🪖 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.

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🎵 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
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