Mike Hastings is a retired Infantry Officer and US Army Paratrooper. He served in Sinai, Kosovo, and Iraq. Notably, Mike was the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Plans Officer who played a central role in its jump into Iraq during the 2003 invasion. Mike gives us an insider's perspective into the planning and execution of that operation, a rare look into a misunderstood event of the war. Mike also talks about his transition and life after the Army. A great chat. I hope you enjoy!

We are joined by Benjamin Sledge, author of the book Where Cowards Go to Die. Ben's personal account of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq is as real as it gets. If you think this is a "shoot 'em up bang 'em up" account of combat, you're wrong. It's a deeply personal account of a young leader trying to make sense of everything. Ben also gives readers a raw and uncompromising look at his life after combat. He shoot straight on his struggles with trauma, addiction, and a loss of purpose. But he also talks about his recovery, faith, and renewed purpose in helping others in need.

During today's episode, Ben talks about his experiences in combat, his road to recovery, and gives us some really good things to think about as we reflect on our lives after combat.

As a reminder, if you like today's episode, please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. It costs nothing and 100% of all monetization goes to Operation Freedom Paws, a nonprofit that connects Veterans and First Responders with service dogs.

Part 2 of my discussion with retired LtCol Asad "Genghis" Khan, USMC. Genghis was one of the first Americans on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11. He played a pivotal role in setting the theater and played an unknown but important role in shaping the early days of the campaign. He also reflects on the fall of Kabul and how it inspired him to enter the public space to call for reforms and accountability within the United States military. We cover a ton of ground but he had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with his candor. A reminder to subscribe, like/dislike, or comment to support the channel. 100 percent of any monetization from this project goes to Operation Freedom Paws, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to Veterans and First Responders living with invisible wounds of service.

We are honored to host LtCol (Ret) Asad Khan, USMC, to The Beaten Zone. "Genghis" commanded 1st Battalion 6th Marines and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's Battalion Landing Team (BLT) in Afghanistan in 2004. His YouTube Channel, Sentinel, is a powerful platform for thoughtful debate on the profession of arms and I fully endorse his work.

Genghis is a warrior and a Marine's Marine. He talks about his life as an immigrant, career, and combat experience in Afghanistan. Some call him a "throwback" but Genghis argues that his approach to leadership, warfighting, and training are what the Marine Corps should embrace as the standard for all officers today.

Genghis doesn't hold back during this discussion. He believes accountability, particularly for officers, is necessary to win wars. He also talks about how the impact of investigations launched by his chain of command into his command climate destroyed the careers of good officers and undermined the trust of the Marines they led. He also talks about how poor leadership and changes in USMC culture drove him to retirement.

You can say whatever you want about this charismatic and opinionated Marine. But what can't be denied is his genuine love for the Marine Corps, the United States, and those he led. It is wrong-headed to discount Genghis as a bitter man. Bitter men complain and wallow in resentment. Genghis is trying to lead reforms and that is the difference.

A reminder to please subscribe, like, dislike, or comment on this episode. Doing so generate support for Operation Freedom Paws. 100 percent of all monetization goes to this fantastic organization who connects service dogs to Veterans and First Responders suffering from invisible wounds.

As part of our ongoing series focusing on Blackhawk Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment's deployment to Northern Iraq 2003-2004, we welcome Joe Troutman. Joe was a Platoon Sergeant who led his troops through some sharp combat actions. Joe is more than a Veteran. He is also the author of "Gods of War", a detailed account of the Company's deployment. Joe covers a lot of ground in this chat and we were ho …

For episode 3 we welcome Matt Lillibridge who talked about his extensive time in Iraq advising the Iraq Civil Defense Corps and Iraqi Ground Forces in Mosul and Baghdad respectively. Matt spent a lot of time on the ground with our ISF partners and shares a load of nuanced insights about them and and the challenges of building a capable force while engaged in combat. Matt also talks about life after the military and the importance of Veterans facing challenges together.

The first episode in a multipart series focusing on the combat experience of Blackhawk Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. Rob Robinson provides the commander's perspective of his company's experience fighting insurgents in Samarra and Mosul, Iraq from late 2003 - late 2004. Rob reflects on lessons he learned and how he gives back to current service members and Veterans as a friend and mentor. If you like this podcast, please subscribe and set alert notifications so you don't miss our weekly conversations. All proceeds from this project go to Operation Freedom Paws, a nonprofit that connects Veterans and First Responders with service dogs--saving lives on both ends of the leash.

John Mark rolls out The Beaten Zone