Former Action Guys Podcast

Dave James is a former Force Recon Marine who served with 1st and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalions. Check out our other interviews on Eps. 063 and 065.Support the pagehttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:21 Texas Floods00:04:19 Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer00:08:00 Tim Kennedy Drama00:21:29 Ranger School00:24:36 3rd Recon Battalion00:26:35 SFARTAETC00:31:39 Force Recon Weapons | Teams00:36:23 From Army Engineer to Marine Recon00:44:45 Filming of Heartbreak Ridge01:07:57 Insights from the Qualification Course

Brandon is a veteran of the Air Force Security Forces Chris is an Army Special Forces soldier. They are both part of the I Came With Fire Podcast and we get into artificial intelligence, foreign conflicts, and debate the alleged decline of America.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysI Came With Fire linkhttps://rumble.com/user/I_Came_With_Fire_Podcast

Blayne Smith is a former Special Forces soldier that started his career off as an Armor Officer after graduating from West Point. Blayne deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving the service and writing Perseverance Is Greater than Endurance.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comBlayne's linksCompany: https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Endurance-Resilience-Adversity-Together/dp/163774627X00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:30 Journey to West Point00:06:08 The History and Heritage of West Point00:11:59 Transitioning to the Army and Armor Branch00:14:47 Pre-9/11 Military Training and Mindset00:20:56 Iraq Combat Ops and Recon Missions00:35:27 Surveillance and EOD Escort Missions00:42:32 Combined Arms00:46:54 Special Forces Selection Process00:52:50 Moral Ambiguity in Special Operations00:59:15 Insights from the Qualification Course01:10:23 Building Team Cohesion | Team Dynamics and Training01:14:48 Deployment Decisions and Responsibilities01:19:09 Mission Objectives and Local Forces01:24:53 Engagements and Tactical Challenges01:32:22 Ambush Experiences and Lessons Learned01:38:18 Leadership Under Pressure01:43:09 Reflections on Loss and Moving Forward

Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack shares his journey from basic training in 1977 to deployments in Korea, Turkey, and Germany. He recounts a firefight in the Korean DMZ, his service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and his experiences during the September 11th attacks and an insider attack in Iraq.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.com

Brandon Young joined the Army and immediately tried out for a spot in the 75th Ranger Regiment when the opportunity presented itself at the Basic Airborne Course. Brandon's unit was one of the first to respond to the 9/11 attacks and he deployed to Afghanistan 3 more times.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comBrandon's linksBook: https://www.perseverancebook.com Website: https://www.applieleadershippartners.com00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad | Military Gear Discussion00:03:11 Volunteering for the Army Rangers00:06:08 Ranger Indoctrination Program00:09:11 Evolution of Ranger Training and Readiness00:12:01 Deployment Experiences: The Reality of Combat00:18:01 75th Ranger Regiment Structure00:20:48 Life Events During Military Service00:26:56 Connecting Veterans with Civilian Communities00:44:28 Navigating Military Responsibilities and Personal Life00:47:06 Understanding Moral Injury in Combat00:49:41 The Complexity of Combat Decisions00:56:01 Reflections on the Afghanistan Withdrawal01:04:19 The Struggles of Mental Health in Veterans01:10:00 The Value of Journaling and Reflection01:26:15 Understanding the Battlefield01:27:57 First Deployment to Afghanistan01:32:21 Chasing Ghosts: The Reality of Combat01:36:46 The Evolution of Combat Experience01:39:44 The Impact of Casualties01:52:58 The Weight of Loss and Reality

Justin "Hasard" Lee is a F35 and F16 test pilot who makes social media content that focuses on the life of a fighter pilot. We discuss the future of fighter pilots as drones become more advanced in this clip taken from Ep. 170.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.com

On April 9th, 2005, Matt Klein, a retired NYPD detective and US Army infantryman, was struck by an IED while patrolling a cemetery in Samarra, Iraq. After the strike, the other members of his unit located and captured the triggerman.In this clip taken from Ep. 180, Klein shares his incredible story of survival and resilience. He talks about the moment of the attack and the aftermath.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

Brennan Morton is a former reconnaissance Marine who served with 2nd Recon Battalion during two deployments to Iraq. Brennan is also the author of Valhalla Boys, a book about his service.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comBrennan's Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/Brennan.Morton.Authorhttps://www.facebook.com/paladinpresspublishing/https://www.instagram.com/paladinpresspublishinghttps://amzn.to/4jq4ixy00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:29 Intro | Joining the Marines00:05:07 Marine Corps Tattoos00:08:28 Call-To-Arms00:12:19 Recon and SEAL Contracts as Recruiting Tools00:16:15 Are SEALs Better Swimmers than Marine Recon?00:20:42 Prepping Your Feet for Rucking00:25:04 Marine Snipers | Organizational Changes00:29:50 From Marine Infantry to Recon ARS00:38:54 Work-Up and 1st Iraq Deployment00:59:17 Over Worked and Underutilized01:10:49 Grooming Standards | Advisor Teams01:20:12 Sniper School01:29:07 2nd Deployment to Iraq with 2nd Recon01:35:04 Occupying Compounds01:40:59 Valhalla Boys

Brian Dickinson is a former Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and alpinist that has climbed the highest peak on each continent. Check out our entire interview on Ep. 211.Support the showhttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguysBrian's Sitehttps://briandickinson.net/00:00:00 Tibet Route vs Nepal Route00:04:09 Acclimating to Everest00:07:27 Summit Day00:09:59 Gear Malfunction00:13:52 The Final Push | Summiting Everest00:19:57 Verifying a Summit

Merryl Tengesdal had a dream to reach space and believed her best chance was as a Naval Aviator. She began her career flying H-60s, moved on to training students flying the T-34c and T-6a, then applied for an inter-service transfer to screen to become a U-2 spy plane pilot.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysMerryl's siteshttps://merryltengesdal.com/shop-book/https://www.youtube.com/@UC_RCb3DfyEaWv80aQlKooRg00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | mIRC Chat00:04:47 1st Deployment | 1st Females on Ship00:10:00 I Wanted to Be an Astronaut00:14:40 Flight School00:19:59 Landing SH-60s in Rough Seas00:32:24 SH-60 Roles00:34:40 2nd Deployment | South America00:46:58 Different Cultures00:56:44 Applying to be a U-2 Pilot01:01:38 U-2 Spy Plane Pilot Selection and Training01:16:54 U-2 Pilot's Custom Space Suit01:23:04 Operating at High-Altitude01:32:58 First High Altitude Flight | Food During Missions01:37:02 Foreign Navies and Life on US Ships01:42:33 Reality Checks | Casualty Assistance Officer01:52:46 Extreme Ross

Aren Brandfass & Cody Anderson are former MARSOC plank holders who also worked as government contractors before starting the Stranger By The Hour podcast. We dive into some current events and controversies in this episode!Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.com/collections/infantryhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comStranger By The Hour Linkhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5Webs3ny2aEpe7AuKp6rPv00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Podcasting00:09:00 Information Operations00:15:50 Who is "They"00:24:30 Epstein00:29:49 Ukraine vs Russia00:50:43 Immigration00:57:35 Artifical Intelligence01:03:37 Assassination Attempt01:17:46 OnlyFans01:33:43 Tech Overlords01:45:04 Not Caring About Overseas Conflicts02:09:43 Keeping Perspective

Travis Harless is a former 0311 Marine Rifleman who joined when he was 17 and linked up with C 1/7 in Kuwait only weeks after graduating from the School of Infantry. Because his first deployment began so soon into his enlistment, Harless was able to deploy three times during his four year enlistment.Support the showC 1/7 Flags: https://www.jcramergraphics.com/search?q=charley Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysANGLICO Gear: https://www.anglicoshop.com Travis's podcasthttps://youtube.com/@badgesbulletsblunders 00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Marines00:06:48 Police Academy vs Marine Boot Camp00:10:06 Infantry Training | Deployment with C 1/700:26:51 First Engagement00:35:02 Rockets00:45:03 The Infantry | From Iron Sights to Optics00:56:55 Hillbilly Armor01:11:13 Pre-Deployment Training01:25:38 Is Iraq Safer Now?

Fred Apgar worked in Air Force intelligence during the Vietnam War. However, he was part of the clandestine war in Laos that was not acknowledged at the time. We talk fire support, electronic warfare, and Fred's return to the country to close that chapter of his life. Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comFred's Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Return-Plaine-Jarres-Fred-Apgar/dp/196430003700:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Air Force00:04:07 Treatment of Veterans | Deployment Cycles00:14:08 Individual Augments to Vietnam | Joining the Air Force00:17:49 Vietnam Vet Reacts to Afghanistan Withdrawal00:29:31 Airborne Intelligence in Laos and Vietnam00:32:20 What are the JTAC and FAC Jobs?00:41:28 Operations in Laos and the Naming of the Podcast00:44:43 Laos ELINT Missions | TF Alpha00:53:27 First Paveway Bombs | Dragon's Jaw Bridge01:00:46 "We Weren't In Laos"01:07:22 Redemption01:18:11 Keep Your Honor Clean | POWs

Scott Lyng served in the US Army with the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 2-69 AR. Scott deployed to Iraq two times during his enlistment, then became a firefighter following his military service.Support the showCustom flags: https://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagsANGLICO Gear: https://www.ANGLICOshop.comExclusive Content: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 California Fires00:11:37 Joining the Army00:22:11 The M1A1 Experience00:30:57 M1A1 Abrams and M88 Hercules00:39:38 Tank Weapons and Loadout00:51:30 Do Medics Ride in Tanks?00:56:28 Tank Training | Provisional Infantry Deployment01:06:57 Hitting an IED in a Tank01:23:08 Naming Tanks01:30:37 Armor and Drones in Ukraine01:39:47 A Tanker's Thoughts on Fury

Ben Fortier served in two deployments to Iraq as a mortarman with 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. Ben plays guitar, drums, and uses poetry to inspire song lyrics. His collection of poems Phantom was the 2024 winner of the Robert A. Gannon award. Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysBen's Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/thebenfocreates/https://www.amazon.com/Phantoms-Benjamin-Fortier/dp/B0CF42W6CV/

David Walton is a former Green Beret and has written multiple books for people interested in attending Special Forces Assessment and Selection. Check out David's previous interview on Ep. 188.Support the showhttps://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysDavid's sitehttps://www.tfvoodoo.com00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro00:06:57 What a Special Forces Soldier Real Job Is00:11:16 Mission Creep | MARSOC and SFAB as Advisors00:21:18 Marines Going to Special Forces00:33:47 18X and Other Selection Drop Outs00:47:37 Recruiting Levels01:01:32 Women In Combat Arms01:29:58 Tim Kennedy Drama

Danny Rodriguez is a former Army mortarman that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His unit was involved in the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh and he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions. Following his enlistment, he used his GI Bill to attend college and walk-on to the Clemson football team.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Afghanistan Combat Video00:09:55 Joining the Army00:12:46 Army Infantry | 11C00:17:44 First Deployment | Combat Replacement00:32:00 Give and Take Relationship00:42:16 Deployment to Afghanistan00:53:32 Battle of Kamdesh01:10:39 After the Battle01:17:12 The Oupost | Book and Movie

Michael Hanthorne served as a motor transport operator, but during the Second Battle of Fallujah, his primary responsibility was as the 'body bag guy.' Brian Moran, a third-generation Marine radio operator, was tasked with coordinating the pickup of fallen fighters and logging all radio traffic to and from the Potato Factory. Cheryl Ites, who joined the Marine Corps in 1974, led this motley crew, overseeing the retrieval and burial of nearly 600 enemy fighters. This is their story.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 Intro00:02:12 Brian’s Intro00:09:37 Cheryl’s Intro00:19:50 Mike’s Intro00:22:39 Mortuary Affairs Mission Planning00:29:51 Coordinating Body Recovery00:36:02 First Night in Fallujah00:42:03 A Typical Day01:12:15 Burying Hundreds of Dead Fighters01:24:45 Fallujah Leaflets01:36:12 After the Battle

Jack Murphy is a former Green Beret and Army Ranger Sniper that has served on multiple combat deployments. He also hosts the Team House Podcast and has written multiple books.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysThe Team House Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast

Greg Coker is a 160th SOAR AH-6 "Little Bird" pilot and says the platform is the greatest helicopter ever created. Greg Has 6200 hours of night vision google flying time and 1500 hours of combat flight hours under his belt. Listen to the entire interview on Ep. 168!Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys