League degree. When many other kids in their mid-20s were partying and living it up, he elected to serve and, one year later, found himself fighting for his life. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the multiple combat experience Will shares with us in this episode and, if you’re like me, will be getting your own copy of the book. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find William Yeske Online: Book https: https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Valley-Airborne-Arghandab-Afghanistan/dp/1636243657 @damnthevalley on social William Yeske on LinkedIN   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:28 Introduction to Combat Story 00:47 Will Yeske's Background and Book 02:09 Connecting with Andrew Bragg 02:42 Experiences in the Argandab Valley 04:10 Writing and Sharing War Stories 06:35 Memorable Artifacts and Stories 08:55 The Brutality of the Argandab Valley 15:03 Joining the Military: Will's Journey 26:42 First Combat Experience 39:56 Mission Overview and Initial Challenges 40:29 Controversies and Unpublished Accounts 41:26 Hard Moments in Argandob 42:23 IED Incidents and Minefields 49:27 Command Changes and Midtour Leave 01:00:26 Courage and Bravery in Combat 01:03:59 Writing the Book: Challenges and Reflections 01:08:03 Sentimental Items and Lucky Charms 01:10:27 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Today we hear a Combat Story from Marine Officer and US Army Special Operations Command (or USASOC) leader Varpas de Sa Pereira (de SA Pur-rare-a). His book Warrior Withdrawal: When BAMF No Longer Means Bad*$$ M^ther#u@!er is a great read for anyone trying to understand why so many of veterans - myself included - face challenges transitioning out of the military outside of just PTSD.  Varpas faced combat many times, deploying time and again with a variety of units in search of some "thing" he was missing. He was finally fully engrossed in the ‘system’ and had trouble pulling himself out of it. After 15 years of service, including time in USASOC at the tip of the spear, he finally retired and went back to school to study clinical psychology, where he realized what he had experienced was not abnormal. Many veterans, for whom being a warrior is ingrained in their psyche, struggle to adapt to life outside the military, often leading them to mental health challenges. Varpas coined this as Warrior Withdrawal Syndrome and now works as a psychotherapist to help veterans facing difficulties in their newfound lives. In this episode we talk through several of his combat experiences in Iraq and some really challenging experiences that officers often face in making life and death decisions in very ambiguous environments. He is currently a staff psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he provides mental health care to veterans and their families. You can get his book Warrior Withdrawal on Amazon. With that, please enjoy this unique interview with Varpas. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Find Varpas Online: Instagram, LinkediN, X : @drvarpas Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Introduction to Combat Story 01:08 Meet Varpus Desaparara 01:56 Warrior Withdrawal: Understanding Veteran Challenges 02:40 Varpus' Unique Background 02:59 The Meaning Behind the Name Varpus 04:45 Family History and Military Service 07:45 The Concept of 'Left of Boom' 09:38 The Transition from Military to Civilian Life 15:30 The Making of a Marine Officer 18:16 First Deployment Experiences 28:00 General's Aide and Beyond 37:13 Reflecting on Regret and Mental Health 38:38 Memorable Events from the First Deployment 40:35 Taking Initiative and Facing Challenges 41:47 Combat Realities and Leadership Decisions 43:28 Navigating Friendly Fire and Tactical Decisions 48:32 Moral Dilemmas and Command Conflicts 55:44 Career Progression and Special Ops Aspirations 01:06:31 Leadership Reflections and Personal Growth 01:12:25 Leadership Challenges in Fallujah 01:14:01 IED Strikes and Quick Reaction Force 01:16:03 Engaging the Enemy and Emotional Toll 01:24:47 Transitioning to Regiment and Family Sacrifices 01:29:07 Special Operations and Missed Opportunities 01:33:42 Warrior Withdrawal and Psychological Impact 01:45:38 Reflections and Moving Forward 01:50:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On today’s Combat Story we have a deep dive into intense fighting that took place in Afghanistan in the treacherous Arghandab River Valley with Andrew Bragg, a former Army infantryman who served back to back tours to two distinct places in Afghanistan, both with plenty of kinetic activity.   Andrew’s book The Devil’s Playground is about one of his deployments with the 82nd Airborne to the Arghandab River Valley where his unit experienced 50% casualties, including 6 KIA. Andrew traveled the country in his car to interview members of his unit from 12 years prior, many of whom had not seen each other since. Their common bond was the impact that the Valley had on each of them. I think you’re going to really enjoy this recounting of some incredibly challenging fighting experienced by just one of several units to survive the ‘Dab with Andrew Bragg.  Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Find  Andrew Bragg  Online: Book The Devil's Playground: The Story of Two Charlie and The Arghandab River Valley https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Playground-Charlie-Arghandab-Valley/dp/1636244718 Find Ryan Online:  🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Introduction to Combat Story 00:49 Meet Andrew Bragg 02:06 The Devil's Playground 02:59 Andrew's Journey to Reunite with His Unit 04:16 The Heavy Toll of Combat 04:57 Andrew's Early Life and Military Beginnings 05:45 First Deployment with the 173rd 06:35 The Impact of 9/11 07:14 Writing the Book: A Collective Effort 07:38 Reuniting with Fellow Soldiers 12:50 The Argandab River Valley Deployment 14:34 The Harsh Realities of War 22:12 The Aftermath of Combat 32:40 A New AO: The Argandab River Valley 41:08 Arrival During Hibernation 42:09 Learning the Terrain and Locals 43:07 The Return of Conflict 43:49 Escalation and IED Threats 45:30 Close Calls and Ambushes 48:47 Operation: Loveless Shot in the Face 54:29 The Valley's Grip 59:05 Reflections and Reunions 01:11:08 The Healing Process 01:20:15 Final Thoughts and Book Release  

Today we have our first Combat Story from a Swedish Special Operations soldier and intelligence professional, Max Lauker. Max spent 20 years in the elite Swedish forces and was a plank holder for one of the predecessor units to what later became Sweden’s Special Operations Group. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. He served multiple deployments that we cover in this episode in what I’ve coined as four missions and a funeral to dig into more of the combat experiences and lessons while also touching on loss that comes with this line of work. Max takes us through time fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, solo and team deployments to Latin America, doing full cycle cross-border reconnaissance missions in the Balkans, to lonely and frankly frightening intel work in Eastern Europe and Russia. This is just a bit of the action that Max writes about in his upcoming book that he co-wrote with Antonio Garcia titled ‘Number 788: My experiences in Swedish Special Operations - preparing for NATO and the War on Terror.’ I think you’re really going to enjoy this chat with our first Swede on this show, Max Lauker. Find Max Lauker Online: https://www.amazon.com/Number-788-experiences-Operations-preparing/dp/1804514233 Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 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      

Today on Combat Story we have our second interview with 32 year veteran and retired Special Forces Sergeant Major Randy Surles, who entered the Army in 1987 and retired in 2019. In round one we covered Randy’s jump into Panama where he broke his leg and had to crawl for seven hours to safety, his transition into Special Forces from the Ranger Regiment, and attending Lancero school in Colombia, which you can think of as a more dangerous Ranger School (entirely in Spanish!). Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter In this episode, we dive into his time leading Green Berets in the post-9/11 era in Afghanistan where he saw mulitple combat deployments. Randy now helps veterans write their own memoirs as a ghostwriter with the aptly titled website The Military Editor. With that, please enjoy our second interview with Randy Surles. Find Randall Surles Online: https://militaryeditor.com/ https://thestoryninjas.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-surles-military-editor-mfa-creative-writing-5bbbbb66/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-text Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 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    

Today on Combat Story we have our first of two interviews with 32 year veteran and retired Special Forces Sergeant Major Randy Surles, who entered the Army in 1987 and retired in 2019. Randy saw combat early on in Operation Just Cause as a Ranger and then again for several rotations post-9/11.  Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. In this episode, we cover Randy’s experience in Panama and attending Lancero training in Colombia which you can think of as something like Ranger school without any safety nets! In round two, we dive into his time leading Green Berets in the post-9/11 era. Randy now helps veterans write their own memoirs as a ghostwriter with the aptly titled website the military editor. With that, please enjoy our first interview with Randy Surles.  Find Randall Surles Online: https://militaryeditor.com/ https://thestoryninjas.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-surles-military-editor-mfa-creative-writing-5bbbbb66/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-text 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:29 Introduction to Combat Story 00:48 Meet Randy Searles: Special Forces Veteran 01:21 Randy's Transition to Ghostwriting 11:36 Randy's Early Life and Military Aspirations 12:13 Evacuation from Iran 20:00 Joining the Military 25:17 Ranger Training and Sniper School 29:35 Life in the Barracks 31:01 Ranger School Challenges 35:37 Operation Just Cause 44:23 Injury and Recovery 52:32 Transition to Green Beret 01:03:44 Struggles with Weapon Assembly 01:05:14 Facing the Q Course Challenges 01:06:12 Mastering Mortars and Anti-Aircraft 01:06:52 Language Course and Deployment 01:07:11 Unexpected Armor Duties 01:10:08 Volunteering for Lancero School 01:20:38 Surviving Lancero School 01:32:04 Combat Stories and Future Plans 01:33:04 Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Combat Story, we hear from Beth Sanner, a former senior CIA analyst and President's Daily Brief (PDB) briefer to President Trump. Beth previously served as the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, the Director of the PDB and as Vice Chair of the National Intelligence Council.   Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter Beth also held several senior leadership positions in the CIA’s Directorate of Analysis, including leading the analytic effort on South Asia and serving as the deputy for analysis for Russian and European affairs. In this episode, we cover her time as a briefer to Trump, her stint with the NSC, her position at CIA covering Russia and Eurasia shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, and leading the Career Analyst Program (the training program for all CIA analysts).  The PDB Briefer is a prestigious position and not a political appointee. We also interviewed former military analyst and PDB Briefer to President Obama Michelle DiGruttolo if you’re interested in hearing her perspective as well. With that, I hope you enjoy this fascinating inside look at the upper echelons of the analytic side of the CIA as much as I did. Find Ryan online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:57 Guest Introduction: Beth Sanner 02:18 Beth's Career and Analytical Process 05:49 Consultancy and Expertise 09:41 Early Life and Influences 13:51 Career Path and Key Positions 32:15 Mentorship and Leadership 38:05 Logistics and Program Growth Challenges 39:13 The Role of Note Takers in High-Stakes Calls 41:17 Experiences Aboard Air Force One 43:04 Becoming a Presidential Daily Briefer 53:36 Building Trust with the President 55:47 Handling Personal and Professional Challenges 01:00:01 The Human Side of Intelligence Work 01:11:36 Reflections and Final Thoughts  

Today we have round two of our incredible Combat Story with John Dailey, the former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as ”Detachment One,” which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today.  Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. If you missed Round 1, John grew up on the east coast hunting and shooting and, in the ninth grade, visited a Marine recruiter who took him under his wing until it was time to enlist. He went straight into a sniper unit and then served as a Marine Security Guard at Embassies in Hungary and Argentina before joining Force Recon. On 9/11, John was in a bar in Australia with a Marine Expeditionary Unit when he saw the towers come down. He and his Force Recon unit were sent directly to Afghanistan where they took the fight to the Taliban months after the attacks.  This second round interview picks up after John returns from this first deployment and sets the ground for his book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled ‘Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations’ that describes both John’s experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did. Find John Dailey Online: https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Dramatic Baghdad Arrival 00:48 Introduction to Combat Story 01:07 Meet John Daly: Marine Force Recon Operator 01:21 John Daly's Early Career and 9/11 Experience 05:26 Training the Next Generation of Marines 07:46 Forming Detachment 1: The Birth of MARSOC 10:22 First Deployment Challenges and Intel Operations 17:27 Hunting High-Value Targets in Iraq 30:45 Guarding the Vice President 31:32 Interrogation and Intelligence Gathering 34:43 The Final Mission 38:42 Reflections on Service 41:39 Writing the Memoir 48:04 The Sniper Story 57:03 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Thoughts 59:36 Conclusion and Listener Comments  

Today we have round one of a fascinating Combat Story interview with John Dailey, a former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as ”Detachment One,” which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today.  Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. The eighty-six-man “Detachment One” was formed with a two-year charter to train and deploy as a “proof-of-concept” to assess the viability of a larger Marine Special Operations contribution in support of the Global War on Terror. The Commanding Officer—Colonel Robert J. Coates, a Marine Force Recon legend—was given his pick of personnel and one of the four team leaders he selected was Gunnery Sergeant John Dailey. Their sole stipulation in finding the right recruits was that they be: “Tough, rugged bastards with strong backs and hard feet.” We know they got it right because we’ve interviewed some of those early warriors on this show, like Elliot Ackerman and Jason Lilley, to name a few. John has written a book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled ‘Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations’ that describes both John’s experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did. Find John Dailey Online: https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Intense Combat Introduction 00:33 Meet Your Host: Ryan Fugit 00:52 Introducing John Daly: Marine Force Recon Operator 01:45 John Daly's Book: Tough Rugged Bastards 04:16 A Marine's Perspective on Writing 05:29 Colonel Robert Coates: A Marine Legend 09:32 The Formation of MARSOC 14:39 John Daly's Path to the Marine Corps 20:44 Early Days in the Marine Corps 28:45 Sniper School Challenges 35:30 Reflecting on the Simplicity of the Past 36:24 Joining the Sniper Platoon 37:30 Marine Security Guard Duty 38:34 Life at the Embassy 42:38 Meeting My Future Wife 46:41 Returning to the Infantry 47:13 First Force Recon Company 51:01 Deployment During 9/11 55:32 First Engagement in Afghanistan 01:05:11 Analyzing Combat Experiences 01:10:29 Listener Comments and Reviews  

Today we have a unique Combat Story with F-16 Fighter Pilot and co-founder of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx), Raj Shah. Raj was handpicked to stand up an organization that would strengthen our armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon, to include accelerating the contracting process and getting the newest technology from Silicon Valley and tech into the hands of the warfighters faster.  Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. Raj is one of these guys who seems to have more time in a day than the rest of us. He is the Managing Partner of Shield Capital, a venture capital firm focused on technologies at the nexus of the commercial and defense markets; chairman of Resilience Insurance, a start-up powering new approaches to cyber insurance; he was CEO of Morta Security, which was acquired by Palo Alto Networks; and he reported directly to the Secretary of Defense while running DIUx for two years. Raj led DIUx in its efforts to strengthen U.S. armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon. He attended Princeton and got an MBA from Wharton at UPenn. He and Christopher Kirchhoff recently published ‘Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War,’ which takes you inside AI labs, drone workshops, and battle command centers—to include Ukraine’s frontline – for a fascinating picture of what it takes to stay dominant in a fast-changing and often precarious geopolitical landscape. With that, please enjoy this short but interesting episode with Raj Shah. Book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War: https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Pentagon-Silicon-Valley-Transforming/dp/1668031388 Website https://www.unitxbook.com/ https://www.unitxbook.com/?pgid=lvhhykmv-0822ea78-348c-4d11-bbad-0625206ad7dd Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 The Power of an Individual in Combat 00:30 Introduction to Combat Story and Raj Shah 01:15 Raj Shah's Background and Achievements 02:21 The Future of Warfare: Ukraine and Israel 04:56 Rapid Technological Advancements 06:55 Raj Shah's Military Journey 08:25 Joining the Air National Guard 09:49 Experiences and Challenges in Flight School 16:21 First Deployment and Technological Disparities 18:13 The Role of Software in Modern Warfare 23:24 The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) 27:11 Setting Up DIU and Overcoming Bureaucracy 31:23 Negotiating the Term Sheet 31:54 Connecting with Todd Park 32:28 Setting the Vision 33:54 Facing Budget Challenges 36:21 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles 39:07 Evaluating Success and Achievements 41:20 Innovative Contracting with Startups 45:09 Technological Innovations and Wins 51:42 Strategic Cost Considerations in Warfare 53:59 Book Recommendations and Reflections 58:15 Final Thoughts and Listener Comments

A Tribute to Our Veterans | Combat Story Podcast In this heartfelt episode of the Combat Story podcast, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. This special video features President Reagan's iconic July 4th, 1986 address to the Nation, seamlessly blended with powerful responses from veterans about whether they would choose their military careers again. Join us as we honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms. Their stories remind us of the true meaning of patriotism and the profound impact of their service on our nation's history. 🎖️ Featured Veterans (in order of appearance): Earl Plumlee Medal of Honor Recipient, Marine Recon, and Special Forces  - https://youtu.be/5KhMftSc8mg Mike Edwards - JSOC Omega & Ranger RRC - https://youtu.be/MBTBFCRdbdU Delta Force Operator Brent Tucker - https://youtu.be/_uXX7NVwwtg Navy SEAL Sniper  Mark Greene - https://youtu.be/vNeDkhlFRlo FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) Operator Greg Shaffer - https://youtu.be/gDye1XOXBxo CIA Legend Glenn Corn - https://youtu.be/hnc9ZyOOK8A Marine Sniper and Recon (killed Juba) - AJ Pasciuti https://youtu.be/T4QI-5sNeCs Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from our nation's heroes. Share this tribute to honor those who have given so much for our country. Don't miss out! Subscribe to our Combat Story Newsletter for more compelling interviews and updates at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. For more about Sean Hagerty, visit: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle #Veterans #MilitaryService #Patriotism #CombatStoryPodcast #ReaganAddress #IndependenceDay #Tribute #HeroStories  

Today we have an interview with a former Ranger Regiment soldier turned US Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major, Sean Hagerty. Sean fought in both Afghanistan and Iraq with Ranger Regiment and then spent many years in the very secretive side of the Army in places all over the world. After retiring, Sean wrote a psychological thriller called Jones Point that has a great plot line focused on a father taking revenge after losing a daughter but in a far more creative and compelling way. Sean self-published that first book but was then picked up by Blue Handle Publishing for another set of books because the first one was so successful. Sean is an incredibly accomplished soldier and leader and I hope you enjoy this discussion of both the Special Operations world and more secretive USASOC experience as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter. Find Sean Hagerty Online: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Introduction to Combat Story 01:23 Meet Sean Haggerty: Ranger to Author 02:20 Writing Process: From Notebooks to Tablets 06:46 Jones Point: A Psychological Thriller 08:40 Early Military Fascination and Career Beginnings 16:31 Ranger Regiment Life Pre-9/11 19:32 9/11 and the Aftermath 30:28 Camaraderie and Trust in the Platoon 30:47 First Mission Outside the Wire 31:14 Ambush on Route Purple 35:05 Decompression and Team Building 36:53 Invasion of Iraq 39:20 Early Impressions of War 41:16 Advice for Aspiring Rangers 44:38 Transitioning to a New Role 00:11 Surviving a Coup 48:29 Joining a Secretive Unit 58:49 Life After the Regiment 01:01:43 The Living, Breathing Nature of Society and Selection Processes 01:02:30 Holistic Approach to Soldier Care 01:03:40 Aging Athletes and Deployment Stories 01:05:11 Mental Performance Coaching Techniques 01:07:01 Amazing Training Environment and Helicopter Adventures 01:09:04 Defense Science Board and Technological Innovations 01:16:49 Writing Journey and Inspirations 01:23:09 Sentimental Items and Reflections on Service 01:27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🪖 Today’s Combat Story dives deep into the career and combat experiences of former infantryman turned Cavalry officer turned Special Forces Green Beret, Dan Pace. Dan retired after over two decades of service in the military, seeing combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan on both the enlisted and officer sides of the house. 📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our Newsletter https://www.combatstory.com/newsletter 💪 Support Us: Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/combatstory 📚 Dan recently wrote a book titled "It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008)" where he details his experiences, particularly those with the 1st ID in Iraq during a pivotal moment in the war. In this episode, we dive into the transition from enlisted to officer and conventional to SF, some of the tougher moments in combat, and how perspective may change from that of a soldier to an officer. 🎖️ General Petreus on the book: "...the timeless tale of a young leader and his soldiers on the ground seeking to find meaning and purpose in the gritty, visceral reality of war at the small unit level. 🎧 Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with retired Special Forces officer, Dan Pace. 🔗 Guest Online Information: 📧 Contact Dan: contact@grey-zone-ethics.com 📘 It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008) https://www.amazon.com/Was-What-Infantry-Division-2006-2008/dp/B0CW3MH7KT 📚 Grey Zone Ethics Courses https://danielvpace.com/courses.html  👨‍✈️ Join host Ryan Fugit in a gripping episode of Combat Story as he delves into the remarkable military career of Dan Pace, a former infantryman, cavalry officer, and special forces Green Beret. Dan shares his intense experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, from frontline battles to coordinating medevacs. Explore his journey from enlisted to officer roles, the evolution of military strategies, and the personal toll of long deployments. The episode also addresses innovative countermeasures against IED threats, fortified vehicles, and ethical dilemmas faced by troops and leaders. This raw and insightful look into Dan's life and the complexities of modern warfare sheds light on the creativity, resilience, and moral challenges within the military. 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🌐 Ryan’s Linktree 🛒 Merch Store 📸 Instagram: @combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial 🔍 Learn more about Ryan 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:00 Intro 01:03 Meet Dan Pace: From Infantryman to Green Beret 02:35 The Story Behind the Book Title 03:36 Reflecting on the Surge and Its Impact 09:23 Joining the Military: A Whimsical Decision 15:16 First Deployment Experiences 20:11 Life in Afghanistan: Challenges and Reflections 33:37 The Decision to Become an Officer 34:18 Encouragement and Motivation 34:57 Transitioning to Officer for Better Opportunities 36:03 Financial Incentives and Career Moves 36:51 Branching and Trading Roles 37:47 Formation of Brigade Combat Teams 40:52 Deployment and Initial Challenges 47:00 Extended Deployment and Coping Mechanisms 01:03:00 Leadership Decisions and Ethical Dilemmas 01:09:34 A Life-or-Death Decision 01:10:11 Moral Dilemmas in Combat 01:12:14 Humor Amidst Chaos 01:14:03 Economic Stimulus in a War Zone 01:14:52 Transition to Special Forces 01:22:20 Ethical Challenges in Special Forces 01:32:45 Training Mishaps and Close Calls 01:38:25 Reflections and Farewell  

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/ Email michelle@sage-raven.com Sage Raven Advisors www.sage-raven.com 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Key Highlights: Military Intelligence to Presidential Briefings: Michelle's journey from an Army intelligence officer to leading a division at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The President's Daily Brief (PDB): Discover the intricacies of compiling and delivering the PDB to President Obama and Chief of Staff Jack Lew, including her crucial role during the Benghazi Consulate attack. Leadership Insights: Michelle's interactions with renowned leaders like Petraeus, McChrystal, and Clapper, and her exposure to leadership at the highest levels. 🔔 Subscribe for More Combat Stories: https://www.youtube.com/combatstory 👍 Like, Comment, and Share: Your support helps us bring more incredible stories to light! #CombatStory #MilitaryIntelligence #PDBBriefer  Show Notes: 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  

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. Penn State Faculty Page Shinobi Enterprises: Explore Nick's consulting company for confidential consulting and training on China's national security and espionage operations. Shinobi Enterprises Books by Nicholas Eftimiades: Chinese Espionage Operations and Tactics: Dive into Nick's detailed analysis of Chinese espionage. Chinese Espionage Operations and Tactics on Amazon Chinese Intelligence Operations: Discover the seminal work that examines the structure, operations, and methodology of Chinese intelligence services. Chinese Intelligence Operations on Amazon 🌟 Stay informed and connected with Nick's expertise on Chinese intelligence and global security! 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   ⏰ Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 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  

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 😲🏊‍♂️ Must-read books and the no-shortcuts mantra 📚🛡️ Overcoming swimmer-induced pulmonary edema 🏊‍♂️🤒 The bizarre ritual of Climbing Herndon Monument 🗿🤸‍♂️ Tips on avoiding chafing in sensitive areas 🩳💡 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. 💪 🔗 Links: Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: Kevin Seiff LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-seiff/ Listen to Harder Not Smarter Podcast: Harder Not Smarter https://www.collective.vet/podcast Learn about Vet Collective: Vet Collective  https://www.collective.vet 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:    🔗 Ryan’s Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/combatstory    🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/    📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory    📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial    📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus    🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 📢 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible Combat Stories! 👍🗨️🔔 #CombatStory #KevinSeiff #VetCollective #HarderNotSmarter #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #Podcast Show Notes 00:00 - Intro 00:52 Guest Introduction - Kevin Seiff 02:08 Kevin's Mission to Help Veterans 02:35 Challenges of Military Transition 05:17 Kevin's Post-Military Career 06:44 Starting a Business 08:55 Building the Vet Collective 11:02 Kevin's Military Background 13:08 Journey to Becoming a SEAL 22:48 Life in the Marine Corps 31:10 Leadership and Training in the Military 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  

Today we have a round two Combat Story with Kent Hillhouse where we recorded the episode with a screen available to look and talk through some more of his combat experiences with maps and photos from his time in service. Kent is a retired Major General who spent a year as a Platoon Leader and Tank Commander in Vietnam from August of 1967 to August of 1968.  👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter. We wanted to do a Round 2 with Kent after I spent some time with him following our first interview looking over some of his photos from his year in ‘Nam and bringing some of the stories to life. In this episode, we dive into the Tet Offensive, which Kent was a part of as his platoon was sitting close to the Cambodian border when it kicked off in late January 1968. We cover Kent’s months fighting in the Iron Triangle - an area notorious for being controlled by the enemy in dense vegetation and triple canopy jungles. We also hear a story of a fellow platoon leader who would go on to become a member of the storied SOG outfit following their initial rotation. If you didn’t catch Round 1 with Kent, he grew up in California and Georgia and attended San Jose State while part of ROTC. He ended up in tanks (Armor) thinking he’d see little combat given how challenging the terrain in Vietnam was for tanks. Little did he know he’d be in a fight for his life, emerging on the other side with a purple heart and two Silver Stars. He would go on to become a two star general and continues to support the veteran community leading our local Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos. If you’re just listening to this episode and not watching on YouTube, you may want to take a peak at the video version on YouTube to see some of the images we talk through to get a better feel for what it was really like. With that, please enjoy this second round discussion with Kent Hillhouse. You can support the Los Gatos Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation at https://honoravet.org/ Thanks to our sponsor - Mad Rabbit for taking care of your tattoos : For 25% off your order, head to MadRabbit.com/COMBATSTORY25 and use code COMBATSTORY25.   #vietnamwar #veterans #army #combat  🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:    🔗 Ryan’s Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/combatstory    🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/    📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory    📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial    📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus    🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle ⏰ Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Guest Intro Round 2 w/ Kent Hillhouse: A Combat Story of Valor 03:13 The Tet Offensive: A Firsthand Account 05:29 The Journey to Saigon: Combat and Camaraderie 16:04 Inside the M48 Tank: A Detailed Look 21:50 Inside The Iron Triangle Encounter 26:35 Navigating the Dense Terrain: A Combat Story 27:29 Radio Station Assault: Strategy and Challenges 28:13 The Heat of Battle: Survival and Tactics 35:47 Aftermath and Reflections: Leadership in Combat 37:56 Reconnecting and Remembering: The Story of Lou 44:04 Closing Thoughts and Viewer Engagement   Vietnam,Vietnam War,SOG,Special Operations,Tanks,Silver Star,Purple Heart,Cavalry,M48,M109,Veteran,Stories,Action,Adventure,Images,combat story,Tet Offensive,Cambodian border,Iron Triangle,platoon leader,tank commander,Major General,veteran community,combat experiences,RPG,AK-47,screen available,maps and photos,Nam  

Today we have a Combat Story first with Greg Shaffer, who spent a career in the FBI as an Agent, SWAT member, and Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) operator. He also started his career leading a patrol boat team in the Coast Guard before moving over to the Bureau. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. In this episode, we talk about the selection and entry process to both the FBI and HRT, the origins and mission of the HRT - which numbers fewer than 500 members since its inception in the early 1980s, one of the most successful surveillance and bust operations you’ll ever hear against the Bicycle Bandit, Operation Black Widow, border security, taking down targets and the hunting the deck of cards in Iraq with Delta Force and more.  Greg now runs Shaffer Security Group that provides executive protection, active shooter response, investigations, firearms training and more. He also wrote Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World, which provides practical lessons on mindset, situational awareness, and self-defense. It took us too long to have our first Bureau agent and HRT operator on the show and we’ll absolutely be looking to have more. With that, please enjoy this hilarious but inspiring discussion with former FBI Agent and HRT operator Greg Shaffer. 🎙️ Find Greg online: Shaffer Security Group - https://shaffersecuritygroup.com/our-founder/ Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Safe-Security-Secrets-Dangerous/dp/1948484579  🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:  🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle ⏰ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 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.

Today we have a unique Combat Story where we hear about the armored cavalry in Vietnam from then Platoon Leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Kent Hillhouse. Kent would go on to retire as a Major General in the Army Reserve and has continued to support veterans leading his community’s Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos. 👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter. Many will likely be surprised to learn we had tanks in Vietnam given how the war has so frequently been depicted as a fight by infantrymen in the jungles. Kent’s firsthand accounts of commanding an M48 platoon from 1967 to 1968 provide an inside look at the way these tanks were employed, leveraged, and targeted.  In this episode, we get into battling for your reputation, pushing through complex ambushes, near death experiences, trusting and leaning on your NCOs, taking the initiative, the responsibility of command, and never giving up.  With that, please enjoy this amazing piece of history as we look at the age and employment of tanks in Vietnam with retired Major General Kent Hillhouse. #vietnamwar #warzone #combat #army  Check out the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos at https://honoravet.org/ 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:    🔗 Ryan’s Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/combatstory    🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/    📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory    📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial    📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus    🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   ⏰ Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 00:47 Guest Introduction Kent Hillhouse: From Vietnam to Major General 01:09 The Unseen Role of Tanks in Vietnam 01:30 Battling for Reputation and Trust in Leadership 01:59 A Personal Connection with Joe Galloway 05:22 Debunking Hollywood: The Realities of War vs. Movies 17:58 The Legacy of Leadership and the Importance of NCOs 18:20 The Path to Becoming an Armor Officer 22:37 ROTC Challenges and Leadership Lessons 34:43 Journey to Vietnam: Engagements and Expectations 36:55 Arrival and First Impressions in Vietnam 37:29 Adapting to Military Life and Unit Dynamics 40:43 The Technicalities of Armored Warfare 46:12 Experiencing the Heat of Battle 47:40 Learning Through Mistakes and Misfires 50:15 Navigating Leadership and Tactical Challenges 52:12 The Intensity of Night Convoys and Combat 01:07:28 Reflections on First Combat Experience 01:16:43 Recalling Vietnam: Maneuvering and Survival 01:17:11 Life in the Field: Challenges and Adaptations 01:19:25 First Contact and Leadership Under Fire 01:23:39 The May 5th Encounter: A Detailed Recollection 01:30:44 Overcoming Adversity: Tactics and Teamwork 01:41:52 Reflections on Leadership and Disobedience 01:44:32 Personal Mementos and the Value of Letters 01:46:15 Veterans Foundation: Building a Legacy 01:50:18 Listener Engagement and Closing Thoughts   This interview combines the compelling experiences of Vietnam War veterans, including Kent Hillhouse's leadership in armored warfare with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and another veteran's close-quarters combat and survival instincts against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. It portrays the harrowing and unpredictable nature of the Vietnam War, detailing initial combat encounters, leadership challenges, intense ambushes, and the adaptation required to navigate the difficult terrain and psychological impacts of warfare. It also highlights moments of courage, quick decision-making, and the importance of camaraderie. Additionally, the narrative touches on post-war efforts to honor the sacrifices of veterans, weaving together personal stories of combat, survival, and the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.