It seems that way right? I always enjoyed military books. I read fearless while in school. Just the name enticed me. The book was written after adam browns death. He teammates and wife wanted and believed he should have a book of him. When you read, you couldn’t blame them from why. After school, I worked on a military base hospital. Met a seal who spoke Arabic. He was much younger than me and even very young for a seal, he learned on his own. But spoke fluent Arabic with me and flirted with me while he was volunteering to work at my department. He hated all the authors. He asked me to a date and we met up with friends after. He drank like a fish but was still very humble and ordered a taxi for a young ship sailor who was puking and crying. He was helping him out so much, a seal. It was nicest person I ever met. But even his friends in his job hated authors and public recognition also. He ended up deploying and I don’t think he trusted a relationship since he deployed and most of his friends were older who had been divorced or cheated on. To me ill never forget him. He was 5 years younger than me. But i saw him more mature than most men ive ever met.
Jar heads forget their own actors, Gene Hackman, R Lee Ermy, Lee Marvin, Harvey Listen and Adam Driver. So MCRD San Diego is only 2 hours away from Hollywood for a reason
You're not kidding about civilians and marksmanship. I'm a combat vet and current LEO firearms instructor. I'm what most would call competent with a firearm but there are so many local doctors, lawyers and businessmen in my area that can run laps around me at competitions. It never hurts to be humbled from time to time.
@@calebgray1733angles positioning numbers vs numbers air ground naval geography urban country side healthy morale bad morale intel confirmed sighting of threats suspected threats it's all hollywood until in a splitsecond your body is made irreperably damaged for the rest of your life. My sis and her husband are military and I am just some idiot who trains allot but as a civilian I can say these things and it means nothing to the experience I know of the facts but not of the rush of life and death moment to moment panic those men are put through big respect it's best to be stoic and stick to the script and be humble if you want to follow in their example for real
This hit home man. I was an 11b and did a 3 year contract went to sniper school and got my B4 designation never got to deploy ever my unit 2-30 3 brigade 10 mountain. We never deployed in my entire 3 year’s I decided to get out and everyone always ask me did I shoot anyone when I tell them I was a sniper they always think of Chris Kyle and these insane shoot deep behind enemy territory and when I tell them I never got to do any that it’s almost like the lose all respect for me as if I’m lesser because I never was give the chance to deploy. It’s so weird as they see me as a sniper but I’m nothing because I never got to do my job even tho I pass selection and training. Civilians are weird
The fact you have integrity and acknowledge your service for what it is, which is still honorable, is far more impressive than when I see SOF dudes pretend they’re something they’re not.
@@mathewbrigman5592 I honestly do I came in and would see all these salty dudes that been deployed and too me I always wanted to be like them the army especially after sniper school the best way I can describe it is training for the Super Bowl, but never getting a chance to go
I found out my boss for my summer landscaping job in high school was a part of the old UDT teams in Vietnam and a lot of his friends went on to be in the original SEAL team, i wouldn’t have even known if i didn’t get invited to his house for lunch and his wife mentioned it and she started showing me pictures. He had zero ego, was very soft spoken and was really there for his workers, i loved working for him. I asked him about the culture back then and how cool it must of been, he explained that there was no ego or romanticism associated with those units because they were new, no one was there for recognition or glory, it was just all guys that were in crazy good shape and wanted to do the hardest jobs. He was in the first class that started carrying telephone poles (which is now a staple at BUDS and other SF selections) but back then it was kind of a dive school with a shit ton of running and was held in Pensacola, he talked about how awful it was because they were literally finding out how far they could push people especially with water evolutions because combat dive wasn’t really an established program back then. Even when i felt comfortable asking him about the actual war there was no bragging or chest pounding, he just said it was pure chaos and you just tried to figure it out and keep your buddies alive and it was awful, that was it. The dude set the standard for me when it came to military BS.
When i was a young and dumb corpsman and wanted to be in combat, i wanted to try out to be a SARC and do cool guy stuff. My buddy who was a green beret told me "if you really want to see combat you'll see more in a straight leg infantry unit then with any sort of Special Forces." I was surprised with how right he was. It got old pretty fast.
When I was a medic on FTX this E8 used to come see me almost every day during sick call for one ailment or another. He had all the cool badges and shit, CIB, ranger tab, the works. I mentioned that I wanted to go that route and he chewed my ass for five minutes straight. Said if I wanted to end up all busted up and injured after 18 years in, go for it. But if I was smart I’d get out and go to school on the Army’s dime. I thought about it long and hard and took his advice. 😂
@@MichaelMassie I did a contracting job with a team that had some previously enlisted and they did exactly that. One of them had a masters degree in some kind of engineering. He said that almost no one goes back to get the benefits. He had it all set up right - contracting for the military as a civilian with that education that the GI bill paid for. It's like you already know military culture and how it works, it seems like it would be an easy career to go back to school and then come back on the civilian side to do contract work.
I heard a co worker say once "I wish just once I would meet someone who was in the military and doesn't claim to have been a Ranger, Green Beret, Seal, etc. I raised my hand and said Right here brother. I didn't do shit but listen to radio traffic. I'm not built for that shit and I know it but I respect the hell out of anybody who can just make it through the training and earned their Ranger tab, Green Beret, Trident, etc. Just don't claim to be something you're not. It disrespects those who actually did it. Love your channel and much respect to you.
@@ValhallaVFTI spent 6 years and 1000 hours in the F-16. When Desert Shield/Storm kicked off? I was a non-flying FAC controlling CAS and I? Listened and passed on radio traffic for the whole war. 😂 While new baby F-16 pilots could barely hit the sand with a bomb. 😂 My big combat tour score was getting the brigade 1st Lt engineer to dig my foxhole because he forgot his shovel and pic and wanted to borrow mine.
I was peace time Marine Corps in the 80s. Nothing happened anywhere the 4 years I was in. I never caught crap from civvies, but like I said in another post, there was more than once a Vietnam vet would insult me because I never saw combat. What’s strange is that I never caught crap from a WW2 vet for not seeing combat. Those guys had some Hell raising stories. When I was working in an old folks home, I met this one guy that told me that on some island in the Pacific, he was the only one that made it out of his landing craft alive and he got hit by a mortar right after hitting the beach, and he pulled up his pants leg to show me the scars.
@@blockmasterscott I bet that WWII vet was jealous you never saw combat. We found rank tabs for 50 German soldiers after he passed, and we only found that out AFTER he passed. He rarely said anything about the war. In fact the only story I ever heard was when he said some colonel grabbed him and had him drive the colonel into the German sub pens.
Putting out great content, man. I was an army infantryman who med-boarded a little after 3 years of service, no deployments. I really felt ashamed of my service, or lack thereof. This was until I became really good friends with a former SEAL who was in for 8, did a couple non-combat deployments, and got out. He helped me realize that in both of our cases we volunteered, completed our training, served best we could, and the fact that we never got the opportunity to really do our jobs down range isn’t our faults. Whole point of me saying this is that those other SOF guys need to come to the same realization I did-be honest and content about your service and move on. Nothing wrong with saying, “I raised my hand, I served, but I wasn’t called upon for the cool stuff.”
Ya bro and there’s nothin wrong with that. You served honorably just like the rest of us, we all have different paths, most of it out of our control. But having served is enough to earn my respect.
And it’s not your fault that you felt shame. The military culture cultivates that shame that you felt. That’s part of the conversation that he did not have that would’ve provided more context even though this conversation was very well done and received
Mr. Ballen is the perfect example of a truthful operator, he even said he was a terrible seal and didn’t do much of anything. He doesn’t brag about it or really glorify it.
@@benturner4352 Purple heart doesnt mean all too much, it just means you got wounded in combat, He likely got it from his near death story he told on a podcast (I forget which one) Ofcourse, not downplaying a purple heart but alot of people seem to think you get purple hearts for doing some medal of honor type shit
I used to work in the oilfields in alaska. 3 ex marines got put on my rig and the level of arrogance. The hostility from them was amazing. They acted like it was them 3 vs everyone else. I cant imagine what it was like to be some poor villager in Afghanistan who had to deal with these mfs. Somehow they were all married to wives that they cheated on and abused. Truly amazing heros.
Yes. I remember reading a book by a DI. The young punks would be itching for a fight, and he warned them they were not amazing fighters just because they graduated boot camp. Sure enough, a few would get their asses kicked by the locals at a bar and get some humble pie lol.
A lot of marines are fucked up from the brainwashing. USMC training is traumatic to the brain in ways other branches and even special ops are not. It’s just demoralizing and abusive, whereas seals have a noble struggle. Marines just get locked in tractor trailers on Christmas for hours at a time
@@DS-lk3tx it’s hard to exist after the corps. Their attitudes probably allowed them to thrive in the corps. The corps was a lot like prison. Very violent place. Everything is competition, cut throat, some are heroes but some are just killers.
Not trying to generalize, but I've never met a Marine that I got along with in my service and outside of it. One of my old neighbors was a Marine vet and the most obnoxiously rude, arrogant, try hard I ever came across. He had this fake confidence that I could see through. It got to the point where I could just peer into his eyes and he would look away every time. Dude was a try hard punk.
I was a Canadian infantryman, straight-leg regular infantry, never served in combat, did my time and got out. I was never Special Forces or a Sniper or anything, but I certainly knew a few. Pretty well universally, most of them are some of the most humble folks I’ve ever known. One ex-Sniper in particular, I never knew he was until one night after a few beers where he had one too many. Without getting too graphic, he described what he did while with JTF2. Thinking he might have been bullshitting, I asked my brother who would have been in JTF2 around the same time and found out it was all true. I had no idea, but I gained a whole new respect for this guy. He never talked about it since.
Same here Ex inf unmechanized plt IC Still trained with regular guys One of them was an ex ingenieur rgmt warrant, though talked about his time as gtf2 assaulter. Although he had an unrelenting force and will power, at 45, going through ph 3 inf officer course, he got his quad attrofiate before our eyes through his uniform under stress and heavy weight of his equipment during a 16 clic walk back at the barracks. Still didn't go to infirmary until 3 months later, once finishing the course in order to not get discharged before then. Admiring Still, very human. Later on in the course, he fell asleep during a final combat patrol evaluation for one of our classmates, as the SON leader, at the H of the ambush. The evaluated IC failed and got kicked out of the course because of this. Not that I rebuke the ex jtf for his mistake, everyone could have lost focus after 10 days without sleep. Myself especially. What disappointed me is, when the instructor pointed out his mistake in the PER, the candidate bashed the instructor using his military background and out of course rank in order to discard himself of any blame for having made the evaluated IC fail. That's when I saw, being a special force, doing some badass courses or deployments doesn't mean sh*t. You may be a badass, but it doesn't make you a better person.
I was Marine Infantry. A 1/5. 0311…. I did 3 tours in Iraq in the first 2 years of the war. I got to do some rad shit. I saw a lot of combat. I took part in some big things. But I was a small piece of a big war. I’m proud of the part I got to play and I’m grateful for my experiences. I know a lot of guys have guilt over not doing enough of not having a combat arms mos. But I learned long ago, that the only people who give a fuck, are your family, your friends, those with penis envy, and maybe once in a while, a stranger who gives you a thank you and buys you a beer. Be humble. Ya didn’t do it alone. It’s cool that you’re tough. But it’s never cool to flaunt that. Dont be an idiot. Makes us all look bad. Thanks Shawn Strickland for reminding us of that.
100 percent. I was EOD , spent almost 9 years in combat as both military and a contractor. I was in the battle of Ramadi & that year almost every time we left the wire we had some kind of TIC , or at least an ied . Then later on nothing quiet as a church . Hell when I went to Afghanistan and was hit with a RPG outside of Bagram until that day nothing had happened. I earned my shit going on MSR bronze & mobile and ASR uranium and Boston . Anytime I hear a vet talking about shit in Iraq if they can’t name a COP or a route I know they didn’t do shit . No need to brag about what you did if you did anything.
Nobody giving a F about you goes beyond your military service -- that's the state of affairs for men in general in the United States in 2024, esp. Euro descended men. Try getting a divorce or getting a government job or a promotion if you need any proof
Agreed, I was in 1/3 I got out before the Iraq deployment, 2 bs NJPs etc. Got out with a re 1 alpha re enlistment code. Went back in in 2009 . Got to 1/9 in 2011 and went to Afghanistan. 0311 never killed anyone and still feel hard as fuck. Ptsd is blown out of proportion. I would never claim that even if I did become rambo. Let's have that discussion. Thank you for your service , now get your crazy check. Sounds like an administrative ambush.
@macgregordavis959 So PTSD isn't real? Have you ever heard of Shell-Shock? The WW1 vets came back trembling like they were hooked up wall socket! It's real brother trust me.
Watched an SRS episode awhile back and he mentioned it was sad and wrong that Special Ops guys post service have so many resources, charities etc. but common infantry guys are overlooked in a lot of cases. Said many of those guys were subjected to more intense situations regularly.
The WWII Ranger that lived in my neighborhood growing up was a Legend. Inspired me to join the Army to become a Ranger. Unfortunately there are recruiters, but that’s a different story
Thank you for this thoughtful, reasoned presentation. I enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1983 and was honorably discharged six years later. Since the United States was not engaged in any large-scale conflicts at the time I was never called up for active duty deployment...so yeah I don't have any harrowing war stories to tell. My service tale is pretty mundane, but it's encouraging to hear that at least one legit combat veteran has a measure of respect for guys like me. Thank you again.
As a Canadian, I appreciate all Americans, those serving, those who served, those who are retired. Thank you. I always thought that the Green Berets are the best. SAS, JTF2 are special units. However, something about the Green Berets that are amazing. Thank you for your service Sir.
I think that a lot of people came to the fight to late, with a 20 year war and most of the fighting was done with in the first 10 years. My favorite part of this channel is that you are straight forward and honest
Finally!…a real operator that is grounded in reality..that’s what happens when you have actually been through real combat..it’s a humbling experience..and it shows in the way you carry yourself..🤙..
It is interesting how most the guys, be it infantry, marines, SOF, that have been through real nasty shit, all carry themselves that way for the most part.
Fellow cat dad and patriot. Keep giving us the blatant hard truths about the service. I enjoy learning. I feel like I may know some of the influencers you’re speaking about
As a civilian, I still think spec ops soldiers (especially those in Tier 1 units like Delta or SEAL Team Six or JTF2 or the SAS 🇬🇧) are still badass despite not seeing combat. I mean, to go through rigorous training while having the drive to serve in the most elite or one of the most elite units in your country is something to be proud of. Even if you don’t see combat after being a spec ops troop, you still got to unlock your potential by being a highly trained specimen. You’re objectively an elite human being. You’re still badass in my eyes. I can understand the FOMO of not using your skills in the field for real, but you’re still valuable. Countries need the military in both peacetime and in war.
As a veteran who never saw combat and felt like a coward for a long time for it(deployed once); I encourage, respect, and genuinely love videos like these for other veterans across the board. One of the best arcs for a veteran to take is the one that leads to the kind this veteran himself displays. Humility, honesty, and respect. Combat is glorified and made out to be something it really isn’t in film and media. We all served and played our part in a very large machine. You’re absolutely right about the bragging and the “influencers”, it’s a dangerous thing to have run rampant and lead people astray. Thank you for your service and thank you for this video. More veterans with their heads on straight sharing their experience and helping others is absolutely what’s needed. I’ve seen too many lost vets struggling, videos like these help and I respect that.
I'm so glad you came out and said this. People really dom't even know. All they see is TV and the movies and social media people and they think that's the real deal. Thank you for speaking out.
I really, really, REALLY needed this. Almost therapeutic. My father eas one of these people. It was absolutely amazing how much he was able to get away with simply because he was a braggart military vet... he spent his 20 years in the AF as a supply clerk, nothing more.
Just found your channel and watched this video, and subscribed. I love how down to earth you are. I was 4th ID in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you are spot on........a lot of dudes who are not Special Operations did some amazing things.........On the other hand, I worked with SEALs, SF, and even some British SAS, and they are some bad ass dudes. Thanks for keeping it real........Ill be tuning in from now on
I’m 17 and in my senior year of high school. I’ve wanted to join the military since I was 14 and Hollywood and all the glamorous war stories/books/videogames compelled me. A lot of my family members are and or were in the military so naturally I asked about what it’s like. They all described it as mundane and humbling and told me that I should avoid infantry/JSOC/armor and that i shouldn’t want to go into combat. I misunderstood them when I was younger and thought it was because they thought I was soft or something. After a long talk with my US Marine brother, I discovered that combat doesn’t make anyone more badass than anyone else and that my manhood is not decided on my career choices. I’m still thinking about joining, but i’m glad I got insight from you as well about your experiences through this video. I’m currently looking into US Army 66S. If you know anything about this MOS feel free to let me know because I’m very curious about it.
An absolute true, genuine soldier. This demeanor is desperately needed today, especially in law enforcement. Retired Corrections Officer. Thank you. Dutch.
After I went to combat, I felt super insecure about it because it wasn’t **Insert Gnarly Battle** that my seniors went through, that made me chase SOF to compensate for it
Thanks for that refreshing video. I was a GM in the Navy from 04-08 tried doing the civilian thing for 10 years, but I couldn't figure out where I was going. I ended up joining the French Foreign Legion when I turned 30 back in 2016 and became a sniper for the 1st foreign calvary regiment in Carpiagne, France, just to the east over, the little mountain ridge, of Marseille. I was in the 5th squadron/ 3rd platoon which is one of two tank hunter/killer squadrons. Basically I got the sniper billet because being a GM in the navy I shot almost daily when we were out to sea. I took care of small arm weapon systems from the Baretta to MK19 to the 25MM crew served weapon(bad ass by the way. Same gun as in the Bradley, but you bend your knees and put your shoulders into a couple shoulder supports, grab the trigger and pew pew. Impressive weapon there) and everything in between. The legion saw I could shoot so they gave me the opportunity once I got to regiment. My main objective was always to be forward recon for the VBLs(French humvees) that are attached with MILAN anti-tank system. Shoot and scoot. I completely understand the other guys in the comments that are talking about the comparisons with Jarhead. I have been trained in using military grade weapons for just under 10 years of my adult life and that's all it will be(hopefully). We get trained to do a job. We want to perform and excel at this job. I know I am fortunate to not have had to execute any of my training, but I still have never felt as right as being behind a rifle. I have never connected with other human beings like I have with the ones who I have trained with in the military. I still to this day have no idea how to fully operate as a civilian. Now I'm married to a French woman, we have a daughter together and a house with property and I never leave it except for the obvious responsibilities. When I go home once a year I see my friends and feel great, but every other day I am constantly thinking about Ukraine or what's going on back home. I'm trying to understand how we got here from growing up in late 80s to the new millennium and to today. I guess I just didn't think I would live past 30. Once I reached 30 I figured I'd go into the legion and give France my service and I'll be willing to give my life for France, not as a country, but France as another culture that believes in freedom and a pursuit of happiness. I don't want to die, but I sure as hell don't want to live under tyranny and no one else should have to either. Thanks for reading this far if you did. I don't know what happened I just saw the video and read some comments and viola. Have a great day and stay safe. Hope to see some other good videos.
I had a navy seal poster on my wall at 12 yrs old. Inspired to do 300 situps an 100 push ups every other night makes them badass. Thanks for being who you are
Just by earning a trident or a green beret is a very big accomplishment. That in itself is a feat that 99.99% of the world’s population cannot achieve.
Solid truth here, you don't get to decide where and when your deploy. I was on two Iraq tours on fast jets and never dropped live once - just mainly recce work. The Squadron that came out after us started to see live drops but really we were just at the wrong (or some would say 'right') time.
Looking at that wall is awesome thanks for your service , I’m a 13 bravo (airborne ) You guys are the 1% … you deserve the respect … and thee acknowledgement don’t down play your resume ..!! I’m new to the Channel ….lot of SEAL content I’m glad we can have a SF guy on you’ tube love the channel
As an “Army Lawncare Technician 1st Class” I love this guys honesty. I remember my first of many firefights in Fort Polk; OPFOR everywhere. I can still hear the miles gear or it could just be tinnitus
I'm a former infantry platoon commander and then I spent four years in SOF as a staff officer. I was honored to serve with SOF and got to see and do a lot of amazing things, but since I've been in the civilian workforce it's been a liability. I'm in a career field that is dominated by women (corporate communications) and people are either afraid of me, or, thinking they're paying me a compliment, say stupid shit like "could you kill someone with your thumbs?" (which just scares people more). I'm just a person trying to make my way in the world. I have some incredible knowledge, skills and experience that add value, and, like most active duty and veterans, have a great sense of humor, but it doesn't matter if people can't set aside their preconceived notions and get to know me as a person. In some ways, serving in SOF ruined my life.
Thank you for your sentiments here. There is an absolute value to pride in serving your Country and honor in doing so and in NEVER wanting to do or say anything that in any way could be construed as talking down someone else's service (or lack thereof). My dad was a conventional war hero. I found that out from a friend of his who served with him. I served in some significant covert operations that should never be spoken of. My dad never said a word about his service and never wanted to talk about it. Just unseemly, and I agree. After my own experiences, I understood why. What you have said here: "there is nothing cool about taking another human being's life". (pardon if that is not a perfect quotation). Others took pride and inspiration from what I did, and I'm not at all ashamed to be alive and to have accomplished what I was able to. But "war is hell". It is an effing hell-scape. Violence is 'dirty work' and it's the kind of dirt that never washes off. You have really spoken my heart in a couple of these vids of yours. Though all may be blinded by my shiny bald noggin', my hat is off to you.
By far the best, no bullshit (I hope lol), SF channel out there and it’s not even close. I’m shipping out to basic as an 18x next month. While im motivated beyond belief, I still feel some nerves here and there. Your channel has helped me prepare in ways that I never would have considered. Thanks for that, and thank you for your service. Keep up that awesome work, man.
Well I’ve got probably 30 dudes from 1st group all the way up to group command that follow and watch my channel, so if I’m a phony I’m doing a pretty fantastic job at it lol. But I appreciate it bro.
don't let the stupidity of Fort Benning, I mean "Fort Moore" get to your head. I was there in 2008 and 30th AG was a drag. so many weirdos just straight up had mental breakdowns at 30th AG. lol.
I was on a PC in Little Creek and worked with Teams 2, 4 and 8 for a variety of reasons and had a blast. Got out to raise my daughter and have met several Team guys that have never deployed and was told that was the norm. Really, shocked.
I remember the first time I met a Delta Force Operator when my unit trained with the Asymmetrical Warfare Group. That dude was like 4 foot nothing and the happiest most carefree and cheery guy I had ever met. Loved hearing short jokes.
You mean "Rambo" is fake? Damn.... Lol. Worked with both 3rd Group and 7th Group dudes in Kandahar. Great dudes. We learned a great deal from both sets of dudes. They were great teachers and trainers.
@@ValhallaVFT Absolutely! I have read much of the story of Roy Benavides. What a great man. Again, we became better soldiers and advisors to the ANP being around SF soldiers. We provided "the Afghan Face" to assist (only assist) with SF missions. Great guys doing a very difficult mission.
Thanks for this. I worry that the public SOF "tough guy" influencer type is slowly crowding out the reality of the GWOT. Much of it was all hands on deck. Artillery, Engineer, MP, transport units etc. were all outside the wire on a daily basis. MOS' who never thought they were going to see ground combat were hitting IEDs, getting ambushed, and inflicting and taking casualties. Those Soldiers stepped up massively, and in a lot of cases gave their lives. It can feel a little dismissive of their sacrifices when SOF guys act like they own combat or the GWOT.
Unfortunately (fortunately?) the only "war" i fought in was fighting the C0nv1d hysteria BS in my unit. I fought my leadership tooth and nail on it, and even some soldiers came to me for advice, as senior medic, on whether or not they should get the ..... THING that was being forced upon us. Got a general under honorable conditions discharge at the end of it...
Fantastic video. Things that service at any level ALONE does not directly equate to, as you mention -being a gun guy -being a knife guy -being a survivalist -being a good fighter -being a good shooter. People who are good at the above are good at the above because they are passionate about it and invest in it- regardless of their job. We don't need to perpetuate the myths, nor bolster our resume with things that don't actually equate to what people think they do.
I got to do some really cool shit when I went to Afghanistan as a support guy for ST2. It used to really piss me off how some of the regular Navy guys would suck up to the SEALs so much, to the point where they would stab their fellow regular Navy guys in the back just because they where trying to play the one-upsmanship game. But I am very happy to have been able to contribute to the war efforts in Zabul, Ghazni, and Logar Provinces. So take it from me, this bad attitude also happens in the regular military side too, not just the Special Forces.
I appreciate you talking about this. All the dudes I have met that were really about it were very grounded in how they viewed themselves (SOF) and conventional personnel.
I had a buddy on his first ODA who as soon as he came back he was gone - straight to college for accounting with all pictures of his time there gone - he said he was not built for it - mad respect for him
People need to understand that being in SF is a job that’s a lot more broad than putting dudes in the dirt. Being a soldier isn’t only about pulling triggers. In my experience, SOF dudes or infantry get destroyed by comp shooters in matches simply because they haven’t spent as much time on a trigger as a comp shooter.
Finally a honest SF Channel I can really enjoy watching. Im sick of the same people making rounds on their buddies podcast with the same hype up stories that don't teach anyone anything but how cool they are. TY brother
I have tried to yell people this and they didn't believe me. 😂 I'm not SF but I'm a SWAT operator and former tank crewman and former contractor. I have experience around SF guys of both calibers. Bruh is speaking truth. There are police with more combat experience than some SF guys.
When I got to my unit 2-14 10th mountain in 2015 I was on rear D and decided not to take Christmas leave. I ended up being sent to late deploy to Afghanistan for one month. Still makes no sense to me and as an 18 year old was the most bizarre thing. Got there thinking I was going to be getting in gun fights until I realized my unit had been there for 8 months and no one had a CIB. When it was time to leave I begged to stay because I feel like I had just got there and didn’t get to do my job. Unfortunately as a pv2 I had no pull. When we got back everyone had an identity crisis. Wearing the deployment patch with no CIB as an infantryman was somewhat humiliating for everyone. The only ones that didn’t feel that way were previously deployed and got their CIB elsewhere so they still wore their deployment patch for the current deployment with their past awarded CIB. 3 years later I got out. What a bizarre situation to say the least.
We would take out 10th mountain dudes on ops and have them do uplift for our Team Leader. We got a lot of those dudes their CIB that way because yes, they were not going to ever leave the wire otherwise at that point in the war.
@@ValhallaVFT Yeah literally nothing was going on. I would ask them about their “missions” and they would talk about driving equipment across KAF. Strange time. Doesn’t even feel real that I was there to be honest.
@@mtg1470CIB is combat infantryman badge. Rewarded to Infantry MOSs that see combat. It’s the blue and silver rifle badge he has behind him in his video.
My grandfather was in the Royal navy ( Arctic Runs) 6 years in the second world war and afterwards became a coastguard. He never once talked about the war . The amount of bullshit that’s on line today is so exaggerated and embarrassing.. I read my grandfathers military history and was shocked to learn about the horrors he’d endured.. thanks for keeping it real and down to earth.. we need more of this ❤
I miss the days of the "quiet professional". The only books you could find on SF were by Robin Moore or someone's dad had been in Grp. or if you were a cherry in Div and found your way into the canopy club, and the old men there might let you learn from their experiences in Nam what worked for them. TH-cam has made it too easy to be a spotlight Ranger XIX DOL
This is straight truth. I deployed in 2011 on Op Herrick 15 to Helmand and had a very immediate introduction to combat, when I came home I went straight onto our sniper cadre and after qualifying went back out as a BCR four months later. My deployment as a sniper (which is not special forces but is often more interconnected with that world) was boring as shit. I was basically a glorified observation post for the duration of my time back there. It sucked. I saw more combat in one week in a rifle company than I did in 6 months on the scope.
I am a combat Medic and I really just like being downrange with the best dudes in the world. Nobody messes with you as long as you're hot on it. The feeling of combat is addicting and people getting wounded or killed is unfortunately part of that. Some people are just really good at it and they thrive in those environments which also could be why they don't thrive outside of the military. I also feel it's a personal responsibility to take care of my Soldiers that are assigned to me or under my care. I owe it to them to give them the best out there. Once you experience that there are 2 people people that keep wanting that or people that want none of it ever again. I know you didn't ask me but I really wanted to answer this .
@@devinlindberg253one of the suckiest parts about being a medic is joining to deploy and help out in the war yet you get stuck at an aid station or clinic doing paperwork and going to schools
Can’t speak for others but it was a whole lifestyle I was caught up in. Mostly because I was self destructive and avoiding a really bad family situation to the outside world I looked like a dedicated professional etc instead of a guy with f#cked up head and a terrible home life
I was an 11B in the 82nd and my deployment was pretty lackluster compared to most you hear about. There was maybe a handful of scary situations and actual seeing or having contact with the enemy. When I tell other servicemembers or civilians this its like if you are not a SOF or T1 Operator or you didn't get into gunfights every single day then your efforts while serving in garrison or deployment alike meant nothing I don't think a lot of people realize just how hard a training rotation is alone never mind deployment trying your best to give 100% day in and day out at Platoon Live Fires or Brigade level rotations in the box. Now I am not looking for and i definitely think it is wrong to be looking for recognition but I can be honest and say it does sting when your efforts are devalued by peers and the civilian populace alike just because i was handed the cards of fate that I was. I can definitely agree when you say being on a two way range is not a fun time at all even if the fire is coming from 600 to 800m away. I can say for me and the rest of the "Normal Grunt" dudes like me that your work on this channel with subjects like this are more appreciated than I can express with words so thank you.
I’m former SOF and when I got out, I was still immature and thought saying I’m former SOF made me seem like a badass. I went to therapy and realized I can’t keep riding the coat tails of my service forever. Nowadays, I distance myself from my previous life. Not because I’m ashamed of it. I’m very proud of my service and enjoyed(mostly) the things I did. But because I’m in my mid-30s and still have a whole new life ahead of me. I have another lifetime to create a whole new life however I want. No one cares how much of a badass you are in the real world. If anything, that badass persona works against you. Not only with personal and romantic relationships, but also professional relationships. If you got out or retired, there’s no need to keep up that persona. Live your life and enjoy it without the self imposed baggage that no one really cares about.
I knew several stellar infantrymen, and I asked them why they never went to selection, RASP or Ranger Schol. The most common answer: they couldn’t swim! (Not all of them were black before you ask). So just imagine if the army had a swim school specifically for SOF hopefuls.
@@EchoP7596 Took me getting pushed into the deep end by a friend back in 2nd grade. All of a sudden, I discovered that swimming where I couldn't touch was very, very similar to swimming underwater which I loved doing. Hell, if I'm in a pool I spend more time doing random shit underwater than I ever spend above it. It was all in my head.
I have an uncle who was in the Army Rangers. He saw combat and has told me that he has killed in combat. Other than telling those details he doesn't talk about it. He told me that he doesn't ever want to romanticize anything he did or make it seem like it's all badass cool stuff like in the movies. He's easily one if the most badass men I've ever met but also one of the kindest and most forgiving people. I've only ever seen him mad once and it was when a family member was murdered but he was also the first of my entire family to forgive the person that did it. The way I see it, anybody pretending to be a badass military guy but doesn't remind me of him is probably full of shit. Great video!
2024 a year of truth!!! Thank you for givingg the civilians done clarity even tho THEY'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT (SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE ONES IN THE BACK!) AND great talking point!!
Now that some of my other former teammates are hitting retirement as well we’re talking about doing some podcast type stuff talking about our stories and times on an ODA together. Should be kind of cool I think. Thanks bro.
@@ValhallaVFT Nice can not wait for that if that happens btw have you ever worked or met Sean Buck Rogers before he was a SF oda guy his is also a youtuber lol ?
War is a very traumatic event. I know it from literature mostly, but it's no brainer, that this is hard. Keep telling it to people, and most people just not ready to believe what horrible things happen at war and even after a war. Thank you for pointing this out, I imagine it wasn't easy
SF were definitely the guys young grunts listened to for pointers on how to kill people. Other than that, they can be pretty shitty people IRL. Chris Kyle for example was a terrible braggart when drunk and often acted like his shit didn't stink. Fell in love with his own legend, as it were.
Ya, I've known this for a long time. In the security industry especially, realistically, there are tons of normal citizens with zero law enforcement or military background who are BETTER at being a security guard, even armed than any of them. Yet, the industry constantly pushes veterans or former cops at the forefront as if they are better than citizens who have had plenty of training. In reality, there are tons of normal citizens who know how to fight and do martial arts and can beat the living daylights out of most cops and military guys. It is so cringey how veterans constantly act like they are better than regular Americans, as if we are not as patriotic or important as them. I really believe that these types of veterans are weird people, or awkward and the only thing that gives them any importance or feeling is their military background. Without that they would be losers. Like why are so many of these guys talking about their failed marriages and problems as if normal people didn't also go through that, or the fact that normal citizens are better as being husbands and fathers and that's why they are not divorced or alcoholics. Does being int he military necessitate divorce or alcoholism? Geez. And don'teven get me started on the vaping...
Not too many veterans think they are better than anybody. They just think they are different, and in fact many of them are--- their experiences have made it so. Let me give you a couple of minor examples, please. Do you ever think about it when you turn on the tap and the shower water comes out hot? I do. But you probably give it no thought at all and take it for granted, because it was always so for you. But I was in the Army for 6 months before the shower water didn't run cold like from a garden hose. Do you ever think about your mattress when you go to bed? I do. Because I slept on rocks and steel plates. Do you ever feel tired after working 10 hours, but then you remember being awake and working for 30 hours straight? It makes veterans different in a 1000 ways, some big, some small. Not better.
@@skymningforelsket1302 sounds like you are trying to say you're better than most people. Yes I do think about the water being hot because I've been to third world countries and I know what people deal with and have taken plenty of cold showers. I have also slept on the floor in the world countries. Citizens like me are not ignorant people. We don't have to go to war for the government and the elite people of the world and fight their battles and then claim somehow I'm making America free. Yeah veterans used to be cool like that and actually fighting wars that mattered but now they don't. And then they complain about everything when they come back. So if you fought for our freedom then why are you complaining about us? This is not directed at you in particularly it's just general statements being made to make a point. I can also for a fact beat up many veterans in hand to hand combat. Or malee weapons or blades. This is because I train in martial arts. So for jobs like actually protecting people and doing actual security work I'm probably better than a lot of them. Yet, companies exists that literally think only veterans are worth hiring and somehow they are better than other companies.
@@MaharlikaAWA I'm not saying I'm better. In fact it is my personal view that no one should join the military in 2024, and I've respectfully disagreed with Nate about that. I think the USA is not the USA anymore, so I'm not sure what they're promoting and defending other than the interests of "donors" and an international wealthy cabal that controls most of the decisions and policies in the USA. My USA would not have offshoring of jobs, no fault divorce, homeless veterans, vaccine mandates, or open borders. This is not my USA. I also think veterans should NOT be police under most circumstances; it's a big error to conflate the mentality of a soldier with the mentality of being a cop. I don't like cops. Being a cop is whole other kind of bag. I also don't think being a veteran has anything to do with my ability to beat anyone up. I'm saying being a veteran is a unique set of experiences that differentiates the person from people who haven't done it.
@@skymningforelsket1302 all right then. That sounds better. I also don't hate cops but I know not to trust them all, same with military. Anyone who thinks joining is a good thing right now and believes in this globalist agenda is dangerous. They will shoot you if commanded to. "Following orders."
C tier direct-to-streaming action films be like: "One man takes down entire South American Cartel single-handedly when they catcall his daughter by using the 20 secret deathblow Martial Arts he learned by being a NAVY SEAL!"
@@ValhallaVFT it would have been early spring, I was deployed last half of the year, Anyway just wondering, I thought you looked familiar, and wondered if one of the group dudes was you seeing as we were at the same base for a good while
You are a good guy I would have worked for you gladly. Im the dude that deployed and barely did anything. But there were dudes in Group and Rgr batt who do have CIBs and valor awards who did brag about “dropping bodies” always irked me but I never said anything. If you read this what do you think about going back in right now? And thanks for your videos.
I mean I only just retired in October so I’m pretty fresh out. I don’t have any urges to go back in lol, I’m old and broken. I had a great career and I’m cool calling it there lol.
@@ValhallaVFT I just meant how was the climate and morale in group when you left, deployments still? I am currently trying to convince the wife to let me go back. FYI i was ranger not SF but want to give that route a go. 12 more years and I could get full retirement. Thanks again!
I was with the Ranger Battalion and almost lost my lower left leg on a training exercise in Panama, I was medically discharged after spending a year at Martin Army Hospital, I never claimed to be a super soldier, or anything. I am proud of my service.
Good for you man. Nothing I can’t stand more than this and I’ve never served. Tried to enlist 3 times but asthma is a pretty big deal or at least it was in the 80’s.
Good topic Bro. All my friends are badass to the bone. You would never know it sitting next to them, they are so humble to talk to. You are so right we can spot a wannabe a hundred yards away.
idk about these rule of yours man I'd hardly call Bob Keller a fraud that dudes straight up legit, as chad as it gets and loved getting in gunfights. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Shrek said something like when he was getting motored in Iraq it was fun and felt like christmas. Brent Tucker too. Dude said seeing dead ISIS gave him joy. And fuck yeah good for him, as it should. Just don't think these hard and fast rules are too reliable... lots of people joined military and other OGA's for the action and they liked it too. Especially delta guys they're just fucking next level. Idk why liking to fight is so stigmatized in society and we're all pressured to say we don't like it, especially men is kind of disingenuous. It's hardwired into us biologically as an evolutionary mechanism.
Oh I didn’t say I didn’t like it, quite the contrary, it’s highly addicting and I myself chased combat rotations. However bragging about it makes you a shitty soulless human being either way.
Nathan : While You being a Special Forces NonCommissionedOfficer ( SF NCO) , are busting the myths and stereotypes of SPECIAL FORCES Long Tab and Green Beret - wearing Soldiers, I Myself, John Rodriguez, must disagree with You , Brother, because , both as a MARINE and a Soldier , I met not a few Army Special Forces Soldiers that did alot of heroic feats in either Combat, on Deployment during a FID Mission , or even a FTX . Nathan Cornacchia : As a Regular Component Marine and Soldier, I Myself respect You Yourself and many Other Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that go above and beyond The Call of Duty , in being , basically, a Commando.
Thank you for making this video! I spent most of my 9.5 yrs as a medic with with 10th mountain and I always find it fascinatingly confusing when I see veterans arrogantly brag about their service accomplishments and deeds when the culture in the service is far from that.
Totally agree with you mate. Best way to find out a bullshit artist is when they tell you they were/are SF …. All the SASR and Commandos I’ve know will never tell you. 👍
Every Marine a rifleman. Every Seal an author.
It seems that way right? I always enjoyed military books. I read fearless while in school. Just the name enticed me. The book was written after adam browns death. He teammates and wife wanted and believed he should have a book of him. When you read, you couldn’t blame them from why. After school, I worked on a military base hospital. Met a seal who spoke Arabic. He was much younger than me and even very young for a seal, he learned on his own. But spoke fluent Arabic with me and flirted with me while he was volunteering to work at my department. He hated all the authors. He asked me to a date and we met up with friends after. He drank like a fish but was still very humble and ordered a taxi for a young ship sailor who was puking and crying. He was helping him out so much, a seal. It was nicest person I ever met. But even his friends in his job hated authors and public recognition also. He ended up deploying and I don’t think he trusted a relationship since he deployed and most of his friends were older who had been divorced or cheated on. To me ill never forget him. He was 5 years younger than me. But i saw him more mature than most men ive ever met.
Sad but very true
Jar heads forget their own actors, Gene Hackman, R Lee Ermy, Lee Marvin, Harvey Listen and Adam Driver. So MCRD San Diego is only 2 hours away from Hollywood for a reason
Lmao
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣…..😂🤣😂🤣
You're not kidding about civilians and marksmanship. I'm a combat vet and current LEO firearms instructor. I'm what most would call competent with a firearm but there are so many local doctors, lawyers and businessmen in my area that can run laps around me at competitions. It never hurts to be humbled from time to time.
Marksmanship is only a small part of warfighting.
@TopDrek, true, logistics is far more important than marksmanship, but that wasn't discussed in the video.
@@calebgray1733angles positioning numbers vs numbers air ground naval geography urban country side healthy morale bad morale intel confirmed sighting of threats suspected threats it's all hollywood until in a splitsecond your body is made irreperably damaged for the rest of your life. My sis and her husband are military and I am just some idiot who trains allot but as a civilian I can say these things and it means nothing to the experience I know of the facts but not of the rush of life and death moment to moment panic those men are put through big respect it's best to be stoic and stick to the script and be humble if you want to follow in their example for real
@lagarona851 okie dokie. 👍
@@lagarona851if you want anyone to read that long of a comment make the first lines make sense
This hit home man. I was an 11b and did a 3 year contract went to sniper school and got my B4 designation never got to deploy ever my unit 2-30 3 brigade 10 mountain. We never deployed in my entire 3 year’s I decided to get out and everyone always ask me did I shoot anyone when I tell them I was a sniper they always think of Chris Kyle and these insane shoot deep behind enemy territory and when I tell them I never got to do any that it’s almost like the lose all respect for me as if I’m lesser because I never was give the chance to deploy. It’s so weird as they see me as a sniper but I’m nothing because I never got to do my job even tho I pass selection and training. Civilians are weird
The fact you have integrity and acknowledge your service for what it is, which is still honorable, is far more impressive than when I see SOF dudes pretend they’re something they’re not.
Honest question, do you ever wish you had deployed?
Sniper asi is bravo 4 my dude. I hope that was just a typo and you're being honest
@@ValhallaVFT thank you man for the support 💪💙
@@mathewbrigman5592 I honestly do I came in and would see all these salty dudes that been deployed and too me I always wanted to be like them the army especially after sniper school the best way I can describe it is training for the Super Bowl, but never getting a chance to go
I found out my boss for my summer landscaping job in high school was a part of the old UDT teams in Vietnam and a lot of his friends went on to be in the original SEAL team, i wouldn’t have even known if i didn’t get invited to his house for lunch and his wife mentioned it and she started showing me pictures. He had zero ego, was very soft spoken and was really there for his workers, i loved working for him. I asked him about the culture back then and how cool it must of been, he explained that there was no ego or romanticism associated with those units because they were new, no one was there for recognition or glory, it was just all guys that were in crazy good shape and wanted to do the hardest jobs. He was in the first class that started carrying telephone poles (which is now a staple at BUDS and other SF selections) but back then it was kind of a dive school with a shit ton of running and was held in Pensacola, he talked about how awful it was because they were literally finding out how far they could push people especially with water evolutions because combat dive wasn’t really an established program back then. Even when i felt comfortable asking him about the actual war there was no bragging or chest pounding, he just said it was pure chaos and you just tried to figure it out and keep your buddies alive and it was awful, that was it. The dude set the standard for me when it came to military BS.
Dude, you spelled "would have" correctly, not "would of". I feel sorry for your wife, must be like a Redwood log in a teacup.
Thanks for sharing this!
@@kevinm.n.5158😂 Dude what??
When i was a young and dumb corpsman and wanted to be in combat, i wanted to try out to be a SARC and do cool guy stuff. My buddy who was a green beret told me "if you really want to see combat you'll see more in a straight leg infantry unit then with any sort of Special Forces." I was surprised with how right he was. It got old pretty fast.
Well they ARE special op, they're not made to be deployed often. It's logical.
"When i was a young and dumb " - lol
When I was a medic on FTX this E8 used to come see me almost every day during sick call for one ailment or another. He had all the cool badges and shit, CIB, ranger tab, the works. I mentioned that I wanted to go that route and he chewed my ass for five minutes straight. Said if I wanted to end up all busted up and injured after 18 years in, go for it. But if I was smart I’d get out and go to school on the Army’s dime. I thought about it long and hard and took his advice. 😂
@@MichaelMassie I did a contracting job with a team that had some previously enlisted and they did exactly that. One of them had a masters degree in some kind of engineering. He said that almost no one goes back to get the benefits. He had it all set up right - contracting for the military as a civilian with that education that the GI bill paid for. It's like you already know military culture and how it works, it seems like it would be an easy career to go back to school and then come back on the civilian side to do contract work.
@@MichaelMassietalk about reality
I heard a co worker say once "I wish just once I would meet someone who was in the military and doesn't claim to have been a Ranger, Green Beret, Seal, etc. I raised my hand and said Right here brother. I didn't do shit but listen to radio traffic. I'm not built for that shit and I know it but I respect the hell out of anybody who can just make it through the training and earned their Ranger tab, Green Beret, Trident, etc. Just don't claim to be something you're not. It disrespects those who actually did it. Love your channel and much respect to you.
I spent a lot of time doing radio traffic myself as an 18E lol. All good brother appreciate the support 🫡
@@ValhallaVFTI spent 6 years and 1000 hours in the F-16. When Desert Shield/Storm kicked off? I was a non-flying FAC controlling CAS and I? Listened and passed on radio traffic for the whole war. 😂 While new baby F-16 pilots could barely hit the sand with a bomb. 😂 My big combat tour score was getting the brigade 1st Lt engineer to dig my foxhole because he forgot his shovel and pic and wanted to borrow mine.
@@ValhallaVFTI have tremendous respect for all who chose to serve. I have more for those who are honest about their experience.
I was peace time Marine Corps in the 80s. Nothing happened anywhere the 4 years I was in.
I never caught crap from civvies, but like I said in another post, there was more than once a Vietnam vet would insult me because I never saw combat.
What’s strange is that I never caught crap from a WW2 vet for not seeing combat. Those guys had some Hell raising stories. When I was working in an old folks home, I met this one guy that told me that on some island in the Pacific, he was the only one that made it out of his landing craft alive and he got hit by a mortar right after hitting the beach, and he pulled up his pants leg to show me the scars.
@@blockmasterscott I bet that WWII vet was jealous you never saw combat. We found rank tabs for 50 German soldiers after he passed, and we only found that out AFTER he passed. He rarely said anything about the war. In fact the only story I ever heard was when he said some colonel grabbed him and had him drive the colonel into the German sub pens.
Putting out great content, man. I was an army infantryman who med-boarded a little after 3 years of service, no deployments. I really felt ashamed of my service, or lack thereof. This was until I became really good friends with a former SEAL who was in for 8, did a couple non-combat deployments, and got out. He helped me realize that in both of our cases we volunteered, completed our training, served best we could, and the fact that we never got the opportunity to really do our jobs down range isn’t our faults. Whole point of me saying this is that those other SOF guys need to come to the same realization I did-be honest and content about your service and move on. Nothing wrong with saying, “I raised my hand, I served, but I wasn’t called upon for the cool stuff.”
Ya bro and there’s nothin wrong with that. You served honorably just like the rest of us, we all have different paths, most of it out of our control. But having served is enough to earn my respect.
You completed your training and served your country. No matter how long you were in, be proud of your service 👍
Thank you for your service, Bro!
And it’s not your fault that you felt shame. The military culture cultivates that shame that you felt. That’s part of the conversation that he did not have that would’ve provided more context even though this conversation was very well done and received
@borrago POGs like yourself doc? 😂
Mr. Ballen is the perfect example of a truthful operator, he even said he was a terrible seal and didn’t do much of anything. He doesn’t brag about it or really glorify it.
I wouldn't say that...he went to war and got a purple heart...
@@benturner4352 Purple heart doesnt mean all too much, it just means you got wounded in combat, He likely got it from his near death story he told on a podcast (I forget which one) Ofcourse, not downplaying a purple heart but alot of people seem to think you get purple hearts for doing some medal of honor type shit
He might not be a great seal but even becoming one is a pretty impressive
I used to work in the oilfields in alaska. 3 ex marines got put on my rig and the level of arrogance. The hostility from them was amazing. They acted like it was them 3 vs everyone else. I cant imagine what it was like to be some poor villager in Afghanistan who had to deal with these mfs. Somehow they were all married to wives that they cheated on and abused. Truly amazing heros.
Yes. I remember reading a book by a DI. The young punks would be itching for a fight, and he warned them they were not amazing fighters just because they graduated boot camp. Sure enough, a few would get their asses kicked by the locals at a bar and get some humble pie lol.
A lot of marines are fucked up from the brainwashing. USMC training is traumatic to the brain in ways other branches and even special ops are not. It’s just demoralizing and abusive, whereas seals have a noble struggle. Marines just get locked in tractor trailers on Christmas for hours at a time
“Every Marine a rifleman!” - the guy who only shot his rifle in training
@@DS-lk3tx it’s hard to exist after the corps. Their attitudes probably allowed them to thrive in the corps. The corps was a lot like prison. Very violent place. Everything is competition, cut throat, some are heroes but some are just killers.
Not trying to generalize, but I've never met a Marine that I got along with in my service and outside of it. One of my old neighbors was a Marine vet and the most obnoxiously rude, arrogant, try hard I ever came across. He had this fake confidence that I could see through. It got to the point where I could just peer into his eyes and he would look away every time. Dude was a try hard punk.
I tune in to your channel because it’s very objective, factual, informative content. No ego, no frills. Thanks, Nate.
Thanks brother appreciate the continued support on all the vids 🫡
You bet 🫡
Same... great content man keep up the good work!
I was a Canadian infantryman, straight-leg regular infantry, never served in combat, did my time and got out. I was never Special Forces or a Sniper or anything, but I certainly knew a few. Pretty well universally, most of them are some of the most humble folks I’ve ever known. One ex-Sniper in particular, I never knew he was until one night after a few beers where he had one too many. Without getting too graphic, he described what he did while with JTF2. Thinking he might have been bullshitting, I asked my brother who would have been in JTF2 around the same time and found out it was all true. I had no idea, but I gained a whole new respect for this guy. He never talked about it since.
If he only told you while drunk, sounds like dude has seen some f'd up things. Respect to all 3 of you for serving to your country 🫡
Wally?
Same here
Ex inf unmechanized plt IC
Still trained with regular guys
One of them was an ex ingenieur rgmt warrant, though talked about his time as gtf2 assaulter. Although he had an unrelenting force and will power, at 45, going through ph 3 inf officer course, he got his quad attrofiate before our eyes through his uniform under stress and heavy weight of his equipment during a 16 clic walk back at the barracks. Still didn't go to infirmary until 3 months later, once finishing the course in order to not get discharged before then. Admiring
Still, very human. Later on in the course, he fell asleep during a final combat patrol evaluation for one of our classmates, as the SON leader, at the H of the ambush. The evaluated IC failed and got kicked out of the course because of this.
Not that I rebuke the ex jtf for his mistake, everyone could have lost focus after 10 days without sleep. Myself especially. What disappointed me is, when the instructor pointed out his mistake in the PER, the candidate bashed the instructor using his military background and out of course rank in order to discard himself of any blame for having made the evaluated IC fail. That's when I saw, being a special force, doing some badass courses or deployments doesn't mean sh*t. You may be a badass, but it doesn't make you a better person.
I was Marine Infantry. A 1/5. 0311…. I did 3 tours in Iraq in the first 2 years of the war.
I got to do some rad shit. I saw a lot of combat. I took part in some big things. But I was a small piece of a big war. I’m proud of the part I got to play and I’m grateful for my experiences. I know a lot of guys have guilt over not doing enough of not having a combat arms mos.
But I learned long ago, that the only people who give a fuck, are your family, your friends, those with penis envy, and maybe once in a while, a stranger who gives you a thank you and buys you a beer.
Be humble. Ya didn’t do it alone. It’s cool that you’re tough. But it’s never cool to flaunt that.
Dont be an idiot. Makes us all look bad. Thanks Shawn Strickland for reminding us of that.
100 percent. I was EOD , spent almost 9 years in combat as both military and a contractor. I was in the battle of Ramadi & that year almost every time we left the wire we had some kind of TIC , or at least an ied . Then later on nothing quiet as a church . Hell when I went to Afghanistan and was hit with a RPG outside of Bagram until that day nothing had happened. I earned my shit going on MSR bronze & mobile and ASR uranium and Boston . Anytime I hear a vet talking about shit in Iraq if they can’t name a COP or a route I know they didn’t do shit . No need to brag about what you did if you did anything.
Nobody giving a F about you goes beyond your military service -- that's the state of affairs for men in general in the United States in 2024, esp. Euro descended men. Try getting a divorce or getting a government job or a promotion if you need any proof
Agreed, I was in 1/3 I got out before the Iraq deployment, 2 bs NJPs etc. Got out with a re 1 alpha re enlistment code. Went back in in 2009 . Got to 1/9 in 2011 and went to Afghanistan. 0311 never killed anyone and still feel hard as fuck. Ptsd is blown out of proportion. I would never claim that even if I did become rambo. Let's have that discussion. Thank you for your service , now get your crazy check. Sounds like an administrative ambush.
@macgregordavis959 So PTSD isn't real? Have you ever heard of Shell-Shock? The WW1 vets came back trembling like they were hooked up wall socket! It's real brother trust me.
@@MF-Rell he is one of the "I didnt experience it so it doesn't exist"
Watched an SRS episode awhile back and he mentioned it was sad and wrong that Special Ops guys post service have so many resources, charities etc. but common infantry guys are overlooked in a lot of cases. Said many of those guys were subjected to more intense situations regularly.
The WWII Ranger that lived in my neighborhood growing up was a Legend. Inspired me to join the Army to become a Ranger. Unfortunately there are recruiters, but that’s a different story
lol
LIKE THE WAY YOU DONT THROW ANYBODY UNDER THE BUS. SHOWS SOME MATURITY. GOOD CHANNEL, ONE OF MY FAVORITES.
Thank you for this thoughtful, reasoned presentation. I enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1983 and was honorably discharged six years later. Since the United States was not engaged in any large-scale conflicts at the time I was never called up for active duty deployment...so yeah I don't have any harrowing war stories to tell. My service tale is pretty mundane, but it's encouraging to hear that at least one legit combat veteran has a measure of respect for guys like me. Thank you again.
Aw, c'mon, brother, don't say that! We gotta "perpetuate the mystique"! LOL. Good talk. DOL
lol I know it’s bubble bursting that we’re not all Rambo 😂 DOL.
As a Canadian, I appreciate all Americans, those serving, those who served, those who are retired. Thank you. I always thought that the Green Berets are the best. SAS, JTF2 are special units. However, something about the Green Berets that are amazing. Thank you for your service Sir.
Appreciate you throwing some love the infantry's way. Grunts don't need it, but we do appreciate it.
🫡
I think that a lot of people came to the fight to late, with a 20 year war and most of the fighting was done with in the first 10 years. My favorite part of this channel is that you are straight forward and honest
All of the money laundering that took place was wild. Thanks for helping to make milk 12$ a gallon.
As a retired Marine, I’ve been deployed a lot and just glad I made it to retirement alive
The heroes are the ones that didn’t make it.
Finally!…a real operator that is grounded in reality..that’s what happens when you have actually been through real combat..it’s a humbling experience..and it shows in the way you carry yourself..🤙..
It is interesting how most the guys, be it infantry, marines, SOF, that have been through real nasty shit, all carry themselves that way for the most part.
The legit ones don’t bang a drum… Silent Professionals.
Fellow cat dad and patriot. Keep giving us the blatant hard truths about the service. I enjoy learning. I feel like I may know some of the influencers you’re speaking about
🫡😺
Actual bad asses don't need to tell you about how bad ass they are/were.
True 👍
💯
As a civilian, I still think spec ops soldiers (especially those in Tier 1 units like Delta or SEAL Team Six or JTF2 or the SAS 🇬🇧) are still badass despite not seeing combat.
I mean, to go through rigorous training while having the drive to serve in the most elite or one of the most elite units in your country is something to be proud of.
Even if you don’t see combat after being a spec ops troop, you still got to unlock your potential by being a highly trained specimen. You’re objectively an elite human being. You’re still badass in my eyes.
I can understand the FOMO of not using your skills in the field for real, but you’re still valuable. Countries need the military in both peacetime and in war.
As a veteran who never saw combat and felt like a coward for a long time for it(deployed once); I encourage, respect, and genuinely love videos like these for other veterans across the board. One of the best arcs for a veteran to take is the one that leads to the kind this veteran himself displays. Humility, honesty, and respect. Combat is glorified and made out to be something it really isn’t in film and media. We all served and played our part in a very large machine. You’re absolutely right about the bragging and the “influencers”, it’s a dangerous thing to have run rampant and lead people astray. Thank you for your service and thank you for this video. More veterans with their heads on straight sharing their experience and helping others is absolutely what’s needed. I’ve seen too many lost vets struggling, videos like these help and I respect that.
I'm so glad you came out and said this. People really dom't even know. All they see is TV and the movies and social media people and they think that's the real deal. Thank you for speaking out.
I really, really, REALLY needed this. Almost therapeutic. My father eas one of these people. It was absolutely amazing how much he was able to get away with simply because he was a braggart military vet... he spent his 20 years in the AF as a supply clerk, nothing more.
Agree. Stay humble, stay deadly. The real people close to you will speak highly of your conduct and honor.
Just found your channel and watched this video, and subscribed. I love how down to earth you are. I was 4th ID in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you are spot on........a lot of dudes who are not Special Operations did some amazing things.........On the other hand, I worked with SEALs, SF, and even some British SAS, and they are some bad ass dudes. Thanks for keeping it real........Ill be tuning in from now on
I’m 17 and in my senior year of high school. I’ve wanted to join the military since I was 14 and Hollywood and all the glamorous war stories/books/videogames compelled me. A lot of my family members are and or were in the military so naturally I asked about what it’s like. They all described it as mundane and humbling and told me that I should avoid infantry/JSOC/armor and that i shouldn’t want to go into combat. I misunderstood them when I was younger and thought it was because they thought I was soft or something. After a long talk with my US Marine brother, I discovered that combat doesn’t make anyone more badass than anyone else and that my manhood is not decided on my career choices. I’m still thinking about joining, but i’m glad I got insight from you as well about your experiences through this video. I’m currently looking into US Army 66S. If you know anything about this MOS feel free to let me know because I’m very curious about it.
Do not join the military. The government is run by your enemies.
An absolute true, genuine soldier. This demeanor is desperately needed today, especially in law enforcement. Retired Corrections Officer. Thank you. Dutch.
After I went to combat, I felt super insecure about it because it wasn’t **Insert Gnarly Battle** that my seniors went through, that made me chase SOF to compensate for it
I think that’s actually a pretty common backstory for a lot of dudes who ended up going SOF.
@@ValhallaVFT do you think a guy who doesnt want to see combat should join SOF? If a guy just wants a physical challenge and to develop leadership?
@@vegetaz1532 fuck no.. are you serious mate ?
As a certified Bad A***, I can confirm I'm not special forces
Thank you sir for your service,honesty and humbleness. From Northern Ireland.
Thanks for that refreshing video. I was a GM in the Navy from 04-08 tried doing the civilian thing for 10 years, but I couldn't figure out where I was going. I ended up joining the French Foreign Legion when I turned 30 back in 2016 and became a sniper for the 1st foreign calvary regiment in Carpiagne, France, just to the east over, the little mountain ridge, of Marseille. I was in the 5th squadron/ 3rd platoon which is one of two tank hunter/killer squadrons. Basically I got the sniper billet because being a GM in the navy I shot almost daily when we were out to sea. I took care of small arm weapon systems from the Baretta to MK19 to the 25MM crew served weapon(bad ass by the way. Same gun as in the Bradley, but you bend your knees and put your shoulders into a couple shoulder supports, grab the trigger and pew pew. Impressive weapon there) and everything in between. The legion saw I could shoot so they gave me the opportunity once I got to regiment. My main objective was always to be forward recon for the VBLs(French humvees) that are attached with MILAN anti-tank system. Shoot and scoot. I completely understand the other guys in the comments that are talking about the comparisons with Jarhead. I have been trained in using military grade weapons for just under 10 years of my adult life and that's all it will be(hopefully). We get trained to do a job. We want to perform and excel at this job. I know I am fortunate to not have had to execute any of my training, but I still have never felt as right as being behind a rifle. I have never connected with other human beings like I have with the ones who I have trained with in the military. I still to this day have no idea how to fully operate as a civilian. Now I'm married to a French woman, we have a daughter together and a house with property and I never leave it except for the obvious responsibilities. When I go home once a year I see my friends and feel great, but every other day I am constantly thinking about Ukraine or what's going on back home. I'm trying to understand how we got here from growing up in late 80s to the new millennium and to today. I guess I just didn't think I would live past 30. Once I reached 30 I figured I'd go into the legion and give France my service and I'll be willing to give my life for France, not as a country, but France as another culture that believes in freedom and a pursuit of happiness. I don't want to die, but I sure as hell don't want to live under tyranny and no one else should have to either. Thanks for reading this far if you did. I don't know what happened I just saw the video and read some comments and viola. Have a great day and stay safe. Hope to see some other good videos.
You should make some videos
Sir your honesty and grip on reality is always amazing. Enjoyed watching your videos. 👍
I had a navy seal poster on my wall at 12 yrs old. Inspired to do 300 situps an 100 push ups every other night makes them badass. Thanks for being who you are
Just by earning a trident or a green beret is a very big accomplishment. That in itself is a feat that 99.99% of the world’s population cannot achieve.
Absolutely Love your content. Please keep on laying down some knowledge. Thanks Brother. ✌️
Thanks bro appreciate it 🫡
Solid truth here, you don't get to decide where and when your deploy. I was on two Iraq tours on fast jets and never dropped live once - just mainly recce work. The Squadron that came out after us started to see live drops but really we were just at the wrong (or some would say 'right') time.
Looking at that wall is awesome thanks for your service , I’m a 13 bravo (airborne )
You guys are the 1% … you deserve the respect … and thee acknowledgement don’t down play your resume ..!!
I’m new to the Channel ….lot of SEAL content I’m glad we can have a SF guy on you’ tube love the channel
Thanks bro, welcome to the channel. 🫡
As an “Army Lawncare Technician 1st Class” I love this guys honesty. I remember my first of many firefights in Fort Polk; OPFOR everywhere. I can still hear the miles gear or it could just be tinnitus
I'm a former infantry platoon commander and then I spent four years in SOF as a staff officer. I was honored to serve with SOF and got to see and do a lot of amazing things, but since I've been in the civilian workforce it's been a liability. I'm in a career field that is dominated by women (corporate communications) and people are either afraid of me, or, thinking they're paying me a compliment, say stupid shit like "could you kill someone with your thumbs?" (which just scares people more). I'm just a person trying to make my way in the world. I have some incredible knowledge, skills and experience that add value, and, like most active duty and veterans, have a great sense of humor, but it doesn't matter if people can't set aside their preconceived notions and get to know me as a person. In some ways, serving in SOF ruined my life.
Thank you for your sentiments here. There is an absolute value to pride in serving your Country and honor in doing so and in NEVER wanting to do or say anything that in any way could be construed as talking down someone else's service (or lack thereof). My dad was a conventional war hero. I found that out from a friend of his who served with him. I served in some significant covert operations that should never be spoken of. My dad never said a word about his service and never wanted to talk about it. Just unseemly, and I agree. After my own experiences, I understood why. What you have said here: "there is nothing cool about taking another human being's life". (pardon if that is not a perfect quotation). Others took pride and inspiration from what I did, and I'm not at all ashamed to be alive and to have accomplished what I was able to. But "war is hell". It is an effing hell-scape. Violence is 'dirty work' and it's the kind of dirt that never washes off. You have really spoken my heart in a couple of these vids of yours. Though all may be blinded by my shiny bald noggin', my hat is off to you.
By far the best, no bullshit (I hope lol), SF channel out there and it’s not even close.
I’m shipping out to basic as an 18x next month. While im motivated beyond belief, I still feel some nerves here and there.
Your channel has helped me prepare in ways that I never would have considered. Thanks for that, and thank you for your service. Keep up that awesome work, man.
Well I’ve got probably 30 dudes from 1st group all the way up to group command that follow and watch my channel, so if I’m a phony I’m doing a pretty fantastic job at it lol. But I appreciate it bro.
don't let the stupidity of Fort Benning, I mean "Fort Moore" get to your head. I was there in 2008 and 30th AG was a drag. so many weirdos just straight up had mental breakdowns at 30th AG. lol.
I was on a PC in Little Creek and worked with Teams 2, 4 and 8 for a variety of reasons and had a blast. Got out to raise my daughter and have met several Team guys that have never deployed and was told that was the norm. Really, shocked.
The unleveled flash in that case still sets off my non existent OCD.
You can thank the army movers for fucking up my plaque for that one.
Proudly wore the 1SFG flash on my maroon beret for two years before getting sent off to Iraq w/10SFG and 5SFG
omg why did you have to point that out now it bothers me
I remember the first time I met a Delta Force Operator when my unit trained with the Asymmetrical Warfare Group.
That dude was like 4 foot nothing and the happiest most carefree and cheery guy I had ever met. Loved hearing short jokes.
You mean "Rambo" is fake? Damn.... Lol. Worked with both 3rd Group and 7th Group dudes in Kandahar. Great dudes. We learned a great deal from both sets of dudes. They were great teachers and trainers.
Well, I mean there’s guys like Roy Benavidez who are real and are more impressive than Rambo, so technically yes and no lol
@@ValhallaVFT Absolutely! I have read much of the story of Roy Benavides. What a great man. Again, we became better soldiers and advisors to the ANP being around SF soldiers. We provided "the Afghan Face" to assist (only assist) with SF missions. Great guys doing a very difficult mission.
Thanks for this. I worry that the public SOF "tough guy" influencer type is slowly crowding out the reality of the GWOT. Much of it was all hands on deck. Artillery, Engineer, MP, transport units etc. were all outside the wire on a daily basis. MOS' who never thought they were going to see ground combat were hitting IEDs, getting ambushed, and inflicting and taking casualties. Those Soldiers stepped up massively, and in a lot of cases gave their lives. It can feel a little dismissive of their sacrifices when SOF guys act like they own combat or the GWOT.
Unfortunately (fortunately?) the only "war" i fought in was fighting the C0nv1d hysteria BS in my unit. I fought my leadership tooth and nail on it, and even some soldiers came to me for advice, as senior medic, on whether or not they should get the ..... THING that was being forced upon us.
Got a general under honorable conditions discharge at the end of it...
Fantastic video.
Things that service at any level ALONE does not directly equate to, as you mention
-being a gun guy
-being a knife guy
-being a survivalist
-being a good fighter
-being a good shooter.
People who are good at the above are good at the above because they are passionate about it and invest in it- regardless of their job.
We don't need to perpetuate the myths, nor bolster our resume with things that don't actually equate to what people think they do.
I got to do some really cool shit when I went to Afghanistan as a support guy for ST2. It used to really piss me off how some of the regular Navy guys would suck up to the SEALs so much, to the point where they would stab their fellow regular Navy guys in the back just because they where trying to play the one-upsmanship game. But I am very happy to have been able to contribute to the war efforts in Zabul, Ghazni, and Logar Provinces. So take it from me, this bad attitude also happens in the regular military side too, not just the Special Forces.
I appreciate you talking about this. All the dudes I have met that were really about it were very grounded in how they viewed themselves (SOF) and conventional personnel.
Keep speaking the truth, Nate. Very much appreciated.
I had a buddy on his first ODA who as soon as he came back he was gone - straight to college for accounting with all pictures of his time there gone - he said he was not built for it - mad respect for him
People need to understand that being in SF is a job that’s a lot more broad than putting dudes in the dirt. Being a soldier isn’t only about pulling triggers. In my experience, SOF dudes or infantry get destroyed by comp shooters in matches simply because they haven’t spent as much time on a trigger as a comp shooter.
Finally a honest SF Channel I can really enjoy watching. Im sick of the same people making rounds on their buddies podcast with the same hype up stories that don't teach anyone anything but how cool they are. TY brother
I have tried to yell people this and they didn't believe me. 😂 I'm not SF but I'm a SWAT operator and former tank crewman and former contractor. I have experience around SF guys of both calibers. Bruh is speaking truth.
There are police with more combat experience than some SF guys.
I work support in an operator squadron, most humble and chill dudes I have worked with in 15 years. He ain't lying about them being humble.
When I got to my unit 2-14 10th mountain in 2015 I was on rear D and decided not to take Christmas leave. I ended up being sent to late deploy to Afghanistan for one month. Still makes no sense to me and as an 18 year old was the most bizarre thing. Got there thinking I was going to be getting in gun fights until I realized my unit had been there for 8 months and no one had a CIB. When it was time to leave I begged to stay because I feel like I had just got there and didn’t get to do my job. Unfortunately as a pv2 I had no pull. When we got back everyone had an identity crisis. Wearing the deployment patch with no CIB as an infantryman was somewhat humiliating for everyone. The only ones that didn’t feel that way were previously deployed and got their CIB elsewhere so they still wore their deployment patch for the current deployment with their past awarded CIB. 3 years later I got out. What a bizarre situation to say the least.
We would take out 10th mountain dudes on ops and have them do uplift for our Team Leader. We got a lot of those dudes their CIB that way because yes, they were not going to ever leave the wire otherwise at that point in the war.
What is a cub patch?
@@ValhallaVFT Yeah literally nothing was going on. I would ask them about their “missions” and they would talk about driving equipment across KAF. Strange time. Doesn’t even feel real that I was there to be honest.
@@mtg1470CIB is combat infantryman badge. Rewarded to Infantry MOSs that see combat. It’s the blue and silver rifle badge he has behind him in his video.
My grandfather was in the Royal navy ( Arctic Runs) 6 years in the second world war and afterwards became a coastguard. He never once talked about the war .
The amount of bullshit that’s on line today is so exaggerated and embarrassing.. I read my grandfathers military history and was shocked to learn about the horrors he’d endured.. thanks for keeping it real and down to earth.. we need more of this ❤
I miss the days of the "quiet professional". The only books you could find on SF were by Robin Moore or someone's dad had been in Grp. or if you were a cherry in Div and found your way into the canopy club, and the old men there might let you learn from their experiences in Nam what worked for them.
TH-cam has made it too easy to be a spotlight Ranger
XIX DOL
This is straight truth. I deployed in 2011 on Op Herrick 15 to Helmand and had a very immediate introduction to combat, when I came home I went straight onto our sniper cadre and after qualifying went back out as a BCR four months later. My deployment as a sniper (which is not special forces but is often more interconnected with that world) was boring as shit. I was basically a glorified observation post for the duration of my time back there. It sucked. I saw more combat in one week in a rifle company than I did in 6 months on the scope.
Tbh, it would be cool to see Sean Strickland do airsoft or simunitions w/ Spec Operators
I grew up with Colby Covington, maybe I can get him to do some fun content like that.
@@ValhallaVFTyou should wrestle him
Wrestle Colby? So I can double under’d and dropped on my head and break my clavicle in 3 seconds? I’ll pass. He’s a NCAA champion wrestler lol.
@@ValhallaVFTthat’s awesome dude. I know a few people who coached him when he was a kid.
Thank you for your honesty and the educational content.
Did you get a new camera? Video is looking sharp
Ya a few videos back I upgrade the camera/mic/studio. Thanks bro
Def
I was a police sergeant. I was an army lieutenant colonel. It’s so difficult to say I was; the retired man. I’m proud I served.
I’m not an operator, but I am a veteran. In your opinion why do guys want to keep going back to war even when they know how awful it is?
I myself am guilty for chasing combat deployments. While it’s a nasty job, it also is the biggest adrenaline rush that exists and is highly addicting.
I enjoy your channel. I think that most SF guys worth their salt would as well. @@ValhallaVFT
I am a combat Medic and I really just like being downrange with the best dudes in the world. Nobody messes with you as long as you're hot on it. The feeling of combat is addicting and people getting wounded or killed is unfortunately part of that. Some people are just really good at it and they thrive in those environments which also could be why they don't thrive outside of the military. I also feel it's a personal responsibility to take care of my Soldiers that are assigned to me or under my care. I owe it to them to give them the best out there. Once you experience that there are 2 people people that keep wanting that or people that want none of it ever again.
I know you didn't ask me but I really wanted to answer this .
@@devinlindberg253one of the suckiest parts about being a medic is joining to deploy and help out in the war yet you get stuck at an aid station or clinic doing paperwork and going to schools
Can’t speak for others but it was a whole lifestyle I was caught up in. Mostly because I was self destructive and avoiding a really bad family situation
to the outside world I looked like a dedicated professional etc instead of a guy with f#cked up head and a terrible home life
I was an 11B in the 82nd and my deployment was pretty lackluster compared to most you hear about. There was maybe a handful of scary situations and actual seeing or having contact with the enemy. When I tell other servicemembers or civilians this its like if you are not a SOF or T1 Operator or you didn't get into gunfights every single day then your efforts while serving in garrison or deployment alike meant nothing I don't think a lot of people realize just how hard a training rotation is alone never mind deployment trying your best to give 100% day in and day out at Platoon Live Fires or Brigade level rotations in the box. Now I am not looking for and i definitely think it is wrong to be looking for recognition but I can be honest and say it does sting when your efforts are devalued by peers and the civilian populace alike just because i was handed the cards of fate that I was. I can definitely agree when you say being on a two way range is not a fun time at all even if the fire is coming from 600 to 800m away. I can say for me and the rest of the "Normal Grunt" dudes like me that your work on this channel with subjects like this are more appreciated than I can express with words so thank you.
First,
Babe wake up VFT just posted 🗣️🗣️🗣️⚡️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗡️⚔️
Damn nailed that one fast lol
Man, this is such a good lesson to me and my future self. I will always remember this and keep it close to my heart ❤
Thank you for sharing mate
I’m former SOF and when I got out, I was still immature and thought saying I’m former SOF made me seem like a badass. I went to therapy and realized I can’t keep riding the coat tails of my service forever. Nowadays, I distance myself from my previous life. Not because I’m ashamed of it. I’m very proud of my service and enjoyed(mostly) the things I did. But because I’m in my mid-30s and still have a whole new life ahead of me. I have another lifetime to create a whole new life however I want. No one cares how much of a badass you are in the real world. If anything, that badass persona works against you. Not only with personal and romantic relationships, but also professional relationships. If you got out or retired, there’s no need to keep up that persona. Live your life and enjoy it without the self imposed baggage that no one really cares about.
You're amazing big brother! Best military philosophy video I've seen in a long time!
I knew several stellar infantrymen, and I asked them why they never went to selection, RASP or Ranger Schol.
The most common answer: they couldn’t swim! (Not all of them were black before you ask).
So just imagine if the army had a swim school specifically for SOF hopefuls.
@@EchoP7596 Took me getting pushed into the deep end by a friend back in 2nd grade.
All of a sudden, I discovered that swimming where I couldn't touch was very, very similar to swimming underwater which I loved doing. Hell, if I'm in a pool I spend more time doing random shit underwater than I ever spend above it.
It was all in my head.
I have an uncle who was in the Army Rangers. He saw combat and has told me that he has killed in combat. Other than telling those details he doesn't talk about it. He told me that he doesn't ever want to romanticize anything he did or make it seem like it's all badass cool stuff like in the movies. He's easily one if the most badass men I've ever met but also one of the kindest and most forgiving people. I've only ever seen him mad once and it was when a family member was murdered but he was also the first of my entire family to forgive the person that did it. The way I see it, anybody pretending to be a badass military guy but doesn't remind me of him is probably full of shit. Great video!
Just subscribed bro! You definitely keep it real
Welcome? Thanks brother 🫡
2024 a year of truth!!! Thank you for givingg the civilians done clarity even tho THEY'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT (SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE ONES IN THE BACK!) AND great talking point!!
Bro great banger video again . Man i wish i could have just one hour to talk to you about your ODA time in SF in the army you seem like a great dude!
Now that some of my other former teammates are hitting retirement as well we’re talking about doing some podcast type stuff talking about our stories and times on an ODA together. Should be kind of cool I think. Thanks bro.
@@ValhallaVFT No problem
@@ValhallaVFT Nice can not wait for that if that happens btw have you ever worked or met Sean Buck Rogers before he was a SF oda guy his is also a youtuber lol ?
What’s ODA ?
@@Nofacenocase1619 Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas
War is a very traumatic event.
I know it from literature mostly, but it's no brainer, that this is hard.
Keep telling it to people, and most people just not ready to believe what horrible things happen at war and even after a war.
Thank you for pointing this out, I imagine it wasn't easy
SF were definitely the guys young grunts listened to for pointers on how to kill people.
Other than that, they can be pretty shitty people IRL. Chris Kyle for example was a terrible braggart when drunk and often acted like his shit didn't stink. Fell in love with his own legend, as it were.
Chris Kyle wasn’t in Special Forces.
loving the content man. down to earth and no bs
Shrek McPhee was running solo Delta ops so I think he gets the pass. 😂
Lol😂😂 exactly
Thanks for being down to earth on the issues.
Ya, I've known this for a long time. In the security industry especially, realistically, there are tons of normal citizens with zero law enforcement or military background who are BETTER at being a security guard, even armed than any of them. Yet, the industry constantly pushes veterans or former cops at the forefront as if they are better than citizens who have had plenty of training.
In reality, there are tons of normal citizens who know how to fight and do martial arts and can beat the living daylights out of most cops and military guys. It is so cringey how veterans constantly act like they are better than regular Americans, as if we are not as patriotic or important as them. I really believe that these types of veterans are weird people, or awkward and the only thing that gives them any importance or feeling is their military background. Without that they would be losers. Like why are so many of these guys talking about their failed marriages and problems as if normal people didn't also go through that, or the fact that normal citizens are better as being husbands and fathers and that's why they are not divorced or alcoholics. Does being int he military necessitate divorce or alcoholism? Geez. And don'teven get me started on the vaping...
Not too many veterans think they are better than anybody. They just think they are different, and in fact many of them are--- their experiences have made it so. Let me give you a couple of minor examples, please. Do you ever think about it when you turn on the tap and the shower water comes out hot? I do. But you probably give it no thought at all and take it for granted, because it was always so for you. But I was in the Army for 6 months before the shower water didn't run cold like from a garden hose. Do you ever think about your mattress when you go to bed? I do. Because I slept on rocks and steel plates. Do you ever feel tired after working 10 hours, but then you remember being awake and working for 30 hours straight? It makes veterans different in a 1000 ways, some big, some small. Not better.
@@skymningforelsket1302 sounds like you are trying to say you're better than most people. Yes I do think about the water being hot because I've been to third world countries and I know what people deal with and have taken plenty of cold showers. I have also slept on the floor in the world countries. Citizens like me are not ignorant people. We don't have to go to war for the government and the elite people of the world and fight their battles and then claim somehow I'm making America free. Yeah veterans used to be cool like that and actually fighting wars that mattered but now they don't. And then they complain about everything when they come back. So if you fought for our freedom then why are you complaining about us?
This is not directed at you in particularly it's just general statements being made to make a point. I can also for a fact beat up many veterans in hand to hand combat. Or malee weapons or blades. This is because I train in martial arts. So for jobs like actually protecting people and doing actual security work I'm probably better than a lot of them. Yet, companies exists that literally think only veterans are worth hiring and somehow they are better than other companies.
@@MaharlikaAWA I'm not saying I'm better. In fact it is my personal view that no one should join the military in 2024, and I've respectfully disagreed with Nate about that. I think the USA is not the USA anymore, so I'm not sure what they're promoting and defending other than the interests of "donors" and an international wealthy cabal that controls most of the decisions and policies in the USA. My USA would not have offshoring of jobs, no fault divorce, homeless veterans, vaccine mandates, or open borders. This is not my USA. I also think veterans should NOT be police under most circumstances; it's a big error to conflate the mentality of a soldier with the mentality of being a cop. I don't like cops. Being a cop is whole other kind of bag. I also don't think being a veteran has anything to do with my ability to beat anyone up. I'm saying being a veteran is a unique set of experiences that differentiates the person from people who haven't done it.
@@skymningforelsket1302 all right then. That sounds better. I also don't hate cops but I know not to trust them all, same with military. Anyone who thinks joining is a good thing right now and believes in this globalist agenda is dangerous. They will shoot you if commanded to. "Following orders."
C tier direct-to-streaming action films be like: "One man takes down entire South American Cartel single-handedly when they catcall his daughter by using the 20 secret deathblow Martial Arts he learned by being a NAVY SEAL!"
Aid, Advise and Assist!!! 5th Group '68. Teach and work with, first and foremost! THANK YOU SIR!!
No thank you. DOL.
This is really random but did you happen to bring some zodiac landing crafts over to 2nd Ranger batt on a trailer around 2018ish?
Probably not, was in Afghanistan most of 2018, probably a dive team from 2nd bat since they were off rotation at the time.
@@ValhallaVFT it would have been early spring, I was deployed last half of the year,
Anyway just wondering, I thought you looked familiar, and wondered if one of the group dudes was you seeing as we were at the same base for a good while
You are a good guy I would have worked for you gladly. Im the dude that deployed and barely did anything. But there were dudes in Group and Rgr batt who do have CIBs and valor awards who did brag about “dropping bodies” always irked me but I never said anything.
If you read this what do you think about going back in right now? And thanks for your videos.
I mean I only just retired in October so I’m pretty fresh out. I don’t have any urges to go back in lol, I’m old and broken. I had a great career and I’m cool calling it there lol.
@@ValhallaVFT I just meant how was the climate and morale in group when you left, deployments still? I am currently trying to convince the wife to let me go back. FYI i was ranger not SF but want to give that route a go. 12 more years and I could get full retirement. Thanks again!
I was with the Ranger Battalion and almost lost my lower left leg on a training exercise in Panama, I was medically discharged after spending a year at Martin Army Hospital, I never claimed to be a super soldier, or anything. I am proud of my service.
@@rc6184 You are are super solider to me buddy.
Good for you man. Nothing I can’t stand more than this and I’ve never served. Tried to enlist 3 times but asthma is a pretty big deal or at least it was in the 80’s.
Going to SFRE for 20th Group National Guard next year, you got any tips on what to do to stick out to them so I can get an invite to selection?
Tell them you want to go to selection is the best advice, it’s an all volunteer force and we need dudes, shouldn’t be more complicated than that.
Good topic Bro. All my friends are badass to the bone. You would never know it sitting next to them, they are so humble to talk to. You are so right we can spot a wannabe a hundred yards away.
One name: Tim Kennedy..............
Explain please
@@mtg1470 he does everything mentioned in this video
@@NYRalltheway14 true. He does a bit of boasting, but he has done combat deployments
Tim is not on this list, his resume is legitimate. Also he’s a super nice and humble dude in person.
@@mtg1470you sure about that?
Pride comes before destruction. Humility is never sexy, but always honorable.
idk about these rule of yours man I'd hardly call Bob Keller a fraud that dudes straight up legit, as chad as it gets and loved getting in gunfights. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Shrek said something like when he was getting motored in Iraq it was fun and felt like christmas.
Brent Tucker too. Dude said seeing dead ISIS gave him joy. And fuck yeah good for him, as it should.
Just don't think these hard and fast rules are too reliable... lots of people joined military and other OGA's for the action and they liked it too. Especially delta guys they're just fucking next level.
Idk why liking to fight is so stigmatized in society and we're all pressured to say we don't like it, especially men is kind of disingenuous. It's hardwired into us biologically as an evolutionary mechanism.
Oh I didn’t say I didn’t like it, quite the contrary, it’s highly addicting and I myself chased combat rotations. However bragging about it makes you a shitty soulless human being either way.
@@ValhallaVFT fair enough.
Only just started watching.. but i trust your comments..truthfull..respectfull thank you.. and thanks your service..
Nathan : While You being a Special Forces NonCommissionedOfficer ( SF NCO) , are busting the myths and stereotypes of SPECIAL FORCES Long Tab and Green Beret - wearing Soldiers, I Myself, John Rodriguez, must disagree with You , Brother, because , both as a MARINE and a Soldier , I met not a few Army Special Forces Soldiers that did alot of heroic feats in either Combat, on Deployment during a FID Mission , or even a FTX . Nathan Cornacchia : As a Regular Component Marine and Soldier, I Myself respect You Yourself and many Other Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that go above and beyond The Call of Duty , in being , basically, a Commando.
Thank you for making this video! I spent most of my 9.5 yrs as a medic with with 10th mountain and I always find it fascinatingly confusing when I see veterans arrogantly brag about their service accomplishments and deeds when the culture in the service is far from that.
Totally agree with you mate. Best way to find out a bullshit artist is when they tell you they were/are SF …. All the SASR and Commandos I’ve know will never tell you. 👍
Hey Nate what’s your thoughts on kissing the homies good night?
No issues on my end with that 👍
@@ValhallaVFTdid you ever do it when you were on the teams?
@@geetee2694 it’s actually rather simple, last one to stop is gay
@@geetee2694 you got, I don’t know what it is
Its not gay if you keep your socks on