Former Action Guys Podcast
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236 episodes
Michael Golembesky is a former Marine JTAC that served with Kilo Battery 2nd Battalion 10th Marines and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion. After serving with Marine Special Operations Team 8222, Michael wrote Level Zero Heroes and the follow-up Dagger 22 to detail the heroics of the Marine operators and enablers in the Bala Murghab valley. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Michael's site https://levelzeroheroes.com 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:54 French Artillery Training | Expeditionary Fire Support System 00:11:45 The Best Billet for Field Artillerymen 00:17:07 Artillery Maintenance in Combat 00:20:00 Effects of Max Charge Artillery Shots 00:24:02 Tube Artillery vs HIMARS 00:26:40 Modern Fire Support and Emergence of Tactical Drone Warfare 00:37:12 Disinterested Public 00:40:32 Air Drops in Gaza 00:46:33 MSOT 8222 | Aerial Resupply was the Only Option 00:56:10 MSOT 8222 | Fire Support in Afghanistan 01:04:02 MSOT 8222 | Taliban Tunnel Systems 01:10:37 War Porn 01:19:06 MSOT 8222 | No One Is Coming 01:23:33 Level Zero Heroes 01:33:52 Military Recruiting and Retention
Michael Durant is a former pilot with the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment and flew Super 64 during the Black Hawk Down incident of Operation Gothic Serpent. Mike was briefly held as a Prisoner of War after his UH-60 crashed. Hear his entire interview on Ep. 202 of the Former Action Guys Podcast. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Mike's Book https://www.amazon.com/Company-Heroes-Personal-Story-Behind/dp/0451219937 00:00:00 After the Crash 00:03:16 SERE Kicks In 00:05:44 Somali Doctor Arrives 00:07:06 Visit From the Red Cross 00:09:48 Receives a Radio 00:13:13 Treatment as a POW 00:15:27 Letters From a Warlord
Isaac Lee is a retired CH-53 pilot and WTI that served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his retirement, Lee wrote his memoir Hanger 4 based on his more than two decades of service as a Naval Aviator. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Issac's Site http://isaacglee.com/ 00:00:00 CH-53 Crash in California 00:08:03 How an Accident Investigation is Handled 00:11:10 Path to Becoming a Pilot 00:26:43 CH-53 Upgrades 00:34:01 Learning to be a Better Pilot 00:40:22 Night Systems Instructor Qualification 00:43:20 Terrain Flying Instructor 00:48:26 Air Threats in Iraq 00:51:03 UDP | Iwo Jima 00:59:22 Sketchy Helo Flight 01:13:49 Preparing for OIF-1 01:19:33 First Combat Flight 01:30:51 The Danger of Being Too Good
Jeff Bodell is a Marine Corps military police officer that wrote The Warfighter's Lounge about a single patrol during his time as an Afghan police advisor in Marjah. He and his team were ambushed by Taliban forces during a day he and his team would never forget. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Buy Jeff's Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVJF4CR3?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ESWQKCGJNFGZ4QPD43VJ
Ryan Stevens; a former US Marine JTAC that served with ANGLICO, MARSOC, and DEVGRU; shares his firsthand account of Operation Lexington. Join him as he takes you through this collaboration between MSOT 8212, Army Special Forces, and DEA Foreign-Deployed Advisory and Support Teams (FAST) that ended with extracting casualties under enemy fire after one of the CH-47G helicopters crashed during the extract. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Ryan's book https://www.fullarmorfarm.com/products
Robert Keller is a former Army Ranger, Green Beret, and Delta Force Operator. Robert now owns Range Werx Florida and provides tactics instruction across the country. Support the show: https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Robert's site: https://rangewerx.com/ https://gamutresolutions.com/ 00:00:00 The Plan 00:04:03 Combat is My Passion 00:09:20 Deploying with Special Forces 00:17:26 Ranger Battalion Pre-9/11 00:22:41 GWOT Green Berets 00:25:47 The Fighting was Better in Afghanistan 00:28:31 Are we Training the Enemy? 00:33:43 Prepping for Delta Force Selection 00:41:52 Passing Selection 00:45:22 SF Selection is Harder than Delta Force Selection 00:52:53 Operator Training Course 01:00:15 The Danger of Staying in CAG too Long 01:15:50 Ranger Werx
Bryan Buckley is a Marine Infantry Officer, Recon Marine, and MARSOC Raider. We relay our experiences with leadership failing to understand specialists designed to support their mission in this clip taken from Ep. 200. Support the show! https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Shamus Flynn is a retired Marine First Sergeant that served with 2nd Raider Battalion, 1st Battalion 23rd Marines, FSSG, School of Infantry and others. His motor-t background opened up opportunities to serve in multiple roles in multiple units over his 20 year career. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com 00:00:00 Intro | Family History 00:04:51 Joining the Marines 00:13:25 Young Marines Losing Motivation 00:21:11 Maintaining a Combat Mindset 00:33:00 Motor-T Gets in the Fight 00:36:39 Force Design 2030 Controversy 00:50:31 Recruitment and Retainment Issues 01:09:25 The Machine Doesn't Stop 01:18:10 Bad Monitor 01:21:33 Commandant for the Day 01:27:32 Military Education Benefits 01:30:58 Transition from Gunny to First Sergeant 01:34:57 Be Prepared | 2nd Raider Battalion 01:49:03 Combat Instructor 01:59:32 Being Present as a Leader
Dale Comstock is a former member of the US Army's elite Delta Force and describes the life and sacrifices of a tier one operator in this clip taken from Ep. 150. Support the show! https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Michael is a former 160th SOAR Black Hawk pilot who served in Operations Prime Chance, Just Cause, Desert Storm, and Gothic Serpent. Michael was held captive after his Blackhawk was shot down in Mogadishu and wrote about the ordeal in his book In The Company of Heroes. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com 00:00:00 Intro / Joining the Army 00:10:35 Drive to Become a Pilot 00:18:20 Midair Collision in Flight School 00:21:11 From OH-55s to Black Hawks 00:24:05 Learning to Fly From Vietnam Pilots 00:28:00 Medevac in Korea 00:37:39 Hearing About The 160th 00:42:01 Accidentally Checking into the 101st Airborne 00:50:09 Most Difficult Type of Flying 01:01:09 160th Assessment | Green Platoon 01:06:01 Surprised by the Mission | 1st Deployment with 160th 01:10:34 Black Hawk Armament 01:12:53 Operation Just Cause 01:21:27 Hunting Scuds in Iraq 01:28:45 Gothic Serpent | Mogadishu 01:38:34 Things are Starting to Go Wrong 01:43:34 Super 64 is Going Down 01:51:35 I Thought They Were the Rescue Force 01:54:02 Prisoner of War
Morgan Lerette is an Air Force and Army veteran that also served as a Blackwater private military contractor from 2004-2005. Morgan is also the author of Welcome to Blackwater and Guns, Girls, & Greed. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Morgan's Book https://www.amazon.com/Guns-Girls-Greed-Blackwater-Mercenary/dp/B0C7P83DL6/ref=sr_1_1?
Bryan Buckley is a former Marine infantry officer, Recon Marine, and MARSOC Raider. Bryan now owns the Helmand Valley Growers Company and advocates for mental health treatments for veterans. Check out Bryan's previous interviews on Eps. 123 and 136. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Bryan's site https://hvgcompany.com 00:00:00 Bryan Buckley Intro 00:07:26 Skillbridge Program 00:09:37 Gen Mattis Video 00:20:35 The Little Things 00:24:14 Earn the Title Every Day 00:27:18 Why Do We Need MARSOC? 00:35:02 Know Your Support's Capabilities 00:41:06 AC-130 00:46:25 Combined Arms and Building Rapport 00:52:29 Warrant Officers at MARSOC? 00:55:54 Racism in Africa 01:05:03 Dealing with People 01:16:27 Should Marines Bring Back Division Patches 01:22:30 Veteran Networking
Marine Special Operations Command made the decision to consolidate all three Marine Raider Battalions at Camp Lejeune, NC. Former west coast based operators and veterans of 1st MSOB continue to speak out about the decision. Support the show: https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Bryan's Site https://hvgcompany.com
Bryan Buckley is a former Marine Infantry Officer, Recon Marine, and MARSOC Raider. The higher echelons of the Marine Corps command initially did not approve of the usage of Marine Raider by their special operators but things eventually changed. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Bryan's site https://hvgcompany.com/
Tracy Offutt joins me again to catch up. Tracy is a retired Marine Infantryman and former Sergeant Major of 1st ANGLICO. If you haven't heard our previous episodes, make sure to check them out! Support the show https://patreon.com https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Scott Campbell is a retired Marine infantry officer that served with 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd ANGLICO, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This clip starts with the dumbest thing he's seen a Marine do before moving into a discussion about millennials in combat. Support the Show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Ian Fritz is a former USAF Airborne Cryptologic Linguist that was a crew member on the AC-130 W. Ian's more than 3 years of language training enabled him to listen in on enemy radio transmissions and update the AC-130 crew and ground forces in real-time. Ian attended the Defense Language Institute (DLI) to learn how to fluently speak Dari and Pashto before supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command during two deployments to Afghanistan. Support the show https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys https://www.jcramergraphics.com https://www.ANGLICOshop.com Buy Ian's Book https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/What-the-Taliban-Told-Me/Ian-Fritz/9781668010693 00:00:00 Intro | Joining the Air Force 00:09:59 Air Force Basic Training 00:13:44 Language Training 00:25:43 Maintaining Language Proficiency 00:32:27 AC-130 Gunship 00:36:47 Cryptologic Linguist's on an AC-130 00:40:24 Listening to the Enemy 00:47:43 First Mission 00:54:50 From Combat to Coffee | Aircrew Life 00:58:25 Finding an Outlet 01:14:14 Writing a Book Honestly 01:21:45 Fall of Afghanistan
Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Michael Garcia describes one of the earliest engagements of the Gulf War that involved American units being briefly overrun by the Iraqi Army's 5th Mechanized Division. Elements from 1st ANGLICO and 3D ANGLICO fought back the Iraqi armor using close air support and artillery. This clip is taken from Ep. 068 of the Former Action Guys Podcast and is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and more. Subscribe today and help spread the word! Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Jeff Depatie is a retired Canadian special operations soldier that served with their equivalent of Delta Force, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2). Depatie reviews Canadian military history and goes into JTF 2 selection in this clip taken from Ep. 184 of the podcast. Check out the full interview now! Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys (extra content) https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Jeff's sites https://thespecialforcesexperience.com/ https://posttraumaticgrowth.film
Jay Dorleus is a retired US Army First Sergeant that served more than a decade as a Green Beret. Prior to joining Special Forces, Jay was a combat engineer that deployed twice to Iraq. Standby for our follow-up interview! Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com 00:00:00 Intro | Migrating to the US 00:09:14 Joining the Army 00:16:07 Army Basic Training 00:18:11 Army Combat Engineer 00:21:30 First Iraq Deployment 00:29:01 Second Iraq Deployment 00:32:19 Route Clearance Platoon 00:43:47 Losing Guys 00:48:33 Introduction to Special Forces 00:52:18 Stop Loss | Iraq Deployment Extension 00:55:35 Special Forces Selection 01:00:11 Phases of Special Forces Selection 01:06:06 Special Forces Engineer Training 01:13:56 Selection Never Stops 01:24:27 Most Challenging School 01:28:19 First Special Forces Deployment
Jaime Gallardo is a former Marine Corps EOD tech that served with MARSOC and MLG. Gallardo continues to work in the field as a civilian instructor and also runs the @financial.enabler Instagram account where he shares financial advice for service members. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Jaime's site https://financialenabler.substack.com/ 00:00:00 Intro | Motor T to EOD 00:07:17 EOD School Phases 00:15:03 Most Difficult Part of EOD School 00:20:32 First EOD Unit 00:23:27 Hazards of the Job 00:29:02 Social Media Influencer 00:42:19 EOD Officers 00:48:33 MARSOC EOD 01:07:49 MARSOC EOD Pre-Deployment Training 01:16:21 MARSOC Deployment 01:29:59 Military Money
Ed Darack is an American author of multiple books including the controversial Victory Point that provides more detail to the Navy Seal Lone Survivor story. Ed was embedded with 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines and interviewed multiple participants of Operation Red Wings. Ed has also written about the shoot down of Extortion 17 and has another book in the works. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Ed's site http://darack.com 00:00:00 Intro | UAVs 00:09:00 Multi-Domain Combined Arms 00:18:48 Becoming a War Reporter 00:21:06 Meeting 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines 00:27:09 Getting the Marines Ambushed 00:29:39 Situation on the Ground 00:46:07 Operation Red Wings aka Lone Survivor 00:55:10 Communications Gear 00:59:03 Breakdown of Command and Control 01:06:17 Visiting the Attack Site 01:11:00 Debate Over the Accuracy of Lone Survivor 01:14:34 Threats for Telling the Story 01:18:38 Extortion 17 01:23:21 Joint Service Operations 01:37:46 Operaation Whalers 01:47:23 Why Write Victory Point?
Vishal Amin is a former United States Marine Corps F/A-18 weapon system officer (WSO) and enlisted military policeman. Following his 2014 deployment, Vishal was targeted on an !s!s attack list. Vishal now works at Microsoft and maintains a pulse on cyber security and emerging technologies. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Vishal's Links https://www.travismanion.org/ 00:00:00 Intro 00:21:14 F/A-18 WSO Flight School 00:29:51 You Have to Take Vishal 00:41:18 What Does a Weapon System Officer Do? 00:47:37 Controlled Chaos 00:55:56 Gravity-induced Loss of Consciousness 01:01:22 Ejecting 01:06:31 2015 Deployment | !s!s Kill List 01:20:07 Cyber Security 01:29:39 Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Brett Crozier is a retired Navy captain that commanded the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Blue Ridge. He is also a naval aviator that is qualified to fly both the SH-60 Seahawk and F/A-18 platforms. Brett also authored his book Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com/ https://ANGLICOshop.com/ Brett's Site https://surfwhenyoucan.com/ 00:00:00 Intro | Top Gun 00:02:36 Naval Academy 00:14:26 Flight School 00:18:49 Selecting Which Platform to Fly 00:26:00 Hardest Part of Helicopter Flight Training 00:30:42 Close Air Support Training 00:37:52 Deploying on a Destroyer 00:45:55 Transition to the F/A-18 00:58:28 9/11 Happened 01:05:23 Shift in Aviation Tech 01:14:22 Iraq Deployment 01:19:35 Difference in Pilots 01:24:33 Becoming a Carrier Captain 01:31:24 Life as a Ship Captain 01:34:59 Setting Sail January 2020 01:38:46 COVID Strikes
Adam Walker is a former Marine infantryman that served with 6th and 7th Marine Regiments. Adam deployed for the invasion of Iraq with 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment and returned less than a year later to Al-Qa'im where he was injured by small arms and shrapnel. Adam is also a published author with work featured in the Marine Corps Gazette, War Horse, We Are the Mighty, and others. Support the show https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com https://patreon.com/formeractionguys Adam's site https://takeitontheleftfoot.com 00:00:00 Intro 00:09:36 Recruiter During 9/11 00:18:39 Back to the Infantry 00:26:24 Invasion of Iraq | 3rd Battalion 7th Marines 00:35:04 MOPP Suits in Iraq 00:38:04 Being in a Bad Unit 00:47:30 Squad Leaders in Combat 00:51:21 Tough Calls in Combat 00:58:24 Cpl Jason Dunham's Medal of Honor 01:11:57 Lessons Learned 01:27:56 Military Career Advice 01:36:09 Iraq '09 01:43:13 Screwed by the Monitor 01:47:51 Advice for Aspiring Writers
Brian Russell is a retired artillery officer in the United States Marine Corps. Following his battery time as a Lieutenant, Brian served with the headquarters element of MARSOC before becoming the commanding officer for 1st ANGLICO. Following his command tour, Russell served with US Cyber Command and got to see a quiet part of the military in action. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Brian's Links Social Media Handles: FB: https://www.facebook.com/brian.russell.9028 (Brian Russell) IG: https://www.instagram.com/berclr/?next=%2F (berclr) Twitter: https://twitter.com/OIECol (@OIECol) North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League: Web: https://www.northcarolinamtb.org/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/northcarolinamtb/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/northcarolinamtb/ Transition Books: Orders to Nowhere from LtCol (ret) Mike Grice, former 1st ANGLICO CO Transition by LtCol (ret) Hank Brown, original Chief of Fires USCYBERCOM
Tommy Kerley is a former Marine fire support man and Joint Fires Observer (JFO) that served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Tommy also runs the Raise the Black Instagram account that advocates for military mental health. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
Nate Cornacchia is a former Green Beret that served more than a decade with Army Special Forces. Nate served on jump, dive, and mountaineering teams during his career. During one of his multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Nate's team was ambushed resulting in multiple casualties and multiple valor awards for his team. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com 00:00:00 Intro | SOTACC 00:08:46 JTAC Priorities 00:16:49 Special Forces Attachments 00:21:41 Sketchy Partner Forces 00:25:15 ANA Commandos 00:29:14 ISIS Enters Afghanistan 00:35:19 Special Forces 18X Program 00:42:41 Special Forces Specialties 00:48:02 Choose Your Own Adventure 00:51:37 Tab Protectors 00:54:46 Mountaineering Teams 00:58:45 Deployment to Mongolia 01:00:26 Fast Rope | SPIE 01:05:45 Last Field Op 01:11:56 Ambush in Tarin Kwot 01:26:03 Grenade Attacks 01:28:10 Processing Info Like a JTAC
Dr. David Walton is a retired Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience as a Green Beret. With deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and global assignments across tactical, operational, and strategic levels, Dr. Walton brings invaluable insights to national security conversations. Walton also teaches National Security Studies and Executive Leadership, with expertise in Security Strategy, Organizational Culture, and Human Performance. As a Subject Matter Expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection, he remains at the forefront of the discussion. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. David Walton, offering unique perspectives on Special Forces and academia. Support the show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com Dr. Walton's site https://tfvoodoo.com/ 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:58 Defeatist Attitudes 00:07:17 Misinformation about the Military 00:14:18 Changing Base Names 00:22:49 Armored Cavalry Officer 00:28:46 Officer Combat Training 00:32:19 Joining Special Forces 00:35:53 Special Forces Selection 00:42:17 Changes in Green Beret Selection 00:50:59 The "Why?" Generation 00:54:15 Why People Aren't Reenlisting 01:01:17 Bring Back Meritocracy 01:07:08 It's a Great Time to be a Green Beret 01:11:47 Green Beret Afghanistan Missions 01:18:31 SF vs SFAB 01:24:02 Expectations 01:25:58 Military Mafia 01:30:00 NCO's are the Backbone 01:36:23 Should College be Required for Officers? 01:51:03 Politics in the Military
Gary Edgington, a law enforcement and counter-terrorism veteran, hails from a family of dedicated officers. His law enforcement journey, both inspiring and harrowing, began at the LA Sheriff’s Academy, where he suffered a personal tragedy when his father was killed in the line of duty during his third week of training. Undeterred by his father's death, Gary served in several Southern California departments before serving as a Special Agent with the California Department of Justice. Gary also served with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and lead a multi-agency counter-terrorism task force. Post-retirement, Gary didn't slow down. He served in Iraq as a counter-terrorism expert. Support the show patreon.com/formeractionguys jcramergraphics.com ANGLICOshop.com Gary's Website garyedgingtonauthor.com 00:00:00 Intro | Pioneer Family 00:08:22 Becoming a Police Officer 00:16:07 Knife Attacks 00:19:37 Police Sidearms 00:23:53 Changes in Crime and Policing 00:28:26 2nd Amendment 00:33:34 Effective Law Enforcement 00:37:53 Investigations with Internal Affairs 00:41:06 Getting Fired as a Cop 00:45:19 Police Abuse 00:50:42 Don't Hesitate 00:52:25 From Local Cop to Special Deputy US Marshal 00:56:24 Technology and Law Enforcement 01:02:13 Politics in Law Enforcement 01:10:08 Is This A Witch Hunt? 01:13:32 Never Embarrass the Bureau 01:20:21 Investigating Domestic Terrorism 01:27:14 Need to Know 01:33:29 9/11 Changed Information Sharing 01:37:44 Military Contractor 01:48:15 Writing a Book
