In this unfiltered Combat Story episode, we go deep with Jason Lilley — Recon Marine, MARSOC Raider, CIA Global Response Staff, and co-creator of Savage Actual. Jason opens up about his path from a turbulent youth to serving in some of the most elite units in the U.S. military, facing the chaos of Iraq and Afghanistan, and building a new life as a creator and veteran advocate.

In this episode:

• From family struggles to joining the Marine Corps
• First Recon, Generation Kill, and the invasion of Iraq
• Intense firefights in Fallujah and Afghanistan
• Life in MARSOC and the CIA’s Global Response Staff
• Losing brothers in combat and to suicide
• Using humor and brotherhood to survive the worst moments
• Creating Savage Actual with Patrick: gaming, military authenticity, and raw veteran stories

🌐 Connect with Jason:

• Savage Actual YouTube: youtube.com/@SavageActual
• Savage Actual Website: savageactual.com
• Jason’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonmlilley
• Jason’s Instagram: instagram.com/reconraider79

In this episode, Jason Lilley shares his riveting journey from being a Marine grunt to working for the State Department and CIA. He details his intense experiences during the Iraq invasion, life-altering moments in Fallujah, and the camaraderie formed in the face of danger. Lily also opens up about his struggles with depression and finding purpose post-service, running a YouTube channel and podcast, Savage Actual. Watch as he discusses the highs and lows of military life and his ongoing journey to harness his experiences for a meaningful civilian life.

Timeline

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:36 Personal Struggles and Joining the Marines
• 04:15 Combat Experiences and Reflections
• 13:48 HelloFresh Sponsorship
• 15:35 More Combat Stories and Reflections
• 18:24 Loss and Brotherhood
• 29:03 Savage Actual and Patrick
• 31:27 Would You Do It Again?
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📌 Tags & Keywords:

#MarineCorps #ReconMarine #MARSOC #GenerationKill #CIA #CombatStory #VeteranStories #SpecialOperations #SavageActual #Fallujah #IraqWar #WarriorMindset #MilitaryPodcast