Former Action Guys Podcast

This episode has Michael Farrell and I discussing a wide range of topics including moving to Japan, different options to utilize the G.I. Bill, and recent news including Marines being detained for human smuggling and another Marine has her nude photos from her pay site go viral.

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SSgt Michael Farrell and I sit down to talk about life in Japan and the different shenanigans we get into during port calls on deployment. Enjoy!

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https://ANGLICOshop.com

In Former Action Guys Podcast Episode 014, Marine Fire Support Man and Joint Terminal Attack Controller-Evaluator (JTAC-E), SSgt Levi Slife, shares insights from his 8 years of service, encompassing five deployments.

Hailing from Littleton, Colorado, Levi joined the Marine Corps at 17, undergoing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. Subsequently, he completed training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

Assigned to E Battery 2nd Battalion 11th Marines, Levi details his initial unit training and deployment with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). His experiences extend to 2nd Battalion 1st Marines during a deployment to the Garmshir District of Afghanistan.


The episode delves into Levi's varied career, touching on advisor team deployments and service in different Afghan locations. Levi also shares insights on teaching the JFO course as a contractor and offers advice on pursuing a career as a federal firefighter.

Don't miss this episode for a concise and informative exploration of SSgt Levi Slife's military journey and valuable career advice.

Support the show:
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https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

We get a little loose in this one. I have Tracy Offutt back on and we discuss a multitude of topics with our friend Michael Farrell.

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https://ANGLICOshop.com

An F-4 Phantom pilot and Vietnam veteran, Capt Jerry Geller, is our guest for Ep. 012 of the Former Action Guys Podcast.

Recruited from college, Jerry joined the Marine Corps through the cadet program and began his flight training in Pensacola, FL. He positioned himself to be accepted into the jets training pipeline and eventually made it to VMFA-122 out of El Toro, California.

At VMFA-122 Jerry honed the pilot skills he would need in Vietnam like close air support (CAS), air-to-air combat, and deep air support (DAS). Once he was fully qualified, Jerry was sent to Vietnam to fly with VMFA-542 out of Chu Lai. 1967 was an active time in Vietnam and Jerry participated in multiple combat sorties that ranged from providing CAS to troops engaging enemy forces along with the defense of Khe Sanh.

The latter mission is how Jerry ended up being shot down by enemy forces. Luckily, Jerry survived and is able to recall that experience and some of the follow-on actions for our listeners.

Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

In Former Action Guys Podcast Episode 011, we feature retired Sergeant Major Tracy Offutt, a Marine Corps Infantryman with over three decades of service. Transitioning from the Army National Guard to the Marine Corps, Tracy's journey included service as a Dragon Gunner in 2nd Battalion 7th Marines and deployment to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm/Shield.

Post-deployment, Tracy continued a routine of training and overseas exercises, later serving as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor and Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego. His role at the School of Infantry involved addressing training deficiencies between MCRD and SOI.

Selected as a 1st Sergeant, Tracy served in 1st Battalion 5th Marines during a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, marked by challenges and significant losses. He later undertook Inspector and Instructor Duty with an engineering unit in Washington before concluding his career as the Sergeant Major of 1st ANGLICO until his retirement in 2015.

This interview offers a glimpse into Tracy's extensive military career, with future episodes promising a more in-depth exploration of specific milestones. Join us for a professional and insightful exploration of Tracy Offutt's remarkable experiences in the Marine Corps.

Support the show:
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https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 010 of the Former Action Guys podcast is me answering some user questions like if I ever considered conducting an inter-service transfer to become an Air Force CCT or JTAC, how to keep pride from getting in your way, and what story reminds me of my time in the Marines.

I also discuss one of the scouts who worked with me during our deployment to Marjah, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment in 2011. LCpl Mister Lemelle was one of the best 0861s I worked with during my time in the service so I tell a story about some of his actions during an ambush.

Support the show:
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https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

In Episode 009 of the Former Action Guys Podcast, join us for an engaging conversation with Marine Corps Fire Support Man and Joint Terminal Attack Controller, SSgt Nate Garens. Nate, a pioneer at 5th ANGLICO in Okinawa, Japan, played a crucial role as the Marine Corps expanded fire support capabilities for the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He participated in bi-lateral exercises, including a deployment to Iraq with a Firepower Control Team (FCT).

Later, Nate volunteered for a deployment with 1st ANGLICO from Camp Pendleton, CA, contributing to missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he supported British units in Musa Qala before assisting 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment during Operation Moshtarak in the Marjah District.
Post-1st ANGLICO, Nate's journey involved training Georgian Liaison Team Advisors, supporting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit on a deployment to CENTCOM, and screening/training prospective JTACs and JFOs at the 10th Marine Regiment Artillery Training School.

Support the show:
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https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

This week's episode features the host of the Former Action Guys Podcast, me, Justin Cramer. Our original guest had to reschedule so I'm filling in with a little bit about myself and how I ended up on the yellow footprints at Parris Island with an especially hilarious twist. We also have a few messages from listeners I address so please continue to send those in to our Twitter (@4meractionguys), Instagram (@formeractionguys) or email ([email protected]).

Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

In Episode 007 of the Former Action Guys Podcast, join Marine Corps Radio Operator and 1st ANGLICO Alum, Sgt Andrew Dimauro, as he shares his compelling journey. We delve into Andrew's communications training and his role in the 1st ANGLICO deployment to Afghanistan, exploring events like Joint Warrior in Scotland, a collaborative exercise with the UK’s 148 Battery for fire support training, and other crucial pre-deployment preparations.

Later in the episode, Andrew recounts his return home and his second deployment that supported the Georgian Military in Afghanistan. He talks about the challenges of working alongside foreign partners, detailing his Georgian Liaison Team training and discussing various missions, including a poignant recovery mission for an American KIA.

Post-deployment, Andrew returns to 1st ANGLICO and is assigned to SALT D, which eventually became my team. He shares experiences from jump school and discusses the workup for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployment our team connducted.

Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com