Skip to main content
Combat Story

Combat Story

By Ryan Fugit

Real combat stories from the military's elite.

This podcast highlights the courageous, outrageous, crazy, and surreal experiences veterans recall from their toughest days in the foxhole, cockpit, and front lines. We interview JTACs, Special Operators (Delta), Special Forces, Jet Pilots, Combat Aviators, Infrantrymen, Marines, and vets from over 50 years of combat experience.

Interviews touch on the toughest missions these vets faced, how they handled them, their first combat experiences, how they found their way to the military, and how they managed after leaving the combat behind.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Combat Story (Ep 21): Eddie Penney - Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) | SEAL Team 2 | Marine | Entrepreneur

Combat StoryMar 18, 2021

00:00
01:38:48
CS#74: Special Forces | Green Beret | Ranger | Sniper | Larry Thorne Award | MOH Museum Foundation | Darrell Utt

CS#74: Special Forces | Green Beret | Ranger | Sniper | Larry Thorne Award | MOH Museum Foundation | Darrell Utt

Today we hear the Combat Story of long-time Special Forces veteran, Ranger, and sniper Darrell Utt, who spent 26 years in the service, most of that in special operations across 10 deployments.

Call to Action: For former military, government and law enforcement, if you're looking for a high paying and meaningful job, check out our Trust & Safety Institute at www.trustsafetyinstitute.com.

Darrell tracked down PIFWICs (Persons Indicted for War Crimes) in Kosovo, was part of one of the craziest infils into Iraq you’ll ever hear, used a honeypot to lure out an HVT, developed a devastatingly effective HUMINT network, and led countless kill/capture operations, taking down dozens of HVTs and detaining hundreds of extremists and their leaders.

What’s great about Darrell is that he always put himself in harm's way ahead of troops, which is not always the case. His ODA unit earned the coveted Larry Thorne award which goes to the best Special Forces unit for the work they did during one deployment to Iraq. Darrell himself earned the MG Robert T. Frederick “Top Operator” Award, which goes to the top Special Forces NCO.

Since leaving the service, Darrell has taken on a role helping to build the future of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is on a mission to deliver “education, leadership, and inspiring spaces for learning and reflection, to preserve, share, and harness the stories, lives, and impact of Medal of Honor recipients.”

I couldn’t imagine anyone better to represent the stories and lives of our Medal of Honor brethren than Darrell. I hope you enjoy this interview chalked full of creative and gut-wrenching combat stories as much as I did.

Find Darrell Online: 

  • National Medal of Honor Museum https://mohmuseum.org/

Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes:

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:47 - Guest Introduction (Darrell Utt)
  • 2:28 – Introducing The Trust & Safety Institute
  • 3:17 - Interview begins
  • 7:04 – Growing up in West Virginia from humble beginnings
  • 13:16 – The significance of Camp Dawson training center in West Virginia
  • 17:02 – Wanting to join the Marines and what led him to the Army
  • 24:23 – Joining in 1990 as Light Infantry and feeling like he was missing out on Gulf War
  • 27:36 – Tracking down PIFWICs (Persons Indicted for War Crimes) in Kosovo
  • 39:04 -  The transition into Special Forces ODA
  • 42:52 - Combat Story #1 - Operation Ugly Baby in Iraq
  • 59:58 - Combat Story #2 - Operation Thor's Hammer
  • 1:16:04 - Combat Story #3 - Darrell’s “Happy to Be Alive” day story
  • 1:49:30 - Combat Story #4 - Toughest day in Adhamiya ,Iraq in 2006
  • 1:56:09 - Combat Story #5 - Carnage and violence in Adhamiya in 2007
  • 1:59:49 - His work today with The Medal of Honor Foundation
  • 2:07:08 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 2:08:37 - Would you do it again?
  • 2:11:28 - Help connect those who served with meaningful and great paying jobs after service
  • 2:14:08 - Listener comments and shout outs
May 14, 202202:17:38
CS#73: Lessons from a Delta Force Commander from Afghanistan to Panama | CEO | Author | Pete Blaber

CS#73: Lessons from a Delta Force Commander from Afghanistan to Panama | CEO | Author | Pete Blaber

Today we hear a rare Combat Story from a long-time Delta Force Commander and operator, Pete Blaber, who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, Colombia, and Panama.

Call to Action: For former military, government and law enforcement, if you're looking for a high paying and meaningful job, check out our Trust & Safety Institute. 

Pete is an understated, humble, and soft spoken warrior leader who applies a commonsense approach to all of his decisions, to include those in combat. His decision to join the military came from studying centuries of warfare and how seemingly brilliant leaders made senseless decisions and wanting to avoid making the same mistakes.

He spent most of his career in the special operations side of the Army from Ranger Battalion to Delta Force and then, after retiring, took on a role as a senior leader in a multi-billion dollar tech company.

He has since written two books (The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander, and, more recently, The Common Sense Way: A New Way to Think About Leading and Organizing) that share the lessons he learned from leading in some of the most historic and high intensity conflicts in the past 35 years.

I hope you enjoy this humble, understated, and unique perspective into the life and thinking of a Tier 1 operator and officer as much as I did.

Find Pete Online:

Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:55 - Guest Introduction (Pete Blaber)
  • 2:02 – Introducing The Trust & Safety Institute
  • 2:54 - Interview begins
  • 3:14 - Childhood and the origins of the common sense perspective
  • 7:16 - Being obsessed with military history as a kid and the impact it had
  • 22:12 - Using notes from when he was deployed or in service to write his books
  • 28:19 - If the military wasn't an option, what would you have done?
  • 31:50 -  Story of navigation skills at work trying to escape a wild animal in pursuit
  • 46:37 -  Path including Ranger Battalion, Infantry Offer, and Delta
  • 49:29 - Combat Story #1 - First time in combat in Panama as a company commander in the military five years
  • 1:05:33 - Formative time with Rangers and how it informed tactics as Company Commander and later with the Unit
  • 1:10:05 - Combat Story #2 - Afghanistan mission from a leadership perspective
  • 1:28:56 - The most rewarding point along the journey
  • 1:38:38 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:40:02 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:43:11 - Help connect those who served with meaningful and great paying jobs after service
  • 1:45:49 - Listener comments and shout outs
May 07, 202201:47:14
CS#72: Fighting Russia in Ukraine | Ukrainian Special Forces | Territorial Defense Force | Sergey Dyadkin

CS#72: Fighting Russia in Ukraine | Ukrainian Special Forces | Territorial Defense Force | Sergey Dyadkin

Today we hear a very different Combat Story from Sergey Dyadkin, a Ukrainian patriot, Special Forces and Territorial Defense Force soldier fighting in Ukraine against Russia today. 

Help support Combat Story on Patreon. We have a special segement from this interview only available on our Patreon at www.patreon.com/combatstory

Sergey fought back some of the first Russian incursions into Kiev and was in the city of Schastia in eastern Ukraine just 20 miles from the Russian border when the shelling, tanks, and invasion began. He captured some of the first Russian prisoners of the war and, you’ll note in the discussion, treated them humanely, which we’ve seen is not the case for both sides in this war.

We found Sergey thanks to Ryan Hendrickson, who many will recall from two previous Combat Story episodes where Ryan described having his leg mangled by an IED only to return to combat and earn a Silver Star.

In true Ryan fashion, he voluntarily left the US and his life to help the people in Ukraine. While in Kiev, Ryan met Sergey and they connected over a shared Special Forces background. Sergey’s Special Forces operational tempo was so high that he was sent to the Territorial Defense Forces to escort humanitarian aid efforts as a break!

I hope you enjoy this important and unique insight into the experiences of a frontline soldier fighting against Russia who, at such a young age, can differentiate between the Russian people and a Russian tyrant, who can already forgive, and who just wishes people could go back to a peaceful co-existence.

You’ll notice we’re using a translator. Sergey speaks English but I wanted him to be able to express himself more in his native language. We’ve also got Ryan Hendrickson just off-screen for most of the interview helping provide some additional context as his and Sergey’s paths are now intertwined. For those listening and who aren’t watching the video on YouTube or Spotify, Sergey is sitting at his Army base and wearing his military fatigues with his weapon slung throughout the interview, reminding us that when the interview ended and we all go back to our lives, he went back to war.

This is one I’ll never forget and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Find Ryan Online: 

Show Notes: 

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:51 - Guest Introduction (Sergey Dyadkin)
  • 3:21 - Interview begins
  • 4:27 - The role of the Territorial Defense Forces in the war in Ukraine
  • 6:27 - Sergey as a kid growing up in Ukraine
  • 12:40 - Training process to become Special Forces in Ukraine
  • 16:12 -  Combat Story #1 - First time in combat with a reconnaissance unit
  • 20:55 -  Combat Story #2 - Capturing some of the first Russian prisoners of the war
  • 29:47 - What Sergey you like people to know about the experiences Ukrainian people
  • 32:14 - What he thinks of President Zelensky
  • 33:35 - We hear from Ryan Hendrickson
  • 38:35 – Organizations that are helping and how to get involved
  • 41:57 – Closing and special clip available on Combat Story Patreon
Apr 30, 202244:10
CS#71: Dutch Commando Corps Officer (KCT) | Dutch General Intelligence Service (AIVD) | Triangular Group CEO | Ray Klaassens

CS#71: Dutch Commando Corps Officer (KCT) | Dutch General Intelligence Service (AIVD) | Triangular Group CEO | Ray Klaassens

Today we hear an international Combat Story from Ray Klaassens, a Dutch Special Operator in the Commando Corps (KCT) and former Dutch General Intelligence Service (or AIVD) officer who spent years in combat zones fighting our very same enemies alongside American counterparts.

[Join us on Patreon and become part of the Combat Story community at www.patreon.com/combatstory]

Ray comes from very humble origins and the other side of the “canal” as he likes to say, overcoming so much to reach the pinnacle of intelligence and military units. Both KCT and AIVD, if you ask any American who served alongside them (including myself), are elite units that many of us would happily go down range with.

Since leaving the service, Ray overcame even greater odds to create his company, Triangular Group, that provides de-risking and intelligence services for clients globally.

I hope you enjoy this international Combat Story from humble roots to true success in military, intel, and business as much as I did. 

Find Ray Online: Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes: 

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:22 - Guest Introduction (Ray Klaassens)
  • 2:21 - Interview begins
  • 5:11 Growing up poor in the Netherlands
  • 17:47 The process for becoming an officer in the Dutch military
  • 24:44 About the different Dutch Special Forces and the KCT
  • 33:07 What it was like in the Netherlands on 9/11 and how his commando training changed
  • 38:14 Leading a team down range with very little intel
  • 54:01 Story of engaging with a drunk guy in Afghanistan in order to get some information
  • 56:37 Leading a team to find someone placing IEDs on the full moon
  • 1:05:45 Switching from Special Forces to Intel Services AIBD as a secret service
  • 1:20:50 Exiting Intel Services, starting the Triangular Group, and what they are doing today
  • 1:33:47 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:35:01 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:36:17 - Listener comments and shout outs
Apr 23, 202201:37:34
CS#70: Navy SEAL & Marine Recon | DEVGRU | Skydiving Mt. Everest | Author | CEO | Mike Sarraille

CS#70: Navy SEAL & Marine Recon | DEVGRU | Skydiving Mt. Everest | Author | CEO | Mike Sarraille

Today we hear an incredible Combat Story of Mike Sarraille, former Marine Recon and a SEAL Team leader who served 20 years in the special operations community, earning a Silver Star, multiple Bronze Stars with Valor, and more. He was also part of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (or DEVGRU).

NOTE: We have just launched our Patreon. Join our Combat Story community at https://www.patreon.com/combatstory

Mike served in multiple leadership roles to include the Battles of Ramadi and Sadr City, to name just a few. Since retiring from service, Mike founded and is the CEO of Talent War Group, a specialized executive search firm and talent advisory; he’s co-author of ‘The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent’ and is the face of Men’s Journal’s ‘The Everyday Warrior.’

I stumbled across Mike when I saw posts about a recent expedition to the Himalayas where he did six free fall jumps over Mount Everest. Mike is a very, very humble but distinguished warrior leader and I hope you enjoy this insightful deep dive into the life of a Tier 1 and private sector operator and leader as much as I did.

Find Mike Online:
Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes:

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:31 - Guest Introduction (Mike Sarraille)
  • 2:34 - Interview begins
  • 3:02 – Skydiving at Mt. Everest after retiring from the military
  • 10:51 – Childhood in the Bay Area, joining the Marines, and what drew him to the SEALs
  • 24:26 – How the leadership and examples set by the military motivated him and gave him direction
  • 33:36 – Differences in BUDS and Marine Recon training
  • 38:52 - Story of an experience with Johnny Kim and making a snap judgment while in training
  • 45:10 - First experience in combat isolating and containing the Ramadi hospital where Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was
  • 53:50 – Being a Marine liaison (LNO)
  • 55:31 – The importance of preparedness in leadership
  • 1:01:23 – A hard lesson learned after deviating from procedure
  • 1:13:35 – What he is doing today with his different companies, his book, and talent development
  • 1:23:40 Shared Adversity and After Action Reviews (AAR) in the corporate environment
  • 1:34:00 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:35:49 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:37:15 - Listener comments and shout outs
Apr 20, 202201:38:42
CS#69: Tanks and Bradleys in Iraq | Death Dealers | 2nd Infantry Division | OIF | Travis Norby

CS#69: Tanks and Bradleys in Iraq | Death Dealers | 2nd Infantry Division | OIF | Travis Norby

Today we hear the Combat Story of Travis Norby, who commanded a mechanized infantry company in Iraq early in the war.  

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon NEXT WEEK. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]   

Travis is a long-time Combat Story listener who reached out to see if his non-special ops story would be worth our listener’s time. As many of our most dedicated listeners know, as you write to me about this, we get many requests to share the stories of conventional soldiers and officers and what life was like for them while the Tier 1 and 2 units were running raids at night.   

This combat story delivers on what I believe is a very common experience for so many infantry officers in terms of how you lose soldiers and still show up, how you motivate people to keep going in the face of unending days of attacks, and how you lead with the soldier in mind and not your own career advancement.  

Travis’ stories of leadership and loss give us unique insight into the world of an Infantry officer fighting in the post-9/11 era and I hope you enjoy this raw and very real Combat Story as much as we did.

Find Travis Online: 

Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes:
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:34 - Guest Introduction (Travis Norby)
  • 2:33 - Interview begins
  • 5:45 - Growing up on a farm in Montana
  • 12:11- How the military entered the picture for Travis
  • 22:18 - Joining and early days pre 911
  • 32:41 - Where he was when 911 happened
  • 37:37 - Going over to Iraq from Korea and being a staff guy on the FOB
  • 43:38 - What changed his mind when he was ready to get out of the army but took company commander position instead
  • 51:46 - The company structure and equipment at his disposal
  • 54:03 - Combat Story #1 - First combat experience and having to take over for prior leadership
  • 1:02:22 – Combat Story #2 - A goose chase
  • 1:06:29 Combat Story #3 - Emotional story losing one of his guys
  • 1:24:11 - The historic significance of his deployment from Korea to Iraq and the importance of conventional officers
  • 1:28:23 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:30:17 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:30:55 - Listener comments and shout outs
Apr 09, 202201:32:43
CS#68: Army Ranger | Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) Special Ops Trainer | Patrick Kinsella

CS#68: Army Ranger | Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) Special Ops Trainer | Patrick Kinsella

Today we hear the Combat Story of Patrick Kinsella and his five deployments with 1st Ranger Battalion to Iraq and Afghanistan.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Not only do we get to hear of Patrick’s first hand combat experience, which includes nighttime raids on HVTs and Mi-17 crashes, but he also gives us a glimpse into one of the most interesting and relatively unheard of group of special operators in the war: the Afghan Army’s Female Tactical Platoons (FTP).

Patrick spent years fighting in Afghanistan but found his time training and leading the brave women of the FTPs to be the most rewarding. The FTPs were Afghan women who volunteered to go through special operations training and selection programs, from basic marksmanship to fast roping to explosives training and more, and who would go out in the darkness with US Special Operations Forces on target.

Patrick continues to support the women of the FTPs who were evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 to help them find a place in the US and share their incredible stories. We’ll share some resources to help these women who sacrificed so much for us to make a life here in the US now.

I hope you enjoy this selfless Combat Story about so much more than just one man as much as I did.

If you’d like to support these brave and selfless women of the FTP, you can go to www.sistersofservice.org.


Find Patrick Online: 

Instagram @pkins175 https://www.instagram.com/pkins175/  

Sisters of Service https://sistersofservice.org/


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

Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle


Show Notes

0:00 - Intro

0:57 - Guest introduction (Patrick Kinsella)

2:17 - Interview begins

6:26 - Growing up on military bases and an early love of wildlife

9:52 - Becoming interested in joining the military and choosing the Army

20:47 - Funny story of Patrick’s first operation downrange with 1st Battalion

29:02 - What the Ready Room was like where he was located

31:08 - Combat Story #1 - An ambush at an Iraqi checkpoint and feeling like someone was watching over them

39:49 - First deployment to Afghanistan working with a Delta team and the scariest thing that happened to him in his military career

52:08 - Combat Story #2 - A gunfight and a chase with dogs employed in Afghanistan

1:02:55 - The call to get out and knowing when you are not going to re-enlist

1:04:41 - Afghan Army’s Female Tactical Platoons (FTP) - Patrick’s experience fighting alongside and then later recruiting and training the women

1:17:10 - Why this experience was so rewarding for him

1:24:08 - How people can help and make a positive impact on these women’s lives today

1:29:05 - What did you carry into combat?

1:30:33 - Would you do it all again?

1:37:07 - Listener comments and shout outs


Apr 02, 202201:39:11
CS #67: The Battle of Actium and the Fight for the Roman Empire w/ Barry Strauss

CS #67: The Battle of Actium and the Fight for the Roman Empire w/ Barry Strauss

Today we take a historical look at the Battle of Actium, a huge naval battle off the coast of Greece that determined the future of what we know as the Roman Empire.   

We welcome Cornell University’s Professor Barry Strauss back to the podcast to bring another epic battle to life (listeners will remember him from our deep dive into the life of a well known Spartan warrior named Brasidas).   

Barry is a Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History, author of eight books, and a military and naval historian and consultant.  Professor Strauss is a recognized authority on the subject of leadership and the lessons that can be learned from the experiences of the greatest political and military leaders of the ancient world (Caesar, Hannibal, Alexander among many others).   

This particular battle and the lead up to it involved some of the iconic names we’ve all heard from history like Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Octavian Cesar, and Julius Cesar. We also learn about Rome’s most decorated Naval Commander, Admiral Agrippa and how he defeats a numerically superior force. Barry’s newest book “The War that Made the Roman Empire” brings this battle and the personalities to life.  

Those who appreciate our combat stories will enjoy hearing about how battles were fought on the open sea at this time and some of the tactics that each side had to use. While some of the military tactics have changed, the overarching military, political, and diplomatic strategy have not, to include the use of information warfare.   

I hope you enjoy this combat story from history as much as I did.  


Find Barry Online:

Find Ryan Online


Show Notes:

0:00 - Intro

0:19 - Guest and topic introduction (Barry Strauss)

1:33 - Interview begins

2:27 -  Working at Cornell and how this book came to be

4:25 – Background on the time period, the Roman Empire, and the part of the world the battle takes place

10:51 The historical personalities – Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Octavian

26:12 - Can we trust the history books?

27:51 - The important military figure, Admiral Agrippa

31:09 - The naval battle and strategy of Naval warfare

38:16 - Tactical decisions made by both sides

40:26 - How the battle evolved and happened in just one day

46:52 -Surprising findings while doing research

51:04  - Listener comments and shout outs

Mar 26, 202252:23
CS #66: Bill Ostlund and The Burden of Commanding the Most Decorated Unit Post-9/11 | 3 x MOH Recipients

CS #66: Bill Ostlund and The Burden of Commanding the Most Decorated Unit Post-9/11 | 3 x MOH Recipients

Today we hear a special Combat Story of one of the military’s most revered leaders who many have never heard of (but should). This is the experience of retired Colonel Bill Ostlund, a beloved mentor and leader developer who served 35 years in the Army working his way up from a private and growing into combat command in some of the bloodiest fighting of any unit in the post-9/11 era.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Bill’s command in Kunar Province, recounted countless times in dozens of books including Sebastian Junger’s War and the documentary Restrepo, resulted in over 400 awards for valor and three Medals of Honor (all living honorees).

This episode is an embarrassment of riches for those who want to know what real leadership looks like; what the Burden of Command actually means; how you show up after losing a soldier six hours into a 15 month deployment; or leading joint SpecOps task forces with Delta, DEVGRU, 160th, and other Tier 1 elements over thousands of operations.

Bill Ostlund will remind so many listeners of Todd Opalski in how he cared for and treated his soldiers and explains why, so many years later, his soldiers and officers still seek his advice as they step into greater roles of responsibility in the military and their personal lives.

I’m honored to have had a chance to spend this time with what so many think of as the pinnacle of battlefield leadership and hope you enjoy this Combat Story on leadership as much as I did.


Find Ryan Online


Show Notes:

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:40 - Guest introduction (Bill Ostlund)
  • 1:31 - Interview begins
  • 3:44 - The jump into Iraq in March 2003 with almost 1000 paratroopers
  • 12:09 - Bill’s perspective on the current conflict in Ukraine
  • 17:32 - Childhood and getting into the military
  • 42:19 - Combat Story #1 - Lightning in the Storm Air Assault and leadership lessons learned
  • 1:06:49 - Instilling expectation in his soldiers and his love of soldiers
  • 1:26:57 - Combat Story #2 – Troops in Contact 6 hours into 15 month mission after just taking command
  • 1:37:08 - Awards process and how combat provides a unique opportunity for leaning and growth
  • 1:49:30 Combat Story #3 - Battle of Wanat
  • 2:08:48 – Feeling about now having a son in the military
  • 2:10:09 - What did you carry into combat/interrogations?
  • 2:11:41 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:15:23 - Listener comments and shout outs
Mar 12, 202202:18:33
Combat Story #65: Surviving Near Death with Marines in Vietnam | Silver Star | FBI Agent | Jim Horn

Combat Story #65: Surviving Near Death with Marines in Vietnam | Silver Star | FBI Agent | Jim Horn

Today we hear the Combat Story of Jim Horn, former Marine Corps Platoon and Company Commander and 25 year FBI Agent.

[We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Jim did two tours in Vietnam surviving near death experiences on several occasions. He earned a Silver Star in a company on company-level battle on remote hilltops fighting suicide attackers, recoiless rifles, rockets, and calling in danger close rounds and air strikes.

After the Marine Corps, Jim went onto a fascinating career in the field as an FBI Agent that included work with SWAT, a violent crime profiler, and leading the Bureau’s trauma program.

Jim doesn’t hold back when sharing the special bonds he experienced with his fellow Marines holding the line in these profound but common battles so far from home and I hope you enjoy these down-to-earth and Oklahoman stories as much as I did.

Special thanks to Combat Story listener Terry B for suggesting Jim as a guest on the show.

Find Ryan Online  Show Notes
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:40 - Guest introduction (Jim Horn)
  • 1:31 - Interview begins
  • 1:58 - How his dad’s guilt over not serving in World War II influenced his decision fight in the Vietnam War
  • 18:57 - Shipping out to Vietnam and immediately becoming a platoon leader
  • 35:01 - Combat Story #1- First time in combat and taking in the arm from friendly fire
  • 38:27 - The three things that you need to lead Marines
  • 44:42 - A tough first tour and survivor’s guilt
  • 50:22 - The incredible leadership and Marines he fought with
  • 1:00:57 - Combat Story #2 - Silver Star event
  • 1:16:35 - The perceptual distortion that happens in combat
  • 1:31:13 - Jim’s time in the FBI and what makes a great profiler
  • 1:45:48- What did you carry into combat/interrogations?
  • 1:48:30 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:55:16 - Listener comments and shout outs
Mar 05, 202201:57:25
CS#64: Interrogating Terrorists | HUMINT | Best Selling Author | Veteran Mentor | James Rosone

CS#64: Interrogating Terrorists | HUMINT | Best Selling Author | Veteran Mentor | James Rosone

Today we hear the Combat Story of James Rosone, best known as a bestselling author but who also interrogated terrorists in Iraq on the frontlines before picking up the pen. 

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

James was “inside the booth” conducting tactical interrogations down range and feeding intel on dangerous routes, IED makers, and High Value Targets to coalition forces (up to Tier 1) on a daily basis. Like so many vets, he dealt with the deep regret of feeling like he didn’t do enough and, for years, accepting the blame when an American lost an arm breaching a target he developed or worse, losing a life on the objective.

After leaving the service, James found his calling as an author, in part as a way to handle his PTSD. We talk about his experiences with psychedelics and other treatment options he used to keep his demons at bay. He’s gone on to write 26 books ranging from a memoir titled Interview with a Terrorist to his well known military and espionage thrillers like the Monroe Doctrine. He’s now sharing his writing experience with other vets to help them become successful authors.

I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the world of an interrogator at the height of the surge to becoming a wildly successful author as much as I did.

Find James online: 
Find Ryan online:

Show  Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:18 - Guest introduction (James Rosone)
  • 2:30 - Interview begins
  • 11:20 - Early experience in the Guard and the moment after 9/11 he knew he would go active duty
  • 23:57 - The interrogation opportunity comes and training experience
  • 39:09 -  Traits that make a really good interrogator
  • 41:46 - What happens after an interrogation
  • 48:59 - What an interrogator does to prep
  • 54:50 - First interrogation experience
  • 1:02:55 - The responsibility felt to people outside the wire
  • 1:17:19 - The dynamic on the FOB
  • 1:22:23 - The biggest case he ever had and false flag interrogation
  • 1:30:23 - His toughest case interrogating a 15 year old kid
  • 1:44:43 - Facing demons and PTSD after coming home
  • 1:51:43 – His first book and how pouring himself into writing helped
  • 2:02:21 - Trying alternative treatments like psychedelics for PTSD
  • 2:17:02 - What James is working on now
  • 2:22:51- What did you carry into combat/interrogations?
  • 2:25:00 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:34:23 - Listener comments and shout outs
Feb 26, 202202:36:05
CS#63: Sniper Shots at Night in Combat | 20+ Years Green Beret | Tactical Rifleman | Karl Erickson

CS#63: Sniper Shots at Night in Combat | 20+ Years Green Beret | Tactical Rifleman | Karl Erickson

Today we hear the Combat Story of Karl Erickson, a long time Green Beret, expert sniper, and retired Sergeant Major, who deployed pre- and post-9/11, including into Afghanistan just after the Twin Towers fell to hunt Bin Laden.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

After the military, Karl took his decades of teaching as a Green Beret into the civilian world and has a huge online following for his Tactical Rifleman brand and I can see why.

In this episode, we dive into the deep, deep details of being a sniper in combat, to include taking a sniper shot at night just before breaching a target (scopes, windage, aerodynamics, countdowns for simultaneous shots, round selection, and more), which is just a glimpse of what he shares with his followers online.

Karl is a natural born storyteller and I know you’ll enjoy this hilarious and deeply technical Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Karl online:

Find Ryan online:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:38 - Guest introduction (Karl Erickson)
  • 1:30 - Interview begins
  • 6:15 – Making Sergeant Major and being an Operator at Headquarters
  • 15:38 - Childhood as self-proclaimed “juvenile delinquent” and when he knew he wanted to be a Green Beret
  • 30:3 - How the lack of mentor influenced his career path
  • 40:31 - What makes a good sniper
  • 44:15 - Feelings in Desert Storm
  • 53:58 - Combat Story #1 - Gunfight in Afghanistan
  • 1:07:20 - Technical description of shooting with a suppressor
  • 1:10 - Shooting in the dark
  • 1:14:38 - First time having somebody in a scope for real
  • 1:20:42 - Combat Story #2
  • 1:39:28: - About Tactical Rifleman project
  • 1:55:11- What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:56:24 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:01:14 - Listener comments and shout outs
Feb 19, 202202:02:47
CS#62: Flying into Enemy Fire ala We Were Soldiers | DFC | Silver Star | Aviator | Diplomat | Ed Fugit

CS#62: Flying into Enemy Fire ala We Were Soldiers | DFC | Silver Star | Aviator | Diplomat | Ed Fugit

Today we hear a special Combat Story of Edward Fugit, my old man, who flew Hueys in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia just after the Tet Offensive.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

This is a special edition for me personally as long time listeners have heard me refer to my old man and his stories and our similar career paths on several occasions. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do this interview given how close it was to home and I’m so glad I did.

From a very young age I remember hearing these stories of my dad in the cockpit and vividly remember looking at his Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross on the mantle, wearing his green flight suit when I played Army, and then hugging him before I shipped out to my own war as a combat aviator.

His experiences in Vietnam will sound like something from Hollywood’s We Were Soldiers where green but determined young aviators flew into hot LZs time and again risking everything for their ground brethren.

We also touch on what it was like flying SOG into combat zones on operations nobody would hear about for decades and what it was like to be at the negotiating table as a diplomat with Kissinger at the height of the Cold War in Moscow.

I really hope you enjoy this close to home Combat Story with a real hero of mine that was then edited by his grandson.

Find Ryan online:

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes 

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:06 - Guest introduction (Ed Fugit)
  • 2:22 - Interview begins
  • 2:59 - Growing up in NJ and early interest in political science
  • 7:43 - A family history in the military
  • 12:31 - When and how aviation came into the picture
  • 20:10 - A “never quit anything” mentality
  • 22:12 - Flight school experience
  • 27:57 - Feelings going in to Vietnam within the units and that moment in American history
  • 36:36 - Differences in how the Army was structured at that time vs. today
  • 47:37 - The three kinds of missions in Vietnam
  • 53:23 - Combat Story #1 - Silver Star operation in Vietnam
  • 1:09:02 - Intense Special Ops missions with SOG and 1st Airmobile Division
  • 1:31:12 - Combat Story #2 – Incident that made the front of the New York Times
  • 1:50:08 - Combat Story #3 - DFC event
  • 1:58:35 - Stories from time in state department
  • 2:05:48 - Going back to Vietnam in 2017 and thoughts about sons joining the
  • 2:13: - What did you carry into combat?
  • 2:14:16 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:17:11 - Listener comments and shout outs
Feb 12, 202202:18:40
CS#61: Fighting ISIS in Syria and Russia in Ukraine Freedom Fighter | Fought ISIS in Syria | Fought in Ukraine | Ukraine Military

CS#61: Fighting ISIS in Syria and Russia in Ukraine Freedom Fighter | Fought ISIS in Syria | Fought in Ukraine | Ukraine Military

Today we hear the Combat Story of Aiden Aslin, a UK citizen who deployed multiple times into conflict zones to fight ISIS in Syria and Russia in Ukraine.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Aiden was not part of the British military. He simply decided the people in Syria being terrorised by ISIS needed more support and found a way to get down range to help.

During his multiple deployments into Syria fighting with other westerners against ISIS and nearly dying, Aiden had been following events in Ukraine. He again decided, instead of sitting safely in the UK, to step up and fight for people who needed help.

Today, Aiden is officially part of the Ukrainian military. We had to record this particular interview quickly before Aiden deployed to the frontlines again, where he is now.

His Instagram account (cossackgundi) is worth a look too where’s amassed 20K followers and describes himself as a “British guy Rocking it out in the Ukrainian marines” with what he calls “Warzone Photography” and “Conflict news”.

I hope you enjoy this humble and understated Combat Story of someone who left everything behind to help others in two vastly different conflicts as much as I did.

Find Aiden online:

Find Ryan online:

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:50 - Guest introduction (Aiden Aslin)
  • 1:56 - Interview begins
  • 2:16  - Current location and mindset getting ready for another deployment
  • 5:04  - Childhood and working with adults with special needs
  • 11:55 - Leaving safety and social work to go to Syria
  • 19:46 - Deciding to go to war and getting into Syria
  • 34:19 - Training and first time on the frontline making contact with enemy
  • 41:03  - Combat Story #1 First real contact and feeling positive after the outcome
  • 45:52  - Combat Story #2 A friendly fire incident that left him with panic attacks
  • 1:05:31 - Returning to Syria despite traumatic experiences
  • 1:11:35 - Combat Story #2 Ukraine conflict and joining Ukrainian Marines
  • 1:25:32 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:26:13 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:28:47 - Advice for someone considering this type of path
  • 1:32:57 - Listener comments and shout outs 


Feb 05, 202201:34:45
CS#60: Marine | Special Operations | MARSOC | Entrepreneur | FORWARD Podcast | Spinal Singularity | Derek Herrera

CS#60: Marine | Special Operations | MARSOC | Entrepreneur | FORWARD Podcast | Spinal Singularity | Derek Herrera

Today we hear the remarkable Combat Story of Derek Herrera, a former Marine Special Operator who led Marines in Iraq, Haiti, the Middle East and Afghanistan.

While on a MARSOC operation in Afghanistan, he was shot and paralyzed.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Derek is another one of these guys that just makes you feel lazy and that he has more time in a day than you do.

Rather than give up after being injured, he medically retired from the Corps and has achieved significant success while continuing to serve others.

He’s the President of the Board of Directors of the Marine Raider Foundation, Chairman of the Board of MedTechVets, founder of Habit Camera and UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), a keynote speaker, and host of the FORWARD podcast.

Derek is the real deal who spends all his time putting others ahead of himself and I know you’ll enjoy his inspiring Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Derek Online:   

  • His Linktree has a ton of online links: https://linktr.ee/derekherrera
  • Instagram @derek_herrera https://www.instagram.com/derek_herrera/?hl=en
  • LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekherrera/

Find Ryan Online:  

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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  
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:41 - Guest introduction (Derek Herrera)
  • 1:37 - Interview begins
  • 3:31  - Having an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood
  • 9:32 – A military family and wanting to be a Navy Seal
  • 13:28 - The Navy Seal selection process and not making it
  • 21:08 - Mindset going into the Marine Corps
  • 28:06 - First deployment primarily doing raids in Iraq
  • 40:23 - A full-circle moment helping the Navy Seals as a Marine
  • 45:11 - Deciding to go the Special Ops route in the Marines
  • 53:52 - First and only deployment as Special Operator in Afghanistan and what his missions were like
  • 1:04:58 Combat Story – The operation that changed his life and left him paralyzed from the chest down
  • 1:12:58 - Reaction to learning he was paralyzed and how he found a way to stay in military
  • 1:18:53 - Deciding to transition out of the military and finding passion and purpose in business
  • 1:27:44 – The Marine Raider Foundation
  • 1:35:18 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:37:24 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:39:44 - Listener comments and shout outs
Jan 29, 202201:41:60
CS#59: Green Beret | Best Selling Author | "Rising Above" | Ultramarathoner | FNG Academy Founder

CS#59: Green Beret | Best Selling Author | "Rising Above" | Ultramarathoner | FNG Academy Founder

Today we hear the Combat Story of Sean “Buck” Rogers, a former Green Beret who served multiple deployments with various units, including 10th Special Forces Group, after escaping an incredibly difficult and harsh childhood.   

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]  

Buck transitioned to 19th Special Forces Group and eventually joined the law enforcement ranks, including time with SWAT.  

Since leaving the military and law enforcement, Sean has written a best selling book titled ‘Rising Above: A Green Beret's Story of Childhood Trauma and Ultimate Healing’, became an ultramarathoner, founded the FNG Academy, and now produces content and leads a community trying to help other aspiring special operations candidates succeed in selection and the Special Forces and Special Operations worlds.   

Buck is working on getting his second book published and has several interesting irons in the fire that we touch on in this episode.   

I hope you enjoy this real and raw Combat Story with someone who’s overcome so much and maintains an overwhelmingly positive attitude as much as I did.  

Guest Online Information
Ryan Online Information
  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:56 - Guest introduction (Sean Buck Rogers)
  • 1:56 - Interview begins
  • 2:11 - Origin of his call sign, “Buck”
  • 11:30 - Sean’s traumatic and impactful childhood
  • 27:59 - The events that lead to him signing up and his unconventional path to Special Forces Selection
  • 41:39 - First time in Afghanistan at base but not yet in gunfight
  • 46:36 - First time outside the wire and a glimpse of how Green Berets operate
  • 52:43 - Combat Story #1 – Example of challenges Green Berets face working with commandos
  • 1:03:35 - Combat Story #2 – High-pressure negotiation in the field with the Afghan commandos
  • 1:07:13 - Combat Story #3 - Feeling like he’s being watched and narrowly missing an IED
  • 1:11:09 - Combat Story #4 – The high speed action he signed up for
  • 1:16:38 - The origin and mission of FNG podcast and YouTube channel
  • 1:24:43 - Process for making an FNG video and Sean’s favorite videos
  • 1:31:35 - Writing the book “Rising Above” and what his new book will be about
  • 1:37:09 - Mentors and father figures
  • 1:40:00 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:42:17 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:43:31 - Listener comments and shout outs
Jan 22, 202201:46:22
CS#58: Delta Force Operator | Ranger | Black Hawk Down | Musician | Silence and Light

CS#58: Delta Force Operator | Ranger | Black Hawk Down | Musician | Silence and Light

Today we hear the Combat Story of Brad Thomas, a former Ranger and Delta Force operator who fought in multiple theaters from Somalia to Bosnia to Iraq and Afghanistan, including 12 years at the Unit in the pre- and post-9/11 era.

[NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon]

Brad gave up a promising musical career to serve, first with Ranger Battalion and then finding his way into Delta Force. His first combat experience was in Mogadishu in what we know as Black Hawk Down as part of 3rd Ranger Battalion in a true baptism by fire.

Since leaving the military, Brad returned to his passion: music. He gathered a group of veterans who now make up the band “Silence and Light” and saw far more success than they expected on their debut album and are releasing their second album in the near future.

Since Brad can’t help but go all in on everything he does, he and the band donate their profits to two veteran-focused charities: Marine Raider Foundation and Warriors Heart.

It’s not often you get to sit down and hear directly from someone who spent years at the Tier 1 level and survived Mogadishu so I hope you enjoy this Combat Story and brief glimpse into that world as much as I did.

Find Brad Online:  

Ryan Online Information
  • Ryan’s Linktree 
  • Instagram @combatstory 
  • Facebook @combatstoryofficial 
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

#military #veteran #deltaforce #specialoperations

Show Notes
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:49 - Guest introduction for Brad Thomas
  • 1:54 - Interview begins
  • 2:09 - The prevalence of musicians and artists in the Elite Units
  • 4:40 - What sparked Brad’s interest in music as a kid
  • 25:18 - Joining and knowing he wanted to be elite
  • 38:05 - The path to Ranger School
  • 45:48 - Going outside the wire for the first time in Mogadishu
  • 54:25 - Reaction to the Black Hawk Down movie and what it was like for Brad
  • 1:09:04 - Going back out the gate again
  • 1:16:18 - The days following October 3 in Mogadishu
  • 1:23:30 - Transition after Mogadishu
  • 1:33:59 - Going back into combat after Mogadishu
  • 1:37:28 - Funny story about goofing around with the team
  • 1:39:59 - What Brad is doing now with music
  • 1:55:24 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:56:40 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:59:05 - Listener comments and shout outs
Jan 15, 202202:00:51
CS#57: A-10 Fighter Pilot who Survived a Surface to Air Missile Hit | 100+ Combat Missions | DFC | "Killer Chick"

CS#57: A-10 Fighter Pilot who Survived a Surface to Air Missile Hit | 100+ Combat Missions | DFC | "Killer Chick"

Today we hear the Combat Story of Kim “KC” Campbell, a retired Air Force Colonel and A-10 Fighter Pilot. 

NOTE: Combat Story is launching a Patreon account later this month. Sign-up here: https://www.combatstory.com/patreon

Kim racked up over 1.8K flight hours in the Warthog; 375 of those in combat across more than 100 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.  She also has one of the coolest call signs ever: Killer Chick. 

For anyone who’s been on the ground and seen an A-10 on a gun run, you can understand why so many ground pounders love this platform. For Apache pilots, the A-10 is our fixed wing cousin and we feel a very close affinity with this incredible machine.  Outside the cockpit, Kim led the Air Force Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development and, since retiring, has carried that expertise to the private sector where she provides leadership development training and team engagement. 

She’s also a keynote and motivational speaker.  Kim, like many fighter pilots, is driven, dedicated, and successful. She’s delivered rounds on target in heated battles and narrowly avoided death, including being hit with a Surface to Air Missile. 

I hope you enjoy this insightful Combat Story from the cockpit of THE Killer Chick as much as I did.  

Find Kim Online:  

Ryan Online Information
  • Ryan’s Linktree 
  • Instagram @combatstory 
  • Facebook @combatstoryofficial 
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan 
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:01 - Guest introduction (Kim “KC” Campbell)
  • 2:10 - Interview begins
  • 2:46 - Origin of her fighter pilot call sign
  • 7:30 - Early years and what enamored her with flight
  • 12:55 - Why Air Force Academy?
  • 18:18 - Choosing her aircraft
  • 22:14 - Where she was on 911 and how it changed her training
  • 24:43 - Going to Afghanistan immediately after training
  • 27:23 - A quiet first combat mission in Afghanistan
  • 34:48 - Firing from the A-10 for the first time
  • 44:05 - Combat Story #1  - First kinetic operation in Iraq
  • 50:30 - Combat Story #2 - The mission that was a defining moment
  • 1:18:18 -  Combat Story #3 - In combat as a flight lead
  • 1:29:47 - Leadership development, team building, and powerful leadership advice
  • 1:40:22 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:44:31 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:46:07 - Listener comments and shout outs
Jan 08, 202201:47:35
CS#56: Apache Gunfights in Afghanistan | CIA Operations | Combat Story Podcast Host Ryan Fugit

CS#56: Apache Gunfights in Afghanistan | CIA Operations | Combat Story Podcast Host Ryan Fugit

This is a special crossover episode where Combat Story's Ryan Fugit was interviewed on The Team House by Jack Murphy (Combat Story Episode #13 https://youtu.be/ScqnGbPSfhY) and David Parke (Combat Story Episode #53 https://youtu.be/CmmGixV06rc).

So many people have asked to hear Ryan's story and he was waiting for the right interviewer. It only seemed right to have the Team House do the honors and it did not disappoint!

I hope you enjoy this deep dive into Ryan's background growing up, combat in Afghanistan, and CIA ops.

Find Ryan online:

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Jan 01, 202202:09:22
CS#55: [Part 2] Counter-ISIS Ops | Surviving Suicide Bombers and Airstrikes | SDF & YPG Life | Firat Batman [Part 2] | COMBAT STORY

CS#55: [Part 2] Counter-ISIS Ops | Surviving Suicide Bombers and Airstrikes | SDF & YPG Life | Firat Batman [Part 2] | COMBAT STORY

Today, we hear the second part of the fascinating Combat Story of Firat Batman, a Swedish citizen from Kurdish roots who left his relatively quiet and safe life in Sweden to join the YPG and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to fight ISIS.   

[Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal]  

We left off in Part 1 when Firat returns to Sweden from Syria following his first deployment just after experiencing the carnage of walking through a town that had been recently abandoned by ISIS, including the blood stains on the walls where groups were executed and rooms that reeked of dead bodies left to rot.  

In Sweden, Firat, like many veterans, has difficulty assimilating back into regular life and hears of a friend who passed away fighting in Syria.   

This second round is all about Firat’s subsequent journeys back to the frontlines and the experiences fighting an enemy that would rather blow themselves up then surrender. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Firat Online: Instagram @tactikurdbruh

Find Ryan Online: 

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
  • Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:50 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady)
  • 2:19 - Guest introduction (Firat Batman)
  • 3:18 - Interview begins
  • 4:29 - Emotions after coming home from first rotation
  • 10:21 - News of losing his friend expediting his return to the fight
  • 16:23 - What it was like to go back to the frontlines
  • 19:28 - Difference in mindset coming back vs the first time
  • 32:06 -  Combat Story #1 First engagement after coming back
  • 39:19 - Hearing guys dying or close to it via radio
  • 49:17 - Moving between lines to bring support and treat people medically
  • 1:00:33 - Combat Story #2 Intense engagement while bringing support to others
  • 1:15:50 - Funny story about talking to enemy from shelter across the line
  • 1:18:48 - A direct experience and description of ISIS armies
  • 1:21:25 - The only 2 people captured by ISIS and survived
  • 1:27:40 - Protecting people you love from going into combat
  • 1:3524 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:37:01 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:41:41 - Listener comments and shout outs
Dec 18, 202101:43:38
CS#54: Fighting ISIS in Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) & People's Protection Forces (YPG) | Firat Batman [Part 1] COMBAT STORY

CS#54: Fighting ISIS in Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) & People's Protection Forces (YPG) | Firat Batman [Part 1] COMBAT STORY

Today, we hear the Combat Story of Firat Batman, a Swedish citizen from Kurdish roots who spent years with the YPG and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting one of the most vile terrorist groups of our time: ISIS.   

[Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.]  

I found Firat when his friend, another Swede turned freedom fighter named Mike, reached out. Mike’s introductory email sums up Firat perfectly:   

“I am writing you for a friend of mine who would never reach out but his story is amazing. He spent years fighting ISIS in Syria with the YPG. He is not a war tourist!! He left Sweden for Syria after ISIS murdered his cousins and uncle in Syria.”  

Firat fought alongside coalition forces on the front lines liberating cities from ISIS control. He did this, however, with very few resources, training, ammunition, funding, and support. What he witnessed in terms of ISIS brutality is horrific and has left its scars.  He has an amazing story that will inspire anyone who wonders how you can change your life and do something about the evil things in this world.   

I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did. 

This is the first in a two part interview with Firat to make sure we spend sufficient time in his multiple deployments.  

Find Firat Online:  Instagram @tactikurdbruh  

Find Ryan online:  

  • Ryan’s Linktree 
  • Instagram @combatstory 
  • Facebook @combatstoryofficial 
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:01 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady)
  • 2:27 - Guest introduction (Firat Batman)
  • 4:01 - Interview begins
  • 4:35 - Early family life living in Sweden with Kurdish background
  • 10:03 - Being an immigrant and having family in Syria when ISIS formed
  • 14:34 - The personal experience that draws you into the military
  • 21:53 - A memorable ride to the airport to deploy
  • 29:59 - Writing a letter to your mom in case you don’t come back
  • 33:56 - Arriving in Kurdistan, the land of his people, for the first time
  • 39:05 - Going straight to the Syrian border after just arriving in Iraq
  • 56:34 - Initial training experiences
  • 1:15:13 - The first time he was told to bring his weapon and be ready
  • 1:21:18 – First time in contact and what it was like to see ISIS remains
  • 1:27:18 – Lead up to his first major operation
  • 1:34:14 - First conflict with ISIS
  • 1:46:33 – The carnage ISIS left behind
  • 1:57:39 - What it was like going back home to Sweden for the first time
  • 2:01:40 - Listener comments and shout outs
Dec 11, 202102:03:38
Combat Story (Ep 53): David Parke | Ranger | Paramilitary Contractor | ODNI National Intel Medal for Valor

Combat Story (Ep 53): David Parke | Ranger | Paramilitary Contractor | ODNI National Intel Medal for Valor

Today we hear the Combat Story of David Parke, a former Army Ranger and Sniper Team Leader, Navy diver, and Paramilitary Contractor, who spent almost 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan post-9/11.  

[Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.]

During his time down range as a contractor, he earned the ODNI’s National Intelligence Medal for Valor, which the ODNI describes as being given “in connection with an Intel Community mission to national security” and awarded on a “highly selective and rare basis.”  

David now co-hosts The Team House, which livestreams interviews with special operators, intel professionals, and more. I’m a big fan of the Team House and you can check out our Combat Story interview with David’s co-host Jack Murphy (Episode 13 https://youtu.be/ScqnGbPSfhY).  

David has written two books and appeared in several TV shows as an actor. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story with another battle-tested fighter as much as I did.  

Find David Online:

Find Ryan Online:

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
  • Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial

Show Notes:

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:41 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady)
  • 2:09 - Guest introduction (David Parke)
  • 3:02 - Interview begins
  • 3:27 - Getting attacked on a NYC subway in 2020
  • 13:30 - David as a kid, his natural curiosity, and life before the military
  • 18:08 - Why the Marines?
  • 21:04 - From Marines to Navy Diver
  • 26:59 - Going through Army boot camp at 27 years old
  • 34:46 - His transition into linguist role
  • 43:06 - Being in DLI training when 9/11 happened
  • 46:49 - Fear of Missing the War
  • 51:18 - What interrogations  at Guantanamo were actually like
  • 59:32 - Early mission sets in Afghanistan
  • 1:11:23- Combat Story #1 - An unexpected (and funny) outcome in Iraq
  • 1:15:43 - Combat Story #2 - the mission where David earned the ODNI National Intelligence Medal for Valor
  • 1:27:54 - Combat Story #3 – The lighter side and things you can’t help but laugh at
  • 1:28:58 – Team House origin story
  • 1:44:54 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:46:02 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:47:27 - Listener comments and shout outs
Dec 04, 202101:49:11
Combat Story (Ep 52): Travis Hall | Green Beret (18D) | Ranger | Second Chance K9 | 18 Deployments

Combat Story (Ep 52): Travis Hall | Green Beret (18D) | Ranger | Second Chance K9 | 18 Deployments

Today we hear the Combat Story of Travis Hall, an Army Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret who survived 18 combat deployments post-9/11 to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Niger. You heard that correctly: 18 deployments.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.

Travis was an 18D (Special Forces Medic) and one of the first K-9 handlers deployed with the Green Berets in combat. He’s been in day long firefights, run both high and low vis ops, trained thousands of partner forces, and survived some incredibly difficult operations.

Travis founded Second Chance K9, which is a rescue organization that pairs working military dogs with special operations veterans suffering from PTSD. He also runs Second Chance Medical Consulting, where he provides private and semi-private training on firearms and medical aid.

After 18 deployments over almost two decades, Travis’ positive approach to life and his focus on making people’s (and dogs’) lives better is tangible.

I hope you enjoy this Combat Story of someone who spent many years deep in our wars (with and without a dog at his side) as much as I did. And if you do enjoy it, I hope you’ll subscribe and leave a positive review (it would mean a lot).

Find Travis Online:

Ryan: Instagram @combatstory 

Show Notes/Time Stamps
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:40 - A word from our Sponsor (LoanSteady)
  • 2:10 - Guest introduction (Travis Hall)
  • 3:16 - Interview begins
  • 6:40 - Travis and a childhood WITHOUT (surprisingly) animals
  • 10:56 - A family military history and a SEAL contract
  • 17:46 - Why Green Berets?
  • 20:04 - Fear of Missing the War
  • 26:20 - Combat Story #1 - Arriving in country and immediately in a fight
  • 30:21 - What’s a Low Vis mission profile?
  • 39:27 - Combat Story #2 - Brutal fighting in Kandahar, Afghanistan
  • 44:15 - Combat Story #3 - Lighter/funnier side of combat and being mistaken for a local
  • 51:37 - Combat Story #4 - Life as an 18D Special Forces Medic
  • 56:23 - Combat Story #5 - Treating himself downrange
  • 1:01:45 - Travis’ documentary to support veterans
  • 1:04:29 - Being one of the first SF K9 handlers
  • 1:11:31 - Combat Story #6 - Travis and his K9 Bear in Iraq
  • 1:25:59 - Origin of Second Chance K9
  • 1:33:54 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:36:12 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:39:44 - Listener comments and shout outs
Nov 27, 202101:41:18
Combat Story (Ep 51): Erick Miyares | Tier 1 Sergeant Major | Special Missions Unit | Marine | Echo9

Combat Story (Ep 51): Erick Miyares | Tier 1 Sergeant Major | Special Missions Unit | Marine | Echo9

Today we hear the Combat Story of Erick Miyares, a retired Sergeant Major who spent nearly 30 years in the military in the pre- and post-9/11 era. Erick was a Marine, Marine sniper, part of 7th Special Forces Group, and then spent over 20 years in Tier 1 Special Mission Units.

[Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.]

Erick has been shot (with small arms and rockets), run singleton and low vis missions, operated in multiple theaters and countries, and cheated death (and capture and compromise) on numerous occasions.

He’s only recently separated from the service and stepped “out of the shadows” to where he can discuss some of the aspects of these clandestine and secretive roles and the toll it takes on a person.

Erick uses his experience and the hard lessons he learned to drive Echo9.axiom and Echo9.hopes with a specific mission to prevent the suicide of Veterans after having lost two close friends in 2019.

This is a fantastic interview that dives into what’s involved in the shadowy world of intel and reconnaissance at the elite level. I hope you enjoy this vulnerable and introspective Combat Story with Erick as much as I did.

Find Erick Online:

Find Ryan online:

  • Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:55 - LoanSteady - A word from our sponsor
  • 2:22 - Guest introduction
  • 3:28 - Interview begins
  • 6:30 - Growing up in Hialeah (Miami)
  • 17:13 - The idea of the military
  • 28:00 - Once a Marine, always a Marine
  • 37:08 - Combat Story in South America with 7th Special Forces Group
  • 47:39 - The buildup of PTSD
  • 55:40 - Invited to Selection
  • 1:05:14 - Combat Story with an RPG in Ramadi
  • 1:17:10 - Losing two friends from the Tier 1 community to suicide
  • 1:40:44 - Echo9 Axiom and Hopes
  • 1:49:32 - What did you carry with you into combat?
  • 1:51:19 - Would you do it all again?
Nov 20, 202101:56:10
Veterans Day Tribute

Veterans Day Tribute

A short tribute to the Veterans who spent years away from families to serve. In their own words.

And a thank you to the families that made it possible.

Thanks to our guests:

  • @kellergamutresolutions
  • @tipofthespearrmh
  • @mindfulfrogman @mentalkingmindfulness
  • @woundedbywar
  • @mark.a.wales @kill_kapture
  • @vansanttyrtactical @allsecurefoundation
  • @thisis.mikehayes
  • @danpronk
  • @drtonybrooks
  • @raymcpadden1

Happy Veterans Day!

Nov 12, 202104:60
Combat Story (Ep 50): Vincent Speranza | WWII Veteran | Battle of the Bulge | Airborne Beer | Author

Combat Story (Ep 50): Vincent Speranza | WWII Veteran | Battle of the Bulge | Airborne Beer | Author

Today we have a special Veterans Day 50th Episode of Combat Story from Vincent Speranza, who was a paratrooper in the storied 101st Airborne Division in World War II. Vince was a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge where he and his fellow paratroopers held Bastogne after being encircled by the Germans.

[Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Loansteady LLC. A small-by-design lender, Loansteady believes in bringing a much-needed dose of humanity to the mortgage process. With their experience, agility, and creativity at Loansteady, they offer better rates, a simpler process and a much stronger personal connection. They're here to find a mortgage that works for you, not the other way around. They are waiving all lender fees for Veterans in 2021. Visit http://www.loansteady.com/combatstory to request a rate quote or start an application. Loansteady LLC, All rights reserved, NMLS# 1701910, (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), Equal Housing Lender. For more licensing information, please visit https://www.loansteady.com/licenses-and-legal.]

While fighting, Vince earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, but he’s gone down in history for being the GI who miraculously found and transported draft beer in his helmet from the last standing bar in Bastogne during the attack. This story later became the basis for Airborne beer, which can be purchased throughout Belgium and is designed to be enjoyed from a small ceramic cup shaped like a WWII helmet.

Vince, in the last 10 years, has written a book, aptly titled “Nuts!: A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne,” has jumped out of airplanes again, and speaks to soldiers and organizations about his experiences.

His story is nothing short of legendary and reminds us all why we refer to his as the “Greatest Generation.” I hope you enjoy this amazing combat story as much as I did.

Follow Ryan on Instagram @combatstory

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:48 - A word from our Sponsor (Loansteady)
  • 2:15 - Guest intro
  • 3:22 - Interview begins
  • 4:18 - Growing up an Italian immigrant
  • 16:00 - Did you miss out on a “fun” or easy childhood?
  • 18:20 - AWESOME Pearl Harbor story from Dec 7th,1941
  • 22:21 - The Draft letter
  • 23:43 - Shipping off to WWII (wait for his dad’s comment)
  • 38:04 - Training to go to WWII
  • 41:01 - Volunteering for Airborne
  • 50:40 - Taking the Queen Mary over to the war
  • 52:34 - The feeling on the boat on the way to WWII
  • 54:28 - You’re going in!
  • 59:29 - Battle of the Bulge - Basic numbers and the environment
  • 1:01:41 - The importance of artillery at Bastogne
  • 1:04:44 - Asking for our surrender
  • 1:06:15 - Like the Colonel already said
  • 1:07:10 - “Freedom in your heart” (you can’t help but smile when you hear this)
  • 1:07:50 - How was I feeling at the Battle of the Bulge?
  • 1:10:15 - The sobering moment comes after the shooting…
  • 1:11:45 - German strategy going in
  • 1:14:50 - Airborne Beer (INCREDIBLE story)
  • 1:18:30 - Made myself a promise
  • 1:33:45 - Combat Story (WWII Edition) Begins with description of digging into frozen ground and fighting from those positions
  • 1:36:00 - “The whole world exploded”
  • 1:38:48 - A machine gunner’s delight
  • 1:47:16 - A once in a lifetime R&R
  • 1:58:59 - Did you carry anything with you into combat?
  • 1:59:57 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:00:09 - At the Eagle’s Nest!
  • 2:03:26 - Not a hero…
  • 2:05:23 - Listener comments
Nov 11, 202102:07:08
Combat Story (Ep 49): Ray McPadden [Part 2] | Ranger Ground Force Commander | JSOC | Purple Heart | We March at Midnight

Combat Story (Ep 49): Ray McPadden [Part 2] | Ranger Ground Force Commander | JSOC | Purple Heart | We March at Midnight

Today we hear the second part of Ray McPadden’s Combat Story. Ray is a former Army Infantry Officer who survived four brutal deployments. In Part 1, we covered his time with 10th Mountain in the Korengal Valley, a notoriously violent part of Afghanistan. [You can find Part 1 at https://youtu.be/uebr9kPuPLM or https://tinyurl.com/wfcat859]

In Part 2, we pick up just after Ray returns from 16 months as a Platoon Leader in Afghanistan. He immediately goes to ROP (the Ranger Officer Program) to be assessed for the Ranger Regiment.

In this interview, Ray provides some incredible detail about the types of missions and decisions soldiers have to make within the JSOC community and the stark differences between the special ops and conventional military in terms of resources, equipment, aviation, personnel, and more.

For those who want to know what it was like to roll out on a multiple hit night in Iraq with JSOC, this interview will make you feel like you’re inside the Stryker and on the objective. If you want more, check out Ray’s great book - We March at Midnight.

I hope you enjoy this second round of Ray’s combat story as much as I did.

Find Ray Online:

Find Ryan Online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Follow on 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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:46 - Guest introduction
  • 1:50 - Interview begins and returning from the Korengal Valley
  • 8:15 - Did you get treatment for PTSD after the first deployment
  • 13:00 - Coming straight back from combat to Ranger Officer Program
  • 20:25 - Interesting model in the Ranger Regiment
  • 27:57 - What’s a Ground Force Commander
  • 30:08 - How hard is the Ranger Officer Program
  • 33:43 - The Darby Queen
  • 43:30 - Arriving to 2nd Ranger Battalion
  • 46:52 - Big Boy Rules
  • 50:57 - Combat Story #1 - Running ops Day 1
  • 55:23 - JSOC Mission Briefs in combat
  • 1:11:19 - Combat Story #2 - Hasty follow-on operation
  • 1:18:45 - Couldn’t sleep post-mission
  • 1:23:56 - Combat Story #3: Tier 1 HVTs operating in difficult spaces
  • 1:45:28 - Combat Story #4: The reality of warfare and children on the battlefield
  • 1:53:38 - Why choose the title “We March at Midnight”?
  • 1:56:25 - What did you carry with you into combat?
  • 1:59:25 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:01:28 - Listener shout outs and comments
Nov 06, 202102:03:27
Combat Story (Ep 48): Ray McPadden [Part 1] | Ranger | Purple Heart | Valley of Death | We March at Midnight

Combat Story (Ep 48): Ray McPadden [Part 1] | Ranger | Purple Heart | Valley of Death | We March at Midnight

UPCOMING EVENT on November 11th (Veterans Day): If you'd like to attend a Q&A session on November 11th with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we hear Part I of the Combat Story of Ray McPadden, a former Army Infantry Officer who survived four deployments that included leading troops in one of the most dangerous valleys of Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division and as a Ground Force Commander in the Ranger Battalion.

Listeners really appreciate our interviews with Special Operators and it’s easy to see why. Many listeners have asked to hear a few more stores from the conventional side of the house. Today’s episode focuses entirely on the conventional side of Ray’s career and fighting that his Battalion Commander at the time promised would be harder than anything he would go on to do in the Rangers.

Ray’s experience in the Pech and Korangal Valleys will be eye opening to many who had no idea forces were fighting in this unforgiving terrain and in these isolated conditions. Many have seen Restrepo and the Hornet’s Nest and can appreciate just how difficult that fighting was. Ray and his men fought to build the positions and fortifications that would later become the backdrop of those movies and books.

We use Ray’s own fantastic book - We March at Midnight - as a guide to walk through the first half of his career and will pick up in part two with his time in the Special Ops community. I hope you enjoy this first of two Combat Stories and his fight in what was known as the “Valley of Death” as much as I did.

Find Ray Online:

  • Instagram @raymcpadden1 https://www.instagram.com/raymcpadden1/
  • Book We March at Midnight https://www.amazon.com/We-March-Midnight-War-Memoir-ebook/dp/B08W2NQF4H

Find Ryan Online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Follow on 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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:11 - Guest introduction
  • 2:03 - Interview begins
  • 5:10 - Reenacting Sniper (the movie) as a kid
  • 12:54 - Texas A&M and learning from NCOs for the first time
  • 18:50 - “Actions not words” and leading by example
  • 21:14 - Mood in the Army in 2004-2005 starting out
  • 24:05 - A life in the mountains
  • 25:12 - Donkey and mule training
  • 35:43 - The real side of a military spouse - “They go to war with you”
  • 39:30 - Afghanistan and the Pech Valley
  • 42:00 - First Platoon Sergeant - “The key person” for new LTs
  • 45:22 - Reality of Mountain Warfare
  • 47:22 - Combat Story #1: First big fight
  • 1:21:40 - Combat Story #2: The counterattack
  • 1:27:37 - The Korongal (Korangal aka Korengal) Valley and Restrepo and Operation Red Wings environment (Restrepo Info for those interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvUdruvbdmI)
  • 1:30:01 - Combat Story #3: Initial fight in the Valley
  • 1:44:04 - “War is Freedom”
  • 1:50:13 - Delivering some of the hardest news possible
  • 1:54:29 - Combat Story #4: The Last Firefight - “War is horrible”
  • 2:02:10 - Conventions vs Special Operations
  • 2:03:25 - Listener Comments and Shout Outs
Oct 30, 202102:04:48
Combat Story (Ep 47): Wes ‘H’ Hennessey | Australian Special Forces Commando | Fought w/ DEVGRU | Seven Horses Co | Brand Ambassador

Combat Story (Ep 47): Wes ‘H’ Hennessey | Australian Special Forces Commando | Fought w/ DEVGRU | Seven Horses Co | Brand Ambassador

UPCOMING EVENT on November 11th (Veterans Day): If you'd like to attend a Q&A session on November 11th with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we hear the Combat Story of Wes ‘H’ Hennessey, a retired Australian Special Forces Commando and 20 year veteran who deployed on numerous occasions to Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, Somalia, to name just a few.

He fought for years at the upper echelons of the Australian special operations community and was on joint operations with US-equivalents like DEVGRU in critical missions. 

He was later recognized with two US Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor, for his efforts, in addition to the coveted Australian Conspicuous Service Medal.

Since leaving the military, Wes has gone on to become a sought after brand ambassador, public speaker, and, most importantly, Veteran advocate.

He stands out from the crowd with a down to earth, honest, and truth-to-power personality and I hope you enjoy his combat story as much as I did.

Find H Online:

  • Instagram @seven.horses.co
  • LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-hennessey-860b1235/

Find Ryan online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combat_stories https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Follow on 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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:05 - Guest bio for Wes “H” Hennessey
  • 1:55 - Interview begins
  • 3:41- What US State is Queensland like?
  • 6:24 - Aussie Commandos vs SAS
  • 16:32 - Communication once in the elite units
  • 30:14 - The Commando pipeline
  • 32:46 - Kit check was a favorite
  • 38:26 - Can you tell who will make it through selection?
  • 47:28 - The weight of leadership
  • 51:35 - First deployment: Somalia
  • 56:59 - First mission outside the wire
  • 1:03:29 - Left a boy. Returned a man.
  • 1:12:57 - Sent to Kandahar
  • 1:24:04 - Honing the American accent
  • 1:27:56 - Surviving a helicopter crash
  • 1:56:49 - When the near death experiences build up
  • 2:01:06 - Seven Horses Co and H’s next mission
  • 2:10:55 - What did you carry into combat with you?
  • 2:11:45 - Would you do it all again?
  • 2:13:07 - Listener comments and shout outs!
Oct 23, 202102:15:35
Combat Story (Ep 46): Tony Brooks | 2nd Ranger Battalion | Operation Red Wings Recovery | Author Leave No Man Behind

Combat Story (Ep 46): Tony Brooks | 2nd Ranger Battalion | Operation Red Wings Recovery | Author Leave No Man Behind

Today we hear the Combat Story of Tony Brooks, a former Army Ranger with 2nd Ranger Battalion who fought in Afghanistan early in the war and in Ramadi, Iraq.

Tony’s first mission was significant, being tasked with the recovery of downed chinook helicopter, Turbine 33 and The Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell in the mountains of Afghanistan.

His book, Leave No Man Behind, is all about this experience as the primary search and rescue element that catalogues the mission from hitting the ground, recovering bodies, and hunting for every last man to bring them home.

In this episode, we also touch on the impact of a legendary man, soldier, Ranger, and American - Pat Tillman - who had a tremendous influence on Tony (and myself for that matter).

After the military, Tony went on to become a licensed chiropractor. He married the woman he refers to in the book as ‘the Unicorn’ who he met as a private while stationed at Fort Lewis.

I hope you enjoy his Combat Story, and the mission to bring everyone home, as much as I did.

#rangers #specialoperations #operationredwings #veteran #veterans #combatstory #tonybrooks #2ndrangerbattalion #rangerbatt #rltw

Find Tony Online:

Find Ryan Online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combat_stories https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
  • Follow on 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
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:53 - Guest bio
  • 1:40 - Interview begins
  • 2:06 - Pat Tillman - One of the greatest Americans of our generation
  • 10:35 - Finding Purpose
  • 13:19 - Why go to the Rangers?
  • 17:00 - The Unicorn and the long play
  • 20:00 - Parents played it neutral
  • 23:50 - First time in Afghanistan
  • 30:33 - Context for Operation Red Wings
  • 37:15 - How did you feel going into your first mission?
  • 40:07 - Fast roping onto target
  • 49:25 - First objective - get to the crash site
  • 58:20 - Recovering body parts
  • 59:22 - Finding a wedding ring that meant so much more
  • 1:06:27 - Next mission post-crash site recovery
  • 1:13:50 - A screech you’ve never heard before
  • 1:17:06 - Next mission is BDA
  • 1:24:04 - My first experience of war was “sh*@”
  • 1:26:28 - Finding Marcus Luttrell
  • 1:32:13 - How close was the movie scenery (Lone Survivor) to reality
  • 1:39:14 - Hilarious story of one of those “guys” in the unit
  • 1:46:15 - What did you carry with you into combat?
  • 1:47:31 - Would you go back and do it all again?
  • 1:48:30 - How does Tony think about recent events in Afghanistan?
  • 1:50:45 - Listener comments
Oct 16, 202101:52:27
Combat Story (Ep 45): Dan Pronk Part 2 | Australian SASR | Doctor | Resilience Shield | Entrepreneur

Combat Story (Ep 45): Dan Pronk Part 2 | Australian SASR | Doctor | Resilience Shield | Entrepreneur

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session in November with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we hear the second round of our Combat Story with Dan Pronk, a former Australian SAS officer and medical doctor who completed four tours to Afghanistan.

In round one we covered Dan’s first calling as a triathlete until he found himself in medical school, and, eventually, SAS selection. We covered some of his initial deployments.

In round two we move into the more difficult deployments Dan faced when things started getting darker, as they so often do.

We also discuss Dan’s newly released book - Resilience Shield - which takes SAS resilience lessons and applies them to everyday life to thrive, much as Dan has.

Dan went on to found a multi-million dollar company - TACMED - and has written two other books: Arterial Tourniquets and Average 70kg D**khead.

Dan is the most unassuming doctor you’ll ever find and I hope you enjoy this second round interview Down Under as much as I did.

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:57 - Dan Pronk intro and bio
  • 1:52 - Interview begins
  • 4:12 - The Afghanistan pull out
  • 10:58 - Desperately wanting to get back into combat
  • 15:00 - Find Fix Finish for Psychological Trauma
  • 20:43 - Third deployment “hugely kinetic”
  • 24:43 - The Suckmeter
  • 27:38 - The build-up of PTSD
  • 45:36 - How to make resilience insights to bulletproof operators
  • 55:50 - Dan’s first classic car purchase and how not to make your wife happy
  • 1:09:00 - The Unforgiving Sixty podcast by Dan Pronk’s Resilience Shield Co-author
  • 1:09:46 - What did you carry with you into combat every time?
  • 1:11:57 - Would you go back and do it all again?
  • 1:15:43 - Listener Comments and Shout Outs

#combatstory #SAS #specialoperations #danpronk #deltaforce #jsoc #australianSAS #pathfinderjacket #killkapture #markwales

Find Dan online:

Find Ryan online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combatstory
  • Follow on Facebook @combatstoryofficial 
  • Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Oct 09, 202101:17:03
Combat Story (Ep 44): Dan Pronk | Australian SASR | Medical Doctor | Author | Entrepreneur | Resilience Shield

Combat Story (Ep 44): Dan Pronk | Australian SASR | Medical Doctor | Author | Entrepreneur | Resilience Shield

Today we hear the Combat Story of Dr. Dan Pronk, a former Australian SAS doctor who completed four tours to Afghanistan. Do not be fooled by the doctor title, Dan was on the front lines conducting hundreds of operations with the elite SAS.
This is the first of two interviews with Dan.
Before the military, Dan was a triathlete and lived what he described as an average Australian upbringing. The military put him through medical school, but he wanted to be part of the elite SAS and fought for years for a chance to just get to selection, which he eventually did.
Since leaving the military, Dan has gone on to an executive role in medical management, as well as co-owning the multimillion dollar company TacMed Australia and founding several other entrepreneurial startups.
He’s written several books, including Average 70kg Dickhead: Motivational Lessons from an Ex-Army Special Forces Doctor, and Arterial Tourniquets: For Police Officers, Law Enforcement and other First-Responders. He just released a third book with two fellow former SAS operators called Resilience Shield.
Dan’s also a motorhead with a love of high performance cars, leading him to own a classic Ferrari and Lamborghini. He also created Delta Automotive that builds these limited edition classic sports cars.
Dan was referred to me by another SAS leader as “legend” in the community and I hope you enjoy this first of two Combat Story rounds with Dan as much as I did.
Find Dan Online:

Website Resilience Shield
www.resilienceshield.com/
LinkedIN Dan Pronk www.linkedin.com/in/danpronk/
Instagram @danpronk www.instagram.com/danpronk/?hl=en


Show Notes

0:00 - Interview begins
1:07 - Dan Pronk bio
2:13 - Interview begins
9:00 - Tough schooling and getting beaten with a cricket bat (for both Ryan and Dan)
10:25 - Dan’s family military history and father who was an Army helicopter pilot
13:50 - Dan’s rebellious stage, triathlons, and tough cars
19:30 - Running and that release
24:50 - “Maneuvering” myself into an elite group
29:15 - Extrinsic motivation of being a triathlete rather than being an intrinsically motivated soldier
32:30 - Shifting from college and triathlons to medical school and the military
38:15 - The “lightbulb moment” to join SAS
43:50 - Why is SAS sending doctor’s through Selection?
47:10 - Motivational moment of being doubted
49:05 - Darker and harder moments of Selection
55:45 - What’s it like being a Selection-certified doctor in SAS?
59:20 - First deployment with SAS as a Task Force asset
1:02:35 - First mission outside the wire as a doctor AND the gunner on a vehicle
1:06:35 - First time I got shot at “accurately”
1:10:35 - Another mission and being in contact with snipers on quad bikes and more vehicles going against the Taliban
1:12:55 - No indication of PTSD starting to seep in
1:15:10 - Another deployment to Afghanistan in 2011 (reference to the Drug Enforcement Agency aka DEA's Drug Flow Attack Strategy Team or FAST)
1:16:44 - Difficult mission and a “turning point” for Dan. “We’re playing for keeps now”
1:26:45 - Dan’s background in the Emergency Room and working trauma
Oct 02, 202101:33:52
Combat Story (Ep 43): Mike Hayes | Navy SEAL | TF Commander | WH | NSC | Author | Never Enough

Combat Story (Ep 43): Mike Hayes | Navy SEAL | TF Commander | WH | NSC | Author | Never Enough

Today we hear the Combat Story of Mike Hayes, a retired Navy SEAL Team and Special Operations Task Force Commander who fought in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Bosnia over a 20 year career.

His time in uniform brought to key points in U.S. military and diplomatic history, including intersections with Operation Red Wings, the Mersk Somali pirate kidnapping, and an international treaty negotiation with Russia.

While in the Navy, Mike was one of the very few selected as a White House fellow, where he served under both Republican and Democrat administrations and as the Director for Defense Policy and Strategy at the National Security Council.

Since leaving the military, Mike has gone on to senior roles at Bridgewater Associates, Cognizant, and VM Ware.

He’s written a fantastic book, Never Enough, that we’ll discuss during this interview and for which all proceeds go to Gold Star families.

Mike is a model leader and giver and I hope you enjoy his Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Mike Online

Find Ryan Online

  • Instagram @combat_stories https://www.instagram.com/combat_stories/
  • More about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:10 - Bio on Mike Hayes
  • 2:10 - Interview begins
  • 2:53 - Gold Star Families
  • 4:35 - Guam and Science Fairs
  • 9:00 - Others Before Self
  • 16:22 - Telling a General ‘No’
  • 22:50 - What to do when you’re kidnapped
  • 33:58 - Operation Red Wings
  • 38:02 - When to pull the trigger and when to hold
  • 46:55 - Holding people accountable
  • 55:08 - The White House Fellow Program
  • 1:00:20 - Working at Bridgewater Associates for Ray Dalio
  • 1:07:50 - Building egalitarian teams in business
  • 1:15:00 - What did you carry with you into combat?
  • 1:16:45 - Would you do it all again?
  • 1:20:10 - Comments from listeners (THANK YOU!)
Sep 25, 202101:22:11
Combat Story (Ep 42): Barry Strauss on Brasidas | Spartan Legend | Commander | Special Ops Pioneer

Combat Story (Ep 42): Barry Strauss on Brasidas | Spartan Legend | Commander | Special Ops Pioneer

Today we have a unique History Edition of Combat Story focused on Sparta. As you know, I’m fascinated by the experiences of warriors in combat and I’ve always wanted to better understand what the combat experience would have been like for veterans from history like the Spartans, Romans, or Mongols.   

On this episode, we’ll interview Professor Barry Strauss, an accomplished scholar, historian, and expert on ancient military history. Barry brings to life a very famous Spartan warrior named Brasidas as we dive into his combat story.  

Brasidas led warriors into remarkable battles employing conventional tactics but also leveraging special operations and psychological or hybrid warfare with great success. Barry gives us a front row seat of what it was like to grow up and live in this austere, militaristic, and aggressive society we know as Sparta.  

We could not have done this without Barry, who is a Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History, author of eight books, and a military and naval historian and consultant.  

Professor Strauss is a recognized authority on the subject of leadership and the lessons that can be learned from the experiences of the greatest political and military leaders of the ancient world (Caesar, Hannibal, Alexander among many others).   

He has a new book coming out in March 2022 titled The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium.   

I hope you enjoy this unique Combat Story and the dive into the world of Sparta as much as I did.  

Find Barry Online:

Find Ryan Online:

Crew:

  • Guest: Dr. Barry Strauss
  • Host: Ryan Fugit
  • Editor: Owen Fugit

​​Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:46 - Interview begins
  • 3:50 - Barry’s background
  • 7:18 - Facts and Fiction about Spartans
  • 9:14 - The Greek and Persian Empire
  • 11:23 - Beliefs and Views of Spartans and Athenians
  • 12:20 - The Peloponnesian War
  • 15:57 - Brasidas, Son of Tellis
  • 18:47 - Life of a Spartan
  • 22:52 - The Hoplites and the Phalanx
  • 34:08 - The Spartan Way of War
  • 35:48 - The Athenian’s First Encounter with Brasidas
  • 39:11 - The Defeat of Brasidas
  • 50:58 - Brasidas’ Greatest Coup
  • 56:30 - Siege Warfare
  • 1:02:09 - Psychological Warfare


Sep 18, 202101:13:16
Combat Story (Ep 41): Chris VanSant [Part 2] Delta Force | Ranger | All Secure | TYR Tactical

Combat Story (Ep 41): Chris VanSant [Part 2] Delta Force | Ranger | All Secure | TYR Tactical

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we complete the second segment of our Combat Story with Chris VanSant, a retired Army infantryman, Ranger, Green Beret, and Operator in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (1st SFOD-D). 

You can hear the first round with Chris at https://youtu.be/tdSA8O_T6mE.

We left our first interview with Chris at the height of his career: in the Unit, combat rotations, and close friends. We pick up in round two where things start to get more difficult and the optempo, intensity, and constant fighting begin to take a toll.

Chris describes how he overcame some very dark days that many can relate to and found new opportunities he never would have imagined.

He’s gone on to become the Chief Operating Officer of TYR Tactical and is a board member for Tom and Jenn Satterly’s All Secure Foundation, both of which continue to protect those in need.

I hope you enjoy this deep dive into combat and recovery from a very humble Tier 1 operator as much as I did.

Find Chris Online:  

Find Ryan Online:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:00 - Guest bio
  • 1:52 - Interview begins
  • 2:37 - Chris’ thoughts on Afghanistan
  • 14:18 - Where does the exhaustion come from?
  • 17:18 - What are some other interesting fear responses?
  • 17:24 - “Fight or flight is the first response when someone thinks they may die.”
  • 20:11 - The next deployment
  • 30:00 - Tactics and Procedures
  • 32:40 - Different ways to attack a building.
  • 36:23 – When did the trauma and stress start
  • 43:33 – Early Indicators that will help others
  • 48:25 – Pivotal moments during combat
  • 57:39 - “You got to understand the individuals in your charge to get the best out of them; you got to know what motivates them, what makes them tick.”
  • 58:48 – Starting to change
  • 1:09:04 - Key things in your journey that you try to make sure a wider audience hears
  • 1:10:05 - “Open up. Talk to the people that matter to you. It doesn't have to be a lot. It just has to be a few.”
  • 1:13:13 – Getting fired from the Unit
  • 1:18:53 – Pushing yourself
  • 1:19:11 - “There are winners and losers. A loser is just a winner that tried one more time.”
  • 1:22:40 – Pieces of advice
  • 1:31:11 – Getting in touch with Chris
Sep 11, 202101:33:06
Combat Story (Ep 40): Ryan Hendrickson [Part 2] Green Beret | SF 18C | Silver Star | Author

Combat Story (Ep 40): Ryan Hendrickson [Part 2] Green Beret | SF 18C | Silver Star | Author

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we complete Part 2 of the Combat Story of Ryan Hendrickson, the former Green Beret and Special Forces Engineer (18C) who served multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and training deployments around the world, particularly in South America, as part of 7th Special Forces Group.

For those who listened to Part 1, you’ll recall that we followed Ryan’s unique upbringing in the Northwest that included moving frequently and, at one point, living in a tent for an entire year being raised by a single father who had a tremendous impact on Ryan’s life.

Ryan first joined the Navy, where he was onboard the first ship to respond to the USS Cole attack, then served in the Air Force loading aircraft with munitions, and finally achieved his dream of earning the coveted Green Beret.

On his first deployment to Afghanistan with 7th Group, Ryan was leading a patrol clearing the path of IEDs and inadvertently stepped on an IED that changed his life. 

At the end of Part 1, we left off as Ryan was coming to after the dust settled from the blast and he looked down to see two pearl white bones (his Tibia and Fibula) sticking out of his leg.

What happens next is nothing short of remarkable. If you ever felt sorry for yourself, this next session will help give perspective and an example of someone else who overcame tremendous odds to follow his dream, saving lives and inspiring others along the way.

Find Ryan H Online:

Find Ryan F online:

Show notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:45 - Guest Bio
  • 1:45 - Interview begins
  • 11:46 - Ryan is back in the moment just after the IED blast.
  • 25:48 - The flight out of country and multiple hospital visits.
  • 37:35 - The decision to keep your limb or go for a prosthetic.
  • 44:18 - When Ryan started recognizing the emotional side of his injury.
  • 49:20 - The advice the changed Ryan’s perspective and his path.
  • 58:34 - The program to stay in the Army.
  • 1:09:21 - Returning to Afghanistan and the unlikely welcome.
  • 1:23:20 - Taking the opportunities given (and how to escape the TOC)!
  • 1:39:50 - Inserting into a big fight looking like a normal unit.
  • 1:46:54 - An F-15 500lb bomb being dropped nearby.
  • 2:01:30 - Going back for every man, including his Afghan brothers.
  • 2:06:45 - Didn’t have to go back, but you did. “Had to be done.”
  • 2:12:00 - Writing the book.
  • 2:15:00 - What did you carry with you into combat.
  • 2:16:35 - Would you do it all again?
Sep 01, 202102:18:47
Combat Story (Ep 39. Special Edition Afghanistan): John "Shrek" McPhee | Delta Force | SOB Tactical

Combat Story (Ep 39. Special Edition Afghanistan): John "Shrek" McPhee | Delta Force | SOB Tactical

Improved episode. The original audio had some issues. Sorry about that. This version should be better!

This is a special and off-cycle edition of Combat Story.

With the recent attacks and chaos in Afghanistan, I wanted to sit down with someone who spent years on the front lines in that theater and who better than John “Shrek” McPhee.

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Regular listeners know him well but for those who have not yet heard of him, John is also known as the Sheriff of Baghdad and spent 20 years in the Army’s Special Operations community, from Ranger Battalion to Group to Delta Force.

He retired as a Sergeant Major from the most elite unit in the US Military and now owns SOB Tactical.

As usual, Shrek holds nothing back and gives an operator’s perspective of what is happening and why this outcome was always going to be the case.  Most importantly, however, is John’s message to the thousands of veterans processing these scenes, emotions, and memories.

While I had Shrek, I took the opportunity to ask some questions we’ve received from listeners, we talk whiskey, and find out what Shrek watches on Netflix.   I hope you enjoy this third round Combat Story with Shrek as much as I did.

#shrek #combatstory #deltaforce #specialoperations

Find John Online:

Find Ryan Online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combat_stories
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus  Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Aug 28, 202101:30:08
Combat Story (Ep 38): Chris VanSant [Part 1] Delta Force Operator | Ranger | All Secure Foundation | TYR Tactical

Combat Story (Ep 38): Chris VanSant [Part 1] Delta Force Operator | Ranger | All Secure Foundation | TYR Tactical

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (go to https://betterhelp.com/CombatStory for 10% off your first month of professional therapy or counseling).

Today we hear the Combat Story of Chris VanSant, a retired Army infantryman and NCO who spent time as a Ranger, Green Beret, and Operator in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (1st SFOD-D), aka Delta Force aka The Unit or the Army’s Special Mission Unit (SMU), and survived 11 combat deployments and hundreds of combat operations.

As you can imagine after so many years at the tip of the spear, Chris ended up confronting and overcoming (with tremendous difficulty) traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS); he remains a committed Veteran and advocate helping others through these tough times.

Chris is now the Chief Operating Officer of TYR Tactical, which manufactures body armor and tactical equipment for the military and law enforcement.

He’s also a board member for Tom and Jenn Satterly’s All Secure Foundation, which assists special operations active-duty and combat Veterans and their families in recovery of posttraumatic stress. Listeners will recall our interview with Tom and the similar success he had and corresponding struggles he overcame.

Chris is certainly humble for all his achievements and I hope you enjoy his Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Chris Online:

Find Ryan Online:  

Show Notes

  • 0:00 – Intro
  • 1:01 - Guest bio
  • 3:16 - Interview begins
  • 3:48 – Dangerous hiking experience
  • 15:40 – A grandfather’s storytelling
  • 20:30 – “I was a drinker at a very young age.”
  • 23:38 – “I always felt like I could do whatever I wanted.”
  • 27:13 – Finding your way to the military.
  • 33:06 – “The goodness of one individual and somebody being selfless changed my life.”
  • 33:49 – Did you plan to go into Delta from the beginning?
  • 35:09 – Being a young Ranger and Blackhawk Down vets.
  • 40:40 – “It was probably the first and worst thing that had ever happened to me.”
  • 43:33 – Deployment to Kuwait: Operation Desert Thunder
  • 58:46 – Failing Selection the first time and coming back again?
  • 59:36 – “I felt like they were testing me. Like they’re going to send me home because I’m 23 years old, and they want to see if I’ll do it again.”
  • 1:01:47 – 9/11
  • 1:04:09 – Emotions after completing the selection.
  • 1:04:58 – “I felt a sense of accomplishment and redemption like I stick with it despite all the things that happened.”
  • 1:05:53 – First Combat Experience
  • 1:15:23 – First Experience in Iraq
  • 1:21:17 – Hunting the “deck of cards”
  • 1:30:26 - Shout out to listeners.
Aug 25, 202101:31:53
Combat Story (Ep 37): Ryan Hendrickson | Green Beret | SF 18C | Silver Star | Author [Part 1 of 2]

Combat Story (Ep 37): Ryan Hendrickson | Green Beret | SF 18C | Silver Star | Author [Part 1 of 2]

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form (https://tinyurl.com/552ewmu5).

Today we hear the Combat Story (Part 1 of 2) of Ryan Hendrickson, a former Green Beret and Special Forces Engineer (18C) who served multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan as part of 7th Special Forces Group.

Before joining the Army, Ryan served in the Air Force and Navy, where he was one of the first ships on scene to support the USS Cole after it was attacked.

As a Green Beret, Ryan has a remarkable story in which he survived stepping on an IED that changed his life, but was unable to keep him out of the fight. After months of reconstructive surgery, he went back to the teams and Afghanistan, where he saved multiple lives and earned the Silver Star.

He is the author of Tip of the Spear and an adventure seeker who’s travelled most of the world. He still supports the war fighter as a contractor where he continues to save lives.

This is the first in a two part interview, covering Ryan’s life and combat up until stepping on the IED. In the second interview, we’ll touch on his recovery and several future combat operations, including the one in which he received the Silver Star.

Find Ryan H Online:

Find Ryan F online:

Show notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:35 - Guest Bio
  • 1:36 - Interview Begins
  • 8:49 - “I just buried myself in wrestling and football.”
  • 10:37 - Ryan’s Father
  • 14:22 - The story of two old men
  • 17:17 - “You don’t control life, and you don’t control death.”
  • 17:48 - “The beginning and the end of the book are already there. But what you fill that book with is up to you.”
  • 20:03 - True Happiness
  • 21:53 - The Hero
  • 24:18 - Joining the Military
  • 26:45 - Joining the Navy
  • 30:05 - Traveling the World
  • 31:18 - The USS Cole Experience
  • 33:03 - “I saw death in that aspect, as in the enemy was killing Americans.”
  • 35:14 - From Navy to the Air Force
  • 38:53 - Trying to be a Good Husband
  • 43:02 - Becoming a Green Beret
  • 44:02 - Following his Father’s Footsteps
  • 45:22 - Getting Scammed
  • 47:29 - Making new friends in Vietnam
  • 50:34 - “I have yet to prove myself.”
  • 53:39 - What is an 18C
  • 1:02:15 - “I was nobody because of the fact that I had yet to prove myself when bullets are flying.”
  • 1:02:53 - Combat Story #1: First deployment to Afghanistan
  • 1:11:11 - “We fought all the time.”
  • 1:11:35 - The Addictive Rush of the Battlefield
  • 1:12:45 - Combat Story #2: The Life-changing mission
  • 1:21:05 - “I can’t go back and change what I didn’t do.”
  • 1:22:10 - The IED that changed Ryan’s life.
  • 1:29:22 - “I was like, ‘I’m going to die here today.’”
  • 1:30:19 - End of Part One...To Be Continued
  • 1:30:35 - Shout Outs to the Combat Story Community
Aug 14, 202101:31:55
Combat Story (Ep 36): Mark Wales | Australian SAS | Troop Commander | TV Personality | Author | Entrepreneur | Kill Kapture

Combat Story (Ep 36): Mark Wales | Australian SAS | Troop Commander | TV Personality | Author | Entrepreneur | Kill Kapture

UPCOMING EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form.

Today we hear the Combat Story of Mark Wales, a former Australian SAS (Special Air Service) officer who spent 16 years in the Australian Military, including six years in the elite SAS. He led special operators as a Troop Commander and completed 10 deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, Lebanon, and the Solomon Islands.

After separating from the military, Mark battled depression and stress disorders but found a way to power through and turn his life around. Mark would go on to earn an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business and then worked at McKinsey & Company.

He has since written the book Survivor: Life in the SAS, was on Australian Survivor (where he met his wife) and competed in the Bear Grylls’ World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji 2019, which I highly recommend watching on Amazon with your family.

And since all this isn’t enough, Mark also founded Kill Kapture, a tough-luxury ecommerce brand and is now a sought after keynote and motivational speaker.

I hope you enjoy Mark’s honest, self deprecating, and relatable Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Mark online:

Find Ryan online:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:46 - Mark Wales bio
  • 1:42 - Interview begins
  • 2:32 - Combat Story (in a way): Going to a brothel at 14 years old
  • 8:19 - What is the pipeline for an officer?
  • 16:42 - The view of 9/11 from an Aussie's perspective
  • 18:08 - Training on how to throw a grenade
  • 24:35 - Combat Story #1: Mark’s first patrol in East Timor
  • 30:20 - The road to SAS and Selection
  • 42:45 - First time being deployed to the Middle East
  • 45:45 - For a team of six SAS guys, how do they feel about doing executive protection?
  • 47:04 - Two more rotations to Afghanistan
  • 49:25 - Combat Story #2: Tracking an HVT in East Timor
  • 51:40 - Combat Story #3: SAS Troop Command in Afghanistan
  • 1:02:36 - The language of the "unconscious body".
  • 1:05:00 - Combat Story #4: Dangerous experiences in Helmund Province
  • 1:16:02 - Combat (Reality Version) Story #5: Getting on Australian Survivor
  • 1:19:20 - Combat (Reality Version) Story #6: Completing World's Toughest Race Fiji 2019 Eco-Challenge
  • 1:23:40 - Kill Kapture
  • 1:24:24 - What did you carry into combat?
  • 1:26:17 - Would you do it all again?
Aug 07, 202101:27:48
Combat Story (Ep 35): Jason Van Camp | Green Beret | Special Forces | Mission Six Zero | Author

Combat Story (Ep 35): Jason Van Camp | Green Beret | Special Forces | Mission Six Zero | Author

EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form.

Today we hear the Combat Story of Jason Van Camp, a former Special Forces officer (Green Beret) and Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) Commander in 10th Special Forces Group who served multiple combat deployments.

Jason played linebacker at West Point and served a two-year LDS-Mormon mission to Russia, and upon graduation won the prestigious General Loeffke Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages, before starting active duty. As a Green Beret, Jason brought the fight to AQ and led soldiers through dangerous Special Forces missions that honed his leadership and team building skills.

Since leaving the military, Jason founded and is Chairman of Mission Six Zero, a leadership development firm, and is also Executive Director and Co-Founder at Warrior Rising, which empowers veterans in business.

Jason is a Wall Street Journal and 2 x #1 Amazon Best Selling Author for his book Deliberate Discomfort: How U.S. Special Operations Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable and was recognized as a Top Military Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020.

I hope you enjoy his humble yet impactful Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Jason Online:

Find Ryan online:

  • Follow on Instagram @combat_stories
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan 
  • Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:54 - Jason Van Camp Guest Bio
  • 1:48 - Interview Begins
  • 3:44 - “I inspire other people to be the best version of themself.”
  • 5:11 - Military history of the family
  • 10:37 - The challenging West Point experience
  • 13:14 - The football experience
  • 15:52 - “You have to find a new purpose.”
  • 16:29 - “Your worth as an officer is based on your ability to run a two-mile run test.”
  • 22:33 - The Ranger School Idea
  • 28:08 - “I love being an army, more so than ever thought I would”
  • 28:19 - “I want to make an impact. I want to have a meaningful life. I want to have a purpose.”
  • 35:39 - A rollercoaster of emotions
  • 39:01 - “We had nowhere to go and nowhere to live.”
  • 40:53 - “’ Peshmerga’ is translated to ‘those who faced death.’”
  • 45:31 - “You’re in combat; you got to trust your gut.”
  • 49:23 - “I wouldn’t trade that for Rob’s life.”
  • 50:25 - Mission Six Zero
  • 50:29 - “I’m happiest when I’m being selfish about being selfless.”
  • 50:40 - The vision behind Warrior Rising
  • 51:31 - Jason’s interest in giving back
  • 53:48 - Outro
Jul 31, 202154:14
Combat Story (Ep 34): Kevin Flike | Special Forces | Green Beret Foundation | Wounded By War | Purple Heart

Combat Story (Ep 34): Kevin Flike | Special Forces | Green Beret Foundation | Wounded By War | Purple Heart

EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form.

Today we hear the Combat Story of Kevin Flike, a former Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient who served multiple deployments, including two to Afghanistan.

Kevin was shot in the abdomen during his second deployment and took years recovering from the associated physical and emotional scars and has shown that it is possible to not only fully recover from such an injury, but to thrive.

He is a graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, sits on the Board of Directors at the Green Beret Foundation, is a sought out motivational speaker, and shares his story of perseverance through a blog and outreach series called Wounded by War, which includes a documentary on his recovery.

Kevin was recommended to me by Beau Wise, a former guest on the show who lost two of his brothers to the war in Afghanistan, one of whom knew Kevin. Kevin and Beau have become like brothers. I hope you enjoy this inspiring insight from the brink of death to tremendous success as much as I did.

Find Kevin online:

Find Ryan online:

#greenberetfoundation #specialforces #kevinflike #veteran #combatstory #army #specialops #specialoperations

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:04 - Guest introduction
  • 2:38 - Person in common: Beau Wise (as viewers will recall from a previous interview who was the sole survivor of three boys in the Wise family to make it home from Afghanistan).
  • 21:03 - Decision to enlist out of college via the 18X program.
  • 32:52 - Kevin’s strengths and perfect fit with the Green Berets.
  • 34:50 - Learning to manage expectations when teaching, fighting, and working with others.
  • 39:38 - Combat Story #1: Afghanistan (Kunduz) 2010.
  • 46:11 - Combat Story #2: First firefight.
  • 54:27 - How to process the “addiction” to war looking back now.
  • 59:55 - Combat Story #3: The mission that led to Kevin’s significant injury.
  • 1:09:55 - What goes through your mind when you’re shot and think you might die.
  • 1:15:06 - Wounded By War (www.woundedbywar.com)
  • 1:20:05 - Motivational Speaking to companies, communities, schools and the Green Beret Foundation
  • 1:21:50 - What did you carry with you into combat?
  • 1:22:40 - Would you do it again?
Jul 17, 202101:23:34
Combat Story (Ep 33): Jon Macaskill | Navy SEAL | Commander | Men Talking Mindfulness | Entrepreneur

Combat Story (Ep 33): Jon Macaskill | Navy SEAL | Commander | Men Talking Mindfulness | Entrepreneur

EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form

Today we hear the Combat Story of Jon Macaskill, a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness and meditation teacher.  He spent a career in the Navy’s Special Warfare and military Joint Special Operations communities and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, off the coast of Somalia, and in Panama.

One story that Jon shares in this episode and which shows the burdens and gut wrenching aspects of combat, was his association with Operation Red Wings, which many will recall from the book and movie Lone Survivor.

Jon is a Naval Academy graduate, holds a Master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and, since retiring, runs a consulting business that brings mindfulness and meditation to high performing teams to aid in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression, all while increasing focus, creativity, and productivity.

He shares the benefits and opportunities both on the show and on his own podcast, called Men Talking Mindfulness, which, as Jon described it, is what happens when you combine a Navy SEAL and modern day Hippie!

I hope you enjoy Jon’s honest, humble, and challenging Combat Story as much as I did.

#combatstory #SEAL #NavySEAL #specialoperations #specialwarfare

Find Jon online:

Find Ryan online:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:55 - Jon Macaskill’s bio and guest introduction
  • 2:00 - Interview begins
  • 17:30 - SEAL competition at the Naval Academy
  • 24:55 - Something most don’t know about BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training)
  • 33:02 - Being an Officer in the SEALs
  • 40:07 - Combat Story #1: Deployment to Afghanistan
  • 51:03 - Combat Story #2: Operation Red Wings and the Lone Survivor connection. LinkedIN article on this event that's well worth the read: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/this-is-why-i-meditate/
  • 1:00:50 - Managing trauma, guilt, depression and finding meditation and mindfulness
  • 1:15:48 - Common difficulties for people new to meditation
  • 1:18:13 - How to find Jon online
  • 1:20:27 - The coolest thing Jon did as a SEAL (leaving a submarine on an SDV - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAL_Delivery_Vehicle)
  • 1:22:14 - What’s one thing you carried with you on missions?
  • 1:23:45 - Would you go back and do it all again?
Jul 10, 202101:25:21
Combat Story (Ep 32): Yonel "Yogi" Dorelis | CSAR Pilot | DFC (V) | 370+ Lives Saved | 5.5K Hours

Combat Story (Ep 32): Yonel "Yogi" Dorelis | CSAR Pilot | DFC (V) | 370+ Lives Saved | 5.5K Hours

Today we hear the combat story of Yonel “Yogi” Dorelis, a retired and long-time helicopter pilot who served in the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force.

While in uniform, Yogi flew a variety of aircraft and mission profiles, but spent a considerable amount of time flying Combat Search and Rescue for the Air Force in the HH-60, including early in the war in Afghanistan. In fact, during this time, Yogi earned a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with V Device for his life saving efforts in Operation Anaconda, a mission that’s near and dear to my heart because I later went on to serve with several of the Apache pilots who were there at the time.

Beyond earning the coveted DFC, Yogi also accumulated 5,500 hours of flight time, approximately 500 of that in combat. He’s credited with saving 70+ military lives and approximately 300 more in his civilian flight career as part of an EMS crew, which he does to this day.

It was a blast to sit down with another aviator and a CSAR one at that, where it remains clear that no matter what airframe you flew, all pilots experience similar mishaps, near death experiences, laughs, and red tape along the way. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did.

Connect with Ryan Fugit:

  • Follow on Instagram @combat_stories (https://www.instagram.com/combat_stories/)
  • Email ryan@combatstory.com
  • Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
  • If you'd like Ryan to interview you for the show or to have him interview a family member or friend in private (not for the show) just to have their story on the record for future generations, email him at ryan@combatstory.com.

Find Yogi Online:

Acronyms and Terms used in the show:

  • CSAR - Combat Search and Rescue.
  • Dustoff - Another name used for Army Medical Evacuation or MEDEVAC aircraft.
  • ETL - Effective Translational Lift. This is the point at which an aircraft basically takes flight.
  • FLIR - Forward Looking Infrared. One method of seeing in the dark that uses differences in the temperature of objects as opposed to amplifying ambient light (which is what Night Vision Googles do).
  • Autorotation - A fun and scary flight profile that’s practiced regularly by all pilots by which you either simulate or truly kill engine power and, which descending out of the sky, maintain a minimal amount of drag to slow your descent created by the main rotor blade and then, when very close to touching the ground, pull in a bit of collective to provide a slightly softer landing.
  • Mustang - A term to reference an officer who was enlisted before becoming an officer.

Show Notes

  • 0:00 – Intro
  • 4:05 – “I knew from an early age, I wanted to be a pilot and a military pilot.”
  • 36:29 – Hovering and possible advantages as a fixed wing pilot
  • 44:06 – Being stationed in the Philippines and trying to land on a ship at sea
  • 1:21:24 – Operation Anaconda
  • 1:36:57 – The importance of leadership
  • 1:40:30 – Would you go back and do it all that again?
  • 1:41:03 – “I missed the people, the mission, and that sense of doing something that means something.”
Jul 03, 202101:45:23
Combat Story (Ep 31): Robert Keller | Delta Force | Green Beret | Ranger | Gamut Resolutions

Combat Story (Ep 31): Robert Keller | Delta Force | Green Beret | Ranger | Gamut Resolutions

EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form

Today we hear the combat story of Bob Keller, a retired Special Missions Unit (Delta Force) operator who spent his entire military career in the Special Operations community. Bob began his career as a U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret before transitioning to the Unit.

Bob spent several years as a professional golfer before finding his calling as a soldier. As an operator, he was in more than 400 engagements and 1,000 missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other undisclosed locations.

After retiring, Bob founded Gamut Resolutions, a tactical and practical shooting program that uses the Ready-Up training methodology to help students survive any situation. He also oversees a charity that provides elite shooting courses to police, for free.

In this episode, Bob provides fascinating insight into the confidence, training, and experiences of a Tier 1 operator. I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did.

Find Bob online:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:02 - Guest Introduction and Bio
  • 2:00 - Interview Begins
  • 4:50 - Relearning how to shoot after years of advanced and elite training
  • 7:06 - Gamut Resolutions and the training classes that Bob references throughout the interview
  • 10:45 - Where did your competitive nature come from?
  • 12:01 - Life as a professional golfer.
  • 13:43 - The decision to move into the military.
  • 18:01 - “That was my passion.”
  • 18:26 - Why was a Guard Special Forces unit so special?
  • 21:49 - Combat Story #1: Running to gun fire. “Getting shot at isn’t scary, it’s exciting.”
  • 25:01 - Everyone at the Unit is like this…
  • 25:36 - “You can’t train liking to get shot at.”
  • 32:17 - What would other operators say was your biggest strength?
  • 38:40 - Combat Story #2: On the Ladder. This story is fantastic.
  • 45:30 - The first time I realized “I could actually die.”
  • 59:12 - Combat Story #3: Complacency and grenades.
  • 1:03:44 - Combat Story #4: Shooting between your legs.
  • 1:08:29 - Advice to a new soldier: “Don’t ever say I quit.”
  • 1:10:37 - Advice to those who didn’t serve but still want to give back. Special Operations Care - Fund (https://soc-f.org/) and the Gamut Initiative (this is Bob’s charity organization which will be online again shortly).
  • 1:15:04 - Gamut Resolutions and what’s coming with more CQB and fellow Tier 1 guest coaches. Also, Range Werx is a range shooting facility in Florida (find more at https://gamutresolutions.com/ and http://rangewerx.com/).
  • 1:17:08 - What did you carry with you into combat each time?
  • 1:18:27 - Would you do it all again? A bit of a surprise.
  • 1:20:22 - How important your spouse and family are to your success.
  • 1:22:09 - Golf. Then and now.
  • 1:23:56 - How to share your own story.
Jun 26, 202101:24:18
Combat Story (Ep 30) + SOB Tactical: John "Shrek" McPhee (Rd 2) & Ryan Fugit | Delta | Aviator | CIA

Combat Story (Ep 30) + SOB Tactical: John "Shrek" McPhee (Rd 2) & Ryan Fugit | Delta | Aviator | CIA

EVENT: If you'd like to attend a Q&A session with Combat Story's Ryan Fugit, please fill out this form

Today we have a unique episode where I (Ryan Fugit) share my own combat story as SOB Tactical founder and retired Delta Force Sergeant Major John “Shrek” McPhee interviews yours truly.   

Do not be fooled, however. Although John helps me tell my origin story growing up overseas, and going on to be an Apache helicopter pilot and CIA officer, we hear more amazing insights from John’s career as well.  

In this episode, John and I talk about combat, losing friends, growing up, and swapping stories about our experiences as a pilot and Delta operator that many outside the profession have never heard...such as ‘flying the bag’ and the ‘Mr. Goodbar’ test. John even takes a moment to put on a sweater that used to belong to Saddam Hussein.   

I hope you enjoy this wide ranging, real, and whiskey-filled interview as much as we did.

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:21 - Episode preview
  • 2:12 - Let the games begin
  • 3:29 – Talking about whiskey
  • 6:25 – Why Combat Story?
  • 9:46 – Ryan’s origin story
  • 14:00 – The little guy in southern Africa
  • 15:44 – Living in Pakistan in the middle of the Gulf War
  • 24:30 – Ryan’s experience with Channing Tatum aka Chan Tatum aka Magic Mike
  • 26:10 – The problem with social media
  • 25:06 - People don’t understand the premise of the American life.
  • 30:10 – Keeping in touch with others
  • 34:57 – “How great you were today, tomorrow they don’t need you.”
  • 37:17 – The unfortunate truth
  • 37:55 – The D-Day Jump
  • 41:56 – “I believe we’re in the longest peace this planet has ever seen post World War Two.”
  • 49:07 – What it’s like learning to hover
  • 57:30 – Inherently dangerous training. “Injuries and loss happen every day, no matter what your level is.”
  • 1:12:35 – Air Medals for ground guys.
  • 1:19:21 – Importance of flexibility. “Flexibility makes you a formidable enemy.”
  • 1:23:05 – Flying the “Bag“ and teaching yourself how to fly with one eye.
  • 1:27:37 - The “Mr. Goodbar” Test at Delta where “If you do what has been taught to you, people won’t fight you when you walk out.“ John and one-on-one situations.
  • 1:34:30 – Performance-based unit and how “Nobody cares as long as you’re doing your job in combat.”
  • 1:40:20 – Ryan’s worst near-death experience story
  • 1:47:50 - Defining failure, “acceptable failure,” and how “Wisdom is knowing better.”
  • 1:48:51 – “You should be making mistakes. Mistakes teach you what works, what doesn’t. You got to make mistakes.”
  • 1:55:27 – The Saddam Sweater
  • 2:13:50 – Near death experiences. “You’re supposed to live through this near-death experience and feel like every day is a gift, but it’s not—it doesn’t feel that way.”
  • 2:16:43 – John’s near death experience. “Never do a shoot behind, except when you have to.”
  • 2:24:03 – “The unit in training will always give you scenarios that can’t be solved.”

Find John and Ryan Online:  

  • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sobtactical/
  • Instagram @combat_stories https://www.instagram.com/combat_stories/
  • SOB Tactical - https://sobtactical.com/
  • SOB TV - https://watch.sobtactical.com/
  • Booze N Views - https://watch.sobtactical.com/booze-n-views
May 29, 202102:34:43
Combat Story (Ep 29): Jeff Morris - Infantry Company Commander | Author | Legion 8 | OIF x 2 | BSM V

Combat Story (Ep 29): Jeff Morris - Infantry Company Commander | Author | Legion 8 | OIF x 2 | BSM V

Today we hear the combat story of Jeff Morris, a former Army Infantry Officer who commanded soldiers in Iraq over two brutal deployments fighting on some of the most well-known and infamous streets of Baghdad.  

NOTE: Stay tuned after Jeff's Combat Story to hear a Combat Story from one of our listeners!  

Jeff was an Infantry Platoon Leader on Haifa Street in downtown Baghdad from 2004 to 2005 with 1st CAV where his Platoon of 34 men were awarded 27 Purple Hearts. He describes a significant battle that he was a part of on September 12th, 2004, in which two Silver Stars were awarded and he received a Bronze Star w/ V Device.  He was then a junior but highly respected Infantry Company Commander in east Baghdad during the Surge from late 2006 to summer 2007, again with 1st CAV, where he lost eight men during fighting that saw almost every Bradley and M1 tank assigned to his unit destroyed by EFPs.  

Jeff went on to document these experiences in his book, “Legion Rising: Surviving Combat and the Scars it Left Behind” and established the Legion 8 Foundation to honor the lives of the eight men lost under his command. The Legion 8 workout is also a Hero Workout of the Day (WOD) done at hundreds of CrossFit gyms around the country.  He has previously been featured on other podcasts, including Mike Drop with Mike Ritland. I hope you enjoy this inside look at the burden of command in Iraq and Jeff’s combat story as much as I did.  

Find Jeff online: 

Show Notes

  • 0:00 – Intro
  • 4:26 – The book, “Black Hawk Down.”
  • 7:07 – The desire to be a SEAL
  • 11:36 – “If it doesn’t make sense, don’t do it.”
  • 13:00 – Jeff’s childhood
  • 16:59 – The desire to serve the country
  • 18:46 - “After I stood up for myself and took that challenge on, I wanted more.”
  • 19:30 – The fastest guy in school
  • 22:22 – “Boys do what they want to do. Men do what they have to do.”
  • 28:37 – “You can’t go and create a leader of men and women in 14 weeks.”
  • 31:03 – The role of a Platoon Leader
  • 35:48 – The Bradley Military Vehicle
  • 40:40 – Battle of Haifa Street
  • 49:24 – The beauty of war
  • 53:00 – The breezeway grenade
  • 54:19 - “There’s a fine line between valor and stupidity and just plain luck.”
  • 56:25 – Communicating in Battle
  • 58:53 – September 12, 2004 (The Haifa Street Incident)
  • 1:00:41 – Coming back to base
  • 1:02:01 – Jeff’s Second Deployment
  • 1:04:46 – Quotes from other podcasts about Jeff
  • 1:05:55 – Building Camaraderie
  • 1:12:50 – How having a child changed Jeff’s way of thinking
  • 1:14:05 – The difficult mission
  • 1:16:01 - “You know in that environment that you’re probably going to lose somebody.”
  • 1:18:24 – Losing comrades
  • 1:21:21 – Taking the dangerous route
  • 1:24:18 – “I’m making decisions that are putting other people’s lives at greater risk.”
  • 1:26:26 – “I’ve never had a positive thing happen in my life that came from me sitting around, waiting for somebody else to make a decision.”
  • 1:29:12 – The Catalyst to turn things around
  • 1:31:54 – “There’s no background music playing in combat.”
  • 1:33:39 – A conversation with a Vietnam War Veteran
  • 1:36:37 – The Man in the Arena
  • 1:38:00 – Would you go back and do all that again?
  • 1:41:48 - NEW FEATURE: A New Listener's Combat Story from Yonel Yogi Dorelis
May 22, 202101:53:38
Combat Story (Ep 28): Elliot Ackerman - Marine | MARSOC | CIA Paramilitary | Best Selling Author | Silver Star

Combat Story (Ep 28): Elliot Ackerman - Marine | MARSOC | CIA Paramilitary | Best Selling Author | Silver Star

Today we hear another Combat Story from Elliot Ackerman, a decorated Marine infantry officer, Special Operations operator, CIA Paramilitary Officer, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, and best-selling author.

As many will recall, Elliot was our first guest on Combat Story long before we ever did video interviews. That first interview remains one of my favorites and covers an incredible inside look at his role as a Platoon Leader in Fallujah II in 2004 and the true grit and determination it required. It was that battle that earned him the Silver Star.

In this second interview, we pick up where we left off from Round 1 as Elliot describes being one of the first members of Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and his subsequent deployments with this unit.

We also dive into his National Bestselling book, Places and Names: On War, Revolution, and Returning, where Elliot describes revisiting, both in mind and body, his combat experiences.

It’s a fantastic read and in the interview he shares moments from the book that include returning to the very buildings he occupied in Fallujah years earlier and another experience having an unthinkable meal with a former Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) leader as they shared their memories on the frontlines fighting against each other.

Elliot is a special Marine who survived five deployments and fought at the highest levels. I hope you enjoy this next set of combat stories with Elliot as much as I did.

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 1:01 - Elliot introduction
  • 4:53 – Moving to Special Operations
  • 6:16 – Talking your way to the military school
  • 8:32 - Force Recon vs MARSOC
  • 9:39 – Go to Ranger School or something else?
  • 10:51 – Strategy session to lead the class
  • 12:59 – “I never would have guessed how profound those relationships would be throughout my life.”
  • 31:02 – We’re two teams
  • 34:35 – Contribution in the military
  • 35:44 – Being a great commander
  • 37:41 – Going on a mission leaving your child
  • 38:35 – “I’ve come to understand what it means to be a father to my own children.”
  • 41:32 – Leaving the military and started writing
  • 44:57 – First Book
  • 46:16 – Hiring former democratic activists in Syria
  • 47:42 – Story of Al Qaeda in Iraq
  • 48:46 – Protesting in jail
  • 51:08 – Out of translation
  • 52:05 – “There will be an end-of-days battle and the Armageddon is coming.”
  • 53:52 - "We've once chased each other around a rock and hands chasing each other around the map."
  • 55:01 – “You can either try to see someone’s humanity, or don’t ever want to see it again.”
  • 57:04 – “He went to Cairo on a Thursday, protested on Friday, thrown into the Egyptian prison on Saturday, and get evacuated by the State Department on Sunday.”
  • 57:49 – “It’s an experience so large that you shrink to insignificance when you are close to that experience.”
  • 59:05 – “Has my desire to have purpose diminished over the years?”
  • 1:00:27 – “I am one who was able to repurpose successfully.”
  • 1:01:27 – “What makes them more insidious is this purposelessness after having these immense purposeful experiences at a very young age.”
  • 1:03:56 – “I want to stand on this rooftop where a friend of mine have been killed.”
  • 1:05:08 – “I wanted to go this house where our platoon have been surrounded for a day.”
May 14, 202101:11:29
Combat Story (Ep 27): Eric Hollen - Ranger | Green Beret| Olympian | Inspiration

Combat Story (Ep 27): Eric Hollen - Ranger | Green Beret| Olympian | Inspiration

Today we hear the inspirational combat story of Eric Hollen, a former Ranger in 2/75 Ranger Regiment and Green Beret with 2nd Bn, 10th Special Forces Group.   

This is a unique episode where we filmed in person for a change while Eric and I were in Graham, Texas, courtesy of Greg Coker, who many will recognize from the podcast, for an aviation hog hunt to benefit veterans and gold star families.  

In this episode, Eric shares what was going through his head when he sustained a life-altering injury on his horse farm in Tennessee and how he persevered through dark times to reach a level of excellence very few will ever see.  

Eric was awarded USA Shooting’s Paralympic Athlete of the Year two years in a row and competed in the Olympics as a shooter for the U.S.  Hollen strives to help newly injured veterans through a program called the Care Coalition which supports injured Special Operations soldiers. I hope you enjoy his inspirational story as much as I did.  

Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a short clarification from Eric.  

#specialops #rangers #teamusa #olympics 

Show Notes  

  • 0:00 – Intro 
  • 0:42 - Eric’s Bio 
  • 2:34 – First time holding a Firearm 
  • 6:11 – Eric’s left turn moment 
  • 11:35 – Joining the military 
  • 13:46 - “I thought I was cold and miserable, and then a snowflake went right into my ear hole.” 
  • 14:59 – “We aren’t there to hang out. We all want that scroll on our right shoulder that follows us wherever we go.” 
  • 16:30 – “I either pass, or I die trying.” 
  • 17:53 – “We go to bed every night expecting to go to war the next day.” 
  • 23:04 – Combat Story – Operation in Haiti: The mission where everybody came home 
  • 27:21 – The Catastrophic Life-Changing Injury 
  • 28:25 - “It took probably about ten years before I can talk about this without getting emotional.” 
  • 29:06 – The “Come to Jesus” moment about Career and Family 
  • 32:21 – The Injury 
  • 35:11 – “I had kind of a looming sense of doom.” 
  • 36:16 – Could you put into words the way that you felt at that time of the injury? 
  • 38:43 – “Eric, if you try to move again, you’ll die.” 
  • 39:46 – Eric’s conversation with the Lord 
  • 42:06 – From a Good Place to a Dark Place 
  • 45:15 – Eric’s Surgery 
  • 50:34 - What was it that kept you from taking the step? 
  • 50:48 – The Balloon Message 
  • 55:14 - “It’s not necessarily fighting and dying with your boys. It’s like getting hurt so bad that you can’t function at a high level.” 
  • 55:35 – What would you tell somebody who is having a similar looming sense of doom and a catastrophic life-changing event occurs? 
  • 56:36 – “I wouldn’t trade the injury for all the good it’s done to me.” 
  • 57:35 – What drove you to become an Olympian? 
  • 1:25:24 - The Paradigm Shift 
  • 1:27:32 - Is there something that you would say to people who do not have this type of injury who just see the wheelchair? 
  • 1:30:18 – “Whatever that (injury) is, it’s a choice to allow that to define you as an individual.” 
  • 1:30:38 – “Don’t let the injury define you.” 
  • 1:31:24 - Was there something you carried with you when you were in combat or in the Olympics that had sentimental value? 
  • 1:32:14 - Would you go back and do all that again? 
  • 1:33:32 - Eric clarifies a point.
May 08, 202101:36:56
Combat Story (Ep 26): Patrick Moltrup - SWCC | Special Ops | Marine | CIA | Savage Actual

Combat Story (Ep 26): Patrick Moltrup - SWCC | Special Ops | Marine | CIA | Savage Actual

Today we hear the combat story of Patrick Moltrup, a former Marine, Soldier, CIA, and Special Operator who served as a Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (or SWCC). Patrick served 25 years in the military, much of it in the Special Operations community.  

Patrick is one of the very few who has been a part of the Marines, the Army National Guard, Navy, and CIA. He spent most of his time with the Marines and SWCC where he worked on all kinds of boats from RHiBs to Mark Vs. As a side note, I was once picked up on these boats and, to this day, these rides remain some of the most fun I ever had, particularly the times at night (it actually reminded me of flying a Kiowa low level with the doors off)!  

Patrick was also a Navy Corpsman (medic) and attached to various units, including Gold Squadron, one of the assault forces SEAL Team Six, which we hear about in this episode.  

After leaving the military, Patrick collaborated with Jason Lilley, another former special ops warrior, to create Savage Actual, a YouTube channel and brand where Patrick and Jason discuss games, gear, and the military. They’re now working on a video game themselves, have been sponsored by a craft brewing company, and more.   

I hope you enjoy Patrick’s combat story as much as I did.

Find Patrick online at:

Show Notes

  • 0:00 - Into
  • 2:57 - Growing up in upstate New York.
  • 7:08 - Why the military and the Marines Corps? (Ryan’s note: After many interviews now, it really seems that mothers do NOT like hearing their boys are going to become Marines).
  • 22:27 - Wanted to be an 0311.
  • 26:26 - Deployed to Somalia just before Blackhawk Down.
  • 28:45 - How to creatively truth tell your way into a cool job.
  • 32:32 - Why leave the Marine Corps?
  • 39:26 - Finding your way to the CIA.
  • 1:02:08 - SWCC mission statement.
  • 1:04:33 - Combat Story #1, imagine your first combat experience with SWCC was with the members of Operation Red Wings (https://www.google.com/search?q=operation+red+wings&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS852US852&oq=operation+red+wing&aqs=chrome.0.0i433j69i57j0l2j69i61j69i65l3.2148j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8), known by many from the experiences recorded by Marcus Latrell in Lone Survivor.
  • 1:14:57 - Combat Story #2 as an augmentee with Gold Squadron in Iraq (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAL_Team_Six).
  • 1:21:33 - Turning down an offer from likely Special Missions Unit and how hard that can be.
  • 1:25:25 - Combat Story #3: Having to help save an enemy combatant.
  • 1:33:13 - Savage Actual and what Patrick’s doing now.
  • 1:41:35 - What did you carry with you while deployed?
  • 1:43:23 - Would you do it again?
May 01, 202101:48:57