Combat Story

Today we have round two of our incredible Combat Story with John Dailey, the former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as "Detachment One," which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today.

Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

If you missed Round 1, John grew up on the east coast hunting and shooting and, in the ninth grade, visited a Marine recruiter who took him under his wing until it was time to enlist. He went straight into a sniper unit and then served as a Marine Security Guard at Embassies in Hungary and Argentina before joining Force Recon. On 9/11, John was in a bar in Australia with a Marine Expeditionary Unit when he saw the towers come down. He and his Force Recon unit were sent directly to Afghanistan where they took the fight to the Taliban months after the attacks.

This second round interview picks up after John returns from this first deployment and sets the ground for his book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled 'Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations' that describes both John's experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did.

Find John Dailey Online:

https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X

Find Ryan Online:

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📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus

🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes:

00:00 Dramatic Baghdad Arrival 00:48 Introduction to Combat Story 01:07 Meet John Daly: Marine Force Recon Operator 01:21 John Daly's Early Career and 9/11 Experience 05:26 Training the Next Generation of Marines 07:46 Forming Detachment 1: The Birth of MARSOC 10:22 First Deployment Challenges and Intel Operations 17:27 Hunting High-Value Targets in Iraq 30:45 Guarding the Vice President 31:32 Interrogation and Intelligence Gathering 34:43 The Final Mission 38:42 Reflections on Service 41:39 Writing the Memoir 48:04 The Sniper Story 57:03 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Thoughts 59:36 Conclusion and Listener Comments

Today we have round one of a fascinating Combat Story interview with John Dailey, a former Marine Force Recon operator who was one of the very few selected to help stand up what was known as "Detachment One," which would lead to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) that we know today.

Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

The eighty-six-man "Detachment One" was formed with a two-year charter to train and deploy as a "proof-of-concept" to assess the viability of a larger Marine Special Operations contribution in support of the Global War on Terror. The Commanding Officer—Colonel Robert J. Coates, a Marine Force Recon legend—was given his pick of personnel and one of the four team leaders he selected was Gunnery Sergeant John Dailey. Their sole stipulation in finding the right recruits was that they be: "Tough, rugged bastards with strong backs and hard feet." We know they got it right because we've interviewed some of those early warriors on this show, like Elliot Ackerman and Jason Lilley, to name a few.

John has written a book that will be released in August 2024, aptly titled 'Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations' that describes both John's experiences and the beginning of MARSOC from his perspective on the ground. I hope you enjoy this experience of combat and the weight of the Marine Corps on the shoulders of a small group of men like John, as much as I did.

Find John Dailey Online:

https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Rugged-Bastards-Special-Operations/dp/163758735X

Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

🔗 Ryan's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory

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📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory

📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial

📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus

🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes:

00:00 Intense Combat Introduction 00:33 Meet Your Host: Ryan Fugit 00:52 Introducing John Daly: Marine Force Recon Operator 01:45 John Daly's Book: Tough Rugged Bastards 04:16 A Marine's Perspective on Writing 05:29 Colonel Robert Coates: A Marine Legend 09:32 The Formation of MARSOC 14:39 John Daly's Path to the Marine Corps 20:44 Early Days in the Marine Corps 28:45 Sniper School Challenges 35:30 Reflecting on the Simplicity of the Past 36:24 Joining the Sniper Platoon 37:30 Marine Security Guard Duty 38:34 Life at the Embassy 42:38 Meeting My Future Wife 46:41 Returning to the Infantry 47:13 First Force Recon Company 51:01 Deployment During 9/11 55:32 First Engagement in Afghanistan 01:05:11 Analyzing Combat Experiences 01:10:29 Listener Comments and Reviews

Today we have a unique Combat Story with F-16 Fighter Pilot and co-founder of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx), Raj Shah. Raj was handpicked to stand up an organization that would strengthen our armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon, to include accelerating the contracting process and getting the newest technology from Silicon Valley and tech into the hands of the warfighters faster.

Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

Raj is one of these guys who seems to have more time in a day than the rest of us. He is the Managing Partner of Shield Capital, a venture capital firm focused on technologies at the nexus of the commercial and defense markets; chairman of Resilience Insurance, a start-up powering new approaches to cyber insurance; he was CEO of Morta Security, which was acquired by Palo Alto Networks; and he reported directly to the Secretary of Defense while running DIUx for two years. Raj led DIUx in its efforts to strengthen U.S. armed forces through contractual and cultural bridges between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon. He attended Princeton and got an MBA from Wharton at UPenn.

He and Christopher Kirchhoff recently published 'Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War,' which takes you inside AI labs, drone workshops, and battle command centers—to include Ukraine's frontline – for a fascinating picture of what it takes to stay dominant in a fast-changing and often precarious geopolitical landscape.

With that, please enjoy this short but interesting episode with Raj Shah.

Book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War: https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Pentagon-Silicon-Valley-Transforming/dp/1668031388

Website https://www.unitxbook.com/

https://www.unitxbook.com/?pgid=lvhhykmv-0822ea78-348c-4d11-bbad-0625206ad7dd

Find Ryan Online:

🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

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🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/

📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory

📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial

📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus

🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes:

00:00 The Power of an Individual in Combat 00:30 Introduction to Combat Story and Raj Shah 01:15 Raj Shah's Background and Achievements 02:21 The Future of Warfare: Ukraine and Israel 04:56 Rapid Technological Advancements 06:55 Raj Shah's Military Journey 08:25 Joining the Air National Guard 09:49 Experiences and Challenges in Flight School 16:21 First Deployment and Technological Disparities 18:13 The Role of Software in Modern Warfare 23:24 The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) 27:11 Setting Up DIU and Overcoming Bureaucracy 31:23 Negotiating the Term Sheet 31:54 Connecting with Todd Park 32:28 Setting the Vision 33:54 Facing Budget Challenges 36:21 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles 39:07 Evaluating Success and Achievements 41:20 Innovative Contracting with Startups 45:09 Technological Innovations and Wins 51:42 Strategic Cost Considerations in Warfare 53:59 Book Recommendations and Reflections 58:15 Final Thoughts and Listener Comments

A Tribute to Our Veterans | Combat Story Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Combat Story podcast, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. This special video features President Reagan's iconic July 4th, 1986 address to the Nation, seamlessly blended with powerful responses from veterans about whether they would choose their military careers again.

Join us as we honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms. Their stories remind us of the true meaning of patriotism and the profound impact of their service on our nation's history.

🎖️ Featured Veterans (in order of appearance):

• Earl Plumlee Medal of Honor Recipient, Marine Recon, and Special Forces - https://youtu.be/5KhMftSc8mg
• Mike Edwards - JSOC Omega & Ranger RRC - https://youtu.be/MBTBFCRdbdU
• Delta Force Operator Brent Tucker - https://youtu.be/_uXX7NVwwtg
• Navy SEAL Sniper Mark Greene - https://youtu.be/vNeDkhlFRlo
• FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) Operator Greg Shaffer - https://youtu.be/gDye1XOXBxo
• CIA Legend Glenn Corn - https://youtu.be/hnc9ZyOOK8A
• Marine Sniper and Recon (killed Juba) - AJ Pasciuti https://youtu.be/T4QI-5sNeCs

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from our nation's heroes. Share this tribute to honor those who have given so much for our country.

Don't miss out! Subscribe to our Combat Story Newsletter for more compelling interviews and updates at www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

For more about Sean Hagerty, visit: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty

Find Ryan Online:

• 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
• 🔗 Ryan's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory
• 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
• 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
• 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
• 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
• 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

#Veterans #MilitaryService #Patriotism #CombatStoryPodcast #ReaganAddress #IndependenceDay #Tribute #HeroStories

Today we have an interview with a former Ranger Regiment soldier turned US Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major, Sean Hagerty. Sean fought in both Afghanistan and Iraq with Ranger Regiment and then spent many years in the very secretive side of the Army in places all over the world.

After retiring, Sean wrote a psychological thriller called Jones Point that has a great plot line focused on a father taking revenge after losing a daughter but in a far more creative and compelling way. Sean self-published that first book but was then picked up by Blue Handle Publishing for another set of books because the first one was so successful.

Sean is an incredibly accomplished soldier and leader and I hope you enjoy this discussion of both the Special Operations world and more secretive USASOC experience as much as I did.

Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

Find Sean Hagerty Online: https://bluehandlepublishing.com/sean-hagerty

Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Introduction to Combat Story 01:23 Meet Sean Haggerty: Ranger to Author 02:20 Writing Process: From Notebooks to Tablets 06:46 Jones Point: A Psychological Thriller 08:40 Early Military Fascination and Career Beginnings 16:31 Ranger Regiment Life Pre-9/11 19:32 9/11 and the Aftermath 30:28 Camaraderie and Trust in the Platoon 30:47 First Mission Outside the Wire 31:14 Ambush on Route Purple 35:05 Decompression and Team Building 36:53 Invasion of Iraq 39:20 Early Impressions of War 41:16 Advice for Aspiring Rangers 44:38 Transitioning to a New Role 00:11 Surviving a Coup 48:29 Joining a Secretive Unit 58:49 Life After the Regiment 01:01:43 The Living, Breathing Nature of Society and Selection Processes 01:02:30 Holistic Approach to Soldier Care 01:03:40 Aging Athletes and Deployment Stories 01:05:11 Mental Performance Coaching Techniques 01:07:01 Amazing Training Environment and Helicopter Adventures 01:09:04 Defense Science Board and Technological Innovations 01:16:49 Writing Journey and Inspirations 01:23:09 Sentimental Items and Reflections on Service 01:27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🪖 Today's Combat Story dives deep into the career and combat experiences of former infantryman turned Cavalry officer turned Special Forces Green Beret, Dan Pace. Dan retired after over two decades of service in the military, seeing combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan on both the enlisted and officer sides of the house.

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📚 Dan recently wrote a book titled "It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008)" where he details his experiences, particularly those with the 1st ID in Iraq during a pivotal moment in the war. In this episode, we dive into the transition from enlisted to officer and conventional to SF, some of the tougher moments in combat, and how perspective may change from that of a soldier to an officer.

🎖️ General Petreus on the book: "...the timeless tale of a young leader and his soldiers on the ground seeking to find meaning and purpose in the gritty, visceral reality of war at the small unit level.

🎧 Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with retired Special Forces officer, Dan Pace.

🔗 Guest Online Information:

📧 Contact Dan: [email protected]

📘 It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008) https://www.amazon.com/Was-What-Infantry-Division-2006-2008/dp/B0CW3MH7KT

📚 Grey Zone Ethics Courses https://danielvpace.com/courses.html

👨‍✈️ Join host Ryan Fugit in a gripping episode of Combat Story as he delves into the remarkable military career of Dan Pace, a former infantryman, cavalry officer, and special forces Green Beret. Dan shares his intense experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, from frontline battles to coordinating medevacs. Explore his journey from enlisted to officer roles, the evolution of military strategies, and the personal toll of long deployments. The episode also addresses innovative countermeasures against IED threats, fortified vehicles, and ethical dilemmas faced by troops and leaders. This raw and insightful look into Dan's life and the complexities of modern warfare sheds light on the creativity, resilience, and moral challenges within the military.

🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

🌐 Ryan's Linktree

🛒 Merch Store

📸 Instagram: @combatstory

📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial

🔍 Learn more about Ryan

🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:03 Meet Dan Pace: From Infantryman to Green Beret
• 02:35 The Story Behind the Book Title
• 03:36 Reflecting on the Surge and Its Impact
• 09:23 Joining the Military: A Whimsical Decision
• 15:16 First Deployment Experiences
• 20:11 Life in Afghanistan: Challenges and Reflections
• 33:37 The Decision to Become an Officer
• 34:18 Encouragement and Motivation
• 34:57 Transitioning to Officer for Better Opportunities
• 36:03 Financial Incentives and Career Moves
• 36:51 Branching and Trading Roles
• 37:47 Formation of Brigade Combat Teams
• 40:52 Deployment and Initial Challenges
• 47:00 Extended Deployment and Coping Mechanisms
• 01:03:00 Leadership Decisions and Ethical Dilemmas
• 01:09:34 A Life-or-Death Decision
• 01:10:11 Moral Dilemmas in Combat
• 01:12:14 Humor Amidst Chaos
• 01:14:03 Economic Stimulus in a War Zone
• 01:14:52 Transition to Special Forces
• 01:22:20 Ethical Challenges in Special Forces
• 01:32:45 Training Mishaps and Close Calls
• 01:38:25 Reflections and Farewell

Today we have a great Combat Story that ranges from the military intelligence tactical front lines of counterterrorism and the Korean peninsula to the most strategic of all, serving as the PDB briefer to the President of the United States (POTUS) with senior intelligence officer Michelle DiGruttolo.

👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter.

I strongly encourage you to listen to the end of this podcast to get a full appreciation of Michelle's experience as the President's briefer, to include her role as the briefer during the Benghazi Consulate attack (you can, of course, listen to our previous interview with Kris "Tanto" Paranto who was on the ground during that attack to hear both the front lines and halls of leadership perspectives on that pivotal day).

Michelle began her career as an Army intelligence officer and then transitioned to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) where she would eventually lead a division of 40 fellow analysts. While at DIA, she was handpicked to compile and deliver the President's Daily Brief (also known as the PDB) to then President Obama and his Chief of Staff Jack Lew.

The PDB role to POTUS is not a political appointment and is only entrusted to the elite of the intel community's analytic core, which Michelle is. As always, we do not get political in this podcast, however, to ensure we hear both sides, we also have former President Trump's PDB briefer booked for later this summer to understand what her experience was like in the Oval Office under another administration.

Michelle also briefed and/or worked closely with retired senior leaders Petraeus, McChrystal, Clapper, and several household names across her career, exposing her to leadership at the very highest levels.

After service, Michelle went on to found Sage Raven Advisors, where she leverages an extensive network of local advisors, partners, and affiliates and couple them with cutting-edge technologies and data analytics, to provide actionable and timely insights to clients in complex and dynamic geopolitical landscapes.

I hope you enjoy this very interesting deep dive into the life of a career military intel officer and the life of a PDB Briefer to the President as much as I did.

• Find Michelle on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledigruttolo/
• Email [email protected]
• Sage Raven Advisors www.sage-raven.com

🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

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📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial

📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus

🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Key Highlights:

Military Intelligence to Presidential Briefings: Michelle's journey from an Army intelligence officer to leading a division at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The President's Daily Brief (PDB): Discover the intricacies of compiling and delivering the PDB to President Obama and Chief of Staff Jack Lew, including her crucial role during the Benghazi Consulate attack.

Leadership Insights: Michelle's interactions with renowned leaders like Petraeus, McChrystal, and Clapper, and her exposure to leadership at the highest levels.

🔔 Subscribe for More Combat Stories: https://www.youtube.com/combatstory

👍 Like, Comment, and Share: Your support helps us bring more incredible stories to light!

#CombatStory #MilitaryIntelligence #PDBBriefer

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:36 Guest Introduction: Michelle DiCartullo
• 01:22 Michelle's Role as PDB Briefer
• 03:00 Insights into Intelligence Analysis
• 08:08 The Path to Becoming a PDB Briefer
• 18:26 Early Career and Military Experience
• 38:26 Tactical Missions in Korea
• 39:13 Life as an Officer in Korea
• 39:42 Differences Between Intel and Service Personnel
• 40:42 9/11: A Personal Account
• 41:51 Counterterrorism Operations During the Surge
• 43:00 Challenges of Analytic Work in Counterterrorism
• 44:52 Daily Life of a Deployed Branch Chief
• 46:31 Building Morale and Team Spirit
• 49:28 Rewards and Challenges of Targeting Work
• 50:40 Standing Up the CJIATF in Afghanistan
• 54:05 The Bin Laden Raid and Its Impact
• 57:21 Reflections on a Diverse Military Career
• 01:05:27 The Role of a PDB Briefer
• 01:12:40 A Tough Night for the PDB Briefer
• 01:13:51 Initial Signs of Trouble in Benghazi
• 01:14:59 Realization and Response
• 01:16:51 Disagreement with the Analyst
• 01:19:22 Briefing the President
• 01:20:29 Aftermath and Fallout
• 01:23:50 Leaks and Challenges
• 01:30:50 Reflections on Mentorship and Leadership
• 01:34:41 Current Work and Insights
• 01:39:02 Personal Touches and Sentimental Items
• 01:40:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today we have a fascinating deep dive on Chinese intelligence structure, tactics, capabilities, and threats with long-time China expert Nicholas Eftimiades. Nick spent 34 years in the US government with DIA, CIA, State, DHS and more with an intense focus on China and high tech space programs.

👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter.

In the 90's, Nick wrote the book Chinese Intelligence Operations, which is an examination of the structure, operations, and methodology of the Chinese intelligence services and widely regarded as the seminal work in the field. To give you an idea of how impactful this work was, Nick was immediately labeled by the Chinese government as an 'enemy of the state,' 100+ Chinese intel assets were recalled to China, and he was asked to appear before Congress and personally brief political leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Nick served overseas in Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, London, and Tokyo after studying in China and Taiwan in college where he picked up the language. His long career in DIA includes senior assignments as the Chief of Counterterrorism Operations, Transnational Issues Division, Futures Division, and Space Division. He has been awarded the National Intelligence Council Achievement Award and DIA Director's Intelligence Award - that agency's highest recognition of achievement. He is also a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Forward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

He is a professor at Penn State and a frequent lecturer and public speaker on future technology, space, and national security issues. His company Shinobi Enterprises offers confidential consulting and training with specific and in-depth expertise on China's domestic environment, national security, and commercial espionage operations and tactics.

With that, please enjoy this deep dive on all things Chinese intelligence and threat-related from an expert in the field.

🎙️ Find Nick Online:

1. Professor Site:

   • Visit Nick's faculty page at Penn State for more information about his academic work.
   • Penn State Faculty Page

2. Shinobi Enterprises:

   • Explore Nick's consulting company for confidential consulting and training on China's national security and espionage operations.
   • Shinobi Enterprises

3. Books by Nicholas Eftimiades:

   • Chinese Espionage Operations and Tactics: Dive into Nick's detailed analysis of Chinese espionage.
     • Chinese Espionage Operations and Tactics on Amazon
   • Chinese Intelligence Operations: Discover the seminal work that examines the structure, operations, and methodology of Chinese intelligence services.
     • Chinese Intelligence Operations on Amazon

🌟 Stay informed and connected with Nick's expertise on Chinese intelligence and global security!

🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

• 🔗 Ryan's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory
• 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
• 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
• 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
• 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
• 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

⏰ Show Notes:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:04 Guest Introduction: Nicholas Eftimiades
• 03:05 Nick's Career Journey
• 05:14 Language Skills and Early Career
• 14:13 Writing the Seminal Book on Chinese Intelligence
• 20:04 Challenges and Investigations
• 25:39 Understanding Chinese Espionage Motivations
• 42:40 Google Engineer's Espionage Case
• 44:22 Nick's Childhood and Early Influences
• 45:42 Overview of Chinese Intelligence Organizations
• 47:59 Internal Politics and Purges in China
• 49:28 China's Global Influence and Espionage Tactics
• 01:04:19 The Threat of TikTok and AI
• 01:13:43 Nick's Career Reflections and Advice
• 01:24:38 Conclusion and Listener Comments

In today's Combat Story, we sit down with Kevin Seiff, a former Marine officer turned Navy SEAL who now leads the Vet Collective and co-hosts the Harder Not Smarter Podcast with Green Beret Greg VanDyne. 🦅🎙️

👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

In this episode:

• Kevin's relentless journey to become a Marine and Navy SEAL 🪖⚓
• Two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and BUD/S Hell Week 😲🏊‍♂️
• Must-read books and the no-shortcuts mantra 📚🛡️
• Overcoming swimmer-induced pulmonary edema 🏊‍♂️🤒
• The bizarre ritual of Climbing Herndon Monument 🗿🤸‍♂️
• Tips on avoiding chafing in sensitive areas 🩳💡
• Navigating tough transitions from military to civilian life 🎖️➡️👔

We dove into several challenges in Kevin's route to become a Marine and SEAL, including two attempts to get into the Naval Academy and two attempts at Hell Weak in BUD/S. We also dive into great reads, why there's no such thing as shortcuts when it comes to BUDS or Selection, overcoming swimmer induced pulmonary edema, the strange and slippery ritual that is Climbing Herndon Monument at the academy, stronger mindset, how some SEALs to stop chaffing in the more sensitive regions, and tough transitions out of the military into civilian life.

Kevin's Vet Collective is making waves with 80 members and a newsletter boasting over 6K subscribers! 🌊📬 He's on a mission to help fellow vets find purpose after service. Kevin spent 12 years in service 'chasing the dragon' as he calls it trying to find his way into combat which can even be a challenge within the Marines and SEALs. That said, he's been undeterred in trying to help other vets navigate the transition out of uniform and find renewed purpose.

With that, please enjoy this episode with Kevin Seiff.

Join us as we dive deep into Kevin's story of determination, resilience, and dedication to helping others. 💪

🔗 Links:

• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: Kevin Seiff LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-seiff/
• Listen to Harder Not Smarter Podcast: Harder Not Smarter https://www.collective.vet/podcast
• Learn about Vet Collective: Vet Collective https://www.collective.vet

🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:

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• 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
• 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
• 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

📢 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible Combat Stories! 👍🗨️🔔

#CombatStory #KevinSeiff #VetCollective #HarderNotSmarter #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #Podcast

Show Notes

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:52 Guest Introduction - Kevin Seiff
• 02:08 Kevin's Mission to Help Veterans
• 02:35 Challenges of Military Transition
• 05:17 Kevin's Post-Military Career
• 06:44 Starting a Business
• 08:55 Building the Vet Collective
• 11:02 Kevin's Military Background
• 13:08 Journey to Becoming a SEAL
• 22:48 Life in the Marine Corps
• 31:10 Leadership and Training in the Military
• 39:21 Transitioning from Marine Corps to Navy SEALs
• 40:10 Pivotal Lessons from the Marine Corps
• 43:46 Surviving BUDS and Hell Week
• 46:58 The Mental and Physical Toll of SEAL Training
• 55:49 Leadership and Command in SEAL Teams
• 01:03:27 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship
• 01:11:28 The Importance of Mental Health in Veteran Communities
• 01:16:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Today we have a round two Combat Story with Kent Hillhouse where we recorded the episode with a screen available to look and talk through some more of his combat experiences with maps and photos from his time in service. Kent is a retired Major General who spent a year as a Platoon Leader and Tank Commander in Vietnam from August of 1967 to August of 1968.

👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit www.combatstory.com/newsletter.

We wanted to do a Round 2 with Kent after I spent some time with him following our first interview looking over some of his photos from his year in 'Nam and bringing some of the stories to life. In this episode, we dive into the Tet Offensive, which Kent was a part of as his platoon was sitting close to the Cambodian border when it kicked off in late January 1968.

We cover Kent's months fighting in the Iron Triangle - an area notorious for being controlled by the enemy in dense vegetation and triple canopy jungles. We also hear a story of a fellow platoon leader who would go on to become a member of the storied SOG outfit following their initial rotation.

If you didn't catch Round 1 with Kent, he grew up in California and Georgia and attended San Jose State while part of ROTC. He ended up in tanks (Armor) thinking he'd see little combat given how challenging the terrain in Vietnam was for tanks. Little did he know he'd be in a fight for his life, emerging on the other side with a purple heart and two Silver Stars. He would go on to become a two star general and continues to support the veteran community leading our local Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos.

If you're just listening to this episode and not watching on YouTube, you may want to take a peak at the video version on YouTube to see some of the images we talk through to get a better feel for what it was really like. With that, please enjoy this second round discussion with Kent Hillhouse.

You can support the Los Gatos Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation at https://honoravet.org/

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⏰ Show Notes:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:58 Guest Intro Round 2 w/ Kent Hillhouse: A Combat Story of Valor
• 03:13 The Tet Offensive: A Firsthand Account
• 05:29 The Journey to Saigon: Combat and Camaraderie
• 16:04 Inside the M48 Tank: A Detailed Look
• 21:50 Inside The Iron Triangle Encounter
• 26:35 Navigating the Dense Terrain: A Combat Story
• 27:29 Radio Station Assault: Strategy and Challenges
• 28:13 The Heat of Battle: Survival and Tactics
• 35:47 Aftermath and Reflections: Leadership in Combat
• 37:56 Reconnecting and Remembering: The Story of Lou
• 44:04 Closing Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

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