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Wanna hear the Full Episode? Sign up for the Grad Program! Occam Defense Pistol Discussion The discussion centered on the Occam Defense OD-1775 pistol, which Jarrad described as a smaller version of the rifle, featuring walnut wood and a powerful 10.5-inch barrel. The professor explained that the OD-1775 is considered the "Cadillac of AKs" and noted that Occam Defense also makes accessories for various rifles, including a magwell for Ruger American Ranch rifles. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the evolution of military optics, particularly the adoption of EOTech holographic weapon sights and magnifiers during the Global War on Terror, with the professor having recently published an article about pairing the EOTech XPS2 with a 3x magnifier. Challenges in Mechanical Offset Calculations The discussion focused on the challenges of calculating mechanical offsets in shooting, particularly with high risers on optics. The professor expressed concerns about the trend of using excessive risers, noting that it complicates shooting and training. Jarrad explained that learning to calculate offsets takes time and practice, even in controlled conditions. The conversation also touched on the influence of social media on gear choices, with the Professor warning against buying unnecessary accessories before mastering current equipment. Good Samaritan Stabbing Case Update The group discussed a story about an American "Good Samaritan" stabbed in Germany after intervening when two men were harassing female passengers on a tram. The attacker was arrested but later released due to lack of sufficient evidence linking him to the stabbing, despite having previous charges. Jarrad shared details about his Occam Defense pistol, including its specifications and customization options, and mentioned that deposits are currently being accepted for the firearm. Gun Control's Futility and Absurdity The discussion focused on the futility of gun control measures, using examples from England, Australia, and other countries where disarmament has not reduced violent crime. The professor emphasized that gun control is ultimately about control and that left-wing ideologies, including communism and socialism, seek to disarm citizens to increase state power. The conversation concluded with a discussion of Australia's recent ban on machetes, highlighting the absurdity of such restrictions and the failure of gun control to address the root causes of crime. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Spike's Tactical [0:04:51] Paul and Jarrad discuss their OCCAM Defense rifle/pistol occamdefense.com [0:10:16] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: HWS / Magnifier Combo discussion opticswire.com [0:29:02] Warrior of the Week - James Yeager's “Virtues of a Warrior” TOPIC: American good Samaritan stabbed after confronting Syrian immigrant in Germany when he stepped in to stop harassment nypost.com [0:45:00] Australian state rolls out machete ‘disposal bins' ahead of ban www.foxnews.com
Dive into this epic conversation on the Mike Drop Podcast with Green Beret legend Mark Giaconia. A 20-year Army veteran who traded infantry boots for Special Forces grit, Mark opens up about his raw reaction to 9/11—burning with jealousy as Fifth Group charged into Afghanistan, only to carve his own pinnacle in Iraq's brutal ops. But before the GWOT glory, he takes us back to the forgotten chaos of Bosnia in the late '90s, where peacekeeping turned into high-stakes intel gathering: embedding in remote villages, renting houses amid fresh war scars, and dodging tense standoffs with Serbian cops who grabbed their weapons at the sight of an American. From concealed pistols and civilian rides to wild encounters—like spotting a Beirut bombing fugitive in a roadside eatery or monitoring Russian convoys on the brink of World War III—Mark's stories pulse with the raw edge of undercover life in a powder keg. We geek out on metal shredding (check Patreon for the deep dive), philosophy from Socrates to Nietzsche, and his time-travel wish to homestead in colonial Connecticut. Whether it's surviving Ranger School's 200+ day grind, losing 40 pounds in the suck, or bonding with locals over slivovitz amid genocide echoes, this episode hooks you with unfiltered warrior wisdom, historical twists, and the unexamined life's brutal truths. Don't miss Mark's insights on human nature, founding principles, and why the Balkans' hospitality hides a world of shadows—perfect fuel for any Mike Drop fan craving real talk from the front lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With a rifle in one hand, and a sketch pad in the other, retired Marine veteran Joe Winslow's combat service in the Battle of Fallujah inspired a return to his love of art. He drew sketches and collected artifacts before returning home to begin working on art reflecting the dedication of Marines, sailors, soldiers and others in action. Winslow discusses his time in the military, drawing inspiration from combat zones, transition issues for servicemembers and more. Other topics include alternative therapies for mental health, the origins of battle cries and the upcoming anniversary of Star Trek. Special Guest: Joe Winslow.
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-tenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the Senior Medical Operations Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for the Task Force Sustainment (BSB / CSSB), CPT Victor Velez on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guests are subject matter experts in each of their warfighting fields, MAJ Jon Austin, SFC Scott Gallagher, 1LT Andy Cornelison, and LTC Max Ferguson. MAJ Austin is an armor officer from the Close Combat Lethality Task Force at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. SFC Gallagher is the former senior medic for 2-14 IN BN and is currently the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor OCT for TF Sustainment (BSB / CSSB). 1LT Cornelson is a former Army Special Forces medic and is now the Physician's Assistant for 2-14 Infantry BN, “Golden Dragons” of 2nd IBCT, 10th Mountain Division. LTC Max Ferguson is the former BN Commander for 2-14 IN BN and is now the G-3 Operations Officer for 10th Mountain DIV as well as serving as the J-3 for the JTF Southern Border. The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, known by its Hollywood call-sign “Commando Brigade”, is a light infantry unit headquartered at Fort Drum, New York. Carrying the proud motto “Courage and Honor,” the brigade traces its lineage to the 10th Mountain Division's storied World War II legacy in the mountains of Italy, where it earned distinction for its rugged combat effectiveness in extreme terrain. Reactivated in the post-Vietnam era, 2nd IBCT has since deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, exemplifying rapid deployment capability, adaptability, and lethality. Today, the Commando Brigade remains a cornerstone of the Army's light infantry force, specializing in mountain and cold-weather operations while preparing for large scale combat operations across multiple domains. The “golden hour” concept from the Global War on Terror era is being expanded in LSCO to account for prolonged casualty care under contested evacuation timelines. Whole blood and walking blood banks extend treatment coverage, creating larger windows for evacuation to the next level of care. While long practiced within Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF), this marks the first employment of the concept by a conventional unit in recent history. This episode of The Crucible podcast explores the evolving challenges and adaptations required for effective medical operations in LSCO. With evacuation timelines stretching well beyond the traditional “golden hour,” the discussion centers on how leaders must anticipate prolonged casualty care in contested environments. Panelists emphasized that bleeding remains the leading cause of battlefield death, and maneuver elements—not just medics—must assume responsibility for initiating lifesaving interventions at the point of injury. A key enabler discussed is the implementation of walking blood banks using pre-screened low-titer O donors to provide whole-blood transfusions far forward, drastically extending survivability in austere environments where surgical care is delayed or inaccessible. The conversation also dives into the training implications for units preparing to conduct prolonged care. Leaders must invest time and energy into building whole-blood programs, standardizing procedures across echelons, and ensuring both medics and maneuver elements are prepared to manage triage, resource allocation, and life-saving interventions. Emphasis was placed on incorporating these efforts well before deployment—ideally as part of the training glidepath and Soldier Readiness Processing process—and enabling unit-level adjudication through validated kits and simplified protocols. The Joint Trauma System guidelines, Ranger Regiment best practices, and Marine Corps programs like Valkyrie were all cited as models for force-wide adoption. This episode represents a critical push toward institutionalizing practical solutions to the hard realities of LSCO casualty care. Part of S05 “Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids, Batteries, Water, & Fuel” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Let us know what you think! Text us!In this powerful episode of Security Halt!, we sit down with Michael R. Rodríguez, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Michael shares his inspiring journey from military service and recovery to leading the effort to build a memorial that honors every service member who fought in the Global War on Terrorism.This conversation goes beyond the battlefield—exploring the challenges veterans face in transition, the role of leadership and community support, and how resilience and purpose fuel personal growth after service. Michael's story highlights why remembering, honoring, and supporting our military community is essential for healing and moving forward.
Buckle up for an unfiltered, heart-pounding episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by the fearless Mike Ritland, as he sits down with Navy SEAL icon Chuck Hayes. From a fateful bus ride to Orlando in September 1982, where Hayes first glimpsed the world of elite warriors, to the soul-shattering chaos of Bloody Sunday, this episode rips open the raw reality of a SEAL's life. Hayes vividly recounts his evolution from a wide-eyed rookie to a battle-scarred leader, commanding platoons that carried the weight of the Global War on Terror through relentless, ferocious firefights. Hear the chilling story of loading bullets one-by-one, each click a defiance against near-certain death, and the unbreakable resolve that drove his team back into the fray. With China's military might looming, Hayes tackles the burning question: Can America's Special Operations forces dominate in a high-stakes showdown? Packed with jaw-dropping revelations and raw emotion, this episode will grip you from start to finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The early days of the Global War on Terror, the U.S. Government was heavily dependent on Private Military companies. The Defense Department leaned on them for support, the State Department relied on them for protection, and the Justice Department attacked them for easy virtue signaling. Today we talk to Nick Slatten, a member of the Blackwater Tactical Support Team Raven 23. He moved from the 82nd Airborne unit to contracting work just in time for the 2007 troop surge, and just in time to become the central scapegoat of political prosecution designed to appease international journalists. It took three trials before the Obama administration finally convicted him, and he spent six years in prison before Trump finally pardoned him, but he is telling his story now in hopes of raising awareness about others who have been prosecuted and punished for political expediency. https://www.amazon.com/Raven-23-Department-Betrayed-American/dp/0063370603
"Wayspring Wanderer" launches on Amazon. THE INTERVIEW Scotty Hasting is an Army combat veteran turned singer/songwriter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Hasting, who received the Purple Heart, was shot 10 times at once in Afghanistan. Hasting has opened for artists including Dave Grohl, Jelly Roll, Parmalee and Tanya Tucker - and will be appearing at the American Legion National Convention in Tampa. On this week's Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Hasting discusses his time in the military, music career and more. SCUTTLEBUTT Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: What's the worst MRE you've ever ate? Future destroyer to be named after Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Carpenter Bravo Zulu to American Legion Riders from Ernest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott, Ariz. Special Guest: Scotty Hasting.
Today we have an amazing pair of guest's from the appropriately named "Pony Express". Ed Ford and Alan Chiasson walk us through what it was like to be the most dedicated and deadly Postmen in the Middle East. Highlighting their new book "Postcards Through Hell", Ed and Alan walk us through the peril's of delivering everything from generators, munitions, fuel, to a whole lot of mail to our soldiers on the front lines of the GWOT. These two and countless others risked their lives to keep our soldiers connected with their families even when the U.S. Military deemed it low priority. Check the links below to find their book written and told by the gentlemen that lived it! Postcards Through Hell on Amazon https://a.co/d/2jZc78j American Grit https://www.americangrit.com/post/american-grit-episode-7-postcards-through-hell-w-alan-chiasson-ed-ford Wes Whitlock Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCLe27a889U Postcards Through Hell Promo Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcHw_m9_g48 Patreon: patreon.com/TGFP24 FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557361379237 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoguysandafencepost/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@two.guys.and.a.fe Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youmeafp Podbean: https://theguysn.podbean.com/ Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-guys-and-a-fence-post/id1746635990 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J75SgIUHqkCwuFL6Vxi5D?si=tExV44bwTIqlyaRh9PNwXQ Berserker Tactics: https://berserkertactics.com/ FB:https://www.facebook.com/berserkertactics?mibextid=LQQJ4d IG:https://www.instagram.com/berserkertactics2?igsh=dDloZ3puMGJ4cmU2
In episode 159, I spoke with Ryan Curtis, an Army veteran and the writer, director, and producer of Hollywood Grit. Ryan shares his journey from growing up in a working-class town outside Boston, serving in the Army during the height of the Global War on Terror, and ultimately finding his calling as a storyteller and director. We dive into his path of learning the movie business the hard way — by doing every job on set so that when the time came to direct, he had the tools, taste, and leadership skills needed to succeed. This episode highlights how veteran discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving translate perfectly into the high-pressure world of film production. We also talk about how Ryan leveraged his military-honed leadership style to build a crew, direct actors, and bring together a creative team capable of producing a full-length Hollywood movie against massive odds, including the pandemic, strikes, funding obstacles, and industry politics. Ryan not only directed and co-wrote Hollywood Grit, a modern neo-noir film set in a jazz club, but he also employed over 50 veterans on set, using his platform to create opportunities for other veterans. We discuss the role of Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) in connecting veterans to meaningful work in the movie business and why saying yes to failure is the secret to growth. In this episode: •Post-9/11 deployments •Military to civilian transition and creative career shift •Importance of learning every role on a film set to build experience •Veteran skills (leadership, adaptability) powering film production •Journey to directing and co-writing “Hollywood Grit” •Overcoming pandemic, strikes, and funding woes in independent film production •Hiring other veterans •Value of teamwork, collaboration, and the development of artistic taste •Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) as industry gateway Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/ryan32 https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodgritfilm/
2025 American Legion World Series begins THE INTERVIEW Retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Graham, the executive director of Vets4Warriors, lost both of his sons, including one to suicide. In response, Graham has dedicated his life to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aligned with the Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Vets4Warriors hires and trains veterans to be peer support specialists who answer calls within 30 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Graham discusses his time in the military, his work to reduce mental health stigma and the suicide rate, and more. SCUTTLEBUTT American Legion Family rallies to help Texas communities in the aftermath of devastating floods in Kerr County The amazing escape of a WWII pilot who crash-landed into a field hosting a Nazi soccer match. OTDIH 1981: IBM enters the personal computer market with the introduction of the IBM 5150. Special Guest: Mark A. Graham.
When JD answered the call to serve his country after 9/11, he couldn't have imagined the battles that lay ahead, not just in Iraq's dangerous terrain but within his own body. This extraordinary conversation takes us through his journey as an Army soldier driving fuel trucks through the early chaos of the Iraq War, his transition to law enforcement where he dangled off a six-story building to save a suicidal man, and his most personal fight: battling stage 4 cancer that attacked his testicle, lungs, and brain.The conversation reveals not just survival, but transformation. JD's cancer battle inspired him to create Thin Blue Ride, a nonprofit that is doing the Lord's work for veterans and first responders battling cancer. His achievements defy medical expectations, from competing in grueling physical competitions to trekking to Everest Base Camp with compromised lung function.Perhaps most powerful are the practical insights JD offers for anyone facing cancer or supporting someone who is. He discusses the importance of early detection, knowing your body, being your own medical advocate, and finding purpose through hardship. His recently published book "Beyond Survival" chronicles this remarkable journey.JD's story forces us to confront uncomfortable statistics, 5,600 Americans diagnosed with cancer daily and over half a million Global War on Terror veterans now living with cancer, while providing resources that could save lives. For veterans, first responders, cancer patients, or anyone seeking inspiration, this episode demonstrates how our greatest challenges can become our most meaningful contributions to others.Visit thinblueride.org to learn more about JD's organization, Thin Blue Ride, or to contact him directly if you're battling cancer or know someone who is. As he reminds us, sometimes the most healing thing we can do is share our story. To donate to our veterans and first responders battling cancer, please CLICK HERE!To follow along on JD's incredible journey visit:Thin Blue Ride Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinblueride/Thin Blue Ride Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinblueride/To purchase a copy of his incredible book, "Beyond Survival" CLICK HEREJD's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daige22/Send us a textSupport the showFollow Wild Chaos on Social Media: Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcastBam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshowMeta (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast
As a prepper and ex law enforcement officer im always thinking about what might happen or will happen when it comes to any scenario if its weather related, missing people, tracking, escape and evade, active shooter, natural disaster, alien Invasion, Cryptid related or the Big one Medical situation!! I got an Expert in that subject her name is Jessica aka The Combat Midwife shes a first responder Paramedic & EMS as well as Medical Trainer. Jessica has been affectionately dubbed: “The Combat Midwife” by the over 100,000 US Army combat medics, flight medics and SOF medics (Air Force PJs) she has taught in preparation for GWOT, OIF, & OEF. She's a Midwife, Paramedic, & EMS educator who has a passion for Ob-Gyn and pediatric emergencies. Jessica has been instructing classes for Midwives, EMS and the Military and she is a published author regarding Ob-Gyn emergencies on how to navigate the out of hospital birth. Let's go!!!!! Ways to Support and Connect with Jessica (The Combat Midwife) : ✅combatmidwife.com https://linktr.ee/combatmidwife?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5bc53805-46ea-484b-b8d9-cac0b33e76ae https://www.instagram.com/combatmidwife?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Help a brother out and buy me a Coffee ☕️ (Monthly or one time donation keeps the show going): We know there is room for improvement and have decided to ask you (Our amazing listeners) to help the podcast grow! This will help with better audio, expedition funding, and much more! ✅ https://venmo.com/u/cryptidwarfare Email me: Podcast Cryptidwarfare@gmail.com Critter/Cryptid Control/Consulting C.WOPPS@protonmail.com C.woperations17905@gmail.com Help support our mission in giving you the best podcast on ? Anchor.fm/Spotify, iTunes, Podbean + Make sure to give me a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review :). Thank yall! ✅ Cryptid Warfare: https://www.instagram.com/cryptid_warfare_pod_cast/ youtube: www.youtube.com/@cryptidwarfare Awesome Friends to Follow: The Cryptid Huntress: https://thecryptidhuntress.com/ Josh Monday: https://www.instagram.com/joshmonday_podcast/ Shannon Ray Davis : https://www.omegamanradio.com/ Randy Richey : https://christoutreachoklahoma.com/ Kevin (Where the Weird Ones Are Podcast) : https://linktr.ee/wheretheweirdonesare?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ae3f5382-235d-49a1-8e57-2483c7d1db7d Ryley (Midwest Mythos Podcast) : https://linktr.ee/midwestmythospodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=04c1a648-29eb-4e6d-adbb-2441c3b090cf Kenny boy (MidnightLycanthropy) : https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.com%2F%40MidnightLycanthropy%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafBNw3B-19HaJlPxdGB0VfH17137NnvwJv2d0iZJ8l0G8DypTXlGTR2fEbsgQ_aem_KKA8f2PLcCOoczwMXOB4Uw&e=AT07rj4AdwOF6DowVy0OYlwjRcfRWAfN0lPNUQya4he-PltGe_GStLBD70PAuUjHhRhJWXOkcrJlAHtqSMubcqDoGbdwT0_5seWfw1SAJat_UtcA4qSCTx0 Doc (Prometheus Lens Podcast) : https://prometheuslenspodcast.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacMhzmC7J7zOPvpf_yE4WX3EqGp0tyIqrI6viGuq11ZSYnXKm9df90DHSy_2A_aem_KvXHR1mTOCOC0NYJhJS5eQ AG (Paranoiradio) https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fparanoiradio.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaddqk8iVFqv0Z0gM3-i_-1OTwZzUA457zp47caz-HZ_JOsoE7axzP-JUQaOnQ_aem_uOpbs_YqSh38WecKxVCn_Q&e=AT1-3GftOpDYdmfDiZox6r63G3ZfBkissS0ZV5WiXzuZ85Hg2E8-4YGQWQz48ft8qR6GcLGPlPC9xot4OvZgtj9SpCeTRGEFButqr3lWFwvyy46JahmmC3k Business Shout Outs: C.W OPERATIONS & SURVIVAL Owner & Operator : Drew M Critter Hitters / Monster Hunters for Hire email: c.woperations17905@gmail.com. or C.WOPPS@protonmail.com Tier1 Restoration Brain Cochrans phone = 615-809-9839 https://tier1restoration.godaddysites.com/ Bearded Brothers Trucking Danny Vega https://vegabrostn.com/ BerryHill Window Cleaning https://www.berryhillwindowcleaningtn.com/ New City Hustla (Clothes & Designs) Owner : Chris Email: Newcityhustla@gmail.com Phone: (615)-624-4078 https://www.instagram.com/newcityhustla?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== The Tac Patch https://www.instagram.com/thetacpatch_?igsh=MWFidzk3d2tib3Ztdw== https://thetacpatch.com/ FLatTopK9 Owner - Tim Russell www.FlatTopK9.com Stead Fast OverLand Owner - Jerrett Hudson https://www.instagram.com/steadfastoverland?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Black Wolf Tactical Solutions Group https://blackwolftacticalsolutionsgroup.com/ Email - blackwolftsg@gmail.com Amazing outtro ? by my friend D & Andrew (Walking Lightly Tones Studios Music) as well as Paul and Amber. Check out CallhimD Spotify and Instagram give him a listen/follow https://open.spotify.com/artist/16BHUS6UGILgxsBEUxqQJ https://www.instagram.com/call.him.d?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
In Part 3: Kyle Steiner explains how "Comfort and Progress, don't live in the same home." Combat, war and pushing your body to the extreme may seem uncomfortable to most, but were areas where Kyle felt at home. With retirement from the Army fast approaching, Kyle opens about what he finds uncomfortable in civilian life and how he needs to push past that initial hesitation in order to be the man that his children will be proud to call their father. There are no excuses for mediocrity and in this final installment of The Present Father's Interview with Kyle Steiner, he explains that he plans on taking on civilian life, fatherhood and any other future challenges with the same gusto that he approached his time in the military. About Kyle Steiner: Kyle is a husband and father, a U.S. Army Green Beret, Chief Warrant Officer, and the founder of Operator Mindset—a leadership and coaching platform helping highly successful men reclaim discipline, presence, and purpose in their lives. Shortly after joining the Army in 2005, he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in what is widely regarded as one of the most kinetic deployments ever during the Global War on Terror and was featured in the acclaimed documentaries "Restrepo" and "Korengal." Kyle was actually shot in the head on this deployment but survived the harrowing experience. Since then, he has completed multiple missions to the Middle East, Central America, and South America with U.S. Special Operations teams. He is the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars as well as an ARCOM with V Device. He is Ranger-qualified, Combat Diver-qualified, HALO-certified, and a graduate of the Special Forces Sniper Course. He has spent the majority of his Special Forces career in the SOCOM Crisis Response Force (CRF/CIF). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Kyle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkylesteiner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/real.kyle.steiner/ Website: https://operatormindset.kit.com/6453744313 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to inspire someone else who might need it. #restrepo #war #afghanistan #specialforces #podcast ____________________________________________ Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Infraction - Training Day If you are tired of feeling lost, alone, isolated, and aimless then check out our coaching program specifically designed to help men become the hero in their story. We forge men into leaders. We turn cowards into Kings. We turn weaklings into Warriors. Join us in The Elite Sentinel Forge to start your transformation: https://www.theelitesentinel.com/ Visit https://presentfathers.com/ to learn more about us and catch all of our old episodes!
In Part 2: Kyle Steiner continues telling his story about how he continued serving by becoming a Green Beret. Continuing to put harder and harder challenges upon himself as he continued to chase the excitement and adrenaline that had come to define his life. The hardest challenge he had to face was how to break away from everything his life had been and find fulfillment as a civilian. When you have been doing one thing for your whole life, how do you find a new purpose? About Kyle Steiner: Kyle is a husband and father, a U.S. Army Green Beret, Chief Warrant Officer, and the founder of Operator Mindset—a leadership and coaching platform helping highly successful men reclaim discipline, presence, and purpose in their lives. Shortly after joining the Army in 2005, he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in what is widely regarded as one of the most kinetic deployments ever during the Global War on Terror and was featured in the acclaimed documentaries "Restrepo" and "Korengal." Kyle was actually shot in the head on this deployment but survived the harrowing experience. Since then, he has completed multiple missions to the Middle East, Central America, and South America with U.S. Special Operations teams. He is the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars as well as an ARCOM with V Device. He is Ranger-qualified, Combat Diver-qualified, HALO-certified, and a graduate of the Special Forces Sniper Course. He has spent the majority of his Special Forces career in the SOCOM Crisis Response Force (CRF/CIF). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Kyle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkylesteiner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/real.kyle.steiner/ Website: https://operatormindset.kit.com/6453744313 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to inspire someone else who might need it. #restrepo #war #afghanistan #specialforces #podcast ____________________________________________ Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Infraction - Training Day If you are tired of feeling lost, alone, isolated, and aimless then check out our coaching program specifically designed to help men become the hero in their story. We forge men into leaders. We turn cowards into Kings. We turn weaklings into Warriors. Join us in The Elite Sentinel Forge to start your transformation: https://www.theelitesentinel.com/ Visit https://presentfathers.com/ to learn more about us and catch all of our old episodes!
Kyle Steiner, in his FIRST EVER podcast appearance, dives deep into his life and shares his story. In Part 1 we cover his story from his early upbringing to his time in Afghanistan where he was part of the Infantry Company that saw nearly 80% of all combat happening in the country. This infamous deployment was featured in two major movies called Restrepo and Korengal. From daily firefights to getting shot in the head, Kyle Steiner shares countless stories from his life and the lessons he's learned along the way. About Kyle Steiner: Kyle is a husband and father, a U.S. Army Green Beret, Chief Warrant Officer, and the founder of Operator Mindset—a leadership and coaching platform helping highly successful men reclaim discipline, presence, and purpose in their lives. Shortly after joining the Army in 2005, he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in what is widely regarded as one of the most kinetic deployments ever during the Global War on Terror and was featured in the acclaimed documentaries "Restrepo" and "Korengal." Kyle was actually shot in the head on this deployment but survived the harrowing experience. Since then, he has completed multiple missions to the Middle East, Central America, and South America with U.S. Special Operations teams. He is the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars as well as an ARCOM with V Device. He is Ranger-qualified, Combat Diver-qualified, HALO-certified, and a graduate of the Special Forces Sniper Course. He has spent the majority of his Special Forces career in the SOCOM Crisis Response Force (CRF/CIF). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Kyle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkylesteiner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/real.kyle.steiner/ Website: https://operatormindset.kit.com/6453744313 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to inspire someone else who might need it. #restrepo #war #afghanistan #specialforces #podcast ____________________________________________ Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Infraction - Training Day If you are tired of feeling lost, alone, isolated, and aimless then check out our coaching program specifically designed to help men become the hero in their story. We forge men into leaders. We turn cowards into Kings. We turn weaklings into Warriors. Join us in The Elite Sentinel Forge to start your transformation: https://www.theelitesentinel.com/ Visit https://presentfathers.com/ to learn more about us and catch all of our old episodes!
250 ways to participate in The American Legion USA 250 Challenge THE INTERVIEW Col. Bree Fram, a transgender Space Force member, is being forced out of the military and end her 23-year service that began with the Air Force. Fram is currently headed toward retirement due to President Trump's prohibition on transgender service that was implemented in 2025. The White House implemented the transgender ban through an Executive Order and Department of Defense (DoD) policies. Fram speaks as a civilian as she discusses her time in the military, issues related to her transition and more. SCUTTLEBUTT Army moves to dismantle most ceremonial horse units How WWII helped normalize tattoos MOH recipient Clint Romesha is getting a new comic book highlighting his actions in Afghanistan Special Guest: Col. Bree Fram.
John A. Dailey talks about his book "Tough Rugged Bastards", a memoir of an ordinary guy who seized an extraordinary opportunity to become one of the most elite war fighters in America during the most volatile times in the Global War on Terror. He shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: do something that scares us practice the 5 Cs: clarity, commitment, courage, consistency and curiosity small steps will get us where we want to go tags: John A. Dailey, Tough Rugged Bastards, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean,
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-eighth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG) and CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today's guest is the Commander of 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, COL Eric Soults. The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, is the premier infantry formation of the Iowa Army National Guard, headquartered in Boone, Iowa. As part of the storied “Red Bull” Division, the brigade carries forward a legacy of combat excellence dating back to North Africa and Italy in World War II and extensive deployments in the Global War on Terror. The division's official motto, “Attack, Attack, Attack,” captures the offensive spirit ingrained in its culture. The brigade's Hollywood call-sign is “Ryder.” This episode dives deep into the realities of modern warfare from the perspective of the Army National Guard, drawing on the experience of a recent JRTC rotation and upcoming deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. Topics include joint interoperability with international partners such as Kosovo and Jordan, the complexity of managing a brigade built from 19 states, and the use of tools like the “Ryder Way” to enforce standards and discipline. The conversation emphasizes the need to establish early relationships with partner forces, ruthlessly enforce battle rhythm and reporting discipline, and adapt to rapidly changing mission sets across operational phases from training to mobilization. Other key points include the challenges of sustainment and the innovative use of a sustainment common operating picture or “SUSCOP” to enable proactive logistics. The brigade's leadership emphasizes empowering NCOs, enforcing standards across dispersed units, and maximizing limited training time by focusing on the fundamentals—especially at the squad and platoon level. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of effective commander-to-commander and staff dialogue, clear expectations, and synchronization of drill periods, all critical to preparing an Army National Guard brigade for LSCO and deployment abroad. Part of S02 “If I Would Have Only Known” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
07/30/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined on "News and Views" by Trygve Hammer to cover the details of his town hall tomorrow. Trygve is a retired Marine Corps officer and a veteran of the Global War on Terror. In his civilian life, he’s taught 7-12 grade science in a rural school, worked as a roughneck on oil rigs in the Bakken, as a freight rail conductor, and as a counselor for Job Corps in Minot, aiming to give young people a hand up in starting their lives. He currently serves as a Regional Representative on the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Committee. The town hall will take place Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. in the Carnegie Center at 105 2nd Ave SE in Minot. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
250 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps THE INTERVIEW Retired Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel is helping fellow veterans to thrive instead of falling to the broken veteran narrative. Schmiegel, who previously founded Hiring Our Heroes, is now leading ZeroMils. Schmiegel shares how ZeroMills is breaking the broken veteran narrative by creating a military thriving movement. SCUTTLEBUTT Coast Guardsman on his first mission helped save 165 Texas flash flood victims Not-so-hot pursuit! Charleston, S.C. police chase a burglary suspect going 3 mph on a tractor excavator Special Guest: Kevin Schmiegel.
We all have heard the proverb, "Like Father, Like Son." Patrick Naughton is a military historian and a combat veteran of the Global War on Terror. His father is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Patrick recently published his first book, in which he compares his father's experience in Vietnam to his own experience in Iraq.
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), who brings a rare combination of Special Forces experience, defense entrepreneurship, and fresh congressional perspective to America's national security challenges. Drawing from his service in 3rd Special Forces Group, his journey building a weapons and munitions manufacturing company, and his current role on the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Harrigan discusses the urgent need to revolutionize America's defense industrial base. He shares his candid assessment of government as "a terrible customer," explains his groundbreaking Sky Foundry initiative to build America's first million-drone manufacturing capability, and warns that the nature of warfare has fundamentally changed from the Global War on Terror era. The conversation explores why America must shift from producing "high cost problems to our enemies' low cost solutions" to creating affordable, scalable technologies that can match the pace of modern conflict.Five key takeaways from today's episode:Personal inspiration drives public service, as Rep. Harrigan reveals how his grandfather's vivid memories of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, details he could recite perfectly even with dementia, showed him "what a formative part of his life he made a huge difference for the trajectory of the world," inspiring his own call to serve when he witnessed leadership failures during Afghanistan's fall.The nature of warfare has fundamentally changed, Congressman Harrigan explains, comparing the shift from the Global War on Terror to today's drone-dominated battlefield as the difference between "basketball and baseball" with 80% of casualties in Ukraine now caused by small, inexpensive FPV drones rather than traditional weapons systems.America currently sits at "effectively zero" drone manufacturing capability while being wholly dependent on Chinese supply chains, Rep. Harrigan warns, as adversaries like Russia and Ukraine produce millions of drones annually at costs dramatically lower than America's $20,000-30,000 per unit.The Sky Foundry initiative represents a revolutionary approach to defense manufacturing, combining government-owned facilities with private contractor intellectual property through a royalty-based system that incentivizes innovation while maintaining competition and driving costs down to $500 per drone.Success requires unwavering persistence, Rep. Harrigan emphasizes, sharing his philosophy of "never give up, never give in" when fighting for his daughters Reagan and McKinley's future, because "there is no substitute for victory" and breakthrough solutions will eventually succeed if you believe in them and keep working regardless of initial resistance.
Native Americans in the Revolutionary War. THE INTERVIEW Former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Natalie Schibell found success in the military but struggled to find work in the civilian sector. She rallied and rebounded to become vice president of Market Strategy at Aetion and create Mission to Commission, a nonprofit dedicated to helping military veterans navigate career transitions. The former American Ninja Warrior contestant shares tips for veterans and servicemembers looking for civilian jobs SCUTTLEBUTT Air Force installing Lumena MindGyms to facilitate relaxation for stressed-out troops Task & Purpose asked for the dumbest moments in uniform - and the responses did not disappoint Army Aviators who helped kick off the air campaign of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses Special Guest: Natalie Schibell.
Send us a textThis one's a banger, folks. Lt Col Brandon Temple—Mustang, TACP legend, and card-carrying member of the “deep state”—joins the team room and brings the heat. From botching his shot at pro baseball to stumbling into the Air Force via a giant binder of mystery jobs, Temple's journey is pure chaos and grit. We dive into his Mustang days (yes, he enlisted first), Navy betrayal (yep, he crossed over), and what it was like sleeping bag spooning with a CCT in Afghanistan.Oh, and he's not just a warfighter—he's a legislative assassin now, influencing Capitol Hill and telling Congress what's up with AFSPECWAR. Add in some dark humor, Civil War accents, a napalm joke, and a love letter to Hunter Seven Foundation… and you've got an episode that's half roast, half reverent, and 100% Ones Ready.
Award-winning journalist, author, and lifelong New Yorker Spencer Ackerman joins the show to talk about the world from a New York point of view: The importance of NYC-DSA and the Zohran Mamdani mayoral campaign; how New York's oligarchs used unfounded claims of anti-semitism to protect class privilege; ICE's preparations to do mass extraordinary renditions; how Donald Trump's presidency has become the Global War on Terror that he used to mock George W. Bush for; and why US Central Command's new viceroy inflates the Iran threat (it's for Israel). Subscribe to the Forever Wars Newsletter: https://www.forever-wars.com/ Subscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: https://www.un-diplomatic.com/
Remembering Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle of Stony Point THE INTERVIEW Former Cro-Mags and Bad Brains singer John Joseph emerged from an abusive childhood in a foster home to serve in the Navy and then forge his punk rock career. Joseph rose through the ranks, along with others in the early 1980s scene including Henry Rollins, the Beastie Boys and others to become a successful singer. Now he inspires others as a vegan triathlete. SCUTTLEBUTT Reddit Rabbit Hole: Best posters seen during a triathalon Army bringing in big tech executives as lieutenant colonels American airmen in Japan test AI tool to streamline flight scheduling Special Guest: John Joseph.
Free episode cross-over with the Bang-Bang Podcast. The question of “Which side are you on?” haunted me (Van Jackson) intermittently throughout the long Global War on Terror. It was a beat that I would hear during occasional moments of consciousness, which I tried to suppress or rationalize away…until I no longer could.On my other show, The Bang-Bang Podcast, I ended up having a surprising conversation with our guest, George Dardess. Before we started the actual episode, we talked at length about memoirs and stories of conversion.George is an expert in the lost art of close reading, which we get into. And his favored genre—which also happens to be mine—is the memoir. My co-host Lyle Rubin wrote a memoir, and his wife, Colette Shade, just came out with a memoir too (both are excellent). In that context, George started asking about my story, and the beginnings of my own memoir inadvertently came pouring out.The conversation has stuck with me everyday since. Although I have no shortage of distractions, I've begun putting pen to paper, reckoning with the slow-burning crisis of conscience that took me from being an agent of the national security state to one of its fiercest critics.As we discuss in this short episode, there are a few factors that might account for my political consciousness.Hip-hop not only acquainted me with the Black Freedom Struggle from an early age; it provided a soundtrack, a musical coda, to my life. And I think that made a difference.Spending time in Monterey, California, at the Defense Language Institute, was a pivotal experience. In a twisted way, so was my immersion in “hustle culture,” which was so strong that I basically lost my 20s to obsessive self improvement. When my humanity finally thawed in the 2010s, the world had changed dramatically and I started questioning my place in it.Physically getting out of Washington—an idea whose appeal grew during my alienation in Obama's second term—was almost certainly crucial too. It feels like I've always been on some Robert Frost shit. Few roads are less traveled by than New Zealand, and it has made all the difference!But I also grew up precarious working class. The lives of the people surrounding me had no connection to the foreign policy world I strived so hard to enter. At first, I saw that as a problem of social mobility. Eventually, I would see it as a problem of class antagonism—national security takes its legitimacy from the people but forsakes them in its every decision. The most generous thing I could say about foreign policy is that people like me faced problems growing up that were never made better by anything happening in national security.Anyway, I have a lot to work through. But if you're interested in memoir as a form, close reading as a practice, or some of the details in my personal evolution, you'll find this impromptu conversation as stimulating as I did.Subscribe to the Bang-Bang Podcast: https://www.bangbangpod.comSubscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: https://www.un-diplomatic.com/
Katie talks to Human Rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber about the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation massacres, concentration camps, and open genocide. Then Katie speaks to former Army ranger Greg Stoker about U.S. concentration camps, the IDF and the floods in Texas, where he's based. To see Greg talk about Hamas, Epstein, Kash Patel and more, please join us on Patreon at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-full-133705785 Craig Mokhiber is an American former United Nations (UN) human rights official and a specialist in international human rights law, policy, and methodology. On October 28, 2023, Mokhiber stepped down as the director of the New York office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In his final letter to High Commissioner, he harshly criticized the organization's response to the war in Gaza, calling Israel's military intervention a "textbook genocide" and accusing the UN of failing to act. Greg Stoker is a former United States Army Ranger. He has a background in special operations and human intelligence collection. He conducted 4 combat deployments to Afghanistan during the unfortunately named “Global War On Terror” and is now an anti-war activist, host of the Colonial Outcasts Podcast, and analyst at MintPress News. Link to sign the Sarajevo Declaration on the genocide in Palestine - https://www.change.org/p/sign-the-sarajevo-declaration-of-the-gaza-people-s-tribunal
OTDIH: The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence THE INTERVIEW Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bart Womack discusses creating an equine therapy facility for veterans with PTSD; mentoring ROTC cadets; his book, “Embedded Enemy,” which is about an insider terrorist attack; and more SCUTTLEBUTT Mapping US troops and military bases in the Middle East Navy destroyer, air defense systems help intercept Iranian missiles Special Guest: Bart Womack.
Pastor Ethan Jago joins this episode and explains modern day Israel versus ancient Israel. Are we supposed to bless Israel? If so, how? Are modern Jews of the same line as the Hebrews of the Bible? What about Jerusalem in Bible Prophecy? Pastor Ethan answers these questions and more directly from Scripture.Ethan is the pastor of 5 Bridges Church in Florida. He is also a combat veteran of the GWOT, Jiu Jitsu instructor and author.You can find Ethan on Instagram and YouTube @ethanjagoAlso at ethanjago.comPodcast: Battlefield Theologian
In this sobering episode, we reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001—how it reshaped America, ignited the Global War on Terror, and changed the world's perception of national security, forever. We examine not only the emotional and geopolitical impact of that day but also how those same warning signs—rising regional tension, intelligence blind spots, and radical ideology—are beginning to resurface on the world stage. Specifically, we look at the intensifying standoff between Iran and Israel, with a focus on recent military escalations, nuclear developments, and proxy warfare. Could the growing hostilities in the Middle East trigger another global crisis? Are we ignoring the lessons of the past, or are we already in a dangerous echo chamber of history repeating itself? This is not about fear—it's about awareness, preparedness, and learning from the past so we don't repeat it.
Not everyone who served in the Global War on Terrorism wore a uniform. Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh started as a Marine, moved into law enforcement, and then spent years as an FBI agent working everything from cybercrime to counterterrorism. Eventually, that led him to Afghanistan, where he deployed alongside Special Forces as part of a quiet but critical support mission. In this episode, Gunner shares what it's like to carry the mission forward in less visible ways and why those roles still carry the weight of service. He also talks about reconnecting with an old teammate in the most unexpected place and how that moment pulled him into the heart of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://gwotmemorialfoundation.org Transcript View the transcript for this episode.
National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day THE INTERVIEW Nutrition can be complicated. Army veteran and health and wellness expert Jennifer Campbell helps bring clarity and provides answers on how adults can fix the most disruptive things affecting their health. Among the topics she tackles are the best exercise for your health and longevity, lessons from the Blue Zones and understanding the role of the microbiome and gut health. SCUTTLEBUTT Reddit Rabbit Hole: Unfortunate Fourth of July fireworks fizzles Legacies of historic units face uncertain future as Army plans to close more than 20 base museums in major reduction Special Guest: Jennifer Campbell.
Send us a textMatt Cubbler is back—and this time, it's personal. If you thought the first episode blew the lid off the Job Price case, buckle the hell up. In this scorched-earth sequel, the Ones Ready crew dives headfirst into the why behind the mysterious death of SEAL Team 4 Commander Job Price. Spoiler alert: the official “suicide” story doesn't just have holes—it's a full-blown cover-up crater.Cubbler, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and the man who cracked open the case, lays out a damning forensic, contextual, and moral case that screams murder. From scrubbed crime scenes and missing money to suppressed pistols and suppressed truths, this is a masterclass in how to weaponize silence, loyalty, and bureaucracy to erase a man.We're talking forged narratives, suppressed evidence, and a command culture that would rather protect the brotherhood than admit a SEAL commander might've been executed by his own men. If this episode doesn't rattle your faith in the system, check your pulse—or your security clearance.
Author Tom Sileo tells the inspiring story of the late Michael Ollis, one of thousands of young men who followed their fathers into the military. On August 28, 2013, Ollis, Staten Island native and 10th mountain soldier, was serving at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, a joint force partner mission with the Polish military. During a sneak attack, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest and Sgt. Ollis threw himself in front of Polish comrade, Karol Cierpica, whom he'd only met and fought side-by-side with minutes earlier. His selfless action saved the life of Cierpica and many others.Celebrated to this day in the U.S. and especially his hometown of Staten Island, Ollis was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (the highest honor in the U.S. Army) and–perhaps even more remarkably–was honored by the Polish military as well, and is considered a hero in that country as well. Ollis's family later met and embraced Cierpica (the man he saved) as family, and Cierpica named his son after Michael. In his book, “I Have Your Back,” military author and expert on the Global War on Terror, Sileo honors one of America's more recent heroes.Heroes Behind HeadlinesExecutive Producer Ralph PezzulloProduced & Engineered by Mike DawsonMusic provided by ExtremeMusic.com
Former Green Beret and Author Mike Bennett drops by the virtual bar to discuss his latest book, Memoirs From The Druze. Prior to picking up the pen and authoring this along with the Warlock series, Mike did some really cool things every day Americans should learn and know more about. Mike, motivated by the Iran Hostage Crisis, joined the US Army and went through the Special Forces Qualification Course as a young Officer before it was a branch of full time service, spent time in Haiti and Bosnia prior to the GWOT kicking off which would take him into Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mike tells some really insightful tales about leadership and the men who exemplified those traits the most along with just how he found himself back home with a pen in hand writing the aforementioned books. Grab a glass!
The war in Afghanistan didn't end when the last C-17 lifted off from Kabul. That was just the beginning of the fallout. It was a trillion-dollar failure, and that failure didn't just disappear—it sent shockwaves across the Middle East. Now, with Israel and Iran staring each other down and the world edging closer to full-blown war, we're seeing the cost of the Global War on Terror in real time. On this episode of Mike Drop, I sit down with Navy SEAL and Afghanistan vet Larsen Jensen—someone who was there, who saw the writing on the wall years ago. Together, we pull no punches. We break down how the U.S. exit from Afghanistan wasn't just a tactical blunder—it was a green light for our enemies. This isn't about politics. It's about reality. Washington failed. The signs were there. Jensen saw them. And if you think the worst is behind us, think again. What's coming next could make Afghanistan look like a warm-up. ---------- #sponsored IDEO U Get 15% Off at www.ideou.com/mikedrop TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Summer is in full swing and our hosts have big plans. THE INTERVIEW Navy veteran David Vardeman talks about guiding nonprofits to their goals, what's led to his success, achieving financial literacy and more. A senior vice president for Capital Bank in Washington, D.C., Vardeman shares what led to his success, how he helps nonprofits and others meet their financial dreams and more. SCUTTLEBUTT An Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii ‘Cake Bandit' opossum hospitalized after indulging in an entire Costco cake Woman who faked being a man to get into Magic Circle finally allowed in Special Guest: David Vardeman.
Navigating Visual Sequela Progression due to TBI THE INTERVIEW Mike Corrado discovered the power of music while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Music offers the power to heal, honor the fallen and inspire. He has seen firsthand how teaching songwriting to amputees helps them heal and move forward. Corrado talks about his lifelong love of music, its power to heal, his singer/songwriter retreats for veterans and more. SCUTTLEBUTT The moment 250 years ago today, June 17, when General William Prescott uttered the famous line, “Don't one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” An update to the Veterans Legacy Memorial's online project A “not friendly” macaque that is terrorizing military bases Special Guest: Mike Corrado.
It's one thing to survive war, it's another to make sure it's remembered. In this powerful conversation, Special Forces veteran Michael "Rod" Rodríguez opens up about his journey through combat, traumatic injury, and personal loss, and how those experiences led him to a new mission: building the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington, D.C. Rod isn't just talking about his story. He's fighting for all our stories - service members, Gold Star families, civilian contractors, and anyone touched by the Global War on Terrorism. As the president and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Rod walks us through what it takes to build a national memorial: the red tape, the victories, and the deep emotional stakes of making sure our generation isn't forgotten. From delivering hope in Somalia to eating charges on breaching missions, Rod's story is one of grit, growth, and leadership. But more than anything, it's about building something that lasts, not just for us, but for the next generation who needs to know what we lived through. Timestamps 00:06:42 – Early deployments and the reality of combat in Somalia 00:17:31 – TBI, PTSD, and the personal cost of continuing to serve 00:28:50 – Reaching rock bottom and finding healing through purpose 00:41:12 – Why the Global War on Terrorism Memorial matters now 01:01:46 – Honoring the invisible wounds and collective sacrifice of the GWOT generation Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/ Follow GWOTMF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwotmf/ Follow GWOTMF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/ Follow GWOTMF on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GWOTMF/ Follow GWOTMF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-war-on-terror-memorial-foundation Transcript View the transcript for this episode.
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). The COG is joined by the Aviation Task Force's TF Senior, LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York. Today's guest is Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), BG Travis McIntosh (Eagle 09). The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the “Screaming Eagles” and bearing the callsign “Eagle,” is one of the most storied and combat-proven divisions in U.S. Army history. Activated in 1942, the division gained immortal fame during World War II with combat jumps into Normandy and Holland and its heroic defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Since then, it has served with distinction from Vietnam to the Global War on Terror, transforming from parachute infantry to the Army's only air assault division. With its motto “Rendezvous with Destiny,” the 101st continues to lead from the front—now as the Army's premier Transformation-in-Contact division. As part of the Army's mobility and modernization focus, the 101st is pioneering the integration of multi-domain capabilities, advanced sUAS platforms, electronic warfare, and the next-generation squad weapons within highly mobile infantry formations. Their next rendezvous with destiny will not just be defined by historic legacy—but by shaping how the Army fights and wins in large-scale combat operations on tomorrow's battlefield. In this episode we discuss the re-emergence of large-scale, long-range air assaults as a possibly decisive form of maneuver in the 21st-century fight and the some of the capabilities required to achieve success. Our guest highlights that the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is reclaiming its mantle as America's premier vertical envelopment force. These operations extend deep into contested terrain, often beyond traditional fire support coverage, and demand precision planning, synchronized fires, and an adaptive joint team. The division's air assault capabilities, when executed at echelon, enable rapid massing of combat power across extended distances to seize key terrain, disrupt enemy formations, and establish lodgments for follow-on operations. However, these assaults cannot succeed without Joint Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (JSEAD). The ability to suppress, deceive, or destroy enemy integrated air defense systems is foundational to aviation survivability and mission success. Airspace must be contested—and then cleared—through layered fires and effects across domains. As BG McIntosh and Task Force Bastogne demonstrated during recent large-scale exercises, air assault isn't just a legacy tactic—it's a modern instrument of tempo and shock when paired with precision intelligence, hardened command posts, and rapid sustainment. The 101st's renewed focus on scale, range, and survivability represents its next Rendezvous with Destiny. Gone are the days of low-intensity, air corridor-based insertions. Today's battlefield requires lift platforms operating in low-signature modes, digitally integrated with maneuver elements, and prepared to operate inside denied or degraded electromagnetic environments. With the introduction of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem on the horizon, and the ongoing proliferation of UAS and electronic warfare, Army aviation must evolve from just being “mobility” to becoming a key component of multi-domain convergence. Under McIntosh's vision, the division is shaping the doctrine and culture necessary to fight and win in LSCO: aggressively training mission command at distance, investing in distributed planning tools, and adapting air-ground integration to incorporate SOF, cyber, and space enablers. The air assault is no longer just an insertion method—it's a high-risk, high-reward maneuver enabled by fires, intelligence, and the ironclad trust between aviators and ground commanders. Part of S08 “The Aviator's Corner” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast. Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Originally from Hawaii, Patrick Naughton is a United States Army officer and a Military Historian. He is currently teaching at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2012, he received the Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. He has had unique opportunities to serve as an Interagency Fellow with the Department of Labor, a Legislative Liaison to the U.S. Senate, and a Congressional Partnership Program Fellow with the Partnership for a Secure America—all in Washington, D.C. He also served as a Senior Leadership Fellow with the Center for Junior Officers at West Point. Patrick holds a Master of Military Arts and Science degree in History from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he was recognized as an Art of War Scholar. He also holds a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was named an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Patrick Naughton’s first book, “Born from War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict,” is now available in hardcover or eBook format through Amazon, directly from Casemate Publishers, and from a variety of other booksellers. The book compares his father’s time in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne and advising the South Vietnamese Army, to Patrick’s own experience during the Global War on Terror and in Iraq. Though decades of history and politics separate their service, the similarities between their experiences are undeniably striking. The result is an engaging and eye-opening narrative that weaves together the combat experiences of two generations of soldiers. From the failure of grand strategies to personal combat stories, the memories of those lost, and the evolving social challenges facing today’s military—America’s wars against communism and terror are laid bare through the lens of one family’s service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Honoring those who served in the Global War on TerrorFollow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You get re-elected back to Congress when you bring some of that cheddar back home. the public wants hand outs but at the same time will complain about the debt. Mike Pence won't go away. He did an interview and was asked about Trump's trip overseas and said Trump did a disservice to the Americans who put on the uniform during the GWOT. Institutions are losing their credibility, surprising too, with the younger generation.Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Josh is a former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur. After graduating from Wake Forest University, Josh passed on a scholarship to Yale University Divinity School to fight for our nation after the events of 9/11 and the commencement of the War in Iraq. He served as a SEAL officer for 12+ years and deployed overseas 11 times in support of the Global War on Terror. He is the recipient of three bronze stars and multiple medals. Josh left the service in 2018 and is today the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI. In an internet environment where children are constantly exposed to inappropriate and addictive content, not to mention potential predators, daily, Angel Kids is a parent-created platform that provides guardrails for children to explore the online world safely. Angel Kids Ai: https://www.angelq.ai/ Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase. Also, don't forget to try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.
Alex Plitsas is a counterterrorism expert and Army veteran who ran psychological operations in the Global War on Terror. He joined Rep. Crenshaw for a retrospective on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the decade of Russian escalation that led to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the evolving threat of the Mexican drug cartels. A clear-eyed look at some of America's greatest national security threats. Alex Plitsas leads the Counterterrorism Project for the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative. He serves on the board of the Special Operations Association of America. Follow him on X at @alexplitsas.